Episode 81
“It’s cut off. I’m sad, but what does that mean? Past family mistakes are mistakes, and blood ties are blood ties. Considering the amount of support that Kairos has provided over the past ten years, wouldn’t we be able to turn a blind eye to one mistake?”
“That’s too bad.”
“what?”
“It would have been plausible if the mistake had not been to ignore a blood relative who was about to fall off a cliff.”
Veron’s face twitched slightly at Logan’s words.
He knew from the beginning that it was unreasonable, but he had no idea that he would be treated like this by his nephew, who was so young.
To the point where I feel pathetic for the person I was 30 minutes ago who thought it was fortunate that we could talk naturally at a party rather than in person.
Of course, my anger toward Logan was greater than that.
‘The kid’s liver got swollen just because he got a little bit of fame.’
As expected, the character of a fool who just stares without thinking went nowhere.
But… so it will be easy to persuade.
Veron thought like that and barely managed to control his mind.
“It was truly a fatal mistake for our family. Although it is late, I would like to formally apologize on behalf of the family.”
“I guess you know it’s late.”
Those words almost made me cry again, but since I had already prepared myself for embarrassment, I couldn’t back out like this.
“If you want an apology, I will do as you wish. What do you want? Wouldn’t it be better to receive a moderate apology and reconcile than to never see each other again?”
Veron showed a blank check to Logan, who kept coming out crookedly.
however.
“Hmm. Are you really here to apologize? So you just accept compensation and say nothing else?”
Veron gritted his teeth without realizing it as he heard another sarcastic answer.
‘Where do you sell drugs?’
Logan laughed openly as he looked at Veron’s distorted face.
There was something he was missing, so he must have resorted to a trick that didn’t work.
“If you have anything else to say other than an apology, I will accept that no apology is accepted. Please go back.”
Logan clearly drew a line and declared, but the other person’s reaction was different from what he expected.
“Help me. I will give you everything you want. Please focus on the future rather than the past mistakes.”
Head bowed at almost a right angle and desperate tone of voice.
Veron’s complete surrender was surprising even to Logan.
‘Hoo?’
The Kairos family he knew, especially Simon Kairos, were not the ones to do something like this. Because I am not a person who regrets or reflects on what I have done.
And it was a fact known to everyone related to him that his only successor, Veron Kairos, could not defy his father.
Then….
‘This is also the will of Simon Kairos’ superiors.’
Another central force at the party I glanced at.
Duke Juan Douglas, the kingdom’s only magician of the 6th circle, who stands on the opposite end of the scale to Duke Waltermaim of Jordan, was seen glancing in this direction and turning his head.
As expected, he doesn’t appear to be stepping forward in person.
Even if he had the title of disciple of a swordsman, it was at the level of contempt for the dukes.
However, the subordinates are suffering from the dukes’ small coughs.
‘Two of the three richest people in the kingdom of Bipros and Kairos ended up being fooled by the dukes’ tricks.’
It was clear to me that the bad relationships between myself and my family were just small hills compared to the mountains I really had to climb.
‘Then I guess I should use it right now.’
Coincidentally, there was also something needed by the kingdom’s richest people.
‘That will be enough to help Philip for sure.’
Bipros has actually already pointed his sword.
Even if you do some pretty stupid things, you won’t get off easily, but with Kairos, it was a different story.
“Hmm. There’s no need to be overly polite to your uncle and nephew. How difficult would it be to ask a small favor between blood relatives? Isn’t it?”
Logan’s tongue danced lightly, hiding his extreme greed.
“…Thank you, nephew.”
Veron’s face brightens slightly.
However, his face could not help but gradually harden as he moved to a corner and listened to Logan’s words.
“If you do that, it won’t be difficult to meet His Highness the First Prince.”
“…I understand.”
However, the only option he had was to nod his head.
Of course, Roger Bipros’ gaze turned cold when he saw that scene from afar, but Logan didn’t care.
Biphros and Kairos.
Even after the bad events had passed, there were many nobles who approached Logan.
However, because it was tiring to deal with so many people one by one, Logan used the excuse of being a teacher and declined many conversations with a short, polite greeting.
When the time of such a complicated party has passed to some extent.
