The Bastard Swordsman Of The Imperial Guard [EN]: Chapter 170

The days following the return from the free city of Arconia proved challenging within the Empire.

Raël absorbed numerous behind-the-scenes narratives from the original story that were previously unknown to him, alongside an increased demand for training sessions, notably Sweeping Heaven and Revolving Heaven.

And then there was the Pope.

The Heavenly Demon persistently requested further instruction in Gaia’s teachings, a task Raël delegated to Saint Cecilia.

‘I’m far too occupied to be burdened with the Pope.’

The Empire’s Founding Festival was fast approaching.

The Founding Festival, the Empire’s grandest celebration commemorating its first Emperor, traditionally occurs around the onset of winter.

The weather had turned cold, and Raël realized he could no longer get away with wearing his usual casual attire. He commissioned Beggars to procure some suitable clothing for him.

‘I’ve developed a decent understanding of Revolving Heaven… however, I still struggle to grasp the essence of Sweeping Heaven.’

Heavenly Demon Sword Fourth Form, Sweeping Heaven (碎天) [literally ‘shattering heaven’].

The sword of swiftness that pierces a thousand stars.

Raël still hadn’t fully comprehended the sword technique demonstrated by the Heavenly Demon Sword Master.

However, he couldn’t afford to concede defeat simply because of a lack of understanding.

Raël’s swordsmanship training was undeniably insufficient, compelling him to seek unconventional methods or shortcuts.

That shortcut was the Domain, Revolving Heaven.

The Sword Master’s ultimate technique that transcends limitations.

Raël needed to delve deeper into Revolving Heaven.

‘It’s progressing nicely as it is. Moreover, the magical power harnessed by Revolving Heaven is virtually limitless.’

Raël circulated the magical power of Revolving Heaven throughout his body.

Merely having access to a greater reservoir of magical power was a significant advantage for Raël, but the refinement of techniques like ‘Revolving Heaven, Explosion’ would prove even more invaluable in combat.

[Look at this, Raël. Doesn’t it look delicious?] the voice echoed in his mind.

Of course, this would require additional time.

With approximately a week remaining until the Founding Festival, he needed to dedicate more time to training.

‘But if Sweeping Heaven is this challenging… what on earth is the Sword of Reversal?’

The Heavenly Demon Sword Master had said:

The forms of the Heavenly Demon Sword serve as the foundation for the ultimate Reversal.

This implied that he needed to master all four forms flawlessly to learn Reversal.

The Sword of Reversal, a technique even the Demon King feared.

Had Raël mastered the Sword of Reversal, could he have defeated the Demon King Calliope?

[Raël, look at this, okay? Huh?]

Demon King Calliope.

Raël recalled his encounter with him in Arconia.

A repulsive incubus who bewitches and enslaves humans.

Should they meet again, he would ensure to sever his head as a warrior of the Gaia Order.

‘Tch. I should have pawned this annoying job off on Lucas.’

A warrior’s mission…

In reality, it was a concept quite foreign to Raël.

Raël, who had been content with a comfortable life as a captain of the guard, had somehow progressed this far.

Ultimately, he harbored no complaints, as it was something he desired… but he had been increasingly busy lately.

‘I also need to consider how to deal with the Demon King. In the original story, the Demon King’s rampage is still several years away, but one can never be certain.’

Raël sighed.

He felt as though he had ventured too far down the path he had chosen to protect the orphanage.

He hadn’t been able to visit the orphanage much lately.

It was akin to a father who toils tirelessly for his family, only to return home and find his children and wife already asleep….

“Hey! Hey! Hey hey hey hey! Look at this!”

Suddenly, Raël’s cheek was tugged.

Startled, he turned to see Reina’s face, her cheeks puffed out as if she was brimming with complaints.

“What are you doing! You’re spacing out in front of an elf! And you’re not even responding when I call you!”

“Ah… I apologize.”

“I even offered to pay half the bill! You can’t do this!”

She had decided to try Dutch pay as Reina’s sister had suggested, but she knew this would happen; she should have just gotten it from Raël as usual.

She had resolved to spend money, but she was being ignored.

Reina gazed at Raël with a regretful expression.

“I said I’m sorry. I’ve been so busy lately.”

