Chapter 231

For the first time since the Northern War, Winterer was abuzz with excitement.

"Did you hear? The Young Patriarch is coming today!"

"Really? How long has it been? Almost two years, right?"

"I can’t wait to see how much stronger he’s become!"

"He must have far surpassed the level of a Laurel Knight by now."

"Of course! That’s a given!"

The news of Theo’s return had brought countless citizens of Winterer out, eager to catch even a distant glimpse of him. By now, no one in Winterer doubted the equation: Theo = Young Patriarch.

While there had initially been skepticism about Theo replacing Kincarnon’s position, those doubts had vanished like smoke. Kincarnon himself had steadfastly stood by Theo’s side, and Theo’s own remarkable accomplishments silenced any further concerns.

In the North, there was a saying: “If Kyle ushered Ragnar into a new golden age, Theo has brought about its resurgence.”

The Northern-Eastern trade route Theo established had since expanded southward, extending its influence even to the heart of the Empire. Winterer, once a remote outpost, now received a steady stream of envoys eager to establish connections along the burgeoning trade network.

Even territories and factions that had once kept their distance, wary of Ragnar's domineering reputation, were now cautiously approaching.

"Wait, aren’t those the same places that refused to trade with us a few years ago? They were so scared of being swallowed up by us!"

"I heard they need magic stones from the Archipelago."

"Ha! Living long enough, you see everything. Bowing to us without us even lifting a finger? It’s almost funny, like parasites clinging on because they need something."

"Don’t be too harsh. Thanks to them, our influence is finally reaching the central territories."

Though Ragnar was known for its cutthroat dominance, the clan prioritized tangible benefits. If others bowed their heads and willingly entered their fold, there was no reason to refuse.

In just two years, Ragnar had more than doubled the number of its banner families and vassals.

At this point, their prestige had reached unparalleled heights. It was no exaggeration to call them the greatest family in the Empire—or even the world.

"And who’s to thank for this era of prosperity?"

"Who else? Our Young Patriarch, of course!"

Naturally, Winterer’s residents, who had long been mocked as savages by outsiders, were thrilled by the transformation and adored Theo.

"Theo! Theo!"

"Theo-o-o-o!"

"He’s so handsome!"

Theo rode through the streets of Winterer, leading the 6th Battalion of the White Armored Dragon Knights, better known as his Personal Guard.

Flowers paved the streets, and banners fluttered in the sky.

This was a life Theo could never have imagined in his previous incarnation, where he had faced only scorn and ridicule. While the spectacle warmed his heart, he couldn’t help but feel embarrassed. He kept his head low, unable to meet the cheers head-on.

“How long is this going to go on?”

It had been like this for as long as Theo could remember, and it was exhausting.

Beside him, riding her horse, Lodbrok burst into laughter.

"Ah, my dear consort! Even without my love, you seem to be basking in plenty of affection!"

Theo shot her a glare, his expression brimming with irritation.

"…Can we not do this?"

Lodbrok grinned mischievously.

"I love you, Theo Ragnar! Oh, Theo, you’re as radiant as milk! Did you know you’ve got something on you? Oh, it’s just—your handsomeness!"

Theo groaned.

“Where in the world did she pick up such nauseating phrases?”

He recalled the oversized banner hanging prominently earlier, and the memory made him shudder. He had ordered his guards to remove all such displays, but it seemed Lodbrok had already seen it.

"What else was there—"

"I think you’ve done enough," Theo interrupted, his voice strained.

"Hohoho! What’s wrong with receiving the adoration of the masses? Why not wave to them? They’d faint on the spot—"

"…Are you seriously doing this?"

"Me? What did I do?"

"Don’t think I don’t know. Is this about the bone fragment I used to enhance the Kriemhild artifact last time?"

"Hohoho! Surely not! Who do you take me for? I am Lodbrok, the last Dragon King and the mighty protector of Ragnar! If you needed it, I’d even give you my heart! Do you really think I’d hold a grudge over something so trivial?"

Theo clenched his jaw to hold back the retort—“You absolutely would!”—knowing it would only encourage her further.

"Now then, where were we? Ah yes, where was that banner praising you—"

"This is what you enjoy, isn’t it?"

"Why yes, I do."

"Then you must enjoy such praise yourself, Loddy."

"…What?"

"Did you know? People in the North absolutely adore the guardian dragon. If they knew you were here, they’d be ecstatic."

Lodbrok froze mid-motion, her expression stiffening. Theo smirked.

"Ever since two years ago, word has spread across Winterer: The Guardian Dragon has returned, and she stands with the Young Patriarch. People have even requested confirmation of the rumors."

