Reincarnated as the third son of the Duke-Chapter 50 - Ripples of Power: The Sword Saint’s Heir and the Shifting Succession

50 Ripples of Power: The Sword Saint’s Heir and the Shifting Succession

The shockwaves of William’s actions rippled through the entire lord’s estate.

Defeating Jordi and Joshua in duels had only served to hint at his potential, proving that he had the makings of a true contender.

But this? This was no longer a matter of potential.

William had earned accomplishments—ones that could not be ignored.

He had not merely displayed his talent within the confines of the family. He had secured a major achievement outside the house, staking his claim on something undeniable.

His position in the race for succession had shifted.

"This is far beyond mere coincidence at this point."

"Perhaps the Grand Duke is deliberately pushing him forward…?"

"Don’t be ridiculous! Have you learned nothing about His Highness?!"

"Face reality. The Third Prince is no longer just another contender. He is a true successor candidate now."

"The entire succession struggle has flipped on its head. This is going to get noisy."

Until now, William had been at a clear disadvantage, to the point where some had doubted whether a competition even existed.

But now?

Now, his standing had risen to match Joshua’s.

In terms of pure individual capability—excluding outside influences like their maternal families—William had surpassed him.

Even compared to his other brothers, he was now a legitimate competitor.

And as the estate erupted into discussion over this dramatic shift in the hierarchy—

A single announcement stole all attention.

—"Sir Aizen has chosen an heir!"

The storm that followed swept aside every other topic.

The news sent shockwaves through the knights and every individual remotely associated with House Hern.

The Sword Saint, a man who had spent his entire life without taking a single disciple, had suddenly declared a successor.

And he had done so at the twilight of his life.

"What the hell is going on?!"

"How should I know?! If you’re that curious, go ask Sir Aizen yourself!"

"Are you insane?! Who would dare be so disrespectful to the Sword Saint?!"

But even as the knights reeled from the revelation, some were already thinking ahead.

"What does this mean for the competition for heir?"

"...Why the hell are you bringing up the succession right now?"

The knight who had spoken received a round of skeptical glares, but his face remained grim as he explained.

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"Sir Aizen himself may have been neutral, but his heir does not have to be."

"Exactly. And considering how late in life he chose his successor… I hear he’s even adopting them as his own child. He must be quite fond of them."

"If the Sword Saint remains neutral, it won’t matter. But if his heir takes a side, then…"

"Shut your damn mouth!" someone hissed, alarmed. "Do you even hear yourself?! Do you know what kind of dangerous rumors you’re starting?!"

But it was too late.

The words had already escaped, drifting into the air like seeds waiting to take root.

Even those who trusted Aizen’s neutrality could not ignore the possibility.

A simple "What if?" was all it took to plant doubt.

And that doubt began to spread.

Rumors crept beneath the surface, whispered in quiet corners, bubbling toward open speculation.

And then—

A foolish knight made the mistake of bringing it up directly to Aizen himself.

The entire city heard the Sword Saint’s response.

—"The next head of House Hern will be decided by His Highness, the lord of this house! Not by me! Focus on your knightly duties instead of pointless politics! Or leave your knighthood behind and become a politician instead!"

His voice resounded through the inner fortress like a thunderclap.

A single, brief outburst.

But from that day forward, the rumors vanished.

For all intents and purposes, it had been a declaration.

Aizen would not involve himself in political affairs.

The estate finally began to settle.

Just as people were beginning to return to their daily routines—

A new summons arrived.

—"Gather at once. It has been too long since we last dined together as a family."

Grand Duke Sigmund had called for all of his children to return.

"A meal, is it?"

William let out a quiet, dry chuckle as he read the Grand Duke’s summons.

A simple family meal.

In most noble households, such an event would be just that—a routine gathering without much meaning.

But in a house as powerful as Hern, where the competition for succession was fierce?

Bringing together all potential heirs in one place was never a simple affair.

It meant there was an announcement to be made.

Something important.

William leaned back against his chair, exhaling slowly.

"A troublesome matter has surfaced, it seems. But at least it doesn’t seem too severe."

Hearing this, Hans blinked in confusion. "But His Highness only said it was a meal…"

"And yet, only my siblings and I were summoned," William pointed out. "That alone is enough to tell me something’s afoot."

If it had been a matter too great for the heirs to handle, then the Grand Duke would have called for the entire family—including his wives.

But he hadn’t.

That meant it wasn’t urgent enough to demand the attention of the entire household.

Instead, it was likely something directly related to the succession—a test.

"Most likely, he’s about to assign us a task," William mused.

"A task?" Hans asked.

"If I handle it well, it could be a chance to earn new achievements. Though, of course, that depends on whether it’s a problem I can solve."

At that, Hugo’s eyes gleamed with determination.

"If you need to head out, please take me with you," he said without hesitation. "I’ll lend you my strength."

Ever since meeting Grand Duke Sigmund, Hugo’s resolve had only strengthened.

Before, his dreams of knighthood had been distant, uncertain. A belief in his own future that lacked concrete assurance.

But after the Grand Duke himself had acknowledged his potential, Hugo’s determination had solidified.

And seeing Felicia adopted as the Sword Saint’s heir had only heightened his urgency.

Fortunately, Hugo had no jealousy toward Felicia’s talent—only a burning desire to improve himself.