Regressor of the Fallen Family novel Chapter 264

The news that the Second Prince of the Empire would come as a congratulatory envoy surprised many, but among those, Logan was the most sensitively affected.

“Why him?”

In his current life, Logan had no particular reason to be regretful towards the Second Prince. In fact, the prince had extended his hand to help, albeit with his own intentions, during the civil war against the king.

However, remembering his past life, Logan naturally viewed the Second Prince’s every action with suspicion. While it might be considered a prejudgment that clouded his ability to gauge rightly, such prejudices or fixed ideas often provided the simplest grounds for conjecture about someone’s maneuvers. Of course, that only worked if one’s judgment of the person was accurate.

And Logan was convinced that the Second Prince was a man of duplicitous mettle.

“Since a new dynasty has come into power, perhaps they’re looking to establish new relations?”

Damian’s speculation, lacking any suspicion, was immediately dismissed by Logan with a shake of his head.

“No, that’s impossible. He’s not that type of person. If it were for that reason alone, he would’ve sent an envoy instead.”

Damian sighed softly at Logan’s emphatic response.

“Whatever his purpose might be, isn’t it odd for the prince to come in person when the Empire isn’t lacking envoys?”

“That’s exactly why it’s strange. And that’s why I’ve called you here.”

The other confidants, especially the ministers and family members like Dwayne, were too preoccupied with preparations for the royal marriage to contribute to the conversation.

Receiving Logan’s expectant gaze, Damian fell deep into thought.

“If there is an ulterior motive, it must be related to the difference between the prince coming as an envoy and someone else coming in that role.”

“Hm? The only difference I can think of would be an increase in the number of knights and the overall size of the envoy… Ah!”

As Logan was speaking, his eyes lit up, and Damian added, interpreting his thoughts.

“Among the envoy, there might be those with certain intentions. Ordinary spies could come any time, but perhaps there’s something unique about those who are able to enter the royal city with the prince.”

“Hmm, that’s a plausible idea.”

“Or perhaps the Second Prince has some business with His Majesty.”

“Hm?”

“If he were an envoy from a small kingdom, that would be one thing, but if the Emperor’s son requests an audience, you’d have to accept it.”

“…That’s true.”

If they didn’t want to appear hostile to the Empire, it seemed best to maintain at least a facade of a good relationship.

Then it occurred to Logan.

“So, you mean that those coming as bodyguards or close aides of the prince might be planning some mischief inside the palace, or the Second Prince himself has a specific reason to meet me in person?”

“Yes. It’s difficult to imagine anything else.”

“Well reasoned. I like it. In the meantime, keep a close eye on the prominent members of the Empire’s envoy. Maybe instead of watching from behind, it would be better to assign them a knight’s escort under the guise of protection.”

“I’ll also ensure covert surveillance that won’t draw attention.”

“Good, that’s settled.”

Despite continuing to ponder the prince’s purpose, Logan ultimately realized he wouldn’t know until they met face to face. A month after receiving the news, the imperial envoy finally entered the capital, Gran.

Boom, boom, boom, boom.

As the booming drums echoed, an astonishing procession unfolded before the onlookers.

A knight bearing the Empire’s standard emblazoned with a golden dragon led the way, followed precisely by ninety-eight knights—a calculated show of not bringing more than a hundred knights, to prove it wasn’t a war party according to international convention. However, the knights of McLain who had reached a certain level knew that all ninety-nine knights were at least of an advanced level, their expressions turning solemn.

Even more imposing was the ‘one-eyed’ knight beside the prince.

“Jerome Decade…”

The name slipped out of Luther Kyle, who had seen him in the imperial capital, with the heaviness of a sigh. He remembered the form Jerome had shown in the decisive battle against Logan. Regrettably, he didn’t have the confidence to handle the young man who’d barely hit thirty at that time.

“No, I’ve also improved since then.”

Feeling as if his gaze had met Jerome’s, Luther clenched his teeth and straightened his back.

As Luther and the other knights of McLain steeled themselves against the intimidating presence of the imperial knights, laypeople could only marvel at the following thousand soldiers, several hundred attendants, and the unending line of merchants connected to the envoy procession.

“Is this really an envoy? How many are there?”

Not “Your Highness” but “Your Majesty,” a designation of sovereignty and independence, suggesting that McLain was not a subservient state of the Empire. While it was the usual approach taken by imperial envoys, Logan did not object, merely sharpening his internal alert.

“It’s a rare occasion for the busy imperial prince to pay direct congratulatory visits…?” Logan mused.

But the prince answered with a continued smile. freeweɓnøvel~com

“Rarer would be a thousand-year-old dynasty changing hands. I only regret not being able to attend the coronation.”

Sensing the prince’s unreadable heart, Logan returned the smile, turning his attention to Jerome standing behind.

“It’s good to see you too, Sir Jerome. I was sorry to hear about what happened, but seeing your appearance now does relieve me.”

Jerome’s usually placid face stiffened; it wasn’t just a pretense from the man who had taken his eye. Even the subtle aura Jerome had been emitting since entering the room seemed to vanish in Logan’s presence, indicating one thing:

‘At least… equal to me, if not higher.’

Within the same rank, the difference in strength among knights was clear, and even more so among those classified as superhumans like them. Considering Logan had defeated him when Jerome himself had been slightly weaker, the realization was grim. Jerome’s relaxed composure began to harbor a petty jealousy and rage.

But then, his master’s words echoed in his mind.

– Your absolute perception can ignore even a couple of ranks difference. If used wisely, you won’t face defeat like before.

Jerome steadied himself with his master’s advice when suddenly the prince called out.

“Jerome?”

Jerome then realized he had been lost in thought. He shook his head slowly, signaling one of their prearranged cues. Observing this, the prince slightly furrowed his brow but quickly composed himself with a smile towards Logan.

“Such an event turned out to be a blessing in disguise for Sir Jerome. Please, don’t worry about it.”

“Well, if you have brought congratulations, what’s the reason for seeking a private audience?”

Logan posed a direct question, and as Jerome’s expression grew tense, the prince answered with a widening smile.

“I wish to understand why Your Majesty holds hostility towards our Empire.”

Logan’s face hardened at the prince’s statement.

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