Raon Zieghart, not only did he seize the gold coins, but he also exploited the labor of repairing the damaged garden before finally releasing the Special Inspector's staff.
The Special Inspectors, pale as if they had seen a ghost, fled without looking back. They wore expressions indicating they would never set foot in the annex building again, just like Balder.
"Raon."
Sylvia approached Raon after watching the Special Inspectors run away like their tails were on fire.
"What on earth happened here?"
She shook her head as if she still couldn't comprehend the situation.
"The Special Inspector and the True Martial Palace Master were once master and disciple. Thanks to that, we managed to avoid inspection."
Raon grinned, pointing at the Gambling Monster.
"Ah!"
Sylvia exclaimed, her eyes widening. It seemed she finally remembered the relationship between the Gambling Monster and Balder.
"What kind of master and disciple? That rascal hasn't visited once since becoming the Palace Master!"
The Gambling Monster frowned, still not satisfied after tormenting Balder all day.
"For that, he gave sincere advice."
"I just didn't want to see my former student being ignored by others."
"Is that so?"
Raon silently laughed as he watched the Gambling Monster turn his head abruptly.
'He's a deeply thoughtful person.'
From what he had experienced so far, the Gambling Monster was a person with a lot of warmth. Today, he had also given Balder advice to walk the right path, and an even better one.
If Balder was wise, he would use the Gambling Monster's advice to fulfill his duties as the Special Inspector well, but somehow, that seemed unlikely.
"Raon."
Sylvia frowned and grabbed Raon's shoulder tightly.
"I understand everything else, but why did you break the house?"
"What do you mean? The True Martial Palace Master did all that smashing."
Raon shrugged with an innocent expression.
"You think you can fool me?"
Sylvia tilted her chin as if challenging him to try.
"Do you think I can't recognize your sly face?"
She lifted the corners of Raon's mouth with her fingers and giggled.
"Ugh…"
Raon stepped back, wrinkling his nose.
Indeed, she's our mother!
Wrath sparkled his eyes, pleased that Sylvia had caught on.
Now, take this chance to beat that sly weasel up!
He cheered for Sylvia, shaking his fists.
'She's not your mother….'
Raon shook his head at Wrath and reached out to Dorian.
"Dorian."
"Yes!"
Dorian immediately understood the gesture and pulled out a bundle of gold coins they had obtained from the annex today from his pouch.
"I always thought the left corridor was too narrow."
Raon handed all the money Dorian gave him to Sylvia.
"The Special Inspector voluntarily donated this, so let's expand the annex a bit. It's too cramped with the increasing number of residents."
"Voluntary donation? What does that mean?"
Dorian, who had been watching the entire situation, blinked his eyes as if his mind was foggy.
"You really are…."
Sylvia let out a chuckle as if she couldn't believe it.
"Raon, you can't go around seizing other people's money like this. You should earn it properly…."
"Considering how the True Martial Palace Master has been ignoring and mocking us until now, this is just a small consolation. Besides, he actually did the smashing."
Even in this fully exposed situation, Raon mumbled, pointing at the ruined house and blaming Balder.
"If you still don't like it, there's nothing we can do. With this money, the maids can have their own rooms, and we can expand the garden too…."
As he was about to put the gold coins back in his pouch, Sylvia quickly ran over and stopped his hand.
"Well, if it's from Balder, maybe it's okay."
Sylvia discreetly turned her head and took the gold coins.
"He's always been quick to anger, and we do need to fix the house. Yes, this is right."
She revealed a golden glow as she opened the pouch containing the coins.
Raon smiled faintly as he watched Sylvia count the gold coins.
'It must be for the maids and the children.'
The number of maids had increased, and the children from the Saint's mansion often came to play, making the annex feel cramped.
Sylvia was planning to expand the annex not for herself, but so that everyone, including the maids and children, could live comfortably.
Seeing Sylvia's brightened face, he understood why giving pocket money to parents is considered the best filial duty.
