Episode 205
“Good. I will follow you from now on.”
“Huh? That wasn’t a joke?”
Logan looked rather dazed at Luther Kyle’s unexpected words.
“You’re kidding. I’ve already talked to your teacher.”
“With Master?”
“If I see potential in you, I will help you with the idea of creating the future of the kingdom.”
The condition for his pardon after the civil war was that he served in the white coat of arms as a member of the Knights of Esperanza.
It is at the discretion of the swordsman to change his location.
So, there is nothing strange about it, but…
“A person who thinks like that about the future of the kingdom will start a civil war…” ”
You too, man! I got married, but my father-in-law put pressure on me! How can I do that if someone stronger than me appears in the family like that? … Oh, I’m so upset…”
Luther, who was in tears at Logan’s bewildered voice as he narrowed his eyes, screamed.
Logan laughed and held out his hand towards the fallen man.
“I would be grateful if you could help me with my strength. Welcome to McLane, Lord Luther.”
“Ugh. I think you’re more likely to look after people than your teacher. Anyway, it’s not really a request from your teacher.”
“…?”
“I was very impressed by what you said in front of the emperor. I was surprised that the emperor proposed such conditions, and I was also surprised that you rejected them.”
“Is it just because of that?”
“…Only? Anyone who heard the rumor that you are in conflict with the new king would think it was an absurd choice. You are truly an amazing person. You are truly the future of the kingdom. Even without this inaction.”
The resentment built up in my heart and the inevitable choice to prevent something that would happen anyway were portrayed as something great.
For Logan, this is something that cannot help but be bitter.
“I see. That’s really stupid.”
“What? You really want to go to the empire again…”
“No. Just…”
“Just?”
“The king is acting foolish.”
At those words, the complexions of everyone around him, including Luther, hardened, but Logan was unable to pay attention to his surroundings.
This is because my heart became heavy after realizing this fact.
‘Now is not the time for us to clash.’
Logan recalled his experience in the Empire again.
A powerful superhuman with overwhelming power. And even the emperor who holds it all in one hand and waves it around.
The emperor he saw in person was even more greedy than the rumors of his previous life, and was a stubborn person who would not follow anyone’s orders and stick to his own will.
If so, there was a high probability that the outbreak of war would occur as expected.
‘I really only have 4-5 years left.’
Not enough time for the kingdoms to unite and prepare for war.
Logan’s mind couldn’t help but become anxious.
But the way back couldn’t be as quick as he thought.
– A young hero who gained the favor of the emperor.
That unintentionally acquired adjective has been holding Logan and his group back ever since. Every time he stopped by a city along his route, he attracted the attention of mayors and lords.
No matter how much we mainly camped, we had no choice but to stop by the city regularly to sharpen the horseshoes of the 50 horses pulling eight four-horse wagons. Thanks to this, the party had no choice but to delay due to the constant invitations from nobles.
Each time they stopped by a city, it took at least one to three days, so by the time they arrived at Ruspelheim, the first big city they had passed through, another month and a half had already passed.
Purr.
“But thanks to you, I was able to practice to my heart’s content.”
Viktor smiled slightly, showing a different attitude from when he first set out on his journey.
Compared to Logan, who was busy being summoned to the nobles, the knights had a lot of time left, and when Luther Kyle, who had now joined the McLane Knights, began to actively teach them, they showed results even in a short period of time.
“Yes. That would be good. It’s a drink that is not in anyone’s arsenal, and I practiced it faithfully while I was wasting time pointlessly on things like engagement invitations.”
“But my master has changed the most. Even after ‘that day’.”
There was sincerity in Viktor’s expression as he responded to Logan’s babbling words.
In fact, despite being the busiest of them all, Logan’s momentum was becoming more evident each day.
Logan glossed it over because it was a process of getting used to the state.
“You’re a genius too, but the guy you call your master is completely off topic. Where on earth did that monster come from?…”
The words Luther Kyle uttered while sticking out his tongue had a different meaning from Logan’s excuse.
Unless Logan could guess the true value of his newly acquired traits, it was only natural.
“Why do you treat normal people like monsters?”
“Heng. Then what do you call a monster a monster?”
