Chapteer 271: Extra 11 – Continuation
5muWith the sunset behind him, Vlad stood alone in a wheat field, striking the frozen ground with a hoe.jHLz
JijGoing back in time a bit, to the spring days, Vlad had been learning to work on Ramund’s farm.Tbutti
y1Ps26a“This is truly a curious sight.”pLQsO
5vXyIt was an empty field, without even seeds planted, just freshly tilled earth.qH04WV
3yplvThe only sound was that of Vlad’s hoe striking the soil.Z9L
poHDespite the persistent noise, Vlad displayed absolute clumsiness—a novice struggling with farmwork.2ykb
G26“You traded your sword for a simple hoe, and you still manage to look this stupid?”qQsTqWp
RFjbyn“…Am I really that bad?”IhTJc2i
leNHVlad scratched his cheek awkwardly, glancing at Ramund, who stood nearby making caustic remarks. Vlad already suspected as much.MdmSkqx
R7uuugCIt was clear he had no aptitude for farming.BuK8A
EPoY“No matter how hard you try, you weren’t born for this. It’s not about adapting or learning; you simply lack the talent.”Xrcw
6r6Born and raised in the city, Vlad had never been close to the earth.rCp
WmaZeEven taking that into account, his natural inclination for agriculture was nonexistent.J7s6
F87“Why the hell are you doing this?”6WqtH1U
FQX84PnWith a sword, Vlad was the Swordmaster, admired across the continent.NyGmqm1
qiGXBut with a hoe, he was a fumbling beginner. To Ramund, the disparity was so stark he couldn’t help but let out a deep sigh.anJX
QDSBn2“What made you suddenly want to take up farming?”GEjRsLG
H1hA strong smell of alcohol wafted from the wineskin Ramund held. There was no need to ask what it contained—it was obvious.6hZ7
SPxy“…Are you exhausted? Want to take a break?”Ezrw1Y
MIwW“It’s not that.”jPj
mjRVlad noticed Ramund’s growing frustration. He set the hoe aside, sat down on the ground, and began to speak.nob
wfCf“I’ve just been thinking.”Pxm
27MIt“Thinking about what?”Em8LeC
qn7qVR“That the only things I know how to do are steal, pickpocket, or wield a sword.”0wm6ig
79bxptRamund flinched slightly at Vlad’s words.CbDG6w3
908pAs a child, Vlad had roamed dark alleyways, parentless and homeless.WMBpoRE
HQkUBoHis path had been filled with cold, sharp things—a reflection of the life he had led just to survive.oOuBP13
uBqX“Isn’t it a little shameful to live a life that only knows those things?”B4sf4LK
cDgbLIYVlad felt ashamed to be someone who only knew how to harm others.1D9e
WcCHxAEven if the world hailed him as a glorious Swordmaster, he knew better.a2Qg
y7uenKihano, the previous Swordmaster, had not guided him solely with swordsmanship.RucY
YV4B“What’s so shameful about a Swordmaster only knowing how to wield a sword?”9Xj
C36“That’s exactly the problem.”Dtr35U
tlKRamund’s mildly chiding tone made Vlad smile faintly.jf8nzB
gBj5E“I don’t want to always be the Swordmaster.”vydb
uTglThough the world saw him as a shining figure, to others, Vlad was something entirely different.rLOs6
nFJhCETo some, he was an irreplaceable friend. To others, a savior in desperate times.XQS
B0W5cOAnd to Ramund, at this moment, he was merely a clumsy farmer.ZIV2
MJXkKW“Who knows? Maybe one day, someone will ask me about something other than my sword.”QV3DxY
xL4DwKihano, the Swordmaster, had been more than just that. Vlad remembered most vividly the nameless voice that had guided him onto the right path.PS20oq
T2fnPerhaps the most valuable thing Vlad had learned from Kihano wasn’t his flawless swordsmanship, but his approach to life.fNr
s9Z“That’s why I’m learning. So I’ll have something to say if someone asks me in the future.”LDr
