Regressor of the Fallen Family Novel - Chapter 285
Chapter 285
“… That’s the situation.”
『Impressive gamble, Flashing Spear Ignis.』
Upon hearing the words from the person on the other end of the communication device, King Ramon the First nodded in agreement.
Possessing a 6th class artifact, particularly a weapon artifact, enables its owner to briefly showcase extraordinary military strength, making it a strategic asset. Additionally, Ignis’s magic is most potent during the knights’ decisive charge into battle.
Out of the few known 6th class artifacts, Ignis has been proven to have formidable offensive power—a true national treasure.
If things go awry, triya could suffer significant losses.
With a heavy heart, King Ramon reiterated to the voice on the communication device, “We must ensure you keep your end of the bargain.”
Given the status of the other party, his request almost sounded like a plea for mercy.
『Rest assured, there’s no need to worry. Surely you don’t doubt the Empire’s capabilities?』
After these words were spoken, the tense expression on Ramon’s face softened slightly.
“Of course not. But considering the gravity of the situation, we would be willing to offer assistance if needed…”
『No need. You took a risk with the national treasure; it wouldn’t be right for us to intervene and make such an effort on your behalf. We are fully capable of handling it ourselves.』
No intervention.
Avoid unnecessary interference.
Both sides understood the unspoken message behind the polite refusals.
Yet Ramon simply smiled ruefully and bowed his head, unable to express any discomfort or concern when dealing with such an influential figure.
“Thank you for your understanding, Your Highness.”
『Don’t mention it.』
Prince Baros Van Ares proceeded to outline the plan once more, seemingly to reassure Ramon.
『McLaine lacks the vast resources of the Empire, hence the shortage of talent. To meet your requirements, prominent talents from the kingdom must step in, which in itself, could become a burden on them.』
Acknowledged.
As Ramon tightened his lips and nodded, Prince Baros gave a faint smile.
『Just set the stage for us, and after the ‘tragedy’ in Tytis unfolds, you’ll be able to condemn McLaine and regain control of the alliance.』
“What about Ignis then…”
『We will retrieve it beforehand; don’t worry. If not, we’ll offer compensation equal to its value.』
Equivalent compensation.
How does one quantify a national treasure, a 6th class artifact?
However, these assurances came from the soon-to-be Emperor, Prince Baros.
Despite trying to conceal his anxiety, King Ramon nodded in agreement.
“Then I can be at ease.”
『We appreciate your cooperation.』
Just as their discussion concluded and Baros was about to end the communication,
“Ah, Your Highness. If I’m not mistaken, you’re still unmarried.”
『… Yes, what about it?』
“I have a daughter who is unmarried, renowned throughout the kingdom for her beauty and talents. If I may, without overstepping…”
『…』
King Ramon’s eyes sparkled with interest, unwilling to let the topic drop.
“Triya’s king must be quite desperate to offer Ignis as collateral.”
“If we hold Triya’s symbol, they won’t dare to make any rash moves. But it’s concerning how easily they complied.”
“They did promise to return it, perhaps that’s why?”
“Well, with McLaine’s dire situation, that could be a reason. Your reports indicate they are on the brink of bankruptcy.”
“Yes, indeed. This explains the attached conditions.”
King Ramon agreed to use Ignis as collateral on one condition:
– In exchange, a non-aggression pact should be signed with our Alliance, specifically among Triya, Liberty, and the Kingdom of Teronan.
A non-aggression pact.
Requesting such a pact with neighboring nations suggests there is only one motive.
“Once we deal with Donati Pello, the rest can be managed by those three.”
“If the alliance weakens internally, eventually, as His Majesty desires, they will be more susceptible to our influence…”
“It will significantly diminish the alliance’s overall power. Stopping the war isn’t an option?”
“Seeing King Ramon’s willingness to offer Ignis, it seems he is resolute.”
“There’s no other choice then. We must help conclude the war swiftly.”
As Logan’s lips curled into a sinister smile, Damian felt a foreboding sense of dread.
“What do you propose?”
“Ah, that can wait until the envoys arrive. For now, let’s consider how we can assist Triya.”
Logan’s meaningful smile redirected the conversation, and Damian sensed Logan’s intentions.
‘Another move to give Minister Dwayne a headache… Well, he’ll manage.’
‘Don’t worry.’
That was Damian’s conclusion.
Unlike Minister Dwayne, whose stress levels would skyrocket, Damian had grown somewhat indifferent.
While Damian remained silent, Logan swiftly changed the topic.
“So, who should we send? It would be wise to select a few skilled yet loyal individuals. Someone discreet.”
“If we consider the knights, the selection must be careful.”
“Indeed.”
They were deliberating on a mission of assassination for the nation’s benefit.
Although McLaine’s knights were known for their loyalty, it was not a task to be taken lightly.
“… It would have been ideal to have Bordell at a time like this.”
Logan regretted the timing.
As a beast hunter approaching a superhuman level and destined for greatness, Bordell, who had previously served as an Imperial superhuman mercenary, had led conquest wars and specialized in eliminating key figures. After the conquests, he became a reaper targeting notable resistance members, such as those from Grandia’s liberation front.
Phantom Archer.
A name that resonated with everyone in his past life twenty years later.
However, now, only the beast hunters active around the Imperial Northern Beast Forest knew of Bordell’s reputation.
But…
“Sir Bordell went south with the Prince of Ronian and has been out of contact since then.”
“I am aware. What is Ronian up to down there…”
While Logan grew increasingly concerned about his brother and hoped for his safety, he had to focus on the current affairs for peace of mind.
‘It will be fine. Surely.’
Logan pushed his worries about his brother aside and returned to the present.
