C1099
A crimson bolt of lightning sizzled and erupted from Glenn's shoulders. The dignified aura, charged with unwavering willpower, spread throughout the entire audience chamber.
“T–that’s the Head of House’s lightning?”
“Why did it appear so suddenly…?”
“It is indeed lightning, but it’s unlike what we’re used to.”
“Instead of bringing pain, it seems to fill us with vitality.”
The executives’ eyes widened as they felt Glenn’s lightning—once ferocious—now seem to bolster and support them.
“The head of Zieghart does not hover above the family.”
Glenn gave a brusque shake of his hand as he surveyed the executives who stared at him.
“To stand at the very bottom in order to uphold the family—that is the true place for the head of Zieghart.”
He nodded gravely, affirming that only those capable of bearing the family’s burden may ascend to head of house.
“Yet, one cannot occupy that station alone. Only one who can rally supporters—followers who would leap into fire with a smile even if ordered to die, vassals who follow without question—can become head of house.”
Glenn declared this as the most critical factor while withdrawing the lightning that had spread across the audience chamber.
–That old man certainly understands things deeply!
Wrath broke into a broad smile, clearly acknowledging Glenn’s insight.
–He hasn’t wasted his years entirely! Even if it did take him a while.
He nodded in agreement, noting that Glenn had finally come to grasp these principles, albeit late.
“Those remarks are indeed accurate…”
“Yes. The head of house must command many loyal followers.”
“Yet, I never expected the Head of House to speak in such a way…”
The executives exchanged subtle glances, realizing that Glenn’s philosophy regarding leadership differed from what they had anticipated.
“I never grasped that notion before.”
Glenn exhaled deeply, as if resonating with their meaning.
“I once ruled from above the family, focused solely on personal martial prowess and territorial conquests. Not only did I vanquish external foes, but I also let much blood be shed within our own ranks—and I ignored it all. It’s no exaggeration to say that I shattered with my own hands the reputation and trust our ancestors had built.”
With calm candor, he revealed every detail of a past that might have brought him disgrace.
“Perhaps I would have carried that folly to my grave, but thanks to certain people, I eventually discerned the proper path.”
Glenn’s eyes shifted toward Raon, and a slight smile began to spread across his face.
“After that realization, I understood I had been standing at the top of the family—and I strove desperately to lower my stance. It required tremendous patience and effort, but fortunately, I now feel that I reside beneath the family.”
Glenn offered a slight smile, remarking that—even if only marginally—the family now stood above him.
“I concur.”
Karoon nodded solemnly, affirming the truth in Glenn’s words.
‘Indeed, those words hold truth.’
Raon managed a gentle smile as he observed the calm certainty in Glenn’s gaze.
‘He has truly undergone a profound transformation.’
When we first met, Glenn exuded such an icy aura that it was as if his veins ran with frost. Yet, over time he harmonized with those around him, accepting Sylvia as his daughter and even regarding himself as her grandson.
Naturally, despite his many accomplishments, none of it would have come to pass had Glenn not been willing to change.
Let me reiterate: seek out supporters who will follow only you and are worthy of your backing. The more numerous they are—and the higher their reputation—the better.
Glenn explained once more the criteria for gathering such supporters.
“Question…”
“I do have a question!”
Just as Karoon was about to signal his query, Balder stepped forward first.
“You instructed us to amass supporters, but how do you intend to evaluate the results?”
Balder glanced back while keeping his hand raised.
“There’s a vast difference between the backing of a high-ranking figure and that of a mere merchant!”
Departing from his usual straightforwardness, he highlighted the most critical point. Perhaps his plainspoken nature allowed him to grasp the essentials of the test more swiftly.
“Excellent question, Balder.”
Glenn nodded—a rare moment of praise for Balder.
“What, what? Have you lost your mind or something?”
Alice approached in surprise and lightly tapped Balder’s head.
“What’s that about! I, too, am a direct descendant of Zieghart and a Palace Master!”
Balder brushed aside Alice’s hand and blew his nose loudly.
“Initially, one might consider counting each person as an individual supporter. But that method would be far too complicated to measure in many respects…”
Glenn nodded while fixing his gaze on the five successor candidates before him.
“You must secure the backing of organizational leaders. It matters not whether they belong to Zieghart or come from outside.”
He affirmed that only the support of leaders would count.
“Yet, even among leaders, their positions and power vary greatly!”
“I haven’t finished speaking.”
Glenn scowled, ordering him to remain silent.
“Eek!”
Realizing he’d become overly excited by Glenn’s praise, Balder fell silent again.
“It is the number of people under the command of the leaders who support you.”
Glenn lifted his index finger and drew a circle in the air.
“That tally will represent the supporters who will elevate you to head of house.”
