The Bastard Swordsman Of The Imperial Guard [EN]: Chapter 221

The Imperial Palace, towering high in the center of the Carmen Empire’s capital, remained brightly lit that night, a beacon of activity.

If one were to pinpoint the busiest place in the aftermath of the war, this would undoubtedly be it.

Though the Great War had ended in victory, the internal state of the Carmen Empire was, in reality, incredibly chaotic.

The Imperial family had been decimated, and it hadn’t even been half a year since a new Emperor had taken the throne.

Consequently, the Empire faced an enormous workload.

For the time being, the focus was on stabilizing the nation.

The public’s excitement over the Great War’s victory was a temporary buffer, but this chaos couldn’t be allowed to persist once that fervor cooled.

“…I must be imagining things, right?”

The Empress of the Carmen Empire, Urielle von Grandia, sat on the throne, her brow furrowed in consternation.

Her fingers dug slightly into the metal armrest of the throne, as if she were trying to anchor herself.

And from the Emperor’s mouth, harsher words than usual spilled out.

“I… I’m sorry.”

Seeing her demeanor, the vassals hurriedly lowered their heads.

Since Yuri had become the Emperor, she had been inundated with work, enduring over a week of continuous national affairs meetings.

“The Desert Kingdom? Those dog-like bastards. How dare they covet the Empire’s land? We allocated them sufficient resources for their contributions to the Allied Forces, didn’t we?”

Yuri trembled, as if on the verge of tearing the throne apart.

At her display of anger, the nobles lowered their heads even further.

In truth, the atmosphere of the national affairs meetings hadn’t been like this initially.

Yuri had strived to maintain her composure and dignity even after ascending to the throne.

“[The nobles of the Vanessa Kingdom… I understand your concerns. I’ll devise an alternative that will satisfy both parties.]”

“[…This seems a bit excessive. Demanding twice the initial offer feels like an insult.]”

“[No, if you’re not content with this much, what do you truly desire? You’re behaving no differently than common robbers.]”

“[You son of a b*tch.]”

But the nobles of each country, seasoned veterans of continental politics, eventually drove Yuri to this point.

After the Great War, the magic within the forbidden Alheim began to diminish rapidly.

The connection between the magic, sustained by the power of the Demon King Maledrak, and the land was severed.

In essence, Alheim was transforming into a habitable land.

Unclaimed land is always the seed of conflict.

The countries that had been allied during the Great War began to assert their claims, little by little.

“Yes. And it’s not just them. The Vanessa Kingdom and the Mercenary Alliance are also involved, along with the Allied Nations of Different Races…”

“Why is the Vanessa Kingdom interfering? No, what’s the Mercenary Alliance’s angle? Why are they trying to establish themselves as an independent country? And why do the Allied Nations of Different Races suddenly want land now, of all times?”

Urielle closed her eyes, feeling a throbbing headache building.

The countries vying for the vast lands of Alheim were numerous.

Even new factions were emerging, spurred by the war, seeking to establish themselves as independent nations.

From the Mercenary Alliance city to the Allied Nations of Different Races, these groups were capitalizing on the chaos to raise their flags.

Of course, the Empire held the largest claim, but as the Emperor, she couldn’t allow these opportunistic “hyenas” to nibble away at it.

They had been allies until recently, but now they were adversaries.

Politics, as it turned out, was inherently like that.

Yuri was barely managing to endure each day, experiencing the true, bitter taste of politics.

Politics was far more intricate and challenging than Yuri had ever imagined.

So much so that the Heavenly Star [a powerful, suppressed magical entity within Yuri], whose murderous intent was being suppressed by Rael, nearly erupted.

If it weren’t for Yuri’s unwavering patience, the Second Great War might have already erupted.

“In addition, there are reports of escaped demons attacking the Empire’s borders…”

“Stop them! Stop them! What are the knight orders doing? Do I have to personally go and exterminate them all myself?!”

“Your Majesty! Please, calm down!”

The Prime Minister, who was presiding over the meeting, intervened to restrain Yuri.

It was a scene he had witnessed numerous times already.

“…”

“…”

Eric and Lane, also participating in the meeting, quietly lowered their heads.

In moments like these, it was best to remain inconspicuous.

“My sister, Yuri…”

Serena, the First Princess, who had returned to the Imperial Palace to support Yuri, wore a sorrowful expression.

Where had the lovely and endearing Urielle gone, and why had she been replaced by this intimidating Empress?

Did the position of Emperor corrupt people so drastically?

“Take care of everything before I have to intervene. And what is this…? Grand Duke Eric, what are these documents reporting?”

