At that moment, Theo was sifting through the messages that appeared before him.

[Many people have shown great interest in your actions.]

[‘Robert Ragnar’ is closely watching you.]

[‘Osa Ragnar Fronus’ wishes to take you as a disciple.]

[‘Julius Ragnar’ is displeased with the attention directed toward you.]

[Your Luck has greatly increased.]

“Restoring my luck has made it much easier to earn people’s recognition. With this Blossoming Ceremony, I might become famous much faster than expected.”

Theo found great joy in knowing he was starting to attract the attention of several of the Nine Dragons.

Two figures, in particular, caught his eye.

First, Robert Ragnar.

At first glance, it seemed like an ordinary name, but in truth, it was the hidden "true name" of the Black Dragon.

He hadn't seen Robert in the audience and assumed he was on another mission. Was he watching from somewhere else?

In this life, Theo hadn’t been involved with the Intelligence Department at all. However, having once been a part of it in his previous life and still possessing the Moonlit Sword, the Black Dragon’s beloved blade, Theo couldn’t help but feel a lingering connection.

“Of course, I have no intention of getting entangled with him again.”

In his past life, being associated with the Black Dragon had been more than enough.

The second person was Osa Fronus.

The North’s Greatest Sword.

She was also famously known as the Plum Blossom Lady and was the first wife of the family head.

The idea that she wanted to take him on as a disciple was surprising, even for Theo.

“In my previous life, it was two or three years from now that she first took on two disciples. They both perished during the Great War.”

Looking back, Theo realized there had been suspicious circumstances surrounding the deaths of the Plum Blossom Lady’s disciples. Perhaps they were assassinated as part of a power struggle, similar to what he himself had faced in the past.

Given that many people in the Ragnar Clan had their eyes on her disciples, inheriting the Plum Blossom Lady’s skills naturally brought a significant influence within the family’s political landscape.

If Theo became her disciple, he’d likely be drawn into similar dangers.

But the opportunity to learn from someone of her skill, who even Kyle acknowledged, was undeniably a tremendous opportunity.

Beyond that, being her disciple would strengthen his position as a contender for the succession.

Each option had its pros and cons.

However, what pleased Theo the most wasn’t the interest shown by the Nine Dragons.

[‘Hilda Ragnar’ has taken an interest in you.]

It was receiving recognition from the former clan head.

This was, in fact, the very thing Theo had hoped to gain from the Blossoming Ceremony.

Hilda was a legend within the Ragnar Clan.

Simply catching her interest would bring him a tremendous advantage.

“If I could obtain the Heart of Garuda that she possesses…”

With it, he could overcome the fatal flaw of the Ragnar Clan’s Dragon Physique.

Of course, Hilda wouldn’t give such a reward easily.

For now, Theo was satisfied that Hilda had taken notice of him. If he continued to show an impressive display at the second and third Blossoming Ceremonies, she might eventually make a move on her own.

As he soaked in the attention and organized his plans in more detail...

"Wellington Narciso, please come forward!"

Finally, Wellington’s name was called.

He was the last in line.

Theo watched Wellington climb the platform slowly. Unlike usual, his expression seemed unusually tense.

As the final test was underway…

“Hah…!”

“Another monster has appeared…”

“Is this group truly something different?”

The candidates were left in shock at the trace Wellington left behind.

Though slightly less impressive than Theo’s mark, it still overshadowed all other candidates.

“Wellington Narciso.”

The examiner, having carefully checked his results, announced:

“Passed!”

Clink!

Wellington sheathed his sword quietly and stepped down from the platform as if it were only natural.

“Now, we will announce the rankings!”

When all the tests had concluded, the candidates’ eyes burned as they stared at the examiner.

Some looked on with hopeful anticipation.

“Top rank, Theo Ragnar!”

At this unsurprising announcement, everyone let out a sigh.

“Ahh…”

“So the Rose Palace’s so-called ‘fool’… what trick did he use to leave marks like that with his sword?”

“Everyone, quiet down! Anyone interrupting the results will be disqualified immediately!”

Silence fell instantly.

“The score for Theo Ragnar is a perfect 10 out of 10. His skill, power, control, and speed all showed no flaws. Even the depth of his cuts closely matched that of Lord Torkel, surprising many examiners.”

