Chapter 105
Chapter 105
"All matters concerning our family have recently been entrusted to my son. My apologies, but I believe you should discuss this with him instead."
Fortunately, Patrick provided an escape from the awkward situation.
As if to prove it wasn't just empty words, he even took several steps back, drawing the Transcendents' gazes back to Logan.
"Oh? To already be handling family affairs at such a young age—it seems you're more than just a skilled warrior."
"Conversations with young talents are always enjoyable. Prince Logan, it's a shame we don't have time for a proper meeting."
The two marquises shifted their stances with lightning speed.
Whether it was because they genuinely needed MacLaine or because they were in the Sword Duke's presence, the fact that these Transcendents were lowering their guard was nothing but advantageous for Logan.
"Thank you for your kind words. May I ask the reason for your visit to our family?"
"Straight to the point, as expected of youth. Good."
"Given our mutual busyness, there's no need to dance around the matter."
Their gazes clashed fiercely once more.
It was hard to tell whether they were directing their words at Logan or preparing to fight each other.
Logan sighed inwardly.
"We've heard about your war with Bifrost. You're aware Roger Bifrost belongs to the Second Prince's faction, correct? Now is the time to pledge your loyalty to His Highness Rohiter. You know the Cairos family, your in-laws, are also part of our faction, don't you? We'll support you and your family—ensure Roger Bifrost can't pull any more tricks."
"Why stir conflict between neighboring territories? If you swear allegiance to His Highness Romain, we'll mediate with Bifrost and promise generous treatment. Isn't that more reliable than relying on the distant First Prince's faction?"
As expected, the two Transcendents took turns spitting out their offers before immediately turning to criticize each other, sharpening their hostility.
"Simultaneously embracing two warring territories? That's a foolish proposal that'll only breed betrayal among allies."
"You wouldn't even have time to extend your reach into the southwest. Who'd be foolish enough to fall for such a greedy, empty promise?"
Killing intent flickered in both Transcendents' eyes.
Crack.
The space between them distorted again as their energies clashed, filling the reception room with an eerie noise and a suffocating atmosphere.
Of course, the tension didn't last long.
"What do you think you're doing?!"
"Ahem."
"Hup."
A sharp shout, followed by a surge of overwhelming force, cleanly erased the palpable killing intent.
The two Transcendents, now avoiding the Sword Duke's glare, coughed awkwardly.
"Still as childish as ever. Have you forgotten all dignity, now playing faction games right in front of me? And with my disciple, no less?"
"Your Excellency, this isn't about your disciple. It's a proposal for the MacLaine family."
"Yes, Your Excellency. We have no intention of disturbing your peace. We merely wish to discuss the future of MacLaine Territory."
"And yet, you're perfectly in sync when it comes to this. 'It has nothing to do with you'? Are you absolutely certain there's not even a speck of that thought in your minds?"
"I swear it."
"As do I."
"Good. You'd better. Even if my disciple accepts one of your offers, I won't involve myself in faction wars to help him. Even if he dies."
The Sword Duke's declaration made the two Transcendents' eyes gleam momentarily.
"...What do you mean by that?"
"I will henceforth abstain from any involvement in faction conflicts."
"Huh? Your Excellency, does that mean—?"
"I swear it on my honor. So abandon any thought of swaying me—whether through this boy or anyone else."
The Sword Duke relayed the conclusion from his study directly to the two Transcendents.
They were the perfect audience for such a declaration of neutrality.
Logan smirked inwardly, but the expressions on the two Transcendents' faces revealed their complicated emotions.
Yet, their eventual responses were identical.
"We shall convey Your Excellency's will to His Highness the Prince. Then, we need only discuss matters with the MacLaine family."
"Likewise."
"Hahaha. These bastards, really... It seems your family has become quite the tempting prey. Congratulations, disciple. What are your thoughts?"
The Sword Duke, visibly uncomfortable, turned to Logan.
"Well... This is all rather sudden."
The appearance of the Transcendents was unexpected, but Logan had anticipated factional overtures.
Still, he frowned as if troubled.
"If that brute's words bothered you, don't worry. If you swear loyalty, the Calria Knight Order will be dispatched to your family immediately after the state funeral, easily removing Bifrost's threat."
