Margrave’s Bastard Son was The Emperor

Chapter 141

Say that again.

Wesleigh unknowingly flicked cigarette ash as he listened to the report. It had been two days since Karennas letter was brought up in the meeting. The assistant put down the report and added.

Theres a high possibility that Viscount Ian Hielo passed through the area during Karennas bandit subjugation. After all, the routes from Hielo territory to the central are limited, and the safest and fastest is through the triangle of Karenna, Rongin, and so on.

If only there werent any bandits. Wesleigh hurriedly stubbed out his cigarette and frowned. If the mercenary who had eliminated them was Ian, he would surely have doubts about the undead.

Did he notice traces of necromancy? Before that, why did the bandits have undead in the first place? That bastard Ian might be investigating separately. Did he enter the archives after joining the Ministry of Magic?

Her mind right now was a mess. Anything else was fine, but Gale absolutely must not find out about the forbidden necromancy. As she nervously chewed her nails, the assistant gently stopped her.

Weve sent carrier pigeons to Karenna for details, so a reply should arrive soon.

Check if Ian has accessed the archives.

Yes. I understand.

Did he come to work?

They say hes been at work since dawn. He probably has a lot to learn, going around various places outside the Magic Operations Department.

She felt like her stomach was turning and blood was rushing to her head. She felt like she had to call Ian right now and shout at him to calm down. Was he the one who eliminated the bandits in Karenna? What did he see there, and what did he find out?

Just as Wesleigh couldnt hold back and was about to take out another cigarette with trembling hands,

Knock knock.

Wesleigh-nim. A message from His Highness Gale.

From His Highness? Come in.

She was unaware. That her hands had stopped shaking. The assistant silently watched and pushed the papers to one side. Whenever there was a message from Gale, work always took a backseat.

He said to come to the palace whenever you have time.

Really? Alright. Ill go right away.

Wesleigh immediately grabbed her coat and stood up from her seat. There was not a moment of hesitation. How long had it been since he had called for her?

When rumors started circulating about him spending time with the Hayman familys daughter, contact naturally became infrequent. The Hyman daughter was someone who could definitely help Gales cause, so she had endured it, but she was slowly reaching her limit.

Ah, and a few days ago, there was a witness who saw Viscount Ian Hielo entering Marivs palace covered in blood.

The assistant followed her and verbally reported the rest of the minor details. Wesleighs footsteps echoing through the empty corridor seemed a bit rushed.

To Marivs palace?

I dont know the reason, but it was late at night.

Since Gales palace wasnt a surveillance area Wesleigh needed to keep an eye on, she hadnt noticed that Ian had seen Gale first. She frowned as she got into the carriage.

What about the mansion?

Hes currently staying at Viscount Romandros mansion in the administration, but theres no movement, including guards. It seems theres only a pregnant woman and a servant.

Really?

He rarely returns home due to work.

Then reduce the surveillance on the mansion to a minimum.

Ill shift the rest to Ian.

Wesleigh nodded, looking at Gales approaching palace. It had been a long time since she had seen her lover. Feeling her heart pounding, she ran up the stairs in one go.

Knock knock.

Your Highness Gale.

Wesleigh, youre here. I was waiting for you.

Its been a long time. Youve been busy lately, so its hard to see you. I guess youre not going flower viewing with the Hyman daughter today.

Gale sat languidly on the sofa and just laughed. The cigarette smoke scattered with his laughter. He gestured for her to come closer.

Come here.

And he pulled her wrist and sat her on his lap. Wesleigh naturally nestled into his arms and hugged his neck.

Wesleigh. Ive been truly thoughtless.

Your Highness, why are you suddenly like this?

A smile bloomed on Wesleighs face. It was hard to believe this was the same dignified head of the Ministry of Magic who usually exuded coldness. Gale opened a small jewelry box and whispered.

Open it.

Click.

It was a pair of earrings densely studded with diamonds. Wesleigh slightly parted her lips at the brilliantly sparkling jewels that seemed to capture the light. It wasnt because they were precious. If it was about wealth, Wesleigh, as the head of the Ministry of Magic, was also one of the top in the empire. But this

Your Highness, what have you done wrong to me?

As if.

Its the first gift. That youve given me, Your Highness.

Instead of answering, Gale gently brushed her hair aside with his soft touch and put the earrings on for her. When he caressed her earlobe, Wesleigh felt like she was about to burst into tears.

Yes. No matter how much the Hayman daughter was there, to Gale, she was still

The one at fault is you, Wesleigh.

It wasnt the voice filled with affection. In Gales gaze, which was close enough for their noses to touch, Wesleigh read unfamiliar emotions. Disgust and contempt. Where did the man who had just been caressing her earlobe a moment ago go?

Your Highness?

Ive been truly thoughtless towards you.

Wh-what does that

Gale held Wesleigh tightly in his arms and took out a document from the table. Wesleigh easily recognized what it was. A forbidden necromancy research report with the Ministry of Magics top-secret seal. Her spine tingled with a sinking feeling.

I didnt know you were scheming behind my back like this.

Gale buried his face in Wesleighs neck and let out a low laugh. She struggled to break free from his embrace, but she couldnt overpower the mans strength.

