C1081
After notifying the residents of the annex building about his plan to depart for Habun Castle, Raon promptly set off for the Lord’s Manor.
"Oh!"
Roenn—busy tidying up the Lord’s Manor—widened his eyes at the sight of him.
"You’ve returned."
He let out a soft chuckle, clearly surprised that Raon had come back so soon.
"I need to speak with the Head of House."
Standing before the door to the audience chamber, Raon adjusted his attire.
"Please, step inside."
Moving toward the door to indicate that Glenn was inside, Roenn began to open it.
"No, I’ll open it myself."
Grasping the handle with his own hand, Raon swung the door open. It moved as smoothly as if well-oiled, unveiling a chamber bathed in the gentle glow of evening twilight.
Beneath the vivid purple radiance of sunset, Glenn sat upon the throne. With his eyes closed, he exuded an ethereal mystique and a regal presence.
'What is happening...?'
Raon gulped as he stared at Glenn.
'Grandfather is...'
It felt as though he had slipped away from this realm. Even though Glenn was undoubtedly there, he appeared hazy—almost as if existing in another world. There was no hint of malice or aggression; instead, a mysterious aura radiated from him, leaving Raon utterly speechless.
–Hoh?
Wrath voiced a deep exclamation.
"Every time I see him, I can’t help but think that the old man is truly one intriguing character."
He nodded in acknowledgment, visibly impressed by the surreal spectacle.
'What do you mean...'
Just as Raon was about to ask Wrath about Glenn’s condition,
"Hmm…"
Glenn gradually raised his eyelids, as though sensing Raon’s gaze. As his eyes revealed the warm hue of the setting sun, the enigmatic aura that had filled the chamber suddenly evaporated.
"I apologize; I lost myself in thought for a moment."
Raising a hand to smooth back his tousled hair, Glenn seemed to rejoin the present, his usual solemn demeanor restored.
"...No apology is necessary."
Raon shook his head as he stepped further into the chamber.
'I find myself at a loss for words.'
Though he longed to ask Glenn what had just transpired, his mouth felt strangely sealed, as if he feared that Glenn might vanish like a bubble.
"Well then. What brings you here?"
Glenn dipped his gaze and offered a slight smile.
"I plan to temporarily depart from the family."
Raon bowed his head respectfully toward Glenn as he explained the purpose of his visit.
"Depart from the family?"
Glenn’s eyes narrowed ever so slightly.
"Did you not attend the conference earlier today?"
His expression conveyed perplexity, as he couldn’t fathom why Raon would choose to leave at such a critical moment—especially when they were in the midst of selecting a successor.
"No, I heard it all."
Raon shook his head, clarifying that he had listened intently from behind a pillar.
"There are simply certain matters I must attend to first."
With Derus poised to potentially spark a war at any moment, Raon needed to meet with the demon kings as soon as possible to dissuade them from aiding the Archangel. Although the prospect of assuming the role of Head of House was enticing, his foremost goal was to defeat Derus and rescue Zieghart—and the entire continent—before anything else.
"I know better than anyone just how remarkable your accomplishments have been."
Glenn rested his hand on the armrest.
"Perhaps no one in Zieghart’s history has amassed feats as rapidly as you have. However…"
His eyes turned cold.
"Should you relax your vigilance too much, you risk being overtaken."
"What do you—"
"Considering how challenging it is to earn a Golden Tablet, one might expect it to be worth 5 points; however, I’ve assigned Bronze Tablets 1 point, Silver Tablets 2 points, and Golden Tablets only 3 points."
Drumming his fingers on the throne’s armrest in a manner reminiscent of a pianist, Glenn continued.
"So you deliberately set it up that way."
Raon’s eyebrows furrowed slightly.
'I had sensed something amiss.'
Although Bronze and Silver Tablets were typically awarded for minor tasks, Golden Tablets were reserved exclusively for swordsmen who achieved extraordinary feats—or for the leaders who guided them. Raon had assumed the Golden Tablet’s value was too low, but it turned out this was Glenn’s deliberate design all along.
"Indeed. Despite everything you’ve achieved so far, you could still be surpassed during this brief period of choosing a successor."
