Chapter 158

“Hm? That sword… I don’t recall seeing it before. Where did you pick that up?”

The first to react when Theo returned was Wellington.

Theo looked down at himself without thinking and was momentarily startled.

On his back hung the *Drake Fang Blade*, while at his left waist were the *Moon White Sword* and the *Dragon Slayer Sword*. Now, at his right waist, rested the *Spirit Crypt Sword*.

He was carrying four swords.

‘No wonder it looks suspicious.’

Theo decided to brush off Wellington’s question about the *Spirit Crypt Sword* and quickly moved on to find the others.

“I heard Arin woke up a little while ago. Selpherd and Ray went to see her.”

“Arin, senior?”

Theo immediately rushed off.

---

“...What’s with all the gawking? Haven’t you seen an injured person before?”

Arin snapped as she noticed the crowd gathered around her bedside the moment she regained consciousness.

Selpherd, ever calm and composed, asked with a serious gaze, “How’s your body?”

“I’m fine.”

「Really?」

「...Where did you pick up that phrase?」

「The kids at the orphanage used to say it.」

「Don’t use slang like that with such a serious face. It’s unsettling and reminds me of my younger siblings.」

「Anyway, I’m asking seriously. Are you really okay?」

Arin, understanding why Selpherd kept probing, responded via telepathy.

「I mean it. I’m fine.」

「Don’t worry. The madness didn’t stir enough to cause any problems.」

Selpherd finally nodded in relief, satisfied with her answer.

The descendants of the *Mad Dragon Sect*—those carrying the taint of rebellion—had to be doubly cautious about such matters.

Fortunately, Arin’s eyes showed no sign of the madness.

It was a huge relief.

As Selpherd let out a sigh of relief, Dengryong, Theo, and the rest of the group visited briefly before leaving her to rest.

The next day, Cassandra also woke up without incident.

However, her memories of her possession by the Mage Empress were hazy at best, leaving her unaware of most events from the past few days.

Worried there might be lingering aftereffects they hadn’t detected, the group decided to stay at the manor for a few more days.

After about ten days of rest, they were finally ready to resume their journey.

Now, Theo’s group was larger, with Cassandra, Dengryong, and Wellington joining them.

---

“For now, we’ll travel through Dravin City and head toward the White Tower,” Dengryong explained.

With a loud hiss of steam, the magic train began to move.

Clatter, clatter—

Seated in a first-class carriage, Dengryong spread a map out before them, pointing to their destination.

The *White Tower*.

The name rang familiar to Theo.

It was the border between Ragnar and Troivan, currently a hotbed of conflict in the ongoing northern war.

However, it had once been more famous as an ancient ruin.

“Right now, the White Tower is a battlefield where both sides are locked in grueling attrition. They’re sacrificing over a hundred lives just to secure less than five kilometers of territory—it’s pure hell.”

Ray gently covered young Cassandra’s ears with earmuffs, shielding her from the grim details.

Selpherd asked, “I heard the forces gathered at the White Tower are substantial.”

“Indeed. The *White Dragon Heavy Cavalry*, the *Black Iron Corps*, and the *Red Sword Knights* are all deployed on orders from the head of the house. Even the *Blue Sword Guards* are expected to join soon.”

“That much?”

Among the four major forces, the *White Dragon Heavy Cavalry* and the *Black Iron Corps* symbolized Ragnar’s power as offensive units renowned worldwide.

Meanwhile, the *Red Sword Knights* and the *Blue Sword Guards* served as guardians of Ragnar’s safety and order.

The *Red Sword Knights* were elite troops handpicked from various divisions to defend Winterler, while the *Blue Sword Guards* were shadow-like protectors who followed the head of the house’s orders without question.

Their involvement signaled Ragnar’s absolute determination in this war.

“I don’t understand,” Selpherd admitted. “Troivan may have made a name for themselves in the East, but are they really a threat to this extent?”

