Even in the dim hours before dawn, the fifth training arena teemed with Light Wind Palace swordsmen who had gathered for practice.
"Don't you feel it's time to enlarge the training area once more?"
The Gambling Monster ascended the platform, vigorously sweeping aside his unkempt hair. His expression betrayed the marks of a night spent in heavy drinking.
"Not only has our number increased, but their strength has surged, rendering even the previously enlarged training field rather tight."
He clicked his tongue in disapproval, remarking that the fifth training arena could no longer hold all of Light Wind Palace's swordsmen.
"Indeed."
Raon nodded while surveying the bustling fifth training field.
"Just as you mentioned, we ought to think about enlarging it again."
True to the Gambling Monster's observation, even though the arena had been expanded before, the rising martial skills of the Light Wind Palace swordsmen have made it once again feel inadequate.
'At their present stage, they require additional room for individual practice.'
At this time, the majority of the Light Wind Palace swordsmen have exceeded the Master rank. Even those initially from the Warring Steel Division are attaining Master level gradually, suggesting that it's entirely possible for every member of Light Wind Palace to reach Master status. (E/N: I still don’t grasp the logic behind this.)
'A number of them even have the potential to aim for Grandmaster status.'
Among them, a few—notably Dorian and Krein—are nearing the Grandmaster tier, trailing in the footsteps of the top executives. With even a modest breakthrough, they might shatter their current boundaries and ascend further.
"Hey, now that additional instructors are available, why not allow me to set off?"
In a hushed tone, the Gambling Monster edged closer to Raon.
"Taking care of all you has left me with no time to travel or even enjoy a proper drink…"
He sniffled, his shoulders drooping in feigned sorrow.
"It's undeniable that the progress of the Light Wind Palace swordsmen has sped up due to the influences of the Blade Queen and the Warlord."
Raon gave a nod while observing the swordsmen as they unleashed a variety of sword mantras.
"Nonetheless, it was your groundwork that enabled their rise. Absent your efforts, these swordsmen would not have achieved their present stature."
Ever since he assumed leadership of the annex building and started working in the fifth training arena, the Gambling Monster has devoted himself wholeheartedly to instructing the swordsmen.
Although Rimmer was the initial master of the Light Wind Palace swordsmen, it would not be an overstatement to claim that both he and the Gambling Monster became their mentors in due course.
"Since you were present from the start, you ought to remain until the journey's end. Truthfully, you don't wish to depart."
Raon grinned and gently elbowed the Gambling Monster.
"Ahem! That isn't quite the case…"
Embarrassed, the Gambling Monster pressed his lips together, his cheeks tinged with red as if hit by a dose of reality.
"Well then…"
Raon retrieved a subspace pouch from within his chest.
"I’ve arranged a little something for you."
He extracted from the pouch a bottle of liquor, stout and thick like an adult’s forearm.
"Oh!"
The Gambling Monster instantly exclaimed upon catching sight of the bottle.
"That’s none other than the Frost Wind liquor, available exclusively in the vicinity of Habun Castle!"
The moment he saw it, he promptly identified the liquor by name.
"Why are you presenting this marvelous item to me only at this moment!"
The Gambling Monster smirked, clearly surprised by this unexpected gift.
"I intended to add one more present."
Raon offered a subtle smile and tapped the bottle’s center, where eight flower petals were immersed, gently oscillating amid tiny bubbles.
"Huh…?"
The Gambling Monster's eyes grew so wide they seemed ready to pop.
"T-this is the Eight-Petal Flower! A premium elixir designed to be consumed alongside alcohol!"
He gasped sharply in astonishment.
"Just as anticipated, you are familiar with it."
Raon beamed widely as he continued tapping the bottle.
"This elixir enhances its potency when mixed with alcohol. I recently acquired it especially for you."
He passed the bottle over to the Gambling Monster, advising him to allow it to mature for three months before drinking.
"Is this the elixir you mentioned retrieving from the treasury on this occasion?"
The Gambling Monster swallowed hard and lifted his head in response.
"…"
Raon remained silent, merely donning a gentle smile.
"To gift me something of such value…"
The Gambling Monster appeared deeply touched, hesitating to accept the bottle as his hands quivered, reminiscent of inebriation.
"As I mentioned earlier."
Raon nodded and resolutely pressed the bottle into the Gambling Monster's grasp.
