Regressor of the Fallen Family Novel - Chapter 308
Chapter 308: Resounding Gallop
The resounding gallop echoed over the meadows as the cavalry charged ahead. In an instant, the vast army, appearing to number in the thousands, moved in flawless harmony under the insignia of a small fire.
– “Advance!”
Leading the charge of the thousand-strong cavalry unit, a knight clad in heavy armor shouted the order, urging the front-line knights – about a thousand in number – to surge forward.
As they rode, long lances, measuring around 3 meters, were readied. A brilliant blue light emanated from their arms, waists, and swords, boosting their strength or honing the tips of their spears.
Cloaked in that enchanting blue glow, the entire regiment of knights mesmerized the crossbow-wielding cavaliers trailing behind, eliciting gasps from the spectators.
– “Incredible!”
The display not only served a practical function but also acted as a morale booster through its striking visual impact alone.
Crash and bang!
With lances ablaze like those of azure titans, the knights obliterated the scarecrows dotting the meadows in their path.
Any scarecrows left standing after the knights’ charge were swiftly transformed into pin cushions, pierced by bolts fired from the crossbow cavaliers.
“Spectacular.”
An older man with crimson hair and red eyes nodded in approval, a wide grin spreading across his face as he observed the spectacle.
Subsequently, the man standing directly behind him, sporting a metallic prosthetic arm emitting an unusual radiance, responded with a chuckle,
“As per the original strategy, Liberator’s deployment was supposed to come first, but due to its cost, we’ve opted to reserve its usage solely for routine drills.”
“That’s a prudent decision. However, the artifact’s effects appear to surpass expectations.”
“Indeed. The allocation system for one artifact per knight is now firmly established. As you can see, there are significant additional benefits.”
“Are you referring to the boost in our soldiers’ morale?”
“Exactly. And not just that, it appears the artifact’s functionality itself is being magnified.”
“How so?”
“Initial assumptions suggested the impact was psychological due to the visual impressions, but the knights reported distinct improvements with continued usage. The Sorcerer’s Calvary has verified the findings.”
“Are you implying there’s a tangible enhancement in their capabilities?”
“Yes. According to Lord Clayton, it’s because all our legion’s knights are equipped with artifacts from the same lineage, and the simultaneous activation of similar magic by multiple knights is resulting in a form of resonance effect that apparently doubles the efficacy.”
“Hmm.”
“Lord Clayton also expressed gratitude for this unforeseen case study, mentioning it has advanced the task assigned by His Majesty. Our legion has achieved another significant milestone.”
“A task? What task exactly?”
“Unfortunately, that aspect was classified, and he declined to divulge further details.”
The response left Heinckel – the older man – slightly dissatisfied, but Padric simply replied with a grin.
“Very well. Logan will handle it. We are no longer solely responsible for our own domain, so there’s no need to take offense.”
“Oh, of course not. How could I…”
Interrupting his long-time comrade, who was gesturing frantically, Padric chuckled.
“After all, even when that lad oversaw the territory, he always tackled assignments independently. Now that he’s king, it seems his approach remains unchanged.”
“Ah… That’s true. I might have overstepped.”
‘To overstep one’s boundaries.’
He believed he had successfully shed the self-reproach after losing his authority, but evidently, that was not the case.
To steer clear of dwelling on his bitter emotions, Padric subtly changed the topic.
“Any other updates?”
“This month alone, 32 soldiers have manifested their Force.”
“Again?”
“Yes. My lord, or rather, Your Majesty, out of the soldiers you initially enlisted, over 300 have now awakened their Force. They are presently engaged in training.”
It was evident that there appeared to be a higher number of knights than usual.
“It seems our legion will surpass others in terms of knights.”
Padric openly exhibited his contentment, prompting a similar grin on Heinckel’s face.
“Indeed. Except for the royal 1st Legion and our 3rd Legion, it has only been a few years since the new soldier recruitment standards were put in place.”
“Correct. The future remains uncertain, though.”
“Even in the years ahead, the scenario won’t change. Most of those who fought alongside His Majesty during the war are part of the 1st and 3rd Legions. Such experience cannot be matched solely through training.”
Heinckel’s pride in the 3rd Legion appeared to surpass even Padric’s.
“Yes, that’s accurate. We are truly the elite of Maclaine. Hahaha.”
Satisfied with their exchange, Padric chuckled heartily and patted his old friend and vassal on the shoulder.
However, as he felt the tough texture of Heinckel’s shoulder, Padric’s demeanor turned somber momentarily.
“…Apologies for this.”
“No need to apologize, my lord. How many times will you bring this up? I would be embarrassed if you persist.”
“I can never forget. The arm you lost trying to save me…”
If they continued, the same conversation they had repeated numerous times would begin anew.
To avoid this, upon seeing his lord’s darkened expression, Heinckel swiftly redirected the conversation.
“By the way, what are your thoughts on the family crest? You mentioned it’s about time to decide.”
Padric sighed at the mention. The Maclaine flame had become the kingdom’s symbol, and there were frequent suggestions to alter their family crest and name, albeit even minor adjustments seemed unsatisfactory to many.
“…The more I contemplate, the more I find it difficult to change.”
“Pardon?”
“I intend to leave the decision to Lonian, the one who will inherit this family.”
“My lord…”
Heinckel’s gaze appeared incredulous, yet Padric boldly responded with a smile.
His eldest son had ascended to the throne, so even if they altered the family emblem, the Maclaine flame would persist with the nation.
Nevertheless, the lord and knight who had dedicated their lives safeguarding that flame were hesitant to modify the family crest themselves, despite it possibly being viewed as an unnecessary stubbornness.
