Episode 104
“My son has been taking charge of our family’s affairs for some time now. I’m sorry, but I think you should talk to him.”
Fortunately, Padrick was able to find a way out of the awkward situation.
The eyes of the superhumans focused on Logan again as he even took a few steps back, as if to show that he wasn’t just talking.
“Wow. To think that at that age he has already decided on the big or small issues of the family, I guess he is simply superior in military power.”
“It’s always fun to talk with young talent. It’s a shame that we don’t have time to create a separate space for Prince Logan.”
The change in attitude of the two marquis was like lightning.
I don’t know if it was because McLane was really needed or because it was in front of the swordsman, but there was nothing bad from Logan’s perspective in hearing that superhumans showed up in a low posture.
“Thank you for your kind words. May I ask why you came to visit my family?”
“As a young man, I’m direct and straightforward. I like it.”
“We’re both busy, so there’s no need to go around talking.”
Their gazes clash fiercely with each other again.
I was confused as to whether this meant they were going to talk to me or fight among themselves.
Logan sighs inwardly.
“I heard about the war with Bypros. You know very well that Roger Bypros is a faction of the Second Prince. Now, swear allegiance to His Highness Rohitter. You do know that my in-laws, the Kairos family, are also a faction of ours, right? We will take care of you and your family. “I will support you. I will prevent Roger Bypros from using any other tricks.”
“Is there any need to blush among the surrounding fiefdoms? If you swear allegiance to His Highness Romain, I will not only mediate with Bipros but also promise generous treatment. Wouldn’t this be more certain than helping the First Prince faction from far away?”
As expected, the two adepts went back and forth, pouring out what they had to say to each other, and then immediately sharpened their criticism by criticizing each other.
“Are you going to embrace two warring territories at the same time? It’s a stupid proposal that will make you betray your own allies.”
“We won’t even have time to reach out to the Southwest. What fool would fall for such a greedy, lip-smacking offer?”
Death spreads in the eyes of two superhumans at the same time.
That’s it.
Once again, their energies collided to the point where a curve appeared in the space between the two, and a violent atmosphere, along with an alien noise, filled the living room.
Of course, the brutality did not last long.
“What are you doing now!”
“Hmm.”
“Sigh.”
The fierce force that came out along with the shouting sound completely erased the life that had been overflowing to the point where it was visible to the eye.
Then the two superhumans who were confronting each other just cleared their throats, avoiding the swordman’s glare.
“The pathetic things are still the same. So now you’re going to forget about face and take sides and play a game of division? And that’s with my students as targets?”
“It’s not because I’m your student, Your Excellency. It’s a proposal to the McLane family.”
“Yes, Your Excellency. We have no intention of disturbing Your Excellency’s order. We simply wish to discuss the McLane Estate and its future.”
“And in this respect, you are perfect. It has nothing to do with me? Are you really sure that you don’t even think about it?”
“I can swear.”
“Me too.”
“Yes. That will have to do. Even if my student accepts one of you’s offer, I will not help him or her get involved in a faction fight. Even if this child dies.”
The eyes of the two superhumans momentarily lit up at the swordsman’s assertion.
“…What do you mean?”
“I will not get involved in any faction fights from now on.”
“Huh? Your Excellency then?”
“I swear on my honor. So you should give up the idea of trying to sway me, whether through this child or anyone else.”
A swordsman who immediately reports the conclusion from the study to the two adepts.
It was a very suitable opponent for a declaration of neutrality.
Logan laughed to himself, but the complex feelings were clearly visible on the faces of the two superhumans who heard those words.
But in the end, the answer was the same.
“I will pass on your will to the Prince. Then we will only have to talk to the McLane family.”
“Same.”
“Hehe. These are really… It looks like your family has become very tasty food. Congratulations, disciple. What do you plan to do?”
The swordsman asked Logan, clearly showing his uncomfortable feelings.
“Well, I guess it was too sudden…”
The appearance of the superhumans was unexpected, but the approach from the faction was fully expected.
But Logan was frowning as if he was embarrassed.
“If you are concerned about what that lump said, you don’t have to worry. If you swear allegiance, the Knights of Calia will be dispatched to your family as soon as the funeral is over, and the threat from Bypros will be easily eliminated.”
“You’re laughing. Then do you think I’ll just stay still? You’ll have to choose well, swordsman’s disciple. Wouldn’t it be better for close neighbors to live in peace?”
Luther Kyle’s last words were practically threatening, as if he was trying to threaten rather than persuade.
