LGHTNOVELBOOK Chapter 158
Chapter 158: Caretaker of the Mausoleum (3)
Editor - Eyes
“Hmm? That sword—I haven’t seen it before. Where did you get it this time?”
Wellington was the first to react when Theo returned.
Theo, momentarily confused, glanced down at himself and was startled.
On his back was the Drake’s Blade, at his left hip hung the Moon-White Sword and the Dragon Slayer Sword, and at his right hip rested the Spirit Mausoleum Blade.
He was carrying four swords.
‘It does look suspicious, now that I think about it.’
Theo brushed off Wellington’s curiosity about the Spirit Mausoleum Blade with vague remarks and then went to look for the others.
“I heard Lady Arin woke up a little while ago, so Selperd and Ray both went to her.”
“Senior Arin is awake?”
Theo quickly made his way in that direction.
---
“...Haven’t you ever seen an injured person before? Why are so many people crowding around like this?”
Arin, having regained consciousness, was startled to see the crowd around her bedside.
Selperd, with a serious look, asked, “How’s your body?”
“Fine.”
「Really? For real?」
「...Where on earth did you learn to talk like that?」
「The kids from our orphanage used to say it.」
「Don’t casually spout things like that with your old face. It makes me think of my younger siblings and startles me every time.」
「Anyway, seriously—is your body really okay?」
Arin knew perfectly well why Selperd was repeatedly checking on her condition through telepathic speech, so she responded in kind.
「I mean it.」
「Don’t worry. The madness hasn’t surged to the point of causing a breakdown.」
Selperd, satisfied, nodded without probing further.
The descendants of the Mad Dragon Society, burdened with the stigma of being the offspring of rebels, had no choice but to confirm again and again.
Thankfully, there was no hint of madness in Arin’s eyes either.
It was a tremendous relief.
While Selperd exhaled a sigh of relief, Theo and the others, including the Upsurging Dragon, visited briefly before leaving again.
The next day, Cassandra also woke up without any major issues.
However, it seemed she had little memory of the Sorceress Empress and couldn’t recall much of what had happened over the past few days.
Concerned that she might be suffering from undiagnosed aftereffects, the group decided to stay at the manor for a few more days.
After resting for a full ten days, they finally set out again.
The original party, now joined by Cassandra, the Upsurging Dragon, and Wellington, had grown significantly.
“For now, we’ll pass through Dravin City and head to the White Tower.”
Pwoo-ooo!
With a rough steam engine sound, the magic train began moving.
Clatter, clatter-
In the first-class compartment, the Upsurging Dragon spread out a map and pointed to their destination.
The White Tower.
It was a familiar name.
Located at the border between Ragnar and Troyban, it was currently a hotspot for intense battles in the Northern War. However, it was originally more famous as an ancient historical site.
“At the moment, the White Tower is the site of reckless battles of attrition on both sides. Over a hundred lives are being sacrificed just to secure a territory of less than five kilometers... It’s pure hell.”
Ray gently covered young Cassandra’s ears with earmuffs to shield her from fear.
Selperd asked, “I’ve heard the forces gathered at the White Tower are enormous.”
“Indeed. The White Armored Dragon Cavalry and Black Iron Cavalry are present, of course. By the command of the patriarch, the Red Sword Knights are at the forefront, and the Blue Sword Guard is expected to join soon.”
“...I see.”
Among the four divisions, the White Armored Dragon Cavalry and Black Iron Cavalry were strike forces that showcased Ragnar’s prestige to the world.
Meanwhile, the Red Sword Knights and Blue Sword Guard were the protectors of Ragnar’s security and order.
The Red Sword Knights consisted of elite soldiers meticulously selected from every division, tasked with the defense of Winterer.
The Blue Sword Guard always remained by the patriarch’s side, obeying only his commands, like shadows.
The involvement of these groups signified that Ragnar was staking everything on this war.
“Honestly, I don’t understand. As notable as Troyban might be in the East, I can’t imagine them being formidable enough to put us in such a difficult position.”
“They’re not, in truth.”
“Then why?”
“The problem lies with those aiding Troyban.”
The Upsurging Dragon’s eyes turned cold and sharp.
Selperd pressed his lips together in silence, recalling the forces they had encountered during their escape from the manor.