"Don't be ridiculous. Do you think I'd stand idle? Disciple of the Sword Duke, choose wisely. Wouldn't peace between neighbors be preferable?"
Whether it was persuasion or coercion, Luther Kyle's final words bordered on outright intimidation.
'But it's also the reality.'
The Kyle Marquisate, centered around the trade city of Kyle, lay just north of Bifrost Territory.
As he said, they were close enough to be considered neighbors.
With MacLaine now occupying Tomodo Fortress, they were in a position where Kyle could exert influence if he wished.
Of course, Logan had no intention of joining any faction.
At least, not now.
'Aligning with either side now would only increase the likelihood of civil war erupting around our territory. That's suicide.'
A war breaking out before the state funeral—if the involved parties were faction members, it would be the perfect pretext.
Even if he joined the Second Prince's faction and forced reconciliation with Bifrost, the Calria Marquisate could still invade, citing disrespect.
'They'd have the perfect excuse.'
In other words, the hands extended to MacLaine now weren't offers of peace—they were the hands of death, dragging them toward hell.
"My apologies, but... I find it difficult to make a hasty decision at this time. I deeply appreciate your goodwill and will consider it carefully."
Thus, this was the best response for now.
"Hmm."
Naturally, neither marquis was satisfied.
Transcendents—Aura Users—had personally visited a rural territory lord, only to receive a mere "I'll think about it" in response.
Fortunately, the situation favored Logan.
'It's probably because of this guy.'
The way both marquises grimaced while looking at each other made it clear they shared the same thought.
Add to that the unavoidable scolding from their host.
"Good. Staying out of the gutter is the answer. The conclusion seems reached, so both of you may leave now."
After a silence that felt longer than it was, Wicken Calria moved first.
"Given the times, caution isn't a bad thing. I hope your deliberation leads to the right decision. Until next time."
Though his words were hollow pleasantries, Logan responded with a smile.
Only after Wicken had completely vanished from sight did Luther Kyle rise with a fierce grin.
"In a way, MacLaine is lucky. Had you attacked Bifrost after this incident, it would've been seen as a challenge to the Second Prince's faction, and you wouldn't have even gotten this chance to negotiate. Think carefully."
'Exactly. That's why I attacked beforehand.'
This was why Logan had gambled by targeting Bifrost's Tomodo Fortress instead of Pereta Territory.
Striking Bifrost was a necessary step in Logan's long-term plan—a foundation for shaking the Second Prince's faction later.
With the longstanding feud between MacLaine and Bifrost, justification was always available.
But as Luther Kyle said, the only feasible time for such an attack was right before the civil war—immediately after the king's death.
"I consider myself fortunate as well."
Thus, Logan remained unshaken, smiling through Luther's veiled threat.
But someone else listening nearby wasn't as composed.
"Are you threatening my disciple in front of me? Luther, it seems you've forgotten past lessons."
Thud.
The Sword Duke stepped forward, his expression hardened, as a chilling aura erupted from his body.
For a moment, Luther Kyle's massive frame seemed to crumple under the pressure.
"Ghk!"
Even Luther's towering form emitted a surge of power in response, but the Sword Duke's aura crushed it effortlessly.
"I—I wouldn't dare! Absolutely not, Your Excellency! I merely meant that we can coexist peacefully for now."
Sweat beaded on the giant's forehead as he waved his hands with a forced laugh.
But the one suffering the most was Logan, caught between them.
'Guh—!'
When his master's aura surged from behind, it had felt like a mere gust of wind.
But the moment that wind collided with Luther's rock-like presence and rebounded—
It felt as if a violent storm and a crushing boulder were squeezing him from both sides.
Yes—an illusion.
It had to be an illusion.
Yet—
Drip.
Just standing his ground made sweat pour like a waterfall, draining his stamina.
'Ugh.'
Collapsing would've been humiliating.
But forcing himself to stand left him no strength to even speak.
Fortunately, the standoff didn't last long.
"Disgusting. If you've grown nothing but thicker skin, then get lost!"
"My apologies, Your Excellency. And... disciple—no, Logan, was it? Until next time."
Luther Kyle, eyeing the sweat-drenched Logan with interest, bowed slightly and exited through the door, which seemed too small for his frame.
