“You look like you’re in a good mood.”

After completing all his training, Theo exited the training grounds of the Plum Blossom Palace, feeling slightly fatigued. Waiting outside was Rang Frenche, though Natasha was nowhere to be seen.

“Oh, do I look that way? To be honest, all the training has left me quite exhausted…”

“For someone claiming to be tired, the smile hasn’t left your face. Haha.”

Theo scratched his cheek in mild embarrassment, as Rang’s observation was spot-on. His body might be tired, but his mood was better than it had been in a long time.

Today’s training had provided him with hints and insights into many mysteries, martial concepts, and understandings he had struggled with. Reviewing what he learned today would likely open up new paths.

“Thank you, Theo.”

Rang looked at Theo with satisfaction before bowing deeply, catching Theo off guard.

“Did you know, Lady Plum Blossom has smiled a lot more since she first met you at the Central Hall and then after guiding you at the Blossom Ceremony?”

Theo’s eyes widened slightly.

“So I’ll be counting on you to keep her in good spirits.”

“Oh… yes, of course… I should be thanking her,” Theo replied, scratching the back of his head awkwardly.

‘It seems he’s assuming I’ve formally become Lady Plum Blossom’s disciple. How do I even correct that?’

Before Theo could think of a response, a group of about ten people suddenly approached.

“Are you Theo Ragnar, the new recruit of the Hundred Scales Corps?”

Theo’s gaze sharpened as he recognized one of the familiar faces among the group—Felix.

“Yes, and?”

However, Felix was not leading the group; he was blending in, looking somewhat intimidated. The actual leader was a woman Theo recognized: Hazel Coppel.

With long hair cascading to her feet and a cold gaze, Hazel was from the prestigious Coppel family, one of the Six Houses. She had entered the Plum Blossom Palace as a combat swordswoman to follow Lady Plum Blossom’s teachings.

‘In the original timeline, she was Lady Plum Blossom’s true “first” disciple, overtaking Felix. Eventually, she became the right hand of one of the Five Candidates.’

It wasn’t hard to guess why she was here.

‘She probably thinks I took her position, just like Felix. It looks like she’s here to start some trouble.’

Rang seemed amused by the confrontation and quietly stepped back, showing no intention of intervening.

“You lack respect for your superiors,” Hazel said, her gaze appraising Theo with obvious disdain.

Theo let out a derisive laugh.

“Superiors? Hardly.”

“What?”

“You’re not my direct superior, so why bother with formalities?”

Hazel’s expression hardened instantly.

“This cocky little…”

**Clang!**

Hazel’s followers drew their swords in anger, while Felix’s face turned pale, already knowing what Theo was capable of.

A cold glint flickered in Theo’s eyes.

“You understand the implications of drawing your sword, don’t you?”

“What nonsense are you…?”

Before the man who had shouted could finish, Theo’s blade was already drawn, flashing with a deadly gleam.

**Slice!**

“Ahhh! My arm! My arm!”

“Henry!”

“This lunatic really… swung his sword!”

The man who had shouted clutched his severed left arm, screaming, while Hazel’s followers, shocked by Theo’s swift retaliation, hesitated.

**Rumble.**

[Skill activated: Lesser Drake’s Intimidation controls the battlefield.]

In an instant, Theo’s overwhelming killing intent immobilized them.

“Stop now, unless you want to die.”

“...!”

“...!”

“...!”

“I tolerated your insolence only out of respect for Lady Plum Blossom’s honor. But if you insist on challenging me, go ahead. Just know it won’t end with an arm next time.”

The group’s faces turned rigid with fear.

Hazel gripped her sword hilt tightly, her brow furrowing.

“You’re already acting as if you’re the heir to Plum Blossom Palace. Just because you became Lady Plum Blossom’s disciple doesn’t mean we’ll follow you without question.”

“So you felt the need to gang up on a single training swordsman?”

“...Seems talking won’t get us anywhere.”

“So, are we fighting?”

Theo and Hazel locked eyes in a tense standoff.

After a long moment, Hazel sheathed her sword with a snap.

**Clink!**

“H-Hazel, why…?”

Her followers, who had been ready to jump at her command, looked at her in confusion.

Hazel’s previously icy demeanor was replaced with a faint smile.

“You’ve got more guts than I’d heard from Natasha. No wonder Lady Plum Blossom took an interest in you.”

The sudden shift in atmosphere caught the Plum Blossom swordsmen off guard, leaving them bewildered.

‘As I thought. She’s sharper than I remember.’

In the future, Hazel would earn the respect of many swordsmen within the Plum Blossom Palace. Her earlier provocations hadn’t felt true to her character, so Theo had responded accordingly, and it seemed he was correct.

Even so, Theo didn’t let down his guard completely. He wasn’t sure when another troublemaker like Felix might appear.

“Sorry for testing you. I’ll address these idiots’ poor discipline later. However…”

“Yes?”

“I wasn’t lying when I said I don’t acknowledge you as Lady Plum Blossom’s disciple. Neither I nor the swordsmen of Plum Blossom Palace know who Theo Ragnar really is. Your style and personality are completely different, so it’s not easy to just accept you.”

Suddenly, Hazel’s gaze turned intense.

“I hear you might qualify for the youngest promotion exam this time, if not now, then soon enough. When that time comes, I’ll be one of your examiners. Defeat me, and we’ll all accept you as Lady Plum Blossom’s successor.”

Promotion exam?

Theo felt a bit lost hearing about this for the first time, but first, he needed to clear up Hazel’s misunderstanding.

“Suit yourself. But let’s get one thing straight.”

