The Bastard Swordsman Of The Imperial Guard [EN]: Chapter 187

Clang-!

The sound of metal echoed as swords clashed.

Lane, the leader of the Lane Knights and a high-ranking executive of Soma, faced off against the Second Princess, Yuriel.

Though not a formal duel, the outcome seemed predetermined.

One was the leader of the Lane Knights, who had surpassed the Carmen Knights as the empire’s strongest, while the other was a princess with seemingly no combat experience.

“The Second Princess has been on the battlefield since the Great War, but…”

“Even so, isn’t it unfair to pit her against Lord Lane? The Hero [referring to Lael] is really pushing it.”

Although the Hero vouched for Yuriel’s strength, the nobles remained skeptical.

They believed the Hero, a known supporter of Yuriel, was making an unreasonable demand of Lane.

However, after the first clash, their eyes widened in disbelief.

“Princess Yuriel pushed Lane back…?”

“How can that be?! Is Lord Lane holding back against Princess Yuriel?”

“Impossible! Can’t you see the sword energy emanating from Lord Lane’s blade?”

Surprisingly, Lane had been the one forced backward.

Even after the direct exchange, Lane was stunned, staring at his sword.

‘I certainly didn’t use my full power, but…’

He hadn’t employed his signature Illusionary Swordsmanship, nor had he swung with lethal intent.

He had unleashed his sword energy for Lael’s sake, but even when their swords met, he hesitated to push Yuriel back, fearing he might injure her.

“Princess Yuriel, what is this…”

From the moment she unleashed her killing intent, Lane was bewildered.

To have his sword pushed back was a blow to his pride.

“Not yet.”

“Ugh…!”

Clang-!

Lane gritted his teeth, blocking Yuriel’s sword.

The second clash was even more forceful than the first.

It was as if she was growing more accustomed to wielding the sword with each exchange.

After several clashes,

Yuriel carefully lowered her sword.

“Haa…”

She wasn’t fully comfortable with the killing intent yet.

However, Yuriel felt surprisingly invigorated.

Yuriel’s body had been surrounded by countless blessings her entire life.

These blessings were meant to protect her, but they also suppressed her true potential.

Only now had Yuriel cast off those restraints and felt truly free.

“My body hasn’t fully recovered yet, so let’s stop here. Lord Lane, may I request another spar within the Allied Forces later?”

“Yes, yes. It would be an honor. I should be the one asking first.”

Lane nodded, still somewhat dazed.

As a swordsman, he longed to experience that sensation again.

“T, this… how can this be…?”

Grand Duke Eric stared at the two with his mouth agape.

As the Grand Duke who had protected the empire for decades, he had known Princess Yuriel since she was a child.

That’s why he found it even more unbelievable.

“Grand Duke.”

“Unbelievable. This is unbelievable…”

Of course, he knew there was something special about her.

But even so, to push back Lane’s sword – a Sword Master’s sword?

It defied all logic.

“Uncle Eric!”

“Ugh, um. Lael? What’s wrong?”

Lael pointed to the sound amplification device, looking at Eric, who was still in shock.

“You need to announce the Emperor’s coronation; aren’t you the regent or something?”

“Um… that’s right. I was.”

Eric looked at Lael and slowly nodded.

Yuriel’s strength was shocking, but as the Grand Duke, he recognized it was ultimately beneficial.

An emperor with questionable power would be problematic, but an emperor with power rivaling a Sword Master would undoubtedly stabilize the empire.

Eric walked towards the device and spoke.

“We will proceed with the Emperor’s coronation as soon as Princess Yuriel is ready. The date will be announced shortly.”

Eric made a significant announcement, but the nobles were too preoccupied to pay attention.

They were staring at Yuriel in a daze.

The Carmen Empire revered strength.

Even ordinary nobles could tell that the spar between Lane and Yuriel was no charade.

“They’re not even listening to me. Lael, I’ll finish up here, so escort Princess Yuriel.”

“Yes. Thank you for your hard work.”

Lael walked down the platform, observing the nobles with their blank expressions and the reporters scribbling furiously.

*

[The Empire’s Top 7 (New) Rankings are Shaken. The Hero of the Gaia Order Ascends as the Continent’s Strongest.]

[The Hero Enraged by the Demon King’s Attack. Declares He Will No Longer Leave Alheim Unprotected!]

[The Power Hidden by Second Princess Yuriel. Does That Power Rival a Sword Master’s?!]

“…Is it really okay to publish articles like this without facing charges for insulting the imperial family? They’ve even attributed quotes to me that I never said.”

After the speech, Lael tilted his head, examining the newspaper published by the Night Raven [a fictional news outlet].

He had never declared he would “not leave Alheim unprotected,” yet they had fabricated the statement entirely.

