320 - Regressor of the Fallen Family

Chapter 320 “What did you say?” Caught off guard by such an unexpected question, Logan forgot to maintain his formal tone. Seeing this, Louisa smiled instead. She seemed to find some comfort in watching him flustered, yet Logan couldn’t calm his heart despite knowing this. That was how enticing the proposal was. ‘An alliance against the empire? With an enemy within?’ What a tempting tale. Achieving his lifelong goal would become far easier. However, just then, a vision of the mountain of corpses he saw at the end of his past life flashed in Logan’s mind. Along with the crazed expression of Emperor Baros who laughed maniacally atop them. Yet, it appeared Louisa wasn’t inclined to give a straightforward answer. “……It seems our conversation ends here.” With decisive words that severed the flow, Louisa set down her teacup and made to leave. However. The crimson predator poised at the door was not keen on letting its prey go so easily. “If the imperial family learns about your magic, both you and the Eastern Court might be in grave trouble. I’d be content with that alone; does that sound alright to you, Princess?” “……I thought we were trading questions?” Her head turned over her shoulder, azure eyes glistening with coldness, but Logan merely smiled slyly and raised his teacup. “It is a trade. It’s just that the collateral happens to be on my side.” “……Not the sun of McLine, but a serpent, I see.” “Thank you for the compliment. Shall we continue our negotiations, then?” Louisa’s expression hardened at Logan’s mischievous grin. She extended her hand with an icy smile. “……Three questions. Let’s exchange just three questions.” “Huh? Are you in a position to set terms?” “I can simply abandon the Court and hide away. How about it? Three questions. We answer sincerely to the extent both sides can manage.” The princess claims she has no attachment to the Eastern Court. Is she asserting the Court has no connection to that organization? Or is it all a ruse? Sealing his curiosity in his heart, Logan nodded compliantly. “Haha, well, it feels like I’m being shortchanged, but alright.” “Then allow me to begin…” “Before that, shouldn’t you answer my initial question first?” “……The first question?” Tsk. Trying to get one for free, it seems. “Go ahead.” Logan hid his inner thoughts and nodded, to which Louisa responded with a curt word. “The Empire’s request.” A request? Could it mean they cooperate when necessary despite conflicts? The organization’s identity seemed to grow even murkier, prompting a frown. “A vague answer.” “If you dislike it, shall we end our conversation here?” Her azure eyes clearly signaled no further concessions would be made. ‘Did I push too hard?’ But it wasn’t as if she could be swayed, so Logan resignedly accepted her answer with a short sigh. “Then it’s my turn. Why do you oppose the empire? There doesn’t seem to be a reason for it.” There were countless instances of wars against the empire in the history of Grandia. It was just a matter of being prepared. Trying to gloss over it, Logan reconsidered upon meeting Louisa’s gaze. If he gave an unsatisfactory answer, the conversation would end there. Feeling a sudden determination, Logan clicked his tongue briefly. He needed to reveal some truth. “Because I know the empire is preparing for war.” “How did you…?” “Now it’s my turn. What is the goal of your organization?” Honestly, what he was most curious about was why a princess from the Imperial Court would choose to oppose her own empire. ‘Could the Eastern Court be aligned with the Black Serpent?’ The question seemed potentially connected to unraveling that mystery. Yet Louisa's brief delay in responding was once again disappointing. “To change the world’s order.” What nonsense is that? The thought arose involuntarily at such an abstract answer. However, her firmly sealed lips suggested no further explanation would come. ‘Thought I had her leashed properly.’ It was akin to a dog threatening to bite its tongue and end itself, should things take a turn for the worse. Would it be appropriate to mock Louise as lacking the qualities of a negotiator? ‘If altering the order means not complying with the empire, I suppose.’ Branding that sole fact into his mind, Logan smirked wryly. At that moment, Louisa posed the unfinished question. “How did you learn the empire was preparing for war?” How should he respond? Pondering momentarily, Logan offered an answer neither truth nor lie. “I met the emperor. I didn’t think he was someone who’d be content with reality.” “……Just from that?” “A part of the truth. Like your answers.” Crimson eyes and azure eyes met coldly. Then both released a short laugh followed by sighs. “It seems neither of us gained anything from this. How about we genuinely answer the final question?” “Or we could say, only answer to the extent we can authentically respond. What do you think?” “……Very well.” How much could they trust each other? With that question in mind, calm exchanges ensued, resulting in the final set of questions and answers. And that marked the end of their conversation for the day. * * * [That he knew of your power?] “Yes, that is correct.” […It’s conceivable to guess about our emblem. If word got out about McLine’s superhumans clashing with Gerohein or reports from the united war, I suppose it’s plausible. But to discern your seal and its nature perfectly?] “He told me so directly. He sensed it instinctively.” At those words, Logan could see his mentor’s face hardening. [Instinctively? Ha, a seal I personally cast… Unbelievable. Could the power to alter destiny be stronger than I imagined…] “Perhaps my associates weren't mesmerized because he was already aware of my abilities.” [The power to alter fate, and they have already discovered my identity, so there's no other way.] Louisa kept the fact that she had released the seal and caused a commotion to herself. From Logan's words, it was clear he had already suspected something apart from that incident. ‘Regardless, last night's failure won't affect the organization.’ Though she tried to justify it to herself, a self-deprecating smile naturally appeared on her face. ‘Pathetic.’ Exaggerating achievements and concealing faults. Realizing she was engaging in the detestable behavior typical of lower-tier members of the Tower made her feel utterly wretched. The end of failure meant either brainwashing or becoming a sacrifice. This was a corrupt practice created by the harsh culture that the Kessel Magic Tower maintained to evade the eyes of the imperial family. It had resulted in complications in relaying information and often led to failures. This culture of severe punishment was one of the conventions she aimed to change. Now, she was just making excuses to avoid it. ‘How did it come to this…….’ Gritting her teeth. The image of King McLine, who had trapped her once again, surged to her mind, causing her teeth to clench unwittingly. Startled by the sound she made, she glanced at the communication sphere, but her mentor remained deep in thought. Watching this, Louisa calmly recalled her last conversation with Logan. Specifically, the question she had asked and the answer she received. – What does Your Majesty think of the temple? An abrupt question that didn’t fit the context of their conversation. But with an uncomplicated question, the king’s answer came easily. – ……Agents of the gods. But I suppose that's not the answer you were hoping to hear? – I’m asking about the temple as Your Majesty sees it. I understand there was some trouble recently. – ……It was merely an issue with corrupt priests. With the Pope changing, the temple should change as well, don’t you think? I only hope the Nine Gods appoint a rightful representative. – Ah……. So that’s what you think. – ……Is that really the end of your question? – Yes. After such intense exchanges, the final conversation seemed so trivial that Logan’s expression was understandably baffled. However, Louisa was able to confirm one crucial fact from that unexpected question and answer. “King Logan is completely unaware of the source of his power. And of what is beginning in this country.” [……He possesses such power yet lacks any awareness?] “Yes. His knowledge about us is fragmentary at best, and he clearly knows nothing about the ‘Man Who Alters Fate’ or the ‘Era When Gods Departed.'” The confident tone in Louisa’s voice subtly shifted the expression on her mentor’s face within the communication sphere. [He knows nothing about his role as one who alters fate? One would think he’d have some inkling. Hmm. This is…...] “Yes. I believe it’s something we can definitely exploit.” A smile bloomed on Louisa’s face. Though it seemed trivial, it pointed out a direction to achieve the organization’s goals. A signpost that could serve as a shortcut to their objectives. [Very well. We’ll review this and then have you return.] “Yes, Master.” With that assurance, she was able to let go of some of the burden from the abject failure at the royal castle and managed to smile. * * * “What happened, Your Majesty?” “I confirmed the individual, and learned what I was curious about.” “What exactly do you mean…?” At Dwayne’s question, Logan recalled his last exchange with Louisa. – What is the name of your organization? – Kessel. Kessel Magic Tower. “Zibrik Kessel.” “Pardon?” “Descendants of the Mage Saint. It was definitely them. Phew…” “Pardon?” “There are such inhuman beings.” The mystery regarding those who stirred chaos and built mountains of corpses at the end of his past life became undeniably clear. Those who had mingled with the emperor within the empire were now fighting among themselves. Perhaps it was one of the more favorable changes among the variables caused by his return. Thus, another dilemma arose. “Should I report this to the imperial family or not?” If, contrary to the princess's words, the entire Eastern Court is connected to the Kessel Magic Tower, simply informing the imperial family could guarantee the kingdom significant advantages. One of the mighty Four Kings would be clashing with the imperial family, after all. But if the princess’s words were true? The disputes might end with some level of punishment for the Eastern Court, leaving the Black Serpent to slink back into the shadows. ‘The mage group opposing the empire, whose numbers remain unknown, would fully oppose us.’ It was a risky decision not easily made. “What to do…….” Logan had the ominous sense that the choice he made now would dramatically impact the future. And then. ‘Why did she ask about the temple?’ Louisa’s final question lingered heavily in his mind. As the night deepened, so too did Logan’s contemplation.