Illusion Sword Master

＜ Imperial Inspector (1) ﹥

“I congratulate you on your graduation. You are now accomplished war mages and pillars of the empire’s defense, ready to annihilate your enemies…”

The graduation speech by the president of the War University was dragging on with empty words.

I tuned him out with one ear and reminisced about the past.

I had been trapped in this wretched world for ten years, fighting on the battlefield.

I discovered my talent for the sword and tried to become a knight, but in reality, I was a mage, and I was brought to the War University by a high-ranking official who overestimated my loyalty.

My initial plan was to keep a low profile and just get my graduation certificate. Of course, the plan failed miserably.

I caught the eye of Professor Dars, honed my swordsmanship, and formed a connection with the genius trio of the Magic Department, becoming the chairman of the Magic Research Association.

I killed a dark mage who was plotting something in the imperial capital, killed an orc tribe leader on the front lines, and even defeated a noble who persecuted other species.

Not only that, but I also made an impression on all three imperial princes, who are currently the highest authorities in the empire.

None of my many achievements were things I had aimed for, but in any case, my tumultuous time at the War University had come to an end.

My official position had changed from a student in the Magic Department to a full-fledged imperial mage.

Despite all these accomplishments, I wasn’t happy at all.

“I’m just waiting to be dragged back to the battlefield now.”

What’s the point of rising from a low-ranking soldier to a renowned mage? In the end, I’d still be stuck in the war.

After the boring graduation ceremony, my fellow students, with whom I had shared the past three years, gathered in small groups to bid each other farewell.

As always, Roem was by my side.

“Ethan, where are you headed?”

“I don’t know yet.”

“Well, Ethan has a close relationship with the Third Prince, so he’ll definitely be given a special task.”

Ugh. I let out a deep sigh.

It was only a matter of time before I graduated and the Third Prince sent me to the most intense battlefield. The empire was full of dangers, and the Third Prince was a stubborn person who thought that the more capable someone was, the more responsibility they should take on.

The problem was, I still had no idea where I would be sent or what position I would take.

Knowing it wouldn’t hurt, but not knowing when and how it would hurt, was driving me crazy.

Just thinking about it made my head spin, so I changed the subject.

“What about you?”

“I’m going to the Eastern Front. Our family’s territory is nearby, and they’re especially short on magical defense personnel.”

“That’s great. I’m going in the opposite direction.”

Sera, who had suddenly appeared beside me, chimed in on our conversation.

“I’m going to the Western Front to join the Zephyr family’s magic squad with Minka. Right, Minka?”

It seemed she had finally succeeded in recruiting Minka, as she was now arm-in-arm with her, flaunting their friendship.

“Not me, I’m going to the Southern Front.”

Minka pushed Sera’s arm away and replied dryly.

“What? Didn’t we agree to go to the Western Front together and join the Zephyr family’s magic squad?”

“I changed my mind.”

“Why?”

“I got a letter from that guy, Ihwangja, saying that if I go to the Southern Front, I can burn everything I want.”

Roem teased Sera.

“It seems like your friend is only interested in their own gain, not in genuine friendship.”

“What’s that supposed to mean? You can’t even wear a shirt properly, you clumsy idiot!”

“Wha… Ah.”

Sera pointed out Roem’s attire. Roem only then realized he had been wearing his shirt inside out the whole time.

“This isn’t a mistake, it’s a fashion statement! It’s intentional.”

Roem made a pathetic excuse.

Surprisingly, his words weren’t entirely false.

The fashionistas of the Imperial Palace would follow Roem’s style, even when he dressed sloppily, calling it “Roem’s style” and whatnot.

“Let’s have a final spar together.”

“Huh.”

“…”

Roem and Sera, who had been arguing, shut their mouths and exchanged awkward glances at Minka’s words.

They were still the same old friends until the end.

The thought that this might be the last time we’d all gather together filled me with a strange sense of nostalgia.

After all, we’d been stuck together for a year, and it seemed like our bond had grown stronger.

I didn’t know what kind of life my friends would lead in the future, but one thing was certain: they would face even greater dangers than before.

“Let’s survive well.”

Everyone seemed to acknowledge the reality, nodding their heads with a more serious expression.

#

[I’ll visit the Carlen territory sometime. Ethan, you can introduce me to your sister if you want.]

