"Central Martial Palace Master?"
Raon stared at Karoon with wide eyes.
'What did he just say?'
Having been the target of Karoon's jealousy and hostility since childhood, Raon naturally knew that his personality and disposition had changed significantly. However, in this situation, Karoon had no need or reason to step forward. If he had just stayed quiet, he could have secured the first position among the successor candidates, so why would he speak up on Raon's behalf?
"Karoon..."
Glenn shifted his gaze as his eyelids trembled slightly.
"Did you mean what you just said?"
Since the successor trials began, Karoon had worked tirelessly day and night, accumulating more achievements than anyone else. It wouldn't have been strange if he had protested the loudest about Raon receiving multiple Golden Tablets at once, yet surprisingly, he was defending him instead.
"I mean every word."
Karoon nodded calmly.
"Though you haven't said it, I know the rules set by the Head of House. You must have planned to give only one tablet regardless of achievements. However..."
He turned toward where Raon stood.
"This case must be viewed differently. The Light Wind Palace Master hasn't merely achieved something for the family, but has accomplished a feat that will influence the entire continent beyond even the Five Kings."
Karoon's calm gaze suggested he was simply stating facts.
"The Blade Queen, the Warlord, and even an Ancient Dragon of the Gold clan. All three will be valuable assets in the coming war, so I believe giving Raon five Golden Tablets is appropriate."
He nodded, indicating this was a rational judgment free of emotion.
"No matter how I look at it, that can't be our brother, right?"
Balder raised his hand, saying he needed to verify if this was really Karoon.
"Could it be a doppelganger in disguise..."
"Shut up!"
Alice smacked the back of Balder's head.
"B-but it is strange, isn't it!"
Balder frowned while rubbing his swollen head.
"Karoon has been living for a long time, consumed by jealousy and stubbornness, which ate away at his talent and spirit."
Alice looked at Karoon with faintly glowing eyes.
"He must regret that time more than anyone else, so it's not strange that he's changed like this."
She nodded matter-of-factly, suggesting this was Karoon's true self.
"Father..."
Burren bit his lip hard as he watched Karoon, seemingly moved by his words.
"Well..."
The Warlord let out an exclamation as he looked at Karoon.
"I heard the general situation from my Lord on our way here. To make such a judgment knowing it would disadvantage himself - Zieghart truly has many talented individuals."
He looked at Karoon with warm eyes, seemingly genuinely impressed.
"You're quite impressive, aren't you?"
The Blade Queen gave Karoon a thumbs up.
"Tell me if you need help later. This big sister will come running whenever, wherever!"
She grinned, seemingly taking a liking to Karoon.
-He did say before that his father's eyes had changed...
Wrath let out a hollow laugh.
-He's changed beyond imagination. It's like seeing a completely different person.
He shook his head, thinking the guy had changed too much.
'Indeed.'
Raon narrowed his eyes as he looked at Karoon.
'I didn't expect him to change like this either.' (E/N: this scene has been repeated too many times now lol)
There wasn't the slightest tremor in Karoon's eyes. This wasn't to impress Glenn, nor to score points with the Blade Queen and Warlord - he truly believed that Raon had accomplished something great. The bold transformation that went beyond mere generosity was enough to make one's hands tremble.
"Ahem!"
Glenn cleared his throat while examining Karoon.
'If Karoon speaks up like this, no one will oppose!'
If Karoon, who had the support of the Direct Lineage Swordsmen and earned the most Golden Tablets during the successor trials, said such things, no one could refute it.
"Since the Central Martial Palace Master has acknowledged it..."
As Glenn quickly moved his finger, Roenn climbed onto the platform with a board containing five Golden Tablets, as if he had been waiting for this moment.
"Light Wind Palace Master, come up to the platform!"
He called out to Raon as he rose from his throne.
"...Yes."
Raon met Karoon's serene gaze before climbing up to the platform where Glenn stood.
"In recognition of bringing the Blade Queen, the Warlord, and the Ancient Dragon to Zieghart, I shall bestow five Golden Tablets upon the Light Wind Palace Master."
