In a secluded canyon within the Winter Mountains, where the clan elders usually resided in seclusion.

“Enjoying your walk, are you?”

Dungryong turned with a grin at the voice echoing in his ear.

A young woman was perched on a stone wall, looking down at him with a pouty expression.

“If I had known raising a disciple would be this enjoyable, I would have done it ages ago. Instead, I left the Dungryong Pavilion abandoned and desolate for far too long.”

“Ha! You talk like you’ve discovered some once-in-a-generation prodigy.”

“A prodigy, no doubt. Teach him one thing, and he masters ten. How could I not be delighted?”

Dungryong clasped his hands behind his back and let out a hearty laugh.

His disciple, Wellington Narciso, whom he took under his wing during his time as a judge, was showing much greater potential than he had anticipated.

He had already grasped the essence of Flowing Tiger Art, which he had only glimpsed at the Blossom Ceremony.

In just one or two more years, his growth would surely be astounding.

“When was it you were sighing about not being able to bring Theo here?”

“That was that, and this is this. Having both Theo and Well here would have been ideal. Such a shame, really.” Dungryong clicked his tongue in genuine regret.

The woman’s expression was one of disbelief.

“Had you tried, wouldn't you have gotten a knife in the back?”

“Well, they could try. After all, isn’t Ragnar a place where anything goes as long as you don’t get caught?”

The woman shook her head in exasperation.

Typical Ragnar arrogance, she thought.

“Actually, aren’t you the one who regrets not bringing Theo here the most, Lady Hilda?”

“Who knows?”

At Dungryong’s question, the woman, Hilda Ragnar, the former head of Ragnar, flashed a mysterious smile.

‘She still keeps everything hidden.’

Dungryong smirked to himself.

The truth was, he had come down from his decades of seclusion in the Winter Mountains for one reason only: Hilda had summoned him.

- “The ‘Cycle’ has started to turn again for the first time in ages. Why don’t you come down and join me?”

Dungryong didn’t know precisely what the "Cycle" was.

He only knew it as a natural law of sorts, something that mages and shamans referred to as “heaven’s order.”

But as Hilda’s last remaining loyal subject, he couldn’t ignore his liege’s summons.

Initially, he thought it would just be a chance to stretch his legs and enjoy a change of scenery.

But in the end, he met a new disciple and some outstanding talents along the way, so he had no regrets.

But the most significant encounter was with someone else entirely.

Theo Ragnar.

The boy who might just change Ragnar’s thousand-year history.

He was also the only one Hilda was truly watching.

“So, don’t you plan to summon Theo here? Didn’t you say he was chosen by that so-called Cycle for the first time in forty years?”

“Yes, I did.”

“Then why...?”

“Wondering why I haven’t called him yet?”

Dungryong nodded.

He knew that Hilda and Theo had exchanged messages telepathically at the inauguration ceremony.

At the time, it seemed like she would summon him soon. So why delay the meeting?

“Let’s wait a little longer. There’s still something I need to confirm.”

“...?”

Dungryong tilted his head in confusion but then gave a wry smile as he saw Hilda’s deepening smile.

He could only hope things would turn out well.

‘Hopefully, Ragnar won’t be… too much like Ragnar.’

Whether his hopes would be realized, he did not know.

---

[Failure Condition: Death]

Theo let out a hollow laugh at the final message.

‘I had a feeling, but I didn’t expect it to be true.’

He had suspected that the contents hidden by "■■" might be “Death.”

The numerous quests and rewards made sense only if the penalty was equally severe.

Still, knowing the truth now weighed on him differently.

‘She spoke as if we’d meet soon, but there’s been no word. Could something have happened?’

Considering she knew his secret about regression, it wasn’t likely a mere change of heart.

‘Maybe I should go to her instead.’

Though there was no indication of when the penalty might take effect, it only added urgency to his plans.

‘The problem is, finding Lady Hilda’s whereabouts isn’t easy...’

In his past life, Theo knew only one clue related to her.

“Captain, do you know how to reach the ‘Ghost Castle’?”

Ghost Castle?

Evelyn looked puzzled at the sudden change in topic but then nodded.

“You mean the old fortress ruins?”

“Yes, that’s right.”

The current site of Ragnar was established three hundred years ago after a rebellion forced a relocation.

The Ghost Castle was the previous site, now a forbidden zone, secured for safety and security.

Surrounded by magic circles and barriers, only a specific method allowed access.

According to Theo’s past knowledge, Hilda had made that forbidden place her residence.

“Well, you can spot it easily by flying around the Winter Mountains on a wyvern, so I know the location. But I don’t know how to approach it.”

“Then could you at least tell me the location?”

“I’m not sure what’s going on, but... all right.”

Evelyn didn’t ask for more details.

To be a First Sword was to trust one’s lord and stand by them silently.

Though their relationship was captain and subordinate now, Evelyn held fast to that ideal.

---

When Theo arrived at the Plum Blossom Palace, someone was already waiting for him at the main gate.

The face was familiar.

“It’s been a while... I guess? It hasn’t even been a month, but it feels like forever.”

“I didn’t expect you to be waiting outside.”

“Oh, this is nothing.”

Natasha.

She was the one who had helped Theo at the Blossom Ceremony and exposed Felix’s disobedience to the Plum Blossom Lady’s orders.

“You look well-rested and healthy. You must have been eating well?”

“Do I? That’s good to hear.”

“...You’re as unflappable as ever. No fun at all.”

While Natasha grumbled, an elderly man next to her spoke.

“Natasha, won’t you introduce us?”

“This is Rang Frenche, head steward of the Plum Blossom Palace. And this is Theo Ragnar, the new member of the Hundred Scales Corps.”

“I am Rang Frenche, the First Lady’s head steward.”

A short, white-haired old man with a monocle bowed respectfully.

