Chapter 218
Chapter 218
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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 218
Chapter Title: Famous Guests (1)
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The next day, people began flooding into the mansion.
It was incomparable to the time when Demian had claimed his first victory in the Helian Tournament—the number of visitors was overwhelming.
And it wasn't just the quantity. The caliber of the visitors had risen dramatically.
"A letter from the Willerby Count family for Sir Demian..."
"I am a knight of the Corsaca Marquis family. I wish to see Sir Demian in person."
Even the empire's most prominent houses were coming to seek out Demian.
These were families with solid standings, thanks to their long years of loyalty to the empire.
Even the name of the Lichtenauer Ducal family couldn't easily send them packing.
As a result, Demian had no choice but to step outside and greet the guests himself.
Among the visitors seeking Demian were some familiar faces.
"Sir Demian, thank you for making time for me..."
It was Bradley Hess.
Unlike when they had first met, Bradley Hess was completely deflated.
He looked like a massive bear that had flattened its fur and shrunk into itself.
Demian glanced at Bradley Hess's abdomen. It was wrapped thickly in bandages.
"Your injury seems severe. Is it really okay to be moving around already?"
"How could I just lie there without even thanking you?"
Bradley Hess bowed his head immediately.
"Thank you for saving my life. If not for you, I'd be meeting my ancestors in the afterlife by now."
Bradley Hess's voice trembled faintly.
"You helped me despite my rudeness from the start... Sir Demian, you are a true exemplar of knighthood. I will never forget this favor for the rest of my life!"
Demian could only manage a wry smile.
The reason Demian had saved Bradley Hess was simply because it would have been a waste to let him die.
It was true that his first impression had been poor and he'd been irritating. But even so, he couldn't just let a man famed as the Sword Emperor, with his illustrious achievements, meet his end.
'I wish I could have saved the other two as well, if possible.'
One couldn't know what functions a chimera had until experiencing them firsthand.
Because of that, Demian hadn't been able to accurately gauge Everis's danger.
Moreover, he hadn't anticipated that an imperial Master-class would die so futilely to a single swift slash.
Those were the reasons he hadn't been able to prevent the other two deaths.
"Please, do visit the Hess Marquis family someday. You will always be welcome."
"I'll stop by when I have time."
"Please, I beg you—promise me."
Bradley gripped Demian's hand tightly, pleading repeatedly.
"Then I'll take my leave. And Miss Rachel."
Bradley Hess turned to Rachel, who sat beside him.
She hadn't interjected in the conversation, but as the lady of the house, Rachel had remained at his side throughout.
"Yes?"
Rachel asked in a puzzled tone. Bradley Hess simply stared at her silently.
"If you're about to say something weird again, I'll have you thrown out."
As the mood turned strange, Rachel spoke in a wary voice.
Suddenly, Bradley Hess burst into tears. Pearl-like tears streamed from his large eyes.
"Ah, I shall cheer for your beautiful love from afar!"
Shouting loudly, Bradley Hess bolted from the drawing room.
Demian and Rachel stared at the door in dumbfounded silence.
* * *
The reception of guests didn't end until evening.
"It seems all the famous houses have come and gone now."
"That's a relief."
Demian meant it sincerely. Entertaining them had tired him out considerably, as it wasn't at all to his taste.
"From tomorrow on, handle it yourself."
At Demian's words, Rachel looked at him quizzically.
"But Demian, don't you like building connections? Knights from other kingdoms go crazy when nobles won't meet them during visits to the capital."
There were quite a few knights from other kingdoms who yearned to join the empire. Such people tried desperately to cozy up to imperial nobles.
"I'm not planning to live in the empire, so why bother?"
Demian replied indifferently.
He held no particular romantic notions about the empire. As long as they could aid each other against Pandemonium, that was enough.
Besides, with his entire family in Apple Kingdom, he couldn't settle elsewhere.
"Uh... You don't intend to stay in the empire?"
Rachel looked shocked.
"Have I ever said I wanted to live here?"
"No, but most knights do want that... I assumed you did too, Sir Demian."
Rachel sounded regretful.
"It'll be a shame when you return to Apple Kingdom."
A wistful smile played on Rachel's lips. Demian gazed at her quietly before speaking.
"Because you won't be able to mooch any more techniques off me?"
"Eh, how did you know?"
"You pester people with questions nonstop. Impossible not to notice."
During his stay at the mansion, Demian had taught Rachel diligently.
To prepare for the potential apocalypse war ahead.
"A house like Lichtenauer must have more Master-class experts than you can count. Learn from them."
"I like what you teach me better than what they offer."
"That's just because you can't learn from them."
At that moment, the drawing room door opened, and someone entered. It was David, Rachel's personal attendant.
"Miss, a guest has arrived."
"A guest at this hour? Send them away."
Evening was approaching. They couldn't entertain visitors at such a time, even if it was a high noble.
"Well..."
David looked troubled.
"Who is it?"
"His Highness the First Prince has come."
Demian and Rachel's eyes widened simultaneously.
"What should we do?"
"...Let him in."
Moments later, a young man entered the drawing room with a female knight.
"Thank you both for agreeing to see me!"
The young man laughed boisterously.
Sturdy build, handsome features, hearty laughter—he was the sort to inspire goodwill in anyone.
