Regressing as the Reincarnated Bastard of the Sword Clan

Chapter 330

"Simply put, the Court Duke is an Earl who oversees the empire’s legal affairs and wields immense judicial power."

Lodbrok’s eyes gleamed with faint interest at the explanation.

Even with considerable judicial authority, it seemed unlikely that a mere earl could wield such influence as to steer an entire nation.

"It’s possible to unify court factions and consolidate political opinions," Theo continued, "but controlling the imperial family is an entirely different matter."

"Indeed," Lodbrok agreed.

Even a noble household, a microcosm of the nation, would require exceptional skill to challenge the authority of its head. Yet the Court Duke lacked the necessary qualifications—a mere nobleman wielding no inherent legitimacy.

The empire undoubtedly harbored shadow organizations loyal to the imperial family, protecting its dignity and countering any threats from figures like the Court Duke. Such groups existed universally, much like two sides of the same coin.

For Ragnar, these shadows were known as the Black Snow.

"Particularly, the empire’s history has been intertwined with Ragnar for a thousand years. To think the imperial family’s shadow organizations have disappeared under the Court Duke’s control is preposterous."

Lodbrok snorted derisively, his expression indicating that this was precisely what he expected.

"Even the Black Snow couldn’t uncover the name or extent of the empire’s shadow organizations. Their size and identity remain shrouded in mystery."

Without information, countering them was near impossible. These shadow organizations remained hidden, known only for their exceptional strength. Who could possibly confront such an entity without prior knowledge?

"There are only two forces capable of opposing them," Theo concluded.

Lodbrok grimaced, already knowing the answer.

"Enough," he grumbled. "Not those damn zealots again. I’m sick of hearing about them. Don’t even mention their name."

Theo chuckled softly. He understood the sentiment.

The Holy Magic Order, alongside Ragnar, was one of the most formidable groups to emerge in the empire. They were the principal instigators of the Great Chaos that eventually led to the empire’s downfall.

“If it’s him, it’s possible.”

Theo thought of the First Apostle, the enigmatic leader of the Holy Magic Order.

The First Apostle, who had lived for centuries like a specter, might already be orchestrating events behind the scenes.

"In that case, isn’t this akin to walking into the lion’s den? Shouldn’t you act immediately?" Lodbrok pressed.

"Of course. I plan to move tonight."

Theo had reached a conclusion—remaining in the capital was no longer safe.

With the Court Duke clearly an enemy, every moment of delay would only tighten the noose around him.

"No wonder their information was so fast," Theo mused.

The clarity of their intelligence now made sense. In hindsight, it would have been stranger if the Holy Magic Order wasn’t involved.

"Let’s wait for now."

There was still some time before nightfall. Theo didn’t plan to idly sit around, however.

He spent the hours observing the palace, studying the movements of the guards, their patrol routes, and shift changes. Every detail was carefully analyzed and committed to memory, forming a meticulous mental roadmap.

Finally, the city descended into night.

Streetlights dimmed one by one, and darkness engulfed the imperial capital.

It was time to move.

Knock, knock.

Suddenly, a knock came from outside his room.

"Come in," Theo called out.

The door opened to reveal a steward wearing an ambiguous expression.

Theo couldn’t help but wonder if the moment he had been expecting had finally arrived.

"My apologies for disturbing you, Your Grace. There has been a minor disturbance nearby, and we must relocate you to another palace for your safety."

The explanation was suspicious, and Theo’s heightened senses detected no disturbance in the vicinity. Everything was eerily quiet.

"How interesting."

"Understood. Lead the way," Theo replied with a disarming smile as he stood up.

It was too blatant a trap to ignore.

Whether out of confidence or a calculated move to expedite his plans, Theo decided to follow along. Most importantly, Lodbrok’s presence remained unknown to anyone, which gave him an undeniable advantage.

"Is the commotion severe enough to warrant moving me?" Theo asked.

"It’s nothing worth your concern, Your Grace. The relocation is purely precautionary," the steward replied, not bothering to look back as he led Theo into the night.

The destination was a structure far removed from the imperial palaces—an unassuming building that didn’t seem like a residence of royalty.

"This is the place," the steward announced before stepping inside.

Feeling a subtle sense of unease, Theo spread his senses outward.

The building wasn’t isolated, yet all the presences he could detect were confined within its walls.

"No traps," he thought.

If this was an assassination attempt orchestrated by the Court Duke, it would have involved spell formations or ambushes. But there was nothing.

Theo followed the steward inside. The interior was pitch black, save for the faint light spilling from a distant hallway.

"This way," the steward instructed, leading Theo to the second floor and down a long corridor. At the end was a door, where the steward stopped and opened it.

The steward turned to Theo. "I will wait outside, Your Grace."

Theo stepped through the doorway, his guard raised.

Inside was a library, its shelves lined with books. At the far end stood a tall bookcase. As Theo entered, the steward manipulated a hidden mechanism, and the bookcase slid aside, revealing a secret passageway.

“Not the Court Duke’s doing, then.”

If this were the Court Duke’s scheme, it wouldn’t have been so elaborate. A more direct ambush would have been expected.

The passage led to a dimly lit room, its faint light spilling through the cracks of another door.

Theo approached, his senses honed to a razor’s edge.

The lack of hostility was unnerving. Was it confidence, or were they truly not enemies?

With a swift motion, Theo pushed the door open.

"Welcome."

The familiar face inside caught Theo off guard.

"Felix’s lieutenant?"

The man sitting there bore the appearance of Felix’s deputy.

“No… it’s not him.”

Narrowing his eyes, Theo scrutinized the man’s presence. This was no mere lieutenant.

The aura was calm but impossibly heavy, betraying the immense skill and strength of a master.

"One moment," the man said.

He reached for the brooch on his chest and removed it.

With a faint glow, his appearance began to shift, revealing the unmistakable figure of Felix himself.

"Apologies for the late hour, but may we speak?" Felix asked, his tone unexpectedly cordial.

Theo let out a soft laugh.

"Considering the effort you’ve gone through, how could I refuse?"

Theo seated himself across from Felix, curious about the urgent reason for this clandestine meeting. Felix, too, sat down, his expression showing traces of emotion for the first time.

“What is he planning?”

Theo waited patiently. Felix’s composure suggested this wasn’t a trivial matter.

After a long silence, Felix finally spoke.

"What did you think of today’s court?"

Felix’s calm tone betrayed his smoldering anger.

"I imagine our thoughts are quite aligned," Theo replied.

"Indeed…" Felix’s voice trembled slightly, his emotions bleeding through.

Felix stared at the flickering candlelight before locking eyes with Theo.

"Today, you spoke words to the Emperor. I hope those words were sincere."

Theo understood the weight of Felix’s plea.

Even if Theo had only feigned loyalty earlier, Felix wanted to believe in the possibility of support.

"Therefore," Felix said, his voice firm, "I humbly ask you this: will you lend the Emperor your strength?"