Chapter 167
Chapter 167
As the lengthy discussions concluded—some cheering while others expressed disappointment—Logan wearily brought order to the boisterous assembly.
"Phew. It's already gotten quite late, so let's handle the simpler matters first. Master Clayton, how much additional funding does the Magic Tower require?"
"Well, the issue isn't so much the tower's operational expenses or recruiting disciples as it is the research costs—"
"Understood. I'm well aware of the necessity of your research. Please state the amount you need. I'll provide whatever support is necessary."
Even without hearing specific conditions, Clayton's face brightened at Logan's generous approval—as if he were being handed everything he desired.
"However, I'll need thorough verification of how the funds are spent. Through Dwain, we'll conduct audits on material purchases and expenditures, so please provide a reasonable estimate within necessary limits."
Logan drew a clear line—distinguishing between reckless spending and strategic investment.
Clayton chuckled, suddenly aware of his own hopeful expression.
He found his own disappointment laughable.
Since when did I become so accustomed to overflowing funds?
Moreover, wasn't Logan essentially saying he would provide unlimited support as long as proper documentation existed? There was no reason to hesitate.
"I'll keep that in mind, Your Grace. For now, I believe ten million gold should suffice."
Ten million gold.
The staggering sum, uttered so casually, momentarily silenced the room.
"Very well. Dwain, do we have that much to spare?"
"...Yes. It'll be tight, but manageable."
"Then it's settled. Master Clayton, consider the research funding secured."
"Thank you, Your Grace."
"Not at all. Just continue your efforts a little longer. On the day your research succeeds, I'll reward you beyond what your labor deserves."
"Reward? You've already given me more than enough!"
"Hm?"
"Seeing the dream of our school come to life before my eyes is reward enough. I'll strive even harder to be of greater service to the territory."
Their exchange of pleasantries carried an unspoken weight—Clayton's research was of critical importance.
Most retainers recognized this, their eyes gleaming with understanding, but none dared pry into what Logan deliberately left unsaid.
"Next, regarding the workshop—once we acquire... ahem, bring in the dwarf craftsmen, the budget should suffice. I'll leave that to Philip, given his merchant guild experience. Philip, no objections?"
Logan expected an immediate affirmative.
But—
"...I believe it would be wiser to postpone for now."
The gray-eyed young man spoke with an apologetic expression.
"Why?"
Hamar glared at Philip, while Damian tugged at his sleeve in warning. Unfazed, Philip explained his reasoning.
"The largest slave—ahem, human market is in Halun Fortress, one of the main battlegrounds of the civil war. With the market paralyzed, the already steep prices for dwarf craftsmen could multiply tenfold or more. Now isn't the right time."
"Then?"
"If we wait—within one or two months, three at most—the sudden influx of supply will drastically lower their prices. Purchasing... acquiring them then would be far more advantageous for the territory."
Hamar, who had instinctively frowned at words like supply and purchase, eventually nodded in agreement.
As expected of Philip. Razor-sharp when it comes to money.
Logan couldn't help but smile.
I should return him to his original duties soon.
"Well said, Philip. Excellent advice. Hamar, can you wait a little longer? You understand, right?"
"Tch. Fine, Master."
With the workshop matter settled, Logan turned his attention to Heinkel.
"Earlier, my father mentioned issues concerning the knight order. I believe it's best to discuss this with Sir Heinkel. If you have any thoughts, please speak freely."
"...Your Grace. As I've already told His Lordship, I've been considering retirement."
"Nonsense! How can you say such a thing?"
Patrick's distressed outburst drew no change in Heinkel's expression.
"For someone like me to voice opinions about the knight order... it wouldn't set the right precedent."
"Tch. Stubborn man..."
Logan couldn't help but sigh as well.
"Sir Heinkel. The family fully understands your circumstances. And no amount of gratitude could ever repay your sacrifices and loyalty. But we need your experience now. Could you lend us your strength a little longer?"
"...My counsel may not be of any use."
"Whatever your opinion, every knight in our order—myself and my father included—respects it above all others."
At those words, the aged and battered knight looked up blankly at the high seat.
The regretful gaze and gentle smile of his lord—which he had avoided out of guilt—stirred his weary heart once more.
Heinkel exhaled deeply, lost in thought for a moment before voicing his opinion under the expectant gazes of all present.
"...Just keep rolling with it."
"...?"
Silence fell over the conference room.
Whoosh—
If gazes could make sound, that would have been it—the ebbing tide of anticipation replaced by disappointment.
The shift in atmosphere was palpable, but what unsettled Heinkel most was the utterly baffled look on his lord's face. He hastily clarified.
"Not just rolling with it!"
The loudest voice since the meeting began.
The old knight launched into an impassioned speech.
"Isn't the most crucial matter the succession of the Iron Blood Sword Technique—our order's symbol?"
Hope flickered anew in the eyes of his audience.
"Have the veteran knights act as instructors, teaching the Iron Blood Technique to the new recruits. This maintains their standing as senior knights while fostering unity with the newcomers."
The retainers nodded one by one in agreement.
"Offering special allowances to the veteran instructors would also be an effective measure."
As if he had never been despondent, Heinkel poured out suggestions with fervor—like blossoms sprouting from an ancient tree.
Whether he realized it or not, vitality returned to his face as he spoke.
Patrick watched with a spreading smile, and Logan nodded approvingly.
"An excellent suggestion, Sir Heinkel. We'll implement it immediately. Truly invaluable counsel."
There was no guarantee his idea was the perfect solution.
But the enthusiastic support from his lord and heir was enough.
A faint smile touched Heinkel's lips.
