Regressor of the Fallen Family Novel - Chapter 306
Chapter 306:
“…If the campaign war progresses as intended, the Eastern 8th Legion alone is poised to endure substantial casualties.”
The resounding voice in the air caused the ruler on the throne to twitch his eyebrows.
It seemed the report on the Maclain Kingdom’s growth had not pleased him.
However, his response deviated slightly from the voice’s expectations.
“Do you have to inform me of every detail? The absence of the Shadow Blade has indeed left a significant void.”
“…I regret any oversights. The commander has assured his readiness to mobilize within a month.”
Tsk.
“No matter then. So it’s Maclain. I initially perceived him as a budding warlord, but does that young one also possess the traits of a monarch? Hmph…”
Understanding it wasn’t a query demanding an answer, the voice in the void remained silent.
After a brief moment lost in thought, the Emperor spoke quietly once more.
“Summon Clyd and the Eastern King to the palace. If the path is rough, it must be smoothed beforehand.”
Hiss.
At the mention of the Crown Prince and one of the Four Kings, symbolizing the dragon’s wings, the hidden voice momentarily halted its breath.
Observing the Emperor’s expression harden once more, the voice swiftly proceeded.
“I will comply with your directive.”
The voice omitted that both individuals were currently distant, engaged in official obligations.
After all, the Emperor’s command took precedence over any other official matters.
“…What about the movements of the Black Serpents?”
“Since the departure of the Sandstorm Sorcerer, there have been no updates. Tracking their whereabouts will require time.”
“Hmm…”
The Emperor’s typically unchanging countenance revealed more variability today, and not for the better.
Soon, another report arrived from outside the office, further solidifying his stern expression.
“The missing Second Prince has returned!”
* * *
The royal sorcerer spent a full week meticulously examining and confirming Baros’s physical and spiritual state.
Yet, despite the scrutiny, the Baros kneeling before the Emperor now exuded confidence rather than fear or unease.
“I apologize for causing you concern.”
Even his apologetic tone carried an air of assurance.
The Emperor’s gaze held an unusual glint at this unexpected composure.
“How intriguing. What transpired?”
Baros felt the weight of the simple question, heavy on his chest without clear subject or object.
“I was insufficient and fell for the enemy’s stratagem. I seek your reprimand.”
“I seek an explanation.”
Baros swallowed hard at that.
The fate-deciding moment hinged on his forthcoming words.
Considering this, tension crept into his visage, unable to conceal the palpable unease.
Somehow, he had returned alive.
Such ‘useless’ explanations would not pique the Emperor’s interest.
To the Emperor, he was not a son but merely one among the bloodline.
The distinction was significant.
The Emperor’s query indicated a deeper inquiry beyond mere survival; hence, Baros broached the crux of the matter.
“The Cassel Magic Tower’s head has expressed willingness to pledge allegiance to the royal family.”
The pinnacle of imperial sorcery. The Archmage, the fabled mage who vanquished the Sandstorm Sorcerer and his followers single-handedly, offered service to the empire.
Given the Emperor’s penchant for valuing talent irrespective of origin, it seemed prudent to welcome rather than extinguish such power.
Baros glanced at the Emperor expectantly, hoping for a hint of approval to cross the Emperor’s impassive countenance.
As anticipated, the Emperor’s lips curled slightly, though the smile was lopsided, bearing a distinct sneer.
A stark departure from the expected response.
“Is that all?”
The sinking feeling in Baros’s heart was unbearable.
The Emperor’s disdain and lethal intent were unmistakable, showing no interest in accepting the magic tower head’s offer.
“Are you suggesting that the outcasts, after causing turmoil, desire reinstatement? Is that the sum of your presence here?”
Faced with the unforeseen backlash, Baros hastened to explain.
“It pertains to a century-old issue, Your Majesty. The legacy of your predecessor…”
Bang!
“The traitors who deceived the royal family and plotted against the empire!”
For the first time, the Emperor’s unbridled fury was laid bare.
Confronted with that visage, Baros felt as though doused with a bucket of ice-cold water.
The Black Serpents, the Cassel Magic Tower.
Descendants of the ancient transcendent Zibrick Cassel, instrumental in founding the Ares Empire.
A century prior, they orchestrated a treacherous conspiracy, manipulating the former Emperor through deceit, leading to the royal family establishing stringent mental magic defenses from an early age.
That was the extent of Baros’s knowledge of their past.
However, had that been the entirety, the current Emperor would have likely embraced their power with open arms.
“The noble bloodline reduced to puppets for those rebels to persist, right? Speak, Baros!”
The Emperor’s wrath was laid bare for all to witness.
Realizing there must be undisclosed layers to the narrative, Baros had no choice but to unveil the card he sought to conceal.
“The Cassel Magic Tower’s head vows to bestow the Holy Kingdom to the royal family!”
Though uttered in desperation, the content seized the Emperor’s attention.
“…What?”
The Emperor’s icy stare suddenly gleamed with an uncanny light, dispelling the deadly aura that had engulfed the office.
“…Continue.”
