Note: The Novel Will Be Corrected Until Chapter 105, After That Chapter It Will Be All MTL
C79, 80, 81
C79
When I had arrived in the capital, I never expected to acquire a talent like Eileen. The sparring with the Sword Duke had also provided a clue in my swordsmanship training. Things seemed to be going smoothly, however, some uncertainties still lingered.
“King…”
The situation in the capital as described by Philip showed no significant changes. There were no signs of impending civil war, nor any disturbing news about the royal family or the king. Contrary to expectations, there was nothing substantial to be gleaned. Even the so-called royal secret obtained through Knox for a hefty million gold turned out to be mere information about the power dynamics between the factions of the first and second princes. Some belonged to the opposing faction, of course.
“Information that will be revealed the moment a civil war breaks out.”
It felt like a waste of money, and my heart ached at the thought. Still, I could be certain of one thing.
“There are no nobles preparing for civil war yet.”
The king’s death. It was indeed a sudden death as had been known in my past life. A death unexpected by any of the kingdom’s nobility. The certainty I gained from this alone made the trip to the capital worthwhile.
“Yes. That alone is enough.”
It would have been perfect if I could have gained the trust of my master and made the acquaintance of the third prince. To seek him out forcefully would only result in suspicion. As I planned to make the third prince king eventually, meeting him after the outbreak of the civil war would not be of much concern. So there was no need for further regrets now.
Moreover, since my master’s child would be born soon, I ought to start thinking about names. After the naming ceremony, it wouldn’t be a bad choice to return home with Eileen. As I was organizing these thoughts, Logan heard an unexpected voice from his master.
“Where are you off to?”
“To the royal palace.”
“Me?”
“Yes. Get ready quickly and follow me.”
Startled by the Sword Duke’s abrupt statement, Logan was at a loss for words.
“Why suddenly all of this without any prelude?”
“It was sudden news to me as well. But when His Majesty calls, what can one do?”
“…Pardon?”
“It seems he has heard the rumor that I’ve taken in a disciple.”
Staring blankly at Logan’s flabbergasted look, the Sword Duke faintly smiled. He was proud to show the king the respect he rightly deserved, especially in a realm where too many nobles considered themselves above their ruler. From the Sword Duke’s perspective, who had grown weary of such nobility, a disciple like Logan was a welcome change. Of course, the disciple himself had entirely different thoughts.
‘Why? How?’
The opportunity for a country baron’s heir to meet the king was beyond his wildest dreams, something he hadn’t even considered. While questions arose, there was no time to delve into them. Suddenly, a new possibility had presented itself.
“I will go no matter what!”
He had no choice but to seize the opportunity and knock on the door.
* * *
“Loyalty! Duke Esperanza, your identity has been confirmed. Please follow me.”
The grand white gates, emphasizing the gracefulness of their lines, split open to reveal the opulent interior. Beautiful as the barriers flanking the entrance that couldn’t quite be told apart from art, still, nothing compared to the inside.
As the doors swung open, the kingdom’s finest royal garden meticulously care by the top gardener unfolded before my eyes. But even this magnificent garden merely served as an ornament, set against the overwhelming gold luminescence of the distant palace.
Later, even the conqueror said, “It’s too beautiful to destroy. Preserve it as it is.” And thus, the symbol of the kingdom – the Granpia Palace – maintained its beauty throughout decades, even as it became a spot of soreness when repurposed as a governor’s office after the empire’s war.
The majestic sight of the palace I was now witnessing for the first time brought back memories of the past life which I’d thought were fading.
‘I will stop it at all costs.’
My resolve strengthened under the weight in my chest. I clenched my fist.
“Are you feeling the burden?”
“Pardon?”
“Do not worry. His Majesty cherishes talent. This meeting will bring you more gain than loss.”
“Understood.”
It certainly would be beneficial, albeit in a slightly different sense than one might expect. Logan still looked solemnly at the back of his walking master.
* * *
“I am honored to meet the master of this nation.”
Thud.
Following my master’s lead, I knelt on one knee and bowed. An aged voice with a hint of lethargy echoed from above.
“Oh, this lad. I always tell you there’s no need for such formality…”
“If the seniors don’t keep to their etiquette, who will?” my master, Sword Duke Felix Esperanza, bowed his head with the right attitude.
The king chuckled at his gesture.
“You’re always the same. It is reassuring to see such unchanging devotion. Very well, my old friend. Raise your head. And you, his disciple. I would like to see your face.”