“Everyone, please pay attention. Now, the most important event of this party will take place. We wish the princess a safe growth and will invite a celebrity to name her. That person is… eh?”
Levman, a vassal of the Duke of Esperanza and an honorary count, was reading the script prepared for him and then looked at his master again in surprise.
When the swordsman smiled and nodded, he called out the name in the script with a somewhat embarrassed expression.
“…Your Excellency the Duke’s disciple. This is Prince Logan McLane.”
‘That person’s expression is so cool.’
Why are you holding Agi’s name ceremony?
As befits an old nobleman, Count Leffman could not hide his shocked expression.
However, when I thought that it was because my loyalty to my teacher was so strong, I laughed rather than feeling bad.
Logan headed to the head table, trying hard to control his expression.
When I came face to face with the cute baby wrapped in cozy silk and staring at me with big eyes, I couldn’t help but smile again.
The baby, who received an aura shower as soon as he was born thanks to his father’s overflowing love, was full of life and looked even more adorable.
And the moment when Logan gently and carefully picks up the baby.
“Kyaa?”
The baby reached out his tiny hand and grabbed Logan’s finger wrapped around the swaddle, smiling brightly at him.
Jjiing.
I knew it wasn’t a meaningful action, but even though I thought it was just a coincidence, I couldn’t help but feel a heavy heart.
The moment I saw the baby’s eyes staring at me, sparkling like brilliant starlight, with such an overwhelming heart, all the other name candidates I had been thinking about disappeared and only one remained.
“This child’s name is Stella. It is an ancient word meaning star. It contains the hope that it will become a brilliant light that brightens the night sky.”
“Kyaar!”
Logan was also able to smile brightly as the baby smiled brightly, as if he liked his name.
“…The name chosen by Prince Logan McLane is Stella. Will you accept this name for the Duke and Duchess?”
“I will accept it.”
“The princess’s name has been decided. Stella Esperanza. Please bless all the stars of the newly born Esperanza family!”
“Waaah!”
Amid the thunderous cheers and applause, Logan continued to make eye contact with the baby he was holding and carefully handed it to the Duchess.
The expression on the child’s face as he smiled and waved his hand took away all the unpleasant feeling left by the Crimson Bishop’s sacred power.
* * * Stella Esperanza’s proclamation ceremony served as an opportunity to let the entire kingdom know how strong her relationship with the swordsman was.
With his reputation as a firm guardian, numerous invitations from those who wanted to meet him continued from the day after the ceremony.
Logan was already preparing to leave the capital at that moment.
‘It’s winter soon.’
What this means is that the time has come to return to the territory to prepare for civil war.
By checking the movements of the capital, I erased any doubts that it might be different from what was known in my previous life and built a strong trust with my teacher.
It was a pity that it did not immediately lead to a meeting with the three princes, but simply by acquiring a talented person named Eilen, the monastic journey was a greater result than initially expected.
furthermore.
– The expected production volume from the wasteland or new McLane Plain alone is expected to exceed 20 times that of the past McLane. Moreover, there is still a shortage of manpower, so there is some land left, so next year…
– Even if you look at the amount, 30 million gold is enough. The revenue from Tethron and Sylvan alone is over 10 million. Sylvan residents are cheering as we have truly collected less taxes as promised.
– yes? Just this year’s income is enough for 3 or 4 years… Don’t sell it? Why… I understand this for now. Because I have enough money.
The changes that occurred in McLane while he was away were enough to reassure him.
‘Preparations are going well.’
Let’s go back and do the final maintenance properly and hold a major ceremony.
That’s how Logan organizes his mind.
“Are you planning to go back?”
Logan was awakened from his thoughts by the familiar voice he suddenly heard and turned his head.
“Master!”
“Yes. Thanks to you, the name ceremony went well. The people inside were grateful.”
“Oh no. But why aren’t you with Stella…?”
A baby who can repel the divine power of high-ranking priests as high as bishops.
It was a story as strange and important as my own return, and I couldn’t bear to tell it to my teacher.
Because he was even more worried about the baby, Logan’s words couldn’t help but be sincere.
The teacher seemed to have felt that feeling and smiled.