A5ZbaVlad also wanted to emulate that side of Kihano. Not as an emperor or knight, but as the adult who had guided him.hMQ44
tcieWx8That’s why Vlad was now trying to gather the experiences he had overlooked, broadening his understanding of the world.OpAonve
8Zx10AA***rHNIF8
7qpThe succession ceremony was grand.DSgrn
IpwLKnights clad in gleaming armor stood in formation, and dignitaries from across the continent offered their congratulations.HEJn
1sDTlIt was perhaps the most magnificent event ever held in the North. Observing it, Vlad felt a strange sense of euphoria he couldn’t quite put into words.W0EF
iSa“I’ve never seen so many nobles gathered in one place before.”Rq0
fMlcxcl“…Oh, yes?”IBVMI
mjZEF2o“This is only my second time. The first was when I received my knighthood, and now this.”BJc
VlyDCoVSeeing Vlad slightly excited, Jager began to tense up.OEpH4
eoaNiVlad’s behavior was a warning sign to someone who knew him well.dNI
XmQiYJager, recalling the trouble Vlad had caused as a squire, knew this was the time to be most vigilant.tptP
QFJ“…But why is Baroness Alicia seated over there?”GVanG
bh2mj0UThe event, meticulously planned by the Bayezid family, was drawing attention from across the continent.Kko
amY9M9YThe seating arrangement was carefully organized by rank and title. Yet Vlad couldn’t help but feel curious seeing Alicia seated so close to Zemina.SylRfTN
JVrFKB“You seem anxious.”jo1D
LC35UX“I’m not.”QUJCIl
eVKut11“Please, try to stay calm.”hf1ETH
1inUCN0“I’ve never felt better.”ndzCt
wcorJjx“…”JbOa79
oVV8u0But that wasn’t true. Even his breathing carried a trace of tension.ho1dql
qUbjEach time the two women in front of him whispered to each other, the rapid beating of his heart seemed to echo loudly in Jager’s ears.1sF5
lCX5NFI“Now entering, Lord Rutiger Bayezid!”XlnGqdX
h3tAt the sound of the steward’s announcement, the hall doors began to open.gSy
LK13SThe doors, designed to resemble Sturma’s fortified walls, were massive and imposing.yzcMI
m0M6JcAs they swung open, the chatter in the hall died down into absolute silence.xVa8T
osQG“…”o3ODErJ
4MTs1gA tall man with broad shoulders, clad in an ornate ceremonial armor, entered with steady steps.uhOqkY
NLQMbqIt was Rutiger, looking far more solemn than usual.JfIRci
ea3iHoz“He looks different.”3Ce
QkI“It’s natural.”VWZfk
YV4JooAt the highest point of the hall, Peter Bayezid, the current head of the family, made a gesture with his hand.OoXl
C0iIt was the signal to commence the succession ceremony.J26
i5RBrEl“He’s no longer the Rutiger you knew. From now on, he will be Count Bayezid.”VenmIn
IgvQWHBearing the weight of his family’s name on his shoulders and the burden of their lands on his back, Rutiger could no longer be who he once was.ujoU2
ChBt97With every step forward, carrying the responsibilities of his new role, Vlad’s gaze grew more complex.kKst
q4Mv—Please, come forward, son of Bayezid.vQsz
pOGW4oWith each step Rutiger took ascending the stairs, he drew closer to Peter. At the same time, Peter Bayezid slowly rose from his seat.4NYd
YCHHolding the lord’s mantle in his left hand and the ceremonial sword in his right, Peter opened his arms as if to say, “Come.” His gaze remained fixed on his son as he ascended toward him.Fcw
AIkOjoWhen Rutiger reached the highest point, Peter, holding both the mantle and sword, extended them toward him.mLqg3
ToAP1vk—Wear this mantle.gr3hN
i3SRFinally, Rutiger reached the pinnacle of Bayezid, and in front of him, Peter carefully draped the mantle over his shoulders.eDW4B2
