Regressor of the Fallen Family novel Chapter 201

Chapter 201

Episode 201

“I heard you stayed holed up in your lodging rather than enjoying the empire as I had told you to. That’s why I have personally sent for you. So, how does it feel?”

It would have been easier for both parties if he had just let me be.

But the truth inside could not be revealed.

“I am indebted to your magnanimity, Your Majesty.”

“That’s right. Seeing the vast world and experiencing it can change one’s perspective.”

“What can a bird trapped in a cage truly see and feel of the world? It’s nothing but suffocating.”

Logan’s sharp retort drew sharp gazes from those following the Emperor, but the Emperor himself only smirked.

“If you see it broadly, the cage is not the kingdom that restrains you, but rather the world itself. If you wish to soar the skies, you should come to a wider world.”

The gaze that the Emperor cast upon Logan remained friendly.

“Why are you so insistent on keeping me here? There are many under your command who are far more exceptional than me.”

“That may be so for now. Leonard here, for example, is nothing like the inept Jerome; he is certainly stronger than you.”

The Emperor’s words prompted the middle-aged knight following closely behind him to subtly lower his head.

Logan sensed a slight tension in the Emperor’s words.

“However, if we consider future potential, it must be you, without a doubt. Even Tris, who is now called the greatest swordsman of the continent, was not able to achieve as much at your age. You have the greatest potential of all I’ve seen.”

The sense of discomfort became clear with his exuberant praise.

The ‘superior individuals’ Logan had mentioned were not just in terms of martial power but encompassed all areas of talent, yet the Emperor’s response was focused solely on one criterion.

‘Extraordinary, individual might. The Emperor places combat prowess as the foremost criterion for talent.’

It was then that Logan truly believed the Emperor had invited him alone.

‘He has no interest in weapons used in the civil war of the kingdom?’

That thought brought a bitter smile to Logan’s face.

It was as if he had caught a glimpse of a vulnerability in the Emperor, a massive presence. Even if it was a momentary illusion, it felt like the compulsive anxiety that had been troubling him was fading a little. fɾeeweɓnѳveɭ.com

“The future’s strongest is before us. How could I not covet such a prospect?”

Of course, the immediate goal was to remove the Emperor’s eager ambitions from his sight.

“The future is uncertain. Even Sir Jerome, just yesterday, seemed to possess endless potential.”

“Do you value one who has conquered themselves so highly? Heh, you’re growing on me more and more. With such an attitude, you’ll never be lazy.”

This stubbornness in the Emperor’s eyes appeared to be quite formidable.

“The Emperor is going so far for me…”

“Dare I even ask…”

“I’m envious…”

As the entire party hall’s attention focused on their conversation, Logan once more proclaimed his stance, loud enough for all to hear.

“Your Majesty, as I mentioned before, I cannot abandon my homeland as a pure-blooded Grandian. Please understand my humble wish to protect my country.”

“I’m not asking you to turn your back on your country. I’m asking you to come to me.”

What’s he on about now?

Logan suppressed his incredulity and continued.

“As the world’s owner, serving me would ultimately serve your kingdom, wouldn’t it?”

The Emperor continued with his arrogant assertion.

Through several wars, even while battered and worn, Grandia had never once subservient to the empire.

‘What twisted logic…!’

Logan felt a surge of anger but knew better than to express it openly; doing so would be akin to suicide. He calmly replied again.

“I’m already struggling to keep my own house in order. I regretfully must decline the grand offer.”

“Keeping a house in order?” Half-sincere, it was a genuine issue.

Yet the Emperor continued,

“Do not underplay yourself. In my eyes, your worth alone outshines the entire Grandian kingdom. I was not lying when I said that if you swear loyalty to me, you will hold more power than the King of Grandia.”

The Emperor’s valuation was exceedingly generous.

As the nobles watched their conversation in silent awe, their jaws dropped.

‘A single man better than a whole kingdom?’

Who else in the world would say such a thing and make it seem so convincing?

Stunned by the extravagant praise, Logan temporarily lost his words.

Lifting his head, his eyes met the Emperor’s once again, and he could see an unyielding determination not to let go of his desire.

The man who had never had to yield or find a reason to, throughout his life.

Could such a man with such a strong obsession over talent ever consider giving up his conquests?

‘A request to cease conquest in exchange for naturalization will not be heard. It would be lucky to avoid an inquisition instead.’

Seeing the Emperor’s eyes, Logan could finally let go of the faint hope that had lingered in his heart, the lingering thought that perhaps he had chosen a difficult path only because of a grudge from his past life.

‘If I naturalize, it will surely be to appoint me as the spearhead against my own kingdom.’

As he had previously surmised, that would be the surest way to fulfill his promise of land and power equivalent to a kingdom.

Solidifying his resolve, Logan looked into the Emperor’s eyes and with an unwavering voice replied,

“Your Majesty, I am truly sorry, but my kingdom and my family are my everything. Please understand my narrow-mindedness and withdraw your generous offer.”

As a collective gasp rippled through the surrounding crowd,

Smirking, the Emperor spoke,

“Take your time to think it over. After experiencing more of the empire’s greatness, perhaps your thoughts will change.”

“The young man from Grandia will be shown a vast world. Come, sit by my side.”

The Emperor began to press more actively.

In the Emperor’s hand was a bottle of liquor, said to bring purity and clarity of mind; a rare vintage only produced in the royal distillery, about one hundred bottles a year, comparable to a tonic for knights.