I Regressed to My Ruined Family – 76

 #I returned, and my family was ruined (77)

When Ethan was enjoying his growth, Silvia came to see him.

She handed him the crystal ball and said,

“The Marquis of Bloten has sent word.”

As she said, the crystal ball was emitting a sparkling light.

It was a sign that he had sent word.

When he placed the mana stone against it, the marquis’s face appeared.

“Have you been well?”

“Yes. Are you ready to move?”

“Yes. Even if it’s the Seven Kingdoms, they won’t be able to stop this strike. However, there is one thing that concerns me.”

“What is that?”

“Originally, we planned to reveal the evidence when the Dwarf Kingdom made the first move. In fact, Lord Popolens sent a letter to the Kingdom Council.”

Ethan nodded.

If the Kingdom of Amelia pressured them to return William, it would be a powerful move. If we reveal the evidence at that time, it will have twice the effect.

It was definitely a good strategy.

“Is there a problem?”

―The Dwarf Kingdom has not responded. It has been a long time since the letter was sent, but we have not received any reply.

“Hm.”

―According to Lord Popolens, the Kingdom Council is a very busy organization, so it seems that the letter we sent earlier was not delivered properly…

The marquis took a sip of water and continued.

―Unfortunately, it seems difficult to create the best situation.

“The Kingdom Council.”

Ethan fell into deep thought.

Judging from Popolence’s previous behavior, it was clear that siding with the dragon tribe was a serious crime even in the Dwarf Kingdom.

But despite that, there was no response…

“I’m suspicious.”

“We can’t waste any more time, so I plan to head to the royal palace today.”

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“Yes, I think that’s a good idea. However, it might be useful in the future, so let’s send another letter.”

Although it was only temporary, Poporen had been granted the position of master blacksmith of the Kingdom of Haidern. It was incomparable to when he was running a successful blacksmith shop in a medium-sized city.

If he sent a separate letter this time, the Dwarf Kingdom would surely take its contents much more seriously.

“But what if they remain silent like this time?”

He had to expect the worst. For example, the upper echelons of the Dwarf Kingdom might be colluding with the clergy.

The viscount nodded silently.

“I will do so. By the way, I heard that the coming-of-age ceremony is coming up soon. Will everything be all right? If you need more time, I can help you.”

Grand Duke Ethan.

He was an excellent knight, but he was not without his problems.

I heard that he has never once produced black flames.

The Flowering Ceremony was one of the traditions of the Duke’s family.

To be elected as the head of the family, one had to produce a crimson flame.

If the Grand Duke was short on time, he planned to submit a petition to the king, whom he would meet today, to delay the Flowering Ceremony as long as possible.

Ethan shook his head at the marquis’s words.

“I appreciate your concern, but there is no need. I am already prepared.”

—Did you produce black flames?

“Something similar.”

Something similar.

It was a subtle answer.

If he had actually produced black flames, he would have given a definite answer instead of that.

Still, he was not worried.

He had been dealing with the Grand Duke’s boldness and meticulousness for a long time.

If he was confident enough to say that, he must have prepared something to show at the opening ceremony.

The marquis had no doubts.

“I hope everything goes well. When I see you again, you may be a duke.”

“I’m sure you will be.”

That was enough.

The marquis nodded and ended his communication with Seong-gu.

“The preparations are complete.”

All the evidence had been collected.

It was agreed that Poporen would report to the king. With his temporary position, he had to prove himself over the next year.

The Order and the kingdom.

This strike would spark serious conflict between the two organizations.

The marquis and Poporen began moving toward the royal palace.

* *

The venue for the opening ceremony was the large city of Londinium, located in the duke’s domain. It was also where Ethan’s family home was located.

It was about a week’s journey from the count’s domain by carriage.

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“It’s time to leave.”

Ethan went to find Elena.

Elena, who had been diligently reviewing documents, looked up abruptly.

“Ethan?”

“It’s time to leave. Get ready.”

“Me too?”

“The preparations in the county are almost complete, so it’s time to return home.”

The remaining vassals were sufficient to take care of the repairs in the count’s domain.

“Home…”

Elena’s eyes became misty.

The duke’s mansion in Londinium. Nine long years had passed since she had been banished there by her relatives.

Returning to her family home.

It was one of Elena’s deepest desires. Just half a year ago, it was something she couldn’t even dream of.

Now, that desire was about to become a reality.

However, she wasn’t completely without worries.

“…Are you sure you’ll be okay? You have to be recognized as the head of the family at the coming-of-age ceremony to return to your family home…”

“You don’t think I can do it?”

“…No!”

Elena shook her head vigorously. It had already been nearly six months since her younger brother had awakened. How many things had she seen during that time!

“Teron was like that, and Myers was like that too.”

Both of them were brothers she loved. However, compared to Ethan, they were both lacking in some ways.

The true ruler of the Duchy.

No matter what anyone said, Ethan was the closest to that.

Count Cheiman probably insisted on holding the coming-of-age ceremony quickly because he had his own plans.

“But it won’t work against Ethan.”

Elena was certain of it.

“I’m going.”

The mansion in Londinium, filled with the warmth of family. Now she wanted to go home.

“Okay.”

Ethan and Elena.

The two of them began to pack their belongings diligently. They weren’t the only ones packing.

