Regressor Of The Fallen Family [EN]: Chapter 205

“Good,” Luther Kyle said firmly. “From now on, I will follow you.”

“Wait, really?” Logan asked, surprised. “I thought you were joking.”

Logan stared at Luther, confused.

“Joke? No. I spoke to your master, the Sword Master,” Luther explained. “He believes in you. He said he wants to help you build a better future for the kingdom.”

The condition for Luther’s pardon after the civil war was to serve as a common soldier in the Esperanza Knights. The Sword Master has the power to decide where he goes.

So, there’s nothing strange about it, but…

“The kingdom’s future, someone who thinks like that caused a civil war….”

“You too, you imp!” Luther exclaimed. “Imagine being pressured by your father-in-law after getting married! If a family elder, someone stronger than me, comes at me like that, what am I supposed to do…? Haa, I’m so frustrated….”

Luther, frustrated by Logan’s tone, burst out.

Logan chuckled and extended his hand towards Luther, who had fallen.

“If someone like you becomes a force, I would be grateful. Welcome to McLaine, Duke Luther.”

“Keugh. You’re even better at testing people than your master. Anyway, it’s not just because your master asked me to.”

“……?”

“What you said in front of the Emperor, that was so impressive. I was surprised by the Emperor’s boldness in proposing such a condition, and I was also surprised by you for rejecting it.”

“Is it just because of that?”

“……Just? Anyone who has heard the rumors that you are in conflict with the new king would think it’s an absurd choice. You are a truly amazing fellow. You are truly the future of the kingdom. Even without such martial prowess.”

The anger building up in his heart and the inevitable choice to prevent what would happen anyway were packaged as something great.

It was something Logan couldn’t help but feel bitter about.

“I guess so. It’s a really foolish thing to do.”

“What? You’re not thinking of going back to the Empire…….”

“No. It’s just…….”

“Just?”

“The king is doing foolish things.”

At those words, the faces of everyone around, including Luther, hardened, but Logan couldn’t afford to pay attention to his surroundings.

Because his heart grew heavy with the newly realized fact.

‘Now is not the time for us to clash.’

Logan recalled his experience in the Empire.

Overwhelming power, a large number of powerful Overmen. And even the Emperor, who held and shook all of that in one hand.

The Emperor he saw directly was greedier than the rumors from his past life, and he was stubborn enough to stick to his own will without listening to anyone.

If so, the timing of the war was likely to happen as expected.

‘Now there are really only 4-5 years left.’

It was not enough time to prepare for the war with the entire kingdom united.

Logan couldn’t help but feel impatient.

But the way back could not be rushed as he thought.

Logan’s title, “A young hero who has gained the Emperor’s favor,” kept holding Logan’s group back. This title made every noble they met want to invite Logan, hoping to get closer to the Emperor. This slowed their journey down. Every time they stopped by a city along the route, they attracted the attention of the mayors and lords.

Even if they mainly camped out, they had to stop by cities regularly to change the horseshoes of the fifty horses pulling the eight four-wheeled carriages. Thanks to this, the group had no choice but to delay their time due to the invitations from the nobles that followed each time.

Each time they stopped by a city, it took at least one to three days, so by the time they arrived back in the first major city they had passed through, Luspellheim, another month and a half had already passed.

Flap.

“Still, thanks to that, I got plenty of training,” Victor said with a sly smile. He showed a different spirit than when he first left on the journey.

Compared to Logan, who was busy being called by the nobles, the knights had a lot of time left, and when Luther Kyle, who had now joined the McLaine Knights, began to actively teach them, they showed results even in a short period of time. Victor stood taller now, his movements sharper and more confident than before.

“Yeah. That’s good. When someone is faithfully training while I’m wasting meaningless time with unwanted drinks and engagement proposals.”

“Still, my lord has changed the most. Even after ‘that day’,” Victor said sincerely, answering Logan’s sarcastic words.

In fact, Logan was becoming more and more distinct every day, despite being the busiest of them all.

Logan simply said he was getting used to his new role.

“You’re also a genius, but that lord of yours is something completely beyond the pale. Where on earth was that monster born……,”

Luther Kyle’s words, as he shook his head, contained a different meaning than Logan’s excuse.

It was only natural, unless Logan could guess the true value of the new characteristic he had gained.

