Episode 200 The moment he heard those words, Stella’s image passed through Logan’s mind.
Teacher’s daughter, the world’s cutest baby, has now started to pronounce ‘Azzi’ when she sees herself.
The scene I saw at the child’s name ceremony naturally came to mind.
“Hmm. I think I’ve seen it before. Is that a serious problem?”
“Hmm… well, it’s not that serious of a problem. Records of people with that type of constitution are more common than you might think.”
But why?
“Isn’t constitution meaningless?”
“Yes. There are often people whose constitution does not receive divine power well. Our church has invited such people and conducted research so that the grace of the great gods can be spread more widely.”
Research…
what and how do you research?
Logan’s brows narrow slightly.
“But until now, even across the entire continent, they were only discovered once or twice every hundred years, but recently there was a rumor that such babies were born one after another in Grandia… You really don’t seem to know.”
“Yes. I’m sorry. I only saw it once by chance…” ”
I thought you would be very interested in people’s lives, such as births and children’s issues, as a person in power… Ah, I overlooked your age. “You must still be the heir.”
“No. I’m just ashamed of myself for not paying attention.”
In Grandia, McLane’s territory had already grown too large to justify it by saying that there were no temples unless it was a large city.
As Logan said that and lowered his head, Bishop Plantas hurriedly continued.
“No. I think it may be a rumor that arose because many parents visit the temple when their baby is sick and the illness is not well cured. Unfortunately, the sacred power of a low-level priest who lacks faith and practice has clear limits.”
He added it because his words seemed to be criticizing Logan, but it ended up being like he was making excuses to appease Logan.
‘If it were just a rumor, the bishop wouldn’t have mentioned it.’
In Stella’s case, I was a little concerned.
‘Would you like to find out when we get back?’
Bishop Plantas’ words left a small question in Logan’s heart.
* * *
“You’re finally back, our young hero!”
When we returned to the villa, Luther greeted Logan greatly.
The posture of opening his arms and trying to hug him violently was as ferocious as a giant trying to crush his prey, so Logan just smiled and avoided the rough welcome.
Luther laughed at the sight and then raised his thumb towards Logan.
“I was honestly very surprised in Daejeon.”
“Me too.”
“No, that’s your answer.”
“Ah…”
“The emperor’s proposal was unconventional even in my opinion. I can’t help but admire your patriotism.”
Logan couldn’t help but sigh at Luther’s words.
“Even if I had agreed, I would have had to pay a price.”
“what?”
“Would you just give him territory and wealth the size of a kingdom? Even if he was an emperor, that would be unreasonable. They would probably have forced him to make a merit worthy of it.”
“You have the ability, so you just have to put in the effort. Anyway, I once again admire you. You are a great guy, after all.”
The giant’s large hand tapped his shoulder, but Logan couldn’t smile.
‘The merit that can be achieved is most likely the conquest of the kingdom.’
No matter how empire it is, a territory the size of a kingdom cannot be created suddenly.
‘If you order me to conquer the kingdom and appoint me as governor, the emperor will be able to keep his promise and gain territory.’
It’s just speculation now, but I have a feeling it probably won’t be much different.
Because it seemed unlikely that the emperor who created the empire at its peak would say such a thing without thinking.
In any case, the fact that he was in the emperor’s sight was just embarrassing right now.
“The Aserian Spring Festival lasts only a month? I guess I should go back as soon as it ends.”
“Okay. I guess so.”
one week.
For a week since the incident in Daejeon, Logan did not bother to leave the villa because he did not want to be noticed by the emperor any longer. The Emperor also did not look for Logan.
Instead, all kinds of people came to the villa.
To be exact, all kinds of nobles in the empire.
“I would like to meet you, Mr. Logan. My name is Baron Burten…”
“I am Viscount Cuffs. From the Aserian Revenue Office…”
“My name is Viscount Formain of the Treasury. Mr. Logan, are you there?”
In addition to this, it seemed like all the nobles below the rank of earl currently staying in Aserian had knocked on the door of the villa at least once.
Besides, he didn’t come empty-handed.
“What is all this?”
Luther Kyle looked puzzled after seeing the large pile of gifts.
A hundred and dozens of gifts piled up in a corner of the villa.
There were low-level artifacts, rare gems, and elixirs and health foods that were difficult to obtain in Grandia even if you had money.
I received treasures that could easily cost at least hundreds of thousands of gold or even millions of gold as a greeting gift.
And that too to the ‘middle-lower’ nobles of the empire.
“It’s ridiculous. You’re giving something like this as a greeting gift?”
If we were to consider the value of the items currently piled up here, it would be enough to run an earl-level estate in the kingdom for several years.
No matter how wealthy the empire was, it was difficult to think that something like this was common.
‘Maybe…’
Logan couldn’t help but think of the emperor’s words again.
– Show the richness of the empire.
Nobles above the earl level did not come in person, as if to protect their pride, but instead had servants send invitations.
Of course, not every invitation was ordinary.
The moment the seal was torn, a strange mana leaked out of the letter, the figure of an old official with a pure white beard appeared, and soon a low voice rang out.
