## Chapter 1113
After checking in on the impressive development of House Arianne alongside Wendy, Raon made his way to the local Black Market outpost.
"I welcome the Master of the Light Wind Palace."
The middle-aged man governing the Black Market branch within Arianne's lands dipped his head. With a completely hairless scalp and no eyebrows, his face carried an intensity that made it a challenge to look him in the eye.
"I am Mutiron, the Branch Manager overseeing House Arianne and the neighboring regions!"
He declared his name with a booming energy that matched his rugged aesthetic.
"Please, have a seat."
Mutiron gestured toward the chair positioned across from him.
—That... that fellow...
Wrath let out a heavy gulp while staring at Mutiron.
—Why is his voice coming out like that!
'I’m just as confused as you are...'
Raon clicked his tongue internally as he settled into the seat opposite Mutiron.
'His voice is so disconnected from his face; it's impossible to get used to.'
While Mutiron’s features and name were the definition of grit, his voice was high-pitched and airy, like a soprano. If one didn't look at him, they would swear it was the voice of a small woman.
"Would a cup of green tea suit you?"
"Ah, yes, thank you."
"The leaves we source here are of the highest caliber."
Mutiron poured the liquid with fingers as broad as metal plates, sliding the cup toward him. The jarring contrast between the lovely voice and the coarse hands was so distracting it nearly made Raon forget the purpose of his visit.
"The flavor is exceptionally crisp."
Raon stroked his chin after taking a sip.
"You've come regarding the child with white hair and crimson eyes, haven't you?"
Mutiron rested both hands on the table surface, signaling that he had already been briefed by the Black Market's central office.
"I have."
Raon gave a nod, setting the teacup down. Because the man had initiated the topic, Raon was able to refocus on his objectives for the Black Market.
"I have organized the details in anticipation of your arrival, Lord Raon."
Mutiron slid a dark booklet onto the table. He nodded, inviting Raon to inspect the contents.
"Hmm..."
Raon glanced at Mutiron briefly before flipping open the notebook.
"The white-haired youth with red eyes was initially identified in Pulito, a town bordering the lands of House Arianne."
Mutiron gestured toward a wall map as he began narrating the records in the booklet.
"After finishing every last bit of bead ice cream in Pulito, the child traveled to nearby towns, continuing to purchase ice cream. Collecting data was quite simple, actually, because they always bought in massive quantities."
His melodic voice and sharp articulation made the report very easy to follow.
"However, in the other towns, the child stopped finishing what they bought. The leftovers grew larger as time went on, until finally, at the bead ice cream parlor in House Arianne, they simply had an order packed up and then vanished."
Mutiron’s brow furrowed slightly as he noted how Gluttony had ceased eating the bead ice cream after purchasing it.
"I’ve served as a Black Market operative for many years, but I’ve never encountered such a peculiar child. I cannot determine where they acquired those high-purity gold coins with archaic engravings, or how a single person could consume so much bead ice cream."
He tilted his head, clearly baffled by the child's origins.
"I see..."
Raon nodded along, but his thoughts were racing.
'Is this actually true?'
Gluttony leaving food behind? After buying the whole stock? When he first heard the rumors from Arianne, he assumed the reports were flawed. The Monarch of Gluttony would never abandon their precious bead ice cream. Yet, hearing it from a professional tracker who had followed Gluttony's trail, he was forced to accept it.
'What could have caused this?'
Raon glanced toward Wrath with a frown.
—That miserable brat...
Wrath’s hands were shaking as if he understood the gravity of the situation.
—Why would they just leave the bead ice cream! If it was going to be thrown away, they should have thrown it into my mouth!
He wailed in genuine pain over the wasted dessert Gluttony had discarded.
'Is that all you care about?'
Raon let out a sigh, watching Wrath’s tantrum.
'Do you have any idea why Gluttony would do that?'
—How could I possibly know!
Wrath puffed out his chest, acting as if his ignorance was a point of pride.
—Ah, perhaps if we go eat some bead ice cream, we can find the answer? Should we go get some? It’s been far too long.
He licked his lips, suggesting they scavenge whatever Gluttony had left behind.
'Absolutely not.'
Raon brushed the persistent Wrath aside and turned his attention back to Mutiron.
"Where is the child currently located?"
He asked for the coordinates, intending to track Gluttony down himself.
"They are positioned at the forest's edge. Ah, for you, Lord Raon, it might be clearer if I call it the Swamp of Death. The site where you personally ended the Specter."
