Regressor of the Fallen Family Novel - Chapter 323
Chapter 323
The announcement of the fresh Pope, Austin Flute I, sparked little interest among the common people worldwide. Most believed the new head of the religious order might make some changes to the corrupt temples, but that was the extent of it.
What truly alarmed the global leaders were the statements made during his coronation speech: a pledge to collaborate with the Empire.
The news reached the Emperor at the imperial palace in Aserian, the hub of the Central Continent. In reaction, he summoned the second prince, Baros, who had been somewhat banished to the Eastern Palace.
“Your Highness called for me?” Baros inquired, lifting his fatigued head, his pale face revealing recent emotional turmoil.
The Emperor’s presence felt heavier than usual, especially after recent events. However, to Baros’s relief, it appeared this summons was not negative.
“They have shown progress already,” the Emperor stated calmly. “The Sect’s behavior is unprecedented.”
As the tension lessened, hope flickered in Baros’s eyes.
“I… I am aware.”
“Indeed. I will allow you back into favor, as promised, starting now.”
“Your kindness knows no bounds, Your Majesty.”
Thud.
Baros bowed his head in gratitude, thankful that the Emperor had not changed his mind. Yet, he sensed challenges awaited him in this meeting.
“I keep my word, but your reinstatement raises serious issues. Do you understand what these concerns might be?”
The Emperor’s tone was devoid of emotion but carried a weight that sent shivers down Baros’s spine. Grateful yet anxious, he prepared himself for what was to follow.
“… I am unsure of these concerns. I apologize, Your Majesty.”
Baros spoke cautiously, shutting his eyes tightly. It was better to admit ignorance than to assume. Before the Emperor, pride had no place. Thankfully, his assessment seemed accurate.
“You have lived by a strict code, but the new Pope has altered a fundamental tenet of faith. Do you grasp the issue with that?”
Baros’s eyes widened in shock as he processed the Emperor’s words, understanding their implications.
“Wait…!”
The Emperor’s intense gaze lingered on Baros, stirring an instinctual response.
“… Does this mean they have found a way to manipulate even the sacred power…?”
A cold shiver ran down Baros’s spine as realization dawned.
“Precisely. How do you plan to deal with these individuals?”
A heavy silence descended upon the chamber.
At that moment, Baros comprehended why the Emperor had summoned him.
‘This is a test.’
If there truly was no way to stop these nefarious individuals, the Emperor would not have reinstated him. Instead, he would have been punished or tasked with hunting down the culprits.
Therefore, the Emperor’s questioning was a means to assess Baros’s abilities.
In essence, it offered an opportunity to prove himself.
With fists clenched, Baros took a deep breath, gathering courage. Struck by inspiration, he confidently stated,
“We do not need to control them.”
“No need? What do you mean?”
“Indeed. If they keep their word, it benefits the Empire. If they break it, we can expose their schemes and dismantle their sanctuary. Either way, their sacred land, which is a significant obstacle to our Empire, will crumble.”
Baros raised his head high, meeting the Emperor’s gaze with determination.
The uncertainty led the Emperor to inquire, “Will you let potential rebels slip away?”
“If their rule collapses, their manipulative actions will become evident. Those under their influence will leave traces. Gathering evidence will be straightforward, especially with the imperial family’s backing.”
In that moment, Baros noticed a faint smile forming at the corners of the Emperor’s lips, signaling he had responded correctly.
“You have not lost your edge.”
Furthermore, the Emperor was testing Baros’s resistance once again.
“Very well. The throne’s succession will resume from this moment. However, remember this: after next year’s harvest season, you must showcase your full capabilities.”
Thus, an unexpected timeline for the competition was set.
‘Why?’
Confusion washed over Baros. The schedule for the throne’s succession, announced to the recorders and princes, was now accelerated by over a year.
‘Do they believe the obstacles have been removed due to the sacred land?’
He felt a sinking sensation at the unwelcome realization. His recent mistakes had set him back significantly, and the Emperor was known for his rigorous assessments. Baros understood that his reinstatement did not equate to favor in the race for the throne.
Moments later, the Emperor added, “You must strive harder if you aim to surpass your brother.”
Baros gritted his teeth, concealing his frustration as he turned away.
* * *
“How is the operation in McLain progressing?”
[Ah, why the rush, my Prince? We have ample time.]
Despite Baros’s urgency, the elderly figure on the communication channel chuckled nonchalantly.
