C1102
"The mere thought that the Light Wind Palace Master would grace our modest dwelling with their company fills me with the utmost pride!
Shadow Agents' Leader Chad inclined himself profoundly before Raon. His demeanor was as deferent as though he were addressing Glenn.
"Why—why are you undertaking this!"
Raon assisted Chad to rise, whose head had nearly grazed the floor from such an intense bow.
"Because only through this can you truly comprehend!"
Chad maintained his bowed head, determined to articulate his thoughts precisely instead of resorting to clumsy gestures.
"I grasp it completely now; kindly desist!"
Raon let out a sigh, shaking his head in quiet resignation.
"Ahem..."
It was only upon receiving Raon’s subtle nod that Chad slowly raised himself and resumed his seat, his expression betraying a hint of discontent.
"My apologies—I realize everyone was aware, yet I remained entirely clueless."
Raon lowered his gaze in a gesture of contrition once more.
"Ah, it was merely a jest!"
Chad claimed it was all in fun while he served tea for Raon, yet the quiver in his hands holding the teapot betrayed his sincerity.
"Thank you."
Raon shut his eyes in quiet gratitude while sipping the tea that Chad had served.
'This must be the final one.'
---
With merely a day remaining before departing for Sepia, the options for rallying supporters were scarce. He had already conferred with Ensia, Denning Rose, and Rokan—each ready to lend their allegiance promptly—and ultimately he arrived at the Shadow Agents. Observing Shadow Agents' Leader Chad’s demeanor, it appeared that his backing was almost assured without much deliberation.
"The purpose of my visit is..."
Raon parted his lips, his face flushed by the warmth of the black tea.
"I seek your endorsement, Shadow Agents' Leader—would you support me as the successor of Zieghart?"
Fixing his gaze upon Chad, he submitted his plea.
"In truth, the Shadow Agents are unaffiliated; we answer solely to the Lord's Manor, pledging our loyalty exclusively to the Head of House."
Chad drummed his finger on the table while reiterating the words once imparted by his predecessor as Shadow Agents' Leader.
"This is precisely why the Shadow Agents abstain from engaging in succession contests akin to those held by the Council of Elders."
He nodded in affirmation, emphasizing that neutrality has always been the hallmark of the Shadow Agents.
"Ah..."
Raon returned a nod, noting the serene look in Chad’s eyes.
"I understand now; I have indeed crossed the line."
He promptly offered his apology, convinced of the truth in Chad’s statement.
"Nonetheless!"
Chad’s voice rose as he struck the table with his hand.
"I've already sullied my hands! As I previously declared, though I am a member of the impartial Shadow Agents, I have supported you as though you were the designated heir! My conscience has long been in turmoil, so what is one additional plunge into disgrace?"
He proclaimed loudly that his course of action was set, retrieving the Shadow Agents' emblem from beneath the table.
"Accept it!"
With an energetic gesture, Chad signaled for Raon to immediately declare the Shadow Agents' backing.
---
"Hmm..."
Raon gulped as he gazed upon the emblem of the Shadow Agents, adorned with a swallow motif.
'While the other emblems carried their own weight, this one seemed peculiarly burdensome.'
As a direct subordinate to the Head of House and given its role as the guarantor of the most vital intelligence, its weight was indeed more oppressive than the others.
'My grandfather surely bears an even heavier load than this.'
At that moment, he realized why Glenn had designated the recruitment of supporters as the secondary trial for succession; evidently, it was to impart the weight of responsibility that the Head of House must endure.
'He truly is untouchable.'
Beyond martial skills, the chasm in dealing with and discerning people between Glenn and himself was vast; there remained a great deal he had yet to master.
"Thank you—I shall treasure this dearly."
Raon conveyed his appreciation, clutching the emblem of the Shadow Agents provided by Chad with firm resolve.
"Naturally, as you have not been formally installed as Head of House, it remains necessary to keep disseminating information to the other contenders."
Chad simply shook his head, remarking that not even he could alter that part of the process.
"I never meant to hinder that; you are free to supply them with as much data as required."
Raon also shook his head in agreement, signaling that it was acceptable.
---
–"Hey."
Wrath alighted on his shoulder.
–"Ask him something."
'What?'
–"Inquire whether your visage played any part in his decision to watch over you."
He clicked his lips, visibly intrigued.
'Does that even make sense? Why would the Shadow Agents' Leader be concerned with my appearance?'
Raon shook his head, dismissing such absurdity.
–"Just ask him already!"
Wrath clasped his hands together in an earnest plea.
"Ugh..."
Raon exhaled a sigh and directed his gaze towards Chad.
"Shadow Agents' Leader, please don’t find this peculiar..."
"Yes?"
"Could it be that when you were delivering information to me as a prospective successor, my looks held any sway?"
Even as the question left his lips, his face burned with embarrassment.
"What? Naturally!"
Chad nodded as though the query hardly warranted discussion.
"Men too appreciate attractive men—not in a romantic sense, but it's delightful and captivating to behold. And more importantly..."
He lifted his finger to gesture toward the Lord's Manor.
