Regressor Of The Fallen Family [EN]: Chapter 267

Loud laughter echoed through the royal palace banquet hall.

Logan and Aileen, the celebrated heroes of the kingdom, were the center of attention, surrounded by admiring guests. The next most crowded place was where the Empire’s Second Prince was.

“Your Highness, it’s a great honor to meet you,” a noble said.

Prince Baros merely nodded with a smile as he watched the nameless noble bowing before him.

‘How tiresome,’ he thought.

At times like these, he often thought it might be better to seem cold and unapproachable, like his half-brother.

Of course, that thought was always fleeting.

If he hadn’t practiced being ‘good and kind’ since he was very young, he, born as the sixth prince, would never have risen to the position of the Second Prince.

“I will remember your courtesy, Baron,” Prince Baros said.

“Th-thank you, Your Highness,” the portly noble, whose name he didn’t even remember, retreated, overjoyed at that one sentence.

In the imperial capital, it would have been better to remember names and surnames and add a word or two, but he didn’t want to put in that much mental effort, especially not in this kingdom.

And right now, a smile that seemed like a habit was enough.

To the nobles of this small kingdom, the position of an imperial prince was as good as absolute power.

But at that moment, he saw the one-eyed knight approaching behind another noble who was eagerly stepping forward as if waiting for his turn.

The Second Prince’s dark eyes gleamed subtly as they met Jerome’s one eye.

“Hmm. Excuse me. It seems my companion has something to say to me,” Prince Baros said.

“Ah… Yes, Your Highness,” the approaching noble couldn’t hide his disappointment at his words, but hastily stepped back upon seeing Jerome approaching from behind.

During the delegation’s month-long stay, the story of the Empire’s young superhuman, Jerome, defeating the half-giant Luther Kyle and the Storm Sword Wicken Kalia in duels was a major issue in the kingdom as well.

Many had hoped for a duel with the king or the Sword Master, but the Sword Master refused to fight Jerome, saying it was beneath his dignity. Jerome couldn’t directly request a duel with the king, so no more superhuman battles were seen.

‘Well, that alone is enough,’ Prince Baros thought.

It was enough to show the Empire’s might.

While the prince was thinking that, Jerome, who had successfully completed his first mission, had already reached him.

“What is it, Jerome?” Prince Baros asked.

“Well… there’s been a bit of a problem, Your Highness,” Jerome replied.

At the prince’s signal, his bodyguards moved the surrounding people even further away.

Soon, when the surroundings became quiet, Jerome whispered something into the prince’s ear in a small voice.

And at that moment, the prince’s expression changed.

“…All dead?”

The emotion in his very small voice was a deep mix of bewilderment and anger.

“It was fine until we were gathering information, but things went wrong as soon as we entered the depths of the royal palace today,” Jerome explained.

“Even with the excuse that they were workers helping with the wedding?” Prince Baros asked.

“The excuse that they had taken the wrong path didn’t work at all. They were executed as soon as they left the venue…,”

“These, these madmen!!”

As the surrounding gazes gathered at the shout that burst out uncontrollably, the prince struggled to manage his expression.

But the quietly continuing voice was filled with murderous intent.

“Officially protest to the Maclane Kingdom! They repay kindness with hatred. I won’t let this go,” Prince Baros declared.

“That’s… I already protested,” Jerome said.

“You did?”

The prince’s gaze turned to the king, who was receiving greetings from the nobles at the head table, and as if aiming for that moment, Logan raised his glass towards him.

The prince slightly frowned as he saw the subtle smile on Logan’s lips, and at the same time, Jerome continued with a small sigh.

“They said that a royal order had already been issued and they wouldn’t budge. They asked what kind of exceptions they should make for ruffians who threw people’s heads in the king’s face…,”

“Ha…. Crazy…,”

It was an unexpected event.

It was such an extreme measure that it could cause major diplomatic problems if they made an issue of it.

What it meant was clear.

‘They don’t care about diplomatic friction?’

The Second Prince gritted his teeth at the absurd provocation of the king.

The problem was that even if he made a diplomatic issue of this and received compensation from the kingdom, he would ultimately suffer more.

It would be a clear disadvantage in the competition for the throne.

‘Could he even know that….’

The prince forced himself to manage his expression. He didn’t want to show any more weaknesses to the king of that small country, who was looking at him with a relaxed expression.

Over that relaxed expression, some good news came.

“But only ordinary intelligence agents were sacrificed, and the ‘Ghosts’ escaped safely. Moreover, they have already found a suitable target and obtained a ‘face.’ The assassination is still possible,” Jerome reported.

