347 - Regressor of the Fallen Family

Chapter 347: "What Is This...?" Sure, when you're acting, anything unexpected can happen. But performing in front of people you're familiar with already makes your skin crawl. Acting in front of someone you hardly know is almost unbearable. Especially when that someone happens to be the king of a neighboring country. “Last time, I was a bundle of nerves too. Damn it, when is His Majesty going to arrive!” The only ones Rick could rely on were two officials, Dwayne and Damian, who were watching with tense faces from the blind spot behind the communication portal. Rick struggled to act composed, concealing his trembling gaze. However, the other party, oblivious to Rick’s internal turmoil, was vehemently expressing his grievances through the communication portal. [Don’t just laugh; say something! Why on earth did Gael cause a ruckus in the empire!? Why must our homeland be subjected to the empire's threats? No matter the favor Maclaine granted, this is a blatant breach of agreement! Violation!] The words of King Cran III of Liberty held a firm basis. Being forced into unwanted acting, and now taking on a national issue, was enough to drive someone crazy. Still, it was fortunate that his irresponsible superior had contacted him before this communication arrived. A plan was already prepared. “Please calm down. Gael is already heading to Liberty and will handle it accordingly.” Rick’s composed smile and smooth tone would have even made Dwayne and Damian, who were observing, want to give a thumbs up. Of course, the counterpart, who was already in a frenzy, didn’t seem pleased with that tone. [How are you planning to handle this? This is the empire, the empire! They’ve sent someone from the empire...!] “I doubt the empire has made any official statement.” No matter how superhuman, a massive operation involving thousands of people had been penetrated by one from a small nation. Certainly not something to be publicly announced. [Well, that is true, but we cannot ignore their secret complaints!] “You can ignore them.” [Don’t speak so lightly! In the worst-case scenario, we may have to reveal Gael’s true identity regardless of the people’s disillusionment.] King Cran III shouted, yet Rick had anticipated even those words. An extraordinary individual from Liberty’s golden age being a foreign national? Once revealed, how could they handle the revolt from conquered lands and the disappointment of their citizens? – Liberty and Teronan are experiencing unprecedented turbulence. In the worst-case scenario, the royal family could be overturned. They absolutely cannot afford that. Rick smirked at the memory of his superior's words but couldn’t voice them outright. – People may seem rational but tend to act emotionally. Especially those who think they’re above others. Such individuals, when humiliated, can be unpredictable. – Aha! Like when His Majesty was young? – …Ugh. Y-Yes. The words of his superior, based on personal life experiences, carried weighty persuasion. Recalling this, Rick quickly composed himself. “We anticipated this and have already taken action. Gael will remedy the situation.” [But how can that happen without a word....] "If worse comes to worst, our homeland will also lend assistance, so there’s no need to worry excessively.” [...How exactly are you planning to handle this? The empire demands Gael Slayer's life!] What? His life? This was not part of the plan! Rick’s eyes anxiously swept over the space behind the communication portal. Damian quickly scribbled on a piece of paper and held it up. Rick discreetly read the words, rolling his eyes. “...Haha. The basics of a deal lie in negotiation. They likely proposed an excessive demand to gradually adjust as they go.” Luckily, his tone didn’t sound awkward even to himself. [Are you telling me to just leave everything to Gael and watch?] “That’s correct. And even if something goes awry, there’s no need to worry so much.” [Such irresponsible words....] King Cran III let out a hollow laugh, but Rick continued with a confident expression. “It’s Maclaine that shares a border with the empire, not Liberty. And we have no intention of conceding any ground to the empire under any circumstances. Our ‘mutual defense treaty’ remains firm. So rest assured. As long as we’re here, the empire won’t be able to do anything to your kingdom.” [.......] Even if it sounded like excessive confidence anyone would say, "we will confront the empire," King Cran III was momentarily speechless. Yet a realistic proposition was layered on top of that. “If Gael fails to resolve the situation and the empire demands excessive compensation, our kingdom will take responsibility.” [...Will you truly do that?] “Of course.” Rick, or rather Logan’s smile, fully reassured King Cran III. Certainly. Beep. Beep. Beep. “Whew….” Had King Cran III seen Rick collapse into his seat as soon as the communication ended, he might not have been so convinced. “Well done, Rick.” “My heart, oh... Why am I dealing with foreign affairs too? Managing palace affairs is already overwhelming enough!” “It’s over now. You did great. Ah, stop lamenting!” Dwayne gently patted Rick’s back as he whimpered about his plight. Rick quickly regained composure, lifted his head abruptly, and began to question Dwayne. “Was this really a premeditated action? His Majesty claimed he’d return soon, so why do we find ourselves in this predicament?” Rick shouted with Logan’s face, his expression showing signs of frustration. But, not knowing how to answer that question, Dwayne could only avert his gaze. Instinctively, both men’s eyes turned to meet Damian, who wore an awkward smile. “His Majesty did mention transforming into Gael in advance, but...” “I know that much.” “Same here.” “...Then I don’t know anything beyond that.” At Damian's