Chapter 98
Chapter 98
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 98
Chapter Title: Blackguard Triumphal Gate (5)
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Surprisingly, political marriages between complete strangers who don't even know each other's faces are quite rare.
Needless to say, without any background and not even knowing what the other looks like, it would be awkward not just for the parties involved but even for their parents.
Even Anna, who was a princess of the kingdom, had at least met Chris before, hadn't she?
That said, the world is vast, and events overflow. Naturally, in this wide world, things one could say "absolutely" about were exceedingly rare.
'The commander who surrendered from a mere kingdom... who routed Princess Morgana and conquered the Demon Realm in just one year—a brilliant general unknown to defeat.'
Who could have dared predict that a mere surrendering commander from some kingdom would achieve such monumental feats?
Cain Blackguard. At best, a man meant to be used as a propaganda tool to pressure the kingdom or as a disposable shield.
'Most nobles probably thought that way. But on the flip side, there were no small number who believed he would prove his capabilities.'
And one among that minority of nobles was none other than Baltar Bearwolf—the loyal retainer who, during the Duke's Rebellion, had uniquely sided with the Emperor.
A monster who faced two rebelling Sword Masters at once, taking one one's head and severing the other's arm.
Until the overwhelming talent named Scardi appeared, Baltar had been the Empire's undisputed strongest sword.
The moment he took an interest in a man named Cain Blackguard was sooner than one might think—exactly one year ago.
'That day, I saw it clearly. That spirit that shook the world... that guy is definitely destined for greatness.'
Of course, knowing this didn't mean Baltar acted aggressively. He was a knight and a soldier at the same time.
Does a sword leave its sheath on its own volition and swing itself? Soldiers are the same—they simply carry out orders.
Though he had the flaw of loving alcohol a bit too much, when it came to his values, he was remarkably soldierly.
That didn't mean he sat back and watched idly, however. He dealt with nobles scheming against Renheim,
and negotiated with merchant guilds tempted to cut ties due to pressure from the Imperial Council to keep trade routes open.
He never stepped in personally with the Bearwolf family, but he provided indirect aid to Cain and Renheim in his own way.
"I'm sorry. My father brought it up so suddenly... Please forgive this rudeness."
Her black hair, shining beautifully like silk satin, bowed along with her head, displaying her graceful form.
She was a girl with such stunning beauty that one might wonder if she was really adopted—nothing like her father, Baltar.
Cain glanced at Morgana. The one to respond to such words should be the higher-ranking person—the princess.
'Bearwolf: one of the few Masters who stood by His Majesty during the Duke's Rebellion. No one more fitting for the title of loyal retainer.'
For Princess Morgana herself, it wasn't a hostile relationship. Quite the opposite—it was highly amicable.
As a child, Baltar Bearwolf had personally played with the princess and shared all sorts of stories with her.
Besides, even without that, these were just formal pleasantries. Best to respond politely.
'But why is this? I don't feel like just letting it slide amicably at all... If anything, I really want to nitpick.'
Jealousy.
No word fit the emotion swelling on Morgana's face better.
But when Morgana didn't respond, Cain tilted his head in confusion and placed a hand on her forehead.
There was no particular intent—it was just an unconscious reaction to her poor expression.
As proof, the moment he realized what he'd done, Cain startled and hastily pulled his hand away.
But it was too late. Her face had flushed beet red, and her crimson eyes had glazed over dreamily.
"S-Sorry, Your Highness... I didn't mean to, it just..."
"No, it's fine. Thanks to you, I snapped out of it."
'Ho? Looks like Her Highness has fallen hard.'
Baltar Bearwolf, who had been silently observing nearby, clicked his tongue in surprise at the unexpected reaction.
Having watched Morgana since childhood, he knew full well how vicious her temper could be.
Especially her competitive streak and venomous spite—they were the kind that could pierce even a close friend.
'Heh, she didn't seem ordinary from the moment she entered the banquet hall with arms crossed. But has she really fallen that deeply?'
If he'd only heard the story without seeing it, he'd have suspected Cain of some scheme.
Morgana falling in love was that hard to believe for Baltar. But seeing it firsthand was a sight to behold.
It wasn't just a crush—she was utterly smitten. Now he understood his friend's concerns.
"Ah, my introduction was late. This is Valkyrie Bearwolf, my daughter's name."
That didn't mean he planned to back down easily. Baltar’s violet eyes gleamed ferociously like a beast’s.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ Cain genuinely wanted to kill his past self who had thought the banquet was just a light party.
After Morgana and Valkyrie's meeting continued, what awaited Cain was a furious wave of starving nobles.
Of course, he wasn't ignoring the Empire's great victory and imperial grace. But more gains would be even better, no?
With Princess Morgana temporarily away preparing the banquet, this was their one chance...
"Greetings, Lord Blackguard. It's an honor to meet you like this..."
"Actually, I've admired your fame from afar for a long time..."
"......"
Thanks to the nobles swarming like hungry hyenas, Cain's mental strength drained in an instant.
If Valkyrie Bearwolf hadn't stepped in to manage the crowd, he probably would have fled long ago.
In fact, he'd already escaped to the restroom under that pretext... Cain sighed and muttered.
"Phew, time to catch my breath."
"Are you alright?"
"......!!"
The clear voice from right behind him, without any warning presence, nearly made Cain scream unbecomingly.
Obsidian-black hair shining like jewels, and violet eyes gleaming eerily just like her father's...
Valkyrie Bearwolf. Baltar Bearwolf's young daughter had finally tracked Cain down. He clicked his tongue inwardly.
'No presence at all. If Valkyrie were an assassin... Well, even then, it probably wouldn't matter much.'
Cain had already experienced endless deaths. Even if his head came off here, he'd just open his eyes again eventually.
Valkyrie approached Cain naturally. Her waddling gait somehow evoked a penguin.
Perhaps sensing Cain's stare, she tilted her head and spoke.
"Is something wrong?"
"Ah, sorry. It just slipped out..."
"I understand. Most people react the same as you when they first see me and my father."
"I-Is that so...?"
He knew it was rude, but it was an unavoidable reaction. For that bandit-like man to have a daughter like this...?
Fortunately, Cain wasn't so tactless as to say it aloud.
Besides, she'd helped him at the banquet hall earlier.
"Thank you for your help back at the banquet hall."
"That's nothing compared to your dedication to the Empire."
"It wasn't anything special."
Cain was the same as ever. He just fought and won against the formidable enemies before him to survive.
If anything, he held others in higher regard. Unlike him with Defeat Regression,
they fought risking true death—and they were the real heroes.
"I don't really get why the nobles are so obsessed with me."
"Excessive humility can be poison. But you seem genuine about it."
"Because I am."
"To answer your question first... Your achievements make it highly likely you'll be granted a marquisate."
"Pardon?"
Cain blinked dumbly. Granted what to whom? A marquisate? To me??
He thought he'd misheard at first. But dashing his hopes, she confirmed it decisively.
"Of course, it's just speculation... but you can consider it all but certain."
"That means..."
"And that's not the end. His Majesty the Emperor is very likely to bestow an even greater reward befitting your merits."
Only then did Cain finally grasp his own value. No wonder everyone was swarming him.
It all made sense now.