The Bastard Swordsman Of The Imperial Guard [EN]: Chapter 108

What is a knight?

A master of the sword, capable of cutting down enemies at will, leading the charge, and dominating the battlefield.

An honorable figure bearing the name of the thousand-year-old Kamen Empire.

A knight.

The very word ‘knight’ made the boy’s heart flutter.

It didn’t matter if they were nobles or commoners.

“Wow…”

Bellen,

He was just like any other boy.

Step. Step.

Young Bellen’s eyes widened as he watched the procession of knights marching toward the battlefield for the Great War.

The sight of knights in armor emblazoned with the insignia of the Kamen Knights ignited a fire in Bellen’s heart.

From that moment on, he nurtured the dream of becoming a knight.

Fortunately, Bellen had talent.

Even when news spread of a commoner who manifested Sword Qi [a type of energy or skill related to swordsmanship] at the age of 10, or when the academy’s genius bloomed Sword Qi at 13, Bellen didn’t care.

He focused on training with his sword, and the Kamen Knights, representing the thousand-year-old Kamen Empire, became his ultimate goal.

“You have outstanding talent, Bellen.”

And his dream came true.

The day Bellen graduated from the academy.

The Empire’s greatest knight came to him.

“Sir Gideon…”

“Join the Kamen Knights. I have high expectations for you.”

“I, Bellen, pledge my loyalty to the Kamen Knights.”

Chosen by the Empire’s greatest knight, Bellen devoted himself to the Kamen Knights from that day forward.

If he didn’t perform well, even Gideon’s judgment in choosing him would be questioned.

Bellen didn’t want to disappoint him.

“Beasts and humans are completely different. I believe Sir Bellen can sufficiently prove his skills.”

“That’s right. Our knights say that catching beasts and dueling are completely different.”

“Thank you, Count Samuel.”

And so, Bellen rose to the position of the 1st Division Commander of the Kamen Knights.

Apart from the Commander and a few advisors, it was the highest position in the Kamen Knights.

As the 1st Division Commander of the Kamen Knights, Bellen mingled with the nobles.

“Besides, Sir Bellen is the knight who caught Basolord, isn’t he? Simply catching them quickly doesn’t mean strength.”

“Oh, that’s right. Actually, a noble I know…”

Bellen listened to the nobles’ words and raised his glass.

He was forced to listen, but it was all useless chatter.

Even as they said such things, they didn’t believe Bellen had any chance of defeating Rael.

‘I understand well enough… but I wish they wouldn’t offer such empty praise.’

The sword Rael had shown yesterday was that shocking.

Perhaps, in the eyes of the nobles, Bellen and Rael were as different as heaven and earth.

However, Bellen also had his hidden cards.

“Don’t worry too much. Dueling is inherently unpredictable.”

Bellen smiled faintly.

He didn’t think he was inferior to Rael.

“Haha, that’s certainly true. I have no doubt about Sir Bellen’s victory…”

Creak-

[Sir Rael, an entrant in the Top 8, is entering.]

Step. Step.

At that moment, a man walked into the party hall.

The nobles, who had been praising Bellen to the skies, fell silent as he entered the hall.

‘Sir Rael… impressive. His demeanor doesn’t change at all despite the numerous gazes.’

‘Damn it. The Second Princess’s power will grow even more. What should I do?’

The Second Princess’s power was no longer something to be ignored.

Numerous nobles gathered around the Grand Duke and the Blue Magic Tower.

The elves under the Second Princess could heal mana sickness [a magical ailment], and nobles afflicted with mana sickness had to join the Second Princess’s faction.

Even nobles from the First Prince’s faction, which sought legitimacy, were defecting.

In that situation, it was revealed that her knight was a disciple of the Thousand Slaughter Sword Lord, and he even proved his incredible skills.

With news of the Emperor’s critical condition spreading, it was now time for the nobles to choose sides.

“…”

Sensing the change in the surrounding atmosphere, Bellen looked at Rael.

He greeted the Second Princess and headed to the private room on the second floor.

‘Sir Rael… I’m sorry, but it can’t be helped.’

Everyone was praising him, but Bellen could easily foresee Rael’s end.

Gideon Garcia.

As long as the Commander of the Kamen Knights hated him, Rael’s fate was sealed.

‘He becomes utterly ruthless when he’s being cruel.’

It wouldn’t be long.

Rael would never be able to properly establish himself in the Empire.

‘It’s unavoidable that such a talented knight will disappear… but it’s all for the sake of the Empire.’

Gideon would never do anything that would harm the Empire.

No matter how outstanding a knight is, nothing is more important than the Empire’s unity.

Those who disrupt the Empire’s unity, like Rael, must be eliminated.

