Chapter 621
“Hmm?”
Glenn furrowed his brow as if he had heard something out of place.
“Division leader!”
Raon rushed forward and grabbed Rimmer's shoulder.
“What are you talking about? Why are you suddenly handing over the leader position?”
He was finally able to return to the annex building at ease after Karoon's matter was resolved, but he felt dizzy when Rimmer suddenly announced that he was handing over the division leader position.
“The time has come.”
Rimmer turned around and grinned.
"Since you are willing to confront the Central Martial Palace’s master for your maid and her younger brother, there is no one more worthy to lead and protect the Light Wind division than you. I believe in you."
He nodded firmly, as if expressing his sincerity.
"Still, it's too sudden."
Raon chewed his lips while looking at Rimmer. It didn't matter if he took the division leader position or not. He had been doing all the work of the division leader, anyway. What made him flustered was not receiving the division leader position, but the fact that Rimmer was about to leave the Light Wind division.
"Why retire, especially when you finally have the prosthetic arm? Is there some problem?"
He narrowed his eyes as he looked at Rimmer's right arm.
“No.”
Rimmer rotated the prosthetic arm like a windmill and shook his head.
“It's working well. It's even better than my original arm.”
“Then why….”
“I'm not retiring.”
He grabbed Raon's shoulder and smiled.
“I'm just stepping back and you're stepping up as division leader. It's just a change of position.”
Rimmer shook his head, saying that he had no intention of leaving the Light Wind division.
"Why would I throw away a cushy job that pays me even when I'm just sitting still!"
He flicked his fingers, mentioning that he still had a lot of debt to pay off.
“Ah….”
Raon nodded his chin as he looked into Rimmer's calm eyes.
‘That was it.’
I thought Rimmer was leaving the Light Wind division altogether, but fortunately it seemed like he was just going to step down as the division leader.
“You can do it well.”
Rimmer patted his shoulder with his left hand.
“Hmm….”
“He’s going to make Raon Zieghart the division leader?”
“Well, he's skilled enough.”
"Honestly, don’t you think he'll do a better job than Rimmer?"
The executives were the first to react to Rimmer's words, nodding as they seemed fine with it.
"But..."
Aris tilted her head as if something was strange.
“Wasn't Raon the leader of Light Wind division from the beginning?”
“That's right. I thought Raon was the leader of Light Wind division too.”
“I thought he had already handed it over.”
"Weren't the mission reports always being submitted by Raon?"
She and other executives widened their eyes as if sensing something amiss.
“What do you mean? I'm still the leader of the Light Wind division!”
Rimmer waved his hand as if to stop the nonsense.
“Hmm….”
Sheryl approached Rimmer, stroking her chin.
“Who manages the fifth training ground?”
“Raon does.”
“Who assigns the personnel of the Light Wind division?”
“Raon does.”
“Who submits interim reports during missions?”
“Raon does...”
“Who handles reports and accounting after returning from missions?”
Sheryl's voice grew lower as she spoke, as if she was getting angry.
“Ra, Raon does.”
Rimmer stammered at the end, feeling the atmosphere turning against him.
“What kind of human are you?”
"I'm an elf!"
“Shut up!”
Sheryl kicked Rimmer, who was kneeling down, in the face.
“…….”
Glenn stepped aside slightly so that Sheryl could kick Rimmer harder.
“B-but those are tasks a division leader should handle! I've been fulfilling my duties properly as the division leader!”
Rimmer shook his head, saying that all of that was a vice division leader's job.
"Then let me ask."
Aris stood to Rimmer's right, her brow furrowed.
“Who plans the missions?”
“Raon does!”
“Who makes decisions during missions?”
“Raon….”
“Who fights the enemy leader in battle?”
“Th, that's Raon too….”
“Hey! You parasitic bastard!”
She too finally couldn't take it anymore and punched Rimmer in the head.
Bam!
With a thunderous sound, Rimmer's neck snapped inward like a turtle's.
“Aaaarggh!”
Rimmer screamed as if to tell her to stop hitting him, but Aris didn't stop.
“You don't do anything! That's why everyone thought Raon was the leader!”
“You're better off dead!”
Sheryl rushed in again and tramped on Rimmer.
“…….”
Glenn stepped back again this time so that Sheryl could stomp on Rimmer more easily.
“Th, that's why I'm handing it over!”
Rimmer waved his hands to escape from Sheryl and Aris' attacks.
