The Return of the Limited-Time Sword Master

Chapter 118: Founding Festival (3)

Before my regression, I had never truly encountered a master of the 10th Circle.

The only instance was in my childhood, when I had followed my father to the Founding Festival and met the heads of the three great families.

After reaching adulthood, family affairs consumed me, leaving little energy to spare for anything else.

Then, after my regression, I met the avatar of Arelia von Adalbert, the first head of my family, and experienced for the first time just a fraction of the power of a 10th Circle master.

‘She told me not to judge the 10th Circle sovereigns based on her alone…’

At first, I thought it was absurd, but now I understood why she had said that.

‘Could they really be the same kind of human?’

Thanks to the Dragon’s Curse, I could perceive things more clearly than others.

I could sense the immense power possessed by Werner von Klaus, the head of the Klaus family.

The mana core in his heart and mind surged with a tremendous amount of mana, like observing a miniature sun.

What was even more astonishing was the constant draw of mana from the world into his mana core.

As I witnessed this phenomenon, one word came to mind.

Infinity.

There was no better word to describe the power of a 10th Circle sovereign.

If I were to compare that vast power to the ocean, the mana boost granted by my Dragon’s Curse would amount to nothing more than a stream—no, a mere puddle.

“Ho…”

At that moment, a slight smile appeared on Werner von Klaus’ lips.

Simultaneously, I felt the pressure on me intensify.

I gathered all the mana I could from the mana cores in my abdomen and mind, but the pressure showed no sign of easing.

“It’s been a long time since someone’s tried to scrutinize me.”

Rumble!

The moment Werner spoke, everyone nearby felt an oppressive aura.

The members of the Adalbert family didn’t stay idle either.

Vincent, Wilhelm, and others unleashed their own auras in resistance.

However, the clash ended almost immediately.

“That’s enough.”

With that single utterance from Werner.

“Hah!”

“Ugh!”

Groans echoed from all directions.

The overwhelming force had instantly cut off the flow of mana.

Yet, I knew that wasn’t all.

‘To think he could command mana just with his will…’

As soon as Werner’s words ended, the mana moved on its own.

It felt almost alive, as if obeying his command.

I had no choice but to feel it in my bones.

The being before me was in a different league entirely.

“It’s a pleasure to meet a potential equal after so long. Don’t interrupt my enjoyment with meaningless chatter.”

As soon as Werner finished his sentence, everyone but me felt as though their lips had been sealed shut.

Both Irina von Minert and the Klaus family’s young lord, who stood opposite her, managed to withstand it, but only those two.

“An equal… That’s quite an honor I can hardly bear.”

“No need to be so modest. Unlike the First Prince, you have the potential to reach the level of a sovereign. With your talents, you might even ascend to the peak sooner than anyone else.”

“I’m not sure if someone as lacking as I am can meet those expectations, but I’ll do my best.”

My stomach churned with every word, but I steadied myself.

‘It’s not like I’ll be entangled with him much, anyway.’

The northern territory managed by the Adalbert family didn’t border the southern region dominated by the Klaus family.

The western Altaria royal family and the eastern Ferdinand family occupied the central territories.

‘Besides, he’s only concerned with pursuing independence; he has no interest in other families.’

The royal family and the Ferdinand family had no desire to see the Klaus family break away to establish their own nation.

So, conflict was bound to arise eventually, but it wasn’t a concern of mine.

Even if I were to propose an alliance to check the First Prince and the Ferdinand family, he would undoubtedly reject it.

“I admire your drive. If you also gain the mindset of a ruler, it would be even better.”

“Pardon? What do you mean by that…?”

I felt puzzled by Werner’s sudden remark.

He merely chuckled and glanced at Claudia, then turned back to me.

“You have the potential to become a sovereign, and this era has entered a period of chaos. An opportunity has come to not only restore the family but also surpass the accomplishments of your ancestor.”

“With all due respect, such words… Ah!”

Having exerted all her strength, Claudia finally broke free from the pressure.

Her expression hardened as she tried to speak to Werner but involuntarily cried out.

An even greater force was bearing down on her than before.

“Your Highness!”

Irina called out urgently, unleashing her aura.

Her power, that of a 9th Circle master, neutralized the force pressing on Claudia, and only then did her complexion return to normal.

“I warned you not to ruin my enjoyment with trivial remarks. As you are my old friend’s daughter, I’ll let it go this once. But next time, there will be no mercy.”

Werner casually declared that he would kill the princess if necessary.

While the Klaus family members nodded as if it was only natural, the princess’ side and those from the Adalbert family couldn’t hide their astonishment.

With an indifferent expression, Werner continued.

“The Klaus family, the Adalbert family, the Ferdinand family—others call us the three great noble houses and ducal families, lauding us. But in the end, we’re just losers who yielded to the royal family. That’s the truth.”

“I won’t deny it.”

“But now that we’re entering a time of chaos, following the old order is meaningless. We can finally rectify the missteps of our founding ancestors with our own hands. Instead of being mere family heads, we can become rulers of a nation. Isn’t that appealing?”

“It would be a lie to say it’s not. However, I don’t believe I could accomplish what even the first family head couldn’t.”

“Ha ha ha!”

As soon as I finished speaking, Werner burst into laughter.

