Imperial Guard - Chapter 20



Only Noblemtl

Episode 20

Dangerous Molecule

The day after I met Tia.

Today too, Rael sat blankly in front of the special guard’s garden.

His mind was filled with the conversation he had with Tia yesterday.

‘The Demon King’s rampage. And the Thousand-Year Sword Master and the Dragon···.’

Why is the Demon King going berserk?

Why couldn’t the Thousand-Year Sword Master and the Dragon stop her?

These were the problems that had been bothering Rael since last night, but even thinking about it now, they were problems without answers.

‘My body is also a problem.’

Tia took a lot of Rael’s blood, saying she would do a detailed examination.

I don’t know how long the test will take, but Rael has no idea what the results will be.

‘The hero of the era is not me, but someone who goes to the academy···.’

Tia is acting so excited that Rael starts to feel strange for no reason.

It’s a thought that any man would have, like ‘Am I really the main character of the world?’

ha.

Rael shook his messy hair and stood up.

Unproductive thoughts had to be quickly shaken out.

“Ghent.”

“What’s going on, Rael?”

“Tia… That dragon. No matter how much I think about it, doesn’t it seem a little strange?”

Gossip is the best way to get rid of negative thoughts.

Because originally, badmouthing men was the most fun.

The goal is Tia, who has complicated her own head.

“You are the only one in the world who would say that about Tia, the only dragon left on the continent.”

Ghent listened to Rael’s words and focused on tending the garden.

Nature and the world were alive and breathing in this small garden.

He had to observe more of the beauty of this world.

“No, listen to me. You tried to dissect me.”

“What are you going to dissect, Rael?”

“··· It’s so frustrating, it’s so frustrating. These long-lived cartel bastards.”

I thought it was the end for elves and giants, but it seems the Jangseongjong cartel also includes dragons.

Even though he complained about the injustice, Rael was not listened to.

“Mr. Lael. Mr. Ghent. Good morning.”

At that moment, Yuri came out of the special guard building and greeted me.

She was wearing a dress that looked like something a medieval fantasy commoner would wear.

“Good morning, Yuri.”

“Hello, Yuri.”

Rael nodded.

We must always leave a good impression on the next emperor, Yuri.

“Are you planning to go out today?”

“Yes. I’m thinking of going for a walk towards District 4.”

Yuri smiled, as if she was happy about the monthly outing.

‘This is a chance to have a conversation.’

My goal was to become close to the next emperor, Yuri, but I usually had no excuses to approach him.

Rael spoke to her with as kind a face as possible.

“The timing is good. I’m going to District 4 later. Do you want to go together?”

“··· I’m sorry, Mr. Rael. I have a prior engagement.”

“Oh, I see. Have a good time.”

“I’m sorry, Mr. Rael. See you tomorrow.”

Yuri bowed her head politely, smiled, and walked out of the special guard unit.

After her back disappeared, Gent, who had been tending the garden, approached and tapped Rael on the shoulder.

“You got hit by the wind. It’s okay. Rael. You have Reyna.”

“Ghent. Please stop being so annoying. Why is Reina here?”

Why is this kid making me a cold person?

I felt strange because Ghent was like that.

I had no intention of confessing, but I feel like I got rejected.

“Why is Reina coming out? Didn’t we plan on going out together today?”

“Huh?······ Oh, right.”

A promise that I kept putting off because things kept piling up.

I had to meet the loan sharks who lent money to Reina.

“Reina is happy that she is receiving a lot of help from you.”

“Tsk… Okay. I have to take care of the little elf. If not, who else will?”

In any case, it is clear that usury with ridiculous interest rates is illegal under imperial law.

As the (former) captain of the Empire’s guard, Rael must maintain public order.

“You don’t seem like the type of person who likes to take on annoying tasks, but that’s strange. When you first came to the guard, I thought it would be impossible to become close with Reina.”

Ghent looked at Rael like that and said with a curious look.

It’s surprising that Reina, who hated humans being transferred to the special guard unit, is so close with Rael.

It was amazing to see her transformation.

“Really? Hey, Gent. How long have you known Reina?”

“It’s been five years since Yuri saved her from being accused of being a traitor to the elves and being chased… It’s only been five years.”

I learned something new.

If you saved her from being chased by elves, doesn’t that mean Yuri and Gent know about Reina’s situation?

“Then do you know why Reina betrayed the elves?”

Gent stared intently into Rael’s eyes, then put down his trowel and sat down on a chair near the garden where he had been working.

It seemed like something important was going to be said, so Rael also stood next to him.

Gent slowly crossed his arms and opened his mouth.

“I don’t know anything.”

“··· This guy is really useless.”

If that’s the case, then why are you setting the mood?

As Rael’s disgruntled gaze pierced Ghent, Ghent also continued speaking belatedly.

“I don’t know Reina’s circumstances, but I know why the elves think she’s a traitor.”

“Oh, what’s the reason?”

widely-

Gent threw a ripe tomato at Lael.