"Lord Raon bears such a striking resemblance to the Head of House. That resplendent golden hair is exclusive to the Head of House, Lady Sylvia, and yourself."
Chad nodded, implying that his observation of Raon’s deep golden hair and red eyes confirmed his strong inheritance of Glenn's lineage.
"Didn't I mention it? It was your face!"
Wrath fixed his stare on him, as expected.
'Now it's not solely about my face, but also because I bear a resemblance to grandfather, correct?'
Raon gestured animatedly.
"I must rectify this."
Wrath ground his teeth.
"I will reclaim the system's favor by altering my face to mirror yours!"
Appearing as soft as cotton candy, he rubbed his nose bridge, vowing to transform his features to resemble Raon’s.
"Just wait, system! I'll demonstrate what genuine beauty entails!"
Raon repeatedly shook his head while observing the blue cotton candy meticulously rubbing its face.
'It appears I’m not the sole one losing his mind over this.'
---
Raon paused his departure from the Shadow Agents as he made his way back to the annex. The crimson sun dipped low, its violet glow intermingling with the snow-blanketed North Grave Mountain, forming a vista reminiscent of a watercolor masterpiece.
"It is breathtaking."
Raon offered a gentle smile while admiring the splendid yet majestic Zieghart sky.
–Not as splendid as my castle's view, but still quite fine.
Wrath also clicked his lips in approval, remarking that the sky of the Human World was rather agreeable.
–If you visit the Devildom later, I'll reveal to you a view of unmatched splendor.
He nodded in apparent understanding that Raon would eventually make his way to the Devildom.
"I desire to safeguard this sky."
Raon clenched his fist as he observed the steadily darkening heavens.
–Safeguard it?
"Indeed. In the imminent war, I do not wish to witness a single drop of blood spilled upon this land."
With no refuge available, Derus and the Heavenly Demon would undoubtedly target the principal forces of the Five Kings, including Zieghart, causing an inevitable cascade of bloodshed across the terrain.
'War's consequences will touch this land too. Countless lives will be lost. Yet...'
Raon nodded as he watched the final vestiges of red glow ascend into the now completely dark sky.
"I intend to defend this realm. I cannot bear the thought of anyone perishing."
Having perished as a destitute assassin and later reborn as a swordsman showered with overwhelming affection, he had learned the immense value of life through two existences. He vowed that no one from Zieghart would suffer death on his watch.
–How presumptuous!
Wrath raised his chin, exuding a formidable aura.
–Preventing all deaths? Do you honestly believe such a feat is attainable in war?
He shook his head emphatically, urging Raon to see reason.
–Moreover, your adversaries are immensely formidable. It is no exaggeration to say they are at least on the level of demon kings. In fact, when you confront them again, they will have outstripped ordinary demon kings.
Wrath's brow furrowed as he pointed out that the Heavenly Demon had already reached demon king status, and Derus was similarly ascending.
–So you're asserting you'll shield everyone from these foes?
He inquired gruffly, doubting the feasibility of such an ambition.
'It is likely nearly impossible.'
Raon nodded serenely.
'Nonetheless, I shall endeavor. That is why I persist in my efforts.'
Having witnessed innumerable deaths and wars in his previous life, he was acutely aware of the difficulty in saving everyone; yet he remained steadfast in pursuing this noble ideal.
–...Are you truly serious?
Wrath exhaled deeply as he regarded Raon’s earnest expression.
–If your resolve is such, then see it through.
He nodded as if the challenge held genuine interest.
–If you ever reach the point of making it possible, I'll offer my assistance as well.
Upon realizing the sincerity behind his words, Wrath set aside his smirk and replied earnestly.
"Ha."
Raon smiled faintly at Wrath’s calm nod.
–Why are you laughing? I'm earnest!
Wrath's eyebrows dropped in mock offense.
'You're always labeling others as weaklings.'
Raon chuckled, recalling Wrath's usual retorts.
'No matter how one views it, you have no right to judge that.'
He prided himself on earnestly addressing concerns others might easily dismiss, even taking responsibility and proposing solutions. He couldn’t fathom how one who considered himself a demon king could also be so untainted and compassionate.
–I don't quite understand, but you're being insulting!
Wrath exhaled sharply, insisting he articulate his thoughts properly.
'Just remain as you are.'
Raon smiled while patting Wrath on the head.
–I refuse! I am not weak!
'Ah, you certainly are.'
–No, I'm not!
'Undoubtedly, you are.'
---
A soft knock echoed from beyond the silent office.
"Enter."
Upon Karoon's nod, the door swung open and Burren stepped inside.
"Today’s training appears to have been quite rigorous."
He offered a slight smile as he observed Burren’s dust-streaked face and worn training attire.
"Indeed. We trained with the Blade Queen today, and it was so intense that keeping pace was challenging."
Burren’s lips curled into a smile as he remarked that the session was enjoyable.
"It was an unexpected opportunity; do not let it pass. Her mastery of the sword remains among the finest."
Karoon wagged a finger, admonishing him not to miss any aspect of the Blade Queen’s instruction.
"Absolutely! I completely understand."
