"…Is that what you think?"
Glenn frowned, his gaze burning intensely.
"Hmm..."
Raon swallowed dryly under Glenn's oppressive presence.
'Is it not?'
Glenn always had a suffocating aura, but today it was even stronger.
If he said something wrong, it seemed like a bolt of lightning would strike him immediately.
'It's better to say it was me.'
Sylvia had asked him to bring Glenn, but he didn't want to risk her getting involved, so it was better not to mention it.
"Yes, it was my idea."
Raon lifted his gaze confidently and claimed the thought as his own.
"How is Sylvia's condition?"
Glenn didn't respond to the dinner invitation but inquired about Sylvia's condition instead.
"The artificial energy center has been successfully installed. However, it will take quite some time for her to return to being a Martial Artist."
"That's understandable."
He nodded as if comprehending the inevitability. His rough voice softened slightly.
"Did you invite me for dinner tomorrow evening?"
"Yes."
Raon nodded, exhaling a short breath.
"..."
Glenn didn't say anything further. Perhaps it was just his imagination, but the throne seemed to tremble slightly.
-Why is that old man acting so high and mighty!
Wrath frowned, clearly displeased.
-How dare he, a mere weakling who can't withstand tens of thousands of strikes!
'It's increased again...'
From thousands to tens of thousands of strikes, Wrath seemed to keep inflating his boast. It was likely his pride making him claim continuous victories.
-If that old man doesn't come, it means more food for me! Just leave!
Wrath urged Raon to leave quickly, shaking his fist at Glenn in the air.
'Please, just stay quiet.'
When Raon pushed Wrath away with his shoulder, he heard the sound of fingers tapping the armrest of the throne. The rhythm stopped, and Glenn nodded.
"Fine. Since there's something I need to discuss anyway, I'll accept the invitation."
As soon as Glenn made his decision, he leaned back into the throne.
"It's an honor."
Raon knelt on one knee, bowing his head.
'To think he'd accept...'
Honestly, Raon didn't expect Glenn to accept the dinner invitation. He thought Glenn would only take the Periton Blanc, so it was a bit surprising.
'But what could he want to discuss?'
Suddenly mentioning that he had something to say made Raon feel uneasy. However, there was no clue to predict Glenn's thoughts at the moment.
Raon sighed briefly, put the Periton Blanc back into the spatial pouch, and stood up.
"If you don't mind, would you two also join us?"
He extended his hand towards Sheryl and Roenn, who were standing below the platform. It seemed more comfortable to have the two closest aides to Glenn along.
"If I have no other duties, I will go."
"Hohoho. I shall join too."
Sheryl and Roenn nodded, agreeing to accompany Glenn.
"Then, I shall take my leave."
Raon exchanged glances with the three and left the audience chamber.
As he walked, contemplating what Glenn might say, the Lord's Manor began to shake violently.
"Hm?"
Raon looked up at the ceiling, where small dust particles were falling.
"There have been quite a few earthquakes lately."
Rumble!
Glenn grabbed his forehead with his hand, trembling.
Unable to suppress his rising emotions, the Transcendent Warrior caused vibrations that shook not only the audience chamber but the entire Lord's Manor.
"Hohoho."
Roenn looked up at the ceiling, where small dust particles were falling like snow.
"It's been a while since we've had this kind of vibration."
He fetched a broom and cloth from somewhere, intending to clean the dust.
"I'm glad."
Sheryl approached Glenn, who had his head bowed.
"I thought the head of the house had given up on Raon and Sylvia, but Raon came at the perfect moment."
She smiled softly as if she had read Glenn's mind.
"That's right."
Glenn lifted his head, acknowledging Sheryl's words.
"I intended to just watch from behind, but I couldn't refuse that child's invitation."
He bit his lip, saying he couldn't ignore Raon's invitation.
Yet, his legs continued to tremble, seemingly torn between joy and sorrow.
"I may have accepted the invitation, but I don't plan to expect anything more. I'll just have a quiet meal. That alone will be enough for me."
Glenn shook his head, saying that was all he needed.
"How frustrating!"
Sheryl pounded her chest with frustration, closing her eyes tightly.
"Please get a hold of yourself!"
"…What?"
"Did Raon and Sylvia ask you to watch from behind? They invited you for dinner to thank you for your help! Why are you writing a tragedy on your own?"
