Illusion Sword Master - Illusion Sword Master chapter 49

＜ Southern Frenzy (1) ﹥

The Southern Army’s command center was vastly different from any other command center I had seen before.

It wasn’t a space where one’s will was decided amidst intense anxiety and shouts, but rather a scene reminiscent of a banquet hall.

Beautiful women in thin clothing served wine and food, and there was a lavish feast. The faces of those who were drunk and engaging in sword fights were red.

The difference was that unlike a banquet hall, there was no sign of fatigue on the faces of the people here. Each and every one of them was armed with armor and swords, exuding a sharp aura.

“They’re all knights. And very skilled ones at that.”

As I entered, they all turned their attention to me.

Receiving the hostility of dozens of elite knights was not a pleasant experience at all.

“Welcome to the South, Inspector Edan.”

Among them, a large man sitting on a magnificent chair that resembled a throne said.

It was Wilhelm, the Second Imperial Prince of the Empire.

“May the Empire prosper. Inspector Edan, it’s an honor to meet Your Highness.”

I discreetly observed his appearance.

‘He’s indeed a master.’

He was truly a peerless warrior. His aura alone was enough to set him apart from other knights.

Even though he didn’t seem to be using his magic, a thin layer of mana covered his body like a veil.

While the First Imperial Prince had built a huge faction by using his political power to appease other powerful figures and win over some of the Western and Central factions, the Second Imperial Prince had dominated the South with his overwhelming charisma and become the Empire’s largest single military faction.

“I saw you at Viscount Deimbert’s mansion before. I’ve been keeping an eye on you since then. You’ve grown a lot in just a few years.”

“I’m sorry about that incident. If I had been more wise, I could have resolved it more smoothly.”

I was being sincere. Back then, I was already caught up with the Third Imperial Prince and Roland Duo, but if I had handled things well, I might have been better off than I am now.

“What’s there to be sorry about? We had a duel and he lost. I don’t need to hold a grudge.”

The Emperor’s expression was calm, but his gaze was piercing.

“This time, there was no grudge either. We were ambushed by demons, weren’t we?”

“Yes, that’s right. But thanks to Vermouth’s efforts, we were able to return safely.”

“Don’t pretend you don’t know. I’ve already heard the story from Vermouth. Tsk, you’re really something. You’re so reckless, it’s pitiful.”

The Emperor looked at the knights with a disappointed expression. Vermouth’s face turned red as he hung his head in shame.

“As a knight, you should just focus on fighting well, but you went and got humiliated. You’re pathetic. Isn’t that right?”

The Emperor’s tone didn’t require a response, so they remained silent. As expected, the Emperor continued.

“You’re also ashamed, aren’t you? Your face is half-hidden. Let’s just forget about it and move on.”

He added with a sly smile.

“If you have any complaints, feel free to draw your sword. I’ve heard your swordsmanship is quite impressive.”

My response was already decided, regardless of any complaints.

“Vermouth doesn’t think it’s a problem either. I know I’m a guest, so I won’t overstay my welcome.”

Avoiding the Orcs and fighting the Swordmaster? It’s not like I had any complaints to begin with. Moreover, with dozens of knights staring at me, I couldn’t exactly speak my mind.

However, the Emperor, who had heard the whole story from Vermouth, didn’t know that his servant’s exhausted face was due to being tortured by the Edan Ryu River’s brutal interrogation methods.

“Ha, I guess he’s too ashamed to say it.”

The Emperor leaned forward, his eyes gleaming with intensity.

“You’re a guest, a perfect fit. So, what brings you to the southern front, uninvited?”

His aura was intimidating, making it hard to breathe.

“I came to assess the situation on the southern front. Now is the time for the Empire to reunite. We must share information and work together to maintain the Empire’s peace.”

I recited my prepared speech calmly.

But this was only the Emperor’s goal.

My goal was different.

“You’re not going to give me any tasks anyway. I’ll just take a break here and then leave. Can you just let me be for a while?”

I hate the west, I hate the Orcs, and I hate working.

That’s why I came to the southern front.

“The Empire will only be united when I become the Emperor. Until then, the southern front can handle its own affairs.”

So, even if the Emperor rejected me firmly, it didn’t affect me much.

He didn’t seem to value my words at all, quickly changing the subject.

“Let’s forget about the boring talk. I heard from Vermouth that you felt a thrill in battle. You fought like a beast.”

Was Vermouth’s exaggerated report of my battle skills being referred to?

With the Emperor in front of me, I was torn between affirming, “Yes, I’m a madman,” or denying, “No, I was just acting.”

“I’ve never thought about how others see me when I fight.”

“Haha! That’s right. The key to battle is victory. Worrying about appearances is what the imperial court’s bureaucrats do.”

But it seemed like the Emperor’s words had struck a chord.

“Why don’t you quit being an inspector and serve me instead? The southern front’s great forest has battles that will satisfy you every day. Warriors are always in short supply.”

The Emperor’s eyes gleamed with desire as he asked.

