Chapter 164
Chapter 164
The festival period passed swiftly.
And the very next day, Logan announced his intention to leave the capital with MacLaine's entire military force.
"Are you really taking them all? His Majesty trusts you deeply. He would have been pleased if you'd left even a few MacLaine knights behind as ceremonial escorts."
The Sword Duke spoke with a hint of regret.
The king preferred his closest royal guards to be from either the MacLaine or Esperanza knight orders rather than the Royal Knights.
But Logan willingly yielded that role to the Esperanza knights.
"Stop testing me, Master. You might actually tempt me into doing it."
"So you did consider it?"
"Yes. Right up until we arrived in the capital."
"......."
In truth, it was only natural.
This situation stemmed from the distrust of the Royal Knights that the Sword Duke himself had planted in the king's mind.
Logan chuckled and added,
"You needn't worry. I've given up on it. But I do hope you'll keep the promise you made to me."
"The Empire... You mean?"
"Yes. That you would prepare for their invasion and fully cooperate in matters related to it. I'm counting on that."
"Defending the nation from foreign invasion is a given. Even without your reminder..."
"You must start preparing now."
At Logan's resolute tone and gaze, the Sword Duke's expression grew serious.
"......You truly believe the Empire will invade."
"Yes."
"Hmm...... To be honest, I looked into it after our last conversation. But the Empire's succession struggle isn't even over yet. Analysts predict it will drag on for at least five more years. Unlike our civil war, theirs is a conventional succession competition—yet they've never invaded another country during such periods."
"But they've done so countless times immediately afterward."
"Your claim that the Empire is preparing for war... No, never mind. Regardless, don't worry about that. As the one responsible for half the western border, I won't neglect it."
You did the same in my past life, Master, and yet you still fell.
'Of course, the circumstances now are worlds apart.'
Still, if his master kept that promise, Logan wouldn't need to clash with him over ambition.
If their goals aligned, his master's sword would ultimately serve the same purpose as his own.
'And if worse comes to worst......'
Logan buried thoughts that would have shocked his master and smiled.
"Yes, I trust you. I'll also supply MacLaine's weapons at the lowest possible price. Your soldiers should be well-equipped."
"......Are you trying to sell to me now?"
"Of course. Do you think crossbows or magic bombs grow on trees? We need to keep some for ourselves too."
Master and disciple exchanged amused glances before bursting into laughter simultaneously.
After laughing for a long while, the Sword Duke finally bid him a reluctant farewell.
"Visit the capital often. As much as I've taken on an advisory role, I'd rather not spend my old age chasing down ministers. Come up occasionally and help keep the greedy ones in check."
"......Didn't you want me to stay away from the royal court?"
"I only hope you remain unchanged. That version of you could serve as an excellent benchmark for His Majesty."
"You're not that much older than me."
"Exactly. All the better."
His master's smile felt unusually burdensome today.
Logan knew it stemmed from loyalty to the crown and high expectations for the Third Prince—no, for King Rogers—clouding his judgment slightly.
'How many kings in history have truly welcomed subjects more capable than themselves?'
Of course, the only area where Logan truly excelled was martial prowess, but outsiders wouldn't see it that way.
He simply hoped King Rogers, praised for his potential as a wise ruler, would truly fulfill that promise.
With that thought, Logan smiled back at his master.
The MacLaine family was leaving the capital—completely.
This news sent shockwaves through the capital.
Some saw it as an opportunity.
Others felt they'd missed their chance.
Most thoughtful observers found it unexpected.
—After going to such lengths to seize power, he's leaving the king's side?
No matter that his father-in-law was the chancellor and his master a grand duke, having direct access to the king carried incomparable weight.
He could have planted trusted subordinates by the king's side without objection, yet he seemed to be washing his hands of it entirely.
Those who followed this line of thinking mostly reached one conclusion:
—The bond between the king and Logan MacLaine runs deeper than it appears.
This resulted in Logan and the MacLaine forces being bombarded with invitations throughout their journey home.
An endless procession of invitations arrived hourly.
Even territories a day's journey off their route sent envoys with invitations—each accompanied by knights and gifts to show proper respect.
"Who knew so many lunatics would willingly invite over a thousand elite troops into the heart of their territories?"
Logan sighed and declined all invitations, opting to camp outdoors under the pretext of fatigue.
This worked for a while, but after consecutive nights under the stars, exhaustion grew unbearable—to the point where accepting an invitation or two might have been wiser.
Especially now, beneath a sky full of stars, with the crackling campfire lulling him into drowsiness.
'No, no. I can't slack off yet. Pull yourself together.'
Logan lightly slapped his cheeks with both hands, recalling his training with his master.
Looking back, it had been truly productive. He'd gained no small amount from it.
The relentless training had undoubtedly been the right choice.
As he steeled his resolve again, a familiar voice spoke beside him.
"What are you thinking about so deeply?"
"Ah...... Nothing much."
"You've looked troubled ever since we left. If something's weighing on you, wouldn't it help to share?"
Emerald eyes, brighter than the stars above.
Her gaze brimmed with kindness, belying the icy demeanor she'd shown just days prior.
'I still don't understand why, but I'm glad. Was Father's advice really the answer?'
