TRAIGS (Novel) Chapter 655

N/T: Translation made by our friend 'Irving'. A big round of applause for him :)



 Chapter 655

 

"Ugh…."

Raon trembled as he stood up.

"Why are you so surprised?"

A young cat—or rather, Merlin, purred as she descended onto Raon’s shoulder.

That's right!

Wrath quickly nodded.

Getting scared by a mere madwoman! Such a disgrace for someone who claims to be the King of Essence’s vessel!

Yeah, yeah, wipe your drool.'

Raon glared at Wrath, who was drooling.

Kuh!

Wrath wiped his drool with his forearm and slowly crawled toward the bracelet.

I, I'm just a bit tired and need to rest.

'Are you running away?'

Running away! You dare say such a thing to the Monarch of Wrath! I'm just tired!

Wrath, trembling, slipped into the Ice flower bracelet.

"When did you get here?"

Raon leaned against a tree and turned his gaze to Merlin. Considering she had scratched Killuan's face and asked if she did well, it didn't seem like she had just arrived.

"Wrong question."

Merlin waved her front paw.

"Not 'when did you get here,' but 'when did you start following me!'  That you should be asking!"

"Then…."

"Yes! I've been with you from the start!"

She smiled, saying she had been with him since he returned to the family.

"Uh…."

Eek!

As Raon groaned in disbelief, a scream came from inside the ice flower bracelet. Raon wanted to scream as well.

'Even as a Grandmaster, I couldn't sense her presence.'

That animal possession magic was truly an ultimate cheat.

"Honestly, I wanted to cut that old man's throat, but I held back because I thought I'd get in your way."

Merlin said regretfully, lifting her front paw. Sharp claws emerged from the soft paw.

"Thank you…."

Raon swallowed dryly as he looked at the sharp claws. It was a relief that Merlin had gained a bit of patience.

"Oh, the sword duel was fun."

Merlin smiled brightly and stretched her neck.

"I always believed in you, but I didn't think you'd overwhelm someone with similar power so decisively!"

"It wasn't a big deal. I just knew all his techniques."

"There are plenty who can't use countermeasures even when told!"

She praised him, pressing his shoulder with her pink paw pads. It wasn't relieving, but oddly enough, it felt good.

Raon watched Merlin massage his shoulder and narrowed his eyes.

'Wait….'

Merlin almost always followed him. The thought occurred to him that she might have seen Derus.

"Did you enter the Saber Sword Sovereign’s tomb too?"

"I did."

Merlin nodded, as if wondering why he was asking something so obvious. Raon shivered despite asking the question himself.

"But the possession broke right away."

"The possession broke?"

"Yes. The space is unique. It seems you can't enter with a possessed body."

She bit her lip, saying she wanted to come in person but couldn't due to other matters.

"I should have witnessed that legendary Saber Sword Sovereign with my own eyes. I'm really sorry!"

Merlin raised her paw, offering to gouge out her eyes as an apology.

"Don't! That's not even your body! No, don't do it with your real body either!"

Raon grabbed Merlin's paw in a panic. Just when he thought she was getting normal, she was still the same.

"If you say so."

Merlin smiled and slid down to his thigh.

"So, what happened?"

Raon was curious because it seemed like a significant event had kept her from visiting.

"Hunting."

Merlin lifted her paw calmly.

"Hunting?"

"Yes, these days, The Fallen is recklessly increasing Eden's forces. My mission was to hunt named monsters."

She nodded, saying she had caught quite a special one.

"Isn't it useless to catch them? It takes a long time to create a magic stone." (mana stone)

"Yes. Eden's masks and helmets are originally made from naturally formed magic stones. But The Fallen has developed a spell to artificially generate magic stones."

"Is that possible…?"

Raon let out a breath in disbelief.

"Of course, they don't have the same power as original magic stones. Even if they make masks and helmets, the quality is inferior."

Merlin twisted her mouth and lowered her gaze.

