Chapter 15
Patrick sighed deeply as he watched his eldest son leave the room.
I will prove the reasons for my actions within a year. Until then, please turn a blind eye to what I wish to do on my own.
How much should I trust him
Although his sons eyes were resolute, Patrick found it hard to trust him.
Nevertheless, Patrick felt compelled to acquiesce to the request.
Please, Father.
It was the first plea he had heard since that day, a plea he hadnt even heard when his son partook in all manner of wickedness.
A plea
Patrick bitterly smiled, finding it strange that such a normal word between parent and child could feel so foreign.
But should Logan fail to prove his words after a year
I must make a resolute decision.
For the honor of the family.
He was the head of the Maclaine family before being a father.
Haa
*Click.*
With a long sigh, weakened hands opened a simple pendant to reveal a portrait within.
Today, the familiar face of the blue-haired beauty seed to painfully dig into his eyes.
Reina Im sorry. I cant understand what our son is thinking at all. Despite my promises to protect and raise him well
Perhaps Ive been too neglectful.
His last words, feeble and filled with self-reproach, stung the heart of a father, not just the head of the family.
* * * Thud. The weighty sound of the office door shook his chest heavily.
Mother
Simply uttering the word brought back vivid mories that would otherwise feel distant.
Even with Logans mories of his past life spanning decades ago, the word mother held such power.
Thats why it weighed even heavier on his heart.
I didnt expect him to ntion her
In his previous life, even when he was expelled from the family, these words were not ntioned until the very end.
Objectively speaking, Logan didnt think his current actions were worse than the swordfight from his past life, so his reasons were sowhat predictable.
He still holds so expectations, doesnt he?
Without realizing it, Logan let out a soft, mocking laugh.
As he walked down the corridor with his mind in turmoil, a familiar voice rang out from the opposite end.
Brother!
Ronian?
His younger brother Ronian appeared with an uncomfortable look, escorted by two knights.
Brother! Are you alright?
Seeing him panting heavily, it seed he had run all the way from training.
It was a pattern all too familiar, but now it was a welco sight.
Of course, Im fine. Its been a while, Roni.
Huff, Im relieved. The rumors were quite bad, so I was worried.
The sight of Ronian sighing in relief and smiling that ever-constant and unchanging deanor
Huh? Sothings different.
Of course, his brother was genuinely concerned and relieved for him.
But the subtle hint of excitent in his eyes, mixed with a strange sense of anticipation, was different from usual.
And oddly, he seed more lively than before.
Oh ho? Could it be?
With a hint of curiosity, Logan focused on the inner workings of his brother and sensed traces of active power surging within him.
Suddenly, Logans eyes widened.
You! Its not just about saying hello, youve already?!
As expected! I knew Brother would notice.
Ronians face bead with pride, his desire to showcase his achievent clear as day.
And just as he intended, Logan was genuinely filled with wonder.
At rely fourteen years old Hmm.
In Logans previous life, Ronian had awakened his force only during the territorial wars, and there had been concern that his regression might delay his younger brothers achievents.
Instead, they had been accelerated, which was a curious turn of events.
Due to your influence. When I heard you returned, I rushed out to see you, but these knights tried to stop
What?
It was then that Logan noticed the battered armor of the knights standing behind Ronian.
The circumstances surrounding the awakening were absurd, but it wasnt the end of it.
Escaping from two knights imdiately after awakening?
This suggested that his brothers talent was exceptional, and the news was enough to lift Logans spirits.
Hah, hahaha, ahahaha! Well done, Roni!
Ronians earliest achievent shined even brighter.
And as for
Once Ronis force stabilizes, should I also teach him the secrets of the divine sword?
Not only could Logan repay the emotional debt to his brother, but also lay the most solid foundation for overcoming future crises.
It was an unavoidable joy for Logan.
Ronians success did not just bring joy to Logan alone.
That day, the news of Ronians awakening shook the entire Maclaine family.
Early force awakening did not guarantee one would beco an Aura user, but the likelihood was certainly higher.
The Maclaine barony had been established by a forr Aura user, and Ronian was believed to be the genius who could bring greatness to the family, stirring excitent throughout.
On the other hand, Logan, compared to his recent past, could not escape being harshly judged.
Of course, the man himself was busy with his own affairs, unbothered by their opinions.
* * *
There certainly are more C-rank rcenaries who can ride than I thought. With long-term contracts and horses on offer, the rcenaries from across the country nearly flocked here.
Is that so? Good grief, selecting just 350 reputable individuals from among them was no easy task, so dont look at
like that. It took effort to cut off at that point.
More should have been accepted, you say? This madness Ahahaha. Sorry. It appears my limited insight was lacking.
Dwaine had done his job too well.
A considerable force of 350 C-rank rcenaries, or several company-sized military units, had gathered, ard, in the Maclaine domain.
They might not be enough to challenge the barony, but they were plenty to cause disorder.
And so, they had to stay in a nearly dilapidated villa in the southern part of the domain, under the surveillance of the knights, providing their own food and lodging for anywhere between five to ten days.
As the days of waiting added up, naturally, the rcenaries grew more dissatisfied.
Surely they didnt trick us?
A re barony wouldnt be foolish enough to offend the rcenary Guild.
Who knows? Maybe they have gone mad, especially that eldest son with the bad reputation.
Ah, Ive heard about that. He might really be crazy.
Damn it, are we just wasting our ti?
Think before you speak. Considering their relationship with the Guild, the barony will surely compensate us well.
