Regressor Of The Fallen Family [EN]: Chapter 401

The news shocked the Empire. McLane’s people were overjoyed.

But others were also shocked and excited by McLane’s victory.

The scene changed to a huge cave, hidden somewhere secret. It was so big you couldn’t see the walls, and no torches burned.

Instead, the floor was covered in old symbols that glowed softly. This faint light made shadows rise up from a small, old man standing in the middle of the cave.

“Hmm? Was that just a victory? It sounds like a complete success! Who knew McLane was so strong?”

The old man looked very old, but it was hard to say exactly how old. He grinned, showing yellow teeth. He didn’t smile often, so this joy was unusual for him.

[Yes. They kept some of their strongest fighters secret. The king’s fighting skills, the monster that follows him, and the swordmaster who taught the king were the most important. If even one of them wasn’t there, they would have lost or been badly hurt.]

“Yes, yes. To change what is meant to happen, you have to do big things. Yes, yes.

[…But I remember you didn’t think much of them before.]

“Someone who changes destiny must do more than expected. Surprises like this are good. If someone wants to cause me problems, they need to do at least this much.”

The old man’s smile suddenly disappeared, as if he remembered something bad. But then, he shook his head, opened his arms wide, and went on.

“The Emperor won’t give up easily. The war will get worse, and it will be easier to get ‘power’. This means the ‘time’ we’ve waited for is coming soon.”

[But, Master.]

[Do I really need to be the one telling you this? How much longer do I have to stay here? Even if there are ‘apostles’ looking for King Logan, he won’t bring me to the fight. I don’t see why I need to be here anymore…]

“Have you found the Holy Sword yet?”

[…We keep looking, but we can’t find it. Maybe the king has it, or it’s hidden somewhere else, not in the palace.]

“Hmm, I see. Still, search some more.”

[Master, is there really a reason why I must stay here?]

“Of course, there is a reason.”

[That apostle is…]

“The Holy Sword is very important for our plan. If the one who changes destiny is fighting, he will probably use it. So you don’t need to go there. And if he hid it, it must be in the palace.”

[What are you saying? It could be hidden anywhere!…]

“If he knows how important it is, he won’t keep it far away.”

[Yes?]

“Just keep searching. What you are doing is important.”

Louisa saw his serious face and knew she couldn’t argue anymore. She sighed and nodded.

[…Understood.]

“Keep telling me how the war is going. I trust you. Until that day comes.”

[Yes. Until that day comes.]

Louisa looked sad as she ended the call, giving up on trying to convince him.

The old man’s smile changed to a cruel one, different from before. “I already have the other two holy items. Even if we don’t find the Holy Sword in time…” It would be good to find it, but it’s not a problem if we don’t. Everything is ready for something even bigger.

“We can use more blood instead of the missing holy item. We just need more chaos, a bigger war. That’s why McLane’s victory makes me happy.”

The real reason Louisa is in McLane’s palace is not just about the Holy Sword. It’s partly to watch out for an ‘apostle’, but that’s not very likely.

But… “Won’t the Emperor suspect the Eastern King if you are there? The more important your family is, the stronger your blood’s power. Your blood will help our plan go faster. Just like that boy’s blood.”

The old man looked at a young man with black hair and black eyes, lying in a clear tube in the corner of the magic circle.

“So, do what you need to do, disciple.” Even if it’s bad for you.

The old man chuckled, thinking this. He felt no guilt. He just didn’t need to tell her everything. He hid the big truth with a smaller, less important truth. For a powerful magic user like him, who could change things with his words, this kind of trick was just normal.

The old man smiled and turned on the communication device again. Soon, an elderly man in a black robe appeared.

[You were looking for me, Tower Master.]

“Yes, the result?”

At the bottomless question, the robed man flinched for a moment and then opened his mouth.

[The work in the Western Kingdom Alliance was progressing rapidly. However, from the moment the news of McLane’s victory was reported, negotiations have been sluggish.]

“What?”

[Rather than McLane’s success, the opinion that the Empire is weaker than expected has emerged, and some are questioning the need for an alliance.]

“Tch, typical humans….”

[There is a limit to persuading those who have been brainwashed. It seems we need a little more time.]

“The Emperor will move soon.”

[Yes?]

“I mean the Empire’s true power will move.”

[Considering McLane’s momentum now, wouldn’t they still hold out quite a bit? There is enough time to persuade them.]

“No, do not underestimate the Emperor. The vision we created in cooperation with the Imperial Family is not just the demons.”

