Solo Swordmaster

#567. do not do that.

* * *

“Did you hear that? What the peacekeepers did this time.”

“If you don’t know that these days, you are a spy.”

“That’s a peacekeeper, and he did it very glamorously.”

“Tsk tsk people are naive. Will the 7 guilds keep peace in Africa because they have something to eat? I did it because I have something to eat.”

Causing a civil war against Egypt.

Attack the Red Dragon Princess who surrendered.

Bombardment of Cairo, etc.

The actions of the African Union, which began to slander the peacekeepers extensively at the same time as its establishment, caused a stir around the world.

The World Federation, which was created by the 7 guilds, is receiving the world’s attention.

Suddenly, these rumors exploded.

There was no choice but to make a fuss.

Pascal called back the sword masters who were at war and went after him with the help of the World Federation.

“The World Federation denies that this is a simple conspiracy theory.”

“Where is the criminal who says he has committed a crime?”

But the result is pouring water in front of the Ikaros Cannon.

It was not possible to overturn public opinion based on transcripts and video evidence.

In the end, there is only one thing you can do.

All it did was quickly withdraw the peacekeepers.

Considering all the supplies poured into Africa and the amount of armaments spent so far, it was a painful decision.

Still, I couldn’t help it.

If the burning public opinion spread further, it would be the case that the World League was formed and the stigma of trying to devour the African continent was on its way.

In fact, such as the establishment of a federation or support for Egypt’s vassal state.

It was because there was a need to rectify public opinion as soon as possible as there were many corners to be stabbed.

“It is also the Kilimanjaro Autonomous Government to kick out the peacekeepers.”

“Hahaha, that’s an exaggeration. This is not because we all fought together.”

“We have shown the great power of Africa to the whole world, so now, not only the monarch, but any country will not be able to take care of us.”

After the peacekeepers withdrew.

The Commonwealth of Africa became festive.

Of course, he swallowed the supplies he had received so far.

Now that we can create a strong force called the Federation without having to worry about the involvement of the World Federation.

The chiefs always laughed with tears in their mouths, and thanks to that, half of Africa was overflowing with a peaceful and joyful atmosphere.

But that’s only half.

The other half was different.

Unlike those who hit the back of the head, he joined hands with the peacekeepers until the end.

Because of that, they withdrew and the atmosphere of the allied forces, which lost the war at once, was reminiscent of a mourning house.

Wouldn’t it be better if it was an enemy country?

It was because they knew that the Red Dragon Clan would never forgive them for rebelling even though they were subordinates.

“If we lose the war, then what will happen to us? Surely the Egyptians are not coming to plunder us?”

“It’s good as long as it’s plundered. Maybe they’ll all get caught and become slaves.”

“What then?”

“Whatever, I must go to my cousin in Egypt before it is too late! Pack your bags right now!”

whether plundered

whether to be a war slave.

At worst, you lose your life.

Fearing various reprisals, the people of the subject country fled.

And so the mayhem began.

The commotion caused by people secretly crossing the border, looting taking advantage of the gaps in public order, and the stock price crash of various public corporations.

All sorts of riots broke out, and numerous subject countries were thrown into chaos.

they just realized

The huge amount of armament that has been devoted so far.

A trade that felt unfair.

The pride that I always had to put down.

It was a cheap price compared to the peace and prosperity he had enjoyed so far by receiving Egyptian protection.

Even if the cheap food and energy provided by Apophis were cut off immediately, their country had no choice but to collapse.

But no matter how fast regret is, it’s too late.

Frustrated by the irreversible consequences already, they trembled in fear of the Egyptian reprisal that was to come.

And…

nothing happened.

“The queen hasn’t been executed yet?”

“Egyptian troops also came, but they said they were only maintaining security and not looting?”

“…why?”

“I know that…”

Perplexed.

wonder.

worry, etc.

People were confused in all sorts of emotions.

I couldn’t figure out why Egypt, which should have poured out the fire of revenge long ago, was strangely quiet.

What kind of revenge are you trying to do?

While all the chiefs and residents of Africa, not just the dependent countries, are watching with anxiety.

Egypt’s silence continued.

Like the calm before the storm.

* * *

Egyptian Royal Palace.

A large public bath at the deep end.

A woman was soaking in a place filled with all sorts of splendid pieces.

Well tanned brown flesh.

A strong yet slim body.

To wet red hair.

Her naked body, which had no flab but had the graceful curves unique to a female body, was exquisite.

but this moment.

No one could see the naked body.

It wasn’t because she was the only one in this large bath.

It was because the steam from the bath she was soaking in was covering everything like a mist.

the water evaporates

new water pouring in

The water level decreases again, etc.

It was after a long time had passed that the cycle, which seemed to go on endlessly like the sea where the sun had fallen, stopped.

It was after a voice was heard.

“How are you, Pharaoh?”

The moment Hasneti opened her eyes.

The steam in the bath slowly began to diminish.

in half.

in half.

And half again.

It was only after the large bath that had been boiling like a volcano had turned to a bit steamy that she spoke in a muddy voice as always.

“Now I don’t have to worry about the coin inhalation.”

“That’s good.”

It’s worth the hard work.

After laughing and muttering.

Limon put down the carving knife.

Whether it’s because of the support of the Seven Dragons or the pieces he’s made so far.

Compared to Charlotte, who had overdone herself and overcame life and death, Hasneti’s condition seemed to be stable.

“Aren’t you really overdoing it with that body?”

“What’s so overbearing?”

Limon smiles mischievously.

