Imperial Guard - Chapter 72



Only Noblemtl

The last day of the Grand Duke’s return party.

As the nobles began to return home one by one, the second princess visited the Grand Duke’s mansion again.

“Your Highness Uriel. Thank you for visiting.”

Rain greeted Yuri and took her as an example.

As the royal family was going to meet His Highness the Grand Duke, he personally escorted her.

“Thank you, Captain Rain.”

Yuri followed Rain’s instructions and entered the reception room.

Inside the room, Archduke Eric Grace was already sitting.

He smiled, got up from his seat and greeted Yuri.

“You have arrived, Your Highness Uriel.”

“Your Majesty, please do not be so polite.”

Yuri greeted him briefly and sat down across from him.

There was an appetizing plate of appetizers on the table.

“I see you’ve been meeting with nobles a lot lately. Is there anything that feels inconvenient?”

“Yes, it’s okay. My personal maid is quite smart.”

Isabelle is still in the carriage, organizing her next schedule.

Thanks to her, Yuri was able to move her body comfortably.

“Your Majesty’s knights seem to have become busier since the party ended.”

“Sir Rael is not my knight. He only helped the party for a while.”

“Oh, really? I heard you’ve been hanging around the church a lot lately. I’d like to say hello.”

“I will pass on the message.”

Yuri has been focusing solely on increasing her influence in recent days.

Now that I have a strong backer like the Grand Duke, I can do things I couldn’t do before.

Rael will also be doing what he has to do.

Judging from the fact that I only heard good stories, it didn’t seem like he was doing anything strange.

“Does Your Highness Uriel have any plans for the future? Starting with this party, many other nobles will also be holding parties or events that they had been putting off.”

“I have to be away for a few days. There is something going on with my inner circle. But I will attend all important meetings.”

Yuri smiled faintly as she talked to the Archduke.

It’s a comforting feeling to have someone who supports you.

‘I’d like to see Mr. Lael too, but I wonder if he’s in the special guard.’

Yuri picked up a spoon while thinking of Rael.

Knock knock-

“Key, it’s Kirue. Your Highness!”

At that moment, an urgent voice was heard from outside.

“lane.”

“Yes, sir.”

At the Archduke’s words, Rain opened the door to the reception room.

Outside, Kirue, the adjutant of the Knights of the Rain Order, appeared to have come running in a hurry.

“Kirue. What’s going on? I thought you said that it was an important time for His Highness Uriel to visit.”

“Uh, urgent news. There has been an attack by the Demons in District 2.”

“···What?! A demon? What kind of demon has appeared!”

Rain’s eyes widened at the word ‘Demon’.

It was the countless number of invasions by the demons.

“Fifteen mid-level demons and one high-level demon have appeared.”

“A high-ranking demon…?! Are you saying that you couldn’t stop that guy from invading?”

Unlike the mid-level demons, the upper-level demons are formidable foes that require a dozen or so knights each.

Because of the presence it exudes, it is something that cannot be missed, unlike the mid-level demons.

“···What on earth are the Knights of Carmen doing?”

Yuri also frowned.

There were so many bad memories of the Knights of Carmen.

He ignored reports that demons had appeared in District 4 and even tried to assassinate him.

‘No way… is it really you, Gideon?’

A man who believes the empire needs a crisis.

Is he allowing the Demons to invade the Empire?

Yuri couldn’t help but be more suspicious of him.

“I don’t know much about the movements of the Knights of Carmen either···.”

“Kirue. What’s the damage?! Did you kill the higher-ranking demons?”

“that is···.”

“What is it?”

“Five children of noble families who were active as heresy judges were killed. Fortunately, it is said that the high-ranking demons were killed.”

“Five nobles… Tsk. It’s fortunate that the upper-level demons were killed with that level of damage despite it being an attack… Was it the Kamen Knights who subdued the upper-level demons?”

Rain, who was about to run out right away, sighed in relief.

The defense was a mess, but it seems they responded quickly.

“No. That···.”

“Kirue! Why have you been acting like that since a while ago? Stop stuttering and report quickly!”

At Rain’s rebuke, Kirue shrugged and continued speaking.

I don’t know if I should believe this or not, but it was information I received from a trustworthy source.

“It’s not the Knights of Carmen. The higher-ranking demons killed two knights and one cadet.”