I lifted my head as commanded, only to be met with an old man whose hair and beard were completely white, void of their original color.
A golden crown rested on his head, a fancy silk uniform adorned his body, and dazzling rings decorated each of his fingers; all too ostentatious for a man so hale. This man was Samuel von Grandia, the king of the Grandia Kingdom, who would later be called an epitome of incompetence.
‘He seems rather healthy…’
In the past, even Samuel von Grandia had been healthy, which is why no one could have foreseen his abrupt death. If he had appeared frail or sickly, the struggle for succession would have been settled before issues arose. However, his youthful vitality led no one to rush the establishment of an heir. Thus, after his sudden demise, the kingdom split in two and plunged into civil war.
‘It will likely be the same this time around.’
Logan felt a sense of relief upon seeing the healthy king, a sign that history was still flowing as he knew it. With renewed determination and organized thoughts, he faced the king now looking at him with an intrigued gaze.
“Ha-ha. I see why you would take him as your disciple; the lad has spirit. Rare are those who gaze at me so intently upon first meeting.”
“I apologize, Your Majesty.”
“Oh, no need for that. I wasn’t taught to follow such formality. I do enjoy spirited youths.”
“His courage is matched by his excellent skill. With his bravery and wisdom, he triumphed over successive territorial battles despite disadvantages, suggesting he could be a pillar leading the kingdom into the future.”
“Ho-ho! Indeed. Worthy of being your disciple. But how did you two come to meet?”
“Well, I bear scars from the past. His Majesty, back in his crown prince days…”
Thus began a journey down memory lane shared between the master and the king.
Logan, feeling like a mere screen, struggled not to lose focus through the lengthy conversation.
“Ah, haha! To think it was such a story. Logan, was it? I truly appreciate it.”
“…Pardon?”
“I wanted to meet you simply because I was curious about what drew my old friend’s interest. I thought it would just be notable skill. But it turns out…”
The king paused briefly, his eyes filled with mixed emotions as he looked at the Sword Duke. While Logan listened to the conversation, he failed to comprehend why the king was expressing gratitude toward him.
The king’s complex gaze lamented a debt rooted in the disciple’s scars.
“A scar that I regretfully owed too much to even speak of openly.”
“Ah…”
“That scar you healed not only resolved this friend’s grudge but also lightened my heart. Therefore, I must express my gratitude. Thank you, truly.”
“Your Majesty, there’s no need for exaggeration.”
“Not one bit. Had you not been present, I might not be in this position! What does that tell you?”
A sovereign and his subject, in every word, it was clear they held each other in the highest regard.
“Being king, I must express my gratitude. A proper gift would be in order.”
“Your Majesty, you need not go that far…”
“No. I must repay the savior of my unique companion.”
Amidst a conversation between the king and my master that I couldn’t possibly interrupt, there was one word I simply couldn’t ignore.
‘Gift?’
And if it was a gift from the king, it was an opportunity too precious to miss. Without thinking, Logan’s body instinctively moved forward.
“Thank you, Your Majesty!”
“Logan!”
Just as the Sword Duke’s expression hardened, the king burst into laughter.
“Ha, ha, ha! That’s the spirit fitting of the Sword Duke’s disciple. Come closer.”
“Your Majesty, really, you need not. I will ensure personal compensation.”
“Ha! It’s fine. Do you know how sorry I have been to you? I must repay you. Come here, Logan.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
Despite the Sword Duke’s sharp gaze, Logan quickly but respectfully advanced toward the king.
The king then removed a bracelet emanating a bluish glow from his left hand. Even Logan, with his head bowed, could sense the dense magical power within.
The Sword Duke, recognizing the bracelet, rushed forward in alarm.
“Your Majesty! That’s far too generous!”
“It’s all right. There won’t be much more harm for me here. If an aspiring young knight utilizes it, it would be beneficial for the nation.”
It was apparent even to Logan that this was no ordinary treasure.
Without knowing precisely what it was, the sheer mana emanating from it hinted at a minimum 5th Class artifact or perhaps a 7th Class – a legendary treasure capable of creating a grand magus.
Thus, it was an artifact not likely to be found again in the current era, which explained why the Sword Duke was so visibly opposed.
Even with the audacity to accept such an item, Logan couldn’t simply take it without some humility. He hesitated slightly, which prompted the king to stretch out his hand further.
