Regressor of the Fallen Family Novel - Chapter 288
Chapter 288
“What does that mean…?”
Showing the confusion in his heart, droplets of sweat started to trickle down the shiny scalp of Yordan Marlince, the messenger from the Freedom Empire.
Looking to his side, he noticed that the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Teronan, Bred, couldn’t conceal his flustered look, unusual for someone with his experience and age.
Nevertheless, Logan, the one causing their unease, proceeded with his speech in a composed manner.
“Why act unaware? Once we establish a non-aggression treaty, the powerful three nations of the coalition will likely overpower the remaining four kingdoms that currently hold dominance, don’t you think? Are you suggesting that you would directly participate in that inevitable war?”
Watching Logan tilt his head innocent, as if questioning, ‘Why can’t you grasp my intentions?’, the envoys clenched their lips in frustration.
Amidst this tension, Bred stepped forward with a serious expression.
“While we are here representing our realms, we do not have the authority to discuss future national strategies. We acknowledge Your Majesty’s words, but perhaps we could revisit this conversation at a later time…”
“No, no, that’s not it. You fear what I may demand in return for aiding you in the war, don’t you?”
Yordan’s face hardened at Logan’s blunt statement, as it hit close to the truth.
With the Liberty Kingdom having recently consolidated all its military forces under the king’s control, it had undeniably grown mightier than the Grandia Kingdom of the past.
It was a formidable nation that the united seven kingdoms would struggle to resist. It was crucial to prevent McLaine from encroaching on the coalition’s territory under the pretext of supporting allies in a conflict.
As Yordan found himself speechless, it was Bred who raised his head with determination.
“Your Majesty. While it may seem presumptuous, we cannot accept that proposition.”
Yordan’s head snapped towards him in alarm.
Rejecting a proposal so directly to a sovereign’s face?
Despite Yordan’s shocked expression, Bred gazed unwaveringly at Logan, undeterred.
“The reason we seek a non-aggression pact is to avoid McLaine’s interference. If you still insist on joining the conflict, wouldn’t that render this entire meeting meaningless?”
“Bred… sir…”
A sound of distress escaped Yordan’s mouth, underlining his message.
We do not trust you.
You only offer assistance to later overpower us.
Even for foreign emissaries, it was a harsh truth to vocalize.
Yet, the recipient of this frank speech responded with laughter instead.
“Hahahaha. Do you see me as such a savage individual? You worry unnecessarily. Our realm is too focused on securing its own borders to deploy forces abroad needlessly.”
The envoys were puzzled by the notion of aiding in the war without sending troops.
What absurdity is this?
Observing their confusion, Logan chuckled softly.
“If I intended to send troops overtly, I would have summoned Richard Blayer here as well.”
At this revelation, the envoys’ faces lit up significantly.
“Does this imply…?”
“You plan to assist in a different manner than through military action?”
“If that’s the case, we would be appreciative.”
Now smiling, Yordan Marlince, who previously claimed ignorance of national policies, eagerly anticipated Logan’s further explanation.
“Rest assured, the aid will meet your expectations. However, I have a request to make of you first.”
“…Yes?”
“Do you have any connections with the Empire within your territories? I have been contemplating establishing ties with the Empire’s high-ranking officials. Ah, it’s merely a request, and you are not obligated to comply, but the nature of the support may vary based on it.”
Logan’s suggestive grin hinted that if they had affiliations with the Empire, they should foster a connection, and in return, he would reward generously.
Reacting to his words, the startled envoys exchanged glances before sighing simultaneously.
“We regret, Your Majesty. In that case, we might need to involve Sir Richard once again.”
“The Tria Kingdom?”
“Traditionally, the Tria Kingdom served as the intermediary for the alliance’s dealings with the Empire…”
As the envoys continued with a serious tone, Logan’s gaze subtly shifted, unnoticed by them.
“Yes. Particularly in the last decade, the Tria Kingdom has been the leading nation, hence the Empire’s envoys resided exclusively in Tria’s royal palace.”
“If your requirement for support is that connection, then our realm could also…”
Observing the two envoys shaking their heads in disappointment, Logan keenly assessed them, almost instinctively.
‘Their heartbeats and blood flow are slowing down. Their statements are sincere.’
While Logan, having attained high levels of Aura User status, could utilize his heightened senses in this manner, his master would likely have reprimanded him. Yet, Logan believed there could be no better application for it.
‘Of course, it’s not flawless.’
Being designated as envoys implied possessing significant influence in their own nations.
Considering their response to the proposal of war support, it appeared that, unlike Tria, they were trustworthy for now.
Snap.
“Very well. I will trust your word that you lack connections with the Empire. I will provide support to both your realms.”
Logan lightly clapped his hands and smiled, prompting the two envoys to exchange looks once more, realization dawning on their faces.
“Your Majesty? What do you imply by…?”
“You are testing us…”
“I don’t know if you’ve heard the recent rumors, but I was attacked within my realm. I suspect it was orchestrated by the Empire.”
“Ah…!”
“That rumor is quite… ah, my apologies.”
Bred’s doubt in a sovereign’s words was a moment of indiscretion, quickly managed by Yordan. Nonetheless, Logan merely grinned, showing no reproach.
“And I have a feeling that the Tria Kingdom may have hidden motives, which is why I summoned you two separately.”
The envoys’ expressions turned grave upon this revelation.
Liberty and Teronan had a clandestine agreement to dominate the alliance alongside Tria.
Now, the pivotal kingdom within that pact harbored divergent intentions?
