Regressor of the Fallen Family Chapter 123
“This weapon is different from the multi-shot crossbow. Whereas the multi-shot crossbow’s construction is simple and could eventually become known, this is a weapon whose secrets of manufacture cannot be imitated without the specific know-how, and I trust you both understand which is more valuable.”
Logan wished for the development of the Libertatio to be kept a strict secret.
Clayton and Hammer were both in agreement with this.
“Only Hammer and I are fully aware of the manufacturing process. The apprentices and dwarves involved know only the individual tasks they were assigned.”
“Without knowing the material mix ratio and mana-tuning method, nobody could replicate it even if they saw it, my lord.”
“Good. We must maintain this level of security. And…”
Logan proposed a plan that would open the eyes of both men wide.
“You both have worked hard indeed. I’ll increase the support fund by 30%. But! If the manufacturing secrets are revealed to the apprentices, I will cease the support fund entirely.”
For Clayton, it was money.
“For you, Hammer, I will reduce the length of the contract by three years. However, if other dwarves or artisans learn of the secrets, you will have no days off until the end of the term.”
For Hammer, it was freedom.
He used their most desired things to impose restrictions.
Fortunately, both men were more focused on the rewards than the penalties.
“Of course, young lord Logan.”
“Certainly! I swear to keep the secret, my lord!”
Both men grasped Logan’s hand firmly with radiant faces.
The result came soon after, in the form of another reward.
* * *
“A refined version of the multi-shot crossbow?”
“Yes, my lord.”
“And this was easily made?”
“It’s not easy! While it’s impossible for mass production and its utility declines, we think making a small amount for commanders only might be feasible.”
“Just show it to me.”
They went to the magic tower.
What was in Logan’s hands appeared not much different from the existing multi-shot crossbow.
However, if there was a difference, it would be that the bowstring and arrowheads were tinged with a bluish hue.
And the most crucial part of the multi-shot crossbow, the magazine, was integrated and could not be separated from the crossbow.
“We couldn’t make it detachable because of mana resonance. If only we could, it would have been worth the effort to aim for mass production, even at a higher price…”
“You’re saying the magazine is disposable, Sir Clayton?”
“Yes, unfortunately. Once ten arrows have been fired, two at a time for a total of five uses, the item will have to be discarded.”
“What’s the production cost?”
“Well… it’s just over 3,000 gold.”
“Per item?”
“…Yes.”
Logan frowned.
The Libertatio was considerably cheaper; it could bring out a power close to a 2nd circle combat scroll at nearly 1/40th of the price.
Yet, if a one-time-use item cost over 3,000 gold, he wondered if it could truly prove its worth.
“It’s just that it costs 50% more than a 2nd circle scroll, and seeing that it’s integrated without any gaps, it seems you both need to join forces to create it…”
“That’s correct. Beyond the issue of cost, the bigger problem is the investment of time that both Hammer and I need to make.”
“Taking up the time of the territory’s finest mage and artisan at the same time… both cost and efficiency are significant issues, but it seems you are confident.”
“Just try using it.”
While Clayton listed the disadvantages, there was a smile on his grim face.
Hammer was smirking too, sparking a sense of anticipation.
And then…
Boom!
The multi-shot crossbow – artifact version – perfectly met the expectations.
The bolts hit the target and immediately detonated, releasing shockwaves and flames that obliterated a 5-meter radius.
The synergy of the twin bolts fired in succession seemed to intensify the flames and noise even more.
With the destructive power of a Libertatio packed into ten bolts, the results were stunning, but even more so was their range…
“More than double? Looks like they don’t lose power up to 500m or 600m…”
Astonished, Logan watched as Clayton smiled brightly.
“Yes. Applying mana resonance to the bowstring significantly increased the range. Producing a small number just for the heads of the officers or commanders as one-time consumables is sufficiently feasible…”
“Make as many as you can as soon as possible! With these, we are completely…”
“But it takes a full day of focus from both me and Hammer to make just one.”
“…Ah.”
Logan let out a regretful sigh.
365 days of work would produce only 365 units – and that’s if they were only producing these disposable items.
