Chapter 13
Chapter 13
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 13
Chapter Title: Chapter 2: Return (5)
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Boom!
The temporary seat shattered, sending fragments flying in all directions.
The sudden incident left the elders, branch family heirs, and everyone else in the room stunned.
Sien, who had been following Martin, was no exception.
But the culprit behind it all paid no mind to the reactions around him.
Step by step.
Ignoring the silence, Martin climbed the stairs.
And sat on the White Dragon Throne as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
*So this is what it feels like.*
It was his first time sitting on the White Dragon Throne, both before and after his regression.
Yet it felt incredibly comfortable.
As if it had been made for him from the start.
Even the internal injuries from deploying Mantra Distortion and Rota-style body techniques were something he could now laugh off.
“Wh-what do you think you’re doing? You’re not qualified to sit there yet, Young Master Martin!”
As everyone reeled in shock, unable to speak, Elder Oriana raised her voice.
“What do you mean by that, Elder Oriana? Not qualified? I can’t understand what you’re saying.”
“You’re not the head of the Adalbert family yet! You haven’t even been recognized as heir, so how dare you sit on the White Dragon Throne...”
“I wasn’t the heir until now. But from today onward, I am. Now that I’ve awakened my innate ability, no one else can sit here. You know that much, don’t you, Elder?”
Elder Oriana fell silent at Martin’s retort.
Those opposing Martin’s ascension as head had consistently argued one point.
That it was absolutely unacceptable for someone without an awakened innate ability to become head.
Elder Aren had set a condition to quell their opposition while also giving Martin a chance.
“If you awaken your innate ability within 100 days, I will support your ascension as head. That was the agreement with the elders and branch family heads, wasn’t it, Elder Aren?”
“...As you say, Young Master.”
“I’ve awakened my innate ability, proving all my qualifications. So the White Dragon Throne is mine now. Am I wrong?”
“...No. You are the true master of the White Dragon Throne, Young Master.”
Pinpointed by Martin, Aren replied with a stiff expression.
*How did things turn out like this?*
Innate abilities typically awakened around age ten.
There were individual differences, but that was the average. Even the late bloomers usually awakened by fifteen.
Yet Martin, now eighteen, had suddenly gained his. It didn’t make sense.
Of course, there were cases of post-awakening innate abilities.
But they were extremely rare.
Only a handful in the past century.
For such an absurd case to happen to Martin of all people—it felt like the heavens were mocking him.
*He’s secured his legitimacy. Rash opposition would only corner me instead.*
He had shown unwavering loyalty to the previous head for years.
That trust had earned him genuine respect from many in the family.
He couldn’t ruin it all by acting unsightly now, after coming this far.
“Thank you. I knew you’d say that, Elder Aren. And what about you, Elder Marius?”
“I share Elder Aren’s view.”
“There we have it. Two elders in agreement. Let me ask once more, Elder Oriana. Do you still think I’m unfit for the White Dragon Throne?”
“...I’m sorry, Young Master. I was mistaken.”
“Good. With all the elders in agreement, I can relax.”
Pushing aside the pain of the dragon’s curse, Martin smiled brightly.
The elders, in contrast, couldn’t hide their discomfort.
Not only had they acknowledged his legitimacy, but by yielding so readily, they had bolstered his authority.
For opponents of his ascension, it stung.
“Now, everyone, take your seats. Let’s get to the main topic.”
Martin shifted his tone immediately.
Though flustered by the abrupt turn, the others sat down.
Sweeping his gaze over them, Martin continued.
“Now that I’ve awakened Spatial Domination, there’s no reason for the head’s seat to remain empty. Right?”
“You’re correct, Young Master. With your qualifications proven, leaving it vacant would only breed chaos. Please become our head.”
Sien Egret, a key supporter of Martin, replied confidently.
Those who had backed him from the start chimed in enthusiastically.
“Become head, Young Master!”
“Restore order to the family!”
With even the three elders who oversaw family affairs acknowledging him, who could object? Their joy was natural.
The elders, who had taken the real hit, looked unwell.