Mutiron nodded while confirming Gluttony’s current position.
"And what are they doing there?"
"We aren't entirely certain. They have been gathering various fruits, herbs, and flora, and even harvesting meat from beasts and predators as they roam, but their goal remains a mystery."
He shook his head, admitting that even with all their resources, the behavior was nonsensical.
"I understand. My thanks."
Raon gave Mutiron a polite bow and stood up.
"If you intend to track the child, I can provide an operative to guide you."
Mutiron reached back as if to signal for an assistant.
"No need. I can move much faster on my own."
Raon waved off the offer.
"Knowing the general area is enough for me to locate them."
If Gluttony was in the vicinity, he could utilize the Authority of Gluttony embedded in his soul to call out or pinpoint their exact spot. Traveling solo would be more efficient.
"Hmm, very well."
Mutiron didn't insist on the escort, seemingly having been told of Raon's preferences beforehand.
"About the fee for this information..."
Raon began to pull a bag of gold coins from his belt to pay.
"Please settle the account with the Branch Manager back at Zieghart. That is where the request was originally filed."
Mutiron invoked Denning Rose’s name, explaining he wasn't authorized to take the payment here.
"Understood."
Raon replaced the gold and exited the Black Market branch.
"Denning Rose. I finally see why that child has decided to stay in Zieghart."
Mutiron let out a soft, impressed laugh as he watched Raon disappear.
"Since he allowed me to witness that once more, I'll have to buy him a drink down the road."
---
Once his meeting with Mutiron concluded, Raon headed back to the quarters Wendy had provided.
"Did you get what you needed?"
Evelyn offered a welcoming wave.
"Your trip to House Arianne wasn't solely about the succession struggle, was it? You need to locate that white-haired youth?"
Martha narrowed her eyes, suspecting that his visit to the Black Market was the final piece of the puzzle.
"That's correct."
Raon gave a steady nod.
"Finding that child is just as vital as securing support for the succession."
In reality, securing Gluttony’s participation in the upcoming conflict was significantly more critical than winning over House Arianne. While failing to become the successor wouldn't be a total loss, the lack of Gluttony's power on the battlefield could cause their entire strategy to fall apart.
"N-no way..."
Dorian’s eyes were wide with realization as he stared at Raon.
"It’s true, isn't it? That child is... one of them!"
Having encountered Sloth at Habun Castle, he had pieced together Gluttony’s true nature and was struggling to catch his breath.
"You're quite perceptive."
Raon replied with a small, knowing grin.
"What’s going on? What are you two whispering about!"
Martha demanded, her face scrunched in confusion.
"Hmm."
Evelyn smiled knowingly, acting as though she had already solved the riddle.
"I asked a question!"
Losing her patience, Martha grabbed Dorian by his collar.
"Demon King."
Raon spoke the title casually, as if he were mentioning a common acquaintance.
—Huh?
Wrath snapped his head toward Raon, eyes wide.
—Are you actually going to reveal the whole truth to them now?
'No, that’s too much for them to process right away. I’m only sharing this with those I trust completely.'
The world’s terror of demon kings was too deep-seated to reveal everything at once. He intended to start by explaining the dynamic between demon kings and angels to his inner circle.
"Ah, demon king. D-demon king?"
Martha’s jaw hung open in shock.
"Hmm, a demon king."
Evelyn maintained her serene smile, as if she had expected this.
"Seriously? A genuine demon king?"
Martha’s eyes were darting around in disbelief.
"Why are you hunting for a demon king all of a sudden? Don't tell me you're looking for a fight?"
"No."
Raon shook his head firmly.
"Since Derus is employing the Archangel and the Angels, it is only logical that we counter with the demon kings."
"Is... is that how it works? Uhh..."
Martha blinked in a daze before letting out a long breath.
"I don't know. If you're the one saying it, I guess it’s true. You did mention they were helpful before."
She nodded, choosing to place her faith in him despite the absurdity of the claim. Because she had spent her life fighting darkness like the White Blood Religion, she clearly needed a moment to reconcile this new information.
"I’ll explain the full details as we go. For now, understand that demon kings aren't inherently the embodiment of evil."
Raon gave a confident smile as he stood up.
"I’m going to go find that demon king now. The rest of you stay here to gauge the strength of the Arianne swordsmen and assist with their training."
He issued the orders, confident that Martha and Dorian were more than capable of mentoring Wendy and the others.
