The Bastard Swordsman Of The Imperial Guard [EN]: Chapter 203

[The Gaia Order’s Hero, Rael, Did It!]

[Defeated the Demon King Calliope Who Attacked the Empire. The Legend of the Hero!]

“Hmm…”

Rael scanned the *Night Raven* newspaper and sighed.

The incident at the Special Security Forces a few days ago was officially concluded as Rael repelling the Demon King Calliope’s attack.

Baggers, following Rael’s instructions, spread this version of events throughout the empire.

The reason it *had* to be a Demon King was that there was no other plausible explanation for the massive mana surge while simultaneously concealing the existence of the Ghoul King.

‘I’ve unintentionally used the Demon King’s name as a scapegoat twice now,’ Rael thought, putting down the newspaper.

Shortly after, Sarah approached, offering him honey tea.

Rael was currently at the orphanage.

“Rael, Sister Reizel told me you defeated the Demon King again? Amazing!”

“It’s really nothing to be amazed about.”

Rael took a sip of the honey tea and offered a faint smile.

The orphanage’s honey tea, made with ingredients generously donated by the Gaia Order, was exceptionally rich and sweet.

“Oh my, isn’t it amazing? I heard they’re building statues of you in Districts 4 and 5 as well?”

“…They certainly work fast.”

Rael sighed.

As Sarah mentioned, statues of Rael were being erected all over the imperial capital.

There were even plans to build statues in the territories of countries allied with the Empire.

‘My divine power is increasing nicely, so it’s definitely a good thing, but…’

It felt strange to have his likeness immortalized in stone across the continent.

It felt like he had to be extra careful not to cause any trouble, now that he was the subject of so many statues.

“Rael. Give me something sweet.”

*Swish-* *Swish-*

Rael looked down at the girl sitting on his lap.

The reason he was visiting the orphanage during this busy time was that the Ghoul King had awakened after the Saintess’s purification.

“I gave you chocolate earlier.”

“I know. But Rael, why am I here? This doesn’t feel like a prison.”

“…You can say that again.”

Rael gave a wry smile and looked at the Ghoul King.

The Ghoul King’s existence was a closely guarded secret, known only to a select few within the empire.

Therefore, he believed it was safer for Rael to keep her close rather than entrusting her to the Imperial Palace or the Order.

‘The best way to hide a tree is in the forest.’

The orphanage seemed like the ideal location.
Rael could visit frequently, the Rein Knights were stationed there, and Baggers’ network of beggars kept a discreet watch, making it more secure than most noble mansions.

“Rael *oppa* [term of endearment used by younger girls for older brothers or male friends]. Who is she?”

“Is she a new friend?”

The children, drawn by curiosity, approached Rael and the Ghoul King.

They seemed eager to welcome the newcomer, a testament to Rael’s teachings: never discriminate against new arrivals and always embrace them as family.

“Who are you? Don’t come near me.”

“Rael *oppa*. She talks weird.”

“…She’s from a noble family.”

“A, a noble?”

The children recoiled at the word “noble.”

In the empire, the social gulf between nobles and commoners was vast.

“But… she has had some difficulties and ended up alone. She’s not really a noble anymore; she’s your friend now.”

Rael’s words eased their apprehension slightly, though they remained cautious.

“What’s… your name?”

Nia, the oldest of the orphanage children, bravely stepped forward.

She met the Ghoul King’s gaze and extended her hand.

“My name is Yacha.”

“Uh…”

The Ghoul King’s name *was* Yacha, but…

Was it wise to use that name?

“Yacha? Is it because she’s a noble? What a strange name!”

As if Rael’s worries were unfounded, Nia smiled and took Yacha’s hand.

The Ghoul King stared blankly, blinked, and was soon swept away by the other children.

“Come on, there’s a swing that Rael *oppa* made himself. Let’s go ride it!”

“Don’t touch me carelessly. An energy that humans can’t withstand flows through my body….”

“Are all nobles like this? It’s fun!”

“I want to play with Yacha too!”

*Drag-* *Drag-*

The Ghoul King looked back at Rael, bewildered, then blinked again and disappeared into the throng of children.

Rael watched the scene, then rose from his seat.

“Rael, are you sure this is okay?”

Carlson, who had arrived after hearing about the Ghoul King’s awakening, stood behind Rael with a worried expression.

“The Saintess said it was fine. I don’t sense any mana from the Ghoul King either. Of course, her body structure is a little different from humans, but… you can think of her as an ordinary human.”

Rael’s Heavenly Slaughter Divine Sword had burned away her mana, and the Saintess’s purification had completely eradicated the mana within the Ghoul King’s body.

The Ghoul King was no longer a threat to the empire.

She was just an ordinary girl.

