Chapter 83

Chapter 84: The Inheritance Ceremony

Finally, the day had arrived.

From morning until afternoon.

Everywhere, numerous servants moved about energetically, smiles on their faces.

It was a scene that gave no hint of the chaos that would ensue in a few hours.

Inside the annex.

Preparations were in full swing there.

Ersel was in charge of this task.

"Master, this outfit looks good."

Starting with a lavish costume filled with red hues.

"No, this one might be better... The blue definitely suits you well. It goes well with your silver hair."

A suit-like outfit with a white base, blue and gold accents.

How many outfits does she plan to make me try on?

I’m not a living mannequin.

It was hard to protest.

The sparkle in the eyes of the young man who was changing my clothes was too evident.

It felt like he was finally showing a side that matched his age.

"Still, the red outfit from before was better..."

Sigh.

At this rate, it will never end.

Although I had prepared in advance, so there was no need to rush, spending over an hour on clothes was a bit much.

"Let’s go with this one. The white with blue. It’s clean."

"Do you think so?"

"Yeah, it suits you well. As you said, the color matches your silver hair perfectly."

"You’re right. It suits you very well."

With the satisfied nod of the young man, I finally managed to finish the preparations.

My party, heading to the inner castle, began to gather. They were fully armed.

The Inheritance Ceremony.

A festival to celebrate the selection of the next heir.

It was a tradition that, for this day, knights could set aside their duties and enjoy themselves, wearing only a sword and casual clothes.

‘It’s not mandatory, but...’

Still, most followed the tradition.

‘But...’

It’s a bit ridiculous to wear casual clothes when you know a rebellion is about to happen.

So I gave the order to be properly armed. Whether or not you have armor can determine half of your survival.

4:00 PM.

My party and I began to move towards the inner castle. Preparations for the festival were already in full swing everywhere.

Servants moved about busily, smiles on their faces.

The entire fief probably had this atmosphere.

The Inheritance Ceremony.

One of the grandest festivals you might experience only a couple of times in your life.

On this day, everything was tax-free, and the family’s storerooms were opened to distribute a large amount of food.

It was only natural that everyone would enjoy it.

The attention of the fief’s residents on the next heir was also a benefit.

The moment we entered the inner castle.

Decorated items and food piled up like a feast caught my eye.

It looked like a five-star hotel buffet.

"Wow."

The Sword Demon Squad, which followed me closely, looked bewildered.

The inner castle was already filled with numerous retainers and knights.

Among them, the most crowded area was where Abel and Adolf, the main characters of this banquet, stood. Both were dressed in suit-like outfits, smiling and conversing with the gathered crowd.

‘Quite a crowd.’

Abel would handle it well on his own.

So, I had someone else to find.

The spacious banquet hall.

After looking around for about ten minutes, I found the person.

Duke Seltarion.

Since he had little influence, I hadn’t paid attention to him in previous playthroughs.

This time was different.

The fact that Adolf cared so much about him meant he was someone I had to protect.

‘He’s still alive.’

Fortunately, he hadn’t been eliminated before the banquet.

He seemed to have followed my instructions faithfully.

Why he had so little influence was evident from the current situation. A few people were around him, but they were just ordinary characters.

‘At best, they’re mid-level knights.’

The retainers were vigorously shaking their bells for the candidates they supported.

That’s why no one would have found it strange if he hadn’t shown up at the Inheritance Ceremony.

Abel wouldn’t have cared about him if I hadn’t.

Adolf, being the one who planned to eliminate him, wouldn’t have mentioned his whereabouts.

"Hans?"

"Yes, Master."

"Since you’re the deputy leader, take charge of the group. It’s an important event, so control them strictly to prevent any accidents."

"Yes, Master. I won’t let anything happen."

"Good. Do your best."

Leaving the Sword Demon Squad to Hans, I approached Duke with Selon, Leonhardt, and Ersel.

The knights around him automatically gave us space.

That’s the power of status.

Duke looked at me with surprise.

"...Kyle?"

"Why so surprised? I just came to talk to you."

"To me?"

His expression suggested he was wondering why I hadn’t gone to talk to the main characters of the banquet.

Of course, you’re more important.

Abel can protect himself, so he’s safe.

So, protecting Duke is the best option.

If he dies in the chaos, it would be very troublesome.

‘Who knows what coin might flip from that question mark? That can’t happen.’

To protect him,

"If you have nothing to do, why don’t you come with me?"

First, I needed to keep Duke close.

Even if the rebellion starts, they won’t target me immediately.

‘Of course, they’ll want to keep me alive.’

As long as I’m with me, he can avoid the initial danger.

