The Bastard’s Way of Life of the Returning Swordsman

Episode 31

Flowering Ceremony (1)

that time.

Theo was organizing the message that kept popping up in front of his eyes.

[Many people are deeply interested in your performance.]

.

[‘Robert Ragnar’ is watching you closely.]

[‘Osa Ragnar Prunus’ wants to accept you as a disciple.]

[‘Julius Ragnar’ is dissatisfied with the attention being given to you.]

[Luck greatly increases.]

‘Since my luck has been restored, receiving people’s recognition has become much easier. With this blooming ceremony, I will be able to become famous much faster than I expected.’

Theo enjoyed the fact that he had begun to attract the attention of several 9 dragons.

Two of them caught my eye.

First, Robert Ragnar.

It may seem like an ordinary name at first glance, but in fact it was the hidden ‘real name’ of Black Dragon.

I thought I was on another mission because I wasn’t in the audience.

Where else were you watching?

Although he has no connection with the Ministry of Information in this lifetime.

Still, it was because he had immersed himself in the past, and he had the Moonbaek Sword, which was also the Black Dragon’s favorite sword, so his eyes went to him for nothing.

‘Of course, I have no intention of getting involved again.’

Being involved with Heukseol was enough in the past life.

The second was Osa Prunus.

Northern First Sword.

It was the real name of the first wife, who was also famous as the owner of Maehwa Palace.

She wants to accept her as a disciple.

It was an unexpected reaction even for Theo.

‘In my previous life, I received my first two disciples about two or three years later. Both were killed during the Great War.’

Looking back and thinking about it now, there were many suspicious corners in the deaths of the disciples of Maehwagungju at the time.

He wondered if he might have been assassinated as a result of a dispute over his successor, like himself.

At that time, there were quite a few people who were conscious of the students of the Maehwa Palace.

That’s why continuing the progress of the first wife has no choice but to have a lot of influence on Ragnar’s political world.

So, if you become a disciple of the Maehwagungju, it must mean that there is a high possibility that you will be swept along in such a risk.

However, it is clear that being able to study from a girl with excellent skills that even Kyle acknowledges is a great opportunity.

Above all, isn’t there an advantage that the position as the successor can be greatly strengthened?

It could be said that everything had a one-size-fits-all.

But.

There was something else that Theo was most happy about than the Nine Dragons’ recognition.

[‘Hilda Ragnar’ shows interest in you.]

That it was recognized by the head of the Jeonjeondae.

In fact, it was the part he wanted the most in this opening ceremony.

Hilda was the legend of Ragnar.

Just getting her interest could be a huge advantage.

‘Especially the heart of Garuda that Hilda has… … If I can get it.’

He will be able to overcome the fatal weakness that Ragnar’s dragon body must have.

Of course, Hilda wouldn’t just give away that kind of reward.

Theo was satisfied with the fact that Hilda was starting to become aware of his presence.

If you continue to show an interesting appearance in the upcoming 2nd and 3rd flowering ceremonies.

I don’t know if she will react somehow first.

While enjoying the interest of many people like that, while organizing the plan in detail.

“Wellington Nar, come forward!”

Finally, Wellington’s name was called.

It was the last order.

Theo looked at Wellington’s back as he slowly climbed up the podium.

Somehow, unlike usual, the impression was hardened, so I wondered if something had happened.

So the final exam is being held.

-her… … !

-It seems that another monster has appeared… … .

-Is this jockey really different, even if it’s something different?

All the test takers who saw the traces he left were in shock.

It was only slightly inferior to Theo Ragnar, but the traces he left behind were overwhelming compared to the other test takers.

“Serve Wellington.”

After examining it meticulously, the judge exclaimed.

“pass!”

Clap!

Wellington quietly slipped his sword into the scabbard and came down the stage.

Like it’s very natural.

* * *

“I will announce the rankings from now on!”

after all tests are over.

The eyes of the test takers looking at the judges were burning brightly.

Some even looked at it with the thought of ‘maybe?’

“Chief, Theo Ragnar!”

Everyone let out a sigh at the thought of ‘yes’.

-Ahh… … !

-In the end, Seomho… … !

-What did the idiot of the Rose Palace do? How the hell do you get a knife like that?

“Everyone be quiet! From now on, those who interfere with the announcement of the results will be disqualified.”

The area under the podium instantly fell silent.

“Theo Ragnar’s score is 10 out of 10. There was no superfluity in technique, magic power, control, or speed. Even the depth of the cut was similar to that recorded by Prince ‘Torkel’, which surprised many examiners.”

-her! 10 points!

-In addition, he said that he recorded as much as Prince Torkel… … ?

-Nonsense… … !

-You mean it was that great?

-… … The black iron base is about to turn upside down.

The reaction of the test takers this time was much more shocking than before.