Lael grabbed the tomato and put it in his mouth.

“They say she joined hands with a demon who is targeting the elves.”

“··· Devil? Are you talking about the demon tribe?”

Just as other races are divided into elves, giants, dwarves, etc., the demon race is also divided into several races.

The devil is one of them.

“A few years ago, rumors spread that there was an elf who was working with the demons who were after the World Tree. Since then, Reina has been called the traitor of the elves. Of course, since Reina won’t open her mouth, we can’t confirm the truth.”

“Even if you ask, you won’t answer?”

“I didn’t ask. Whether she’s a traitor or not, the fact that she’s my comrade doesn’t change.”

“···.”

After hearing that, I feel incredibly anxious.

Clearly, Reina’s betrayal seemed to have a lot to do with the destruction of the elves that Rael knew about.

‘But… if you really joined hands with the devil, there’s no way you’d let the elves who attacked you live.’

The strange thing is that Reina, who betrayed the elves, still loves her own kind.

The proof of this was that the elves who attacked Reina were spared.

‘That kid’s name was Kelln.’

If Reyna really betrayed her clan, she would have killed Kellen and his men.

If it wasn’t a betrayal, there would be an excuse, but there wasn’t a single word of excuse.

‘Even though I betrayed you, I still love the elves… Is this a betrayal that I can’t let get caught?’

Even if you ask Reina directly, she won’t answer, so it’s useless to try to guess what happens from here on out.

Rael shook his head as if dissatisfied.

“Tch. Are you some kind of Dark Knight? Hey, Gent.”

“hmm?”

“Are you hiding some huge secret too? I’m telling you in advance that I really hate such annoying things.”

Hearing Rael’s words, Gent blinked and then raised the corners of his mouth and laughed heartily.

It was the first time I had seen such great expression of emotion from Ghent.

“Hahaha. Don’t worry, Rael. I just love nature and the human world.”

Gent smiled and approached Rael, patting him on the shoulder.

“··· This is seriously so suspicious.”

Rael sighed.

This kid is definitely hiding something.

It wasn’t a doubt, it was a certainty.

“Ghent. Don’t apologize later, but now···.”

“Hehehe. What are you all doing?!”

At that moment, an elf came running from across the forest.

Reina was smiling again today, wondering what was so good about it.

“I was tending to the garden, Reina. Rael was expecting you to go with him to meet the debt collector.”

“What the hell are you talking about, Ghent.”

“Oh, right! That was today! Let’s go right now! There’s no glass, so they won’t know even if I come out!”

“··· The organization is really running well.”

Rael stared at the elf who was smiling excitedly.

An elf who betrayed the elves, yet still loves them.

Rael wanted to know what secret Reina had.

*

The imperial capital is divided into five districts.

District 1, where the royal family and high-ranking nobles reside.

District 2, where lower nobility and wealthy commoners live.

The areas 3, 4, and 5 below were inhabited by commoners.

As you went down, there were more poor people and the difference in living standards was severe, but in fact, the nobles viewed districts 3, 4, and 5 as districts for the same commoners.

A street in District 4 covered with ivy.

Yuri passed through the alleys and came out onto a relatively wide road.

“The air in Zone 4 is better than Zone 5, Isabelle.”

“Because District 4 is home to many decent citizens, but District 5 is mostly made up of poor people and beggars.”

“I know that too. It just feels different.”

Yuri continued her walk, looking around the four districts with her face hidden.

Although she was only allowed to go out once a month, she enjoyed it more now than when she was in the palace.

All she can see in the palace is the beautiful sight of the empire.

The reality of the empire that is not permitted to the princess can only be seen by going around for herself.

“I feed you and give you a place to sleep, so what are you going to do if you don’t do your work?”

For example, there is something like that.

“Ouch! Oh, it hurts! I’m sorry!”

Snap- Snap-

Yuri frowned as she watched the young slave being whipped.

Most of the lowest-level workers who supported the empire were slaves.

Princess Yuriel learned that most slaves were criminals of the Empire.

But the reality that Yuri saw was different.

‘Most imperial slaves are hereditary. They are branded slaves from birth simply because their parents were slaves.’

But… what is the difference between a human born between two slaves and a human born between two nobles?

What did that child do wrong to be born a slave, and what did the nobleman’s child do right to be bragging and ordering around slaves?

Things she had not seen while she was in the palace began to become visible only when she stood at her lowest point.

“Stop it.”

“What? Who are you, four years old···!”

widely-

At that moment, Isabelle, who was behind Yuri, raised her sword.

The owner, who was directly exposed to Isabel’s cold gaze, flinched and shook his shoulders.

“Hey, get up. The weather is bad, let’s go in. Ahem···.”

He rolled up the whip that had been used to whip the slave and went inside.

If he had been a little more picky, I would have cut off one of his arms, but he was a commoner with quick judgment.

“···.”

The slave glanced at the princess and Isabelle, then quietly went inside.