[You mean….]

“McLane’s victory this time is due to the bias of information. Now that all the cards are revealed, if the Emperor moves directly, McLane will not last long. After that, it is useless for the Western countries to unite. They will only be defeated individually. Then, there will be too little blood flowing.”

The old man, who was talking about a war in which tens of thousands of people had already died and tens of times more would die in the future, said that there was too little blood. But the man in the black robe showed no particular change in expression even at the gruesome words.

[When the Emperor moves, are you saying that the alliance should attack the Empire?]

“Yes. That is the most ideal.”

[But it is difficult now. I cannot guarantee that the alliance will be formed even right before McLane is destroyed.]

“Now that the situation has flowed like this, persuasion is unnecessary.”

[Yes?]

“Attack the kings of each country in the name of the Empire. It is good if you succeed, and it does not matter if you fail. It would be more accurate to leave traces of the demons.”

[Ah…!]

“Turn the east and west of the continent into a sea of blood at the same time, and fill the heavens and earth with wronged souls. That will further hasten our great work.”

[Yes. Gladly.]

“I will create chaos in the center of the continent. So hurry. The time for the great work is near. Until that day comes.”

[Yes. Until that day comes.]

With that answer from the man, the communication device lost its light once again.

“Holy water blessed by the priests! Get your holy water!” “Pilgrim maps here! Buy a map! You need one if you’re going on a pilgrimage!” “Souvenirs! Buy souvenirs!” The Holy City of Noviens was busy and full of life. You wouldn’t know there had been a war here recently.

“It’s so lively here! You’d never guess there was a war.” A man with strange gray eyes, who looked about thirty years old, looked around, impressed. A knight with brown hair and blue eyes, walking next to him, laughed. “The temple is giving out things to make everyone happy and forget the bad times. But it’s funny to hear you say that, Phillip. You’re the head of the merchants, and you’ve done a lot to make it lively here.”

“Haha. Well, I’m a merchant, I like money. Everyone is saying the Holy Kingdom won because the gods helped them. More pilgrims are coming because of that, so I thought I could make some money and came here.” “Not because King McLane told you to?” “Ahahaha, yes, that too! You sent priests to fight, even though it’s not usually done. I have to thank you for that.”

“Hmm, you’re honest. But you don’t seem worried at all?” “Worried? Of course, I’m worried! But… I just believe.” “Do you really think the kingdom can beat the Empire?” “It’s not just about that. I believe in our King.” “You mean Logan McLane?” “Yes.”

Haman looked at Phillip, surprised that he was so sure. “This young king must be amazing.” “He is. He’s the kind of person who does crazy things without even blinking.” Like giving tons of gold to a merchant who had lost everything and was in debt. Buying things no one wanted and making new things that had never been seen before. He even dug through mountains to change rivers and turned bad land into good farms. And he kept finding gold and magic stones. ‘And he made a baron’s son into a king!’ Phillip smiled, still amazed by all the things Logan had done in the last few years. It was like one miracle after another. That’s why he wasn’t too worried about the war, even though it looked like they were losing.

“The King said he would protect us. So he will.” It was a belief without any doubt, a strong feeling like faith. The paladin, who thought pure faith was very important, was impressed by Phillip’s eyes. “Yes, you’re right.”

The super-strong people he had seen before, and now Phillip too. These talented people, much stronger and richer than normal people, were risking everything and giving away their money because of their faith in the king. Haman became very curious about this king from the far east, whom he had never met.

“So, are you staying here until the war ends?” “If I leave the Holy City, I might be killed. The Empire knows I’m from McLane’s kingdom now.” “Haha. That’s true. Stay here for a long time then. And if your kingdom wins, I’d like to meet him. Can you help me meet him?” “You mean King McLane? Of course. The King will be happy to meet you too.”

The two men, who appeared to be of similar age, laughed like true friends, despite the decades of age difference.

“Oh, sorry, but when can I see the Saint, or the Pope, I mean?” “Haha. You’re asking again! Is it because Sir Victor asked you to?” “Yes, well… He almost never asks for anything, so I have to help him this time.” “Haha, I wish I had friends like that. But as I said, she’s still healing from her injuries by praying. The Pope likes Sir Victor too, so she’ll find him when she’s better.” “But still no promise.” “Yes… about that…” Just as Haman was about to say more, a voice shouted from far away. “Captain! The Pope has left her room!” The sudden shout surprised both of them.