Whether it was true or not, it didn’t matter.

To Bellen, Gideon was akin to a religious figure.

‘But… those guys are innocent.’

Bellen turned his head.

In a corner of the party hall were two of the Empire’s Three Heroes.

Lucas and Carlson.

Unlike Rael, they were outstanding warriors with clear origins from the academy and the clergy.

They might suffer harm if they were associated with Rael.

‘That can’t happen.’

If he persuaded them, they could change their minds.

With unwavering faith, Bellen approached them.

A corner of the party hall with few noisy nobles.

Kyle watched Carlson gulping down alcohol with a subtle expression.

“Carlson. Weren’t you a clergyman? Is it okay for you to drink so much?”

“It’s free alcohol. And I can’t drink at the clergy, so I have to drink now.”

Gulp. Gulp.

Carlson smiled as he drank the expensive wine for nobles straight from the bottle.

That’s why he liked parties.

“Hmph. Lucas. You’re having fun.”

“Yes? Ah, I guess so. Everyone seems interested in me. I’ll introduce them to Kyle later.”

Lucas was diligently fending off the advances of the noble young ladies.

He didn’t understand why they only approached him when Kyle and Carlson also looked manly.

“…Ugh! No, never mind! I feel like bad rumors will spread in Kamen Empire’s social circles. Recommend Rael instead of me.”

“I’m counting on you, Lucas!”

“Yes? But Carlson is a paladin…”

“What about being a paladin! The high priests who pursue asceticism do it every day…!”

“Carlson! You’re drunk!”

Kyle was startled and covered Carlson’s mouth.

If he had said the next words, he would have been excommunicated from the Gaia Order [a religious organization].

‘The Empire’s Three Heroes… they’re strong, but none of them are normal!’

Kyle was also considered quite a troublemaker in the Vanessa Kingdom, but the real ones were different.

He realized it once again today.

To become strong, one must give up something.

Especially look at Rael.

He must have given up his personality to become strong, so he was able to gain that level of strength.

“Haha. Sir Carlson. You’ve drunk too much… huh?”

Step. Step.

Lucas instinctively turned his head at the sound of footsteps approaching.

A man was standing in front of him.

A cheerful-looking man with the insignia of the Kamen Knights engraved on his chest.

“I am Bellen, the 1st Division Commander of the Kamen Knights. Sir Lucas. And Sir Carlson, it’s an honor to meet you.”

“Ah… nice to meet you, Sir Bellen.”

Lucas bowed his head to Bellen.

He had seen his face before, but this was the first time they had spoken.

“Gaia-Men. I am Carlson of the Silver Cross Knights.”

Carlson also shook off the intoxication and greeted Bellen.

He was a paladin who could read the atmosphere, unlike Rael.

“Nice to meet you! I’m Kyle Belmos from the Vanessa Kingdom!”

“Ah, you’re the grandson of the Sword Dragon, Sir Kyle. I’ve heard a lot about you. However, I have something to discuss with the warriors of the Kamen Empire, so could you excuse us for a moment?”

“You’re polite! Understood!”

Kyle nodded and started eating food a little further away.

Seeing him disappear, Bellen bowed slightly.

“I apologize for the sudden visit.”

“It’s alright. It’s not like we were having an important conversation.”

Lucas also replied politely.

He had stolen Sir Rael’s career, but Bellen seemed to be a reasonably polite person.

“I came because I have something to say to you two.”

“Ah, yes! What is it?”

“Please, no longer associate with Sir Rael.”

“… Yes? What did you say?”

Carlson, who had been listening to Bellen’s words, frowned and replied.

He had been quiet because he hated the noble bastards, but he couldn’t just let this pass.

“I dare to say this because I know your talents. The Kamen Empire is not so small that it can be shaken by one person. Sir Rael is of commoner origin and will soon face tremendous opposition. You must distance yourselves before you are harmed.”

“Pardon?”

Even Lucas, who was a noble, didn’t immediately understand Bellen’s words.

“Hmm, it may be hard to understand. However, as the 1st Division Commander of the Kamen Knights, I can see and hear more than you. Sir Rael may seem great now, but someday being by his side will bring harm to you.”

Unable to mention Gideon’s name, Bellen tried to change their minds by speaking indirectly.

Nevertheless, their faces looked sullen.

‘Why aren’t they listening to me?’

Just as Lucas and Carlson couldn’t understand Bellen, Bellen couldn’t understand them.

This was none other than the Kamen Knights.

Why couldn’t they believe what he, the 1st Division Commander of the Kamen Knights, was saying?

“Ha, is it the Kamen Knights’ way to suddenly come and spout such nonsense?”

