434 - Regressor of the Fallen Family

Chapter 434 "...The forces gathered here at Kyle Castle, as well as those stationed in the various fortresses, are still not withdrawing. The imperial army has already crossed the central continent and is heading west." "They're also delaying the retreat of the Allied Kingdoms' forces. Using the pretext of 'clearing the battlefield' for over a month now." In a corner of Kyle's inner castle. A middle-aged man with blonde hair snapped his fingers, and a small flame shot from his fingertips, igniting the candles scattered around the dimly lit room. "Their intentions are as transparent as this fire. Whether the empire is aware of it or not..." As the room brightened with natural flame magic, a black-haired beauty frowned. "Wasn't it your idea, Father, to keep as quiet as a mouse?" "That doesn't mean we have to wallow in gloom. The Tower Master's orders have been issued; it's time for us to move." "...Father." "Hmm?" "When the day the Tower Master mentioned arrives, will I really be able to meet Mother again?" Gerard, who had been smiling, showed a moment of hesitation at her words. "...Why bring that up now? Haven't we already settled this matter?" "It's just... With the Kingdom Manor lost, I wonder if Mother would approve of how we are now." Seeing the bitterness etched on his daughter's face, Gerard's expression hardened as well. "Of course she would. And under her influence, we will experience greater glory than before. Wasn't that the promise?" "..." When Louisa fell silent, his voice rose. "Haven't you witnessed the many miracles the Tower Master has shown us? As someone trained in the Tower's magic, why do you have less faith than I do?" "...Yes, that's true." But then, why do I feel... So uneasy? She couldn't bring herself to voice the thoughts circling in her mind. 'The Tower Master is human too.' With the ongoing victories of Mekline, the once absolute predictions of the Tower Master were being disproven one by one, and even her once unshakeable belief was beginning to crack. "The time is approaching. We're doing well. Therefore, let's make a move. First, we need to gain Logan King's trust, as per our orders." "...How? King Logan doesn't trust me; he even rejected my participation." "That's because of your magic. This father and Jay made quite an impact in the last war, didn't we? We've laid the groundwork to build that trust." Gerard shrugged while glancing at Jay, who was standing behind him, but Louisa remained skeptical. "Even so, I doubt King Logan will trust us." Gerard merely responded with a gentle smile, despite her pessimism. "We just need to show our sincerity. It's actually easier now that he's become an Aura Master." "Excuse me?" "In legends about grand magicians or Aura Masters, they say these figures can read the hearts of people. The Tower Master confirmed this to be true. So all we need to do is reveal our sincerity." Louisa was familiar with the tale, which only made her worry that her identity might be exposed quickly. But... "Really, us?" Wouldn't that lead straight to execution? Her question bore such implications, but Gerard's smile only grew wider. "Yes. Only our good intentions, of course." "That's easier said than done..." "This father of yours has been doing it for twenty years. Even before the Emperor." With that, Louisa could no longer argue. "Though I didn't anticipate him being a grand magician back then." Gerard's bitter smile appeared as he recalled the image of the emperor from the last war, prompting an involuntary shiver at his fingertips. The sheer might of manipulating Logan Mekline, the continent's foremost sword, at his whim. For decades, he had unwittingly been walking a dangerously fine line, akin to a tightrope. "Before ascending the throne, he was only about 3-circle level..." "Twenty years have passed, Father." "Isn't it more astonishing to become a grand magician in 'just' twenty years?" Louisa answered with silence. Having reached the mastery of a magician at a young age through the Tower's secrets, she understood how lofty and formidable the great mage's barrier was. As her father suggested, if becoming a grand magician were feasible in merely 'twenty' years, countless magicians would gladly trade their souls for it. "Let's not dwell on it. Even if the Imperial family harbors secrets, we have no means of addressing it now." "Right. My point is, if we show King Logan the sincerity that benefits him, earning his trust won't be difficult. The only real issue between us is the past conflicts within the Alliance of Kingdoms." Louisa refrained from telling him that not everyone was as adept at mind control and offered another excuse. "I also have my own issues." "But no one died, did they? The same goes for our past dealings with the Allied Kingdoms. The only losses were for the Tower, not Mekline." "That's true." "We share a common enemy. If we bury past grievances, there's no law against becoming allies." Ultimately, Louisa had to admit there was logic in her father's words. "So, how do we proceed?" "Leave that to me." With a confident smile, Gerard sought out Logan on that very day. * * * "Strike the Empire?" "If we leverage this opportunity, toppling the Empire might not be as formidable as you think. Consider it, Your Majesty." "...How should I interpret your sudden proposition, Gerard?" Although his demeanor was calm, Gerard could perceive the hidden bewilderment. Even the greatest warriors must respect the wisdom of years gone by. Suppressing his thoughts, he gave a knowing smile. "Am I reading Your Majesty's intentions correctly?" "...Surely you understand that such a comment sounds rather unsettling?" To Gerard's discerning eyes, even the King's frowning expression seemed like a practiced performance. 