"As the second master of Light Wind Palace, you deserve at least this gesture from me."
"Raon…"
The Gambling Monster's grasp on the bottle trembled, evidently showing sincere emotion.
"Just wait a moment! I'll find a way to persuade those ancient members of the Council of Elders!"
"There's really no need for that…"
"No! I insist on doing it!"
He bolted from the fifth training arena in a flash, declaring that he would secure the backing of the Council of Elders.
—That scoundrel…
Wrath exhaled deeply and shifted his look towards Raon.
—That elixir wasn't sourced from the treasury this time, was it!
He knitted his brows, noting that the Eight-Petal Flower immersed in the liquor did not represent the top-tier elixir from the treasury.
'That's correct. However…'
Raon offered a smile and gestured dismissively with his hand.
'What matters is that it pleases us both. Besides, I never claimed it was from the treasury; I merely stated that I had acquired it on this occasion.'
—Y—you sly devil…
Wrath shuddered, admitting that his fear of Raon was growing even stronger.
—To imagine that even that dubious gambler was deceived, you truly can trick anyone now!
He took a small step backward, evidently repulsed by the notion that Raon would mislead even his closest associates.
"Hmm…"
Raon turned his gaze to the Light Wind Palace swordsmen, deliberately leaving behind the visibly alarmed Wrath.
'This is a pivotal moment for all. It would be inappropriate to whisk them away to Sepia now.'
Given that the swordsmen were just beginning to spread their newfound potential after encountering the Blade Queen and the Warlord, it seemed wiser to let them concentrate on their training rather than remove them at this juncture.
"Dorian!"
Raon motioned towards Dorian, who had paused momentarily from his training session.
"Yes!"
Dorian sprinted over, dabbing the perspiration from his brow.
"We head to Sepia tomorrow. Get ready for departure."
"What? Only me?"
His eyes widened in surprise, clearly not anticipating that he would be the sole participant.
"You're all I require."
"Ah, got it! I'll immediately arrange the necessary supplies!"
Dorian saluted, effectively conveying "I've got this," and dashed out of the training arena. His cheeks were flushed with a rosy hue, evidently delighted to have been entrusted with such responsibility.
—Isn't this also a critical moment for him?
Wrath's eyes widened as if questioning the reason behind summoning Dorian.
'It would be problematic if I were to leave without my pouch in tow.'
Raon shook his chin, bemused at why Wrath would bring up such an evident point.
"—…"
Wrath's jaw fell, clearly at a loss for words.
—E—even demons at least treat humans like, well, humans!
—You insane scoundrel!
***
Once he had directed Dorian to get ready, Raon made his way straight back to the annex building.
"What has brought you here at this late hour?"
Sylvia, who had been observing Sia's cultivation, widened her eyes in surprise.
"I need to request a favor from Lady Ensia."
Raon directed his attention towards the annex building when he brought up Ensia's name.
"Ah, it's regarding the successor test. Do you plan to seek support from House Yonaan?"
Sylvia nodded, comprehending the reason behind his search for Ensia.
"I grasp your intent, yet it's not a simple matter. Even if you assist Ensia, securing the backing of the entire house is an entirely separate challenge."
She shook her head, remarking that it could be a lengthy process.
"I concur."
Edgar clicked his lips while laying his hand on the table, as if preparing to dive into some juicy gossip.
"I know that Ensia harbors feelings for you, but she is the successor of House Yonaan. This isn't merely about affection; she must render an impartial decision taking many factors into account. And given that the house’s stance is paramount, as your mother mentioned, the process will be lengthy."
He nodded in agreement, acknowledging that it would not be an easy feat.
"You're not mistaken."
Raon made a quick smacking sound with his lips.
'This might prove burdensome for Ensia.'
Although for him it was merely one step toward succession, for House Yonaan it was a pivotal issue that could shape the family's destiny, and thus could not be taken lightly.
"Look, Lady Ensia is emerging."
Judiel pointed in the direction of Ensia, who was leaving the annex building.
"Raon, you should at least speak with her."
Sylvia nodded in approval, implying that he ought to approach Ensia.
"Alright. There’s no loss in trying. It isn’t as if there’s zero possibility of securing support." (E/N: Are these people out of their minds?)
Edgar spun around, proposing that he should at least give it a shot.
"Ensia! Raon is summoning you!"
He shouted out to Ensia before Raon could muster a response.
