N/T: Translation made by our friend 'Irving'. A big round of applause for him :)
C 335
Raon couldn't help but savor Dorian's confusion.
"Now the mystery of your pouch has been unraveled."
Sepia Commerce Association offered a wide range of goods, not focusing on any single type. As the son of Sepia Commerce Association, Dorian seemed to have brought out astonishing items from his pouch one after another.
The king knew his subordinate would be like this!
Wrath nodded firmly, not missing the gracefulness emanating from Dorian despite taking him as a subordinate.
The King wouldn't have accepted just anyone as a subordinate! The King recognized the nobility in that guy!
He proudly boasted of his own insight.
At any rate, this show of nobility...
Such bragging either didn't hide the truth or the nonsense flowed effortlessly.
Raon shook his head and looked at Dorian.
"You shouldn't have called me young master. I should have called you young master."
From the moment they first met, Dorian had always referred him as "young master." Looking back, it was actually Raon who should have used that title.
"Oh, no! Absolutely not!"
Dorian vehemently shook his head.
"No, really. In terms of background alone, you're much better than me."
Even if Dorian, as Sepia Commerce Association's son, held a higher position than Raon, who had been treated as the lowest of the low in Zieghart, it wasn't an exaggeration to say that he was in a better position.
"So, why did the son of Sepia Commerce Association hide his true identity?"
Raon lowered his gaze. He knew Dorian wouldn't deceive him because of his personality, but he needed to understand the reasons behind it.
"Ah...."
Dorian sighed and raised his head.
"I really wasn't. I was a servant."
He lowered his head deeply while stroking the pouch.
"I was a servant, and I was the youngest, so I was constantly mistreated by my family."
"Mistreated?"
"Yes. The head of Sepia treated me as if I were barely there, and my brothers and sisters tormented me every day."
Dorian's voice was filled with a deep sadness. It seemed like there was nothing left of him in Sepia Commerce Association.
'Did he follows me because he lived a similar life...?'
Dorian had shown interest and initiated conversations with Raon from their very first meeting, perhaps because he saw a reflection of himself in Raon during his time at Sepia Commerce Association.
"In Sepia, I was like I didn't exist at all, and I had nothing to gain, so I didn't mention it. I'm sorry..."
Dorian closed his mouth tightly and lowered his head.
"No, you don't need to tell me everything about your personal circumstances."
Raon reassured him. Everyone has things they want to keep hidden. Whether as a subordinate or a friend, there was no need to know everything.
"But Sepia is in the northern part, right? How did you manage to get into Zieghart?"
"The Head of Sepia gave me a test."
"The Head of Sepia is your father, isn't he?"
"Yes."
"Hmm..."
Calling him "Head of Sepia" instead of "father" indicated that he hadn't been treated well or close to his family. This was something Raon could relate to.
"What kind of test did he give you?"
"He said that whoever took something valuable from within Sepia and created a greater treasure than anyone else would become Sepia Commerce Association's successor. Of course, all the family heirs participated."
Dorian seemed lost in thought as he recalled those days.
"Since the choice was based on the order of birth, my brothers and sisters took all of the Head Sepia's connections, trading rights, gold coins, and Sepia's talents, leaving me with just this."
He chuckled as he swept his hand over the pouch.
"This pouch doesn't look bad, though."
Dorian's pouch was different from a typical spatial pouch.
Its storage method was unique, and it seemed to have no spatial limitations, making it a priceless treasure.
"The head Sepia didn't explain what it was, so no one knew."
"Ah…"
Then I understand. It's natural to choose visible connections, trading rights, and products over a mysterious pouch with an unknown identity.
"I knew this was a spatial pouch, so I filled it with all the items in Sepia Commerce Association's warehouse before escaping. Since I had no intention of inheriting the Commerce Association anyway, there was no reason to go back."
Dorian's eyes brightened. Judging by his expression, it seemed like he had gone through a lot during his time at the Commerce Association.
"As I headed north, I happened to meet a Zieghart swordsman who recommended me here, saying I had some talent." (what talent? lol)
"What about your mother?"
"She passed away when I was born. I don't even know her face, so it's not particularly sad."
