Chapter 159

“Welcome, dear customer! You’ve entered *High Theodore*, where we provide you with beautiful clothes and impeccable style!”

Theo and his companions stepped into the store, and Theo froze in surprise.

Unlike its simple exterior, the interior was so lavishly decorated that it felt like stepping into another world.

The clothing displayed was so stunning that even Theo, who had little eye for fashion, was impressed.

“Wow.”

“This is even more incredible than the rumors.”

Ray and Wellington, both seemingly familiar with such luxury, quickly began inspecting the racks.

As a haute couture store, they were immediately assigned personal consultants, and the conversation flowed effortlessly.

‘Of course, they would feel at home here.’

Wellington had always been meticulous about his appearance, so his interest in fashion wasn’t surprising. Ray, however, was unexpected.

Usually dressed in simple, comfortable clothes, she seemed drawn to frilly dresses adorned with lace and ribbons.

“May I ask what style you’re looking for, sir?”

Theo hesitated as the consultant’s round, eager eyes met his.

He recognized that look—the same one the maids at Camellia Palace had when they were itching to play dress-up.

He broke into a cold sweat, unable to admit that he wasn’t here for clothes but to see his mother’s store.

As he struggled to respond, his attention was caught by someone in the corner of the store.

‘Who’s that?’

A young man, likely around Theo’s age, was admiring a suit with interest.

Behind him stood four attendants, each holding numerous shopping bags, suggesting he had already visited several boutiques.

But it wasn’t the shopping that drew Theo’s attention.

‘He seems familiar.’

Theo couldn’t quite place the face. Perhaps he was someone from Theo’s past life. The back of his mind tingled with curiosity.

“Sir, do you perhaps like the style that guest is holding?”

“Ah… yes. Something similar would be great,” Theo replied absently.

The consultant nodded enthusiastically and hurried off to retrieve some options.

Just then, the young man glanced up, sensing Theo’s gaze.

Their eyes met briefly.

The young man smiled—a cheerful, friendly expression that hinted at an easy upbringing.

The more Theo observed, the more uneasy he felt.

‘He must be someone important… Well, if he’s not a threat for now, I’ll let it go.’

Theo brushed the thought aside and focused on browsing the store.

---

“Wow! I always thought I was the most handsome guy my age, but that guy takes the cake. Which family is he from?”

The young man, Nazarieu, exclaimed cheerfully as he exited *High Theodore* with his four attendants.

The impression left by the long-haired man in the white suit had been that strong.

“That’s Theo Ragnar,” the chief attendant, Gerima, replied.

“Huh? How do you know that?”

“Do you think we’d enter Ragnar’s territory without thorough research? Theo Ragnar, along with Wellington Narcio and Ray Ragnar, are all notable figures.”

“Wellington Narcio? You mean the Wellington Narcio I know?”  n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

“Yes. He’s one of the Eight Blades.”

“What? He was there too? Why didn’t you tell me?”

“You didn’t ask.”

“Do I have to ask? That’s just common sense!”

“It was common sense *not* to tell you. If I had, would you have behaved?”

“…Probably not.”

“Exactly.”

“Ugh.”

Nazarieu pouted but didn’t argue further. He knew Gerima’s judgment was sound.

---

“Wellington Narcio may be famous, but in the North, Theo Ragnar is even more renowned. They say he broke all records during the Coming-of-Age Ceremony—a true genius.”

“So, he’s Wellington’s rival? Interesting.”

Nazarieu stroked his chin, his eyes gleaming with excitement.

“If I get the chance, I’d love to spar with him.”

Nazarieu himself was a rising star, ranked among the elite of the Three Armies and Eight Masters. Competing with his peers was always a thrill.

---

Meanwhile, Theo and his companions finished their shopping.

‘I feel like my soul has left my body...’

Theo’s eyes were heavy with exhaustion.

The consultant had insisted he try on every outfit they brought out, treating him like a mannequin.

By the end, more consultants had joined in, bringing outfit after outfit until his arms were full of bags.

In his right hand were clothes deemed perfect for him, and in his left, gifts for Cassandra.

“Ah! What a refreshing shopping trip! I’m already excited to wear my new clothes back in Winterler,” Wellington said cheerfully.

Unlike Theo, Wellington and Ray were brimming with energy.

Even Ray, uncharacteristically, was nodding enthusiastically.

The two had also chosen gifts for their mentors, the Mistress of the Repair Palace and Dengryong.

Theo watched them with a mix of awe and exasperation.

“I’m glad you both enjoyed yourselves.”

---

Their next stop wasn’t far—an inconspicuous building behind Dravin City Hall.

To most, it appeared to be a simple pub, closed during the day.

But it was actually the gateway to one of the imperial secret vaults.

Theo placed his palm on the wall and infused it with mana.

---

- *Beep. New user detected. Requesting password. Scanning mana patterns. User recognized.*

Following the Mage Empress’s instructions, Theo used a unique cipher to unlock the passage.

As the wall absorbed him, his vision flipped, and the sight before him left him speechless.

---

Rows of glittering chandeliers made of diamonds hung from the ceiling. The walls gleamed with gold, reflecting light so intensely it was almost blinding.

“Truly, the empire is the richest in the world.”

Even compared to Lodbrok’s lair, the vault’s scale and wealth were staggering.

Lodbrok appeared beside him, her spectral form gazing around with a delighted smile.

「So, how many more of these are there?」

“There should be four others, excluding the one in the capital.”

「I’ve chosen my partner well. The richest man in the world, indeed.」

Theo scratched his cheek, smiling wryly.

“Well, let’s find the elixirs first.”

Deep within the vault, past rooms filled with weapons, armor, and ancient tomes, Theo found the treasure he sought: the elixir storage.

Neatly organized shelves held countless vials, each labeled with names that promised unimaginable power.

---

「Not bad. Not bad at all,」 Lodbrok said, her tone betraying her excitement.

“You enjoy yourself. I’ll check out the library,” Theo said, excusing himself.

「Call me if anything comes up.」

As Lodbrok became engrossed in the elixirs, Theo moved to the library, his eyes scanning the vast collection.

Among the thousands of volumes, a few caught his attention, glowing faintly under his *Spiritual Vision*.

One in particular drew him in—a tome that radiated an unsettling energy, similar to when he first encountered Amon.

Just as his fingers brushed its cover—

---

[**Lodbrok has begun consuming an elixir.**]

[**Dragonblood Reinforcement initiated.**]

Theo’s heart raced as he realized something extraordinary was about to unfold.