“How much power do we need to eliminate Donati Pello and the Duke of Leon Tahiti?”
“At least five top-tier knights or a superhuman to handle Tahiti, even if it’s a smaller state comparable to one of our major territories in McLaine.”
“Is that so? Just to discreetly remove those two?”
“… Sire. That’s the minimum estimate. It is known that Donati Pello has two top-tier knights and a 5th circle magician with him in Tahiti. The security at the duke’s fortress is also formidable.”
“Is that the case? Hmmm…”
Faced with limited options, Logan had to choose someone exceptionally reliable.
They needed individuals skilled in stealth and knights unwavering in the face of covert missions or assassinations.
Logan’s gaze naturally fell on Victor, who understood his unspoken request and stepped forward without a hint of emotion.
“Leave it to me. I will ensure its success.”
Young for a top-tier knight and always by his side, relatively unknown—a perfect candidate for the task.
Even Damian seemed to reach a similar conclusion, although his reaction was slightly different.
“Your Majesty, Sir Victor is too young and inexperienced for such missions…”
“No, it’s fine.”
“What?”
“Is there anyone more suitable than Victor among the other top-tier knights?”
The others were middle-aged men who had served as knights for decades.
Would they be capable of executing such a mission?
Wordless, Damian fell silent.
‘We need those accustomed to covert operations. And we need time to train such warriors. But for now…’
The kingdom, or rather the dynasty, had too brief a history to have nurtured such shadowy figures.
As Damian pondered regretfully, biting his lip, Logan confidently patted Victor on the shoulder.
‘The former noble executioner.’
The one who would infiltrate a lord’s castle and eliminate its owner as if it were a routine task.
Even if Victor hadn’t followed that path in this life, Logan believed his talent was still intact.
“Victor, after familiarizing yourself with the information from Damian, assemble a team with Ria and report back. Ensure the mission’s success…”
But was Logan placing too much trust in him?
“Your Majesty, I would like to undertake this mission solo.”
“… What?”
“I believe I have discovered a way to overcome my limitations recently. To test my abilities in real combat, I was contemplating requesting special permission to venture into the demonic realm. This mission, particularly of this nature, would provide me with an opportunity to push my boundaries. Please allow me.”
“Ha…?”
“That’s the spirit! A real battle, risking one’s life to surpass limits… It’s not as straightforward as it sounds! It’s not just a tale from a heroic novel!”
Death wasn’t merely a challenging outcome to avoid—it was a probable conclusion, something out of legends.
To Logan, it seemed irrational, but Victor calmly defended his stance.
“Your Majesty, have you not experienced a breakthrough on the battlefield before?”
“Me?”
“Yes. I distinctly recall witnessing it during my first combat as a soldier.”
Ah…
The battle at Sylvan’s County.
At that time, he had come close to advancing to a higher tier, breaking through while dueling an enemy knight.
But that was…
“At that moment, I was still young and not entirely certain about breaking through. It was a deliberate attempt to shatter the remaining barriers. Plus, challenging the threshold of a superhuman is on another level!”
Indeed, a different level.
However, Victor remained undeterred.
“Didn’t the queen experience a similar transformation during the last attack incident?”
“Er…”
Caught off guard, Logan momentarily lost his words, and Victor’s gaze grew more intense.
“I sensed something then too. I am only half a step away, but regular training won’t be sufficient.”
“To undertake such a critical mission for personal reasons…”
“I knew it was the right path the moment you mentioned it. I’ll also keep in mind the trait design direction you mentioned. This mission might hold the key I’ve been seeking. I will succeed. Trust me!”
What is the path you are seeking through this mission?
Assassination…
Similar to that shattered figure for me?
Left speechless by Victor’s words, Damian suddenly interjected.
“Are you referring to that extraordinary superhuman trait only heard of through rumors? Sir Victor is… Ah, then count me in.”
“Damian?”
Ignoring Logan’s astonished expression, Damian drifted into his thoughts, muttering.
“That assassin-like ability, where even Your Majesty couldn’t detect their presence. Remarkable. We could use… Oh, sorry, a slip of the tongue. A slip. Ha ha.”
Feeling a piercing glare, Damian averted his gaze, and Logan regained his composure, turning back to Victor.
“I am assigning you out of necessity, but I don’t want you to become just an assassin because of what I have taught you. If that’s the case, we will rethink the trait design entirely. I will assign someone else to the task.”
“I understand.”
“Hm?”
“I have no interest in treading the path of a dark assassin like those individuals. But I am confident about this. Please entrust me with this task. Otherwise, much like His Highness, I might feel compelled to venture into the Southern Mountains or the beast forests.”
“… You struck a chord there.”
“My apologies, Your Majesty.”
“No, it’s fine. You are on the verge of a breakthrough… Have you truly seen beyond that?”
“Yes.”
Victor’s eyes, each a different color due to his heterochromia, gazed back with unwavering conviction.
For the first time, Logan sensed his composure genuinely.
Victor’s heart beat with four force cores, ready to erupt at any moment, and his power flowed from them, ready to surge through his body at will.
‘The pinnacle of top-tier knights… It seems the claim is not unfounded…’
Logan let out a soft sigh.
“If I don’t assign this mission, will you journey to the demonic realm?”
“Yes, that’s correct.”
“Ronian’s influence on you… You are starting to resemble him.”
“My goal is to grow stronger and protect Your Majesty.”
Victor’s determination was so steadfast that even Logan couldn’t refuse.
“Very well, I entrust you with the mission. But ensure you are fully informed, and if you have any doubts, abort the mission immediately. Understood?”
“Yes! Thank you, Your Majesty!”
Three days after Victor’s resolute affirmation.
The King’s elite royal protector, Victor, was nowhere to be found within the palace.
English