Genius Gamer Reborn into a Family of Heroes

Chapter 42

Kaladan Bloodline Judgment

Upon returning to White Night Castle to report the completion of his mission, Harang was stopped by uniformed knights before he could even enter the knights’ commander’s office.

On their shoulders, instead of the distinctive sword emblem of White Night Castle, there was the mark of the main family of Kaladan from Kalambren, signaling an unusual atmosphere.

One of the knights, who surrounded Harang and raised his sword, strode confidently forward. He unrolled a semi-transparent scroll and began to read loudly.

“Semi Polden Harang Paul Kaladan. You are being referred to the Bloodline Judgment for violating Kaladan family regulations. Disarm immediately and comply with the confinement procedures of the judgment platform.”

“……”

To be honest, while he had expected some talk in Kaladan, he hadn’t anticipated it would reach this extent.

‘A Bloodline Judgment?’

As the judgment platform, which had confiscated Harang’s Cheongwolheun, took him by carriage to the Kalambren Palace, he realized that the situation was more serious than he had initially thought.

However, despite the seriousness of the situation, there was no need for him to be particularly afraid.

‘I am innocent, after all.’

Since the Kaladan family also had a wizard division, the use of magic was not strictly forbidden. There would have been a problem if he had sought the help of a wizard, but that wasn’t the case. Hence, Harang could maintain his composure.

“Please, treat me comfortably.”

“……”

“……”

Seeing Harang leaning back completely and even crossing his legs, the judgment platform members were left speechless.

The news of Harang being arrested and taken away by the judgment platform reached the ears of the Semi Poldens of the Raw Stone Training Squadron first.

“Harang got arrested by the judgment platform?”

With a look of shock, Charen urgently inquired, and a disciple who had witnessed the arrest scene firsthand answered in a trembling voice.

“Yes, definitely. The judgment platform came, claimed he violated the regulations, and then arrested him…”

The disciple waved his arms as he described the situation.

All the knights of White Night Castle had saluted the judgment platform, splitting into rows on either side, as the platform read the charges and took Harang away. The atmosphere was so heavy and intimidating that the disciple almost collapsed on the spot.

“What were the charges?”

Theon asked with a serious expression, and the disciple swallowed hard before answering.

“They said he completed White Night Castle’s first mission for recognition as a Polden by borrowing someone else’s hand.”

“What? Someone else’s hand? Does that make any sense?”

Charen snapped in anger, but there was nothing they could do since the judgment platform had already made the accusation and taken Harang away.

“Hah, it’s just a matter of limits. It means it’s difficult to even get your name recognized among the direct lineage without resorting to tricks.”

Kyle Paul Kaladan, who had been listening to the conversation, sneered as he turned away with his followers.

“They say the heathen has the skills of a 5-star. He might have tricked his opponent with underhanded methods to win in duels, but that won’t work in real battles.”

“What did you say…?”

“Seeing the limits of his abilities, he probably tried to use deceit to cling to the direct lineage. But Kaladan isn’t that easy!”

A vein bulged on Charen’s forehead. She wanted to tear apart that mouth right then and there, but she held back, knowing it wasn’t the time for that.

“…I have to go. I need to attend the judgment at the main house and find out what’s going on.”

Since Charen was a direct lineage member, she could return to the main house for important family matters like the Bloodline Judgment even if she hadn’t fully completed her training at White Night Castle. Theon and the other collateral lineage members couldn’t, so they had no choice but to trust and rely on her.

“Hoho, what a good idea. I should go too. I’m curious to see what kind of punishment that rootless adopted boy will receive. You all know, don’t you? Once a Bloodline Judgment is held, at least one arm is gone. I wonder how well he can wield a sword without an arm.”

As Kyle walked away, chuckling, Charen clenched her fists tightly.

‘Someday, I’ll crush Kyle’s head myself.’

Her eyes gleamed with a deadly light.

* * *

Kalambren Palace.

Kaladan Bloodline Judgment Hall.

The Bloodline Judgment was a special assembly called only when it was a foregone conclusion that a blood relative had committed a crime, rather than a trial to determine guilt.

This system had sustained the foundation of the Kaladan ducal family, boasting a long and storied history and tradition.

Whether a blood relative had abandoned the honor of a knight, broken the family’s strict regulations, or committed the world’s worst crimes…

Historically, numerous blood relatives had caused various incidents and had to attend the Bloodline Judgment. Most of them ended up with at least a limb cut off, or worse, had their dantian destroyed and eyes gouged out.

Given its significance within the Kaladan family, it was almost unheard of for a blood relative as young as fourteen to face such a judgment.

Thus,

“Harang Paul Kaladan. For the crime of violating the regulations of the direct bloodline, the judgment has been approved by four members of the Kaladan Council of Seven Swords.”

This case was truly a ‘historic event.’