Theo, slightly surprised, bowed back.

“An honor to meet you, Sir Chang-Gwi. I am Theo Ragnar.”

For a moment, a glimmer appeared in Rang’s eye, hidden behind the monocle.

“Well... I didn’t expect the successor to know me. It’s quite humbling.”

“Not knowing the famed Chang-Gwi would be more of an issue, wouldn’t it?”

Chang-Gwi was one of the few in Ragnar who specialized in the spear rather than the sword.

‘He was once even recommended for the prestigious rank of Laurel Swordmaster... I thought he retired because of his age. But here he is, serving as a steward at the Plum Blossom Palace?’

The Laurel Crown had always symbolized nobility and mystique.

Naturally, those bearing the title of Laurel Swordmaster, along with the Nine Dragons, represented Ragnar.

Refusing such an esteemed title and remaining by the Plum Blossom Lady’s side made him all the more intriguing.

“It’s been a while since someone has spoken so highly of me. I’m truly flattered. Now, shall we go inside? The First Lady is waiting for you.”

Theo followed Natasha and Rang through the Plum Blossom Palace.

Even in his past life, he had never entered the inner parts of this palace, which were filled with plum trees everywhere.

“It feels like walking through a forest.”

“Haha. The First Lady loves plum trees so much that she plants them wherever she can. She even regrets the fact that plum blossoms only bloom briefly each year.”

“Plum blossoms usually bloom in spring, don’t they? Winter in this region is rather short.”

“Oh, is that so?”

As they walked, Theo noticed many watchful gazes directed at him.

‘They’re certainly treating me like an outsider.’

There was clear hostility in their eyes.

They must have heard the Plum Blossom Lady had announced him as her disciple at the nomination ceremony.

Given the incident with Felix, he was likely the subject of some unkind words.

A few of them even leaked killing intent to test him.

However...

‘I don’t have to back down.’

**Whoosh!**

[Activating ‘Skill: Lesser Drake’s Intimidation’ to counter all hostile intents.]

“...!”

“...!”

“...!”

As soon as Theo activated his skill, those who had been leaking killing intent took a step back, surprised.

Some even paled or expressed open hostility.

Snicker!

Rang found Theo’s response amusing, letting out a light laugh.

Natasha shook her head as if to say he hadn’t changed.

None of them, however, commented further.

In Ragnar, actions spoke louder than words; proving oneself through strength was expected.

“This is the place. The First Lady is inside, waiting for you.”

Rang stopped at the entrance of the training hall.

Theo nodded his thanks and entered.

The Plum Blossom Lady was there.

Her fingers gently brushed the high branches of a towering plum tree.

“I’ve been waiting for you to arrive. The captain of the Hundred Scales Corps is starting to make me jealous with how much time he gets to spend with

 you.”

The Plum Blossom Lady turned to face Theo with her hands behind her back.

“Did you like the gift?”

She was referring to Iljimae.

Theo bowed respectfully.

“Thanks to you, I found a new path.”

“I’m glad it was of some help.”

“I realized that the sword can be used to express more than just flowers.”

A bright smile appeared on the Plum Blossom Lady’s face.

“Indeed. You’ve truly understood. People often only focus on perfecting the ‘flower’ quickly, overlooking the journey itself. Yet, that journey is far more essential.”

As she extended her hand, a sword embedded in the ground rose and settled in her grasp.

Thunk!

“I aim to teach you what you might otherwise pass over — the ‘skill’ and the ‘art.’ These two elements are the foundation of the sword.”

As Theo nodded quietly, she asked.

“So, I’ll ask you again.”

“Yes.”

“Will you become my disciple?”

Thump!

Theo’s heart raced once more.

Having seen Iljimae’s memories, he understood just how incredible a swordswoman the Plum Blossom Lady was.

If he could learn everything she had to offer, he could certainly carve out a new path.

It would also secure his place in the clan as a mere concubine’s son.

But before that, there was something he needed to address.

“May I ask you one question?”

“As many as you wish.”

“Why have you taken such an interest in me?”

Theo continued.

“I’ve done nothing for you, Lady. If anything, I could tarnish your honor. And yet...”

“Because you remind me of Kyle.”

“...!”

It was an answer he hadn’t expected.

Theo stiffened.

“Does that answer satisfy you?”

Her smile deepened.

“You don’t realize it, but you resemble Kyle in his youth. Ordinarily, you would be far removed from power, yet you tirelessly face and shatter every hardship that comes your way. And in doing so, you never lose your sense of restraint. It’s all so much like Kyle.”

‘I remind her… of my father.’

The words echoed in his mind.

The Plum Blossom Lady continued.

“Not only that, but you also resemble me. Do you know what you look like when you hold a sword?”

“I... don’t.”

“You’re always smiling.”

“...”

“I was exactly like that. Wielding a sword brought me so much joy; I was simply happy to swing it. You are the same.”

In this life, Theo could dream dreams left unfulfilled in his past life. Each day was precious to him.

Thus, he held his sword even more dearly, finding happiness in each swing.

It seemed this sentiment had reached the Plum Blossom Lady.

“It’s only natural for me to be drawn to a child who resembles both my husband and myself.”

To Theo, her smile felt eerily similar to Julius’s.

‘These two… were also just people.’

Julius had simply wanted to give back to the clan, honoring what Kyle had bestowed upon him.

The Plum Blossom Lady cherished Theo as a child who reminded her of both Kyle and herself.

There could be no more genuine answer.

But,

Rather than some lofty ideal or strange sense of duty, this warmth resonated deeply with Theo.

“Do you have any other questions?”

“No.”

“Then may I hear your answer?”

Theo nodded, speaking his reply.

At his words, the Plum Blossom Lady’s smile grew, blooming like a spring plum blossom.