But she knew.

Contrary to what he said, he couldn’t be fine.

A series of battles against three sword masters was a risky fight to the death, even for Limon.

With that body, she filled the large public bath with shards for several days to prevent her dragon psionic from running rampant.

It wouldn’t be strange if he collapsed right away.

However, Limon did not show signs of exhaustion.

It’s like I just remembered.

I just casually asked.

“Rather than that, I have a question about Pharaoh.”

“what?”

“Why didn’t you kill me?”

If it’s out of the blue, it’s a random question.

But Hasneti immediately understood the meaning.

“You mean Cleopatra?”

“I’m also curious about the reason why he was instructed not to punish his subjects for now, but only to subdue them.”

After the sword masters retreated.

Hasneti dared to accompany the allied forces to the garrison despite being infested with dragon psionics.

Thanks to that, I was able to surrender without any damage.

That was the reason I was wondering.

Traitors who start civil wars are executed immediately and rebels are sold as war slaves.

Because her behavior was very unusual.

the reason.

Hasneti said quietly.

“Because of you.”

“me?”

“Because you won’t like it if you punish them too harshly.”

“Am I not a philanthropist?”

“But I don’t like killing or enslaving all the citizens of my vassals just because I started a civil war.”

“That’s what…”

Limon scratched his cheek.

The main culprit, including Cleopatra.

At least not if you are a soldier.

It was not comfortable to punish the elderly and children who had nothing to do with the war.

But at the same time, having lived for a long time and being familiar with all kinds of harsh laws and cultures, I didn’t have the heart to intervene as long as I didn’t cross the line.

So, Limon asked again.

“Then what are you going to do? Are you going to just forgive them?”

And I was bewildered.

“You decide.”

“What do you mean?”

“If you decide, I mean I will follow.”

“…Are you going to do as I say, no matter what punishments are imposed on the tributaries who caused the civil war this time?”

“Yes.”

“why?”

“Because I don’t want to disappoint you.”

Limon was silent for a moment.

It wasn’t just because the answer was so unexpected.

It was because I felt the sadness and worry in Hasneti’s muddy voice.

The reason is probably two.

“Isn’t it because you don’t want to see me bitter like when I dealt with the disciples because of Pharaoh?”

“…”

“It was that way too.”

silence.

So to a firm affirmation.

Limon smiled bitterly.

“Well, at least if the Pharaoh does as I say, it will be rare for him to cross the line I set.”

A princess who only knows how to live as a tyrant.

That’s why I’m anxious about when Limon won’t cross the line.

Limon shook his head as he looked at her, who tried to make all the decisions so as not to make him sad.

“But Pharaoh, you can’t do that.”

“Why?”

“This is the right of the pharaoh, but it is also a duty.”

“…”

“Above all, I’m not always right.”

It’s funny like self-help.

Again bitter as regret.

Limon continued with a bitter smile.

“Zan… no. Sword painting is actually my appearance.”

“What do you mean?”

“If I make the wrong choice just once, I can become like the sword at any time.”

Limon recalled.

the not-so-distant past.

When he went out to pay off Yuna-kyung’s blood.

If only he hadn’t stopped his revenge by killing Park Hyun-gun, who was the main culprit.

If you took responsibility for being used and cut down the infinite lord, the two thousand flags.

For power, he should have joined hands with Lee Chun-gi and even killed the president of Han Jeong-guk, who swindled him.

After that, he punished lawmakers and bureaucrats who worked together, and clashed with the army trying to stop him, resulting in huge casualties.

Like the sword fight that tried to destroy England, he might have ended up trying to wipe out the entire country to pay back the blood of Yuna-kyung.

And that’s not all.

If, instead of admitting defeat when he found out about the world peace plan, he would have cut Li Qingyu.

Or if he actively showed off his strength to protect his wealth and honor when the Iron Age opened.

Or if you condoned and watched the disciples who crossed the line.

how would he be

imagining it sadly

Limon continued.

“Didn’t Pharaoh tell you before? I promise to create a world where I can do whatever I want.”

“…Yes.”

“Honestly, it is attractive. To live without worrying about this or that and just do what you like.”

past.

I urge you to be your own.

Limon laughed as Hasneti answered in a calm voice, as if remembering the proposal he had made to him.

he is also human.

Because you have a desire

Forget the troublesome dory.

Ignore the things you don’t want to do.

It would be a lie to say that there is no desire to live a life doing only what is comfortable or doing what one desires.

“But a sword master can’t do that.”

Still, said Limon.

Even if all humans do.

Only a sword master shouldn’t live like that.

“We can do anything, but that’s why we’re swordsmen who shouldn’t do anything.”

Whether for lofty ideals.

Or for love.

either for honor.

Whether it’s because of revenge.

Even destroying the country.

To conquer the world.

Also destroying humanity.

Unlike ordinary people who can’t do it even if they want to, an absolute person who can do anything just by making up his mind.

That’s the Sword Master.

So rather, they need a cage.

Even if it is a delicate, uncomfortable and cumbersome thing that can be broken at any time if you put your mind to it.

If they don’t make a place to come back to while staying in the house called the bird cage, they will reach two endings.

Fly to the end of the sky as you desire and burn.

On the contrary, it just burns the whole world.

That’s why no one can be locked in a cage, but there are also birds that have to stay in the cage themselves.

Limon said quietly.

“So Pharaoh, don’t do that.”

“….”

“What I need is a bride who can become a cage and hold me even if I walk a different path, not a puppet who only does what I tell her to do.”