'One doesn't need to be an Aura Master to read minds.' As a middle-aged man whose life had been tied to the machinations of the Ares Empire's royal family, he had become adept at gauging a person's thoughts with just the slightest change in expression. "I'm suggesting that I can assist in your grand plan, Your Majesty. Pursuing revenge against the Empire is my life's ambition." "...From previous encounters, Gerard, you have surprised me several times. It's hard to fathom your motivations." Those crimson eyes seemed to delve deep into his mind. Gerard met those eyes directly, revealing his true intentions without a hint of deceit. "Understandable. Since it involves imperial secrets, I shall speak frankly. It all began around the time Kaisers became the Crown Prince…." His tale ultimately touched on the sensitive subject of his wife, and Gerard bared his long-held rage towards the imperial family before a foreign king. "That's how revolting my journey has been. Hence, I allied with Kassel Tower Master. And now, I see this time as the perfect opportunity to realize my dream, Your Majesty." He didn’t need to act. Merely recounting the festering wounds of the past reignited his deep-seated fury towards the imperial family. The king’s candid counter followed Gerard’s ‘heartfelt’ appeal. "...Hmm, a rather tragic and startling tale. I understand the story, but I find it hard to believe Gerard could offer substantial help to warrant talk of conquest." Even that was enough to make Gerard clench his fist. He wasn’t dismissing the notion of conquering the Empire. Moreover, the trust that hadn’t been there before the conversation now glimmered in those red eyes staring back at him. It suggested that Logan believed every word he had just heard. It seemed to confirm the ancient tales about Aura Masters were indeed true. 'It might still be faint, but...' By acknowledging a dangerous proposal without further scrutiny, it seemed like the first goal was achieved. Then, now... "Of course, it wouldn’t suffice for someone like me to lead the army. That’s why I’ve been considering other ways to assist—my daughter gave me a clue." "Oh? Princess Louisa?" "She's not quite a princess anymore... ahem, let me get to the point. Isn’t it perhaps wise to marshal the Allied Kingdoms’ forces as well? Although it might be challenging to persuade them, we can significantly reduce that effort for you." "Hmm?" "By brainwashing some of the Allied Command to move according to your desires, wouldn't that significantly help?" Gerard confidently presented his plan, and Logan replied with a smile. "I must decline." Gerard froze momentarily while maintaining his smile. Soon, he forced himself to speak again. "...Haha. Naturally, Your Majesty must have dual strategies in mind. But wouldn't that take quite some time? With the power of the Tower, we can drastically reduce that time. I assure you, no evidence will be left behind." His hastened speech mirrored his urgent mind. Nevertheless, Logan's expression remained unchanged. "It's better not to create opportunities for leverage in the first place. And we have ample means to persuade the Allied Kingdoms. Nevertheless, if you so ardently seek revenge on the Empire, there's something I would like to ask of you, Gerard." The moment he heard this, Gerard felt a foreboding sense. He didn’t want to hear more, but simply leaving now was also problematic. "...Please, speak." "I'd like to meet with the Kassel Tower Master; can you arrange that?" ...Damn it. For the first time, Gerard's previously confident expression crumpled. * * * —I cannot promise, but I will try my best. Recalling the resolute Gerard who had left, Logan chuckled to himself. There really wasn't a need to turn down those offering help at this moment. Even though the Holy Nation was pursuing Kassel Tower, catching them wouldn’t be easy. The Empire no longer has the capacity to focus on them either. 'This means if we are to leverage them, now is the opportune time. However...' Is it truly necessary? Even if help goes unnoticed, the risk remains. 'I could expose weaknesses to them unnecessarily.' Logan moved his aura with a ferocious smile. The core that resounded through his heart was now free of the pain it once caused. Realizations gained from observing Viktor's brand accelerated its recovery. Not only that, but the previously vague path beyond Aura Master had become clearer, shattering the notion that advancement slows as one ascends to higher realms. Yet, even so. 'There’s no assurance I can defeat the Emperor or the Kassel Tower Master until I'm truly at that level.' Thus, certainty was crucial. While they shared a common enemy. While the Kassel Tower Master still believed him not to be an enemy, meeting directly was necessary to gauge the potential threat. And if that threat proved lighter than anticipated... 'I can always cut them down on the spot.' Logan rolled the increasingly golden aura in his palm, baring a savage grin. While the Kassel Tower might contemplate cooperation to face mutual foes, he never intended to let them be. 'Exploit them if possible. But...' They were enemies that needed to be dealt with eventually. Even without memories from his past life or the warnings of the Sword Saint, he vividly recalled how ancestor Gibrick Kassel once tried to snatch away his very soul. He also remembered the atrocities they committed against Tria during the war with Allied Kingdoms. If the Emperor and the Empire were adversaries to be vanquished for the future, then the Kassel Tower was akin to pests that needed to be relentlessly crushed at every opportunity. However, the timing was the real challenge. And now... 'Will they respond favorably?' Would he have the chance to meet another grand magician, a being who had supposedly swallowed mysterious truths like a serpent? How powerful could such a figure be? Suppressing the excitement that welled up from his curiosity, Logan closed his eyes for a moment. Regardless of how they might react, the immediate priority lay elsewhere. He needed to prepare to march against the Empire. 'By now, has the imperial army arrived in the west?' Taking a steady breath, Logan called out toward the exterior of his office. "Summon Sir Damian!"