Chapter 258

Chapter 258

Jin Verocion.

The child realized it the moment he uttered that name.

For the first time in his life, he had declared himself a member of the royal bloodline. He, who had lived in the shadow of his siblings, had ultimately survived and was now receiving the radiant gazes of the imperial citizens.

And above all—

‘So this is what Brother Mariv and Brother Gale desired.’

Honestly, in his young mind, he couldn’t understand them. Why did those two, who had everything in the world, compete so fiercely, envy each other, and clash swords? Was there meaning in obtaining the crown by harming their father and cutting down their brothers?

To Jin, being emperor was merely a destination for survival, and his position as told by Ian.

But now he truly understands.

He sincerely comprehends the hearts of his two brothers.

‘This is what they wanted to see.’

Bariel’s cheers shook his heart, and their smiles tickled his chest. Nothing was as precious and sparkling as the gazes they sent him. The lives they led would become his history, and their existence once again proves his own.

‘Ah. I see.’

His brothers knew this all along. That’s why they were willing to sacrifice their blood and breath to obtain it. Even if they ultimately failed, it was something worth humbly accepting death for.

Even though he was merely standing to testify, it felt overwhelmingly grand, as if his whole body might shatter. He couldn’t even imagine what it would be like to ascend to the emperor’s throne.

Jin lightly grasped the magical device and cleared his throat.

“Within a short period, the palace was sealed off twice. This was unprecedented in history, a source of anxiety for the imperial citizens, and a shame for the royal family.”

The crowd embraced those next to them and looked up at Jin. The young prince’s voice whispered in their ears through the magical device. A delicate yet powerful voice. The royal family’s noble demeanor was clearly conveyed.

“The trouble centered around Brother Mariv and Brother Gale, but there were others who surrounded them and fueled the flames even more.”

Jin slowly and carefully unraveled the events of that day, one by one. Although Ian had already announced it once and the press had reported it, it held a different meaning when delivered directly by the foundation of the royal family.

To the imperial citizens, Bariel was the royal family, and to the royal family, Bariel was the imperial citizens. Confirming each other with their own eyes and solidifying their trust would create tremendous power.

“Those who were blinded by misguided glory and trampled their own honor. The seven families standing here are just that. We cannot pretend it didn’t happen. The scar on my face is the truth of that day.”

Hayman looked up at Jin without changing his expression. Facing imminent death, the child suddenly made him contemplate the meaning of life.

During the rebellion, he had been a child seemingly abandoned by his mother in place of Arsen, but now he stood alone, having outlasted all competitors. His fate had changed from a clear loser to the sole victor.

“I vividly testify. Duke Hayman’s black armors shattered my mother’s palace, killed those who fled, and confronted Prince Mariv to usurp the royal seal.”

He immediately refuted the lie that there was no intention because they didn’t know.

“And in that process, my mother and my siblings died.”

This pointed out their attempt to support Arsen to escape the charge of treason. Although bundled under the term ‘siblings’, the result was not problematic at all.

“I swear on my name that all charges brought by the Ministry of Magic and the royal family are true. Therefore, I hope that just punishment will be meted out to the criminals for the stability of the royal family and the peace of the country. Chief Judge.”

The chief judge responded by placing his hand on his chest and bowing his head slightly.

“For Bariel.”

“For Bariel.”

The elderly chief judge and the young prince swore for a single value.

The crowd watching this approached closer to the palace walls, murmuring. Soldiers blocked them with spears, but how could they stop the heightened fervor? They reached out their hands and called for Jin.

“Your Highness, have Lady Dilaina and Prince Arsen passed away?”

“You didn’t know? It was in the newspapers.”

“Prince Jin! Please show us your face, your scar again!”

“You are the only hope left for Bariel. Please, come closer!”

“Your Highness! Your Highness! Prince Jin!”

“Chief Judge. For Bariel, please exterminate all the nobles who have disturbed the country.”