“···Two knights and one cadet killed the upper-ranking demons? Who on earth are they?”

Has there ever been a knight that strong?

Rain waited for Kirue’s next words.

“Sir Carlson of the Silver Cross. Cadet Lucas of the Academy. And… Sir Rael.”

“···what?”

Lane frowned at the familiar names.

Carlson became quite friendly with Lucas when he stopped by the orphanage, and he also got to know Lucas when he invited him to a party.

What would Rael say?

He was a close friend and future talent of the Knights of Rain.

But… those three caught the upper class demons?

“Kirue. I don’t doubt you, but… is this information really trustworthy?”

Lane couldn’t help but be suspicious of Kirue.

I don’t doubt the strength of those three, but the upper-level demons were on a different level.

Why can’t humans, who have an overwhelmingly larger population than the demons, push out the forbidden Alheim?

To cut down the monsters in Alheim, you must be able to use at least a sword.

And, to reliably hunt down one mid-level demon, you need at least two graduate-level knights.

There’s no need to mention the upper class demons.

We need at least ten fully-fledged graduates.

That means we need one small knighthood.

It was hard for even Lane, who trusted Rael, to believe that three people could deal with such a monster.

“Yes. The source of the information is Cardinal Bernando. He even said that Lucas and Sir Carlson were only pushed back by the Demons, and that it was Sir Rael who defeated the upper-level Demons in one stroke…”

“···?”

Lane asked back, not understanding what he had heard.

“Kirue. Did I hear you correctly?”

“Yes, that’s right. Cardinal Bernardo strongly asserts that Lord Rael beheaded himself.”

“Oh, really. I can’t believe it.”

Defeating the upper class demons alone?

To be honest, it was an easy task for Rain, who was just starting out as a Sword Master.

But to cut down a high-ranking demon with one stroke? That would be difficult even for Rain himself.

Breaking through that thick magic isn’t something you can do just by wanting to.

What Rael did was to defy the common sense of the prosecutor.

“Cardinal Bernand… He likes donations, but he’s not the type to lie. How curious.”

Rain tilted his head.

I guess I’ll have to check the truth myself later.

*

The warm sunlight shines on my body.

Lael lay in his hammock and looked up at the sky.

A day had passed since the demons invaded the imperial capital, but it was very peaceful on this hammock.

“Ghent. Isn’t that called feng shui?”

“Feng Shui?”

“Yeah. You’re saying that a person’s rise and fall are determined by the land? I don’t think this place is a good place. Since I came to the Special Guard, shit has been happening.”

Rael let out a deep sigh.

The reason he came to the Special Guard after a long time was simple.

It was because the headquarters of the church was so noisy that I couldn’t feel comfortable.

“Rael.”

“why.”

“Since yesterday, the empire has been noisy with your name.”

“···Don’t talk about that. It makes me sad.”

A giant who spreads useless rumors quickly.

I tried to turn my attention to the story of Feng Shui, but Ghent didn’t care.

“Why are you sad? Aren’t you a skilled knight who took revenge on the high-ranking demon who killed the heretic judge? Didn’t you even say you killed him with a single sword? Thanks to that, Yuri’s reputation is also rising.”

“I’ve never subdued anyone with a single sword. Damn it.”

Although he was a high-ranking demon, he was someone who was always left behind.

Lucas and Carlson are the ones who half killed him.

Rael was really bothered by such rumors spreading.

The higher the expectations, the greater the disappointment.

Why do these people expect this from me?

‘Cardinal Bernand… Sigh.’

The source of this ridiculous rumor was, of course, Cardinal Bernand.

Bernando, who had rushed to rescue the noble inquisitor, quickly changed his target as soon as he saw the inquisitor’s corpse.

They started to attack Rael, who had already been bribed.

He was still spreading the tale of the heroic deeds of the Knights of the Silver Cross who had avenged the Inquisitor to the Imperial capital.

‘That’s a real foxy way of dealing with the world.’

Although it is as big as a bear, its actions are like those of a fox.

Because of this, Rael, who had become uncomfortable living at the headquarters of the religious order, had to return to work at the special guard unit.

“Hmm. I have been observing the human world for a long time, but Rael, you are truly a difficult person to understand. How can you act in pursuit of honor while hating honor?”

“When did I ever seek honor, you crazy giant?”

Rael said in disbelief.

His goal was always to suck the honey from behind.

