The Plum Blossom Lady chuckled inwardly as she looked down at the stunned scouts staring up at her.

‘Apologies to the White Armor Corps Captain.’

Julius had made a strong request: Theo was his, and he asked that no one else even think of laying a claim on him.

It had been a “warning” not just to the Plum Blossom Lady but to all the officials present.

Of course, it seemed like no one had truly heeded that warning.

‘I didn’t expect even the Black Iron Cavalry to step in.’

Hearing that Theo had matched Captain Torkel's performance must have intrigued the vice-captain enough to come personally. For those who usually held their heads high, such a move was already significant.

But what could she say? After all, she, a member of the Nine Dragons, had come herself.

‘If you truly want to capture a talent's heart, nothing beats meeting them face-to-face.’

The corner of her mouth lifted into a subtle smile.

‘And if it comes with a gift, all the better.’

“W-Wait…!”

Aiyan, sensing something, tried to shout, but…

*Whoosh!*

Before she could finish, the space between Theo and the Plum Blossom Lady isolated itself from the outside world.

In this slowed-down time, it seemed as if only Theo and the Plum Blossom Lady remained in this realm.

‘A Detached Space!’

Theo’s eyes widened as he realized he was witnessing the Plum Blossom Lady’s “signature” skill, something he’d only heard about.

The techniques wielded by those who had transcended human limits were a mystery to him, and seeing it firsthand left him in awe.

The Plum Blossom Lady smiled as if enjoying Theo’s reaction.

「There are too many people interrupting, so I’ll get straight to the point.」

The point?

Theo wanted to speak, but he couldn’t move his lips; he was not yet skilled enough to do so.

「The <Dragon’s Claw> technique you used… I assume you observed and imitated both the clan head and the White Armor Corps Captain’s swordplay?」

Theo’s eyes widened even more.

「I, too, observed the clan head’s swordplay and completed something of my own. I’ll give it to you as a gift.」

“...!”

Clenching his fists, Theo was struck by the unexpected opportunity.

「<Skyfall Blossom>. That’s what I call it.」

In that moment, the entire Detached Space filled with the sight of blooming red plum blossoms.

‘Such beauty…!’

Theo couldn’t help but marvel at the scene. The sight of plum blossoms flourishing around them, appearing as if they’d grown all at once, was breathtaking.

The Plum Blossom Lady stood beneath the tallest plum tree, a white robe draped over her figure, a red sword in her hand, looking like a figure from a painting.

*Sssshhh—*

As she slowly moved forward, she began to wield her sword gracefully.

The blossoms burst into bloom, and the petals gently floated down in the breeze.

Her sword moved slowly but exhibited countless variations, weaving soft circles through the falling petals.

What amazed Theo was that the petals seemed to gather around the sword, swirling inward and outward in perfect harmony, never falling to the ground.

It was as though the blossoms were dancing around her, entranced by the Plum Blossom Lady’s movements.

Theo had encountered many martial arts techniques before, but none were quite like this.

The most astonishing part, however, was that…

‘It’s all in a single breath!’

In one sweeping motion, she incorporated at least several dozen variations.

12, 24, 36, 48…

Theo quickly followed the changes, not missing a single movement.

When she completed the 120th change, forming 120 circles…

*Whoosh!*

The Plum Blossom Lady lowered her sword, and the petals that had swirled around her cascaded down, as if falling rain from the heavens.

‘Skyfall Blossom…!’

He understood the origin of the name.

「Did you see it?」

The Plum Blossom Lady’s gaze shifted to him.

*Thump, thump, thump, thump!*

Theo’s heart raced, feeling a sense of wonder.

「You did see it.」

The Plum Blossom Lady smiled.

Theo nodded in a daze.

「The clan head’s sword is fierce, like the dragon’s breath descending from the heavens, burning everything in its path. In contrast, the White Armor Corps Captain’s sword is violent, shredding anything in its way.」

Theo recalled Kyle’s sword from the duel at the Court of Law.

It had a force so overwhelming it felt as though nothing could resist it.

And Julius?

His sword was swift, so fast it was hard to keep up with, as if it wanted to evade all eyes.

「I am different. I carry countless changes. I seek to enclose everything in this space and devour it. The dragon I pursue… is like that.」

Theo remembered the 120 circles and moves, all contained within a single breath.

If he could release them in a flash, it seemed no one would be able to escape.

‘No wonder they say she’s unmatched in the North, even beyond the clan head…!’

Theo couldn’t help but be impressed.

「Now, let me ask you this: What kind of dragon do you pursue?」

“...!”

Theo was snapped back to attention by her final question.

The dragon he sought…

The dragon he wanted to embody… What was it?

Had he ever truly thought about that?

*Whoosh!*

In that instant, the Detached Space surrounding them shattered, and the plum trees vanished.

Theo found himself standing on the ground once more, while the Plum Blossom Lady remained perched atop the roof.

Theo felt a mix of emotions—was he even worthy of receiving all this?

“Did… Did the Plum Blossom Lady truly show ‘that’…?”

The others were bewildered, blinking in confusion, while Aiyan alone sensed the gravity of the situation and scowled.

The Plum Blossom Lady simply smiled, offering no explanation.

Instead, she sent a telepathic message only Theo could hear.

「The technique I just showed you is the first stance, <Blossoming Plum>. It should be of great help in the upcoming second ceremony.」

Theo chuckled under his breath.

If this was only the first stance, he couldn’t even imagine what the remaining techniques would look like.

「If you wish to see more… visit me anytime after the ceremony.」

With a quiet chuckle, the Plum Blossom Lady vanished as gracefully as she had appeared.

Theo felt himself slowly emerging from his trance.

‘This is… a gift beyond measure.’