“Exterminate them! Exterminate them!”

“Wasn’t it because of their greed that precious royal lives were lost? Isn’t it their role to stop the princes when they rebel and guide them on the right path?”

“His Majesty the Emperor is watching!”

“Conduct the trial properly!”

A single flower extended through the soldiers.

Jin looked at Xiaoshi in surprise. Xiaoshi approached the window on behalf of the prince and called a soldier. The soldier received the flower, passed it to Xiaoshi, and it was soon handed to Jin.

Jin carefully cradled the single yellow wildflower and murmured.

“...Thank you.”

“We are grateful that Your Highness is safe.”

It was the first gift he had received from an imperial citizen. Jin smiled happily, repeatedly rubbing the petals against the tip of his nose. Romandro watched this contentedly, resting his chin on both hands. Ian also smiled faintly, but only for a moment.

“Xia.”

Ian quietly called Xiaoshi and whispered. It was a very discreet reprimand, so quiet that even Romandro right next to him couldn’t hear.

“How could you carelessly hand something to His Highness that was offered by a stranger? Be especially careful.”

“...I’m sorry.”

“That’s enough. It’s also my oversight for not instructing you in advance.”

“What should we do with the flower?”

“Leave it for now. His Highness is so pleased with it.”

How could one stop that bright smile with dimples? At Ian’s nod, Xiaoshi sat down next to Jin, and Jin kept showing him the flower and whispering something. He was clearly bragging.

Romandro didn’t hide his raised cheekbones. As if watching something lovely, his hands supporting his chin were cutely gathered.

“Come to think of it, His Highness has never been outside the palace, right? We must prepare the successor appointment ceremony grandly and perfectly.”

There’s a golden road that stretches in a straight line from the capital’s entrance to the palace. It was only for use by the royal family, typically used when royalty departed for or returned from battle, or for official events like coronations.

By becoming the successor, Jin would meet Bariel for the first time, going outside the palace.

“Yes. We must do so. There will likely be many guests from foreign countries as well.”

“Will there be?”

“Of course. Isn’t he the only prince?”

Being the only prince had several meanings. Positively, it meant he was the next emperor, and negatively, it meant that the Bariel royal family had become vulnerable due to rebellion and turmoil.

From the perspective of foreign powers, it was an opportunity to enter the palace directly to assess the political situation and make an impression on Jin. While kings might be too much, there was a high possibility that their heirs below them would visit.

Creeak.

At that moment, the judges re-entered. They held black velvet sentencing documents. Everyone immediately fell silent, waiting for the verdict to be announced.

“Thank you for your patience. We acknowledge that the seven central families have dedicated themselves to Bariel in the past. However, the crime related to rebellion is a serious offense that cannot be mitigated by any excuse. Therefore, the Royal Court pronounces the following sentence.”

Rustle.

The chief judge pointed to each of the family heads one by one and spoke.

“All tangible and intangible assets of the seven families, including Hayman, are confiscated and revert to the royal family. Furthermore, those bearing the family names will be hanged, and their bodies will be displayed in the streets for a week as a warning against treason.”

Bang! Bang bang!

Hayman, who had been expressionless, finally frowned and closed his eyes. Angry cheers erupted from outside, and the nobles let out groans of complex emotions. All the officials stood up and offered handshakes to Ian and Jin.

“You’ve worked hard, Your Highness.”

“It’s all over now. Your Highness, congratulations.”

“Lord Ian, well done. Well done!”

“Not at all. It’s thanks to everyone’s help.”

“Oh my, Romandro! You! Go get some rest now!”

Ian responded to the congratulations coming from all around while keeping his arm around Jin’s shoulders. Meanwhile, Hayman and the nobles were dragged away by the Imperial Guards, and the chief judge concluded the trial.

“This concludes the trial.”

Bang! Bang!

It was a perfect victory for the royal family that no one could dispute.

At least until then.

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