The Bastard Swordsman Of The Imperial Guard [EN]: Chapter 33

Heavenly Festival

The highest floor of the Blue Magic Tower.

A mysterious and enchanting space, set apart from the ordinary world.

Ding-

A man sitting amidst numerous magical tools was flipping a coin.

He looked at the coin, which landed on heads, and signed the document.

“The elite mages of the Blue Magic Tower will participate in the Northern Expedition.”

Ding-

Ferma, the master of the Blue Magic Tower, tossed the coin again.

This time, it was tails.

“No mages will be dispatched to Samuel County.”

This was Ferma’s way of handling tasks.

Even a large organization like the Blue Magic Tower couldn’t provide support for everything.

As the master of the tower, Ferma had to decide where the mages should go and where they shouldn’t.

“…Lord Ferma. Is it really okay to decide such important matters by flipping a coin?”

His secretary, Chiron, was always curious.

Could that method really be trusted…?

“It’s fine. It’s fine. I only decide on safe tasks that won’t lead to death this way.”

“…”

Chiron had no choice but to nod at Ferma’s confident words.

The results of the tasks decided in that manner had been quite good, so he had nothing to say.

They say some people are just born to succeed, and Ferma was a natural genius at gambling and betting.

“By the way, Chiron. I heard more information came from Beggars [an information guild]?”

“Yes. We received information about Raiel, as well as the additional information we requested.”

“Such quick work. It’s uncharacteristically swift for an information guild.”

Ferma smiled and accepted the documents Chiron handed him.

In truth, he wanted to rush to District 4 to meet Raiel in person, but Eric had strictly told him not to come.

‘But, that makes me even more interested.’

If Eric said that much, it meant there was something special about Raiel.

Ferma looked at the information from Beggars and continued.

“Participating in the Heavenly Festival… quite interesting. It makes sense.”

Beggars had even found out that Raiel was planning to spend time at the Heavenly Festival.

If their words were true, it would be a very favorable situation for Ferma.

‘He told me not to come to District 4, but… meeting in District 2 is fine, right?’

With this approach, Eric wouldn’t be able to complain.

Ferma was starting to like Beggars even more.

“Beggars has prepared a spot for the Blue Magic Tower in the southern part of District 2.”

“They’re well-prepared. The south… well, it doesn’t matter. My only goal is Raiel anyway.”

The southern part of District 2 was the direction where the Imperial Academy was located.

Since there were nobles’ children, the defenses were the strongest.

“What kind of event was the Blue Magic Tower preparing this time?”

“Since this festival lasts for a week, there are many applicants. I heard that lower-level mages will be doing things like shell games [a gambling game] for the commoners.”

“…I clearly told them not to scam. Tsk.”

Ferma enjoyed betting and gambling, but he never cheated.

That would only diminish the fun of betting and gambling.

‘I’ll have to come up with an event myself.’

If Raiel really shows up, there are quite a few interesting things I could do.

He decided to think about the details later and reviewed the information provided by Beggars.

These were the Blue Magic Tower’s official requests, not Ferma’s personal requests to find Raiel.

“The quality of information here is good too. And… the Carmen Knights [elite knights of the Imperial Family]?”

He was briefly impressed by the lively information unique to Beggars.

Ferma focused on the short sentence on the last page.

[There is information that the entire Carmen Knights of the Imperial Family conducted top-secret training. The details could not be determined, but the period is estimated to be within a month.]

Ferma frowned.

The Carmen Knights were the knights who guarded the Imperial Family.

Even if they were training, the entire group would not leave their posts.

‘But… if this is true, I can understand why the demons invaded the capital.’

The Carmen Knights’ absence would clearly have a significant impact on the security of the capital.

If they knew about that gap, the demons could invade.

‘Beggars. What exactly is their identity?’

It was hard to believe that an information guild that hadn’t even revealed its name could obtain such incredible information in such a short period.

“Chiron. We need to double-check this information.”

Blue Magic Tower Lord Ferma decided to keep a closer eye on the Beggars.

