Regressor Of The Fallen Family [EN]: Chapter 68

“A student of a superhuman?” someone whispered.

“Not just anyone – the Flame Sword’s student!” another voice hissed.

“That farm boy really got lucky,” a third man grumbled.

Around the grand hall, men in fancy coats turned to stare at Logan. Envious looks and quiet whispers spread through the room like ripples in water.

“Y-your Excellency, give me a chance to show my fighting skills!”

“I am the most talented!”

“Give me a chance as well!”

Jealous shouts erupted from the assembled men.

Each one, muscles bulging beneath the tight, showy coats, appeared to be either knights or nobles possessing knightly skill.

However.

“Does anyone here have the smart plans to win two battles where your family’s future was in danger?! And above all…”

The Count’s roar silenced the clamoring voices.

“With such skill! Do you have the courage to be willing to be ashamed for your family, to lower yourselves to trade in the capital city! I value Logan McLain’s actions even more than his skill.”

The banquet hall fell silent at his final words.

And Logan could feel the gazes upon him shift noticeably.

‘Why those words…?’

It was too much praise… though all of it was true.

But he couldn’t afford to acknowledge it now.

The moment he showed even a hint of agreement, he’d be trapped, and if he resisted forcefully, he’d give Bipros an excuse to attack.

Fortunately for Logan, he had a way to protect himself, like a strong shield.

“I am grateful for your kind words, but I already have a master whom I serve.”

“Huh? Wasn’t your master your father, Baron Patrick McLain?”

“No. Fortunately, I formed a connection with a remarkable individual and was able to take him as my master.”

“…Still, the more mentors in life, the better, they say. Surely the same applies to martial arts. Your master wouldn’t object if the kingdom’s famous Flame Sword, who uses Aura, became your new mentor.”

Of course, that was out of the question.

Knights thought their lord, master, and father were almost the same.

This originally meant to serve one’s master as one would serve their lord, but it was also taken as a prohibition against serving two masters.

The cultures of knights and mages were similar in this regard.

There were even masters who would execute disciples for telling their secrets if they served more than one master.

The Count was certainly aware of this, making it a completely unreasonable demand.

“I apologize, but I must decline. My master would never allow it.”

At Logan’s sharp refusal, the Count’s face hardened, and the atmosphere, which had been heating up, abruptly cooled.

But the Count soon smiled again and spoke.

“Like a young man, your decisions are clear and swift. However, the Flame Sword is scheduled to visit the estate soon, so how about receiving instruction once? I intend to give all the heirs of the nobles ‘under my command,’ including you, the opportunity. You can even invite your master.”

“Oh…”

“Indeed, Count. You are generous.”

The Count subtly made it official that McLain was included and even decided on the heirs’ stay.

Logan finally understood the Count’s true purpose.

He intended to involve McLain by any means possible.

Whether through controlling him or attacking him, the moment Logan arrived here, McLain’s choices had narrowed.

However, he couldn’t refuse again in this situation.

‘He’d accuse me of insult and either imprison me or draw his sword.’

It was a proposal that left only one choice from the start.

‘Fortunately, I’ve made preparations in advance.’

Hoping that his measures weren’t too late, Logan simply bowed his head.

“Thank you for your generous words. If you insist so much, I have no choice. I will look forward to it.”

As he stepped back, lost in complex thoughts,

“I am grateful that you accepted my offer, Lord Logan.”

The Count smiled broadly and looked around.

“McLain’s decision will be the starting point for our Southwest to become one again. And…”

With a lighter expression, the Count paused skillfully to draw attention before continuing.

“In fact, there have been several discussions even before arranging this gathering. Baron Jeff Percival and Baron Derek Loopman, with whom I have long-standing friendships, have already pledged to unite under the banner of Bipros.”

Their families already knew, so they were all nodding, and even Logan was aware, so only Fereta’s group looked dismayed.

“In this place, I intend to bestow suitable gifts upon their heirs as a reward for their willing loyalty.”

Clap clap.

With the sound of applause, the banquet hall doors opened again.

Soon, a dozen knights, not servants, entered the banquet hall, seemingly escorting a cart in the middle.

Creak!

The cart they pulled in had a display stand covered with silk cloth, and on top of it were two transparent glass boxes.

What caught everyone’s attention were the objects inside the glass boxes.

A beautiful longsword with a sleek, extended silver blade and a shimmering glow.

