Sword King and Magus

“So, you let the ogre escape?”

That is correct. Considering the speed during that escape, had the fight continued as it was, it might have been us who were defeated.

In truth, she was already evenly matched against Nyodzu.

Without my support, Nyodzu might have been in danger.

Even someone dubbed Sword Saint like Nyodzu couldn't manage it—so how could ordinary adventurers or common soldiers possibly succeed?

I reported it to the man before me.

The Sword Emperor himself, standing at the pinnacle of the Lengzand Empire.

So. Attacking head-on would only spread the damage unnecessarily.

That’s right. Gathering the empire’s elite might suffice, but only I and Nyodzu are capable of movement, it seems.

That is correct.

The Sword Emperor exhales deeply.

Normally, someone might have remarked, but here, only I and the Sword Emperor remain.

Let him breathe out a sigh.

He must be carrying burdens of his own.

“You’re enduring hardship, aren’t you?”

“Few trustworthy people inside or outside the court.”

“Ah. You trust me, then?”

“In a way. You’re only interested in the occult—power holds no appeal. If you’re offered curiosity as bait, you’ll work obediently.”

“Kakka-kakka! Well said!”

Not wrong, that.

“Did you have some design in mind when you demoted me?”

“One: pressure from the Divine Word Church. Two: to keep me as a mobile asset. Three: to avoid dragging me into unnecessary complications. That’s about it.”

“So you were planning something against me after all?”

I expected as much, but I did not anticipate you being in such a desperate state.

“The Divine Word Sect suspects you. They claim the hero’s rescue was too convenient. What is the truth, then?”

“Hm. I was merely given the role of rescuing the hero. Originally, I intended to raise the hero myself—under my guidance.”

Julius absorbed my teachings well, despite the short time.

His straightforward nature allowed him to grasp concepts quickly.

Had I had more time to instruct him properly, he might have eventually reached the core of dark magic—beyond me.

A pity.

“The hero is the prince of the Anareit Kingdom. The Divine Word Sect is involved as well. We cannot keep him for long.”

I understand. That’s why I offered to come forward and explain, yet the Divine Word Sect refused.

From their perspective, those who conceal the truth cannot be trusted.

What’s this? Even you?

I’ve done nothing shameful.

I merely followed the instructions of that person.

You don’t wish to speak the truth, then?

It won’t change anything. Rest easy. I won’t do anything to become an enemy of the Empire.

That would be preferable.

But if you keep making such trivial mistakes, I might just lose patience.

That would be troubling.

I’m not joking.

If I must endure this anymore, perhaps it’d be amusing to renounce my title and inheritance, and go into exile.

If you’ve turned your back on me now, the Empire’s future looks bleak.

"Overstating matters. My strength alone is limited."

"You would do well to reassess your own worth."

"I have reassessed. That is precisely why I made this decision. I now understand my past arrogance was excessive."

Only because I met her did I become aware of my own inadequacy.

And that there remains a higher peak to reach.

"From my perspective, you possess ample reason to be arrogant."

The Sword Emperor exhales, a sigh heavy with exaggeration.

Then again, he too suffers from lack of skill.

The current Sword Emperor relies on his father’s legacy.

That is fact.

Though he bears the title, his skill falls short of Nuduz’s. Yet he lacks outstanding political ability as well.

In essence, he is average.

It is true the previous Sword Emperor was great.

After all, he was the former Hero’s sword instructor.

Even in retirement, he remains a swordsman who could still overwhelm Nuduz.

The boy raised seeing the back of such a great father—judging by my eyes, he is doing well.

Doing well, yes—but still, he lacks the capacity to stand above others.

With the demon race remaining quiet, there has been no war worthy of the name in recent times. He is doing well merely by preventing the nobles from overextending and causing the empire to fracture mid-air.

And even that stability holds only because the nobles, seeing the likeness of the previous ruler behind him, refrain from reckless moves.

When parents excel, their children face great burdens.

Incidentally, it seems his son is also exceptional. Is that truly safe?

“Tell me, how is the son?”

“Yugo? Perhaps not so good.”

“Hm? I’ve heard rumors he’s a monstrous talent.”

"Do not call the boy a monster. But I shall allow it. From my view, he is a monster. Body and mind alike."

Something serious, it seems.

"He was born with divine favor. Yet he is complacent. And no one exists with the strength to correct that complacency. If Father were here, it would be different. But even I do not know where he is."

"Shall I beat some sense into him?"

"You cannot. The nobles who have set their eyes on him have already turned their backs on me. He is overflowing with talent, yet his spirit remains raw. Incited by the nobles, he has grown arrogant beyond measure. Sadly, even I cannot restrain him, nor can I separate him from the nobles. If you attempt contact, you will only be obstructed."

"Troublesome. Then I shall pass."

"That would be best for you."

Harsh as it may sound, raising children is the parent's duty.

I am not inclined to get involved. I shall leave it be.

"Returning to the matter at hand, we have decided to assign the ogre to the Shadow Division."

"The Shadow Division?"

"Aye. We will avoid direct confrontation. Instead, we will guide the ogre into the Demon Lands."

"Hmm. So we're pushing the burden onto the demons?"

"Exactly. Whether it succeeds remains uncertain. But it is far more practical than needlessly sacrificing troops. Several villages have already been destroyed. Before the damage spreads further, we must expel the ogre from human territory."

A reasonable course, then.

If all goes well, the ogres and demons may destroy each other—ideal outcome.

Still, I admit I would have preferred to attempt dialogue with that ogre. But judging by its behavior, that would be impossible.

A creature radiating such murderous intent—neither demon nor demonkin would attempt dialogue with it.