"Head of house, please say something!"
“Hmm….”
Glenn furrowed his brow and lowered his head.
"I also thought Raon was the leader of Light Wind."
Given the seriousness of the situation, it seemed as if he genuinely meant what he said.
“Oh, this is crazy!”
Rimmer shook his head in disbelief.
"You shouldn't say that, my lord! How much...!"
"Quiet."
Glenn snapped his fingers, sending a bolt of lightning.
Kwaaarrrrrung!
Rimmer was struck by the lightning and rolled on the floor, charred black.
"You're a parasite who only collects your salary."
Glenn kicked away the charred Rimmer and approached Raon.
“Raon Zieghart.”
“Yes, head of house.”
“What do you think?”
He lowered his eyebrows as if questioning whether Raon could truly handle the role of division leader.
“Currently, the Light Wind division is not only attracting attention in Zieghart, but also throughout the continent. The captains are Masters, and the rest of the members are at the peak Expert level. There are even some who are bound to become Masters soon."
Glenn waved his hand calmly.
"Receiving attention isn't always a good thing. The Light Wind division has made a lot of enemies because of it. They can't always protect themselves. Can you be a wall to protect your subordinates even in situations where your life is at risk?"
Glenn didn't just inquire about the role of division leader but looked beyond. It felt like he had been observing the Light Wind division all this time.
"As you said, head of house, the Light Wind division has many enemies. But if we cower in fear of the enemy, we cannot rightfully call ourselves Zieghart's swordsmen. I will transform the Light Wind division into one that instills fear in our enemies, causing them to flee without engaging in battle."
While saying this, Raon tapped his left chest with his right fist.
“And my lord, you don't have to worry about the Light Wind swordsmen.”
He smiled at Rimmer, who was staggering to his feet.
"I've learned that much, at least."
“Is that so.”
Glenn nodded, looking at Raon and Rimmer in turn. His complexion seemed slightly brighter, as if some energy had returned to him.
“You will do well.”
Unexpectedly, he started with praise, patting his shoulder. It was unexpected, but given the circumstances, it was understandable.
“I hereby appoint Raon Zieghart as the division leader of Light Wind division, effective immediately.”
Upon Glenn's declaration, the executives sent solemn applause.
“Congratulations.”
“Congratulations.”
Sheryl and Aris approached him with faint smiles.
"You're a bit late considering your skills."
“I look forward to working with you.”
“Let's see you at the next executive conference.”
"You'll learn the fear of your seniors there."
The executives also laughed and sent their congratulations. The direct line said nothing and just furrowed their brows.
"My lord."
Raon took a step closer to Glenn.
"I apologize, but I have a request."
"A request?"
"Yes. May I request protection for Judiel and Juvel?"
"Oh, no, young master!"
"We'll fine!"
Judiel and Juvel were taken aback by Raon's sudden request for direct protection from Glenn, blinking and waving their hands in response.
"No."
Glenn shook his head as he looked at the two.
"It's something I should naturally do, there's no need for you to feel burdened."
He reassured them not to worry.
"That's all for today."
Glenn turned his tired face away.
"All of you, follow me."
He called Aris, Balder, and Denier in turn and returned to the lord’s manor.
"Raon."
As soon as Glenn disappeared, Rimmer jumped up and stuck close to Raon. The smell of alcohol wafted from him.
"Now that you've become the leader, I have something to tell you."
"Please speak."
"First, the accounting..."
"I'm the one who does that."
"Oh, then the report..."
"I'm also the one who does that."
"Then sometimes you'll be the head of house’s companion..."
"You should keep doing that."
It seemed there was nothing new and helpful in what he said.
"I also have something to say."
"What is it?"
"Now that you're under me, can you handle my training?"
"Ugh..."
Rimmer widened his eyes as if he hadn't thought of that.
"Training is a bit... hmm? Just a moment."
He shook his head quickly.
"Haven't I been doing that already? You've been dragging me for training sessions incessantly."
"...That's right."
Raon nodded thoughtfully. Come to think of it, he had been fulfilling the role of division leader for quite some time now.
"Sigh..."
"Hmm..."
Lost for words, he let out a sigh, and Rimmer grinned and raised his thumb.
"Salary thief is delicious!"
"This guy!"
Raon couldn't hold it in any longer and kicked Rimmer. He was truly someone who deserved a beating.
What's a salary thief? Is it really delicious? Let's go eat it right now!
