Regressor of the Fallen Family novel Chapter 199

Chapter 199

Just as Tris’s sword flashed, a whirlwind swept through the center of the courtyard. However, those watching were more focused on the situation within the dust cloud, stirred up by the whirlwind, than the miraculous sign itself.

As the swirling dust settled, people simultaneously let out sighs of dismay.

“Oh no…”

“How could this happen!”

Jerome, having dropped his sword, lay motionless as if unconscious. More shocking was the thick blood flowing from his head. Those with keen eyes realized it was coming from his right eye. At that moment:

“How dare you!!”

Tris roared like a thunderbolt, lunging forward with the two superhumans at his side, heading straight for Logan, who was still standing despite clutching his torn flank, in stark contrast to the unmoving Jerome.

Tris’s glittering killing intent turned Logan’s face ashen in an instant.

“Stop right there!”

A giant emerged, shouting simultaneously, but his approach seemed far too slow, prompting Logan to grit his teeth and redirect his sword.

Had he underestimated the pride of the Emperor and the Empire too much?

‘I’ll take at least one down with me!’

Fueled by a possibly futile hope, he forced out his fighting spirit. But his depleted strength could hardly surpass its limit.

Boom!

As Tris’s strike sent Luther Kyle flying, the two superhumans easily subdued the tired Logan, seizing his limbs and slamming him to the ground.

‘Damn it all.’

Was this how he was going to die? In such a pitiful way? As he bit his lips until they bled, a strong blow struck his head.

Thud.

“Ugh!”

Tris, stepping on Logan’s head, pointed his sword down silently.

“For the crime of harming the Empire’s talent, pay with your life.”

His cold voice pierced Logan’s ears when suddenly, a still yet forcefully poised voice captured everyone’s attention.

“What are you doing now?”

As if drawn by an unknown force, everyone’s gaze unfailingly turned toward the voice coming from the high seat. Upon seeing the Emperor’s slightly furrowed face, Tris immediately kneeled down.

“Your Majesty. This man has dared to harm the Empire’s talent in your very presence. He should be killed brutally to uphold your Majesty’s and the Empire’s authority.”

“To order punishment for what I commanded, if the outcomes are unsavory? You’re making a mockery of me.”

To everyone’s surprise, the Emperor spoke harshly, not to Logan, but to Tris. His face turned pale with shock, Tris lifted his head then pressed his forehead to the ground again.

“No, absolutely not! Your Majesty, my actions were only with the Empire’s best interests at heart…”

“The Empire is me, and I am the Empire. Yet you refuse my command while claiming to act in my favor?”

With a tone devoid of emotion, Tris trembled as he repeatedly struck his head on the floor. Blood from his broken forehead stained his face.

“I beg forgiveness, Your Majesty. In my folly, I did not discern Your Majesty’s will and overstepped my bounds.”

Tris then raised his bloodied face, crying out.

“I beg for punishment!”

The superhumans who had helped restrain Logan also lay prostrate in unison. Luther Kyle, who was ready to burst in, froze, and Logan too wore a dumbfounded expression.

The Emperor’s composed voice continued.

“Nevertheless, you have realized your sin in time. Considering your lifetime of contribution to the Empire, I have decided on a punishment.”

Logan felt a bit sobered by the soft flow of words.

‘He’s probably just putting on a show.’

But the following words of the Emperor were nothing like what Logan had anticipated.

“Tris, you are stripped of your title as the Captain of the Imperial Knights, and your rank will be demoted. Runas, Fabian. You two as well.”

The too-harsh punishment for unintended disobedience, perhaps even action taken with the Emperor in mind, was unexpected.

‘What’s this?’

As Logan looked around, wondering if he was the only one caught off guard,

“We’re grateful for Your Majesty’s lenient decision!”

Surprisingly, the superhumans bowed their heads again, showing no regrets. At least outwardly, they seemed genuinely accepting.

‘Even if the monarch’s authority is strong, to have such control over superhumans…’

As Logan watched incredulously, the Emperor’s gaze fell on him. Those compelling black eyes that always drew attention flashed again.

“Despite the unfortunate circumstances, mishaps can certainly happen in a warrior’s duel. I will not pursue accountability for this matter. Instead, I am amazed by the marvelous valor of the young hero, Logan McClain. I hereby declare his victory and wish to bestow upon him the appropriate rewards.”

The nobles erupted in cheers as if erasing the superhumans’ previous shame.

“Logan McClain, young hero of Grandia. Swear fealty to me. If you do, I will grant you power and wealth beyond anything that meager kingdom of yours can provide.”

Stunned by the Emperor’s unexpected words, Logan could only stand speechless for a long while.

– I will give you beyond what you can imagine.

The offer was beyond belief, irresistibly enticing, especially because the Emperor wouldn’t make such statements lightly in front of so many nobles.

‘If I nod here, the danger facing my family will disappear.’

There would be security for his family, which he had focused on since his regression.

However…

‘If I naturalize to this nation, I’ll be at the vanguard of the imperial conquest. To prove my worth. I would have to… attack my own homeland.’

He had given up the hope that the conquest would not happen. Even without confirming the rumors he’d heard in his past life, the Emperor’s black eyes brimmed with greed.

At the moment, the greed might be in his favor, but it was clear from the gaze of someone who had never needed to concede anything in life.

‘He’s not someone who would listen to others.’

And then there was Logan’s own simmering heart. Thoughts of bowing his head quietly for his family immediately triggered memories that forbade him from making the comfortable choice.

– Adapt and live, isn’t it? What’s the difference between the tyranny of the rotten kingdom’s nobility and the Empire’s oppression?

– I’ll tell you a clear answer. The difference is between those who view people as people and those who see them as objects.

– I will die to live as a person!