Chapter 741

"Did you say there was a guest?"

Raon blinked as he looked at Glenn.

"That's right."

Glenn nodded and rested his chin on his fist.

"It seems they entered the Hall of Self after hearing the news of our return to Zieghart."

He murmured that the timing overlapped as he glanced back at Chad.

"Hmm..."

Raon narrowed his eyes as he examined the documents in Chad's hand.

"Who entered?"

From what he had heard from Alice, the Hall of Self wasn't a space anyone could use. Entry was only allowed for those with sufficient achievements, but so many people had distinguished themselves in this war that he couldn't guess who might have entered.

"It probably wasn't someone from the direct lineage."

Since there was only one chance to enter the Hall of Self, swordsmen of the direct lineage usually entered just before becoming a Master or Grand Master to surpass their current level. Most of the direct lineage members he knew had already entered the Hall of Self, so he was even more unsure about the identity.

"Can you tell me who entered?"

Raon lowered his posture as he looked back at Glenn.

"It's the Master of the Central Martial Palace."

Glenn immediately mentioned Karoon's name, as if it wasn't difficult to figure out.

"The Central Martial Palace...?"

Raon swallowed as he lowered his gaze.

"Hadn't he entered until now?"

A wry smile escaped Raon's lips, as he hadn't even considered Karoon as a candidate, assuming he would have already entered.

"Karoon has always been stubborn and proud in strange ways since he was young. He wouldn't listen even when others tried to stop him."

A clear light filtered into Glenn's eyes. He seemed to be reminiscing about Karoon's past.

"That stubbornness worked terribly in his pursuit of power, but it seems it has been completely effective in his martial arts."

He looked at Raon with a slight smile.

"Since he said he found a definitive clue, that guy will probably have reached transcendence when he comes out of the room."

"Transcendence..."

Hearing that Karoon, who had the worst personality, would surely reach transcendence, irritation took over Raon's chest.

"Karoon certainly committed unforgivable acts. However..."

Glenn's voice turned cold, as if he were punishing a criminal.

"He has been in seclusion for a year, and he risked his life to save the family. That's why I'm considering bringing him back. What do you think?"

He lowered his gaze, as if asking Raon's opinion.

"I will follow the Head of House's decision."

Raon slowly bowed his head.

"I guess this can be considered as paying the debt."

Sylvia had said that thanks to Karoon's arrival, the maids and children were able to survive. Raon decided to let it go without finding fault with his reinstatement, without needing to express gratitude for that incident.

"The Hall of Self is a privilege that was originally granted to him, regardless of that, so don't think badly of it."

"I understand."

Raon bowed his head with a calm look.

"Then, can I enter after the Central Martial Palace comes out in a month?"

"That won't work either."

Glenn slowly shook his head.

"While one person can stay in the Hall of Self for a month, once it's used, the room needs a rest period."

He lowered his eyebrows, saying it wasn't a place that could be entered immediately after another.

"If Karoon reaches transcendence as I expect, he will need more than half a year of rest."

He said that since the rest period is determined by the user's level, it could even be next year if it takes longer.

–I see how this works.

Wrath settled on Raon's shoulder and waved his hand.

–It seems like a room that forcibly puts you in a state of enlightenment. Of course, a room like that needs to rest! If you keep using it nonstop, everything will break!

"You're just worried about the food!"

This demon king wasn't worried about the Hall of Self, but about himself, only being able to eat Nadine's bread if he entered. Raon frowned as he remembered Karoon's cold expression.

"He's really not a helpful person at all."

He couldn't understand why Karoon had chosen to enter now and waste his time. A sigh escaped him in frustration.

"Aside from the rest period..."

Glenn leaned forward, lowering the hand that had been holding his chin.

"I don't recommend you enter the Hall of Self right now."

He shook his head with a calm expression, as if conveying his sincere opinion.

"Didn't you tell me to enter before?"

"Because the you then and the you now are different."

Glenn drew a small wall with his finger.

"As you know, the best time to enter the Hall of Self is when you've reached a wall."

He curved his eyes as he built a slightly larger wall.

"You certainly have a wall in front of you, but it's not the wall of transcendence. It's the wall of reaching the limit of a Grand Master."

Glenn slowly lowered his hand, saying that there was still some distance before reaching the wall of transcendence.

"If you enter now, you will reach the peak of Grand Master, but if you enter after reaching that peak, you will surely be able to touch transcendence."

He showed a gentle smile, as if telling Raon to be patient for a while.

"Of course, you will need to understand the clue to reach transcendence before that."

