302 - Regressor of the Fallen Family

Chapter 302 - The War is Over It took merely two months. The outcome of the coalition war of the seven nations, sparked by Tahiti's uprising, was entirely different from what the connoisseurs had predicted. Liberty swallowed Romen, Romero, and Tahiti, while Teronan subdued Calon. These two countries even split the territory of Tria, once the strongest of the coalition, in half. Though there were some minor disputes as Teronan took control of Tria’s capital, Tregonia, the coalition of seven kingdoms eventually transformed into an alliance of two. The new superhumans of these nations—known as the ‘Reaper’ and the ‘Guardian’—became the hottest topic across the eastern continent. “They're both young, aren’t they?” “The future of both nations depends on those two.” “So, who’s going to lead the alliance now?” “Obviously, Liberty, after swallowing up three countries, is the likely leader. Teronan only managed to conquer Calon.” “Well, didn't the Mage of the Tides surrender to Teronan? They have three superhumans now.” “What does the number of superhumans matter? National power is what's important. Just watch, in ten years, Liberty will catch up to Macline.” “Well, even with a two-nation alliance, they’re already powerful. With five superhumans, no less.” Excluding the anxious vassals of the conquered lands, the citizens of the homeland gathered in small groups to revel in the bright prospects of the alliance. The remarkable prowess displayed by the two new heroes of the war fueled their rosy imaginations. Their interest piqued in the rewards the two superhumans would receive during the post-war settlement process. Accordingly, each royal family presented extravagant rewards, meeting the expectations of the populace. "…Therefore, we proclaim Gael Slayer, who rendered the greatest service, to be elevated to the rank of Grand Duke and grant him the entire duchy territory of Tahiti as his fief!" No sooner had King Kran III of Liberty finished speaking than a thunderous cheer erupted in the grand hall of the palace. “The entire duchy? Wow!” “Congratulations, Your Grace the Grand Duke!” “Congratulations!” “Long live Grand Duke Gael Slayer!” The attendees, present in their finery in the lavishly decorated grand hall, had all contributed, in their capacities, to the war effort. The enthusiastic applause from the knights, who were the war's main force, was especially resounding. Kran III, hiding his true feelings under a mask of a bright smile, ground his teeth internally. "Does everyone know who this man is?" Yet, he had no choice. Everyone knew the victory was thanks in large part to the 'Reaper' before him. Failing to show such largess would incur the severe opposition of the nobles, especially the knights who had completely fallen for him during the war. "To think I had to grant even land to a superhuman from another nation." He could only trust his words that he had no intention of wielding actual control. Kran III gazed at the superhuman with complex emotions. Understanding his gaze, Logan knelt with a smile. “I am eternally grateful for the grace.” Kneeling to the king of another kingdom, no less a smaller one, was a humiliation unparalleled. But for Logan, who prioritized practical gains, it was no issue. The rewards were more than sweet for merely bending a knee once. "An external, credible status has been secured." Openly claiming Macline's status would invalidate the ducary's example. Only holding the title of Liberty’s Grand Duke mattered now. "As Liberty's Grand Duke, I have no intention to govern or collect taxes. But..." By relinquishing all other compensations except for his title, the Kingdom of Liberty would now bear full responsibility for any future actions of ‘Grand Duke Gael Slayer.’ “By acknowledging his renunciation of rights, there are no responsibilities left. Leveraging an empty title shouldn't warrant any complaints." Of course, if Kran III were aware, he’d probably jump in outrage, saying what nonsensical reasoning that was. "Well, it’s just a possibility for now, anyway." With this, Logan had fulfilled all his objectives in joining the alliance. With satisfaction gleaming in his eyes, Logan bowed to Kran III in gratitude. "It’s already been two months since I've been away... It’s time to return." * * * Right after the rewards ceremony concluded, Grand Duke Gael Slayer made an unforeseen announcement. “Now that the crisis of my homeland is over, I shall devote myself to training once more.” “What?!” “No, Your Grace, what do you mean?” “I beg you to reconsider!” Everyone was astonished at his bombshell declaration and implored him to stay. Yet, he was resolute. “I joined the war solely for my nation’s sake, not for personal glory or ascension. I have fulfilled my duties sufficiently and wish to return to being a martial artist.” “But, Your Grace…” “There are rumors that the citizens chant my name more than His Majesty’s. How could I, as a subject, allow such impiety to continue? Henceforth, do not seek me out for some time.” “What?” Gael’s words swept through the political and social spheres of Liberty, extending across the entire kingdom. The Reaper, who earned the rank of Grand Duke, entered indefinite seclusion to embody the insights gained from the war through training. Following his enigmatic move, similar news emerged from Teronan. The Guardian gave up control of the Calon Archipelago for training? Perhaps it's a rivalry with the Reaper? After the grand rewards ceremony, both new heroes who had been granted the title of Grand Duke by their respective nations almost simultaneously ceased their official activities. The rumor spread like wildfire across the entire kingdom. "Could it be that the royal families are trying to keep them in check?" "I heard there were issues with the established nobility." The bizarre actions of the two heroes quickly spawned numerous rumors, but the royal families remained silent. They had no choice. After all, it wasn’t something they could announce that the heroes destined to be etched into the history of the kingdoms were actually reinforcements from Macline. * * * "Surely, it would have been better to eliminate them during the award ceremony? After all, it’s Macline’s might we're dealing with." In the office, now empty save for the two of them, Grand Duke Gunter's chilling words were met with a weary shake of the head from the King of