Regressor of the Fallen Family novel Chapter 191

Chapter 191

“My apologies! You may pass now!”

The imperial border guard, who had blatantly demanded bribes and even struck from behind when posing as peddlers, stiffened and saluted.

Despite the flags and the knights’ armor clearly marking them as nobles from another country, they treated them with the respect due to their own superior officers.

All this was due to the emblem of the golden dragon embossed on the invitation extended by Logan.

“Is the verification complete?”

“Yes! The authenticity has been confirmed. We apologize for the delay.”

The attitude of the imperial high knights was excessively polite, and the same could be said for the other knights who appeared to be their subordinates.

With all the knights bowing their heads, the soldiers standing rigidly behind them almost looked pitiful.

Their only fault was stopping a suspicious armed group of 20, clearly foreign knights at that.

‘Is there such a disparity in treatment?’

During the time of the independence army, or even during his recent visit due to Krauwn, the imperial border guards were unbearably arrogant.

Of course, it would be strange if the way they treated a mere peddler and a national envoy were the same. Nevertheless, their attitude seemed excessive.

“With just this…”

The invitation fluttered in Logan’s hand.

Beneath his gesture, the knights’ eyes darted about busily.

The sight of them reacting to a piece of paper with the imperial emblem was both amusing and sent a chill through him.

A ruler who can make border soldiers play dead at the sight of an invitation…

Memories of the one who invited him drilled back into his mind.

‘The Emperor…’

Siegfried von Sainz the Third.

The Emperor who conquered Asman, the western powerhouse, and expanded the empire’s territory by one-third upon ascending to the throne.

And if things went as in his previous life, in five years, he would completely subdue Grandia and the small kingdoms to the east, becoming one of the most renowned conquerors in the history of the Ares Empire.

Even after he completely conquered the Eastern Continent and passed on the throne, he continued to be called the Regent, exerting immense influence over the empire.

‘He’s searching for me… but why?’

Ever since he first heard the words, he had pondered, but now it seemed there was only one likely reason.

‘It’s probably because of a weapon.’

Among them, the repeating crossbow.

The repeating crossbow had originally been a weapon introduced by the empire during the conquest war against Grandia and could already be in development at this time.

Is there someone in the neighboring country who has used a weapon they are developing?

He himself would be curious about such a person.

‘Well, I’d say I made it first.’

What can be done if I created it first?

It was unlikely that the Emperor who personally sent an invitation would do anything to him right away.

Even if it wasn’t for this reason, his stance had to remain the same.

‘Retain maximum courtesy, but seem to know nothing.’

It would be better to be dismissed by the Emperor of the empire rather than receive high praise.

With these thoughts in order.

“My liege, we should depart now.”

Perhaps he was lost in thought for too long, Victor approached him and urged his departure.

“Ah… Right, we should go.”

If the reason wasn’t as he had thought, then he’d find out by encountering it himself.

Meeting the Emperor in person and understanding his true intentions would help in planning his future moves.

Flap.

At the sound of the horse’s hooves, Logan cleared his mind and started galloping westward once again.

* * *

Since the schedule was tight, the party’s rush continued throughout the day.

When night fell and it was time to camp, Logan repeated sword training and meditation.

Although he could feel the eyes of the surrounding knights on him, there was nothing better than practice to soothe an uneasy mind.

Expectations and worries about the Emperor and the problems that might arise in his domain or kingdom while he was away.

Those complex thoughts seemed to melt away with every swing of his sword.

“My liege, may I request a sparring session?”

“Certainly.”

It was even better if the knights could learn something by watching him.

Logan gladly accepted Victor’s request for sparring.

‘This situation and still training… Logan McLaine is truly impressive.’

Luther Kyle, leaning against a tree and watching the clearing, had a complicated look in his eyes.

‘He’s on his way to meet the Emperor and he’s not even nervous.’

While others would likely lose sleep, this red-headed braggart hadn’t shown any change through several days of traveling.

Though Luther knew well of the formidable strength that belied his young age…

‘It must mean he is a man of great capacity. Truly befitting the title of a hero.’

Luther smiled bitterly.

While he was impressed, there was also a tinge of bitterness.

The hero had climbed up on a pedestal that was once his.

Demoted in title, half his domain confiscated, and bound to the Espérance Knights under the Sword Saint, he had lost his freedom – all because of Logan.

Frankly, it would be a lie to say he held no resentment.

But…

‘It’s my karma. It’s just that I’m still narrow-minded and want to blame others.’

A self-deprecating chuckle escaped him.

“I allowed myself to be swept up” and waged war.

Though this had been the nominal reason for his merciful punishment, he knew very well it wasn’t true.