Wrath, who had been yawning as if bored, suddenly jumped up.
Raon closed his eyes tightly as he looked at Rimmer and Wrath.
'Ah, so tired...'
* * *
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Raon returned to the annex building with Juvel and Judiel. Perhaps because word had already spread that they had arrived, Sylvia and the maids were waiting in front of the annex building's garden.
"Judiel!"
Sylvia ran out without hesitation and hugged Judiel tightly.
"My lady...."
Judiel bit her lip while still in Sylvia's embrace. It seemed like she was forcibly suppressing her emotions, but there was a hint of moisture in her eyes.
"I was worried. At least say something before you go."
Sylvia patted Judiel's back with the hand that was holding her.
"Still, I'm relieved you're back safely. You've returned well."
"...I'm sorry."
Judiel bowed deeply, apologizing repeatedly. Sylvia's shoulders gradually became wet.
"Judiel!"
"Sister!"
"Are you okay?"
"Are you hurt anywhere?"
Helen, Yua, and the other maids also rushed in and surrounded Judiel and Sylvia.
They breathed a sigh of relief that Judiel was safe, more than anything else.
"Judiel. Where have you been!"
"My goodness, are you alright?"
Encia and Siyan also approached and checked Judiel's complexion.
"Hmm...."
Juvel watched the maids surrounding Judiel and tightly gripped her wrist with trembling hands. It seemed like he was touched that so many people were worried about his older sister.
"Raon."
Sylvia caressed Judiel's back and looked up.
"What happened? You promised to explain when you returned, didn't you?"
"I didn't say such a thing..."
Just say you did! Can't you read the atmosphere? You clueless idiot!
Wrath smacked him on the back of the head.
Is this guy a demon or a human....
He frowned, wondering why this guy was so insensitive and clueless.
'Ugh....'
Raon nodded, stroking the back of his head where Wrath had hit him.
"Ah, then, we'll leave…."
Helen was about to leave with the other maids when Sylvia shook her head.
"No, everyone, come in. We're family, so we shouldn't hide anything from each other."
She sat everyone down on the floor of the garden, not leaving anyone out.
Raon narrowed his eyes as he looked at Sylvia.
‘She has changed a bit.’
No, that might be mother's original personality.
Sylvia had become more confident and steadfast since she had regained her power.
It was the demeanor of a true Zieghart's swordsman, as she had taught me.
'But what's changed more is her level.'
She's already an intermediate Master level. No, she's almost reached the advanced Master level.
Even though she had the mana of a Grandmaster in her artificial energy center, her growth rate was incredible. It felt like the saying that she was the most talented of Glenn's children was true.
"Now, tell us."
Sylvia nodded after looking at everyone in turn.
"Let's go back quite a bit. When Judiel arrived..."
Raon told everyone in the garden about what had happened until now.
"I'm sorry."
As soon as the story was over, Judiel knelt down and pressed her forehead to the ground.
"I deceived my lady and everyone. I truly have..."
"Stop it."
Sylvia stopped Judiel from speaking and hugged her again.
"It must have been difficult."
Her soft voice made Judiel's shoulders tremble.
The maids also embraced Judiel and Sylvia without saying a word.
"So, you're Juvel."
Sylvia looked at Juvel while hugging Judiel.
"I-I am pleased to meet you. I am...."
Juvel’s lips trembled in embarrassment.
"Welcome to the annex building."
Sylvia smiled brightly as she looked at Juvel.
Even though she had heard that Juvel had lived as an assassin, Sylvia didn't seem scared or angry, she simply embraced him.
The other maids also smiled to welcome Judiel's younger brother.
Raon had already expected Sylvia and the maids to accept Juvel and Judiel, who had suffered deep wounds in their hearts, but they treated them even better than he had anticipated. He was truly grateful.
"Let's go back."
Sylvia took Juvel and Judiel's hands and headed to the annex building.
"I've prepared some delicacies for you in the annex building!"
She smiled broadly and said to wait a little while.
Food! Delicacies! Yummy!
Wrath, who had been crossing his arms and looking annoyed, rushed to the annex faster than anyone else as soon as he heard about food.
'Indeed, this place is the most comfortable.'
Watching Sylvia and the maids' backs and Wrath’s tail swaying, Raon chuckled.
Come on! Hurry up! If you don't eat, the King of Essence won't be able to eat either!
'I'm going. I'm going.'
