Chapter 81
Cutoff? How disheartening. What kind of talk is that? The past mistakes of the family are just mistakes, and blood is blood. Considering the amounts of money our Kairos family has supported over the past decade or so, one mistake can be overlooked, cant it?
Im sorry to hear that.
What?
If that mistake wasnt ignoring the kin on the brink of falling off a cliff, that might have sounded more plausible.
At Logans words, Verons face twitched slightly.
He knew it was a stretch from the start, but he didnt expect to be so bluntly reprimanded by his young nephew, not to mention one from a junior generation.
He had thought himself lucky to have naturally started a conversation at the party instead of a one-on-one meeting, reflecting on himself from 30 minutes ago as laughable.
Above all, his anger toward Logan was greater.
You get a bit of fame, and you think you can puff your chest out, huh?
Sure enough, the reckless disposition was there to stay.
But that also meant persuasion would be easy.
Veron calmed his mind with this thought.
That was indeed a fatal mistake by our family. Im late, but Ill formally apologize on behalf of the family.
You are aware its late.
He nearly lashed out at that comment, but since he had come prepared for the worst, retreating wasnt an option.
If you desire an apology, I will do as you wish. What do you want? Its better to reconcile after receiving a reasonable apology than to never see each other again.
Veron showed a blank cheque to Logan, who was continuously prickly.
But
Hmm. Did you really come for an apology? So, if I accept the compensation, you wont say anything else?
Again, faced with a sly reply, Veron unconsciously ground his teeth.
Where do you think youre dispensing medicine?
Logan openly grinned upon seeing Verons face contort.
There must be something Veron regretted, hence these fruitless efforts now.
If you have something else to say besides an apology, I wont accept it. Please return.
Logan drew a firm line with his declaration, but the others reaction was not what he expected.
Help me. Ill grant you everything you want. Let us look towards the future rather than dwelling on past wrongs.
Verons head was almost at a right angle, his voice desperate.
The sight of Veron in total surrender was unexpected for Logan.
Huh?
The Kairos family he knew, especially Simon Kairos, would not do such a thing. They were not ones to regret or reflect on their actions.
And the only heir, Veron Kairos, was known by all to never go against his father.
Then
It must be the will of Simon Kairos superiors.
Logan glanced around the party and noticed Duke Yordan Valtermine and Duke Juan Douglas, the kingdoms only 6-circle wizard and a rival power, throwing a quick glance his way before looking away.
It seemed they wouldnt get involved directly.
Even with the title of the Sword Saints apprentice, to the Dukes, it was just a matter of testing the waters.
Doesnt matter if its Viphros or Kairos, two of the kingdoms three richest men, theyre still played by the Dukes tactics.
This realization hit hard, that even the entanglements his family had made were nothing more than small hills compared to the real mountains they had to overcome.
Then, Ill have to use them for now.
There was something the kingdoms wealthiest families, no, the merchants needed.
That should be enough to firmly support Philip.
Viphros was practically already aiming their dagger.
No ordinary frivolity would win them over easily, but Kairos was a different story.
Hmm. Uncle, theres no need for such excessive courtesy towards your nephew. Well, its not difficult to grant a small family favor, right?
Logans tongue danced lightly, concealing his tremendous greed.
Thank you. Nephew.
Verons face brightened a little in gratitude.
But as the conversation continued in a secluded spot, his face inevitably hardened.
If you do that, meeting the Prince wont be difficult.
Understood.
He had no choice but to nod.
Roger Viphros watched from a distance, his gaze turning icy, but Logan paid it no heed.
Viphros and Kairos.
Even after their entanglement passed, many nobles approached Logan.
However, Logan, finding it tiring to deal with so many people, excused himself using his masters name and carefully declined numerous conversations.
As the complex party time ebbed.
Attention, everyone. Now the most important event of the party will take place. To wish for the noble ladys safe growth, we will have a distinguished person name her. That person is Eh?
Leffman, a retainer of the Esperanza Dukes family and an Honorary Count, was surprised as he read the prepared text and looked back at his lord.
The Sword Saint nodded with a smile, and Leffman called out the name on the script with a somewhat puzzled expression.
The disciple of the Duke. Young Master Logan McLaine.
That expression
Why was he, of all people, naming the young lady?
Count Leffman was unable to hide his reluctant expression, unbefitting of a wily noble.
But considering it was out of strong loyalty to his master, it brought a smirk rather than annoyance.
Logan, managing his expression, made his way to the high seats.
Faced with the adorable baby who looked intently at him with big eyes while wrapped in soft silk, his smile naturally broadened.
The baby, born out of overflowing paternal love and having received an Aura Shower instantly, was bursting with vitality, making her even more adorable.
As Logan carefully cradled the baby, she reached out with her tiny hand and grabbed Logans finger wrapped around the swaddle, smiling brightly at him.
Szzt.
Knowing that this action held no meaning and was merely a coincidence, Logans heart still swelled with emotion.
And looking into the babys eyes, shining like bright stars, all the other name candidates he had been pondering disappeared, leaving just one.
The childs name shall be Stella. Its an ancient word meaning star. Ive named her with the hope she becomes a brilliant light that brightens the night sky.
Kyarak!
The babys beaming smile as if pleased with her name, allowed Logan also to smile brightly.
Young Master Logan McLaine has chosen the name Stella. Duke, will you accept this name for the lady?
I will.
The ladys name is decided. Stella Esperanza. Lets all bless the new star of the Esperanza family!
Waaah!
