Regressing as the Reincarnated Bastard of the Sword Clan

Chapter 295

Boom! Boom! Boom!
The resounding drumbeats echoed endlessly, marking the beginning of the succession ceremony.

Despite the lengthy preparations, the ceremony itself was relatively simple. Theo would ride from the patriarch’s manor to the central square in a triumphant procession.

Once there, he would ascend the stage and receive Caliburn, the sword symbolizing the lordship of Ragnar, from Black Dragon—the eldest among the family.

As a result, Caliburn had temporarily been entrusted to Black Dragon’s safekeeping.

However, the journey from the manor to the square was not without its risks.

The Final Trial

The journey carried a symbolic challenge: “If anyone here does not recognize this man as the rightful patriarch, step forward now.”

For this reason, Theo would travel alone.

Guards were stationed along the path to prevent assassinations or sabotage, but anyone who chose to challenge him would do so one-on-one.

Should no one step forward, it would signify unanimous recognition of Theo as the new head of the Ragnar family.

Whether his path would be paved in blood or in flowers would only be revealed upon his arrival at the square.

“Safe travels, my lord.”

The stewards and servants saw Theo off at the manor gates.

His closest confidants, including Cecilia, were already waiting at the central square for his arrival.

Theo grasped the reins of his horse as the gates creaked open, revealing the long, straight road ahead.

The instant the crowd caught sight of him, a deafening roar of cheers erupted.

• “Theo! Theo! Theo!”
• “You’re so handsome!”
• “Lord Theo, look over here!”

Theo waved and urged his horse forward.

Clop-clop. Clop-clop.

Petals rained down from above, swirling in the air and coloring the pristine white path beneath him.

The central square grew closer with every step, and Theo’s heart swelled with emotion.

"At last…"

Not a single person stepped forward to block his path.

The cheers, the chants, and the blessings—all of it affirmed one thing: Theo was recognized by all as the rightful patriarch of Ragnar.

Upon reaching the square’s entrance, Theo dismounted.

Ahead stood the platform, where the Nine Dragons of Ragnar, the representatives of the Six Pillar Families, and other distinguished guests were gathered.

Theo’s eyes widened slightly at the sight.

* * *

From the platform, the senior members of Ragnar observed Theo’s approach, their expressions a stark contrast to one another.

The Nine Dragons and Harald wore warm, approving smiles, while others bore stiff, displeased faces.

• “Arrogant brat…”
• “Ragnar is overreaching with this one.”
• “A child who’s all show and no substance.”

Murmurs of disapproval rippled through the gathering.

In a corner of the platform, Tamuth Narsio clenched his fists, his body trembling with suppressed rage and humiliation.

"We’ll see who laughs last… I’ll repay this disgrace tenfold."

His gaze shifted to Harald.

The seat of honor among the distinguished guests had always belonged to the Narsio family.

Today, however, it had been given to Harald—a concession Tamuth could have tolerated, given Harald’s renown.

But his own seat wasn’t even beside Harald. It was at the farthest end of the guest section.

This blatant affront from Ragnar was unmistakable.

The dissatisfaction wasn’t limited to the Narsios.

• “After all our years of service to Ragnar, this is how we’re treated? Outrageous!”
• “So much for inheriting Kyle’s legacy. We expected better than this.”
• “We should’ve stayed away rather than suffer this humiliation.”

Theo had not so much as shown his face to these guests during their stay, fueling their resentment.

Even as their complaints grew louder, the senior members of Ragnar remained composed.

They knew this was all part of a calculated plan.

As the sound of hoofbeats drew nearer, Theo finally entered the square.

"Waaaaah!"

The crowd erupted into cheers as Theo rode into view.

At the same time, the masses parted to either side, revealing a formidable force.

Clank. Clank. Clank.

Marching in perfect unison, the soldiers entered the square.

Their movements were sharp and synchronized, their presence radiating raw power.

Each bore the wave emblem of Harald’s family on their left breastplate, their hands gripping massive battleaxes.

Carrying banners emblazoned with Harald’s crest, their burly frames and imposing demeanor left the crowd in awe.

Seated with his chin resting on his hand, Harald grinned and locked eyes with Theo.

"So this is your final gift…"

Theo’s widened eyes relaxed, and a matching smile formed on his lips.

The pride of the Harald family, their elite warriors, marched up to Theo.

With precision, they split into two lines and slammed the handles of their axes into the ground, forming a path for Theo.

Theo urged his horse forward with a calm, confident expression.

"RAGNAR! HARALD! RAGNAR! HARALD!"

The thunderous chants shook the air, leaving the gathered nobles visibly moved.

What moments earlier had felt like disdain transformed into an overwhelming sense of unity and triumph.

The cheers and chants followed Theo as he ascended the platform.

Standing tall before the seat of the patriarch, Theo turned to face the crowd.

Raising his hand, he silenced the uproar in an instant.

A profound hush fell over the square, the thundering of hearts filling the void.

"First, I thank you all for your warm blessings and resounding support."

Theo’s gentle voice carried across the square, resonating deeply with the audience.

His respectful tone made them feel honored.

"It has been a long journey to reach this day, and many challenges still lie ahead. But I vow this: I, Theo Ragnar, will be the first to stand against Ragnar’s enemies and the first to fall as its shield."

"RAGNAR! RAGNAR!"

The crowd erupted once more, unified in their adoration.

Overwhelmed by emotion, Theo gestured subtly to Black Dragon.

Taking his cue, Black Dragon rose, prompting the Nine Dragons and other distinguished figures to stand as well.

Shiiing.

Black Dragon unsheathed Caliburn.

Its blade gleamed brilliantly in the sunlight, drawing gasps of awe from the crowd.

Kneeling before Black Dragon, Theo extended his hands to receive the sword.

"We entrust our lives to you. In turn, lead us down the right path."

Black Dragon placed the cool blade into Theo’s hands.

As Theo rose, the Nine Dragons knelt in unison, paying their respects.

A wave of indescribable emotion washed over the gathered crowd.

Standing tall, Theo held the sword high and declared:

"I, Theo Ragnar, rightful heir of Kyle Ragnar, proclaim myself patriarch of Ragnar!"

"WAAAAAH!"

The earth-shaking cheers sent shivers through everyone present.

Raising his hand once more, Theo quieted the crowd.

"Now, I present to you the head of the Harald family and Ragnar’s newest blood ally, Ban Harald."

Harald stepped forward, standing beside Theo.

"To become patriarch is to discern between friend and foe. From this day forward, I will root out all who oppose Ragnar and ensure they face justice."

His voice was cold, slicing through the air like a blade.

The nobles fell silent, their unease palpable.

In the guest section, all eyes turned toward the Narsios.

Tamuth clenched his jaw, a bitter realization dawning upon him.

"So this is your game, Theo. You’ll expose us here, publicly… Damn you!"

Though the Narsios had brought their finest treasures as tribute, Theo’s words were a clear warning.

The other noble families quickly stepped forward to pledge their allegiance.

"The Ranke family remains loyal to Ragnar."

"The Gardner family as well."

"And the Barkus family."

"The Copel family swears eternal fealty to Ragnar."

The declarations came one after another, leaving the Narsios increasingly isolated.

Even Tamuth’s deputy, Timothy, urged him to act.

"Brother, we must!"

Swallowing his pride, Tamuth stepped forward.

"The Narsio family, too, pledges…"

Theo raised a finger, cutting him off mid-sentence.

His icy gaze fixed on Tamuth.

"This is where I draw the line. No more traitors in Ragnar."