C1087
"Hah..."
Raon gradually shifted his gaze as if time itself had frozen. The man brandishing the blue sword possessed an icy demeanor—so resolute he wouldn’t even flinch after killing thousands—yet his eyes shone with the warmth of blooming spring flowers. In contrast, the woman wielding the red sword was a graceful beauty with a gentle temperament, though she radiated an inexplicably chilling aura.
Moreover, the sight of the Gold Dragon half-soaking in a bath behind them only served to intensify his headache.
‘What is with this strange combination?’
Observing the sword technique laced with frost and the blade strike infused with flame, he had anticipated encountering the reclusive Blade Queen and the Warlord here. Yet he had never imagined that the two would be entangled in a marital quarrel, nor that the Gold Dragon would be channeling their aura toward Sturin Mountain.
"How many times must I declare this? This is not a marital dispute!"
The Blade Queen bellowed a war cry at the Gold Dragon.
"It is merely a duel to fulfill the mandates of our sect!"
She brusquely swung her sword-bearing hand, signaling him to cease his nonsense.
"That is correct."
The Warlord nodded, his voice as cold as ice.
"This battle is a sacred duel, steeped in a thousand years of tradition. Refrain from meddling."
He shook his head, emphasizing that it had nothing to do with their marital status.
"Today, I will force you to kneel and seize both your sword and your techniques!"
The Blade Queen gently bit her red lips, resolute in her determination to prevail at any cost.
"That is precisely my sentiment."
The Warlord shook his head in a frigid manner, radiating an aura of ice.
‘Are they truly married?’
Raon’s shoulders trembled as he sensed the surge of lethal intent and fighting spirit building between the Blade Queen and the Warlord.
‘They appear more like mortal adversaries.’
Although the Gold Dragon had mentioned that they were married, judging by the intensity in their expressions they seemed more like sworn foes locked in combat.
"Here I come!"
"Come at me!"
Just as the Blade Queen and the Warlord lifted their swords to resume their duel,
[Uh...]
the Gold Dragon’s gaze fell upon Raon, who had stepped out of the dimensional gate.
[There’s an unusual human here?]
At the sound of his bewildered tone, both the Blade Queen and the Warlord turned their heads simultaneously.
"A striking man!"
"A master?"
The Blade Queen’s eyes gleamed, seemingly illuminated by the sight, while the Warlord squinted sharply—his stare as keen as a blade’s edge—betraying his wariness. They had been so absorbed in their conflict that Raon’s arrival had gone unnoticed.
"Greetings, esteemed Senior Blade Queen and Senior Warlord."
Raon bowed deeply before the Blade Queen and the Warlord.
–Huh?
Wrath’s eyes widened in disbelief, clearly not expecting this turn of events.
–I assumed you would engage in battle immediately; why are you approaching timidly!
He extended his fist, as if demanding to unsheathe his sword and charge forth in his customary fashion.
‘I believe a different strategy might prove more effective.’
Raon offered a slight smile while keeping his head bowed.
–A different strategy, you say?
‘You will come to understand if you continue observing.’
He motioned with his finger, signaling him not to fret.
"Are you aware of who we are?"
The Blade Queen lowered her sword, and a look of cordiality blossomed in her eyes.
"Senior Warlord, bearer of the Sword of Cold Severity, and Senior Blade Queen, possessor of the Blade of Scorching Heat, continue to be revered by martial artists throughout the continent."
Raon bowed deeply at the waist as he recited their titles.
"Wow, you still recall us?"
The Blade Queen’s eyes widened in astonishment.
"Even after decades have elapsed since we departed from the continent?"
She nudged the Warlord with her elbow, as if to express her surprise.
"Who might you be?"
The Warlord fixed an even icier stare, his suspicion undiminished by Raon’s compliments.
"Why are you so incensed at someone so young! He is barely old enough to be our grandson!"
The Blade Queen scrunched her nose in reproach toward the Warlord.
