Regressor of the Fallen Family

### Episode 213

“Success?! Did it really succeed?!”

“Yes!”

“But, how much…”

Logan’s surprised words were slightly cut off by a spasm near his eye, but Clayton astutely understood and promptly provided the answer he wanted to hear.

“With the most important metal now replaceable by iron, the cost will go down to at least one thousandth.”

“Really?!”

Upon hearing Clayton’s words, Logan shivered with his fists clenched.

This meant the possibility of mass-producing low-grade artifacts was becoming a reality.

‘The empire’s greatest weapons are disappearing from them, and now they’ve come into my hands!’

The joy from this revelation surpassed even that of when he had developed the repeating crossbow or Liberatio, which could replace firepower with scrolls given massive capital investment a hundredfold.

“Ahahahahaha!”

Even if they were low-grade artifacts ranked 1 or 2, they would increase the knights’ combat power by 5-10%—a true treasure.

However, the reason they couldn’t just be mass-produced was due to the ridiculous cost formed by the rarity of the materials and the exorbitant price of the mages.

A simple class 1 artifact required an investment of millions of gold, so no lord could afford to provide their entire army with artifacts. Even the wealthiest of empires would go bankrupt if they attempted it.

Essentially, this meant the empire was incapable of replicating such a weapon.

“Clayton, you mustn’t speak of this secret to anyone. This is even more critical than Liberatio. Understand?!”

“Of course, your highness.”

Clayton willingly nodded as he watched Logan’s elated reaction.

Then he took out Crowne’s research journal, which he had treasured until now, and handed it over.

“Now that the crucial research is complete, I should return the journal to you. I’ve already received far too much.”

“Ah… Oh…”

It was only then that Logan realized Clayton’s mood had shifted, and his expression changed again.

Despite his ability to see the flow of mana with his eyes, it was only after seeing the substantial light that he now noticed a smaller light beside it.

“Clayton, don’t tell me…”

Nod.

“Success in the experiment brought a small enlightenment,” Clayton subsequently shared the insights he had gained from the research journal.

Initially, he had taken these actions because he considered Logan the rightful owner of the journal.

‘Honestly, he’s just too kindhearted.’

As Logan listened, his eyes sparkled.

“Enlightenment, the soul of words, was it? An extraordinary and impressive explanation. Our paths differ, but it is worthwhile for me to consider.”

Clayton cocked his head at that, knowing that the force of mana and life’s force—force—are fundamentally different, a common wisdom. He had spoken of enlightenment only in that context, not expecting that Logan, a force user, would gain anything from it.

However, for Logan, it was genuine.

The Divine Sword Vision’s fifth form, which he has been refining little by little, had aspects that resonated with Clayton’s explanation.

‘Is there a point where the two powers connect more as I ascend, or is it… unique to the Divine Sword Vision?’

He set aside that unknown question for the time being and pushed the journal back to Clayton.

“However, I don’t necessarily need to keep this journal.”

“Really? But this is of immeasurable value among mages…”

“That’s all the more reason for you to have it, Clayton. After all, we’re practically family now.”

Family.

The word caused Clayton’s smile to deepen slightly.

Their relationship, which had started as a mere transaction, had evolved into partnership through numerous events, becoming a significant and indispensable bond to both parties.

It was no longer strange to refer to each other as family.

* * *

It was decided that Clayton’s accomplishment would remain a secret between him, Logan, and Hamarmaan for the time being.

There were still magical issues to be resolved to establish a perfect mass production system for artifacts, and it would take another year or so to prepare the facilities at the forge.

“Disappointing, but it’s alright. Even if it’s a year from now, there’re still more than three years left.”

Even if unforeseen variables twisted the situation again, the imperial war wouldn’t likely be moved up by several years.

Rather, the key issue now was the distribution and sales of the newly mined Majestic Stones.

[I apologize, master. It is too risky to release them domestically, and it would be best to release only a small volume to the kingdoms in the west or the east of the empire, but that means we cannot utilize MacLir Merchant Association either. Therefore…]

“So, we can’t do it yet?”

Even to the reproachful counter-question, Damian’s face in the communication orb remained impassive.

[Please wait a little longer. We’re looking into ways to expand the organization’s reach while distributing Majestic Stones. If it’s urgent, we can…]

“No, no. It’s just a checkup. No need to rush. Take your time and make sure it’s done right. For now, it’s enough to be able to manipulate the information regarding Taren’s mine’s output.”]

[As for that matter, be assured. We’ve spread false information that a high-quality silver mine has been developed in the royal mage tower’s vicinity. Even if another information guild verifies, they won’t find any significant discrepancies.]

“Silver mine?”

[Spending 3 million gold on maintaining secrecy for an iron or copper mine would be too much.]

“…Right.”

Logan didn’t question further about how it was done.

His administrative officer, now bearing an expression resembling an evil brain from his previous life, would draw Logan’s doubts.

Cold, inscrutable looks befitting an emotionless genius.

‘I used to find that expression so frustrating.’

Now, it was nothing but reassuring.

“Good. You’ve worked hard. Oh, and one more thing: aim for the mage towers of the Kingdom Union for distributing Majestic Stones. Exclude the empire as much as possible.”

[Not to prioritize internal and imperial information gathering?]

“Yes, because they are our priority threat. We want to avoid helping them in any way possible.”

[Understood.]