Burren bowed his head in a gesture of reassurance.
"Yet..."
He squinted as his eyes fixed on Karoon’s desk.
"How is the supporter recruitment proceeding?"
Burren stepped closer to Karoon, his expression tinged with tension.
"Compiling the list is no simple task; I must also contend with Balder."
Karoon shook his head, explaining that it was more challenging than it appeared.
"I heard that Raon visited four locations just today, securing support from each."
Burren relayed this news, his tone hinting at concern for his father, Karoon.
"Starting tomorrow, he will venture out to recruit additional supporters."
"The four places he visited today likely included Yonan, the Black Market, Sullion, and the Shadow Agents."
Karoon nodded as though he were already aware.
"Oh, you knew already?"
Burren's eyes widened in astonishment.
"Because that’s exactly the strategy I would have followed as well."
Karoon smiled gently, implying he had anticipated every move and had come to fully accept Raon.
"Do not worry excessively."
Karoon shook his head as he watched Burren roll his eyes in mild exasperation.
"This time too..."
Karoon smiled softly as he neatly arranged the documents in his hand.
"I will be the first to succeed."
He made a casual gesture, as though every detail had been resolved.
"If you’re interested, would you care to accompany me?"
Karoon extended his hand, inviting Burren to gain a broader perspective.
"Ah..."
Burren glanced at Karoon’s offered hand and stepped back slightly.
"Sorry, but I might inadvertently disclose your secrets to Raon. Perhaps I should refrain..."
He closed his eyes, confessing that he might accidentally divulge confidential details.
"That’s alright. You haven’t shared Raon’s details with me either."
Karoon shook his head, dismissing the concern.
"After all, we are all part of Zieghart. Moreover..."
He lowered his hand, emphasizing that it was truly fine.
"Ultimately, I shall prevail."
Karoon laughed heartily, as though channeling all the irritation, fury, obstinacy, and envy accumulated since childhood into a magnanimous resolve.
"Father..."
Burren's clasped hands trembled, visibly moved by Karoon’s demeanor.
"Prepare yourself."
Karoon grasped Burren's shoulders and helped him to stand.
"Allow me to show you what life is like as a direct descendant of the Zieghart lineage."
---
The following day, as Raon made his way toward the castle walls in preparation to depart for Sepia, he suddenly halted.
"Huh?"
Beside Dorian, who was waiting at the gate, he recognized two familiar female figures.
"Why have you come here?"
Martha frowned while glancing to her right.
"Because wherever Raon ventures, that path is mine."
Evelyn offered a sweet smile as she looked to her left.
"And why are you heading out?"
She returned the question to Martha.
"Because I have a message to deliver to Sepia."
Martha pushed her chin forward, insisting that she wasn’t merely following Raon, but was en route to Sepia for her own reasons.
"Speak up. I’ll pass your words along."
Evelyn playfully wiggled her finger, urging her to articulate.
"Not necessary. This should be spoken face-to-face."
Martha snorted, insisting she would convey it with her own voice.
"Sigh..."
Raon exhaled a long sigh as he surveyed Evelyn and Martha.
"They still cannot get along."
It was clear that their discord was not due to him; they had never been on harmonious terms.
"Oh? Raon!"
Evelyn was the first to notice him, waving enthusiastically.
"Hmph."
Martha only slightly lowered her eyebrows, keeping her arms folded.
"L-Lord Raon!"
Dorian, who had been nervously situated between Martha and Evelyn, spread his arms wide, his expression conveying a sense of revived life.
"What brings you both here?"
Raon approached them, stifling another sigh.
"As the needle follows the thread, so must one follow the course."
Evelyn smiled gently, noting that she had come prepared.
"During the war with the White Blood Religion, Master provided me with invaluable aid. I intend to journey to Sepia to share this with them."
Martha bit her lip softly, stating that she wished to personally relay Rimmer's message.
"I see..."
In hearing their explanations, although Martha alone would have been sufficient, it was evident that leaving Evelyn behind would likely lead to complications.
–That’s not it; she would certainly follow even if left behind!
Wrath shook his head emphatically.
–Since she'll trail after you anyway, it's better to keep her within sight!
His remark carried an unexpected persuasive tone.
"T-then, if you both accompany me..."
Just as Raon was about to propose that Martha and Evelyn join forces—taking Wrath's advice into account...
"Lord Raon."
Denning Rose emerged from the direction of the bustling district.
"Lord Denning Rose? What brings you here this morning...?"
Raon’s eyes widened as he regarded Denning Rose.
"I’ve heard there's a minor issue in Sepia, where you are bound."
Lowering her voice, Denning Rose explained that this information had only just been received.
"W-what sort of problem?"
Dorian gulped nervously, visibly apprehensive.
"They say that blood-tinged red winds and mist are sweeping over the Great Forest of Sepia."
Denning Rose shook her head, remarking that the red winds and mists render any external approach impossible.
"Red winds and mist..."
Raon’s lips curled into a wry smile, entirely unsurprised.
"So they ultimately ventured there."
-
More Ch4pters on KoreanPlayer
↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓
Thanks for the support
