Regressor of the Fallen Family novel Chapter 162

Chapter 162

The sound of my brother’s laughter echoes from deep within the communications room. It’s the first time I’ve heard such hearty laughter since the war, and Ronian let out a sigh of relief. He had been really uneasy when his sister-in-law stormed out earlier.

“…Thank goodness.”

“Didn’t I tell you? Our master is strong. Do you feel a bit more at ease now?”

“Even so, it’s hard not to worry about family… But Viktor, when it’s just the two of us, speak informally, remember?”

“…It’s not so easy to do.”

The odd-eyed friend avoided Ronian’s gaze as he cracked a slightly awkward smile. His response was progress, if you can call it that. Ronian couldn’t help but laugh and clap the friend he considered a rival on the shoulder.

“Then let’s go and enjoy the festival.”

“Go on, then…”

“Seriously, informal! And I said let’s go together, right?”

“…I’ll pass. I’ll stay to guard the mansion.”

“Weren’t you the one who told me not to worry about big brother?”

“It’s not that I’m worried about the master… ugh, no. There’s nothing for me to do there anyway.”

Ronian well knew his friend’s lack of interest in such festive occasions. But he also knew exactly how to crumble that disinterest.

“I heard decorations from the war-surplus stores are out in abundance. Stuff that young ladies would adore.”

His friend twitched.

“Well, if you’re not coming, at least give me some tips on Victoria’s tastes. I’ll get her a present when I return.”

“…I’m in.”

Was that twitch of the eyebrow an expression of anticipation or anger? Ronian inwardly chuckled as he pulled his friend along, though he still felt a bit concerned about what was happening inside.

‘Big brother seems to be doing better. He and my sister-in-law will have a good time, right?’

Thinking back, his sister-in-law’s expression when leaving the communications room hadn’t been bad either. Although he wasn’t too familiar with affairs of the heart, maybe his brother’s stress had already lessened by then.

‘If only I had more ability, I could’ve taken more of my brother’s burdens.’

Ronian mulled over these self-reproachful thoughts as he slowly walked away.

* * *

During the festival, I can’t get much done anyway. So, for at least a few days, let’s put aside future plans and worries, and bask in the success we’ve achieved.

Logan had made up his mind, but the environment wasn’t cooperating. A mountain of party invitations was the least of his troubles.

“Count Logan! Please meet with me just once!”

“Hey, do you even know who I am? How dare a soldier block my way when nobles want to get acquainted!”

“Ha, Sir Knight. Peace is best after all. If you’d just step aside for Count Logan…. Heh, such an innocent knight. Now, let’s…”

The bustling crowd at the mansion’s entrance made it impossible for Logan to even consider going out.

‘I could just tell them all to leave…’

With the ominous moniker “Earl of Blood” pinned to his name following the events at the palace, it was about time to manage his reputation.

All Logan could do was sigh quietly.

Eileen’s sigh followed closely by his side.

“This is indeed worse.”

“Hardly a sanctuary, isn’t it?”

At Logan’s words, Eileen smiled awkwardly. Having recently become the head of the Floyd family, he couldn’t last a day at the family home and had come back. Well, that’s the excuse he gave, but in reality…

“Hmm. Given the current situation, it’s impossible. Even off-duty knights cover up their family crests while wandering the capital.”

Of course, that comment was more like a joke, but the fact remained that the McLain family was drawing a lot of attention.

“If I tried to meet my father-in-law separately, it would be even more chaotic. Seems like I won’t be keeping my appointment. I’d best go down right after the festival ends. Did he have any other message for me?”

“…No, none.”

– And when are you two going to have the wedding?

Father’s words had brushed through Eileen’s mind, but he answered neutrally, although a resentful glance inevitably fell on Logan.

‘After all the trouble of a proposal.’

The cold chill from the sword at his waist felt suddenly icy.

But pride prevented him from voicing his thoughts aloud. Could that be why?

“Then rest a bit more, Sir Eileen. It’s not mandatory for you to stand by my side, especially now — you can take a separate break….”

The honorific ‘Sir’ seemed particularly grating in Eileen’s ears.

“My duty is my duty. Don’t worry about me.”

“…”

“…”

The atmosphere cooled rapidly.

Logan could feel something was very wrong from the overly emphasized words.

“Did I say something wrong…?”

“Not. At. All.”

There was definitely something.

Logan sensed it and kept stammering without finding the right words. After a long pause, he finally said,

“People close to each other should open up and share their feelings. If there’s something bothering you, you ought to say it. Hoping the other person will understand without words is a bit…”

“Yes, I understand.”

“…”

“…”