‘But it’s also reality.’
The Marquis of Kyle, centered around the trading city of Kyle, is just north of the Bipros territory.
As he said, it was close enough to be considered a neighboring territory.
Now that he was occupying Tomodo Castle in McLane, he was in a position where he could exert influence if he wanted to.
Of course, Logan had no intention of joining a faction anyway.
At least for now.
‘Now, no matter which side you join, there is a high probability that a civil war will begin centered on our territory. It’s self-destruction.’
If the war that has already occurred before the director is a member of a faction, it would be good to use an excuse somehow.
Even if he joined the Second Prince faction and forced reconciliation with Bipros, the Marquis of Calia could have attacked him for ignoring him.
‘Because it’s perfect for making excuses.’
In other words, the hand extended to McLane in front of our eyes should not be seen as the hand of reconciliation and peace, but as the hand of a messenger leading him to hell.
“I’m sorry, but… I think it’s difficult to make a hasty decision right now. I’ll take the kindness you’ve shown me into consideration and think about it carefully.”
So this was the best for now.
“Hmm.”
Of course, this would not be an answer worthy of the two marquis’ surnames.
A superhuman Auror user came to meet the owner of a simple country estate, and the only answer he got was that he would think about it.
Fortunately, the situation was on Logan’s side.
‘It’s probably because of this guy.’
It was visible that both marquis were thinking the same thing as they frowned as they looked at the other’s face.
In addition, the landlord’s criticism that could never be ignored was added.
“Yes. The answer is to not step into the gutter. I think the conclusion has been reached, so you two can just leave.”
A short but long silence followed, and it was Wicken Kalia who moved first.
“There is nothing wrong with being cautious given the current situation, but I hope that thinking leads to the right decision. See you next time.”
It was like a soulless, ritualistic compliment, but Logan responded with a smile.
And only after he was completely out of sight, Luther Kyle stood up, smiling viciously.
“In a way, McLane was lucky. If he had attacked Bipros after this incident, it would have been considered a challenge to His Highness the Second Prince and he would not have been given the opportunity to negotiate like this. You should think about it carefully.”
‘okay. That’s why they attacked before that.’
That was the reason why Logan attacked Tomodo Castle in Bypros instead of the Peretta territory, even though he knew it was a gamble.
Beating Bipros was something that had to happen in Logan’s long-term plan, which would later become the foundation for shaking up the Second Prince faction.
There was a long-standing conflict between McLane and Bipros, so a cause could be put forward at any time.
However, as Luther Kyle said, the only time it was possible was right before the civil war, that is, when the king died.
“I feel fortunate too.”
Therefore, Logan did not waver and laughed off Luther Kyle’s counter-threats.
However, the other person listening to it next to him did not.
“You’re threatening my student in front of me right now? Luther seems to have already forgotten his past experiences.”
Jeez.
A creepy feeling rose from the body of the swordsman who took a step forward with a stern expression.
The pressure was enough to create an optical illusion as if Luther Kyle’s large body was being crushed in half in an instant.
“town!”
Luther Kyle’s large body radiated a strong force in response, but the swordsman’s momentum ignored that force and pressed him down.
“How dare I? Absolutely not, Your Excellency. Fortunately, we can get along well now.”
Small beads of sweat formed on the giant’s forehead as he smiled and held out his large hand.
But the one who had the hardest time was Logan, who was caught in the middle.
‘Turn it off!’
When the teacher’s momentum was fired from behind, it felt like a fierce wind was just passing by.
However, the moment the wind hits the rock-like force and creates a repulsive force.
I felt as if the fierce storm and the heaviness of the huge rock were crushing my entire body from both sides.
Yes. mistaken.
It must definitely be an illusion….
Grumble.
Just by holding on there, sweat was pouring down like a waterfall and my energy was dwindling.
‘Keuyeah.’
I couldn’t sit down awkwardly.
But as I tried to force myself to stand, I didn’t even have the strength to open my mouth and speak.
Fortunately, the standoff did not last long.
“You’re so shameless that the skin on your face has become thick. Get the hell out of here!”
“Excuse me, Your Excellency. And the student, I guess he was called Logan. See you later.”
Luther Kyle looked with interest at Logan, who was standing in a cold sweat, then bowed his large body and walked out of a door smaller than his body.
Only then did Logan collapse on the spot, exhausted.
‘What kind of momentum is this…’
He thought that he had become quite strong by defeating Aslan, the highest knight, through some expedient method.