After hastily concluding his duties for the Gaia Order,

Raël had come to have a meal with Reina, an engagement he had been postponing.

In truth, he had nearly forgotten about it… but Reina insisted so vehemently that he couldn’t refuse.

“Still, Raël, you need to learn some manners. You promise to buy me food and then forget about it, and when I finally arrive, you’re spacing out. I have no choice. I’ll have to slowly educate you today.”

“I understand, so release my hand….”

Raël sighed and lowered Reina’s hand.

“Don’t be angry, Reina. You already have nothing but your face to be proud of; what if you get wrinkles?”

” …. Heueung?”

At Raël’s sigh, the corners of Reina’s lips slowly curved upward.

She picked up a fork, stabbed a steak beside her, and smiled.

“Okay. If you say that much, I’ll forgive you. You’re finally acknowledging the greatness of the elf.”

“…When did I acknowledge the greatness of the elf?”

“Hehe. If you have time next time, stop by the forest of the great elf race. Reina unnie [older sister] and Eren Gore also said they want to see you.”

“I want to see Reina-ssi too… I don’t know when I’ll have time. I made time to come today.”

“Are you implying that you made time for me? You have a cute side. Well. You’re only 25 years old. And it looks like you dressed up to meet me!”

Reina smiled and scanned Raël from head to toe.

Raël, who typically wore only dark-colored leather armor, was wearing neat clothes today.

“…Is it because it’s been a while since we’ve seen each other? You’re talking more nonsense than usual today, Reina. I didn’t dress up because of you. I’m a person with social status now.”

Raël shook his head.

He was a warrior of the Gaia Order.

Unlike his days as a captain of the guard, he now had to maintain his dignity.

“Yeah, yeah. I understand everything.”

Reina smiled knowingly.

“…You truly have a talent for making me wonder if I should hit you or not.”

If Carlson had acted like that, he would have already been punched, but since it was a pretty elf, he was less angry.

Raël sighed and turned his head.

Sitting on the outdoor seat, Raël could see the street right away.

The streets were filled with people busy preparing for the Founding Festival.

The imperial flag was hoisted on every house, and a large-scale military parade was being prepared in the square.

“Huh?”

At that moment, a familiar face came into Raël’s view.

“Yuri-ssi? Isn’t that Yuri-ssi?”

“Where? Huh? It really is.”

Yuri was walking down the street, greeting people.

Behind her was a huge bodyguard, who was obviously Ghent.

“She looks free, so let’s call her over and have a meal together. Reina, what do you think?”

“…She looks busy; shouldn’t we just let her go?”

“Hey. It would be nice to eat together.”

Raël waved his hand at Yuri.

A few seconds later, Yuri, whose eyes widened when she saw Raël, poked Ghent and started approaching this way.

“Raël-ssi! Reina-ssi. You were here.”

“Yes. What are you doing in District 2, Yuri-ssi?”

“I’ve been going around greeting people because of the Founding Festival. All the royals are walking around.”

“Ah. If you have time, have a meal with us. Ghent. You sit down too.”

“Thank you. Raël-ssi. Reina-ssi.”

Yuri smiled and sat down.

It was close to meal time, so there was no reason to refuse.

“I’m sorry, Reina. Did I interrupt you?”

“If you know, you can just go back. Ghent.”

“I’m sorry, but I also want to talk to Raël.”

Ghent sat down with an apologetic expression.

He was sorry to Reina, but he could spend time alone with her later.

“Raël. The Gaia Order is noisy; are you okay?”

“Well, nothing’s wrong. Everyone’s doing well.”

Raël heard that Pope Chunma and Cardinal Angelo were praying blankly every day, and Cardinal Bernardo was increasing the Order’s external activities even more, wondering what he was thinking.

‘Does he want to be the next Pope? Well… he’ll do it himself.’

Raël didn’t care who became the next Pope.

He just hoped it wouldn’t get in his way.

“Yuri-ssi. Is there anything special going on these days?”

“Yes. Ah… come to think of it, Sword Dragon-nim [Sword Dragon – honorific] said he would like Raël-ssi to join the Allied Forces. He said it’s not easy to manage alone.”

“Allied Forces… right. Come to think of it, I was there too.”

Raël sighed.

Why do I have so much to do?