“Then we won’t spar from now on?”
“Hmm. I’m just admiring his outstanding talent. With something like that…”
Luther, who was experiencing the joy of growing up for the first time in a dozen years by correcting his shortcomings one by one after Logan’s awakening, suddenly changed his stance and looked at him. Those watching smiled at the same time.
It was proof that the person who was once the most powerful enemy was now recognized as a reliable ally.
While they were chatting like that.
Someone came out from inside the castle gate, panting and trembling.
“Oh, Sir Logan! You’re back again. I’ve heard good news. It makes me feel that this relationship with Sir Logan is precious to see that His Majesty looks so highly on you.”
Mayor Dmitry’s back was bent a little more than before, and his voice also seemed to have become softer.
“Thank you, Mayor. There is no need for you to come out like this again.”
“Ugh, it’s natural for me to come out to meet you, Logan. Come on, go inside.”
Logan felt there was no need to decline, so he accepted the kindness, and the group was able to relieve their fatigue in a comfortable bed for the first time in a long time.
But that evening, Logan had to face another unpleasant schedule.
“Who?”
“The 2nd Prince, who was on a tour of the eastern part of the empire, was waiting to see you, Logan.”
“Huh…?”
Logan laughed at the information the mayor gave him directly.
It was a bit disappointing that I couldn’t meet the princes who were already in the midst of a battle for succession to the throne.
‘Especially the second prince.’
I didn’t know why he wanted to meet me, but it was a meeting I didn’t have to refuse.
Logan nodded willingly.
* * *
“Nice to meet you. I’m Baros van Ares.”
He has black hair, black eyes, and a thin face that is a little different from the yellow skinned emperor.
The second prince I met for the first time gave me a polite greeting, which was unusual for a prince of an empire with omnipotent power.
“I am truly honored, Your Majesty the Prince. But why do you honor me?”
“I can’t treat a guest who is not a subject of the Empire and has been acknowledged by His Majesty so carelessly. Isn’t that right, Plan?”
“Do as the prince wishes.”
The second prince’s guard knight responded with a blunt expression.
‘Top article. The two behind them are a bit lacking, but they are at the same level. As expected…’
No matter how much the empire was, it would not be able to give this level of protection to all of its numerous princes.
This means that the second prince in front of you is that much more special.
Logan forced a smile, feeling a great sense of disconnect from the sight of the young man treating him with a gentle smile.
“But why did His Highness come to see me…?”
“As a member of the imperial family, how could you not be curious when a guest whom His Majesty recognized is now called a hero of the empire? I wanted to meet you and say hello.”
“For me?”
“Of course. I still wanted to meet the hero of the Grandia Civil War.”
Yes, I wanted to meet you too.
Logan unconsciously tried hard to control the killing that was happening in his heart.
Because in front of me was the face of someone who had been one of the targets I had to kill in my previous life before returning.
Baros van Ares.
Now that the battle for the throne is underway, he is just the second prince, but he eventually wins the competition and becomes the crown prince.
In other words, the next emperor of the empire.
and.
‘Crazy killer bastard.’
This guy, who took over the throne 10 years after the Empire’s war of conquest, attracted many ‘incompetent’ people from various conquered areas, including Grandia, and ‘used’ them as test subjects in unknown magic experiments.
If the current emperor is a violent conqueror who started a war of conquest, then this guy is a devil who later turned the conquered area into hell.
The day Logan exploded at the end of his mission, that is, even 25 years from now, it was not revealed what kind of experiment this guy had used over 10 million people for.
Yet, it was a monster that was praised as a saint within the imperial territories.
That person was right in front of me.
My heart boiled as the memories were imprinted on my soul, and my hands continued to twitch.
But fortunately, it was easy to hide my emotions.
‘You have to endure it. The second prince would become emperor only 10 years after the end of the war of conquest. It’s not the top priority right now.’
You shouldn’t kill this guy now, but even if you do, it won’t have much effect on the imperial war.
After thinking like that, Logan was finally able to smile comfortably.
“I don’t know what to do since I am receiving such high praise from the prince. I was just lucky.”
