Regressing as the Reincarnated Bastard of the Sword Clan

Chapter 329

The dead of night.

A time when even the moonlight seemed colder, and the insects had long since hidden themselves.

Theo stood by the open window, gazing into the darkness outside.

“They’re certainly thorough.”

Though the pitch-black night masked all visibility, the presence of subtle movements betrayed the watchers. Even if someone masked their footsteps, their faint traces of aura were unavoidable.

If it had been just one person, it might have been difficult to notice, but with so many spies scattered about, Theo could sense them clearly.

“Do they think I’m a walking bomb?”

He didn’t blame them for their precautions, but the sight was still somewhat amusing.

Theo chuckled softly and closed the window. Behind him, Lodbrok lay sound asleep, having polished off four tubs of mint chocolate ice cream.

Tomorrow would undoubtedly be an interesting day.

“To think I’ve finally made it here.”

This was the first time Theo would set foot in the imperial capital in this life, as well as the first time he would see the Emperor face-to-face. It was also a rare chance to assess the Court Duke, the power behind the throne.

The next morning, Theo walked toward the entrance of the imperial guest palace.

Standing there was Felix, clad in an immaculate dress uniform. His long limbs, the subtle outlines of muscle beneath the fabric, and his cold expression made him striking. Theo couldn’t help but think Felix was the type of man who had probably broken many hearts in the capital.

"You looked impressive in your armor yesterday, but the dress uniform suits you just as well."

"Thank you. Your Grace looks splendid in your attire as well."

Theo hadn’t had the opportunity to bring formal clothing, having come straight to the capital. However, the imperial palace had graciously provided him with formalwear for the audience.

That was when Theo noticed something.

“So, even in the capital, <Hi Theodore> has a branch now.”

The crest of Cecilia’s brand was unmistakable.

“It must not have been easy for a northern brand to establish itself here.”

Northern goods were often scorned by the capital’s elite, dismissed as "barbaric." Yet Cecilia had managed to break through with sheer merit, a testament to her skill.

Theo felt a surge of pride wearing the outfit but also a twinge of unease.

“They surely know my mother runs this brand.”

The choice to provide clothing from this brand felt deliberate, as if mocking him.

"Shall we go? The carriage is ready."

Following Felix’s lead, Theo stepped into a luxurious white carriage waiting at the entrance.

"Did you sleep well last night?"

Felix seemed aware that sleeping under constant surveillance couldn’t have been comfortable.

"I’m not one to toss and turn," Theo replied.

"That’s good to hear."

The conversation was brief, and soon they arrived at the imperial palace.

"Shall we?"

Felix opened the carriage door, revealing the grand plaza of the imperial palace. Marble paths stretched out, and Felix took the lead, walking purposefully ahead.

They passed through the entrance, guarded by imperial knights, and entered a corridor that eventually led to an enormous set of doors.

"Commander Felix of the First Knightly Order and Duke Ragnar request an audience," the gatekeeper announced loudly.

From within, a voice granted them entry. The heavy doors creaked open, and Theo’s gaze met that of the Emperor seated on the throne.

‘Hmm?’

In that fleeting moment, the Emperor’s eyes flashed, as though assessing prey.

‘He’s not as much of a puppet as I thought.’

Theo had assumed Horik to be dull and easily manipulated, a ruler eventually deposed by the Court Duke. But the sharp gleam in his eyes suggested otherwise.

As the doors fully opened, Theo caught sight of the nobles flanking the Emperor. Among them was a man wearing an ostentatiously large hat, drawing his attention.

‘That must be the Court Duke.’

A corpulent figure with a bloated stomach, sly eyes, and a perpetually greedy expression. If one were to mold avarice into human form, it might look like this.

The nobles, all aligned with the Court Duke, exuded thinly veiled hostility toward Theo.

"I greet the sun of the Empire," Theo and Felix said in unison, kneeling on one knee in formal salutation.

The sharp sensation of gazes boring into the top of his head was almost palpable.

"What brings you to the capital, causing such a stir?"

The Emperor’s tone was calm but laced with irritation.

"As the legitimate heir of Kyle Ragnar, I thought it only proper to pay respects to Your Majesty upon assuming my title."

At the mention of Kyle’s name, the room visibly tensed. Even the Court Duke’s brow twitched slightly.

"Even so, visiting without prior notice or approval violates the proper decorum, does it not, Duke?"

• "Indeed, even a duke must observe the protocols between sovereign and subject."
• "Is this arrogance inherited from Kyle? What else can one expect from northern savages?"
• "That man, Kyle, was insufferably haughty in his day as well."

The Court Duke’s rebuke unleashed a flurry of snide remarks from his allies. Their sneering faces reminded Theo of a pack of hyenas, and he had to stifle a laugh.

"I, too, find myself agreeing with the Court Duke. Surely you understand that the name Ragnar inspires mixed feelings," the Emperor added, glancing at the Court Duke for approval.

The Emperor’s subservient deference to the Duke confirmed his status as a puppet. Still, Theo couldn’t help but admire Horik’s performance.

‘He’s biding his time.’

That fleeting sharpness in the Emperor’s gaze was unforgettable. His current lethargic demeanor was an act, a mask designed to fool the Court Duke.

"Forgive me, Your Majesty. It was thoughtless of me to disregard protocol. I was simply eager to meet Your Majesty and pay my respects. I humbly beg Your pardon."

Theo bowed low, his tone contrite. He waited, curious to see how the Court Duke would respond to such humility.

The room fell into silence.

The Court Duke’s lips curled into a faint, disdainful smile.

‘Does he think he’s fooling anyone with this pitiful act?’

The Duke, who had thoroughly studied Theo’s character, saw through the charade.

‘Unfortunately, I have no grounds to expose him.’

Theo’s words could not be faulted, painting him as the picture of loyalty. To attack him now would only damage the Duke’s own standing.

Clicking his tongue in irritation, the Duke glanced at the Emperor.

"The Emperor’s benevolence is the only reason you haven’t been expelled. In fact, His Majesty has even prepared a banquet in your honor. Be sure to express your gratitude."

"I am deeply grateful for His Majesty’s grace."

Theo bowed once more, hiding a smirk. The brief audience had yielded much insight.

As they exited, Theo caught a glimpse of the Emperor’s face. Horik appeared conflicted, likely torn between his own precarious position and the humiliating deference he had to display.

"Today’s audience is concluded. You may leave," the Court Duke declared.

Horik nodded silently, and Theo and Felix exited the chamber.

The door closed behind them with a heavy thud.

"Do you have plans for the rest of the day?" Felix asked, his voice steady despite his barely contained fury.

Theo was impressed by Felix’s composure.

"I’ll rest at the guest palace for now. Travel has left me weary."

"Understood."

Felix’s clipped response betrayed his relief. He escorted Theo to the carriage, and the two rode back in silence.

At the guest palace entrance, Felix saw Theo off before walking away, his footsteps heavier than usual.

‘Loyalty can be such a burden.’

As Theo was guided to his quarters by the palace servants, he reflected on the unshakable loyalty of people like Felix, comparing them to his own loyal retainers in Ragnar.

"How was it?" Lodbrok asked, manifesting in front of Theo.

"A complete mess," Theo replied bluntly.

The audience had been a circus, but Theo had gleaned enough to piece together the puzzle of the capital’s power dynamics.

"And the Court Duke?"

"As conniving as expected, but there’s more. Someone powerful is backing him."

Lodbrok raised an eyebrow.

"What makes you so sure?"

Theo paused, carefully organizing his thoughts before replying.