Chapter 709

“……”

Returning to House Zieghart, Glenn clenched his fist as he stared at the shattered outer wall.

His heart ached at the destruction, but there was something more urgent to address.

Exhaling a cold breath, Glenn stepped through the broken wall.

“T-The head of house!”

“We greet the head of house!”

Inside, Chad, the master of the Shadow Agents, and Illiune, the foreign minister, quickly bowed their heads.

“Enough with the greetings. Report the situation.”

Without slowing, Glenn gestured for them to follow and walked toward the main building.

"Thanks to our preparations, the outer wall damage is minimal. There were no civilian casualties."

Illiune nodded. The damage had been surprisingly light considering the scale of the enemy attack.

“What about the inner walls?”

Glenn turned to Chad.

“Most areas were defended, but the senators guarding the main building suffered significant losses. That’s where most of the casualties are concentrated.”

Chad sighed and bowed his head in apology.

“The senators?”

Glenn’s brows furrowed as he looked toward the distant main building.

The senators were Zieghart’s elite—stronger even than the Heavenly Blade division.

That they had suffered the greatest losses didn’t make sense.

“Denier should’ve been in the main building too, right?”

“Yes. The Wise Martial Palace and half of the senators were stationed there.”

Chad nodded, explaining that the rest were positioned outside.

“Apostle-level White Blood fanatics in black robes, and masked Eden executives attacked simultaneously. It was overwhelming.”

“Black robes…”

Glenn recalled the fanatics who’d chased him relentlessly during his assault on the White Blood Religion’s headquarters.

Though not apostles, they had power on par with one. It seemed they had been unleashed.

“The White Blood Religion, Eden, and assassins rushed in like they were facing their sworn enemy. If the Light Wind division leader hadn’t warned us in advance, the damage would’ve been catastrophic.”

Illiune smiled faintly, acknowledging Raon's foresight.

“But… where is he?”

Chad looked around, puzzled. He had yet to learn what had transpired at the Rable River.

“…I will convene a grand meeting. Gather all remaining executives.”

Glenn gave the order without answering their questions.

“Y-Yes, understood…”

Chad, sensing the storm in Glenn’s expression, stood rooted in place.

Glenn didn’t stop until he reached the main building. As he approached the lord’s manor, Aris appeared from the right.

“Father!”

She ran up, holding Sylvia by the wrist.

“Where is Raon?”

Her confident smile showed no doubt about his victory.

“My lord, Raon won, didn’t he?”

Sylvia also believed deeply, her hands clasped tightly in front of her.

“……”

Glenn bit his lip.

Sylvia’s gentle gaze—filled with love for her son—pierced straight through him.

"You too…"

Suppressing the tremble in his fingertips, he finally spoke.

“Come to the audience chamber.”

“What? Why suddenly…”

“What audience chamber?! Where is Raon?!”

“……”

Glenn didn’t respond. He stepped into the manor.

Ignoring the puzzled, concerned gazes behind him, he moved toward the chamber—then noticed Karoon standing like a statue.

“Karoon?”

“I apologize.”

Karoon knelt and placed his hand over his chest.

“I disobeyed the head of house’s orders. I’ll accept any punishment.”

No excuses. Just accountability.

“That guy stopped two apostles who attacked the annex.”

Aris waved her hand, vouching for Karoon’s actions.

Glenn nodded. He already knew from the image shown by the swordsman in the blue dragon helmet.

“Karoon. You come in too.”

He gestured toward Karoon and opened the door to the audience chamber himself.

He had planned to praise Karoon—but now was not the time.

‘Raon…’

Thinking of his grandson, whom he hadn’t truly embraced, Glenn’s steps grew heavier.

* * *

Late at night, all of House Zieghart’s top executives gathered in the audience chamber.

The only ones absent were Raon and the swordsmen of the Heavenly Blade, Light Wind, and Warring Steel Divisions—still at the Rable River searching for him.

“Even the pig is here. Now spill it! What’s going on?!”

Aris frowned, pointing at Balder, who had been summoned as soon as he returned from reconnaissance.

“Why call us all here and say nothing?!”

Her tone was sharp, sensing the weight in the air.