Newspapers were surprisingly prevalent in this world with its low illiteracy rate, but the more he read, the more audacious they seemed.

“Tch. It was a messed-up world from the start.”

Lael folded the newspaper and dismissed it from his mind.

It was pointless to worry too much in this chaotic world.

Turning, Lael looked at the woman lying on the bed.

This was the Order’s treatment center.

Lael had accompanied Yuri to check on Isabel’s condition.

Since they needed to visit the Order anyway, they decided to stop by.

“Princess Yuriel, I apologize for abandoning my post.”

Isabel bowed her head.

As a maid, she had not only failed to protect Yuri but was also causing her concern.

“No, Isabel. I’m the one who should apologize. I’m truly sorry…”

“Why would Your Highness apologize? It is I who failed to protect you.”

“…”

Yuri quietly embraced Isabel.

If Lael hadn’t intervened, she might have killed Isabel with her own hands.

Just imagining such a future was terrifying.

“…Princess Yuriel. Your Highness being alive must mean that what I feared has come to pass. If it’s not too forward, may I see your back?”

“Yes. I understand.”

Yuri immediately began to undress.

“No…”

Lael was startled and turned away.

Wasn’t she being a bit too casual about disrobing for a princess?

“The blessings and prayers have truly vanished. I can’t believe it…”

Isabel unconsciously stroked Yuri’s skin.

The blessings and prayers that had been inscribed on her body had completely disappeared.

It was as if they had never existed.

“To not be consumed by the Heavenly Star… You’ve done so well, Princess Yuriel.”

“This is all thanks to Lael.”

“Lord Lael…?”

“Yes. He’s helping me control my killing intent.”

Swish-

As the sound of Yuri redressing was heard, Lael finally turned around.

Isabel looked at Lael and bowed her head again.

“To make such a sacrifice for Princess Yuriel, I am truly grateful… Lord Lael.”

Isabel was Yuri’s maid, but their bond was like family.

She felt immense gratitude towards Lael for preventing Yuri’s Heavenly Star from consuming her.

‘Besides, the distance between Princess Yuriel and Lord Lael has noticeably decreased.’

To disrobe in front of another man was something Yuri would never have considered before.

“It’s nothing. It wasn’t particularly difficult.”

“That’s not all. I heard that you delivered a speech before the nobles as soon as you recovered, all for Princess Yuriel’s sake.”

“That too, was…”

It wasn’t difficult either.

It was rather satisfying to scold the nobles.

To be honest, he secretly enjoyed seeing them glare at him.

“Please don’t say that wasn’t difficult either. It would undermine the heroic image you’ve cultivated, Lord Lael.”

“Yes. He was so assertive for my sake. I couldn’t have said those things myself.”

“Lord Lael has been very considerate of Princess Yuriel. He seems to be a very thoughtful person.”

Even if Yuriel possessed great power, it would be challenging for the next emperor to forcibly control the nobles and gain their approval.

Lael had considered all of that and volunteered to play the villain.

Because of him, Yuriel would be able to unite the empire more easily.

” …. Huh?”

Lael blinked.

He simply thought it was faster and easier for him to speak his mind, but what were these people talking about?

“Thank you again, Lael.”

” …. Yes. Yes. Well. It was my job. Whatever.”

” ..…? ”

Isabel’s eyes narrowed as she observed Lael’s bewildered expression.

Seeing his reaction, she had a hunch.

‘No, that can’t be.’

Isabel shook her head.

That might have been true of the Lael of the past.

But the current Lael was not that person.

He was the Hero of the Gaia Order and Yuri’s reliable ally.

“Ahem, by the way, Isabel. You said you’ve been resting, but you seem well-informed about current events?”

“Lord Lael’s exploits are frequently discussed within the Order. Perhaps even more so than outside.”

“Even inside the Order?”

“Yes. Since the Gaia Order was established, there hasn’t been a hero as remarkable as Lord Lael.”

The Great War had ended, but a new war seemed imminent.

In such times, admiration for a hero who had survived encounters with two Demon Kings could only grow.

There was even a rumor that the Hero’s power was instrumental in sealing Lucifer.

It was an achievement that neither the Order nor the Carmen Knights had accomplished.

People couldn’t help but admire Lael.

“I see …. ”

Lael nodded.

He wasn’t accustomed to such a position, but if it inspired hope in others, he wouldn’t discourage it.

“Princess Yuriel. Do you know anything about the First Princess?”

Currently, only two members of the imperial family remained as potential heirs to the throne.

First Princess Serena and Second Princess Yuriel.

It was unlikely that Serena could become emperor now, but if she were to pursue the throne, it could create complications for Yuriel.

