Regressor of the Fallen Family Novel - Chapter 300
Chapter 300
“We have successfully captured the Tahiti Royal Palace.”
Khalil Zamood received the update from his subordinate and turned his attention naturally to the side.
The group focused on Logan – or rather, Gail Slayer – a man considered higher in rank than Count Khalil Zamood, the official commander, and he acknowledged that intense gaze.
“Excellent. Any news from Teronan?”
“It seems the Kalon Royal Palace will fall within a day or two. They report minimal resistance since ‘the Wizard of the Tidal Wave’ was captured by the ‘Guardian.’”
“Understood.”
After those words, Gail fell silent for a moment.
The entire command watched him, holding their breath.
A month had passed since the war began.
But after the second rotation of the plains, there were no major crises for the Liberty Army. They had quickly taken over three countries with overwhelming force.
Indeed, after the surrender of the Kingdom of Romero, subduing the Duchy of Tahiti took longer amid chaos.
In that process, the supernatural being before their eyes had been the most significant contributor. Leading the Liberty Army to victory solely with his strength after facing numerous dangers.
– The coalition will now rally around Liberty.
– Unless the king opposes, this man here will become the second in command of the kingdom, surpassing young lord Gunter.
With everyone at the command sharing this belief, no one dared oppose him. On this favorable day, only Khalil Zamood cautiously broke the awkward silence.
“Lord Gail, perhaps it’s time to declare victory…”
As everyone’s hopeful gazes followed him, the victorious hero made an unexpected suggestion.
“No. We march towards Triah.”
“Pardon?”
Triah, engulfed in turmoil, and the advancing Liberty Army.
Although everyone understood his words, the reaction was not positive.
“What do you mean?”
“Triah is our ally. We have no reason for war.”
“If we attack Triah, Teronan might join forces with them and retaliate!”
A just cause in war is crucial. It can affect allies’ morale and block interference from other countries. Waging war without justification is only viable if victory is certain despite opposition from neighboring nations.
While the Liberty Army was gaining momentum, Teronan was no different. Coincidentally, a supernatural saint had also appeared in both countries.
“Lord Gail may not be concerned, but if Triah joins, it will be troublesome. Young lord Gunter will have to intervene, and so will Teronan.”
Khalil spoke, meeting Gail’s gaze, not ceasing despite the tension.
“Moreover, if war breaks out, Triah’s internal conflicts will subside temporarily. If Triah’s Duke Sachsen joins forces with Teronan’s supernatural being… the result is uncertain.”
It was a tactful way of implying inevitable defeat, reflecting the thoughts of everyone present.
However, Gail merely shook his head.
“We’ll split Triah with Teronan and divide the coalition lands between Liberty and Teronan. A fair trade for both His Majesty and Teronan.”
Gail’s tone was measured. He spoke of Liberty as if it were any other nation, showing no reverence for the king.
Yet, no one discerned that subtle discomfort.
They focused solely on his words.
“Not a bad idea.”
“Definitely…”
“It’s possible…”
Listening to the murmurs of the commanders, Khalil nodded solemnly.
“I will inform His Majesty.”
The war seemed to linger longer than expected.
Yet, the outcome could exceed expectations.
A hint of excitement appeared on Khalil’s face, usually rigid with tension. He was not alone among Liberty’s command in feeling this; most shared the sentiment.
Observing this scene, a faint smile graced the lips of the ruler of a neighboring kingdom.
‘If things had gone as planned, the coalition would have formed with the three countries of Triah, Liberty, and Teronan. But Triah cannot be left as it is.’
King Ramon I of Triah had numerous children, rumored to exceed a hundred.
Royal members engaged in a frenzied race for the throne, alliances shifting constantly.
The internal conflict’s duration was uncertain, unlikely to resolve within one or two years. Even if it ended swiftly, the aftermath would be severe.
Whether it happened sooner or later, Logan could not risk an imperial war. Identifying and eliminating any empire schemes in Triah was crucial.
Hence.
‘We will divide the coalition between Liberty and Teronan and make a pact with both.’
On the surface, a non-aggression and mutual defense treaty, but essentially creating a vassal state to oppose the empire.
Gail considered merging fully with McLaine using his current position.
‘But it’s premature. We need time to regroup, and the repercussions would be significant.’
Forced mergers had consequences.
As Grandia had resisted for nearly 20 years after the empire’s occupation in his past life, or even longer, the resistance could continue. The small kingdom coalition was established by heroes escaping ancient Grandia’s oppression, McLaine’s predecessor.
“This is the best course of action for now.”
The last day in the Duchy of Liberty.
Moonlight streamed into the ornate room once occupied by royalty.
* *
– The Imperial Court detected us.
– Swordflame and Dustwind under attack.
– No external aid available.
– Comprehensive review of all plans required.
“The cursed imperial family… How much have we invested here…”
A figure in a black robe exclaimed in a secret chamber.