Only then did Logan collapse weakly to the floor.
'Just their auras alone...'
After defeating High Knight Aslan—even if through trickery—Logan had thought he'd grown considerably stronger.
Of course, he didn't delude himself into believing he could defeat an Aura User, but he'd assumed he could at least hold his own for a few exchanges.
Yet this brief clash between his master and Luther Kyle made him realize—
'If I faced them on the battlefield now, it'd be over instantly. No wonder they're called tactical weapons.'
Aura Users were on an entirely different level from High Knights.
A fact he'd known intellectually but now felt deep in his bones.
As he exhaled in relief, his master's voice reached his ears.
"Fool. Why stubbornly stand your ground? Rolling away wouldn't have earned you any scorn."
The faint concern beneath the scolding made Logan smile despite his exhaustion.
"I can handle this much."
"Control those trembling legs before saying such things, you idiot. Tsk. So, what's your plan?"
"Huh?"
"Do you intend to join the faction war? Your refusal to outright decline suggests otherwise."
The light in his master's blue eyes was hard to read—was it concern or reproach?
Logan calmly conveyed his true thoughts.
"I have no intention of joining any faction for now."
"For now?"
"If necessary, I might. Forgive my bluntness, but we lack the strength to uphold lofty ideals as you do, Master."
"The will to pursue ideals isn't born from strength... Ah, never mind. Pointless words. But—"
"Whatever path I choose, I'll strive to uphold at least basic principles."
His disciple, quick to anticipate his words, answered swiftly.
The Sword Duke could only nod with a bitter smile.
"...Good. That's enough."
His convictions were his own.
They shouldn't be forced upon others.
'Even if it's my only disciple.'
If his beliefs were truly righteous, those who admired him would naturally adopt them.
Still, one thing weighed on his mind.
"Baron. Did you truly intend to remain silent? Your son could make the wrong choice."
"My son surpasses me. The MacLaine of today is essentially his creation. Whatever happens, I respect Logan's decisions."
"Logan is still young. Don't you think you're burdening him too heavily?"
"I've been preparing to lighten that burden. And I'll continue to do so."
Despite what could be seen as criticism, the red eyes—resembling his disciple's, or rather, the disciple resembling his—remained unwavering.
"...Good."
The father of the disciple he'd met through fortunate circumstances was quite likable.
The shock of his lord's sudden death seemed to fade slightly.
For the first time in a week, the Sword Duke allowed himself a faint smile.
### The declaration of neutrality
The Sword Duke's declaration of neutrality sent fewer ripples than expected.
The two factions' gazes had always been fixed on each other, and to them, it merely meant one less obstacle between their conflicts.
Few paid attention to how it pushed the Sword Duke and the Third Prince further from public view.
Of course, this only intensified the factional strife.
Soon, the capital buzzed with news of escalating incidents—both major and minor.
And as the unease grew palpable—
The state funeral finally began.
"His Majesty the King approaches!"
Before the royal palace's inner gates.
At the short cry of the royal guards, the gates opened, revealing a grand coffin draped in the resplendent phoenix banner, carried slowly forward by sixteen pallbearers.
Passing between the raised swords of the guards lining the path, the coffin was placed atop the dais in the palace's outer plaza.
Thud.
"The exalted servant of the Nine Deities, the executors who oversee the world. His Eminence Archbishop Pamiel Geirnheim approaches."
The outer gates opened, admitting a procession from beyond the palace.
First, two lines of white-robed priests swiftly arranged themselves around the coffin, bowing to each other.
Then, through their ranks, an elderly man in ornate vestments adorned with delicate gold embroidery emerged, wearing a mitre several times taller than his head.
Despite his lavish attire, his appearance was unremarkable—yet this man held a status arguably higher than the king himself.
Pamiel Geirnheim, Archbishop of the Nine Deities' temples and high priest of Aion, God of Water and Agriculture—the highest-ranking cleric in the Grandia Kingdom.
Second only to the Pope and the Saintess in ecclesiastical authority.
As Archbishop Pamiel stood before the king's coffin and the priests formed ranks, the state funeral truly began.
But the nobles' movements immediately afterward shook even the archbishop's solemn composure.