Chapter 26
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Translator: uly
Chapter: 26
Chapter Title: Triumphal Procession (2)
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“Now that’s done. Could you stand up straight for us, please?”
After a bit of time had passed, I assumed a proper posture at the sharp maid’s words.
The maids circled around me, inspecting my attire, and finally nodded in satisfaction.
“At least your posture is good, so you look the part.”
I gave an awkward smile and nodded at the senior maid’s comment.
Honestly, my mind was a complete blank.
‘Me, standing next to His Grace the Duke?’
It was a relief that my contributions had been recognized as intended, but I’d never imagined I’d end up having an audience with His Majesty the King. Confusion overshadowed any joy.
“Are you nervous? No need to worry too much.”
With preparations more or less complete, Duke Gail pointed toward a carriage parked in the corner.
“We’re heading out right away, so I recommend loosening up those facial muscles.”
Loosen up my facial muscles?
I shot him a puzzled look, but he boarded the carriage first and beckoned me over.
‘What about Mone?’
The thought crossed my mind, and I glanced around. Mone was heading to a different carriage with the other maids.
“Miss Mone will ride with the maids, so don’t worry.”
At Duke Gail’s amused tone, I calmly climbed into the carriage.
A quiet silence settled inside, soon broken by the sound of hooves as the carriage lurched into motion.
“…I can’t quite figure out what you’re thinking, Your Grace.”
“Thinking? I just want to introduce you—the one who earned great merit in this war—to His Majesty.”
I didn’t take the words at face value.
I had certainly made a splash. I’d taken down a mid-level demon and captured the enemy’s supreme commander, after all.
But there had to be more to it than that.
Mone had let one thing slip to me already.
I hesitated before cautiously speaking up.
“Is this about turning me into a hero?”
“Did Mone tell you? Yes, that’s part of it.”
Duke Gail grinned and continued.
“I’ve heard your goal is to restore your family. This won’t get in the way of that, so no need to fret.”
He had a point.
If I could catch His Majesty the King’s eye this time, it would bring me that much closer to my goal.
But…
‘What’s his real intention?’
As long as I could revive my house as planned, his motives might not matter. Still, if they turned out to be a liability for me, that could be trouble.
Until I knew his thoughts clearly, a nagging unease lingered.
‘And it’s all happening too fast.’
[Too fast?]
‘If he wants to make me a hero, there are plenty of other ways without resorting to something this forced.’
[True enough.]
Becoming a war hero in front of everyone would skyrocket my fame and earn me the hero title in no time.
But it would also invite backlash just as quickly—especially from those who knew my actual skills. They’d find it suspicious.
Duke Gail couldn’t have overlooked that…
[Isn’t time running short?]
‘There’s no way he needs to make me a hero this suddenly unless…’
I was midway through a vague reply to Gransesia when a sudden realization hit me.
‘No way, right?’
My lips went dry.
That “something” was indeed approaching fast.
But its members were already set, weren’t they?
“Your Grace, may I ask one thing?”
“I already told you there’s nothing to worry about regarding the procession.”
“No, it’s not that. What I want to know is…”
At first, I was only half-believing it.
But the moment I saw Duke Gail’s knowing smile directed at me, certainty washed over me.
“…Is it really?”
“Probably what you’re thinking.”
“Me, at the Imperial Founding Festival…”
The Imperial Founding Festival.
One of the grandest events on the continent, hosted by the Asktalin Empire, current hegemon of the land.
And the highlight drawing the most attention was the Imperial Martial Tournament, where young knights under twenty-four, representing their nations, clashed in combat.
Held every four years, the tournament symbolized a clash of national might. It wasn’t an exaggeration to say a country’s pride was on the line.
‘Talua Kingdom has never done well there…’
Talua Kingdom boasted several houses renowned for their swordsmanship.
The Deolic family’s Silver Star Sword and the Ribina family’s Single Heaven Dominating Sword stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the continent’s finest.
But they lacked the talent to back it up.
Four years ago, they’d snagged second place thanks to the prodigy Byan Deolic.
‘But he’s dead now.’
Gelvin Ribina was expected to surpass Byan in the near future, but right now, he couldn’t even match Tedric Eaton.
So of course Duke Gail had taken notice. Of the young knight who’d felled the genius swordsman Byan Deolic single-handedly.
“You’re sharp as ever.”
“No, not really.”
“Don’t worry. If you refuse, I won’t force you.”
My thoughts swirled, but I nodded for now.
“Looks like we’ve arrived. Let’s step out.”
Peering out the window, I saw knights lined up in formation.
Duke Gail alighted first, and a massive cheer erupted.
‘Alright, since it’s come to this, let’s do it right.’
After a deep breath, I followed him out of the carriage.
“Who’s that guy next to His Grace the Duke?”
“Is he His Grace’s escort knight? That outfit’s awfully fancy for one…”
Walking right beside Duke Gail drew murmurs from the crowd.
Even the knights forming the pathway stirred at the sight of me.
‘Gelvin.’
Some looked at me with admiration—like Gelvin.