Dorian raised his hand with a nonchalant expression.
"That's all there is to it. Not very interesting, is it?"
"Yeah..."
Raon nodded in agreement. He had thought of Dorian as a young master, but it wasn't the case at all. He seemed to have been born in a similar, if not worse, environment than Raon.
"However..."
He had some questions.
The fact that Dorian inherited the pouch without an explanation and that nobody stopped a child from stealing Sepia's items suggested that there might be hidden circumstances.
Rumble.
Wrath rubbed his nose with the back of his hand and let out a snort.
Poor kid...
He really...
Wrath wasn't suited to be a king, and Raon had often wondered who had chosen him as one.
"So, why did they ask you to come back?"
"Probably for a midterm evaluation."
"Midterm evaluation?"
"Yes. It was a ten-year deadline, and it's been almost eight years now, so they probably want to check what I've achieved."
Dorian sighed and looked as if he expected his siblings to have already completed their evaluations.
"Then let's go."
"What?"
"You can't just miss the opportunity to become Sepia Commerce Association's Head."
"But, I'm just a servant..."
He shook his head vigorously as if it were out of the question.
"Quitting before even trying isn't the Light Wind squad's way."
"Ah..."
Dorian's eyes lit up like a full moon in response to Raon's gentle yet firm words.
"If you succeed, you become the Commerce Association's Head. If you fail, you can continue living as a Light Wind squad member, right? You have nothing to lose. Besides..."
Raon raised his hand and clenched his fist, putting some strength into his words.
"You'll have a chance to deal with those siblings who tormented you. No, a chance for revenge."
"Well, that's true. I shouldn't be scared already. It's a bit scary, though..."
Dorian nodded with a trembling chin.
"We don't know when we'll leave, so prepare for the journey. I'll go with you."
"You, young master Raon?"
"Yes, it's my fault you were kidnapped, so I should go and say hello. Plus, I don't want to send you alone. It makes me nervous."
"Ah, okay!"
With a bright expression that seemed like the sun had risen, Dorian nodded and rushed into his lodging.
"You..."
Wrath glared at him with narrowed eyes.
You're not cheering him on; you're planning to make use of him as Sepia's Head!
"Now you're starting to get it."
Wrath had finally developed some understanding.
Ah, more wicked than a demon! Your heart must surely be as black as coal!
"It's just a joke," Raon smiled as he looked at Dorian's back. "After all, I received kindness, so I should return it."
He thought it would be great if he could take over Sepia Commerce Association, but if he couldn't, it didn't really matter. He just wanted to be there for Dorian, who had suffered so much in a home where he didn't want to return.
"Then, I also..."
As Raon was about to head to Glenn's residence, he felt someone's gaze from the garden behind him. He placed his hand on the Heavenly Drive sword and turned around.
"Is that... an owl?"
A young owl perched in a tree was staring in his direction.
"Must have been my imagination."
It felt more like a person staring at him than a wild animal, but he must have been mistaken.
"Sigh."
Raon let out a sigh and turned to leave for Glenn's residence when the owl spread its wings, descended from the tree, and flew towards him.
"Hoot."
The owl landed gently on his shoulder, and with a cute wink, it settled there comfortably.
"No way..."
"That 'no way' is correct."
A voice came from the owl's beak.
"Whew..."
Raon covered his mouth to prevent his voice from escaping.
"This crazy stalker..."
Frowning, he moved to a less populated area.
"Squawk!"
Wrath trembled as he looked at the owl.
It's like a real ghost! Why is it following you?
"I... don't know."
He hadn't expected that the squirrel, the magpie, and now the owl would all come to talk to him. It was even more amusing because they were all cute creatures.
"In the end, you've won. You did an amazing job."
"You saw all of it again?"
"How could I miss your performance? I watched it all, from the start and when you cut off Cardis' arm."
"But the Six Kings were there?"
"They couldn't detect me."
Merlin raised her wings and laughed. The owl's eyes curved like a crescent moon, almost like a human.
"What's with this obsession..."
Raon thought it was fine during the preliminary rounds, but from the semi-finals onward, all the leaders of the Six Elders were present. He couldn't believe Merlin, who belonged to Eden, had watched the matches without being seen by them.