“I haven’t heard much either. The Grand Duke mentioned… she doesn’t seem to have any interest in the throne. She’s still focused on researching magical tools in the Magic Tower.”

Yuri shook her head.

First Princess Serena had no interest in the throne and hadn’t even attended the banquet.

That was probably why she had survived, so it might be considered fortunate for her.

“Magical tools? Why would a member of the imperial family be interested in magical tools?”

Lael tilted his head, and Isabel responded.

“Princess Serena is a unique individual. If you’re curious, you could visit her sometime. She’s active in the Magic Tower under the name Serena.”

“…The imperial family really isn’t subtle about concealing their identities.”

Yuriel was Yuri.

Serena was Sere.

How could they avoid being discovered when their disguises were so flimsy?

Lael scoffed in disbelief.

‘But ‘Sere’…? ‘

He had definitely heard that name before.

*

In front of the Gaia Order’s main gate,

where a free meal service was distributing food to the beggars,

Lael approached Janice, who was eating in the corner.

“Uncle, why are you eating at the free meal service when you’re playing boss in the buildings of District 2?”

Lael sat next to Janice and asked.

Janice didn’t even glance at him, focusing on his meal.

“There’s nothing better than free food. Didn’t you come for the same reason, despite your complaints?”

“Hmm, that’s true.”

For the record, Lael also accepted the food.

Free food is something you should always take advantage of.

Janice and Lael hadn’t been able to shake off their habits from their days of hardship.

“Even dogs don’t bother you when you’re eating, what’s the matter?”

“I have a question. Do you know someone named Serena? I heard she’s a magical tool artisan.”

“Sere? Don’t you remember?”

“How would I remember?”

“Isn’t she the magician who made your mask?”

Chew chew-

Janice answered with his mouth full.

” ..… Could it be this?”

Lael raised the mask hanging on his waist.

The Gaksital [a traditional Korean mask].

It had become a completely different magical tool with Tia’s enhancements, but it was originally the magical tool Lael had commissioned by saving his pocket money while cleaning District 4 as the captain of the guard.

He remembered it being quite expensive because she was a renowned magical tool artisan.

“I never imagined such a connection…”

The world is indeed small.

Lael felt a sense of wonder and brought the bread to his mouth.

Free food was great, but the portions were small.

“That’s right. Is something going on with that magician? You’re not planning to fight her, are you?”

“It’s nothing much… that magician is the First Princess.”

“What?! Cough, cough!”

Janice, who was eating, started coughing and patting his chest.

“I might visit her sometime later. I’ll get going first.”

“La, Lael! Wait a minute! Tell me more details!”

Lael, having finished his meal, stood up.

Now that he had eaten, it was time to visit the Demon King sealed within the Order.

Buzz buzz-

[You’re going to meet Lucifer now. I’m nervous. Lael, have a sense of responsibility as a hero!] Saint Sword [a sentient weapon] spoke excitedly.

“What responsibility do I have? Why did they seal him in the first place? Why couldn’t they just kill him?”

[Demon Kings are essentially concentrated masses of demonic energy. If you kill them carelessly, the demonic energy will explode and cause widespread damage. It’s similar to the Ghost King’s rampage.]

“What kind of bastards are they? Tch.”

Even in death, they cause destruction. Demons are inherently evil.

Lael clicked his tongue and continued.

“That’s right. Saint, there’s something I wanted to ask you. I’ve been feeling a strange energy in my body for a while now. It’s been getting worse lately.”

Especially after waking up in the elf’s treatment center after Lucifer was sealed.

In other words, he had only recently become aware of it.

It was neither divine power nor the killing intent of the Heavenly Star.

It was a very faint power that caused a tingling sensation in his chest and warmed his body.

If it weren’t for Hoicheon [likely a reference to a heightened sense or ability], he wouldn’t have even noticed it.

[Strange energy? If you don’t know what it is, inject it into the Saint Sword. Ah, maybe Gaia [a deity] is angry at the hero who exploits God’s name and has inflicted divine punishment.]

“…That’s unlikely.”

Lael injected the energy into the Saint Sword with a mixture of doubt and belief.

Divine punishment wasn’t impossible, but if it were, shouldn’t it have happened long ago?

It wasn’t the first or second time he had invoked Gaia’s name for his own purposes.

[Huh. Huh? Uh? Why …? ]

After a moment, Saint began to react strangely.

“What is it? What’s wrong?”

Was it truly divine punishment?

Lael asked cautiously.

[This is… divine power.]

“Divine power? What’s that?”

Not magic power, not demonic energy, but divine power.

Divine power was a term even the knowledgeable Lael was hearing for the first time.

[…The faith of the believers that should be directed towards Gaia is flowing towards you, Lael.]

” …? ”

What the hell are you talking about?