“Think of it as recompense for resolving both my friend’s and my own grievances. Take it, and quickly, before I change my mind.”
The king’s face showed a smile that clearly indicated he was joking, but fearing a real change of heart if I hesitated longer, I swiftly yet respectfully took the king’s gift.
“Your overwhelming grace, I will cherish it in my heart.”
“Logan! Such things must not be accepted so lightly. It is a treasure of the royal family…”
“Fel, enough! Since I’ve done nothing for you, let’s consider it for your disciple.”
The king’s assertiveness left the Sword Duke at a loss for words.
“Logan Maclaine. Do you also find my gift too generous?”
“…I will make sure to use it with great care.”
“Ha, ha, ha! Your aspirations indeed exceed your master’s.”
The king laughed heartily then looked at Logan with a warm smile.
“I hope this gift fosters a bond that leads to a brighter future.”
“Your Majesty…”
“Take this to heart: serve your master as if he was the heavens themselves, and work for this nation as he has.”
For the nation.
Why did such an obvious statement seem to weigh so heavily?
Logan remained uncertain if his future actions would truly be for the country or, perhaps, for his own benefit.
But one thing he was sure of.
‘I will definitely stop the empire.’
Gazing at the face of the king he was seeing for the first and possibly last time, Logan slowly but sincerely bowed.
“Yes, Your Majesty. I will do just that!”
Leaving the audience with the king behind, the master and disciple walked in silence for a while until they nearly exited the inner palace. Then, the Sword Duke spoke softly.
“It seems His Majesty’s heart has softened considerably.”
“Pardon?”
“He was not one to be so talkative. His desire to meet you and his current concerns worry me.”
“Do not worry excessively.”
“What?”
Stopped in his tracks by Logan’s calm words, the Sword Duke looked at him.
“If His Majesty had been troubled, he would have confided in you, Master. If he did not mention anything, it must be a matter that you needn’t concern yourself with.”
“Right. Yes, your words are true. Perhaps it is just the fretting of an old man. Oh, seeing my disciple receive a royal treasure has unsettled me.”
Logan flinched at the unexpected reproach that jumped his way. Instinctively he covered the wrist bearing the bracelet.
“That is the Bracelet of Regeneration, an artifact embedded with a 5th Class Rapid Healing magic. Its singular focus on one magic makes it quite powerful, offering effects equal to a high-ranking priest’s divine spell.”
The Sword Duke provided accurate details of the artifact’s effects.
Divine spells of high-ranking priests.
An ability that, coupled with the acknowledged fact that magical healing is less potent than holy healing spells, essentially meant it was an artifact with the maximum healing magic capacity.
As expected, it was an invaluable treasure.
“…Is it really alright for me to have something like this?”
“You ask now? After accepting it without a second thought earlier? Such slyness.”
“Ahaha… I didn’t realize it was something so remarkable.”
It was an unavoidable truth, so Logan merely responded with an awkward smile.
“Well, it eases my mind that you’ve obtained such a formidable object.”
“Thanks to you, Master. I appreciate…”
“Until now, I’ve pushed you to the brink of death. But now, you can go a bit further. Be prepared, starting today.”
A spasm ran across Logan’s smiling face, but he quickly recollected himself.
“I will do my best to live up to your expectations.”
He embraced the time for growth ahead. The greater the challenge, the greater the reward.
------------------
C80
Less than a week after Rogan and the Sword Master returned from their audience with the king, the long-awaited event happened. The Sword Master, who was in the middle of training, heard the news and rushed into the inner house, visibly startled. That very day, the heir to the Esperanza family was born.
“Uahaha!” A familiar laugh could be heard, even though no one was nearby.
It was a day when, had it been a commoner’s baby, they would have been wrapped warmly in a corner of the room, away from any strangers’ gazes. The Sword Master’s mansion had been bustling for weeks in preparation for the ‘daughter’ of the Sword Master’s party.
The birth celebration was both a tradition of the Grandia nobility and usually reserved for the birth of sons, but the Sword Master’s unusual love for his child prompted most of the capital’s nobility to accept the invitation.
Logan, whose purpose in coming to the capital was this very party, of course also attended.
-“Introducing the heir to the Maclaine family, young master Rogan Maclaine.”
As the servant announced his name, the doors to the banquet hall opened and eyes turned to observe Logan. The situation had changed dramatically from the previous year when he had lurked around the parties of the capital because of Imporlic.
The disciple of the Sword Master.
