Chapter 429

Chapter 429

Raon walked to the center of the audience chamber alongside the Light Wind squad. The executives were lined up on both sides. The members of the direct lines were especially glaring at him, but he ignored them and stood in front of the platform.

Greetings, my lord!

He went to his knees and lowered his head after seeing Glenns cold look in his eyes instead of the usual vanity.

Stand up.

Glenns voice was also heavier than usual. Judging from the cold atmosphere inside the audience chamber, he could guess that something bad had happened.

Yes!

Raon stood up after his squad leader, Rimmer.

Ill need to start by greeting our guest.

Glenns gaze passed over the Light Wind squad and was directed at the Sword Demon and Mustan at the end of the line.

The Sword Demon realized that Glenn was talking about him and stepped forward before lowering his head.

Im honored to meet the king of the north. Im a swordsman called Rector.

He humbled himself and praised Glenn as a courtesy of a guest.

I often heard of your aloof name like the northern wind. I feel enlightened to see the first seat of the Five Great Swordmasters.

Glenns speech was also respectful because he was dealing with an important person.

Raon furrowed his brow while looking at the two swordsmen greeting each other.

Whats going on? Am I imagining things?

They were definitely saying nice things to each other, but their gazes looked as sharp as a blade.

In my knowledge, Sir Rector doesnt visit the Six Kings and the Five Demons unless theres a special reason. Can I hear the reason for your visit to Zieghart?

Hmm

A dark glow could be seen in Glenns eyes. The Sword Demon looked at Raon, who was standing next to him, instead of responding right away.

I move around throughout the continent because I love traveling. Since I encountered many people, I have seen many with talent. However, Ive never seen anyone like the swordsman Raon. Might, willpower, talent, and personalityhe isnt lacking in any of those aspects.

It was difficult to believe that the friendly pressure around him came from a man with such sharp eyes.

On the other hand, Glenns narrowed eyes became even colder.

I also have a disciple for myself, but I think he has a long way to go in terms of personality even though Im satisfied with his skills. I was curious about who managed to raise him into such a monster, and thats why I came all the way here.

Hmm.

Glenn covered his mouth with his hand while listening to the Sword Demons praise of Raon.

Even the Sword Demon is complimenting him so much

The Sword Demon was the famous first seat of the Five Great Swordmasters, and he was an extremely powerful warrior who was rumored to be equal to the heads of the Six Kings and the Five Demons.

And the might hed witnessed was true to the rumors.

I-is the Sword Demon really saying that right now?

I heard that he never compliments anyone even though he sometimes teaches people.

Yes, he is supposed to be a cold-hearted man

The Zieghart executives swallowed nervously upon hearing the high praise from the Sword Demon.

Hmm

Glenn fiddled with his sleeve with his left hand. His frozen heart melted because a warrior who was famous throughout the continent complimented his grandson from the bottom of his heart.

So Rimmer was just spouting nonsense after all.

Rimmer had mentioned that the Sword Demon looked like Raons real grandfather, but Glenn could tell that the Sword Demon came to Zieghart in order to improve his disciples personality.

Ahem! I see.

He covered his lips that were rising into his smile, and he was about to authorize his visit when Raon stepped forward.

Sir Rector bestowed many lessons upon me and the Light Wind squad. Everyone managed to achieve a drastic improvement because he trained with us every day.

Raon told him about what the Sword Demon had been doing for them. The way he said the Sword Demon helped them with swordsmanship every single day as if they were disciples almost sounded like he was taking his side, and Glenns heart skipped a beat.

He helped you with swordsmanship?

Yes. He didnt exactly teach us, but he gave us advice about the swords principles.

Hmm.

Glenns fingers trembled as he listened to Raon.

He taught him? Every single day?

Since there was no way a great warrior like the Sword Demon would teach him anything incorrect, it was a nice opportunity for him.

However, it reminded him of that line from Rimmers letter. It made him upset, as if he were having indigestion.

Dont tell me hes trying to make him his disciple. Or maybe a sword grandson?

The Sword Demons eyes had favored Raon from the beginning, but it looked even more blatant.

Raon was also looking at him with a faint smile on his face. He seemed to trust him and follow him from the bottom of his heart.

Th-this is no good.

He had no way of stopping the Sword Demons visit at that point.

He figured it was necessary to cancel the gift hed prepared for Raon and get some new ones ready.

Thank you for helping our children.

Glenn suppressed his thoughts and forced himself to nod.

It was nothing. It was enjoyable for me because all of them were such talented children.

The Sword Demon shook his hand while smiling faintly.

