329 - Regressor of the Fallen Family

**Chapter 329** Outside the window, the sun shone warmly, uncharacteristic of winter. Yet the expression on the beautiful woman's face, gazing out from within the separate palace, was cold, contrasting starkly with the weather. - Thanks to the slip-up by the 2nd Prince, we've been given a good opportunity. - We will suspend the McLine disruption operation entirely. - Plant a person in McLine’s capital before returning. - If a war breaks out between the Empire and McLine, we’ll amplify the chaos. And then... - We shall hasten the era without gods. “The attempt on my life was merely a mistake, was it...?” Recalling her master's telepathic communication, Louisa's expression hardened once more. She understood the Tower's purpose and even empathized with it to some degree. But how could she possibly accept it if achieving that purpose required her own sacrifice? Even so, there was nothing she could do but endure for now. What could she possibly say when the consequences of a partially failed mission were as if they never happened? “I’ll make sure Baros pays someday.” She could only vow this silently, grinding her teeth. To make matters worse, the command given alongside those words was simply preposterous. The instruction to plant someone within Castle Kassel undeniably meant crafting a person susceptible to brainwashing. ‘Someone who, even if they suddenly became a bit slow or acted awkwardly, wouldn’t raise suspicions.’ And yet, this person needed to be in a significant position of power. “Where am I supposed to find such a person?” The conditions were so unreasonable she found herself speaking aloud. After all, this was a country led by a king who could dismantle the Tower's magic merely by approaching. “It might be easier to actually seduce the real prince.” Thinking of the rumors circulating, a chuckle escaped her. The whispers surrounding her and Count Ronian had grown, entwining with all sorts of embarrassing tales. She had never seriously considered marriage, but as a woman, she couldn’t help but be slightly affected. Moreover, pondering such daunting orders led her to occasionally indulge in escapist fantasies, causing these foolish thoughts to pop into her head more often. “...Should I really try to seduce him?” To seduce the prince and have him betray the king. Isn’t that the kind of tale often found in street novels? Caught in a moment of vain imagination, Louisa let out a dry laugh when an unwelcome voice called from beyond the door. - Count Ronian has come to see you. “Ha, the timing is impeccable…” To mask the Empire’s involvement in the assault incident, a kind of play was staged to display harmonious relations. Although she found this performance exasperating, her co-star in the charade seemed to be quite diligent. Click. “Are you at leisure?” No sooner had the servant poured tea and exited, than Louisa, with a cold face, cast a frigid remark. Their relationship no longer required any acting. However, the robust young man with red hair and eyes merely greeted her with a broad smile. “Well, this is my job for now.” “I doubt you’re enjoying it.” “Well, at least my eyes are entertained.” Around his early twenties, at an age brimming with vigor. Yet, despite the striking beauty sitting before him in form-fitting attire, there wasn’t a trace of lust in his gaze. ‘Having reached extraordinary heights at that age, one would expect considerable self-control.’ Thinking back to when she’d unwittingly used magic in secret, Louisa couldn’t help but let out a wry smile. Ultimately, perhaps it was that very discovery that caused Ronian’s eyes to be more impassive than anything. “You’re cheeky. I suppose brothers do resemble each other after all.” “Hahaha. That’s the first I’ve heard that. To think I resemble my brother.” Indeed, despite their stark red hair and eyes, the brothers’ facial features were quite different. Logan, resembling their biological mother, and Ronian, who took after their father from a different birth mother. In their youth, their personalities were said to be polar opposites, leading some retainers to predict inevitable discord between the brothers. Except, perhaps, that Ronian had once enjoyed being told he looked like his brother. Smiling naturally, Ronian placed his teacup down and spoke in a playful tone. “Well, who could surpass the princess in cheekiness? Surely, it’s no less cheeky for a terrorist to call the victim cheeky.” “Victim? Who was harmed here? It seems I was the only one coughing up blood.” “One of our knights was seriously injured, too. Ah, perhaps in the game of toying with minds, regular knights don’t appear as people to you?” “At least he survived.” Their conversation, though shared with smiles, was laced with thorns. Since that day, they’d mostly shared these weary exchanges, yet the servants gazing in from outside likely believed the atmosphere inside was one of joyful banter. “I've heard presents from the Eastern Palace have been well received. If this keeps up, a marriage date might really be set soon.” “Don’t worry. That won't happen.” “If you continue staying here, I fear it might truly become a reality.” “I’ll leave soon enough. Don’t worry about it.” The tea slipped down her throat, so nerve-wrackingly had she tuned her senses that she couldn’t even taste its flavor. Though they’d another hour of this taxing standoff ahead, there was no helping it. As Louisa steeled herself for the ordeal, her companion unexpectedly broached an intriguing topic. “Ah, it seems my brother is planning something big again.” “Something big, huh?” Feigning disinterest, her entire attention shifted toward the topic. Whether he knew this or not, Ronian raised his cup once more, meeting her gaze with a persistent smile. “There’s