"The more I see you, the more I look forward to your future. I can't wait to see what kind of man you'll become."
Merlin patted his cheek with a wing. Raon couldn't help but find it cute, despite Merlin's attempt to appear dignified.
"We, the White Blood Sect, won't be moving for a while either, so enjoy yourself as you please."
"Even the White Blood Sect?"
Although he had heard that Eden wouldn't be moving, he hadn't expected the same for the White Blood Sect.
"Thanks to your monstrous grandfather, the White Blood Sect suffered significant losses too."
Merlin grinned and shook his wings.
"Next time, are we going to the house of that kid from a little while ago?"
"..."
Raon didn't answer and just looked at the owl perched on Merlin.
"I've said it before, but you and I are on different paths. Even if you provide me with information, there's nothing more I can do for you."
Even if Merlin wasn't from Eden and was looking at him, their paths were different, and Raon didn't want to accept the information with mixed feelings.
"I've told you too. It doesn't matter."
Merlin chuckled and spread her wings.
"And our paths will eventually converge. I might come to you, or you might come to me."
"That won't happen."
Raon shook his head firmly.
"You won't know where the end of the road is until you try. We will eventually go together."
Merlin's gaze softened.
"I'll keep watching over you."
She used her beak to smooth the feathers around Raon's shoulder before flapping her wings.
"Give this little one some bugs."
"Oh, don't give me that promise."
Merlin hooted as if urging Raon to quickly provide the owl with food.
"Hehehe."
Raon chuckled as he watched the owl urging him for food while Merlin teased him.
"Here, how do you expect me to find bugs here?"
"Young master!"
When Raon pointed at the owl on his shoulder, Dorian suddenly appeared from the lodging.
"We're not leaving right away, are we?"
"No, but..."
Raon gestured with his finger towards the owl on his shoulder and then exhaled briefly.
"Do you have any bugs?"
Dorian stared blankly at the owl for a moment before opening his mouth.
"Are you going to open a zoo?"
* * *
After Glenn returned from the banquet, he was enjoying a light afterparty with Roenn and Sheryl.
"It looks like Zieghart benefited the most from this Six Kings Assembly."
Sheryl tilted her glass and smiled.
"Yes, thanks to Raon and the members of the Light Wind squad, Zieghart's reputation has soared even higher."
Roenn agreed and nodded.
"Light Wind squad aside, Raon's growth rate is astonishing. When we went on missions together, he was an expert at best, but now he's already a mid-level master. It's unbelievable even though I've been watching from the sidelines."
Sheryl muttered in disbelief, shaking her head.
"What's even more surprising is his power. In the recent duels, there wasn't a single opponent weaker than Raon. From Matis to Borini Kitten, Garona, and Cardis, there wasn't anyone weaker. I can't fathom how he manages to capture opponents stronger than himself."
"I'm amazed every time I see it. Normally, there's a huge gap between a master's level and an expert's, but he somehow manages to overcome it."
Roenn, who had never seen a master like Raon before, was at a loss for words.
After lavishing praise on Raon for a while, the two of them simultaneously turned to look at Glenn.
"Cough!"
Glenn coughed and looked at them.
"I'm sure you're wondering why I call you are here."
"Yes, we are."
Sheryl and Roenn nodded.
"I'm here to tell you that I'm going to make Raon the next Head of house."
Glenn's words shocked the two of them.
"The next head?"
"Yes. I have decided that Raon is the only one who can lead Zieghart to a brighter future."
Glenn's eyes were filled with determination.
"I know it's a difficult task, but I believe in Raon. He has the strength, the intelligence, and the compassion to be a great Lord."
"But... what about the other four successors?"
Roenn asked.
"I'll deal with them."
Glenn's expression was cold and determined.
"I'm not going to let anyone stand in Raon's way."
Sheryl and Roenn looked at each other, then back at Glenn.
"We'll do whatever we can to help you."
Sheryl said.
"Yes, we'll support Raon in any way we can."
Roenn agreed.
Glenn smiled.
"Thank you. I knew I could count on you."
