332 - Regressor of the Fallen Family

Chapter 332: Recently, I express my regret regarding the policies being implemented by McLine. I fear these actions might adversely affect the friendly relations between our two countries... The lengthy message from the Imperial Palace had a simple subtext. – Are you trying to pick a fight with us? Do you really want to go to war? If not, stop building that fortress immediately. The McLine Royal Family quickly sent a response in return. – No, we’re just securing our internal affairs. It’ll benefit you too. So, don’t meddle. Despite knowing full well the growing animosity between them, the heads of both nations were effectively playing a game of make-believe. Naturally, the Empire replied with a more forceful communiqué. Words whose true intent was unmistakably clear. Moreover, the proclamation wasn’t just delivered to McLine’s Royal Family but also publicly displayed in the Empire’s eastern regions under the Imperial name, showing their fangs openly. This led to a flurry of petitions from the nobles flooding into McLine’s royal palace. – Please halt the construction of the fortress. To avoid any conflict with the Empire... – The current Empire flaunts its greatest strength ever… – A small nation should heed the will of a great nation... "Small nation? Great nation? Who slipped this one in? Someone's lost their mind. Was this some Imperial's doing?" Logan remarked with a scoff, tossing one of the petitions aside, while the faces of those around him remained stern. Among them were Demian, head of intelligence, Treasurer Dwayne, and Chancellor Earl Roberts. There was the Swordmaster, who had hurried over upon hearing the news, along with Luther and Captain Wicken, who had been training with him. And, now constantly flanking Logan were his bodyguards and secret weapons, Viktor and Burdel. In this gathering of the kingdom's power players, excluding the commanders of the cavalry division assigned to the McLine estate and fortress construction, the Swordmaster was the first to speak. “I hear the Empire’s 3rd and 4th Eastern Corps plan to conduct exercises near the northern border soon. If worst comes to worst, we could actually go to war.” Despite the gravity of his words, Logan remained resolute. “Let our 2nd Corps hold their exercises in the north as well. It might be amusing to train right in front of the Imperial forces.” “Your Majesty!” “Oh, I jest, I jest.” "Is this really a subject to be joking about right now!?" The Swordmaster, unusually, raised his voice. “Yes. We’re still fine. Isn’t that correct, Demian?” With a calm smile, Logan shifted his gaze. “Yes, Your Majesty. According to Master Philip, there’s been no significant change in the flow of wartime supplies like food, weaponry, or iron ore.” “What does that imply...?” “It means, contrary to their communiqué, the Empire has no immediate plans to start a war.” “Hmm… Can one really conclude such a thing from just that?” “It’s entirely possible. We are not some minor kingdom, and certainly the Empire isn't just any small country. Besides, our kingdom is no longer at a level that a single or even a couple of Imperial legions can easily compromise.” Logan supported Demian’s argument, and Demian grinned warmly at the Swordmaster. “Master Philip always says that while words or writings can sometimes lie, the flow of money never does.” “Ahem.” Although often labeled as obstinate, the Swordmaster was no fool; hence, he admitted Demian had a point. However, such acknowledgment led to further questions. "Your Majesty. You have continuously asserted that the Empire will eventually invade McLine. Wasn't the fortress construction a preparation for that?" "Indeed." “Yet, it's peculiar that the Empire isn’t reacting more aggressively, even though they are aware of this. Perhaps the Empire doesn’t intend to wage war after all...?” Both Demian and Dwayne turned their gaze toward the Swordmaster. Logan’s insistence on the Empire's impending invasion had become an accepted reality within McLine's leadership, shaping all policies. Even if someone had doubts about that judgment, who would dare defy Logan's command? The only one who could possibly challenge that thesis would be the Swordmaster, hence, the ministers’ curious eyes drifted back to Logan. “There’s not much reason for the Empire to have a stronger reaction, is there? We aren't preparing to invade the Empire.” “Pardon?” “Even the fortress blocking the canyon’s path is ultimately for defense. If we were to attack, it would merely serve as a slight nuisance.” “True as that may be...” The Swordmaster nodded in agreement, yet his brow remained furrowed. Logan, offering a faint bittersweet smile, continued. “It could be that they’ve yet to finalize their internal reorganizations. Including the Crown Prince’s appointment...” "But Your Majesty, their current reaction is..." “Above all, the Emperor likely doesn’t perceive our kingdom as a significant threat.” “Pardon?” “No matter whether we build a fortress or organize a legion, they probably think they can easily crush us. Perhaps just a bit more bothersome.” Logan’s voice carried an air of certainty borne from memories of the Empire’s past behaviors and the present emperor’s visage. ‘No matter what preparations we make, they likely only see it as becoming marginally more troublesome.’ From a neutral perspective, considering the disparity in military strength, it’s understandable why the Emperor might think so. However, Logan held a different view of McLine's actual capabilities. Given the peculiarities within the current continental warfare, the secretly potent forces like the vigilante squads, the heavily guarded artifacts and Liberatio, and the top-secret superhumans and grand magic formations, all combined — not to mention the new fortress that would be erected — provided him confidence in repelling the Empire. ‘Granted, the central legions' power in the Empire remains just as secretive.’ Thinking beyond that leads to infinite possibilities. Underestimating the enemy is fatal, but overestimating them also invites significant mistakes. Thus. “We continue with our preparations. If, when all’s said and done, war doesn’t happen... well, that would be a good outcome, wouldn’t it?” “...Indeed. That makes sense. Doesn’t it, everyone?” Upon the Swordmaster's agreement, the silent giant standing by let out a hearty laugh and bellowed robustly. "I have never doubted Your Majesty's words." "Nor have I. Your concerns are unfounded." With smiles and nods from Luther Kyle and Wicken Kalia, Logan finally grasped his mentor's intent. In times of heightened tension, even the slightest doubts among allies must be extinguished. Grateful for his mentor’s consideration, Logan responded with a smile. "Even if a war doesn’t break out immediately, they will certainly attempt to curb us in some way. The businesses and trade operations within the Empire might suffer significant impacts." "...That is an issue in itself." The Swordmaster’s expression grew grave once again. "But we already have contingencies in place." "Already?" "We had some unexpected help." The room followed Logan’s gaze as he turned to the side. "Duane, how are we progressing?" The Minister with a beard chuckled as he replied. "The cooperation from the Eastern House has been quite enthusiastic. Honestly, there could even be an internal rift within the Empire at this rate." The warriors who were unaware of the situation widened their eyes in surprise. * * * [You want me to stay at the royal palace longer?] "Indeed. That provides a pretext for the engagement." Gerard von Aserian smiled in response to his daughter Louisa’s query through the communication device. His expression was that of a doting father, yet his words remained uncompromising. [Disobeying the Imperial sanctions directly will have consequences. I'm already worried about the repercussions.] "Disobey? Surely not. The businesses operating under our family’s name are not McLine merchants, are they?" Louisa furrowed her brow at Gerard’s flippant remark. [Do you think the Imperial Family won't see through such a thin ruse? It won't last long.] "Hence the engagement serves as a cushion. We merely guarantee the identity of the trading merchants. It’s all for my daughter’s sake. Isn’t that an adequate pretext? Even in the worst case, we’d probably just get a warning." [Ha. You truly use anything to your advantage.] “Oh, using? Come now. You need the time, don't you?" [What are you implying, Father?] "Since the 'Tower Master' gave you unreasonable orders, you have reasons to remain there." [How did you… Wait, Father, do you have someone inside the tower as well!?] "Don’t worry. You know well enough that I would never cross a line that shouldn’t be crossed." He only hovered near that line, testing the waters. Although Gerard chuckled inwardly, swallowing the truth, his sharp-witted daughter seemed to grasp the point. Louisa’s face turned serious, and she spoke calmly. [Be cautious. Please don't ruin things by overreaching.] "Naturally, I've been meticulous in my dealings, so no need to worry." [The Grandmaster is a fearsome individual. Perhaps even more so than the Emperor, so you must never antagonize him.] As Louisa emphasized again, Gerard shook his head. "That would never happen." [Yet you have someone in the tower…] "If he were scarier than the Emperor, I wouldn't have cooperated with him." [....] Louisa found herself at a loss for words at his unexpected reply. Her father's uncharacteristically serious demeanor left her taken aback. Having never met the Emperor herself, such discourse was startling. [Do you really hold the Emperor in such high regard?] "Regard? Perhaps it's the opposite. Regardless, he's the most detestable person I’ve ever known." [….] “So be vigilant and more vigilant still. Do not trust anyone from the Imperial Family. That’s how I’ve survived until now. And it's also why I'm struggling to free myself from their yoke." [...Understood.] When his typically headstrong daughter, for the first time in ages, showed agreement, Gerard's face broke into a smile once more. "Good, that’s settled then. Ah, I heard you had some trouble recently?" [...You call being visited by spirits just a bit of trouble?] Despite his daughter’s exasperation, Gerard merely smiled. "Such encounters won’t harm you in any significant way, will they? Why fret over such trifles..." [Yet you call someone else the worst... honestly…] Ignoring her cold response, Gerard continued with a chuckle. "So, I thought I'd send you a gift." [No thank you.] "Oh? Will you dismiss it without even hearing what it is?" [Because you always judge only by your standards, Father. You never consider how others feel; even when Mother was around, everything was according to your wishes.] Though his face momentarily tightened at Louisa's frosty words, Gerard soon broke into a wry smile as if nothing happened. "Then, as usual, I’ll give a gift of my choosing. This time, you'll like it." [What... is it?] "Upset because of Varos, right? It’s a consolation gift from his brother, Clid, just for you." The eerie smile Gerard wore was unreadable, leaving Louisa puzzled about who it might be aimed at. The ongoing construction was for the stability and security of the northern part of the kingdom. Its primary purpose was to protect merchants traveling between the two nations, potentially strengthening bilateral relations... We express "strong" regret regarding your actions framing our nation as a potential enemy. Should you not cease, we will resort to military actions, and we make it clear that the responsibility lies with your government.