“You can spend half the day cutting down demons and the other half drinking and building camaraderie with your comrades. Doesn’t that sound good?”

What, then, about sleeping?

Just listening to it made my hair stand on end, and it sounded awful.

I came here because I didn’t want to fight, but it seems I can’t avoid it.

The imperial family is originally unable to control others, so they’re always anxious. Although the three princes of the empire each had different personalities, they shared one thing in common – they were all extremely arrogant.

“I’ve already pledged my loyalty to the empire. I cannot serve the prince privately.”

“Hmph. Anyway, it’s not Benedict who’ll become the emperor, but me. I’ll soon become the empire, so the order doesn’t matter, does it?”

“I apologize. I’ll deeply remember the honor of being recognized by Your Highness.”

“You’re as stubborn and stiff as Dietrich. Are you trying to emulate your lord?”

He suddenly turned stern after criticizing the first and third princes.

The second prince’s mana is suppressing my body.

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“You think you can ignore me and still hold the position of inspector, meddling in the southern region? Do you think I’ll permit that?”

Oh no, that’s absolutely not possible.

Then, I should do my job properly.

For now, I won’t reveal my true feelings and will speak like an inspector.

“I think it’s a collaboration for the empire’s peace, not espionage. I’ll do my best to help within my abilities.”

“Don’t spout nonsense. The southern region doesn’t need external help. If you dare to defy me on my land, I might behead you and send you to the imperial capital.”

My opponent is a swordmaster and, excluding the emperor who’s bedridden, no one in the empire can surpass him.

“I know you won’t do that.”

“Hah, do you think I fear other princes?”

The second prince appears to be hot-tempered and capricious, but he’s not a crazy person.

If he were to behead an inspector just because they defied him, the empire would have already fallen into chaos with the first and second princes fighting each other.

This is just a test to intimidate me.

He’s trying to see how I’ll react.

“No, I know Your Highness doesn’t fear anything in the world.”

Still, I’m scared, so I added some flattery to avoid offending the second prince’s feelings.

“I believe you’re a fair and just person. Even if you don’t like it, you won’t behead a loyal subject who wants to work for the empire’s sake. I’m convinced that you’re the one who cares about the empire more than anyone else.”

The basics of flattery are sincerity and modesty.

It’s not a flattery that tries to curry favor, but rather a genuine one that doesn’t show off.

My external reputation of not being a smooth talker will have a greater effect if I combine it with this.

“Why do you think that?”

The second prince still had a stern expression, but my words seemed to have pleased him, and his atmosphere relaxed a bit.

“I’ve also decided to dedicate my life to the empire, wielding my sword on the battlefield. Although I’m a mage, not a knight, I respect Your Highness’s stories of bravery and magical prowess, which support the empire.”

I added a few more words.

“The fact that Your Highness protects the empire on the battlefield cannot be fabricated by someone’s false testimony or hidden by someone’s slander.”

The second prince seemed satisfied with my answer and withdrew the killing intent he had been emitting.

“I see. I’m generous to talented people. I won’t kill someone who can work for me. However, those western guys who are under Benedict’s wing think highly of you. If they get the chance, they’ll try to hinder us, so I might keep you here as a hostage.”

The second prince’s words sounded like a threat, but to me, they were incredibly sweet.

“Would it be okay if you did that? I’d be really grateful.”

A hostage? That’s exactly what I wanted.

I won’t have to go to the west, and I can just stay somewhere, read books, and eat well, right?

“If that’s Your Highness’s intention, I’ll gladly follow.”

“Ha. Really?”

“Yes. The Third Prince also instructed me to seek the Second Princes help. If that is the task the Prince has assigned to me, I will gladly comply.”

I had a mind to ask for a favor.

I gazed at the Second Prince with sincerity.

“Tch. You’re not one to joke around.”

With a disappointed expression, he relaxed his posture and leaned back, supporting his chin.

“Was that a joke? Geez, nice try.”

The Second Prince smiled wryly and spoke.

“Although your boldness is intriguing, I have no interest in someone who isn’t mine. You have a task to complete, so wrap it up neatly and leave the southern region quickly.”

Whew.

I let out a sigh of relief inwardly.

“From his attitude, it doesn’t seem like a big deal.”

The biggest obstacle in my southern journey, the encounter with the Second Prince, was going according to plan.

I would stall for time, handle things accordingly, and return at the right moment.

Everything was perfect.

“What should I do?”

“Go to the Third Knight Regiment. There, a loyal subject of mine wants to see you. The one who was negligent in his duty and tarnished the territory’s treasure, upon hearing that you’re coming, has requested to meet you beforehand.”

Even though he didn’t mention the name, I had a feeling who it was.

“It must be Minka.”

It was a good thing.

I had a side goal to meet Minka during my southern journey, so I could resolve it quickly and return.

“One more request, Your Highness.”

“What is it?”

“Since the southern front’s terrain and situation haven’t been shared, could you assign Vermouth as a guide?”

“Very well.”