That title alone was enough to overflow with interest in him.
“He looks so young…”
“He’s only twenty-one.”
Murmurs of curiosity poured in.
And naturally, it wasn’t just looks that followed him.
“Young master Rogan, may I have a moment of your time…”
“Master Rogan, it is an honor to meet you. I am…”
The aggressive approaches were enough to fluster Logan.
Fortunately, the attention on him did not last too long. By a curious twist of fate, the evening’s most important guest arrived immediately after him.
-Representative of the King of Grandia, the delegate of the Union Church, Bishop Crimson Matthew has arrived!
As the servant exclaimed, an elderly man with neatly combed white hair, donning a long white judicial hat, entered. His ecclesiastical robe was also pure white, save for the nine circles depicted on it.
The entrance of the old man, the symbol of kindness, prompted all nobles to bow their heads to him. The bishop in turn offered a slight bow to the party’s host seated at the high table.
“Congratulations on the birth of your descendent, Duke.”
“Thank you, Bishop. It’s a great honor to have you here in person.”
The Sword Master also rose to return the gesture. Normally, any position at or above the High Priest within a church could not be disregarded by someone of the Sword Master’s status.
The old man chuckled at the proper etiquette displayed.
“How could I send someone else? It’s the mainstay of this country, the Sword Master’s child that has been born. It’s only right that I personally provide the blessing.”
“Haha. Once again, I truly appreciate it.”
In Grandia, as well as most of the continent’s nobility, it was considered imperative for a child to receive the divine blessing upon birth. It was believed that these blessings could influence the abilities and temperament of future generations.
Not being able to have a priest perform the child’s blessing was considered a sign of a fallen family. Among these, the blessing from the fifth god Agna, the god of trees and life, was sought by all parents for their child’s health. Hence, a blessing from Bishop Crimson Matthew, a high-ranking cleric, was especially appreciated by the Sword Master.
With everyone in the banquet hall focused, the bishop slowly made his way to the high table.
The most prestigious place in the hall.
Normally this would have been the Duke’s seat, but now an elegant small bed, unbecoming of a party setting, was placed there.
Upon it lay a tiny child swaddled in soft-looking blankets, sleeping peacefully until the mother, with a pale complexion, carefully lifted her child in her arms. The child then woke up to the unfamiliar touch and cried out.
“Whaaa!”
“As a humble servant, I implore the nine divine gods to look upon us…”
The bishop, lifting the child, began to murmur as all eyes and ears attended to the ceremony, with his gentle voice adding to the baby’s cries. Soon, a white light, barely visible through the white clerical robe, slowly began to intensify, enveloping both the bishop’s body and the infant.
‘So, this is divine power.’
Logan concentrated his senses as he witnessed divine power for the first time in this life. In his past life, he only thought of these as sudden, miraculous occurrences that changed situations without feeling any flow of power.
Even the divine power of intermediate priests had been invisible to his eyes.
But the sensation he felt now was different.
‘Closer to the source than Force, more hidden than Mana. No wonder it’s so hard for others to perceive.’
Even though he already knew his sensory abilities, to be precise, his cognitive abilities were exceptionally beyond the realm, he simply imprinted the newly felt characteristics of divine power in his mind as he watched the consecration process.
“Wow!”
“Truly the Bishop!”
“Such clear divine power!”
As exclamations arose around him, the baby held by the bishop stopped crying and blinked with wide blue eyes, seemingly fascinated by the light.
“In the name of Agna, the god of life, I bless the newly born offspring of Esperanza.”
Flash!
As a dazzling white light filled the banquet hall and then dissipated, applause erupted.
“Duke, congratulations!”
“Such a strong light, this child is bound to be remarkable!”
“Congratulations, Duke!”
The Sword Master smiled brightly amidst the applause while simultaneously bowing in gratitude to the guests.
However, only two people in the entire room were not smiling—Bishop Crimson and Logan.
‘The divine power rebounded off the baby?’
Logan accurately perceived that the final bright light was not the maximization of the blessing but rather a reflection off the baby’s body.
If he had felt it, how could the bishop, the person concerned, not realize it? The bishop, with a bewildered expression, handed the crying baby back to the birth mother and once again invoked the white light.
“You’ve done well, Duchess. Please take some time to rest comfortably with the child.”
Once again bathed in the white light, the Duchess’s complexion eased slightly, and the baby stopped crying, seemingly enjoying the warmth.
