Regressor of the Fallen Family Novel - Chapter 318
Chapter 318:
The gossip about a mishap at the Royal Magic Tower, presently functioning as the central hub of the Magical Corps, swiftly circulated throughout the entire royal palace. Nevertheless, the issue appeared to calm down after an official statement attributed the incident to a failed trial by the Golem Master. With no injuries, it seemed like the event would soon fade into obscurity as a minor disruption.
However…
Rumors spread that the experiment was so hazardous it nearly demolished the Magic Tower.
“Are they serious about this experiment being so risky?”
“Well, that’s just typical of wizards…”
This event unfairly tainted Clayton’s reputation.
And then, early the next day, the individuals involved in the rumors, the kingdom’s ruler, and the actual culprit behind the incident gathered in the king’s chambers, each bearing a solemn expression.
“Firstly, I regret not being able to publicly acknowledge your progress, despite you reaching a new milestone.”
“It’s alright, Your Majesty. I fully back your plans. Please don’t worry about it.”
Logan chuckled softly at Victoria’s response and affectionately patted her head.
“Thank you.”
Although she looked slightly perturbed by her disheveled bangs, when their eyes met, she awkwardly smiled once more. The once timid girl had evidently blossomed into a sophisticated young lady.
The passage of time was evident.
“When did she grow up so much?” he mused.
Logan felt a mix of pride and slight guilt.
However, as he gazed at Victoria with warmth, his expression soon shifted to one of deep concern.
“To think that the princess of the Empire would stir up such chaos.”
If indeed the princess was the mage of the Black Serpent, then the Black Serpent organization could be viewed as an extension of the Empire. In that case, there seemed little reason to conceal Victoria’s true abilities.
“But something about the Asherian incident still troubles me.”
There appeared to be no logic for an organization to orchestrate a significant incident that could potentially breach borders if their aim was to operate covertly. Logan started to speculate if there were two factions within the Empire—one cooperating with foreign powers and one opposing them. In such a scenario, crucial information might not be shared between these factions.
Given the circumstances, it was imperative to explore all possibilities. Nevertheless, he felt remorseful for keeping Victoria’s exceptional achievement under wraps, particularly considering its historical importance.
“She’s likely the youngest mage since the Great Migration a millennium ago. To become a mage at 19… It’s a feat that would elevate our nation’s standing and be a source of pride globally… Sigh…”
It was only natural for Clayton to feel disheartened.
“It’s alright, Master. As long as it’s His Majesty’s wish, my brother and I will do anything.”
Although she spoke on behalf of herself and her absent brother Viktor, no one opposed.
The blue-haired, heterochromatic siblings were renowned for their unwavering loyalty to the king. Among those familiar with their bond, there wasn’t a single individual who questioned their allegiance.
“If only I could do more for them…”
The siblings had become extraordinary around the time of their maturity. Considering their unique physical traits, Logan sometimes pondered if they bore some exceptional lineage.
He felt uneasy about concealing these two exceptional talents from the world rather than showcasing them.
“And it’s the same with Eilen, Ronian, and Burdel…”
If the Emperor of the Empire had a more traditional mindset, Logan would have revealed all these talents to deter any potential conflicts. Nonetheless, given the current circumstances, this secrecy weighed heavily on him.
“On the day we’re free from the Empire’s threat, I promise I’ll reward you generously. Just hold on a little longer.”
“Your Majesty has already done so much for us. Please, don’t worry.”
Victoria’s response brought a smile to Logan’s face, but as thoughts of the Magic Tower incident resurfaced, his expression once again hardened.
“…You mentioned the intruder was a woman?”
“Yes. She wielded an uncommon gray mana. Since Your Majesty can also perceive mana, it would be easy to identify her…”
“I already know who it is.”
Who else could it be?
“…What? Then, shouldn’t we apprehend her immediately?”
Haa…
“If only it were that simple.”
“What?”
Witnessing Victoria’s puzzled expression, Logan let out a deep sigh.
Capturing or eliminating the princess of the Empire? That would inevitably lead to immediate conflict.
“Once the Grand Magic Circle is finalized and installed in the frontline fortresses, then we can be certain of triumph.”
Even though he was aware, now was the time to feign ignorance. In reality, he felt relieved that Victoria had failed to capture the princess. If the princess had perished in the Magic Tower, it would have been catastrophic.
Logan rubbed his arm, feeling goosebumps rise at the thought, and averted his gaze.
“Lord Clayton, what is your assessment of this situation?”
Clayton, who had been contemplating the issue, slowly spoke with a serious expression.
“In the worst-case scenario, we must presume that they’ve uncovered something.”
“That’s what I feared…”
Logan grimaced as a headache began to throb in his temples. Clayton, noticing Logan’s distress, added another troubling piece of information, exacerbating the king’s headache.
“If their target wasn’t the artifact production site in Taren, but me, it’s possible the research logs are more crucial to them than we realized.”
“That would make sense. According to your account and Victoria’s, the research logs would be invaluable to any mage.”
As the kingdom’s only remaining mages—no, the two remaining mages—Logan and Clayton exchanged anxious glances. Victoria tilted her head in confusion before offering her input.
“But perhaps… that’s not the case?”
“What?”
“It’s true that those logs were undeniably part of a long tradition, passed down through a school of thought that has endured for centuries. Even if we’re conservative, they must be at least a few hundred years old.”
“Exactly, so…”
“But most of the content is just brilliant ideas and sudden inspirations from a few geniuses jotted down. It’s hardly a tome of hidden knowledge.”
“…That’s true.”