Squeak.

No, no, Your Highness. Its a misunderstanding-

If it werent for the imperial blessing, I might have been devoured by your insanity long ago. There was a reason people called you a witch. Bring the shackles!

A subordinate hiding in the shadows approached. In his hand, as if prepared, were thick iron chains. The terrified Wesleigh unknowingly screamed.

Gale, listen to me first!

Zzing! Zing!

Her eyes turned golden, but no mana was emitted. The diamonds on her ears, reflected in the wine glass, were particularly dazzling.

They were mana sealing stones.

Shh. Wesleigh.

Gale was still restraining her wrists. Not missing the moment she faltered in bewilderment, he put the shackles on and tied her to a ring on the wall. These also contained mana sealing stones.

I want to snap your neck right now, but Im sparing your life for the sake of our past. So behave yourself.

Past?

Wesleighs mind went blank. At the same time, her tongue moved on its own. Werent she and Gale practically one body? But judging from how he was trying to cast her aside without even listening to an explanation, her existence had already been erased from his mind.

Youre trying to appoint someone else as minister instead of me?

If Wesleigh were to be killed as the Ministry of Magics minister, an investigation would be conducted, and the forbidden necromancy would surely be revealed.

The crime of attempting to harm the prince, Mariv would call for reforming the monopolistic and unrivaled power structure of the Ministry of Magic. This was a permanent bad move for Gale and meant defeat.

To keep me from attending the personnel meeting, to appoint someone else and k-kill me

Tears unknowingly flowed down her face. Wesleigh bit her lip and looked up at him, but Gales expression was cold.

I cant understand. Youre so perceptive, yet how could you attempt such a foolish thing? Wesleigh. Im truly disappointed. You were a good colleague in many ways.

No! Gale, you know. I

I would never betray you.

I wanted to be with you and your future.

Thats all it was.

Really? Fine. Then Ill give you one chance.

At Gales nod, the subordinate held out the truth serum. The man casually shook the bottle and grabbed Wesleighs chin. The bitter potion flowed into her mouth as she lifted her head.

Cough!

Wesleigh coughed up blood. An endless stream of blood. Gale knelt on one knee and met Wesleighs gaze.

Ill ask you, Wesleigh.

Please, ask the right question.

Did you try to cast necromancy on me?

Ask if I had the intention to betray you, or if not, if I can swear eternal loyalty. Wesleigh pressed down on her tongue that tried to move on its own. But in the end, the truth poured out with the blood.

Yes.

Gale frowned and stood up from his seat. After wiping the blood with a handkerchief, he instructed his subordinate.

Watch her without a moments gap.

Yes. Your Highness.

What about Wesleighs assistant?

Hes waiting outside.

Dispose of him. And tell the Ministry of Magic that Wesleigh is on a business trip for the time being. Prepare the personnel to clean out the Magic Support Department as soon as the personnel meeting is over.

After the subordinate acknowledged the order, he disappeared back into the shadows. Behind Gale, who was about to leave the bedroom, Wesleighs scream pierced through.

You, youre always like this to me!

Gale, I love you. Thats why I did it. Because I knew you would discard me later, I just wanted to keep you by my side! My future was always you!

Gale glanced back. Wesleigh, covered in blood, bit her lip as tears dripped down. But Gale only chuckled.

If you wanted to be together, you should have known your place. Wesleigh. Then I would have taken responsibility for you till the end. You crossed the line.

His gaze shifted to Wesleighs lower jaw. Blood was no longer pouring out. The effect of the truth serum was said to last while the subject coughed up blood.

And I cant believe your words without blood.

Kwang!

The door closed without hesitation. In complete darkness, Wesleigh glared at where Gale had been, swallowing her tears. Cant believe without blood? Fine. I understand.

Crack.

She tore her lips, her eyes blazing with furious tears. How could he do this to her? How dare he

Lets see it through to the end. Gale.

She rubbed her face in the blood pooled on the floor and screamed in agony. Gales head butler locked the door, trying to ignore the faintly audible shrieks.

***

Did you hear that? I heard Gale and Minister Wesleighs relationship isnt good these days.

Because of the Hyman daughter?

I dont know. There were some rumors going around. But theyve been together for so long, you know?

But Minister Wesleigh is on a business trip these days. I heard Gale personally ordered it, so if their relationship was bad, he wouldnt trust her like that.

Thats true. And is Minister Wesleigh someone to be trifled with? Shes comparable to the Hyman daughter in every way except bloodline.

Then Minister Wesleigh wont be attending the personnel meeting?

She doesnt need to come. Shell be reappointed anyway.

As the personnel meeting approached, whenever people gathered, they talked about high-ranking officials. It was a natural atmosphere, as it was a place where the heads of the year were decided.

Swish.

Hm?

Whats wrong?

No, I thought I felt someones presence.

Who else is here besides us? Stop talking nonsense and hurry up. Well be late.

As the chattering group disappeared, a ripple appeared in the space. It was Bareto, Wesleighs assistant, who had hidden his appearance with magic. With a troubled expression, he looked towards Gales palace.

Ill save you soon. Wesleigh-nim.