Chapter 267
"Hahaha!"
Laughter filled the banquet hall at the royal palace. The space around the central figures, Logan and Eileen, was bustling with activity, but the next busiest spot was where the second prince of the empire had taken his place.
"It's a great pleasure to meet you, Your Highness."
Baros simply nodded with a smile as he observed an unnamed noble bowing before him. He wasn't particularly interested in this noble or any of the others he had exchanged pleasantries with earlier.
'Irritating.'
He sometimes wondered if it would be better to exude an aura that made it difficult for people to approach him, like his half-brother, rather than being surrounded by these individuals.
However, such thoughts were fleeting. If he hadn't cultivated an image of being 'kind and good' since his youth, being born as the sixth prince, he probably would never have ascended to the position of the second prince.
"I will remember your kindness, baron."
"T-Thank you, Your Highness!"
The plump noble, whose name Baros couldn't even recall, was overjoyed and quickly retreated after their brief interaction. In the imperial capital, it would have been better to remember names and titles, but he didn't feel like exerting that mental effort in this kingdom.
At that moment, a one-eyed knight approached, passing by the other nobles who seemed to be waiting to greet the prince. The second prince's dark eyes subtly sparkled as they met the knight's single eye.
"Pardon me. It appears my companions have something to discuss with me."
"Ah, I understand, Your Highness."
The approaching noble couldn't conceal his disappointment when Baros spoke, especially upon seeing Jerome coming up behind him. During the one-month stay of the imperial delegation, the tale of the young superhuman from the empire who bested the half-giant Luther Kaihl and the Stormsword Wicken Callian in a duel had been a hot topic in the kingdom.
Many had anticipated a sparring session with the king or the Sword Sage, but the Sword Sage had declined, deeming Jerome unworthy. Since Jerome couldn't challenge the king to a duel himself, there were no further superhuman battles to be witnessed.
'Well, that's sufficient.'
It was enough to demonstrate the empire's strength.
As Baros pondered this, Jerome, who had successfully completed his initial mission, approached.
"What's the issue, Jerome?"
"Well... There has been a complication, Your Highness."
Upon Baros' nod, his knights pushed the surrounding crowd farther away. Once it quieted down, Jerome whispered something into the prince's ear.
"…They all perished?"
A soft voice carried a mix of shock and rage.
"Everything was fine until the investigation, but as soon as we delved deeper into the royal palace today, the incident occurred."
"Even though they claimed to be assisting with the royal wedding preparations?"
"The excuse of taking a wrong path was completely disregarded. They were executed immediately after leaving the banquet hall…"
"Those, those lunatics!!"
Baros couldn't contain his outburst of anger, and as the surrounding eyes focused on him, he struggled to control his expression. Nevertheless, his voice was laced with a murderous intent.
"Lodge a formal complaint with the McLaine Kingdom. They will pay for their treachery in the face of kindness. This will not be overlooked."
"But... I have already raised objections."
"You did?"
The prince's gaze shifted to the king, who was receiving salutes from the nobles on the high seat, and as if anticipating this moment, Logan raised his glass to Baros. The prince slightly furrowed his brow upon seeing the king's faint smile, but Jerome continued speaking with a sigh.
"They remained adamant, citing a royal decree. They argued that no crime warrants an exception when these scoundrels dare to present heads before the king…"
"Ah… madness…"
This turn of events was unforeseen. It was a drastic move that could lead to significant diplomatic issues.
The implications were clear.
'Do they not care about diplomatic tensions?'
Enraged by the king's provocation, the prince clenched his teeth. The problem was that no matter how diplomatically they demanded retribution from the kingdom, it would ultimately be a greater loss for him. It would undoubtedly impact the imperial succession struggle.
'Surely they are not aware to such an extent...'
The prince forced himself to maintain his composure. He didn't want to reveal any more vulnerabilities to the king of this small realm who regarded him with such ease.
With a composed demeanor, some positive news finally reached him.
"However, the sacrificial pawns were mere intelligence agents; the 'ghosts' managed to escape unharmed. Furthermore, they have identified a suitable candidate and obtained a 'mask'. The assassination mission remains entirely viable."
"…No, focus solely on gathering intelligence for now. Instruct them not to approach the aura users yet."
"Understood. We have also gathered some valuable information in the process."
"Hmm?"
"There was tension with the priests during the plague crisis, and it was not merely a trivial conflict. It appears even the royal court is attempting to suppress it."
"Provide me with more details."
"Certainly, the issue is…"
The ramifications of Logan's actions. Every intricate detail reached the prince's ears.
As Jerome spoke, a grin spread across the second prince's face.
"Fascinating. He defied the temple's prohibition…"
"It holds the potential to sow discord."
"No, it is still fragile. The bishop was swayed, after all. Nevertheless, it may prove advantageous."
"How so?"
"I recall a report from last year when he visited the empire. The central temple has been keeping an eye on this kingdom. Initially, I paid it little heed, but now it seems imperative to investigate further."
Baros's remarkable memory surprised Jerome, who couldn't help but feel admiration.
Noticing Jerome's expression, Baros raised his glass, which was half full, and savored the aroma of the wine, offering a toast towards the king, who had now turned away from him.
"It is time to pay a visit to the Central Temple. It appears I may be able to present this king with a magnificent gift."
"…What do you mean?"
"Jerome, I will need to borrow your name."
"Mine?"
"If the empire's esteemed reputation is combined with mine, it might expedite the process of meeting the Pope."
