The Bastard Swordsman Of The Imperial Guard [EN]: Chapter 26

Silver Cross Knights

Felix wiped the sweat from his glistening forehead, practicing an awkward smile.

He was waiting for a very important person.

For a simple bishop like him, an event that might happen once in a lifetime had occurred.

‘The Silver Cross Knights… It’s like a dream.’

The Silver Cross Knights.

The Gaia Order’s Silver Cross Knights were one of the strongest knight orders, considered on par with the Carmen Empire’s Carmen Knights.

Such esteemed individuals were visiting the 4th District and even sending a knight to the branch.

Because of that, Felix had been nervous since morning, his legs trembling.

‘Finally, my sincerity has been recognized!’

Felix sincerely believed this.

How many commoners had been saved thanks to him!

They must have recognized his hard work in spreading the word of God for meager pay.

This was an opportunity he couldn’t miss.

An opportunity to rise to the Archbishop…!

‘I must make a good impression no matter what.’

There was even a parade scheduled for the knights today.

He couldn’t imagine how much money he could make selling soul purification charms using that as an excuse.

Thud- Thud-

The heavy footsteps from outside made Felix’s heart race.

Along with the footsteps, the clanging of armor sounded like the fanfare of success.

Click.

Felix lit the prepared candles and turned off the glowing stones illuminating the room.

The candlelight shining in the darkness created a sacred and holy atmosphere.

It was a signature technique that had raised the insignificant Felix to the position of bishop, and a reliable method that made him appear a sincere priest whenever needed.

Creak-

As the branch priest opened the door, paladins in plate armor entered the room.

Felix made the sign of the Gaia Order and greeted them politely.

“Welcome. Warriors of the Gaia Order.”

“May Gaia’s peace be with you.”

Marco, representing the knights, returned the greeting to the bishop and looked around.

He couldn’t understand why the curtains were drawn and only one candle was lit in broad daylight.

“Ah, I apologize. I was praying to Gaia and lost track of time before the paladin’s visit.”

“Isn’t it a rule to pray in the prayer room?”

“…That’s true, but I couldn’t bring myself to go to the prayer room because of the faith welling up in my heart.”

“I see. Be careful next time. And the room is too dark.”

Marco didn’t dwell on Felix’s words and sat down.

“Ah, yes. I’ll turn on the lights right away.”

Felix extinguished the candles with a regretful look and activated the glowing stone magic tool.

Plan A didn’t work, but it was okay.

He had 17 plans prepared to impress the knights.

Only one had failed so far…

[A demon! A demon has appeared!!]

As Felix was preparing the next plan, a frantic voice started shouting outside.

“…Priest Rohan. What’s the commotion outside?”

Felix glanced at the priest who had guided the paladins.

It was a signal to remove the crazy person immediately.

But before Priest Rohan could move, Marco stood up.

“They say a demon has appeared. I’ll go check it out.”

“M-Marco! That guy is a well-known madman in the 4th District… No, he’s insane! You don’t have to concern yourself with him!”

Felix grabbed Marco’s arm without thinking.

He felt that if he missed this opportunity, he would never become an archbishop.

[Demon! It’s a demon! A demon has appeared!!!!]

Marco frowned at the repeated shouting.

He looked down at Felix’s bald head and said.

“If you lie in front of me, I will cut you down in the name of God.”

“U-Ugh…”

The words sounded as if he would cut Felix down right then and there, so Felix had no choice but to release Marco’s arm.

Thud- Thud-

Marco immediately turned around and headed outside.

The paladins followed him, and Felix belatedly chased after them.

When they came outside, Marco was already confronting the madman.

“…Did you just say a demon appeared?”

Marco scanned Rael up and down.

He looked like an ordinary swordsman, but strangely, he couldn’t properly gauge his strength.

“A demon has appeared in the 3rd District. It’s an emergency.”

Rael continued, looking at Marco.

Marco was already focused on him after hearing that a demon had appeared.

“You villain! How dare you cause a disturbance in the Gaia Order!”

“Rael’s words are true…! I guarantee it!”

“What does a mere lower priest’s guarantee mean…!”

