Chapter 130
Chapter 130
Chapter 130
Regressor of the Fallen Family Chapter 130
A similar scene unfolded once again, two weeks prior.
The western gate of Alrun Castle opened, and the lords of the castle stepped out to welcome their guests.
A sizable knights order over five hundred strong.
Plus, two superhumans.
Indeed, their visage was all the same, including the palanquin carried by the eight soldiers at the forefront.
Descend. I shall greet them myself, the owner of the palanquin declared, fully embodying the changed atmosphere from his previous demeanor.
Loyalty! I, Patrick McLaine, report the successful completion of our mission to his royal highness, Romaine von Grandia, the rightful heir to the throne!
The successful completion of a mission?
Yordan tried to object to their sly choice of words, designed to avoid public criticism, but the prince interjected before he could speak.
Hahaha! Indeed. Patrick, I commend your achievements. And to the McLaine soldiers, all of you have done well!
To see Prince Romaine, who often looked down on the nobility, extend his praise, albeit carelessly, to common soldiers was a shock for the soldiers who remained unreactive but not for the knowing nobility.
Theyre being treated as high-grade nobles.
A power player has emerged.
This needs to be noted carefully.
As the nobles were busy with their thoughts, the pinnacle of this event put an end to their speculations.
Welcome the heroes of grand merit! Show your respect to McLaine knights!
Wowwww!
Yordan Valdermaines proclamation was met with a thunderous cheer that enveloped the castle.
However, another person standing behind him looked furious beyond words.
* * *
The Second Princes faction didnt just loudly welcome McLaine, the festivities extended within the deepest mansion of Alrun Castle, where accommodations were arranged for McLaines soldiers.
The welcome event in the main hall of the inner castle ran smoothly despite everyone donning armor and the absence of alcohol in the drinks, signifying the presence of delicate refreshments. Almost every influential noble of the Second Princes faction attended, signifying a potential arrangement of elite forces.
Except the Bifrost party, of course.
Roger Bifrost, claiming fatigue, excused himself, which went unchallengedeveryone knew the tensions between his party and McLaine.
And among the celebrated guests from McLaine, only two were present: Patrick and Logan.
The Second Prince is mine to deal with. All you have to do is smile through it. Since Ive given you all the real power, theres no way my blunders will hold us back.
True to his word, Patrick shared whispers with the Second Prince, laughing away, impenetrable to anyone else. Meanwhile, Logan conversed with a gray-haired giant of a man, keeping the other nobles at a distance.
Despite the internal chuckle, Logan bowed politely towards Duke Yordan.
First, let me apologize on this occasion that we did not attack from the rear as promised.
Oh no, its alright. Honestly, it was a tricky situation to start with. You managed to find your way around it to achieve merit, and thats enough.
The duke spoke with a smile and patted him on the shoulderhis eyes betraying no humor. If one wasnt close enough to notice, they might have missed the tension in his flawless acting.
Blaze Sword, my foot, more like an icy snake.
Suppressing his inner cynicism, Logan smiled back.
Thank you for understanding.
Oh, understanding, indeed. Thats only natural. Merit should be rewarded. I apologize once again for suspecting you at first. But you know, we had our reasons.
Of course. We are grateful for the warm reception.
Hahaha! Well, I am thankful you understand. But
But if thats the case, may I presume my conditions have been accepted?
Interrupting the duke, Logans direct question felt louder than it was. The surrounding nobles from the Second Princes faction intensely shifted their gaze towards them.
Yordans face tightened for a moment before relaxing again.
Well! Well review it positively. If we win thanks to you, what could we possibly deny? But
But then you agree to acknowledge Bifrosts territory, half of the Count of Callians land, and also the title of Count?
The counter-question halted Yordan, and the atmosphere chilled as silence fell upon them.
Hm ahem. Didnt I say wed review it positively? I cant decide that alone. The prince is here too. Youre young and full of fire, but considering higher-ups circumstances would do you good, no?
