C900
Raon and the swordsmen of the Light Wind Division walked toward the center of the large training field along the path cleared by the Zieghart martial forces. They completely erased their usual playful expressions, exuding a sharp aura as if they had become living blades while standing in front of the platform. The atmosphere intensified.
The audience, who had been applauding and cheering, lowered their hands and held their breath in the face of the solemn and heavy presence emanating from the swordsmen of the Light Wind Division.
Even the swordsmen performing the sword salute seemed startled by this presence, swallowing hard.
The dignified aura flowing from the Light Wind Division, with their hands on the grips of their swords while lining up in front of the platform, was like witnessing the spirit of heroes saving a battlefield in crisis.
It had the power to instantly silence the noisy and bustling training field.
"..."
Raon, standing at the front of the Light Wind Division, nodded to Chad. It meant he could proceed with the next order.
"Hmm..."
Chad let out a low groan as if he were choking just from receiving Raon's gaze and nodded.
"Everyone, to your positions."
At his command, the swordsmen performing the sword salute returned to their original positions, and the audience exhaled silently while seated. Cold sweat dripped from everyone's foreheads, even though they had only briefly faced the presence of the Light Wind Division.
"Phew..."
Chad exhaled a heavy sigh and stepped forward.
"The Light Wind Division played the most crucial role in guiding us to victory in the war against the South-North Union, solidified our alliance with the elves by stopping the dragons that attacked Sepia, and rescued the Gray Hammer Guild from the demons, creating an opportunity for all Zieghart swordsmen to obtain weapons made from dragon bones."
He recited the achievements of the Light Wind Division one by one in a grave tone.
"Moreover, in its final mission, the Leader of the Light Wind Division defeated the Demonblade that threatened the Warring Steel Division, making Zieghart's name shine even brighter than the Five Kings and the Five Demons. In addition to this, they have achieved numerous feats and gained great fame. With the consent of all executives, including the Head of House, we will promote the Light Wind Division to the Light Wind Palace."
Chad turned the slightly wrinkled document with trembling hands.
"First, we will have some words of encouragement from the Head of House."
He glanced at Glenn, who was seated on the throne, and then stepped back.
"Ahem."
Glenn cleared his throat softly and rose from the throne. He calmly looked at Raon and the Light Wind Division with eyes that flickered with a red light.
"Hmm..."
"Ugh."
The Light Wind Division and the swordsmen standing in the large training field let out low groans as if choking just from receiving Glenn's gaze.
"The beginnings of the Light Wind Division were humble. The leader was a failed swordsman with lasting effects from an injury, and the members, barely adults, were just novices beginning on the path of the sword. No one had any expectations."
Glenn smiled slightly as if recalling the early days of the Light Wind Division.
"However, as the Leader of the Shadow Agents said, the Light Wind Division has accomplished many feats since its days as a squad, spreading the name of Zieghart, which had been sinking, throughout the continent. According to recent surveys from the black market, the Leader of the Light Wind Division was voted the most respected figure among the swordsmen of the continent, the person they most wish to emulate, and even the most attractive person..."
Contrary to his dominant aura, he slowly began to curve the corners of his mouth upon mentioning that Raon had come first in all popularity rankings.
"That's not all. The Leader of the Light Wind Division also ranked first as the swordsman with the greatest potential for growth, and of course, first as the person most likely to alter the balance of the Five Kings and the Five Demons in the future..."
He continued listing only the categories where Raon had come in first, to the point that it was unclear where and how those surveys had been conducted.
"J-Head of House?"
Chad called out to Glenn in a very low voice, his dry lips trembling.
"You were supposed to be giving words of encouragement now..."
"Ah..."
Glenn, as if just realizing the dazed expressions of the people, cleared his throat and lowered the corners of his mouth that had been curving.
"Do you know what 'palace' means?"
He turned his now dry eyes toward the Light Wind Division.
"It means a castle or a mansion, sir."
Burren immediately answered about the palace without hesitation.
"Correct. It can mean that. However, there is another meaning within it."
Glenn smiled slightly while looking into Burren's eyes.
"It is not just a simple location, but everything that is within it."
"Everything...?"