"Mother."
Raon approached Sylvia, who was already planning the expansion. He wiped away the playful look and asked seriously.
"The True Martial Palace Master isn't a big deal, right?"
"Uh…?"
Sylvia's eyes hardened as she looked at the ruined annex.
"What do you mean…."
"I plan to reinstate you as a direct descendant within the next year."
Raon declared that he would make Sylvia a direct descendant in front of many people to keep his promise to himself.
"Next year, a direct descendant?"
"Isn't that too rushed? If it fails…."
"Hmm…."
The maids' expressions darkened, worrying about potential problems.
"It's definitely not an easy task…."
Even the Gambling Monster frowned, not expecting such words.
"Raon, I…."
"If you become a direct descendant, you'll frequently encounter those who have insulted us, not just the True Martial Palace Master."
Raon took another step closer to Sylvia and nodded heavily.
"You can't avoid them or pretend not to hear them every time they confront you."
"Hmm…."
"As you saw today, direct descendants and palace masters are not so formidable that we can't look up at them. You know that better than anyone."
He bent down slightly, making eye contact with Sylvia.
"When someone picks a fight with you, I hope you can stand tall and think of Balder, who ran away from our garden today."
"...."
Sylvia kept her head down, silent for a long time.
"My son has grown so well. Thank you."
She finally lifted her head, trembling at the corners of her mouth.
"Before, I had to bend down to meet your eyes, but now you have to bend down to meet mine."
She smiled brightly, as if that fact made her happier than anything else.
"This won't do!"
Sylvia spun around fiercely. She waved to the maids, her shoulders shaking. It seemed she was trying her hardest to hold back her tears.
"Let's throw a party right now. Use up all the ingredients we have!"
"Yes!"
Helen and the maids, sensing Sylvia's emotions, responded more cheerfully than usual and ran toward the annex.
I told you, our mother is a generous person!
Wrath bowed his head to Sylvia and rode on Yua's shoulder towards the annex.
"...."
The Gambling Monster turned quietly. As he was about to leave the annex, Raon blocked his way.
"Where do you think the star of today is going?"
"It's troublesome."
"I haven't given you your present yet, have I? I brought a famous liquor from Aikar…."
Raon mimicked pouring a drink into a glass.
"Could it be, the Treasure of the Sea?"
"You know about it?"
"Who wouldn't know about the Treasure of the Sea! With Kaivar causing trouble, its production has decreased significantly, and you got it?"
"Yes. There weren't many. But I thought of you and got it."
"Ahem!"
The Gambling Monster cleared his throat and immediately turned around.
"With such sincerity, how can I refuse?"
He moved towards the annex as if he had no choice.
Rumble!
As they were about to follow with a smile, North Grave Mountain shook as if it were collapsing.
"Hmm?"
Raon tilted his head, looking at North Grave Mountain.
"An earthquake?"
In the underground cave of Lushain Mountain.
On the training ground filled with gravel, a large magic circle was engraved, and the children lying on it groaned softly, as if having a nightmare.
"...."
Derus Robert watched the children sweating cold sweat outside the magic circle, his eyes devoid of any light.
His expression was as indifferent as if he were looking at stones on the ground.
"You're here."
An old man in night clothes descended from the back of the magic circle. He bowed with extreme courtesy as if welcoming a deity.
"How's the situation?"
"Through the Water Demon Guest's research, brainwashing has progressed one step further. It's faster and stronger than before. The consumption of materials has also significantly reduced."
He spoke of the children as if they were mere items in a marketplace, with a cold smile.
"Excellent."
A faint light appeared in Derus's eyes for the first time.
"Keep up the good work."
"Of course."
The old man bowed respectfully and returned to the inside of the magic circle.
Derus watched the magic circle and children for a while longer before ascending to the upper floor, overlooking the entire cave.
"Head of house."
As he sat in a dull-looking chair and picked up a glass, Kubara, dressed in a black dress, appeared and bowed.