Glenn handed the five Golden Tablets to Raon while forcibly suppressing the corners of his mouth that threatened to rise to the ceiling.
"Thank you."
Raon raised both hands to carefully receive the Golden Tablets from Glenn. Whether because there were five tablets or because of Karoon's words, they felt much heavier than usual.
"Additionally, I will grant you five more opportunities to enter Zieghart's Treasury." (E/N: I stopped counting how many opportunity he has. Dunno if he will ever use them)
Glenn granted access to the Treasury because this achievement couldn't be measured by Golden Tablets alone.
"Thank you."
Raon bowed deeply to Glenn.
'I should go in soon.'
Since he hadn't used the Treasury entry permission received after defeating the Leader of the White Blood Religion either, it would be good to use them soon and get the items he needed.
"..."
Raon carefully put away the Golden Tablets and turned around.
"Woaaaaaah!"
"Sword Emperor! Sword Emperor! Sword Emperor!"
"The Light Wind Palace will become even stronger!"
"They might truly become Zieghart's strongest martial force. No, perhaps they already are?"
The executives applauded and cheered in approval.
'Things have changed a lot.'
When he first stood here, no one cheered. When he became an executive, half applauded while half shot envious glares. And today, everyone present was congratulating him. His heart swelled with warmth, feeling like he had finally become a true member of the Zieghart family.
'Perhaps...'
Raon smiled faintly as he watched Karoon calmly applauding.
'It's because that person has changed.'
Now that Karoon, representing the Direct Lineage, had acknowledged him, everyone in the family was accepting him.
'Just as I changed Karoon, perhaps Karoon has changed me too.'
His heart raced, feeling as though he had finally entered the true inner circle of the family.
"That will be all for today..."
Just as Glenn raised his hand to dismiss the gathering.
"One moment, please."
Raon stood before the platform again and raised his head.
"There's still something left. Dorian."
He turned and gestured to Dorian.
"Take it out."
"Ah, yes!"
Dorian smiled as if he had been waiting for this moment and reached into his pouch. With a rumbling sound, he waved both hands and poured out a massive quantity of seemingly unused weapons and armor from his pouch.
"W-what is this!"
"There's too many to count! So many!"
"N-not just the quantity, but the quality looks excellent too! They look like dwarven craftsmanship!"
The executives gaped at the weapons and armor piled in the center of the audience chamber.
"My..."
Even Glenn widened his eyes in surprise.
"There are gold bars here too."
Dorian said there was still more as he piled gold bars next to the armor and weapons.
"These are items Lord Paratheus has donated for the upcoming war. Please use them for the family."
Raon bowed as he explained these were items given by Paratheus.
-You're taking everything out?
Wrath opened his eyes wide in surprise.
-What's gotten into you, you greedy one?
'Not everything.'
Raon wiggled his fingers side to side.
'I kept the best equipment aside for our people.'
Though the weapons and armor brought out now were high-grade items, he had left the highest quality ones in Dorian's pouch for the Light Wind Palace Swordsmen.
"He gave all of that?"
"Now we have no choice but to trust the Dragon!"
"Right! Hasn't he emptied out his entire lair's treasure?"
The executives nodded, saying they could now trust Paratheus.
"Well, it's not much really..."
Paratheus arrogantly lifted his chin, seemingly pleased to receive praise after being constantly ignored by the Blade Queen and Warlord.
"No..."
Unlike the others, Glenn looked at Raon with extremely regretful eyes.
"You should have mentioned this earlier. This is quite an achievement too..."
His lips trembled as if suggesting Raon could have received another Golden Tablet if he had mentioned this earlier.
"Ah, don't you agree?"
Glenn turned his eyes to Karoon as if seeking support.
"Since it's come to this, wouldn't it be fine to give one more?"
He shot an intense gaze at Karoon as if urging him to speak up.
"Right? He deserves it."
"Hah..."
For the first time, Karoon shook his head as if exasperated with Glenn.