What? Seriously?!
As Logans reputation worsened with each passing day and the accumulated stress weighed on them, the rcenaries were on the verge of exploding.
And then, the subject of the rumors himself stood before them.
* * *
Mounted crossbown you say?
Yes.
Logans nonchalant response made Kai question him once more.
Youre not confusing them with bown, are you?
No, actual crossbown.
Sir Logan. A crossbow is not an efficient weapon for cavalry. Not even in wars
I know.
Excuse ?
While crossbows had vastly superior power to bows, even an untrained person would take over a minute to load one on the ground.
With such a force, even if they carried several loaded crossbows, theyd run out of firepower after engaging for more than a minute
an embarrassingly ineffective unit.
So naturally, Kai was in disbelief.
But regardless of what you might think if you consider it a waste of money.
Flinching.
Just train them thoroughly. Theres a reason, and youll find out eventually.
Despite the awkward smile and nod from Kai, Logan chuckled.
He was half-joking, but it seed that was indeed Kais initial thought.
Yet Logan didnt want to fuss about it.
What mattered now was ensuring the rcenaries were under firm control to undergo the necessary training.
Logans gaze shifted to the training ground near the villa, where a discordant group of rcenaries bustled about.
They wore various mismatched garb, typical of their independent lives, and were not the types to let any slight pass them by.
Even a brief observation suggested organizing them into a single unit for training wouldnt be easy.
First, I need to establish discipline.
A deadly smile spread across Logans face.
If youd trust
with it.
Kai stepped forward, sensing his obligation through Logans gaze.
No, you might bring so calm, at least on the surface.
Sir?
Ill handle it myself; you just observe.
?
rcenaries were driven by money, but endless handouts would make them view their benefactor as a fool.
It was an unfortunate reality for those whose lives were hewn by the blade.
And a veteran warrior from a past life knew just how to dominate such individuals.
* * *
Look over there.
Hm?
Oh? A fla emblem. Is he so young noble?
Shh, he must be that eldest son.
From the mont Logan approached the villa, whispers followed him, growing louder as he entered the large yard serving as a training field.
Look at those peach fuzz.
Is he even of age?
Ill bet my own hand hes not.
Where do you intend to use my hand?
So could scarcely make sense of it
There, isnt that Haruns Kai behind him?
Who?
The greatest A-rank, Kai.
Oh, I think Ive heard of him.
Those who recognized Kai walking behind Logan.
Tch. Its obvious hes been raised well.
Ah, this wretched life. I hate nobles more and more each ti I see one.
Must be nice, being born to lucky parents. Damn it, I dont even know my own parents.
And the ones who made it abundantly clear how rough their lives had been.
With each face in the crowd expressing their own take, Logan searched for one in particular.
Look at that guy in armor. My goodness, he even carries a sword. Planning to play soldier?
Specifically, soone who thought they were sneaky enough to scoff behind his back.
As Logan stopped, he pinpointed the man.
Hey you.
? Are you speaking to ?
Do I look funny wearing my armor and carrying a sword?
Wh-what are you talking about?
The rcenary who had been smirking monts ago couldnt fathom that Logan had overheard his comnts.
Well, I suppose thats a thought you might have, if you had the skills to back it up.
Excuse ?
But for a re C-rank rcenary to look down on others? Know your place.
That simple statent froze many of those who had belittled Logan, along with the few who viewed him sowhat favorably.
You seem to have a sense of pride. Are my words displeasing? Well then, good.
Stepping into the center of the training field, Logan looked around before spreading his arms wide.
It doesnt have to be this fool, but anyone who challenges
and can land even a single blow will be paid a years worth on the spot and dismissed. This is a pledge on the honor of a noble, and all of you here are witnesses.
Startled by Logans unexpected proposal, the rcenaries stared at him in disbelief.
When nobody moved for a while despite Logans challenge, he nudged Kai, who was standing behind him. With a sigh, Kai stepped forward.
There must be friends here who know . This young master keeps his word. Anyone is welco to try.
Really?!
Woah!
! Ill do it!
At Kais word, the rcenaries finally realized Logan was serious and the noise level surged again.
Logan gestured to the first rcenary who had scoffed at him.
Fine then, why dont you go first?
Alright. Lets not go back on our words!
With bravado, the large rcenary stepped forward, his towering figure lood over 2 ters.
His bulging muscles and size would make anyone believe he was at least A-rank rather than C-rank.
And he looked quite strong, gripping two massive clubs in each hand from their crossed position on his back.
Isnt that Hail?
Wait, isnt he B-rank?
Not yet I suppose? Maybe after this job?
For Logan, the man was nothing more than an amusent.
So you were confident because of that stature.
The rcenary brashly stepped forward and shouted.
Alright then, contractee, co at !
first? Youll regret it.
Dont worry. Ive had more als of the blade than you have had hot dinners.
Oh? Is that so? As you wish, then.
Chk-ack.
As Logans words finished, a chopping sound pierced through the air.
Nobody saw Logans swift strike to the brown-haired rcenarys chin.
All they saw was a burst of red and gold light and a sudden gale, and in that instant, the rcenary was flying in the air.
While the crowd looked on, aghast.
Blurp. Crunch. Thud.
Nngh
The rcenarys body tumbled across the ground, his face a ruin.
If youre going to flap your gums, at least have the skill to back it up.
Logan spoke coldly, his face impassive as he looked around.
Anyone else want to flap their gums?
Every rcenary surrounding them avoided Logans piercing gaze.
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