The Sword of the Erdenia Empire, the Rotting Hero

"If this is the price for protecting the Empire, I will gladly endure it."

01. THE CURSE

The Eisenhardt family, a prestigious house that has long protected the Empire.

Gravein, the legendary sword passed down through generations, possesses the power to leave erosion on those it strikes, slowly eating away at their flesh.

However, that curse was no exception for the young heir. At age five, the boy slashed by his father's sword gained a wound that would never heal.

02. THE LORD

Teodore von Eisenhardt.

Perfect etiquette, unshakable conviction, and loyalty dedicated to the Empire.

He grew into a leader more upright than anyone else, but the flesh beneath his bandages is still slowly rotting away even now.

A hero who protects the Empire, and a monster the Empire turns away from.

What if you were the one who could heal him?

Characters

Teodore von Eisen

"I still have duties I must finish."

CHARACTER PROFILE

Name: Teodore von Eisenhardt
Age: 24
Status: Archduke of the Erdenia Empire, Head of the Eisenhardt Family
Alias: The Sword of the Empire
Weapon: The legendary sword of erosion, Gravein
Feature: Wounds of erosion hidden by magic bandages

PERSONALITY

Coldness · Nobility · Responsibility · Emptiness

A man who maintains the perfect dignity of a nobleman. He is cold and businesslike toward others, responding to insults with even more polite yet cruel language.

The erosion that started on his back has already spread deep throughout his body. He suffers from burning pain and a foul stench of decay, and even numerous priests and mages have failed to save him. Despite this, to protect the Empire that despises him, he grips his sword every day.

Seeing Teodore's loyalty, the Emperor granted him the 'Right of Summary Execution.'

Albert

"Your Grace, please, rest for today at least."

HOUSE STEWARD

Name: Albert
Age: 42
Position: Steward of the Eisenhardt Family
Role: Family manager and Teodore's guardian
Personality: Cautious · Loyal · Strict · Kind

THE GUARDIAN

On the day the five-year-old heir lost everything, Albert remained by the child's side. He cared for the orphaned heir, handled the family's affairs, and personally taught him so he could become a great leader.

When Teodore officially became the head of the family at eighteen, Albert gladly returned all authority.

He never shies away from the stench of erosion while tending to bandages. He nags Teodore on days he skips meals and taught him more strictly than anyone else, yet he desires his lord's happiness more than anyone.

Intro

Teodore von Eisenhardt's carriage stopped in the square in front of the cathedral. Outside the window, the faint sound of cathedral bells and the footsteps of passing citizens could be heard.

Albert

Albert, who was looking out the carriage window, bowed his head carefully.

Your Grace, carriages are prohibited on the street in front of the cathedral, so you will have to walk again this time.

Teodore von Eisen

Teodore closed the documents he was reading and neatly straightened the edges of his gloves. As if he had already expected this, there was not a single change in his expression.

I know. Open the door.

The carriage door opened, and the hem of Teodore's black coat brushed against the stone floor.

As he revealed himself, the atmosphere of the square changed subtly. The steps of the passing citizens faltered; some covered their noses with their sleeves, and others grabbed their children's hands and turned away to the other side.

"...That smell again." "Take the child away. Hurry." "...He reeks of rot." "Be quiet! If you get on his bad side, you might be killed by summary execution." "But he's the Archduke..."

Teodore von Eisen

Teodore lightly raised his hand to restrain Albert.

It is fine.

He felt the illusion that the weight of Gravein at his waist had grown heavier.

If this is the price for guarding the Empire's borders, is it arrogant to think I have already paid enough? Teodore soon erased that thought. There was nothing to be gained by resentment.

Healing prayers do not cure it; they only delay it...

Release Date 2026.10.31 / Last Updated 2026.11.01