Thump-

A battle-axe as big as his body fell to the floor from Marco’s back.

Felix, who had been scolding Cecilia, was startled and hid behind the priest guarding the front gate.

“You are now in front of the Silver Cross Knights. If you lie, I can cut off your head in the name of God. I’ll ask again. Did a demon really appear in the capital?”

Marco spoke, looking at Rael.

He didn’t really intend to cut off his head, but he had to make this much of a threat to prevent any nonsense.

“…It really appeared. I don’t know the exact location yet, but it’s somewhere in the underworld of the 3rd District. This is the proof.”

Rael took out a demon’s horn from his pocket and handed it to Marco.

“This is…”

Marco frowned as he grabbed the horn.

Having fought demons his whole life, Marco could tell.

This horn had been cut from a demon that hadn’t been dead for long.

“Did you cut it down?”

“Yes.”

“If you cut it down yourself, draw your sword.”

Rael immediately drew his sword.

He had wiped it off a few times, but there was still a little purple blood left.

Marco ran his finger along the side of the sword.

‘It hasn’t even been an hour.’

After checking the viscosity of the blood, Marco made the sign of the cross, looking at Rael.

“I’m sorry for doubting you. May Gaia’s peace be with you.”

“It’s okay.”

Rael made the sign of the cross and received the greeting unique to the Order’s paladins.

Rael, who came from an orphanage, had to show proper respect as a lay member of the Order.

“The parade is canceled. The Silver Cross Knights will now hunt down the demon.”

Marco turned his head and looked at Felix.

Felix widened his eyes at the words that the parade was canceled.

“Yes? Yes?! Th-That can’t be. The donations and the sale of soul purification charms, no. The expectations of the believers…”

“Bishop. A demon has appeared in the capital. Do you want me to repeat myself?”

“U-Ugh… It’s not that…”

Felix shrank like an octopus retreating between rocks.

Seeing that, Rael smiled contentedly.

‘Serves you right, you octopus head.’

It was fortunate that Rael knew someone.

Now that he had reported the demon, he could slip away like this…

“What’s your name?”

At that moment, Marco spoke to Rael.

Rael felt uneasy for some reason and answered.

“…Rael.”

“Lead the way.”

“Yes?”

“Certainly, that horn was indeed cut down by you just now. But that doesn’t prove that there are other demons.”

“I heard testimony from those who cooperated with the demons that another demon had infiltrated the underworld of the 3rd District. They have been captured by the outer guard, so you can hear their testimony.”

Rael had prepared perfectly, knowing this would happen.

There were many witnesses. Even if the demon had already escaped, the fault lies with the witnesses, not Rael.

“Well done. Then, you will lead the way to the outer guard. After hearing the testimony, we will accompany you to the places you expect.”

“…”

Thud-

Marco slung the huge battle-axe on his back.

It probably looked heavier than Rael’s body.

“Lead the way. Rael. If there are no demons, I will cut off your head instead.”

…What kind of bastard is this?

Rael thought, looking at Marco’s calm expression.

*

“Priest Cecilia. Is this the usual atmosphere of the Order? Isn’t our job done when we report that there is a demon? Why are you passing the buck?”

“…I’m sorry. Rael.”

Cecilia had nothing to say to Rael’s words and lowered her head.

She loved the Order and the God of Gaia, but sometimes there were people who prioritized faith over people.

“Haa. Besides, threatening to kill me. Cecilia. Please take care of the orphanage if I die.”

“D-Don’t say that! If there are no demons… I’ll try to stop Marco no matter what!”

“Aren’t you a lower priest? How can you stop the commander of the Silver Cross Knights?”

“Ugh…”

Rael teased Cecilia and walked towards the outer guard.

Well, he wasn’t really scared.

Originally, Marco would go crazy just by hearing the word demon.

Even if he threatened like that, he wouldn’t cut off his head even if there were no demons.

‘But why did the Silver Cross Knights come all the way to the 4th District? The paladin said earlier that he was being dispatched… Why does such a place need a paladin?’

Of course, dispatching paladins to branches was common, but that was only up to the 3rd District. He had never heard of dispatching paladins to the 4th District’s branch.