Although the research logs had inspired him, it was Logan who sanctioned the mass production of the artifacts, and Clayton who devised the method. Furthermore, about 70% of the progress in restoring the Grand Magic Circle was thanks to Victoria’s own insights. It was indeed a stretch to label it as a tome of secrets.
“Even if it truly is their research log, it’s likely just a collection of ideas from a splinter group or marginalized geniuses.”
“Hmm?”
Victoria’s argument was compelling enough to alter the expressions of those listening.
However, her mentor’s subsequent words made her shrink slightly.
“If that’s the case, it still doesn’t explain why the princess would assault the Magic Tower. It was a reckless decision.”
Nevertheless, one word in his statement widened Victoria’s eyes.
“What? The princess? No way…”
Logan affirmed her suspicion with a wry smile.
“Yes. The Empire’s princess is almost certainly the mage.”
“How…?! Why?!”
The princess as a mage?
Given her status and authority, why would she engage in such actions?
Victoria’s question hinted at many things, but Logan could only shake his head.
“We don’t know. That’s why we assume it’s due to the research logs.”
Since they lacked insight into Louisa’s true intentions, that was the only conclusion they could draw.
“We have too little information on them. Everything is merely speculation…”
A sigh of frustration escaped him naturally.
But then…
“…Why don’t we directly inquire with the individual involved?”
“What?”
Logan’s astonished query was met with a meaningful smile from Victoria.
Cough.
Blood spurted out as she coughed.
How many times had it happened now?
“Ugh…”
The sharp ache in her chest was bad enough, but the memory of her failure and the shame it brought only deepened her grimace.
“Are you alright?”
“How could I be alright?!”
She snapped sharply, yet her shrill tone only added to her wounded pride.
“…I’m sorry.”
Seeing Jun bow his head made Louisa even more conscious of her shortcomings.
“…No, forget it. You may leave.”
“Yes.”
The internal injuries caused by the disruption of her magic circles wouldn’t heal as swiftly as wounds inflicted by Aura. Despite being aware of this, she had no option but to push herself to vanquish that peculiar golem and flee.
An awakening amidst battle? She never envisaged encountering something straight out of a heroic saga.
And from an adversary, no less.
“An adversary… hmm…”
She smirked.
A presence that had transitioned from merely irksome to a legitimate menace.
Despite her wounded pride, Louisa found herself contemplating that woman once more.
“A mage at such a young age… likely in her early twenties.”
The girl had achieved more swiftly than Louisa herself, who had made her mark in the annals of the Tower by becoming a mage at a young age.
Furthermore, how could a newly awakened mage possess such might?
Though her assaults had been somewhat crude and lacking finesse, the golems had compensated with their speed and power.
Even while utilizing Demonic Manifestation, a combat spell tailored to combat Aura Users, she had to resort to tactics merely to keep pace.
The fact that the woman had shattered three spells that Louisa had cast concurrently didn’t offer her any solace.
“None of this adds up.”
Louisa had always looked down from a position of superiority, competing with elders who had practiced magic for triple the duration she had.
But now, to be bested by someone much younger? Louisa’s immense pride couldn’t accept it.
“There must have been some deception.”
Woooong.
Her bottled-up rage caused the magic circle she had stabilized to vibrate once more.
And the consequence was immediate.
Cough.
“Ugh…”
Her palm was drenched in blood.
A murderous intent as thick as the blood in her hand flickered in Louisa’s eyes.
Yet, there was nothing she could do about that woman at present. She could only stew in the agony of her defeat, which stung more than the ache in her chest.
If they crossed paths again on the battlefield, she would have to be prepared to exact her vengeance properly.
However, one question still gnawed at her.
“How…”
How was that even conceivable?
The fusion of the Dark Heaven Barrier and Soul Corruption was a clandestine technique devised by the Tower to subdue and control superhumans.
Even someone as proficient as herself would have faced difficulty evading it if she were the target. The magic involved both soul and dimensional attributes, and even Louisa required extensive preparation to counter it.
Hence…
“It couldn’t have been achieved through normal means. Impossible…”
She couldn’t fathom how someone else could accomplish what she herself couldn’t.
Unknowingly, Louisa bit her lip hard enough to draw blood, lost in her musings.
And her self-absorbed rationale soon led her to a warped conclusion.
“Yes. She must be entwined in some relationship with the king, the one who can alter destiny. A concubine? Or perhaps they’re simply lovers for now?”
Once she vocalized it, Louisa became even more convinced of its veracity.
Yes, it wasn’t that girl’s talent that surmounted my magic.
“It was due to that king.”
Once she arrived at that deduction, the stabbing pain in her chest appeared to alleviate as if by magic. Finally, shaking off the nightmare of the previous night, she could focus on reality.
“Now, what should I do?”
Demonic Manifestation not only functioned as a combat spell intended for battling mages but also served as a disguise.
Hence, Louisa was confident she hadn’t disclosed her appearance.
However, if the king suspected her to be an Imperial spy, he might link her to the events of the previous night.
“Will he confront me? No, even if he does, there’s nothing he can do.”
As far as this minor kingdom was concerned, they had no option but to tolerate even the most egregious behavior from an Imperial princess.
Unless she voluntarily renounced her status or fell out of favor with the Emperor, any threat to her safety would be tantamount to provoking the Empire.
“No matter how antagonistic this kingdom is towards the Empire, they wouldn’t be so foolish.”
There was one lingering concern at the back of her mind, yet Louisa dismissed it.
“No, nothing will go awry. There’s no evidence.”
As she attempted to pacify herself, a panicked voice suddenly rang out from outside.
“P-Princess!”
A sense of foreboding washed over her, causing her chest to constrict.
“T-The King has come to see you!”
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