Chapter 723

"Clothes?"

Raon's eyes widened as he looked at the clothes inside the luxurious box. It was formal attire with a harmonious blend of black and gold, exuding elegant sophistication in its splendor.

'So, Mother's is...?'

He turned his gaze to the right. Sylvia's box contained a white dress with intricate golden embroidery.

"Ah..."

She also seemed bewildered, looking at the dress with a stunned expression.

Bah!

Wrath moved his round fist as if he were displeased.

It's all inedible! Well, that tasteless old man would only send bread to Nadine anyway.

He scoffed, saying it was better this way.

"Hmm..."

Ignoring Wrath's chatter, Raon examined the formal attire and the dress once again.

'Why did he give us clothes?'

He expected Glenn to give a reward for the life-or-death battle and the war, but he didn't anticipate receiving ordinary clothes instead of an artifact. It was a bit surprising.

"Lord Roenn."

Raon called out to Roenn as he lowered the box containing the formal attire.

"Did the Head of House really send these clothes?"

"Yes. He wishes for you to wear that formal attire and dress to attend today's banquet."

Roenn bowed his head, saying he wouldn't lie about such a matter.

"Ah..."

Sylvia let out a soft sigh as she looked at the hem of the dress. The Zieghart emblem, a flaming sword, was embroidered there, shining even brighter than the golden tablet.

'Mine's the same.'

The same emblem was engraved on the chest of his formal attire, so vivid it seemed like the sword was truly ablaze.

'Including such an emblem...'

Raon swallowed as he touched the Zieghart emblem.

'Does this mean he's going to elevate Mother to the direct line today?'

Yes, that must be it. There seemed to be no other reason to suddenly gift such elaborate formal attire and dress, and request their presence at the banquet, beyond elevating them to the direct line. The Zieghart emblem engraved on the clothes only reinforced this belief.

"R-Raon. This is..."

Sylvia's lips trembled as she hugged the dress affectionately. She seemed to have also understood the significance of Glenn's gift.

"I think you're right."

Raon nodded, meeting Sylvia's eyes.

"It's been discontinued for a while, but originally in Zieghart, there was a custom where parents made their children's first clothes. Your formal attire and dress were made with thread from the Spirit Silkworm."

Roenn smiled slightly, mentioning that Glenn had personally caught the Spirit Silkworm. His words seemed to confirm that Glenn had recognized Raon and Sylvia as part of the direct line.

"Ah..."

Sylvia lowered her head upon hearing it had been discontinued at some point. Naturally, it seemed like she hadn't received her first clothes.

"Then, I'll see you at the banquet."

Roenn bowed respectfully before heading towards the Lord's Mansion.

"Understood."

Raon returned Roenn's bow and then looked at Sylvia.

"It seems we have a lot to prepare. Let's go back."

"Okay."

Sylvia's lips trembled as her eyes welled up with tears. Recently, she had been given the nickname "Red-Eyed Demon Blade," but Raon couldn't see how she resembled a demon blade at all.

"Let's bring Helen and the other maids too."

"Alright..."

Raon firmly held Sylvia's trembling hand as they headed towards the annex building.

* * *

"Did you give it to them?"

Glenn nodded slightly towards Roenn as he entered the audience chamber.

"Yes."

Roenn nodded with a slight smile.

"Did Raon and Sylvia find it strange?"

"Both are quite perceptive, so I believe they understood your intentions, Head of House."

He approached the platform, saying that both Raon and Sylvia had understood the meaning behind the gift of clothes.

"Eh? That can't be true."

Rimmer blinked at Roenn.

"Sylvia maybe, but that kid Raon is as dense as they come. The very definition of clueless!"

He shook his head, saying he had never met anyone as ignorant as Raon.

"That's true."

Sheryl nodded in agreement.

"He's frustrated me more than once because of that."

She sighed, saying Raon was hopelessly dense.

"But in battle, he's more perceptive than anyone."

Roenn chuckled, saying it was quite surprising.

"It's true. In battle, Raon is more perceptive than even me. But..."

Rimmer smiled and waved his hand.

"Oddly, he can't pick up on social situations at all."

He clicked his tongue as he looked towards the platform.

"Maybe it's because someone kept him locked up in the annex since he was young...."

"Hmm..."

"Well..."

Sheryl and Roenn followed Rimmer's gaze and looked at Glenn.

"Ahem!"

