A Dragonslayer’s Peerless Regression

Chapter 67

Whoosh!

Felix, who had been vigorously brandishing his sword, suddenly halted.

"Phew."

Sieg spoke to Felix, "You claim to have completed the guild's swordsmanship course, so how do you know the Paladin Legacy Swordsmanship?"

Felix, slightly surprised by Sieg's words, widened his eyes before nodding.

"I had a feeling that Lord Sieg would recognize this swordsmanship if anyone could."

In the Holy Kingdom, a paladin refers to knights of the Holy Knight Order, whose contact with the outside world was severely restricted.

Therefore, not many could identify or even perform their ancient and secret swordsmanship.

Yet Sieg, merely by observing the sword form, discerned it as the Paladin's secret technique.

Felix sensed that Sieg was different from other knights of Draker.

"I revealed everything to you without hiding anything because I wanted to show my sincerity."

Sieg, with a sharp gaze, said to Felix, "Continue."

Felix showed Sieg the necklace he had been wearing. Sieg recognized the necklace's significance.

"A formal Paladin's Emblem. It's quite worn."

The emblem, depicting the sun, symbolized the Holy Kingdom and was given only to Paladins who passed stringent trials.

Felix inserted the emblem back into his clothes and said, "My grandfather was once a Paladin."

"I thought Paladins were forbidden to marry."

Felix nodded, acknowledging, "You are correct, Lord Sieg. My grandfather... was defrocked."

"Hmm."

Typically, defrocked Paladins were supposed to live in monasteries for the rest of their lives, repenting their sins within strict rules. Living outside the Holy Kingdom and marrying like an ordinary person was impossible.

'Did he break the vows and escape living a hidden life outside the Holy Kingdom?' Sieg pondered.

At that moment, Felix clenched his fist and said to Sieg, "Lord Sieg, my grandfather was caught in political strife within the Holy Kingdom and was wrongfully defamed, leading to his defrocking."

Sieg was slightly taken aback by Felix's sudden revelation.

'The story is getting quite complex.'

Felix continued, "In his effort to expose the corruption within the Holy Kingdom, risking his life fighting internal enemies, he was eventually framed and defrocked. Though he faced disgraceful execution, with his comrades' help, he barely escaped the Holy Kingdom to live hidden in the Troy Duchy."

Overwhelmed with emotion, Felix held back tears, clenching his fists tightly.

He then looked at Sieg and spoke, "Before dying, my grandfather revealed what he couldn't rectify in the Holy Kingdom, passing down this swordsmanship to me."

Sieg, after hearing Felix's words, had a lingering question.

"Felix."

"Yes, Lord Sieg."

"Did your grandfather attempt an aura transmission before he passed?"

Felix tilted his head in confusion, "Aura transmission? What is that?"

Sieg approached Felix, "Extend your hand."

Similarly to how Decker had once checked the aura within him, Sieg intended to verify Felix's aura.

Allowing external aura into one's body without resistance required absolute trust and should never be casually allowed.

However, Felix extended his wrist to Sieg without any suspicion.

'This makes it seem like he might not be a spy.'

Sieg placed his hand on Felix's wrist and began to slowly infuse his mana into him.

Sieg's mana circulated within Felix's body, scrutinizing his state.

'As expected. The aura conductivity is high for his skill level. His aura circuit is opened as well.'

After examining Felix's condition thoroughly, Sieg released his wrist.

Felix asked Sieg anxiously, "Lo-Lord Sieg, did you find anything wrong?"

Sieg shook his head, "Quite the opposite. Felix, you ought to be thankful to your late grandfather."

"What do you mean all of a sudden?"

"It seems your grandfather was an Arch-Paladin."

"Arch-Paladin? Is there such a thing?"

"Yes. If you compare it to knights, it's equivalent to a Black Knight."

"What! Is that true?"

