The Bastard Swordsman Of The Imperial Guard [EN]: Chapter 60

Who is the most nervous person in the imperial succession race?

The legitimate First Prince? Or the less likely First and Second Princesses?

No, it was the Second Prince.

Second Prince, Simon von Grandia.

He occupies what is known as an ambiguous position.

If you were to ask the nobles of the Empire to point a sword at one person who is likely to become the next Emperor, everyone would pick the First Prince.

In an empire that maintains its dynasty, legitimacy is that important.

Moreover, the fact that he was a prince was also a problem.

If he had been a princess, he might not have been so attached to the throne.

But as a prince, his fate was sealed.

Become Emperor, or die.

That was the history of the Karmen Empire.

“A party for the Grand Duke’s return? I’m really looking forward to it.”

“His Highness the Grand Duke will also learn of His Highness Simon’s majesty.”

“Haha, I don’t know the Grand Duke’s mind either. But… I have a feeling there will be good news.”

Therefore, the Second Prince clung even more to the nobles.

To maintain and grow his power, he had to work tirelessly on his own.

[The First Prince is entering.]

When the First Prince entered the party hall,

Simon felt the atmosphere of the entire party hall change.

‘Someday, I will take that seat.’

The First Prince was a thorn in Simon’s side.

Because many of the nobles who supported Simon were cautiously hedging their bets with the First Prince.

‘If I can just get the Grand Duke’s support.’

If he received the Grand Duke’s support, it would be possible to greatly narrow the gap with the First Prince.

The Empire’s only Duke, the Grand Duke, was a man in that powerful position.

[The Second Princess is entering.]

However, Simon’s thoughts were cut off there.

Because the unexpected entrance announcement of the Second Princess was heard.

“… Yuriel?”

Simon frowned as he looked at Yuriel.

He couldn’t immediately understand why she was entering last.

“The Second Princess is entering last?”

“If it’s the last entrance, isn’t that naturally representing the Grand Duke’s entrance?”

“That can’t be. It might just be the reverse order of arrival at the party hall. I heard the Second Princess arrived first.”

“Perhaps it was a consideration for the humble Second Princess.”

The nobles, who had nodded as if it were natural when the First Prince entered last, now seemed skeptical.

When you think about it, it was ridiculous, but surprisingly many nobles thought that way.

Most of the nobles in this party hall didn’t even care about the existence of the Second Princess.

A princess with no supporting nobles.

The only royal family member you shouldn’t bother talking to at a party.

That was the Second Princess’s position.

It was absurd to think that the Grand Duke, who had returned after more than 10 years, would support her.

However, it was inevitable that a strange atmosphere permeated the party.

‘This… won’t do. I have to be at the center of this party.’

Simon greeted the nobles lightly and stood up from his seat.

The First Prince alone is difficult enough to contend with; other variables should not arise.

“Loren, listen carefully. I’m going to talk to Yuriel…”

It was time to ‘guide’ his younger sister, whom he hadn’t seen in a long time.

*

Toc. Toc.

Yuriel didn’t care what the nobles were saying.

She sat in the corner of the party hall with a maid and a knight.

“Isabel, are you okay?”

“… Ahem. Yes, Yuriel-nim [term of respect]. I’m fine now.”

Isabel stood nervously next to Yuriel.

She was feeling ashamed as the exclusive maid who had to assist the princess.

‘Sir Rael, he’s a really scary man…’

She was briefly taken in by that man’s charming face.

She vowed never to be fooled by that face again.

‘As expected, the nobles don’t react much to this situation.’

Rael, who was standing behind Yuriel, looked around.

Even though the Second Princess was entering last, which should have been a major event, the reactions were lukewarm.

‘That’s how little influence she has built up until now.’

If the Grand Duke enters and speaks to Yuriel first, those gazes will change, but…

This ambiguous atmosphere was what Rael wanted.

“Yuriel-ssi [another term of respect]. Stay alert.”

“… Why?”

“I told you before, right? 9 out of 10 people are idiots. That means, conversely, you have to be careful of about 1 person.”

Rael closed his mouth as he saw the man approaching.

He had the same blonde hair and blue eyes as Yuriel.

‘A big shot is approaching.’

Rael took a step back as he saw the approaching First Prince.

In fact, proving the relationship between Yuriel and the Grand Duke is too easy.

You could simply appear with the Grand Duke’s escort from the beginning.

But, there is something to do before that.

The person Yuriel should not hide behind the Grand Duke’s shadow.

The nobles had to be left with the perception that the Second Princess Yuriel was no longer a pushover.

“Yuriel.”

The man smiled as he looked at his sister, whom he hadn’t seen in a long time.

“… Damian Orabeoni [term for older brother].”

Yuriel swallowed.

The First Prince, Damian von Grandia.

The man closest to the Emperor stood before her with a smile.

“You still have a strained expression. Life outside the Imperial Palace must be difficult.”