But what can you do when circumstances make you this way?

“Wasn’t it a pursuit of honor? Then why did you capture the demons of District 4 and obtain the honorary title of Knight of the Silver Cross?”

“No, it just happened that way.”

“Wasn’t it for the sake of honor that you subdued a mature knight at a party attended by nobles and single-handedly defeated a high-ranking demon?”

“That’s all… tsk.”

Lael, who was losing the argument, turned his head away.

Silence is golden, they say. There’s no way a stupid giant could understand human intentions.

‘A decent article would have been enough. I didn’t want it to be this bad…’

Is there really something wrong with my own way of dealing with the world?

Rael sighed.

Hah- Hah-

At that moment, a pure white fox approached and sat on Lael’s stomach.

It was Vermeil III.

“Yes. You’ve had a hard time too. I think I built the wrong nest, just like you, Fox.”

Hah- Hah-

Not only did I fall into this fucking world, I also got this useless title of hero.

‘Besides, the Demons are increasingly targeting the Empire… Tsk. Those huge eyes definitely looked like they were from a very strong bastard.’

The problem is that only Rael knows that fact.

The invasion of the Demon Tribe will become stronger in the future, but the Empire is not yet prepared.

‘It seems like there are traitors within the empire. Wow, there are such idiots. They need to be destroyed at least once to come to their senses.’

The plan to make Lucas stronger by making him a hero faster also failed.

Of course, there were still many opportunities left… but I couldn’t help but feel a headache.

“Ha, Gent. Where is Reina?”

Rael found Reina, who was in charge of ‘I’m better than her’.

When I was in a bad mood, I had to tease even the weakest elf.

“Reina went out of the capital with Yuri.”

“···What? How busy is Yuri-ssi? Why is she leaving now?”

She is now in the midst of establishing herself as a member of the royal family.

Going out at this hour?

“Now I can finally keep the promise I made to Reina.”

“What promise?”

“Um… I guess it’s okay for you to tell me now.”

Gent thought for a moment and then continued.

“Do you know that the elven forest is getting smaller?”

“I don’t know. I’ve never heard of it.”

The elves are soon destroyed in the original work, and they are not something you see often in the first place.

“The elves are being targeted by one of Alheim’s nobles. Because of this, they are being driven out of their own forests. However, they cannot receive protection from the church or the empire, so they continue to flee.”

“okay?”

“Well, so Reina is thinking of moving the entire forest of elves. She’s getting help from Yuri.”

“···She’s really weird. The elves hate Reina so much, so why is she so nice to them?”

“You hate honor, but your reasons for pursuing it are probably similar to mine.”

“Don’t be a jerk, Gent.”

Rael brushed the fur off of Vermeil III, who was lying on his stomach.

I wondered why he came to me, and it seemed he was lonely because he was alone without Reina.

“So, are the elves migrating to another forest in groups?”

“I don’t know for sure. I just know that Reina was very happy.”

“···Where exactly is the forest?”

“It’s an empty forest on the outskirts of the capital. If you’re worried, I can look into it for you.”

“Okay. I’ll figure it out on my own.”

Lael got up from his hammock.

Anyway, I have to visit the church at least once.

As for Reina, you can ask Bagus or Tushin.

*

“Ahhh-! Gaia-men!”

Cardinal Bernardo was praying in front of the headquarters of the order.

It’s a busy time because of the consecration ceremony, but I had to do what I had to do.

“Ah, our hero! Our hero who took revenge on the demons who brutally murdered our brothers!”

“Lord Rael! Our hero!”

“An honorable knight who cut down the upper-level demons with a single sword!”

At Bernando’s words, the believers gathered in front of the headquarters shouted.

Their appearance was just like that of fanatics.

It was a great talent that turned believers into fanatics in an instant.

“Sir Carlson. Is this okay?”

“I don’t know. Let’s just stay still.”

Carlson and Lucas stood behind him with bitter smiles.

Some priests also watched with expressions of wondering what was going on, but Bernando did not give in.

“Gaia-men! I will pray for Lord Rael!”

Bernando raised the corners of his mouth as he thought of Rael’s face.

He was a friend who shared his friendship with me.

Handing him an envelope of money was a perfect decision.

This is also the guidance of Gaia, the one who gave us.

“Oh, oh! There comes a hero!”

At that moment, I saw a man walking from the other side.