Glenn cleared his throat and quickly gestured towards Roenn.

"Did they like the clothes?"

"Yes. Both seemed very happy."

Roenn nodded, saying they had received the gifts with joy.

"Of course they should like them! Who do you think made them?"

Siran, the head of the Council of Elders and the Guild of Five Flowers, snorted.

"I'll say it now, but you went overboard, Head of House. You ask me to take the position of Head of the Council of Elders, but then suddenly demand I return to the Guild of Five Flowers and make the best clothes in just three days. It's absurd."

Siran covered her mouth with a fan adorned with a black butterfly, her refined voice exasperated.

"I have a schedule too, you know. It was too unreasonable."

"Ahem, I'm sorry! But your skills far surpass the current head of the Guild of Five Flowers."

Glenn raised his hand, apologizing for the sudden request.

"I wanted to give those two children the best clothes possible."

"Well, a father's heart is the same, I suppose."

Siran's expression softened slightly, a faint smile appearing on her face.

"But I didn't make Raon and Sylvia's formal attire just for you, Head of House. I wove the thread with hopes for those children's success."

She smiled, saying it wasn't bad despite having worked without sleep or food.

"Then you should rest...."

"Absolutely not!"

Siran shook her head firmly.

"Raon and Sylvia, the most beautiful faces in Zieghart, are wearing my masterpieces. How could I miss that?"

She clenched her fist, declaring she would collapse in the banquet hall if necessary.

"Ahem! Well, yes. Those children are quite pretty and handsome."

Glenn nodded vigorously, seemingly pleased that Raon and Sylvia were praised for their appearance. Rimmer, Sheryl, and Roenn chuckled silently at Glenn's sincere smile.

* * *

"Hmm?"

Raon moved his arms and legs, trying on the formal attire he received from Roenn.

'Surprisingly comfortable for being formal wear.'

Normally, formal wear prioritized splendor like a peacock's feathers, making it uncomfortable to wear, but this attire allowed for easy movement like training clothes. It was a strange garment, being both the most splendid and comfortable.

What's so amazing about it? It's not even tasty!

Wrath muttered that the clothes were unnecessary, shaking his head.

'But we need these clothes to go to the banquet and eat delicious food, you know?'

Oh! Then it's essential!

The gluttonous creature repeatedly muttered that it was essential, as if he had transformed into Dorian.

'I'm so simple.'

Raon chuckled as he walked out of the room.

"Wow..."

"Young Master! You could ascend to heaven right now!"

"The clothes don't overshadow your face, and your face doesn't overshadow the clothes. It fits you perfectly!"

"The handsome Raon...."

The maids in casual clothes smiled brightly, saying he was dazzling. Thanks to Ensia, they had also become accustomed to using the term "handsome."

"Um, Young Master...."

Helen, who had been standing in a state of awe, approached cautiously.

"Can we really come too?"

She lowered her head, seeming worried about attending the banquet.

"It's okay. You're family."

Raon smiled, meeting Helen's trembling gaze. The maids were family who had gone through hardships together, and he wanted them to share the moment when Sylvia was elevated to the direct line.

"Young Master...."

Helen and the maids pressed their lips together, their eyes reddening.

"Don't cry. You'll ruin your makeup."

Sylvia shook her head as she descended the stairs. She was wearing the dress received from Roenn, and strangely, the gaze focused more on Sylvia's face than the elaborate dress.

"My Lady!"

"You're truly beautiful!"

"The dress doesn't even compare to your face!"

"Super beautiful! Super beautiful!"

The maids crowded around Sylvia, chirping like sparrows.

"Thank you. You're beautiful too."

Sylvia smiled as she hugged each of the maids.

"If you're ready, let's go."

"Yes."

Raon opened the door first and went out. After loading the maids and Sylvia into the prepared carriage, they headed towards the main building. For some reason, the laughter didn't cease inside the carriage.

As Raon listened to Sylvia and the maids' chatter, the carriage had already arrived in front of the main building. He could see people entering the Lord's Mansion one by one to attend the banquet.

"Let's go in too."

"Yes, My Lady."

Sylvia led the maids towards the Lord's Mansion. As she was about to enter the banquet hall, a man standing in the right corridor blocked their path.

"Hmm..."

It was Sterick, a direct line executive who followed Karoon. He hesitated for a moment, seemingly surprised by Sylvia's appearance, then shook his head.

"Are those maids behind you?"