Lodbrok sank into her saddle, her face paling.

The thought of drawing so much attention in such a crowded place was unthinkable. She still remembered how unbearable it had been when Theo's Personal Guard had shadowed her every move during her first public appearance.

Having spent a millennium in solitude, her social tolerance was abysmal. And now Theo was suggesting she step into the spotlight in Winterer?

"A month’s supply of mint chocolate ice cream. Let’s agree not to bring this up."

"Half a year," Lodbrok countered.

"Three months. Any more, and your teeth will rot."

"Deal."

At last, Theo managed to strike a bargain(?) with Lodbrok.

***

"Ah, my son! You've grown so much! I could die happily right now!"

At the news of Theo's return, Cecilia hurried over in a flurry of excitement.

"Didn’t you see him just a month ago?"

"Hohoho! It’s only natural to miss our handsome son after not seeing him for a whole month!"

Theo couldn’t help but think that Cecilia looked more beautiful and radiant than ever. Gone was the woman who had holed herself up in the Rose Palace, becoming bitter and spiteful. She had been so absorbed in managing the eastern territories that Theo hadn’t paid much attention to her. But now, it seemed her influence was growing, with her name even becoming known throughout the Empire.

"The Laurel Knight promotion exam... there are no issues with it, right?"

"The exam is more of a ceremony for the citizens anyway."

Everyone knew that Theo’s strength was already nearing the level of the Nine Dragons. After capturing two Apostles of the Sacred Demon Cult and his continuous achievements over the past two years, no one doubted his abilities. In truth, there was no need for the exam, but the ceremony was meant to be more symbolic, a display to the public.

“The great battle for the throne isn’t far off.”

Theo’s plan to solidify Ragnar’s position was never just about power. It was about preparing for the upcoming imperial succession war.

“I’ll leave the throne to the Mage Empress. But there will be no civil war. That’s a must.”

The onset of the imperial conflict was a result of the Emperor’s weak foundation. As the Imperial authority faltered, countless factions, including the 18 great vassals, had risen, plunging the Empire into chaos and splitting the continent. This was also the reason the Sacred Demon Cult had risen to power—times of turmoil bred the perfect environment for the spread of heretical religions.

To prevent further chaos, Theo had focused on educating Cassandra Eda, aiming to mold her into the new Mage Empress. With her now fully aligned with Ragnar, she could be crowned, and with a strong backing, no one would challenge her power.

And from there? They would eradicate the Sacred Demon Cult, the instigators of this entire mess.

“It’s true, the only obstacle left is the Black Dragon.”

Cassandra wasn’t the only one with imperial aspirations. Though he was currently allied with the Black Dragon faction, if he were to turn against them, it would be a major problem. That’s why, to ensure Ragnar’s supremacy and secure the future of his clan, Theo had decided to make this promotion ceremony grand—a show of Ragnar’s enduring strength to the world, so that no one would dare challenge its authority.

"Hmm?"

"What's the matter?"

"It seems you haven’t heard anything, have you, my son?"

There was something strange about Cecilia’s reaction. She had a mischievous grin, as though she were holding something back.

Theo felt a growing sense of unease.

"...Is something going on?"

"Something, indeed."

"...?"

"The promotion exam won’t be as easy as you think. The Nine Dragons have been preparing well for it."

"…??"

Theo’s face turned into a sea of question marks. The Nine Dragons? Why now?

Cecilia scratched her cheek awkwardly.

"They said… they want to trouble you."

"..."

Theo's face contorted. Images of Julius, Maehwa Palace Lord, and the Black Dragon flashed through his mind. Even Kyle, who would be watching the promotion exam with his usual hearty laughter.

“These people!”

He pressed his temples, trying to ease the throbbing.

"...How exactly are they planning to trouble me?"

"They’re planning to make you fight the Nine Dragons."

"…."

"They said you have to defeat more than half of them to earn the title of Laurel Knight... I guess you haven’t heard any of this, have you?"

Theo wanted to scream.

A series of battles with the Nine Dragons?

Even Julius and Maehwa Palace Lord would be tough opponents, and it would be impossible to guarantee victory against them immediately. No matter how much Theo had opened the Triple Core or reached a new level of mastery, the Nine Dragons had long honed their strength. The difference was still vast.

“Then—”

What now?n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

“There’s also the final match against the Young Patriarch.”

“…”

Cecilia couldn’t even meet Theo’s eyes anymore, and she turned her head slightly, unable to bear the intensity of his gaze.

Who was he supposed to fight now?

After a brief moment of consideration, Theo said seriously:

"Mother, do you think it would be okay if I just went back to the East like this?"