word that the Eastern Palace wishes it could be smoothed over should the Empire show concern.” “Huh? And why are you telling me this?” “Aren’t we in a good relationship now, at least outwardly?” “Indeed, only on the surface.” “It’s to counter the Empire. One might think 'your side' would be pleased.” Although the emphasis on certain words pricked her ears, curiosity won out. “Let’s hear it. What’s going on?” "They plan to build fortresses at several key points along the border." Louisa nearly spat out her tea at Ronian’s words. Although annoyed by Ronian’s swift evasion of the spewed liquid, Louisa quickly focused on the real issue at hand. "What did you say?" "Judging by your reaction, I believe you heard me correctly." "A fortress at the border, really? Are they openly declaring war against the Empire? And they expect us to cover it up?" "They'll claim it's for the entire border, not just the west. But, yes, construction will primarily focus there." "Does the Empire look like a fool to you!?" "Well, what else can be done? They might issue a warning but won’t interfere much in domestic affairs. Or, they might invade sooner." - If the Empire prepares for war, it will shake the world. After decades of peace, any shift will be hard to conceal. - Since war is destined to occur, determining its timing might not be a bad strategy for us. Thinking of his brother's words, Ronian smiled. "Hah... in the end, you'll all be ruined." Louisa let out a breath that sounded somewhere between a sigh and a scoff. Their intense gaze exchanged across blue and red eyes. 'McLine is gearing up for an inevitable war with the Empire.' 'They aren’t denying it. They know the Empire is serious about preparing for war.' In just one exchange, they each confirmed the other's assumptions: Louisa about the kingdom's intentions, and Ronian about the Empire's preparations. After a brief silence where each gathered their thoughts, Louisa spoke first. "The current royal family's policy won’t allow open declarations, but they'll apply subtle pressure. What's the price?" "Hmm, perhaps ensuring your safe return would suffice?" "Hmph. Even if you threaten me with my life, what's impossible won't become possible." "It's not a threat, it's a proposal. Wouldn't 'your side' like it?" Ronian relaxed into the sofa, his eyes fixed on her as Louisa hesitated at his words. Nonetheless, beneath his nonchalant demeanor, Ronian was tense inside. ‘Come on, give me an answer.’ Is the Eastern King and his faction allied with the Black Serpent or not? No matter how she responded, Ronian hoped to gain insight. But then— "I have no idea how my father would respond. Perhaps you should contact him directly, instead of through me." Louisa's answer wasn’t entirely satisfactory. That concluded their conversation for the day. "Rest well." As the sun set beyond the western window, a servant completed preparing her bedding, offering a bow before departing. "From now on, report any changes in the royal family in real-time. Focus particularly on where the king might have gone recently." Contemplating deeply after Ronian left, Louisa instructed the servant. She needed to uncover what exactly the king was planning. However— "…Pardon? Why would you say that to me…?" An awkward question returned. "Hmm?" The softly spoken female servant studied Louisa's blue eyes with an awkward smile, bowing her head. "Apologies, Princess. As a servant of McLine, I cannot adhere to such a request." The servant’s response, wearing attire adorned with a subtle 'flame motif’, left Louisa momentarily flustered. ‘When did I cast a brainwash spell on this servant? I must have done it haphazardly; it should’ve worn off by now.’ Since she hadn't implemented any meticulous enchantments on ordinary servants, her recollection was vague. ‘How aggravating.’ As her expression hardened, a greyish magical light flickered across her blue eyes. [Do as you're told.] Infused with magic, her voice once again bewitched the servant’s eyes into a dazed state. “…Yes.” A sluggish reply finally came forth. With a satisfied smirk, Louisa turned away. Though she couldn’t manipulate the king or his immediate circle, ordinary servants were inevitably caught in her magical influence. Consequently, every servant in the palace served as her eyes and ears, ferrying all palace information back to her. This, Louisa was confident in. Oblivious, however, to the fact that her magic was subtly dissipating from within the servant’s gaze. * * * "Oddly, I've been feeling unusually good during shifts lately." "You too? Same here!" "Maybe it’s the food distribution?" "Ah, but that’s been the same since the king ascended the throne. The meals have always been good." "True. Honestly though, lately I feel more at ease coming to work. When I'm busy, even my muddled thoughts seem to clear." "Me too. Even when I’m exhausted, once I put on my armor, I feel energized!" The soldiers guarding Grang’s gate chatted with laughter. Little did they know that similar exchanges were occurring among all ranks of soldiers and palace staff across the kingdom. Nor were they aware that these reactions were being reported to the kingdom’s highest levels. "The magic circle's effects are evident. Additionally, we've made it mandatory for everyone working at the royal palace to wear uniforms with the flame emblem." "Good. That should suffice. We can start announcing it then." "They announced what? Surely not…? Wasn't this confidential?" "No, not related directly. But it is somewhat." At Logan’s sly smile, Demian was baffled, while Duane, already familiar with the situation, heaved another deep sigh. That very evening, a royal proclamation went out across the land. - For national defense, fortifications will be constructed at key strategic border points.