Reincarnated as the third son of the Duke

Chapter 76 76 Bloodlines and Betrayals

76 Bloodlines and Betrayals

"They claim legitimacy by blood, take with entitlement, and steal away loyal retainers under the pretense of personal connections. They pretend to be self-made, but everything they achieve is stolen from the lineage that birthed them."

His voice grew bitter, seething with something that sounded almost personal.

"They claim what is not theirs. They use their noble blood to justify why they should be crowned, and they demand inheritance that was never meant for them. If that's not thievery, what is?"

William listened quietly as Jordi hurled one insult after another at those who sought to branch off from their family.

Jordi hated cadet branches.

William could guess why.

"...You certainly sound passionate about this," William remarked dryly. "But I fail to see why you're bringing it up to me."

Jordi's expression didn't change.

"The First Prince is a dangerous connection. If things go south, you'll be the first to be discarded. You must realize that."

"I do."

"Then why aren't you worried?"

Jordi's hand suddenly shot out, gripping William's shoulder.

It wasn't painful, but there was an undeniable weight behind it.

He leaned in and whispered, "Listen to me, William. You are a Hern. I am a Hern. Our brothers are Herns. We live and die with Hern."

"..."

"If you fail, you fall with us. That is the only fate allowed. Do not dream of plucking feathers from this house to build wings of your own."

Jordi released him, pushing him back slightly as he turned to walk away.

Before disappearing around the corner, he left one final remark.

"You either take everything, or you lose everything. There is no in-between."

William watched him go, a small smirk playing on his lips.

"Damn," he muttered to himself, shaking his head.

'...His instincts are terrifyingly sharp.'

The greatest power of nobility came from their blood itself.

The purer the lineage, the stronger the claim to authority.

And when it came to the House of Hern—whose bloodline was entwined with the imperial family itself—such a truth was undeniable.

If he played this right, he might even get something better.

A battlefield assignment was far more significant than his previous mission. Surely, that meant he could justify requesting superior equipment.

"There's nothing to lose. Might as well ask."

"Young Master! The Grand Duke has arrived!"

William, lost in thought, snapped his head up at Hans's urgent call.

"What? Father?"

He barely had time to collect himself before Grand Duke Sigmund stepped into the training ground.

"Father, I—"

"There's no need for formalities in private. It's good to see you training."

Sigmund's eyes glimmered with satisfaction as he took in William's sweat-drenched form. Then, with a firm clap of his hands, servants entered, carrying something in their arms.

"A gift has arrived for you, and I came to deliver it personally."

"A gift...?"

William's eyes widened as he took in the sight before him—armor and a sword.

"Do they meet your expectations?"

William instinctively nodded.

It was unmistakable. That sword was exceptional.

As he stood mesmerized, Sigmund chuckled and handed the blade to him.

"Draw it."

"Are you sure?"

"A warrior must personally confirm the sharpness of his own weapon."

Bowing his head slightly at his father's words, William grasped the hilt and drew the sword.

The blade slid free with an almost imperceptible sound.

William ran his fingers along its edge. The weight was perfectly balanced, and the sharpness was undeniable.

"This is an incredible blade... It's not ordinary steel, is it?"

"I had adamantium mixed into it. Not a large amount, but enough to ensure it won't break easily, no matter how rough the handling."

William's eyes widened.