Ilia, Silvia, and even Prexian were doing the same.

Five carriages were filled with luggage. The group climbed into the empty carriages.

The carriages were surrounded by a tight guard of dragon slayers.

There were about thirty knights who had joined them. The rest had other things to do.

The carriages set off for the duke’s domain.

* *

After a week-long journey, they arrived at the metropolis of Londinium.

The outer gate opened quickly.

As soon as the carriages entered, the gazes of the people of the domain began to gather.

“It’s… it’s the Grand Duke!”

“Is it really him?”

The knights were covered from head to toe in black armor. They were escorting the carriages.

The Dragon Slayers.

There was no way to mistake them.

They were the most renowned knights in the west in recent years.

Their black armor had long been a symbol of the Grand Duke.

“It’s the Dragon Slayer Corps! No doubt about it!”

“The Grand Duke has finally returned!”

The entire city of Londinium was in an uproar.

The Duchy.

The notoriety of the ten collateral branches was already widespread here.

Not only did they take a large portion of the Duchy’s taxes, but they also sold all the high-ranking positions for money, causing widespread corruption.

Naturally, the Duchy was forced to suffer from increasing famine.

It was only natural, as the money that should have been distributed throughout their lands was being transferred elsewhere.

Due to the relentless exploitation and neglect of the Ten Houses, the Duchy was slowly dying.

This was evident in Londinium, the largest city in the Duchy.

The streets were filled with dilapidated buildings that had not been repaired, and encountering starving children had become a daily occurrence. It had gotten so bad that people were saying that it was harder to live here than in the domains of the ten branches of the royal family!

That was why the people of the Duchy were desperately waiting for a hero to save them.

The Grand Duke was the most prominent heir among the descendants of the previous Duke.

Prince Teron and Prince Myers.

Unlike the other two, he had achieved a huge alliance by directly confronting the Ten Houses.

When would the Grand Duke return to his domain?

Just as they were waiting so eagerly, news of the opening ceremony began to spread.

After a long wait, the Grand Duke finally entered the Duchy.

“Woo-hoo!”

Even though they were parched, they still had enough strength to shout.

Every time the carriage passed by, the people of the domain cheered loudly.

May the Grand Duke be recognized as the new lord at this opening ceremony!

The people of the domain prayed earnestly.

Ilia, who was inside the carriage, was stunned by the loud cheers that spread rapidly.

“How bad must it be…”

The scenery outside the carriage was truly devastating.

Londinium.

Just fifteen years ago, it was not such a dilapidated city.

How much money had been squandered in such a short period of time? The domain was half ruined.

If the most representative city of the duke’s domain had changed so much, there was no need to mention other places.

It was obvious that it would take an enormous amount of time and money to restore it.

“I must work hard to develop new products.”

He felt he needed to hurry with product development. As he looked around the city, the carriage arrived in front of the inner castle.

The gate opened quickly.

Passing through the outer castle, they reached the inner castle where Cheyman’s mansion was located.

As they got out of the carriage, they saw the count and other nobles from the Council of Elders.

Five nobles.

The ten branches of the family were now reduced to half.

Count Cheyman approached them.

“I’ve been waiting for you.”

“What about the opening ceremony?”

“Everything is ready. The opening ceremony will be held in the large training ground inside.”

“Let’s begin.”

The Grand Duke’s casual response made Count Cheymen flinch. He had heard that he was unable to emit black flames.

Recent reports had said the same thing.

Yet he still appeared so confident.

“… Never mind.”

He had made some preparations in advance in case of an emergency.

No matter how outstanding the Grand Prince’s performance was, it would be impossible for him to be chosen at the opening ceremony.

“I have prepared a banquet, but… you do not intend to attend?”

“There is no reason to waste time.”

“…

At those words, Cheiman clenched his fist. It was as if he was dismissing the idea of associating with them as a waste of time.

It was nothing short of a terrible insult.

“…Let’s see if you can be so relaxed in a moment.”

With his eyes shining, he led the Grand Prince to the grand training ground inside the inner castle.

There was already a large crowd there. Cheiman had mobilized all his connections to invite the nobles of the western region.

The more people watching, the better.

This was because the next head of the Duke’s family would be decided at this opening ceremony.

Although the banquet that had been prepared was canceled, the nobles’ eyes were filled with interest.

It was more interesting to see the sparks fly between those who would rule the west in the future than to enjoy the food and drink.

“You invited a lot of people.”

Ethan looked at the audience.

In the past, the Duke’s family also invited numerous nobles to the opening ceremony, so it wasn’t an unusual sight.

The one who would rule the west of the kingdom.

It was one of the traditions of the Duke of Ardan to widely publicize the power of the rulers.

Ethan moved toward the center of the grand arena.

That was when it happened.

[A magic circle has been prepared in the arena.

Ilya, who was sitting in the audience, secretly sent a whisper of mana.

[It is a magic circle that will grant enormous mana to its target when activated. It seems possible to stop it now. Shall I do so?]

Hm.

The target is probably Myers.

Ethan smiled slightly.

“Good.”

Numerous nobles gathered.

Depending on how much power he showed here, the perception of the Duke’s family would change completely.

The more black flames Myers emitted through the magic circle,

the greater the shock would be when he overwhelmed them.

Ethan shook his head.

There was no need to disrupt a situation that was advantageous to him.