He nodded, explaining that he would base his calculations on the total number of individuals commanded by the endorsing leaders.
“Ah…”
Raon blinked in surprise.
‘In that case, securing the backing of forces with vast numbers is preferable.’
Glenn had directed them to obtain support from leaders of large forces and stated that he would judge the outcome by the number of people those leaders command. Essentially, only those who gain support from leaders with the largest contingents will pass the second test.
‘Then this situation becomes even more advantageous?’
A multitude had assembled at Habun Castle to safeguard the North. Securing the allegiance of the Habun Castle Lord would effectively count as gaining the support of hundreds—practically ensuring a substantial backing.
“Henceforth, the second phase of the successor candidate test shall commence.”
Glenn clapped his hands, declaring the conclusion of today’s meeting.
“Whose backing should we pursue?”
“The Five Kings? Wouldn’t their support be most optimal?”
“Exactly. They command the largest numbers—especially among the kingdoms.”
“Not quite. The Beast Union likely has the highest numbers; it’s said their tribes are nearly innumerable!”
Naturally, the executives initially mentioned the Five Kings.
“For clarity, note that the Four Kings, excluding Zieghart, will not participate in this test. Approaching them would be a waste of time.”
After delivering this final piece of counsel, Glenn settled onto the throne and closed his eyes, indicating that no further advice would be forthcoming.
‘What a pity…’
Raon clicked his tongue briefly.
‘Had the Four Kings been included, at least two would have thrown their support behind me.’
Though he remained uncertain about King Lecross of Owen and Mage Tower Master Larian, both the Archmage Chamber of Eternal Flame and Beast King Ogram would undoubtedly have backed him. It was somewhat disheartening not to have secured their support.
‘Nonetheless, it is logical.’
Since the Five Kings stand as equals, it would be unseemly for any of them to show favoritism. Moreover, given the current state and mood among the Four Kings (excluding Zieghart), it was only proper that they remain uninvolved.
‘Hey.’
Raon nudged Wrath with his elbow, who was idly stroking his chin.
“You command a great many subordinates, don’t you?”
–That is evident!
Wrath raised his chin as if he had finally discovered something worthy of boasting about.
–Under my command stand legions of fiercely loyal demons! The swordsmen of your family pale in comparison!
He nodded, affirming that both in numbers and in quality, his forces were far superior.
‘Then…’
Raon licked his lips and edged closer to Wrath.
“Would you not lend me your support? With your endorsement alone, victory could be mine.”
–Have you completely lost your mind!
Wrath’s eyes widened in astonishment.
–Why would I ever back a scoundrel like you? I’d sooner perish than follow you!
He bellowed, admonishing him for uttering such absurdities.
–I was perplexed by your sudden inquiry about subordinates, yet you are undeniably an incredibly deranged individual!
Wrath clenched his teeth, questioning how his mind could conjure such ideas.
–If my subordinates were aware of my present condition…
‘I’ll get you bead ice cream.’
Raon lifted his finger.
–If you truly believe I’d be swayed by that…
–As much as you desire, in any flavor you prefer.
Wrath’s retort faltered at this additional proposition.
–Ho, for how many days?
“Huh?”
–For how many days will you be hosting this ice cream festivity?
“…”
Dealing with a demon king was remarkably simple—so effortless that it nearly moved him to tears.
***
Karoon remained in the reception area on the ground floor of the Lord’s Manor alongside Balder and Alice.
“This turned out quite favorably, didn’t it?”
Balder clicked his tongue at length.
“I was convinced that Raon and my brother would progress, yet if I perform admirably, I could be among the final two!”
He burst into hearty laughter, full of expectation.
“You appear rather confident, don’t you?”
Alice inquired while taking a gulp of whiskey.
“Certainly!”
Balder smirked, as though no further explanation were needed.
“I’ve cultivated numerous connections since childhood! A mere few words and they’ll all rally behind me!”
He cocked his head in a manner that seemed to say, “Are you unaware?”
“Hey.”
Alice scowled as she set the bottle aside.
“Why do you persist in belittling me? Do you want to get yourself killed?”
She shot him a fierce glare, daring him to speak so casually again.
“Th–they will back me…?”
Balder dropped his gaze, his tone rising towards the end.
“In any case, this is my opportunity! Father must believe Raon is too young to be head of house!”
He bit his lip, resolute in his plan to seize this golden chance.
“Balder, you are gravely mistaken.”
Karoon shook his head with his arms folded in disapproval.
“What mistake?”
Balder blinked, appearing utterly oblivious.
“As you mentioned, you have established significant connections with many people from a young age. They are so extensive that neither Raon nor Serena can match them. Yet, that’s…”
Karoon narrowed his eyes while glancing at Balder and Alice.
“The same applies to my sister and me. All three of us have largely overlapping connections.”
