Chapter 130

Before the congressional assembly began, Vittorio gave Theo a single request.

– Think of it as a performance.

– Take over the pride of those congressmen whose heads are stuffed with nothing but rubbish. If you can prove your ability to me, I’ll actively support you in all future matters.

The message was clear: prove your worth so that I can go all-in on you.

This was a necessary step for Theo as well.

Simply taking control of the Temple Knights and Black Skull wouldn’t be enough to control everything in the Floating Archipelago.

So Theo had readily agreed.

Whispering, whispering

The congressmen, meanwhile, were too busy shifting in their seats as they eyed him.

They probably thought they were speaking in hushed tones, but to Theo, their voices were as clear as if they were conversing right next to him.

– Is that the one rumored to have received Kriemhild’s Mysteries?

– He seems younger than I expected.

– But let’s not dismiss him just because he’s young. He managed to drive away the Ghost Slayer Squad, something we couldn’t do.

Despite countless gazes being fixated on him, Theo showed no signs of tension.

“I am Theo, a Practical Swordsman of Ragnar. It’s an honor to meet the esteemed congressmen leading Venota Island and the Floating Archipelago’s autonomous territories.”

– Practical Swordsman? Not an Advanced Swordsman?

– Is he hiding his strength? Or is it that the Mysteries grant such power?

– But that name, have you ever heard it? Theo Ragnar, Theo Ragnar… This is my first time hearing it.

– Exactly. Someone of his skill would’ve made a name for himself by now.

Theo’s reputation had only been known within Winterer, as he had no prior activities outside, so no one had heard of him before.

“Silence! Silence, everyone.”

Bang, bang!

Once it quieted down, Vittorio spoke again.

“Theo Ragnar. The assembly has a few truths to confirm with you. Could you answer truthfully?”

Theo nodded.

“I swear on Ragnar’s honor that from this moment on, every word I speak shall be free of any falsehood.”

“Well then, this should make things easier. I know how deeply the swordsmen of Ragnar take pride in their house.”

Vittorio posed several questions, and each time, Theo answered truthfully, sharing his experiences without embellishment.

The congressmen, while jointly enraged at the Ghost Slayer Squad’s atrocities, pondered how they themselves would have responded if in his place.

The answer?

Naturally, the answer was “Difficult.”

It seemed that the seat of a hero wasn’t something just anyone could attain.

Following Theo’s testimony, additional witnesses who were present at the scene gave their statements as well.

With each one, cheers and exclamations echoed from various spots.

These came from the Temple Knights, Black Skull, or the young congressmen associated with them.

As a result, only the older congressmen were left shifting in their seats and clearing their throats uncomfortably.

They had only intended to keep Theo in check, but now it bothered them that public opinion was overwhelmingly in his favor.

Meanwhile, the more perceptive congressmen didn’t miss the subtle shift in atmosphere.

‘The one holding the reins now isn’t the Governor, but Theo Ragnar, Kriemhild’s successor!’

This was the thought that arose in their minds collectively.

Theo’s presence had, at some point, eclipsed Vittorio’s, filling the entire assembly hall.

– In an atmosphere like this…

– It won’t be easy to keep him in check.

– The Governor has likely decided to back Theo Ragnar fully, intending to consolidate his power through him!

The congressmen swallowed nervously.

There wasn’t the slightest gap between Theo and Vittorio that they could exploit.

“Kriemhild has indeed blessed the Floating Archipelago by sending such a remarkable successor. She has saved us twice from potential threats—first from the Sea King, and next, from Troyban.”

“You flatter me.”

“In that case, I do have something I wish to ask. When you first arrived at the Floating Archipelago, why did you use an alias?”

“It was because I didn’t want to draw Troyban’s attention.”

Theo’s official reason for visiting the Floating Archipelago was simple.

The return of the Dragon Slayer Sword.