Sieg continued his explanation. "The Paladins of the Holy Kingdom possess a unique technique inherited from the imperial era, called aura transmission. It allows them to pass on their aura to their disciple, helping them achieve achievements faster."

"So that's why you inquired about aura transmission earlier."

"Yes. But your grandfather didn't merely transmit aura; he opened your aura circuit to enhance your body's aura conductivity. This is a technique only an Arch-Paladin can perform."

"I wasn't aware of anything like this."

Sieg observed Felix's reaction, truly appearing unaware.

'It's confusing whether he's a specially trained spy or a genuine inheritor of an Arch-Paladin. Perhaps he might be both.'

Sieg asked Felix, "Felix."

"Yes! Lord Sieg."

"Did you say you wanted to become my squire to clear your grandfather's name?"

Felix showed a slightly complicated expression.

"Well, that's certainly one reason. But more than that, I wish to serve by your side, Lord Sieg."

"How could you make such a decision so suddenly, having barely known me?"

"I, I actually watched Sir Sieg battle secretly. I haven't witnessed many knights, but I've never seen anyone like Lord Sieg! If permitted, I wish to serve by your side, even as a squire or a servant."

Sieg pondered, observing Felix.

'If he's a spy, I could keep him close to find out who my enemies are. If not, I'd gain a squire with high potential.'

In truth, Sieg had grown fond of Felix during the few days they spent together; he was efficient and quick-witted.

Felix was too valuable a talent to dismiss lightly.

After contemplating, Sieg told Felix, "Following me won't be easy."

"Th-That's okay! I'd jump into hellfire if I must!"

"Don't exaggerate. We'll return to Atlas tomorrow, so be ready."

Hearing this, Felix bowed deeply to Sieg.

"Th-Thank you, Sir Sieg! I will serve you with all my loyalty."

Sieg decided to take Felix as his squire and returned to his quarters.

'Felix Valencia. I need to dig deeper into him.'

* * *

The next day, Sieg returned to Atlas immediately. Before heading back to Valhalla, he spoke to Felix.

"Felix, I'll inform the Atlas guard, so prepare to relocate."

"Yes! Understood."

After sending Felix away, Sieg went up to the principal's office to meet Flaubert.

Coincidentally, as he headed towards the principal's office corridor, he encountered Diego and Aster, emerging from a door.

Both men looked utterly worn out.

"What kind of mission did you receive to end up like this?"

Diego groaned as he replied, "Uh, don't even ask! We've just returned after doing snow-clearing work along with the Northern border defenders the whole time!"

Aster shivered in agreement, "Master, I now realize snow is scarier than monsters."

During war, sometimes it wasn't enemies or monsters that were the hardest to endure – it was the environment itself.

Whether it was the humid jungle climate and insects, the northern cold, the desert's intense heat and sunlight – these were often overlooked by knights.

Sieg realized that Flaubert's test had provided valuable experience for both of them.

'I now understand why the patriarch appointed Flaubert to be the principal of Valhalla.'

Diego and Aster grumbled about now having to go to another mission in the desert.

"Survive till we meet again, bro!"

"I'll be back, master."

After parting with Diego and Aster, Sieg proceeded to the principal's office.

Flaubert greeted Sieg with a broad smile.

"Welcome!"

For him, having someone like Sieg take on tasks and produce excellent results was enough to make Flaubert favor him beyond measure.

He personally prepared tea.

'The tea's quality has improved even over the last time.'

Success certainly should be pursued after all.

Sieg placed the bag containing the demonic beast's finger on the table in front of Flaubert.

Looking at the demonic beast's finger, Flaubert smiled satisfactorily.

"Reading your report, I must say, it was impressive. Healing a wounded Barbarian and working together to capture a demonic beast's finger and all."

"It was mostly luck."

Flaubert laughed heartily and said, "I feel like keeping a talent like you in Valhalla is a loss to the entire continent."

He pulled out something from his pocket and handed it to Sieg.

