Regressor of the Fallen Family Novel - Chapter 304
Chapter 304
“The second heir, Prince Baros, has vanished?”
Damien’s account was absolutely surprising.
“Yes. It’s been a while since he made a public appearance.”
“And the chance of it being false?”
“It’s highly improbable. There was a significant commotion at the outer fortress of Aserian, involving individuals utilizing peculiar magic clashing with the Imperial Guards. The stories have spread throughout the capital, alleging that they witnessed the second prince being abducted amidst the turmoil.”
“The demented prince was abducted?”
“Pardon?”
“Never mind.”
The second prince.
It was almost unbelievable that the demented prince, who had stacked up mountains of bodies and used them as sacrifices, could have vanished.
Among the numerous uncertainties Logan had faced since the reset, this was undeniably the most startling.
However.
“Regardless, Prince Baros didn’t make any extraordinary moves during the invasion war. Apart from the war starting after he was designated as Crown Prince.”
The real worry wasn’t the fate of the second prince, but those responsible for the event.
“Peculiar magic users?”
Upon hearing that, Logan thought of specific individuals, and Damien’s subsequent words solidified his suspicions.
“They summoned dark beasts and mobile plants to attack, and there are rumors of them manipulating the minds of the Royal Guards, compelling them to battle each other.”
It was them.
“Moreover, the black poisonous mist they released while fleeing has caused significant harm to the civilians of Aserian. Hence, information is not being contained, and malevolent rumors are circulating widely.”
“And in the midst of all this, the second prince was abducted?”
“The survivors insist they heard the Royal Guards shouting. Too many individuals have given identical testimonies for it to be an error.”
It was astounding.
The Empire had a dilemma, yet Logan couldn’t rejoice because the cause was entirely unforeseen.
‘They aren’t Imperial operatives?’
Logan remembered the conflict the Empire evidently instigated with the Alliance previously, where they faced clear adversaries.
But a terrorist attack in Aserian?
“What about the Empire? How is the Imperial Family dealing with this?”
“The Imperial Family isn’t acknowledging the incident publicly. They merely issued a brief statement that terrorists were quelled in the capital.”
“But you mentioned they escaped, right?”
“Yes. It’s quite perplexing. The usual protocol would be to issue a continent-wide warrant and pursue them, but that’s not happening. Perhaps they only fled the capital, or they were already handled.”
Dubious.
“Any heads displayed at the city gates?”
“Oh…!”
If they had caught them, the Empire would have severed the leaders’ heads and exhibited them on the gates. The absence of such indicated that the enemy was either too insignificant to merit display or managed to evade capture.
‘It must be the latter.’
Logan’s mind raced with thoughts, but no matter how he contemplated, one thing became evident.
‘It’s fortunate.’
Following the Alliance’s war, Logan’s primary concern was the region-wide Berserker magic displayed by Tria’s resistance.
Despite its grave drawbacks – the gruesome requirement of using superhumans as sacrifices – it’s a tactic that necessitates implicit consent from the soldiers, and its effect dissipates once the core is eliminated.
Yet, it was an undeniable strategy that could alter the course of warfare in a single stroke.
‘If the Empire’s army possessed such a method, there would be no counter.’
But what if they were adversaries to each other?
There was no better news.
“The foe lies within the Empire itself. An unforeseen blessing.”
“Indeed.”
However, one apprehension remained.
‘Sacred insignia. A magic circle activated by sacrifices.’
At the end of his previous life, Logan witnessed a horrifying scene orchestrated by the mad emperor Baros.
Despite differences between piles of corpses and a single superhuman, it was difficult to accept that the wielder of such peculiar magic could be two separate entities.
Yet, the idea that those sorcerers were behind the dreadful magic circle that prompted his reset grew increasingly incongruous.
‘It was one side in the past, but now enemies? Or is this even an abduction?’
It seemed likely that there was an even more intricate issue within the Empire that only they were aware of.
Which is why…
“… a pity.”
“Pardon?”
“It’s regrettable we can’t capitalize more on this unfolding situation at the Empire’s core.”
“…”
Logan was certain the Imperial focus was turned inward.
Yet, the military power of the vast realm had not significantly diminished because of it.
Especially now, when despite desiring to leverage the situation, he lacked adequate information.
Then.
“We must act accordingly.”
“Sir?”
“Assign more resources to investigate the prince’s abduction and the sorcerers bearing the Black Serpent mark. We must be prepared for potential clashes with the Imperial Family.”
“…Yes, understood.”
“Alongside Philip, thoroughly monitor the Empire’s movements, particularly those of the legions. The time is almost upon us.”
“Yes.”
If events followed his prior life, at most a year and a half remained.
The Eastern Alliance was firmly controlled, and internal matters were in order.
Therefore…
“Monitor the training status of all legions and militias, and consistently strengthen troops and armaments up to the financial limits. But maintain discretion to prevent rumors.”
Logan initiated robust war preparations during a clandestine meeting with his trusted allies.
