Regressor of the Fallen Family novel Chapter 124

Chapter 124

Regressor of the Fallen Family Chapter 124

What on earth are you saying!

To a faction with Bifrost?

They wouldnt even take us in, would they?!

Why join a faction thats even now losing?

An uproar was inevitable.

From any angle, Logans words defied common sense.

Your Highness. Why do you think that way? It seems there might be a problem with that plan

Dwayne stepped forward, awkwardly voicing the concern with his expression.

Acting on behalf of the questions of everyone present, as the head of the civil official vassals, it was he who stepped up.

But Logans response was unsatisfactory.

Why bother helping the winning side? Would they be grateful? At best, the decline of our family is merely delayed. Joining the losing side and turning the tide will yield us much more.

Logans reasoning held merit.

If one could assume that the McLaine family had the power to influence the civil war that had torn the nation in half.

I just fear that we may be boarding a sinking ship too late.

Dwayne was essentially askingAre you out of your mind?

A sinking ship? Not quite. Maybe a ship with a couple of broken masts and a nearly breached hull. But still, it has the strength to sail on.

One was left to hope it was a sign of reality-check or to despair that it was madness known, yet pursued.

Dwayne, overwhelmed by a surge of conflicting emotions, briefly lost his words.

Though he had not confirmed it with everyone, he was certain most of the vassals wore similar expressions.

However, it was all too clear that the heir apparent would push his opinion forward, regardless of their stance.

And above all

Have I ever led us astray with my decisions? Trust me. I can do this again.

No one dared counter the excuse that sounded all too familiarnone remained in the family who would.

Ugh

What if this leads us to ruin?

Eh?!

Dwayne, who was agonizing over it, turned towards the voice of salvation.

Philip!

When the talented young man with notably grey eyes brazenly raised his question to Logan,

Dwayne looked at Philip with eyes filled with moved emotion, as if he had found an oasis in a desert.

And then

We wont fail. Im confident.

Cant you provide any rationale?

Not at the moment.

Hmm. Just as I expected Well, I trust your words, my lord, since you have never failed us whenever you spoke so. Ill count on your explanation later.

Why ask?

If you have no intention of arguing, why step forward!

Dwayne quivered with fists trembling in betrayal, realizing too easily he had collapsed into acquiescence.

He couldnt imagine Philips question was prearranged with Logan merely to assuage potential dissension among the vassals.

Somebody challenge him! Lets uncover this with logic! Is this a consultation or a dictation?

Unable to bear the frustration, Dwayne approached the heir apparent.

Then, he whispered angrily.

That incident back then you said it was Yordans doing! Then why are you considering the Second Princes side?!

Understanding the context was enough to predict a conversation like this, but unacceptable in an open setting.

Dont worry. Ill ensure we are handsomely rewarded for that.

The reply was predictably non-committal, leaving Dwayne deflated.

His heart sank as he saw the cool smile at the corner of Logans mouth, a warning aimed probably at him.

Ugh

Ultimately

Vassals, prepare for war! As soon as negotiations with the Second Prince are concluded, we march!

Unable to stop the lords declaration, which basically delegated most of his powers to Logan.

That day.

McLaines communication reached the ducal household of Valdermaine.

* * *

We will join with the faction of the Second Prince.

McLaines declaration startled the officer in charge of communications, promptly summoning the castles master.

Despite the welcome message, the master maintained a cold attitude.

Join us now? How can I put trust in those words?

Disdainful skepticism. Yet those irritating red eyes within the communication device only smiled.

Well, if you insist on refusing, I have no qualms going to the First Princes faction. Do you really reject our offer, Your Excellency?

One word was enough to set Yordan Valdermaine off.

Crash!

How dare you play with me?!

Papers flew as the desk turned over, and the trembling clerk barely caught the flying communication device.

A calmer Yordan wouldnt have reacted so explosively to mere words. Yet, the looming sense of impending doom was steadily robbing him of his tranquility.

Ha. Gift, you say. I have no idea what you mean. Anyway, is that why youd join our faction?

Well, not exactly. But if I join the losing side and help reverse the tide, wont we stand to gain more eventually?

The losing side.

Even external perspectives saw it was that way, which further contorted Yordans features, though he tried to appear composed.

If you say youre joining the losing side, you mean the First Princes faction. Why mention it here?

Hmm. It seems we disagree. But if you say so, so be it. Anyway, our joining comes with conditions.

Inside, Yordan scoffed.

To stoop under the one who had sent assassins?

It was as good as saying he was aiming for a stab in the back.

Conditions Do I really need to entertain them?

Nevertheless, the opponent laid out his terms unabashedly.

We require recognition of the lands we conquer in Bifrost, half of the adjacent lands of Marquis Callian, and at least the title of an vicount, if not a count, which our ancestors lost. What do you say?

The audacity of Logans demands was beyond skeptical doubts.

Yordan involuntarily retorted.