*

The streets of District 2 buzzed with a vibrant atmosphere.

The excitement for the upcoming Celestial Festival was palpable.

The old stone walls were draped with colorful fabrics, and street vendors lined the roadsides.

Usually confined to District 4, these vendors had ventured into District 2 for the Celestial Festival.

“…Is this even allowed?” Rael wondered, walking through District 2 and eyeing a street vendor selling chicken skewers.

It seemed out of place. Chicken skewers felt anachronistic in this European-inspired setting.

‘Chicken skewers in a medieval fantasy setting are too out of place.’

Moreover, they emitted a sweet and savory aroma.

He imagined them as something the protagonist and heroine might share on a date… but the contrast with the vendor selling hard stone bread nearby was jarring.

Rael bought a chicken skewer and took a bite.

“…This is absurd. Why is it so delicious? Is this tastier than the nobles’ meals? This shouldn’t be happening.”

Why was it so delicious?

It was even priced like a luxury item.

Everything else felt unrealistic, but this detail, this delicious skewer, felt annoyingly real.

“Rael, why are you so angry that it tastes good?” Carlson asked.

“No, it’s just… eating such delicious food in this era… Ugh, never mind.”

It didn’t make sense to sell chicken skewers in a world where honey tea was considered a delicacy… but this world often lacked sense.

Rael decided to simply enjoy the chicken skewer.

“Hey, I bought it, so give me the money back.”

“Money? Ah… go to Uncle Eric and get it. I gave him the money to protect the orphanage.”

“There’s no worse habit than robbing Peter to pay Paul… Alright.”

Rael ignored Carlson’s complaints and continued through District 2.

The Celestial Festival was tomorrow.

Today, he’d brought Carlson to scout District 2, the festival’s location.

“Carlson, are the Silver Cross Knights coming to the Celestial Festival too?”

“Yes. The scale is larger this time, so Commander Marco will be present as well.”

“So, they’re guarding District 2? I thought the Order usually guarded the festival grounds.”

“It seems they’re dividing the districts this time. Everyone dislikes being assigned to the west, so they decided to draw personnel from each knight order.”

“Do they anticipate trouble at this Celestial Festival?” Rael asked, probing for information.

The fact that they were specifically drawing personnel to the west made him uneasy.

“It’s not like that. But things have been tense lately because of the demons, and since we’re all human, we prefer to avoid places where the chances of fighting are even 1% higher.”

“Hmm…”

Rael nodded at Carlson’s words.

So far, things were unfolding as they had in the original story.

No one suspected that black mages would revolt at the academy in the south of District 2.

“The Silver Cross Knights don’t want to go to the west either, right?”

“That’s right. They’re asking for volunteers, but no one is stepping up, so they’ll probably end up drawing lots.”

“That’s good. Carlson, you volunteer for the west.”

“Yes? Why? I’m a rookie, so they’ll put me in a good spot.”

“Just do as I say. Even if no one else does, you have to go to the west. Got it?”

“Everyone dislikes going to the west, so they’ll be happy if I volunteer… Do I really have to?”

“Ugh. Why are you so talkative?”

Rael raised his fist at Carlson, who wore a dissatisfied expression.

He hated violence, but when words failed, he resorted to threats.

“Ah, ah! Rael! Don’t raise your fist! It reminds me of when you used to hit me when I was young…”

“This is for your own good. If you don’t want to die, go to the west no matter what.”

“Alright…”

Carlson’s shoulders slumped.

“And take good care of the orphanage kids who come to play in the west. Got it?”

“I can handle that much on my own.”

Rael repeatedly urged Carlson, who seemed upset.

He would be quite busy at this Celestial Festival… he couldn’t afford to worry about Carlson.

*

Bang- Bang-

Cheap magic tool fireworks exploded in the streets.

The firepower wasn’t impressive, but the festive atmosphere was.

The delicious smells of street food wafted through the air, and beggars danced in every corner, receiving alms.

