N/T: Translation made by our friend 'Irving'. A big round of applause for him :)
Chapter 647
Killuan, the vice head of the senators, narrowed his eyes as he watched Sylvia descend the stairs.
‘She seems like a completely different person.’
Sylvia had always been withdrawn since returning to her family.
She hunched her shoulders and back like a mouse and always kept her eyes downcast. She couldn’t make eye contact with people, and even if she did, she quickly looked away.
But the Sylvia of now was different.
With her shoulders straight like a steel tower, she exuded the noble aura unique to Zieghart.
Her blonde hair, as if melted by sunlight, was tied back in a ponytail, and her black martial uniform made her resemble a sharp sword. Its sharpness was enough to sting the skin.
The most significant change was in her eyes. The red eyes that used to tremble with anxiety were now deep and calm, like the ocean, showing no sign of disturbance.
Grit.
Killuan clenched his teeth.
‘Is this really Sylvia?’
Even before she left the family, she had never had this kind of aura and demeanor. It was as if her very soul had changed.
‘I heard she had the artificial energy center implanted….’
Could she change this much?
It hadn't been long since Sylvia obtained the artificial energy center, yet her martial prowess had already reached peak Master level. No matter how much he thought about it, it didn't make sense.
“S-Sylvia?”
Krisen stuttered, seemingly taken aback by Sylvia’s transformation, and the swordsmen of the senate recoiled in fear from her aura.
“It’s been a while, vice head.”
Sylvia ignored Krisen and stood before Killuan, bowing her head.
“What brings you here? A senate inspection?”
“Ahem.”
Killuan cleared his throat, displaying his displeasure.
‘How brazen.’
Despite abandoning the family, she now dared to act arrogantly just because she had gained her energy center. It was utterly contemptible.
“Tsk.”
Killuan clicked his tongue at Krisen instead of answering Sylvia.
“Insolent!”
Receiving the signal, Krisen stepped forward in front of Sylvia.
“How dare a collateral line speak so arrogantly!”
“I wasn’t aware that collateral lines couldn’t speak to the senator.”
Sylvia still faced the vice head, a cold smile on her lips.
“You don’t know your place.”
Krisen sneered as he glared at Sylvia.
“Just because you have an energy center now, do you think your sins are erased?”
“I have no sins.”
Sylvia shook her head calmly.
“I returned everything I received from the family when I left, and I received the head of house’s grace upon my return. I have no remaining sins.”
She straightened her back proudly. Her unashamed demeanor repelled Krisen’s malice.
“Silence! The stain you left on Zieghart cannot be erased!”
Krisen ground his teeth and turned his head.
“If Zieghart name can be tarnished by the stain I left, then it must be too small. But I don’t see Zieghart as being that small.”
Sylvia didn’t hesitate to invoke the name of Zieghart, unlike before.
"Besides, I don't want to hear such words from people who bully the weak after losing the spirit of the old Zieghart."
“How dare you!”
Krisen, upset by Sylvia's change, who she once couldn't even make eye contact with, threw the first punch.
Whoosh!
In that instant, Sylvia clenched her right fist. Like a bolt of lightning, her punch struck Krisen’s jaw.
Thwack!
Krisen, who was trying to slap Sylvia's cheek, was instead hit in the jaw and collapsed like a rag doll.
“Ugh….”
Though he didn’t lose consciousness, his brain was shaken, so he could only move his legs and couldn't stand properly.
“Gasp!”
“Si-Sir Krisen!”
“What is this!”
The swordsmen of the senate hurriedly approached Krisen in a panic.
“It was self-defense. He struck me first.”
Sylvia brushed off her shoulder where Krisen’s hand had touched and shook her head.
“You’ve changed a lot. Even before you left the family, you weren’t like this.”
Killuan glared at Sylvia with eyes filled with quiet rage.
"I had to change in order to be a mother my son wouldn't be ashamed of."
Sylvia shook her head with a faint smile.
“Ugh!”
Krisen, regaining his senses quickly as a Master level should, stood before Killuan again.
“V-Vice head, there’s no need for you to intervene! I’ll handle this.”
He glared at Sylvia, biting his lip until it bled.
“So, why have you come?”
Sylvia tilted her chin nonchalantly.
“We received information that illegal activities were witnessed in the annex building. We need to inspect it ourselves!”
Krisen, emanating a fierce aura, headed toward the annex building stairs.
Whoosh!
From the shadows of the annex building stairs, Juvel emerged, blocking the way.
“You cannot pass.”
“How dare a lowly servant obstruct the senate’s inspection!”
Krisen, having been humiliated by Sylvia, lost his temper and swung his sword at Juvel. There was no killing intent, but it was enough to sever an arm.