“Very well. Inform the imperial family that I’ve become the acting head and will govern in the head’s stead. The true head will ascend once he gains the power befitting the throne.”
“Wait a moment, Young Master Martin.”
“Young Master?”
“Ahem. Apologies, Acting Head. But I must speak. Ascension to head isn’t something we decide among ourselves. We need to consult the imperial family and the other nobles of the Three Great Houses...”
“Consult? Consult with whom about what, Elder Oriana?”
Martin stared straight at her.
She faltered, unable to voice her opinion.
“Since when did the imperial family or the other Three Great Houses get to interfere in Adalbert succession? Don’t the Three Great Houses hold independent authority?”
“That’s...”
“Didn’t you elders and branch heads discuss my position among yourselves just now? How can you suddenly invoke the imperial family?”
“Haa.”
Elder Oriana let out a quiet sigh, unable to rebut.
Elder Marius spoke up in her stead.
“I acknowledge the acting head’s legitimacy. But the branch heads may resent him acting unilaterally. Wouldn’t it be better to take more time and proceed calmly?”
Pfft.
Martin laughed openly.
His gaze turned to those seated behind the elders.
The branch heirs, led by Kallrein Gustin.
Among them, Kallrein stood out most.
Since Martin defeated Stephan, the smile had vanished from his face.
Not content with that, his cheeks were flushed now. Even his body trembled slightly.
*The Gustin family will never replace the Adalberts, Kallrein.*
Of course, he wasn’t satisfied with that alone.
He’d crush the entire Gustin family.
Only then would his pent-up resentment and rage subside.
Chewing on his grudge, Martin turned to the other branch heirs. Both Stephan and Simon looked shocked.
They had tried to suppress it, but couldn’t fully hide the fury in their eyes.
Martin sneered inwardly and shifted his gaze to Adel.
He felt puzzled.
*She’s smiling?*
Faint as it was, a smile tugged at her lips. It was the first time, before or after his regression, that he’d seen her smile.
Curious, but no time to dwell.
He pressed on.
“I want to ask you all. How do you think the branch heads will react to me becoming head?”
“...”
No one dared speak rashly.
Opposing here would brand them traitors.
Agreeing risked offending the heads.
Caught in a bind, Sien resolved it.
“The branch heads aren’t here, but none would oppose your ascension, Acting Head. They swore loyalty to the Adalberts when they became heads themselves.”
“I think the same, Sien. No petty schemer would slink about like a rat just because the main house faced a brief crisis.”
“Yes. No need to worry, Acting Head.”
“Good. By the way, Elder Oriana.”
“...Yes, Acting Head.”
“You’re an elder of the Adalbert family. If you keep glancing at other factions, it’ll sow confusion among our members. Don’t disappoint the father who trusted you. Remember what your position truly means. Understood?”
“...I will keep it in mind.”
“Excellent.”
Martin’s smile deepened.
Elder Oriana clenched her right hand, hidden by the desk.
The humiliation of being insulted by someone she’d long scorned fueled her rage.
“Second item on the agenda.”
Hum.
Martin opened his subspace.
Out came the journal of Lota Adalbert, which Sien had handed over.
“Three hundred years ago, the Fist King who shook the Crasian Continent emerged from a dungeon. This journal is proof.”
Everyone’s eyes widened.
Lota Adalbert.
No one unfamiliar with the warrior from a branch who reached the pinnacle of the Crasian Continent.
With his long-lost existence finally revealed, their agitation was understandable.
“I-is that truly the Fist King’s journal?”
“The Bayren Guild branch chief verified it. No need to doubt, Elder Aren.”
“Hmm. If it’s not too rude, may this old man check the contents?”
“Sorry, Elder. It contains the Three Great Houses’ scandals. Even for you, I can’t show it.”
“But the Bayren branch chief...”
“I got his promise. He knows one loose word means losing everything. If you still want to read it, brace yourself. You’d face the wrath not just of the Adalberts, but the Ferdinands and Klaus families too. Still want to see?”
Elder Aren couldn’t respond.
Unlike the wrecked Adalberts, the Ferdinand and Klaus families—pillars of the Three Great Houses—still boasted imperial supremacy.