"Really?"
Hearing Edgar’s call, Ensia promptly removed her shoes and dashed barefoot across the garden.
"Huff, huff! Did someone call for me? You look incredibly handsome today as well! Your face gleams more brilliantly than the sun!"
Despite the dark circles of fatigue under her eyes, her smile was invigorating.
"Why do you appear so weary?"
Raon gasped in surprise upon noticing the dark shadows under Ensia's eyes.
"Because your accomplishments keep piling up, I haven’t been able to stop writing!"
Ensia chuckled and explained that she had been unable to sleep, engrossed in writing Raon Zieghart's biography.
"Please make sure to take breaks during your work."
"I don’t need breaks at all! Chronicling your achievements erases all my exhaustion!"
Even though she shook her head, remarking that the process of writing filled her with joy, her fatigue was unmistakable.
"But why have you summoned me, handsome Palace Master?"
Ensia stepped closer and blinked, her stare so intense it seemed capable of penetrating his very being.
"You may be unaware, absorbed in your writing, but at this moment in Zieghart, a test is underway to choose the successor candidate…"
"I understand! You require the backing of House Yonaan, don’t you? I’ll reach out to them immediately! And if they decline, I’ll sever all connections with them!"
Ensia nodded knowingly and swiftly retrieved an emergency artifact to make contact with House Yonaan.
"Huh? Immediately?"
"C-cut ties?"
Both Edgar and Sylvia widened their eyes in astonishment at Ensia's prompt response. The emergency artifact glowed clearly, projecting the visage of Michelle Yonaan—the leader of House Yonaan and a celebrated artifact master of the continent. (E/N: …If the name is off, please let me know…This character hasn't appeared in about 800 chapters? No, 900?)
[Ensia? What's going on, initiating an emergency contact…]
Michelle Yonaan leaned in to scrutinize Ensia, her expression showing tension from the emergency message.
"Mom! Dispatch a letter endorsing Lord Raon in the name of our house! Don’t forget the family seal! Immediately!"
Ensia stomped her feet impatiently, insisting on support for Raon without even providing an explanation.
"L-Lady Ensia, rather than speaking so curtly, maybe we should explain the circumstances first…"
Raon attempted to intervene as he looked towards Michelle.
[Understood.]
Michelle Yonaan nodded, as if such a brief explanation was acceptable.
"Huh?"
"What?"
"R-really…"
Raon, Edgar, and Sylvia all fell silent at once. (E/N: Next at 11, water is wet and fire is hot — more on those startling revelations later.)
"Hold on, you're consenting without even hearing the full details?"
In bewilderment, Raon turned to see Michelle's face, aglow with a blue shimmer.
[What details are needed? Our House Yonaan has always stood by Lord Raon.]
Michelle nodded, emphasizing that one must never forget gratitude.
[Moreover, he’s so handsome that he appeals to both mine and Ensia's sense of beauty.]
She offered a faint smile, implying that his looks alone were sufficient.
[I'll dispatch the letter and seal immediately. Please hold on a moment.]
She waved farewell and vanished.
"Is that satisfactory?"
Ensia beamed reassuringly, as though to ease his concerns.
"Is this the influence of beauty?"
Edgar sighed, glancing between Raon and Ensia.
"To think that my very own kin ended up so flawless…"
He nodded in genuine admiration.
"Tsk…"
Sia tilted her head, observing both Edgar's and Raon's expressions.
"How?"
***
Following the confirmation of House Yonaan's backing, Raon promptly proceeded to the Black Market.
"It has been some time, Lord Raon."
Denning Rose, the Zieghart Branch Manager, bowed gracefully with her hands clasped together.
"Has it really been that long? I seem to recall seeing you only days ago."
Raon smiled serenely and bowed his head in return.
"You always appear in various disguises at every Zieghart event."
True to her role as the Black Market's Zieghart Branch Manager, Denning Rose frequented many events. Even though she altered her appearance to conceal her identity, her distinctive aura rendered her easily recognizable.
"Had you known, you might have mentioned it at least…"
Denning Rose blushed, evidently surprised that her various disguises were now uncovered.
"I acted as though I hadn’t noticed because I assumed your changes were deliberate. From now on, I shall mention it."
Raon smiled and gave a nod.
"Please proceed."
Denning Rose sighed and looked down.
"Regarding today…"
"You're here concerning the second successor test, correct?"
