Regressor of the Fallen Family (Novel) Chapter 255

Chapter 255: Roaring Horse Hooves

The flat land trembled like it was hit by a quake as the thunderous charge of the cavalry echoed through. The swirling flags signaled nearly three thousand horsemen to unleash a storm of bolts on the enemy. A dark cloud of arrows darkened the sky as Dwayne sighed.

“The sheer cost of acquiring these three thousand horses…”

He glanced sideways with a hint of disapproval, but the person in charge simply gazed towards the distant horizon. Dwayne couldn't help but add a hollow chuckle and a word of comfort.

"At least they seem to be serving some purpose."

A faint smile appeared on Logan's face as he observed the crossbow cavalry, now in formation after their practice. Hankel and Kaisallon, their spirits lifted slightly, nodded towards him.

"As you can see, the royal crossbow cavalry unit has been successfully formed."

Logan's smile widened at this update.

"Great job, everyone."

Pleased, Logan patted their shoulders, and a subdued but organized applause followed from the nobles who had been observing the training of knights and soldiers since morning. The display of power by the royal forces was not entirely welcomed by the nobility. However, one noble's reaction stood out.

"Your Majesty, the troops you have diligently assembled are truly impressive. You must feel reassured."

Jacques Huan, a middle-aged noble with brown hair and a stern demeanor, bowed deeply, genuinely pleased. Logan returned his warm smile.

"Thank you. It's all thanks to everyone's dedication."

"Well, what role did we play? It's all thanks to Your Majesty's generosity."

"I appreciate your kind words."

"Ah, Your Majesty, I've heard a troubling rumor..."

"A rumor?"

Logan looked at him curiously.

"There have been whispers that the soldiers' provisions have been decreasing for the past month..."

"Nonsense! Is an earl of the realm paying heed to mere gossip?"

"I apologize. It must indeed be baseless rumors. Please forgive me, Your Majesty."

Jacques quickly bowed, but a smile crept onto his face beneath his lowered head. After thorough investigation, including the unexpected tactic of food loans, it was confirmed that a large amount of food had entered the empire through various channels, although this supply had now ceased. For several months, the provisions had been sustained through the Esperanza and Maclaine territories.

'Even that came to an end last month.'

Essentially, the foolish king had destabilized his own stronghold with this single army. If the king had remained silent, perhaps there might have been room for doubt. However, this overly publicized drill convinced Jacques of the fact he had confirmed himself: the army's provisions were indeed dwindling.

'This public display is nothing but a facade, an attempt to intimidate us. This army is like a scarecrow, impressive in appearance but lacking proper support.'

The pieces were in place.

Jacques clenched his fist, fueling his ambition. Observing him, Logan looked on with a profound gaze.

"Now that the royal groundwork is laid, it's time to strengthen the kingdom's foundation. All nobles should prepare for the upcoming grand council meeting!"

"Your orders will be followed!"

As Jacques Huan and a few other nobles concealed smirks, the gathered nobility bowed in response. Days passed, and the grand council meeting was called with the highly anticipated topic 'Post-Harvest Administrative Direction of the Kingdom.'

* * *

"Are we certain of this?"

"Today marks the commencement of the history we will create."

Or more accurately, the history I will create.

As Jacques exchanged nods and smiles with other nobles amidst the murmuring crowd, a loud announcement filled the chamber.

- His Royal Majesty is approaching.

The sound reverberated as the grand doors swung open, revealing King Logan in his armor. All attention turned to the royal figure as he took his seat on the throne, and the meeting began promptly.

"First..."

But before he could finish his sentence, Jacques Huan confidently stepped forward.

"Your Majesty, may I have a moment to speak?"

Although his action was sudden, causing the royal sword bearer's eyebrows to twitch, Logan allowed Jacques to proceed.

"Earl Jacques Huan, go ahead."

"Thank you for your permission, Your Majesty. Before we delve into the new direction of national policy, I believe it is crucial to address a promise made in the past."

"A promise?"

Logan pretended ignorance with an air of innocence.

'Is he trying to evade the issue?'

Misinterpreting the king's expression and tone, Jacques responded with a smile.

"Yes, Your Majesty. I urge you to reaffirm your commitment to reduce the royal taxes."

"Oh... the tax reduction?"

As if remembering suddenly, Logan nodded.

Jacques and the nobles exchanged knowing looks, but the response they received was unexpectedly direct.

"I have no intention of doing that."

"What do you mean...!"

"Your Majesty!"

"How can you say that?!"

The chamber erupted in chaos at the unexpected declaration.

Surprised by this audacity, even Jacques's calm demeanor wavered, his face turning firm.

'Who has the audacity to be so shameless?'

Suppressing a foreboding feeling, Jacques spoke once more.

"If a ruler does not uphold his promises, what reason do his subjects have to follow him? Please reconsider."

"Indeed, there will be a reduction in taxes."

Relief washed over Jacques.

"The struggles endured by the kingdom's people, burdened by excessive taxes from their lords this past year, have been immense."