No one wanted their enmity.
The others felt the same and stayed silent.
“What do you plan to do with the journal, Acting Head?”
“Put it in the Fist King’s Chamber.”
“Hm? To enter requires branch heads’ and elders’ approval. They’re not here.”
As true head, no permission needed—but Martin was only acting head now.
As Elder Marius said, approval was required.
But.
*Every rule has exceptions.*
In the Adalbert family, direct descendants mattered most, with conveniences prepared for them.
“Be precise, Elder Marius. A direct descendant who’s awakened Spatial Domination can freely access the Fist King’s Chamber until fully mastering Adalbert Swordsmanship.”
“...My apologies, Acting Head. Old age made me forget momentarily.”
“It’s fine. You’re not the one entering to learn Adalbert Swordsmanship at this age, right? Easy to mix up.”
Martin replied smoothly and continued.
“Oh, right. I’ll also consume one elixir from the Fist King’s Chamber.”
“An e-elixir?”
“Family tradition, isn’t it? A direct descendant awakening Spatial Domination consumes one. A bit late, but I should follow it now. Proper etiquette, no?”
Martin spoke casually.
Elder Marius bowed his head.
To hide his gritted teeth.
*He’s moving too fast.*
Watching, Elder Aren grew grave.
Unexpected events had let Martin seize full control.
Straightforward logic made opposition hard.
But the biggest issue was Martin’s talent itself.
*The current acting head will master Adalbert Swordsmanship in no time.*
His strength would grow rapidly, and a dungeon-tempered body would toughen further.
Even his final weakness—limited lifespan—would be mitigated.
Hope for the schemers crumbled.
A worst-case scenario.
Ignoring them, Martin stood.
“Let’s go, Sien.”
“Yes, Acting Head.”
Hearing her, Martin left the White Dragon Chamber, Sien following naturally.
As he exited, others rose slowly.
They glanced at elders and heirs, but none spoke.
Their thoughts aligned, though.
*We can’t just take this lying down.*
They could elevate their houses.
Rule as proud nobles, independent.
Dreamers quietly stoked their ambitions.
* * *
“You surprised me, Martin. Didn’t expect you to move so boldly.”
Away from prying eyes, Sien relaxed her speech, smiling wider than ever.
Martin smiled back.
“Awakening my innate ability gave me qualification and authority—but that’s it. I’m still young and weak. Moving slowly would’ve let them sabotage real results. What choice? Had to strike unexpectedly.”
He’d returned earlier than promised.
With his innate ability awakened, no less.
Caught off-guard, traitors couldn’t react swiftly.
Thus, he’d pressed with legitimacy, and it worked.
“My father will be thrilled, but the other branch heads are the issue. The elders won’t sit idle either.”
“That’s why the Fist King’s Chamber. To gain power to check the traitors.”
“Well, you’ll master new swordsmanship quick. Spatial Domination awakened—what’s the problem?”
“Gotta live up to expectations.”
“That’s not what worries me... What about the assassins? Thought you’d mention them, but you skipped it?”
“The dungeon branch chief can be intimidated by bodies alone, but not others. Need solid proof to use it right.”
“Possible? We only got their group name. ‘Black Wolves,’ right?”
“A name’s enough.”
Sien shook her head at Martin’s confident grin.
She prided herself smart, but couldn’t fathom his plans.
“Anyway, that can wait. Sien, can you wait outside the Fist King’s Chamber? I’ll be out quick.”
“Don’t need to ask. It’s my duty as your guard.”
“Meeting you really is the luckiest thing in my life.”
“...Don’t embarrass me.”
Sien whipped her head away.
Making it obvious she wouldn’t show her face.
Conversation ended, Martin faced forward.
A metal door of alloy blocked the path.
Drawing his sword, Martin nicked his left ring finger.
Blood flowed; he pressed his hand to the door.
Flash!
Brilliant light burst from the door.
A roar echoed as it opened—just enough for one person.
*I have to confirm it.*
Adalbert Swordsmanship.
Recalling the swordsmanship only direct Adalberts could learn, Martin stepped inside.