“Your Majesty, we are about to discuss a matter of significant importance.”

Eric, who had been quietly keeping his head down, stepped forward.

Everyone else remained silent, unwilling to directly incur Yuri’s wrath, but Eric did not hesitate.

He firmly believed that this matter was of paramount importance to the Carmen Empire.

“Eric, what’s the story now? Don’t tell me some other bastards have dared to encroach upon the Empire again?”

“It concerns the Carmen Empire’s Royal Consort.”

“…?”

The Queen’s husband, the Royal Consort.

Upon hearing that term, Yuri’s eyes, which had been blazing with anger, widened in surprise.

Soon, as if a realization dawned on her, Yuri’s cheeks began to flush.

Shaking her head to dispel the heat, Yuri cleared her throat and continued, speaking with forced composure.

“Grand Duke, is that truly such a pressing matter?”

Yuri responded calmly.

Of course, it was quite an important matter for Yuri personally.

She was a woman before she was an Emperor, so finding a partner to share her life with was certainly a significant consideration.

But currently, it hadn’t even been a month since the war’s conclusion.

Her priority had to be the stability of the Empire’s people and the normalization of national affairs.

“Your Majesty, deciding on a Royal Consort is of utmost importance!”

Eric clenched his fist and continued to speak with conviction.

“Currently, there are no young, direct Imperial family members in the Carmen Empire. Only Your Majesty has inherited the blood of the previous Emperor. Now that the Great War has concluded and the Empire has entered a period of relative stability, the territory of Alheim is important, but the continuation of the direct Imperial family line is even more crucial.”

After the Imperial family’s decimation, the only remaining direct Imperial family member was Urielle.

The First Princess Serena was still alive, but she had taken a vow of chastity by joining the Gaia Order [a religious order], thereby renouncing her rights as an Imperial family member.

It was unthinkable, but if Urielle were to suddenly die, the Carmen Empire would descend into utter chaos.

Therefore, they needed to increase the number of Imperial family members as quickly as possible.

“That’s true, but… we can’t simply choose a Royal Consort overnight.”

“Candidates have already been prepared. They are individuals who could be ready for a wedding as early as tomorrow, should Your Majesty give the order.”

“So quickly…?”

Yuri blinked in surprise as she gazed at the list before her.

It was quite extensive, suggesting it hadn’t been compiled in just a day or two.

Eric genuinely believed this matter was of paramount importance.

‘Eric’s words aren’t wrong. Besides, the fact that there are so many men who are willing to marry me tomorrow… is understandable.’

Upon reflection, it was quite obvious.

Now that the formidable enemy Alheim had been vanquished, the Carmen Empire was poised to become stronger than ever.

From Empress Urielle, who possessed the strength of a Sword Master, to the Ancient and Modern Greatest Swordsman, the hero Rael, who was closely affiliated with the Empire.

Even the close relationship between the hero and the Empress was widely known among the nobles.

At least until Empress Urielle and Rael passed away, the Empire would remain unshaken.

Therefore, they must be eager to align themselves with the Imperial family now.

“If there is anyone who catches your eye, you can indicate your preference. If you so desire, you could even bring them in as male concubines…”

“Ma, ma, male concubines…?”

Yuri’s eyes darted around in astonishment.

It was common for the Emperor to have concubines.

But, but it was difficult to imagine herself in that role.

“Of course, the most pressing matter is a swift marriage. Securing an heir as soon as possible is essential for the prosperity of the Carmen Empire, Your Majesty.”

Seeing Eric bowing his head in earnest, Yuri had no choice but to scan the list.

The individuals listed in the documents were all scions of prominent families whose names she recognized.

Amidst the letters detailing their strengths and the prestige of their families, Yuri instinctively searched for a particular name, turning the pages one by one.

But even after passing the halfway point, that name remained elusive.

‘Is it at the end because he’s a commoner? No… that can’t be.’

Rael was the Ancient and Modern Greatest Swordsman and the hero of the Order.

Status distinctions like nobles or commoners were no longer relevant to him.

Finally, after scrutinizing the last page, Urielle cautiously inquired of Eric.

“…The, the hero Rael is not listed?”

“Are you referring to Sir Rael? Ah, if you wish, I will certainly seek his opinion. I had always considered Sir Rael to be Your Majesty’s knight, so… I was unaware that you had Sir Rael in mind. It is my oversight.”

“I, I didn’t have him in mind! He’s my husband, so I just thought of someone I wanted… no! Someone I thought was suitable as the Emperor’s husband!”

Yuri nodded, trying to convince herself.