Jerome's countenance stiffened slightly at that proposal.
It wasn't the prestige of the Pope's name that troubled him. It was the utilization of his own name that did.
"…Your Highness. I have no intention of involving myself in the imperial succession struggle."
He had only agreed to accompany the prince to understand the strength of the adversary who had taken his eye, not to align with Baros' faction.
"Are you implying that after leading our operation here, you intend to withdraw? Jerome Decade."
"It was solely in compliance with Your Highness' directives."
"Ah. Are you insinuating that I am still not deserving enough to be your master?"
"No, that is not the case."
Even without serving in the royal palace, the leadership, charisma, and care for his subordinates displayed during their journey here had proven his capability as a ruler.
"Merely, my master's stance…"
"Would Sir Trist impose his neutrality on his disciple?"
"…"
Observing Jerome's discomfort, Baros pressed on.
"I look after my people. I will wholeheartedly support whatever you desire."
There was genuineness in the prince's voice. The report of Cleo's beheading solely to test Logan had long been forgotten by him.
And those words swayed Jerome.
His mindset had shifted since arriving in the kingdom.
"…Even if I desired the king's demise?"
Jerome touched his eye patch, posing a chilling query. The teachings of his master hadn't entirely erased the resentment of his defeat.
'I have only been pretending to be magnanimous and forgiving.'
He realized this upon seeing Logan McLaine's face a month ago. The brief time spent here had been enough to overshadow his master's teachings and dwell on that anger.
Interpreting his fury, the prince responded with a slight smile and a nod.
"Of course. One day, I will undoubtedly arrange that for you. Even if His Majesty objects."
That vow ignited a spark in Jerome's single eye.
"I place my trust in your words."
"Excellent. The reputation of the next great swordsman of the empire will soar even higher by my side."
Baros patted Jerome on the shoulder and smiled. One of the primary objectives of coming here seemed to have been achieved more effortlessly than anticipated.
Now, only one task remained…
'To meet the Pope. If things unfold as I desire…'
An inevitable upheaval was on the brink of descending upon this burgeoning realm. Once it transpired, the eastern region of the continent would be entirely under his control.
'Our empire simply needs to step in and seize the opportunity.'
And with that, his position in the race for the imperial throne would be more secure.
'Logan McLaine. This time, you will not elude me so easily.'
- Long live Logan McLaine!
- Long live the McLaine Kingdom!
Amidst the cheers for the bright future of the kingdom, the second prince also raised his glass towards the king.
For the first time in a while, it was a genuine smile.
* * *
Two months had elapsed.
Chirp chirp.
As the gentle sunlight of full-fledged spring bathed his face, Logan awoke with a contented smile, having indulged in the bliss of drowsiness.
Gone were the days of substituting sleep for meditation. Regardless of the importance of training, he couldn't leave his partner alone during their honeymoon.
"Uhm..."
Glancing at his partner's graceful shoulder peeking out from the covers—her expertise as a top poser user contrasting with her current state of still not having regained consciousness after a vigorous previous night—Logan smiled.
Eileen, noticing the vacant spot beside her, rolled over and groggily opened her eyes.
"Are you up?"
A kiss on the forehead made her blush endearingly.
"I must depart now. I will see you in the evening."
"Yes, Your Majesty. I should also take my leave."
"You are not tired? You can rest a while longer…"
"No, I am fine. The harder we work, the sooner we can enjoy relaxation and welcome our child."
Logan's expression slightly hardened upon recalling their conversation after the wedding. A sigh escaped him involuntarily.
"I apologize. I…"
"No, it's fine. If the rumors of an empire invasion are true, being pregnant now would only be a hindrance."
Eileen swiftly dressed and tied up her hair. The transition was so swift that Logan wondered when she had risen from the bed.
"It is fortunate, isn't it? To have a skilled knight as a spouse who can even control her biological rhythms."
With a slightly bashful smile, Eileen quipped, causing Logan to feel hopelessly in love and grateful.
Filled with gratitude, Logan had only one thing to say.
"Let us remain steadfast today."
"Are you proclaiming the legion system today?"
"Yes. Regrettably, we can currently only enlist women in the central legion. We must consider both the absolute numbers and the infrastructure."
"I have heard it many times, Your Majesty. Go and discharge your duties without concern."
Encouraged by her spirited response, Logan strode proudly out of the chamber.
"Your Majesty!"
"Salutations to Your Majesty."
Upon stepping out of the chamber, those he encountered all bowed their heads. He reciprocated the gestures casually and hastened his pace, with Victor and other knights accompanying him as they entered the main palace.
"Your Majesty, did you cough?"
"Sneeze!"
"Let us proceed."
Upon entering the grand chamber, Dwayne was already waiting for him.
"Your Majesty, the nobles are assembled."
"Excellent. Let us proceed."
"Very well."
With a signal from Dwayne, the chamber doors swung open with the announcement:
"His Majesty the King is entering!"
Thud thud thud.
As the grand doors opened, revealing the opulent red carpet, the nobles on either side rose in unison.
Step by step, Logan advanced toward the throne, with the nobles bowing one by one, reinforcing his belief that there would no longer be discord within the realm.
Seated on the throne, Logan got straight to the point, as was his custom.
"Starting today, the entire military system of the kingdom will undergo a comprehensive overhaul."
"What?"
"Meaning…"
A murmur spread throughout the grand chamber.
Looking at each noble, Logan detailed the reforms that would shape the new kingdom.