C1098
"Ahem!"
Shadow Agents' Leader Chad paused, swallowing hard and clearing his throat without divulging the identity of the fifth successor candidate.
"Who might that be?"
Raon squinted as he observed Chad’s slightly quivering lips.
–Could it possibly be someone from the Light Wind Palace?
Wrath fixed Chad with an expectant gaze.
"It certainly isn’t Runaan."
Since Runaan had trailed Evelyn to the Sterling Mountains, there was simply no chance for her to have gathered enough Golden Tablets.
–Then might it be Shitty Eyes or the Beef Girl?
"That remains a possibility."
Burren demonstrated his eagerness for the successor trial in order to catch up with Karoon, while Martha showed similar zeal to safeguard the Wise Martial Palace she was temporarily overseeing. Given that both held the rank of Grandmaster, it wouldn’t have been unusual for either to emerge as the fifth successor candidate if fortune had favored their missions.
"There’s also a chance it could be Trevin."
Ever since taking command of the Warring Steel Division, Trevin had amassed achievements through various missions, making him an even stronger contender than either Burren or Martha.
"However, I suspect it is someone else."
Although Burren, Martha, and Trevin were all viable options, there was one individual whose aspiration to become head of house burned more sincerely than the rest.
–Who exactly do you mean?
Wrath gestured with his hand as if urging an explanation.
"That individual is the Void Sword…"
"The fifth successor candidate is Void Sword Division Leader Serena."
Before Raon could respond to Wrath, Shadow Agents' Leader Chad interjected.
"This news might astonish you, Lord Raon, but Lady Serena has been pushing herself beyond all limits."
Chad clicked his tongue, remarking that even he grew weary merely watching her relentless efforts.
"From what I observed, her dedication nearly rivals that of Lord Karoon’s own endeavors…"
"I understand."
Raon shook his head in calm composure.
"I anticipated it would be the Void Sword Division Leader even before you mentioned it."
Wrath had harbored hopes that Burren and Martha—who were nearby—would ascend as successor candidates; yet, under his command, they had failed to collect as many Golden Tablets as expected.
Conversely, Serena had been steadily gathering tablets while managing the Void Sword division for quite some time. She had been so occupied that she scarcely appeared at the family estate even upon his return, making her a far more plausible contender for the fifth position.
"You knew?"
Chad’s eyes widened in astonishment.
"How did you come by that…?"
"Because she proclaimed her intent to become the head of house ever since I was merely a trainee."
Her determination to assume the head of house role was unlike any other. At the selection ceremony, Serena had even suggested they walk together, declaring her ambition to become the Zieghart head of house.
He had recognized her uniqueness from the moment she—an outsider—announced her candidacy, and now she had ascended to be a successor candidate. She was someone so extraordinary that even the word "remarkable" barely captured her essence.
"Ah, now I understand!"
Chad nodded, as though everything had finally fallen into place.
"She indeed possesses an admirable blend of self-assurance and pride."
He affirmed with a nod, noting that he’d witnessed a new facet of Serena this time.
"Allow me to reiterate: the five successor candidates are Lord Karoon, Lord Raon, Lord Balder, Lady Alice, and Lady Serena."
Chad lowered his gaze slightly as he recited the names of the candidates once more.
"Lord Raon, are you confident you can rise above these five?"
"That depends entirely on the nature of the second test."
Raon offered a slight smile and shook his head.
(It won’t simply be a duel.)
Perhaps if only two contenders remained—but with five candidates, duels would not suffice; a different challenge was undoubtedly in store.
"Indeed. Nevertheless, you seem quite self-assured."
Chad smiled subtly and stood up.
"Since I’ve delivered the message, I shall take my leave now."
He bowed his head, signaling that they should reconvene in the audience chamber tomorrow.
"Ah, please extend my congratulations to the Central Martial Palace Master."
Raon smiled and waved dismissively.
"Excuse me? To the Central Martial Palace Master?"
Chad blinked, clearly puzzled as to why Raon would address him in that manner.
"You may display it now, Shadow Agents' Leader."
Raon nodded with a knowing smile.