“Hmm…”

Sylvia’s hands trembled. A dark premonition loomed over her.

“Raon lost? That’s ridiculous!”

Balder scoffed.

“…Raon won.”

Glenn slowly opened his eyes and spoke.

“I knew it!”

Aris clapped, her stern expression easing.

"I'm finally going to be called 'Aunty'! So? Where is Raon now? Is the Ragged Saint treating him?"

She smiled, assuming Raon was simply recovering.

“……”

But Glenn looked only at Sylvia. Her anxious expression hadn’t changed.

He clenched his teeth.

“I’ll explain.”

Roenn stepped forward at last.

“As the lord said, young master Raon won the duel to death against the Axe King Roman. Roman acknowledged his defeat. But afterward…”

Roenn described the events that followed the duel.

“Ah…”

“Missing?”

“Wait—if he was stabbed and hit by an astral sphere…”

“Damn it!”

The room erupted.

No one had expected Raon’s disappearance.

“Ah…”

Sylvia collapsed, her legs giving way. Her eyes had lost all focus.

BOOM!

Aris slammed her fist into a pillar. The thick column crumbled to dust.

“Those cowardly bastards!”

Her fury surged, ready to strike down the South-North Union that very moment.

“How low must they think of Zieghart…”

Karoon bit his lip until it bled. There was no gloating—only burning anger.

“Let’s go now!”

Balder stomped forward, exuding killing intent.

“I won’t rest until those thieves are dead!”

“South-North Union…”

“They dare!”

“They only know how to fight dirty, like rats.”

The division leaders, including Serena of the Void Sword Division, ground their teeth.

Fury churned through the chamber like a storm.

“Father! What are we waiting for!”

Aris’ eyes burned.

“We have to kill them! Isn’t that why you called this meeting?”

She gripped the hilt of her sword.

“No!”

Denier stepped forward and shook his head.

“Zieghart has also suffered greatly. We should regroup before taking action—”

“How long will that take!”

Aris glared at him.

“We’re not the only ones who lost people! Eden, the White Blood Religion, even the South-North Union are in shambles! This is the best time!”

She pointed an accusing finger.

“Besides, the senators died because of your mismanagement!”

“…I’m sorry.”

Denier lowered his head.

“The fanatics in black robes were all above master level. I was late helping the senators while fighting at the Wise Martial Palace…”

Still, he didn’t retreat from his opinion.

“We must act wisely. Rushing in will only make things worse.”

“He’s right…”

“If the Five Demons interfere again, we’ll be in trouble.”

“Damn… it’s complicated.”

Some executives murmured agreement.

“It’s something we must consider deeply.”

Glenn nodded, placing his hand on the throne’s armrest.

“Thank you for your insight.”

“Father!”

Denier sighed in relief.

But Glenn wasn’t finished.

“If this had been before the duel, I would have agreed.”

“Head of house…?”

“This time—even I can’t hold back.”

As Glenn rose, the golden throne crumbled into dust.

Goooooooooo!

An aura of divine rage surged from beneath him.

“I cannot let that child go like this.”

“Ah…”

Only then did Sylvia raise her head.

Her tears dripped silently onto the red carpet.

“Shadow Agents’ master. Declare war on the South-North Union.”

Glenn turned to Chad.

“Tell them House Zieghart will erase them from the continent.”

He clenched his fist. His knuckles turned white.

“Understood.”

Chad thumped his chest and rushed out.

“May I go too?”

Karoon raised his hand.

“Punish me however you like later—I’ll clean up the filth myself.”

“Me too…”

Sylvia stood, swaying slightly.

“Please… let me come.”

Tears no longer fell. Her red eyes burned with vengeance.

Glenn couldn’t meet her gaze.

“…So be it.”

* * *

The next day

“U-Union leader!”

A man in black glasses ran into the dimly lit red chamber, stumbling over his own feet. He crawled before the platform.

“Union leader! There’s a huge problem—!”

“White Commerce Unit leader. We have a guest. Control yourself.”

Dranos, seated on the red throne with a smoking pipe, gestured lazily.

“Ah!”

The man followed his hand—only to freeze when he saw the Fallen, seated beside him with a handsome mask.

