Regressor of the Fallen Family novel Chapter 103

Chapter 103

Your Highness Logan and Baron Padric McLean have come to visit.

Let them in.

Creeeeak.

As the door of the office opened with the sound of age-old friction, a middle-aged man gazing blankly out the sunlit window came into view.

Golden hair that once defied age now bore noticeably increased strands of white, and his taut forehead was claimed by deep wrinkles.

Seeing the appearance of his master, who seemed to have aged a decade in just the few months since they parted, Logan momentarily found himself in a fluster.

Master?

Yes, sit down.

What happened to you? Your face

Its nothing more than an old man finally facing the years hes evaded. Dont make a fuss.

Though he spoke lightly, the Sword Sages face was evidently strained with fatigue.

The pallor of an Aura User in such a state

You must have overexerted yourself investigating His Majestys affairs while under shock

Lewis.

My apologies, Your Excellency.

Its not a concern, dont worry about it. Mind your own affairs Ah! Goodness, show me to our guest. Ah, it must be

As the Sword Sages gaze shifted to Padric, who had been silently observing beside Logan, Padric offered a polite greeting.

I am Padric McLean. I have heard that my unworthy son is indebted to you. It is an honor to meet Your Excellency, whom Ive always admired.

Ah, I see. Baron, I apologize for not being able to welcome you properly given the circumstances

No need for apologies. It is an honor just to be here in these times. I worry we are interrupting your important work.

Not at all, not at all. The past week has just been a realization that this old body is less capable than I thought. Now, there are no more pressing matters. Please, sit.

The Sword Sage, Duke Felix Esperanza, Grandias most esteemed knight, spoke with self-reproaching pessimism.

Everyone present found it hard to break the solemn silence.

Ah, have I dampened the mood again? Hmm, where were we? The McLean Family

Master, before we discuss my family matters, I would like to know the current situation in the capital. We have just arrived today and know very little.

Ah, yes, that would be better. Sigh

Clearly, the master was not in his usual state.

He always seemed to be a solid pillar in his place, but his withered appearance felt awkward and was difficult to behold.

If you are tired, we can discuss this later

No, thats not necessary. The national assembly will begin soon, we must address immediate concerns. What did you ask? Ah, the capitals situation. Its not good. Jordan, Juan, those damned two because of

The Sword Sages cursing, rare to witness, revealed the gravity of the situation.

What Logans group saw upon entering the capital was just the tip of the iceberg.

Even before the official funeral rituals started, factions loyal to the first and second princes had been engaging in power struggles throughout the capital, turning the atmosphere hostile.

Nobles were blatantly aligning with factions, ostracizing the opposition.

They hadnt drawn swords yet, but it was virtually a prelude to war.

This was the state of Grand as seen by the Sword Sage.

The nation is on the brink of a split. The two Dukes who should be regulating factions and maintaining balance are only fueling the dispute. Furthermore

The Sword Sage paused mid-story, as if recalling something, then clenched his teeth in anger.

To think they would even pressure me into joining their petty squabbles.

Crrrack.

The fury in Sword Sage could be felt vividly.

Master, havent you always said you would stay out of the succession fight?

Yes, I have. But those damned people are threatening me with the life of the third prince.

What?!

Padric reacted with shock, but Logan, already suspecting as much, remained calm.

So, they find the third prince, who has a claim to the throne, to be a thorn in their side. Moreover, with the prince still a minor, you are the regent

Yes. Those insolent fools threatened me with the princes life. If I want him safe, they said, join their faction.

Logan saw the fire in his masters eyes.

He was outwardly trying to control his temper, but the air in the room was already tense.

So, what do you plan to do?

What can I do? Would they dare act on their threats? If they corner me with force, it would only benefit their rival.

It seemed an obvious response, yet Logan thought differently.

The third prince is in danger.

What did you say?!

Master, they might not dare to act against you, but the prince remains a legitimate heir to the throne, soon to become of age.

Even Ive heard rumors in the countryside that the late king was fond of the third prince.

Padric, standing by Logans side, added with a grave face.

Your bond with the late king and your role as regent From the perspective of the first and second princes, the third prince would be an obstacle.

If I continue to refuse their demands

They will try to eliminate the third prince, one way or another.

Logans statement made the Sword Sages expression turn grim.

The inference was plausible, but with a fatal flaw.

Could another royal family member die suddenly at this time, right after the kings abrupt death?

That would certainly attract the kingdoms attention.

And if any evidence linking to a faction surfaces, whichever side it is would suffer a fatal blow, which meant both would normally be cautious.

But

This is actually happening.

Logan recalled a foiled assassination attempt on the third prince in his previous life and his face hardened.

There was no need to repeat the past; it was more important to prevent the unnecessary turn of events and save time for future endeavors.

That was the topic he intended to discuss with the master, who, fortunately, was considering his words carefully.

Thats a very possible scenario. Ah this is troubling.

The Sword Sage began pacing restlessly.

The McLeans could not interrupt until he spoke again, after quite some time.

Lewis.

Yes?

Bring the third prince to the mansion. He should stay with me for some time.

I understand, Your Excellency.

Thats a poor solution, Master.

Hmm?

Even if you keep the prince close, you cant always be together.