mvV8TuR—This mantle symbolizes duty. Do not forget that you now bear the responsibility for countless lives who depend on you.86PPy
Bhh5NPA lord is not just someone who rules over land, but one who protects their people. That immense responsibility now weighed heavily on Rutiger’s shoulders.SJ5GW1
GRKlz4—Raise your sword.uCnN
7spQT0Solemnly, Rutiger reached for the object Peter offered him: the sword of the Bayezid family.kBLI1X
ZtOwDdThe sword, passed down through generations, was a reminder that Rutiger must now wield it not for his personal honor, but for that of his family.x3fOLuE
axHKo—This sword symbolizes your responsibility as the head of the family. From this moment on, you will not wield this blade for your own honor but for the honor of the Bayezid name.3AQp3
HshvCHe was no longer merely Rutiger the knight. From this moment, he would live as the heir and representative of the Bayezid family.FsMnBwr
hniAs the ceremony concluded, Peter Bayezid addressed those gathered with a powerful voice.uxOPQ
4oJB—I, Peter Bayezid, declare before all present that Rutiger Bayezid is the new head of the family.e4o
D3wHaving handed over everything he needed to, Peter raised his voice, addressing the hall filled with guests.R9zGj8k
xLMV—Rutiger Bayezid has assumed the title of head of the family!2j2KI
aaoRug6Until then, the only sound in the vast hall had been Peter’s voice speaking to his son. But as soon as he finished, thunderous applause erupted, threatening to shake the very walls.vgK8z
8GFiClap, clap, clap, clap—!zWw2
LL3The cheers and applause of those present filled the space, showing no sign of abating anytime soon.FKqiW
KEx4FYIt was a sound of celebration, a tribute to the Bayezid dynasty, which had endured even in the darkest times when the mightiest and oldest dragon had brought chaos.6zURJ
vXjYet amid the deafening ovation, Vlad caught a faint voice that seemed to come from above.6hMj1
4nSQ“…You’ve done well.”YVQLbB
BTYIt was a barely audible whisper, perceptible only to someone like Vlad, whose dragon blood granted him acute senses.fhCO
HADhU8The voice came from Peter, who embraced his son with a blend of solemnity and warmth.qSu3XhQ
b16“Truly, you’ve done well to make it this far.”hlx76
DVcdHaving relinquished the mantle of leadership and the family sword, Peter was no longer a leader but fully a father. As he held Rutiger close, he whispered with genuine affection:TojI
CePlR“Thank you for all your effort to reach this place.”RFHWsX
SGW***cdNr94Q
VEDzK2“That was truly a moving spectacle.”tWHO5NN
Ez6qThe night following the succession ceremony, an elegant banquet was being held at the Bayezid mansion.tpbK6z9
a4EweVHowever, while the guests laughed and mingled, Vlad walked through a dark, empty hallway, far removed from the nobles and their revelry.vW5gBA
klMZc“What does it feel like to inherit something? I can’t even imagine.”VQr1
HqsHe was accompanied by Jager, who walked ahead of him.Ok40
N0WBoth carried bottles of liquor in their hands as they made their way to what had once been Joseph’s office.URP
x9xyNU“Well, I suppose inheriting something from Dragulia would have been impressive. Too bad you missed out on that.”H8GAJNm
Af5g“That’s not what I mean.”uR1
EJZjvJager’s sudden mention of Dragulia caused Vlad’s expression to stiffen awkwardly.4LI6
BCKdvES“I mean something like… what a father passes down to his son.”oaQ2Zb
HKoIt was difficult to put into words, and Vlad gestured clumsily in an attempt to explain. Jager, however, didn’t even glance back.KAu
3QpJHu“That’s not something everyone gets to experience, even if their parents are alive. In this world, if you don’t inherit debts, you’re already lucky.”LV4