"It seems The Fallen needs such lacking forces."

"And the other Five Demons?"

"The same. Quietly gathering strength."

"Is it really war?"

Raon narrowed his eyes. It seemed like war was the only reason if Eden and all the Five Demons were quietly gathering strength.

"Didn't The Fallen tell you anything?"

"He only gives orders. He doesn't tell me about his plans. It's been a while since we met directly."

"That…."

"Yes. Just as you said, it seems he's become more suspicious."

Merlin nodded calmly, as if it were someone else's business.

"…Be careful."

Raon wasn't sure if it was right to tell an executive of Eden to be careful, but he had received so much help from her that he couldn't just stand by.

"If it feels dangerous, leaving Eden is also an option."

"Hehehe."

"Why are you laughing?"

Raon leaned back, seeing Merlin's strange laugh.

"Whenever you worry about me, my heart flutters with happiness."

Merlin blushed and smiled.

"Ugh…."

Eek!

Raon gaped in disbelief as Wrath screamed. If he was going to hear everything, why did he bother hiding in there?

"Then I'll be off."

Merlin waved, saying she had shared all the information she had. She said she was leaving, but she would surely be watching over him in the form of another animal.

"Can you please announce your arrival next time?"

"Didn't I? I said, 'Did I do well?'"

"That's not what I mean…."

Raon frowned. He felt like he was always getting entangled when meeting Merlin. As he tried to explain again, she waved her paw.

"This kid is looking for a plant called catnip. It heard from a domesticated cat that it has a wonderful scent and wants to roll around in it."

"Wa, wait! What's catnip?"

Raon reached out, but Merlin was already gone, and a kitten's black eyes were staring at him.

"Meow."

Maybe because Merlin had left, the round face, big eyes, and spiky fur looked incredibly cute.

"Catnip?"

"Meow."

"What is that…?"

"Meow!"

The kitten extended its claws, as if telling him to find it.

"Okay, okay…."

 Raon searched The North Grave mountain with the kitten in his arms. However, he couldn't find any catnip. In fact, he wasn't even sure what catnip was, so he couldn't know if he missed it.

Meow!

After getting pummeled by the kitten's soft punches for three hours, Raon descended North Grave mountain and headed for the annex building.

"Young master?"

Helen widened her eyes at the kitten in Raon's arms.

"That kitten…."

"Helen, do you know what catnip is?"

"Catnip?"

She nodded, seemingly aware of what catnip was.

"Do you have it?"

"No, there's no way we have it."

S"Meow!"

At Helen's words, the kitten hit Raon with its soft paw again. It was frustrating since he had been searching for catnip all day because of it.

"Catnip? I have it!"

A voice came from behind. Turning around, he saw Dorian raising his hand.

"You have it?"

"Yes. It's essential!"

Dorian muttered about essential items that made no sense as he took out a plant with a square stem and rounded triangular leaves.

“Come here!”

As he spread the catnip on the ground, the kitten leapt from Raon’s arms and bounded over to Dorian.

“Meow!”

“Yeah, yeah. You’re a sweet little thing!”

Dorian pulled a fishing rod-like cat toy from his belly pocket and started playing with the kitten.

The kitten played and rolled on the catnip, showing expressions it had never shown Raon, which made his heart ache.

“Hey.”

Raon twisted his mouth as he looked at Dorian.

“Yes?”

“You’re lucky.”

“Huh…?”

Dorian tilted his head, not understanding what Raon meant.

“I said you’re lucky.”

Wrath shook his head as if finding it pathetic.

Pathetic

* * *

“Sigh…”

Sylvia sighed as she lay on her hospital bed when the door opened without a knock.

“Raon?”

As she smiled brightly and started to rise, Aris entered with a hastily arranged bouquet.

“Sorry to disappoint. It’s not your cute son.”

Aris handed the bouquet to Sylvia with a laugh.

“Oh, elder sister… I mean, Lady Aris.”