“Aura showers are already enough for the baby. Excessive use will only harm the body. Now, I have come to take care of the training of the disciple who worked hard.”
“Ah, Master. Thank you for your words, but as I said, I think it is time to return to the territory. There is also the problem of Bipros…”
“It won’t take that long.”
“yes?”
Logan asked back with a puzzled expression because the training so far had always ended only when he reached the point of exhaustion.
“You’ve had a hard time keeping up with the excessive training. Now that you’ve mastered the basics, I’ll teach you a technique that you can use again.”
“yes?!”
“The more amazing the vision, the more surprising it is.”
“Master. That’s…”
The swordsman slightly raised an eyebrow at his student’s reaction, but continued speaking in a serious voice.
“That ancient vision. I may have belittled it once, but if used properly, it may be better than my secret secret. Just don’t forget. What’s more important than that?”
“…It’s basic.”
“Yes. I am now planning to teach you the secret technique to maximize the basics. Follow me.”
It was a contradictory statement, but it was an offer I couldn’t refuse.
Sreung.
The swordsman who entered the training hall took out his sword with a smooth sound.
“The fundamentals of martial arts, which I have established my entire life, are to limit the enemy’s movements and maximize my own movements.”
Ugh.
With the explanation, auras rose up around the swordsman.
At the same time, a huge pressure was felt weighing down the entire training ground.
“Ultimately, the goal is to dominate space on the battlefield. This heavy pressure sword you learned is the first technique that embodies that idea. Is it worth it?”
‘Not at all.’
Logan’s thoughts did not come out as a voice.
The pressure was so strong that just standing there with my teeth clenched made me break out in a cold sweat.
The teacher who saw this smiled lightly and gained strength.
“Huh!”
Stumbling.
Even though I wasn’t directly attacked, I felt dizzy for a moment.
I am once again amazed at the capabilities of those who are called superhumans.
“okay. It’s a pretty good technique that I’m proud of. However, your vision is superior to my secret technique as a means of attack. So, there is no need to teach my swordsmanship vision, which involves pressing heavily, cutting sounds, and catching lightning.”
“Then…?”
“But don’t be so openly disappointed, just look at me with your eyes wide open. “This is even better.”
At those words, Logan focused his concentration and looked at his teacher. The teacher’s new form, which was standing fine, became blurred for a moment.
‘Hmm?’
Just as Logan was confused, his teacher’s transparent appearance disappeared, and before he knew it, he felt a cold sensation on the back of his neck.
‘Surprise?!’
When Logan turned around in surprise, there was his teacher standing in a resolute posture with his sword slightly raised.
“Huh…”
“Did you see it?”
“…Not at all.”
“Yes. I guess so. What are your impressions?”
Logan couldn’t readily answer that question.
It was certainly a great move, and the progress of it was not visible at all.
But,
‘Is this that great?’
To the extent that a swordsman, renowned as the best swordsman in the kingdom, takes pride in his swordsmanship vision?
Unlike when he was using a heavy sword, he didn’t really feel it.
In any case, a swordsman of the level of a swordsman would have a speed that would make it impossible for him to react even if he was attacked head-on. Because what was there was normal.
The teacher seemed to have penetrated his psychology and opened his mouth again with a smile.
“What is the basis of all martial arts?”
“The lower body and footwork.”
Logan’s answer came immediately, but his expression was uneasy.
And the swordsman also said that was the reason. “ But
that logic only applies to those who cannot use the Force or are at a low level. Is that what you want to say?”
Logan couldn’t bring himself to answer yes and hesitated.
“Then that’s why I am evaluated higher than Jordan and Luther Wicken, the other Auror users in the kingdom. Would you understand if I told you that the reason is not swordsmanship but this method of movement?”
“…?!”
“That’s why this ghost’s shadow is as excellent a technique as any swordsmanship vision.”
‘It’s the ghost’s shadow….’
It was a gloomy name that did not fit the reputation of a swordsman, but a strong sense of pride was evident in the teacher’s tone.
“You said you had a hard time fighting that guy named Planz? If you had learned this technique before, that wouldn’t have happened.
” As a little stimulation that could not be ignored was added.
“Do you want to learn?”
“Of course!”
A fire burned in Logan’s red eyes again.
