The following day arrived. Raon stepped out into the dim twilight before the sun had crested the horizon, making his way toward the central estate. Given the early hour, he anticipated the grounds to be nearly vacant, yet he was surprised to find a significant crowd streaming into the Lord's Manor.
'Every single one of them...'
Raon’s eyes narrowed as he scanned the individuals entering the residence.
'They are all high-ranking officials.'
The crowd consisted entirely of Zieghart executives. It appeared Glenn had called for a full assembly of the family’s leadership within the audience chamber.
'It makes sense to keep the leadership informed.'
As one of the Continent’s premier powers, Zieghart required stability. With the current patriarch preparing to enter a period of isolated meditation, it was necessary to announce who would oversee the family’s affairs in his absence.
'Furthermore...'
Raon pressed his lips together as the passing executives offered him respectful bows.
'He is likely using this as a period of assessment.'
The leadership would inevitably compare Karoon’s administrative style with his own. Glenn seemed intent on using their observations as a metric for determining the ultimate heir to the house.
-Hmm...
Wrath let out a thoughtful sound.
-This monarch once sensed the aura of a ruler within you. I believed it wouldn't be a terrible idea for you to occupy the throne here before our departure for the Devildom. However...
The entity squinted his eyes.
-I previously felt that the man with the sour expression should never lead. I thought a spirit weighed down by stubbornness, greed, and jealousy would lead this family to ruin within a decade. But my perspective has shifted.
Wrath shook his head firmly, indicating a total change of heart.
-That sour-eyed man now possesses the traits of a sovereign. Because he mourns his former wretched behavior and has embraced a path of redemption, he seems capable of becoming a ruler as distinguished as you.
The demon offered high praise for Karoon, gesturing dismissively as if to say he would be a suitable choice for the head of Zieghart.
-Even if your combat strength is far superior, the requirements for a patriarch involve more than just raw power.
'That is a fair point.'
Raon gave a small, inward laugh and nodded.
'There is no decree stating the leader must be the absolute strongest.'
In fact, Zieghart did not mandate that the family's most skilled blade serve as its head. Throughout history, several patriarchs had taken the throne without being the undisputed masters of martial arts during their tenure.
Currently, the gap in martial skill between himself and Karoon was immense, and while that was certainly an advantage, it wasn't the sole criteria for the position.
-You seem rather indifferent toward the title of patriarch.
Wrath observed him with a suspicious glint in his eyes.
-Is it that you have no desire to lead?
'No, it isn't quite that.'
Raon responded with a calm mental shake of his head.
'In the past, I felt I had to secure the position to safeguard the inhabitants of the annex and Light Wind Palace. But that urgency has faded.'
Had the old Karoon taken power, the safety of those close to Raon would have been in jeopardy. The current Karoon was different. Since he would likely govern with fairness for all, the identity of the next head—whether it was Raon or Karoon—didn't matter as much.
'Honestly, taking the role would eat into my training. It might be better to avoid it.'
Being the head of house meant drowning in administrative minutiae, which would inevitably cut into his personal development. If Karoon could manage the family effectively, there was no pressing need for Raon to take the mantle.
-Eh? Isn't the struggle for succession essentially over?
Wrath lowered his brow in confusion.
-Your triumph is practically a foregone conclusion, yet you only care about more training! You are truly obsessed!
The demon urged him to forget the training, take the throne, and enjoy a life of leisure, his chin wobbling with annoyance.
'One can never be too certain.'
Raon looked upward. As the first faint streaks of light touched the dark dawn sky, he thought back to the visions the First Patriarch of Zieghart had granted him.
'The conflict with Eden might not be the final curtain.'
Tightening his grip on the Heavenly Drive, Raon stepped into the Lord's Manor, which was beginning to glow with the morning light.
"Phew..."
Standing before the entrance to the audience chamber, Raon took a steadying breath.
'Remarkable.'
An oppressive, refined pressure drifted from the room, reminiscent of the killing intent found in the techniques of master warriors. Because of the dawn meeting and the looming threat of war, a record number of executives had gathered, their collective presence creating a razor-sharp atmosphere. The hall itself felt like a whetted blade.
'If I take command, all these individuals will become my instruments.'
Despite telling Wrath he wasn't particularly interested, standing before such a gathered force of swordsmen sparked a mix of pressure and anticipation.
'I suppose I am a bit indecisive.'
Raon smiled to himself and entered. The officials gathered below the dais reacted instantly—some gasped, others looked away, and many stared intensely. Yet, a singular sentiment unified them all.
Veneration. They weren't looking at a mere mortal, but at someone who, like Glenn, had ascended to a transcendental level.
'Curious.'
He remained the same man, yet the way others perceived him shifted constantly based on his deeds and his strength. Wondering how they would react if he were actually named the head, he walked toward the pillar where the Palace Masters were stationed.
"Nephew! Did you get some decent sleep?"
Balder greeted him with a bright smile and a wave.
"I did, thank you."
Raon bowed his head, acknowledging Balder’s recent visit to the annex.
"Good to hear! Your youth certainly helps with recovery. However..."
Balder leaned in closer, his expression turning slightly expectant.
"What's the status of my technique?"
True to his habits, he immediately pivoted the conversation toward his personal martial arts.
-Aaaagh!
Wrath let out a frustrated wail.
-I am tired of hearing that! Just give him something! It shouldn't be hard for you! Lately, that big oaf looks pathetic!
'It isn't that simple.'
Raon remained composed.
'I am not just throwing together a basic set of moves.'
Balder was at the absolute summit of the Grandmaster level. To create a path that would allow him to reach Transcendence, Raon needed more time for deep contemplation and refinement.
"It is nearing completion. I believe the wait will be worth your while."