But.
‘Again?’
The child’s body repelled the divine power once more.
Even the bishop, feigning composure, had a noticeable stiffened expression.
“What’s the matter, Bishop?”
“Oh, nothing. Your Grace. The child is so lovely I must have lost myself for a moment.”
However, the bishop’s complexion was far from serene.
The Sword Master also felt something amiss, his own expression tightening slightly.
“Oh, it’s been a long time since I’ve done a blessing. Perhaps I’m a bit tired. Excuse me, I think I must retire early.”
There was no stopping the church’s bishop from leaving.
“Ladies and Gentlemen! Enjoy the party! Let’s celebrate the birth of new life! Raise your glasses!”
The Sword Master quickly tried to revitalize the atmosphere in the wake of the bishop’s abrupt departure. Even though the bishop’s departure left a few doubts in the minds of some, Logan’s thoughts were clouded with unease.
‘… Why?’
It could have just been an insignificant coincidence.
Actually, the chances of that were more likely. After all, divine power was essentially just another branch of ability; maybe the baby simply had a unique constitution that rejected it.
Logan tried to dismiss his lingering discomfort as mere coincidence, but it didn’t easily subside.
Then.
“It’s been a while, Rogan Maclaine.”
A familiar voice reached his ears.
He turned to see a middle-aged man with golden hair and blue eyes, lifting his glass with a chilly smile.
“Yes, it has been a while, Count Bifrost.”
“Indeed. It’s a pity to see you looking so well.”
A cheap provocation from someone of such high rank made Logan smile thinly in return.
“Thanks to you.”
“… Still smooth-tongued.”
“And still brazen.”
“That’s part of my charm.”
Logan deliberately grinned annoyingly as he replied.
Crack.
Clink.
The count’s wineglass shattered, drawing the attention of those around them.
“Ah, such a clumsy mistake. It seems my hands have been slipping lately with age.”
Roger Bifrost exhaled quietly, then with a cunning look on his face, he summoned a servant to clean his dirty hands.
Once people’s interest died down and their attention returned to the Sword Master seated at the high table, the count moved closer to Logan and whispered secretly.
“Be grateful that you fortuitously became a disciple of the Sword Master and preserved your life. You’ve drawn the attention of high-ranking individuals; you’re a lucky fellow indeed.”
“Of course, I’m aware that I’m fortunate.”
Otherwise, he would not have been able to return to the past.
This was not sarcasm but genuine sentiment.
Yet his answer was enough to twist the count’s face in aggravation.
“Yes. Be sure to maintain that attitude in front of someone of higher station.”
“… Someone of higher station?”
“Romain von Grandia. His Highness the Second Prince wishes to meet you. Though I hope you refuse, of course.”
It was phrased vaguely, but it was clear enough for anyone but a fool to understand.
Join the Second Prince’s faction. If you don’t want to die.
It was pretty much a threat.
But Logan smiled broadly at the count’s stern face.
“It would be an honor to be introduced to His Highness. I will carefully consider your proposal.”
“Impudent… Are you taking the Prince’s command as a mere proposal?”
“It is a proposal, isn’t it? Unless you’d prefer I discuss this with my master before going with you?”
Logan gestured towards the other side of the party hall, and the count’s expression grew even more severe. After a moment of silence, Roger Bifrost clenched his teeth and turned away.
“I’ll set a date for you soon. Remember, if this is also a deception, you will face a fate beyond your imagination.”
“I’ll be waiting.”
Logan watched as Roger Bifrost walked away, chuckling inwardly.
‘Why would I not be able to say anything?’
The internal conflict was just a few months away from happening.
Even if the meeting was postponed, afterward no prince or duke would have time to attend to him.
The count, only a border margrave who was running errands for the Second Prince, was laughable.
They were going to be enemies eventually, so the threat didn’t matter.
‘He probably didn’t choose to deliver the message himself, I assume…’
Logan’s gaze followed Count Bifrost towards a group at the party, focusing on one massive figure at the center.
A man over two meters tall, muscles shown off through a giant custom-made party attire, his dark grey hair resembling a boulder.
‘Yordan Valtermine, the Blaze Sword.’
One of the only three dukes in the kingdom, a superhuman Aura user, and the maternal grandfather of the Second Prince.
The giant, feeling Logan’s gaze, glanced back briefly, but only passed by indifferently, as if to say that Logan was not yet worthy of dialogue, that he was nothing more than dust to him.