Sylvia lifted her left heel. Sliding as if folding the ground, she positioned herself in front of Juvel. With her left palm, she struck the flat of Krisen’s descending sword aimed at Juvel’s shoulder.
Bang!
As Krisen staggered, Sylvia stepped forward and struck his jaw again, harder, with the scabbard of her sword.
Thwack!
Hit in the same spot even harder, Krisen was lifted into the air before collapsing. His white teeth scattered like corn kernels.
“Urrrgh….”
This time, Krisen’s eyes rolled back, and he appeared to lose consciousness.
"Do you know what you're doing right now?"
The vice head directed his chilling gaze at Krisen, who was trembling uncontrollably.
“I am merely protecting my people as the owner of the annex building. Moreover, I have no intention of letting unauthorized individuals enter.”
“Unauthorized?”
“I am aware that the senate has the authority to inspect within the family. However, that requires an official permit. Without a permit, you’re no different from a thief or a robber to me.”
Sylvia shook her head confidently. The senate possessed inspection rights to keep the family’s dictatorial power in check, but a permit was required to do so.
“You do realize that I can obtain that permit with just a word, right?”
“Then go ahead and get it.”
She nodded as if telling him to do whatever he wanted.
“Hmph.”
The vice head flicked his fingers, and one of the swordsmen hurriedly dashed towards the main building.
Not long after, he returned, holding a certificate authorizing the inspection of the annex building.
“Is this sufficient?”
“Yes.”
Sylvia stepped aside with calm eyes.
“You’ll regret what happened today.”
The vice head narrowed his eyes and entered the annex building first.
“No one can be certain of that.”
Sylvia followed him, shaking her head.
***
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Raon took a big bite of the mint chocolate ice cream in his hand. The bitter yet somewhat refreshing taste filled his mouth simultaneously.
Ehehehehe!
As soon as Wrath tasted the mint chocolate, he laughed like a child, as if he had fully recovered.
This is it! Keh! This is the taste of mint chocolate! Cough! I've missed it so much! Cough!
However, judging by his constant coughing, it was clear he wasn’t in good shape.
‘I’ll have to feed him well for a while.’
It wasn’t an exaggeration to say he owed his life to Wrath, so he decided to let Wrath eat whatever he wanted.
“Look over there, the stubborn princess."
Runaan, who was also eating mint chocolate, quietly raised a finger to point to the right.
“Hmm?”
Raon followed her finger with his gaze. He saw a female mage walking while reading a thick magic book, wearing large glasses. She was so focused that she didn't take her eyes off the book.
‘Is that really Jaina?’
Princess Jaina always adorned herself with splendor and was accompanied by many subordinates.
But now, she had no makeup on, wasn't wearing any accessories, and her subordinates were nowhere to be seen.
Had he not known better, he might have mistaken her for an ordinary mage.
Perhaps because of this, it seemed she had achieved a much higher level of accomplishment than before.
“Wow….”
Dorian, too, let out a breath of surprise as he watched Jaina.
“That’s really the stubborn princess….”
He had seen Jaina since the Black Market incident, so his amazement was evident.
“She’s completely different from when we first saw her. Should I go bring her over? She’d be thrilled to hear about that ring.”
“No, let her be.”
Raon shook his head calmly. He didn’t want to disturb someone who was so focused.
‘People really can change.’
In his previous life, he had believed people never changed.
But living this life, he realized that wasn’t true.
‘Except for Derus Robert. He will never change.’
Knowing that Derus would never change allowed Raon to plan his revenge without any hesitation.
Thinking of his revenge on Derus, he was reminded of his family in the annex building.
“Sigh….”
Raon finished the rest of his ice cream and shook his head.
‘I’d like to rest at the annex building.’
I’d like to eat more at the annex building.
‘….’
Wrath was truly a master at ruining the mood.
***
“My lord.”
Chad, the master of the Shadow Agents, knelt before Glenn with his head bowed.
“There is news about Sir Raon.”
“News?”
Glenn, who had been gazing out the window as if uninterested in anything in the world, slowly turned and sat on his throne.
“Speak.”
His voice was calm, as if he didn’t care much, but his eyes sparkled like constellations, urging Chad to speak quickly.
“It is said that the warrior who obtained the Saber Sword Sovereign’s legacy from the tomb is none other than Sir Raon!”
Chad raised his voice, reflecting the magnitude of the news.
"I-Is that true?"
Glenn, who hadn’t been seated for even three seconds, stood up again, a slow smile spreading across his face like snow accumulating on a roof.
“Yes!”
Chad nodded firmly, affirming the truth.
“Huhuhu.”
“Raon really claimed the Saber Sword Sovereign’s legacy? Incredible.”
Roenn and Sheryl, standing nearby, widened their eyes in astonishment and smiled.