She continued, frowning.
"What you did to Sylvia as a father is unforgivable. But Raon and Sylvia are not the type to be trapped by past events. They'll act wisely!"
"I know. They aren't the type to be caught up in the past. But even if others forgive me, I can't forgive myself."
Glenn clenched his fist tightly, saying that would never change.
"That's why you need to approach them and do well by them. At least as much as you did for the other successors."
"So I intended to watch from behind..."
"Raon approached first! So at least go out and meet him!"
Sheryl raised her voice in exasperation. It was the first harsh word she had ever directed at Glenn, whom she deeply respected.
"You don't have to do it all at once. Take it slowly, very slowly. That's better than doing nothing."
"Hmm..."
Glenn glanced at Roenn, seeking help.
"Hohoho."
Roenn let out a benevolent laugh and turned his head away.
"Where's the trash can again...?"
He quietly disappeared, showing no intention of stopping Sheryl.
"Head of the house!"
"Yes, yes..."
"Visit the annex tomorrow and give some words of blessing to Raon and Sylvia. No excuses!"
Sheryl crossed her arms and lifted her chin firmly.
"Understood?"
She glared sharply at Glenn, demanding an answer.
"Phew..."
Glenn sighed and nodded.
"I will try."
The next evening.
Sylvia and her maids stood in front of the annex.
"Ugh..."
Helen, having cleaned all day, continued to anxiously move around, sweeping and mopping the floor repeatedly.
"You don't have to be so thorough."
Rimmer, who arrived first, leaned against the wall and tilted his head.
"The head of the house doesn't care about the cleanliness. He visits my office sometimes and never says anything."
He waved his finger, telling Helen to take it easy.
"That's not indifference; he's just given up on your filth."
The Gambling Monster frowned at Rimmer, telling him not to talk nonsense.
"Ah, this old man doesn't understand. Our head of the house trusts only me."
"That's not trust; you're the only one who gets beaten up soundly."
As Raon watched the two argue, he felt a heavy presence approaching the entrance.
"Hm..."
"He's here."
Rimmer and the Gambling Monster also sensed the presence and straightened up.
"He's arriving."
At Raon's warning, Sylvia and the maids stood upright.
Tick.
As the clock struck exactly seven, a knock came at the entrance.
"Phew..."
Sylvia took a slow breath and opened the door. Roenn bowed his head in greeting.
"Thank you for inviting us."
He stepped aside, revealing Glenn with his neatly combed golden hair.
"Greetings, head of the house!"
"Greetings, head of the house!"
Following Sylvia's lead, everyone in the annex bowed to Glenn.
"That's enough."
Glenn raised his hand to stop them from kneeling. He looked at Sylvia as if checking her condition and nodded.
"The energy center is properly settled."
"Thanks to you, head of the house."
Sylvia smiled calmly, giving credit to Glenn.
"I did nothing."
Glenn shook his head with a gruff voice. He glanced at Ensia standing with the maids and nodded briefly.
"Creating an artificial energy center is a great achievement. The head of Yonaan would be proud."
"I merely copied the original that Raon rescued. But..."
Ensia, seemingly nervous, stammered.
"Whenever I see you, head of the house, I can't help but notice how incredibly handsome you are. Your handsomeness in old age is astonishing..."
Her sudden praise left everyone in the entrance gaping.
"I always wondered why Raon is so handsome, but now I see it's because his grandfather is so handsome. You can't deny the bloodline..."
"En-Ensia!"
Raon used his footwork to approach Ensia and cover her mouth.
"..."
Glenn looked down at Ensia with an indescribable expression. His pupils began to tremble.
'He must be angry.'
She had called him grandfather, so it was likely to have upset him. As Raon was pondering what to do, Rimmer stepped forward.
"How long are we going to stand here? Let's go inside?"
He pounded his thigh, saying his legs were getting tired.
"P-Please, come this way."
Sylvia seized the opportunity and gestured towards the dining room.
"..."
Without a nod, Glenn followed Sylvia, and Sheryl and Roenn smiled and waved.
Entering the dining room, Glenn took the seat of honor, with Sylvia sitting to his left. She motioned for Raon to sit opposite her.
'Phew...'
Raon sighed inwardly and took the seat opposite Sylvia and beside Glenn.
For a long time, the three sat in silence.
"What is this?"
Amidst the stifling silence, Rimmer frowned.