As soon as Bernando saw him, he waved the sign of the church around.

“Lord Rael! This way!”

“ha···.”

Of course, the sight of Rael walking towards me was truly terrifying.

Rael approached the entrance and spoke to Bernardo.

“Your Majesty, let’s go in and talk instead of doing this here.”

“If you say so, then I understand.”

Bernando hid his regret and entered the headquarters.

As Rael followed, Carlson and Lucas naturally followed along.

“Hey, you little shits. I told you to tell them you caught him. Why did you do that to a person?”

Rael said as he looked at the two following him.

He said that he didn’t need the ball so they should split it between them as much as possible, but looking at the ball, it turned out that most of it was Rael’s.

“I’m sorry, your highness. Your Majesty, your opinion is too stubborn…”

“Ha, Carlson. Lucas may not know, but shouldn’t you listen to me?”

“Brother. I am a knight of the order. And Cardinal Bernando is the second-in-command of the order.”

“···under.”

Why is that kind of person the second-highest ranking person in the church?

This bunch of idiots.

Rael shook his head and went into the reception room.

“Your Excellency, please speak with me.”

“Ah, Lord Rael. I understand. My dear friend.”

“···.”

Lael, sitting in the living room, licked his lips as he looked at Bernando, who was smiling brightly.

It seemed like someone was asking for praise.

“Ahem. Your Majesty, please send the people outside home and stop the festive atmosphere.”

“Oh, what are you talking about, you? Aren’t we friends? If a friend does something, it’s my duty to congratulate him.”

“···Why are you and I friends, Your Excellency?”

“Huh? You forgot, didn’t you? Oh, oh… That’s what it was. It’s not enough. Don’t worry. I’ll stab you more when you become a warrior. For now, take this.”

Bernando took out a token from his bosom.

The next thing he respected after Gaia, whom he had given him, was money.

If there are things in the world that money can’t solve, you need to check if you have enough money.

“···What is this?”

“It’s a token that allows you to receive donations from the religious headquarters. It’s not a large amount, but you should be able to get about 1%.”

“No, is it okay to just hand out things like this?”

“Aren’t you going to accept it?”

“···.”

Rael put the token in his pocket.

You should keep it because you never know when you might need it.

‘I didn’t know why they called me friends… It was because of the donation I received at that time.’

What the hell.

Blinded by a few pennies, he caught the eye of a crazy raccoon.

Rael sighed and made the sign of the cross.

“Anyway, I understand your feelings, Your Majesty. Yes. But… I think it’s too much. In fact, Sir Carlson and Cadet Lucas were of great help.”

“Haha. Sir Rael. As a loyal knight of the Order of the Silver Cross, I understand that you want to take care of your juniors, but I, Bernando, saw it clearly. Sir Rael’s sword cut off the demon’s head!”

“···.”

This guy doesn’t make sense.

There are lessons I have learned from my life so far.

The nobles of medieval fantasy are unwavering in their opinions.

Those who think that changing their thoughts will hurt their pride are the noble ones who never change their thoughts even if they know they are wrong.

If we talk more here, it will just make both of us blush.

‘I don’t think you’ll eat it anyway, so let’s not say it out loud.’

It’s better to accept it in a good mood and build a relationship.

Even if a person like this is a cardinal, he would have some power.

“Okay, but please tell me that Lucas and Carlson helped too. If they hadn’t stalled, there would have been other victims. If I take all the credit, I won’t be able to face them.”

“Haha, that’s fine. I, Bernardo, will diligently tell the tale of the three heroes, so don’t worry..”

Sigh.

Only then did Rael feel somewhat relieved.

And then I asked about the word I was concerned about.

“···Come to think of it, are you going to select a warrior soon?”

“Now that the saint has appeared, we must choose a warrior. Gaia-men.”

“Oh, really? That’s good. I happen to know a good friend who plays the role of a warrior.”

Lucas.

If he could handle the Holy Sword, this wouldn’t have happened.

“Hahaha! Don’t worry. I’ll definitely include Lord Rael’s name.”

“···Whoever wants to put my name in it.”

“huh?”

“Nothing. I’ll be going soon.”

Rael closed his eyes, feeling a pounding headache.

Saying more would just be a pain in the mouth.

‘You can resign from your position as a warrior.’

From now on, I won’t take responsibility for anything.

Rael stood up from his seat with that determination.