Regressor Of The Fallen Family [EN]: Chapter 67

Numerous people were visible through the Hwaseong Fortress gate.

The street was huge and full of people. They all seemed to be going somewhere important.

“Cheapest sack of wheat here!”

“Rice sold cheaply by the dipper!”

“Imperial silks available!”

The city was bustling with activity.

It was as crowded as the busiest market you can imagine, full of sellers and buyers.

The busy main street just behind the fortress gate showed that this was the heart of the Southwest.

But more than that, Logan and Feretta noticed a single person standing in front of them, facing them.

Ten knights wore armor with the Bifrost family symbol—a rose in a flame. Leading them was one knight.

He was a middle-aged man with hair like spun moonlight and eyes the color of polished silver. His skin was fair, and he had a strikingly cold look.

“The Knight of Moonlight, Plantz?”

“A top-tier knight here to greet us?”

“The Moon Knight himself?”

As one of Bifrost’s two best knights, known for his appearance, most knights would know him right away.

His presence showed everyone that Bifrost was serious about the heirs.

Of course.

“Welcome to Bifrost. You must be tired from your journey. Please, follow me to the guest house.”

Plantz was stiff and formal, like he was just following orders. But no one seemed to mind.

The knights seemed honored that one of the strongest people in the Southwest was guiding them.

Even Flon, who had been red-faced earlier, was happy.

“It is an honor to meet you, Sir Plantz.”

“Greetings.”

Despite the cold greeting, he seemed overjoyed, acting differently than when he met Logan, almost fawning.

But Logan didn’t care about Flon’s behavior and frowned slightly.

‘A top-tier knight and two high-tier ones to greet a pair of country bumpkins?’

It seemed more like intimidation than a greeting.

As he thought about this, he met Plantz’s silver eyes staring at him.

Plantz ignored the blond man bowing before him and looked at Logan with curiosity.

Logan didn’t look away, expecting this. Plantz walked up to him.

“If that one is Feretta, then are you the young master of McLaine?”

“Logan McLaine, Sir Plantz.”

“…This is certain, then. Astonishing. A mid-tier knight at that age?”

Plantz’s words, without acknowledging Logan’s greeting, surprised everyone.

“What?”

“That young master is…?”

“Not just skilled with a sword…”

Logan felt everyone staring at him, even Feretta’s group. He clenched his fist, not because he was nervous, but because his plan was working!

High-tier knights have a unique aura that only knights of the same level or higher can sense. It’s impossible to hide.

But he had reached the level of a high-tier knight and achieved Poscore 3-Star, allowing him to control that aura.

If he hid his aura, he looked like an ordinary person, which his father found amazing.

That was a big reason he decided to travel to Bifrost alone.

‘I can hide my strength.’

He was happy to see that it worked even on another top-tier knight.

“Thank you. I am trying to make a name for myself, as much as Sir Plantz.”

“You shouldn’t be satisfied with someone like me. With that talent, you should aim for the superhuman level. Anyway, it’s a pleasure to meet you.”

Plantz’s response was different from how he treated Flon.

Flon looked unhappy, and his group sighed.

The group walked through the crowded street for a while and entered the inner castle.

Plantz stopped in front of a tall, five-story building made of grey stone. Its windows were framed with dark wood, and pots of bright red flowers sat on each windowsill.

Bifrost was surprised that neither heir had any attendants, but there were no other problems.

“This is Bifrost’s guest house. The heirs of Percival and Loopman have already arrived, so rest comfortably until the party tomorrow evening.”

“Bifrost Castle is impressive. I would like to see the sights; is that possible?”

“…Some areas are restricted, but you can go anywhere else with one of our knights. Speak to the person in charge of the guest house about it.”

“Understood.”

Logan smiled, unlike when he arrived. Flon just nodded.

Plantz turned away without any reaction.

“I wonder if someone who came without any servants even has something suitable to wear. One must maintain appearances, after all.”

Flon turned to Logan, his tone sharp.

Of course.

“Where is my room?”

Logan ignored him and found a servant.

Flon gritted his teeth, and the knights looked angry.

‘They don’t understand the situation. They are not worth my attention.’

If these were the best heirs and knights, then dealing with Feretta later on should be easy.

Logan grinned and turned away from Feretta’s group.

‘I wonder what the Count will say.’

He deliberately didn’t bring a party outfit.

He didn’t want to take off his armor and walk around, no matter what the party was.

He didn’t know what might happen in this ancient land.

He had to be careful.

The next evening, there was a knock on the door.

“It is time for the party. I will escort you to the banquet hall.”

The servant looked surprised when Logan came out in his armor.

“I am just a country bumpkin and have never been to a party.”

Logan knew he looked out of place. He was dressed for battle, not a party.

“Lord Logan of the McLaine family approaches!”

The moment Logan entered the banquet hall with the herald’s cry, he became the center of attention for everyone inside.

“Look at that armor!”

“He’s dressed like a farmer!”

“Too much!”

The banquet hall was huge, with high ceilings and walls covered in paintings and gold decorations. Bright crystal lights hung from above, making everything sparkle.