“S-Sorry… but it’s urgent…”

“What is it?”

Dranos tilted his head.

“Zieghart has declared war! They’re attacking tomorrow!”

The man shook.

“You’re late.”

Dranos chuckled, exhaling smoke.

“This friend already told me.”

He gestured to the Fallen.

“They moved faster than expected. As that blue dragon–helmeted guy said, Glenn cherished Raon greatly.”

He recalled Glenn’s furious eyes.

“How much support can you provide? Anyone like the Twin-Headed Demon or Soul Severing Sword?”

“They’re with the Heavenly Demon. No promises. But besides them…”

The Fallen narrowed his eyes.

“I can’t help this time.”

“What?”

Dranos frowned.

“Zieghart rejected outside support. They declared war under their own name.”

The Fallen raised his hand.

“If we intervene now, it would look like the Five Demons are bullying a lone house.”

“And?”

“The Six Kings are moving too.”

A blue map appeared above his hand.

“If the Five Demons interfere, Owen and Balkar will enter. Chamber and Lecross have already declared it.”

He pointed to a forest.

“Even Seipia might move—for Raon’s sake.”

“Ugh…”

“The Holy Sword Alliance and the Black Tower are staying out. But in terms of justification—we’re cornered.”

He waved, and the map disappeared.

“It’s best for the South-North Union and Zieghart to handle this alone.”

“But Glenn is injured. He won’t be as powerful.”

“Even so—we can’t stop Zieghart with the Union alone!”

Dranos flung his pipe away.

“True. It will be hard. But…”

The Fallen’s eyes glimmered.

“We have one piece to play—someone who can move without being seen.”

“I haven’t been able to contact him…”

“Don’t worry. I’ve read the flow of the heavens. A great star is about to fall.”

He looked at the stars carved in the ceiling.

“Glenn Zieghart will sink.”

“Under my name…”

Dranos muttered, and a dangerous light gleamed in his eyes.

* * *

Upstream of the Rable River

Dozens of warships lined the river, bristling with artillery.

At the forefront, on the bow of the Azure Wolf, stood Dranos.

Across the river, ten warships and a pirate ship approached. On its deck stood Glenn Zieghart, his hand on Heavenly Tremor.

“Do we really have to do this?”

Dranos called out, regretful.

“Isn’t there a better way?”

“You crossed the line.”

Glenn drew Heavenly Tremor and exhaled slowly.

“I will erase the South-North Union from this world.”

“You picked the wrong fight.”

Dranos extended his hand. The Sea Dragon Spear, formed from river water, appeared in his grip.

WHOOOOOSH!

Glenn swung Heavenly Tremor.

A brilliant sword strike cut through sky and river.

CHIIIIIIING!

Dranos met it with a sweeping motion of the Sea Dragon Spear, creating a massive tidal wave.

BOOOOOOM!

The forces collided. The river and land surged into the air.

A storm of energy erupted—nature itself roared.

“Kill the hypocrites of Zieghart!”

“Fire cannons and arrows!”

“The South-North Union owns this river!”

“Cut down those rootless thieves!”

“Never retreat!”

“Avenge the division leader!”

Zieghart’s swordsmen charged, ignoring the hail of arrows and cannon fire. Close combat was their answer to naval warfare.

A golden streak glided across the water.

Whoooosh!

A blonde female swordsman reached the far-left warship.

SLAAASH!

Sea-colored energy exploded from her sword, cutting down dozens of pirates in a flash.

“Out of the way! I’ll handle this!”

Lucan, the warship’s captain, charged with an axe wreathed in red astral energy.

THOOM!

The swordswoman met him head-on, her sword gathering into an astral sphere—

BOOOOM!

The warship’s deck shattered. Blood sprayed. The ship split in two and began to sink.

Ruuuumble!

The blonde swordsman, Sylvia Zieghart, exhaled coldly.

Her eyes scanned the battlefield.

“Beorn…”

Her gaze glowed crimson.

***

If you find any errors or have suggestions, please feel free to provide feedback.

Thank you for reading!

[Author – Writing Ant, 글개미]

[Translator – Irving]

[Proofreader – Mayank]