***
In the end, Raon left the Lord's Manor after receiving six Golden Tablets.
"I'll take my leave as well."
Just as Karoon, who had stayed until the end, bowed to Glenn and was about to leave the audience chamber.
"Karoon."
Glenn raised his hand. The fact that he called him Karoon rather than Central Martial Palace Master indicated he wanted to have a personal conversation.
"Please speak."
Karoon approached the platform again and looked at Glenn.
"Are you really alright with this?"
Glenn slightly furrowed his brows.
"The Golden Tablets you worked so hard to collect for over a month have been matched by a single achievement. Can you really accept that?"
He let out a troubled sigh, as if worried about Karoon.
"Thank you for your concern. However, my heart is..."
Karoon raised his right hand and placed it over his heart on the left side of his chest.
"More peaceful than ever. I actually feel good."
He smiled, saying he was in the best state.
"W-why?"
Burren, who had been waiting for Karoon, couldn't hold back and spoke up.
"Burren. You must see the forest, not just the trees."
Karoon stroked his chin with gentle eyes.
"Raon hasn't just accumulated achievements for Zieghart, he's created an accomplishment that could change the history of the continent. Bringing in the Blade Queen, the Warlord, and that Ancient Dragon has that much value."
He smiled softly as he looked at the sunlight pouring in behind Glenn.
"Becoming Zieghart's successor, no, even becoming the head of house means nothing if the family cannot be maintained. His achievement deserves not just six but even ten Golden Tablets, so there's nothing to regret."
Karoon nodded heavily, showing his sincerity.
"Karoon..."
Glenn sensed Karoon's sincerity and opened his eyes wide.
"I see..."
Burren clenched his fist tightly, proud of Karoon's thoughts.
"Besides..."
Karoon waved his fingertips up and down.
"It's no fun to dominate alone. A proper opponent makes the fight worthwhile."
He nodded, indicating that he hoped Raon would chase after him.
"Is this answer sufficient?"
Karoon smiled up at Glenn after answering Burren.
"It's sufficient."
Glenn nodded, indicating he understood everything.
"Then..."
Karoon bowed respectfully to Glenn before leaving the audience chamber with Burren.
"This..."
Glenn smiled deeply as he looked at the places where Karoon and Raon had stood as Palace Masters.
"Whoever becomes the head of house, I think I'll both regret it and not regret it at the same time."
***
As Raon walked toward the annex building with the Blade Queen, Warlord, and Paratheus, he saw a familiar face in the distance.
"So you've returned."
The Gambling Monster lowered his eyebrows upon seeing Raon.
"It took quite some time this time, what have you been up to?"
He took a swig from the bottle in his hand, saying it would make a good drinking story.
"I brought Senior Blade Queen and Senior Warlord to Zieghart. Along with this Ancient Dragon..."
Raon briefly explained about his companions behind him.
"Puhwaaak!"
The Gambling Monster sprayed his drink like a fountain when he saw the Blade Queen and Warlord behind Raon.
"I-I'm Harian Zieghart, known by the title Gambling Monster!"
His indifferent, bored expression changed to one of shock.
"Just call me Blade Queen."
"Pleased to meet you. I am Yuber."
The Blade Queen and Warlord introduced themselves in response to the Gambling Monster's greeting.
"P-pleased to meet you!"
The Gambling Monster's hands trembled as if he hadn't been drinking as he bowed deeply to the Blade Queen and Warlord.
"I'll explain everything properly at the training ground."
"Ah..."
The Gambling Monster nodded with alcohol and saliva dripping from his chin, as if leaving it to Raon. As Raon passed by the trembling Gambling Monster and approached the annex building.
"Oh! You're back?"
The Ragged Saint Federick waved his hand.
"Quite a lot of guests today. Who might they all be?"
He smiled kindly, asking for an introduction to the companions behind him.
"I brought Senior Blade Queen and Senior Warlord to Zieghart. And this Ancient Dragon..."