“Just call me sister.”

She shook her head slightly, frowning.

“There’s no one here. Or even if someone is, go ahead. If anyone makes a fuss, I’ll crack their head open.”

Aris declared she’d fight even her father if needed.

“Thank you.”

Sylvia smiled faintly as she accepted the bouquet.

“How are you feeling?”

Aris looked over Sylvia’s condition and sat in a chair beside the bed.

“I’m not in pain, but having to stay still is a bit frustrating.”

Sylvia sighed, feeling trapped.

“I must have misjudged you.”

“Pardon?”

“I thought you were just a weak child. I never expected you to leave the family for love or to swing a sword until you nearly died like yesterday.”

“I heard you helped yesterday. Thank you.”

“I didn’t help enough, which is why things turned out like this. I did nothing.”

Aris tousled her hair, feeling she was useless.

"The dragon heart that created my artificial energy center was also given to me by you. Not only that, you've helped Raon a lot too."

“Raon is a child one must help.”

She nodded, looking into Sylvia’s eyes that resembled Raon’s.

“It’s hard to believe someone born in this ruined Zieghart could be so kind. At his age, with that kind of power, he cherishes people and carries himself with humility. He’s grown so well.”

Aris smiled gently, more pleased with Raon’s character than his power.

“I’m not one to be envious, but I do envy you for raising such a child.”

“What’s there to be envious about? He’s your nephew too.”

Sylvia hugged the bouquet and smiled.

“Right? He’s my nephew, isn’t he? I feel at ease with your permission!”

Aris clenched her fist, declaring she’d make sure Raon called her 'aunt.'

“Sorry.”

She bit her lip, looking into Sylvia’s eyes again.

“Sister?”

"Honestly, I didn't have the courage to face you. I haven't visited you all this time, but if I had known it would be like this, I would have visited earlier."

“Oh…”

Sylvia looked at Aris and licked her lips. She thought Aris only acted on whims, but she carried her own burdens too.

“Sister.”

Sylvia shook her head, holding Aris’ hand.

"There’s no need to apologize for things you didn’t do. I'm content with the present."

“…Thank you.”

Aris tightly held Sylvia’s hand before standing up.

“Now that I’ve seen your face, I should get going.”

“Going where…?”

“Back to playing pirate. Also…”

She looked out at the setting sun with a faint smile.

“Looking for my troublesome son who’s gone missing.”

“Oh…”

“I thought I wouldn’t care if he died, but seeing Raon made me miss him.”

Aris waved her hand gently.

"When I bring him back, let's have him spar with Raon. How about the winner buys dinner? What do you think?"

“Sounds good.”

Sylvia nodded calmly.

“But you must come back soon.”

Aris’ usual sharp gaze returned. She laughed heartily and nodded.

“Alright.”

* * *

Zieghart’s audience chamber.

The platform, which usually held only the throne, was now piled high with various books.

“This one is too basic, this one lacks structure, and this one is too simple to be interesting.”

Glenn frowned deeply as he sifted through the books, finding none to his liking.

“What’s the lord doing?”

Rimmer, yawning as he entered the audience chamber, approached Roenn and asked.

“It seems he’s selecting a martial arts book to present to young master Raon.”

Roenn smiled faintly as he looked at Glenn.

“A martial arts book?”

“Yes. Since young master Raon recently created a new martial art, it seems he’s

selecting a good martial arts book to assist with his next creation.”

Roenn chuckled, noting it had been a long time since Glenn looked so joyful.

“How could he not be pleased?”

Sheryl nodded, removing her back from the pillar she had been leaning against.

“His grandson not only became a Grandmaster at a young age but also has the talent of a great teacher. Who wouldn’t be pleased?”

She said she understood Glenn’s feelings perfectly and smiled.

“So that’s why those books are piling up.”

Rimmer nodded, understanding.

“He was really impressive this time.”

Even Rimmer had to admit it, nodding his head.

