The Regressed Son of a Duke is an Assassin

In my life, there aren’t many words I like, but there are plenty I dislike.

One of those is “honorable death.”

What’s the use of cloaking it with fine words like honor and legacy?

The person who died can’t speak anymore, nor can they feel anything.

When the Demon King’s army invaded this world in my previous life, my father, along with the knights, resisted to the very end, but ultimately Bellias was occupied.

The Empire then utilized my father’s death as a rallying point to unite three countries in an unprecedented alliance in human history.

The catalyst for an endeavor is extremely important.

My father’s honorable death was significant in that it laid the groundwork for the formation of the Alliance Army.

So let me ask one thing.

On what basis do they call my father’s death honorable?

Did anyone actually witness his death?

No.

Of course, I didn’t see it either.

How my father and the knights died is something known only to the Demon King’s army who were there at the time.

In other words, the humans called my father’s death honorable without even having witnessed it.

Later, when the Alliance Army expelled the Demon King’s army from Bellias and cleared up the scene, I was able to verify the truth behind that “honorable” death.

To put it plainly,

it was just ghastly.

My father had been subjected to such horrific indignities that the term “honor” couldn’t even be mentioned.

Even knights who were unfazed by the stench of blood on the battlefield turned away or vomited from the shock at that moment.

And me?

Strangely, I didn’t feel sad.

Nor did rage well up within me.

Perhaps it was just pitiful?

Pitiful yet foolish.

That such was the miserable end for someone who had dedicated his life to protecting the continent.

As for my father, from beginning to end, he seemed a fool to me,

a man who lived to protect the world, but ultimately received no reward from it.

I can’t really complain, considering I met a similarly foolish end,

but I hoped not to live that way in my next life.

However.

It seems that wish may not have been granted.

Is this unchanging fate what they speak of?

In this very moment, with swords crossed, I realized clearly.

My father’s fate had not changed.

“……”

Unlike me, whose emotions were stirring, my father showed no emotion in his eyes.

I half-wondered if he didn’t recognize me at all,

but that wasn’t the case.

He called my name crisply and accurately.

“You seem hesitant, Sean.”

“It’s a bit disappointing to be crossing swords with you for the first time.”

“Which child could maintain their sanity while facing a father who isn’t in his right mind?”

“It sounds like you’re saying I’ve gone mad.”

“I will not deny it.”

Despite his child’s harsh judgment, my father’s expression remained unchanged.

Instead, he turned his gaze from my face to Kairam.

“Do you remember the value of the sword that I taught you both?”

“You told us that it was a means to develop the power to protect ourselves and the world. I remember clearly.”

“Then I ask you, Sean. Is the sword you’re wielding now… a sword to protect the world?”

A sword to protect the world.

My sword had long ceased to chase such grandiose, hollow honorifics.

From the moment I found Kairam,

no, from the moment I joined Mist at Aer’s summons,

no, it was much earlier than that.

From the very moment I was completely cast aside by my house after losing the swordsmanship duel with Krantz!

I have wielded my sword only to protect myself.

“This sword is to protect myself.”

I conveyed my true feelings to my father without hesitation.

My father’s statue-like eyelids drooped slightly.

Was he disappointed because it wasn’t the answer he expected?

But my response wasn’t over yet.

“And also…….”

I’m no longer wielding my sword just to protect myself.

“The sword that protects me is the sword that protects the world!”

“……!”

At the same time as his drooping eyelids widened, my father showed a fleeting smile.

“I understand.”

Then a blue mana light emanated from my father’s longsword.

“Now then, prove the value of your sword to me. As a Guardian of the Continent! And as your father! I will see your swordsmanship! Prove to me that I was wrong, and you are correct! Sean!”

It was a bit strange.

The father before my eyes was my father indeed.

However, my father is not in his normal state right now.

Beguiled by demons and witches, he is being manipulated at their whim.

Yet, upon hearing those words, this thought crossed my mind:

If I manage to overpower my father here,

would that mean I’ve earned his recognition?

What would be the meaning of such a thing now?

Nevertheless, considering that this was the moment to achieve a long-unfulfilled wish over past and present lives, my blood began to boil with excitement.

Suppressing the exhilarating emotions quickly, I muttered quietly to my father standing opposite me.

“I will honor your words!”

* * *

Amidst the thick, swirling sandstorms outside the firmly shut gates of the Demon King’s castle.

The castle’s guard was even more vigilant, with the Demon King away.

“……!”

They were shocked to discover a group of unfamiliar visitors appearing before the castle gates.

“Report to Lord Rogers!”

The report was conveyed directly to Rogers, the castle’s steward.

“Lord Rogers!”

“What’s the matter?”

“The pack from Ascalon has shown up in front of the castle!”

“Ascalon?”