“Thank you for your concern. But, I can take care of my own affairs.”

Damian looked at Yuriel and raised the corners of his mouth.

His younger sister, whom he hadn’t seen in a long time, was different from before.

“Yuriel, it’s really amazing. Does that confidence come from the Grand Duke?”

“No, Damian Orabeoni. I am the Second Princess Yuriel. It is natural to have confidence as the future of the Empire.”

Yuriel met Damian’s eyes.

When was the last time she properly met his eyes?

She was feeling a strange pleasure in this situation.

“Yuriel, you’ve grown a lot since I last saw you in the Imperial Palace.”

At that time, another man’s voice was heard.

Yuriel turned her head to check the man and widened her eyes.

“Simon Orabeoni?”

The Second Prince.

Simon von Grandia.

The second prince approached.

“It feels like just yesterday that you would lower your head when you met my eyes, but you’ve already grown up like this; time really flies.”

He was narrowing his eyes as he looked at Yuriel.

He should have been the main focus of this party.

He had to create a power base to compete with the First Prince by being chosen by the Grand Duke.

Therefore, he didn’t like the Second Princess.

“To have confidence as the future of the Empire… It seems my sister has lost her sense of reality after leaving the Imperial Palace and spending leisurely time. His Majesty would have been angry if he saw it.”

“… Orabeoni, do not try to guess His Majesty’s intentions recklessly.”

Yuriel looked at Simon, who was openly scolding her, and answered.

As Rael said, she felt a little more comfortable thinking of him as foolish.

“Ha, really? Do you have the qualifications to carry His Majesty’s name when you don’t do anything as a princess?”

“…”

Yuriel stared intently at the Second Prince, who was suddenly pouring out malice.

His voice was low but clear, so other nobles also began to focus on this side.

Three of the four members of the imperial family participating in the succession race had gathered.

Other nobles naturally stopped talking, and the eyes of the entire party hall were focused on the Second Princess and the Second Prince.

“Simon, you’re being too harsh with your sister, whom you haven’t seen in a long time.”

“Hyungnim [term for older brother]. Yuriel and I are talking.”

Simon glared at the First Prince Damian.

He is different from that nice guy.

He had to show off his strength by any means.

And Yuriel will be the sacrifice.

‘What are you doing to the next Emperor?’

Rael, who was standing behind Yuriel, quietly watched the situation.

He was wondering if a moderately foolish noble would come, but the Second Prince, a big shot, was caught.

If a situation where he can intervene comes, he can make a proper impression this time.

‘What the hell? What confidence is that?’

Simon suppressed his annoyance and bit his lip.

He didn’t feel relieved even after pouring out harsh words to Yuriel.

Because she was still holding her head high.

‘How dare this girl… Is she really receiving the Grand Duke’s support?’

No, that can’t be.

If the Grand Duke really supports the Second Princess, he would have revealed his intentions right now.

Because he wouldn’t leave the princess he supports to be insulted like this.

Simon scanned Yuriel up and down.

There must be more to find fault with.

‘Come to think of it, who is that knight?’

It was a face he had never seen before, and he had never heard that Yuriel had a knight.

Even the Silver Cross Knights’ insignia was visible on his chest.

‘Silver Cross Knights…? They shouldn’t be able to get involved in politics.’

Simon finished his short deliberation.

He is a prince. He can ask if he has any questions.

“It’s really amazing that you serve Yuriel. Which family do you belong to?”

“I am sorry, Your Highness, but I am not a noble.”

“… What? Then is he the son of a knight?”

The children of knights are treated as quasi-nobles.

It was very unusual for a royal knight, but if he had outstanding talent, he could understand that much.

“Your Highness.”

“Loren? What’s going on?”

The answer to Simon’s question came not from Yuriel’s knight, but from Loren, the knight who assisted Simon.

Loren took a light bow and continued.

He was able to recognize the honorary knight insignia right away.

“That man is an honorary knight of the Silver Cross Knights who was appointed in decades. He is known as a commoner from District 4.”

“A commoner…?”

The Second Prince was speechless and trembled his lips.

And slowly scanned Rael.

His appearance wasn’t bad, but he certainly didn’t seem to have learned the etiquette of the nobles.

Even the way he stood felt undignified.

“Ha, for a royal family to bring a knight from a commoner background, I see the level.”

Simon smiled bitterly only then.

For a royal family to have a commoner knight? It’s absurd unless he’s a Sword Master.

“… Do not insult my knight, Orabeoni.”

“Yuriel, ‘insult’ is what I should say. It’s lacking, but you are also the future of the Empire. It means you have to protect your authority as a royal family member. Do you think it makes sense for such a person to have a commoner knight?”

“Orabeoni…!”

Yuriel glared at Simon and spoke before Simon could finish speaking.

Even if he is her brother, it is impolite to insult her personal knight like that.

Step.

But at that moment.

The knight behind Simon, Loren, took a step forward.

“Your Highness Yuriel, the Prince is still speaking.”

