The Failure Marquis Is A Genius [EN]: Chapter 167

20. Bloodline: Recalling the Scoundrel

In truth, there’s probably no scoundrel as audacious as I am.

To exploit the flaws of the founding emperor within the strongest nation’s imperial palace, even going so far as to insult his descendants.

Yet, I felt neither guilt nor fear of retribution.

I felt no guilt because they initiated the exchange with talk of bloodlines and familial insults, and I felt no fear because I had become too powerful to be threatened.

Perhaps my relaxed attitude, born from confidence in my abilities and a sense of justification, provoked him further. Crown Prince Alex’s brow furrowed deeply.

“I’m merely pointing out what the founding emperor did. I’m not implying that you, Your Highness, would do the same.”

“What are you implying? Didn’t you just suggest that cruelty and ruthlessness are inherent within me as well?”

“It would only matter if you actually killed your brother like the founding emperor. Otherwise, it’s just meaningless speculation. I didn’t expect you to become so agitated over a simple hypothetical.”

The founding emperor committed fratricide to ascend the throne. Similarly, Crown Prince Alex secured his position by eliminating his brother. It’s understandable that anyone in his position would feel guilt.

“Ahem, in any case, that tragedy ended with the founding emperor. We are learning from the past and continuing the empire’s magnificent legacy.”

He’s attempting to gloss over the matter. Not a chance. I intend to delve deeper into this uncomfortable topic and bring it to the forefront.

“That’s a relief, then. I was concerned that the bloodline might be too potent, potentially leading to a misfortune in later generations where a younger sibling kills their older sibling and then denies it. Of course, this is ‘completely’ unrelated to you, Your Highness. Isn’t that correct?”

Once again, the mention of fratricide caused Alex to glare at me with murderous intent.

Right now, he’s likely contemplating whether I’m aware of the Reynold assassination and deliberately provoking him, or if I’m simply unaware and stumbling upon sensitive topics by chance.

He must be quite perplexed, unaware that I’m intentionally teasing him.

Ultimately, Alex abandoned his contemplation and chose the worst possible course of action: threatening me.

“Have you forgotten your location? This is the Great Calon Empire’s imperial palace. It would be a miscalculation to assume that the petty rumors that have protected you thus far will hold any weight here.”

Rumors protect me, you say…

Like many others, Alex underestimates my accomplishments and views me as inferior.

It’s a truly baffling attitude to me, someone who has fought fiercely for survival.

This is a world where a single moment of carelessness can lead to utter ruin. Even overestimating your opponent isn’t enough. Why would anyone underestimate them?

Logically, if someone possesses titles such as Demon Slayer, Destroyer of the Holy Land, Twilight’s Adversary, and New Seven Star, shouldn’t you be at least a little apprehensive?

Crown Prince Alex and his surrounding guards exude arrogance, confident in their ability to win any confrontation.

‘The imperial family’s reputation has completely clouded their objective judgment.’

It’s become a conditioned response. The respect and fear displayed by those around them towards the imperial family have numbed their senses like a drug.

They likely assume that everyone will submit to the imperial family’s authority without question. It’s a hasty generalization. In reality, I’m neither intimidated nor backing down.

“Your Highness is the one who is mistaken.”

“What?”

“Do you look down on the stars of the continent?”

Koo-ooo-ooo

I drew the Three-Origin Mana [A powerful energy source] to its extreme from my dantian [Energy center in the body].

A suffocating pressure bore down on the crown prince and his guards.

Alex’s complexion paled as he directly confronted my aura. Having heard rumors of my skill as a Sword User, he should be able to roughly gauge my strength after experiencing this much energy.

However, it seems that it wasn’t quite enough to suppress the pride of the guard protecting him, even if it overwhelmed the crown prince.

A large man stepped forward and knelt before Alex.

“Your Highness, if you permit it, I will demonstrate to this person who has disregarded the imperial family’s dignity what’s what!”

A similar physique to Campbell, and also from the imperial guard. Just by observing him, it’s clear that he’s risen through the ranks as an elite.

Every gesture is filled with arrogance. Truly a typical musclehead. Hopefully, his brain isn’t made of muscle as well.

Alex, in a terrible mood, didn’t particularly stop the guard who was burning with competitive spirit. He crossed his arms, took a step back, and assumed the posture of an observer.

The guard, having received permission for a show of force, smiled grimly and pointed his sword at me.

“Count Lloyd, I’ve heard so much about your recent fame that my ears are ringing. I would like to witness your powerful swordsmanship firsthand. Would that be acceptable?”