"I’m not quite sure what you mean…"
Chad tilted his head, his confusion evident.
"Though it appears your stance has shifted, you have always supported the Central Martial Palace Master."
Raon nodded, indicating that he was well aware of everything.
(That was plain as day.)
Chad had often visited him and lavished compliments under Karoon’s orders to extract intelligence. Now that he no longer seemed as loyal to Karoon as before, Raon brought up the matter first.
"W-what exactly are you implying!"
Chad cried out in alarm.
"When have I ever sided with the Central Martial Palace Master? I have only ever assisted you, Lord Raon!"
He shook his head vigorously, baffled by this sudden charge.
"What? You never did?"
"Certainly not! While I did leak information about the Central Palace, I never once disclosed details about the annex building!"
Chad pounded his chest, protesting furiously at what he considered an unfounded accusation.
"Then why did you help me when I had achieved nothing noteworthy?"
Raon blinked blankly.
"Because I believed in the future that Lord Glenn and Lord Rimmer envisioned for you!"
Chad spread his hands in explanation, recalling that through discussions with Glenn and Rimmer he had come to trust in Raon’s potential and sought to forge alliances early on.
"I consistently provided you with gifts! And kept sending top-quality intelligence!"
He flopped dramatically onto the floor, decrying his innocence.
"Weren’t those gestures meant solely to lower my defenses?"
Raon’s eyes flickered with a slight tremor.
"I’d gladly split open my stomach to reveal my true self! No wonder something felt off—we weren’t connecting on matters that truly mattered!"
Chad nodded, finally understanding what had long puzzled him about their relationship.
"N-now that you mention it, it does seem that way…"
In hindsight, Chad’s words rang with undeniable truth.
"Sit down at once! I will explain everything!"
Chad banged his palm onto the ground, exasperated that Raon—despite his prowess with a sword—remained so oblivious.
"Ah, yes…"
For the first time before Chad, Raon slumped and lowered his head.
–Observe that!
Wrath pointed upward as he glanced at Raon’s bowed shoulders.
–System! No matter how much you tend to that fool, he can’t even remember—and now he doubts you!
He bellowed at the System, demanding it cease its futile efforts to care for Raon.
–Follow only me as before…
Just as Wrath puffed up his chest to command the System, a message appeared:
[You have exhibited a purity unbefitting of a martial artist of overwhelming prowess and cold calculation.]
[All abilities have been enhanced.]
The System seemed to find this unguarded side of Raon endearing and promptly augmented his abilities.
"Ah!"
Raon nodded as he saw the message flash before his eyes.
(Now that I think about it, I haven’t checked the rewards. I’ll examine them later.)
He gestured in gratitude toward Wrath.
–Aaaaaargh!
Wrath screamed while clutching his head.
–Why must it always be him!
***
The following day at noon, Raon responded to Glenn’s summons and proceeded to the Lord’s Manor. The audience chamber was as sweltering as a desert, charged with the overwhelming aura emanating from the Zieghart executives. With a swift sweep of his hand, Raon effortlessly brushed aside the stinging presence of the swordsmen and assumed his position before the pillar alongside the other Palace Masters.
"…"
Raon scanned the ranks of Division Leaders and Palace Masters arrayed on the far side until his gaze finally rested on Serena.
"Phew."
Serena was drawing deep, labored breaths with a tense expression—as if she hadn’t yet grasped that she had become a successor candidate. Witnessing her trembling eyes and sensing the enormous effort she must have invested, he found himself smiling involuntarily.
"Nephew!"
Balder strode over and draped an arm around Raon’s shoulders.
"How are you feeling?"
"I'm well."
Raon nodded, remarking that he had slept soundly.
"Indeed! Today marks the day you rise as a successor candidate!"
Balder laughed heartily as he offered his congratulations.
"But remember…"
He lowered his voice and bowed his head slightly.
"Don’t you think it’s time to fulfill our promise?"
Balder licked his lips as if he had been eagerly awaiting this moment.
"Of course I remember."
Raon smiled and nodded in affirmation.