Rael turned his head and looked at the paladins following him.

In fact, being a paladin was quite a great job.

Unlike knights who only needed to be strong, paladins had to be strong and have faith.

‘Come to think of it, I wonder what he’s doing these days.’

Rael recalled his memories from when he was 10 years old.

When the children of the orphanage turned 10, they went to the Order to check their talent for holy magic.

Rael was naturally rejected as soon as he entered the Order.

‘Actually, I should doubt the existence of God from the fact that I was rejected.’

And the year after Rael was rejected.

The most troublemaking guy in the orphanage was recognized for his talent for holy magic.

Rael’s faith in Gaia disappeared from then on.

‘He said he was studying to become a paladin.’

He was thinking of looking him up sometime if he ever had to go to the Order’s headquarters.

His name was definitely…

“Carlson. Are you really from here?”

That’s right. Carlson. It was Carlson…

Huh?

“Yes. Haha, I wanted to work in the 4th District because I have fond memories from that time!”

“You’re a really unique guy. Still, I’m glad Marco allowed it.”

Rael was startled and turned his head.

A blonde man with a cheerful demeanor was among the paladins.

Recognizing a somewhat familiar face, Rael approached him.

“Carlson? Is that paladin’s name Carlson?”

“Yes. I’m Carlson. What’s the matter?”

“24 years old. From the 4th District’s orphanage?”

“Oh? That’s right. Do you happen to know me?”

…It’s really Carlson.

Rael covered his face with his hand, looking at Carlson, who had become even more frivolous than when he was 9 years old.

“Carlson. Can’t you recognize me? Do you want to die?”

“Uh… Uh, uh?! That rude tone! Is that really Rael, hyungnim [older brother/friend] ?!”

Carlson widened his eyes.

He had heard the name Rael earlier, but he couldn’t imagine that it was really Rael.

“You bastard, who recognizes people by their rude tone?”

“Rael, hyungnim! I never thought I’d meet you here! I thought hyungnim would have already gone to a great place!”

Carlson smiled brightly and approached Rael.

“I never imagined you’d be here either… Did you join the Silver Cross Knights?”

“Haha, it’s all thanks to hyungnim. You taught me how to handle mana since I was young. That helped me handle divine power.”

“…Really? I just told you roughly so you wouldn’t bother me.”

“Hey. Don’t joke around, hyungnim.”

“…”

Rael walked and talked with Carlson.

Fortunately, Marco wasn’t that picky except when it came to killing demons, so he seemed to allow this much.

“Carlson. You’re still an idiot.”

“Hyungnim’s tone is still the same. Wow. By the way, is spring finally coming to hyungnim? Your girlfriend is so beautiful?”

“…You crazy bastard, can’t you see she’s wearing a priest’s robe?”

“I-It’s nice to meet you. I’m Cecilia, a lower priest.”

Cecilia greeted Carlson, and Rael sighed.

Carlson, whom he had met after a long time, seemed to be even more of a troublemaker than when he was 9 years old.

“Ah. I’m sorry. I thought she was hyungnim’s type… Since hyungnim hated the Order so much, I thought you dressed her in a priest’s robe… Aaaagh!”

Rael hit the back of Carlson’s head and looked at Cecilia.

Fortunately, Cecilia blinked as if she didn’t understand what he was saying, and smiled when she met Rael’s eyes.

After giving an awkward smile, Rael turned his head.

‘I shouldn’t meet this Carlson as much as possible.’

The connection he had built with the future saintess might be broken.

It seems better for his well-being to pretend not to know him once this is over.

‘…Still, it doesn’t feel bad.’

Rael smiled and thought.

It was the first welcome feeling he had felt in this world.

Should he say that he has a reason to protect the orphanage?

Honestly, it felt good.

“I’m sorry. Hyungnim. I didn’t think she was a real priest…”

“It’s okay, so let’s go to the orphanage together when this is over. Teacher Sarah and Sister Rayzel are still there.”

“Wow, really? That’s great! I especially missed Teacher Sarah when I was in the Order.”

“She’s worried about the wrinkles around her eyes these days, so don’t talk about that.”

As he talked with Carlson, they quickly arrived at the outer guard.