“Sir Rael. I have a question.”

Lucas, who had been silent until now, spoke up.

“What is it?”

“…How did you stop that immense power?”

The storm of mana he had witnessed that day was still vivid in Lucas’s memory.

A storm of mana that bordered on a natural disaster.

A power that seemed capable of shattering anyone who dared to touch it.

How had Rael stopped it?

Lucas was desperate to know the truth.

“Hmm… how *did* I do it?”

To explain how he blocked the mana storm, he would have to reveal the existence of divine power.

He trusted Carlson and Lucas, so perhaps it was time to confide in them.

“It’s a long story, but… I’ll try to keep it brief.”

Rael summarized the nature of divine power.

Carlson’s eyes widened in disbelief as he listened.

“Rael, did you eat something strange? Are you a god?”

“I’m not a god, but I obtained the power of a god. It’s a little different.”

Obtaining divine power didn’t make him a god.

It simply meant that the power of human faith had coalesced within him.

“So, you’re not crazy; you’re a *real* god?”

“…You little bastard. I’m answering your question because you asked.”

“Aaaagh! I’m sorry! Sir!”

“The power of God… that may be so. The faith of the believers in Sir Rael is immense. They trust Sir Rael, who is actually standing in front of us, more than the invisible God Gaia.”

While Carlson was being lightly reprimanded by Rael, Lucas nodded thoughtfully.

Divinity was a power derived from faith in Gaia.

Conversely, it wasn’t strange that people’s faith could become a source of power for Rael.

Especially since Rael was a hero who continued to forge new legends.

[Y, you’re right, the hero is over there! Lucas! Put me down!] the Holy Sword Saint wailed, but Lucas was too engrossed in the conversation to notice.

“Tsk. Carlson, stop talking nonsense and prepare. Lucas, you too,” Rael said, waving his hand dismissively after lightly tapping Carlson.

“Ugh, my head. But what preparation are you talking about?”

“Are you asking because you don’t know? Tomorrow is the imperial coronation ceremony.”

“…Ah! That’s right! That’s what the Order meant when they said to participate in the event!”

Carlson, scratching his head where Rael had hit him, jumped up from his seat.

Imperial coronation ceremony.

Tomorrow, the most important event in the empire would take place.

*

Next Emperor, Yuriel von Grandia.

She sat in her room, gazing at her reflection in the mirror.

The maid Isabel was carefully braiding her hair.

“Your Majesty. Please rise now.”

“Isabel. *Your Highness*. I’m not the Emperor yet.”

“What’s the problem? You will soon be called Your Majesty.”

“Isabel…”

Yuri narrowed her eyes at Isabel in the mirror, prompting Isabel to lower her head.

“I’m sorry. I wanted to ease your tension.”

“…You don’t have to be so considerate. Haa.”

Despite her words to Isabel, Yuri felt more nervous than ever.

She squeezed and released the fabric of her dress, trying to release the tension in her fingertips.

The sweat on her palms was a clear indication of the importance of the upcoming coronation ceremony.

She had to shake off this heavy pressure.

The Emperor of the Carmen Empire was a weighty position.

Yuri slowly rose from her seat.

“Let’s go, Isabel.”

“Yes, Your Highness Yuriel.”

Isabel quietly followed her mistress.

The time for the empire’s leadership to change had arrived.

“T, tense…!”

“Reina. Why are you so nervous?”

“Yuri is my friend!”

Rael smiled as he watched Reina tremble.

The two were on their way to the Imperial Palace to attend the coronation ceremony.

Initially, he had considered joining the Three Heroes of the Empire, but Carlson was entering with the Order, and Lucas was with the Academy professors.

Rael ended up walking with Reina, who had been left out.

“By the way, where’s Ghent?”

“Ghent is already inside. I told him to wait for me! He said he didn’t want to enter with me and went in first! Isn’t that too much?”

“…”

Seeing Reina stomp her feet and complain, Rael understood Ghent’s feelings a little better.

As they walked in silence, the main gate of the Imperial Palace came into view.

“Ahem. Rael. Stop for a moment.”

“Why?”

“Just stand still.”

Reina reached out to Rael’s suit and used her magic to infuse it with the essence of nature.

The scent of the forest settled on the neatly tailored suit for the coronation ceremony, and any lingering dust vanished, leaving the fabric crisp.

“Hehe, this is perfect.”

“…Wasn’t it already fine?”

“The *feeling* is important. The feeling.”

Reina looked Rael up and down, a bright smile of satisfaction on her face.

Rael shook his head, noticing that her ears were slightly flushed.

“Reina.”

“Huh? Huh? Aha, are you going to fix my clothes too? I’m perfect? Of course, it’s okay if you want to touch me….”

