C1080
"M-Merit?"
Balder’s full lips quivered.
"You aren’t really suggesting we judge our progress solely by tallying the Golden Tablets, are you?"
He gulped nervously while eyeing the Golden, Silver, and Bronze Tablets clutched in Glenn’s hand.
"Exactly so."
Karoon stretched out his arms and let both hands fall.
"These Zieghart tablets stand as the unmistakable and unbiased gauge of our achievements thus far."
He gave a nod, insisting that only the Zieghart tablets could offer such a detailed assessment of our performance.
'Merits...'
Raon squinted while caressing the Heavenly Drive.
"It’s unquestionably the most streamlined and handy method."
Since this was the inaugural trial, reviewing performance records served merely to filter out the unworthy. Simple though it was, no one could contest its fairness, making it the ideal choice for the first test.
"Query!"
At an indeterminate moment, Darkan entered the audience chamber and raised his hand.
"Who exactly is that individual?"
"Could he be a new subordinate of the Head of House?"
"He appears to be from the Light Wind Palace..."
Onlookers exchanged puzzled glances between Darkan and Glenn.
"..."
Yet, Glenn paid no mind to Darkan and turned to address the executives.
"As stated by the True Martial Palace Master."
With a flick of his finger, Glenn sent the Golden, Silver, and Bronze Tablets drifting in the air.
"These tablets were awarded individually to swordsmen, reflecting the difficulty and outcomes of their missions. Essentially, they’re the most effective benchmark for gauging the achievements you’ve amassed."
His red eyes flashed as he advanced the Golden Tablet to the forefront.
"The Head of Zieghart is both the final barrier protecting the family and the foremost weapon against our foes. We must not entrust this role to anyone who hasn’t risked their life to bring honor to the family."
Glenn reclaimed the tablets, affirming that this initial test would consider only past performance records.
"Now that I think about it, that makes perfect sense."
"It is only just that those who have sacrificed for the family should ascend to Head of House."
"As expected from the Head of House—he lays out a test beyond reproach from the very start."
One after another, the family executives nodded in agreement.
"I have another query!"
Darkan raised his hand once more.
"..."
Again, Glenn ignored him.
"W-What? Am I the only one who sees him?"
"No, I can see him too..."
"How are they connected, anyway?"
The executives eyed Darkan with mounting suspicion.
"Raon!"
Alice suddenly called his name.
"Yes?"
"I gathered a good number of tablets in my youth, you know?"
She playfully wagged her finger at him.
"Care to have some?"
Alice beamed brightly, appearing entirely sincere.
"Ah, no..."
Raon shook his head with an awkward chuckle.
To blatantly offer them here, of all places…
Discussing unauthorized transfers in front of so many people—Alice was clearly out of her mind.
"Remember, once a tablet is received, it cannot be passed on to another. Surely you know that?"
Glenn frowned as he glanced down at Alice.
"It was merely a joke, a harmless jest!"
Alice dismissed him with a wave of her hand and stepped aside.
"Hmm..."
Glenn clicked his tongue briefly before refocusing on the executives.
"I’ll repeat it once more: We shall choose successor candidates by evaluating your performance based on the variety and number of tablets you’ve acquired."
He nodded, indicating that only those with a substantial tablet count would succeed.
Hmm...
Raon clicked his tongue softly as he regarded Glenn.
—Why are you doing that?
Wrath lowered his gaze.
—Surely there’s scarcely anyone with more Golden Tablets than you, right?
He tilted his head, questioning Raon’s concern.
My conscience is troubling me.
Raon exhaled a brief sigh.
—Your conscience is bothering you? What exactly do you mean?
Grandfather has shown me favoritism. I suspect that for equivalent achievements, I may have received more tablets than others.
It hadn’t dawned on him before, but now it was unmistakably clear: Glenn had been slightly partial towards him. The thought that Bronze Tablet merits might have been bumped up to Silver—and Silver to Gold—tightened his chest.