words, both Dwayne and Rick sighed simultaneously. “Looks like His Majesty came up with another grand idea, making my skin crawl.” “No kidding. It seems like another impulsive move.” Hearing the word "impulsive," both the one who uttered it and those listening couldn’t help but shudder. Everyone in that room had experienced heart-stopping moments multiple times because of Logan’s impulsive actions. “Please, let it result in something good this time.” All they could do was pray in unison. * * * [Gael Slayer... he is.] “The one who killed Elder Gerohin.” In a dark room. An old man, ageless in appearance, nodded from within the communication portal that was the only source of light. [Yes, I've heard that name before. Luckily, it's just a superhuman from a small nation.] “Yes, that is correct.” Why would being a superhuman from a small nation be considered fortunate? If anyone overheard their conversation, they would be bewildered, but the individuals involved were entirely convinced. “The three elders, including myself, will join the empire’s envoy under the command of the Eastern King.” [Do whatever it takes. Bring back the holy sword.] Understanding the weight of those words, the man clad in a black robe chuckled grimly. “If we act too aggressively, we might accelerate the war the empire is planning...” [That would be even better.] The old man’s laughter—in the communication portal, known as the grand master—seemed too innocent, which made it even more unsettling. The man in the black robe, however, simply bowed his head without showing any sign of discomfort. “Understood.” [No, to be sure, send five.] “What?” The man's surprised head shot up at those words. Sending five elders would mean involving nearly all the elite from the eastern continent’s tower. Essentially, it was an order to go all out. [Initially, trusting it solely to Harvey, worried about drawing the emperor’s attention, was a mistake. But in a way, this situation turned out advantageous.] Superhuman or not, he was still atypical and lacking for his position. To call the death of an elder a good thing? Unable to easily comprehend his words, the man hesitated to speak, while the grand master continued, indifferent to the man’s feelings. [Now we’ll acquire the holy sword outside the empire, and present the emperor with another artifact. We have plenty of plausible substitutes to deceive him.] “Ah…” [So send five. Use whatever means necessary to retrieve the holy sword securely.] “Yes!” [Bring forth the ‘Era of Gods’ return with our own hands.] A goal for the organization. Achieving it with his own hands made the man under the black robe tremble in elation. * * * “You say the Eastern King will provide personnel?” Clid clearly showed disbelief at those words. ‘What is he planning?’ But within the communication portal, the Eastern King, Gerard, remained expressionless. [Did our agents not fulfill their roles adequately? As an apology, I'm volunteering.] “Is it because of the deceased mage?” [...You knew about that too, did you. Well, I won’t deny it. He was a talent I cherished, thus I must be compensated for his life as well.] “If that's the case, I'm afraid we must decline.” [Hmm? Nephew, did you misunderstand me?] “Yes. My goal is not to hunt down the perpetrator.” [Hmm?] “I intend to use this incident to quietly annex the Kingdom of Liberty to the empire under my terms.” [Oh, is that so. Impressive. You truly have grand ambitions.] “Thank you, but hence, I must refuse your Highness’s assistance.” He had to avoid excessive help for the sake of scoring points in the succession war. Although the empty flattery was to be ignored, a spirited laughter from the other side followed. [Ahaha. You misunderstood my intentions. I also expect compensation in the form of results. Did you really think I sought revenge? What would the profit in that be?] What? It was a remark perfectly in line with someone who had laughed off even an assault on his daughter, prompting Clid to inadvertently question. “…So?” [I'll have you decide the leader. I’ll merely send a substantial number of aides. And technically, wasn’t it I who tipped off about the ruins? How can we thoroughly interrogate without our people there? Just ensure that when you handle the matter, a small reward comes our way.] “Hmm…” Clid observed the sly face in the communication. How much was genuine? However, he gained no insight, only a renewed impression that with someone like the Eastern King, ambitions couldn’t be discerned merely by appearance. “…Let me reiterate. My aim is not the relics but the complete surrender of Liberty. We must secure promises and evidence of this, and it must be done quietly.” [Haha. Worried about the succession contest, are you? There's no need to fret, Nephew. I’m not that oblivious. I won’t employ the force of the Eastern Kingdom. Plus, since we initiated this together, even if His Majesty learns of it, he’ll accommodate it.] This man is exasperating. Every word, peeling through layers of conjecture, even mentioning unnecessary matters that aggravate those listening. This behavior was even more irksome when paired with that laugh, especially because his words were almost entirely accurate. [I’ll only send five from our side. They will be very useful.] Although slightly displeased, the number wasn’t offensive. ‘Is he truly aiding me instead of his actual nephew?’ But now that the ruins’ existence was proven, it seemed somewhat reliable. Of course, it could be building trust only to betray at a decisive moment. ‘I must remain vigilant.’ Without betraying his inner thoughts, Clid merely smiled. “Very well. Thank you for your consideration, ‘Uncle.’” [No, no. I’m responsible for what I promised to assist with, ‘Nephew.’] In their mutual smiles, the sincerity was less than 1%. And both men were fully aware of it.