Chapter 325

Black Dragon felt a sharp pain pounding in his head.

"The elder and now the son too..."

Kyle had also been known for disappearing suddenly, claiming he had somewhere to go, only to vanish without a trace.

"And without offering any real explanation, of course."

What was most maddening, however, was how Theo had inherited that trait almost perfectly. What kind of family would send its head into dangerous territories without so much as an escort? Kyle, Theo—neither seemed to understand the anxiety they caused their retainers.

"Blood runs deep, they say... too deep, perhaps."

But did they really have to inherit even the most troublesome parts? Black Dragon sighed heavily, shaking his head as if to rid himself of his growing frustration. He already knew that convincing Theo otherwise would be a lost cause.

“Understood,” he relented.

That didn’t mean he intended to leave everything unprepared. After all, Theo’s destination was none other than the capital itself. Even for his elite operatives, Black Snow, infiltrating the capital posed a significant challenge.

"The Court Marquis, for one..."

The Court Marquis was a particularly worrisome figure on his list of dangerous individuals. There was no information on their origins or family, no records at all. And, in Black Dragon’s experience, individuals shrouded in such secrecy were always the most dangerous. Although Theo was more than capable of handling himself, family ties made Black Dragon’s concern unavoidable.

“Would you reconsider?” Black Dragon asked, putting all his remaining hope into the question. He still wanted Theo to follow proper procedures and travel safely. At the very least, he hoped Theo would agree not to travel alone.

“No. I won’t.”

Theo’s tone was firm, leaving no room for negotiation. His face, however, betrayed a hint of discomfort.

"He must know how much this worries me," Black Dragon thought.

It wasn’t as though Theo was unaware of his concerns. In truth, Theo himself was uneasy about the journey to the capital. His knowledge about it was limited to public information, even across two lifetimes. Yet, there was no avoiding this path. It had to be taken.

“Don’t worry,” Theo said, trying to reassure him. “The Imperial Court is well aware of the North’s power. They wouldn’t risk antagonizing me unless they’re prepared to deal with the consequences.”

That much was true. Killing a northern duke, whose military strength rivaled that of an independent nation, would provoke a devastating retaliation. Even with their airships, the Empire wouldn’t willingly suffer the losses that would follow. Particularly not the current administration, which clung so desperately to power and resources.

Even so, Black Dragon’s expression remained dark.

“Lodbrok will be with me,” Theo added. “If anything goes wrong, we’ll retreat immediately.”

Seeing no other option, Black Dragon finally gave a reluctant nod.

“You’re as stubborn as your father. Both of you have caused no end of headaches for me,” Black Dragon said with a wry smile.

“Was my father really like this?”

“Far worse,” Black Dragon replied, his face softening with a hint of nostalgia before grimacing as if recalling a bad memory.

"Father must have been something else too," Theo thought, easily picturing Kyle’s headstrong personality. Kyle had always been the type to do whatever he set his mind to. At least Theo made some effort to reassure others; Kyle would simply inform them and vanish without a trace.

Theo couldn’t help but chuckle at the thought.

“You’ve even inherited his knack for driving me to my wit’s end,” Black Dragon said, shaking his head before regaining his usual composure.

“I know how much you care for Ragnar and that you don’t take unnecessary risks lightly,” Black Dragon said, his tone shifting to one of resignation.

“So, of course, this journey must be absolutely essential.”

Their eyes met, and Black Dragon’s gaze was filled with concern, awaiting confirmation. Theo responded firmly.

“Yes.”

“Ha, I can’t believe I’m saying this again,” Black Dragon sighed, rubbing his temples and shaking his head.

Despite his exasperation, a faint smile lingered on his face, tinged with nostalgia.

“This is the same advice I used to give your father: Always prioritize your safety above all else. If anything happens, summon us without hesitation. That’s the only promise I ask of you.”

Black Dragon’s words were full of sincerity, and Theo felt a renewed sense of confidence.

"Perhaps the greatest legacy my father left me is Black Dragon."

Of course, all of the Nine Dragons were exceptional, but as a lord, Theo found himself leaning most heavily on Black Dragon.

“Don’t worry about things here. Everything is in place. The retrieval unit will escort you to the forest’s edge.”

“Thank you. I’ll be back soon,” Theo replied.

Before departing, Theo sought out Terepun

.