—What utter nonsense are you spouting!
Wrath growled fiercely.
What?
—Even though your old man is a pervert who munches on Nadine bread every day and watches you sleep for twelve hours when you’re unconscious, he has never been lax in his duty as leader!
He punched the air as if urging Raon to regain his senses.
—It’s true that he values you more than his other children.
Wrath tapped his forehead, as if prompting Raon to reflect.
—But he’s not the type to compromise fairness by tweaking tablet scores. If anything, he might have eased up on your martial arts training—and that’s indisputable!
He added that Glenn esteemed the family far beyond appearances, nodding slightly.
Now that I ponder it...
Raon clicked his tongue while glancing at the platform.
Perhaps you’re right.
Just as Wrath noted, while Glenn might have given him extra rewards or taught him swordsmanship, it’s highly unlikely he ever adjusted tablet grades.
(E/N: Sorry, Raon. You placed too much trust in your Grandfather on that one.)
Grandfather truly esteems Zieghart above all else.
An unconscious smile spread across Raon’s face as he sensed Glenn’s genuine affection for Zieghart.
"So, will our selection be based solely on what we’ve accomplished so far?"
Serena, the Void Sword Division Leader, stepped forward and raised her hand.
"Isn’t that so?"
Trevin gave a slight nod.
"What other criteria could we use aside from what we’ve already gathered?"
He dusted his hands off as though it were self-evident.
"I dissent. Since the successor selection process begins now, shouldn’t we evaluate from this moment onward? That would be fair!"
Martha clenched her fist, insisting that the competition for Golden Tablets should start today.
"But that would be unjust to those who have already built up their tablet count."
Burren shook his head, remarking that such a move would be unreasonable.
"Admittedly, relying solely on past achievements is a bit disheartening as well."
He furrowed his brows, clearly torn over which approach was best.
"Yaaawn..."
Runaan let out a broad yawn, clearly disinterested in the prospect of becoming Head of House.
"Ru-Runaan!"
Her father, Rokan Sullion, waved his hand to hush her, mindful of the gathering.
"I have a question!"
Now speaking more formally, Darkan bellowed yet another inquiry.
"..."
Glenn once again ignored him, and even the executives treated him as if he were invisible.
"The achievements I refer to are those earned individually by our swordsmen."
Glenn calmly lowered his chin.
"When we assess achievements crafted directly by swordsmen, we cannot overlook their past accomplishments."
He lowered his gaze serenely, asserting that it was natural to consider the cumulative tablets collected over time.
"Yet, it’s also true that the period starting from our announcement of the successor selection holds greater weight. Therefore..."
Glenn spread his palm once more and produced the Golden, Silver, and Bronze Tablets.
"Previously earned Bronze Tablets will count as 1 point, Silver Tablets as 2 points, and Golden Tablets as 3 points—while any tablets received from now on will be valued at double those points."
He nodded, making it clear he was willing to accommodate both viewpoints—whether to count only past achievements or to start afresh from now.
"Precisely five. We will select five successor candidates based on performance."
Glenn opened his hand wide, stating that only five individuals would be chosen in this initial test.
"Five? Well, if that’s the number..."
"Indeed. Not too shabby."
"It’s certainly worth striving for."
The senior executives clicked their tongues, as if acknowledging the challenge.
"But aren’t there hardly any significant missions these days?"
Balder raised his hand.
"The Five Demons... or rather, the Three Demons are lurking in the shadows, and most people are enjoying a period of calm—even if only temporarily. There really isn’t much to do."
He shook his head, remarking on the difficulty of finding missions worthy of Golden Tablets.
"Securing missions and the results you gain from them is a skill in itself. In this world, no mission is trivial."
Glenn let his fingertips drop with an air of arrogance, signaling that henceforth, they’d have to handle everything on their own.
"So, we must manage every detail from beginning to end."
"Well, he’s right. It’s our own realm, so we must take responsibility ourselves."
"I’m fine with that too. However..."