Glenn nodded in affirmation, confirming that he had intentionally set a lower point value for Golden Tablets with that very thought in mind.
"May I inquire as to why?"
Raon exhaled deeply as he fixed his gaze on Glenn.
"Because I desire for all of you to contest and surpass one another."
Glenn calmly lowered his chin.
"Much like a sword that grows keener through repeated hammering and more resilient when tempered in flame."
He hoped that through the successor competition the swordsmen would not only select an heir but also fortify the entire family.
"Furthermore, by independently seeking and completing missions, you will build not only martial prowess but also mental fortitude and invaluable experience."
Blinking slowly, as if to signal that every detail of the successor test had been meticulously planned, Glenn conveyed his intent.
"Ah…"
Raon emitted a brief, wry chuckle.
"Grandfather, you never act without intent."
Though he had long suspected there were hidden motives, he had never imagined they would run so deep. In that moment, he still felt considerably less accomplished than Glenn.
"You too will achieve such capability when you assume this role—indeed, you’ll excel beyond all others."
Glenn smiled gently, as if he could already foresee the future.
"Nonetheless, I cannot compel you; it is your decision, and I will honor it. Return when you are prepared."
With a simple wave of his hand, he signaled that he would not contest Raon’s choice.
"Thank you. Even if it leads me along a different route, I shall not let you down."
Raon bowed deeply to Glenn before departing the audience chamber.
"Whatever your endeavors, wherever your journey leads…"
Glenn offered a gentle smile as he gazed at the door through which Raon had exited.
"I have faith in you."
After those parting words, he closed his eyes once more. The earlier enigmatic aura had completely faded, leaving only the sound of the cold winter wind tapping against the windows.
***
On a night under a high-hanging moon:
"Why is there an impromptu assembly in the dead of night?"
Krein cocked his head as he surveyed the Light Wind Palace swordsmen gathered before the platform.
"I haven’t a clue…"
Dorian rubbed his drowsy eyes and smacked his lips.
"It concerns the successor test."
Straightening his posture as he addressed Dorian and Krein, Burren stated,
"The other martial divisions have already begun seeking or devising missions."
He nodded, indicating that the Light Wind Palace should similarly arrange missions for Raon.
"I'm not quite grasping what is happening…"
Runaan let out a wide yawn, looking utterly baffled and exceedingly sleepy.
"We must proceed with it even if we don’t fully comprehend the situation."
Martha clenched her fist and gave Runaan a firm pat on the back.
"We have to do everything in our power for him."
Her determined expression conveyed that she was prepared to risk her life for Raon.
"Exactly."
Mark Goetun nodded solemnly, clearly echoing Martha’s sentiment.
"Is this really winter? What is with this unexpected heat… ugh!"
Dorian nearly toppled backward, recoiling in fear.
"What are you doing?"
Krein frowned and grabbed Dorian’s shoulder.
"I—I don’t know; my legs just suddenly turned to jelly."
Exhaling nervously, Dorian admitted that he, too, couldn’t understand what was happening.
"And you dare call yourself a Master when you can barely stand."
Just as Krein was about to smack Dorian’s head with a derisive snort, Raon burst through the door into the training ground with a resounding boom.
"Everyone is here."
Quickly scanning the assembled Light Wind Palace swordsmen as he stepped onto the platform, he declared,
"I have an announcement to make to all of you."
Clutching the Heavenly Drive, Raon looked down upon the group.
"We already know!"
Krein swiftly lifted his hand, signaling that no further explanation was necessary.
"You wish for us to generate or locate missions, correct? Fear not! I, Krein—the true powerhouse and assault leader of the Light Wind Palace—shall immediately go and…"
He grinned broadly, clearly eager to impress Raon.
"That’s not what I meant."
Raon shook his head firmly.
"Excuse me?"
"Not that?"
"If it's not about missions, then what is it?"
It wasn’t only Krein; every swordsman widened his eyes in astonishment at Raon’s reply.
"I will be journeying to Habun Castle accompanied by Yua and Julius. You all are to undertake as many missions as you can."
Rotating his wrist as though merely stretching, Raon nonchalantly added,
"G-G-going to Habun Castle?"
Burren’s lips quivered.
"Hey! Why would you depart at such a critical juncture!"