A massive warhammer, as tall as an average adult male, with a rugged shape and a strangely harmonious, overflowing blue light.

The unique radiance, unseen in ordinary weapons, spoke to their identity.

“Artifacts?!”

“If the color of magic is that deep, it must be at least Class 3 or higher…”

“Of course. With the Count’s reputation, it must be a treasure worth at least tens of millions of gold.”

“Indeed, a treasure collector…”

Artifacts are magical items that always have magic.

They are made from materials that are naturally magical or have magic added to them in a special way.

Mages can make artifacts.

But artifacts made by powerful mages from wizard schools are more useful in many ways.

Therefore, artifacts are usually classified by class according to the enchanted magic.

Of course, even with high versatility, the production cost is enormous, so they are usually custom-made according to the special requests of rich people who order them.

The cheapest material used is mithril, so it was bound to be an expensive treasure, even without considering how much mages charge.

Therefore, to avoid wasting the materials, weapon artifacts are usually enchanted with magic of at least Class 3 or higher.

And to create a Class 3 artifact, a Class 5 mage, two levels above, was required, so the price became very high.

‘He’s just giving those away as gifts? Indeed…’

Logan admired it, but smiled sadly and slightly.

It would be a lie to say he wasn’t envious of Bipros’ wealth, which had made them the third richest family in the kingdom.

Especially since they were a family that had taken and built on his family’s old land.

“Silence, everyone!”

Although he shouted, the Count had a smile on his face.

He was pleased with the murmuring reactions of the people.

“Ramon Percival. Step forward.”

“Yes!”

With the summons, a brown-haired man with a serious face, appearing to be around thirty, walked forward to the Count.

Count Roger Biprost’s voice echoed in the grand hall, rich and commanding. “Will you pledge your loyalty to me?” Candlelight flickered on the tapestries lining the stone walls, casting long shadows as all eyes turned to the young man kneeling before him.

“Yes,” Ramon Percival said clearly. “For the Percival family, I pledge my loyalty to you, Count Biprost.”

“Good,” the Count replied, a smile playing on his lips, though it seemed more about power than warmth. “I, Roger Biprost, accept your oath. And as a reward for your loyalty, I bestow this.” He gestured, and a servant presented a gleaming sword. “This is the Lampton Sword, a Class 3 artifact. It will sharpen your skill and strengthen your arm. Use it to protect your family and serve Biprost!”

Ramon Percival took the sword with both hands, his eyes wide with admiration. “I will serve you with all my heart, Your Excellency!” he declared, bowing his head low.

“Thank you for your grace!” he added, his voice full of gratitude.

The Count watched as Ramon knelt, then raised his voice again, booming through the hall. “Eric Loopman, come forward!”

“Yes, Your Excellency!”

“Will you pledge your loyalty to me?”

“Yes. I, too, on behalf of the Loopman family, pledge my loyalty to Count Roger Biprost.”

“Good. I, Roger Biprost, accept that oath and bestow this warhammer as a reward for your loyalty.”

“I will serve you with all my heart!”

“This Saxen Hammer is also a Class 3 artifact, a weapon of immense power that amplifies impact many times over. Use it to crush any enemy that stands in the way of your family and Biprost!”

“Thank you for your grace!”

The heirs to the families knelt before the Count, like people becoming knights.

The sight, which most people present accepted as normal, felt like immense pressure to Logan. He felt his shoulders tighten and his breath become shallow. The weight of all those eyes on him was heavy.

Moreover.

“I am not stingy with my generosity. Families who join Biprost’s banner in the future will receive appropriate rewards!”

It seemed like he was looking directly at Logan as he said those words.

The Count’s obvious gaze added to the pressure in his heart.

“Doesn’t it seem like Logan’s sword is better than those items?”

The idiot Peretta, who had approached him unnoticed, suddenly caused trouble. He interrupted loudly, speaking close to Logan as if he only wanted him to hear, but his voice was too loud.

“Young Master?!”

The knight beside him was shocked.

Logan’s expression also twisted, but Peretta gave a bitter smile and raised both hands in a nonchalant gesture. “No, I just thought the Count was making too much of a show. Don’t you think so? It looks like Logan’s sword is better.”

The murmuring grew louder with his continued disruption, and the Count’s expression hardened, but he didn’t seem to realize it.

