Regressor of the Fallen Family novel Chapter 29

Chapter 29

What?

At Logans words, everyone was startled once again.

Logans image had changed drastically due to the recent war, but the majority of those present remembered his behavior during the past broken engagement incident.

Logans reputation for loving money had not changed.

I dont mean to say I wont take the reward. I just mean I wont take it in money.

Upon hearing that, everyone nodded as if they expected such a statement, but they were once again astonished by his next request.

Instead of money, I would like to request land.

Are you saying you want to create private land within the territory?

The expression of Patrick, who had been infinitely amiable, stiffened slightly.

However, Logan remained unfazed.

Yes.

Heavens

With a deep sigh from Patrick, the administrators protested vehemently.

Thats preposterous! Private land within our territory?

No matter how great the young lords achievements are, granting land is unheard of. In this small territory

That sort of thing would only have been possible in the days of the old earldom

Some even invoked taboo words, receiving scowls from the others.

Yet, even if it was a conversation that would have been disregarded as worthless in the past, Patrick calmed the assembly first.

Lets just ask for now. Why do you suddenly want land?

Feeling anew the change in his reputation, Logan smiled and continued his explanation.

I am aware that the territory still needs a lot of money. Use that money for the territory, Ill take one of the mountains in the western wastelands to develop.

The wastelands? A wild mountain?

Yes. Just one of the mountains near the border with the Thessalon territory, along the river will suffice.

To every direction, the desolate MacLaine territory was the most useless, second only to the south with its abundance of monsters.

Although called a mountain, it was a barren land so desolate that even finding a few trees was a challenge.

Why that place?

Whats there?

What could possibly be there.

But why?

The administrators were naturally bewildered, and Patrick was no different.

You want to develop that land?

Who knows? Maybe theres gold buried deep in the ground.

Logans off-the-wall comment left everyone looking at him in incredulity.

The royal family has already developed all the gold mines never mind, you just want that land, is that it?

Frayed by the conversation, the lord of the house grasped his head and Logan readily nodded.

Yes.

At that response, the vassals shook their heads disapprovingly.

To them, it was merely another incomprehensible act of the young lord.

Everyone gathered began to think similarly.

After all, if its useless land, letting the young lord have it and saving the budget wasnt a bad idea.

Fine. Grant the wild mountain to Logan Dwayne, bring the map. Show me precisely where Hmm, yes, well grant this mountain as private property.

Thanks to this, the opposition disappeared, and permission was granted all too easily.

Its done!

Logan clenched his fist secretly under the conference room table.

This land is far more important than the mere 300,000 gold.

His heart raced with elation at having overcome the hurdle of the provincial war, and pride swelled his soul, but he couldnt afford to rest on his laurels.

Nine years from now.

The thought alone was suffocating, recalling the calamity that would strike.

A noble house on the fringes of the kingdom, and he, merely one of its sons, had to become the pivotal factor in repelling the imperial invasion.

And there were also the internal calamities of the kingdom yet to come.

Theres still a long way to go.

Both he and his house had many mountains left to climb.

This decision, too, was meant to proactively overcome those disasters.

Its better for me to have it than the house if were to respond effectively in the future.

The meeting soon ended, and Logan had obtained everything he desired.

* * * Having left the conference room, Logan immediately confronted another burden that had been weighing on his mind for a long time.

And, as always, this burden turned its edge on him.

What in the world are you thinking?

Mother!

What kind of scheme is this! Others may be fooled, but do you think you can deceive your own mother?!

Even Lorraines remonstrations couldnt stop the new mother from yelling, her eyes bloodshot and complexion pale, now deserving pity.

Mother! Please!! Brother, Im sorry. My mother is heartbroken over the matters of the maternal family right now

Its okay, Lorraine. Its alright.

Logan smiled gently at his flustered brother, then turned back to the new mother.

Regardless of longstanding grudges, she was now no more than a powerless matriarch.

No longer could she pose any threat or interruption to him.

And precisely because of this, the timing was right to amend this twisted relationship.

Maybe now is the time for a sincere apology rather than excuses.

While Logan was not without reservation, he was undaunted.

He took a deep breath, sorted his thoughts, and spoke calmly.

Mother. I understand that the behavior I have shown over the years does not inspire trust. The actions I took, wrapped up in jealousy and an inferiority complex, I regret them profoundly.

See, Lorraine! He admits it himself! Everything was his doing

Mother! Please, stop!

Lorraine clutched at Merians waist with a sorrowful gaze.

Brother, mother is not herself right now. Now is not the time for such conversations

Just listen, Lorraine MacLaine. Truth is, youre the one I truly owe an apology.

Yes?

Ive apologized since my return, but I never told you for what. Even decades of regret couldnt overcome my cowardice.

Brother?

Facing words incomprehensible to Lorraine, whose expression became vacant.

But you knew it, Lorraine. Youre no fool.

And the outright confession that followed made Lorraines face harden like stone.

For the past few years, I despised you.

Marian was speechless, and Lorraine paled at the unembellished revelation.

Logan could only smile bitterly at that sight.

By hating you, I tried to evade my own failings. Now, I sincerely regret that pathetic period, Lorraine.

Logan forced himself to look directly into his brothers eyes.

Lorraine, my brother. I apologize now, however late it is. I was truly sorry.

The new mothers eyes widened with astonishment, and Lorraine was too flustered to even look properly.

Just speaking the words brought a surge of emotion that had been held back for decades.

Having returned to the past and overcoming one crisis of the house, Logan finally mustered the courage to apologize sincerely.