‘Well, he’s probably more interested in my master than in me.’
Logan watched with a smile, but then another familiar voice reached his ears.
“That’s right. One should always be thoughtful in decision-making, nephew.”
“Hm?”
A middle-aged man with neatly combed black hair and a somewhat pale complexion.
At the sight of him, Logan’s expression twisted involuntarily.
“Veron… Cairo, the Duke?”
The tone was polite, but it was clear that the name did not bring joy.
However, despite the uncomfortable response, Veron brightened up and approached.
“Hahaha. It’s been some time, young master Rogan. It’s truly gratifying and prideful for someone from your family to see you so grown up. But your statement earlier was too hasty.”
Logan was involuntarily dumbfounded by the man’s forwardness.
– Uncle? Who? Me? Haha, little master. Let’s maintain our respectful distance.
In his very young days, a young man full of confidence had left a deep scratch on Logan’s heart, but now the man had aged and replaced his confidence with shamelessness.
Understandably, Logan had no intention of politely acquiescing.
“The family elder? Who would that be? Surely you don’t mean yourself?”
“Of course, you and I are not related by blood. But who does not know that the Maclaines and the Cairoses are related by marriage?”
Veron Cairo was by no means a figure to compare with Roger Bifrost.
However, within the First Prince’s faction, they were, after all, the house closest to Maclaine.
Of course.
“Hmm, I thought that tie was already severed?”
For Logan, they were even less than strangers.
----------------
Chapter 81
“Cutoff? How disheartening. What kind of talk is that? The past mistakes of the family are just mistakes, and blood is blood. Considering the amounts of money our Kairos family has supported over the past decade or so, one mistake can be overlooked, can’t it?”
“I’m sorry to hear that.”
“What?”
“If that mistake wasn’t ignoring the kin on the brink of falling off a cliff, that might have sounded more plausible.”
At Logan’s words, Veron’s face twitched slightly.
He knew it was a stretch from the start, but he didn’t expect to be so bluntly reprimanded by his young nephew, not to mention one from a junior generation.
He had thought himself lucky to have naturally started a conversation at the party instead of a one-on-one meeting, reflecting on himself from 30 minutes ago as laughable.
Above all, his anger toward Logan was greater.
‘You get a bit of fame, and you think you can puff your chest out, huh?’
Sure enough, the reckless disposition was there to stay.
But… that also meant persuasion would be easy.
Veron calmed his mind with this thought.
“That was indeed a fatal mistake by our family. I’m late, but I’ll formally apologize on behalf of the family.”
“You are aware it’s late.”
He nearly lashed out at that comment, but since he had come prepared for the worst, retreating wasn’t an option.
“If you desire an apology, I will do as you wish. What do you want? It’s better to reconcile after receiving a reasonable apology than to never see each other again.”
Veron showed a blank cheque to Logan, who was continuously prickly.
But…
“Hmm. Did you really come for an apology? So, if I accept the compensation, you won’t say anything else?”
Again, faced with a sly reply, Veron unconsciously ground his teeth.
‘Where do you think you’re dispensing medicine?’
Logan openly grinned upon seeing Veron’s face contort.
There must be something Veron regretted, hence these fruitless efforts now.
“If you have something else to say besides an apology, I won’t accept it. Please return.”
Logan drew a firm line with his declaration, but the other’s reaction was not what he expected.
“Help me. I’ll grant you everything you want. Let us look towards the future rather than dwelling on past wrongs.”
Veron’s head was almost at a right angle, his voice desperate.
The sight of Veron in total surrender was unexpected for Logan.
‘Huh?’
The Kairos family he knew, especially Simon Kairos, would not do such a thing. They were not ones to regret or reflect on their actions.
And the only heir, Veron Kairos, was known by all to never go against his father.
Then…
‘It must be the will of Simon Kairos’ superiors.’
Logan glanced around the party and noticed Duke Yordan Valtermine and Duke Juan Douglas, the kingdom’s only 6-circle wizard and a rival power, throwing a quick glance his way before looking away.
It seemed they wouldn’t get involved directly.
Even with the title of the Sword Saint’s apprentice, to the Dukes, it was just a matter of testing the waters.
‘Doesn’t matter if it’s Viphros or Kairos, two of the kingdom’s three richest men, they’re still played by the Dukes’ tactics.’
This realization hit hard, that even the entanglements his family had made were nothing more than small hills compared to the real mountains they had to overcome.