“Groups like the Wandering Knights’ Alliance or the First Sword Assembly are nothing more than minor nuisances. Fanatics with no foundation are to be expected as well. But what about the magicians of the Far East? Or the beastfolk from the southern jungles?”
The term “magicians” referred to the Magic Tower, while “beasts” was a derogatory term for the Southern Beastfolk Front. Both were Electors like Ragnar and Troyban, holding the right to elect an emperor.
“The fools milking goats in the western plains, the cannibals from the southwestern highlands who’d still be wallowing in incest if not for us, and the savages of the great southern plains who used to eat dirt—all of them are lying in wait, eager for Ragnar to fall.”
The Silk Road Brotherhood of the western plains, the Indigenous Protection Agency of the southwestern highlands, and the New Dawn Association, which held dominion over the far southern plains, were among those mentioned.
Selperd, Arin, and even Ray felt as though they were suffocating.
So many places were antagonistic toward Ragnar.
Wasn’t this practically making an enemy of the entire world?
‘It was inevitable, though.’
The only one listening calmly in such a heavy atmosphere was Theo.
『It’s chaos, isn’t it?』
‘You could say it’s the seeds Ragnar has sown everywhere.’
Theo gave a wry smile at Lothbrok’s pointed comment.
‘Over the past few centuries, Ragnar’s misdeeds have piled up immensely. This situation is just the culmination of all that resentment exploding at once.’
Ragnar never compromised.
When disputes arose?
They crushed them with brute force.
When conflicts occurred?
They broke them with overwhelming power.
Of course, such actions always bred resistance, but Ragnar left those who opposed them in ruins, unable to rise again.
As a result, other factions had no choice but to both resent and fear Ragnar, burying their dissatisfaction and grudges deep within themselves.
That history spanned a thousand years. A thousand years.
Over such a long period, countless prejudices accumulated, intertwining until they became perceived truths.
Now, to the rest of the world, the “North” was nothing short of a land of demons, untouchable and terrifying.
『This Troyban place seems to have stirred up everyone’s grievances rather effectively.』
‘Yes, exactly. For now, they’re limiting themselves to supporting Troyban, but…’
『If they see any sign of weakness, they’ll aim straight for the throat, won’t they?』
‘That’s why Winterer has resolved to utterly crush Troyban, to the point that no one even dares to dream of challenging us.’
『A very Ragnar-like approach. Or perhaps it’s just the law of the jungle, plain and simple?』
If a leader in a pack of predators ever showed weakness, would the other predators pity them?
No. They would see it as an opportunity to go for the kill.
Thus, a leader must occasionally display overwhelming strength to ensure that no one dared to challenge their authority.
“This is something we cannot leave unchecked. At this opportunity, we shall trample all seeds of rebellion underfoot. That is how Ragnar has always proven why we are Ragnar.”
Though the Upsurging Dragon usually presented himself as amicable, he too was a Ragnar.
He had not the slightest intention of forgiving those who bared their fangs at them.
“…”
“…”
“…”
Selperd, Arin, and Ray remained silent, overwhelmed by the suffocating atmosphere.
Even Wellington, fully aware of these realities, could not stop his body from trembling violently.
The turmoil was growing uncontrollably.
And that turmoil,
would burn even fiercer during their time at the White Tower.
“All forces scattered across the regions are converging on the White Tower. That place will be...”
The Upsurging Dragon’s eyes gleamed fiercely.
“...the site not only where Troyban’s lifeline is severed but also where Ragnar’s great endeavor will be completed.”
Watching him, Theo could not bring himself to voice the thoughts buried in his heart.
‘That’s not true, Upsurging Dragon. Troyban is only the beginning.’
---
『Humans perceive time as absolute, an infinite line running straight forward. This is why grammatical tenses—past, present, and future—and the concept of temporal thought were born. But contrary to what you’ve believed to be truth for so long…』
The northern territories were vast, and even aboard the magic train, it took several continuous days of travel to reach the White Tower.
Naturally, there were long stretches of idle time.
Theo used most of that time to study the basic theories of time magic.
His progress was quick.
The magic system left behind by the Soceress Empress was remarkably well-structured, and having Lothbrok as an outstanding teacher made it even better.
The study had a charm different from swordsmanship, making it easier for Theo to concentrate.
『Falling into ecstasy again? Really, at every moment?』
Teaching was enjoyable for Lothbrok too.