boNUEo“Really?”KXimJve
TkvqWfi“And if you want to know how it feels, just make sure someone inherits something from you.”FYXWoOe
tIl9Creak—RgFYc
dloThe door handle emitted a harsh, grating sound as it turned, rusty from years of disuse.Lzg
ZLDn“You can’t inherit something, but you can leave something behind for others to inherit.”CLFGE
R0aYaigCreeeeak—HddQ
Dr91lThough he expected the office to be shrouded in darkness, the room was bathed in the soft, bluish glow of moonlight.9N63
AuEy3Yet despite the light, the space felt entirely different from how Vlad remembered it.Nd4DmA
eRRwVqB“…Nothing here has changed.”We7Hq
5w9“Nothing has changed, you say, but all the furniture is covered with cloth.”PpOQq
za3RyThe office, now devoid of its owner, had become a cold, dust-laden space.jul
tXjKHowever, with these two unexpected visitors, the room seemed to regain a faint warmth from the past.WaH8
KLxGs“Are we going to drink here?”5AXO3sd
dKKhlR“…Yes. Originally, I planned to do it alone.”eidrRR5
SFTThough it wasn’t planned, Vlad and Jager naturally took up the positions they used to occupy.v1z
w9NQJVlad sat across from the guest table, and Jager stood by Joseph’s desk, just as he always had.SHV
Y8p2G9Jager couldn’t help but chuckle, watching Vlad behave as if it were the old days.jhC6QYu
hvzTwq“A boy who didn’t even know how to ride a horse.”3ZD
wctgf4“It’s because I didn’t know I was a dragon.”D4TSSr
aRr73ex“A brat who only knew how to brawl with the other squires and get into trouble.”vrgGye
2koyXig“Well, that was because…”IiAs
xZNJGdDReminiscing about the past, Jager shook his head in amusement while Vlad fumbled to justify himself.lrVOds
mFMgoKPerhaps because he had known Vlad since he was a boy, Jager still found it hard to believe how much he had grown.QuQhIJ
LA0R“From that troublesome kid to becoming a Swordmaster, and yet you still have so much to envy?”9zf
PfJkGC“…”kzEG7f
Aj3B“Here, take this.”5rkUmH3
2MaZqKg“Liquor?”vVyJ
QAtv“It’s expensive. Over fifty years old.”kq97am
WoXFaYOThe bottle Jager handed to Vlad was one he had been saving for years.0ZuVGK
vP4HjRIt was a special bottle that had belonged to his father, back when Jager had first come to Bayezid from the Oskar family.EuiclBU
Fxp“Are you sure it’s alright to give me something so valuable?”2CJ0g2
i5Nu“You said you wanted to inherit something, didn’t you?”WtdD
LZMW“Even so…”QLrnv0
oeVa4e“Enough already. Just open the bottle.”Csv
hxByJager pulled a cloth off a piece of furniture and retrieved some glasses, holding them out to Vlad.Mam9q
XHwIt was a clear invitation to pour the liquor, but Vlad, with a sly smile, tucked the bottle behind his back.WjM
7wI“…This liquor is too valuable to drink right now.”I6dXAJl
etSw“Then give the bottle back.”Pme99S
LtOte“How about we start with the one I brought?”s8uTXV
dl3Hwz“…I’ve been waiting twenty years to drink that.”7fX0Zl
pTI89hJager sighed in defeat as Vlad poured a different liquor he had brought along.h3e2f
ceY5“By the way, Jager, do you know how to fish?”uWtL
cObe1“Fish? Why are you asking that out of nowhere?”uwgg
FbVf“I thought it might be nice to learn.”e0zs
r076BpeJager, gazing at the moonlight streaming through the window, let out a small sigh.gIzE3
DVOKg9e“If you want to learn something basic, come back in winter.”uQq
E3Y4iQVlad smiled as he watched Jager’s back. He had spoken about inheritance, but what he truly desired was to continue the connections forged in his life.8esyFM
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