Chapter 304

Theo sat at the Patriarch's desk, examining several documents.

Among them were the highly confidential matters Kalen had handled, along with the correspondence exchanged with the imperial family.

The most striking thing was the documentation of Kalen's efforts and struggles to resemble Kyle's swordsmanship.

‘So this can be interpreted like this.’

Each movement was meticulously described, along with detailed mana manipulation techniques.

It almost seemed as though Kalen was instructing future generations or himself to surpass Ragnar.

‘An obsessive dedication, to say the least.’

Theo folded the document and tucked it into his robe.

He felt that further interpretations could be made based on this information.

And just then...

The loud sound of clanging echoed from outside.

‘So it has come.’

The only army that could be approaching the Patriarch’s room at this point was one.

Knock knock.

The door to the Patriarch’s office opened, and a guard entered.

“Patriarch. The Golden Lion Knight Commander has arrived.”

“Let him in.”

As soon as the words were spoken, the sound of the door opening completely vanished.

The guards' breath, the flickering sound of the candles melting, and even the rustling of the wind all seemed to fade away.

Thud, thud.

The only sound that could be heard was the quiet footsteps.

‘As expected.’

It wasn’t an aura of malice, but rather pure pressure to announce his presence.

The shadow gradually disappeared, and the figure slowly became clear.

A golden lion insignia was embedded in his chest.

Despite his handsome appearance, a sharp aura emanated from him.

“Greetings. I am Felix, the Golden Lion Knight Commander, serving as the judge for this territory battle.”

“I am Theo Ragnar, the Patriarch of Ragnar.”

Theo briefly glanced at him before refocusing on the documents.

Felix had been the one to make the first move, so there was no need to offer any unnecessary pleasantries.

Felix, knowing this, refrained from making any protest.

“I suppose the excitement from the fight earlier still hasn’t subsided. I hope you’ll overlook it with your generous heart.”

“I didn’t expect such a small skirmish to stir up such pride.”

Hah.

Felix let out a laugh, but it was transparent—his smile not matching his words.

“Please, have a seat. You must have come here as a judge, so you must have something to say.”

Felix almost laughed again.

Wasn’t he the one who had made Theo invite him here through the letters?

‘He’s using me for his advantage.’

Regardless, since Felix had opened the conversation, he sat down and faced Theo.

Only then did Theo properly look at Felix.

It was Theo who spoke first.

“First, as the Grand Duke overseeing the northern territories, I regret making you travel so far for such a minor issue.”

“Even if the one overseeing it is Grand Duke Ragnar, the north still belongs to His Majesty the Emperor. A minor issue should be attended to without delay.”n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

Both of them smiled in response, but the atmosphere between them was sharp.

‘He’s a representative of the imperial military forces.’

While there were monsters within Ragnar’s clan, the imperial family had even more terrifying ones.

Especially those who wielded words like weapons and could move entire crowds.

Being one of those people, Felix wasn’t backing down in this conversation either.

And also...

‘His abilities are remarkable.’

His unconscious gestures and mana.

He was indeed a strong individual to be leading the First Imperial Knights, known as the Golden Lion Knights.

And...

‘He must have realized it.’

Theo could tell that Felix had figured out that he had intentionally hidden his strength during the fight with Kalen.

It made sense that Felix had flaunted his aura when they shook hands earlier.

On the other hand, Felix was somewhat shaken by the impression he had received from Theo.

‘As expected, the Ragnar bloodline is truly formidable. To think such a monster would emerge again...’

Indeed, Theo was the embodiment of a natural-born winner.

He never showed any signs of weakness, no matter the opponent, and instead, his presence only grew stronger.

It was something that couldn’t be achieved without being born with it.

“Of course, that’s a given. So if you require any actions, please let me know, and I’ll cooperate fully.”

Theo lightly brushed off the conversation, showing no emotion.

Felix’s eyes twitched slightly.

‘I thought his previous actions were just youthful impulsiveness, but I guess that wasn’t the case.’

Someone capable of keeping such composure wouldn’t have severed Kalen’s head out of youthful arrogance.

It was unbelievable that Theo could maintain such calmness.

His red eyes were glowing with an unfathomable depth.

‘I’ve never encountered someone this difficult to read.’

Felix had seen many people in his time, so he was confident in his ability to read others.

Small gestures, unconscious movements, mana fluctuations—there should always be some slight tremor or sign to read from.

But Theo—he was calm, unshaken, completely composed.

Felix couldn’t help but feel a hint of fear.

‘Turning him into an enemy would bring no benefit.’

From just a few exchanged words, Felix could already tell that Theo’s nature wasn’t evil.

He had misjudged the situation, but it was too late now.