“They wouldn’t be, under normal circumstances.”

“Then why?”

“The problem lies with those aiding Troivan.”

Dengryong’s voice dropped, his eyes growing cold.

Selpherd fell silent, remembering the forces they had encountered during their escape from the manor.

“The likes of the *Wandering Knight Union* or the *One Sword Society* are minor nuisances. The fanatics? Rootless troublemakers. But what about the magicians from the Far East? Or the beastfolk from the southern jungles?”

His disdainful tone betrayed his views. ‘Magicians’ referred to the magic tower, while ‘beasts’ were the beastfolk resistance—a derogatory term for their faction.

All were electors—powerful factions with the right to choose the next emperor, much like Ragnar and Troivan.

“Then there are the silk-road raiders from the western steppes, the indigenous clans of the southwestern highlands, and even the merchant union ruling the vast southern plains. They’re all waiting for the moment Ragnar stumbles.”

The sheer scope of enemies was staggering, even suffocating.  n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

Even Arin and Ray, seasoned warriors, felt the weight of the information.

It was as if the entire world was pitted against Ragnar.

‘Not surprising, considering.’

Theo was the only one listening with a calm demeanor.

---

『This is chaos.』

‘You could say it’s the result of Ragnar’s seeds scattered everywhere over centuries.’

Theo responded to Rody’s derisive telepathy with a faint smile.

‘For over a thousand years, Ragnar has ruled with unyielding force. Every grievance, every wound inflicted, has culminated in this moment.’

---

Dengryong’s tone grew sharper.

“We cannot allow this rebellion to fester. We’ll crush these seeds of discord and remind the world why Ragnar is Ragnar.”

His calm demeanor had vanished, replaced by the unyielding resolve of a true Ragnar warrior.

---

As the magic train raced toward its destination, Theo turned his attention to studying the fundamental principles of time magic.

Under Rody’s guidance, and with the Mage Empress’s foundation, Theo progressed rapidly.

Rody found herself both surprised and impressed by Theo’s aptitude.

She had expected him to struggle, but his sharp understanding turned their lessons into an unexpected joy for her.

Theo’s ability to enter a state of heightened concentration—a state nearing euphoria—was particularly remarkable.

However, Rody noticed a danger in this.

While the state enhanced Theo’s creativity and comprehension, excessive use risked pushing him into madness—a threshold Theo was dangerously close to crossing.

---

Finally, as the train approached Dravin City, the next transfer point on their journey, Theo opened his eyes.

『Partner.』

‘I know. Don’t worry.’

『Good. I’ve been paid enough in teaching fees.』

But before transferring trains, Theo had another objective.

He reached into his pocket, fingering a small note.

One of the imperial secret vaults was said to be in this very city.

---

“Exploring the city, are we?” Dengryong asked.

“Yes. We have about five hours before the next train to the White Tower arrives, so I’d like to take a look around.”

Dengryong smirked knowingly.

“Just don’t be late.”

“Of course.”

As Theo stepped off the platform, Wellington and Ray followed close behind.

---

“Ah, what a refreshing change! After all those battles, it’s nice to be somewhere with people,” Wellington remarked cheerfully.

“Has Dengryong been dragging you through rough terrain?” Theo asked with a sly grin.

“Hmph! No comment!”

Despite the banter, Wellington spread his arms wide, enjoying the sunny weather.

“So, where to first? Dravin City is famous for its shopping, you know.”

Ray’s ears perked up at the mention of shopping, and her gaze shifted toward Theo.

“We’ll shop later. First, there’s somewhere I need to visit.”

“Oh, of course. How could I forget?” Wellington responded with a knowing nod.

Theo blinked. Did they already know about the imperial vault?

Before he could ask, Wellington added with a grin, “You’re heading to your mother’s store, aren’t you? *High Theodore’s* flagship location is in this city.”

“...What?”

Theo’s eyes widened in shock.

His mother’s shop… here?