Trying to laugh off the tension, the duke spoke again. But the hand upon Logans shoulder was subtly sending a force meant to intimidate and shrink the heart, although the recipient wasnt fully aware of it.
Hmm?
Despite an understanding that powers influence both mind and body, Logan, who prided himself on surpassing human limits, could barely sense ita cunning tactic that left him amazed.
Could this also be a skill acquired through becoming a superhuman?
He thought, feigning submission, and bowed his head.
Ah Indeed, I might have been too forward. My apologies.
No matter. Young people can be like that sometimes.
Yordans relieved smile returned, but Logan already got what he wantedsecuring his position in the noble circle after their interaction.
Becoming a superhuman for this? What a rotten thing to do
Suppressing his irritation and the vibration from his inner force core, Logan discretely allowed the dukes subtle forces to escape from his body, as if he had indeed been impacted, breaking into a cold sweat.
Moments later, other nobles approached him.
Young lord Logan, may I ask about those weapons?
Could we have a moment to talk?
Wow, your feats were impressive. My name is
Unimportant nobles, apart from the marquises. However, Logan smilingly conversed with each, skillfully dodging troublesome inquiries.
Id rather go back to battle. Damn it.
As he sighed within, another noble interjected.
If we have no stock, could you provide us with a sample or blueprints, at least?
Brown hair, blue eyesthe unremarkable Marquis Talos had made a sudden appearance.
Lucen Count Talos.
Hmm, appreciate the remembrance. Im often forgettable, you see.
Could someone really overlook a principal figure of the faction?
Thats unthinkable. Its an honor to converse, my lord.
In response to his excessive humility, Logan bowed deeply, causing Lucens blue eyes to flicker slightly.
An honor, you say? Does this mean youll agree to my request?
Anticipating this, Logan dutifully recited his prepared response.
The blueprints wont be difficult, but considering the current situation, production and deployment to the field would take time and may prove meaningless.
If we focus our resources, it might be possible in a short span.
Hmm. Well, if you say so, wouldnt be too hard to manage.
Really?
Of course.
The repeating crossbows would be as weak as the ones used by the Wolves, while the details on Liberatio would be pure fabrications. Thered be no time to prove their worth, after all.
Whats so difficult? Were all on the same boat.
Logans words, heartfelt in his mind, painted a completely different picture with his broad smile.
Haha! Are you truly willing? Its not easy to part with valuable things. I seem to have misjudged you.
Lucen laughed heartily, patting Logan on the shoulder.
That (somewhat) modest gathering hadnt been long over when Logans deal reached the ear of an angry someone.
How dare they decide over my land!
Crash!
A tempest whirls around a middle-aged man with blue eyes turning red with fury.
* * *
While the Second Princes faction extolled the McLaines achievements, the greater focus was the defeat of the Kairon Wolves, especially since one half of the twin fortresses housed nearly 30,000 inhabitants. Seizing their food could alleviate immediate shortages or so they thought.
But for the First Princes faction, who just witnessed their three supply bases burnt down, the outlook was grim. Nobles, mostly indifferent to peasants lives, faced the reality that most villagers wouldnt have their last harvests food at such a time.
Even if we seized everything inside the fortress, it would last perhaps a week. If we confiscate from the villages outside, we might secure several months worth, but our enemies wouldnt just stand by.
Are we to abandon this fortress?
If we fail to find more provisions, that may be our only choice.
Damn Those rat bastards have truly spread their poison. Turen, perhaps, but how did they learn about Alston and Pherents? Is there a spy among us? Curse them!
Sire, I hesitate to say, but I might have an idea.
Then speak right away, man!
Its that Alston and Pherents both served as granaries for Kairos. I fear they might be related to those bat folks
Juan Douglas eyes seared with fury upon hearing his lieutenants words.
Thus, when the First Princes desperate forces reemerged from Alrun castles gates.
The once scorned as merchants or dubbed The Golden Knights, the Kairos knights, truly insignificant among the baronies, fronted the First Princes advancing army.