All that was visible beyond the robe was a pale, slightly trembling hand with slender fingers.
That was inevitable.
‘Unexpected was Elder Geroth’s death.’
A crucial figure meant to lead them into a new era, one of the Elders, had passed.
The plan to establish a distant foothold under a mission guise had failed from the start.
Perhaps the premature approach to the Second Prince was the mistake.
‘I warned it was too early!’
A sigh slipped from barely visible red lips under the black robe.
The other mages in black robes behind the figure began speaking one after another.
“Will there be no more assistance?”
“Luisa, what about Triah…”
“Elder, please guide us.”
“Silence.”
A cold word silenced the restless subordinates.
Luisa turned and spoke softly.
“Follow the Tower’s orders. We retreat.”
“But we’ve invested so much. And Elder Geroth…”
A subordinate echoed Luisa’s thoughts but bowed immediately under her icy gaze.
“My apologies.”
“… Do not make me repeat myself. Prepare to withdraw.”
Despite Luisa’s cold demeanor, her thoughts mirrored her underlings’.
Being the youngest Elder, a monumental honor among the Tower’s disciples, was a mere junior status among the Elders.
The irony of having little influence galled her.
‘Old fools drunk on ideals, blind to reality.’
Luisa would gladly sacrifice for an ideal, but reality must be faced first.
‘Upon my return, I’ll remove those responsible for this. I need more influence.’
Even if harsh measures were necessary.
“However. Leave a gift for the one who killed Elder Geroth.”
This brought a spark to her followers’ gloomy faces.
* *
– Split Triah, end the war.
Negotiations conducted covertly concluded swiftly.
From Liberty’s proposal to Teronan’s acceptance, only three days passed.
Deciding a nation’s fate in such haste seemed rushed, but to Logan, it felt natural.
‘Eileene is playing her part.’
As ‘Gail’ rose in status within Liberty, ‘Armad’ did the same in Teronan.
As the two finalized their agreement, progress was expected.
Thus, a joint announcement was made.
– Teronan vows to hold Triah responsible for breaking the alliance and causing a crisis.
As armies from both nations marched towards Triah, chaos erupted.
“Unite to overcome our nation’s crisis!”
Power rallied around a prince making this declaration.
“Have we erred by losing trust?”
Remaining forces aligned with Teronan or Liberty, acknowledging their mistake.
Though more organized than factions before, solidifying into a single force against an overwhelming enemy posed a significant challenge.
“Advance!”
“Surrender! Spare us…”
The Liberty Army’s advance nearly matched its conquests, likely the same for Teronan.
The war to reorganize the alliance seemed to end smoothly.
Until, the road to Triah’s capital, Tregonia, was blocked by the Tregger Fortress, the sole pass for a large army. Before encountering Duke Sachsen of Triah, an Aura User.
“We will defend our homeland with our lives!”
An ancient knight with white hair and a beard, so discolored its original shade was unrecognizable, roared atop the fortress walls. The vigor in their voices showed no envy for the enemy’s larger army.
“Yet, it won’t change much.”
“Pardon?”
“If Teronan advances with us, the fortress could fall in half a day. Send the signal.”
Logan pointed to the Teronan army, camped near the Tregger Fortress.
Though he longed for a missing companion, his composure made him appear indifferent.
But Khalil’s expression darkened.
“Well, that is…”
A rare look on Khalil, who recently acted assertively as if he spoke for Logan, playing the adjunct.
“What’s the issue?”
“Deciding who leads the advance may be problematic. Our side hesitates to let Teronan go first…”
“Ah…”
An absurd but unavoidable dilemma.
Competitive spirit surged between the troops of the two nations about to divide the coalition.
From Logan’s view, the matter was trivial, but he couldn’t suggest, ‘It doesn’t matter if our army is beaten; charge ahead.’
“We’ll lead. We claim Tregonia in return. Send the message.”
“But they may not agree easily…”
“If it must end one way or another, it’s best resolved this way.”
“…They might refuse.”
“Then tell Teronan to advance first. Say we forfeit Tregonia.”
“What!? But if His Majesty learns…”
“Promises are made to be broken. Aren’t we in a position of strength now?”
Khalil’s eyes flashed with open disdain. A look of contempt as if he saw filth.
Realizing his expression, he averted his gaze, alarmed.
“Y-Your decision is wise. I will convey the message.”
A smirk played on Logan’s lips.
Despite seeming straightforward, Khalil could think swiftly.
His thoughts were transparent, despite his contemplative nature.
‘Will this lead to a second war?’
If Teronan took Tregonia, Logan intended to honor the agreement.
It did not concern him.
Before the proposals exchanged…
– I, Sachsen Tremble of Triah, challenge the Envoy and the Guardian! If you dare, step forward!
The old knight emerged from the fortress gate, issuing a challenge, drawing all eyes on the battlefield.
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