"Yes."

Sylvia nodded, stepping forward as if to protect Helen and the maids.

"Then why are they wearing banquet dresses instead of maid uniforms?"

Sterick frowned, as if he couldn't understand.

"I asked them to come with me."

Sylvia took another step forward, raising her gaze with pride.

"This is absurd. Even if there are no restrictions on attendance, bringing maids... I wonder what's going through your head."

Sterick looked at Sylvia and the maids back and forth with an expression of disdain.

"Ha!"

As Raon was about to step forward with a frown, Sylvia extended her hand and approached Sterick as if she were going to grab his neck.

"Shut your mouth. Unless you want that neck to come off."

She no longer tolerated the insult. Sylvia exuded an overwhelming aura, pressing her opponent with her crimson eyes gleaming. The Red-Eyed Demon Blade. Her determination to protect the annex was clearly visible.

"Ugh! How dare you, in a place like this?!"

Sterick's lips trembled as he stepped back. Just as he was about to call the swordsmen to prevent them from entering at all costs...

"Let them in."

Karoon, who had approached from behind, pushed Sterick aside and opened the door to the banquet hall.

"K-Karoon, sir?"

"The Leader of the Shadow Agents said that anyone could attend the banquet, without specifying qualifications. That means anyone can enter, so you have no right to object."

Karoon looked at Sterick with a cold gaze.

"I-I'm sorry."

Sterick pressed his back against the wall, his chin trembling, as if he couldn't refute Karoon's words.

"Thank you."

"..."

Karoon didn't give any response. He looked at Sylvia and Raon once each before entering the banquet hall.

"Raon. I'll see you inside."

Burren, who had been standing behind him, greeted him and headed towards the banquet hall.

'Why does that guy act like that?'

Raon narrowed his eyes as he watched Karoon's back. It was disconcerting that someone who would normally bring a rock to block the path was actually helping.

'Does he have some other plan?'

But Karoon didn't seem to have any ulterior motives. He just exuded an elevated aura, like bamboo.

"You heard him too. No need to hesitate. Walk with pride!"

Sylvia patted the maids on their backs and entered the banquet hall first.

"Yes!"

The maids, feeling Sylvia's determination, followed her with confident steps. Raon entered the banquet hall last, with a slight smile.

"Wow..."

"Is that really Sylvia?"

"So the rumors about her being the most beautiful woman in Zieghart's history weren't exaggerated."

"Whose dress is that? It perfectly complements her beauty..."

The people enjoying the banquet couldn't close their mouths, stunned by Sylvia's appearance.

"Raon is no less than Sylvia."

"No less? He's even more!"

"No wonder they coined the term 'handsome' for him."

"He's been famous for his appearance since he was young, after all."

The swordsmen of Zieghart couldn't take their eyes off Raon, who was walking behind Sylvia as if protecting her, and could only let out sighs. Raon accepted the attention calmly and examined the banquet hall. Since it was after the funeral, the banquet hall wasn't overly luxurious, but it was filled with warm colors, making him feel at ease.

Ooh!

Wrath let out an exclamation as if he were about to faint.

This is the most food I've ever seen at a banquet!

True to his words, countless dishes were arranged like a buffet around the edges of the banquet hall. The colors and aromas emanating from the food made his mouth water involuntarily.

"Raon. Tasty."

Runaan greeted him, her arms full of ice cream balls. Judging by the bulge in the stomach area of her dress, it seemed like she had already eaten her fill.

"Tch. Why am I here...?"

Martha was leaning against the wall, looking displeased. Her head was downcast, as if she were ashamed of her white dress, and she was frowning.

"…"

Burren remained silent behind Karoon, and it seemed like the distance between them had shortened a bit.

"Division Leader! Try this!"

Dorian was beaming with his cheeks puffed out, having apparently tried all the food from the buffet once. He looked happier than ever.

Let's go too!

Wrath waved his hands towards the food, drooling.

'What looks good?'

This king wants to start with that beef tartare at the end!

He clicked his lips, saying you should start with cold dishes at a buffet.

'You have strange knowledge.'

Raon was about to head towards the beef tartare with a slight smile when...

"The North of the Sky, Head of House Glenn Zieghart, is entering!"

The doors to the banquet hall opened simultaneously, revealing Glenn.

"We greet the Head of House!"

Raon knelt down along with the others.

"Everyone, rise."