“Ahaha, that can’t be possible. A hero who overturned the overwhelmingly unfavorable situation of a civil war and took control of the kingdom couldn’t have just been lucky.”
“…Haha. That’s too much praise.”
It was unexpected.
The prince knows very well about the civil war in Grandia, which the imperial nobles of the imperial capital had little interest in.
Logan’s expression became awkward again, and an even more surprising story continued.
“I was dumbfounded when I heard the rumor that Lord Logan was at odds with the new king.”
“yes?”
“Ah, I heard there are rumors in the kingdom. Are they just rumors?”
Are you even interested in such rumors?
The prince?
‘Why?’
Logan shook his head, smiling even as he rolled his head.
“…Of course. I have no reason to be in conflict with Your Majesty.”
“As expected, the rumors are just rumors. He is a loyal subject. In fact, I guess that means he rejected His Majesty’s offer.”
“Haha…”
Logan could only respond with a smile to the prince’s words, which he clearly misunderstood.
Logan asked amidst mutual laughter.
“But you are very knowledgeable about our kingdom’s situation. I thought the people of the empire were not very interested in other countries.”
“I am very interested in Grandia, which has a longer history than the Empire, so I listened closely and all the rumors I heard recently were about Lord Logan. Then I became curious and decided to look into it. Were you offended?”
“No, no. It can’t be.”
A face that only gives compliments with a wide smile.
How could I spit while looking at that face?
Logan unintentionally had no choice but to have a friendly evening with the number one assassin from his past life.
“I had fun today. I hope the day when we can see each other again comes soon.”
“I feel the same way.”
And if possible, I wish I could hit your head then.
The meal ended with a warm greeting that was given while hiding the evil feelings.
But.
“Ah . It’s the rumor I mentioned earlier.”
“Yes?”
“Rumors are just rumors, but if something unpleasant like that happens, why don’t you think again about His Majesty’s proposal?” ”
…What?”
“Your Majesty the Emperor. You are a very generous person. And once you say something, you tend to keep it. Even if it’s not right now, as long as Lord Logan takes refuge, he will keep his previous promise.”
Come to the empire.
In the end, the prince’s words were the same as the emperor’s,
except that he mentioned the conflict with the king more specifically. “I will engrave this generous offer deep in my heart.”
“
Haha. I was worried it might be rude, but thank you for listening. Ah, I can’t give you something bigger than your Majesty, but please accept this, even if it’s just a small thing.”
The prince held out a small bead.
When Logan recognized the mana contained within it and showed a puzzled look, the prince smiled again and continued.
“What have I been doing these days? That’s why I’m staying in the eastern part of the empire. It’s close to Grandia, so if you need my help with anything, please contact me there. Although it’s only once, it’s a communication channel that contacts me directly.”
“…Do you need help?”
“Of course, that doesn’t happen in the kingdom. Just think of it as my wish to preserve my relationship with Lord Logan better.”
The prince’s face was still smiling, but Logan’s suspicions could not help but grow stronger.
‘It’s definitely strange. He shouldn’t be such a kind character, right?’
There may have been a change in personality before and after becoming emperor, but Logan, who knew the prince’s future, could not easily accept this gentle attitude.
‘I don’t know what he has in mind, but I must be careful.’
I will never use this communication tool if possible.
Logan grinned as he made that decision.
“Thank you again for your deep kindness.”
“Nothing much to say. I look forward to the day when we can see each other again.”
That’s how the meeting between the 2nd princes ended.
And on the way back, Logan was able to strengthen his resolve.
‘Even the prince of the empire knows this. Surely now is the time for me to confront the king.’ no.’
And that evening,
a communication that strengthened Logan’s resolve was sent to the upper branch of Ruspelheim’s McLane.
“Terrorism?”
[Yes. Terrorism is occurring all over the kingdom. But the first royal descendant they missed before was discovered. He is volunteering to be Clavis’ subordinate. Even in the name of terrorism, it is absurd to hand over the throne to the 1st royal grandson, who is the rightful heir to the throne…] A
ridiculous story told by Dwayne’s familiar voice.
“What kind of bullshit is that?”
Logan couldn’t help but look at the communication port with a bewildered expression.