“Why are you treating a perfectly normal person like a monster?”

“Heh. Then what else should I call a monster but a monster.”

“Then I won’t spar with you anymore?”

“Ahem. I’m just admiring your outstanding talent. What’s with that……,”

When Luther, who was enjoying the joy of growing for the first time in over a decade by correcting his shortcomings one by one after Logan’s awakening, hurriedly changed his attitude, those who were watching him smiled at the same time.

It was proof that someone who was once the most powerful enemy was now recognized as a reliable ally.

While they were chatting like that.

Someone rushed out of the castle gate, making a fuss.

“Oh, Lord Logan! You’ve come again. I’ve heard the news. His Majesty thought so highly of you, I feel that this relationship I have with Lord Logan is precious.”

Mayor Dimitri’s back was bent a little more than before, and his voice seemed to be even more gentle. Mayor Dimitri’s face was even more eager than before, his smile wide and almost too friendly.

“It’s thanks to you, Mayor. You didn’t have to come out like this.”

“Oh, it’s only natural for me to come out to greet Lord Logan in person. Welcome back, Lord Logan! It’s a great honor to have you in Luspellheim again. Come on, let’s go inside.”

Logan accepted the kindness, thinking that there was no need to refuse, and the group was able to relieve their fatigue on a comfortable bed for the first time in a long time.

However, that evening, Logan had to face another unwelcome schedule.

“Who is it?”

“The Second Prince, who is on a tour of the eastern part of the Empire, is waiting to see Lord Logan.”

“Heo……?”

Logan chuckled at the information the mayor gave him directly.

He was a little disappointed that he couldn’t meet the princes who were in the middle of the succession war.

‘Especially the Second Prince.’

He didn’t know why he wanted to meet him, but it was a meeting he didn’t need to refuse.

Logan nodded willingly.

“I am pleased to meet you. I am Baros van Ares.”

The Second Prince had black hair, black eyes, and yellow skin, a face with slightly different lines than the Emperor. His black hair was neatly combed, and his black eyes were sharp and intelligent. He gave a polite greeting, unlike the princes of the Empire who wielded absolute power.

“I am honored, Your Highness. But why are you using honorifics with me?”

“I cannot treat a guest who is not a subject of the Empire and who has been recognized by His Majesty the Emperor lightly. Don’t you agree, Plan?”

“As Your Highness wishes.”

The Second Prince’s escort knight replied with a blunt face.

‘Top-tier knight. The two behind him are a little lacking, but they are in the same realm. As expected…….’

Even in the Empire, not all of the many princes would have this level of escort.

The Second Prince standing in front of him was even more impressive.

Logan saw the Prince’s kind smile, but his own thoughts were dark. This difference was strong and clear to Logan, so he forced himself to smile back.

“But what brings Your Highness to me?”

“A guest acknowledged by His Majesty, now hailed as a hero of the Empire—how could a member of the Imperial Family not be curious? I wished to meet you and offer my greetings.”

“To me?”

“Indeed. I had been hoping to meet the hero of the Grandia Civil War.”

Yes, he, too, had been hoping to meet him.

Logan struggled to suppress the murderous intent that surged within him.

Because standing there was the face of a man Logan had promised to kill in his first life, before he went back in time.

Baros van Ares.

Currently just the Second Prince amidst a succession battle, but destined to emerge victorious and become the Crown Prince.

The future Emperor of the Empire.

And…

‘That insane murderer.’

Ten years after the Empire’s conquest wars, this man, upon ascending the throne, would gather numerous ‘disabled’ citizens from Grandia and other conquered territories, using them as test subjects in arcane magical experiments.

If the current Emperor was a brutal conqueror who started the wars, this one was a demon who turned the conquered lands into hell.

Until the day Logan was killed in action, twenty-five years from now, the purpose of this man’s experiments, which consumed over ten million lives, remained unknown.

Yet, within the Empire’s direct territories, he was hailed as a benevolent ruler—a true monster.

And this man was right before him.

The memory was burned deep inside him. His chest felt like it was boiling with anger, and his hands shook without him wanting them to.

Fortunately, concealing his emotions was easy enough.

‘I must be patient. The Second Prince will not become Emperor until ten years after the Empire’s conquest wars. He is not the priority now.’

Killing him now would not significantly impact the Imperial War, even if it were possible.