"He's always been that way; ignore him. How did you manage to arrive here?"
She stepped towards Raon, reassuring him not to be afraid.
"Do not come too near."
The Warlord lifted his arm to obstruct the Blade Queen’s advance.
"He might be dangerous. His martial prowess far exceeds what one would expect for his age."
He pressed his lips firmly, visibly tense after perceiving Raon’s formidable martial abilities.
"I am aware. However..."
The Blade Queen shook her head and brushed aside the Warlord’s arm.
"This unmatched beauty harbors no malice toward us!"
She drew nearer to Raon once more, assuring him that all was well.
"May I know your name?"
The Blade Queen nodded in encouragement, her voice imbued with a kindly, grandmotherly warmth despite her youthful appearance.
"I am Raon Zieghart, Senior."
Raon candidly stated his name.
"Raon Zieghart...? Ah! I have indeed heard of you!"
The Blade Queen clapped her hands in delight.
"You are the direct descendant of Zieghart who was honored with the title of Sword Emperor! Sword Emperor Raon Zieghart!"
She nodded enthusiastically, as though completely familiar with his legacy.
"Golden hair, red eyes. And even the Zieghart crest is unmistakable!"
The Blade Queen erupted into hearty laughter, remarking that he was exactly as she had heard.
"Although both your appearance and martial abilities far surpass the rumors?"
She clicked her tongue, clearly astounded by Raon’s looks and combat skills.
"...So, you are Sword Emperor Raon Zieghart?"
The Warlord’s keen eyes widened in astonishment.
"It is a title I do not deserve."
Raon humbly lowered his gaze, exuding respect and modesty.
"No, you are more than deserving of it!"
The Blade Queen shook her head decisively.
"Truly, I had believed that the continent had lost its senses by bestowing the title of Sword Emperor upon someone barely in his twenties, but I stand corrected. Their choice was impeccable!"
She clapped her hands, affirming that his martial prowess was indisputable.
"Would you not agree?"
The Blade Queen tilted her chin toward the Warlord.
"It is remarkable enough that he commands both flame and frost, yet he has also attained an astonishing mastery over each."
The Warlord furrowed his brows, as if evaluating Raon’s aura, and though his face remained largely unreadable, he appeared genuinely amazed.
"Your martial abilities truly justify your title."
He nodded softly, his initial suspicion seeming to melt away at the mention of Zieghart and the honor of Sword Emperor.
[So, this human is indeed the Sword Emperor.]
The Gold Dragon scratched his nose as he observed Raon.
[The Lord advised to steer clear of him if possible. That explains it now.]
He retreated a step, remarking that it had been a long time since he encountered a human who could diminish his will to battle.
"I am honored that you esteemed seniors were aware of my existence."
Raon clasped his hands, conveying his profound gratitude.
"We sometimes travel through villages during our journeys across the continent, and most of the rumors centered on you."
The Blade Queen laughed, noting that in every village they passed through, tales of the Sword Emperor and Zieghart were all they heard.
"I had grown weary of constantly hearing that name, but now, seeing you face to face, it all makes sense."
The Warlord uttered a soft exclamation, still in awe of Raon’s formidable martial skill.
"The Destructive King of the North has brought forth a being mightier than himself."
He murmured such words that, if heard by Glenn, would cause his legs to tremble as if an earthquake were impending.
"You flatter me excessively. However..."
Raon gently knitted his brows as he surveyed the surroundings.
"Why do the two of you stand here with the Gold Dragon?"
He found himself on a level glacier with a modest hut, puzzled by why the Blade Queen and the Warlord were clashing upon a glacier adrift in the midst of the Northern Sea.
"We are here on a mission."
The Blade Queen gritted her teeth as she glanced at the Warlord.
"A mission of life-and-death significance—to vanquish the other and usurp their weapon and martial techniques."
She nodded, affirming that it was a mandate assigned to both her sect and that of the Warlord.