"We have a problem."
Kubara's brows furrowed slightly. It was an unusual sight for her, who usually remained calm even in urgent situations.
"A problem?"
Derus slowly turned his gaze, which had been looking over the cave.
"Raon Zieghart is alive."
"...."
Derus quietly set down the glass he was holding on the table. He turned his gaze back to the cave.
"After clashing with the Flame Demon General, the barrier broke, and he moved towards the Owen Kingdom. Then he met the Pirate King…."
Kubara recounted the story spread by the Black Market to Derus.
"…he caught the Flame Dragon Kaivar and returned to Zieghart a few days ago."
"I knew he would survive."
Derus smiled slightly, looking at the gloves covering his hands.
"I told you, he's not someone who would die easily."
He sipped his drink calmly, as if he had anticipated this situation.
"…Are you alright?"
Kubara narrowed her eyes, trying to gauge Derus's true reaction.
"I'm fine. No, I feel rather good."
"What?"
"Now that I know who ruined the Water Demon Guest's factory, I can't help but feel good. It's none other than him."
Derus laughed, as if a mystery had been solved.
"Unfortunately, that's not the case."
Kubara shook her head firmly, even while witnessing Derus's madness.
"Raon Zieghart caught the Flame Dragon after the factory was destroyed. It's impossible for him to have been there in time."
"No. I'm right."
Derus looked down at Kubara, tilting his chin.
"After sending the Water Demon Guest to Raon Zieghart, the factory exploded, and the dead man is alive. What does that mean?"
He raised his glass again, a twisted smile in his eyes.
"Raon Zieghart found out the factory's location from Siris and leaked false information before attacking it. It's not difficult for him to manipulate information with his deep connection to the Black Market. And the most important thing is…."
Derus removed his gloves. He let his blood, thick and sticky like honey, drip into the glass. The golden drink turned a deep crimson.
"My instincts scream that it's his doing."
"Hmm…."
Kubara trembled, seeing the madness in Derus's eyes. He hated illogical stories the most, but when it came to Raon Zieghart, he became the most illogical person.
"Raon Zieghart is alive…."
Derus drank the blood-tinged liquor, curling his lips.
"The youngest will be pleased."
Raon stood over the lake at the annex, his eyes closed.
The wind of the waning winter blew fiercely, but the lake's surface remained calm, as if frozen.
The level of manifesting his mental image into reality had risen, indicating that this space itself was within Raon's Willpower.
Raon calmly opened his eyes after sharpening his Willpower through meditation. He drew his Heavenly Drive with a clear gaze.
Whoosh!
Flames and frost erupted simultaneously from the blade, gleaming white.
The Aura of Ten Thousand Flames Cultivation and Glacier blazed fiercely, competing against each other with the energy of wind between them.
Raon lifted the Heavenly Drive, with its three energies emanating, and slashed it vertically.
Controlling the space with his Willpower, even with the immense amount of Aura condensed on the blade, the lake remained undisturbed.
"Phew."
After displaying the basic swordsmanship, Fangs of Insanity, and Blizzard Sword Art techniques, Raon finally lowered the Heavenly Drive.
'Not bad.'
He had become quite accustomed to creating his own space with Willpower and drawing out mental images. Now, it was time to test the new ability he had obtained from Wrath.
Exhaling the impurities from his training, he gripped the Heavenly Drive with both hands.
Rumble!
While simultaneously using the Aura of Ten Thousand Flames Cultivation and Glacier, he elevated to the realm of the soul.
Feeling a noble sense of unity with the world, he accepted the energy of Wrath clinging to the end of his soul.
Crackle!
A sensation of another entity wearing his skin. As his vision darkened and his thoughts seemed to break, he activated Wrath Release.
Boom!
His narrowing vision brightened, and his heated mind cooled.
While his mind calmed, the energy of Wrath fused with the Aura of Ten Thousand Flames Cultivation and Glacier, causing immense waves.
