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...

And if there was some secret hidden within it...

Then Kincarnon’s reckless operations started to make sense.

His mind quickly sorted everything out.

Now, it was clear what needed to be done.

"Selford, Bracken."

The two men who had now been recognized as the masters of the Sixth Company turned to look at him.

"Koryto, Hanata."

The squad leaders of the White Steel Vanguard also fixed their gazes on Theo with serious expressions.

"Since the head has seated me in the Young Lord’s position, I have been determined to keep this seat without shedding the blood of my brothers. If necessary, I was even prepared to share the Dragon’s Seat with them."

[‘Skill: Drake Piercer’ seizes the surrounding space.]

[All attention is drawn to you.]

[Your dignity rises.]

[Your voice gains power.]

Swallowing.

Among the Bloodfang Swordsmen, some, not accustomed to this atmosphere, nervously swallowed.

The members of the White Steel Vanguard also lowered their gaze with heavy eyes.

"But it seems they are not willing to follow my intentions. I have been too complacent."

Having sat in the position of Young Lord, Theo thought that if he simply proved his ability consistently, there would be no further conflict.

But that was just a vague hope.

After all, Ragnar was Ragnar. It was a place filled with dragons who sought to rise higher, and it seemed that he had thought too comfortably.

"In order to stop receiving these absurd challenges, I will show them the difference in our rank today."

Theo's presence sharpened with determination.

The eyes of the Dragon, symbolizing the Emperor, opened wide.

"It feels like today is an auspicious day to draw my sword... Will you all help me?"

This meant he was willing to eliminate Kincarnon and his brothers if necessary.

The first to act were Selford and Bracken.

Thud!

They knelt on one knee and lowered their heads.

"As the Young Lord wishes."

"As the Young Lord wishes."

Then came the entire White Steel Vanguard.

"We will become your sword."

"Strike us as you wish."

Behind them, the swordsmen from the Ranke and Gardner families hastily followed suit.

Theo turned his body away.

And everyone followed him.

***

"Even if we proceed with the purge, with so many people watching us, we must hold the moral high ground. Striking during the Dragon Ascension Tournament would be a lowly tactic."

Following Theo’s instructions, the White Steel Vanguard, along with the Ranke and Gardner families’ swordsmen, moved out with different tasks assigned to each of them.

"Ranke will disguise themselves as Gardner and move along with them."

"Infiltrate Kincarnon’s side?"

"Yes. I believe the real turmoil will begin when the atmosphere around the tournament reaches its peak, around the final round. You should monitor their movements and wait for the signal."

"So, you want us to strike during the chaos?"

"Indeed. If Bracken takes the lead, it will carry weight in terms of evidence as well."

"Ha-ha-ha! I’m glad I followed you, my friend. Already you're throwing us such an exciting task. It’s going to be thrilling. I can’t wait to see Lord Algon’s face when it all comes crashing down!"

Bracken was enjoying the situation more than ever. Not only would they deal a blow to his rival, but this would also bring him closer to becoming the next head of the family. If this mission succeeded, Ranke's position would be secured for decades.

"The White Steel Vanguard will split into two groups. One will be deployed to..."

Theo had strategically dispersed the White Steel Vanguard to cover key locations, including the Dragon Ascension Tournament and the Magnolia Palace, ensuring they could act swiftly if needed.

"And the remaining sixth group will join me to watch the tournament."

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.