“What? A perfect score of 10?”

“And it was close to Torkel’s record…?”

“This is incredible…”

“Does this mean he’s truly that talented?”

“The Black Iron Cavalry will be in an uproar.”

This reaction was even more intense than before.

Torkel Ragnar.

Among the “Top Five Candidates,” he was considered the closest to inheriting the clan.

A man whose talent was said to surpass even that of Kyle in his youth, Torkel was also the captain of the Black Iron Cavalry, reputed to be as powerful as the White Armor Corps.

To achieve a feat comparable to what Torkel displayed at the Blossoming Ceremony left everyone astounded.

Even the examiners were viewing Theo with new respect.

“Though the depth didn’t reach the same level, it’s still an impressive achievement. Don’t get complacent, and aim to showcase this skill in the second ceremony as well.”

Theo simply bowed in response.

The other candidates now saw him as the one to watch out for.

“Second rank goes to Wellington Narciso. He also achieved a perfect score but was classified as second due to his shorter cut length compared to Theo Ragnar.”

The appearance of a second candidate with a perfect score stirred the crowd once again.

“Third place, Aksion Ragnar. Fourth place, Ray Ragnar. Fifth place, Hulcus Ranke. Sixth place…”

The candidates who passed celebrated, while those who failed fell to their knees in despair.

After the uproar subsided...

“The second Blossoming Ceremony will be held in three days. In the meantime, check your equipment and take care of your condition. Dismissed.”

The examiner declared the end of the first ceremony.

“Hurry up! We can’t let anyone else get to them first. Move it!”

The chaos was immediate.

With a perfect score emerging for the first time in years, along with a talent rivaling Torkel’s, various divisions and agencies were eager to recruit them.

As soon as the ceremony was officially concluded, numerous officials in the audience began to move quickly.

Some went to inform distant superiors, while others scrambled to investigate the backgrounds of the top scorers.

“A toast to Young Master Theo and Young Master Wellington for claiming first and second place!”

“To their honor!”

“To their honor!”

The Wanderer’s Haven, now practically a regular spot for Theo and his followers, was bustling even more than usual.

Theo and Wellington had swept the top two ranks at the first Blossoming Ceremony.

“Ah! Not only did they take first and second, but both of them got perfect scores. Is such a thing even possible?”

“That’s what makes them incredible!”

“This is the true power of the Fourth Martial Hall!”

What impressed Theo’s followers most were their scores.

Who would have expected the famously strict examiners to award a perfect score?

Even Evelyn seemed to be enjoying herself at this moment.

“It’s nice to see everyone in high spirits.”

Theo sipped his orange juice through a straw and glanced at Wellington.

“Is something on his mind?”

From the start of the ceremony until now, Wellington hadn’t spoken more than a few words.

When Theo and the others tried to engage him, he only responded briefly, saying it was fine.

As a result, no one pressed him for details.

In the end, Wellington remained silent until the celebration ended.

“…Young Master Theo.”

That night, while walking back to their lodgings, Wellington stopped and called out to Theo.

“We’re friends, aren’t we?”

The question came out of nowhere.

But Theo nodded, calmly agreeing.

Wellington sighed in relief as if a weight had been lifted from him.

“Thank you. Thanks to you, I managed to sort out everything that was troubling me. See you tomorrow. Take care.”

Theo watched Wellington’s back as he entered their lodging.

“Whatever’s going on, I’m glad he’s found some peace.”

The second Blossoming Ceremony wouldn’t be as forgiving. Even the slightest mistake could cost lives.

Besides, there was something crucial in the Winter Mountain Range he absolutely had to obtain.

As Theo breathed a sigh of relief and began to make his way back to the Camellia Palace…

Suddenly—

Theo drew his spare sword and swung it in the opposite direction.

Clang!

A clear, metallic sound rang out, and an invisible figure was shaken out of hiding, thrown back.

His face registered shock, as if he hadn’t expected to be detected.

Theo prepared to draw the Moonlit Sword if necessary.

“W-Wait! I mean you no harm!”

“After tailing me in secret, you claim you’re not suspicious? Ridiculous.”