Of course, I had no illusions that I could beat Auror users, but it was true that I thought I could at least compete with superhumans in a few moves.
However, just from this brief confrontation between the teacher and Luther Kyle, I could immediately sense that it was a profound illusion.
‘If we meet on the battlefield now, it will be the end. It’s not called a tactical weapon for nothing.’
Auror users are on a different level from top-level knights.
It was a moment when I felt something deep in my heart that I only knew in my head.
As I was sighing with relief, the teacher’s voice struck my ear.
“Why did you force yourself to hold on to that? Even if you rolled over and suffered damage, no one would have criticized you.”
The faint worry in the harsh voice made me smile after sighing.
“I can’t shake this much.”
“Take control of your shaky legs and say such things, you fool. Tsk tsk. But what are you going to do?”
“yes?”
“Are you planning on getting involved in a faction fight? I see you’re not refusing outright.”
Is the light in the teacher’s blue eyes worry or criticism?
Logan calmly conveyed his true feelings.
“I have no intention of joining any faction yet.”
“Not yet?”
“We can do it if we need to. I’m sorry, but we don’t yet have the strength to stick to our ideals like you do.”
“The will to pursue an ideal is not something that comes from strength… Sigh. No, no. I won’t say anything unnecessary. But…
” “No matter which path I choose, I will try to keep the minimum morals.”
The student realized what he was trying to say and quickly responded.
The swordsman had no choice but to smile bitterly and nod.
“. ..okay. That’s enough.”
One’s beliefs are solely one’s own. They
should not be forced on others.
‘Even if it’s just my one and only disciple.’
If his beliefs were truly correct, anyone who looked at him and tried to learn from him would also learn those beliefs.
However, there was one thing that bothered me.
“Baron. Were you really going to stay behind? “Your son might make a wrong choice, right?”
“He’s a better son than me. The current McLine was actually created by my son. I planned to respect Logan’s decision no matter what.”
“Logan is still young. Don’t you think it’s too big of a burden to entrust to you?”
“Preparations to lighten that burden are continuing. I will continue in the future.”
In a way, even though these words were no different from insults, the red eyes that resembled the disciple, or rather the disciple, did not waver.
“…Good.”
The father of the disciple whom I met through a good relationship was also a person I liked quite a bit.
Master. It feels like the shock caused by his sudden death has subsided a little.
For the first time in a week, the swordsman smiled, albeit faintly.
* * *
– I will not get involved in the faction fight at all.
The ripple effect from the swordsman’s declaration of neutrality was not as big as expected. .
The eyes of the two factions were always on each other, and for them, the only thing that stood between them was the disappearance of one big obstacle. As a result,
few people gave any meaning to the fact that the Sword Duke and the Third Prince took a step away from the public eye.
However, it was only natural that the fight between the two factions intensified further.
This soon led to major and small incidents in the capital, filling the area with noisy news every day.
And the heightened anxiety that resulted from that was felt by everyone. Time.
Finally, the state funeral has begun.
– Come, Your Majesty!
In front of the inner palace of the palace.
At the same time as the brief shout of the royal knight spreads, the door to the inner palace opens and a large coffin covered in a colorful phoenix flag is carried by 16 carriage bearers and slowly moved forward. The coffin
, which slowly passed through the swords raised by the knights of the royal guard in front of the castle gate, was placed on the platform in the square in front of the royal palace.
Boom.
– Servant of the nine great gods, agent of the gods who looks down on the world. Archbishop Pamiel Gernheim de The outer gate of the royal palace opened, and a group of people came in from outside the palace.
First,
priests in white robes, divided into two rows, moved quickly and lined up with the coffin, looking at each other and bowing their heads.
And between them, although not flashy, delicate gold decorations were visible. An old man wearing a robes and a robe several times longer than his head walked slowly.
Although his appearance looked somewhat ungainly compared to his luxurious clothes, this old man was indeed a man of higher status than the king of this kingdom.
Existing in the Kingdom of Grandia. Archbishop Pamiel Gernheim of Aion, the god of water and agriculture, the general manager of the Temple of the Nine Great Gods and the first of the nine great gods.
Because he was the highest ranking priest in the temple, excluding the pope and saints.
Only after Archbishop Pamiel stood in front of the king’s coffin and priests lined up in front of him did the true state funeral begin.
However, the movements of the nobles immediately after that made even the solemn look in the archbishop’s eyes shake.
