365 - Regressor of the Fallen Family

Chapter 365 "The Kassel Tower will be withdrawing from the Holy Nation." "Withdrawing?" "You know what I mean by that, Your Majesty." The one who first reacted to Louisa's words wasn't Logan, but Viktor, who was standing behind him. "Then the Saintess will be...!" "Of course, she will be safe. But it seems you are quite close to the Saintess, Sir Viktor?" Louisa giggled softly, making Viktor step back with a flushed face as he noticed all the eyes in the room on him. "...The Saintess is from the Maclaine diocese. No one here would not know of her." Logan's calm voice reverberated through the room, and everyone nodded in agreement, though Louisa suspected it to be a smokescreen. 'A mysterious figure closely acquainted with the Saintess, disappearing for a time and reappearing recently... What happened during that time? Something related to the Saintess... Oh, the Empire's Light Sword died in the Holy City, didn't she? Was she really that strong? So young?' Her mind was already racing with intriguing deductions, leading her to an almost certain intuition. Of course, she did not let it show. Now was the time to emphasize that she, as part of the Kassel Tower, was an ally to them. The gathering was, in name, to celebrate a 'joyous day'. It was a cheerful gathering where even the queen, rarely seen in official settings, had brought her pet along—perfect timing. "Is that so? Then have I brought good news?" Louisa exchanged a quiet smile with the queen and attempted to pet the dog. But— "Snort." The silver pup scoffed and evaded her hand, retreating behind the queen. With her hand left awkwardly in the air, Louisa maintained an uneasy smile, which the queen quickly relieved with a timely intervention. "Hmm, it is indeed good news. His Majesty seems to have one less worry now." 'A knight, they said, but now she just seems like a noblewoman.' Louisa smiled gratefully for the courtesy and turned her gaze back to Logan. "Well, we won't just withdraw. We need to keep the Imperial eyes on us, so we'll instigate a clash between the Holy Nation and the Empire before retreating." Those words cast a shadow over everyone's face in the room. "A clash? Then that means...?" As Logan's gaze shifted aside, Demian, standing silently, nodded with a heavy expression. "There was information that the Sword Spirit and the Mage of Bitter Wind have led their soldiers out of Aserian. Then does that mean...?" "...Maclaine is quick on the uptake. Yes, they are the sword the Emperor has drawn against the Holy Nation. And the Holy Nation will not dodge that sword but fight back. 'We' will make sure of that." "Uhm." Logan's low murmur shifted the atmosphere in the room. Feeling this, Louisa displayed a relaxed smile. "That's why I wanted to meet you all and convey this personally—to gain a little more trust. Also, to make an impression on Count Ronian, who is now officially my fiancé." With glossy black hair and eyes as blue as the sea, the young man in the stunning attire meant for the engagement ceremony averted his gaze with a dry chuckle. The gathering meant to start as a post-wedding celebration had transformed into a council of the kingdom's power players, leaving him bewildered. Louisa chuckled quietly at the sight and made a seamless transition, disregarding the tension lurking in the air. "...Though I apologize to Archbishop Illia, this is an unparalleled advantage for us, Your Majesty." The information Louisa delivered was startling enough for even the usually cautious speaker to make such a bold statement. Logan, too, was equally startled. 'In the range of potential scenarios I considered, this is among the most favorable...' Though termed the Holy Nation, its core, Nobience, was situated almost at the heart of the Empire's territory. Essentially, it meant chaos would erupt internally within the Empire, which was no disadvantage for Maclaine. However— "...It would be fortunate if it ends as chaos, but what if the Empire seizes the Holy Nation?" "They'd face backlash from faithful subjects across the continent. The Holy Nation's strength isn't confined to Nobience alone." While the Holy Knights were renowned, the majority of their forces were dispersed around the continent's various temples. The powers within Nobience constituted only a fraction of the Holy Nation's might. The real strength lay in the hearts of the continent's faithful and the Holy Knights and temple soldiers scattered all over. Yet Logan shook his head at that assertion. "I mentioned the Holy Nation, not just Nobience, Princess. The Emperor isn't one to embark on such reckless ventures without cause." Here comes another mention of the Emperor. 'As if he's seen the Emperor often enough to judge.' Louisa struggled to suppress a surge of anger, unclear even to herself who it was directed at, before calmly continuing. "Are you suggesting the Emperor has a justification to swallow the Holy Nation?" A question that seemed unlikely, still made most present instinctively nod in agreement. Logan was not entirely certain either. 