He missed the days he spent at the orphanage.

“But it seems like you have less to worry about since the Demonic Cult was eradicated in the Vanessa Kingdom.”

“That’s a relief.”

It seems that it helped that he beat up all the remnants of the Demonic Cult who invaded the Empire while practicing Revolving Heaven.

“Yes. Other than that, um… the appearance of the Demon King has definitely created tension on the continent. The defense will be really severe at this Founding Festival. The same goes for the succession to the throne.”

“If you need the Order’s approval for the succession to the throne, please tell me anytime. I’ll use my power.”

“Hehe… the Gaia Order has never been involved in the Empire’s politics. It would be amazing if that happened.”

“…”

He could do it if he wanted to… but Raël quickly gave up.

Yuri will become the next Emperor even if he doesn’t force it. It could be an unnecessary burden.

“Didn’t you say that the next Emperor will be decided at this Founding Festival? Is there no other competitor besides Prince Damian?”

“I hear that Simon oraboni [older brother – honorific] meets with Father often. But… I don’t think I need to worry about it.”

Simon had already been pushed out of the succession race for a long time.

As a prince, he will try to the end… but now the only thing he can rely on is the Emperor.

So he must be clinging to the Emperor even more.

“Meets with the Emperor often… hmm.”

Raël recalled the second prince from the original story.

Come to think of it, he didn’t seem to appear much after the Founding Festival.

‘I’ll have to keep an eye on him for now.’

Anyway, he has to pay attention to the Emperor’s movements at this Founding Festival.

He can check on Simon at the same time.

*

Millennium Empire Carmen.

What would it feel like to be the Emperor of the largest country on the continent?

Simon had been envisioning his future since he was a child.

Since he was born as a prince, he had only two possible destinies.

Become Emperor. Or die.

Unlike the first or second princess, who could be married off to a noble family even if he couldn’t become Emperor, Simon, who was born as a prince, had to become Emperor no matter what.

But things didn’t go easily.

The first prince Damian’s support was strong, and the second princess Yuriel was nibbling away at his power.

Recently, Simon had been going through a series of hardships.

Unlike the first princess, who had given up on the Emperor’s throne and was focusing on magical tool research, the first prince Damian and the second princess Yuriel were pressuring Simon from above and below.

‘Finally, my chance has come.’

However, Simon had been experiencing joy for the past few days.

The Emperor is calling him often.

He is sharing tea with the esteemed Emperor and engaging in conversations.

Of course, the content of the conversation itself is nothing special… but the fact that the Emperor has a liking for Simon is important.

Even if the Emperor only declares Simon as his successor before he dies, the succession race itself will be overturned.

Thanks to this, some nobles are contacting Simon again.

‘It’s too early to give up.’

The Emperor is supporting him.

Simon smiled and spent time in the reception room.

Squeak-

At that moment, the door opened, and a man entered the reception room.

It was Leopold von Grandia, the Emperor of the Carmen Empire.

He was an old man with a lifeless face, as rumored, but Simon stood up from his seat and bowed as soon as he entered.

“Have you come, Your Majesty.”

“I told you to call me Father when we’re alone, Simon.”

Leopold smiled and entered the reception room.

Simon spent time with his father and engaged in conversations.

And when the warm tea was about to cool, he carefully broached the subject.

“The Founding Festival is approaching, Father. I heard you’re preparing something special for this Founding Festival.”

“Hmm, the Founding Festival… has time already passed like that?”

“Yes. There is less than a week left.”

Is it true that his health is deteriorating?

The Emperor did not even know the passage of time properly.

‘It’s certain. Now is the chance.’

He must imprint himself on Leopold now.

Simon continued the conversation with that thought in mind.

“That’s a shame, Simon.”

“Yes?”

At that moment, Simon tilted his head.

Leopold got up from his seat.

“Simon. I was originally thinking of using your body as the main vessel… but in the end, I need the body of the Heavenly Demon Star for eternal life. I have no choice but to use your body as a temporary vessel.”

“Father. I don’t understand what you’re saying….”

Could it be that his illness has worsened?

In this case, it would be difficult to appoint the next Emperor, wouldn’t it?

As Simon was worried about the Emperor’s health.

Creak-

“…Ah?”

Simon’s eyes widened.