Regressor of the Fallen Family novel Chapter 74

Chapter 74

Episode 74

Is that all?

Theres worse.

What could be worse?

I wondered what could be worse than the high nobles fighting at the state council meeting.

The trouble began when 1st Prince faction member Falun Davis was promoted to Finance Minister, which led 2nd Prince faction rival, Larry Cret, to expose Faluns corruption to the king.

Count Davis does not suit the role of the incorruptible Finance Minister!

Then Falun exposed Larrys corruption, and what followed was a vicious cycle of mutual accusations.

Ironically, during the process, it was revealed that many nobles from both the 1st and 2nd Prince factions were implicated in the corruption.

Both parties promptly withdrew their accusations, exchanging apologies as if it were merely a joke, destroying the evidence as well.

It was as if they had mocked the royal family in the name of factional fighting.

Idiots. And the royal family just let this slide?

What can they do? They lack power. At least it seems the king is benefiting somewhat from the competition between the two groups. It seems like not a bad move for the royal family.

That is one way to see it.

Upon reflection, Roger Bifrosts behavior could be interpreted in the same light.

I confirmed that there were no immediate issues with the king, but it didnt exactly feel like good news.

No matter what, the road ahead felt daunting.

Of all things, the reasonably decent 3rd Prince is the one without power. Thats the problem.

Logan sighed in dismay.

The current king, in his youth, had no heirs; as he approached the age of forty, at the nobles urging, he took several concubines, which is where the problems started.

It seemed as though the heavens heard the desires of two dukes to solidify their power by producing a royal heir, as the daughters they had placed as concubines each gave birth to sons around the same time.

This signaled the stirrings of future turmoil, and nearly a decade later, 19 years ago, the queen conceived past the age of forty and gave birth to the 3rd Prince.

He was a legitimate child of the queen with no external family influence.

It was imaginable to anyone that his birth was not exactly celebrated.

Moreover, the talents and disposition the 3rd Prince exhibited as he grew led some to believe he might be the reincarnation of the founding king.

And this was in stark contrast to his hot-headed, arrogant older brothers, who alternately caused trouble yearly.

No wonder rumors started that the 3rd Prince was the true heir to the throne.

The king did favor the 3rd Prince, but the two dukesthe external relatives of the 1st and 2nd princeswould not let him be.

They found every excuse to impede his rise to power.

Even the king tried to support the 3rd Prince, but there were limits to his influence.

Perhaps things would have been different if the king had lived longer, but with the kings sudden death just before the 3rd Prince reached adulthood, a civil war erupted.

For the 3rd Prince, the worst scenarios unfolded consecutively.

The 1st Prince was backed by his grandfather, Duke Juan Douglas, a 6th circle magician.

The 2nd Prince rode on the might of the largest noble in the kingdom and his grandfather, Duke Yordan Valtermine, the kingdoms youngest hero.

Ultimately, the 3rd Prince, unable to compete with either, was the first on the list for purging when

By the previous kings will, should you promise to preserve the life of the 3rd Prince, I shall become the sword of the new king.

With the declaration of a neutral noble, coveted by both major factions, the 3rd Prince barely managed to save his life.

Though he would be confined to the palace for life, never permitted outside his room.

And so, through the civil war, the 1st Prince and Duke Juan Douglas ascended the throne, purging all opposing nobles and weakening the country to its foundation.

Five years later, when the empire waged war, they continued ruining the nation with their tyranny.

Even during the war, the king exploited Ronyan recklessly, failing to protect his own lineage, and ultimately abandoning Gran as a shield while he fled.

Ill never let that man become king.

There was no way he could allow the history of his past life to repeat itself.

Somehow, he needed to twist the current flow of events.

The 2nd Prince isnt much better than the 1st. If anyone is to become king, it must be the 3rd Prince.

It was a difficult path, but one that had to be taken.

He had to quickly put an end to the devastating three-year war incited by the factions of the 1st and 2nd princes.

Many things had to be done to achieve both goals.

Of course, he had plans in mind

Its going to be an incredibly tough journey.

Yes?

Nevermind, youve worked hard. Wrap up things in Imporik as soon as possible and come to the Swordmasters residence. Ill be staying there for a while.

Yes?

Ill let you know what to do afterward.

Leaving the bewildered Philip, Logan led his entourage toward the Swordmasters estate.

* * *

Identity confirmed. Please proceed inside.

Following the knights guidance, Logan entered, and though the knights like Henderson were busy looking around, Logan did not mind.

Any knight from Grandia would do the same.

In fact, his past self would have done the same when pursuing a connection with Imporik.

Of course

Your Highness. Would it not benefit the family if I and that handsome maid got along well? Could you, uh, introduce me Ow! My hand! Its just a joke, jest!

However, Rick was, perhaps, in need of a little discipline.

Not long after following the knight, someone approached from the opposite direction.

A thirty-something pleasant-looking man in a knights uniform.

Upon receiving a salute from the leading knight, the man slightly bowed his head to Logans party.

Are you Prince Logan? Please follow me. The Duke is awaiting your arrival. As for the others, you may continue with Sir Erman.

The man was someone Logan did not see in his past visit.

Yet Logan felt an odd familiarity as he observed the man more closely.

Ah!

Logan exclaimed without realizing.

Why so surprised? Have I committed some faux pas?

No, just I mistook you for someone I know Could it possibly be your name is

Ah! I forgot to introduce myself. I am Louis Hyon, the adjutant to Duke Felix. Please forgive my rudeness.

Indeed

Yes?

Nevermind. Thank you for guiding me.

Engaging with a smooth smile, the man turned and walked ahead, leaving Logan to reflect with a nostalgic expression.

Louis Hyon, as Logan remembered, was solid and stern, the hero known for the long cross-shaped scars across his face.

Lieutenant Louis, you never spoke of it, so you hail from here.