“As I mentioned, I came as an envoy representing Ragnar to return Balmung, which was acquired from Troyban as a trophy. However, because I wasn’t certain of how deeply Troyban’s influence had penetrated the Floating Archipelago, I had to use an alias and proceed cautiously.”

And, as you witnessed, Grimahl nearly handed over the Floating Archipelago to Troyban. Theo added this final remark, letting his gaze sweep across the assembly.

Those congressmen who had close ties with Grimahl turned their heads away or looked downward. Meeting Theo’s gaze felt like it might lead them to be dragged out by the Temple Knights.

“Indeed, thanks to you, the Floating Archipelago was saved from crisis. On behalf of all the residents of the autonomous territories, I once again extend my gratitude.”

“Thank you.”

“However, I do have one more question.”

Vittorio’s eyes narrowed.

“All crises are now over. So, as you mentioned, do you intend to return Balmung and Aegir?”

Hm?

The congressmen who had been disheartened by their loss quietly raised their heads.

– What is this? The atmosphere feels a bit tense, doesn’t it?

– Did you feel it too? Those two seem to be running on parallel lines.

– Could the Governor be wary of Kriemhild’s successor…?

– There’s definitely something going on! It’s certain!

Without a word, Theo drew the Dragon Slayer Sword from its sheath.

Srrng!

A surge of blue energy swept out like a storm.

Goooooo—

Drawing a weapon in the sacred assembly hall constituted an act of treason.

Several congressmen considered pointing this out but found themselves unable to speak up.

Not the Temple Knights, nor Black Skull. Even Vittorio’s granddaughter, Marti, stayed silent.

Their trust in Theo was resolute.

“I will, of course, return it. However—”

Thunk!

Theo plunged the Dragon Slayer Sword straight into the floor, lifting his head abruptly.

“There is an issue. Balmung, in its current state, rejects the touch of anyone it does not recognize as its master.”

Theo scanned the faces of Vittorio and the other congressmen, smiling as he did so.

“Would any of you care to take it?”

– …….

– …….

A moment of silence passed among the congressmen.

A few with a competitive streak arched their eyebrows at what seemed like a provocative question.

“I am Caravaggio Romano, a second-term congressman. Does this mean that, should we fail to retrieve Balmung, you have no intention of returning it?”

A robust middle-aged man glared at Theo, as if he could devour him on the spot.

Theo shook his head with a calm smile.

“Of course not. I simply meant to point out that if no one can draw Balmung, which is now unsealed, then it will serve as nothing more than an ornament.”

“So… if someone were able to draw it, are you suggesting that person could wield it?”

“In that case, that person would be entitled to use Balmung as the representative of the Floating Archipelago.”

Greed gleamed in Caravaggio’s eyes.

To be recognized by Balmung—such an idea would tantalize any power-hungry politician.

After all, it meant becoming the one who ‘represents’ the Floating Archipelago.

“That’s true. Leaving a divine sword like Balmung just as a decoration wouldn’t make sense.”

Muttering to himself, Caravaggio glanced toward Vittorio.

A silent question: was he allowed to attempt it?

When Vittorio nodded, Caravaggio quickly rose from his seat and descended from the platform.

He grasped Balmung.

The veins bulging on his arms hinted that he was quite a skilled swordsman.

But then—

Clang!

Balmung trembled violently, shaking off Caravaggio’s grip.

“Gah!”

– What? Ahh!

– Why is it coming this way? Everyone, get back!

Boom!

Caravaggio coughed up blood as he was flung backward, landing in the middle of the congressmen’s seats.

A screeching erupted in the assembly hall as alarmed congressmen scrambled frantically, their footsteps adding to the chaos.

Woooong! Wooong!

But Balmung remained serene, still vibrating with an air of unyielding arrogance.

“As you can see, this sword is quite temperamental. Gaining its recognition won’t be so easy.”

While some congressmen exchanged worried glances, whispering to each other about what to do next, others felt their competitive spirits flare up and sprang to their feet.