I could avoid the confrontation without engaging. But if I did, they would spread false rumors across the continent, claiming that I was afraid and avoided the fight.

It’s more efficient to teach them a lesson now than to offer explanations later.

“Would it be alright? It might be quite shocking for you.”

It’s not a provocation. I was simply stating the truth out of genuine concern for him. However, the guard’s face contorted as if he perceived my words as arrogance.

“Just because a country bumpkin knows how to wield a sword doesn’t make him anything special. I’m sorry, but the Imperial Family of the Empire is a place where all the monsters from across the continent gather. Take this opportunity to be humiliated and then leave.”

The guard and I faced each other at a distance. I glanced at Old Man Orneo, and he nodded. It was a signal that he would handle the aftermath, allowing me to unleash my full power.

In reality, there was no need to go all out against such a small fry. Even the Demonic Heavenly Sword [An extremely powerful sword] would be overkill. When I placed my hand in my pocket and leaned to one side, his eyes narrowed.

“What are you doing? Assume a stance and draw your sword.”

“I’m ready.”

“…What?”

“I said I’m ready. Come at me whenever you’re comfortable.”

Everyone, including Prince Alex, wore an absurd expression. The only person with a straight face was Old Man Orneo, who knew my full power.

“…Anything can happen during a duel. If you ‘accidentally’ lose your arms and legs today, it’s your own fault!”

The guard’s figure shot forward. It was clearly the maximum speed he could muster. He was aiming for my wrist, intending to sever my right hand to prevent me from wielding a sword.

His face was filled with confidence. He believed that I, standing in a slouched posture without even drawing my sword, would be unable to react.

But what a pity.

He’s too slow.

After ascending to Sword Master [A high-ranking swordsman], my physical abilities, starting with my dynamic visual acuity, were on a completely different level.

Moreover, the intuition of a top-tier druid predicted the opponent’s attack trajectory without relying on the Heavenly Demonic Navigation [A technique to predict enemy movements].

[Crystal Control]

[Giant Crystal]

A Giant skill that forms a giant fist.

It was primarily used when fighting large monsters or beasts, but with precise control, it could be thinly applied only to the necessary areas.

This technique was made possible by becoming a top-tier druid and increasing proficiency in Giant skills.

When I subtly infused the aura into the crystal covering my palm using the Three-Origin Mana, the strongest gauntlet in the world was completed.

Clang!!

A dull metallic sound echoed. The guard’s pupils, who naturally expected to sever my hand, widened in shock.

His sword, infused with mana… was effortlessly caught in my bare hand.

“Impossible!”

“Everyone who crosses swords with me says that. It’s surprising, but it’s possible.”

“Eeeek!!”

The guard desperately tried to pull out his sword, but it was futile. His face was filled with bewilderment as he stared at the sword, which remained unmoving as if it were embedded in solid rock.

“You fool! What are you doing! The opponent is holding the sword with his bare hand. Cut off his hand immediately!”

Prince Alex, who was observing the scene, shouted in frustration.

To the onlookers, the guard appeared foolish, unable to move with his sword trapped by a person with bare hands.

However, seeing it and experiencing it firsthand are entirely different. The guard, sweating profusely, increasingly felt a ‘wall’ blocking his progress.

“This is… a Sword Master?”

Crack!!

Finally, the blade’s durability reached its limit, unable to withstand the aura crystal covering my palm.

I deliberately twisted my wrist slightly to coincide with the blade’s shattering. The broken blade spun through the air and flew towards Alex.

“Your Highness!”

Spit!!

Before the guards could react, the blade narrowly grazed Alex’s side.

A faint line of blood appeared on his pale skin, and a few drops of blood formed. It was a meticulously calculated one-hit-two-kills.

“Oh dear, Your Highness was almost injured. I apologize.”

He claims to apologize, but his posture is rigid, and his face is filled with smiles. It was the composure of someone who had proven their point with strength.

On the other hand, Alex’s face couldn’t possibly become any redder. He, who had turned as red as a beet, couldn’t contain his anger and shouted.

“You fool! How can an imperial knight fail to control his own sword properly?”

“Don’t scold him too harshly. What can a Sword Expert [A skilled swordsman, but below Sword Master] do against a Master?”

Alex, who barely managed to calm down after taking a deep breath, glared at me with murderous intent before abruptly turning his back.

“You were fortunate. Let’s meet again next time.”