Good.
The knight who had served the family for decades had regained his drive.
Even if broken and battered, the family would honor his loyalty.
Logan wanted Heinkel to become a symbol of that truth. And for that reason alone, his suggestion was worth testing—even if a better alternative emerged later.
Thus, it was time to conclude the meeting.
"Now! It seems we've covered all major agenda items. You've all worked hard through this lengthy discussion. If anyone has unaddressed concerns, speak now."
A perfunctory remark to wrap things up.
Yet, someone twitched their hand hesitantly.
"...Ronian? Do you have something to say?"
All eyes turned to him as Ronian hesitated before stepping forward.
"Yes, Brother. There's an issue I'd like to raise."
"Oh? Speak freely."
His younger brother, who rarely voiced opinions in family meetings—Logan's eyes gleamed at the unexpected change.
"With the family's rising status, merchants and migrants have flooded in. Since the war's end, thefts and robberies targeting residents have become frequent. If this continues, the problem will only escalate."
Murmurs spread among the retainers at Ronian's words.
"Wasn't it just post-festival chaos?"
"Now that I think about it, there has been more unrest."
"I'd heard rumors of soldiers struggling..."
The retainers seemed to agree with Ronian's assessment.
"A public order issue, then. We could assign more soldiers to patrols and extend their hours—"
"Brother, rather than that, why not overhaul the system entirely?"
"Overhaul?"
"Currently, soldiers rotate through training, guard duty, patrols, dispatch, and rest shifts. But for maintaining public order, wouldn't it be better to establish a dedicated unit? Continuous oversight would benefit the territory."
"Oh? A Public Order Brigade?"
A smile curled Logan's lips.
"Public... Order Brigade? Yes—a unit solely dedicated to maintaining order. Veterans or retired knights could lead it, separating them from combat troops. It seems fitting."
"Brilliant!"
"Sounds good!"
"The Second Young Master is as astute as ever!"
Ronian's proposal drew enthusiastic approval from the retainers.
This kid...
The term Public Order Brigade was unfamiliar, yet he'd conceived it himself.
Though such units were only found in the Empire's major cities, their effectiveness was proven. Smaller territories rarely needed dedicated forces—hence why Logan hadn't considered it.
Pfft.
"An excellent idea. Let's proceed. Since it was your suggestion, you shall establish it, Ron."
"Me?"
"Yes. The one who proposes should execute. Focus on the two towns and Vifros Fortress—results should follow."
"...Understood, Brother. I'll do my best."
"Good. I'm counting on you. In the future..."
"Hm?"
"Keep up the good work."
Grin.
"Yes, Brother."
Thus, the day's meeting concluded with Logan's peculiar smile.
"Sir Heinkel. A word."
"Your Grace..."
"I heard you refused Father's offer of territory. Isn't that a waste? You could have established the Viscounty of Fides."
Fides—ancient for loyalty and oath, the name of the fortress Patrick had granted Heinkel with his title.
"...What would a childless man like me do with territory? It would only burden the family after my passing."
"You're still hale—why speak like that? Even without Force, you can live healthily... Ah, my apologies."
"Nothing to apologize for. These wounds were earned protecting my lord. I wear them with pride."
"...Huh?"
Logan stared blankly.
"I'm well aware of His Lordship's consideration and concern. I declined only because I felt inadequate—please convey that I bear no resentment."
"...We wish to repay your sacrifices. If there's anything you desire, name it. My father and I will grant whatever you ask."
"I know. You wish to compensate for what I've lost—I understand that well."
"Then accept our gratitude. Father was disheartened by your repeated refusals."
Heinkel fell silent briefly before speaking again.
"...When I first met His Lordship in my youth, he often said something."
"What...?"
"That he would one day restore MacLaine's former glory—and asked me to walk that path with him."
"..."
"Back then, he repeated those words to me often. And before I knew it, his dream became mine."
"Sir..."
Heinkel continued calmly.
"Of course, we soon collided with reality and faltered. For a time, I forgot that dream—until you fulfilled it, Your Grace."
"...It was only possible thanks to you."
"Hardly. I won't deny my small contributions, which makes me all the more grateful."
Heinkel suddenly bowed, leaving Logan flustered.
"You've made my dream overflow with fulfillment. What more could I ask for?"
A serene smile graced Heinkel's lips—genuinely content, as if freed from lingering attachments.
That very serenity made Logan fear he might slip away. He quickly grasped the knight's hand.
"We still need your strength. Even if not as a knight, your experience alone is invaluable. Reconsider retirement—"
"Yes. I'll retract my decision."
"...What?"
The task Patrick had entrusted him with was accomplished far too easily.
Logan could only gape in disbelief.
"You... what?"
"I thought myself useless—too diminished. That's why I ignored His Lordship's requests and resolved to retire. But this meeting made me realize... I still have a role here."
"..."
"As a knight, perhaps not. But as an instructor training soldiers—I'm confident I can contribute. I know Instructor Kaisolon is exceptional, but I have my own methods. Appoint me as a military advisor. I'll dedicate my remaining strength to the family."
"Sir Heinkel..."
A man who had earned a viscounty now volunteering to train common soldiers—Logan was at a loss for words.
"I'd rather not rest content with dreams already achieved. I want to see greater ones realized. To dream a little more—with His Lordship and you. Will you permit it?"
"...Of course, Sir Heinkel. Whatever dream you pursue, I'll ensure you see it surpassed."
Logan vowed silently—repeatedly—to let this loyal knight dream as he wished.
No—to ensure he witnessed dreams grander and more dazzling than he could imagine.
That was all Logan could promise.