Swallowing the absurdity of that thought, Logan cleared his throat.
"It's nothing serious. No need to share every little worry."
It would only cause unnecessary concern.
But Eileen's expression darkened slightly at his words.
'Did I say something wrong again?'
Uneasy, he glanced at her, only for her to exhale softly and stand.
"......Very well. If you insist."
As she rose, Logan felt an inexplicable urge to stop her and stood as well.
"You needn't speak if you don't wish to. But with our commander wearing such a stern face, the victorious troops who should be marching proudly are instead shrinking back."
Her next words drew an involuntary "Ah!" from him.
"I don't know what distant matters occupy your thoughts, but perhaps you should look beside or behind you for now. I'll take my leave."
Without thinking, Logan caught Eileen's arm as she turned away.
Simultaneously, his unfiltered thoughts spilled out.
"I think I'm feeling some regret."
"......What?"
Bewilderment replaced the coolness on Eileen's face.
Seeing her expression, Logan sighed softly.
See? It's trivial.
"Minor regrets, like... perhaps I should've pushed myself to enjoy the festival or visit the capital's landmarks."
A faint smile touched Eileen's lips at that.
Perhaps because it was reassuring to see.
"Preferably with you."
Gah!
Startled by his own words, he released her arm and stepped back.
"Ahahaha! What was that......?!"
Eileen burst into loud laughter for reasons unclear.
Drawing the camp's attention momentarily, she wiped a stray tear and beamed at Logan.
"You could've just said so. Silly......."
Was that really so funny?
Can't I know what's amusing about it?
His confusion lasted only briefly.
"We'll do plenty when we return. Together. Whatever it may be."
Those words drew an unbidden laugh from him.
"Yes, let's."
Eileen grinned brightly again.
For a moment, the surroundings seemed to brighten as he stared at her dazedly.
"Well, I'm still... fine... now."
Her voice grew noticeably smaller compared to before.
Despite its softness, Eileen had closed the distance and was gazing intently at him with those large eyes.
Thump. Thump.
His heart raced uncontrollably, his body moving on its own to pull her into an embrace.
Drawn by the moment, their lips inched closer—
Clang!
Their armor, long forgotten in familiarity, abruptly announced its presence.
"......."
"......."
"Uh. Well... armor is... quite impressive."
What nonsense are you spouting, you fool?!
Logan wanted to slap his own mouth.
But he couldn't bring himself to—nor to look Eileen in the eye.
He simply lowered his gaze and glared resentfully at her breastplate.
Peck.
"Goodnight."
The soft touch on his cheek startled him into looking up—just in time to see Eileen hastily retreating.
Her ears, visible even in the dim light, were unmistakably red.
Warmth swelling in his chest to match his pounding heart, a smile escaped him unbidden.
"They're coming!"
"Lift it up!"
"Sound the drums!"
Boom- boom- boom- boom-
As Logan's group neared the town, raucous noises reached them.
And then—
"......What's that?"
"A huge banner... with writing?"
"'Welcome home to the war-ending national hero Logan MacLaine and the brave warriors of House MacLaine'? Pfft—ha! What is that?!"
A massive banner, visible from a kilometer away, sent the returning MacLaine troops into fits of laughter.
As Logan, leading the procession, suppressed his amusement and approached, he spotted his father, stepmother, Dwain, and rows of territory residents waiting.
"Welcome home!"
"Hero of the nation! Welcome back, Grand Prince!"
"Thank you for ending the war!"
The cheers grew louder as they neared.
But Logan's bright smile stiffened gradually as he saw the townspeople up close.
Though their joy was genuine, his eyes caught the bandaged wounds, limps, and missing limbs scattered among them.
The aftermath of civil war.
No, more accurately—
'What I created......'
Cold water seemed to douse the pride swelling in his chest.
The only solace was that even the injured wore smiles.
"Waaah! Thank you, Grand Prince!"
Do I deserve their gratitude?
His mood threatened to sink again when—
"Wave your hand, Brother."
"Hm? Ah, right."
"Don't they look happy? Those townspeople. It's all your doing."
"......It's everyone's achievement, not just mine."
"Yes. Led by you."
"You little..."
"Brother, your hand!"
"Fine, fine!"
Turning to his smirking younger brother, Logan saw the proud troops and—more numerous than the injured—healthy townsfolk beaming.
'Right. This is enough. And going forward......'
He steeled his wavering resolve once more.
Then, with a bright smile, he waved vigorously.
"Now! We're finally home! Everyone, cheer!!"
"Waaah!!"
The saviors of the nation.
Until the day that awkward phrase became undeniable truth.
To prevent those countless people from becoming Imperial slaves, downtrodden masses, or test subjects.
And......
"Welcome back, son!"
"Well done, Logan. Ronian?! Why aren't you at your brother's side?! What are you doing over there?!"
"Ah, coming! Father! Mother! I'm home!"
"Stop clinging, you brat. You're grown now, it's disgusting......!"
"Pfft—haha!"
To ensure my precious family keeps smiling like this.
I'll protect it all.
'Without fail!'
Clenching his fist, he engraved that resolve into his heart—
And smiled brilliantly.