Theo scoffed, bringing his sword down toward the intruder’s neck, but the man quickly stepped back, raising his voice.

“I swear, I can prove my identity!”

Theo paused his attack.

“Ugh…! I only intended to test if you really possessed the skills I heard about. If I try this again, I’ll be dead for sure.”

“Enough talking. You said you could prove your identity?”

“Yes, yes. Ahem! I am Gatsby Yotan of the Swift Sword Division.”

The man cleared his throat, pulling out his identification.

Theo’s eyes widened slightly.

The Swift Sword Division—a unit well-known for its skilled swordsmen within the Ragnar Clan.

Its captain was Kyle’s cousin, giving it substantial influence.

Seeing Theo’s interest, Gatsby gave a confident smile.

“Our division leader was impressed by your performance at the ceremony and sent me to deliver this offer.”

In other words, they had come to recruit him.

“I anticipated recruitment offers, but not this quickly.”

Theo was mildly surprised. The ceremony had ended less than a day ago.

“Our leader has ‘graciously’ agreed to let you take the entrance test for our division if you wish.”

However, the proposal sounded strange.

“You want me to come in for a test, not an invitation?”

“Yes, indeed. As you likely know, the Swift Sword Division’s reputation speaks for itself. Consider yourself fortunate to have this opportunity at all.”

Gatsby seemed confident.

He thought Theo would be moved to tears of gratitude.

“What a pathetic joke,” scoffed a voice from behind Gatsby.

"Who's there!" Gatsby turned, frowning at the sound of mocking laughter, only to freeze in shock.

“Th-The Fiery Oni…?”

“Oh? So you know who I am, and yet you called me that?”

“Ah!” Gatsby quickly covered his mouth with both hands.

Stepping out of the shadows, a woman with a large, dark axe strapped to her back and dangling earrings grinned at him.

Theo’s expression shifted slightly. He knew exactly who she was.

The Fiery Oni, Aiyan Sosori—the vice-captain of the Black Iron Cavalry.

Known for her explosive temper and her tendency to turn her enemies into charred skewers, her reputation within Ragnar was legendary.

Compared to her, Gatsby was entirely out of his depth.

“Theo Ragnar,” she said, addressing him directly, “unlike these fools, my captain wants to invite you directly as a full-fledged member of the Black Iron Cavalry. What do you say?”

Gatsby paled in shock.

The Black Iron Cavalry was known for their exclusive standards, rarely recruiting even one person per year from the Blossoming Ceremony.

They also enforced a grueling five-year probation period, where most recruits were eliminated.

But to offer him a direct invitation?

Such a thing was unheard of.

‘I… I spent ten years working my way up to be formally acknowledged by the Swift Sword Division… How is this even possible?’

As he tried to process this, more recruiters suddenly emerged from the shadows around Theo.

“Pleased to meet you, sir. I’m from the Black Sword Brigade. In three years, we’d be willing to offer you a squad leader position…”

“From the Court of Law. Our head promises to personally mentor you in swordsmanship…”

“The Security Department is here. We can ensure any resources you need to excel in the upcoming trials…”

Within moments, the area around Theo turned into an absolute frenzy.

“Where do you people think you’re cutting in from?! Get in line!”

“Line? There’s no line! First come, first served!”

“It’s finders keepers, not…!”

The recruiters nearly came to blows over who would get to recruit Theo.

Gatsby stood there, stunned.

All this chaos over a single person seemed utterly surreal.

‘I’d better get out of here while I can.’

Meanwhile, Theo smirked, looking for a way to slip out of the commotion.

But just then…

「They may accuse me of overstepping by joining in this crowd, but if winning over a talent requires some humility, so be it.」

A voice boomed from above, clear and powerful, echoing in the night air.

It carried such presence that everyone instinctively lowered their heads.

Those fighting over Theo froze and looked up in shock.

“Th-The Plum Blossom Lady…?”

“Why has the First Lady herself come here…?”

There, silhouetted against the moon atop a distant building, was the Plum Blossom Lady, gazing down at them with a faint smile.

「What am I doing here? Just like the rest of you, I came out for a stroll to see young Theo Ragnar.」

“…”

“…”

“…”

「So, I hope you all don’t mind making way for me just a little.」