He shouted, addressing Raon informally for the first time in ages.
"I see…"
Runaan blinked and nodded as though she understood, even though she appeared half-asleep.
"He—he’s serious! He truly plans to leave without undertaking any missions!"
Dorian’s jaw dropped as he processed Raon’s words, drawing a sharp breath in disbelief.
"Is there a reason?"
Martha asked calmly, clearly placing her trust in Raon.
"Certainly."
"Very well then."
She nodded, crossing her arms as though that was sufficient.
"You can’t merely settle with 'alright'! This isn’t trivial—it concerns the succession!"
Burren stomped his foot forcefully, urging everyone to regain their composure.
"My father is already set to go out and seek missions!"
In his frustration, he even divulged details about Karoon’s movements.
"Then, you all must do it."
Raon stretched out his hand toward the members of the Light Wind Palace.
"What? Us?"
"What exactly do you mean…"
"W–what are we supposed to do?"
The swordsmen exchanged bewildered glances, clearly perplexed.
"I require you to partake in the successor contest. Seek out missions, accomplish them, and earn Zieghart’s tablets."
Clapping his hands, Raon announced that they were to engage in the successor competition on his behalf.
"Huh?"
Burren’s eyes darted around in confusion, almost resembling question marks.
"U–us becoming the successor?"
Krein’s jaw dropped in astonishment as well.
"How can we possibly compete in this contest? Our achievements and skills are far inferior!"
Trevin shook his head, asserting that it was utterly impossible.
"That is why you must confront it; even in failure, there is something to be gained. This successor trial is not merely a straightforward selection. The Head of House—"
Raon recounted to the Light Wind Palace swordsmen what he had heard from Glenn in the audience chamber.
"I understand."
Burren nodded, finally grasping Raon’s intent.
"Such competition will undoubtedly foster growth—as expected from the Head of House."
Martha exhaled in wonder, astonished by Glenn’s design.
"…"
Runaan’s head bobbed as she drifted off to sleep, accompanied by gentle snoring.
"Indeed, you’re right. Even if we set aside our achievements, your abilities remain insufficient. But fear not; that is precisely why I am here."
Raon curled his lips, a frosty glimmer reflecting in his eyes.
"N–no way…"
Krein’s jaw trembled as he finally perceived a foreboding sense in the air.
"Your apprehensions are warranted. I will provide you with exceptionally rigorous training until my departure."
Beaming broadly, Raon assured them that they could anticipate training reminiscent of the pre-war days.
"Ugh…"
"W–we’re doing that again?"
"I’d sooner perish! Just plunge your blade into me already!"
The instant the words "special training" were uttered, the swordsmen fell to the ground like well-conditioned hounds—drooling uncontrollably.
"I had been curious as to why we had not yet experienced this…"
Burren released a deep sigh, as though he had somewhat anticipated it.
"Indeed, we have rested considerably."
Martha alternated between clenching and unclenching her fist, as though bracing herself.
"N–no…"
Even in slumber, Runaan’s lips quivered like those of a small bird, murmuring that she did not desire special training.
"At last! I have eagerly awaited this moment!"
Trevin promptly unsheathed his sword, visibly pleased.
"Aaagh! I always had a terrible premonition…"
Dorian clutched his head, remarking that this explained the sudden weakness in his legs.
"Then we shall commence with…"
"Eek!"
Krein advanced with a sniffle, as if foreseeing his own fate.
"Krein, you will be scheduled for later."
Raon motioned, directing attention not toward Krein but to Dorian.
"Dorian, since you shall accompany me, let us begin your—er, training… though it may feel like a beating at first."
"Y–you just mentioned 'beating,' not training…"
"That’s just your imagination. Come over here."
His smile hinted that it was far from mere imagination as he beckoned with a grim, murderous grin.
"Ah, and Krein, I shall reserve you for last; I will employ every ounce of my remaining power to bolster your strength."
After casting a look laden with lethal intent in Krein’s direction, Raon proceeded toward Dorian.
"Aaaaargh!"
"Urrrrrgh!"
The anguished screams of the first and last swordsmen undergoing training reverberated harshly throughout the nocturnal training ground.
***
"Are you ready?"