'Logically, there shouldn't be any...' Had it been an easy feat, the Empire would have absorbed the Holy Nation ages ago. But the worst-case scenario required consideration. "If the pretext is to deal with 'you' within Nobience?" Louisa's eyebrow twitched slightly at the word 'you'. Her response, however, was prompt. "They would have to retreat immediately after. Temporarily occupying the Holy City doesn't justify taking over the Holy Nation." "They could claim to protect a Pope ensnared by conspiracy. There could be dealings to pressure and leverage the Pope, much like what you accomplished." "Or they might use the fallen Light Sword in the Holy City as an excuse. Though they are unaware of Maclaine's involvement." Louisa's sharp rebuttal made everyone's expressions subtly tense. Though no one made the mistake of casting accusing looks at Viktor, Logan's sense told him Louisa's gaze lingered on the young man, already wearing a flustered expression. However, Logan calmly replied, "I don’t understand what you mean." "Hmm, was it just my misunderstanding? Well, let's leave it at that. Anyway, not all temple priests are fools. Even a lucid pope would never agree to something like that." "The original pope was truly upright. He would rather sacrifice his life than walk a path he deemed unworthy..." "Hmm?" It was Viktor who responded to Louisa's sly remark. Perhaps he wished to change the subject. 'If you say that, it looks like you're admitting it even more!' At Logan's stern look, Viktor seemed to realize something and lowered his head with a pale face. "...The Saintess told me that." Logan sighed, turning the conversation elsewhere. "Yes, I’ve heard rumors about Cardinal Austin myself." Although heavily subjective, it was still worth taking into consideration. Then... "There might be another pretext." "What makes you think so? I believe that the Empire will settle for significant concessions from the Holy Nation." "Hmm." "Perhaps they aim to stabilize the rear before starting the war, avoiding trouble from the Holy Nation." "...That seems reasonable, Your Majesty." Even the previously antagonistic swordsman agreed with Louisa, and many others present nodded subconsciously, validating her argument as quite persuasive. Logan, however, still harbored unease. ‘The Emperor mobilized both the Sword Spirit and the Mage of Bitter Wind merely for rear stabilization?’ It tugged at his mind, an unfounded yet persistent anxiety. Reading his expression perhaps, Louisa continued with a smile. "If the Kassel Tower continued its 'work' with the Empire, things might have been different, but something irreversible has happened. You needn't worry unnecessarily." An irreversible incident—its meaning was clear. The event she orchestrated had led to this optimal outcome. ‘Is it really needless worry?’ Lacking a satisfactory justification even for himself, Logan merely offered a wry smile and nodded, raising his glass. "Very well. I seem to have somewhat dampened the mood on this fine day. Let's enjoy ourselves, even for a short while." Only then did everyone recall that this gathering was fundamentally a post-engagement celebration. "Oh... the engagement. Right, indeed." Poof. As Ronian, the one directly involved, muttered absentmindedly, light laughter spread around the room. It was a private gathering, inviting no other nobles, joined only by those akin to family. Hence, each person present held significant sway over the kingdom. As the conversation shifted to lighter topics befitting the occasion’s original intent, ‘For now, she’s an ally.’ Logan tried to dismiss his unease as he observed the blue-eyed princess naturally engaging in conversation with those around her. ‘I’ll be spending the night training.’ That, he determined, was the best way to clear his troubled mind. * * * Clang! Boom! A slender figure, pushed back by a powerful impact, sprang forward off the ground once more. Though she wore no armor, merely simple training clothes, the red aura enveloping her entire form shielded her from external threats more sturdily than any armor. Of course, that didn’t mean— "An opening." "Ugh!" Boom! She could entirely avoid harm from an opponent several levels superior. "Eek! Again!" Eileen quickly rose to her feet. Though darkness deepened outside the training grounds, the fiery intensity in the eyes of the red-haired woman blazed even more fiercely. Enough to tire out even Logan, who faced her. "Ha. Let’s call it a day, my lady." Although he intended to train through the night, it wasn’t meant to be like this. Logan tried to dissuade his wife with an awkward smile. "Why? I'm still full of energy." "Come on, are you going to keep this up? I’ve already admitted I was wrong." "Nope. I must prove to my husband that I am indeed a worthy knight." Eileen’s words put Logan in a tricky spot. "It’s not what it means." Recently, bringing Ronian and Viktor for intensive training, Eileen had gotten wind of it from someone else and was upset. "I have potential too! Are Ronian and Sir Viktor the only secret weapons?" "Like I said, that wasn’t my intention." "Then what is it?" "Well…” He couldn’t confess the truth, leaving him at a loss for words. ‘I just subconsciously wanted to prevent you from going to war. My mistake.’ To confess that would undoubtedly incite more anger. His wife was a knight, reaching a transcendent level in her mid-20s, successfully establishing a women’s troop with her in charge of training. He understood more than anyone her desire to live as a knight before being someone’s wife. ...or so he thought. 'I guess I'm inherently a man of Grandia origin.' He sighed. He was most taken aback by his subconscious attempt to exclude her from wartime, realizing he’d have to deal with the consequences himself. After much contemplation, Logan mustered a makeshift response. “Hm... I wanted to train together, just the two of us.” Adding a playful wink. Despite it being a desperate excuse, his wife’s expression twisted in disdain. “...Don’t talk nonsense.” And with that, she raised her sword, aiming it at him again. “Don’t you dare think of leaving me out again! I am a knight, a powerful aura user who can greatly aid you and the country!” ...So she knew all along. In that case, there was no point in further excuses. “I’m sorry.” Though the words were awkwardly delivered, they bore his sincerest apology. “And... thank you.” Eileen’s fiery demeanor subsided, a gentle smile gracing her lips. “Then, I get to join in the special training next time?” “Of course.” “Awesome!” Logan couldn't help but laugh at his wife's adorable fist-pumping exclamation. The uneasy feeling that had been bothering him since the morning seemed to fade away for a moment. But then Eileen said something unexpected. "Alright! I've sorted out my issue, so let's talk about what's bothering you. What's the problem?" "Excuse me?" "You've been lost in thought ever since the engagement party." "Oh..." Was it really that obvious? Logan felt slightly taken aback, but Eileen continued with a gentle smile. "How could I not know? We've been together for years." "...It's nothing significant." He appreciated her concern, but the problem seemed insoluble, and all Logan could manage was a bitter smile. "If it's nothing, then share it with me." Her blue eyes, still holding a trace of laughter, gazed softly into his, and Logan found himself revealing what he had been keeping to himself. "It's just... I'm uneasy about the situation with the Holy Nation." "Didn't you already reach a conclusion about that earlier?" "Yes, I did. It's probably just a matter of feelings... Or maybe it really is." A small stone he kicked tumbled lifelessly along the ground, stopping quickly—just as something seemed to weigh heavily on Logan's heart. "Uneasy... huh." Seeing his wife approach with a genuinely concerned expression, he couldn't help but smile. It wasn't as though someone else's worry would lighten his own, yet somehow, he felt relieved. "...It's fine." "What?" "Thanks to you, the uneasiness has disappeared. Let's head inside." "...I haven't done anything, though?" "You have. More than enough." "Huh?" Her puzzled expression appeared even more endearing, prompting Logan to simply take her hand. The warmth transferred from that simple touch filled his heart. But it seemed Eileen hadn't stopped thinking. "Why do you think the second prince is in the Holy Nation right now?" The unexpected question before reaching their quarters made Logan tilt his head. "Uh? Where did this come from...?" "It's about feeling uneasy about what's happening in the Holy Nation." "Oh..." It seemed she misunderstood his unease. He was worried about the Emperor's intentions... Grateful for her attempt to help, he answered with a grin. "Well, he tried to establish himself in the Holy Nation and fell out of favor, so he's kind of stuck there." "But why hasn't he returned to the Empire?" "Hmm. Probably because he’d get in serious trouble?" "And staying there isn't troublesome?" Their conversation took on a tone that seemed unfitting for a king and queen, but in the process, some clarity emerged in Logan's confused mind. "I suppose... it's not." A feeling that unconnected dots were starting to connect. "Could the Emperor have some plan, leaving the prince there purposefully?" "A plan?" "Like, something that would give them a pretext because the prince is there." "Oh, come on, what sort of pretext would that be? Unless Barros were to die there or something." Though he spoke in jest, as soon as he said it, Logan felt a flash of realization. 'Wait... could it be?' Was it possible? If Prince Barros, a candidate for the throne, were to die there, and no adequate reason came to light... 'It would provide the Empire with a reason to occupy the Holy Nation.' Sharing the same thought, he saw the stern look on Eileen’s face. "...No way, not even he would sacrifice his own son." "R-right? No way they would..." Even as they exchanged hesitant looks, a sense of foreboding lingered. Ultimately, Logan turned abruptly, his expression tense. "Do you think we can contact the Saintess?" "...Let’s try." "Damn it..." Logan began sprinting madly towards the communication room in the middle of the night.