‘This might actually be someone who could help the imperial family. At the very least, he wouldn’t hinder us.’

Felix decided to lower his guard.

Once he did, Theo’s eyes slightly narrowed, and his earlier pressure gradually faded.

“As a judge, I will investigate Ragnar’s side of the territorial conflict. The investigation into the Narsio family will be thorough and meticulous, so I ask for your understanding.”

With his changed demeanor, Theo smiled faintly.

‘He doesn’t seem to intend to break ties with us. He seems deeply loyal to the imperial family.’

The reason for his earlier caution was likely rooted in his concern about potentially becoming an enemy of the imperial family.

‘If he becomes an ally, he’ll be a reliable man.’

Theo eased up his earlier stance completely.

The pressure that had been weighing on their shoulders was now gone, and they both felt a bit lighter.

“Understood. However, the Narsio family’s vassals are currently under Ragnar’s surveillance. If you tell me who you wish to investigate, I’ll provide the necessary instructions.”

“Thank you for your consideration. But that’s not necessary. It’s only a matter of confirming the facts. I don’t wish to engage in mutual suspicion with Ragnar.”

Felix smiled faintly as he spoke.

And then, he continued.

“Also, even if they’re being watched, would they dare lie in front of His Majesty’s sword?”

That was true as well.

‘A true knight to the bone.’

Theo liked this about Felix.

His unwavering loyalty and straightforwardness.

If given the chance, Theo would want to bring him into his circle.

“Then we’ll wrap this up here.”

“Yes, that’s fine. If there are no issues with the investigation, the Narsio lands will be absorbed into Ragnar.”

Felix stood up and extended his hand.

But there was something he didn’t say aloud.

‘The north should remain under Ragnar’s control.’

From the start, Theo had always intended to leave the Narsio territory in Ragnar’s hands.

He had no intention of strengthening the current faction at court.

Moreover, after talking with Theo, Felix was more convinced of his decision.

“Then I will take my leave. This was a useful conversation.”

“Indeed, if there’s anything unusual, please let me know.”

Felix left the office after one final handshake.

“He’s a good man.”

Theo watched Felix’s back as he thought this.

Theo had already caught a glimpse of Felix’s thoughts.

One thing was clear—Felix was dissatisfied with the current imperial court.

‘Even if complaints arise from the investigation, Narsio’s lands will be incorporated into Ragnar.’

Although there shouldn’t be anything to complain about.

Knock knock.

The door to the Patriarch’s office was knocked again.

“Come in.”

The door opened, and this time Magnus confidently entered.

“I’ve organized the personnel and arranged separate sections to classify the Narsio vassals.”

“Good work. Please, have a seat. I have something to discuss.”

Magnus sat down in the chair that Felix had vacated and looked at Theo.

He didn’t ask first; he was waiting for Theo to speak.

“The conversation with the Golden Lion Knight Commander went well. He agreed to fully cooperate with the investigation, so you can speak the truth.”

“The Golden Lion Knight Commander, you mean Felix. I’ll follow your instructions.”

Theo had a sense that Magnus and Felix would get along well.

‘They both seem to have incredible loyalty.’

Or perhaps Magnus was more like a machine.

He should have had questions, but he never asked.

“Even if it’s annoying, don’t show any displeasure. Make sure to instruct the soldiers as well.”

“Yes, understood.”

Talking to him felt like talking to a machine, not a human.

‘Before the campaign, he wasn’t like this. What changed?’

Theo smiled awkwardly as he wondered what had caused the change in Magnus.

“Do you have any questions?”

“No. I will go carry out your orders.”

“...Please, take care of it.”

Magnus stood up and left the Patriarch’s office with precise movements.

‘Why is he like this?’

Even so, Theo didn’t think too much about it.

The gaze Magnus had shown was filled with discipline and trust.

As Theo looked out the window, he saw Felix giving a speech to the soldiers lined up in front of him.

‘Even if the imperial family wavers, the imperial family is still the imperial family.’

When the upper echelons start to rot, conflicts with the military are inevitable.

The military either gives up on the leadership or attaches itself to them.

Or perhaps...

‘They might stage a coup.’

They could remove the current emperor and install a new one.

But Felix and the other knights had chosen to silently build their strength instead.

Absolute loyalty to the imperial family.

At least, as long as the imperial knights remained strong, they would be able to support the faltering current emperor.

And when Cassandra is crowned, they could be the biggest obstacle.

‘If someone like him is the commander, the knights under him must be formidable as well.’

In that moment, Theo felt gratitude for Kalen’s proposal for the battle.

Had there been a direct clash with the Golden Lion Knights, the plan for a peaceful entry would have been impossible.

‘Though I don’t think we would have lost.’