[If you build up enough credit, come to the Zephyr family. I’ll treat you like a guest.]

[Let’s fight together again. I’ll give you an aerial bombardment.]

After bidding farewell to my dear friends, I was walking alone on the campus of the War Academy.

Not for sentimental reasons, like to cherish the last memories of this place…

“It’s game over for my life as soon as I leave this place.”

The moment I stepped out of the university’s main gate, I had a ominous feeling that the three princes and Roran would kidnap me and send me to the battlefield.

I didn’t want to go out.

I didn’t want to be dragged to the battlefield.

I’d rather remain a student for life.

‘Is there no way to avoid this now?’

I tried to escape reality, but reality was a law that couldn’t be escaped no matter how fast I ran.

Clang. Clang.

The sound of powerful horseshoes echoed from somewhere.

A massive carriage pulled by eight horses was approaching, with the golden lion emblem of the imperial family engraved on its body.

The gazes of the remaining graduates in the schoolyard focused on that spot.

“Wow! It’s the imperial carriage!”

“Who’s coming?”

The one holding the reins was a familiar person, so I quickly knew who was in the carriage.

“Ethan! Congratulations on your graduation!”

Roran, with a bright expression, called out to me in a loud voice.

‘Damn it.’

This was a direct recruitment service.

Celebrating my graduation in this way was the worst.

“Wow, the imperial family is coming to pick you up directly. You’re so lucky.”

“It’s Ethan, after all. It’s only natural for the prince to take care of him.”

The words of the other students, who didn’t know my situation, grated on my nerves.

The carriage had stopped beside me, and another unwelcome face appeared through the open window.

“I didn’t mean to cause a commotion. I was supposed to wait outside, but since you didn’t come out, I came to pick you up.”

It was Prince Dietrich, the third prince.

I knelt on one knee to show respect.

“Get up. We don’t need unnecessary formalities between us. Is the time okay?”

I hesitated for a moment before answering.

It was because of the futile hope that I might find a way to escape this situation.

“I’m not forcing you, but I hope you’re doing well. I’ve taken time out to meet you.”

Yes, okay.

I wasn’t okay, but I had to be okay.

Damn it.

“Of course, I’m fine. I was just overwhelmed that Your Highness came to pick me up directly and lost my words for a moment.”

“I’m glad you’re happy. Then let’s go. I’ve wanted to raise a glass with you for a long time.”

This was the end.

I felt like I was being dragged to a slaughterhouse as I boarded the luxurious carriage.

#

The place where I was taken by the third prince was his lavish villa, which he used as a private residence.

The grand dining table, which could accommodate a large party, felt empty with only the three of us, the third prince, Roran, and I.

“There’s a lot to talk about, so let’s start with a drink.”

The Third Prince poured me a glass of wine.

“Thank you.”

This wine is an extremely high-end product that even wealthy families would hesitate to purchase.

The high-ranking noble suddenly found me and offered me expensive wine.

“What does this person want from me?”

I hadn’t even taken a sip, but my mouth felt dry and my stomach was churning.

“Just take a drink. Congratulations on your graduation.”

It wasn’t a comfortable situation to be drinking wine, so I took a small sip and put the glass down.

“It seems you don’t like it.”

The Third Prince said, noticing this.

Oh no, is it rude to not finish a shot in one go, even for royalty?

I felt my expression grow heavier, thinking I might have made a mistake.

“I know it doesn’t look good to indulge in luxury during a difficult time for the empire. But this is my only pleasure. Please understand.”

I thought he was criticizing me for drinking expensive wine during a crisis,

and wondered how loyal I must seem in his eyes.

“Edan, I know you’re loyal, but what’s wrong with this, Your Highness?”

Roland also seemed to think the same, and scolded me.

“I apologize. I didn’t mean to, but I unknowingly committed a faux pas since I don’t usually drink.”

I corrected the misunderstanding with a suitable lie.

I get drunk on wine. If only I weren’t in this uncomfortable situation.

“Hmm. Indeed, you’ve been working hard without any breaks. But humans have limited mental strength. We must know how to rest to avoid burnout.”

“Haha, that’s why you’ve achieved so much at a young age.”

These people were like a dream come true.

As we continued to drink for a few more rounds, I felt like I was sitting on a bed of thorns.