The abrupt shift in atmosphere validated Baros’s suspicions.
The Emperor’s fury, distinct from ordinary human anger, was only unveiled when the empire’s and royal family’s authority faced threats. If the empire and royal family stood to benefit, the Emperor would endure any indignation.
He had been raised on this principle and abided by it throughout his life.
The Emperor’s rage was calculated.
‘Something more must have transpired unbeknownst to me!’
At that instant, recognizing there was more to the tale, Baros reluctantly disclosed the concealed card.
“The Cassel Magic Tower’s head has proposed utilizing their ancient ancestor’s relic. However, it will require time.”
Regardless of the duration, if the Holy Kingdom was the price, who could ignore it?
Fortunately, the Emperor’s reaction aligned with expectations.
“The Wizard Saint’s relic. Ah, the Pope’s… bracelet. That could suffice.”
The unexpected self-murmur was uncharacteristic of an imperial sovereign, but Baros wisely refrained from interjecting at that moment.
“And it doesn’t seem entirely implausible.”
As the Emperor’s demeanor reverted to impassivity, his gaze cast a strange glance, affirming Baros’s narrow escape from fate.
“Thank you, Your Majesty.”
Thump.
As Baros prostrated, relieved by the lifeline extended to him, the Emperor’s subsequent words sent shivers down his spine.
“Yet, you must still face retribution for transgressing the taboo.”
Struggling to lift his head, Baros’s plea escaped involuntarily.
“Your Majesty, please!”
Shivering uncontrollably, he couldn’t contain his plea.
“…However, since your intentions were for the empire, and the feasibility of your claims seems promising, the sentence will be deferred until your assertions are validated.”
The Emperor’s cool gaze thawed his near-frozen heart, prompting him to collapse in gratitude.
“Huh, huh, hah…”
“There are my eyes and ears in the Holy Kingdom. Should your promise falter, you will share their fate.”
The Emperor’s cold glare seemed to chastise him for his plight, and Baros swiftly adjusted his posture before bowing once more.
“I will heed your words, Your Majesty.”
“Dismissed.”
“Your benevolence knows no bounds!”
Thump.
Baros bowed again before retreating with his head bowed low. Despite the undignified display contrary to his initial resolve, he was thankful for preserving his life.
‘Time to start anew.’
With such resolve, he gritted his teeth.
There was much to be accomplished.
On the day he embarked on negotiations with the Cassel Magic Tower, barring his narrow escape with Leos, over half of his entourage met their demise.
He needed to reconstruct his network and brace for the challenges ahead.
It was then that a distinct voice reached him from beyond the door.
– Prince Clyd and King Gerard of the East seek an audience.
‘Brother? The Eastern King?’
His formidable adversary and the eastern sovereign, overseeing the Eastern Dominion, their unexpected convergence warranted clarification.
“Allow them entry.”
– Yes.
Creak.
As the grand office doors swung open and two men entered with resolute steps, the youth with ebony hair, black eyes, yellow complexion, and towering stature nearly reaching 2 meters seized his attention. Bearing a strong resemblance to the Emperor, the Crown Prince exuded authority despite his impassive countenance.
Catching his gaze momentarily, the Crown Prince locked eyes before diverting his attention, leaving Baros with a sense of mockery, causing him to bite his lip in consternation.
Beside him, a middle-aged man of royal lineage with black hair, fair skin, and blue eyes nodded amiably, offering a friendly smile to Baros. However, his apparent warmth fell on deaf ears.
– Smile, Your Highness. The powerless must smile to survive.
– Who’s mocking you? That’s why you should smile. Deceiving your foes is the surest defense.
For several years, the princes underwent rigorous training under one of the Four Kings, offering life-defining guidance. The same detestable man imparted advice that shaped his fate.
‘The Eastern King.’
Why were his rival and one of the Four Kings entering together?
As the Four Kings refrained from involvement in succession disputes, their joint arrival must have stemmed from other motives.
But what stirred this disquiet?
Clyd. The Eastern King.
An event of such magnitude that it prompted the royal family and the Eastern Dominion to act in unison.
‘Could it be… Maclain?’
Though speculative and bordering on paranoia, the inkling resonated with eerie certainty.
In that moment, Baros halted his retreat and lifted his head proudly once more.
“Your Majesty. May I humbly request a boon?”
Just as Clyd and the Eastern King prepared to kneel before the Emperor, their attention shifted to Baros.
“Your son seeks to address past misfortunes in the East personally. Grant me another opportunity, just one more.”
Baros knelt, pleading as he noticed the Emperor’s expression harden once more.
“Ah…?”
Swiftly continuing before the Emperor’s mood could fully sour, he pressed on.
“I will harness their strength. Efforts will not go in vain for the empire.”
The truth was, he had already committed an act.
To prevent his rival from seizing the credit, he ventured the audacity.
“Hmm.”
Thankfully, the Emperor did not appear displeased.
“Moreover, it would serve as proof of their allegiance to the empire.”
Witnessing the Emperor’s renewed interest, Baros recalled the ‘other’ promise made with that formidable elder.
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