"Why is the mission so harsh?"
"We were once united as a single sect, but eventually became bitter adversaries."
The Warlord nonchalantly brushed his hands, remarking that that was the entirety of the matter.
"Then, are you two truly wed?"
For the first time, the Blade Queen and the Warlord responded in unison.
"Indeed!"
"Affirmative."
"How is it that mortal foes ended up in matrimony?"
"..."
The Warlord shut his eyes in bashful embarrassment, remaining silent.
"After clashing with him since we were ten, I began to develop affection. I took the initiative. And..."
The Blade Queen murmured something about our youth as she turned her gaze away.
"That meddlesome Gold Dragon acted as a matchmaker."
She laughed, remarking that it was as if the Gold Dragon had orchestrated their marriage.
"Marriage between enemies, with the Gold Dragon playing the role of matchmaker..."
Raon sighed, glancing from the Blade Queen to the Warlord and then the Gold Dragon.
‘Does this not make even less sense now?’
–They truly are insane…
***
"Even after our marriage, we continued to battle as we roamed the continent, for our mission remained unaccomplished."
The Blade Queen shrugged, remarking that she was still contending with the Warlord with all her strength.
"While our marital bond exists, the mission stands apart."
The Warlord nodded, seemingly in agreement with the Blade Queen’s sentiment.
"It’s merely that this location is too confined, causing that fellow to divert our sword strikes to erupt in other areas."
The Blade Queen laughed, noting that thanks to the Gold Dragon, they could engage in battle anywhere.
"I find myself curious about many matters."
Raon chuckled dryly. His curiosity extended to their sects, their mission, and their association with the Gold Dragon—he was especially intrigued by how a matchmaker could unite mortal adversaries in marriage.
"Not even a week would suffice to recount our entire tale."
She beamed, implying that she would share the full story with him at a later time.
"How did you arrive here?"
The Warlord narrowed his eyes at Raon, folding his arms as if unwilling to budge until he heard his explanation.
"Haah..."
Raon remained silent for a moment, exhaling a deep sigh.
"This is rather hard to articulate."
He murmured that it was not easy to discuss, and lowered his eyes.
"What troubles you? Simply tell us!"
The Blade Queen stepped closer to Raon, assuring him that she was willing to listen to whatever he had to say.
"..."
The Warlord also fixed his gaze on Raon, lowering his sword in a display of concentration.
"The truth is..."
Raon gently bit his lip as he looked at the Blade Queen and the Warlord.
"I have arrived here to apprehend certain villains."
"Villains?"
The Blade Queen’s eyes widened in surprise, as if she had not anticipated this.
"Indeed. I have traversed dimensions with unwavering determination to eliminate the villains who have persistently tormented my friend and inflicted suffering upon innumerable souls."
(E/N: I had a suspicion… Raon the scammer strikes again…)
Raon tightened his fist, his eyes brimming with desperate resolve.
"Who are these villains?"
The Warlord rested his hand upon his sword, as if poised to slay these villains himself.
"..."
Raon silently fixed his gaze upon the Blade Queen and the Warlord.
"Hm? Why do you remain silent?"
"..."
The Blade Queen and the Warlord exchanged confused glances.
[In my view…]
The Gold Dragon squinted as he looked down at the Blade Queen and the Warlord.
[It appears he is referring to both of you? And even to me.]
He nodded, pointing at himself with his stout finger.
"I—is that so? Is it truly us?"
"Are we the villains?"
The Blade Queen and the Warlord gaped in disbelief, as if it defied all logic.
"Although I have slain many, they were all villains! I have never taken the life of a righteous person!"
The Blade Queen pounded her chest with her fist, confident in her claim.
"Likewise, I have decapitated numerous villains, yet I have never engaged in wrongdoing."
The Warlord shook his head, asserting that he had never done anything he might later regret.
"It would be quicker to demonstrate than to merely explain."