‘Then, I’ll have to use them for now.’
There was something the kingdom’s wealthiest families, no, the merchants needed.
‘That should be enough to firmly support Philip.’
Viphros was practically already aiming their dagger.
No ordinary frivolity would win them over easily, but Kairos was a different story.
“Hmm. Uncle, there’s no need for such excessive courtesy towards your nephew. Well, it’s not difficult to grant a small family favor, right?”
Logan’s tongue danced lightly, concealing his tremendous greed.
“…Thank you. Nephew.”
Veron’s face brightened a little in gratitude.
But as the conversation continued in a secluded spot, his face inevitably hardened.
“If you do that, meeting the Prince won’t be difficult.”
“…Understood.”
He had no choice but to nod.
Roger Viphros watched from a distance, his gaze turning icy, but Logan paid it no heed.
Viphros and Kairos.
Even after their entanglement passed, many nobles approached Logan.
However, Logan, finding it tiring to deal with so many people, excused himself using his master’s name and carefully declined numerous conversations.
As the complex party time ebbed.
“Attention, everyone. Now the most important event of the party will take place. To wish for the noble lady’s safe growth, we will have a distinguished person name her. That person is… Eh?”
Leffman, a retainer of the Esperanza Duke’s family and an Honorary Count, was surprised as he read the prepared text and looked back at his lord.
The Sword Saint nodded with a smile, and Leffman called out the name on the script with a somewhat puzzled expression.
“…The disciple of the Duke. Young Master Logan McLaine.”
‘That expression…’
Why was he, of all people, naming the young lady?
Count Leffman was unable to hide his reluctant expression, unbefitting of a wily noble.
But considering it was out of strong loyalty to his master, it brought a smirk rather than annoyance.
Logan, managing his expression, made his way to the high seats.
Faced with the adorable baby who looked intently at him with big eyes while wrapped in soft silk, his smile naturally broadened.
The baby, born out of overflowing paternal love and having received an Aura Shower instantly, was bursting with vitality, making her even more adorable.
As Logan carefully cradled the baby, she reached out with her tiny hand and grabbed Logan’s finger wrapped around the swaddle, smiling brightly at him.
Szzt.
Knowing that this action held no meaning and was merely a coincidence, Logan’s heart still swelled with emotion.
And looking into the baby’s eyes, shining like bright stars, all the other name candidates he had been pondering disappeared, leaving just one.
“The child’s name shall be Stella. It’s an ancient word meaning ‘star.’ I’ve named her with the hope she becomes a brilliant light that brightens the night sky.”
“Kyarak!”
The baby’s beaming smile as if pleased with her name, allowed Logan also to smile brightly.
“…Young Master Logan McLaine has chosen the name Stella. Duke, will you accept this name for the lady?”
“I will.”
“The lady’s name is decided. Stella Esperanza. Let’s all bless the new star of the Esperanza family!”
“Waaah!”
Amidst the cheering and applause, Logan exchanged glances with the baby he held, carefully handing her back to the Duchess.
Her smiling and waving appearance erased all the unpleasant feelings left by the crimson bishop’s sacred power.
* * * The naming ceremony of Stella Esperanza became an occasion that spread the close relationship between Logan and the Sword Saint throughout the kingdom.
The invitations from those wanting to meet him poured in the day after the ceremony, but by that time, Logan was already preparing to leave the capital.
‘The winter is coming soon.’
That meant it was time to return to his domain to prepare for the civil war.
He checked the capital’s movements, dispelling any doubts of divergence from his previous knowledge, and strengthened his trust with his master.
Although he regretted not directly connecting with the Third Prince, acquiring talent like Eillen meant the trip to the capital yielded greater results than expected.
Moreover…
– The projected yield of the wastelands, or rather the new McLaine Plains, is expected to exceed the McLaine’s past by 20 times. The lands are still undermanned, so next year’s yield…
– Even in monetary terms, we’re looking at a comfortable 30 million gold. Just the taxes from Teslon and Sylvan exceed ten million. They’re cheering because of the reduced taxation as you promised.
– What? Even with this year’s yield, we have enough for 3-4 years… Not to sell? Okay, understood. We have plenty of money anyway.
The changes in McLaine during his absence were enough to bolster his confidence.
‘Preparations are going well.’
It’s time to return for final preparations and go forth with our plans.
As Logan settled his mind…
“Planning to leave?”