Glenn ascended the platform in the banquet hall and looked calmly down.

"Are you enjoying the banquet?"

"Yes!"

Everyone in the banquet hall gave the expected response, bowing their heads.

We can't enjoy it because of you, old man!

Wrath was the only one to rebel, raising his round fist.

"That's good."

Glenn nodded with a slight smile.

"This banquet was held to alleviate the fatigue of war, but there is a more important reason."

He raised his finger to point at Raon and Sylvia.

"Sylvia Zieghart and Raon Zieghart, step forward."

Glenn called out to Raon and Sylvia immediately, seemingly with no intention of prolonging things.

"Yes."

Raon met Sylvia's eyes before positioning himself in front of the platform.

"I made a promise to the Leader of the Light Wind Division before."

Glenn looked out the dark window with his hands behind his back.

"I said I would elevate Sylvia to the direct line if she survived the life-or-death battle with the Roman Axe King."

He turned his gaze to meet Raon's eyes.

"I thought it was impossible, but the Leader of the Light Wind Division defeated the Roman Axe King and elevated the name of Zieghart."

Glenn nodded towards Raon as if he were proud.

"Furthermore, he survived the dirty ambush of the South-North Union and even blocked the sword that was aimed at me. After that..."

He vividly described the battles he had seen and experienced personally before the swordsmen in the banquet hall. Even those who weren't present were on the edge of their seats.

"Raon Zieghart has accomplished feats that far surpass my promise. Therefore..."

Glenn displayed the most admiring look he had ever had towards Raon and Sylvia.

"I elevate Sylvia Zieghart and Raon Zieghart to the top of the direct line, expand the territory of the annex building to twice its current size, and grant Raon Zieghart one wish."

He nodded calmly as if he were willing to fulfill anything, and handed the golden tablets possessed by members of the direct line to Raon and Sylvia.

"Thank you."

Raon and Sylvia bowed their heads to Glenn with trembling voices.

"Woooooah!"

"You finally made it!"

"Raon! Well done!"

"Division Leader!"

The executives and swordsmen of the Light Wind Division who were normally close to them applauded and cheered. The music that resonated in the banquet hall changed to a more lively tone.

"My Lady!"

"Young Master!"

The maids cried as if their wishes had been fulfilled just by witnessing this moment of Raon and Sylvia's elevation to the direct line.

"You're officially my nephew now!"

Balder gave a thumbs up as if to say "well done."

"Congratulations, Raon, Sylvia."

Denier nodded as he applauded.

"…"

Karoon, who would normally have tried to interfere in any way possible, remained silent. With him quiet, the other direct line executives couldn't say anything either and stood frozen as if they were stunned. Raon clenched his fist as he felt the atmosphere of the banquet hall turn festive. His heart was beating so hard it felt like it might burst.

'I've finally achieved a goal.'

Direct line status might be a trivial thing given at birth for some, but for him and Sylvia, it was an aspiration they had to fulfill. He was overwhelmed with joy at having achieved this goal amidst everyone's blessings. He began to feel confident that he could also fulfill his revenge of killing Derus.

"Thank you. Thank you very much."

Sylvia bowed her head. Finally, she couldn't hold back and shed tears.

"Thank you."

Raon bowed his head as he held Sylvia's hand.

"But is territory and a wish enough? Hey, nephew! I'll send you some gold coins!"

Balder waved his hand excitedly, saying he would send some money.

"Hey, shut up! Raon is my nephew!"

Alice jumped up and approached Raon's side.

"Now that you're officially my nephew, call me aunt."

She reddened her eyes as if she wanted to hear it immediately.

"For a moment, uncle sounds good too."

Balder clicked his lips as if he wanted to hear the word "uncle" first.

"R-Raon."

"Hey, hey!"

"Hehehe! Shouldn't grandpa come first?"

Rimmer, Sheryl, and Roenn pointed at Glenn, who was displaying a frosty gaze.

"Can't you call me mom just for today?"

Sylvia also leaned in, saying she wanted to hear the word "mom" now that she had become part of the direct line.

"Aunt!"

"Uncle…!"

"Grandpa!"

"Mom!"

Burning gazes were directed from four directions along with the titles they wanted to hear.

"Uh…"

Raon's eyes moved back and forth faster than ever.

***

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

Thank you for reading!

[Author – Writing Ant, 글개미]

[Translator – MurimTang]

[Proofreader – Mayank]