Of course, once I start to act, all sorts of enemies will try to kill me, but that can be dealt with later.

I had already explained everything to my direct subordinates, so they wouldn’t be caught off guard.

"...With you?"

"Yeah. What’s the point of standing in a corner and sipping drinks?"

"...I’m fine."

"I’m not fine. We should greet the elders and all."

Duke scratched his cheek at that.

He seemed quite embarrassed.

It was like a popular guy talking to a friend who was a social outcast at school.

It also meant my standing in the family had risen significantly.

If I had to describe it, my reputation had gone from a hopeless troublemaker to a promising rookie.

"...Alright. Thanks."

"You’re welcome. Oh, do you know my party? You know Leonhardt. This is Ersel, my personal maid."

Ersel bowed slightly.

"Hello, Third Prince. I’m Ersel."

"...Thanks. Nice to meet you."

"This is Selon. He’s Leonhardt’s apprentice."

"...I’m Selon."

After a brief introduction,

Duke’s bodyguards and my party exchanged greetings.

Ermun.

He was also one of the higher-level knights, though his potential was lower than my bodyguards. Still, as a high-level knight, he would be a valuable addition.

After joining Duke,

I quietly observed Adolf.

Knights were bustling around him, like messengers delivering news.

He was probably receiving reports on the movements of various units and other variables.

After waiting for ten years, and with only one chance, he would be in constant communication.

The expressions on his face were quite varied.

Stiff, then relaxed.

His expressions were changing in real-time.

I don’t know what he was hearing, but among the news, there was probably word that Abel’s forces were on the move.

‘He must think it’s doable with that many troops.’

Ten thousand troops, driven by madness, against Abel’s twelve thousand.

He must think he can win.

He had no idea about the mana bombs I had created.

A hundred mana bombs.

I had already distributed them to Abel’s subordinates.

One hit and,

‘He’ll be writhing in agony, that bastard.’

While Adolf was making his final decision,

Lord Remton appeared.

On the highest dais in the inner castle.

He looked around.

The noisy inner castle gradually fell silent.

After the silence,

he began to speak.

"Let’s begin the Inheritance Ceremony."

Papapam?!

As soon as he finished, beautiful music began to play.

After the music ended, Lord Remton slowly continued.

"For nearly twenty years, I have watched the two of you and struggled with a difficult decision. Who should lead the next generation of our family? Both my sons, but to be honest, both have shown exceptional talent, making the decision difficult."

Lord Remton continued his speech.

Abel and Adolf.

The topic was their life achievements.

What they had accomplished.

How both were excellent knights.

While Lord Remton spoke,

a pale yellow sunset began to spread across the sky.

"...The decision was difficult, but I have made it. Abel, Adolf, come to the dais."

"..."

At his words, Abel and Adolf ascended the dais.

Lord Remton spoke to the two, who were kneeling.

"...I have known for a long time that you two have taken different paths. However, I believe the bond of blood will always be strong. I hope both of you will continue to work for the glory of the family."

"Yes!"

The two answered loudly.

For the glory of the family, they would work, or so it seemed.

Meanwhile,

Lord Remton seemed to have made his decision and spoke with determination.

"Now, I will announce to all who the next heir will be! The twentieth head of the Seltarion family is... Abel!"

Cheers erupted.

"Abel Seltarion, long live!"

"Long live!"

The atmosphere in the hall was divided.

Abel’s supporters were cheering loudly.

On the other hand, Adolf’s subordinates were in a terrifying silence.

They were watching their master’s reaction closely.

‘I need to prepare.’

My party was already ready for battle.

I was no different.

Using a hybrid activation method, I had activated the Hide Mana Force, which could conceal my mana for a certain period.

Additionally, I had targeted Adolf with the Target On spell.

Finally, I activated one more spell.

Hold.

To bind the space around him.

I was using the real activation method for this spell.

Casting three spells simultaneously, one using the game’s activation method, made my head spin.

Gritting my teeth, I aimed the spell as discreetly as possible.

The sky grew darker.

Adolf’s body was also darkening.

‘He’s opening up.’

As expected.

This ending never changes.

It was a scene I had seen many times in the game.

Thus, my judgment was swift.

My spell was already flying towards him at bullet speed.

He was in the pre-activation phase.

Once this phase ends, even a spell using the game’s activation method won’t be able to restrain him. He would instantly reach the Sword Master level.

To interfere even a little, now was the perfect time.

"..."

As the dark aura around him intensified, Lord Remton seemed to sense something and his eyes twitched.

My Hold spell took control of the space around him.

Bang!

A loud noise echoed on the dais.

It was the sound of Lord Remton’s sword clashing with his.