Regressor of the Fallen Family novel Chapter 143

Chapter 143

Regressor of the Fallen Family Chapter 143

The night sky over the capital city of Gran was eerily peaceful, uncharacteristic for a nation beleaguered by war. As the moon brightly lit the night, an middle-aged man gazed out from an old-fashioned manor at the streets below. Suddenly, his countenance tightened in annoyance.

Whos there!

His low voice carried a formidable air, the overwhelming presence of the kingdoms most powerful aura user ensnaring the intruder who had slipped through the shadows. The figure, clad from head to toe in black and masked, then spoke with a familiar voice.

Its me, Master.

Logan?

At that, the austere aura dissolved, and the shadow swiftly removed the mask to reveal Logans brown hair and eyes. Duke Felix Esperanza knit his brows as he addressed Logan, concerned.

Whats with this disguise?

I needed to avoid others eyes for my task.

Huh I didnt teach you the technique of the ghost shadow for such activities.

It was necessary. Which is why Ive come to you, Master.

Tsk. It seems like its not an honorable request, sneaking in like a thief.

Despite his rebuke, the swordmaster laughed lightly. Logan, however, had a serious demeanor.

Yes, Ive come with a request I cant ask openly.

A sense of resolution could be seen on the Masters face upon hearing Logans words.

What is it?

Before I ask, please dont be angry with me. Think deeply about it, urged Logan.

What could it be that requires such a preamble, so unlike you. Just spit it out.

Do you remember, back when I entreated for your help to safeguard the Third Prince, you said you would heed a favor from me?

Yes, I remember.

Please think deeply about it, even if you want to refuse.

Your insistence is making me uneasy.

It certainly was no ordinary request between master and student. The foreboding in the Masters heart grew as Logan continued,

Perhaps youre unaware, but Im returning from orchestrating a collision between the main forces of the factions backing the First and Second Princes. And in the midst of that, I aim to gather a neutral force to strike at the weakened factions.

As feared, the feeling of dread hadnt missed its mark.

And, Master, I wish for you to be the fulcrum of it.

The Master could only sigh deeply at such a request, his frustrations already mounting amidst the dire straits engulfing the kingdoms internal affairs.

I see So youre asking me to join this war, he intuited.

Yes.

Ive publicly vowed not to meddle in the succession. You were the one who suggested it was the best course! Have you forgotten?

At that time, it was indeed the best moveto protect the Third Prince. And now, the favor I ask of you, ultimately, serves the prince as well.

What?

I plan to make the Third Prince a king, whether you help me or not.

The Master felt he might have misheard, but the earnestness in Logans eyes soon left him exhaling in resignation.

Do you honestly believe this is possible? The McLaine would have to fend off both factions if it came to pass.

If you assist me, itll be easier, otherwise more difficult.

What?

Even in the worst-case scenario, Im confident of eliminating the First and Second Princes, even if it means sacrificing everything my family has.

Such definitive words changed the Masters expression entirely.

Blasphemous! Logan, do you even realize what youre saying?

Yes, I do. Thats why Im telling you this. It would be much smoother and less bloody with your help.

If my plans succeed, with both heirs having young children, the royal law will naturally grant the crown to the Third Prince. And you, Master, will have no choice but to fight against the factions to protect him.

This levelheaded claim by Logan sent chills through the swordmaster.

Are you threatening me now?

Im simply stating reality.

Hearing Logans words brought further turmoil to an already troubled heart, but the Master had long since committed to his path.

Still, I cant. Ive made a pledge, and I have no intention to violate it.

I knew you would say that.

What?

That is why I am asking you to reconsider, given the risk of the nation falling into ruin.

Duke Esperanzas face reddened, his voice rising with indignation, but Logan remained steadfast.

I do not truly know the weight of your honor, Master. But surely it is not heavier than the fate of our country. Please, consider the current state of our nation.

Im disappointed, Logan. Leave now.

Master!

Youre ignoring my entire life.

Pardon?

The Master conveyed his unwavering stance with a deep look in his eyes.

Why do you think everyone heeds my words? Because Yordan or Juan are fools? Or because the lifetime Ive built can be so easily disregarded?

Thats

Honor is not about stubbornly refusing to change ones words, Logan! Its about the life Ive lived, what Ive stood by, my very existence.

The Master paused, then continued,

I have always upheld my words, even the most trivial, throughout my life. For essential matters, Ive staked my life, upholding them at all costs. Everyone came to trust me because of it. Though our visions differed, they respected my words, and that became my strength, my honor. That is my life, and my life is my honor.

But

Logan tried to speak, but the Master cut him off with a shake of his head.

To ask me to go back on my pledge is not merely changing a word. Its demanding that I deny my entire life! Do you understand?

Master!

Would I be content to watch the country collapse? If breaking my oath could save it, of course, Id actexcept that I do not see a solution. What do you see that makes you so certain?

Within his sigh lingered the inner turmoil he had suppressed for so long. Sensing this, Logan finally revealed part of the truth he had so dearly concealed.