Raon exhaled deeply and turned his attention toward the dimensional gate.
"Evelyn, reveal to them the situation over there."
[Understood!]
With Evelyn’s clear command, the dimensional gate flung open, displaying scenes from another realm. On the flickering screen of blue light, an image emerged of Sturin Mountain crumbling beneath the force of the Blade Queen and the Warlord’s aura.
"When your sword strikes detonated and rocked Sturin Mountain, the monsters dwelling within it fled in terror to Habun Castle."
As soon as Raon mentioned Habun Castle, the screen shifted to display the castle.
"Ugh!"
"T-this is too overwhelming..."
"These monsters are unending..."
Scenes unfolded depicting wounded knights and rangers of Habun Castle moaning in agony, charred monster carcasses, and the burial of human remains.
"As the relentless battles dragged on, casualties mounted, leaving the castle lord beset with worry."
Raon gripped his head, dismissing Milland’s remarks about relishing the prolonged fight and instead lamenting how much the ordeal had aged him. (E/N: …)
"I—I had no inkling that this was unfolding..."
"Hmm..."
The jaws of the Blade Queen and the Warlord trembled, as though they had never envisioned such a scenario.
"You might not be aware, but Habun Castle enjoyed a period of tranquility—all thanks to my friend."
Raon went on, his voice low and groaning.
"My friend assumed the arduous and solitary duty of managing the monsters while residing at the frigid summit of Sturin Mountain. However, the cold conditions meant a constant lack of sleep. And now, my friend..."
He pressed his lips so tightly that they nearly bled.
"Due to your auras, they cannot sleep properly and continue to suffer."
Raon grasped the bridge of his nose, lamenting the sadness of it all.
"Hey! That’s excessive! Sturin Mountain lies right before the Northern Sea! Who could possibly reside there..."
The Blade Queen waved her hand dismissively, remarking that it was an exaggeration.
"Evelyn."
As Raon snapped his fingers, the screen transitioned to display the summit of Sturin Mountain.
"Hauuu..."
Sloth was dozing, his face barely visible from beneath the blanket, breathing softly. His complexion was pallid, with dark circles encroaching upon his cheeks—a testament to his exhaustion.
"Kuuuu..."
Although Dorian typically trembled in fear of Sloth, in this scene he seemed to be in tears, struggling to withstand the cold and drowsiness.
"You see? Your battle has triggered a profound butterfly effect."
Raon sighed deeply as he gazed at the Blade Queen and the Warlord.
"That is precisely why I arrived—to capture the villains behind this calamity. Of course, I never anticipated that it would be you two..."
He ground his teeth, confessing his uncertainty about how to proceed.
"No, th-that..."
"We have nothing further to add."
Both the forthright Blade Queen and the contemplative Warlord lowered their heads, at a loss for words.
"I came ready to battle anyone here—even at the risk of my life—but to contend against such revered seniors! I lack the courage to lift my sword against the Blade Queen and the Warlord, whose names have been etched into history through noble deeds and remarkable accomplishments."
Raon lowered his hand, which held the Heavenly Drive, admitting that he could not engage in combat with those he held in high esteem.
"Nonetheless, I remain uncertain about how to remedy this predicament."
He bowed his head, murmuring that there appeared to be no viable solution.
"No! I will resolve it! I am prepared to do anything!"
"Since we are the cause, we shall assume responsibility!"
The impassioned Blade Queen roared while stamping her feet, and even the normally composed Warlord advanced toward him, his face flushed.
"Truly..."
Raon slightly lifted his head and met the gaze of the Blade Queen and the Warlord.
"You are willing to do anything?"
"Certainly!"
"Indeed."
The couple nodded in unison—a testament to their marital bond.
–Advancing matters once more...
Wrath’s jaw quivered as he observed Raon concealing a smile behind his impassive visage.
–The most eloquent silver-tongued speaker spanning dimensions!
-
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