Raon swallowed dryly, feeling the demonic energy twisting in the Heavenly Drive.
'This is Wrath Release.'
Unlike during his fight with Syria, the energy of Wrath did not dominate his mind and body but conveyed only its overwhelming power.
'However….'
It's hard to endure for long.
Though it didn't consume his mind, it was still unstable. Pulling out more than 5% of its power seemed likely to break this balance instantly.
'Let's see.'
Raon drew back the Heavenly Drive, holding his breath, and unleashed the Flame Dragon Strike infused with the energy of Wrath.
Rumble!
A red dragon blazed blue, exhaling not flames but the breath of frost.
The strike, which could be called an Ice Dragon Strike, soared like an eagle, dyeing the sky around the annex blue.
Whoosh!
The power of the Ice Dragon Strike was so strong that small snowflakes began to fall.
Raon watched the snowflakes, frowning. His hand holding the Heavenly Drive trembled uncontrollably.
'It's still not easy.'
Enduring Wrath and wielding it were entirely different matters. It seemed more practice was needed.
Of course!
Wrath nodded, resting his chin on his hand.
Do you think the power of a King is like any other? You're a millennium too early to wield it!
He waved his hand, telling Raon not to be arrogant.
'It seems so.'
Raon smiled slightly and approached Wrath.
'It's indeed the power of a King. It's too early for someone like me to handle it.'
Hmm! That's right.
Wrath's expression brightened, pleased to be praised after a long time.
'How do you wield the energy of Wrath so freely?'
It's simple. Follow the flow of emotion but don't be consumed by it. In other words, hold the reins of Wrath firmly.
'The reins….'
Try to engulf Wrath with the fire and ice under your control. Although it's impossible.
Wrath giggled, saying it was not an easy task.
'I see.'
Raon nodded quietly. It was a light piece of advice, but it gave him a clear direction for his training. Wrath's generous teaching was not over yet.
'Let's continue.'
As he lifted the Heavenly Drive to resume training, a large wave of mana erupted from the end room of the annex.
Boom!
A massive explosion and noise erupted, covering the sky with black smoke.
Bang!
Raon ran toward the source of the explosion. As he remained vigilant, unsure of what was happening, Ensia emerged from the black smoke, her face covered in soot.
"Ensia?"
"Handsome Raon!"
Ensia's exhausted expression suddenly brightened with energy.
"I finally did it!"
She raised her hand, revealing an artificial energy center for Sylvia.
"Oh…."
Raon's eyes widened as he looked at the orb.
'Tremendous mana.'
From that small orb, he felt the mana of a Master. No, it was at the Grandmaster level.
Originally, the mana of the Dragon Heart was beyond the Transcendent Warrior level, but to maintain it at that level as an artificial energy center was remarkable.
'With that, I can elevate Mother's level instantly.'
Using that artificial energy center, Sylvia could be restored without the need to accumulate Aura over time like Rimmer.
Of course, it would take a long time to regain her full strength, but it was a significant step.
"Impressive. As expected of Ensia… huh?"
Raon stopped approaching Ensia. He noticed a familiar face engraved on the surface of the orb.
"Um, the face on that energy center…."
"You recognized it right away! It's Raon! It was hard to capture his handsomeness!"
Ensia smiled brightly, praising her own eye for detail.
"Oh."
Raon's mouth dropped open.
'What on earth….'
Ensia had drawn his face on the surface of the artificial energy center. It was so absurd that he couldn't close his mouth.
"I kept wondering what a perfect energy center would look like, and Raon's face came to mind! Isn't it perfect?"
Perfect handsomeness. A new term had been coined.
"I actually made the energy center a while ago, but it took me days to get the face just right."
Ensia shook her head, saying it took four days to perfect the face.
Raon let out a short belch as he looked at Ensia proudly displaying the artificial energy center.
'Why are there only strange people around me?'
Because you're the craziest one?
'....'