In sync with his laughter, mana woven into the atmosphere trembled violently.

“You’ve got courage. To see you stand your ground and lie so boldly in front of me.”

“Lie? I’m sincere.”

“Well, you certainly can’t be expected to decide right now. After all, it’s difficult to speak of such things with your current strength.”

“Haha…”

I laughed awkwardly.

Werner looked at me intently and spoke, his expression turning serious.

“The Altaria Empire is a remarkable country. Despite hosting four separate powers, they’ve coexisted for a thousand years. But now, the Empire has reached its limit. While the First Prince may possess qualities reminiscent of the first Emperor, he won’t be able to stop the Empire from crumbling, as the era itself wills for its downfall.”

“…”

“You, too, must choose your path wisely. Whether to focus on fleeting alliances or truly inherit the aspirations of your forebears.”

With those parting words, Werner strode away.

The members of the Klaus family naturally followed him.

My companions and I watched them in silence until their forms faded from sight.

Only then did we all release our breaths.

“Whew. I knew the head of the Klaus family desired independence, but I didn’t expect him to declare it so openly.”

“He’s one of the Empire’s only two sovereigns. There’s no one left for him to answer to.”

The heads of the three great noble families and the Emperor kept each other in check, so no one defected.

But now, only Werner von Klaus and Karl von Ferdinand remained.

With only the two of them left, any confrontation would lack proper opposition.

“…I can’t predict the future of the Empire.”

“No one can. For now, all we can do is tackle what’s directly before us.”

“That’s why I’m saying this—there’s a good chance we’ll be attacked during the festival. In fact, it’s almost certain. You know this, don’t you?”

Despite the princess’s warning, I remained calm.

“Of course.”

“And yet, you seem remarkably unbothered.”

“Well, they may attack, but it won’t escalate into anything serious. They’ll probably just test us lightly.”

“What makes you so sure?”

“Two heads of the three great families are present. Even if I were to ally with elves or dwarves, it wouldn’t pose a threat to them. So, regardless of who attacks, those two won’t lend support, rendering any assault meaningless.”

“That’s true.”

Claudia nodded at my confident response.

“It makes sense,” she said.

“Then, let’s head to the assembly, Young Lord.”

“Understood.”

At Claudia’s command, I nodded, and our group made our way to the assembly hall.

* * *

The imperial palace’s assembly hall, known as the Hall of Heroes, was located in the Hero’s Palace.

A thousand years ago, the first Emperor and the first heads of the three great noble families signed a pact here, marking the birth of the Empire.

To signify equality between the royal family and the three noble families, the founders had gathered around a round table.

Thus, whenever the heads of the three noble families and the Emperor convened, they would sit around that very table.

Today, Martin, presiding officer Richard, Werner von Klaus, and Karl von Ferdinand all sat facing one another.

Separate round tables were arranged for the high-ranking nobles, counts and above, and another for viscounts and barons.

Seated at the former table were the likes of Nicholas von Royce and Irina von Minert, while the heads of branch families from the three great noble houses sat

at the latter.

Nobles without territories could only observe from the audience, without the right to speak.

“On behalf of His Majesty, I, Richard Altaria, shall chair this assembly. I now declare the opening of this year’s assembly.”

Clack.

Richard struck the gavel.

Then, with a stern expression, he looked over at me.

‘So he’s human after all.’

I chuckled quietly.

Seeing the usually relaxed Richard appear so tense was quite amusing.

It made sense, though, given that his imperious grandfather was seated beside him.

“The first agenda is the Adalbert family’s alleged collusion with northern non-human races. Marquis Royce, please stand and explain.”

“Understood.”

Swish.

Nicholas von Royce rose to his feet.

His gaze landed on me as he stood at the round table.

Meeting his stare, I felt a pang of admiration.

‘If looks could kill, I’d have died dozens, no, hundreds of times by now.’

Although brief, I caught it clearly.

The murderous intent flaring in Nicholas’ eyes.

“Elves and dwarves have long been considered humanity’s ancient adversaries, alongside monsters. Consequently, all nations implicitly agreed to stifle their growth, but the acting head of the Adalbert family has defied this pact. As a result, nations and the Adventurer’s Guild are protesting openly, while the one responsible for this situation bears no responsibility.”

“Martin von Adalbert, do you have a response? If so, please stand and speak.”

“I do.”

Swish.

I rose calmly from my seat.

Just in case, I glanced at Karl von Ferdinand and Werner von Klaus.

In the Altaria Empire’s assembly, the Emperor and the heads of the three noble families always held center stage.

And I nearly laughed.

Both sovereigns had their eyes closed, showing no sign of interest.

It was exactly as I had expected.

‘Even if I’ve allied with the elves and dwarves, I’m no threat to them yet.’

After all, as revealed in the future, even if the elves marshaled all their strength, they would still be unable to defeat a single Klaus family.

As long as Karl von Ferdinand and Werner von Klaus reacted this way, whatever Nicholas said would only echo emptily.

Of course, a clever opponent like him was surely aware of that.

And yet, I understood why he was doing this.

‘It’s just venting and testing me.’

Hadn’t he lost to me countless times already?

It wasn’t surprising that he would react sharply.

Knowing this, I decided to humor him to an extent.