“Sir Carlson. This is not a matter to be swayed by emotions. I know you’re from the same commoner background, but Sir Carlson, who has been active in the clergy for over 10 years, is recognized as a member of the clergy, unlike Sir Rael…”

“I’m sorry, but Rael and I are like brothers. We live together, and we die together. If you’re going to say such things, get out of here right now.”

Carlson said with a glare.

He had his hand on the hilt of his sword, ready to draw it at any moment.

He meant that he wouldn’t hesitate to duel as a knight.

“Hmm, I understand. Then what do you think, Sir Lucas?”

Bellen turned his head with a look of disappointment.

He couldn’t persuade the commoner Carlson, but the noble Lucas would have similar thoughts to his.

“I’m sorry. I feel the same way as Sir Carlson. Sir Rael is like a benefactor to me.”

Thanks to Sir Rael, he was able to save his life and meet many good people.

He was a mentor who gave him enlightenment about the sword and a rival to surpass.

Lucas already cherished his friendship with Rael more than anything else.

“…I see. I understand your thoughts.”

Bellen sighed with disappointment.

The Empire’s Three Heroes were so outstanding that they were famous even within the Kamen Knights.

He tried to save them in advance because he knew their end… but if they insisted on jumping into the fire, he couldn’t stop them.

“I apologize for taking your time. However, if you ever change your mind…”

“That’s why those bastards who brag about being knights are no good. They always do useless things behind your back.”

At that moment, Bellen’s head snapped back.

Bellen’s eyes narrowed without him realizing it as he saw the swaggering man approaching from behind.

“It’s our first time talking, isn’t it? Sir Rael. I am Bellen, the 1st Division Commander of the Kamen Knights.”

“Forget the greetings. I have good ears. I heard some strange noises. What were you talking about?”

“…”

Bellen looked at Rael with dissatisfaction for ignoring the knight’s code.

However, Rael scoffed at his gaze.

“What are you looking at? Are you ashamed that a knight was caught backstabbing?”

“If you felt that way, I apologize. However, I was thinking of Sir Lucas and Sir Carlson…”

“So you came to them like a child and told them not to be close to me? You’re quite the knight. Well, the leader is like that, so I guess what you learned is similar.”

Rael clicked his tongue and looked at the insignia of the Kamen Knights engraved on Bellen’s chest.

He was reminded of the hard time he had because of what the Commander of the Kamen Knights had done.

“Sir Rael…! Are you insulting the Commander of the Kamen Knights right now?!”

Bellen frowned at Rael’s words.

He couldn’t tolerate anyone insulting Commander Gideon, no matter who they were.

“When did I?”

“When?! The insult you just made is also against the Empire’s laws…”

“Me? Did I insult him? No way.”

Rael said, tilting his head.

Bellen, who had clenched his fist at his words and actions, looked at Lucas behind him.

“Sir Lucas! You must have heard what Sir Rael just said, right?”

“Yes? Ah, haha… I’m sorry. I was talking to Sir Carlson. Did something happen?”

“What did Rael say?”

Lucas and Carlson were blinking their eyes as if they didn’t know anything.

“Ha… yes. I see. I understand well.”

Bellen shook his head in disbelief at the sight.

Now that he saw it, they were all abnormal.

He was the problem for trying to persuade these guys.

“Before being a knight, I respect Sir Rael as a swordsman. However, a knight lives and dies by honor. I don’t expect all knights to have noble hearts, but I will not forgive knights who do not observe etiquette.”

Bellen bit his lip as he looked at Rael.

“What do you want to say?”

“I will never overlook Sir Rael’s arrogance and rudeness. I will show you what a knight is.”

Enmity and anger blazed in Bellen’s eyes.

It seemed that he was quite angry that Gideon had been touched.

“Are you saying we should decide whose words are right with a sword? I like that. If I win against you too, how many people will I have taken down from the Kamen Knights? Just imagining it makes me feel good.”

Rael chuckled and placed his hand on the hilt of his sword.

“…No. Let’s meet at the Yongbong Tournament [a martial arts competition]. The more spectators, the better.”

Bellen turned his body and returned to the party hall.

As he said, he intended to decide who was right with a sword.

“Why is that idiot acting like that?”

After Bellen disappeared.

Rael looked at Carlson and Lucas and said.

“I don’t know either. He suddenly came and said strange things.”

“Rael, I’m always on your side!”

“Yeah. Thanks.”

Rael chuckled and stroked Carlson’s shoulder.

‘He seems to have some ulterior motive… but that won’t happen.’

Rael looked at Bellen’s disappearing back with calm eyes.

He didn’t know why that career thief was acting like that, but it seemed necessary to put some pressure on his shoulders.