Reincarnated as the third son of the Duke

Chapter 50 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?!"

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.