Chapter 5
Chapter 5
Translator: Penny
Chapter 5
Heir Apparent (Part 1)
Agron's lightning-fast strike turned Ludicain's face into a bloody pulp.
"Eek...!"
The Council of Elders gasped in horror, their hands flying to cover their mouths at the gruesome sight.
Ludicain lay sprawled on the floor, twitching intermittently.
"Tank, heal him enough to keep him alive, then imprison him in the dungeon," Agron commanded in a low voice.
Knight Commander Tank and Administrator Philip exchanged glances in mid-air.
They had secretly colluded with Ludicain.
Now that Majordomo Alfred had discovered their scheme, Secretary Lekan and Collector Charles, who had been present, likely knew as well.
The men frantically strategized how to escape this predicament, their minds racing through countless scenarios.
"I cannot... obey that order," Knight Commander Tank declared, breaking the silence.
After hesitating between formal and informal speech, Tank decided to use the latter to intimidate his opponent.
"What did you just say?"
"The true elders of this house are Baron Ludicain and the Council of Elders. You... no, you need to be investigated first."
"Investigated?"
"It's not Baron Ludicain who belongs in prison—it's you, for invading the house and killing people!"
Tank drew his sword from its scabbard and pointed it at Agron.
If I back down now, I'll lose everything.
First, I'll use a pretext to imprison him under proper procedures. Then, I'll sway the Council of Elders to hold the Succession Ceremony swiftly.
After that, under the guise of investigating the Barbaroi, I'll charge him with murder, home invasion, and assaulting a noble, and drag him before the court.
"Don't be ridiculous! How could I have come this far just to fail now?!"
Tank had been living lavishly, riding the coattails of the New Head of House, and had even planned to join the Council of Elders later in life, envisioning a comfortable and prosperous retirement.
"I'm the intruder," Agron muttered in a flat voice.
Seeing Agron clench his fist again, the Administrator devised a clever strategy.
He may be strong, but he's still young, naive, and uneducated. The fact that he resorts to violence before reasoning shows his lack of knowledge. I can easily corner him.
The Administrator, like Tank, slammed his hands on the table and rose to his feet.
"Honored members of House Veilain's Council of Elders, esteemed vassals who served the Count, and all citizens of this Kingdom! We are a nation governed by law, order, and the divine will of the gods!"
Philip continued, his words carefully chosen as he remained on high alert, unsure when Agron might lash out.
"You claim to be Agron? Very well, you're entitled to that assertion. But all he possesses are items that could be seized by any third party. If a bandit or barbarian were to kill the real Young Master, steal his belongings, and then impersonate him, how would we ever know the truth?"
The Administrator desperately attacked his opponent's weak points, emphasizing the possibility that he wasn't the real Agron.
Whether he was truly Agron or not was irrelevant.
All that mattered was planting a seed of doubt in the minds of the Council of Elders.
Even if he were acquitted of all charges in court, by then the succession would already have been transferred to Theo, Ludicain's son.
"Do you have any witnesses? Or any proof that you and the real Young Master are the same person? I doubt it. Therefore, while the investigation proceeds—"
"Just in time for a witness to arrive," Agron said, glancing to the side.
"Huh...?"
The startled Administrator and others turned their heads toward the entrance.
"Heh heh heh, it's been a while, everyone."
A Daoist in white robes stood there, stroking his long beard.
The Daoist, Baek Woon.
He was the one who had taken Agron to the Winter Forest Keepers tribe when the witch cast her curse.
"B-Baek Woon Daoist. What brings you here?"
"I rushed here upon hearing of the Head of House and his wife's passing. Why, am I not welcome?" Baek Woon asked with a leisurely smile.
Why is that old man here?!
The Administrator and Knight Commander bit their lips.
After initially entrusting Agron to the Winter Forest Keepers, the Daoist had visited the Count's House about once a year.
Since he always brought news of their son, the Count and Countess eagerly welcomed his visits.