First Prince Kael Adelaite was appealing in every way.
"This is my guard knight. Say hello."
The female knight gave a curt nod with a sullen expression.
"It's an honor to meet you like this. I was at the colosseum the day you shone, Sir Demian. I watched your exploits from my father's side."
The First Prince showered Demian with praise right away.
"That refined sword aura! That nimble footwork! All unforgettable—truly magnificent!"
"You're too kind."
Demian's response was lukewarm.
The female knight accompanying the prince scowled, clearly displeased with Demian's attitude.
"So you're the quiet type."
Unlike his knight, however, the First Prince showed no displeasure.
"Then straight to the point. I have a very important request for you."
The First Prince spoke with utmost seriousness.
"How about climbing to the empire's pinnacle with me?"
* * *
Hearing the First Prince's words, Demian fell into brief contemplation.
'Rachel was right. The succession isn't settled yet.'
Before the prince arrived, Rachel had earnestly warned Demian.
-The First Prince will definitely try to recruit you to his side.
-The empire is in a fierce struggle between the First and Second Princes for the throne right now.
-Their forces are evenly matched, so neither has the upper hand. They're desperate to bolster their allies.
-You're basically a hero of the empire now. You slew Pandemonium's villain who disrupted the tournament in an instant, upholding the empire's honor.
-Refuse him no matter what. There's nothing good to come from getting tangled in this mess.
When he'd first heard it, Demian had been surprised.
Because in his previous life, the First Prince had already been named crown prince long before.
'So I was skeptical... but it really is true.'
From Demian's perspective, it was welcome news. The First Prince was utterly incompetent.
During the apocalypse war, his arbitrary commands had led to countless soldiers and knights dying needlessly.
In the end, to save his own skin, he'd sold out critical imperial secrets.
Specifically, leaking the Sword Saint's next operation zone.
Because of that, the Demon-Slaying Squad, including the Sword Saint, had fallen into Dorgo's trap.
That day, Demian had annihilated the squad and beheaded the Sword Saint.
'But why has the future changed?'
Demian found that point puzzling. Had any of his actions influenced the imperial succession?
"Sir Demian, your expression doesn't look good?"
The First Prince peered at him intently.
"It's nothing. So you wish for my support, Your Highness?"
"Exactly. With your help, nothing could stand in my way. Not even that loathsome brother of mine..."
"I'm sorry, but I have no desire to involve myself in imperial affairs."
All Demian wanted was Pandemonium's destruction. He had zero interest in the empire's power struggles.
Especially not supporting scum like the First Prince.
"...I didn't expect this, so I'm a bit flustered."
The First Prince looked awkward.
"Is it the terms? If you back me, I promise you my right-hand man position."
"No, it's not that. I simply don't wish to meddle in Your Highness's fight."
At the cold refusal, the First Prince's face stiffened slightly.
"...Sir Demian, I am an imperial prince."
"I know."
"Join me, and all honors are yours."
"Probably."
"But refuse my request... and corresponding misfortune may befall you."
Rachel bristled at the thinly veiled threat.
"Your Highness! Sir Demian is a guest of the Lichtenauer Ducal family! Mind your words!"
"My apologies. But we must clarify this."
The First Prince fixed Demian with a steady gaze.
"Sir Demian, are you prepared to make me your enemy?"
Ally or foe.
Decide here and now—his words implied.
Demian let out a scoff.
"Save such threats for after you've claimed the throne, Your Highness."
* * *
The First Prince's face hardened instantly.
Just now, Demian had openly mocked him. It meant he feared not a word from a mere prince, not even an emperor.
"How dare you spout such insolence to His Highness!"
The female knight erupted in fury instead.
"You arrogant wretch from some backwater kingdom! I'll have you on your knees before His Highness right—"
"Enough."
The First Prince raised a hand. The knight reluctantly fell silent.
"If you won't join me, no choice. I'll take my leave."
The First Prince stood.
"But remember this: from today, you and I are enemies."
He left the drawing room without a backward glance.
The female knight shot Demian a murderous glare before following her prince.
"Haa..."
As soon as they were gone, Rachel let out a deep sigh.
"Demian... did you have to say it like that?"
"I can't stand annoyances."
"But he's a prince."
Despite Rachel's worry, Demian just smiled.
In this world, there was one absolute truth: the strong received treatment befitting their strength.
Even the emperor couldn't treat the Empire's Greatest Sword or the Sword Saint lightly. Because those two were that powerful.
And Demian was confident he would soon step into the same realm as them.
"Let's see if he acts the same way later."
* * *
"That damned country bumpkin!"
Back at the palace, the First Prince exploded in rage.
"What? Don't be rude? Who is he to lecture me!"
He rampaged, hurling objects. The female knight waited until his anger subsided.
"If you wish, I will bring you that man's head, Your Highness."
She spoke with utter conviction, but the First Prince shook his head.
"No need. I'll punish him personally. I'll show him exactly what it means to incur the imperial family's wrath in this empire!"
At that moment, the First Prince vowed to pour all his power into destroying the knight named Demian Haksen.
But his plans shattered completely within a week.
The day Demian Haksen visited the palace at the emperor's invitation.
The emperor knelt before Demian Haksen.