With that thought, Logan finally managed a genuine smile.

“Thank you, Your Highness. That’s very kind of you to say. It was merely good fortune on my part.”

“Haha, hardly. They say you’re a hero who won a very difficult war. That takes more than just luck, wouldn’t you agree?”

“…Haha. You flatter me.”

It was unexpected.

That the Prince was so well-informed about the Grandia Civil War, which the Imperial nobles of the capital had shown little interest in.

Logan’s expression turned awkward again, but an even more surprising statement followed.

“When I heard rumors that Lord Logan was at odds with the new king, I could hardly believe it.”

“Pardon?”

“Ah, the kingdom is rife with such rumors. Or are they merely rumors?”

He’s even interested in such rumors?

The Prince?

‘Why?’

Logan pondered, but smiled and shook his head.

“…Of course not. I would never be at odds with His Majesty.”

“Indeed, rumors are just that. A loyal subject. Which is why you declined the Emperor’s offer, I presume.”

“Haha…”

Logan simply responded with a smile to the Prince’s wildly inaccurate guess.

Amidst the exchange of smiles, Logan inquired,

“You seem quite familiar with our kingdom’s affairs. I was under the impression that the Empire paid little attention to other nations.”

“My interest in Grandia, a kingdom with a history older than the Empire, has led me to listen closely. Recently, all rumors seem to revolve around Lord Logan. Curiosity led me to investigate. I hope I haven’t offended you?”

“No, not at all. Not in the slightest.”

A face perpetually adorned with a flattering smile.

How could one possibly spit on such a face?

Unintentionally, Logan found himself spending a cordial evening with the number one assassination target from his past life.

“I enjoyed today. I hope the day we meet again comes soon.”

“I feel the same way.”

And hopefully, he’ll be able to slit his throat then.

The dinner concluded with warm greetings, concealing ominous intentions.

However.

“Ah, about those rumors I mentioned earlier.”

“Yes?”

“Rumors are just rumors, but should such unfortunate events occur, perhaps you might reconsider the Emperor’s offer?”

“…What?”

“His Imperial Majesty is most generous. And he tends to keep his promises. Even if not immediately, should Lord Logan choose to return, he will honor his previous commitment.”

Come to the Empire.

In the end, the Prince’s words echoed the Emperor’s.

Only with a more specific mention of the conflict with the king.

“I will treasure this generous offer, this kindness, deep within my heart.”

“Haha. I was worried my words might be presumptuous, but I am glad you took them well. Ah, I cannot offer you more than His Majesty, but please accept this small token.”

The Prince presented a small orb.

When Logan, recognizing the mana contained within, showed a hint of curiosity, the Prince smiled and continued.

“I am currently residing in the eastern part of the Empire for work. It is relatively close to Grandia, so should you ever require my assistance, please use this to contact me. It is a communication device that connects directly to me, though only once.”

“…Assistance?”

“Of course, such a need would never arise in the kingdom. Simply consider it a gesture of goodwill, a desire to foster a better connection with Lord Logan.”

The Prince’s face still wore a smile, but Logan’s suspicion only deepened.

‘This is definitely strange. He shouldn’t be this friendly.’

People can change when they become Emperor, but Logan knew what the Prince would become. Because of this, he couldn’t believe the Prince’s friendly way of acting.

‘I don’t know what he’s planning, but I need to be careful.’

This communication device should never be used, if possible.

With that resolve, Logan smiled brightly.

“Once again, I thank you for your profound kindness.”

“Think nothing of it. I eagerly await the day we meet again.”

The meeting with the Second Prince concluded thus.

And on his way back, Logan solidified his resolve.

‘Even the Imperial Prince knows. It’s definitely not the time for me to be at odds with the king.’

And that evening.

A communication arrived at the McLaine Merchant Guild branch in Lusspeheim, further reinforcing Logan’s determination.

“Terrorism?”

[Yes. Terrorist attacks are occurring throughout the kingdom. And they claim to be the subordinates of the First Prince, Clavis, whom we previously missed. The pretext for the terror is the absurd demand to hand over the throne to the rightful heir, the First Prince…]

Dwayne’s familiar voice conveyed an unbelievable tale.

“What the hell are you talking about?”

Logan could only stare at the communication device with a bewildered expression.