The first day of the Celestial Festival was filled with a vibrant atmosphere.

“Ahem-. A very enjoyable festival indeed.”

Rael had a crazy elf next to him.

Reina hummed as she walked, as always.

“Reina, just follow me.”

“I know, so let’s hurry. There’s an archery event over there, and I need to make money.”

Rael guided Reina slowly towards the south of District 2.

Since the royals were said to wander around from the second day, he was planning to stop by the Blue Magic Tower’s event first.

‘The black mages’ rebellion was on the 4th day.’

The protagonist arrives at the Celestial Festival from the academy on the 4th day as well.

Until then, there was still time left, so he could enjoy the festival while taking care of the Blue Magic Tower’s affairs.

“Rael-nim!”

Just then, a familiar voice was heard from afar.

Turning his head, he saw Priestess Cecilia approaching. Perhaps it was because of the festival, but her face looked brighter than usual.

Cecilia approached Rael and made the sign of the cross.

“Cecilia-nim? What brings you here?”

“It’s for the Order’s volunteer work. What about you, Rael-nim?”

“Ah, I’m just here to look around the Celestial Festival.”

Rael looked at the future Saintess Cecilia and smiled with the kindest face he could muster.

Now that Cecilia had caught Marco’s eye, she might be summoned to the Order’s headquarters at any time.

He needed to build up as much camaraderie as possible now.

“Rael… Who is this human?”

Then, Reina, who had been watching Rael and Cecilia from behind, finally spoke.

She seemed displeased that she had been interrupted while enjoying the festival.

“She’s a priestess I know. Her name is Cecilia-nim.”

“Ah! A priestess. Hello. I’m Reina Gaia-Men.”

Reina greeted her with a brightened expression at the word priestess.

“May Gaia’s blessings be with you. It’s a pleasure to meet you, Reina-nim.”

Rael watched their greetings and nodded in satisfaction.

Rael’s network was gradually solidifying as his acquaintances got to know each other.

It would be helpful in some way later.

“Come to think of it, Cecilia-nim, have you not heard from the Order’s headquarters?”

“Pardon? There hasn’t been any word in particular…?”

“Is that so?”

‘Why are these bastards so slow with information?’ Rael wondered.

Could it be that Marco didn’t report it to the Order’s headquarters?

‘Still, it will definitely progress faster than the original timeline.’

He had to keep an eye on the golden lifeline, Cecilia.

Rael bid farewell to Priestess Cecilia and walked south again.

Reina hummed and followed behind him.

‘The Blue Magic Tower should be this way…’ Rael thought.

Rael retraced his memories as he headed towards the location Bagers had told him.

And at that moment.

“Anyone is welcome! If my sword is pushed back even a little, I will give you one imperial gold coin!” A booming voice echoed from across the street.

The confidence in his voice was almost obnoxious.

“Noble or commoner, knight or beggar! Is there no man here who will have a hot battle of flesh against flesh without the intervention of magic?!”

Rael looked at the owner of the loud voice.

What he was saying was no different from a street beggar, but the breastplate of the armor he was wearing had a raindrop-shaped emblem embedded in it.

‘Rain, the commander of the Rain Knights.’ Rael realized.

If the Carmen Knights were the strongest knight order in the empire, the Rain Knights were the largest.

Rain, who leads the Rain Knights, is a powerhouse at the entry level of Swordmaster, surpassing the Graduate level [referring to a level of skill or rank].

He is one of the strongest on the continent, but he likes public attention, so he puts on such events every Celestial Festival.

‘This is an event that the protagonist did in the original story too.’

A swordsmanship duel that prohibits the use of mana.

It was an event that showcased the protagonist’s swordsmanship talent.

Rael’s curiosity was piqued as he looked at the wooden swords placed in front of him.

‘Should I try it once?’

In the original, the protagonist overwhelms Rain with overwhelming swordsmanship.

Rael didn’t learn swordsmanship, so he would have to overcome it with pure physical prowess.