I cant possibly refuse when you helped us so much. Welcome to Zieghart, Sir Rector.

Glenn allowed the Sword Demons visit while hiding the impatience that made him feel like his heart was tightening.

Thank you.

The Sword Demon bowed with Mustan and returned to the back.

Hmm

Raon scratched his temple while watching Glenn and the Sword Demon meeting each others eyes.

Why does it feel like the atmosphere became even colder?

He couldnt understand why he felt chilly when the Sword Demon had helped them.

He must be hungry.

Wrath yawned from above his head. He didnt seem interested in the situation.

Light Wind squad.

Glenn looked away from the Sword Demon. It felt like the heavy pressure from his eyes was crushing their shoulders.

Your mission shouldve been over a long time ago. You are rather late.

I apologize.

Raon acted as the representative and bowed because Rimmer wasnt saying anything.

You should report next time if you are going to be late. Being late is fine, but lacking the report is a problem.

What? But our squad leader said that he contacted

Contact? He mentioned that you were heading to Habun Castle, but never said that it was going to take that long.

Ah! I forgot!

Rimmer smiled awkwardly while scratching the back of his head.

Habun Castle was unexpectedly great for slacking around. I forgot to send a letter.

He licked his lips, murmuring that it wasnt a big deal that could happen from time to time.

The audience chamber fell silent despite having so many people inside because of how ridiculous that was.

That damned squad leader! Itd be fine if other people said that, but you're not one to talk!

Raon swallowed nervously while looking at Glenn, whose veins were bulging on his forehead.

You should be careful next time.

However, he simply nodded instead of getting angry.

Huh?

Even Rimmer didnt seem to have expected that reaction, his eyes widening.

Raon fiddled with his fingers while looking at Glenn, who was supporting his chin on his right fist.

Hes rather unusual today.

Glenn quietly caught his breath instead of shouting at Rimmer or attacking him with lightning. It was probably because the Sword Demon was around as a guest.

Ill overlook this matter since I know why you were late. Report what the Light Wind squad did at House Arianne.

Yes. When we first arrived at House Arianne

Raon started with how corrupt Arianne's executives were and how much danger the people were exposed to, and then told him about the sudden tidal wave coming from the swamp and the battle against the Specter.

Once he finished telling the story of what happened at House Arianne, the audience chamber fell silent.

Did he just say that they defeated the Specter? Are we talking about the same Specter Im thinking about?

H-hes at the same rank as a grandmaster!

Glenn took out a golden-colored book of martial arts from the bookshelf and gave it to Martha alongside the silver tablet on the plate.

This swordsmanship matches your tendency. You should check it out before learning it.

Thank ywou!

Martha accidentally bit her tongue while she happily bowed. She went as red as a beetroot.

Runaan has one more thing to make fun of her with.

Raon smiled faintly, and a laughing sound could be heard from the executives.

Martha, you are so cute!

It was coming from Denier Zieghart, who was Marthas father and Glenns third son. He was one of the few people among the direct lines whod applauded for the Light Wind division. His bright smile looked like he really cherished his daughter.

Next up is Runaan Sullion.

Runaans blank eyes didnt change even though Glenn called her. She casually went up to the platform.

The gentle atmosphere around you offers relief to others. Good job.

He patted Runaans shoulder and gave her a silver tablet and a book of martial arts.

This swordsmanship has a rough nature, contrary to your personality. It should be useful to you since its sometimes better to be a different person.

Thank you.

Runaan accepted the silver tablet and the book of martial arts before she nonchalantly nodded and returned to her place below the platform.

My daughter is the prettiest of them all!

Rokan Sullion raised his fist and loudly shouted.

The third team leader, Burren Zieghart.

Yes!

Burren went on the platform after shouting loudly enough for the entire audience chamber to tremble.

I heard that your composure and judgment were a great help for the Light Wind division. Ill be looking forward to your continued care for the members like another vice division leader.

Glenn gave a big nod of satisfaction and gave him a silver tablet and a book of martial arts, just like the others.

Thank you!

Burren shouted his head off once again. He met his father Karoons eyes for a moment before returning under the platform.

Starting with the team leaders, every single member of the team received a silver tablet and a book of martial arts that Glenn had prepared for them before descending from the platform.

Last is Raon Zieghart.

Yes.

Raon quietly responded and went on the platform.

Youve carried out your mission and fought the war from the beginning to the end instead of the Light Wind division leader. Thank you for your hard work.

Raon was slightly moved because it was the first time he was appreciated for his hard work, unlike the praise for the excellent or amazing job hed done.