All eyes then turned toward the pillar where the Palace Masters stood.
"How can we possibly compete with those two?"
"Master Karoon has long served as a Palace Master, which is one matter, but the Light Wind Palace Master’s feats are truly..."
"His accomplishments are staggering. At his age, no one can match him except the Central Martial Palace Master."
The swordsmen sighed, resigned to the fact that Karoon and Raon belonged to a different league.
"Then you may proceed."
Glenn waved his hand dismissively, as if he had already said all that needed to be said for the day.
"He mentioned five individuals, correct? How will the outcome be decided?"
"If we discount Master Karoon and Master Raon, exactly three spots remain."
"Will Lady Alice be participating as well?"
"Judging by her earlier offer to relinquish her tablets, she doesn’t seem interested."
"Yet, her eyes sparkle too much for that to be entirely true."
The executives broke off into small groups to deliberate the successor selection.
"..."
Among the departing swordsmen, Raon’s gaze met Karoon’s.
"The real trial begins with the second test. Prepare meticulously."
Karoon’s eyes flashed coldly, silently urging Raon not to falter.
"Why are you so concerned about me?"
Raon tilted his chin, maintaining unwavering eye contact.
"Because without you, it means nothing. I will ascend the proper steps to claim that throne."
Karoon regarded the throne calmly, showing no hint of jealousy or envy.
"I understand. I shall honor that wish."
Raon bowed to Karoon, promising they would meet again. Thud. Raon and Karoon exited the audience chamber simultaneously. Whoosh. Although their strides and postures were equally upright and graceful, their eyes betrayed starkly different emotions. Glenn watched their departing backs—so alike yet so distinct.
What choices will you make from here?
As a smile of anticipation spread across his face, a sound that reverberated against the chamber’s ceiling resounded:
"I said I have a question, you bastard!"
No sooner had Karoon returned to the Central Martial Palace than he summoned all the executives.
"You’ve undoubtedly heard that the Head of House is now selecting a successor."
"Yes!"
The Central Martial Palace executives responded without hesitation, as if they were already fully briefed on every detail of the selection process.
"Henceforth, forward all significant missions from the Shadow Agents, and send out people to report every unusual occurrence."
Karoon made it clear that he intended not only to monopolize important missions but also to engage actively in external affairs.
"Don’t let a single one slip by; deliver them to me immediately."
"Your command is acknowledged!"
The executives bowed their heads without a second thought.
"Ah, Father..."
Burren tentatively raised his hand.
"Even without cornering all the important missions, wouldn’t you easily secure a top-five spot, Father?"
Karoon had not expended a single Golden Tablet—he had kept them all. Having served as Palace Master for such a long time, he undoubtedly possessed far more than Raon.
"This trial isn’t merely a checkpoint; it’s a crucial gateway to determining the Head of House. We must display overwhelming prowess, not simply scrape by."
Karoon slammed his fist onto the desk. His resolve to become Head of House radiated so strongly that the very room seemed to tremble on the verge of explosion.
"I had thought that would imply reduced favoritism for first place...."
"No."
Karoon shook his head firmly.
"Even absent any special privileges, claiming first place is simply right. That is what I believe the Head of Zieghart should embody."
His red eyes burned with passion—as if he were teaching his son even in that moment.
"We will follow you, Palace Master!"
The Central Martial Palace executives bowed their heads with pressed lips, visibly moved by Karoon’s unwavering spirit.
"Ah..."
Burren swallowed hard, admiring the resolute spirit in Karoon.
Father means business. He’s determined to outdo Raon and seize the title of Head of House no matter what.
Even though he knew he lagged behind Raon in significant accomplishments and martial prowess, Karoon had no intention of giving up his quest for the Head of House. His steadfast determination to achieve it by any means only made him more admirable—enough to inspire others to follow him.
Raon...
Burren’s lips curled as he thought of Raon in the annex building.
What are you planning to do?