"Here's a provisional graduation certificate. Though it's not possible to graduate immediately as the semester hasn't ended yet, carrying this shouldn't inconvenience you in achieving your goals since it certifies you've met the graduation requirements."

Sieg received the graduation certificate from Flaubert with a courteous posture.

"Thank you for your consideration, principal."

"I'm proud to have such an exceptional student hailing from Valhalla."

Flaubert looked at Sieg and asked, "Have you settled on your career path post-graduation? Do you plan to stay with Draker?"

Sieg nodded affirmatively.

"For now, I wish to accumulate experiences as a knight for the family and become a true knight."

Flaubert seemed pleased with Sieg's exemplary answer.

"Good. I look forward to witnessing your growth, Sieg."

"Thank you, principal."

At that moment, a knock sounded.

Knock, knock!

Someone came to the principal's office – it was Andre.

Flaubert asked Andre, "What brings you here, professor Andre?"

After greetings, Andre addressed the principal, "A message from the Four Seasons Castle has arrived, instructing me to escort Sieg there."

Flaubert nodded understandingly, "It seems the patriarch has already learned of your graduation. He's quick with everything."

Sieg also nodded and stood up, "I'll take my leave then, principal."

"Do visit often."

Following Andre, Sieg left Valhalla and boarded the Draker's carriage heading to the Four Seasons Castle.

He asked Andre, "Do you have any idea why I've been summoned there?"

Andre shook his head, "I don't know the reason either. Could be to congratulate you on graduating."

"I can't really imagine the patriarch congratulating me on my graduation."

"Well, achieving the feat of graduating Valhalla in two years might warrant it."

"Hopefully, it's nothing serious."

The carriage Sieg and Andre boarded traversed Atlas city and soon entered the Four Seasons Castle.

Andre waited outside while Sieg proceeded inside the Summer Song where the patriarch's office was located.

The Summer Song handled all comprehensive work related to every Draker across the continent.

As such, not just knights, but also administrative staff and family-affiliated mages were bustling about, each focused on their tasks.

"What about the Northern case!"

"Wait a moment. Seems there's an issue in the southern seas!"

"Ugh! Damn, who's in charge of this budget report!"

The entire office resembled a battlefield.

'I think I'd prefer fieldwork to this.'

Sieg swiftly passed through the headache-inducing administrative area and made his way toward the office of the patriarch.

Approaching the office, the secretary verified Sieg's identity.

Only then could he enter.

Arthur Draker's office was surprisingly modest.

Bookshelves lined the walls, packed with books, and a large desk for work was set in front of a big window that let in splendid daylight. In front of it lay a reception sofa and table.

It was then that the door to an adjacent room opened, and Arthur Draker appeared, carrying a teapot.

"Oh, you're here. Have a seat."

Arthur Draker sat facing Sieg, pouring the tea he himself had brewed into a cup for him.

"Sieg, I procured some tea from the Eastern continent for you. Have a taste."

Sieg sipped the tea offered by Arthur.

The aroma and flavor were distinct from typical teas.

"I heard that Eastern tea is of high quality, and it is indeed excellent."

"I'm glad you like it. I'll pack some for you to take when you leave."

Tea from the Eastern Empire was more expensive than gold of the same weight.

Sieg expressed his gratitude to the patriarch.

Arthur regarded Sieg and spoke, "You're curious why I called you, aren't you?"

Sieg nodded in agreement, "Yes, family head."

"I called you intending to see you after a long while and perhaps congratulate you on graduating."

"Thank you, family head. It's all thanks to the teachings of our family."

Arthur smirked slightly, "You don't have to pretend to be a model student like in front of Master Flaubert. Draker doesn't seek knights who merely fit the mold liked by old folks, after all."

Arthur Draker was indeed perceptive.

He declared, looking at Sieg, "Sieg, I intend to have you participate in the upcoming Draker Martial Tournament."

He continued, "And I hope you win there."