“Ahem!”
Glenn, enjoying their reactions, subtly thrust his chin forward, his shoulders dancing with joy.
"It's not time to celebrate yet."
Chad swallowed nervously and raised his gaze boldly.
“Sir Raon has also discovered that the Saber Sword Sovereign was an ancestor of our Zieghart, and that the land where the tomb is located is also owned by Zieghart!”
“What?”
Even Glenn, who had not anticipated this, widened his eyes in surprise.
“The Saber Sword Sovereign was an ancestor of Zieghart?”
“Yes! It is a confirmed fact. Not only the Light Wind division and the Void Sword division, but even the neutral factions from the tomb have all testified the same.”
Chad nodded quickly.
“I never imagined that.”
Sheryl said with a bewildered laugh.
“Huhuhu, young master Raon has truly achieved something remarkable.”
Roenn added, clapping with an even broader smile than usual.
“This is not just an achievement, it’s something that changes history!” (It's a historical event!)
Chad waved his hands excitedly.
“Ahem!”
Glenn cleared his throat, touching his increasingly reddening cheeks.
“He’s doing quite well,” he muttered, though the more excited Roenn, Sheryl, and Chad became, the higher his mouth curved upwards.
“If that land belongs to us, it’s best to send people to manage it. It’s a bit far, so we should secure it in advance.” Sheryl said, stroking her chin thoughtfully.
“Of course, that’s correct, but there’s no need to rush.”
Chad said with a faint smile, shaking his head.
“Why not?”
“In fact, after Sir Raon left the tomb….”
Chad explained how Raon had defeated hundreds of warriors and mages and established the Land of the Sea of Swords.
"So that place has already become like a sanctuary?"
“Yes. He single-handedly crushed the heads of hundreds—no, shattered their heads without killing a single one. This instilled both fear and respect, turning it into a sanctuary named Sea of Swords.”
Chad let out a breath, as if he himself found it unbelievable.
“Roenn!”
Glenn turned and called out Roenn’s name.
“I’m writing it down now. ‘From now on, this land belongs to Zieghart. I give you ten seconds. Drop your weapons or leave. Choose one.’”
Roenn began writing down what Raon had shouted in front of the Saber Sword Sovereign’s tomb in Raon’s Gospel Book.
“That kid really pulled off a big one.”
Sheryl also couldn't hide her refreshing laughter, happy about Raon's achievements.
“Why are you all praising him?” Glenn turned his head.
“Knowing that it was Zieghart’s land, he did what was necessary!”
Despite his words, Glenn’s earlobes were bright red, and his mouth curved up so much it reached his cheekbones, making it obvious he was smiling even from behind.
“So, when will the kids return?”
Glenn, unable to hide his excitement, even used the term "kids" instead of the Light Wind division, his voice trembling.
“They’ve gone to Balkar but should return soon.”
“…I see.”
Glenn sighed, disappointed they weren’t returning immediately. His leg started shaking involuntarily, causing the entire audience chamber to tremble.
“My lord! They’ll return soon, so don’t worry.”
“Yes. They’re bringing a gift, so it’s only right they’re a little late.”
Sheryl and Roenn laughed lightly as dust fell from the ceiling.
“Who said I was worried! I was just curious!”
Contrary to his words, the trembling of the audience chamber grew even more intense.
"There's one more thing I need to tell my lord."
Chad wiped the smile off his face and lowered his gaze.
“As my lord probably knows, the senate has occupied the annex building and is conducting an inspection. I hear they're being very blatant in their harassment."
He frowned, clearly displeased with the senate’s actions.
“They intend to use Lady Sylvia to control Raon.”
Even Roenn frowned, which was rare.
“Shall I go and deal with it?” Sheryl lightly rotated her shoulders, ready to act at a moment’s notice.
“The senate’s right to inspect is a clause that has been in place since the founding. It's a measure for the separation of powers, so even the head of house's authority can't stop it."
Glenn shook his head calmly.
"But we can still do it if we want to."
Sheryl frowned.
"Yes, we can stop them. But they'll just use that as an excuse to find other ways to cause even more trouble."
Glenn shook his head as if he could read the senate’s intentions.
“So, we have to fight with the power of the annex building?”
Roenn stroked his chin thoughtfully.
“But the annex building has no authority. It will be hard for them to endure.”
Chad swallowed hard, looking worried.
"That's true. But the Light Wind division leader has accomplished a great feat this time."
Glenn looked down at Chad with a cold gleam in his eyes.
“Granting him a wish wouldn’t be a bad idea.”
Chad understood the meaning behind his words and stood up immediately.
"I'll let him know right away!"
***
Ten days had passed since the senate’s inspection began.
“It seems like there’s something hidden under this floor. Let’s open it up.”