"If you tell me which martial art you desire, I will endeavor to create it in my own way."
He bowed deeply, assuring him not to worry.
"Haha! That’s the spirit of my nephew! I’ll be visiting the annex building soon!"
Just as Balder patted Raon’s back in anticipation, Alice suddenly swung her palm and forcefully struck the back of Balder’s head with a resounding smack.
"Aaaah! Why did you hit me!"
Balder spun toward Alice, exclaiming in protest.
"What absurdity! Are you trying to extort martial arts from your nephew now?"
Alice ground her teeth, insisting that he desist.
"I—I’m not extorting; it’s a contract between us!"
Balder shouted, incredulous at her implication that he was coercing Raon.
"Is that so true?"
Alice turned to Raon and blinked.
"Indeed. I was the one who requested something from him."
Raon offered a faint smile and nodded.
"Ah, I see—I was mistaken."
Alice stepped back while clicking her tongue in disapproval.
"Y-you’re not going to apologize? You hit my head and just walk away?"
Balder glared at her in disbelief.
"People make mistakes."
Alice waved her hand dismissively, as if to say the matter should be dropped.
"I can’t simply let it go! Why should I!"
Balder raised his fist, threatening to strike back.
"How dare you raise your hand against your elder sister!"
"Eek!"
When Alice frowned and raised her palm in defense, Balder recoiled in shock. Witnessing such a large man visibly frightened underscored just how powerful repeated conditioning could be.
"Quiet now."
Karoon shook his head as he gazed upon the empty throne.
"The head of house is arriving."
No sooner had his words ended than the door on the right swung open, and Glenn, Sheryl, and Roenn stepped forward.
"We welcome the head of house."
"We welcome the head of house!"
Beginning with Karoon’s greeting, all the Zieghart executives in the audience chamber knelt and bowed their heads.
"Hmm."
Glenn nodded calmly as he ascended the platform and took his seat on the golden throne.
"Everyone, rise."
At his command, the executives found themselves lifted to their feet—not by their own effort, but by the commanding aura that enveloped them.
"From this moment forward, I hereby conclude the first successor test."
Glenn nodded, acknowledging that everyone had worked hard.
"Phew…"
"It is finally over."
"Although I knew I wouldn’t prevail, I still held onto hope. It was truly arduous."
"But at least we have grown a bit. That in itself is something to cherish."
"It is all thanks to the Light Wind Palace Master urging us to participate no matter what. Had it not been for those words, I would have simply idled away."
The swordsmen remarked that it had been a worthwhile experience as they observed how both Glenn and Raon had helped them mature.
"As I mentioned at the beginning, we have selected five candidates through this first test. Among them, the person who amassed the highest score…"
Glenn’s gaze shifted toward the pillar.
"Karoon Zieghart. Step forward."
"Yes!"
Karoon ascended the platform as though he had been awaiting this moment all his life. His noble bearing revealed that his earlier envy and stubbornness had been replaced by resolute self-respect.
"Woooooah!"
"As expected from Lord Karoon!"
"Even though the Light Wind Palace Master secured six Golden Tablets in one fell swoop, Lord Karoon still claimed first place?"
"Palace Master! We placed our trust in you!"
The executives erupted in cheers, repeatedly chanting Karoon’s name.
"Second, Raon Zieghart; third, Balder Zieghart; and fourth, Alice Zieghart—please step forward."
In contrast to Karoon’s individual call, Glenn announced the names of the second, third, and fourth candidates together.
"Yes."
"Hehehe! I made it!"
"I became so engrossed in the challenge that I ended up in fourth place before I even realized it."
Raon, Balder, and Alice ascended the platform and stood alongside Karoon.
"The rankings are exactly as we anticipated!"
"Indeed. They remain unchanged."
"Direct lineage. It is only natural for Palace Masters of such caliber to secure the top spots."
The swordsmen cheered, affirming that they had foreseen Raon, Balder, and Alice’s standings as well.
"Finally…"
For the first time, Glenn’s gaze turned toward the opposite side.
"Serena Calvin. Step forward."
