372 - Regressor of the Fallen Family

Chapter 372 "Resources within the empire are being concentrated around the capital. It truly seems like war is imminent." "What do we predict the outcome to be?" "The Holy Kingdom won't fall easily, but it's hard to compare with the empire." "Is it due to the difference in military strength?" "Yes. However, it's not just about numbers. The Holy Kingdom might have more regular troops." "That's true. They have an enormous number of holy knights." "Right. But it is impossible to gather all the temple forces spread across the continent to Nobienso. Furthermore, the qualitative differences are significant." Damian's voice resonated quietly, drawing the full attention of everyone in the room to him. "Even if we substitute the soldiers' training level with the fanaticism peculiar to them, there are only three superhumans known in the Holy Kingdom aside from the sacred sword. However, that isn't the primary reason we predict their defeat." "Is there a bigger reason?" "The biggest issue is that the Holy Kingdom's base is solely in Nobienso." "Hmm?" "Even if they gather all the temple forces scattered across the continent, if they find themselves surrounded by the imperial forces and subjected to continuous attacks, their supply lines will eventually crumble." Damian's reasoning was highly persuasive. Those present, including the Sword's Crown, Luther, and Wiken, the legion commander, all nodded in agreement. Padric McLean, who hadn't attended a royal meeting in a long time, and Clayton, the Royal Tower Master and head of the Magical Brigade, exchanged a glance of mutual consent. Hidden superhumans like Ronion and Victor, as well as Clayton's disciple, Victoria, also stepped back and listened to the meeting intently. In this gathering of the royal palace's true powers, Damian spoke his mind without hesitation. "In any case, viewing the current situation, it's ideal for us." "Even if the empire conquers the Holy Kingdom?" "...Even if the empire annexes the Holy Kingdom while pushing their current justification, the adjustment period will take at least ten years." "And after that?" "...The empire's power, representing even the spirit of the continent, will likely endure for another thousand years. Of course, before that, the entire continent will be under the empire's heel." At those words, the atmosphere in the room grew even heavier. Logan too looked serious but attempted to lighten the mood with his measured words. "Well, in any case, the current situation is favorable. So, what should we do at this point?" "Attacking the empire first would..." "...The empire's eastern corps and the mysterious central corps haven't even moved. While it might be beneficial to split their focus with a preemptive strike, most of the strategies we've prepared are defensive. There's no need to provoke the empire unnecessarily by stepping into their line of fire." "...Yes, that shouldn't be the case. I was impulsive." Luther Kyle, the fourth corps commander, who hadn't attended a royal meeting for quite some time, said, shrinking under the critical gaze of those around him. "I too would love to, but the situation doesn't allow for such leisure, Commander Luther. I understand you're itching for action, but please hold back your competitive spirit." "Yes, Your Majesty. I apologize." "Then what should we do, Damian?" "The most ideal situation for us would be for the empire to engage in a war of attrition with the Holy Kingdom and then simply withdraw. Of course, the emperor has no intention of doing that." "Is there any chance that might happen?" "It depends on the 2nd Prince, who disappeared." "Prince Barros?" "Yes. The empire has already made the existence of the Black Serpent and the Cassel Tower public, putting the prince in a position where no one would believe what he says. But..." Damian exchanged a knowing smile with Logan. It was Logan who had provided the crucial information that allowed Barros to escape. Considering what was relayed through the Holy Maiden at that time, the conversation was predictable. "He must've anticipated this situation if he knew beforehand and escaped." "Yes. While it might be an unreasonable expectation, there's a high chance he prepared a way to retaliate against the royal family that abandoned him." "Yes, if that's the case, nothing could be better. But as you said, it's just hope. I want to know what we can do." "As you suspect, we cannot support the Holy Kingdom at the national level. That would be tantamount to a declaration of war against the empire." "That's true." "Hence, we can only send a few elite individuals to aid the Holy Kingdom. Preferably, those with unknown identities." Damian seemed to forcefully utter difficult words, glancing towards the high seat and specifically beside the king with a vague smile. Queen Eileen, the one aimed at by his gaze, looked away with a stern expression, and as his eyes met his wife's, Logan could only offer a bitter smile and a shake of his head. "The Cassel Tower has magic to recall the past by observing the memory of the land. And there was a recent signal from Tyr..." The Cassel Tower would likely have discerned that Gail and he were the same person. "They're probably frantically searching for me due to the sacred sword. Even if I disguise myself differently, stepping forward now would be a gamble." With the empire as the greatest adversary, he had to maintain a low profile for the moment, unsure of how he might be utilized if found. He figured they'd start tracking him as soon as he set foot outside Grang. Concluding this, Logan spoke. "I can't go right now." At those words, Eileen visibly relaxed. 