“I’ll give it a try!”

“Allow me as well. Back in the day, I did make a name for myself on the continent.”

“Ahem. I’ll give it a go, too.”

Each of them had one thought in mind.

‘If an outsider succeeded, surely I, too, can gain Balmung’s approval!’

But the results were the same each time.

Either they were thrown back by Balmung’s resistance, or, if they managed to endure briefly, they ended up fainting due to a backlash of magic power.

– This is ridiculous…!

– Did you do something to Balmung? Otherwise, why would it reject us like this?

The congressmen began to suspect Theo, but—

Claaang!

Their minds went blank at the clear ringing that resonated the instant Theo touched Balmung.

Even those unfamiliar with swords felt an overwhelming sense that the Dragon Slayer Sword welcomed Theo alone with vigour.

As if to confirm this—

Fwoosh—

The faint image of Kriemhild appeared above Theo’s head, scanning the assembly with a sweeping gaze before silently fading away.

All the congressmen fell silent, their lips pressed shut.

It was as if Kriemhild’s will, embedded within the Dragon Slayer Sword, was blaming them for their inadequacies.

Clack—

Theo effortlessly drew Balmung, resting it casually on his shoulder.

“If you wish for its return, I’ll hand it back. But personally, I think it would be far more fitting for someone to represent the Floating Archipelago, spreading Kriemhild’s name rather than leaving it buried here. What do you think?”

Theo followed the direction Kriemhild’s image had gazed, turning his eyes in the same manner.

The congressmen, however, quietly lowered or turned their heads to avoid his gaze.

There was no dissent.

“It seems that everyone here shares my opinion.”

With Theo’s words,

Bang, bang, bang!

Vittorio struck his gavel powerfully three times, a look of deep satisfaction lingering on his face.

999

The final resolution of the assembly was as follows:

– Theo Ragnar shall return ownership of the Dragon Slayer Sword, Balmung, and the Dragon Armor, Aegir, to the original owner, the Autonomous Territory of the Floating Archipelago.

– However, in recognition of Balmung’s value and as a mark of respect to Kriemhild’s successor, the Autonomous Territory shall Balmung to Theo Ragnar. The lending period is limited to Theo Ragnar’s lifetime, and upon his death or if he loses his title as Kriemhild’s successor, he must return it immediately.

– As a condition of Balmung’s loan, Theo Ragnar shall establish a mutually beneficial relationship with the Autonomous Territory of the Floating Archipelago and, in return, shall make efforts to share Kriemhild’s Mysteries, including , with the Autonomous Territory.

.

.

The critical point here was that Theo had entered into a as an individual in an equal relationship with the Autonomous Territory assembly.

In his personal capacity—not as a representative of House of Ragnar.

The Autonomous Territory of the Floating Archipelago held considerable political clout within the Empire, with its status as an elector capable of selecting the Emperor.

Since Theo was now standing shoulder-to-shoulder with such a powerful entity, the contract’s contents would inevitably spread, and Theo’s reputation was sure to soar as a result.

As expected, over the past few days, journalists who had been watching the rapidly changing political situation in the Floating Archipelago began publishing articles en masse about these events.

Among them were numerous articles questioning Troyban’s morality, though these soon vanished under unseen pressure.

Instead, articles celebrating Theo as a new hero of the era dominated the media.

The quick-witted journalists even uncovered that Theo was the rumored , currently stirring up Winterer.

One article even dug up Cecilia, a former sensation in the theater world who had quietly disappeared.

Oh my! It’s an article about Lord Theo! And they’ve even included Lady Cecilia’s picture!

This was irresistible!

One of the Camellia Palace’s maids, who had stepped out on a quick errand, grabbed a newspaper from a stall and darted back to Camellia Palace—no, to Cecilia’s shop.

Lady Ceciliiia! It’s breaking news, breaking news!

But she came to a sudden halt.

The Mistress of Plum Blossom Palace was entering the shop.