Before she realized it, the tension in her fingers, which had been gripping the throne as if to break it, had dissipated, leaving them limp.

‘I can’t believe it…’

Lane, who had fought alongside Yuri on the battlefield, widened his eyes in disbelief.

From the Empress who smiled as she cut down demons and cursed other countries at the national affairs meeting, he could now see a girl-like vulnerability.

‘Rael, what on earth did you do?’

Lane quietly lowered his head.

He had briefly considered adding his name to that list, but he would never get involved in such matters in the future…

*

The next day.

The Empire’s national affairs meeting continued.

“These sons of b*tches! I’m going to kill them all! I’m just going to push them all away! Aaaargh!”

“Your Majesty! Please, be patient!”

And Yuri was even more furious than before.

It was the Emperor’s position that had transformed her so drastically in just a week or so.

She could now somewhat understand why her father, the previous Emperor, had succumbed to alcohol and lavish parties.

‘No, there’s no need to be stressed, right? I can just push them all away.’

Yuri, who had almost empathized with her father for a moment, shook her head in disapproval.

Her father was a disgrace and an idiot.

Wouldn’t it be more advantageous to attack other countries than to squander national taxes on alcohol and pleasure?

That way, she could also replenish the insufficient national treasury!

Yuri’s suppressed murderous intent was beginning to bloom.

It had been a week and two days since the Great War had ended.

“Your Majesty, a guest has arrived.”

“What bastard is trying to disrupt the meeting! Don’t tell me another alliance has been forged in some dog-like place…!”

As Yuri glared and turned her head, she saw Rael standing there.

“Um… did I interrupt? Isabel said it was okay to just come, so I stopped by.”

“Oh my, Mr. Rael. That can’t be. Hehet.”

“…?”

The nobles participating in the national affairs meeting froze at the Empress’s sudden change in tone.

At that moment, everyone in the room knew who the Empress desired as the Royal Consort.

‘I should give up on trying to get my son in…’

‘It might be wiser to cultivate a closer relationship with the hero instead.’

The nobles quickly reassessed their strategies.

The Carmen Empire’s Empress reverted to being the Second Princess Urielle in the presence of the hero.

For their own safety, the hero had to assume the position of Royal Consort.

“Still, it seemed like the meeting was in full swing, so I feel like I ruined the atmosphere…”

“It’s perfectly fine. The meeting is over anyway.”

“Yes? But until just now, the meeting was…”

Before Rael could finish his sentence, the nobles rose to their feet in a flurry.

“No! Hero! The meeting is adjourned!”

“That’s right! Whew! You truly arrived at the opportune moment!”

The nobles began to vacate their seats and leave the meeting room as if they had rehearsed the scene beforehand.

It was a perfectly coordinated movement, reminiscent of recruits fresh out of basic training, brimming with military discipline.

“I didn’t see anything. Nothing…”

“Rael, good luck.”

“…Eric Uncle? Commander Lane?”

“Until she became the Empress, she was such a beautiful girl, like a delicate flower…”

Eric and Lane, who had been seated at the head table, also drooped their shoulders and exited the room.

Rael stared blankly at them, then tilted his head in confusion and stepped inside.

“Mr. Rael, it’s been a while. I truly missed you.”

“Sir Rael, have you been well?”

Yuri was sitting in the now-quiet meeting room, with Isabel standing attentively behind her.

“I missed you too. Isabel, hello to you as well.”

Rael took a seat and continued.

“Ms. Yuri, now that the war is over and you’ve become the true Emperor, please feel comfortable with me, as you would with other nobles. It’s making me unnecessarily nervous.”

“How could I possibly do that to Mr. Rael? I owe my current position to you.”

“Hey, Ms. Yuri would have become the Emperor even if I hadn’t been there.”

“Even if that’s the case, the gratitude I feel is genuine.”

Yuri placed her hand on her chest with a gentle smile.

She owed Rael an unpayable debt.

And Yuri firmly believed that this feeling was not a lie.

“Thank you, Ms. Yuri.”

“That’s right. Sir Rael is the one who made the current Yuriell Your Majesty. I am also grateful.”

“Thank you, Isabel.”

Rael nodded, accepting the tea that Isabel offered him.

Her personality, which remained unchanged even after Yuri’s ascension to the throne, was still admirable.

‘They said Ms. Yuri has changed a lot… but she seems the same to me?’

Commander Lane and those guys from Begguss claimed that Ms. Yuri had become intimidating.

But it didn’t seem that way at all.

‘Well, maybe they’re mistaken sometimes.’

Rael lifted his teacup, dismissing the thought.