“…!”

At the same time as Loren’s words, the surrounding nobles held their breath.

For a knight to interrupt a princess, and not even a noble one?! This was an unimaginable rudeness.

However, the story was different if that knight was the Second Prince’s knight.

“…”

The nobles looked at the Second Prince and turned their eyes elsewhere.

It meant that they didn’t see that rudeness just now.

The Second Princess will fall out of the Emperor’s competition anyway.

It would be one thing if the First Prince spoke up. There is no need to create a bad image with the Second Prince now that he is staying still.

“Orabeoni, what is this…”

Just as Yuriel was about to point out this absurd rudeness,

“Ahem.”

Rael cleared his throat.

‘Sir Rael?’

Yuriel turned her head to look at her knight.

He was wearing the same smile as usual.

‘Perfect timing.’

Rael examined the surrounding reactions.

To commit such rudeness in a place where they are not alone and all the nobles are watching.

Just because he is the Second Prince’s knight doesn’t mean that such rudeness can be forgiven.

‘Does he think he’s on the Second Prince’s level? Or is he just stupid?’

Perhaps it was an order from the Second Prince.

The intention was not important.

The opportunity had come.

Rael finally took a step forward and opened his mouth.

“Sir Loren, it seems your head has hardened from your long life in the Knights.”

“… What?”

Loren had a dumbfounded expression.

It was already an insult to his pride that a knight from a commoner background dared to speak to him first.

“Do you even know who is in front of you right now?”

Clang-.

Rael glared at Loren with his hand on the sword hilt.

Putting your hand on the sword hilt meant that you could attack him at any time.

“Ra, Sir Rael?!”

Isabel, who had been standing still, was also surprised and looked at Rael.

However, Rael did not stop and continued to speak.

“The people in front of you are the Second Princess Yuriel, the future of the Empire, and the Second Prince Simon. How dare a mere knight interfere in the conversation between the future leaders of the Empire? You deserve to have your head cut off.”

It is absurd for Yuriel to point out the rudeness committed by the opposing knight.

That action itself is an act of undermining her authority as a princess, and there is a high possibility that it will be resolved by being suppressed by the Second Prince’s authority.

However, if Rael, the exclusive knight, raises it as an issue between knights, the story is different.

Rael did not take issue with Loren interrupting the Second Princess’s words.

He focused on the fact that he interrupted the Second Princess’s words while the two future leaders of the Empire were talking.

It is touching the authority of the royal family that Simon has been talking about until now.

Since he has said those words, Simon will not be able to defend Loren.

“You bastard! Do you know who I am and dare to…!”

“Loren!”

Simon looked at the knight with a dissatisfied expression.

He didn’t seem to have noticed, but from the moment that knight mentioned the future of the Empire, there was no way for Simon to win.

He had to make the best choice here.

“… Apologize to Yuriel.”

Crunch-

Simon gritted his teeth and ordered Loren.

He could step in and forcibly eliminate the situation, but that itself would not be good for his reputation.

Defending the knight here would make himself appear to insult the imperial family.

“… I apologize, Your Highness Yuriel.”

Loren immediately knelt down at Simon’s words.

It was an insult to his pride to kneel to a commoner knight.

Rael, who had watched the series of events, smiled and returned behind Yuriel.

Fortunately, Yuriel reacted quickly.

“I will forgive you. I hope that the knight will understand the intentions of his lord a little better. Please be more careful with your words next time. I am also sorry that our knight was so passionate.”

“… Yes, thank you for your forgiveness.”

Loren swallowed the bitter taste and lowered his head.

The Second Princess casually brushed off the rudeness to the knight.

Now that everything was over, he couldn’t make an issue of it anymore.

Only the pride of the Second Prince and Loren was wounded in this short conversation.

“Simon Orabeoni, I hope you have a good time.”

Yuriel greeted lightly and turned her body.

Her knight and maid also moved following her.

“Ra, Sir Rael, you were a properly crazy man! To think you would put your hand on the sword hilt at the party, do you know what that means?!”

Isabel, who came to the corner of the party hall, grabbed Rael and trembled her lips.

Putting your hand on the sword hilt means that you could attack at any time.

It was a situation where it wouldn’t be strange to have a duel right away.

“I was just warning the knight who was rude to the Second Princess of the Empire, Isabel. And if you’re going to use honorifics, do it properly. What is a ‘crazy man’?”

“… Ha. Where did such a man come from?”

Isabel shook her head as if she was dumbfounded, but she also smiled faintly.

That action just now was something that she, as an exclusive maid, could not do.

If it wasn’t for Rael, Yuriel would have been disgraced at the party.

‘It was right that you should befriend a crazy dog rather than make it your enemy.’

If the dog in the front house barks at everyone who passes by, it is a mad dog, but if it is in your yard, it becomes a loyal dog.

She didn’t want to admit it… but Isabel couldn’t deny that this man was quite cool.