'Does she worry so much about me?' He felt a warm pride in his heart, but Eileen instantly surprised him. "Then it's time for Armored to step in instead of Gail." "What?!" Logan almost half-jumped out of his seat. Armored, famed as the 'Protector of Theronan' among the small kingdom alliances, was Eileen's disguised self. He never expected that name to come up here. However, Eileen looked at her husband with unwavering eyes. "Why not? I can't change my force color like you, but there's no need for that." "Ah, no, that's not the issue..." Logan involuntarily glanced at his brother and Victor. Initially, he had considered those two and Burdel in the line-up. Admittedly, it could be considered a selfish choice, but he truly hadn't considered the prospect of his wife going to war. However, his wife's perspective appeared quite different. "The lineup fits perfectly, doesn't it? Besides, given my abilities, I'm exceptionally suited for survival. I've already disguised as a man in the Kingdom Alliance." "...No." "I see you keep glancing at Sir Victor or Count Ronion, but they have issues with the color of their force, which could lead to future problems. I'm the most suitable candidate." "…Ugh." Her logic was flawless. Yet, the selfish, inadequate husband in him looked desperately at the elders around the table for support. The Sword's Crown cleared his throat and stepped forward. "Your Majesty, it seems rather impractical for a queen of a nation to participate as a mercenary in a foreign war..." "Oh my, Your Excellency. It's not the Queen of the McLean Kingdom, but the guardian of Theronan, Armored Hassen, who will step forward. Though, for discretion, a different identity might be better." With the Sword's Crown rendered speechless, it was time for the father-in-law to step in. "The kingdom's heart lies with the royal family, and the royal family's core is the safety of the royal couple. The king and queen must remain here to ensure a stable kingdom..." "The king has already stepped out numerous times, didn't he? Besides, thanks to that, we've found reliable substitutes. You don't need to worry, Father." "...What?" Padric, baffled, turned his intimidating gaze towards Logan. - What on earth have you been doing? Having stayed predominantly on the McLean estate, he wasn't at all aware of Logan's covert actions. Feeling despair at his father's expression, Logan scanned the room, hoping for a lifeline, but his close aides appeared preoccupied with studying the ceiling or the floor. Just when Logan was beginning to feel a faint twinge of betrayal, Eileen glared at him with a stern expression. "What is that look? You're allowed, but I'm not? Surely, you're not suggesting another scenario like before...!" "Ah. Hahaha. Of course not." He laughed, but beads of cold sweat trickled down. Which man on earth wishes for his wife to head to the battlefield, wielding a sword? But to Eileen, who wished to be a knight above all else, such words were akin to an insult. And if he truly loved her, he needed to respect her wishes. 'Yes, I must respect her.' He immediately realized this mistake, yet here he was making it again. Logan heaved a sigh, chastising his own foolishness, then regained his composure and nodded resolutely. "Alright. But let's send Ronion, Victor, and Burdel along with you." "...What?" Everyone was stunned, not just Eileen. "Your Majesty! That's too excessive..." The Sword's Crown hastily added, but Logan shook his head with a calm demeanor. "No, it's the empire we're dealing with. We must take every measure available. Using all unknown superhumans is the right approach. If by any chance the Holy Kingdom wins the war because of this, that would be ideal." His words were filled with unwavering hope, which made them hard to reject. The fact that the Holy Kingdom lacked superhuman strength compared to the empire had been discussed earlier. However, there was one more superhuman in McLean that Logan hadn't considered. "Your Majesty, I will go too." "Ria!?" "What!?" Victoria stepped forward confidently amidst the shocked reactions of her brother and mentor, wearing a smile. "Ria, your magic's characteristics are too..." "Don't worry, Your Majesty. I can handle superhumans without using golems. More importantly... I'm too anxious to let my foolish brother go alone. Please let me go too." Logan turned to look at Victoria with a bewildered expression while her brother shook his head fervently in protest. However, Clayton, although concerned, nodded in agreement. "In terms of earth magic, she's already surpassed my level." "Urgh..." At that declaration, Victor, who had been about to speak, sank back into his seat with a groan. Yet, there were those who expressed concern nonetheless. "Isn't it too risky to have them all leave at once?" "The queen has a reliable substitute, so there's no issue. As for the others, publicly, they are merely the king's brother and his friends, the best magus disciple in the kingdom, and mercenaries." "But if even one of them encounters trouble, the losses to the kingdom would be considerable." "That's why they must be sent together. I've instructed them to prioritize each other's safety above all else, even amidst war." "Hmm... if that's the case, then." With the most conservative voice of the kingdom's high command, the Sword's Crown, stepping back, everything was decided. * * * [Five unknown superhumans? I knew about Sir Victor, but... Truly remarkable, Your Majesty.] "I'm only sorry I can't offer more help. Officially, we're also in a position where we must be cautious." In response to Logan's words, Ilia on the communication orb waved it off, shaking her head. [No, that alone is an overflowing assistance. McLean truly has been preparing for a fight against the empire. How did you foresee this?] "Pardon?" [With the continuous aid received from Your Majesty, it makes one wonder if you possess some sort of foresight.] "Ah... Haha, no such thing. I simply came to the conclusion, after observing the emperor and experiencing the empire, that this would eventually happen." Though it was only partially true, Logan answered sincerely. Yet, the Holy Maiden's reply carried an odd tone. [Then, those who observed the same things but failed to foresee this seem rather lacking.] There was something peculiar in her words, a hint of sharpness that made Logan tilt his head and look into the communication orb. Within it stood the Holy Maiden, her ethereal white visage, emblematic of her papal standing.