“…No, for now, just focus on gathering information. And don’t let them approach the magic users yet,” Prince Baros instructed.

“Yes, I understand. And it seems there is quite useful information among the information gathered so far,” Jerome added.

“Hmm?”

“There was friction with the priests when dealing with the plague, and it wasn’t just simple friction. It seems the royal family was also trying to keep it quiet,” Jerome explained.

“More details,” Prince Baros requested.

“Yes. That’s…,”

The aftermath of what Logan had done.

The detailed process was conveyed to the prince’s ears.

As Jerome continued to speak, the smile on the Second Prince’s lips deepened.

“Interesting. He violated the temple’s taboo…,”

“It seems like there could be enough cause for conflict,” Jerome said.

“No, that alone is not enough. The bishop seemed to believe the king. But the prince thought there were still ways to use this situation to his advantage,” Prince Baros said.

“Yes?”

“There was a report when he came to the Empire the year before last. The temple is paying attention to this kingdom. And it wasn’t a good atmosphere at all. I just brushed it off back then, but I think we need to find out more,” Prince Baros explained.

The memory of recalling a report he had heard fleetingly a year ago in an instant, awe arose in Jerome’s one eye as he looked at the prince.

The prince, with a subtle smile as he looked at Jerome, picked up a glass half-filled with wine. Then, enjoying the aroma of the wine that stimulated the tip of his nose, he raised his glass towards the back of the king’s head, who had now turned his gaze away from him.

“I think I should visit the central temple once. I think I can give that king a wonderful gift,” Prince Baros mused.

“…Yes?”

“So, Jerome. Lend me your name,” Prince Baros requested.

“Yes?”

“If my name is combined with the name of the important religious figure from the Empire, the time to meet the Pope will be shortened a little,” Prince Baros explained.

Jerome’s face hardened slightly at those words.

It wasn’t because of the weight of the name Pope.

It was because he said he would use his name.

“Your Highness. I still have no intention of interfering in the succession war,” Jerome stated.

He had only volunteered to be a bodyguard to find out how strong the enemy who took his eye had become, and he still had no intention of becoming part of the Second Prince’s faction.

Even though he had received the offer all the way here.

“You’re not going to leave now, after you helped plan everything here, are you, Jerome Dicaid?” Prince Baros asked.

“That’s just following Your Highness’s instructions,” Jerome replied.

“Hmm. Do you still think I’m not good enough to be your leader?”

“…How could that be,” Jerome said.

Jerome had shown he was a great leader. Even before what he did in the palace, the way he led and cared for his people on the journey proved he could rule a country.

“But my master’s position…,” Jerome started, sounding unsure.

“Sir Tris is neutral,” Baros said, his voice calm and confident. “I don’t think he would make his own beliefs the rule for you, his student, would he?”

Jerome was quiet, looking troubled. Baros saw this and pressed on.

“I care deeply for my people,” Baros said, his voice honest. “Anything you want to help them, I will support fully.”

The Second Prince sounded very sincere. But in his mind, he thought of Cleo. *Cleo is gone, like she never existed,* he thought coldly. He had used her death to test Logan.

Baros’s words hit Jerome hard. He realized he had changed since coming to this kingdom. He was no longer thinking like his master taught him.

“Even… even if I wanted the head of that king?” Jerome asked, his voice low and angry. He touched the eyepatch over his right eye, a reminder of his defeat.

His master had taught him to be forgiving and understanding. But Jerome couldn’t forget his anger at being beaten.

*I was just acting like I was strong and had moved on,* he thought bitterly. *I was lying to myself.*

The moment he saw Logan McLain again a month ago, he knew the truth. Being here had made his anger grow, pushing aside his master’s lessons.

The Prince saw the anger in Jerome’s eye. A small, knowing smile touched his lips.

“Of course,” Baros said. “One day, I will make you the most respected swordsman in the Empire. Even if my father, the Emperor, disagrees.”

Jerome’s one good eye shone with ambition.

“I believe you,” Jerome said, his voice firm.

“Excellent!” Baros clapped Jerome on the shoulder, laughing. “The Empire’s next greatest swordsman will become even more famous by standing with me.”

Baros had achieved one of his main goals for this trip, and it was easier than he thought.

*Now,* he thought, *I need to meet the Pope. If I can control him…*

This new kingdom will fall into chaos. If that happens, he could control the entire eastern part of the continent.

*Our Empire will just have to take what we want when the time is right,* he thought, pleased.

This would also help him win the fight to become the next Emperor.