“Oh?”

“I have no intention of becoming the successor of Plum Blossom Palace. Nor could I, even if I wanted to.”

“...?”

Hazel frowned, not understanding his meaning, before her face twisted in shock.

“You… you mean…!”

Theo chuckled lightly.

“I don’t know why you all assume I accepted Lady Plum Blossom’s offer, but I’ve already declined that position.”

“...!”

“...!”

“...!”

Even Hazel and the other swordsmen of the Plum Blossom Palace gasped in disbelief.

Even Rang seemed taken aback.

---

“How was your meeting with Theo?”

Natasha entered the now-empty training grounds, glancing around at the remnants of their training session.

‘The 24 Plum Blossom Movements... She’s already taught him the first eight forms? That’s incredibly fast.’

It had taken Natasha herself over a month just to master the first half, so Theo’s progress was astounding.

Sure enough, a smile lingered on Lady Plum Blossom’s lips as she gently touched a nearby plum tree.

“It was delightful. Absolutely delightful.”

“It seems you’ve finally found an heir for the Heavenly Dragon Swordsmanship. Congratulations, Lady Plum Blossom.”

Natasha bowed deeply.

The Heavenly Dragon Swordsmanship.

It was the hidden identity of Lady Plum Blossom. She was not originally from Ragnar.

Instead, she was the successor to an ancient and secret martial school, passed down through a single lineage.

However, with no disciple or children of her own, she had yet to find a worthy successor to inherit the art.

Naturally, Natasha linked Theo’s presence to that role.

However…

“I originally thought the same, but… Haha! It seems that position will need to go to someone else.”

Natasha’s eyes widened.

“What do you mean? Are you saying Theo Ragnar…!”

“He turned down the offer once again. That makes it the third time, doesn’t it? What a stubborn child, haha!”

Contrary to Natasha’s shock, Lady Plum Blossom looked amused rather than disappointed.

“But why this time? I can’t just let this go. I’ll go ask him myself!”

“No need.”

“But…”

“It’s true that he didn’t become my disciple, but that doesn’t mean our connection has ended. If anything, it’s grown even stronger.”

“...?”

Natasha blinked in confusion, still not grasping the meaning behind Lady Plum Blossom’s words.

Lady Plum Blossom’s laughter only grew louder.

- “I’m grateful for your kindness, Lady Plum Blossom, but I’m afraid I can’t become your disciple. I already have someone I regard as my master.”

- “I see…”

- “However…”

The look in Theo’s eyes at that moment remained vivid in her mind.

- “Would you allow me to consider you my second mother?”

A second mother.

Lady Plum Blossom’s laughter continued, unable to contain her joy.

The prospect of a warm, familial relationship was far more appealing than a strict master-disciple bond.

Though fate had denied her the chance to bear her own child, the joy of welcoming one in spirit filled her heart beyond words.

- “I have a child now.”

This realization filled the previously empty void in her heart to the brim.

‘But, who could this master in his heart possibly be?’

Lady Plum Blossom made a mental note to investigate that matter later and turned back to Natasha.

“Natasha, could you send a message to the clan head for me?”

“Of course, Lady Plum Blossom.”

Natasha noticed the deeper bond between her and Theo, even if it wasn’t officially one of master and disciple.

“I intend to recommend Theo for the promotion exam.”

“...!”

Natasha’s head shot up in surprise.

“Let’s give him wings to soar as high as he wishes.”

---

**Promotion Recommendation for Theo Ragnar – Commander of the Hundred Scales Corps, Julius

 Ragnar.**

**Promotion Recommendation for Theo Ragnar – Lady of the Plum Blossom Palace, Osa Ragnar Prunus.**

Kyle chuckled as he reviewed the two reports that had just arrived.

“A double promotion recommendation from two of the Nine Dragons? The Blossom Ceremony hasn’t even been over a month, and they’re already pushing him. Forcing a fledgling to fly early only makes it easier for the hunter to spot them.”

Ragnar swordsmen were ranked into six levels:

1. **Initiate Swordsman** – Beginners who had just taken up the sword.
2. **Training Swordsman** – Those who had opened their aura hole at the Blossom Ceremony.
3. **Field Swordsman** – Recognized as full-fledged warriors through achievements or experience in the field.
4. **Advanced Swordsman** – Renowned for exceptional skill, serving as Ragnar’s “claws” and “fangs.”
5. **Dragon Gate Swordsman** – Leaders of groups, regarded as Ragnar’s “hands” and “feet.”
6. **Laurel Swordsman** – The “face” of Ragnar, embodying its highest honors.

Currently, Theo was at the second rank, a Training Swordsman, just starting to receive tasks under the guidance of a mentor. He was little more than a “scale,” hardly useful yet.

But these reports claimed he wasn’t merely a scale on the tail but one worthy of the scales on the back.

In the reports, Julius highlighted Theo’s courage, judgment, and accomplishments during his first mission.

Lady Plum Blossom praised Theo’s exceptional skill.

If both recommendations were approved, Theo would achieve an unprecedented promotion speed.

This would draw significant attention, especially from the Five Candidates.

**Chirp!**

Just then, the songbird perched on Kyle’s shoulder chirped lightly.

“You recommend it as well?” Kyle looked at the bird, surprised.

The bird nodded and chirped softly again.

“Well, it is a good idea. Very well, then.”

Kyle placed his approval stamp on both documents with a resounding **thud**.

- Approved.

“Go on. Whether you rise or fall is up to you. Let’s see if you can prove yourself.”

A sharp grin revealed Kyle’s white teeth.