Startled by the familiar voice, Logan woke from his thoughts and turned around.
“Master!”
“Yes. Thanks to you, the naming ceremony went well. My spouse is grateful.”
“Oh, no need. But why are you here instead of with Stella…?”
The infant who could repel the aura of a high-ranking cleric.
He couldn’t dare to speak of it to his master, as it was as bizarre and important as his own regression.
Worrying over the baby, Logan genuinely couldn’t help but express his concern.
His master smiled, apparently sensing the earnestness.
“An Aura Shower is sufficient for the child; any more is superfluous. Now, I’ve come to once again take care of my diligent disciple’s training.”
“Master, I appreciate that, but as I mentioned, it seems it’s time to go back to the domain. There’s also the Viphros issue…”
“It won’t take long.”
Past training always ended with near exhaustion, so Logan asked with a puzzled expression.
“You’ve worked hard following the intense training. Now that you’ve grasped the basics, I’ll teach you a technique that can maximize them.”
“What?!”
“Surprised by your revelations, and yet so easily shaken. Tsk tsk.”
“Master, that’s…”
The Sword Saint slightly smirked but continued in a serious tone.
“That ancient revelation… I once looked down upon it, but if used properly it could exceed my secret techniques. Just don’t forget what’s more important, do you know?”
“…The basics.”
“Right. I’m now thinking of passing on to you a secret technique that maximizes those basics. Follow me.”
It sounded contradictory, but the offer was too tempting to refuse.
Swish.
Entering the training ground, the Sword Saint drew his sword with a smooth sound.
“The foundation of the martial arts I’ve established throughout my life is to constrain my opponent’s movements and maximize my own.”
Uuong.
An aura erupted around the Sword Saint as he explained, and the entire training ground felt a heavy, oppressive force.
“Ultimately, it’s about dominating the space on the battlefield. The Heavy Pressure Sword technique you learned is the first method to embody this principle. Can you endure?”
‘Not at all.’
Logan’s thoughts didn’t manifest as words.
Barely standing there was enough to break into a cold sweat due to the powerful pressure.
The master smirked and released his strength.
“Huk!”
Staggering.
Even without being directly attacked, the dizziness was momentary but intense.
Logan’s amazement renewed at the capability of the so-called superhumans.
“That’s right. It’s quite a good technique that I’m proud of. But the revelation you possess is superior as a means of attack compared to my secret techniques. So, it’s unnecessary to teach you the continuation of my sword arts which involve pressuring, silencing, and chasing lightning.”
“Then…?”
“Stop looking so disappointed and keep your eyes open. This is even more impressive.”
At his words, Logan focused, watching his master when suddenly the standing master’s figure blurred.
‘Hm?’
In bewilderment, the transparent figure vanished, and Logan felt a cold sensation at his nape.
‘Gasp?!’
Startled, Logan turned to find his master poised with a slightly lifted sword.
“…”
“Did you see?”
“…I didn’t.”
“How about the experience?”
Logan couldn’t immediately reply.
The movement was definitely extraordinary and completely invisible.
However,
‘Is that all that impressive?’
The fact that the kingdom’s renowned sword master prided himself so much on his sword art technique, more than the Heavy Pressure Sword?
Contrarily to the Heavy Pressure Sword, it wasn’t as viscerally impactful.
Naturally, if the sword master, a superhuman himself, attacked head-on, it would be reasonable for Logan not to react due to the speed.
Noticing Logan’s thoughts, the sword master spoke, still smiling.
“What’s the foundation of all martial arts?”
“Lower body strength and footwork.”
Logan’s answer came promptly, though his expression remained unsatisfied.
And the sword master knew why.
“So you think that only applies to those with no aura or at a low level? Is that what you want to say?”
Logan hesitated, unable to outright say yes.
“So why am I rated higher than other aura users in the kingdom like Yordan, Luther or Wicken, if not for my swordsmanship but for this movement technique?”
“…?!”
“Indeed, this ‘Ghost’s Shadow’ is an excellent technique, no less significant than any sword art revelation.”
‘Ghost’s Shadow…’
A dark, ill-fitting name for the renowned sword master, yet his tone clearly conveyed immense pride.
“You struggled in your fight with that Plantz fellow, no? If you had learned this technique beforehand, it wouldn’t have happened.”
Adding an undeniable motivational sting to his words,
“Do you want to learn it?”
“Of course!”
A flame reignited in Logan’s red eyes.