In truth, Theo hadn’t intended to connect with the Plum Blossom Lady.

In his previous life, her disciples had faced constant threats, and operating under her meant dealing with heavy restrictions within the Plum Blossom Palace.

Because of this, he had initially leaned toward the White Armor Corps, where he could have more freedom to move and secure his position.

But things had suddenly taken this unexpected turn.

Of course, he could have feigned ignorance and declined the offer.

But that didn’t sit right with him.

‘Would it be possible to be her disciple while also joining the White Armor Corps?’

As he toyed with this thought…

“The Plum Blossom Lady has personally taught him…!”

“This puts our side’s offer at a disadvantage.”

“Damn it! I’ll need to report back to headquarters and seek new approval.”

“We’ll be back. Please don’t forget us.”

Sensing it would be challenging to sway Theo after this, the scouts dispersed to report to their respective superiors.

Aiyan, looking disappointed, gave Theo one last glance before leaving.

The place fell silent once more, as if no one had ever been there.

‘Let’s give it a try, then.’

Theo moved his fingers slightly and began to walk, wanting to test what lingered in his mind.

*Swish, swish—*

He attempted the <Blossoming Plum> stance, small circles forming in the air as faint flower petals seemed to hover briefly.

The petals, however, were sharper, imbued with the same delicate yet precise intent as his <Dragon’s Claw>.

He recalled the Plum Blossom Lady’s question repeatedly in his mind.

—What kind of dragon do you pursue?

Theo found himself immersed in deep concentration.

And in the shadows, a woman silently observed him, remaining there until he finally finished.

* * *

Over the next three days, the gates of Camellia Palace bustled with activity.

Theo’s performance at the first Blossoming Ceremony—and the fact that even the Plum Blossom Lady showed interest in him—had spread like wildfire.

“He hasn’t officially joined any division yet!”

“I heard he declined an offer from the White Armor Corps months ago, meaning he isn’t interested in the Dragon Knights!”

“It seems he’s aiming for a strong backer, possibly to pursue succession rights!”

With countless rumors swirling around him, Theo found himself at the center of attention.

The Swift Sword Division, Black Iron Cavalry, Court of Law, Central Command… representatives from numerous factions arrived, bringing gifts and pleas, only to leave disappointed without seeing Theo.

—For now, I’d like to focus solely on training for the second Blossoming Ceremony.

With such an explanation, none could argue.

Even among the crowd outside Camellia Palace, hawks of various factions eagerly waited.

Eventually…

Amidst the mountain of unopened gifts piling up…

*Clack, clack, clack—*

A large eight-wheeled carriage arrived in front of the gate.

Covered in glistening jewels, the carriage sparkled brilliantly.

“What… what is that?”

“Where did this come from… wait, gasp!”

“The Basque Workshop! That’s from the Basque Workshop!”

“And it has the Totem

 of Devouring…? Could it be…!”

The crowd gathered outside Camellia Palace gasped as they recognized the carriage’s emblem.

The Devouring Totem!

It was the mark of the infamous “Grandmaster” of the Basque Workshop, the best weaponsmithing group of the era.

As expected…

*Clink!*

*Whoosh—*

As the carriage door adorned with the Totem opened, a cloud of thick smoke spilled out like fog.

Then, a long, elegant leg appeared from the smoke.

The crowd froze as a tall, elven woman with a long-stemmed pipe emerged from the carriage.

It was Kirson, the Grandmaster herself, a figure so renowned that even Kyle Ragnar could barely see her without a formal appointment.

“Damn brat… Summoning an old lady like me as if he owns me?”

Kirson scowled, chewing her pipe in irritation, barking orders at the porters.

“Hey! Are you being careful with that cargo? If it gets scratched, will you pay for it? You could work a lifetime and still not afford even the jewel on that sword hilt!”

“S-Sorry! We’ll be careful!”

The six porters, sweating profusely, carefully carried a large wooden crate over two meters high.

It was tied with golden silk and bore the Totem of Devouring on the lid.

Its worth was evident at a glance.

“Could it be… the Grandmaster is giving a gift to the Rose Palace?”

“And it’s a Devouring Totem blade!”

“A Devouring Totem blade… I heard the Chief of the Court of Law tried to commission one last year but was deemed unworthy.”

“Wow… what’s their connection?”

The crowd marveled, exclaiming in awe as they witnessed the rare scene.

At that moment…

*Creeeak!*

After three days of being shut, the gates of Camellia Palace finally opened.

Kirson strode inside.

* * *

“Honestly… the sheer audacity.”

No sooner had Kirson entered than she was met with Cecilia’s reprimand.

“How could you make such a show of yourself in a situation like this?”

“Hmph! I’m offering this free of charge, so it’s only right to use this opportunity for some promotion, don’t you think?”

Arriving in a grand carriage with porters carrying the Totem of Devouring sword case was all part of Kirson’s show.

It was a message that the Basque Workshop now supported Camellia Palace and a warning to other workshops not to interfere.

And it was a marketing move—announcing that Theo Ragnar would wield a sword from the Grandmaster.

By now, word must have spread all across Winterer.

‘Kehehe! Think of the money! Winterer’s now in the palm of my hand!’

Of course, Kirson hid her excitement, knowing her adoptive daughter would lecture her all day.

“That excuse only applies to faulty merchandise…! Never mind. Arguing further is pointless. Now, is it ready?”

“Completely flawless.”

Cecilia’s eyes sparkled.

While Kirson had a mercenary spirit, she never lied about quality.

If she said it was flawless, then it was undoubtedly exceptional.

Kirson signaled to her assistant to open the case.

*Click!*

As the lid opened…

“This… it’s…”

Cecilia’s eyes lit up, and she gasped repeatedly, unable to contain her admiration.