Normally, they would engage in a psychological duel, but now was not the time for games.
Bang!
“Six months! Results must be delivered within that timeframe!”
Winter would pass, followed by the decisive harvest season next year.
He needed to solidify his position before then.
[Six months? So, the Emperor intends to make decisions next year?]
Baros’s face twisted with irritation at the vague response.
“You pledged me the throne! If you cannot deliver, find another prince to serve!”
[Ah… I see impatience in you, dear Prince. However, I have already initiated proceedings, so wait. Do not worry.]
In a patronizing tone, Baros felt his patience wearing thin.
“If I cannot claim the throne, do you think I will fade away quietly? You will not escape unscathed!”
His voice lacked composure. Concerns about potential connections, perhaps with his half-brother, Klid Van Ares, intensified.
Yet,
[Hmm. Do not rush. Your desires will be fulfilled. Have you seen the developments regarding the sacred land?]
“That only breeds mistrust. Is McLain more challenging than the sacred land, causing delays?”
[Understand that every endeavor follows a sequence. You have lost your composure, Baros.]
Part of Baros recognized the wisdom in those words, but it did little to quell his irritation. Thoughts of a red-haired youth stirred anxiety, fearing the boy would once again obstruct him.
“Provide some clarity! Logan McLain is vexing me!”
That frustrated exclamation elicited an unexpected response.
[Ah… Haha, indeed. That promise. Let me address that.]
“…What?”
[Logan McLain poses a threat. He naturally instills fear in those at the pinnacle.]
“What nonsense is this?”
It was a perplexing yet intriguing response.
[Those whose destinies are entwined will sense his unsettling nature.]
The explanation fell flat, deepening Baros’s unease.
Bang!
“Enough with the riddles! Give a proper explanation!”
[If he causes you great anxiety, it means you are in direct opposition to him. This could provide clarity. If one of the rightful heirs to the throne stands at the apex, it should be you.]
Understanding remained elusive, yet Baros found some comfort in the grandeur of that statement.
“Does this mean I am destined to be Emperor?”
[That is one interpretation.]
“What about him? Should we remove him if he hinders that destiny?”
[Ridiculous! Eliminating him will only entangle you further in his fate. The true path will reveal itself, so fret not, Prince.]
Despite his growing frustration, the elder’s vague assurances did little to ease Baros’s fears.
[Six months, my Prince. Keep that in mind. Expect success.]
Though unsatisfied by the indirect reassurances, Baros had little else to say.
Thud.
Walking through the palace corridors, irritability clung to Baros with every step.
On any other day, he would have worn a polite smile and acknowledged the servants’ greetings. Now, he hurried past, ignoring the bowed heads in his path.
“Did Louisa visit the McLain royal house?”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
“What do you think they are plotting?”
“…Officially, it is to discuss exports and potential marriages.”
“I am aware of that.”
The Prince’s tone carried a hint of frustration.
The blue-haired attendant, Leos, sighed before responding.
“Once they engage with the McLain prince, the Eastern Palace will intervene in McLain’s affairs directly. For the king of McLain, it offers a chance to connect with the Empire’s four rulers, making it hard for him to refuse.”
“Is that all?”
Leos bit his lip at Baros’s impatience.
‘Too little information.’
Especially after the second prince’s sudden disappearance upon returning from McLain, the lack of details was frustrating.
Without even disclosing the infiltrators’ identities, how could Baros assess the situation?
Anxiety gnawed at him, yet Leos did his best to explain.
“If they seek to sow discord in McLain, their efforts may fail. But if their motives go beyond chaos, it will complicate matters. I have limited information—it’s hard to decipher…”
Give me something to work with! The silent plea echoed in Baros’s mind, but he merely shook his head.
“I cannot share details about those infiltrators. The fewer who know, the better.”
To safeguard the Empire from potential threats, he understood the need to sever ties with past connections. The existence of a sinister faction on this side made any link potentially fatal.
But he could not afford to remain passive.
“The time for action has come. What is our next move?”
“Pardon?”
“They won’t wait for us to sit idle. We must act proactively.”
“Y… Yes?”
A grave expression settled on Baros’s face as he walked alongside Leos.
“I cannot stand by while they plot.”
When the right opportunity came, Baros intended to take decisive action.
“Given the circumstances, only one option remains. If anything goes wrong with Princess Louisa in McLain, then…”
Leos’s voice trailed off, but Baros’s eyes gleamed with resolve.
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