“Well, seeing as how you can’t even recognize truly outstanding talent, it might be possib— Mmph! Mmph!”

“Y-Young Master. You’ve had a bit too much to drink.”

The knight belatedly covered his mouth, but the atmosphere in the banquet hall had already turned icy. Peretta’s words hung in the air, and the laughter in the hall died away. The room suddenly felt colder, the air thick with tension.

Logan, who had been caught up in the mess, was also dumbfounded.

‘Is this idiot ruining things for himself because his pride is hurt?’

He had hoped that rumors about Hamar’s sword, Lux, would reach the Count’s ears, but he hadn’t anticipated this situation.

The way to obtain a proper dwarf-made item was simple if you knew it, but greedy nobles could never understand this simple idea.

‘I wouldn’t have thought of it either if I hadn’t seen it myself.’

In the worst-case scenario, if his plan didn’t work and the Count tried to force the issue, he was going to use that clue to bargain or buy time.

But.

‘That damn fool….’

Some reckless idiot had interrupted loudly and turned everything upside down.

“Oh ho. Is Logan’s sword that outstanding?”

The Count’s eyes were fixed on Logan’s waist. It wasn’t the gaze of someone who had been talking about the unity and cause of the southwest just moments ago, but the eyes of a treasure collector, full of greed.

“…I was just lucky enough to obtain a dwarf-made item.”

“Hoo? A dwarf-made item. If it’s a truly proper dwarf-made item, its rarity alone makes it comparable to an artifact. The enslaved dwarves lost their ancestors’ skills long ago.”

If you just promised them liberation, you could get one right away.

He scoffed inwardly, but getting through this moment was the priority.

“May I see the Young Master’s sword?”

He was so sure that if he temporarily handed it over, it would never return to his hands that he would bet his little finger on it.

Therefore.

“Although I am young, I am still a knight, so it is difficult to entrust my companion carelessly. I am sorry.”

No matter what, he couldn’t hand it over.

– It will be much better than those low-grade artifact weapons. It’s a masterpiece that I made for the first time. Have you ever heard of a masterpiece with the soul of a dwarf? It’s not something that can be made again just because I want to.

Hamar’s proud words echoed in his ears.

A masterpiece with the soul of a dwarf.

Even if he didn’t think about the legendary tales that often accompanied that name, Lux, which Hamar had custom-made to fit his physique, was already a soulmate. Lux, his own sword, felt familiar and comforting at his side. The dark metal was smooth and cool, and he knew the perfect balance of its weight in his hand. It was more than just a weapon; it was a part of him.

But even with his tactful refusal, the Count wouldn’t give up.

“A sword is your companion… Heh heh. You speak in old-fashioned terms for someone your age. Very well, then how about showing it off in a duel, like a knight?”

“A duel?”

“Since there are those here who have received my artifacts, we can compare them. Ramon Percival, were you someone skilled in combat?”

“Yes, Count. I barely reached that level a few years ago.”

Contrary to his humble words, becoming a mid-level Force User around the age of thirty was by no means slow.

Moreover, Ramon’s eyes, holding the Lampton Sword he had just received, were full of confidence.

“Now! Let’s watch the martial prowess of the talents who will lead the future of this land as entertainment for the party!”

Clap clap.

As the Count clapped his hands, the center of the banquet hall was naturally cleared, creating space.

‘Goodness. I didn’t even say I would do it….’

The opponent was already wearing armor that he had somehow managed to get over his party clothes.

Logan’s expression twisted as he became embroiled in a troublesome situation that he had not planned at all.

“But a mere duel would not be interesting enough, so let’s set a condition.”

The Count’s eyes gleamed mischievously, and everyone’s attention turned to him.

“If Ramon wins, I will take that dwarf’s sword, and if Logan wins, I will bestow a suitable artifact separately. What do you say, Ramon?”

“I will obey your command.”

“What do you say, Logan?”

It had been a series of unexpected events, but if it came to this, things would be very different.

“I am also fine with it.”

“Indeed, you are magnanimous.”

Don’t come crying to me about losing your sword.

“I am the one who is impressed by the Count’s generosity.”

You are the one.

The Count and Logan, having confirmed each other’s true intentions, smiled simultaneously, though they spoke in roundabout ways.

‘What a windfall.’

The annoyance caused by Flon had long since disappeared.

In Logan’s eyes, the idiot in front of him already looked like a free artifact.