Damian’s compliance without questioning the reasons was another welcome attitude.

Fortunately, there were other uses for the Majestic Stones produced thus far, outside of Clayton’s experiments.

“Master, what was that?”

“Let’s go to the dam. We’ll take all the Majestic Stones mined so far.”

“…I get that you’d hide the load, but why take Majestic Stones to the dam?”

“To dissolve them into powder and mix with the water.”

“Puhahaha. If you don’t want to talk about it, you don’t have to make up such a joke… Huh? Why do you look so serious? No-no joke?”

“It’s true.”

“Master, have you lost your mind?! Why would you dissolve something so valuable in water?!”

“Just come and you’ll see.”

Contrary to Damian, who remained unflinching, Hamarmaan could not restrain himself from berating Logan for planning to bring Clayton to the dam.

Clayton’s reaction was no less unfavorable.

“Dissolving Majestic Stones in water? But why? Why would you waste–“

“We’ll try to increase the yield of the barren fields without immediate use for the Majestic Stones.”

“… Since Majestic Stones are minerals where mana has solidified, grinding them into powder would indeed dissolve and flow in water. It can make barren land fertile, yes. It’s definitely possible.”

“Magician, sir! Are you seriously…?!”

“But! The cost-benefit ratio is simply too low. Frankly, the total crop yield from these fields over a year would probably be worth less than what the mine produces of Majestic Stones in a month.”

“See, master. If we can’t dispose of it immediately, let’s just quietly stack it up. The piles of ore aren’t going anywhere—if it’s managed well…”

“No, we’ll do it.”

“Master!”

“Your highness!”

Predictable opposition erupted, and in the face of the expected response, Logan let out a small sigh, rubbing his head.

“Ah, I’m so tired of this pattern. Can’t you just trust me by now with whatever I decide to do?”

Clayton hesitated for a moment, but beside him, Hamarmaan started trembling and making faces.

“Huh? Heh, heh. Believe you? If there’s a shred of conscience in you, how could you say such things…”

With the same arrogance and assurance, after repeated scams and labor exploitation, even the dwarf was left feeling dubious before Logan.

“No, not that! I’m talking about the results, not the process! Everything turned out well in the end, didn’t it? Trust me on this one!”

Logan pounded his chest, vigorously pushing his point, when…

“I have a question for you, master. I’d really like a serious answer.”

The dwarf’s voice, narrowed eyes, carried serious undertones.

“What’s that?”

“Let’s be honest, to you, it’s all about the outcomes, isn’t it? You don’t care about the process, whether someone gets ground down or something gets wasted, right?”

Whoosh.

With a sentence that struck deep in his heart, the dwarf hit the nail on the head about Logan’s actions since his return.

‘What’s wrong with that? I have to get it done no matter what. Everything is for the greater good…’

Though that was his internal justification, Logan’s shaking eyes involuntarily flitted away from the dwarf’s piercing gaze.

“No, that’s not true! The process and results are both important! Ha. Haha.”

His rapid, awkward attempt at clarification sounded transparently insincere.

“See, this guy has no conscience. Who’s supposed to believe him? Sigh, my fate…”

“…Your highness. Unless the estimated yield increases tenfold, this will be nothing but waste. Please reconsider.”

“What if it increases tenfold?”

“What? Even so, it’s unlikely to increase that much…”

“I am confident that it can.”

“There it is! The devilish obstinacy of our master! Stand your ground, mage. Hold firm! Go! You can do it!”

Despite Hamarmaan’s odd expressions and interjections, Logan remained steadfast.

“A month’s investment in Majestic Stones will at least double the yield for 10 years. Wouldn’t you say that’s worth trying?”

“Has any country tried such a thing?”

“Not yet.”

Though there had been in his previous life.

With that unspoken truth, Logan met Clayton’s gaze.

During their exchange, a mocking voice erupted beside them.

“Just like that! Our cunning, unyielding master. Stand firm, mage… Ouch!”

“Out with you, Hamarmaan.”

“Violence is wrong! I’m only trying to have a rational discussion…”

“I’ll give you something to spit out, rationally.”

“Arghhh! Stop spinning! I’m dizzy!!”

Logan, fed up, began spinning Hamarmaan overhead, and Clayton smiled faintly at the sight.

‘Lord Logan is trying to convince us even though he could just order it. He must want our consent.’

And without any precedent or evidence, Logan MacLir has already brought countless miracles to fruition.

Has there ever been a failure among them?

As all signs pointed to miraculous results, Clayton found himself reconsidering.

‘Wait, no. Tomodo’s case was a bit precarious. And then, during the civil war, the alliance forces suddenly… Hmm.’

His overwhelmingly positive thoughts were halted by his own experiences.

‘Surely it can’t just be good luck… Eh, no way.’

Sweat trickled down his spine, but fortunately, his last thought drifted to a recent accomplishment.

– It’s a research journal on the mass production of artifacts. If you can truly materialize it…

With no knowledge of magic, Logan had pinpointed the essence of the journal and used it to guide the experiment.

‘Yes, I should trust him. If not Lord Logan, then whom else?’

Regardless of whether Clayton trusted him, everything in MacLir would now move according to Logan’s intentions.

Therefore, cooperating and helping things go smoothly might be beneficial.

‘With all my might.’

Settling on that conclusion, Clayton allowed himself to smile comfortably once again.