Regressor of the Fallen Family Novel - Chapter 302
## Chapter 302: The War is Over
Two months had passed since the Seven Kingdoms’ War, ignited by unrest in Tahiti, concluded. The outcome, a stark contrast to the predictions of armchair strategists, saw Liberty rise to prominence, swallowing Roman, Romero, and Tahiti, while Teronan subdued Calron and even split Triad, the alliance’s strongest nation, in two.
The takeover of Triad’s capital, Tregonia, by Teronan was met with some resistance, but ultimately, the alliance of seven kingdoms transformed into a union of two. Liberty and Teronan, their new superhumans, ‘Deathbringer’ and ‘Guardian,’ became the talk of the eastern continent.
“They’re both young, aren’t they?”
“The future of both countries rests on their shoulders.”
“Who will lead the alliance now?”
“Clearly Liberty. They conquered three nations, didn’t they? Teronan only took Calron.”
“Oh, come on. Didn’t you hear the Sorcerer of the Tides surrendered to Teronan? They have three superhumans!”
“Does the number of superhumans even matter? National power is what counts. Just wait and see, within ten years, Liberty will catch up with McClain.”
“Well, if it’s an alliance of two, they won’t be lacking even now. They have five superhumans.”
Except for the apprehensive residents of the newly conquered territories, citizens across the mainland gathered in groups, excitedly discussing the alliance’s promising future. The superhumans’ feats during the war fueled their optimistic imaginations, particularly the anticipation of the rewards they would receive during the post-war compensation.
“…Hereby, for his exceptional contributions, I appoint Gail Slayer as a Grand Duke and grant him the entire former Duchy of Tahiti as his domain!”
As King Kran III of Liberty concluded his announcement, a thunderous cheer erupted in the palace’s grand hall.
“A whole duchy? Wow!”
“Congratulations, Your Grace, the Grand Duke!”
“Congratulations!”
“Long live Grand Duke Gail Slayer!”
The attendees, who had contributed to the war in various ways, were adorned in their finest attire in the unusually decorated hall. The cheers from the knights, who had been the war’s main force, were particularly enthusiastic.
Kran III, wearing a bright smile like a mask, gritted his teeth inwardly at the sight.
‘Does he not know who that is?’
But it was a necessary evil. Everyone knew that their victory was due to the ‘Deathbringer’ before them. Failing to show reasonable generosity would provoke a backlash from the nobles, especially the knights who were completely captivated by him.
‘To bestow lands to a superhuman from another nation.’
The only solace was the belief that the superhuman had no intention of actually governing.
With mixed emotions, Kran III looked at the superhuman before him.
Logan, sensing his gaze, knelt down with a smile.
“Your Majesty honors me greatly.”
The king of one nation kneeling before another, especially from a smaller kingdom, was a supreme humiliation. But Logain, prioritizing benefits, didn’t see it as a significant problem.
‘To kneel for such rich rewards is a small price to pay.’
‘I’ve secured a status that can be used externally.’ Immediate concerns like losing the duchy if McClain’s status was revealed were not his worries.
‘As the Grand Duke of Liberty, I don’t plan to govern the lands or collect taxes. However…’
In exchange for refusing the rest of his compensation, the Kingdom of Liberty would assume unlimited responsibility for any actions ‘Grand Duke Gail Slayer’ might undertake in the future.
‘If I relinquish the rights, then I have no responsibilities. They can’t complain if I exploit the empty title a bit.’
Of course, if Kran III knew this, he would be furious.
‘But for now, it’s just a possibility.’
Regardless, Logan had achieved everything he set out to do in the alliance.
He bowed his head to Kran III with a satisfied expression, thinking it was time to return home.
* * *
Immediately after the award ceremony, Gail Slayer, the Grand Duke, made an unexpected announcement.
“Now that my homeland’s crisis has ended, I plan to devote myself to training anew.”
“What?!”
“My Lord Grand Duke! What do you mean?”
“I implore you to reconsider!”
Everyone was stunned by his bombshell announcement and tried to dissuade him.
But he was resolute.
“My involvement in the war was for the sake of my homeland, not for personal glory. I have fulfilled my duty and wish to return as a warrior again.”
“But Your Grace…!”
“I hear the people chant my name more than His Majesty’s. How could I, as a loyal subject, tolerate such disrespect? Do not seek me for a while.”
“What?”
Gail’s words reverberated through Liberty’s political and social circles and beyond. The news that ‘Grand Duke Gail Slayer,’ having obtained his title, had entered an indefinite retreat for the purpose of training following his wartime enlightenment was incomprehensible.
Similar reports came from Teronan. Had the ‘Guardian’ also relinquished control of the Calrun Archipelago for training? Perhaps out of rivalry with the ‘Deathbringer’?
After an extravagant ceremony, both superhumans, having attained the position of Grand Duke, ceased their official activities almost simultaneously.
Rumors quickly spread throughout the kingdoms.
“Could it be that the royal families are holding them back?”
“I heard there were troubles with the existing nobles.”
“Couldn’t we have removed them during the ceremony? After all, it’s the power of McClain.”
The eerie moves of the two heroes immediately gave rise to countless rumors, but the royal households maintained silence.
There was no other option. They couldn’t admit that the heroes etched into the nation’s history were actually reinforcements from McClain.
* * *
“Wouldn’t it have been better to get rid of them during the ceremony? It’s McClain’s power anyway.”