“Your Majesty. Can we dare to understand the significance of your words, the rationale behind them?”
At their troubled inquiry, Logan chuckled and responded.
“There are suspicions, but they are mere speculations, lacking solid evidence. Even if I were to disclose anything, could you truly persuade your monarchs?”
The farther a message spreads from its source, the weaker its credibility becomes. Even with absolute empathy from the initial speaker or listener, without concrete proof, convincing another is challenging.
Especially in the realm of international affairs.
Comprehending Logan’s intent, the envoys’ countenances darkened, but he continued.
“Do not fret. This is precisely why I will support you. We will dispel any uncertainties.”
Upon hearing this, a noticeable brightness returned to the envoys’ faces.
They had lived through many years and amassed ample experience, yet it was amusing to see how they hung on every word now. Nevertheless, Logan did not find it unpleasant.
‘They must deeply love their homelands.’
They were nations that had broken centuries-old traditions for a new beginning. The burden on the envoys’ shoulders was natural.
With a countenance mixing complexity and caution, Bred softly inquired,
“In return for this support, what do you wish us to do…?”
“There is no specific request. Simply put, the sooner you end your conflicts, the more advantageous it is for me.”
The two envoys locked gazes once more.
‘What does he mean?’
‘I have no clue.’
Exchanging silent communication, they were thoroughly perplexed by Logan’s words but saw no need to press for explanations in this scenario.
“Then what kind of assistance do you plan to provide?”
“If not military aid, perhaps resources like provisions…”
Anticipation gleamed on their faces.
However, as Logan’s subsequent words were uttered so casually, their smiles vanished in an instant.
“No, I might deploy troops after all.”
Are you jesting!?
Both envoys’ visages flared up simultaneously, on the brink of erupting in anger, but fortunately, they remembered their duty as messengers.
“Hmm…”
Yordan suppressed a curse with a forced cough.
“… I may have misunderstood Your Majesty’s jest. Haha.”
While the elderly Bred forced a laugh, trying awkwardly to match the atmosphere, Logan nodded in acknowledgment, proceeding nonchalantly,
“Ah, it’s not a jest. The support I plan to provide may seem minor at present, just for two individuals, hence labeling it as ‘military aid’ might be an exaggeration.”
The teasing tone of his speech, as if playing with their anxiety, further solidified their expressions.
“Two unidentified Aura Users, essentially superhumans, will temporarily join your realms’ forces. How does that sound?”
The envoys could not help but be excited by his smiling proposal.
* * *
“…Unknown superhumans, and two of them? Have we ever possessed such forces in our realm?”
Dwayne furrowed his brows as he inquired deliberately.
“Not at all.”
“Haha…”
At Logan’s relaxed response, Dwayne eventually crumbled, burying his face in his hands. He then erupted loudly,
“Why do you only think after causing trouble! What is your head for?!”
Observing his aide’s emotions fluctuate so rapidly, Logan, concerned for his well-being, promptly presented his prepared backup plan.
“However, we have a method to create them.”
“How so?”
Dwayne peeked with one eye, partly skeptical, partly curious upon hearing the king’s assertion of producing superhumans.
“Let’s begin with Eileen.”
“… The queen?”
“She has only been recognized as a superhuman by those closest to us, like you and me. If we disguise her with magic and send her to the battlefield…”
“The queen?!”
Dwayne’s voice spiked suddenly.
To Logan, it seemed like a flawless plan, but Dwayne’s expression did not agree.
Slightly flustered, Logan added an explanation.
“As I mentioned, her transformation into a superhuman is confidential. Therefore, with a perfect disguise…”
Before he could finish, Dwayne interjected with a shout,
“Do you possess any common sense?! How could you even consider risking your wife, the queen, in battle?!”
Ah. That was his concern.
Understanding Dwayne’s displeasure only then, Logan chuckled weakly in response.
“She’s actually eager.”
“Pardon?”
“The queen.”
“Eager? For what?”
Since her awakening, she had been eager to partake in battle. She claimed restlessness and suffocation from remaining idle.
Momentarily stunned by Logan’s words, Dwayne slumped where he sat.
“… I should resign. This reckless McLaine…”
As he mumbled to himself, distressed and seated on the ground, Logan hesitated to share more, fearing it would further perturb his aide. Then, Dwayne suddenly looked up with tired eyes.
“Why?”
“Suddenly feeling uneasy. So, who is the other individual?”
“… Ahem. Well. The other person has also been chosen appropriately.”
“Please be direct. Who is it?”
Dwayne, looking paler than ever, pressed for an answer.
“Well, there is a known superhuman who is currently recuperating from severe injuries.”
Understanding whom Logan referred to, Dwayne’s chubby cheeks twitched.
“You mean… Your Majesty?”
“Indeed. I have gone undercover before. Just altering my eye and hair color will render me unrecognizable.”
“So, will Rick take Your Majesty’s place once more!?”
‘It’s difficult to maintain the pace.’
Internally grumbling at Dwayne’s sudden outburst, Logan softened his tone to reassure him.
“Layla will assume the queen’s role. It fits seamlessly, right? A king gravely wounded and his caring queen would not venture outside the royal chambers. It’s a plausible excuse, isn’t it?”
“No! Absolutely not!”
Dwayne, excessively agitated for some reason, adamantly opposed the idea. Despite feeling a tinge of regret for troubling his aide so much, Logan had no choice.
“Apologies. The decision has been made.”
To swiftly resolve the alliance’s conflict.
‘And if there are any imperial plots, we will thwart them as well.’
As always, Logan remained steadfast in the face of opposition.
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