He raised
Glenn's face turned red as he tried to hold back his laughter. He used his left hand to cover his mouth and prevent himself from bursting into uncontrollable laughter.
"Well, that kid definitely has unique qualities. It's not just that he became stronger through the Power of Bonds; he worked hard to get where he is, so his martial arts foundation is solid. He can hold his ground against lower-ranked warriors without a doubt, and he has trained in swordsmanship to the point where he can challenge even higher-ranked warriors. On top of that..."
Despite his efforts to hold back, his laughter was slowly escaping.
"His spirit of struggle and camaraderie is the best I've seen among the kids I've met. During the duel, he foolishly jumped into the sky to save people. Where else can you find someone like that?"
Though Glenn referred to Raon as a fool, there was a sense of admiration in his eyes.
"Indeed."
"Of course."
Roenn and Sheryl chuckled as they watched Glenn, who was clearly excited.
"After this duel, everyone on the continent will know who Raon is."
Sheryl tapped the table lightly, wearing a smile.
"Receiving the title of 'White Dragon' (White Sword Dragon change to White Dragon) is a testament to that. He's already beyond the level of promising youngsters."
The title associated with dragons denoted the highest level of promising young talents. Recognizing Raon's status as equivalent to the top twelve stars of the continent.
"Considering his current level, he will likely reach the upper ranks next year."
"At 20 years old, he's already a Master Intermediate; it's truly making history."
Sheryl and Roenn continued to praise Raon, enjoying Glenn's attempts to suppress his emotions.
"Of course, talent is part of it. But Raon doesn't stop working hard, so that's what sets him apart. I'm looking forward to what kind of person he'll become tomorrow."
Glenn nodded discreetly, his mouth sealed but his eyes clearly filled with pride.
Knock, knock.
As the three of them were enjoying their time, someone knocked on the door. They all knew who it was, so they didn't react with surprise.
"Allow me to go."
Roenn got up and opened the door. Raon stood there, placing his hand over his chest and bowing slightly.
"I apologize for coming at this late hour."
"What's the matter?"
Glenn lifted his chin, his expression turning cold and his eyes piercing.
"I have something to discuss."
Raon entered and stood before Glenn.
"A little while ago, someone came looking for Light Wind squad's Dorian. He..."
Raon explained Dorian's situation to Glenn. The three of them listened without any reaction.
'You all already knew, didn't you?'
Even though Sepia's name was mentioned, the three of them remained unfazed, as if they had been aware of everything. (Dorian's Commerce Association translations were Sepia, Sefia and Sephia, I will use Sepia for now)
"So, you're planning to go with that kid?"
"Dorian was kidnapped because of me. I want to go and explain, apologize, and return what I took from that guy, even if it's just a little."
Raon spoke honestly without a hint of falsehood.
"Return what you took?"
"Dorian has been helping me since the time when the house members avoided me. He may not have great power, but he always help me as much as he can."
"Is that so."
Glenn raised his chin and nodded slightly while keeping his mouth sealed, but there was a subtle glint of amusement in his eyes.
"Have you considered the possibility of being kidnapped again?"
"Didn't your highness demonstrate what happens when you kidnap Zieghart? Such lunatics won't appear again anytime soon."
With the collapse of the Eden branch and the countless deaths of apostles and members in the White Blood religion, it was unlikely that anyone would dare to recklessly provoke the Zieghart's Warriors.
"However..."
Raon fiddled with his uniform and lowered his gaze slightly.
"I'm not as strong as you are, your Highness."
Glenn sighed.
"I know."
He lowered his eyes and thought for a moment.
"I'll send you some guards."
"No, thank you. I don't want to be a burden to the house."
"It's not a burden. It's my duty to protect my people."
Glenn looked up at Raon with a serious expression.
"I'll pretend to return with you and then leave in the middle. Of course, I'll disguise myself."
"Hmm..."
"Please allow me."
Raon bowed his head.
"Hmmm..."
Glenn stroked his beard and looked at Raon's hand.
"Do you have the ring Chamber gave you?"
"Yes, I left it in my room."
"Always wear that ring."
"Does it have a location tracking function?"
"...Something like that."
He narrowed his eyes and repeated that he should never take it off.