Raon offered a dismissive wave to signal the end of the topic for now.
"Truly? Fantastic! I will wait as long as necessary!"
Clearly energized by the promise of a high-quality technique, Balder huffed with excitement and stepped back into line.
"We meet again."
Raon reached his spot and offered a bow to Karoon.
"Mm."
Karoon gave a simple, stoic nod before returning his focus to the front of the room.
"Um..."
Just as Raon prepared to say more, the heavy doors at the back of the chamber swung open. Glenn, accompanied by Sheryl and Roenn, emerged. The trio walking toward the dais wore more formal, ornate garments than usual, but the dark colors of their robes contrasted sharply with the morning light, lending the scene a somber weight.
"Greetings to the Head of House."
"We honor the Patriarch!"
Led by Karoon, every executive in the hall dropped to one knee, lowering their heads in respect to Glenn.
"Mm."
Glenn surveyed the assembly with a piercing gaze before offering a nod.
"Rise."
At his command, the executives stood, many wiping beads of sweat from their brows, sensing that this was no ordinary meeting.
"I appreciate you all answering such an early summons."
Glenn acknowledged their punctuality before closing his eyes for a brief moment of silence.
"We should be celebrating the downfall of Derus Robert, yet our work is far from finished."
His eyes sharpened as he moved to the heart of the matter.
"Eden remains our primary adversary, and the Heavenly Demon, widely regarded as the strongest on the Continent, is still a formidable threat."
It seemed Glenn had gained a new level of respect for the Heavenly Demon following the previous day's events, acknowledging his peerless status.
"I intend to engage the Heavenly Demon in a final, one-on-one duel to the death."
He informed the leadership of the ultimatum he had discussed with the Heavenly Demon the day before.
"A private duel to the death..."
"With our current advantage, is such a risk necessary?"
"No, it makes sense. If the Heavenly Demon is left unchecked, the potential for catastrophe is too great!"
"Indeed, only the Patriarch has the strength to stand against him!"
The executives murmured among themselves, eventually reaching a consensus that Glenn’s decision was the correct one.
"During my interaction with the Heavenly Demon, I realized my own shortcomings. To overcome these flaws, I will be entering a period of secluded training before the final confrontation."
Glenn lowered his gaze and finally revealed the primary reason for the assembly.
"Secluded training?"
"You're going into isolation now?"
"But the war isn't over..."
"Shortcomings? What could you possibly mean, my Lord!"
The leadership erupted in concern, fearing the vulnerability of Zieghart in Glenn's absence.
"For a time, I wish to set aside the titles of Patriarch of Zieghart, Destructive King of the North, Sword God, and Lightning God. I wish to return to being simply the swordsman Glenn Zieghart. I ask for your understanding. Furthermore..."
Glenn shifted his focus, looking between Karoon and Raon.
"There are individuals I trust implicitly to manage the family while I am away, so your concerns are misplaced."
With a subtle gesture, Glenn prompted Karoon to approach the dais. With a steady, rhythmic gait, Karoon ascended the steps as if fulfilling a lifelong ambition.
"Initially, the Master of the Central Martial Palace will oversee the house’s operations."
Glenn gave Karoon a nod of entrustment.
"I shall execute my duties flawlessly and without fail."
Standing at the top of the platform under Glenn's gaze, Karoon bowed deeply. Though his voice was steady with confidence, his reddened ears and the slight tremor in his jaw betrayed his intense nerves and excitement.
"The Central Martial Palace Master?"
"If it's Karoon, we are in good hands!"
"True. He made his Palace the finest in the family!"
"We will support him in this endeavor."
The executives, respecting Karoon's disciplined reputation, voiced their approval.
"While the Central Martial Palace Master governs, I will enter my seclusion alongside the Light Wind Palace Master. Once the Light Wind Palace Master concludes his training and emerges, he will take over the duties of temporary patriarch from Karoon."
Glenn clarified that Raon would also hold the reins of power.
"The Light Wind Palace Master as well?"
"His contributions to this war were undeniable."
"Honestly, he carries the aura of a patriarch already."
"I heard his power has surpassed even the level of Transcendence."
"Both are excellent choices."
Several executives looked at Raon with visible excitement, sensing a new era approaching.
"Our business for today is concluded. You may go."
Glenn dismissed the crowd, telling them to return to their daily responsibilities.
"What do you think will happen?"
"Who knows? Raon seems to have the upper hand right now."
"Administration is different from combat, though. A sword won't solve every problem."
"True, Raon hasn't led a large organization for very long."
The executives filtered out in small groups, debating the merits of the two candidates vying for the ultimate leadership of the house.
"I leave the family in your hands."
Glenn gave a final nod to Karoon, signaling that the transition had begun.
"Yes, my Lord."
Karoon performed a formal sword salute, signaling his readiness.
"Do not let the pressure overwhelm you. Simply maintain the standards you have always set."
With those final words of advice, Glenn stepped down from the dais.
"......"
Karoon remained standing on the platform, seemingly unable to process that he was actually there. He swallowed hard as his hand brushed against the seat of power.
'It is good to see.'
Raon watched Karoon’s quiet moment of realization with a faint smile. In that look, he could see the depth of Karoon’s lifelong yearning for this responsibility.
"It is time."
Glenn beckoned to Raon.
"Our window is narrow."
He looked at Raon, indicating that their training was to commence immediately.
"I understand."
Raon nodded and turned to leave the hall, but Glenn stopped him with a hand on his shoulder.
"Wait, not that way."
Glenn redirected him toward the center of the room.
"Our place of isolation lies beneath our feet."
He pointed toward the floor with a chilling grin.
"You committed to assisting my training, so I trust you are prepared to swing your sword until your last breath."