Thorkell Ragnar.

He was one of the ‘five candidates’ who are currently known to be closest to the next succession.

In terms of talent, he is said to be far superior to Kyle in his younger days.

In addition, he was also the captain of the black iron corps, which is said to be comparable to the Baekgap dragon corps.

Of course, I would be surprised if such an achievement matched what Thorkel showed at the Flowering Ceremony.

The gaze of the examiners looking at Theo was much different than the first time.

“Although the depth does not reach that, it is true that it is great. Do not be conceited, and do your best so that you can demonstrate the same skills as you do now at the second flowering ceremony.”

Theo responded by lowering his head.

The test takers around them were now looking at Theo as the object to be most wary of.

“Second seat is Wellington Nar. As expected, it was given a perfect score of 10, but unfortunately it was classified as second because it was shorter than Theo Ragnar.”

The appearance of the second perfect scorer.

The audience was no longer quiet.

“The third place is Axion Ragnar. Number 4 is Ray Ragnar. In fifth place is Holcus Ranke. 6th place… … !”

Applicants who were notified of acceptance cheered, and those classified as unsuccessful knelt in frustration.

After such an uproar, it swept away like a storm.

“The second flowering ceremony is scheduled to take place in three days. In the meantime, check your equipment and pay attention to condition management. Disband then.”

The judge declared the end of the 1st flowering ceremony.

* * *

– Come on, move quickly. Others shouldn’t take it first. Hurry!

There was an uproar.

The appearance of a perfect scorer for the first time in more than ten years and the appearance of a person comparable to Torquell in the past.

Of course, various units and organizations had no choice but to pay attention to recruit them.

As soon as the end of the opening ceremony was declared, numerous executives in the audience were busy moving.

Someone wanted to contact the chief who was out in a far country.

Also, to see if someone has a hidden background behind the perfect scorers.

* * *

“For Prince Theo and Prince Wellington’s successive top and bottom positions!”

“for!”

“for!”

＜Wanderer’s Shelter＞ has now become a regular shop for Theo and his followers.

Today was much busier than other days.

It was because Theo and Wellington swept the top and bottom seats of the first flowering ceremony.

“Kya! It’s amazing that they placed 1st and 2nd next to each other, but both of them got a perfect score right next to each other. Is this really possible?”

“So you’re really great.”

“This is the potential of our 4th gymnasium, that’s what I mean!”

What inspired followers the most was the score of the two.

Who would have expected that the judges and examiners of the famously picky Flowering Ceremony would give it a perfect 10?

Evelyn seemed to be enjoying this moment as well.

‘It’s nice to see everyone having fun.’

Theo sipped on the orange juice through a straw and glanced back at Wellington.

‘Is something really going on?’

From the first flowering ceremony until now, Wellington has not spoken more than ten words.

He simply replies that it’s okay if Theo and the others sneak up on him.

That’s why I didn’t ask further.

Eventually, until the after party was over, Wellington remained silent.

“… … Prince Theo.”

Then at night, on the way back to the house.

Wellington suddenly called him after walking quietly down the street at night with Theo.

“Are we friends?”

Words that don’t make sense at all.

However, Theo nodded his head calmly.

Wellington let out a sigh of relief as if he was relieved.

Then, he said with a more relaxed face as if he had never done that.

“Thank you. Thanks to you, I was able to organize everything that was complicated. Then see you tomorrow. Enter with caution.”

Theo watched Wellington’s back until he went inside.

‘I don’t know what’s going on, but I’m glad it seems to have settled down.’

The second flowering ceremony won’t go smoothly enough to be able to participate with idle thoughts.

The second test site was a rough area where even the slightest mistake could cost you your life.

‘Besides, in the winter mountains… … No matter what happens, there are things that must be obtained.’

Theo was about to go to Dongbaek Palace while letting out a sigh of relief.

dig-

Theo pulled out the normal sword he had been carrying around and swung it in the opposite direction.

Chaaang!

In an instant, with a clear metal sound, the space where there was nothing shook and someone jumped out.

A face that didn’t know if it would be noticed.

Theo didn’t hesitate and swung his sword again.

I was thinking of pulling out the moonbaek sword if I had to.

“Now, stop for a second! I am not a suspicious person!”

“Aren’t you a suspicious person who secretly stepped on my back? bullshit.”

Theo snorted and was about to slam his sword into the scruff of the guy’s neck, but he hurriedly backed away and shouted,

“Really! I can prove my identity!”

Theo stopped attacking for a moment.

“Ugh… … ! I wanted to check if my skills were the same as usual. If I did it twice, my life would not be spared.”

“Stop talking nonsense. Didn’t you say you could prove your identity?”

“Okay. Hmmm! I am Gatsby Yotan, a member of the Whirlwind Blade.”