"Leave from Silphin Village in three days."
"Thank you."
"If you're going under the name of Zieghart, you should finish your business properly and come back."
"I understand."
Raon bowed his head politely and left the room.
"Heh heh."
"It would have been nice if he had come back with us... Hmm?"
Roeen and Sheryl looked at Glenn, worried that he would be disappointed to be separated from Daon, but Glenn was covering his eyes, unlike their expectations.
"You're too..."
He looked at the door Raon had left, covering his mouth.
"Your heart for your colleagues is so precious, isn't it? How can there be such a child?"
Glenn trembled with his hands, saying that he was more pleased with Raon's heart than he was disappointed.
"......"
Roenn and Sheryl shook their heads at Glenn. They couldn't even tease him at this point.
"He has a serious case of grandson disease…"
* * *
Two days later.
The house Zieghart, following the house Robert, left the Kingdom of Owen.
"Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!"
"White Dragon! White Dragon!"
"Zieghart! Zieghart!"
"We will never forget that day's duel!"
"Thank you for saving us!"
"We look forward to your future!"
The people of the Kingdom of Owen cheered, shouting the names of Glenn, Raon, and Zieghart, not just Glenn. The situation was 180 degrees different from when they first arrived.
"Oh!"
"Our popularity is no joke!"
"It feels like we've returned to Zieghart not Owen."
"No, we wouldn't get this kind of cheer even in our house."
The Light Wind squad members waved their hands in response to the cheers of the royal subjects.
"They're calling me the Wind Sword!"
"Don't call me a demon woman!"
Burren smiled when he heard his nickname, and Marta glared at the person who called her a demon woman as if she would kill them.
"Sigh..."
Dorian sighed deeply, as if he was worried about going home.
The only thing that was normal was Runaan, who was staring blankly at the sky.
Raon frowned as he heard the laughter of the Light Wind squad coming from behind.
'They've already let loose.'
Looking at the reactions of the Light Wind squad members, Raon thought that they would not be able to focus on their training and become lazy when they returned to Zieghart.
'I need to keep them in check.'
If they had gone back together, it would have been fine. But since they had to be apart for a while, he needed to keep their minds firm.
Whoosh!
Raon used his aura to trap the Light Wind squad in a barrier, then turned around.
"You guys know that I and Dorian are leaving tomorrow, right?"
"Uh-huh...,"
"Of course we know."
"I know, but why are you suddenly asking about that...?"
The Light Wind squad trembled at Raon's low voice.
"If I'm not satisfied with the growth of the squad when I return to the house...,"
"Ugh!"
Raon swept his icy gaze over the Light Wind squad. The Light Wind squad swallowed their saliva in fear.
"A month-long concentration training will be conducted."
"A month?"
"Crazy...,"
"Then I'll be dead!"
"Humans can't survive that kind of training!"
The Light Wind squad waved their hands frantically, as if they had lost their minds.
"If you train hard, it won't happen."
"How much growth do you need to be satisfied with? You have to tell us how much we need to grow!"
Burren raised his hand, saying that it was ridiculous.
"I'll judge when I get back."
Raon smiled and twirled his finger. He meant that he would be the judge, so they should just keep training.
"Damn it!"
"I'm doomed!"
"I can't even rest when I go back...,"
"Mommy...,"
The Light Wind squad held on to each other, their eyes welling up with tears.
Oh! As expected, the eyes and beef girl recognize it! This demon's evil is on a demon king level! Even the King is getting scolded every day!
Wrath flew in front of Burren and Martha, shaking her head furiously.
Raon laughed and turned around again.
'That's it, their training is solved.'
The current Light Wind squad is strong. If he had given them a vague line, they would have broken it and rested soon, so he created a reason for them to train themselves to the end.
"Vice squad leader. So, are you going straight to Sepia Commerce Association?"
"I would like to, but I want to do one good deed before I go."
"A good deed?"
"Yes."
Raon nodded and looked up at the sky.
'I can't afford to be a victim again.'
Whether it's Eden or Derus, being a victim once is sufficient. To prevent any potential involvement of Derus, he had to securely restrain him here.
Let's take away at least four hours for now.
