Translator: FenrirTL
Editor: Doodle
=================
< Chapter 191: Victory Ceremony (1) >
The death of Granada.
In a way, it was a foregone conclusion.
Kyle, in his youth, had already defeated the Mad Dragon Emperor.
Since then, he had continued to evolve, eventually reaching the level of a demigod.
Thus, Granada—who was merely the Mad Dragon Emperor's disciple and had yet to earn the title of Apostle within the Sacred Demon Church—stood no chance against Kyle.
‘To think the Dragon Spirit’s Cursed Blade wasn’t even fully unleashed...!’
At this point, Ed began to feel somewhat frustrated.
-The disparity.
The main lineage and a tributary.
The difference between the ‘real’ and the ‘imitation’ was this vast.
Ed had believed that by staying in Ragnar and transplanting their strengths and systems into Troyban, he had achieved something great.
No, he had even incorporated the advantages of the Sacred Demon Church, proudly thinking he had built a superior family. But it was all an illusion.
‘Oh, Mad Dragon Emperor.’
How would the Mad Dragon Emperor react to the news of their mission’s failure?
Would he be disappointed?
Or would he merely smile?
‘The path to reach you is so distant.’
“This is the end for Troyban, isn’t it?”
Perhaps sensing Ed’s thoughts, Julius laughed cruelly.
Ed adjusted his grip on his sword, curling one side of his lips into a smirk.
“Maybe. It might be over. But not for me.”
Then,
Fwoosh!
A streak of light flashed, and blood sprayed into the air.
---
The news of the clash between Ragnar and Troyban spread swiftly, not only across the North but throughout the entire empire.
It was the result of newspapers, magazines, and other media outlets that had been monitoring the war and quickly disseminated the information.
- <Ragnar, a Decisive Victory!>
- <The Pillars Supporting Troyban: The House Head and the Nine Retainers Dead. The Young Master Captured.>
- <Ragnar’s Great Army Advances Eastward.>
- <Troyban’s Crushing Defeat Breaks Ties with Several Allied Forces.>
- <The Magic Tower Denies All Involvement.>
- <[Special Feature] How Did Strategically Outmatched Ragnar Triumph in the Northern War?>
- <The Dazzling Achievements of the ‘Dragon Incarnate.’>
The Northern War, essentially a struggle for supremacy between two of the empire’s most renowned sword-wielding families, naturally captivated public attention.
In the early stages, Troyban had displayed overwhelming superiority.
Many believed that Ragnar, which had ruled the North as a dominant power for the past millennium, was finally on the verge of collapse.
However, Ragnar ultimately proved once again that their military might was strong enough to engulf the empire.
The reaction was even more explosive.
- <The Battle for Veros Begins>
- <Veros Residents Unconditionally Surrender>
- <White Flags Flying Over Troyban’s Fortress>
Ultimately, Veros, the massive eastern city where Troyban’s main house was located, fell into Ragnar’s grasp.
Only then did those who had considered the war a distant affair begin to feel its impact.
- <Troyban Branch Families Swear loyalty>
- <Troyban’s Allied Houses Rapidly Surrender>
All economic activities originating from the East came to a halt.
And then,
- <Traces of the Sacred Demon Church Found in Troyban>
The additional announcement from Ragnar once again shook the empire.
- <[Editorial] Was Troyban Truly Associated with the Sacred Demon Church?>
- <Shocking Report: How Deeply Has the Sacred Demon Church Infiltrated?>
By presenting evidence they had collected on the collusion between Troyban and the Sacred Demon Church, Ragnar overturned the favorable public opinion that Troyban had enjoyed.
The Sacred Demon Church had long been one of the most notorious heretical groups, having repeatedly destabilized the empire in the past.
It was a sect denounced as heretical even by the temples that worshipped the gods of the Pantheon, with calls for its absolute eradication.
