Regressing as the Reincarnated Bastard of the Sword Clan

Chapter 294

"Ice-cold northern beer for sale!"

"Try the roasted giant boar meat!"

"Northern specialty fire liquor and red wine available too!"

Winterer was alive with a warmth that defied its icy reputation.

Stalls lined the streets, their vibrant displays offering everything from food to trinkets. Children laughed as they cheered for street performers in the bustling square, while melodies from musicians mingled with the crowd’s lively chatter.

Drinking, dancing, and revelry filled the air, a grand celebration in honor of the succession ceremony.

For the first time in decades, Winterer was hosting such an event. And this wasn’t just any succession—it was the formal ascension of Theo Ragnar, the heir to the legendary Kyle Ragnar.

This historic moment drew caravans of nobles and their retinues from every corner of Winterer, each laden with treasures. The steady stream of arrivals kept the castle gates busy as carriages and wagons poured in.

But as the crowd approached closer to the lord's castle, the atmosphere shifted.

Clink, clank!

The sound of weapons and soldiers’ cries filled the air.

Though only a few blocks away from the lively streets, the scene around the castle felt like an entirely different world. Lines of knights exuded a commanding presence, their expressions grim and determined.

Winterer did not use its knights to entertain onlookers; instead, it showcased a tense readiness as if preparing for war.

The knights’ disciplined movements, sharp stances, and the weight of their resolve were clear to any who approached.

Those nobles heading to meet Theo couldn’t help but feel uneasy.

"...This doesn’t feel like a welcome. It feels like a warning."

Tamuth Narsio, moving in line toward the lord's castle, couldn’t shake his discomfort.

Though the knights didn’t exude killing intent, the sharp aura of hostility occasionally pricked at his senses.

"That’s Tamuth Narsio. What a formidable aura!""Of course he’s here. No Ragnar event happens without him.""The second most powerful family in the North, after Ragnar. Makes sense.""Especially after recent events...""Quiet! Why talk about something so unpleasant?"

Though the whispers were meant to be discreet, Tamuth heard every word.

It wasn’t just their words, either—their gazes conveyed it all. Some were filled with respect, others with ridicule.

Tamuth, however, showed no outward reaction. He was far too accustomed to this mixture of admiration and scorn.

The Narsio family—eternally the second strongest in the North.

That truth was both their pride and their shame.

But today, it felt entirely like shame.

"It seems Father was right."

Tamuth exchanged hushed words with Timothy, the deputy head of the family, through a mental transmission.

"Ignore them, brother. They’re just sycophants desperate for Ragnar’s favor. Father wouldn’t care about their opinions."

Timothy’s attempt at reassurance drew a bitter smile from Tamuth.

Having swallowed their pride, the Narsios had arrived at the castle days ahead of schedule, intent on currying favor with the new lord.

Yet even now, they found themselves waiting. Others, seemingly less important, were given priority.

"To show such hostility toward those who’ve come with goodwill..."

Tamuth clenched his jaw. While it was expected for Ragnar to assert its dominance, the degree to which they flaunted their power felt excessive.

It was as if they were hedgehogs, bristling with spikes out of fear of being underestimated.

"Kyle’s absence has left a greater void than we realized."

"Let’s not reveal anything just yet.""Understood."

"The weight of being the patriarch is heavy indeed."

Theo clenched his fist.

The thought of Wellington’s face lingered in his mind, filling him with unease.

"If they rebel, they might face total annihilation."

For anyone to rise against Ragnar was to court destruction.

Theo could only hope it wouldn’t come to that.

"Tomorrow will bring answers."

"Indeed," Black Dragon replied, standing with a resolute expression.

"From tomorrow onward, you’ll be addressed with full respect as the official head of Ragnar. Even I will speak to you formally in public. Command us as you see fit, and let your will shape the future."

Theo blinked in surprise at Black Dragon’s words.

Though he hadn’t planned on enforcing such formalities, the significance wasn’t lost on him.

"Understood. From tomorrow, I’ll ensure none dare underestimate Ragnar’s authority."

As Black Dragon departed with a faint smile, Theo steeled himself.

"Let’s show them."

The knock on the door broke his focus.

"Enter."

The steward announced Harald’s arrival.

Harald’s gaze briefly flicked over the piles of paperwork on Theo’s desk before settling on the young patriarch with a mix of amusement and concern.

"Why trouble yourself with this?"

Theo blinked, momentarily confused by the unexpected question.

"It’s the patriarch’s duty, isn’t it?"

Harald chuckled.

"In name only. The real work is delegated."

For a moment, Theo felt an intense pang of envy.

If only he could pass off these endless tasks.

But as he sipped his tea, he dismissed the thought.

"What brings you here, Harald?"

Harald grinned.

"I wanted to leave you with one last gift during tomorrow’s ceremony."

His cryptic words hung in the air, filling Theo with both curiosity and anticipation.