Liberty. "We can't." Once again, he recalled why his superhuman little brother never ascended to the throne. How could he be so simple? "If we dealt with Gael, it’d give Macline a just cause to invade. Even combined, our two kingdoms aren’t yet ready to handle Macline." Of course, Gunter had his own points. "But what if they start demanding too much?" "...We’ll deal with that when the time comes." "Aren't you being too complacent?" "Their current demands are nothing. Our mutual defense treaty is just a formality now. There are no more threats in the eastern continent. It’s unlikely the Empire will invade." For those unaware of the Empire’s true nature, it remained a mere formality to them. "...That is true." "It’s simply the untapped potential of Macline that terrifies us. Who knew two unknown superhumans could be so powerful?" "It was naïve to hope they'd be exhausted on the battlefield. I should’ve taken action myself..." "It’s too late now. As long as Macline’s Sun remains, escaping their influence is difficult. We must bide our time for future generations." Oblivious to the fact that Gael was the Sun of Macline, the king sighed repeatedly. "Benefit...! I cannot accept this!" While Gunter protested, the king's sigh persisted, only to manifest into reality through a correspondence shortly thereafter. "[…Do not forget.]" "Of course. How could I forget the generosity you have shown?" [While I trust you, matters between nations aren't settled with just words, are they?] The Sun of Macline. The words of the young sovereign made Kran III's expression tense. "What do you mean by that…?" [I would like the heirs of Liberty to study in Macline. They can learn about our advanced culture and return to Liberty.] The King of Liberty's face turned pale. 'Damn it...!' It wasn't hard to grasp the true intent behind those words, but refusal was not an option. "…Very well. I will prepare to send the First Prince." [Aah, you've misunderstood me. I mentioned 'heirs', as in more than one.] At those words, Kran III tightly shut his eyes. It felt as if the red eyes beyond the communication device were piercing right through him. "Surely, you’re not asking for all the princes?" [Not at all. Excluding your youngest, the Fourth Prince, just the First, Second, and Third Princes should suffice.] Attempting to maintain a smile amidst a glimmer of false hope, Kran III’s face dropped its façade once more. "Are you turning our kingdom into a vassal state?" [You’re exaggerating. As mentioned earlier, all Macline wants is a non-aggression pact and a mutual defense treaty. It’s merely a gesture to affirm our unwavering friendship.] "…And what do we gain in return?" [We'll 'sell' you Macline's new rapid-fire crossbows at a bargain price. Additionally, we propose joint training sessions between our 4th legion and Liberty's elite troops. That would surely solidify your competition with Teronan and illustrate our steadfast relationship, would it not?] Though the terms seemed reasonable, the fear of future demands lingered. Managing his expression, Kran let out a small sigh. "…Are you going to offer Teronan a similar deal?" [Hahaha, of course. It would ensure lasting peace in the eastern continent.] Despite the brazen arrogance in his voice, he couldn’t say a word in return. Especially not with Gael, Liberty’s hero, watching every move from the sidelines. 'To think Gunter would lose like this.' Proclaiming his refusal to accept defeat, Gunter had intended to crush his grievances by targeting Gael, but ended up grievously injured and confined to recovery for months. Though his direct involvement kept rumors from spreading, many knights had witnessed it. Within the royal family, it firmly established who was the strongest in the land. The painful truth that this individual hailed from a foreign nation was known only to the king and Gunter for now. [So, what will it be?] "What if I refuse…?" [Hahaha! You have a way with jokes.] Yet those crimson eyes were far from smiling. Kran III was also aware. Refusing would lead to Gael Slayer, Liberty’s hero, defecting to Macline and invading the kingdom. And the outcome of such an event was all too predictable. "…I will accept the offer." [Thank you. Thus, Macline and Liberty shall march as unwavering allies in destiny. Dwayne?] [Yes, Y-Your Majesty.] [You heard it all, right? Send an envoy to prepare the treaty.] [Understood, Your Majesty.] Surely, the same would apply to Teronan. Observing the King’s crestfallen demeanor, Logan barely contained his laughter. 'Rick, that guy is even better at acting than I thought. I should entrust him with these tasks more often.' Imagining the bearded finance minister beyond the communication device having a fit at such a revelation, Logan chuckled softly. And thus, on that very day, Liberty’s 'Reaper' vanished from the royal scene, and Teronan’s 'Guardian' also disappeared. For the heroes themselves, it was an expected course of action... The two supernatural beings from the war had vanished simultaneously! The influential heirs from the royal households set off for an 'education' in Macline! Those who understood the broader implications of the rumor, which spread quickly across both kingdoms, began criticizing the two nations for cowardly submitting to their arch-rival out of fear. The combination of these two events pointed to one chilling possibility. "Could it be that the heroes were eliminated by the royal families? Why would we need them if they were around?" "Exactly. How could they discard the heroes who'd lead our kingdom's prosperity?" "The kingdom's thousand-year legacy crumbles under the king's greed." For the patriotic scholars, it was truly a lamentable situation. As the peculiar rumors sparked by limitations in information continued to stir both kingdoms into disorder, the King and Queen of Macline returned to their positions after three months. "You've successfully drawn the coalition to you. Truly..." "I told you I’d get it done." To the few who knew the truth, there was a bit of boasting. "Congratulations on your full recovery, Your Majesty." "We're truly relieved, Your Majesty." "Ah, thank you. Please, take your seats." Outwardly pretending to have recovered from a long-standing injury. However, it wasn’t long after Logan resumed his official duties that he received an unexpected report. "It seems there is an anomaly emerging from the Empire, Your Majesty." "What?"