- <Magic Tower: “Our Contract with Troyban Ended Before the Northern War”>
- <Silk Road Brotherhood: “Trade with the East Ended Long Ago”>
- <Shipping Alliance: “The Sacred Demon Church Has Infiltrated Other Powers Too. We Once Faced a Crisis.”>
- <Joint Statement by the 18 Electors: “None of Us Are Connected to the Sacred Demon Church”>
The 18 major factions that upheld the empire, collectively known as the Electors, scrambled to disassociate themselves from Troyban.
Thus, as public opinion in the empire rapidly shifted in Ragnar’s favor, the scene was set.
---
“There’s not a single mention of the Mad Dragon Emperor in the articles, is there?”
Theo chuckled as he glanced over the headlines of newspapers gathered from all corners.
Julius, sitting opposite him and enjoying the aroma of his coffee, also laughed.
“They hide the ugly side of their house and flaunt the parts they can boast about. That’s the nature of politics.”
“And yet, the Sacred Demon Church hasn’t shown any reaction?”
“None at all. They’ve gone completely into hiding. Even the places we discovered through Black Snow have been vacated.”
“They’re being as cautious as possible.”
“They likely didn’t expect Troyban to collapse. This is all thanks to you.”
Theo scratched his cheek awkwardly, unsure how to respond.
In truth, he had only focused on his mission to capture Torkel.
Now, however, the family’s narrative was beginning to portray Theo as a hero.
The spotlight of this recent achievement was firmly centered on Theo.
Already, major forces, including the White Armored Dragon Cavalry, had issued statements of support for Theo.
- <White Armored Dragon Cavalry Declares Full Support for ‘Theo Ragnar’>
- <Revealed Late: Adopted Son of the Lord of Plum Blossom Palace>
- <Black Snow’s Leader: “Only Theo Ragnar Has the True Qualifications of a Successor”>
- <The Senate’s Silence>
- <Blue Sword Guard Expresses Support for Theo Ragnar>
Additionally, most of the Nine Dragons who were present at the scene either openly supported Theo or tacitly expressed their approval.
The Senate Chairman, Wolfgang, announced neutrality in the succession battle, refraining from any involvement in matters concerning Theo.
Meanwhile, the captain of the Blue Sword Guard, Hrathi, fearing political purges due to his ties with Torkel, was now openly switching allegiance to Theo.
It had become increasingly difficult to find any major factions still hostile toward Theo.
Naturally, this shift in power became a prime topic for media outlets closely observing Ragnar.
- <Rising Star: Who Is ‘Theo Ragnar’?>
- <The Emergence of a Star Surpassing the Fame of the Three Lords and Eight Geniuses>
This new star was given a title— Night Demon Star.
Theo felt both elated and slightly embarrassed by the new moniker.
“Well, as long as I keep squeezing everything out of the Soaring Dragon technique, something worthwhile will come of it.”
Despite the rising fame, Theo remained grounded. He knew the road to claiming the throne was long and difficult.
To reach that seat, he would have to annihilate the Sacred Demon Church, the root of the Great Catastrophe.
It was for this reason he hoped Ed, who Julius had successfully captured in the recent battle, would finally talk.
Of course, Ed remained stubbornly silent, seemingly unafraid of death.
If you’re going to kill me, go ahead, his attitude practically screamed.
‘It’s not like he’s relying on something or that he’s completely given up. Just what is he thinking?’
Should he meet Ed face-to-face? Theo was seriously contemplating it.
“In any case, you’re the main character of tonight’s victory ceremony, so don’t be late. There’s a very special gift waiting for you, so look forward to it,” Julius said with a wink and a grin.
Theo chuckled faintly and nodded in response.
As Julius suggested, tonight’s victory ceremony would be one of the most significant events in Theo’s life.
After all, it was a gathering where,
‘Even Kinkarnon, who has remained hidden until now, is said to be attending.’
All the current contenders for succession would be present.
* * *
If you were to ask the residents of Winterer about the current atmosphere at the Fourth Training Hall, they would all give the same answer.
- A place where not a single day passes quietly.