Logan was the only one in armor, so everyone stared. People sneered and frowned, but Logan walked straight through them, towards the raised platform at the end of the hall. There, on a throne-like chair, sat a man in a fancy red robe with a rose on it. This was Count Roger Vifrost.

“Count Vifrost,” Logan said, bowing slightly. “Logan of McLaine wishes you a happy birthday.”

The Count had looked serious before, but now he smiled, though his eyes stayed cold.

“So, McLaine. You came. But McLaine is rich now, isn’t it? Couldn’t you find clothes for a party?”

Logan didn’t let the Count’s words bother him.

“I’m not used to parties, Count,” Logan replied calmly. “Armor is what I wear every day. I hoped it wouldn’t be disrespectful.”

“But I heard you went to many parties in the capital?” the Count asked, raising an eyebrow.

Logan’s eyes flickered for a moment. *He knows about that?*

He quickly hid his surprise and pulled out a fancy box from inside his armor.

“I brought a gift, Count. Something special from McLaine. Imporic. It’s a health food, very good for men.”

Anyone who knew anything knew that Imporic was just Karok meat – cheap meat. And Count Vifrost knew very well, because he had bought a lot of it from McLaine for a low price. This gift was almost an insult.

The Count didn’t even look at the box. He just stared at Logan.

“So,” the Count said, his voice hard. “McLaine will do what I want, then? Is that why you’re here?”

“McLaine wants peace, Count,” Logan said smoothly. “If that is your wish, we will support it.”

“Really?” The Count looked at Logan closely. “Hmm. You are wise for your age, young hero. I thought you might fight me.”

*Peace? You just want power, old man,* Logan thought, hiding a smirk. He looked back at the Count, keeping his face calm.

“Good. Enjoy the party for now,” the Count said. “I’ll introduce you to everyone later, properly.”

*I don’t need your introductions,* Logan thought.

The Count turned away and started talking to other people waiting to greet him.

*Percival. Loopman.* Logan recognized them. Heirs from other noble families, all around thirty years old.

They bowed to the Count like they knew him well, and the Count patted their backs like old friends.

Logan noticed the Count only spoke to these heirs, ignoring everyone else. *This party isn’t just for fun,* Logan realized. *It’s about power.*

*Everything is going as planned so far,* Logan thought. *But…*

While talking to the Count, Logan had been doing something else. He was using his special senses to check the Count’s power.

The result was not good.

*He really is a 5-circle mage. Damn it.*

Logan’s senses were incredibly strong, almost unnatural. Even so, he could barely feel the magical power hidden deep inside the Count, near his heart.

It was like the Count was hiding it on purpose.

This confirmed the rumors Logan had heard before – rumors from his past life.

People said Count Vifrost had been a hero in the civil war.

In his past life, Logan hadn’t cared much about those stories, because they were about the losing side.

*But if he’s a 5-circle mage, it makes sense.*

A 5-circle mage was as strong as a top knight.

In a war, they could be incredibly dangerous.

Vifrost’s hidden magic power could cancel out McLaine’s strength.

Logan had learned the truth faster than he expected, but it was bad news.

*This is much harder than I thought. He’s a Count and a top mage… What should I do?* Logan frowned, lost in thought.

Logan was frowning, thinking hard, when a loud voice shouted.

“The Count will speak! Everyone, listen!”

The music stopped, and everyone turned to look at the Count at the head table.

“Thank you, everyone, for coming to my birthday party,” the Count began. “Even guests from far away! And…”

*Far away?* Logan thought. *Looks like everyone here is from around here.*

“We are honored that His Highness, the Second Prince, sent us the ‘Tears of the Sun’ as a gift, even though he couldn’t come himself.”

People gasped.

The Count smiled, seeing their reaction. “For too long, the nobles in the southwest have been separate, unlike other parts of the kingdom.”

*Here it comes,* Logan thought.

“You all know the old problems, so I won’t talk about them now. It’s time to forget old rules and empty words, and work together! The Second Prince, who will likely be the next king, wants our support!”

Logan hid his frown behind his wine glass. Suddenly, the Count pointed right at him.

“And look! Lord Logan of McLaine is here! McLaine, the reason for all the fighting in the southwest for 200 years!”

People near Logan moved away quickly.

But then the Count smiled warmly. “But Lord Logan is a truly amazing young man. He made McLaine rich by winning two wars! He’s a genius knight, reaching mid-level knight rank at just 21! Even top knights I know weren’t that good at his age.”

The way people looked at Logan changed instantly.

“He’s a hero of the kingdom, someone who uses Aura, almost superhuman! Look at him still in armor – so dedicated to training! Maybe that’s why he broke up with his girlfriend – too much training!”

“Hahaha!” The hall filled with forced laughter.

“I don’t want to force or scare such a talented man,” the Count said, his voice smooth. “I just have a suggestion. Lord Logan!”

“Yes?” Logan said, carefully.

“Duke Valtermheim, the Second Prince’s grandfather on his mother’s side, is looking for talented people like you. I want to recommend you to be his student. What do you say?”

The moment the Count finished, the hall erupted in excited whispers.