"Head of House! What an enchanting title! Let’s absolutely strive for it!"
Edgar exclaimed with fervor as he clapped Raon on the shoulders.
"You simply must clinch first place at any cost!"
He nodded vigorously, urging Raon to outshine Karoon and achieve the highest performance in this first test.
"Enough! Raon will manage on his own!"
Sylvia lightly smacked Edgar on the back.
"Disregard that man, and act as you see fit."
She embraced Raon tenderly with a gentle smile.
"If you’re going to go for it, aim for the top..."
Edgar’s eyes trembled as he rubbed his bruised back.
"Raon, they say that coming in first isn’t always the best outcome."
Sia gestured up and down, advising him to take his time—echoing what she had heard from Grandfather.
"Nevertheless, I truly hope you secure first place."
She grinned, clearly wishing for her younger brother to seize the top spot.
"Regrettably, that might prove extremely challenging."
Raon shook his head at Sia’s remark.
"Sir Karoon and I have served as Palace Masters for vastly different spans of time. No matter how hard I push, overcoming the advantage of time is extremely tough."
He scratched his cheek, lamenting the difficulty of accumulating more Golden Tablets than Karoon.
"Since they’re selecting five candidates anyway, we only need to ensure we’re among them. Don’t worry excessively."
Glenn reminded everyone that performance was only the first stage. Even if first place came with benefits, the gap wouldn’t be insurmountable—so there was no absolute need to outdo Karoon.
Yet...
He would have to maintain his standing, for someone might catch up from behind; reaching a certain level of performance was imperative.
"I too favor first place! I refuse to have Raon Zieghart’s biography record that he started out second!"
Encia raised her finger, as if urging him to push for the top.
"What do you think, Yua?"
She beckoned Yua forward—who had just brought tea—and embraced her warmly.
"I only wish for Young Master to follow his own path."
Yua grinned, content with whatever decision Raon made.
"We shouldn’t rely on Raon’s follower for advice."
Edgar shook his head, insisting that Yua wouldn’t give a definitive answer.
"Yua always supports whatever Raon chooses."
"Because he’s my benefactor."
Yua smiled, unperturbed by Edgar’s teasing.
"Then I must be off."
"Yua."
Raon intercepted her as she was about to return to the kitchen.
"How long has it been since you visited Habun Castle?"
"Me? Um..."
Yua pressed a finger to her lips before looking up at Raon.
"It’s been just over a year. I’ve been far too busy lately, but I plan to go this time."
She smiled, explaining that she intended to take leave to visit her grandfather.
"You’ll allow me to take leave, won’t you?"
Yua clasped her hands together in an earnest plea.
"Of course! Go ahead!"
Sylvia nodded on Raon’s behalf, encouraging her to enjoy the trip.
"Forget about everything here—just have a wonderful time!"
Edgar waved his hand with a smile, momentarily setting aside the Head of House issue.
"Sh-Should I accompany you?"
Julius approached Yua while glancing around furtively. (E/N: He survives! All hail the forgotten—no, the remembered—Julius!)
"No."
Raon raised his hand firmly.
"Because she’s coming with me." (E/N: RIP Julius, cheated out of his honeymoon)
He smiled confidently as he placed his hand on Yua’s shoulder.
"Eh!"
"You're headed to Habun Castle?"
"At such a crucial time?"
Those in the annex building widened their eyes in astonishment, clearly unprepared for the idea of him accompanying Yua to Habun Castle.
"Yes."
Raon nodded with a smile.
"It might not directly impact the succession contest, but there’s someone there I’ll undoubtedly need in the future."
He clicked his tongue as he thought of the Demon King of Sloth, who lay hidden across from Habun Castle.
"This time..."
"Then!"
Abruptly, a magic circle materialized on the ceiling, and Evelyn sprang forth.
"I want to join as well!"
Evelyn’s eyes flared with a deep, burning heat—like the searing core of a bonfire.
"Ab-so-lu-te-ly!"
-
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