The Shadow Patriarch's Rebirth: Cast Aside as the Weakest, I Returned to Rule the World
Chapter Fifteen — The Duke's Summons
Location:
Argent Blade Academy → House Valerius Estate, Ironcrest City
Time: Three days after the Summoning War
Scene 1: The Summons Arrives
A black-and-gold falcon seal appeared in the air before Celsius.
Every nearby student froze.
Messenger Spell:
"By order of Duke Magnus Valerius, Patriarch of House Valerius—
Celsius Valerius is commanded to return home."
Whispers exploded.
Student: "The Duke himself…"
Student: "After that battle?"
Selene's expression tightened.
Selene: "This isn't just a visit."
Celsius nodded.
Celsius: "No. It's judgment."
Eridiaries: "And fear."
Scene 2: Return to the Lion's Den
Location: Valerius Grand Gate
The gates opened slowly.
Banners fluttered.
Knights knelt—not all of them.
Some stared with resentment.
Celsius stepped through, calm.
Celsius (thought): Same walls. Different weight.
From the balcony above, Kael watched, smiling thinly.
Darius stood beside him, eyes unreadable.
Scene 3: The Patriarch's Hall
The hall was full.
Elders. Commanders. Family members.
Lyra stood near the front, relief flooding her face.
Lyra: "You came back alive…"
Celsius inclined his head.
Celsius: "As promised."
Duke Magnus rose.
The pressure filled the hall like a drawn blade.
Magnus: "Celsius Valerius."
Magnus: "You wield power forbidden to our bloodline."
Murmurs followed.
Magnus continued.
Magnus: "Explain yourself."
Scene 4: The Truth—Partial
Celsius met his father's gaze.
Celsius: "I was broken before I was exiled."
Celsius: "My sword path was sealed by human hands."
Silence.
Lyra's breath hitched.
Kael scoffed.
Kael: "Baseless accusations."
Celsius turned slowly.
Celsius: "Your fear did that."
Darius stiffened.
Magnus raised a hand.
Magnus: "Enough."
He looked at Celsius again—closer now.
Magnus: "And this shadow?"
Celsius answered honestly.
Celsius: "It kept me alive."
Scene 5: A Father's Conflict
Magnus closed his eyes briefly.
Magnus: "Do you know why our house bans magic?"
Celsius shook his head.
Magnus spoke quietly.
Magnus: "Because our first patriarch nearly destroyed the continent using it."
The hall trembled.
Magnus: "And now… you walk that same road."
Celsius: "I walk it differently."
Magnus studied him for a long moment.
Then—
Magnus: "Prove it."
Scene 6: The Trial of Blood
The floor split.
An ancient dueling platform rose.
Magnus: "Duel me."
Gasps echoed.
Lyra stepped forward.
Lyra: "Father—!"
Magnus did not turn.
Magnus: "If he cannot stand before me—"
Magnus: "He will leave forever."
Celsius exhaled slowly.
Eridiaries: "This man can kill you."
Celsius stepped onto the platform.
Celsius: "Then I'll stand."
Scene 7: Brothers' Reactions
Kael's smile vanished.
Kael (whisper): "Father's serious…"
Darius clenched his fists.
Darius: "If he wins…"
Kael's eyes darkened.
Scene 8: Before the Clash
Magnus drew the Patriarch's Sword.
The hall shook.
Celsius raised his empty hand.
Shadows coiled quietly—not exploding, not raging.
Controlled.
Magnus (softly): "Show me."
Celsius met his father's eyes.
Celsius: "Watch carefully, Father."