*Logan McLain,* Baros thought, his smile turning cold. *This time, you won’t escape me so easily.*

Outside, cheers echoed: “Long live Logan McLain! Long live the McLain Kingdom!” People celebrated the kingdom’s bright future.

The Second Prince raised his glass towards the sounds, a smile on his face. It looked like a real smile, the kind he hadn’t shown in a long time. But inside, his heart was dark with his plans.

**Two months later.**

*Tweet, tweet.* Birds sang outside. Warm sunlight streamed through the window, falling on Logan’s face. He woke slowly, feeling happy and relaxed, like spring itself had arrived in his room.

He used to meditate instead of sleeping, but not anymore. Training was important, but not as important as his wife. He wanted to be with her, not leave her alone at the start of their marriage.

“Umm…” Eileen murmured in her sleep. She was still deeply asleep after their passionate night, even though she was a strong warrior.

Logan smiled, looking at her. Her red hair was spread across the pillow, and the blanket had slipped down, showing her beautiful shoulder. Eileen stirred, then opened her eyes, her face still sleepy. She seemed to notice he wasn’t right next to her.

“Good morning,” Logan whispered.

He kissed her forehead gently.

Her cheeks flushed pink from the kiss. She looked so beautiful, it made his heart ache with love.

“I have to go to work soon,” Logan said. “I’ll see you tonight?”

“Yes, Your Majesty,” Eileen replied, still a little sleepy. “I have to get to work too.”

“Are you sure you’re not too tired?” Logan asked, worried. “You could rest longer.”

“I’m fine,” Eileen said, sitting up. “The harder we both work, the sooner we can have a baby without worrying.”

Logan’s face changed. He suddenly looked serious. Eileen’s words reminded him of a promise they had made after their wedding.

He sighed quietly, without meaning to.

“I’m sorry,” Logan said, his voice low. “About… about waiting to have children.”

“Don’t be,” Eileen said, already getting out of bed. “If the Empire really is planning to attack, it would be a problem if I was pregnant right now.”

She dressed quickly, tying up her red hair. She moved so fast, it was hard to believe she had just been asleep.

“Isn’t it lucky?” Logan said, trying to lighten the mood. “My wife is such a great knight, she can even control her own body perfectly!”

Eileen smiled, a little shyly, as if she was embarrassed by his praise. She looked so lovely, and Logan felt grateful to have her.

He knew what he wanted to say next, words filled with love and thanks.

“Yes,” Logan said, taking her hand. “Let’s do our best today, both of us.”

“Is today the day you announce the new army system?” Eileen asked.

“Yes, it is,” Logan said. “I’m sorry that for now, women soldiers can only be in the Central Legion. We don’t have enough space or resources for more yet.”

“I know, Your Majesty,” Eileen said with a cheerful smile. “You’ve explained it all before. Don’t worry about it. Go and do great work for our kingdom!”

Eileen’s cheerful words made Logan smile. He felt happy and strong as he left the bedroom, ready to face the day. He was lucky to have her by his side.

“Your Majesty!”

“Greetings, Your Majesty!”

People bowed as Logan walked past. He smiled and nodded to them, acknowledging each greeting as he hurried towards the Great Hall. His escort knights, including Victor, joined him, falling into step behind.

Victor, his head knight, asked, “Are you ready, Your Majesty?”

“Yes,” Logan said firmly. “Let’s go.”

Dwayne, his advisor, waited for Logan outside the doors of the Great Hall. He bowed deeply.

“Your Majesty,” Dwayne said. “All the nobles are waiting inside.”

“Good,” Logan said. “Let’s begin.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.” Dwayne nodded. He signaled to the guard at the door.

The guard’s voice boomed through the hall: “His Majesty the King!”

*Creak.* The heavy doors of the Great Hall swung open. Logan stepped inside. The hall was huge, with high ceilings and tall windows. Nobles stood on both sides of a long, red carpet that led to the throne. They all rose as he entered.

*Thump, thump,* went Logan’s heart. He walked down the carpet, his steps strong and sure. One by one, the nobles bowed as he passed.

Seeing their respect and loyalty filled him with confidence. He knew, looking at them, that his kingdom was united and strong. There would be no more rebellion.

Logan sat on the throne, his gaze sweeping over the nobles. He spoke clearly, his voice echoing in the hall.

“Today,” Logan announced, “everything about our army and how it works will change.”

“What?” someone whispered.

“Change everything?” another noble murmured, surprised.

Some nobles nodded, looking like they had expected this. Others looked shocked and worried. The hall filled with murmurs and whispers.

Logan looked at each noble in turn, his eyes steady and strong. He was ready to explain his plans for the new kingdom.