For this reason, the Administrator deliberately withheld the news of the Head of House's death from the Daoist.
Because—
"I received your letter promptly. Thanks to you, I was able to rush here and see your face right away, Agron."
"It's been a while, Elder."
He was the only person who knew Agron's entire growth process.
After hearing the explanation, Baek Woon burst into hearty laughter.
"Heh heh heh, I rushed here so fast my eyebrows were flying off, just in case this kind of trouble arose. This rascal... Ah, forgive me for speaking so casually to you, esteemed Lord Agron, but we've known each other since childhood, so please understand."
He addressed the Council of Elders and the family's vassals, clapping Agron on the back as he sat beside him.
"Anyway, this fellow's such an eccentric that no one would ever guess he's Count Ragnar's son. Agron must have anticipated this situation too, judging by the fact that he called for me."
"Then... is it certain that this man is 'Agron von Veilain'?" Majordomo Alfred pressed, seeking confirmation.
"The Head of House foresaw this and prepared the 'Blood Registry.' Let's go to the Treasure Vault together."
Baek Woon led several vassals and the Council of Elders to the Treasure Vault.
He laid a parchment scroll on the floor and unfurled it, revealing a large magic array.
"This array contains Lord Agron's Blood Data. If blood from another person is dripped onto it, this will happen."
Baek Woon pricked his finger and let a few drops of blood fall onto the parchment.
"Daoist, there's no reaction at all—gasp!"
The dormant array flickered with a crimson light, and the word "Mismatch" appeared beside it.
"What is this...?"
"It means 'failure.' But Lord Agron's blood will yield a different result."
At Baek Woon's signal, Agron slashed his palm with a blade.
Bright red blood splattered onto the array.
Koo-ung!
In that instant, the Magic Array began to spin violently, emitting a brilliant blue lightning. The word "Mismatch" was replaced by "Match," newly inscribed.
Everyone stared at the bizarre spectacle, their faces blank with astonishment as they alternated glances between the Blood Registry and Agron.
"This can't be happening..." the Administrator murmured, his voice tinged with despair.
This shouldn't be unfolding this way.
He had to save Ludicain at all costs and imprison that boy. If he failed, even if he managed to smooth things over here, Majordomo Alfred would never let this go.
"The evidence and witnesses are all gathered," Agron said, wiping the blood from his palm casually on his trousers.
The Administrator took a deep breath, drawing out his final weapon—the law, Agron's weakness and his own strength.
"Indeed. But I trust the esteemed Council of Elders is well aware of House Veilain's traditions, specifically our succession rules."
"..."
"For generations, House Veilain has passed the Head of House position through the Succession Ceremony. Moreover, the Head of House has always been chosen from those who have completed the Coming-of-Age Ceremony. However, due to the untimely passing of the previous Head of House, this was impossible."
The Administrator continued, his voice calm and measured as he moved among the Council members.
"Young Master Agron here has neither undergone the Coming-of-Age Ceremony nor participated in the Succession Ceremony. In contrast, Theo von Veilain, son of Baron Ludicain, has completed the Coming-of-Age Ceremony and is poised to undergo the Succession Ceremony shortly."
As his impassioned speech unfolded, the Council's sentiment seemed to gradually shift in one direction.
"Honorable members of the Council of Elders, while I am pleased to see Young Master Agron, he has not only killed two innocent knights but also assaulted a noble. This warrants legal consequences."
"Hmm."
The Administrator glanced at Agron. He had expected Agron to charge in, breathing fire, but the young man was surprisingly calm, listening intently to his words.
No, he has no choice but to listen. What could he possibly say here?
The Administrator cleared his throat, adjusting his posture.
"These are already turbulent times. We have pressing matters to resolve. But if the heir we've chosen immediately starts dragging the family into court, causing chaos... what are we to do?"
At those words, the Council of Elders began whispering among themselves, their faces darkening.
The Administrator clenched his fist, a triumphant smile spreading across his face as he turned to Agron.