[Lord Logan. This is Count Ashley Butman, Deputy Chief of the Aserian Treasury. I would like to invite you, the Emperor’s favorite, to discuss the future of the Empire and the friendship of the Kingdom. If you agree…]
“It’s a magic letter in the form of a scroll. It looks like the money is really rotting away.”
“There are dozens of such invitations. If you participate in all of them, a month or two will fly by.”
“Yeah. You can’t do that.”
Logan sighed and responded to Viktor’s words, but Luther, who was just watching, intervened.
“Now all kinds of gifts are coming to me. They asked me to come to the party with them. I never thought I would be treated as a sideshow. What a ridiculous situation.”
Contrary to what he said, Luther’s grinning expression was not that bad.
In fact, if you look at it without knowing that an imperial war of conquest will occur, the current situation may not seem that bad.
Because it was the sight of the arrogant nobles of an empire bowing down.
Of course, Logan’s thoughts were a little, if not a lot, different.
‘No, the imperial war is not the problem. ‘There’s a lot to worry about right now just because of the kingdom’s affairs.’
There was no way to access outside information here.
As he took a deep breath, Luther spoke as if giving him medicine.
“Why are you doing this, Inki-in? Thanks to you, your subordinates are also taking good care of themselves. Why don’t you enjoy this moment too?”
subordinates?
Logan’s frown narrowed at the momentarily startled sight of Henderson and the other knights.
The only one who calmly received his gaze was Victor.
“You guys…”
“I just received a few pennies to put in a good word for my master!”
“I have not revealed any special information, my lord! I swear!”
Yeah, probably not.
‘Because you won’t know anything.’
I can’t help but sigh.
“Don’t say too much. They are your subordinates whom the emperor openly pointed out to seduce them, so why wouldn’t anyone approach them? Still, there was no one who conveyed that request to you.”
That’s right.
If that were the case, I wouldn’t have left it alone.
“That’s admirable. To the other party, it might be the same as taking a bribe and making a fortune.”
As Luther’s giggling voice continued, Logan came up with the magic word to end the meaningless conversation.
“If you keep doing that, will I become a naturalized citizen?”
“Hey! Why are you making such a serious joke just because your adult made fun of you? I’m just saying, take your time. There’s nothing urgent, right?”
“…There are a lot of urgent things to do.”
A growling voice that came out without my knowledge.
“Ah. Well, then… hmm hmm.”
Luther, who had been teasing him cheerfully the whole time, was also shocked and spoke less, and the knights also began to pay attention to Logan, and the space they were staying in was suddenly enveloped in awkward silence.
And only then did Logan realize his mistake.
‘It’s an obsession, it’s an obsession. I know, but…’
It’s only been two weeks since I was stranded in the imperial palace.
I was aware that it was abnormal for me to feel this anxious.
Even training to endure the boring times was to the point where I had trouble concentrating.
However, how could one not feel that way when one once again realizes the power of the empire and sees the giant called the emperor before one’s eyes?
It was inevitable that all the preparations he had made seemed so poor.
As such, it is natural to feel anxious.
‘Should I just go back?’
A thought suddenly occurred to me of ignoring the emperor’s will and returning home.
Since he is not an official diplomatic envoy, he will not be able to officially challenge him because he sees it as rude.
‘It would be too complacent to hope that nothing happens at all.’
The Aserian Spring Festival, which was the official basis for visiting, is still three weeks away.
You can go back as soon as it’s over.
Thinking like that, I try to soothe my anxious mind.
The emperor sent an invitation.
* * * Party at the imperial palace.
He could not refuse an invitation directly from the emperor.
Logan only planned to spend some time and then return, but he realized his mistake right after attending the party.
“Red hair and red eyes. You are the one of the rumors. What was your name?”
“My name is Logan, ma’am.”
“Oh, that’s right!”
It’s a grand banquet hall in the imperial palace that seems to be over 1,000 pyeong in size, but there’s a strange crowd of people around Logan, creating a scene that makes you think he’s the host of the party. Because there was.
‘I wonder what this is doing.’
Gorgeous chandeliers whose size you can’t even guess, high-end food you’ve never heard of,
expensive liquors whose names fill your mouth with thrilling aromas and tastes with just a sip, and great performances you can enjoy leisurely. It was
truly a luxurious party, but Logan’s My heart was in the thorny path.
“That’s him…”
“The kingdom’s hillbilly…”
“Your Majesty’s grace is too much…”
“But just in case, should I at least say hello?”
“There’s no harm in showing it clearly. “There won’t be any.”
They approached with fake smiles, not even knowing that
their voices were being heard. Just when I was exhausted from laughing and dealing with idiots who were deepening my hostility towards the Empire.
Only then did I hear the voice Logan had been waiting for.
– The Emperor . Your Majesty, come in!
The audience’s attention was focused, and the huge doors of the banquet hall opened.
Soon, the emperor, accompanied by dozens of knights and attendants, entered the banquet hall, boasting a dignified appearance.
“I see you, Your Majesty!”
Everyone knelt and nodded. The moment he bowed.
Instead of heading straight to the head table for him, the Emperor approached Logan.
“Logan McLane, the star of Grandia. Are you enjoying the party?”
A new title in a smiling voice.
‘Star of Grandia?’
Logan’s face, which had his head down, couldn’t help but frown slightly.