“The window frame is crooked! Break it down!”
“There’s a crack in the ceiling! Tear it apart!”
The senate’s swordsmen smashed the intact floors, walls, and ceilings and then immediately started finding new faults.
“What are you doing, leaving this filth here!”
“Not even cleaning properly. I’ll mark the sanitation as the worst.”
“Did you plan to cook and eat in this place? It’s worse than a pigsty.”
They didn’t bother to clean up the mess they made and instead mocked and harassed the maids who were tidying up.
“I’m sorry.”
“We’ll clean it right away.”
“Please wait a little longer.”
The maids of the annex building endured the senate’s swordsmen’ tyranny, trying not to cause trouble for Raon and Sylvia, and cleaned up the chaotic house and repaired the broken ceiling and floor themselves.
After ten days of nonstop work, their hands and feet were covered in blue bruises.
Sylvia also helped the maids clean and organize the annex building.
Even though Krisen and the senate’s swordsmen harassed her the most, she endured everything with the same demeanor as she had from the beginning.
“My lady.”
Helen approached Sylvia, who was clearing away the debris of a collapsed wall, and bowed her head.
“Take a break. You’ve been working since dawn.”
“I’m fine. You rest first, Helen.”
Sylvia smiled as she patted Helen’s shoulder.
“I’m okay, but the others are struggling.”
Helen sighed, putting down the rag covered in black grime. She bit her lip, worried that some of the maids might soon collapse from exhaustion.
“Yes, I know. But there’s no other way right now.”
Sylvia shook her head.
“Using force is exactly what they want.”
The vice head was legally harassing the annex building. If they resorted to using force, it would only give them the excuse they needed to bring great harm to Raon.
“You understand well.”
A low voice came from the right. Sylvia turned her gaze and saw the Gambling Monster sitting on the broken window frame.
“The senate is full of old snakes like that. One of the reasons I left the senate was because I couldn’t stand the sight of those old men.”
The Gambling Monster scowled, saying there were more despicable old men than good ones.
"Their sighs are ruining my mood for drinking."
With that, he tossed a small piece of paper he had been holding and disappeared.
“Oh….”
Sylvia unfolded the paper she received from the Gambling Monster, then clenched her fist. She nodded with determination and walked out of the annex building.
“Dig over there! Don’t stop!”
Krisen, with a bandage on his jaw, was ordering the maids to dig up the garden. Most of the maids were trembling with exhaustion, and only Judiel and her brother Juvel were tirelessly working to let the others rest.
“Alright, that’s enough over there. Now dig on the other side.”
Krisen sneered and directed them to dig another spot, turning the once beautiful garden into a war-torn wasteland.
The vice head was enjoying tea at an elegant table set up in the middle of the ruined garden.
“Vice head.”
Sylvia approached him with calm eyes and bowed her head.
“What is it?”
The vice head lowered his teacup gracefully and tilted his head.
“Why don’t you stop now?”
“Stop?”
He looked up with a mocking smile.
“Ten days have passed, and you still haven’t lost your arrogance. How impudent.”
“……”
Sylvia said nothing, staring at the vice head with calm eyes.
“Ending this situation is not your decision. Don’t forget who has the authority here.”
The vice head twisted his lips as he watched the maids shoveling with bloody hands.
“If you don’t want to see them suffer, you know what to do. Your current actions are not leading to a good end.”
“Bowing my head to a vile person just for some comfort isn’t a good choice either.”
“You…”
He twisted his lips.
“Do you really think the permit’s expiration will save you? Extending it is a trivial task.”
The vice head raised his voice, asking if she was willing to go all the way.
“It’s you who is greatly mistaken, vice head.”
“What?”
“I sincerely advised you for your own good. I’ll say it one last time. It’s best for you to leave now, and I won’t hold anything against you.”
Sylvia’s eyes shone with confidence, as if she held the upper hand.
“You’ve lost your mind. Fine, let’s see this through to the end!”
The vice head ordered Krisen to fetch a new permit.
“Do as you please.”
Sylvia turned her back on him and approached the maids digging the ground.
“My lady, we’re fine.”
“Yes, don’t worry about us.”
“We can endure it!”
Judiel and the maids shook their heads, telling her not to worry.
“I’m really sorry.”
Sylvia smiled faintly and dropped the Gambling Monster’s letter into the dug-up ground.
[Raon Zieghart will definitely return by tonight. He will be granted the authority to stop the senate’s tyranny. - Chad]
The information from the Shadow Agents that came through the Gambling Monster made Judiel and the maids’ eyes widen.
“Just hold on a little longer.”
Sylvia smiled faintly as she buried the letter in the ground.
“We’ll soon see their heads—no, their skulls get crushed.”