The sudden change in topic left Jacques frozen amidst a chilling atmosphere.

'Who is playing what game?'

'Wasn't it you who raised the taxes?'

'What is going on now...?'

In the silence that followed, Logan continued with a resolute tone.

"Henceforth, the authority of the lords will be limited, and the amount of taxes they can collect from the people will be capped at fifty percent. However, the tax collected by the royal household from the nobility will remain at sixty percent, as it stands."

This bombshell announcement transformed the grand hall into a marketplace of heated debates.

The issue was no longer just about tax rates.

"Your Majesty! This undermines the very essence of feudalism!"

"The lords' rights should not be infringed upon, even by Your Majesty!"

"Unacceptable!"

The uproar grew louder.

Even those close to Logan, like the royal sword bearer and Roberts Floyd, the chancellor, were visibly taken aback.

Initially hesitant, Roberts now approached Logan with concern.

"Your Majesty, encroaching on the lords' authority could jeopardize the kingdom's very foundation. Even the king should not..."

"Even the king?"

"...Such actions would alienate all the nobility. Out of loyalty, I implore you to reconsider..."

With even Roberts Floyd expressing dissent, the nobles became more vocal.

"Please reconsider!"

"This is outrageous!"

"Even Your Majesty cannot meddle with the lords' authority!"

The halls reverberated with a unified outcry as if all nobles had united in one voice. Logan, although anticipating this reaction, was still surprised by the intensity, leading him to offer a wry smile. Luckily,

"Your Majesty's commands will be executed."

His loyal subjects stood by him with unwavering support, including his master and loyal followers like Damian and Dwayne. Eileen and the royal guards, led by Victor, also positioned themselves, ready to counter the fervor among the nobles.

Observing this scene with satisfaction, Logan was about to continue when a commanding voice cut through the excited nobility.

"Quiet! This is the royal court! Behave yourselves!"

Although the words sounded like they could have come from a royal guard, they were actually spoken by Jacques, effectively acting as the nobles' spokesperson. All eyes, filled with varying emotions, turned towards him. Basking in their gazes as if reveling in his own composure, Jacques spoke firmly.

"Your Majesty, the authority of the lords is sacred, even against the king. Do you not plan to retract your previous statements?"

"...No. This action is aimed at easing the suffering of the people. I trust that any noble with a conscience will understand."

A declaration neither the speaker nor the listener truly believed.

With a steely expression, Jacques retorted.

"As a representative of this kingdom's nobility, I formally reject Your Majesty's 'proposal.' Furthermore, we will withhold all taxes from the royal household until the initial promise is honored."

His calm defiance left the majority of onlookers stunned, unsure how to react. Although none present had explicitly appointed him as their representative, no one dared to challenge his statement in that moment. What mattered most now was the king's response to that challenge.

All eyes returned to Logan, who, undeterred by Jacques's bold defiance, replied coldly.

"Earl, your words challenge the royal household."

"You crossed the line first, Your Majesty. Please fulfill the duties of a true sovereign!"

Jacques stood his ground, unwavering.

"My position remains unchanged. Those who oppose will face the consequences by royal decree."

Though it seemed like an indefensible stance, Logan's words drew a clear line in the room, turning the nobles' faces to stone.

"Unacceptable!"

A chorus, louder than any before, filled the room.

"I, representing all the nobles of this realm, officially reject your proposal."

With that, Jacques turned to leave.

His outright defiance was a collective gesture, signaling a clear uprising. The remaining nobles could only watch as he departed, their expressions rigid and somber.

"Are you sure about this, Earl?"

"What if the king resorts to force..."

Caught up in the prevailing mood, unease lingered among them. But Jacques reassured them with confidence and determination.

"He won't."

"Why do you say that?"

"An army without provisions is no army at all. Given the present circumstances of the royal household, neither the royal army nor Maclaine nor Esperanza can afford to act recklessly."

Jacques had confirmed this information multiple times with three guilds and had personally witnessed it.

"Return to your domains and gather your forces. If we present a united front, the king will have no choice but to yield."

His words exuded self-assurance, prompting those around him to nod in agreement.

'My era is about to unfold.'

Clutching his fist, Jacques allowed himself to indulge in the fantasy that his ambitions were taking shape before his eyes.

And at that very moment, in the depths of the grand hall, Logan, under the scrutiny of watchful eyes, began to speak with a deadly smile.

"What is our current military status?"

Hankel responded with a confident smile.

"By combining Maclaine, Esperanza, and the royal army, we possess nearly half of the kingdom's total military strength."

Though a known fact, this affirmation further fueled his confidence.

"Excellent. That's perfect."

"Not all nobles need to be our adversaries, Your Majesty."

Sensing Logan's emerging determination, the sword bearer added a word of caution.

Logan simply nodded with a smile.

"Of course, my trusted one."

Surveying the assembly, he boldly announced.

"Prepare the troops. Once our primary targets have been identified, we will resolve everything."

"Yes, Your Majesty!"

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