[Prince Ulysses Lenno Adrattan forms a diplomatic corps to pursue peace with the Holy Nation!]
The royal court is currently in uproar due to an unprecedented event.
—
“We share a common enemy in the demons. Even if it means extinction, we must make peace with the Holy Nation of Fernand!”
Such was the noble intention of Prince Ulysses.
“For humanity’s sake, we must wash away the past grudges and stand against the demons.”
However, the nobles and the Council of Elders did not see his youthful actions in the same light.
[“It’s just a desperate struggle for survival.”]
[“What can we do? Being a fourth prince so distant from the throne, he must act this way to stay safe.”]
[“Is the royal family saying nothing? Though it is a ceasefire, it’s still diplomatic engagement with an enemy nation.”]
[“You know, Emperor Adrattan is indifferent to such matters.”]
If ordinary nobles or others had said this, they could have been immediately executed for lèse-majesté.
But it was Prince Ulysses himself, leveraging his position as a prince, who initiated this.
Rather, he pushed the nobles and royals to the extreme, eliciting sympathy to prolong his own life a bit longer.
[“It’s unfortunate to say such irreverent words, but being born a fourth prince is a sin.”]
[“Including the princesses, there are seven above him. It’s as if his fate was sealed at birth.”]
[“It’s a destiny that does not suit him.”]
[“Haha, what does that have to do with us?”]
Therefore, this ‘peace’ is viewed by those around him as a political show, met with mockery.
From the most noble lineage in the empire.
The nature of his high bloodline is such that it might lead to his death.
[Captain of the diplomatic corps of Prince Ulysses, Ulysses Lenno Adrattan.]
[“Closed Eyes” Julian Crypart Frason is likely.]
Once the ‘captain’ guarding him was decided, pity began to replace the scorn.
Because it was not just any knight leading the guard, but “Closed Eyes” Julian.
[“Is he insane?”]
[“No matter how strong he is, it doesn’t fit!”]
[“Throughout the journey, his life will be in danger.”]
His notoriety is such that there is no one in the regime who does not know him.
The smiling executioner.
The mad dog of the royal family.
The sword that kills noble blood.
His swordsmanship is excellent, but his inherent nature is that of a vile human.
A prince’s guard captain, especially one for ‘peace’ heading to the ‘holy,’ seemed inappropriate to the royal insiders.
[“Perhaps, the other princes have had a hand in this…”]
[“Really, it might be so…”]
As such, rumors began to spread that Julian was placed as the captain of the guard to dispose of Prince Ulysses first.
The nobles who read the official document began to murmur among themselves.
“Poor Prince Ulysses…”
“As powerless as he is, how does it make sense to appoint that demonic-hearted monster as the captain of the guard?”
“There was Commander Schwartz of the Azure Lion Knights, and yet!”
The reaction is understandable.
But amidst this expected response, a new perspective began to emerge.
“However, recently Sir Julian has not been involved in anything that would cause scandal.”
“Surprisingly, there might not be any trouble after all.”
Recently, there have been no major issues with Julian’s conduct.
In fact, having dealt with a few demons, his notoriety was somewhat overshadowed by his fame.
Thus, his previously poor record could be shielded by the ‘royal’ mantle.
It was only right for nobles to follow the royal command.
***
[According to this directive, Julian from the “Closed Eyes” agency will be appointed as the captain of the guard for Prince Ulysses, the fourth prince.]
Reading the official document from the secretariat, I looked back at the papers with a stunned expression.
“Could this happen so quickly?”
I thought it was a foregone conclusion since the Dawn Society would intervene on my behalf.
But I never expected the announcement to come so quickly.
Was there a prior arrangement?
“It’s impressive. Though he is far from the line of succession, to think that someone from our ‘Closed Eyes’ would become the captain of the royal guard.”
Even though Odwin spoke in a pleased tone, her expression was as stoic as ever.
But I could sense a slight warmth in her voice.
A hint of excitement, passionate emotions.
Though not visible, it seemed as if bright mists were swirling above her head.
I thought Odwin didn’t really care much for the organization ‘Closed Eyes.’
“Surprising. You seem quite happy, even though I thought you weren’t particularly attached to ‘Closed Eyes.'”
“Well, I don’t see any reason to dislike it.”
After all… that’s not entirely wrong.
“It may be just a nominal position, but it’s a place I like.”
“That’s good to hear.”
“Does that sound like I’m mocking you?”
“Not at all. Haha.”
Really. She doesn’t know how comfortable she makes it for me… Others wouldn’t understand.
“By the way, Sir Julian. When did you apply to be part of the diplomatic guard? This is the first I’ve heard of it.”
‘I never applied myself.’
It was the Dawn Society, specifically Tenellon from the ‘Sword Saint,’ who acted independently.
Saying something like ‘it was the Dawn Society,’ ‘the Archbishop Tenellon did it,’—even if I am Julian, I would be arrested and killed immediately.
“I thought there was no need to mention it.”
“Well, I know that you’re not the type to tell me what you do or plan.”
Odwin spoke in her usual plain tone.
Despite the obvious hierarchy between a chief and a member, she seemed comfortable with the familiarity.
No wonder I feel at ease around Odwin.
***
As the royal court buzzed with the appointment of the captain of the guard, I had one concern.
“I don’t think I’ve ever spoken to him.”
That is, I hadn’t spoken even once to Prince Ulysses, whom I was to guard until we reached the Holy Nation of Fernand.
