Chapter 94
Chapter 94
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 94
Chapter Title: Blackguard's Triumphal Entry (1)
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Cain had achieved a great victory, but right after the battle ended, he was truly on the brink of death.
The biggest problem was his body, which kept rotting away. Fortunately, he was discovered immediately by those around him.
Upon hearing the news, the imperial court promptly sent elixirs, rare herbs, and priests to treat him with utmost care.
They even bestowed the incredibly precious 'Elixir,' a panacea usable only by the imperial family.
This was proof that the empire valued Cain Blackguard as highly as its own royalty.
However, Cain, who had narrowly escaped death, wore a sour expression. It seemed he still couldn't quite believe it.
'I got complacent thinking it was a sure win, and I nearly suffered in agony without knowing what hit me. As expected of one of the four great powers.'
Even with all that support, he was left with lingering aftereffects. At least they weren't permanent...
In other words, without the empire's extremely valuable Elixir, he might have been stuck with permanent damage.
Cain shook his head. Melisto, was it? He sincerely never wanted to fight her again.
"How's your body feeling?"
"Crown Prince."
"Make yourself comfortable. I'm no imperial scion who demands etiquette from the wounded."
"Thank you."
Though he'd been bedridden all day, visitors came constantly, leaving no time for boredom.
Not just Morgana and Anna, but even Ryu, Crown Prince Siegfried, and the wyvern leader Ras had stopped by.
Crown Prince Siegfried smiled understandingly as he handed over a gift. Cain's eyes lit up.
"What's that?"
"They say the Red Hammer dwarves spent over half a year crafting this weapon."
"It's finally complete."
It was a longsword in the form of a black blade brought by the crown prince. But there was one peculiarity:
Aside from the black-gripped hilt, the blade and guard were entirely blood-red.
Cain stared at the sword silently before turning to the crown prince. He gave a wry smile.
"I think I know what you're thinking... but that is, without a doubt, a perfectly fine sword."
"It looks nothing but like a demonic sword to me."
"Hahaha."
"Don't just laugh—deny it properly."
Cain sighed and picked up the blood-red sword. It looked like a life-draining demonic blade on the outside,
but surprisingly, it felt fine in his hand. The grip was even better than that of a greatsword.
Did a subtle smile of satisfaction slip out? Siegfried nodded as he watched Cain.
"Looks like it suits you."
"It may look like a demonic sword, but it's not."
"In terms of cutting power and durability, they say it's close to one. But there's one part they couldn't finish."
"What's that?"
"The sword's name."
The Red Hammer dwarves had nearly completed it, but they left the naming to him, as Cain was its destined owner.
Understanding their intent, Cain nodded. A name had come to mind the moment he saw it.
"Nox."
"Pardon?"
"Nox would be a good name for the sword."
"Indeed... it fits perfectly."
As if pleased with the name Nox, the sword hummed softly, almost responding to Cain.
After gazing at Nox for a moment, Cain sheathed it. Good, this eased his mind somewhat.
Call it an occupational hazard. He felt anxious without a weapon nearby now. Not normal, probably.
Cain gripped the sheathed Nox tightly. Strangely, his unease vanished like mist.
"Thank you for the unexpected gift, Crown Prince."
"Hm? You didn't think this was the end of it, did you?"
"Pardon?"
"Lord Blackguard, His Majesty is genuinely delighted by your monumental victory."
It was only natural. In just one year, he'd conquered the Demon Realm, and with formidable new forces in hand.
It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say the empire was now far stronger than the Alliance. How could he not be pleased?
And, as was to be expected... the empire wasn't the type to merely praise meritorious service with words.
"To commemorate your great victory, His Majesty has prepared a banquet. Join us once you're fully recovered."
"......"
"Of course, His Majesty plans to bestow ample rewards for your achievements. So enjoy yourself."
Honestly, Cain dreaded the trip. Couldn't they just give him the money and call it done...? He needed funds.
Comfort payments and pensions for bereaved families, soldiers' medical bills, and more. Expenses were piling up higher than expected.
But he couldn't say that to the emperor's face. In the end, Cain nodded obligingly.
Just a quick visit should do it.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ Emperor Leonis of the empire actually suffered from an illness he couldn't dare mention to others.
It was none other than chronic rage, not from mere temper, but the price of suppressing his innate dragon blood.
When Leonis ascended the throne, the situation was far from ripe for his grand ambitions.
Thus, he chose to suppress his draconic blood and instead wield his power for the empire.
'I don't regret that choice back then. But I am still a dragon at heart... A dragon that can't soar the skies is meaningless.'
Especially as he aged, the condition worsened. Yet recently, it had vanished as if by miracle.
Not only that, his appetite surged, and his health improved. What wonder drug had done this?
Drugs are drugs, but Emperor Leonis owed his daily joy to an exceptional one: 'Cain Blackguard.'
'Not content with conquering the Demon Realm in a mere year, the casualties were minimal... Truly a heaven-sent general!'
Of course, Leonis hadn't trusted Cain from the start. The progress had seemed suspiciously swift.
That's why he assigned the crown prince to watch. Any foul play would be exposed.
Yet even with the prince at his side, Cain charged ahead boldly, crushing enemies like no other.
In the end, Leonis had no choice but to discard even the minimal suspicion befitting an emperor.
Cain Blackguard was a heaven-sent general. With him, continental unification seemed within reach.
At this point, one almost pitied the kingdom that discarded him. Tsk tsk... driving away such talent.
'We did use some divisive tactics... but seeing them judge him for treason, they would've cast him out anyway.'
Well, thanks to the kingdom's folly, the empire grew stronger.
The empire's nobles had changed too. They'd rediscovered the abilities of Cain Blackguard, once dismissed as a mere county lord.
There's that saying: If you can't beat them, join them. That described it perfectly.
Most nobles, witnessing his feats, revised their opinions or sought connections.
Some even invested directly in Renheim, which most had ignored.
"Your Majesty, we can't just stand by. Some nobles are even proposing political marriages to Lord Blackguard."
"They ignored him as a kingdom county lord, and now political marriage...? As if he'd fall for such petty games."
Unlike the emperor, whose long-suppressed rage had lifted his mood immensely, Second Prince Oren appeared cautious.
Leonis nodded in agreement. Could one assert it so absolutely?
Just the Demon Realm issue—most had thought it'd remain static for decades.
"I see. You mean to grant substantial rewards this time and bind Cain Blackguard to the imperial side."
"Actually, there's an even more certain method."
"What might that be?"
"Marry him to Princess Morgana..."
"Rejected."
Oren wore a troubled look at the firm tone. Of course, he knew the greatness of dragon blood.
But... Cain Blackguard's achievements were undoubtedly worthy of it too.
"I understand Your Majesty's concerns. But this is the surest way. Moreover..."
"I know that much. However..."
"Pardon?"
"...How could I send my little girl off to marry so soon?"
Indeed. The great Emperor Leonis was, at heart, just a father reluctant to let go of his beloved daughter.
Realizing this, Oren let out a deep sigh. He'd only made the proposal at the princess's request...
It seemed it wouldn't work.