Raon motioned toward Yua, who was adorably sporting a backpack.
"Yes! I'm all set!"
Nodding, Yua patted her backpack reassuringly, as though to say, "Don't worry."
"Raon, why aren’t you asking me?"
Evelyn frowned, her small bag slung diagonally across her torso.
"Am I invisible?"
She thrust her flushed face forward, demanding an immediate reply.
"A–are you ready?"
Quickly, as he leaned his upper body back slightly, Raon responded,
"Address me by my name."
"E–Evelyn, are you ready...?"
"Yes! I'm all set! All I require is you."
Beaming brightly, Evelyn affirmed that Raon was all the preparation she needed.
"Uh…"
Swallowing dryly, Raon distanced himself a bit further from Evelyn.
–Ughh…
In astonishment, Wrath began to foam at the mouth—even though Evelyn had not startled him.
"I'm finding it harder and harder to acclimate to this situation."
He felt on edge every moment, as Evelyn appeared to have entirely disregarded personal boundaries.
"L–let’s go."
Swinging open the door of the annex building, Raon already felt utterly fatigued despite not having set out yet.
"Safe travels."
From the garden, Sylvia waved her hand, urging them to look after Yua and Julius.
"Don’t be away for too long."
Edgar nodded in agreement, advising them to return swiftly.
"Mother, Father, don’t worry. I’m here! And if he refuses to return, I’ll drag him back myself!"
Grinning, Evelyn assured them that she would manage everything.
"Ah…"
"Y–yes. Please do…"
Sylvia and Edgar responded promptly, averting their eyes as they appeared visibly uneasy with Evelyn.
"Have a safe journey."
Bowing, Judiel wished them a pleasant voyage.
"Raon! Bring me a present when you return!"
Waving, Sia declared that she would be waiting.
"Yeah, I’ll come back."
Smiling warmly as he took Sia’s hand, Raon thought,
'Big sister has changed quite a bit as well.'
Originally, he had intended to bring Sia on this journey too, but she opted to remain—claiming she was relishing her swordsmanship training. It appeared she had fully outgrown her rebellious tendencies.
"We’ll be back."
Bowing to his family, Raon then departed the annex building alongside Evelyn, Sia, and Julius.
"S–should I carry that for you?"
Julius glanced sideways as he reached out for Yua’s bag.
"It’s fine. It’s light!"
Yua smiled and politely declined his offer.
"I—I was merely offering…"
Lowering his gaze in disappointment at the rebuff of his gallant offer, Julius murmured,
"With us in this group, doesn’t it feel like we’re on a couples’ trip, in pairs?"
Clapping her hands, Evelyn remarked that the atmosphere was just perfect.
"C–couples? No way! Absolutely not!"
Julius vigorously shook his head, protesting the notion of being seen that way with Yua.
"That's right! I see it that way too!"
Nodding in agreement, Yua indicated she understood Evelyn’s meaning.
"Stop with such childish remarks… Huh? R–really?"
Just as Julius was about to object to the silliness, his expression brightened upon hearing Yua’s words.
"Do you really think that…"
"Of course, not us!"
Waving her hands dismissively, Yua assured them that it didn’t apply to them.
"Ah…"
Julius’s initially bright expression dimmed once more.
"Whew."
Raon exhaled a sigh of relief.
'What a relief indeed. At least those two are adorable.'
He had assumed that the journey would be stifling because of Evelyn, but with Yua and Julius in tow, it promised to be somewhat pleasant.
"We have a long journey ahead, so let’s hurry."
Leading the trio toward Zieghart’s main gate, Raon approached the walls to request that External Commander Illiune open the gate—when he noticed a familiar figure.
"Darkan?"
His eyes widened upon seeing Darkan leaning against the wall with his arms folded.
"Why are you here…"
"I’ve been waiting for you."
"For me? You could have met me at the annex building then."
"Because I too must depart."
Twisting his ankle slightly, Darkan remarked that his time to leave Zieghart had come as well.
"I waited because there is something I must tell you first. Raon Zieghart, you…"
Resting his hand on the hilt of his dark sword as he fixed his gaze upon him, Darkan asked,
"Are you aware of the secret of the holy ground?"
-
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