Yuri watched the scene for a moment and then started walking again.

“Miss Yuriel.”

“I’m sorry, Isabelle. You promised not to cause trouble, and now you’re interfering with me again.”

“This much is fine, but… Yuriel didn’t help that child.”

“··· .”

“The slave master may beat the slave more severely because his pride was hurt, or he may starve him for the day. In exchange for a moment of peace of mind for Lady Uriel, the child will be miserable for the next few days.”

“Okay, Isabelle. I’m sorry for being a bother.”

Yuri sighed and walked away.

She is right.

Such small actions will not change anything.

‘For the empire… I have to do it.’

The second princess was considered to have already lost the battle for the throne, but Yuri did not give up.

To change the empire, you must become the emperor.

[This way! This way!]

[Be quiet. Do you want to spread rumors that I’m going to the bathroom?]

At that moment, a familiar voice broke Yuri’s distracted thoughts.

When I turned my head, I saw Reina and Rael.

“Oh my. It’s Reina and Rael.”

Yuri smiled at the welcoming face.

However, Isabelle, who was behind her, narrowed her eyes and looked at Rael.

“The special guard asked Lady Yuriel to go out with me earlier. That man seems interested in the princess. We need to be careful.”

“No way. Maybe he just wanted to be friends?”

“No. If you ask a girl out on a date and fail, you immediately move on to another woman… You are clearly a bad man. That’s my feeling as a palace maid.”

“Isabel. Your intuition has never been right.”

Yuri chuckled.

Isabella’s feelings were notorious even in the royal court.

“Captain Lael! The apples are delicious today. Have one!”

“Thank you, but I’m okay today.”

“Brother Lael! It’s been a while! Thanks to you, I was able to join the guard unit this time!”

“Aren’t you Glins? That’s good. Stop by the nursery often. Berga wants to see you.”

Rael walked down the street, greeting people as he passed by.

Reina, who was standing next to him, opened her mouth at the sight of Rael’s popularity.

“What is it? Rael. Why are you getting such good reviews? Are you acting as a group?”

“Are you acting? This is the real world.”

Yuri smiled happily as she watched the two walking side by side.

Their date was fun to just watch.

“Look at that, Isabelle. I told you, you’re not interested in me.”

“I should have checked your face first… You seem like a womanizer.”

Isabelle was still negative, but originally Isabelle had a bad feeling.

A while later, Rael and Reina stood in front of a bar.

I guess you’re planning on having a good time there now.

‘This was a good date. Have a good time.’

In the Empire, male-female romance is not illegal.

Yuri turned around, wishing the two men and women happiness.

Kwaaaaang-

And then, I turned my head again at the loud noise that was belatedly heard.

“These bastards…. Who the hell would do this with usury! Do they think the Imperial Law is fucked up?!”

Rael kicked open the door to the bar and walked in with confident steps.

‘Huh?’

On a date, do you usually… break down the bar door and enter?

Are you trying to appeal to a manly appearance?

“What! Is this an attack?!”

“Again, the captain of the guards has appeared! Get out!”

“Huh? What did you just say? That little kid···.”

“Eww!”

“Three guys running away over there. Aren’t you the guys that attacked me at the inn last time? Didn’t I tell you that I remember their faces?”

“Damn it! Run away now!”

The Zaid mercenary group fled in panic as if they had seen a monster.

However, Rael captured the mercenaries one by one, shaking his head.

“Who would dare to do whatever they want? Huh? Who would dare to cause trouble in the empire? What? If you borrow one gold coin, you get two gold coins in two months? These immoral bastards···.”

Rael was single-handedly chewing up a group of mercenaries.

Yuri, who was blankly watching the scene, started to tremble.

“Um, what is that···.”

There’s no such thing as special guard work…?

“Come on. Come on! Come on. Come on! You bastards! Rael! Get all my money back!”

At the entrance of the bar, Reina was jumping around and cheering for Rael.

One of the mercenaries who barely escaped from Rael’s embrace looked at Reina and became angry.

“Re, Reina! You brought such a monster! Don’t you need the branches of the World Tree? I know that everyone except our mercenary group was rejected···!”

“Get out of here, you baldhead!”

“Kwaaak!”

In the meantime, he did not forget to hit the head of the mercenary who was trying to escape without Rael knowing with his staff.

‘Even Ms. Reina…?’

It was a truly new sight to see Reina, who had always just been lying in a hammock, breaking the heads of mercenaries.

“You’ve been hanging out with people like that… That man in particular is incredibly barbaric. People really aren’t creatures you can judge based on information.”

The second princess’s exclusive maid. Isabelle took out a piece of paper and a pen from her bosom as she looked at the savage man.

As Uriel’s maid, Isabelle has the duty of keeping an eye on those around the princess.

[Rael. He is a dangerous element, so keep a close eye on him. Never approach the 2nd princess!]

Without realizing it, Rael took a step away from the princess.