“No excuses will be allowed. If there are any discrepancies, you must provide irrefutable evidence.”

If one made excuses without evidence, their head could be chopped off on the spot.

After ‘Jerry Kal Aradela’ explained this and rang a large bell with his longsword, all the blood relatives present stood up and saluted Duke Kalel with their swords.

The vast space, reminiscent of a small sports stadium, held fewer than thirty people.

On the contrary, considering that such a large area typically accommodated around ten people, thirty was an exceptionally high number.

‘…Unbelievable.’

Charen, who was also present, felt her hands tremble slightly.

He was only fourteen. A fourteen-year-old boy had allegedly broken the regulations of White Night Castle, leading to a Bloodline Judgment attended by more than thirty blood relatives.

Each of these attendees held significant power within the Kaladan family, and the fact that four of the twelve seats of the Council of Elders were filled indicated that something was amiss.

Moreover…

‘Grandfather is here too.’

The Kaladan blood relatives were too cautious to speak freely, constantly glancing at Duke Kalel.

Unless it was a major incident, Duke Kalel rarely appeared at Bloodline Judgments.

‘But why, now…!’

Charen bit her lip hard. In contrast to her pale complexion, a vivid red streak of blood trickled down her jawline. Her hand, gripping her sword, trembled uncontrollably.

‘Does this make any sense…?’

If a fourteen-year-old broke regulations, a high-ranking person would scold them, or if the punishment was severe, Duke Kalel would impose the penalty and conclude it.

Even if there was a system to judge blood relatives who broke regulations!

If all blood relatives were treated like Harang, none would survive.

Hadn’t every blood relative broken some minor regulation at least once in their lives?

‘Well, it’s not exactly… minor.’

To receive assistance from an outsider, especially a ‘wizard,’ for the graduation mission from White Night Castle, the first step to proving oneself as a direct member of Kaladan, was an indelible disgrace to the Kaladan family.

Clearly, it was a matter deserving of severe punishment…

‘Even so, is it necessary to gather so many people?’

The Council of Elders, the second and third generations of the direct Kaladan lineage.

Even blood relatives who held positions like knight commanders, grand admirals, and commanders around the world had gathered to address this one matter.

‘…Yes, that’s what it is. Everyone here is essentially an enemy of Harang.’

After finishing the sword salute, Charen, whose trembling hands struggled to sheathe her sword, accidentally cut her wrist. It was an utmost disgrace for a swordswoman. To injure herself with her own weapon.

“Ugh…”

As Charen bit her lip to the point of tears, someone touched her shoulder from behind. Startled, she turned around to see a beautiful woman with pink hair smiling warmly at her.

Despite the smile, Charen could tell. This woman… had the same expression, the same feelings as her.

“Huhu, Charen, you’re very worried about Harang too, aren’t you?”

“…”

Charen wasn’t on good terms with Arihil. She was practically her rival. When Charen turned her head away, Arihil, with a bitter expression, pointed toward Harang.

“Look over there. Look at Harang’s face.”

Unconsciously, Charen looked at Harang, standing alone below, surrounded by fifty blood relatives looking down on him. Even in such a situation, he stood tall with his chin held high.

He was confident, and his expression seemed to say:

‘I did nothing wrong.’

‘Aren’t you the ones at fault?’

From his demeanor, Arihil gained confidence. She believed Harang would not falter here.

“This was bound to happen. If Harang made even a minor mistake, a family meeting would be convened immediately. The Elders were firmly set on this.”

If you have to take a beating, it’s better to get it over with quickly. Or better yet, find a way to turn the tables.

“I still think it’s strange. Would someone like Harang really need to rely on someone else to complete a mission?”

“That’s… true.”

“Something is wrong. So watch closely. Harang will prove his innocence.”

Arihil’s words strangely reassured Charen. She began to believe that things would indeed turn out as she said.

“Harang Paul Kaladan. Do you admit to violating the regulations of Kaladan?”

As the judge’s question fell, the hall fell silent.

Everyone present already knew. They knew that Harang had received help from a wizard. To save his life, he would have no choice but to deny or make excuses for his crime.

All held their breath, focusing on Harang’s lips.

“I…”

Finally, Harang spoke slowly but declared boldly.

“I admit to violating the regulations.”

“What…?!”

Charen, Arihil, and several other blood relatives widened their eyes in shock. If he didn’t deny it here, he could lose all his limbs!

Even Duke Kalel, who hadn’t expected this, twitched his eyebrows.

While everyone else was shocked, the judge coldly struck the judgment bell with his two-handed sword.

Ding—!!

As the bell rang, the judge declared.

“Semi Polden, Harang Paul Kaladan has admitted to violating the regulations. Therefore, judgment will be rendered accordingly.”

With the judge’s calm declaration, Charen collapsed to her knees.

“Ah…”

It felt like her world was crumbling.