“Roland has been praising you, saying you’re the best among the students. Your skills are exceptional, and your loyalty is unmatched. Especially your noble sacrifice is truly admirable.”

“Edan is the most outstanding among the students I’ve seen. Your skills are a given, and your loyalty is unparalleled. You’re different from those corrupt individuals who prioritize their own safety.”

What they said was supposed to be praise, but to me, who only cared about personal safety without any interest in sacrifice or dedication, it felt like they were talking behind my back.

In reality, I’m the trash they’re talking about! I thought, but the Third Prince became more serious.

“It’s been two years since you defeated the Marcellus Earl. You said back then that you wanted to create a peaceful empire for the next three generations.”

No, I said I wanted to live safely until I had grandchildren.

“You’ve done better than anyone else. As a student, you’ve achieved incredible things and are now standing before me again. I’m grateful for your remarkable growth.”

The Third Prince, who had become slightly drunk, spoke in a sentimental tone.

“The other two princes also admire you, and I’m sure all the powerful people in the empire will too. Nonetheless, I’m grateful that you trust me and have entrusted your future to me. You’ve become a great strength.”

No, that’s not true.

You people kidnapped me.

“No, it’s thanks to Your Highness that I’ve come to realize what’s truly important for the empire.”

I didn’t argue any further.

I didn’t have the courage to, and besides, it was all just a futile effort.

The First Prince, who I thought was my savior, wanted to use me as a spy, and the Second Prince would send me to the battlefield regardless.

I swallowed my dry saliva.

The next words to come out of the Emperor’s mouth would determine my future, so I decided.

“Lord Roland.”

As if Lord Roland had been waiting for the Emperor’s command, he handed me a box.

When I opened it and checked the contents, I found something familiar. Perhaps it was at that moment that I realized my fate was already sealed.

Sparkle.

A golden badge with two golden lions engraved, exuding a strong aura of mana.

It was the Golden Lion Badge, a symbol of the Emperor’s authority.

“By the authority of the Emperor, I appoint you, Ethan, Imperial Inspector, as the representative of the Empire’s magic division.”

An Imperial Inspector, representing the imperial authority.

If others were in my shoes, they would be overjoyed, shedding tears of excitement.

But I knew the true nature of this seemingly prestigious position.

It was an extreme job that required me to risk my life, dealing with all sorts of incidents day and night.

Even if I adapted, the opportunities to take advantage of the situation were fewer than in the battlefield, where the treatment was worse.

A life of searching for a place to settle, without a fixed workplace, risking my life one day and another.

And yet, it was laid before me.

“Will you accept this position?”

“Ah… Your Imperial Highness, this is too great a responsibility for me. Please take it back…”

“Do not refuse. Your qualifications are guaranteed by Lord Roland and myself.”

Why did he ask when the answer was already decided?

“…… I accept the imperial decree.”

I had struggled so hard to avoid this future, but it had come to this.

Even though I knew, directly experiencing it made my eyes sting.

Lord Roland patted my back.

“I was like you too. To be given the opportunity to dedicate myself to the Empire with such a heavy responsibility, it felt like I had the world in my hands.”

I felt like I had lost the world.

“Has my first mission been decided?”

I barely regained my composure and asked.

The scope of the Imperial Inspector’s duties, which I had heard from Lord Roland before, was excessively broad.

From detecting criminal acts to establishing discipline among Imperial Army soldiers, investigating corruption in the command center, rescuing and protecting important figures, and handling various other important tasks…

“That’s right. You have a crucial task to perform.”

“What do I need to do?”

“There is information that some units on the western front have become dispirited. I want you to investigate the situation and take measures on my behalf.”

The Emperor, with a glass of liquor in front of him, smiled and added,

“You are the right person for this job.”

“That’s right. Having been in the 6th Army for 10 years, the western front is like a hometown to me. If the hero who killed the Orc King returns, the soldiers’ morale will rise.”

Lord Roland, sitting next to me, raised his glass in a toast.

The goal of this long journey was to avoid the tumultuous Orc Plain and reach a peaceful life.

But I ended up going back to that wretched place again.

“Heh heh heh…”

It was hard to bear with my dignity, so I let out a hollow laugh and raised my glass.

Anyway, it’s already been decided.

I just wanted to get drunk today.

＜ Imperial Inspector (1) ﹥ End