Rael called out to the guard at the front gate.

“Captain Rael!”

“Oh, you’ve worked hard. Can you bring those guys I asked you to take care of earlier?”

The outer guard was startled by the sudden influx of paladins and quickly went inside.

After a while, the guards and thugs Rael had saved came out.

The thugs, whom he had seen in a few hours, seemed intimidated by the paladins.

“C-Captain. Who are these people…?”

“Testify about the demons you saw.”

Rael glanced at the paladins behind him and whispered to the thugs.

“This is sincere advice. Do you see the battle-axe that the big guy is holding? If you don’t want to die, quickly convey the key points.”

“A-Alright! The demons are based in the Zenon Guild in the 3rd District…”

Rael took a step back, watching the thugs testify to Marco as if they were confessing.

And whispered to Cecilia.

“Priest Cecilia. Do you think I can run away now without being noticed?”

“I don’t think that’s a good idea… Rael.”

“Tch. Too bad.”

Rael licked his lips and waited for the testimony to end.

*

Thud- Thud-

On the main street of the 3rd District, dozens of paladins marched in formation.

Everyone who passed by was startled and moved out of the way, so they must have looked very intimidating.

‘Even if they’re paladins, is it okay to go like this?’

The paladins’ destination was the Zenon Guild.

It was the place that dominated the underworld of the 3rd District.

Rael walked along with the paladins and spoke to Carlson next to him.

“Carlson. Is it okay to go so openly? The demons will all run away.”

“Yes? Run away?”

“…If an opponent you can’t beat comes, you have to run away. The demons aren’t idiots.”

Actually, he didn’t understand.

If Rael was a paladin, he would have divided the group and surrounded the Zenon Guild on all sides, blocking the escape routes.

“Ah. This is your first time seeing the commander, right? Rael. You don’t have to worry.”

Clang-

At that moment, Marco, who was walking at the front, stopped.

He stared intently at the alley on the right.

He felt a familiar energy from within.

“Marco… goes crazy when he sees demons.”

At the same time as Carlson’s words, Marco shouted, raising his battle-axe high into the sky.

“I have found the place where the demons are! In the name of Gaia!”

At the same time, light began to emanate from Marco’s body.

It was an enormous amount of divine power.

The light that spread around flowed into the paladins.

“T-That’s an amazing power of blessing. I feel strength surging from my body.”

Seeing Cecilia’s reaction to the light, it seemed to be a kind of blessing.

Rael carefully put his hand on the light.

‘…Is it like a domain?’

It was similar to what he had felt in the domain of the Thousand Slaughter Sword Lord.

However, it was definitely weaker compared to that.

Perhaps Marco was a paladin, so it could be expressed as a holy domain.

“That’s really amazing?! Is this the power of the Silver Cross Knights!”

Rael also clenched his fist tightly, shouting as he touched the light.

Of course, Rael didn’t feel anything.

He was just pretending to be surprised, but suddenly Marco, who was at the front, shouted again.

“Exterminate the demons! In the name of Gaia!”

Bang- Bang-

Marco, wearing plate armor, started running.

It was amazing that he could run so fast while wearing such heavy armor.

“In the name of Gaia!!!!”

The other paladins also started running after him, and even the frivolous Carlson ran.

Thud- Thud- Thud- Thud-

Every time dozens of men in plate armor ran, vibrations echoed on the ground.

Rael blinked behind them.

“Rael. Let’s follow them too!”

“Ah, yes.”

Even Cecilia was running incredibly fast thanks to the blessing.

Rael sighed and pulled up the mana in his body.

Seeing the situation, it seemed that only he, who couldn’t receive the blessing, would suffer.

Kwaaaang-!

About a few minutes after Rael was running in step with Cecilia, a roar erupted from the front.

Marco, who was at the front far away, was slamming his battle-axe in front of a building.

“May Gaia’s peace be with you!”

Puh-ung-!

The building, which had been hit about three times by the huge battle-axe covered in divine power, collapsed like a sandcastle.

Rael chuckled at the sight.

“…Are those guys really paladins? Or are they barbarians?”

As expected, the Order is definitely full of crazy people.