Considering the time commitment where Hammer and Clayton had other items to craft, it was an issue.
“Just produce as many as you can within two months. It will suffice to provide them only to commanders for emergency use.”
An item enough to take down a regular knight even in the hands of average soldiers.
Despite being in limited numbers, it was a sufficient trump card.
“Understood. But… two months?”
“There will be a use for it by then.”
Logan’s ominous smile caused Clayton’s complexion to harden.
* * *
As spring approached and the weather warmed.
Between Tomodo and Sylvan, in the former McLaine Plains, construction began on the second town, which now started accepting residents.
However, the response was somewhat different from the first time McLaine Town was established.
“Why move when we’re living well enough already?”
“Exactly. I’m going to defend my own village, no matter what anyone says.”
The migration to the town was suggested, not an order.
Accordingly, most of the old territory residents of Bifrost, who had led a not-so-bad life under Bifrost rule, chose to stay in their village.
To them, changing one’s homeland was too risky an adventure.
Promises of providing them with new homes and guaranteeing existing land cultivation rights weren’t enough to sway them.
The residents of Sylvan’s territory had no intention of moving after the death of Soto Sylvan, thanks to the much-improved tax rates and food distribution policies.
Unlike the old McLaine territory, where it was hard to farm, they could make a decent living from the land as long as the taxes were not too oppressive.
If a famine occurred, it would be tough whether they were in a town or a village.
The stories of fertile lands that once existed on the borderlines of the no longer separate Sylvan and Bifrost territorys were just rumors to them.
Eventually, only a very small number of existing residents agreed to move to the new town, mainly composed of young people who were starting independent families.
However, taking their place were refugees from small territorys who had poured into McLaine following the civil war, partially filling the new McLaine Town.
“A house for free?!”
“Farming land too…?!”
“What kind of fortune is this? Thank the gods!”
“Thank you, Lord! Truly, thank you!”
Refugees praised the unknown ruler of this land as they settled into the town one by one, and it was only then that Logan was able to breathe a sigh of relief.
“Why do you seem so relieved? It was your own words that said the place would eventually be filled anyway.”
To Dwayne’s remark, Logan gave a wry smile.
“The town built between Sylvan and Tomodo serves as a kind of barrier.”
“A barrier?”
“McLaine Plains has the Goryun Mountains to the north, McLaine Castle to the east, and Terson Castle to the west, all blocking access routes. It would be easy to defend with just those two castles in place.”
“Yes, but what are you suddenly getting at…?”
“However, the old McLaine Plains are divided land between Bifrost and Tomodo, and are adjacent to Sylvan and Feretta territorys.”
“So, what does that mean…?”
“If the enemy were to rush in between the southern territories of Tomodo and Sylvan, and ravage the lower part first, it would be a huge headache for those trying to defend. Just like the troubles we faced before. But between the southern part, Tomodo Castle to Sylvan Castle, there’s a distance of more than three days on foot. Such a gap would be problematic if an enemy decided to surge through it.”
“Well, that’s if someone attacks our territory… from within the kingdom.”
Dwayne laughed nervously, but then his face turned pale as if a thought had struck him.
“Are you thinking that someone is going to invade our territory? And from within the kingdom too?”
“That’s right. That’s why I insisted on building a town between Sylvan and Tomodo. Less than a day’s distance to both sides. It will serve as an excellent barrier. A shield to protect the plains.”
“That’s ridiculous…”
“Have the new residents of McLaine Town undergo mandatory militia training. Given the homes and land we’ve provided, it’s unlikely anyone will object. It will also secure solid law enforcement.”
As Logan gave the order, Dwayne had no choice but to take it seriously.
“Yes, I guess I’ll do it, but… what exactly is this all about…”
Dwayne couldn’t grasp what Logan was planning.
‘Does he think we are going to be attacked? We are neutral, aren’t we? Or could it be…’
Logan didn’t bother explaining.
However, Dwayne’s ominous feelings soon became reality.
When summer was at its peak and the sun scorched down mercilessly.
During a regular assembly meeting, with all retainers present, Logan made an announcement no one expected.