He called Serena’s name in a tone gentler than that used for his son, daughter, or grandchild.
"S-Serena?"
"Is the Void Sword Division Leader now a successor candidate?"
"I-impossible!"
"Even if she commands the martial force, the Void Sword Division Leader remains an outsider! Not even belonging to a branch family!"
The executives’ jaws dropped in disbelief at the mere suggestion of Serena’s candidacy.
"…"
Serena bit her lip firmly, as if she had long expected this outcome. Prominent tendons stood out along her jaw.
"Head of house! I implore you to reconsider!"
"Regardless of her position as a Division Leader, she is still seen as an outsider!"
"Even if not of the direct line, at least the surname should be Zieghart!"
The executives surged forward to the platform, bowing their heads as they pleaded for reconsideration. It was as though they were determined to block her path.
"I made it clear that everyone would have an equal chance."
Glenn cast a severe glare at the direct lineage swordsmen who were vociferously objecting.
"While you luxuriated in the comforts of the family estate, the Void Sword Division Leader labored relentlessly, accomplishing critical missions. She is far more deserving of heading the house than those who rely solely on the Zieghart name."
As he lowered his hand, the executives barring the platform were swept aside like discarded paper.
"If you wish to spout such nonsense, do so only after you’ve renounced the Zieghart surname."
Karoon furrowed his brows deeply as he regarded the executives who had attempted to block the way.
"If your aim was to oust the Void Sword Division Leader, you should have strived even harder—as the head of house advised."
Raon clicked his tongue and shook his head.
"I left home because of people like that, and they remain unchanged."
Alice sighed, noting that soon she would have to teach them a lesson.
"Serena. Please come up."
Glenn beckoned Serena once again with kind eyes.
"Yes!"
After drawing a deep, steadying breath, Serena ascended the platform and took her place in the fifth position. Her eyes shone even more brilliantly than the golden throne of the head of house.
"These five were not handpicked by me; they rose to be successor candidates solely through their own merit. Let us give them all a round of applause."
Glenn extolled their achievements and began clapping.
"Waaaaaah!"
"Long live Zieghart!"
The executives roared their congratulations to the successor candidates, clapping so fervently that it seemed their hands might burst.
"…"
"Hehehe!"
Karoon accepted the accolades with calm composure, while Balder spread his arms wide, basking in the cheers.
"…"
Yet, Serena’s eyes reddened as though recalling every hardship she had endured.
(She must have faced such trials.)
As an outsider with dreams of leading this illustrious family, Serena had undoubtedly suffered endless criticism and ridicule. Overcoming those challenges to reach this position, he could somewhat understand the depths of her feelings.
"Now, from this moment forward, we shall commence the second successor test."
Glenn’s lips curled as if he were about to immediately announce the next challenge.
"Are we starting right away?"
Balder’s eyes widened in surprise as
"We never know when this period of calm might come to an end, so it is imperative that we decide on a successor promptly."
Glenn nodded, acknowledging that their time might be short.
"That’s correct. Now, proceed!"
Alice grinned, expressing her fondness for the straightforward approach.
"Phew…"
Karoon’s eyes burned with intensity, determined not to miss a single word from Glenn.
"The second successor test centers on gathering supporters to reinforce your foundation."
As Glenn spread his fingers, a Continental Map radiating a cool blue light materialized behind him.
"I will select two individuals who can rally the greatest number of leaders from allied organizations."
He smiled, remarking that this test would be even more challenging than the first.
"Gathering supporters?"
"Indeed—amassing grassroots support is an indispensable trait for a head of house!"
"While it may not be novel, it is absolutely necessary."
The swordsmen began chattering excitedly, their voices so animated that the audience chamber itself seemed to tremble.
–Huh? Huuuh!
Wrath stared at Raon with wide, astonished eyes.
"Hmm?"
Raon slipped his hand into the inner pocket of his ceremonial robe. A wry smile tugged at his lips as he withdrew a small white, castle-shaped token from the pouch.
(Is this an auspicious start?)
–Why must this guy always be so unbelievably lucky!
–The universe must be conspiring against us!
-
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