She picked up on his words effortlessly, clearly already in the loop.
"That’s correct. Has the Black Market chosen which candidate to endorse?"
"Not as of yet. I would like to support you, Lord Raon, however, it's not within my authority to decide."
Denning Rose nodded subtly, noting that she would need to confer with the Black Market Master.
"I understand. Could you kindly reach out to them then?"
Just as Raon was inquiring about contacting the Black Market Master regarding the successor test,
"In fact, the Black Market Master has already rendered a decision on this issue."
Denning Rose smiled and extended a letter adorned with the Black Market's seal.
"Hmm…"
Raon carefully unfolded the immaculate white letter.
[Light Wind Palace Master, renowned more for your striking looks than your swordsmanship. The Black Market's balance of favor is heavier than you might imagine. Accept them if you believe you can bear their weight.]
The Black Market Master affixed their seal to the letter, which unmistakably conveyed their support.
"To think you managed to charm the master—it seems being handsome does indeed count for something, after all?"
Denning Rose stared intently at Raon's face, her eyes sparkling with admiration.
"...Thank you."
Raon bowed to Denning Rose, his face flushing with a hint of embarrassment.
"We have received considerable assistance from you as well, Lord Raon."
Denning Rose smiled warmly, conveying her hope for ongoing reciprocal support.
"It certainly will. Always."
Raon carefully pressed the letter close to his chest, his eyes closing and reopening as he did so.
"I shall ensure it."
"Hehe."
Denning Rose's cheeks flushed red as she offered a gentle smile.
"I eagerly await it."
***
Raon made his way toward House Sullion, located on the outskirts, traversing the busy district that concealed the Black Market.
"We welcome the Light Wind Palace Master."
"Please come in."
The swordsmen stationed at the main gate recognized him immediately and swung open the door as though anticipating his arrival.
"So, you have arrived."
Rokan Sullion, basking in the garden's sunlight, furrowed his brows deeply upon noticing Raon.
"Have you come seeking my support?"
He stroked his chin, as though he had all the answers.
"I pay my respects to the Head of House Sullion."
Raon stood upright before Rokan.
"I request that you place your trust in me and endorse my name."
He bowed deeply, signaling his unwavering determination to ascend as the head of the house.
"I acknowledge the significant assistance you've provided to Runaan and our family. However…"
Rokan Sullion's brows knit together even more.
"I shall not grant you Runaan! Under no circumstances!"
Instead of deliberating on support, he abruptly mentioned Runaan's name and stamped his feet emphatically.
"Not until dirt fills my eyes…!"
*(E/N: Literally, "Not until the day I die")*
"Then let's add some."
Clara, Runaan's mother and the matriarch of House Sullion, hurled the dirt she held at Rokan.
"Aaagh! My eyes!"
Rokan shrieked and rolled on the ground when the dirt suddenly got into his eyes.
"You ought not to squander a busy person's time. What is with this pettiness when it had been arranged since yesterday!"
Clara rummaged through Rokan's garments and produced a letter bearing the seal of House Sullion.
"Thank you for your constant care of our Runaan. Please accept this."
She grasped Raon's hand firmly as she handed him the letter.
"Um, and what about the head of the house…"
Raon stepped back a bit, gesturing towards Rokan Sullion, who was still rolling on the ground.
"It’s alright. This occurs frequently."
Clara chuckled softly and waved her hand dismissively.
"You have grown even more handsome since our last meeting. I see why our child was smitten by you. What is your secret for such flawless skin?"
She approached him, inquiring about his skincare regimen.
"What? I—I don’t really follow any special routine…"
Raon swallowed dryly while taking a step back.
"I—I’m in pain! Oh dear!"
Rokan Sullion extended his hand for assistance, but Clara paid him no mind and instead kicked additional dirt at him with her heel.
"He truly is handsome. I simply cannot tear my eyes away from him…"
"Even dubbing him Zieghart's most handsome man does him insufficient justice."
"Don't you think he's even more attractive now that his youthful appearance has matured?"
The maids of House Sullion likewise disregarded the ailing head of the house, busy as they were admiring Raon's visage.
—Hahhh…
Wrath exhaled a long sigh while gazing at the sky, as though enjoying a smoke.
—Should I consider altering my own appearance as well?
-
More Ch4pters on KoreanPlayer
↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓
Thanks for the support
