Regressor Of The Fallen Family [EN]: Chapter 230

Logan had a big choice to make.

It seemed simple on the surface, like taking one step, just nodding your head, or adding the last dot to a painting.

Some choices look easy.

But what if that one step leads to a cliff?

What if that nod changes everything?

What if that last dot makes the painting bad?

Could you still choose then?

Logan’s big problem was just like this.

Should he become king, or not?

He knew he could become king if he wanted to, and that made the choice even tougher.

This choice would change his life and his family’s future forever. He had to be careful and worried a lot about it.

The more he thought, the more worried he got. Finally, Logan went out alone in the middle of the night.

He walked through the streets. They were strangely quiet because of the rules he had made. It was so silent, you could hear your own footsteps echo. He walked all night.

He was so lost in his thoughts, he didn’t even see the sun come up. Suddenly, it was morning, and the sun was high in the sky.

There he was, a young man with bright red hair and red eyes, walking alone in the capital. His face looked very serious.

His bright red hair and eyes made people stop and stare. He looked like someone you wouldn’t forget.

‘Wait… is that…?’ someone thought.

Some people looked closely, trying to see if it was really him. But Logan was thinking so hard, he didn’t notice anyone around him.

People wondered why he was walking alone without guards, but most just hurried past. They didn’t want to get involved.

Then, one man suddenly stopped. He went white as a sheet, fell to his knees, and shouted, his voice shaking.

“Lord Logan McLain! W-what are you doing here, my Lord?!”

It was a nobleman, dressed in very fancy clothes. When people saw him kneel so quickly, they realized something big was happening. A wave of shock went through the street.

“Logan McLain?” someone whispered.

“*The* McLain?”

“Aaaah!”

One person screamed without meaning to and quickly put a hand over their mouth.

People nearby started shaking and bowed down to the ground. Further away, people whispered from the shadows.

“Is that the man who killed the king…?”

“The one who completely destroyed the Elaine family? They say no one survived…”

“I heard he kills you if you even look at him wrong…”

They whispered, thinking he couldn’t hear, but their words reached Logan easily.

As things got more and more confused, people who felt something bad was happening started to move away.

“O-over there…!”

“Lord Logan McLain…”

“I’m so scared!”

People were shaking with fear, even though Logan hadn’t done anything yet.

But just saying his name was enough to scare everyone. He was the man who had taken control of the capital, and the whole kingdom, and there had been a lot of bloodshed.

He was known as the man who killed the king.

On the day he took the royal palace, more than a thousand people died.

He had killed not just soldiers, but also the families of nobles who fought against him.

Logan sighed and gave a sad smile. Just then, knights rushed towards him, making the street even more chaotic.

“Lord Logan!”

“Your Grace!”

“Make way!”

The sound of horses’ hooves and armor clanking got louder as the knights arrived.

The knights jumped off their horses quickly and bowed down to Logan.

“Your Grace, why are you out here alone? You should have told us you were going out.”

Logan looked at them, a bit annoyed. “…That’s why I didn’t tell you.”

“Sorry, Your Grace?” the knight said, confused.

“Never mind,” Logan sighed. “I should go back now.”

“Yes, Your Grace! We will take you back right away!”

“No, it’s okay. I’ll walk.”

*Whoosh.*

In a blink, Logan was gone. The knights just stared at the empty space where he had been standing, completely surprised. They couldn’t even see which way he had gone. He was just… gone.

Later, Logan stood on the highest rooftop in the capital, looking down at the busy street. His face was full of sadness.

“This isn’t what I wanted,” he whispered quietly.

A sudden wind blew around him, like the wind was trying to comfort him. But Logan just kept staring at the street below, his face still sad and empty.

* * * […Lots of people are gathering, but we can still handle it. That’s all.]

Dwaine gave a simple report about the town. People were gathering quickly because of the news spreading across the kingdom.

“Good job, Dwaine. Father and I aren’t there, so please keep going a little longer.”

[Of course, young master. We just got through a big problem. Everyone here is cheering for you! Please stay strong, even if you are tired!]

Dwaine’s smiling, bearded face made Logan feel a little better, just for a moment.

Maybe that’s why he said it.

“Dwaine, what do you think would happen if I became king?”

Logan asked the question suddenly, without thinking.

[Huh? Um… well… Why are you asking me that?]

Just like Logan expected, Dwaine looked confused.

“Oh, it’s nothing. I didn’t mean to say that.”

Logan shook his head, hiding his sad feelings.

[…Is that why you look so worried?]

Dwaine looked closely at Logan and asked.

Logan stopped for a moment, then gave a small, forced smile.

“…It’s just… I have a lot on my mind.”

Dwaine looked at Logan’s face and hesitated for a long time. Then he spoke carefully.

[Well… it’s hard for me to say what I really think about something so important. I’m just your servant.]

“Yes, I guess so. Forget I asked.”

Logan sighed quietly, seeing Dwaine look serious.

Then, Dwaine looked a bit nervous and quickly said, [No, it’s just… my honest feelings are not very special. That’s why it’s a bit… um… hard to say, haha.]

“Not special?”

Logan’s eyes sharpened a little. Dwaine scratched his beard, hesitated again, and then opened his mouth slowly.

[I never even thought you were worried about this at all.]

“Hmm?”

[You know, you always do what you want, even if others say no. You’re braver and act faster than anyone I know… Oh, wait. Maybe I shouldn’t say that.]