King Kran of Liberty sighed helplessly in his office, now alone except for Grand Duke Gunter.
“That wasn’t possible.”
The king was once again reminded of why this superhuman brother had not ascended to the throne.
How could he be so naive?
“If we had dealt with Gail, then we would have given McClain a pretext to invade. We’re still no match for McClain even together with both kingdoms.”
Gunter, of course, had his own reasoning.
“But they might demand too much!”
“…We’ll deal with that when the time comes.”
“Aren’t you being too complacent?”
“The initial demands aren’t so bad. What would a mutual defense treaty mean anyway? There’s no enemy left in the eastern continent. Unless the Empire invades.”
They were unaware of the Empire’s sinister intentions.
“…Well, that’s true.”
“It’s simply the power of McClain that we fear. I had no idea that two unknown superhumans could be so powerful.”
“It was foolish of us to hope they would be worn down in battle. Perhaps I should have stepped in…”
“It’s too late now. As long as McClain’s Sun is in good health, it’s difficult to break away from their influence. We can only wait for the future.”
King Kran could only sigh repeatedly, knowing full well that Gail was McClain’s Sun.
“I cannot accept this!”
Gunter’s protest went unheard as Kran’s sighs lingered.
Soon after, reality set in with the delivery of a message.
[…Please don’t forget our agreement.]
“Of course. How could I forget the favors granted to us?”
[I trust you, of course. But, national matters can’t be settled just with words, can they?]
The words of McClain’s young monarch hardened Kran III’s face.
“That means…?”
[I would like to see the successors of Liberty come to McClain for education. We will teach them our advanced culture and return them to Liberty later.]
King Kran paled.
‘This…!’
There was no mistaking the underlying threat, yet he couldn’t refuse.
“…Very well. I will prepare the crown prince for departure.”
[Ah, you misunderstand my words. I said successors ‘plural,’ did I not?]
Kran III clenched his eyes shut at the banter, feeling as if the red eyes on the other end were boring into his own.
“Surely you don’t mean all the princes?”
[Of course not. Princes 1, 2, and 3 will suffice, excluding the still young fourth prince.]
His teasing left Kran III’s attempt to smile forcefully faded.
“Do you intend to make our kingdom a vassal?”
[You exaggerate. As I said earlier, McClain desires only non-aggression and defense pacts. That’s merely a means to solidify the friendship between our nations.]
“…And what do we gain?”
[We’ll ‘sell’ you McClain’s new rapid-firing crossbows at a low price. Additionally, we will initiate joint training between our Fourth Army and Liberty’s elite troops. Thus, you can demonstrate to Teronan our solid bond.]
It sounded like a reasonable proposal, yet what they would demand later was unpredictable.
Kran managed to maintain his composure and sighed.
“…You’ll make a similar offer to Teronan, won’t you?”
[Hahaha, of course. That way, we ensure enduring peace in the eastern continent.]
The shamelessness on the face on the other side made Kran want to curse, but he couldn’t.
He was all too aware of the eyes upon him, including that of their own superhuman Gail.
‘Who would have thought Gunter would fall?’
Gunter had claimed he would not submit and intended to take out his frustrations on Gail. Yet, that very day, he suffered severe injuries and went into months-long recovery.
Witnessed by several knights, this incident ensured that at least the royal family knew who was the real power in the country.
Though only the king and Gunter knew the painful truth that he was a stranger from another country.
[What will you do?]
“If I refuse…”
[Hahaha! You jest well.]
However, those red eyes were not laughing.
Kran III knew what would happen if he refused.
Gail Slayer, the hero of Liberty, would defect to McClain and invade the kingdom.
And he could well imagine the outcome.
“…We accept your proposal.”
[Thank you. With this, McClain and Liberty are bound as staunch allies. Dwain?]
[Yes, Your, Your Majesty.]
[You’ve heard? Prepare the treaty.]
[Understood, Your Majesty.]
The same would be true for Teronan.
Watching Kran III’s deep sigh, Logan barely contained his laughter.
‘Rik, that guy, he’s a better actor than I thought. I should leave more roles to him.’
Had the Minister of Finance on the other end heard, he would’ve had a fit. Smirking, Logan disappeared from the royal circles, same as the ‘Guardian’ from Teronan.
To them, it was an expected move, yet…
Suddenly, two war heroes disappeared!
Both kingdoms’ heirs ‘sent abroad’ for education in McClain!
These rumors, spreading across the kingdoms nearly simultaneously, prompted some to criticize the two kingdoms for bowing down preemptively to a formidable foe.
Both incidents indicated a chilling possibility.
“Did the royal families remove the heroes? With them around, why us?”
“Yeah, to throw away our nation’s heroes like that!”
“A millennium’s glory will fade due to the king’s greed.”
For the patriots, it was a lamentable event.
As the bizarre rumors continued to stir unrest in the two kingdoms, the king and queen of McClain resumed their positions after three months away.
“You have successfully brought the alliance to our side. Truly…”
“I told you I would.”
Some showed a bit of boastfulness amongst the few who knew the truth.
“Your quick recovery is heartwarming to behold.”
“So pleased, Your Majesty.”
“Aah, thank you. Everyone, take your seats.”
To the outside world, he was a ruler returning from a long recovery.
However, not long after resuming official duties, Logan received a report he never expected.
“Your Majesty, it appears something unusual is happening in the Empire.”
“What?”
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