Amidst the cheering and applause, Logan exchanged glances with the baby he held, carefully handing her back to the Duchess.
Her smiling and waving appearance erased all the unpleasant feelings left by the crimson bishops sacred power.
* * * The naming ceremony of Stella Esperanza became an occasion that spread the close relationship between Logan and the Sword Saint throughout the kingdom.
The invitations from those wanting to meet him poured in the day after the ceremony, but by that time, Logan was already preparing to leave the capital.
The winter is coming soon.
That meant it was time to return to his domain to prepare for the civil war.
He checked the capitals movements, dispelling any doubts of divergence from his previous knowledge, and strengthened his trust with his master.
Although he regretted not directly connecting with the Third Prince, acquiring talent like Eillen meant the trip to the capital yielded greater results than expected.
Moreover
The projected yield of the wastelands, or rather the new McLaine Plains, is expected to exceed the McLaines past by 20 times. The lands are still undermanned, so next years yield
Even in monetary terms, were looking at a comfortable 30 million gold. Just the taxes from Teslon and Sylvan exceed ten million. Theyre cheering because of the reduced taxation as you promised.
What? Even with this years yield, we have enough for 3-4 years Not to sell? Okay, understood. We have plenty of money anyway.
The changes in McLaine during his absence were enough to bolster his confidence.
Preparations are going well.
Its time to return for final preparations and go forth with our plans.
As Logan settled his mind
Planning to leave?
Startled by the familiar voice, Logan woke from his thoughts and turned around.
Master!
Yes. Thanks to you, the naming ceremony went well. My spouse is grateful.
Oh, no need. But why are you here instead of with Stella?
The infant who could repel the aura of a high-ranking cleric.
He couldnt dare to speak of it to his master, as it was as bizarre and important as his own regression.
Worrying over the baby, Logan genuinely couldnt help but express his concern.
His master smiled, apparently sensing the earnestness.
An Aura Shower is sufficient for the child; any more is superfluous. Now, Ive come to once again take care of my diligent disciples training.
Master, I appreciate that, but as I mentioned, it seems its time to go back to the domain. Theres also the Viphros issue
It wont take long.
Past training always ended with near exhaustion, so Logan asked with a puzzled expression.
Youve worked hard following the intense training. Now that youve grasped the basics, Ill teach you a technique that can maximize them.
What?!
Surprised by your revelations, and yet so easily shaken. Tsk tsk.
Master, thats
The Sword Saint slightly smirked but continued in a serious tone.
That ancient revelation I once looked down upon it, but if used properly it could exceed my secret techniques. Just dont forget whats more important, do you know?
The basics.
Right. Im now thinking of passing on to you a secret technique that maximizes those basics. Follow me.
It sounded contradictory, but the offer was too tempting to refuse.
Swish.
Entering the training ground, the Sword Saint drew his sword with a smooth sound.
The foundation of the martial arts Ive established throughout my life is to constrain my opponents movements and maximize my own.
Uuong.
An aura erupted around the Sword Saint as he explained, and the entire training ground felt a heavy, oppressive force.
Ultimately, its about dominating the space on the battlefield. The Heavy Pressure Sword technique you learned is the first method to embody this principle. Can you endure?
Not at all.
Logans thoughts didnt manifest as words.
Barely standing there was enough to break into a cold sweat due to the powerful pressure.
The master smirked and released his strength.
Huk!
Staggering.
Even without being directly attacked, the dizziness was momentary but intense.
Logans amazement renewed at the capability of the so-called superhumans.
Thats right. Its quite a good technique that Im proud of. But the revelation you possess is superior as a means of attack compared to my secret techniques. So, its unnecessary to teach you the continuation of my sword arts which involve pressuring, silencing, and chasing lightning.
Then?
Stop looking so disappointed and keep your eyes open. This is even more impressive.
At his words, Logan focused, watching his master when suddenly the standing masters figure blurred.
Hm?
In bewilderment, the transparent figure vanished, and Logan felt a cold sensation at his nape.
Gasp?!
Startled, Logan turned to find his master poised with a slightly lifted sword.
Did you see?
I didnt.
How about the experience?
Logan couldnt immediately reply.
The movement was definitely extraordinary and completely invisible.
However,
Is that all that impressive?
The fact that the kingdoms renowned sword master prided himself so much on his sword art technique, more than the Heavy Pressure Sword?
Contrarily to the Heavy Pressure Sword, it wasnt as viscerally impactful.
Naturally, if the sword master, a superhuman himself, attacked head-on, it would be reasonable for Logan not to react due to the speed.
Noticing Logans thoughts, the sword master spoke, still smiling.
Whats the foundation of all martial arts?
Lower body strength and footwork.
Logans answer came promptly, though his expression remained unsatisfied.
And the sword master knew why.
So you think that only applies to those with no aura or at a low level? Is that what you want to say?
Logan hesitated, unable to outright say yes.
So why am I rated higher than other aura users in the kingdom like Yordan, Luther or Wicken, if not for my swordsmanship but for this movement technique?
?!
Indeed, this Ghosts Shadow is an excellent technique, no less significant than any sword art revelation.
Ghosts Shadow
A dark, ill-fitting name for the renowned sword master, yet his tone clearly conveyed immense pride.
You struggled in your fight with that Plantz fellow, no? If you had learned this technique beforehand, it wouldnt have happened.
Adding an undeniable motivational sting to his words,
Do you want to learn it?
Of course!
A flame reignited in Logans red eyes.
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