“We’ll have to join the civil war.”
The grand chamber, noisy with various agenda points, became silent in an instant.
“My ears must be bad; I’m hearing strange things.”
“What did the young lord…?”
“I think he said… civil war?”
As the retainers glanced at each other, puzzled and bewildered, a loud voice broke through the whispers.
“Certainly not! Really?! Why on earth?! “
With the outburst from the largest and hairiest senior official, the grand chamber erupted into a ruckus.
“…What?!”
“We’re living well now, why?!”
“Young lord! What is the reason…?!”
“Silence! Silence!”
Bam! Bam!
“Everyone calm down and listen to what the young lord has to say!”
Patrick, having already been briefed, held a stern expression but continued to manage the situation as promised.
And amidst the turbulent crowd, Logan stepped forward and reaffirmed his position firmly.
“We will participate in the civil war. Nay, we must!”
“But why exactly…?”
“Isn’t our territory prospering with the town and our businesses…?”
“We’d thrive even more if we simply kept to ourselves…”
The chatter grew louder.
As the agitated retainers buzzed about, Logan smirked slightly.
‘It’s not incorrect. If we simply wished to defend our land.’
However, that was not his desire.
Precisely, he could not afford to do so.
“In recent times, the civil war has escalated, and as you all know, refugees have increasingly become a concern. The central factions have not paid any mind to the small nobles split from the two main factions, nor to the bandit gangs and civil revolts that have erupted after these nobles vanished!”
So what are we supposed to do about that?
What does that have to do with us?
Not just the central authority but also us―the nobles of this era were generally uninterested in other territorys’ affairs, barring the intent of conquest.
Especially now, with the outcome of the war still uncertain, there was even less reason for them to concern themselves with matters beyond their borders.
The retainers, unable to voice their opinions directly, conveyed them through their glances.
Amidst the vexed crowd, Logan calmly presented his viewpoint.
“The war must be ended as soon as possible, and putting a stop to this calamity is the best course of action for the future of our nation.”
What is he talking about?
Since when did the young lord become so idealistic?
While glaring at each other, retainers engaged in a silent debate.
Surrounded by a sea of conflicted gazes, Logan continued with an easier to understand rationale.
“Let’s not even get into grand reasons.”
Everyone looked blankly at Logan as he spoke.
“Remaining neutral will lead to McLaine’s fall, regardless of which side wins.”
Logan’s declaration was like a bomb thrown into the grand chamber, where chaos broke out anew.
“What do you mean…?”
“That’s an overstatement.”
“We haven’t opposed the First Prince’s side.”
“The First Prince’s faction is already winning.”
“Quiet!”
Bam. Bam.
Patrick calmed the room once again and asked,
“Logan, your reasons?”
If the war ended, the victors would need due compensation.
It was unlikely they would be content with just what the Second Prince’s ranked nobles possessed.
After devouring their opposition, they would eventually turn to those who remained neutral.
In fact, these were the exact events that had unfolded in a past life when the First Prince, Luther, and Juan Douglas were at the helm.
Yet, there was no reason to delve into such specific details.
‘There’s a more convincing argument at hand.’
Humans claim to be rational creatures, but when making decisions, rational logic is not often the determinant.
The real drivers of human decisions are mostly emotional factors:
I want to do this.
I crave this.
I desire to possess this.
Emotions and desires guide people, and they only wrap their decisions in ‘rationality.’
Therefore, the most flawless persuasion is that which stirs emotions.
“The Anaetos and Wolves factions are part of the First Prince’s camp. Not to mention, they are the two largest sources of funds for it. If the war ended now, would they really leave us alone?”
In truth, it was McLaine holding a grudge against Anaetos and Wolves.
What Anaetos and Wolves thought of McLaine would require asking them directly.
A flimsy argument with scant evidence.
Nonetheless, Logan’s statement transformed the expressions of the retainers completely.
“So…”
“Should we join the First Prince’s side at this moment…”
“To prevent later troubles. Indeed…”
As the atmosphere in the grand chamber gradually shifted,
“We will join the Second Prince’s faction.”
Logan turned the room upside down once more.