Chapter 104

Chapter 104

Our family matters have recently been entrusted to my son. I am sorry, but it seems you should discuss with this child.

Fortunately, Patrick found a way in the awkward situation.

Not just with words, the way he stepped a few paces back showed his intent, and the superbeings gazes once again gathered on Logan.

Interesting. For someone his age to already decide on the familys important matters, it seems he isnt just powerful in force.

A conversation with a young talent is always enjoyable. Logan, its a shame we dont have the time to arrange a separate meeting.

The two viscounts transitioned their stance as fast as lightning.

Whether it was truly because they needed the Mclaine family or because they were in front of the Sword Saint, from Logans perspective, it was good that the superbeings themselves showed such humility.

Thank you for your words. May I ask the reason for coming to our family?

You get straight to the point like a young man. Good.

Were both busy, theres no need to beat around the bush.

Eyes clashed fiercely again.

It was confusing whether they wanted to converse with him or just fight among themselves.

As Logan sighed inwardly,

Ive heard about the war with Bifrost. Youre well aware that Roger Bifrost supports the Second Prince. Now is your chance to swear loyalty to His Highness Rohiter. You know that the Kairosh family, our allied family, is part of our faction? Well support you and your family. To prevent Roger Bifrost from taking any other cunning actions.

Why should the neighboring estates quarrel unnecessarily? If you swear loyalty to His Highness Lomain, mediation with Bifrost can be promised, not to mention generous treatment. Surely, its better than the remote support of the First Princes faction?

As expected, the two superbeings spewed their speeches, then quickly turned to criticism of each other.

Are you trying to embrace two warring estates at once? Thats a foolish proposal that will only cause you to betray existing allies.

The southwestern areas lack the time for outreach. Who would be foolish enough to fall for such greed-driven empty words?

A murderous intent flickered simultaneously in the eyes of both superbeings.

Creak-crack.

Once again, the space between the two became distorted as their energies collided, filling the reception room with an eerie noise and hostile atmosphere.

Of course, the hostility did not last long.

What are you doing now!

Cough.

Gulp.

A commanding voice broke through the palpable murderous aura.

Then, as the superbeings glowered at each other, they could only continue to cough awkwardly away from the Sword Saints glare.

Its still the same shameful acts. So now, forgetting about dignity, you directly engage in factional play? Even targeting my disciple?

Your Excellency, it isnt because he is your disciple. Its a proposal for the Mclaine family.

Yes, Your Excellency. We have no intention of disturbing your brightness. We merely wish to discuss the future with the Mclaine estate.

The way you both say that, its as if you get along well in this regard. Unrelated to me? Can you assure there isnt even a speck of such thought?

We swear it.

Me too.

Good. Thats how it should be. Even if my disciple accepts one of your proposals, I wont intervene in factional disputes. Even if this child dies.

The finality in the Sword Saints voice made the superbeings eyes shine momentarily.

What do you mean by that?

Ill no longer involve myself in factional fights.

Huh? Your Excellency, if thats so?

I swear on my honor. So discard any thoughts of provoking me through this child or anyone else.

The Sword Saint informed the two superbeings the conclusion hed reached from his studya declaration of neutrality was a fitting response for both.

Logan couldnt help but smile, but the complex look on the superbeings faces revealed their feelings.

Nonetheless, their ultimate response was the same.

We will communicate Your Excellencys intentions to the princes. We shall confine our discussion with the Mclaine family.

Same here.

Haha, you lot Your family seems to have become quite the enticing prey. Congratulations, my disciple. What will you do?

The Sword Saint revealed his discomfort, asking Logan for his decision.

Im not sure. This talk has been so sudden

While the superbeings presence was unexpected, the approach from the factions had been anticipated.

But Logan appeared troubled.

If youre concerned about what that blockhead said, dont worry. If you swear loyalty, as soon as the state funeral ends, the Calia Knights will be dispatched to your family, and Bifrosts threat will be taken care of easily.

How preposterous. Do you think Ill just remain idle? Disciple of the Sword Saint, choose wisely. Wouldnt it be better to live peacefully with your close neighbors?

Whether it was persuasion or a threat, Luter Kyles words were almost threatening.

But its also reality.