Of course, I know what he looks like. He’s somewhat prominent in the royal stories as a supporting character.
“Sir Julian, I’ve heard the news!”
As I was heading from the chief’s office back to my office, Fern approached with a cheerful greeting.
“About you being selected as the captain of the guard for Prince Ulysses! Congratulations!”
Congratulations? I didn’t even apply for it.
Still, I decided to take it positively.
Now that it has come to this, I’ll think of it as going to retrieve the holy relic, ‘Bell of the Quiet Night.’
“Haha, thank you, Sir Fern.”
“Commander Schwartz of the Azure Lion Knights is an amazing knight, and for you to be appointed over such a commander, the secretariat must have a high opinion of your achievements, Sir Julian!”
No. It’s just that someone behind the scenes orchestrated something.
“Sir Fern.”
“Yes!”
As I called him, Fern snapped to attention with a disciplined response.
“Do you have any tasks for me?”
Fern’s military precision was a testament to the restraint of a knight, perfect in every way. This made me wonder if I should ask him.
‘Why did you come to ‘Closed Eyes’ instead of the Azure Lion Knights?’
I was curious about his reason for switching allegiance, especially since he used to shudder at the mention of ‘Closed Eyes’.
If his reasons were malicious, it could become a nuisance for us.
“May I ask you something?”
“Yes! I will answer anything you ask, Sir Julian.”
His reaction made it difficult to ask; it was as if he revered me.
‘Huh, that couldn’t be possible.’
I’m not a fool.
If someone were to respect this ‘Julian’, it would be evidence of a fault in their character.
Think about it.
Even if not now, I’m known as a smiling, heartless man who wouldn’t hesitate to kill even children.
Always smiling, speaking in a tone that seems respectful to everyone but ultimately belittling others— a psychopath!
‘How could anyone like such a person!’
Wasn’t the usually amicable Razlot just disguising himself to act as a spy?
‘There must be a motive.’
That’s the only conclusion I could come to.
“Sir Fern, you wouldn’t happen to harbor any ill intentions towards the royal exclusive…”
Bang!
A loud noise struck my ears.
Turning to identify the source, I saw a man, burly like a bear, forcefully opening the door.
“Where is Julian?”
Despite his imposing entrance, the man’s voice was quiet as he looked for me.
Then, as he glanced around, his eyes met mine.
“Is that you there?”
Upon eye contact, the man with an ice-cold demeanor approached.
“Schwartz.”
The commander of the Azure Lion Knights.
Despite his cold, corpse-like face, he’s a bizarre one who values ‘effort’.
He’s the subject of a recent article in ‘The Knights’ about ‘effort’.
‘Seeing him in person, he really has a sharp look.’
As the commander of the Azure Lion Knights, his capabilities are well-documented.
He even supposedly broke the horns of a Dicorn demon with his bare hands.
“Sir Schwartz! What brings you here…”
As the former commander showed up, Fern was visibly flustered.
Observing Fern, Schwartz clicked his tongue and glared at him sharply.
“You lowly thing, who said you could speak?”
Despite being from the same knight order, Schwartz addressed Fern venomously.
“I’m, I’m sorry.”
“Right, you should be.”
Adjusting his collar, Schwartz shifted his gaze back to Fern.
“Your defection to ‘Closed Eyes’ has tarnished the knight order’s reputation.”
Fern flinched under his gaze.
His eyes were indifferent yet filled with stubbornness and disdain.
“A fallen noble…”
“What about being a fallen noble?”
As I intervened between them, annoyance flickered across Schwartz’s typically stoic face.
In a moment, his face reverted to its usual icy demeanor.
“Fallen nobles are those who have violated the empire’s discipline and have been demoted in status. They are considered lower than ordinary citizens.”
“That sounds like you are insulting our ‘Closed Eyes’ commander, Sir Odwin.”
Odwin is also a fallen noble.
Just now, Schwartz’s words insulted not only Fern but also our commander, Odwin.
I don’t particularly plan to defend her.
It’s just to reprimand Schwartz for his rudeness by coming into someone else’s workplace.
“Do you really need me to say that for you?”
How shameless.
“You’re the same, Frason of the Crypart family.”
I don’t understand why he keeps running his mouth.
Coming all the way here.
I have a rough idea why he came, but Schwartz’s arrogance is so over the top that it’s absurd.
‘Is he here because he’s bitter about not being chosen as the captain of the guard?’
Honestly, it’s not like my will was involved in the selection, and although the Dawn Society had some influence, technically, it was the secretariat that made the selection.
Why come all the way here to cause trouble?
To someone who grovels at the Sword Saint, damn it.
But ‘Julian’ would probably say this.
“Haha, is it okay to look down on me like that?”
“I’m not looking down, just stating the facts.”
“If that’s the case, what should we call someone who was outcompeted by that ‘lowly Frason’?”
Saying this, I showed Schwartz the appointment document for the captain of the diplomatic corps.
“If you don’t know, let’s decide it now.”
“This trash…”
“Trash… Just because he was outcompeted, calling him trash seems a bit harsh. Maybe ‘pig’ would be more appropriate.”
With my sarcastic tone, a slight crack appeared on Schwartz’s face, which had been as cold as a block of ice.
This level of snark doesn’t even feel like ‘acting’ anymore.
Cliche Novel 
Con la silla Julian!
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