Dwayne was worried he said the wrong thing and tried to look calm. Logan didn’t say anything, just looked at him. Dwayne felt a little braver and kept talking.

[Anyway, Logan, you always rush into things when you think something is good. I think it’s a bit risky, but it always works out in the end, and everyone agrees you were right.]

Logan listened, his mind still thinking about what Dwayne first said.

“Right,” Logan said. It was almost the same thing Aileen had told him. His father and Dwayne, who had been with him for so long, were both saying the same thing.

[I think it will be the same this time too. Everyone in McLaine probably thinks so. Do what you want, Logan. If you want to be king, then be king! If not, then don’t!]

Dwayne laughed loudly, making Logan feel a bit better.

Logan smiled back. “Right. Thank you, Dwayne.” It didn’t fix everything, but Logan felt a little lighter.

I will help you, no matter what you choose, Aileen’s words came back to him, making him feel stronger. Of course.

[And if you become king, please look after me! Being a minister in the kingdom is better than just running a territory!]

Dwayne added, with a funny look in his eyes. Logan knew it was a joke to hide his real feelings, so he laughed.

[If I can choose, I want to be the Minister of Money!]

…Was he serious?

Logan’s eye twitched a little.

[Is Logan going to be king?]

Suddenly, a young man with brown hair and eyes peeked out from behind Dwayne. It was Rick, and his eyes were wide open in shock.

Logan and Dwayne both stared, surprised.

“Rick?” Logan said.

[Hey! When did you get here?] Dwayne asked, sounding annoyed.

[The administrator asked me to bring something! I called, but you didn’t pick up…] Rick said, still surprised.

[But you can’t just walk into the communication room like this!] Dwayne said, getting louder.

It was getting noisy on the other side of the device. Logan spoke up, “It’s okay, Dwayne. It’s not a big secret. It’s not even sure yet.”

[Oh, sorry! I didn’t mean to listen in…] Rick said, looking embarrassed.

Logan felt a small headache coming. But since everyone would know soon, he just sighed and shook his head. “I’ll say it again, it’s not sure yet. If you tell anyone before it’s time, you’ll be in trouble.”

[Hey, you know I don’t talk much. But Logan as king… can that really happen? Well, I guess they are talking about it because it could?] Rick looked confused, like he didn’t really understand.

Logan knew Rick was loyal, but he still needed to warn him. “It’s not sure! Do you understand?!”

[Yes? Oh, yes. So, you might not become king…?]

“Right.”

[Ah… Haha. That’s good.]

Good?

“……Good?” Logan asked, surprised by Rick’s words.

[Oh, no. I didn’t mean that. Not good, but… more like, I’m happy? No, that’s not right either!] Rick stammered.

[Rick, what are you saying to Logan?] Dwayne asked, sounding angry.

[No, Administrator! I said it was a mistake!] Rick said quickly.

[Still, this guy…] Dwayne grumbled. It was getting noisy again on the other side.

Logan sighed. “Dwayne, please leave.”

[Yes?] Dwayne sounded surprised. “I want to talk to Rick alone for a bit. It’s been a while.”

[L-Logan. Did I do something wrong?] Rick looked very worried, like he was about to cry. Logan suddenly thought about all the people in the capital, wondering what they thought. He shook his head, trying to clear his thoughts. Rick is different.

“No, no, Rick. I just want to talk. Dwayne…?” Logan said gently.

[Yes, Logan. I’ll come back later.] Dwayne said, and then the screen showed only Rick’s worried face.

[Logan, did I mess up? I just… didn’t mean to say that. My opinion doesn’t matter, right? Just forget it…]”

“Rick,” Logan said softly.

[I was just worried, that’s all…]

“Rick!” Logan said again, a bit louder.

[Yes, yes! Logan, I’m listening!] Rick finally answered, looking nervous. He still looked confused.

Logan spoke gently, “I’m not angry. I really want to know what you think. You’ve been with me the longest, haven’t you?”

[Y-Yes, that’s right. I’m the one who has been with you the longest, Logan.]

“Yes. You’re my friend, Rick. Like a brother to me.”

[…Logan. You think of me like that…] Rick’s eyes started to water. He took a deep breath and looked at Logan, trying to be calm.

“So, I really want to ask you. Would it be bad if I became king?”

[…No. I’m sure it would be amazing.] Completely different from what he said before.

“Amazing? But you said it was good if it didn’t happen?” Logan frowned a little, but Rick didn’t see because he looked down. Rick spoke quietly,

[It would be amazing, yes. It is amazing. How could I not like it if you, who I’ve served since we were kids, became someone important? Maybe I’d even get a good job in the palace! But…]”

“But?” Logan asked quickly, seeing Rick hesitate.

Rick took a long pause, then looked up at Logan.

[Being king is wonderful, but… I liked things better before.]

“Huh?” Logan was surprised.

[When McLaine was quiet and small, not big and busy like now. You would train or go riding, and I would be there to help you. I liked those easy days more.]

Logan didn’t say anything.

[Of course, I know things are better for the family now. But for a while now, I haven’t seen you smile much. It worries me. You look the same right now. Logan… are you having a hard time?]

Rick’s brown eyes were full of worry.

Logan felt his throat tighten. He looked up at the ceiling.

[I’m worried you’ll have an even harder time if you become king. That’s why I said it was good if it didn’t happen. Just think of it as silly worries from someone who doesn’t know much.]

Rick bowed his head again. Logan looked at him on the screen and couldn’t speak for a long time.