Even after Theo had left, the energy he instilled remained unchanged. Sparring and training among his followers continued relentlessly.
Many who visited out of curiosity, wanting to become as strong as Theo, often found themselves unable to keep up with the grueling regimen and left clicking their tongues in frustration.
Today, however, the Fourth Training Hall was far noisier than usual.
“Hurry up! Quickly!”
“Move faster, you slackers! If you don’t get moving, you’ll miss out on a good spot!”
The commotion was due to news of the victory ceremony.
Knowing that Theo would undoubtedly be the star of the event, everyone was scrambling to secure a close spot to witness it.
“I wish Lady Evelyn and Lord Wellington were here too!”
“Exactly! But what can we do? They’re both busy with their missions.”
“By the way, has anyone heard what their missions are about?”
“Not me.”
“Same here.”
“Could it be a secret mission?”
The followers felt a twinge of disappointment over the absence of the two people who were always by Theo’s side.
Rumors had already reached them that Theo might be appointed the Young Master. Naturally, they all wanted to celebrate together during such a historic moment.
“Well then, we’ll just have to cheer twice as hard to make up for their absence!”
“Exactly! Let’s do it!”
“Alright, listen up!”
Clap, clap!
With a round of applause, all eyes turned to one side.
“Pay attention, you fools! If any of you embarrass yourselves today and tarnish Lord Theo’s reputation, I’ll make sure you all dunk your heads into ice water! Got it?”
Here, “embarrassing themselves” referred to cheering less enthusiastically than other groups or failing to secure a front-row seat.
“Of course!”
“We’ll keep that in mind!”
“Then let’s gooooo!”
“Let’s gooooo!”
The followers, all equally excited, began to move as one.
* * *
The Victory Dragon Pavilion—a massive venue capable of hosting all major events in Winterer—was bustling with people.
All members of Ragnar, except those away on critical missions, were ordered to attend. Furthermore, the Nine Dragons, key families like the Six Snow Families, and their affiliated households had also gathered.
Just before entering the event hall, Cecilia took a deep breath, appearing uncharacteristically tense.
Kirsion, on the other hand, smoked her pipe nonchalantly, seemingly unable to understand Cecilia’s reaction.
“You’re usually so hysterical. Why the sudden change here?”
“Well, of course, it’s because our son will be in the spotlight. Shouldn’t we at least ensure we don’t disgrace him?”
“As if anyone would dare ignore a boy who’s both Theodore’s son and the grandson of the Vasque Workshop’s Master Artisan. You think anyone in the North is starving enough to try that?”
Kirsion scoffed dismissively.
In the past, Theo might have been disregarded as nothing more than an illegitimate son from a common harem.
But now, such talk would get one’s head swiftly removed.
Cecilia’s business had taken off like a home run, and the Vasque Workshop—using Theo as its advertisement model—was experiencing unprecedented growth.
With the support of Plum Blossom Palace and the White Armored Dragon Cavalry, Theo’s status was now the closest to the throne among all contenders.
Not to mention the growing number of followers rallying behind him.
After Torkel’s annihilation with the Black Iron Cavalry during the Northern War, this sentiment had only intensified.
The name “Theo” was no longer just a name but a phenomenon in itself.
‘Rumor has it the successor announcement might happen at this victory ceremony.’
Initially, Kirsion had planned to send a representative in her place for the event.
But if the rumors turned out to be true, the North would witness an upheaval the likes of which it had never seen before.
As a businesswoman, how could she miss such a historic moment?
‘Advertising! I’ve already poured a fortune into it—there’s no way I’m sitting this one out!’
With a fiery resolve to seize greater profits, Kirsion’s eyes burned with determination.
“Let’s move, or we won’t even get to see that grandson of mine. Come on!”
She shoved Cecilia forward, forcing her inside the venue.
After the drawn-out and intricate ceremonial procedures concluded,
“I will now begin the conferment of rewards.”
At Kyle’s single declaration, all attention in the room sharply focused on him.