He stared at me with a proud expression, as if he were the one following Duke Gail.
How long did we walk like that?
Soon, Duke Gail and I arrived before a lavish platform.
Standing atop it was a single man.
King Leogart Talua of Talua Kingdom.
==
[Leogart Talua]
Age: 38
Gender: Male
Role in Story: King of Talua Kingdom (Supporting Character)
Abilities: Falling Moon Holy Sword (9 Stars), King's Eye
Notes: King of Talua Kingdom and a master swordsman. Possesses keen insight and martial prowess, but perishes to the "Madness Disaster." One of the few who knows of the Seven Heavenly Swords. His death becomes a pivotal moment for Fabian, fueling his quest to find them.
==
The reflexive scan of King Leogart’s profile sparked new questions in my mind.
‘Madness Disaster… and Seven Heavenly Swords?’
A disaster was one thing, but now another unfamiliar name popped up.
My head spun.
‘Just how many disasters is this damn kingdom tangled up in?’
It was absurd, but on second thought, it made sense. Talua Kingdom was the main stage for the protagonist Fabian’s activities.
‘I’ll check the synopsis later.’
I could only hope the Madness Disaster was far in the future. For now, the Imperial Founding Festival was enough to worry about.
“I, Ivan Gail, greet Your Majesty the King.”
Kneeling and bowing alongside Duke Gail’s greeting, I felt an odd gaze prickling the back of my neck.
“What are you staring at?”
My heart jumped, thinking my inner thoughts had slipped out, but it was fine.
Duke Gail had spoken first, addressing the silent King Leogart.
At the duke’s bold tone, King Leogart chuckled.
“Your aura shines bright, Ivan.”
“Aura? Isn’t that a bit much for an old man worn out serving you, Your Majesty?”
“Weren’t you fifty-three? I’d say that’s hardly old.”
“Old enough, I think.”
Their light banter felt oddly fresh.
I’d heard as much, but Duke Gail and King Leogart shared a deep bond.
Duke Gail had personally mentored him back when he was still a prince…
“So, this is the Clay Banheart you mentioned?”
“Yes.”
“Hmm…”
I felt King Leogart’s piercing gaze.
As I debated lifting my head, his voice rang out.
“Raise your head, Sir Banheart.”
True to his profile of sharp insight and martial skill, his eyes gleamed fiercely, and his frame was solidly honed.
“I hear you performed brilliantly in this war. Ivan’s report filled me in thoroughly.”
“Thank you.”
“You’ve got guts… Though your skills seem a bit lacking, you slew a mid-level demon, yes?”
“It was luck.”
“No one slays a mid-level demon on luck alone. And you captured the enemy supreme commander, so you’re a true hero of this war.”
“That’s…”
“No need for modesty. A hero stands tall—that’s all there is to it!”
King Leogart boomed the words and clapped.
The knights arrayed around him thrust their swords skyward.
The king’s celebratory address, capping the triumphal procession, had begun.
“Hear me! This war ends in our victory. We crushed the wicked Kainzel Kingdom, allied with demons, and proved Talua Kingdom’s dominance over the eastern continent!”
His resounding cry silenced the roaring cheers in an instant.
Charisma that bent the crowd with mere words.
A fitting figure for a nation’s king.
“And in that war, we witnessed the birth of a new hero. He exposed Kainzel’s spies, thwarted the duke’s assassination, and bought the army time to escape a mysterious monster.”
King Leogart bellowed before nodding toward me.
‘Just stand there, huh.’
Of course it wouldn’t be that simple.
With a small breath, I drew my sword and raised it high—higher than the other knights.
A thunderous roar erupted from the crowd.
“He captured the enemy supreme commander, Prince Wolfran, and slew the mid-level demon scheming from the shadows, ending the war alone! We must reward this hero fittingly.”
Reward.
Color bloomed on my face at the word.
‘Yeah, they didn’t set all this up just to give nothing!’
I’d been hoping for it, curiosity bubbling over what it might be.
A reward from the king himself had to be something huge.
“I bestow upon Sir Clay Banheart a monetary reward and a mansion in the capital!”
King Leogart’s declaration met my expectations perfectly.
But…
“Furthermore, I grant him the honor of representing Talua Kingdom at the upcoming Imperial Martial Tournament!”
He was announcing that here?
The joy from the reward evaporated in a flash.
“Of course, respecting Sir Banheart’s wishes, the choice is his.”
As if reading my mind, King Leogart added the caveat.
[Refuse in front of all this? Good luck.]
Gransesia snarked at King Leogart.
“Also, he was denied inheritance due to the sudden death of Count Banheart.”
King Leogart grinned at me.
That smile told me exactly what was coming. Royal approval was required for titles, after all.
“Congratulations, Count Banheart. Lead the kingdom’s talents from here on.”
The first to applaud was Duke Gail beside me.
He clapped exaggeratedly, loud enough for all to hear, and soon the crowd joined in with cheers and applause.
Gransesia clicked her tongue at the duke.
[That duke’s one sly fox.]
For once, I couldn’t agree more.