The guy cleared his throat lightly and pulled out his ID.

Theo’s eyes widened slightly.

gale sword. It was one of the strike forces that Ragnar was proud of.

A place where quite talented prosecutors gather.

In particular, Kyle’s cousin was sitting at the Danju position, so he had quite a strong breath.

Gatsby said with a confident smile, as if he finally thought Theo was interested.

“The commander of this unit liked Prince Theo’s performance at the opening ceremony, so he sent me.”

To put it simply, it meant that he had come to scout.

‘I expected the bite to come, but I didn’t know it would come already.’

Theo clicked his tongue inwardly.

It’s been less than a day since the first flowering ceremony ended, but I thought it was really fast.

“So ‘specially’ Prince Theo said that if he wanted, he would give him a chance to take the qualification test to join this unit.”

However, the content is a bit strange.

“It’s not an offer to join, come to see the test?”

“exactly. Even Confucius must have heard of the reputation of the Storm Sword Team. You can be proud of yourself just for getting the chance.”

Gatsby was confident.

Theo will soon burst into tears saying thank you.

‘huh! It was a proposal directly handed to by the leader of a bastard and a bastard. Of course, it wouldn’t be enough even if I fell down and accepted it.’

In fact, the captain of the Storm Blade had never mentioned the joining test to Theo.

On the contrary, Theo’s side could set any condition as long as it wasn’t for the position of general manager.

Instead, he insisted that he be sure to bring him to the unit.

But Gatsby didn’t like that at all.

No matter how much he took the top spot, at best it would have been just a good record in the first round.

It made me sick to my stomach that he had already treated me so unconventionally.

So we changed our words along the way.

To make you realize Theo’s ‘theme’.

By the way.

“Pahahahahaha! What kind of sickness is this? Even if you carry it, it will not be enough… … what? An entrance test?”

“Who are you!”

Gatsby frowned at the sound of ridicule and turned his head away, only to be startled.

“Boo, fire goblin… … ?”

“Huh? You know who I am and still call me that way?”

“Huup!”

Gatsby hurriedly covered his mouth with both hands.

A woman walking out of an alley had a long earring hanging from one earlobe, and a huge black ax knife hanging from her back.

Theo made a strange expression.

Because he knew who she was.

‘Fire Goblin’ Ayan Sosori.

He was the vice-captain of the Black Iron Regiment.

An existence that turns all enemies that collide into fire skewers as much as it has a fiery personality.

That notoriety was very common even in Ragnar.

Of course, I couldn’t compare myself to Gatsby.

“Princess Theo Ragnar, unlike those idiots, our captain wants to invite you right away to join the Black Iron Guild. Do you have any thoughts?”

Gatsby was startled.

The Black Iron Base was a closed group with a high nose, to the extent that it was said that every year at the Flowering Ceremony, if you take one person, you will take many.

Even that had a probationary period of at least 5 years, and was notorious for dropping most of them.

By the way, you called me an official member from the beginning?

It was an unprecedented event.

‘It took me, me, me too to be recognized as an official member of the Storm Sword Team, and it took me 10 full years, how the hell… … !’

The problem was not only that.

Where on earth did he appear from hiding? Suddenly, scouts poured in here and there.

“Nice to meet you. Call it the Black Swordsman. Three years later, he staked his position on Prince Theo… … !”

“This is the Law Office. The Commissioner made a promise to give Gongja direct swordsmanship instruction… … !”

“This is the Security Department. All the support you want so that you can achieve good grades in this selection test… … !”

The surroundings quickly became a mess.

“These people come out of nowhere! Where are you cutting in! Aren’t you standing in a straight line?”

“What a string! You stand!”

“The person who takes it is the owner, what kind of bastard… … !”

Later on, it was to the point of grabbing each other saying that we had to take Theo away.

Gatsby lost his temper in an instant.

All these situations happening because of one person came too unrealistic.

‘If I continue to stay here, there will be trouble.’

Meanwhile, Theo grinned and looked for a way to get out of the room.

But.

“If I recklessly set foot in a place where everyone is paying attention, I’m likely to be criticized for being overzealous… … Still, if you want to win the favor of talented people, you have to endure that level of shame, right?”

A voice suddenly resounded from the sky.

It was very clear, but it had a dignity that made me bow my head just by listening to it.

The people who had been arguing over Theo raised their heads hurriedly.

And I was in for a big shock.

“Mae, Maehwa Palace Lord… … ?”

“Why is Mrs. 1 coming to a place like this in person… … ?”

on the roof of a distant building.

The Maehwa Palace was standing tall with her back to the moon, looking down.

With a thin smile on his lips.

「What is it? Like you, I also went for a walk to see Theo Ragnar, that child.”

“… … !”

“… … !”

“… … !”

“I’m sorry, but I hope everyone will give me one step at a time.”