Now was the time to drive the wedge in.
"Lord Tank, what are you waiting for? Escort Young Master Agron to the underground prison. His identity has been confirmed, so he can be investigated for murder and assault in court."
"Ah, right. Young Master, follow me."
Tank grinned widely, his lips stretching into a grotesque smile as he strode toward Agron.
"Do you like the law, boy?"
At that moment, Agron, who had been listening quietly with his arms crossed, finally spoke.
"I do like the law. Since Young Master is a citizen of the Kingdom, not a tribesman, he should abide by the Kingdom's laws."
"I see. As a citizen of the Kingdom, I suppose I must. What country are you from?" Agron asked.
Administrator Philip frowned at Agron's question. "I am also from this 'Kingdom of Astraria'."
"Is that so? What if I insisted on following the rules of my tribe here?"
"That's absurd. The Kingdom's law takes precedence over all else."
"Really? Then which takes precedence: the rules of a noble house or the Kingdom's law?"
"That's...!"
Why is he asking me these riddles?
The Administrator felt cold sweat trickling down his spine.
"W-well, the Kingdom's law takes precedence, of course! But what does it matter now? You've killed a man and assaulted a nobleman! You deserve to be punished!"
"Are you familiar with Articles 2, Paragraph 3, and Article 4, Paragraph 8 of the Royal Nobility Law?"
"Huh?!"
The Administrator, who had been frantically spewing out arguments, stared wide-eyed and repeated the question.
What nonsense is this barbarian spouting?
"W-where did you pick up such nonsense?!"
"Article 2, Paragraph 3: In the event of the Head of House's sudden death, the Eldest Son shall inherit the title. The Coming-of-Age Ceremony and Succession Ceremony may be omitted or postponed."
"Wait, hold on a minute...!"
"Article 4, Paragraph 8: Nobles of Count, Marquis, or Duke rank may summarily execute anyone who threatens their life without bringing them before a court of law. However, this applies only if the assailant is a Baron or lower rank, or not a noble at all."
The Administrator fell silent, his mouth clamped shut like a mute who had swallowed honey.
He couldn't even bring himself to ask how a Barbaroi like Agron knew such things. His mind was a blank slate, incapable of forming a single coherent thought.
"I, as a noble of the Kingdom of Astraria and the rightful heir to House Veilain, will now invoke this law."
Agron turned his gaze to Tank, who was still pointing his sword at him.
"Are you a noble of Baron rank or higher?"
"Ah, no, what is this... What is this man saying, Administrator?"
"Straight to the point, I see."
Agron seized Tank's sword arm and kicked him in the chest with his right foot, as if stomping on him.
Crack!
The armor crumpled like paper, and Tank's entire shoulder was torn off.
Agron immediately approached Administrator Philip.
"W-wait! I formally accuse you...!"
"How pathetic. A mere insect that can't even recognize its master."
Crack!
He swung the Tank's arm, smashing the Administrator's head to pieces.
Then, he approached the table where the Council of Elders sat, leaned down, and glared at them.
"You're nothing but old, damp firewood, too rotten to burn. Do you wish to cling to your lives?"
The Elders trembled and nodded frantically at his chilling words, like rabbits cowering before a predator.
"Good. Now do what you're told, before my fangs tear your withered souls to shreds."
The next day, news arrived at the Royal Administrative Office that the new heir to House Veilain had been decided.
This marked the fastest instance of an heir becoming Head of House without undergoing the Succession Ceremony.
📝 Translator’s Note:
You may notice that certain lines or phrases in this novel appear both in their original Korean (or Hanja) form and in English translation.
This is intentional — these phrases are classical idioms, divine titles, or poetic expressions that carry layered meanings.
To preserve their original tone and authenticity, the raw text has been kept for reference, while the English interpretation is provided right before or after it. This helps convey both the literal and cultural nuance of the original work.
but if you guys dont want tha raw for future chapters or my future other novels u can just text me on discord and say so discord name Mr.Penny