There’s never been a truly intimidating person who says ‘let’s see’. In the end, he uttered lines that only villains would say and stormed off in a huff.

Only Old Man Orneo and I remained in the empty lot. The old man asked with a worried expression.

“I also dislike the Crown Prince, so it was refreshing to see, but you’ve been disliked from the start for no reason. I’m sorry about that.”

Currently, Orneo is unaware that Alex joined Twilight [A secret organization] and killed former Crown Prince Reynold with the Hand of Sloth [A powerful artifact or ability].

I had intended to inform him, but I still couldn’t fully trust the old man. If he created a commotion after learning the truth, it could unnecessarily attract Twilight’s attention.

In any case, Prince Alex and I are destined to be in an antagonistic relationship. So, let’s seize this opportunity to gain favor with the old man.

“It’s alright. Your Eminence’s enemy is my enemy. Besides, am I someone who would be easily defeated? Don’t worry about it.”

“You…”

The old man looks at me with innocent eyes. Ahem, I feel a little guilty. Good deeds are still good, right?

“Rather than that, let’s move quickly. There’s much to uncover.”

I entered Empress Sandy’s residence.

It had been neglected for so long that the door was rattling. Many windows were broken. Moss grew on the walls, or they were cracked. Rats scurried across the ceiling, squeaking.

It’s astonishing that such a dilapidated building exists within the imperial palace, which is supposed to be the epitome of splendor.

“Time truly flies.”

Old Man Orneo, muttering in a somber tone, led me to the bedroom.

The bedroom was similar to the other areas.

The bedding, which hadn’t been washed for at least ten years and was old and worn out, the curtains that were half rags, and the doorknob had vanished. Cobwebs covered the ceiling, and dust billowed with every step.

“Can we truly uncover the truth in a place like this?”

“Of course.”

“Personally, I hope Empress Sandy died from labor pains during childbirth, as the rumors suggest. If she was assassinated as the Desert King claims, I would be truly…”

“Old man, please be quiet. I’m concentrating.”

“Alright.”

[Life Control]

[Memory Recall]

I placed my hand on the stone wall and cast Memory Recall [A spell to view past events].

It was the first time I had used Memory Recall since being promoted to the highest rank, and it was evident that acquiring one more star had increased the speed of scanning memories and the clarity of the images.

When I went back about fifteen years, the bedroom, which resembled a haunted house, transformed into a woman’s room with a bright and warm atmosphere.

A woman was sitting on the bed.

‘That woman must be Sandy, Desert King Gazel’s sister and the former First Empress.’

Her long black hair and healthy tanned skin exuded beauty. Above all, her bright yellow eyes, as if inlaid with topaz, were striking.

Her belly was as large as a mountain, and it was clear that she was in labor. It wouldn’t be surprising if the baby emerged at any moment.

The woman constantly stroked her belly and smiled happily. It was evident how much she loved and cherished the child.

‘Let’s skip ahead for now. The part I’m interested in comes later.’

I fast-forwarded through the memory. About a week after the memory I had just seen, Sandy was experiencing labor pains while clutching a rope hanging from the ceiling. A middle-aged woman who appeared to be a midwife cheered her on.

“Just a little more strength! Your Majesty!”

Sandy, who was drenched in sweat, gritted her teeth and finally gave birth to the fetus. A loud cry of “Wah” echoed through the bedroom.

The child inherited the white hair, befitting the imperial family’s bloodline. However, the bright yellow eyes and brown skin clearly indicated Desert heritage.

Although it was a replay of a scene in memory, I applauded involuntarily. The birth scene is awe-inspiring in itself. Now, the mother should rest, and the midwife should care for the baby, but…

“Erpa, take the child and flee.”

“What are you saying! You must escape to the Bernus Kingdom together!”

“If I go, the child will die with me. This is the only way for at least one of us to survive.”

“Ah… Your Majesty… sob…”

What is this? Why is the mother instructing the midwife to take the child and run away, and why is the midwife crying so bitterly?

“Hurry. Escape before the enemy arrives. It’s already too late.”

“Your Majesty… I…”

“Quickly!!”

The midwife finally moved when the sweat-soaked mother shouted. Just before descending the rope that had been installed in advance on the window, the midwife asked Sandy.

“Your Majesty, at least bestow a name upon the child as a mother. What name should this child carry from now on?”

Sandy, waving her hand with a sorrowful expression, opened her mouth with tearful eyes.

“Pahel. From now on, that child’s name is Pahel von Aulschmantz Calon.”