"The house, the clothes, the food, the weapons, and the people."
He nodded while folding his fingers.
"Let me ask again. What do you think a palace is?"
Glenn shook his head briefly and looked at Raon.
"A family... A small family, sir?"
Raon squinted his eyes as he looked at Glenn and the audience sitting behind him.
"That's right. A palace has an independent position even within the martial forces of Zieghart. It often makes decisions based on its own judgment, beyond the control of the Lord's Mansion. As you said, it's not very different from running a small family."
Glenn slowly turned his gaze toward Karoon, Denier, and Balder, who were seated in the audience.
"That is why another name for a Palace Master is a successor candidate. By managing a small family called a palace, you have the opportunity to one day hold this vast Zieghart in your hands."
He nodded, stating that becoming a Palace Master was the same as becoming a candidate to inherit Zieghart.
"If you have ambitions for the position of Head of House, you will need to build achievements that do not fall behind theirs from now on."
Glenn smiled slightly, saying that tougher times were approaching from now on.
"The same goes for the Light Wind Division. If the Palace Master is the head of the family, you are the family members. If family members cause trouble, it will tarnish the chief's face, so you must be more careful with your words and actions than before."
He briefly lowered his hand while looking at the Light Wind Division standing behind Raon.
"Yes!"
The swordsmen of the Light Wind Division let out a response that shook the large training field, placing their hands over their chests as if they would never disappoint.
"That's all."
Glenn stepped back as if he had finished what he needed to say.
"Then, we will now present the symbol of the Light Wind Palace. Starting with the Leader of the Light Wind Division, please come up to the platform one by one."
Chad quickly proceeded with the next order to ensure that Glenn's dignity was not affected.
"Yes."
Raon nodded to Chad and ascended the platform to stand in front of Glenn.
"You said you were interested in becoming the Head of House to protect the people you care about. I expect more from you in the future."
Glenn handed over a golden tablet with a cold expression, as if he had never smiled. It was similar in shape to the golden tablets he had often received before, but in the center, instead of a flaming sword, there was a sword with green wind blossoming. It was the image that he and the entire Light Wind Division wanted to remember Rimmer.
"Thank you."
Raon caressed the Blade of Requiem once before receiving the tablet of the Light Wind Palace. Although it was a small tablet, perhaps due to what Glenn had said, it felt heavier than receiving a piece of iron.
"I believe in you."
Glenn said he believed in him in a voice that others could not hear.
"I will not disappoint you."
"I don't think you will."
He patted Raon on the shoulder while saying words that could be interpreted in various ways.
"...Thank you."
Raon bowed his head to Glenn and retreated to the edge of the platform. Looking at the tablet of the Light Wind Palace in his palm, he remembered Rimmer.
[Are you not interested in becoming the Head of House?]
[I think you would do better than anyone if you became the Head of House.]
[Think about it. No pressure. Yes! No pressure! Just think about it, without feeling overwhelmed. No, I am not pressuring you...]
Rimmer would mention the idea of becoming Head of House at least once a week. Perhaps the reason he had even slightly become interested in the position of Head of House was because of that person's words.
"You would have loved to see this."
Rimmer was someone who enjoyed Raon's promotions or growth more than anyone, so he would have been even happier than family today.
"Indeed, he would have."
Wrath clicked his tongue and nodded.
"That kind of pointy-eared guy saw you all as younger brothers instead of master and disciple."
He sighed briefly, saying that the guy seemed more like family than a master and a disciple.
"Yes."
Just as Raon was drawing a bitter smile, the Blade of Requiem resonated with a clear sword mantra, raising a green wind as if it understood his current feelings. It felt as if Rimmer, who had already departed, was standing by his side and congratulating him on his promotion to the Light Wind Palace.
"Martha Zieghart, Squad Leader of the First Squad. Advance."
At Chad's words, Martha stepped up to the platform.
"Your courage and your charging spirit have always been a great help to the Light Wind Division. I hope you continue your efforts."
Glenn offered advice to Martha as he handed her the tablet of the Light Wind Palace.
"Yes! Don't worry!"
Martha received the wind-engraved tablet with the same joy as always.