Saving House Arianne and slaying the Specter in the end is nothing short of being called a great achievement. Im going to reward Raon Zieghart with a golden tablet for his new great achievement.

The audience chamber became noisy at the mention of a golden tablet.

G-golden tablet

Another golden tablet?

How many is it now?

I dont think he deserves a golden tablet for that.

No, he absolutely deserved it. He managed to defeat the Specter after all.

Yes, its a feat that even the division leaders were unable to achieve.

A few executives murmured that Raon was getting way too many golden tablets, but no one could complain because even the direct lines like Karoon and Balder remained silent.

Hmm

Glenn gave him the golden tablet with slightly trembling lips. He looked like he was unsatisfied with something.

He closed his lips tightly while glancing at the Sword Demon under the platform. His expression looked like he was determined to do something.

Hmm

Raon narrowed his eyes while looking at the bookshelf next to Glenn.

Why is he not giving me a book of martial arts?

There were still three books remaining on the bookshelf. It looked like Glenn had prepared a book for him just like the others, so he couldnt understand why he wasnt giving it to him.

As for your reward, Ill give it to you later.

Glenn snapped his fingers to return the bookshelf and shook his head. Raon wasnt sure about the reason but figured that Glenn changed his mind about the reward.

Understood.

Since something similar had happened before, Raon simply bowed and went below the platform.

Glenn stood up on the platform and looked around the Light Wind division and the executives.

You shouldve heard the recent news about the new factions rising in the continent. They are called the Five Divine Orders, and they are increasing their influence in the gap between the Six Kings and the Five Demons.

He suddenly started talking about the situation in the continent, but everyone listened carefully while looking at him.

The Six Kings are trying to nurture their own power, and the Five Demons are prevailing in the darkness. It wouldnt be strange to call this a turbulent period. Since you are most likely going to face unexpected opponents in your future missions, you should analyze the situation realistically to decide what you should do and what you shouldnt, just like the Light Wind division did during their mission.

Understood!

The executives and the Light Wind division bowed at once upon receiving Glenns teachings.

Todays promotion ceremony is over.

He shook his hand, signaling that he had finished saying everything he wanted.

The executives were the first ones to leave the audience chamber, and Raon and the Light Wind division bowed to Glenn for the last time before leaving the audience chamber.

Erm

Rimmer didnt leave alongside the Light Wind division. He walked up to the platform where Glenns throne was located while rubbing his hands.

Am I not getting anything? I played an important part in this mission.

He started to blabber that hed made a grand entrance when the Specter was about to mess the Light Wind division up and saved everyone.

I see.

Glenn nodded gently.

I know. I heard you played an important part.

Yes! Raon and the Light Wind division all wouldve died if I wasnt there.

Rimmer took the opportunity and quickly nodded.

Well, Im not really interested in a golden tablet. Ill be satisfied with money.

He grinned while making a circle with his thumb and his index finger.

Dont worry, I have thoroughly prepared it for you.

Glenn went ahead and left the audience chamber after telling him to follow.

Wow! Thats so unusual!

Rimmer glanced at Roenn with a happy grin on his face.

I wonder if the sun will rise from the west tomorrow.

Huhuhu.

Roenn laughed like always with an innocent expression on his face.

Ah, I think the head of house finally learned his lesson. He mustve realized who is the important person here.

Huhuhu, you should follow him for now.

Ah, indeed.

Rimmer nodded and followed Glenn outside. He left the lords manor and went to the training ground reserved for the head of house located behind the building.

A training ground? Why did we come here?

Rimmer tilted his head while looking at the neatly cleaned training ground. He couldnt understand why he came to the training ground when he was supposed to give him some money.

This is the spot.

Glenn pointed at the ground while turning his wrist.

What spot is this? I dont see any money here.

Rimmer looked around while licking his lips, and he couldnt even see any silver or copper coins, let alone gold coins.

Spark!

Glenn snapped his fingers with a frightening smile on his face. Thick smoke appeared in the air, and a huge sphere of lightning spread around in all directions.

Huh?

Before Rimmer could dodge or defend himself, the crimson lightning separated into countless streams and rained down on him.

Whaam!

The majestic sound of an explosion resounded, and a dark crater was created in the formerly-clean training ground. It was as if a storm had passed through.

Pssh!

At the center of the destroyed training ground that looked like a ruin, a red-haired elfs body was trembling on the ground while steaming from his mouth.

Wh-what kind of spot is this?

Glenns lips parted as he prepared the second lightning strike.

This is the spot for your grave.