“I guess so. You’re perfect. Let’s go in.”

Rael patted her on the shoulder and walked towards the Imperial Palace.

“…”

Reina glared at his back before hurrying to catch up.

As soon as they entered the main gate, a member of the Carmen Knights approached Rael.

“Hero, this way, please.”

Rael followed the knight, taking in the sights of the Imperial Palace.

The vast coronation hall, where the ceremony would be held, was covered in a golden carpet, the same color as the imperial family’s hair.

Hundreds of chandeliers hung from the ceiling, casting a starlight-like glow, and the throne at the center of the hall was adorned with the empire’s symbol in gold.

Rael was positioned close to the throne, a testament to his close relationship with Yuri.

Around him stood the Carmen Knights, the Rein Knights, Eric the Sword Dragon, and the Jeongcheon Alliance Leader.

An assembly of influential figures.

“Rael. Reina. You’re finally here.”

“Ghent! Why did you abandon me!”

“Lower your voice, Reina.”

Ghent and Reina immediately began to bicker.

Rael once again understood Ghent’s desire to avoid entering with her.

*Koo-oong-*

The massive doors of the coronation hall slowly began to open.

All the nobles fell silent, their eyes fixed on the entrance.

*Daeng-* *Daeng-*

The bell of the Imperial Palace chimed, signaling the start of the imperial coronation ceremony.

*Toc-* *Toc-*

At that moment, Yuri, adorned in a magnificent gown, entered the coronation hall.

Her shiny blonde hair and snow-white skin stood out in contrast to the more common complexions of the people of the era.

Her deep blue eyes, like a tranquil lake, radiated an indescribable dignity and elegance.

The eyes of a ruler, destined to stand above others.

Yuriel, who seemed more like an emperor than anyone else, walked towards the center of the hall.

As she passed, the nobles knelt in reverence, welcoming their new ruler.

By the time Yuri reached the center of the coronation hall, not a single noble dared to raise their head.

*Swish-*

Yuri placed the golden crown upon her head.

Yuri, who directly donned the golden crown that should have been inherited from the emperor, then sat upon the throne.

*Daeng-* *Daeng-* *Daeng-*

The bell rang once more.

The brief but momentous imperial coronation ceremony was complete.

The birth of a new emperor.

“…”

Rael cautiously raised his head and looked at Yuri.

Just then, Yuri met his gaze and smiled.

Rael nodded slightly, returning her smile.

Yuriel von Grandia.

The new Emperor of the Carmen Empire.

Rael’s golden lifeline had finally ascended to the sky.

*

Following the coronation of the new emperor, a period of mourning for the imperial family, which had been delayed due to the absence of a ruler, commenced.

Festivals and parties were prohibited for three days, and a strict curfew was enforced.

It was a time to remember the imperial family members who had perished at the hands of the demons.

The festival celebrating the new emperor was scheduled to take place three days later.

“Now that you have become the new emperor, you could have skipped the mourning… Your Majesty has a lot of affection.”

“Well, the good is good.”

It was true that the deceased imperial family members were people who deserved their fate, but perhaps Yuri also felt a sense of guilt.

Rael, who knew the truth about Yuri’s past, suspected this was the case.

“Rael. How do you feel? Aren’t you close to Her Majesty?”

Rein smiled and nudged Rael in the side.

Every noble in the empire knew of Rael’s close relationship with the emperor.

Some even speculated that their relationship was more intimate…

“How do I feel… it’s strange. To think there wasn’t an attack at the coronation ceremony.”

“…Did you expect an attack?”

“It’s not a matter of expecting it or not. I thought there would definitely be one.”

He had anticipated that the demons would attempt to disrupt the coronation ceremony.

That the Demon King would invade and unleash a torrent of mana.

It was a pivotal moment for the Carmen Empire, and he had expected some form of interference from Alheim [the realm of demons].

However, the coronation ceremony had concluded without incident.

Even on the final day of mourning, Alheim remained silent.

‘At this point, it’s rather suspicious.’

A major event like the change of emperors in the empire.

Alheim wouldn’t miss such an opportunity unless they were fools.

‘Maybe… are they preparing something huge?’

The thought suddenly struck him.

While the continent had been unusually quiet, perhaps Alheim was planning something significant…

“L, Leader Rein!”

A Rein Knight burst into the room.

“Tsk. I told you not to interrupt when I’m talking to Rael. What’s going on?”

Rein yawned, feigning annoyance.

“A, Alheim…!”

“Alheim? Is it an attack?! Speak properly!”

Rein shot to his feet.

If it was a declaration of war, there was no time for this.

He had to alert the Allied Forces immediately…!

“T, they flew up.”

“Huh?”

“…?”

What was *that* supposed to mean?