Regressor of the Fallen Family novel Chapter 197

Chapter 197

“You may rest in this detached palace.”

“When can we see His Majesty?”

“Since you have been personally invited by His Majesty, he will probably summon you soon.”

…No matter how much the common language may differ between regions, the words ‘probably soon’ wouldn’t equate to an entire week.

Day 7 since entering the imperial palace.

The expressions of the party who had been eating exquisite meals inside the luxurious detached palace were firm, unbecoming of those receiving such precious hospitality.

“How much longer must we stay here?”

Luther Kyle growled as he gazed upon the mountainous stack of dishes as large as his own body.

The serving boy, who was delivering food nearby, involuntarily stepped back a pace, but Logan only replied with a soft sigh.

“Do you think I would know?”

“So there’s no word to you either.”

“That’s correct.”

Although Logan answered calmly, he was feeling increasingly anxious on the inside, knowing it was a custom of the Imperial House to deflate the spirit of envoys like this.

‘This is a waste of time.’

Since their entrance into the imperial palace, they had been completely cut off from any news outside.

Despite having anticipated this, the feeling of unease grew with each passing day.

‘It’s only been a week. Just one week. There’s no need to be anxious.’

A war wouldn’t break out in this time, nor would their family or kingdom crumble.

Trying to console himself was of little use; the mind wasn’t so easily controlled.

‘I must be a bit obsessive.’

Acknowledging that his anxiousness was abnormal, Logan managed to forcibly calm himself enough to pretend he was alright.

“Just wait a little longer. It won’t be much long now.”

It was merely an educated guess based on common knowledge and a flicker of hope.

Fortunately, Logan’s words became reality that very afternoon.

“His Majesty has commanded your presence. Oh, only you, Logan, and you, Luther, are granted an audience. The others are to remain in the detached palace.”

Upon hearing the chamberlain’s message, Logan dressed in the ceremonial garb prepared by the palace servants and headed for the main palace.

Even Luther Kyle, known as the giant, looked small beneath the majestically high ceilings adorned with elaborate frescoes that seemed unfathomable in their detail. If one lowered their gaze slightly, they would see tall pillars of an unknown material intricately carved, supporting the lofty ceiling.

The path towards the Grand Hall, including every pillar, floor, and wall, appeared astoundingly ornate, as if they were part of an art piece.

However, the chamberlain leading them stepped towards the outside of this dazzling palace instead.

“Hasn’t His Majesty said he is waiting for us?”

“Yes. Today His Majesty has summoned the assembly of nobles and bureaucrats in the courtyard at the entrance to the main palace, not in the imperial hall. We are on our way there now.”

“The courtyard at the entrance of the palace?”

As Luther Kyle expressed his confusion, the chamberlain added further explanation.

“It’s a place normally used for major Imperial events. His Majesty is showing such hospitality as to invite you there.”

It was a culture distinct indeed from Grandia, where hosts would welcome guests inside their homes. Taken aback by this foreign practice, Logan nodded and silently followed the chamberlain.

Exiting the detached palace, they circumvented the inner castle walls and passed through three gates before finally approaching the entrance to the main palace.

“Guests from the Kingdom of Grandia, enter!”

– Let them through!

As the knights opened the last of the three gates, a magnificent palace that seemed to house a golden dragon within its structure came into view.

The soaring spires resembled the head of a dragon, and the ornate, golden eaves and decorations that hung below were reminiscent of a dragon’s grand body and scales.

The entire palace felt like a monumental piece of art.

“Wow…!”

It was hardly surprising that even Luther Kyle, who had been repeatedly warned to stay focused, let out an exclamation of awe.

In the wide courtyard spread out in front of the grand palace stood knights arrayed tightly in formation on guard duty. And within the stern atmosphere one could sense from afar, lay a long procession of empire bureaucrats, standing motionless and ranked to either side.

At the end of the expansive pathway, under the dragon that coiled around the entrance to the palace, sat someone upon a grand throne adorned with gold dragons.

Despite being at least 200 to 300 meters away from where Logan’s party stood, the presence of the figure captivated his gaze so intensely that all those around seemed to vanish from view.

Dark-haired, with an angular face and the unmistakable yellow skin of the Imperial lineage and bearing a majestic stature, the middle-aged man slouched against one armrest and gazed downward from his elevated position.

Curiosity filled his face, and more than anything, his black eyes, glittering with a peculiar light, seemed to catch and hold Logan’s gaze.

‘…What is this?’

Before Logan could speculate further, he felt as though his eyes had locked with the emperor’s, reaching across the vast distance.

‘Is that even possible?’

At such a distance, where it would be difficult for an ordinary person to even discern facial features, let alone expressions, maintaining eye contact should have been impossible – yet it seemed to happen again. Recognizing this, the emperor subtlety smiled, confirming that Logan’s impression was no illusion and then beckoned him forward.

“Come closer, young hero of Grandia.”

With a voice imbued with subtle power that reverberated across the distance to Logan’s ears, it was enough to make his chest stir weirdly and he snapped back to attention.

‘Magic…? No, a presence? What is this?’

There was no time to ponder deeply.

Although the imposing Luther Kyle was right beside him, the emperor had singled Logan out alone.

Under numerous watchful eyes, he had no choice but to move forward.

At this moment, even Luther could do nothing more than silently follow Logan into the grand hall.

“What is the meaning of that size?”

“He doesn’t look young.”

“The young man in front must be it, you fool.”

“The other one has no impact, though.”

“Still, His Majesty must see something in him…”

“Where is Grandia, anyway?”

Murmurs echoed around them, yet Logan’s gaze remained fixed solely on the emperor ahead.

‘Why? Why am I drawn to his gaze?’

He struggled to understand why the emperor’s gaze effortlessly captivated him.

Perhaps having stared for too long, he was taken aback.

‘What?!’

Suddenly, a crushing pressure overwhelmed Logan, snapping him out of his trance.

The core of his heart roared to life, repelling the presence around him, allowing Logan to realize he had reached within 50 meters of the emperor’s throne.

In that moment, he could tell that the source of this intensity originated from the ten knights standing on either side of the emperor.

Realizing this, Logan was shocked.

‘All of them are superhumans?’

Clench.