Rogers’ eyes widened.

“Just when the Demon King is away……”

This was a guest he was not particularly pleased to welcome.

“And it doesn’t seem like they came to meet the Demon King.”

“Then who have they come to meet?”

“They’ve come wanting to speak with you, Lord Rogers.”

“With me?”

At that moment, footsteps sounded from behind Rogers.

“Who’s here?”

It was Besti and Lunab.

From their expressions, it seemed they had already heard the report.

“Why would that man suddenly come to the castle……?”

“Please wait a moment, Lady Besti. I will go and verify.”

Having reassured her, Rogers hurried outside with the guide, leaving Besti anxious and pondering alone.

Observing her, Lunab asked,

“Who is Ascalon?”

Besti hesitated momentarily before reluctantly explaining,

“He’s known as the leader of the most powerful faction opposing the Demon King, the Ascalon Faction. Known for his high acumen and strategic prowess, he commands a large following of demons. And……”

She appeared about to add something but then abruptly shook her head.

“Anyway, he’s the demon who poses the greatest threat to Belcarion. He too yearns for the old ways of Belcarion.”

At this point, Lunab started to wonder just what the original state of the Demon King was that caused such upheaval.

However, she did not let her curiosity show and simply watched Besti’s restless figure intently.

Meanwhile, Rogers, who had gone to meet Ascalon based on the report, led him to the first-floor hall of the castle.

“It’s been a while, Rogers.”

Ascalon was a middle-aged demon with a brown beard, similar in age to Rogers.

“Let’s skip the pleasantries and get straight to the point. What brings you to this castle?”

Instead of answering, Ascalon brought up another matter.

“I hear there’s been a human wandering around the castle?”

Ignoring the question and counter-posing a different one, he didn’t respond to Rogers’ inquiry.

“Unfounded rumors. Why are you mentioning this now? Let’s stick to answering my question first, shall we?”

“I’m here because of that unfounded rumor.”

“Have you come to search for this human?”

“I’ve come to settle a matter related to that human.”

Rogers said no more and simply stared silently into Ascalon’s eyes.

A not-so-brief silence lingered until,

“Let’s move to a different spot.”

Rogers quickly moved to ensure a quiet private conversation could take place, installing an eavesdropping prevention barrier once they were relocated.

Once the preparations were complete, Ascalon finally shared his purpose for the visit.

“Now that we’ve moved, let’s get to the point. That child Besti in this castle, she has a vile object in her possession, doesn’t she?”

“……!”

Rogers felt his heart skip a beat at that moment.

Nonetheless, he maintained his composure, answering steadily,

“I’m not quite sure what you mean?”

“Don’t beat around the bush, Rogers. Must I specifically say the word ‘pendant’ for you to understand?”

“……”

Rogers hesitated for a second without expression.

“Where did you hear about it?”

“The source of the information isn’t important right now. What matters is how we’re going to deal with it.”

Ascalon leaned in closer to Rogers, eyeing him intently.

“That pendant constraining Besti, we’ll release her from it.”

“And what makes you think I’ll believe that?”

“Why wouldn’t you?”

Ascalon seemed almost offended by the doubt, furrowing his brow slightly.

“Even though we’re currently apart due to incompatible ideals, that child is still my daughter. I want to save her more than anyone.”

“……”

“Using my daughter’s life as leverage to rebuild the order of this world is not what I want. While the Demon King is momentarily absent, you, Rogers, must convince Besti to come here immediately.”

He then slipped a piece of paper with an address written on it across the table.

“You must come alone with Besti, without any attendants. I’ll go ahead and wait for you.”

Having stated his business, Ascalon promptly got up and headed for the door.

-Clack

As he calmly opened the door and stepped out, Besti, who had been waiting outside, appeared before him.

Without any conversation, they simply gazed endlessly into each other’s eyes.

“Hmph.”

Finally, Ascalon broke the silence with a soft sigh.

“We’ll see each other again soon.”

Unable to comprehend the meaning, Besti furrowed her brow, but leaving her behind, Ascalon walked away from the castle with his entourage.

Besti turned her gaze to Rogers.

“What exactly did you two discuss?”

“It seems the Ascalon Faction has become aware of certain matters.”

“?!?!”

She was so startled that she clasped her hands over her mouth.

“I’ll explain everything. Let’s go inside first.”

Inviting her into the conference room, Rogers hurriedly shut the door while reinforcing the eavesdropping prevention barrier, ensuring a secret conversation that no one inside the castle could overhear. But unbeknownst to them, another individual was listening through the barrier.

“Amplification…”

In a room three paces away from where the two demons were, Lunab sat demurely in a chair with her eyes gently closed. Thanks to her mastery of mana, she was eavesdropping on the entire conversation through the enchanted staff.

(To be continued in the next episode)