"Did someone die? Why is everyone so quiet? Isn't today a celebration?"
"It is indeed too quiet."
The Gambling Monster nodded in agreement.
"Hohoho. It's just getting started."
Roenn chuckled, telling them to be patient.
"Hmm..."
As Sylvia let out a small sigh, the maids entered the dining room with dishes. The food, fresh from the kitchen, was steaming hot and tantalizingly aromatic.
-Huh...
Wrath ogled the dishes, drooling.
-Beef stew, roast pork, fried chicken, beef ribs, lamb ribs... Oh? Isn't that salmon? Both grilled and raw!
He gaped at the salmon dishes Yua brought.
'I asked her to make it because you wanted it.'
While Wrath was sleeping in the bracelet, Raon had asked Dorian to get the ingredients and Yua to prepare the dish.
-Kuh!
Wrath flew to Yua, nuzzling his head against her.
-She is the best! Only Pineapple Girl for me!
'I was the one who asked her to make it.'
-Pineapple Girl!
'...'
He only praised Yua, proving once again that spoiling someone too much could backfire.
While Raon wrestled with Wrath, the long rectangular dining table was filled with food. Despite the tension, everyone seated at the table licked their lips.
"This looks amazing. First, the beef ribs..."
"Hold still!"
"Ugh!"
Rimmer was about to grab a fork when Sheryl smacked his hand, making him withdraw.
"Thank you."
Sylvia smiled at Sheryl and stood up. She glanced at everyone from the maid at the end to Glenn at the head, then began to speak.
"Thanks to everyone here, I can once again walk the path of a Martial Artist."
Each person at the table looked at Sylvia with different thoughts and expressions.
"Thank you so much. I never thought I would feel this happiness again. I will strive to become a Martial Artist you won't be ashamed of."
Sylvia placed her hand over her chest and bowed her head carefully.
"I'll be looking forward to it."
"It will happen."
"Congratulations!"
Sheryl started clapping first, and the others followed with cheers and applause.
"..."
Glenn did not speak or move, simply folding his arms and sitting silently.
"Let's eat before the food gets cold."
Sylvia, not flustered by Glenn's reaction, smiled and gestured for everyone to start eating.
"But before that, Raon has prepared some wine. How about a drink?"
She signaled Raon.
"Understood."
Raon nodded, stood up, and brought out the prepared Periton Blanc.
"Hey! We have mountains of meat dishes, and you bring white wine? You only know how to use a sword, not how to drink... Ow!"
Rimmer muttered, but Sheryl smacked him on the back of his head, silencing him.
"If you say another word, you're dead."
Sheryl smiled at Raon, urging him to proceed.
"Hm..."
Raon groaned quietly and approached Glenn.
"Would you like some?"
"Yes."
Glenn unfolded his arms and lifted his glass.
Treating the situation like a life-or-death battle, Raon focused intensely as he carefully poured the Periton Blanc into Glenn's glass.
When it was halfway full, he stopped and bowed his head.
"Hmm..."
Glenn's expression softened slightly, perhaps pleased to have the desired wine in front of him.
'He seems to like it.'
Raon breathed a sigh of relief and poured wine into Sylvia's glass before moving to Rimmer and the Gambling Monster.
As he filled their glasses, they exchanged odd looks, frowning at Glenn.
"Hm?"
Feeling something was off, Raon turned to see Glenn raising his wine glass towards Rimmer and the Gambling Monster.
For some reason, it seemed like he was mocking them.
'What's going on?'
Since no one spoke, Raon couldn't understand the situation. He shrugged and continued filling Sheryl and Roenn's glasses before returning to his seat.
"Shall we make a toast?"
Sylvia raised her glass. Everyone followed suit, except Glenn, who remained still.
"You need a toast if we're making a toast."
Sheryl smiled lightly and glanced at Sylvia.
"Then, for Raon's happiness!"
"Isn't this supposed to be your celebration?"
"Whatever."
Rimmer and the Gambling Monster sighed, raising their glasses reluctantly. Sheryl and Roenn also smiled and lifted their glasses.
Even Glenn, who seemed disinterested, slowly raised his glass, matching the celebratory mood.
Glasses clinked in the air, and everyone took a sip of the Periton Blanc.
"Hm? This is quite good."
"It's refreshing and light, but it has the rich taste of red wine. Periton Blanc is exceptional."