“You’ve come,” Terepun said, bowing deeply.

“I wanted to say goodbye before I leave.”

Terepun’s face reflected a hint of sadness. Their reunion had been too brief, and now they were parting again.

“Of course, you must have important matters to attend to.”

“Yes, I’m sorry to have to postpone our reunion once again,” Theo said with a sheepish smile, extending his hand. Terepun clasped it firmly, smiling back.

“Thank you for saving the Naga tribe.”

“Thank you!” the Nagas behind him called out in unison.

“Until next time.”

“Please visit us again! We’ll prepare a grand feast!” Terepun called after him as Theo departed.

In front of Theo, the Blue Sword Guard and units from the White Armored Dragon Knights had formed ranks. At their head was Julius, grinning as he stepped forward.

“I’ve been instructed by Black Dragon to accompany you. It’s a short journey, but we’ll ensure your safety,” Julius said.

“It’s been a while since we’ve had a proper conversation,” Theo noted.

“You didn’t bring Evelyn?”

“She’s sulking. And she’s not the only one. Ray, the Holcus siblings—they’ve all been grumbling about how busy you are,” Julius said with a laugh.

Theo winced at the comment, guilt gnawing at him.

“I’ll need to make it up to them when I return,” Theo said, already planning a gathering.

“That would be wise. Strength is important, but taking time to rest is just as necessary. You don’t need to follow your father’s every step. Kyle was Kyle, and you are you,” Julius said, smiling warmly.

Theo returned the smile as they exited the forest and approached the plains where the recent battle had taken place.

“This is where we part ways,” Julius said, gesturing toward the waiting dragons.

“Remember, if anything happens, call for us immediately. And take this,” Julius said, handing Theo a pouch of jerky.

“Thank you. I’ll be back soon,” Theo said as he summoned Umbra.

With a triumphant roar, the shadow dragon emerged, and Theo climbed onto its back. With a powerful beat of its wings, Umbra soared into the sky, carrying Theo toward the capital.

***

“His flying skills are as incredible as ever.”

Julius watched as Theo, now a mere speck in the distance, quickly disappeared from sight after taking off. A hint of envy flickered in Julius’s eyes.n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

Snort!

His wyvern let out a rough snort, as if expressing its jealousy of Umbra.

“Well, you’re still my favorite,” Julius said, soothing his wyvern with a wry smile.

“You’re no different from Lord Kyle,” came a voice beside him.

Turning, Julius saw Phanryong, who had approached with a resigned look. The dragon had stirred quite a commotion, insisting on following Theo again this time, only to begrudgingly concede after Black Dragon sternly put his foot down.

“Great bloodlines remain unmistakable,” Phanryong remarked, letting out a dry chuckle that hinted at an exhaustion even greater than Black Dragon’s.

“What about the Honor Guard?” Julius asked, shifting his gaze to the guards still stationed nearby. “They’re listed as part of the return unit, but should they remain near the Naga Forest, closer to the capital?”

As Julius scanned the group, he couldn’t help but notice their glowing expressions.

“Why do they all seem to look better every day?” he mused.

Perhaps it was due to the lack of intense battles recently, but even some of the soldiers had started to look noticeably healthier and more robust.

“This, too, is a kind of blessing.”

As Theo’s proclamation had foretold, their previous victory had been absolute, with no casualties or injuries among the troops. The soldiers, brimming with vitality and pride, reflected that triumph in their every movement.

Julius allowed himself a satisfied smile at the sight.

“We’ll escort the artisans and supplies coming to this area. That’s what our lord wishes,” Phanryong said, breaking Julius’s thoughts and turning his attention back to the present.

The statement also made it clear that Phanryong intended to remain in the vicinity.

“Then the White Armored Dragon Knights will stay as well. Understood?” Julius addressed his troops.

“Yes, sir!” came the resounding response.

Not a single soldier voiced dissatisfaction. On the contrary, they responded with enthusiasm, their loud cries echoing across the field like a rallying call.

“Maintain peak condition at all times so you can be ready to deploy at a moment’s notice.”

The soldiers, as if they had already rehearsed it, mounted their wyverns in unison. For them, maintaining peak condition meant carrying on as they always did—patrolling the skies, ever watchful. Without needing further orders, the troops naturally split into groups: some patrolled the skies above, while others moved to escort the Blue Sword Guard as they departed into the distance.