‘The protagonist is a genius, but I’m also the strongest human recognized by a dragon.’

Tia said that Rael’s body, which had absorbed mana, had already transcended humanity.

Then, he wondered if his strength would work against Rain, who was at the entry level of Swordmaster.

‘The protagonist hasn’t come yet, so… I guess I can try it once.’

Now that he has intervened in the flow of this world, there is no escape.

Rael wanted to test his strength.

‘But first, I need to conceal my identity.’

Rael pulled the Gaksital mask [a traditional Korean mask, often associated with concealing identity] from his pocket.

It was a top-tier magical artifact, enhanced by the dragon.

Voice modulation, aura concealment, stealth, and more… it was imbued with incredibly advanced magic.

“Reina, that chicken skewer place looks good. Buy two, one for you and one for me.”

Rael decided to temporarily separate from the elf who was following him.

“Huh? No way. Too much trouble.”

“I’ll give you the money. You can keep the change.”

“I’ll be back!”

Reina accepted a silver coin and immediately dashed towards the chicken skewer stall.

Rael watched her go, then put on the Gaksital mask and approached the stage.

“A heated battle of swords against swords…! Oh, are you a participant!”

“Yes. Please take care of me.”

Rael grabbed a suitable wooden sword and stepped onto the stage.

The stage floor appeared to be made of sturdy steel.

“The participation fee is one copper coin. Please place it in the basket in front.”

Rael dropped a copper coin into the basket and picked up his sword.

Rain, standing opposite him, smiled and also picked up his sword.

“We cannot use mana, and I lose the moment my sword is pushed back.”

Rael looked at Rain and tightened his grip on the sword.

Rain, his opponent, was at the entry level of Swordmaster, possessing strength comparable to Marco.

‘It’s the first time I’ve met a Swordmaster who isn’t a paladin since Cheonsal Sword Lord [likely a title or name, implying a powerful swordsman]…’

Only now did he realize how strong that old man was.

Rain exuded a strong presence, but he couldn’t compare to Cheonsal Sword Lord.

“…I’ll go all out.”

Rael said, feeling unnecessarily nervous.

However, Rain simply continued to smile.

“Haha. It’s okay. It’s a Celestial Festival event. Feel free to enjoy yourself as much as you want.”

“…”

Rael nodded and raised his sword.

In reality, without the use of mana, Rael had nothing to lose.

‘Why is his smile so irritating?’

Rael’s street-rat instincts were resurfacing.

Rain’s words, implying that he could enjoy himself because he would never be pushed back, strangely pricked at Rael’s pride.

He wanted to see that guy panic, even just once.

“What’s with that mask?”

“Who knows? Maybe just a dancing beggar?”

Rael ignored the comments and stares from the onlookers below.

He needed to focus on Rain in front of him.

Dugun- Dugun- [onomatopoeia for a heartbeat]

Rael’s heartbeat quickened, and his senses sharpened.

In real combat, many things distract your senses, such as channeling sword energy and observing the opponent.

But now… he only needed to focus on his body.

‘If he’s at the entry level of Swordmaster, he should be able to withstand this much, right?’

Hoo.

Rael took a deep breath.

His heightened senses scanned every part of his body, extracting every ounce of power.

The veins in both arms bulged, and the power of his entire body converged on the sword.

Having finished preparing, Rael took a step forward, holding the sword high.

Rael didn’t yet realize the full extent of his power.

The hero of the era, recognized by a dragon.

Just how formidable an existence that made him.

Crack-!

“Huh?”

At the sound of the stage cracking, the smile on Rain’s face vanished, replaced by a look of shock.

‘This… isn’t the floor supposed to be made of steel?’

At that moment, Rael swung his sword down.

Seeing the wooden sword descend with lightning speed, Rain belatedly gripped his own wooden sword tightly with both hands.

“Wait, didn’t you say you weren’t using mana…!”

Kwaaaang-! [onomatopoeia for a loud crash]

Shortly after, a tremendous collision echoed around the stage.