Regressor of the Fallen Family novel Chapter 3

Chapter 3

Not long after I left my fathers study, a face I did not particularly wish to encounter appeared from the opposite end of the hallway. It seemed the feeling was mutual; as soon as our eyes met, she grimaced and made no effort to conceal her displeasure.

With a soft sigh, I bowed my head as respectfully as I could manage.

It has been a while, Mother.

At my words, the approaching ladys footsteps halted abruptly.

Mother, you say. It sounds quite awkward coming from you, your grace.

The cold gaze of the lady, with her long black hair accentuating her cynical demeanor, fixed upon me. This was Merian Kairosmy stepmother, the biological mother of Lonin, and the current lady of the Maclaine household. She was no mere step parent. Thanks to her efforts, more than half of the Maclaine familys finances were sustained by the Kairos family. Thus, she wielded enormous influence within the entire Maclaine lineage.

Moreover, she was the individual who, in my previous life, would play a major role in opposing me, advocating most fiercely for my exile in the event that would unfold shortly thereafter.

However.

Its merely a greeting, Mother.

If I show a changed demeanor from now on, perhaps this relationship could gradually improve. With that hope, I bowed once more.

Of course, it wouldnt be resolved overnight.

Whats this sudden change of heart? Are you preparing for yet another pitiful debacle?

Her response remained frosty as ever.

Even as my lack of reaction to her sharp provocation caused her to snort dismissively and walk past, Steward Vector, her loyal subordinate, passed by without even acknowledging my presence, only offering the most perfunctory of bows due to the demands of courtesy towards the familys heir.

Its all my own doing.

All of this was the natural consequence of my own past incompetence.

As I watched my stepmothers figure recede, I let out another small sigh and turned away.

* * *

Word quickly spread within Maclaine Castle that the Grand Duke had lost a duel to the young lord. Such news would have been a matter of great discussion in any noble or martial house, but it was even more significant within the Maclaine household. The Maclaine family had nearly lost their lands and title due to the atrocities committed by an ancestor four generations ago and the incompetence of former lords.

It was only thanks to the current head, Patrick Maclaine, becoming a senior knight that the family barely managed to maintain its lineage. Thus, the martial prowess of the heirs attracted considerable attention.

Moreover, the fact that the second son, who had bested the Grand Duke, was only fourteen years old added fuel to the rumors from Lonins prodigious talent to accusations of Logans incompetence. Logans scandal spread quickly, disproportionately to his actual failures.

However, the man himself was too busy packing up his quarters to care about the gossip. Instead, what concerned him more was the person who was fretting much more than Logan himself.

Oh dear! Your grace, whatever are we to do for you!

Stop the fuss. Its true that Lonin is a genius.

Its not the young lord whos the problem its that rumors are flying around painting you as the worlds biggest fool Ah! I mean, I didnt mean to say my tongue slipped

I couldnt help but let out a laugh.

Dont worry about it. If we pay attention to every little thing, we wont get anything done.

Is secluded training really what we should do?

Yes.

It looks like youre running away.

Rick spoke up until the very end. Ah, this was the kind of kid he was.

Rick, my most faithful servant whod been with me since childhood, was excessively talkative and meddling though most of what he said stemmed from concern for me.

In my previous life, the broken Logan dismissed all those worries. But now, the meaning was different though I still had no intention of heeding Ricks words.

Huh, I owe this kid a lot too.

With a sigh, Logan stopped his packing and patted Ricks shoulder.

Im not running away. Just trust me. From now on, itll be a path of roses.

In my previous life, during the next official duel, I had Rick lace Lonins meal with hallucinogens and then with paralytic poison.

As a result, I was stripped of my right to succession and received a punishment akin to house arrest for an extended period.

Despite being the mastermind behind the incident, unlike Rick who was executed for poisoning a direct family member, my punishment was relatively lenient. Even the completely shattered Logan of that time had many sleepless nights due to his conscience.

It was fortunate that I had returned to a time before committing these worst of sins.

Now, I just have to avoid making such foolish mistakes again. However

Rick was someone who had always loyally helped me out, no matter what.

He was someone I definitely wanted to look after.

Not just my brother or my father, but I owed debts to many others.

Just then.

Did you eat something bad?

Cough.

Yes, Rick certainly had a talent for deserving a beating.

I wont make you do anything unreasonable anymore. And Ill take better care of you. ƒreewebɳovel.com

Not sure what you mean, but as long as its something good for me.

Yeah.

He was someone I couldnt take seriously.

Its a relief you seem to have changed.

Despite his words, the smirking Rick in front of me was definitely one of the few people I could truly rely on.

Just pack up the stuff!

Ive been doing it this whole time

Watching Rick grumble and move about, Logan chuckled, wiped his sweat, and looked outside.

Despite the bright sunshine, the future of this land was still dark.

No matter what rumors spread or who plotted in the shadows, they were all meaningless for the moment.

Just show your skills again, and the rumors will change. And in a year, focus everything on the Regional Judgment.

Only by safely overcoming that disaster and moving forward could we afford to contemplate the real future.