"Burren. Your greatest weapon is not only your precise and sharp swordsmanship but also your calm personality. Continue to cultivate it well."
Glenn reminded Burren of his strengths while stroking his chin.
"I will never forget it."
Burren cherished the tablet of the Light Wind Palace with trembling hands, as if he were moved by Glenn's advice.
"Runaan. Thanks to you always supporting from behind, the entire Light Wind Division was able to advance. Thank you for taking on difficult tasks."
Glenn drew a deep smile as if pleased with Runaan's heart that always put others before herself.
"Yes."
Fortunately, Runaan did not speak informally but gave a very short response while grasping the tablet of the Light Wind Palace.
"Uh..."
Glenn was surprised, but seeing Runaan's blank expression, he could not continue speaking and simply let her go.
"Dorian. Being afraid all the time is not a good attitude for a swordsman, but you have given courage to everyone in a different way. I look forward to your future."
"Huh, huh..."
Dorian grasped the tablet of the Light Wind Palace while panting as if his heart had disappeared. Judging by his pale complexion, it seemed he would have collapsed if he had been more nervous.
"He really observed well."
Glenn had praised and shown the path for future development to all members of the Light Wind Division, as if he had been watching the entire group. Just hearing his words made Raon's heart race as if it would burst. Clap. After handing the tablet of the Light Wind Palace to all swordsmen of the Light Wind Division, Glenn lightly applauded.
"A final salute to mark the end and the new beginning of the Light Wind Division."
As soon as he finished speaking, the swordsmen in the large training field and the audience in the stands rose and drew their swords. Cling! More than a hundred, no, more than a thousand swords flipped as if connected in a single line, emitting a silver glow.
"We pay our respects to the Light Wind Palace!"
The second sword salute. A bow even deeper than the first poured out toward the Light Wind Division in a unique salute for the swordsmen of Zieghart. Facing this majestic and solemn salute, the swordsmen of the Light Wind Division clenched their fists tightly, holding back tears of emotion.
"The Master of the Light Wind Palace, please step forward and share your thoughts."
Chad called Raon forward again, saying it was the last order.
"Well..."
Raon stood at the edge of the platform like Glenn, looking at the swordsmen of Zieghart and the audience. After exhaling slowly, he spoke the words he had prepared.
"At first, I did not have strong feelings for Zieghart. If I did, it was more malice than goodwill, and that was also the impression Zieghart left on me. There were almost no good things from my childhood."
At those words, the direct lineage and executives who had bullied him since childhood bit their lips and lowered their heads.
"But there was someone who showed me how precious a family can be and how important people are."
Raon found Sylvia's eyes as she looked at him with her hands clasped together.
"Thanks to that person, I learned the importance of connections. Simple colleagues became comrades, and the family that was colder than strangers began to connect little by little. I felt how incredible the relationship between people can be, as the hand I extended to help someone became a hand that helped me in return."
He turned his gaze from Sylvia, who was shedding tears, to look at the swordsmen of Zieghart.
"Because of this, I also learned which path is for family and which is not, and I developed a small dream that I want to achieve within the family. I will continue to do my utmost for that dream."
Raon drew the Heavenly Drive, finding the eyes of the swordsmen. He held the silver blade upside down, returning the bow they had shown him in the same manner.
"Hm?"
As he drew a slight smile, looking at the swordsmen who seemed moved by his salute, a small vibration occurred behind him.
"Heh..."
When he turned around, Glenn was openly laughing with his face hidden behind Raon's back.
"Mom and Dad are also happy."
Sylvia and Edgar were openly crying, and Sia was waving her hand vigorously as if reveling in being the center of attention.
"Raon!"
Alice was also waving her hand as if she had returned to the same mental age as Sia, holding onto the railing.
"Hmm..."
"Nephew!"
Karoon lowered his eyebrows and opened only one eye as if he were fine, while Balder waved his large arm as if to tell Raon to look at him.
"Those people have also changed a lot... Huh?"
Just as Raon was about to finish the sword salute with a slight nod.
"That person..."
Denier was smiling. Not his usual gentle smile, but a twisted smile as if he had achieved some wicked deed he wanted. It was such a sticky and grotesque smile that it sent shivers down Raon's spine.
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