It wasn’t a bad idea to have Vermouth keep an eye on things from his position. The Second Prince responded without hesitation.

“Hurray!”

Vermouth, who was standing in the corner, exclaimed. If there were no onlookers, he would have screamed.

I gave him a sly smile.

Vermouth, you’re mine!

#

The Third Knight Regiment, where Minka was, was located deep within the southern region’s vast forest.

The road was difficult for carriages to pass through, so I, Ollek, and Vermouth, who became our guide again, had to travel on foot.

The vast, endless tropical forest was densely packed with tall and short trees, and undergrowth that reached our waists. We had to clear the undergrowth with our swords to create a path.

Of course, this was Vermouth’s job.

“Hmm, I did well in bringing him along.”

I had brought Vermouth along not only to punish him but also because I calculated that having him by my side, already tamed, would be better than having other knights who might oppose me.

“…Be careful of venomous insects or snakes that might be around. Don’t be careless and get bitten; it’s not my responsibility.”

Perhaps because he had once tried to deceive me and got punished, Vermouth was more diligent in his role this time.

“He’s quite useful if he doesn’t get too cocky.”

He was familiar with the terrain, able to guide us to where the demons were, and had good physical strength as a knight.

It’s okay to be a bit foolish, but if you try to deceive me, it’ll be exposed right away, so it’s better to be honest.

“But, despite being on the right path, it seems like the management is really lacking.”

I suddenly asked a question, and Bermuda’s face contorted as if he had been insulted.

“It’s not like we’re doing it regularly, you know. The Southern Great Forest is a disaster in itself. We’re just barely managing to clear the monsters that appear on the path, making it possible for us to pass through.”

He nervously cut down a tree and stood still. Within a minute, the cut surface began to regenerate.

“It’s clear… that the situation has worsened due to factors like this.”

“That’s not all. There are poisonous insects and plants everywhere, and if you go deeper, the trees and vines will turn into monsters. Even knights have to risk their lives to get in.”

Bermuda passionately explained how harsh the environment was for the Southern knights.

“It seems like the wizards’ support is desperately needed.”

“How can we do that when the Imperial Prince and his followers are obstructing us? Even the wizards from the War Academy are all stuck on the other side, and capable wizards aren’t coming over.”

This was a clear example of how the conflict between the Imperial Prince faction and the Second Prince faction was having a negative impact.

“The personnel arrangement isn’t going well. On the other hand, there’s a lack of knights in the West.”

As emotions piled up like this, it was only natural that they couldn’t help but clash.

“That’s right. Thanks for the explanation. As a reward, I’ll treat you to a meal today.”

“Hey! Are you looking down on me? Don’t even think about treating me like a dog!”

He got angry. I just laughed it off.

“What’s there to do if you have complaints?”

Bermuda also knew that and briefly fell silent.

“But… aren’t you being a bit too concise?”

Bermuda precisely pointed out the issue.

As we got closer, I omitted the honorific language when speaking to him.

“Do you want to eat?”

“…No. Do as you please.”

It seemed like Bermuda had already accepted our superior-inferior relationship, so he only frowned but didn’t express his discontent.

As we continued our march.

“Fire warning! Southern Great Forest – Work in progress nearby”

A sign with this message appeared at regular intervals.

“Southern Great Forest, what a fitting name.”

Suddenly, a fire pillar rose in the distance, and a thick smoke billowed up.

“That’s crazy.”

It was clear whose doing it was at a glance.

“Inspector! Is that a fire over there?”

Ollec anxiously asked.

“Hmm, it’s not a fire. It’s an operation. The Southern Great Forest is burning down the forest to create a path. If you touch her flames, the regeneration will slow down significantly.”

Bermuda chimed in, scolding me. It seemed like he was trying to pick a fight with Ollec, who was relatively easy to handle.

“…Isn’t it you, Inspector, who almost fell into Bermuda’s trap? The Inspector showed mercy and gave you a chance, so you should be more humble.”

Ollec, who had been provoked by me, calmly retorted.

“Hey!”

This kind of verbal fight is a losing battle for the one who gets angry.

‘Olek 1 win’

When we approached the place where the flames had risen, Bermuth stopped in his tracks.

“From here on, let’s wait and see. If we’re not careful, we might get caught up in the flames too.”

“There’s no need for that.”

Mенка was already close enough to sense the mana.

I raised Black Thunder high into the air, enchanting it with fire magic.

At the same time, I sent a signal that I was here.

─ Whoosh!

A fierce flame erupted without warning, engulfing the bushes behind us.

“Whoa!”

“Inspector!”

Bermuth let out a cry of surprise, and Olek blocked my way, but the flames didn’t spread further and died down neatly.

The bushes that had been blocking our view suddenly turned black and withered, revealing a familiar face.

“Ethan!”

Mенка was beaming with joy.

I couldn’t smile like her.

With one eye covered.

And a single hook for a hand.

Mенка’s appearance was exactly like the wanted poster I had seen in the newspaper.

＜ Southern Flame Frenzy (1) ﹥ End