The territory of the Kyle family, centered around the trade city of Kyle, was directly north of Bifrost.

Given the proximity, they could indeed exert influence over them, with Tomodo Castle currently occupied by Mclaine all the more possible.

Of course, regardless, Logan had no intention of joining any faction.

If I faced them on the battlefield now, it would be the end for me. No wonder they are called tactical weapons.

Aura users were on a different level from top-class knights.

This was a hard fact known in mind, but now deeply felt in heart.

While letting out a sigh of relief, his masters voice reached his ears.

Foolish. Why did you force yourself to stand? You wouldnt have been criticized for rolling away to avoid it.

The concern hidden in the rebuke brought a smile to Logans face after the sigh.

Its nothing I cant handle.

First, get your trembling legs under control before you say such things, you fool. Tsk tsk. But what will you do now?

What do you mean?

If you plan on getting involved in the faction fights? Seeing you didnt flatly refuse.

Was the light in his masters blue eyes worry or reproof?

Logan calmly shared his true feelings.

I have no intention of joining any faction right now.

Not yet?

Its possible if needed. I apologize, but we lack the strength to uphold ideals as nobly as you do right now.

The will to pursue ideals isnt born from power Ah, no, right. I wont waste words on that. But

I will do my best to uphold at least the basic principles, no matter which path I take.

Logan swiftly replied, catching on to his masters intentions.

Seeing this, the Sword Saint could only chuckle wryly and nod in acceptance.

Alright. Thats enough for now.

His beliefs were his own to hold, not to be forced upon another.

Even if its my only disciple.

If his beliefs were truly right, those who wanted to learn from him would also choose to follow those beliefs.

Still, there was one nagging thought.

Baron. Were you truly planning to remain silent? Your son could have made a wrong choice?

My son is exceptional. The current Mclaine family is practically his creation. Whatever the outcome, I was ready to respect Logans decisions.

Logan is still young. Dont you think youve given him too heavy a burden?

Preparations are underway to lighten that burden. They will continue in the future.

Despite sounding almost like a scolding, the barons red eyes, imitating his sons, did not waver.

Very well.

The Sword Saint found the father of his cherished disciple quite to his liking as well.

The shock of his masters abrupt death had softened somewhat.

For the first time in a week, the Sword Saint allowed himself a faint smile.

* * *

I will not involve myself in factional strife.

The shockwaves from the Sword Saints declaration of neutrality were surprisingly minimal.

The focus of both factions had always been on each other, and from their perspective, they had simply lost a large obstacle between them.

Very few saw significance in the fact that it distanced the Sword Saint and the Third Prince from the public eye.

However, it naturally intensified the feud between the two factions.

It led to numerous disturbances in the capital daily, filling the news with more and more noisy events due to the amplified sense of unrest.

And in this moment, when everyones unease was palpably felt,

The state funeral finally began.

May the king rest in peace!

In front of the inner sanctum of the palace.

With the shout from the royal guard, the doors of the inner sanctum opened; a grand coffin, adorned with the banner of the phoenix, emerged slowly, carried by sixteen pallbearers.

Passing slowly through the upright swords of the lined-up royal guards, the coffin was placed on the platform in the courtyard of the inner sanctum.

Thud.

The servant of the nine great gods, the representative of the deities who watch over the world, Archbishop Pamiel Gernheim, arrives.

Another door opened to the outer sanctum of the palace, allowing a group from outside to enter.

First, the priests in white robes lined up in two rows and moved swiftly to form a line up to the coffin, bowing to one another.

Then, in the midst of them, a man walked in robes adorned with delicate gold, not flashy, but many times longer than his head, Archbishop Pamiel Gernheim.

Although his appearance may not seem impressive compared to his fine clothes, this man is, in a sense, of higher status than the king of the kingdom himself.

He was the chief priest of all nine temples of the great gods in the Kingdom of Grandia and the archbishop of Aion, the god of water and agriculture, the first among the nine gods.

Excluding the Pope and the Holy Maiden, he was the highest-ranking priest in the temple.

The true significance of the state funeral began with the arrival of Archbishop Pamiel standing before the kings coffin, with the priests lined up in front.

Yet the movement of the nobles that occurred right after the start of this solemn ceremony was enough to even shake the firm gaze of the archbishop.