The Gambling Monster downed his wine in one gulp and refilled his glass.
"Enjoy your meal."
Sylvia gestured for everyone to start eating.
-I want to start with the salmon!
Wrath, grimacing at the wine, pointed at the salmon with his chubby finger.
-Raw salmon, no, grilled salmon! No, raw first!
'Ask Pineapple Girl to feed you.'
Raon ignored him and started with the stew.
-Hey!
While Raon wrestled with Wrath, the dinner proceeded quietly.
Occasionally, Rimmer would crack a joke, which the Gambling Monster or Sheryl would respond to, but Glenn's silence turned the meal into a quiet affair.
"Shall I pour more for you?"
Raon noticed Glenn's empty wine glass and brought the Periton Blanc.
"Yes."
Glenn nodded slightly and lifted his glass. As Raon poured, Glenn's hand seemed to tremble slightly.
Though a Transcendent Warrior like Wrath, Glenn might be weak to alcohol.
As dinner went on, Raon refilled Glenn's glass every time it emptied, and before he knew it, the Periton Blanc Dorian had provided was all gone.
-Kuh!
Wrath burped loudly and lay back, belly up.
-I am satisfied!
With that, he fell asleep, living up to his beastly nature.
"Sylvia."
Glenn wiped his mouth with a napkin and turned to Sylvia.
"Yes?"
"What are your plans?"
Glenn asked the same question he had posed to Sylvia recently.
"I plan to stay here."
"You won't take up the sword again?"
"No, I will. I will. But rather than going out to elevate the family name, I want to protect my people from within."
Sylvia repeated the answer she had given Raon.
"Raon said he would make you a direct descendant next year, using the achievements he has accumulated. He said he would use all his accumulated achievements to hold the Martial Artist position."
Glenn downed the last of the Periton Blanc and narrowed his eyes.
"I have decided to accept that proposal."
"Oh..."
"If you achieve that, return to the main building."
Glenn's gaze shifted from Sylvia to Raon as he nodded.
"H-Head of the house..."
Sylvia's lips trembled, clearly not expecting Glenn to invite them back to the main building.
Her red eyes shimmered like the sunset reflected on the sea.
"This dinner was worth making time for."
Glenn offered what could be considered high praise and stood up.
"Thank you for the meal."
"The food was excellent."
"They sure know how to cook here."
"Well done."
Sheryl, Roenn, Rimmer, and the Gambling Monster also rose, following Glenn.
Glenn glanced at the bowing Sylvia and Raon before leaving the annex, the others trailing behind.
"Ha..."
Sylvia covered her face with her hands, taking a deep breath. Her shoulders shook slightly, suggesting she was holding back tears.
Raon grasped Sylvia's shoulder and bit his lip.
'Of course.'
Glenn's invitation to return to the main building meant he was considering Sylvia his daughter again.
Having heard those words directly, Sylvia couldn't contain her emotions as they washed over her.
Raon stayed with Sylvia for a long time, gently patting her back.
"You finally spoke."
Rimmer whistled as he looked at Glenn's back.
"Honestly, I was hoping for warmer words, but for now, this is enough... Hm?"
He stopped speaking, his eyes widening. Glenn, who had turned around, had a smirk on his face.
"What? What's with that annoying expression?"
"He's smirking at me too."
The Gambling Monster frowned, noticing Glenn's expression.
"Hmph."
Glenn made it clear that Rimmer and the Gambling Monster hadn't imagined it by smirking at both of them before turning around.
"W-Wait! Is this because Raon poured your wine first today?"
"Could it be...?"
Rimmer and the Gambling Monster gaped in disbelief.
"That's not the only reason. Raon poured my wine ten times today. You each poured your own."
Glenn looked back and snorted at them.
"But that's because you were next to him!"
"What's the big deal about pouring wine?"
"Defeated dogs are barking."
He dismissed Rimmer and the Gambling Monster, waving his hand.
"Y-You!"
Rimmer gritted his teeth and charged at Glenn, only to be struck by lightning and fall.
"W-Why are you just standing there..."
He trembled, looking at the unmoving Gambling Monster.
"I'm too old to be struck."
The Gambling Monster clicked his tongue, calling Rimmer a fool.
"Hohoho."
Roenn, finding the situation amusing, followed everyone with a soft laugh.