Meanwhile, externally, his actions were being interpreted quite differently:
– Establishment of a dominant alliance with the small kingdom federation.
– Stabilization of domestic affairs through absolute royal authority.
– Tax reductions and commercial incentives as national policy.
And that wasn’t all.
The vast farmlands across the royal territories, Esperanza and MacLaine, promised unprecedented harvests.
“A fruitful year! What a bountiful harvest!”
“Long live His Majesty! Hooray!”
“Truly, he’s a godsend!”
With the harvesting period approaching, smiles abounded among kingdom inhabitants.
This convergence of events instilled a singular idea among the MacLaine populace:
– The dawn of a more prosperous era than Grandia’s golden age under MacLaine’s governance.
“Truly a peaceful era. Times of tranquility.”
“All thanks to His Majesty, isn’t it?”
“Of course, of course.”
“Although, attributing a bountiful harvest to His Majesty might be a bit much…”
“What’s that man talking about?”
“Is he a rebel sympathizer?”
“Seize him!”
“No, no! I take it back! Long live the king! Ack! I said I take it back!”
Occasional dissent against the king and royal family was met with such denunciation that the fervor for Logan among kingdom dwellers was intense.
Consequently, there was no significant concern about the ongoing recruitment by five legions.
During this harmonious period, Logan, back at the palace, reunited with a long-missed beloved face.
“Brother!!”
“Ronian!!”
Reunited after years, the brothers embraced joyfully.
While much had altered since Ronian embarked on his martial pilgrimage, the affectionate bond they shared remained steadfast.
“Look at you, all grown up. When did you become so…”
Logan regarded his brother with a wave of nostalgia.
Though they had confirmed each other’s well-being through communication spheres months earlier, a face-to-face reunion carried a different weight.
The brother, formerly significantly shorter, now stood tall, having grown considerably, eliciting pride in Logan.
Approaching 2 meters in height, Ronian bore a striking resemblance to another familiar figure.
“It’s evident you take after father more.”
“I didn’t realize it until I returned. I knew I had grown, but never imagined to this extent.”
Perhaps marveling at his now smaller brother, Ronian’s eyes carried a hint of nostalgia too, and he soon chuckled in amazement.
“I thought I might have caught up to you by now, but in the meantime, you’ve soared even further ahead.”
Logan shared the admiration, understanding the implication.
‘Intermediate Aura User. And well-advanced at that.’
It was impressive.
“What on earth did you do in the southern mountains to grow so strong? I’m amazed. Truly.”
“And you, brother. You faced all sorts of ordeals and became king, when did you find time to practice?”
“I went through so much hardship in your absence, just trying to survive, my boy.”
“I could say the same. After facing death multiple times… Ha-ha.”
Laughing at their similar adversities, they began patting each other’s shoulders when a voice tinged with amusement interjected.
“Aren’t you two brothers a little too flattering each other? Doesn’t it make you bashful? Think of the others around.”
“Ah, sister-in-law. Please excuse my late greetings.”
“Hello, Ronian. It’s been a while.”
Ronian, facing Eileen’s cheerful countenance, sensed the world had indeed changed.
“Back then, you despised being called sister-in-law…”
“Well, I preferred being treated as a knight rather than a betrothed.”
“Then now that you’re queen…”
“Hmm? I’m still a knight. I oversee the female troops. Didn’t you know?”
“Ah… Ha-ha…”
Ronian’s gaze naturally shifted to his brother.
– A queen, who’s also a knight? What is this?
Instantly comprehending the unspoken query in his eyes, Logan couldn’t help but smile wryly.
“She wanted it this way, and circumstances haven’t been so favorable.”
To an outsider, it might be a perplexing statement.
Coming from a king who seized military authority from the nobility and recently forged a flawless friendly (?) relationship with the longstanding enemy Alliance, erasing all internal and external troubles.
But Ronian understood immediately.
– The Empire will invade the kingdom in the near future.
Such a declaration was as good as fact among Logan’s inner circle.
“That’s why, I’m afraid I’ll need to keep the awakening of you, Victor, this woman, and Sir Burdel a secret for a while longer. At least, until the war begins.”
Ronian could accept his brother’s words.
“I assumed as much when our report didn’t immediately spread. I had my suspicions. There’s no need to apologize.”
“The youngest Aura User on the continent. You should rightfully bear that honor, not me.”
Logan’s expression turned bittersweet as he slightly averted his gaze.
In this life as in the past, his brother deserved accolades that were instead associated with himself.
As an older brother, he couldn’t provide better, only depleting his sibling’s fame.
Even though it was all for an overarching victory, it felt unpleasant.
Fortunately…
“Ha-ha! It’s alright, brother. I’m not bothered by such things… I’m no longer a child.”
Ronian’s hearty laughter somewhat alleviated the guilt.
Moreover…
“So, I have a request, brother. Could you gather the kingdom’s Aura Users?”
“Hmm?”
“I’d like to share the advanced sword technique, Galaxy Sword, with the kingdom’s Aura Users.”
Ronian’s proposal was as unexpected as it was formidable.
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