* * *
The Ragged Saint Federick looked at Karoon's entire body with a heavy gaze.
'It wouldn't have been strange if he had died.'
Glenn left deep wounds on Karoon that would be difficult to heal, as if he had truly intended to kill him. If the measures had been slightly delayed, even for a moment, he would have become a cripple or died.
'Well, I can understand why.'
Karoon had committed an act that no human should ever do. He could feel the anguish and pain of Glenn, who had driven his son to the brink of death.
Federick furrowed his brow and tapped Karoon's vital spot with his fingers.
Black blood dripped from the pores of Karoon's body, which had turned red as if burnt, as Federick continued to stimulate his mana circuit, beads of sweat forming on his forehead without him stopping his fingers. His hand paused only when the faint moonlight hit the windows.
"Phew...."
After Federick lowered his hand, he fed Karoon some medicine.
"Ugh...."
After a while of drinking the medicine, Karoon slowly opened his eyes. He groaned in pain, trembling lips.
"Finally you're awake."
Federick sighed, touching Karoon's forehead.
"Ragged Saint?"
"Have you ever seen the road to hell?"
"Um...."
Karoon squinted as he recalled the memory of being hit by Glenn.
"Why the hell did you do that?"
"...."
He closed his eyes again without saying a word.
"Well, whatever. I'm not here to blame you for what you've done."
Federick shook his head, examining Karoon's condition once more.
"Even though you're a Grandmaster, your internal injuries are too severe. It will take more than a few months before you can fully recover."
"I know."
Karoon nodded calmly, knowing the state of his own body as well.
"You've passed the critical condition, but your insides are no different from rags. Don't try to draw your aura for a while."
"Yes...."
"Then I'll come back at dawn."
Federick looked at Karoon for a moment and then stood up.
"Thank you...."
"Take a rest."
He waved his hand and walked out of the room.
"Phew."
Only then did Karoon open his eyes, which he had been keeping closed.
'I’m alive.'
As Federick said, although his energy centers and mana circuits were torn like rags, the injuries were not irreparable.
It would take a lot of time, but recovery seemed possible.
'I didn't expect father to intervene directly....'
He thought that a severe punishment might follow, but he didn't expect Glenn to take matters into his own hands. It seemed he would have to adjust his expectations regarding Glenn.
"Sigh...."
"Do you regret it?"
As Karoon sighed, a muffled voice echoed from beneath the bed.
Woooooong.
In the midst of the black shadow, a gentle light flickered, and a man dressed in pristine white robe emerged, untouched by a single speck of dust.
"You...."
Karoon furrowed his brow, seemingly unsurprised at the sight of the man.
"If only you had joined hands with us sooner, none of this would have happened."
The man in the robe shook his head and chuckled.
"How did you get in here?"
"We are everywhere and nowhere."
The man in the robe avoided the question, tilting his head.
"What about now? Will you join us now?"
He raised his ice-like white hand.
"If you do, we will erase Raon Zieghart and make you the head of house Zieghart."
"Hmph!"
Karoon scoffed at the man in the robe.
"Do you think I'd ally with vermin who can't even make use of the information I provided?"
"That's regrettable. It's because your information was incorrect."
The man in the robe shook his head.
"Regardless, you've made your decision now, haven't you?"
He reached out his hand towards Karoon.
"Now you have only one option...."
"Shut up and get out of here."
Karoon glared at the man in the robe with his red eyes.
"Didn't you want to be the head of this family?"
"I do. No, I will. But it must be achieved through my own strength."
He gritted his teeth like a beast.
"It's going to be tough in your current state. No, it's impossible."
"I am Karoon Zieghart. Even if I cannot become the head of this family and have to bring about the downfall of Zieghart myself, I will not join hands with external scum."
Karoon clenched his fist with his weak body.
"Ha."
The man in the robe shook his head.
"Indeed, the pride of Zieghart’s swordsmen pierces the sky."
He raised his fingers forward.
"A wingless bug knows its limits, even if it is unaware of the subject. A bug that cannot grasp the subject…"
The man in the robe swung his raised fingers towards Karoon.
"Must be crushed!"
At that moment, a red lightning bolt flashed and grabbed the man in the robe's wrist.
Crack!
Glenn Zieghart. The one who should be in the lord’s manor crushed the man in the robe's wrist to the bone.
"You shouldn't leave the window open."
Glenn's red eyes suppressed the moonlight that seeped in through the window.
"A bug has entered."