At first, she only gave a few lessons for amusement, intending to stop if Theo couldn’t follow.
However, Theo’s unexpected ability to keep up surprised even her.
At times, she even questioned whether this muscle-bound Ragnar had a brain entirely made of muscle.
What astonished Lothbrok most, was Theo’s propensity to easily fall into a state of ecstasy.
A state where consciousness and unconsciousness merged, reason and instinct intertwined, and the boundaries between self and others disappeared.
During such a state, the scattered knowledge stored in the subconscious connected into a network, strengthening the brain’s neural pathways and sparking a flood of creativity.
The sensations experienced in this state were unforgettable—like holding infinite power in one’s hands.
‘Ecstasy indeed offers new perspectives and drives progression to higher realms. But experiencing it too often isn’t necessarily good.’
Creativity is born when new layers of knowledge connect in novel ways.
However, repeated ecstasy left no space for knowledge to accumulate, which limited the resulting creativity.
The problem was that the euphoria and aftereffects brought by ecstasy did not diminish. Repeated experiences of ecstasy inevitably led to addiction.
From there, madness was born.
And the realm Theo was stepping into was precisely the threshold leading to that madness.
‘For now, it’s fine because magic and swordsmanship are intertwined, but I’ll need to curb it for a while.’
Lothbrok had no intention of losing a companion she finally approved of to the same tragic fate as previous chosen ones.
—Next station, Dravin City. Dravin City. Passengers disembarking, please…
Theo opened his eyes just as the magic train was nearing its destination.
To reach the White Tower, they would need to transfer here.
『Companion.』
‘Yes. I know. Don’t worry.’
『Hmph. I suppose I’ve earned my teaching fee with this.』
However, before transferring, Theo had another destination in mind.
He quietly fingered the note he had tucked in his pocket.
One of the secret vaults of the emperors of old was located in this city.
---
“So, you want to take a quick tour of the city?”
“Yes. Fortunately, we have about five hours until the train for the White Tower arrives, so I plan to take a quick look and return.”
In response to the Upsurging Dragon’s question, Theo replied nonchalantly.
Judging by his response alone, he appeared to be a young, naïve country boy excited to see a big city for the first time.
Pfft!
The Upsurging Dragon merely smiled silently, as if to say, “Do you think I don’t know you’re scheming something again?”
Theo felt a twinge of guilt but maintained his composure, acting as brazen as possible.
“I’ll return without delay.”
“Yes, sightseeing is one way to broaden your perspective. However, it’s too dangerous to wander alone. Take Ray and Wellington with you.”
Though Theo preferred to move alone, he promptly answered energetically, considering the current state of affairs.
“Understood! I’ll do so.”
“Good. Coincidentally, I also have some business to attend to here. Let’s meet back at this platform in exactly four hours.”
The Upsurging Dragon had business?
Wasting no time, Theo wondered briefly but left the station with a word of thanks.
Theo led the way with Wellington and Ray tagging along behind him like dangling ornaments.
“Ahh! After being stuck in constant battles, it’s such a relief to finally come to a place where people actually live!”
Wellington looked unusually cheerful.
“Has Sir Upsurging Dragon been working you hard in rough places all this time?”
“...Ahem! I’d appreciate it if you refrained from making unnecessary remarks that could sow discord in our peaceful mentor-student relationship.”
“That’s right.”
“No comment.”
Wellington spread his arms wide with a contented grin.
“The sun is warm! The breeze is cool! The sky is clear! It’s perfect weather for wandering around! So, where shall we go? If I’m not mistaken, Dravin City is famous as a shopping destination.”
At the mention of shopping, Ray perked up her ears.
Coincidentally, she had been thinking about buying some pretty new clothes for a change of pace.
“We’ll do some shopping, but there’s a place we need to stop by first.”
“Ah, my apologies! You’re absolutely right, we must go there.”
“Exactly.”
“...?”
Wellington’s cryptic remark left Ray nodding in agreement beside him, though Theo blinked in confusion.
‘I’ve never mentioned the imperial secret vault, have I…?’
Even Ray seemed to know something, making Theo hesitate to speak further. All he could do was open and close his mouth like a goldfish.
It was only then that Wellington seemed to realize something was amiss.
“Huh? Weren’t we planning to visit the High Theodor shop that opened here?”
“...!?”
His mother’s store was here?
Theo’s eyes widened in shock.