"To dismantle the Ten Forms Sword principles so intricately and create a martial art that counters it."

“Ahem! It’s not that. I just felt like looking through martial arts books after a long time.”

Glenn's lips twitched as if he was pleased with Roenn, Sheryl, and Rimmer praising Raon.

“But if you’re going to give something, it should be a martial art that suits him.”

"That's right! He'll create the best martial arts no matter what he receives, but the better the ingredients, the better the result!"

He turned his head slightly and nodded. His lips seemed to stretch all the way to his earlobes.

“He is, after all, my disciple!”

Rimmer raised his fist, looking at Glenn.

“Mm!”

Glenn glared at Rimmer and hardened his expression.

"You're mistaken. He's my grandson before he's your disciple."

He shook his head, telling Rimmer not to spout nonsense.

“You can’t even call him grandson in front of him, so what are you talking about?”

Rimmer sneered, asking what kind of grandfather was like that.

“Kgh…”

Glenn bit his lip, gripping the armrest of the throne. He had been hit where it hurt, but he couldn’t bring down lightning as usual.

“And…”

Rimmer shook his head at the books Glenn had chosen.

"If you’re going to give him a martial arts book, it should be after Raon has made some achievements."

Glenn never gave Raon anything without reason. It would be a long time before he gave him those martial arts books.

“But as his teacher (master), I don’t have to wait. If I want to give, I give, if I don’t want to, I don’t! It’s all up to me!”

Rimmer grinned, shrugging his shoulders.

“This way, I’m closer as his teacher than a grandfather who can’t even call him grandson.”

“You, you….”

Glenn glared at Rimmer, clenching his fist.

“Hmmm…”

“Hahaha.”

Normally, Sheryl and Roenn would stop Rimmer, but today they remained silent.

“Then I’ll go give Raon his present!”

Rimmer waved cheerfully and exited the lord’s manor.

Crack!

The armrest of the throne, which Glenn had been gripping, crumbled into dust. His eyes gleamed red.

"That scoundrel…."

I’ll show you what it means to be a grandfather!

* * *

Raon entrusted the kitten to Dorian and headed to the fifth training ground.

He watched the swordsmen engrossed in their training while stroking his sword.

‘How should I design the martial art for the Light Wind division?’

The Shining Light Style had been created for Sylvia and the maids, so it wasn’t suitable for the Light Wind division.

He needed to create a new martial art that could bring out the full potential of the swordsmen.

‘It needs to be practical like the Shining Light Style, with a balance of about 6:4 between offense and defense. It should also harmonize with the Light Wind formation.’

There were many conditions, but it wasn't a big problem.

However, the core of the martial art—the inspiration that would serve as its pillar— didn't come to mind.

Raon brushed his wind-blown hair aside and let out a short sigh.

‘It would be great if it could also help in my own training….’

He had made some progress after visiting the tomb of the Saber Sword Sovereign, but his overall power had not significantly increased.

With the life-or-death duel approaching, he needed to consider his own development as well.

‘So what should I do?’

As Raon pondered and licked his lips, a cool breeze swept in from behind.

“What are you doing?”

Rimmer laughed as he brushed his hair back. His appearance was polished, likely from his recent gambling success. It was fascinating how he looked noble with money and immediately shabby without it.

“I was thinking about creating a martial art for the Light Wind division.”

“A martial art for the Light Wind division?”

“Yes. But no matter how much I think, I can’t come up with any inspiration.”

Raon explained his earlier thoughts to Rimmer.

“Hmm, personal growth and a martial art for the Light Wind division….”

Rimmer stroked his smooth chin before lifting his gaze.

“You’ve obtained the earth attribute this time, so you now have all four major elements, right?”

“That’s right.”

“Then it’s time to nurture the Wind.”

A clear breeze brushed across his eyes.

“Have you ever listened to the Song of the Wind?”


-

Post a Comment

Previous Post Next Post

Number 2

Number 3

close