I’m a Bastard But You’re Worse!

As they say, time flies when youre having fun. That week indeed passed as fast as a shooting star.

I made love with five different partners, again and again, enjoying heavenly bliss.

Though it has to be said that we did not exactly engage in debauchery 24 hours a day. We also took baths together, washed each others bodies, took walks in the garden, talked about the future of the empire and the kingdomeven made crowns out of flowers and other such childish pastimes.

Eventually, the week came to an end. Rossellia and I had to say our goodbyes.

Thank you so much. I will never forget you.

See you again

Yes, see you again.

Our last words were rather mundane.

I didnt think we wouldnt ever meet again. I was sure we were going to see each other again hence I kept the farewell short on purpose.

Our journey back was not by land, but by sea. If we used the roads on the west side of the empire, we were likely to meet people who knew me, thus creating unneeded trouble.

Are you really fine with this, Lord Dyngir?

Fine with what?

When we arrived at the empires port town, Sakuya asked me a question.

It was only the two of us now: Shana was going to stay at Rossellias side until the empire reached a degree of stability.

About the empire, and Lady Rossellia. If you wanted, you could have taken them both.

Haha, youre pretty greedy, arent you. Thats what you were thinking?

Indeed, after winning the war and saving the empire to boot, some war reparations werent nearly enough. It could be said that it was the perfect opportunity to take advantage of the chaos and invade the empire its not like I never considered it.

Unfortunately, House Maxwell doesnt have enough manpower to take control of the empire. Even if we gained all this land, someone else will snatch it away under our noses without enough soldiers to protect it .

The empires territory was more than 10 times the size of the Maxwell province. House Maxwell did not have enough people under its command to govern and defend it all. Even if we forcefully annexed it, we were just going to have a civil war or foreign invasion on our hands.

The kingdoms central government wouldnt like seeing House Maxwell grow too powerful either; they would definitely come asking for their share. So instead of creating all sorts of troubles, both inside and outside, its better to just become good neighbors.

I seestill, that is a shame.

No, not really. Now we can deal with the kingdoms central powers without worrying about our back. And I also got more than I expected, in the end.

Lady Rossellia, do you mean? You certainly have spent a great amount of effort for a single woman.

I recalled her divine looks and grinned. To have been able to make love to such a gem of a woman was a very fortunate occurrence more than worthy of risking my life for. I had spent a week in heaven, after all.

Besides, if Rossellia really gives birth to my child, the Maxwell blood will get into the imperial familys bloodline! Makes me giddy just thinking about it. The blood of the greatest, most powerful family of the continent the Baal imperial familys bloodline is going to be swallowed by House Maxwell!

Hmphthere is no guarantee Lady Rossellia will be pregnant

If she isnt, Ill just have to sneak into court until it happens. No matter how many times it takes.

My grin widened even more. I had the impression that Sakuyas usual poker face was mixed with a streak of pity.

Ah, to be targeted by such a nasty manwill the Princess woes ever end?

Well, she had time to think about it before falling in love with a bastard. Too late for regrets.

I looked towards the sea. It was a bright, clear day: sunlight reflected on the waves, splashing and scattering gem-like fragments.

While we were waging war, the season had turned to summer.

The sea brings me nothing but bad memories, though I still like the summer sun and the sound of the waves

You do not like the sea, Milord? I did not know that

The Maxwell province is land-locked, so I just never had the opportunity to talk about it. You see, every time I come to sea, I end up meeting nasty people

I was about to recall such bitter memories, when someone called to me from behind.

Nasty people? Surely you dont mean me.

A glacial chill ran down my spine. It felt as unpleasant as a sudden shower of ice cold water.

I hurriedly turned around, but all I saw was a swinging fist.

Gwah!!

The fist was planted square in my face and sent me flying into the water. I could swear I heard my skull crack.

Lord Dyngir!!

Sakuya called me desperately, then glared at the aggressor who, surprisingly enough, turned out to be a petite girl.

She was about as tall as Sakuya so roughly one head shorter than me. Her wavy white hair was roughly cut at shoulder level.

She was wearing a jet black dress, decorated with frills and ribbons of white lace. The so-called gothic lolita fashion, certainly not a common sight in a port town.

Youre even slower than before!! Stayed up all night with women again, huh!?

The girl looked down at me and addressed me arrogantly. Her lovely, child-like features twisted in a feral grin, baring her sharp teeth.

Sakuya silently slipped behind the girl and readied a poisoned needle.

HAAH!

Oh. Not bad. But

!?

The needle was aimed straight at the girls neck though she stopped it between her teeth.

Sakuya let go of the needle and attempted to draw another weapon, but the girl caught and twisted her arms before she could.

Too weak, too slow! Youll never hit me this way!

Kh! Let me go!

Make me! Little assassin!

You!!

The girl laughed at Sakuyas efforts to break free. Sakuya then spat another hidden needle at her face.

Ooh!?

The unexpected attack from Sakuyas mouth left a streak of blood on the girls cheek.

That needle was coated in high density paralyzing poison. You will soon become unable to move, then fall into spasms

Nice!! I really didnt expect that!!

Ghah!?

The girl who was supposed to have been poisoned laughed loudly instead, then tossed Sakuya to the ground. The impact with the hard stone pavement left Sakuya gasping for breath.

Excellent, excellent! Strong women give birth to strong children, after all! You pass!

H-Howcan youmov

It would have worked on someone else, but not me! Still, youve got a pretty face, but you sure can kill without hesitation!

The girl laughed again, her lips curved into a monstrous smile, then raised her right leg.

And heres your reward!!

Gh!!

The girls heel headed straight for Sakuyas face. The momentum made it look like it could split a boulder in two: Sakuya couldnt help but close her eyes.

Not so fast!!

Hm?

I wasnt going to sit and watch forever, of course. I jumped out of the water and swung my sword towards the girls neck.

My slash, however, was stopped by the girls bare hands. I couldnt use all of my power, because of the water, but she still stopped a slash that could cut iron with just her hands.

Not bad, but nothing special either. Im bored here.

What about this, then!!

Ooooh!?!

My right arm was still equipped with Herakles.

My boosted kick struck the girl squarely in her stomach, blowing her minute body away.

Just as quickly, however, she spun in the air, regained her balance and landed on her feet, as if nothing had happened.

Excellent! With that, you pass! That kick felt pretty good, as if you had to shorten your lifespan to do it!!

How do you fucking know already!?

What amazing intuition could one have to figure Herakles out at first glance?

Stilldamn it! Now the dress my husband gave me is all muddyhow are you going to make up for this?

It doesnt suit you anyway, you shitty hag!! Act your damn age for once!!

L-Lord Dyngirwho isthat

I was facing the girl, sword in hand, wary of anything she might try. Sakuya pulled herself up and approached me. After her poisoned needles were easily neutralized, her expression was tinged with fear.

ShesDraco Omari. The pirate.

Draco Omari!?

Sakuya couldnt help but shout. She looked at the girl, incredulous.

No wonder.

Draco Omari was the greatest pirate of the southern seas. He stood atop the ruthless pirate crews who endlessly fought for dominion over the south, he sank 50 imperial vessels, he was the most infamous pirate in history.

Who would ever think that Draco Omari was not a he but a little gothic lolita girl?

Draco Omari? Since when do you have permission to call me like that? Have some respect, or Ill skin you alive!!

Tchdamn it! Mother!!!! Happy now!?

Whaat!?

Sakuya stared at me, wide-eyed.

Yes, finally! This stupid son of mine!

My mother Grace D.O. Maxwell then flashed the most feral smile imaginable, like a beast standing on a sea of blood.