Raon repeated what he had told the Gambling Monster.
"Ah, those with such powerful titles... eh?"
Long wrinkles appeared on Federick's usually composed face.
"D-did you just say the Blade Queen and the Warlord...?"
He gaped in disbelief.
"You heard correctly."
"Though unworthy, I go by the title of Warlord."
The Blade Queen and Warlord nodded to Federick.
"I-I'm Federick, a healer."
Federick used the term "healer" that he might have used in his youth instead of his title "Ragged Saint."
"If you're a healer, we'll be seeing a lot of each other."
"We know of your title as the Ragged Saint. Please take care of us."
The Blade Queen and Warlord greeted Federick respectfully.
"Ah, y-yes."
Federick straightened his bent back and took a sharp breath.
"I'll come see you soon."
Raon patted the dazed Federick's shoulder before entering the annex garden.
"Son!"
"Are you hurt anywhere?"
"You're so late!"
Edgar, Sylvia, and Sia, who were in the garden, all ran over simultaneously.
"I'm back."
Raon bowed to Edgar and Sylvia.
"This is our Lord's mother? Isn't she more like an older sister?"
The Blade Queen exclaimed in apparent surprise at Sylvia's beauty.
"She certainly doesn't give off a motherly impression."
The Warlord also stroked his chin, seemingly surprised by Sylvia's appearance.
"I'm the older sister!"
Sia frowned, declaring that she was Raon's older sister.
"My! Who are these distinguished guests?"
Sylvia, seemingly pleased at receiving compliments about her appearance right away, clasped her hands and asked for introductions.
"The person in front of you, Mother, is the Blade Queen, the man behind is the Warlord, and at the end is Paratheus, an Ancient Dragon of the Gold clan."
Raon introduced his companions for the third time since leaving the main building.
"T-the Blade Queen and the Warlord?"
"You're joking, right? That's impossible!"
Sylvia and Edgar also widened their eyes in disbelief.
"Who?"
Sia tilted her head as if she had no idea who they were.
"I am indeed the Blade Queen. I've never told a lie in my life."
"I am the Warlord, Yuber."
The Blade Queen and Warlord introduced themselves casually, as if already used to this.
"Kuhup!"
"W-what did you do to bring the Blade Queen and Warlord..."
Sylvia and Edgar collapsed to the ground with expressions of breathless shock. They both looked at Raon with eyes begging for an explanation.
'This is...'
Raon grinned as he watched the shocked Sylvia and Edgar.
'Kind of fun, isn't it?'
Seeing everyone's identical shocked reactions to the Blade Queen and Warlord's titles naturally brought a smile to his face.
'Wonder if there's anyone else we can surprise? Someone who'd react even more strongly.'
-That's enough of that!
Wrath waved his hand, telling him to stop.
-If you go any crazier than this, there'll really be no hope for you!
***
"Whew..."
As soon as he returned to his room, Raon slumped into a chair.
'Now I feel a bit more at ease.'
Since even to him the Blade Queen and Warlord were weighty titles, arriving home and being able to rest seemed to finally lift some of the pressure off his mind.
-You'll feel better after a good meal and some rest.
Wrath smacked his lips, insisting that he should eat and rest.
'That sounds good, but...'
Raon took off his outer clothes and gripped the Heavenly Drive.
-Y-you're not thinking...
'I should do some training. There's still time until dinner.'
Having been unable to train properly during his return journey, he wanted to loosen up his body.
-You're already crazy enough, but when it comes to swords, you're completely insane. Even the demons obsessed with swords in the Devildom aren't as bad as you!
Wrath gritted his teeth, saying he was sick just watching.
'Being called crazy feels like a compliment now.'
Just as Raon rose from his chair with a smirk, the door burst open with a loud sound and the Blade Queen and Warlord entered, carrying Sia between them.
"Our Lord's sister..."
"Regarding your sister…."
The two of them thrust Sia forward with genuinely excited, flushed faces.
"Can we take her as our disciple?"
"May we pass on our martial arts to her?"