Regressing as the Reincarnated Bastard of the Sword Clan

Chapter 211

"We swear our loyalty to... only Lord Algon."

"I respect your choice. I will help you all depart honorably."

Among the Bloodfang Swordsmen, about half of those who had sworn loyalty to Diego and the current head of the family chose death.

It was because they could not recognize Selford as their new master.

However, rather than persuading them, Selford respected their decision, and Bracken, along with his subordinates, executed their sentence.

Thus, the remaining Bloodfang Swordsmen numbered around twenty.

Yet even among them, they only exchanged glances, still stiff in their attitudes toward Selford.

Theo had intended to point this out, but—

"This is something I must handle. After all, I was absent from the family for more than ten years. To earn their loyalty, it will take time."

Selford’s stance was so firm that Theo couldn’t intervene any further.

Instead, he focused on interrogating them about their plans.

But what they revealed was far from ordinary.

"During the Dragon Ascension Tournament, you were planning to cause a disturbance at designated locations?"

"Y-yes. We also believe that many others who follow Lord Kincarnon have already infiltrated the crowd."

"A classic tactic of attacking from the rear. It seems like they're planning something amidst the chaos. What are they aiming for?"

"We're not exactly sure."

Srr-ssshh-

Bracken, who had been standing behind Theo, grinned and drew his sword.

The gruesome sight of the flesh still sticking to the blade after the execution made it look terrifying.

"Ha, there’s... something I vaguely overheard..."

"You overheard?"

"Yes... I heard that they were planning to form a special unit heading to the Magnolia Palace..."

"Magnolia Palace?"

"Where is that?"

"Hey. If you’re caught lying, you won’t die easily, you know?"

"It’s true!"

Confusion spread across the faces of the squad leaders.

Even those who had served in Ragnar for a long time had never heard of such a palace.

They frowned, wondering if they had fallen into a trap.

"Theo, do you have any suspicions?"

Selford noticed that Theo's expression was unusually calm.

Theo slightly nodded.

"I'm not certain, but..."

The Magnolia Palace was, in fact, connected to Theo’s past life.

‘It was essentially a place where direct descendants who were about to be cast out of the family were temporarily exiled...'

Theo had left the family after relinquishing his rights and duties, and the Magnolia Palace was where he had stayed at that time.

It was generally closed off, and most people didn’t even know such a place existed.

However, it was located in the heart of Winterer, surrounded by a large, flowing population, making it hard to access.

But after Theo left, the Magnolia Palace became famous.

‘Was it two years later? The Hall of the Emperor was unearthed, causing a huge stir.’

The Hall that was said to have been used by the founder, Sigurd, when establishing the Dragon Knights.

When Kincarnon acquired the Hall and declared himself the true successor chosen by the founder, the competition for the throne turned into an open civil war.

‘Why didn’t I think of this sooner?’

Theo sighed in frustration, covering his face with his hand.

After Kincarnon had used the Hall once, he had never shown it again, creating a gap in his memories.

No, more precisely, after leaving the family, Theo had intentionally avoided thinking about family matters, which had led to this memory gap.

‘Besides, there were rumors that it might have been a counterfeit back then. Even during the leadership battle, no one seemed to care much about it, so the atmosphere was that it was likely fake.’

But if it was the real one...

Currently, the sixth group was small in numbers, with only Erica and her younger brother, Ray, Selford, Arin, and about a dozen others.

Everyone had cautioned that this was too dangerous, but—

"Dangerous? It’s actually the safest place. The audience in the stands will all be from Ragnar."

Theo confidently dismissed their concerns with a single remark. His confidence in his clan was enough to make the others’ hearts race with anticipation. Anyone in Ragnar’s ranks would be forced to protect him in times of danger.

After scattering the forces, Theo, accompanied by the sixth group, arrived at the central military district where the Dragon Ascension Tournament was taking place.

Buzzing murmurs.

That, that’s...!

It’s the Young Lord! The Young Lord is here!

Wow... he’s much more handsome than I imagined!

The Dragon Ascension Tournament, which had been in full swing, came to an abrupt halt.

Theo’s appearance drew all eyes, causing a temporary pause in the event.

"Without any prior word, how did the Young Lord arrive here...?"

The stage manager hurriedly ran over and bowed deeply.

A cold sweat was visibly dripping from his face.

"It felt wrong not to have the Young Lord present at such an important event. I’ve come to congratulate the one who will become the next Dragon."

Theo replied smoothly while quickly scanning the area below.

His gaze met with the challengers who were preparing, and most of them hastily lowered their heads in respect.

However, a few sent provocative glances back at him.

Lezé and Ansio.

Just wait. I’ll be up there soon.

Lezé smirked, tapping her Grim Reaper sword lightly. Her expression was more competitive than hostile.

Meanwhile, Ansio, though silently smiling, gave off a chilling aura.

Theo silently nodded to acknowledge the greetings from his sisters.

Then, something unexpected caught his attention.

‘...Why is he over there?’

A person he hadn’t anticipated.

"Arin. That person."

"Yeah. That looks like him... Why is he doing something that even Selford won’t?"

"Hey! Didn’t I always tell you? That guy’s way crazier than I am!"

Selford and Arin both caught the same person that Theo had spotted, and they couldn’t help but chuckle.

A challenger wearing a mask waved his hands dramatically towards them.

Though he had disguised himself, his small stature made it impossible not to recognize him.

"Team Leader of Group 1? Does the Commander know you’re here?"

"Hehehe. I don’t know who the Team Leader is, but I’m just a little surprise! So lively, but you’ve got it all wrong~."

"...."

Theo sighed lightly, knowing this person wasn’t one who could be reasoned with.

It was likely just a bored attempt to join in.

If he ever became the Dragon, he’d have to leave the White Steel Vanguard.

The Nine Dragons rule forbade more than one person from remaining in the same group.

But Amore, even though a member of the Moon Blade Swordsmen, was still a top-tier fighter.

He was certainly qualified to challenge.

And then...

‘Kincarnon.’

Finally, Theo locked eyes with the last person sitting in the hall.

The eldest son of Kyle, who had inherited Kyle’s blood more than anyone else. He was the one closest to the throne, having failed to sit on it in his previous life.

And this time, it was clear that history would repeat itself.

"...."

"...."

An unspoken tension filled the air between the two.

Perhaps sensing the atmosphere, the once noisy crowd fell into an eerie silence at that very moment.