“Well, it’s time to inspect the soldiers’ training, isn’t it?”
“Indeed. And it’s time for you to return to the manor, my lord.”
“What?”
“A message has arrived indicating the young prince who traveled to the capital will be back today. Lady Marian is organizing a small celebration and has requested your prompt return…”
“Ah, I recall hearing about that. She truly is remarkable. Lonian has only just returned, and now another gathering?”
“Given her concern and anticipation, it’s understandable.”
“Really? Even you’re taking her side? Let me tell you, there’s no point in pampering the younger one just because you haven’t seen him for a while.”
“How is this favoring the child? It’s the parents who support my stance. In any case, entrust the rest to me and make your way back soon.”
“Understood, understood.”
As Padric turned to depart, chuckling, he caught a glimpse of the setting sun.
Everything seemed to be progressing smoothly.
Seven or eight years ago, he could not have envisioned enjoying such prosperity, yet he couldn’t shake off a sense of emptiness deep within.
‘A family gathering… It would have been better if Logan were here with us.’
He realized the notion was foolish.
The younger one had returned home after years of training, but the elder had long been beyond his reach.
‘If only I had been more compassionate to them in their youth.’
Today, more than ever, he lamented maintaining a distance due to his belief that a stricter upbringing was necessary after losing their mother.
The king, hailed as the Sun of Maclaine, was still merely his firstborn son – now a son whose countenance was challenging to discern.
For a brief moment, the sun descending high in the sky, casting light upon the world, seemed almost spiteful.
‘Reina… Our son has matured excessively, far too well. Heh…’
On a day when thoughts of his departed wife weighed heavily on his mind.
It marked the conclusion of a father’s day.
* * *
“The legion’s training is progressing satisfactorily, as expected, and expansion continues unabated.” “The 3rd Legion, overseeing the Maclaine territory, reports that among the soldiers handpicked by His Majesty, over 300 have transitioned into knights. Everyone now firmly believes in the new soldier recruitment standards.”
“The initial distribution of mass-produced artifacts has been completed. The discovery of a resonance effect resulting from simultaneous activation has further enhanced the entire regiment’s capabilities.”
“Excellent.”
Receiving reports affirming the ongoing growth and strength of Maclaine’s fundamental power, the legion proudly acknowledged these achievements.
Moreover.
“The training of the volunteer militia has reached operational status, according to reports from the knights dispatched there. The officially enlisted members of the volunteer militia now exceed 500,000.”
A staggering reserve force more than twice the size of the regular army.
Logan couldn’t help but feel reassured, meticulously reviewing the military might he had cultivated.
‘The legion system has undeniably taken root.’
By consolidating the kingdom’s dispersed forces into legions and consolidating military authority under his command, potential adversaries in the east had been subdued and transformed into steadfast allies.
One of the supers from his previous life, who had joined the empire as a mercenary, was now by his side, while the rest had been eliminated.
The matter of purging the nobility that previously plagued Granadia internally had now evolved into a loyal guard and knight, with the existing supers also progressing within the united kingdom.
His greatest concern, his brother, had exceeded his expectations, mastering techniques absent in his prior life.
With Eilen awakening as a super, presumed deceased during the initial civil conflict, Maclaine’s superpower had already surpassed projections.
‘So far, I’ve done everything within my capacity.’
Logan took pride in these remarkable outcomes. Nonetheless, he consciously refrained from letting his guard down.
‘Yet, we still face disadvantages.’
In his previous life, Granadia fell to just six of the empire’s eastern 8 legions and a portion of the central army, leading to its annexation.
Should the empire’s military prowess remain unchanged in this life, he believed he could secure a victory through some means.
“…But that won’t be the case.”
“Pardon?”
“Ah, never mind.”
Shaking his head to dispel his reverie, Logan refocused his attention.
If the emperor possessed even a modicum of intelligence, he would not allocate the same forces.
‘He will likely deploy all 8 of the eastern legions and dispatch a larger contingent from the central army compared to before. And if luck eludes us, even the western legions might join the fray.’
Enumerating the potential scenarios, Logan once again felt a wave of pressure. Determined to fortify his resolve, he pondered an alternative strategy to bolster his forces.
“Was there no additional report from Lord Clayton?”
“Is that matter not to be directly reported to His Majesty?”
Prime Minister Roberts Floyd tilted his head, focusing his attention on his son-in-law and sovereign.
Registering the awkwardness, Logan cleared his throat and averted his gaze.
“Ah, yes, indeed. That will be all for today. Your efforts are appreciated.”
“Your Majesty.”
“Yes?”
“May I pose a personal inquiry now that official matters are concluded?”
“What is it, father-in-law?”
The term ‘father-in-law’ consistently elicited a contented smile from Roberts, yet the subsequent inquiry left Logan perplexed.
“Regarding the proposals the ministers and I presented earlier. I wonder if they are proving effective…”
His voice trailed off, and while his eyes seemed to convey deeper meaning, Logan was at a loss, merely hazarding a guess.
‘Is this something that occurred during my absence?’
Had it been significant, Rick or Duane would have surely mentioned it.
Logan dismissed it as a trivial concern, simply nodding.
“Yes, they have indeed been effective.”
“Ah, is that so? Can I anticipate positive news in the near future then?”
Logan found himself puzzled by the exchange, and just as his expression started to waver.
– Damian Nadal has requested an audience.
“Excuse me for a moment, father-in-law…”
“Ah, of course. I shall take my leave.”
As Roberts departed, a tinge of regret evident in his slow departure, Damian entered the chamber, wearing a grave expression. Before Logan could inquire, Damian urgently began.
“Your Majesty. News from the empire. The second prince has…”
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