'There probably isn't anyone here suited to inherit Gluttony's essence anyway.'
Runaan and Sloth were a natural match because they both shared the essence of Sloth, making the transfer of Authority seamless. But among his current allies, only Wrath shared the nature of Gluttony. Since the Demon King of Wrath couldn't take on another’s Authority, finding a host for Gluttony's power would be difficult.
"Yes! I'll get right to it."
"Understood. A bit of training will help me clear my head."
Dorian and Martha agreed to the plan.
"Good luck. I’ll be waiting right here."
Evelyn waved him off, promising to stay put. A sudden shiver traveled down Raon's spine at her words.
—That is a blatant lie!
Wrath shook his head frantically, insisting she wasn't the type to wait around.
—She’s going to be tailing you from the shadows!
'I’m well aware...'
Even without Wrath’s warning, Raon had instinctively known the truth the moment she spoke.
"Umm..."
Raon gave Evelyn an awkward nod before departing the guest house and heading straight for the woods that had once been the Swamp of Death. The mire that used to be choked with the undead and necrotic energy was now a vibrant, lush forest. It served as a reminder of the value of the battles he had fought.
'They said the child was where I defeated the Specter? I’ll have to travel deep into the woods then.'
Raon traversed the path using the Supreme Harmony Steps. Moving at his peak velocity, his surroundings became a blur until he reached the edge of the dense, untamed wilderness.
'I've definitely gotten faster.'
Perhaps because his souls from his previous and current lives were finally fusing, his movement speed had increased significantly even without specific practice. His peripheral vision began to tunnel due to the sheer pace, making him wonder if his perception was changing. With a sharp gust of wind, Raon reached the heart of the former Swamp of Death—the place where the Specter fell—far sooner than he anticipated.
Traces of the marsh remained, but the lingering death energy had vanished, leaving behind nothing but ordinary mud.
'I can't feel Gluttony's presence.'
The area had been saturated with necrotic power for so long that it dampened the ability to sense others. He would have to project his own power to find a lead.
'Where could they be...'
Raon released his energy and triggered the Authority of Gluttony held within his soul. His entire being felt like a bottomless pit as an intense craving flared up, causing him to start absorbing the surrounding mana at a rapid rate.
'There, Gluttony’s position is...'
Is that it? He caught a faint pulse of gluttonous power coming from the woods to his right. It had to be Gluttony.
—Hmm?
Wrath also picked up the scent, turning his attention toward the right.
—Is it just me? Why does that glutton feel more powerful than before?
He squinted, noting that Gluttony’s strength seemed to have peaked.
—Go quickly! I have to see what they are up to!
'Fine.'
Raon purposefully let his footsteps fall heavy as he entered the grove where Gluttony was hiding, ensuring he didn't catch them off guard. As he pushed through the foliage, he spotted the silhouette of a white-haired child kneeling by a large stone.
"Gluttony."
Raon called out as he drew closer.
'What on earth is she doing?'
Gluttony had arranged portions of bead ice cream on the ground and was conducting strange experiments, mixing in various fruits, herbs, and strips of raw meat.
"What is the meaning of this?"
Raon asked, his brows knitting together in confusion.
"I’m sick of the bead ice cream..."
Gluttony slowly looked up at him.
"I want to create my own version. Something that is truly magnificent..."
A bizarre, flickering intensity burned in her crimson eyes.
"Wait, what...?"
Raon’s jaw tightened as he looked at the transformed Gluttony.
"Assist me..."
Gluttony bowed her head low, pleading for help in crafting her own perfect dessert.
"Why the sudden desire to start cooking ice cream..."
Raon sputtered, completely lost.
—Hehehehe! Why else! It’s all your fault!
Wrath clutched his midsection, erupting into laughter as the realization hit him.
—Gluttony used to just shove whatever was in front of her into her mouth without a second thought, but you’ve refined her palate!
He clapped his hands, delighted that Raon’s influence had turned Gluttony’s raw hunger into the obsession of a gourmet.
'Ah...'
With Wrath’s explanation, Raon finally understood the look in Gluttony's eyes.
—You’re going to have to take the blame for this! Now, instead of just eating everything in sight, she’s only going to want the most delicious food possible!
Wrath cackled, noting that a simple mission had just become incredibly complicated.
'Making handmade ice cream...'
Raon closed his eyes tightly as he looked down at Gluttony waiting for his help.
'Wouldn't it have been easier if she just attacked me like Sloth did?'
This was a total catastrophe.
-
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