He shook his head, remarking that their networks inevitably intertwined given their equal status as Glenn’s children.
“Meanwhile, Raon has been venturing out since childhood, independently forging bonds with many individuals. His network is entirely his own, and even absent the backing of the Four Kings, his numbers remain formidable.”
Karoon nodded, as though he had already computed every detail regarding Raon.
“Though not matching Raon’s extent, I’ve also accumulated a fair number of connections. There may simply be no space left for the two of you.”
Alice grinned widely, noting that during her sea voyages she had encountered numerous faction leaders.
“Are all those individuals loyal to you, sister?”
Balder’s eyes widened in astonishment.
“I’m attractive, am I not? They naturally gravitate towards me.”
Alice smiled as she rested her chin on all ten fingers.
“Isn’t it due to your fiery temper?”
“Are you truly insane!”
Unable to restrain herself, she smacked the back of Balder’s head.
“If you genuinely aspire to be head of house, you wouldn’t squander time on such antics.”
Karoon gulped down his tea in one swift swallow and rose from the sofa.
“It is not Raon who is imperiled; it is us.”
After uttering those words, he exited the room.
“L–let’s depart together! We must synchronize to avoid redundancy!”
Balder trailed after Karoon, massaging the bump on his head inflicted by Alice.
“Sigh…”
Alice let out a broad yawn as she stretched.
“I don’t have a strong desire to be head of house, so what should I do… Ah!”
She snapped her fingers in sudden realization.
“That will do!”
***
“Void Sword Division Leader.”
Raon shouted to Serena, who had departed from the Lord’s Manor ahead of everyone.
“Light Wind Palace Master.”
Serena bowed courteously in his direction.
“Congratulations on attaining the status of a successor candidate.”
Raon smiled warmly and returned a slight bow.
“You have upheld your previous promise. I am touched by your unwavering pursuit of your goal until the very end.”
His smile deepened as he recalled the moment during their trainee days when Serena had proclaimed her intention to become head of house.
“So, you remembered.”
Serena scratched her cheek as she gazed at Raon.
“Though it’s a bit embarrassing, thank you.”
Her lips quivered slightly, betraying that she had not anticipated such heartfelt praise.
“Had you joined my side, I might have reached this milestone more swiftly. What a pity.”
Serena playfully patted her chest, lamenting her failure to recruit him during their trainee period.
“That may be so, yet I believe that the current Division Leader is even more formidable.”
It was no exaggeration. Even with the aid of the Void Sword division’s swordsmen, attaining this rank solely through her own prowess was remarkably impressive.
“But this is the extent of my journey.”
Serena exhaled deeply.
“I lack confidence in my ability to clear the second test.”
She shook her head, admitting that she had only accumulated achievements without forging the necessary connections.
“Nonetheless…”
Raon shook his head while gazing into Serena’s eyes, which hinted at her perceived inability to succeed.
“You're not considering abandoning the effort, are you?”
Contrary to her spoken doubts, her eyes gleamed with determination to find a way.
“Certainly not. If I intended to quit, I would not have come this far.”
Serena nodded, lightly shaking off any hesitation.
“Henceforth, I shall traverse the entire continent if necessary, all in pursuit of my own supporters.”
After bidding him good luck with the test, she departed. Whether her parting words were entirely sincere or not, her stride was both brisk and resolute.
“What course of action will you take, Palace Master?”
Burren stepped forward from the side and inquired.
“I, too, must seek out my supporters.”
Raon furrowed his brows as he pondered, stroking his chin.
“Receiving assistance from me or benefitting from goodwill differs markedly from earning genuine support.”
Although he had forged bonds with countless individuals during his many missions, he was not assured that they would all offer true backing. He intended to count as supporters only those who could genuinely pledge their loyalty.
“Even if you opt for that method, doesn’t it still amount to a substantial number?”
Martha knitted her brows deeply.
“Primarily, our Wise Martial Palace will stand behind you. Not merely at my behest, but because the swordsmen of the Wise Martial Palace remain deeply thankful to you for caring for father until his final moments.”
She smiled, indicating that the decision of the Wise Martial Palace had long been determined.
“Moreover, the Holy Kingdom is in your corner. The reigning king and the saintess will leap at the mere mention of your name, Palace Master.”
Burren grinned as he mentioned the Suphren Holy Kingdom.
“My own house as well…”
Runaan, yawning broadly, referred to her own family—the Sloon house.
–Now that I consider it, the Holy Sword Alliance would also back you…
Wrath scratched his head while noting that the Holy Sword Alliance, which is technically still aligned with the Demons, would likewise offer support.
“Indeed, there are quite a few…”
Raon smiled wryly as he contemplated the yet-unnamed forces that might come to his aid.
“Where shall I begin my quest?”
-
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