"What is this clue you're referring to?"

Raon clasped his hands. Glenn had also mentioned a clue when talking about Karoon's entry into the Hall of Self.

"It's the clue of what kind of Transcendent Warrior you want to become."

Glenn's eyes shone with an intense light, as if they were filled with rays.

"To reach transcendence, you need to choose the concept that best suits you from the many materials you have accumulated to the peak of Grand Master."

He let out a deep voice, saying that Raon would understand when the time came.

"I see..."

Raon bit his lip deeply.

"I hadn't even thought of something like a clue."

He had thought that simply entering the Hall of Self would allow him to reach transcendence, but it seemed it was still too much to expect.

"Don't be impatient."

Glenn leaned back deeply on his throne, lowering his hand to the armrest.

"As I said in the conference room, the leader of the Five Demons can't move. There's still plenty of time to strengthen yourself. And..."

He lifted his chin with a confident smile.

"I'm here."

"Ah..."

The words "I'm here" hit Raon's mind like a bolt of lightning, etching themselves deeply.

"I will shield you from the rain until you and the other children grow up, so don't worry."

Glenn placed his hand on the hilt of the Heavenly Tremor sword, saying that Zieghart would not fall.

"Become stronger. Not just alone, but together with your comrades."

He advised that future battles could not be fought alone, urging Raon to grow alongside everyone.

"I understand."

Hearing Glenn's words of protection, Raon's impatience subsided. He decided to become stronger at his own pace, even if it took a little longer.

"However..."

Glenn lightly tapped his lips as he stroked his chin.

"Since your achievements so far are not insignificant, I will oversee your training for a while."

He lightly tapped the Heavenly Tremor sword, saying he would personally teach the art of the sword.

"Are you serious?"

"Yes."

"...Thank you."

Raon immediately bowed his head. Every time he received Glenn's teachings, his achievements rose to an incredible degree, making it a fortuitous encounter that surpassed the Hall of Self.

–Y-I could also teach you if you asked me...?

Wrath suddenly waved his round hand as if suggesting that Raon should trust him.

"What?"

–I'm saying I can take care of you as well as that old man.

Raon couldn't understand why this guy was suddenly acting like this. He ignored him for now.

"It's just a reward."

Glenn waved his hand dismissively, as if it were nothing special.

"Come to the Head of House's training ground starting at midnight tomorrow."

"Understood."

Raon bowed again and stood up.

"Then..."

As Raon withdrew to return to the annex building, Glenn's eyes wavered, seeming regretful unlike before. Roenn, who was below the platform, also moved his fingers as if he wanted something to be done.

"If you haven't eaten yet..."

Raon stepped forward again, swallowing.

"Would you like to have dinner together at the annex?"

He bowed, mentioning that Sylvia and the maids had prepared a lot of food.

–Why are you inviting that old man?

Wrath shook his head.

–He likes Nadine's bread. Tell him to eat Nadine's bread alone!

The little one shook his head, saying there was no food to give Glenn.

–Grr!

"There's enough to feed you and still have leftovers. Don't worry."

After calming the grumpy Wrath, Raon looked at Glenn. Glenn's eyes widened in surprise, as if he hadn't expected to be invited to dinner.

"Ahem, if I've been invited, I have no choice!"

Contrary to his words of having no choice, he jumped off his throne.

"Of course you should go. You've been invited."

Roenn laughed loudly, saying it would be rude to refuse.

"Um, Head of House?"

Chad blinked, dropping the documents he was holding.

"I'll hear the report after I get back."

Glenn told Chad they would see each other tomorrow and left the audience chamber with Raon. The distance between the two had gotten a little closer than before.

"As expected, the future is with him!"

Chad curved the corners of his mouth as he watched the grandfather and grandson leave together.

"I did well to establish connections from the beginning!"

Unaware of Raon's true feelings, he rejoiced alone as he returned.

* * *

Meanwhile, Raon returned to the annex with Glenn. Several appetizing aromas emanated from the kitchen, indicating that the food was ready.

–Wow! There's stew, pizza, and even grilled lamb chops! All my favorites!

Wrath smiled, recognizing all the dishes just by their aromas. Raon looked at Glenn behind the dancing Wrath. Glenn's shoulders were slightly tense, as if he were a little nervous.

"Let's go to the dining room."

As Raon guided Glenn to the dining room, he saw not only Sylvia and the maids, but also the Torn Saint, Federick, sitting there.

"Ah, Father?"

Sylvia stood up suddenly, startled by Glenn's sudden appearance.

"G-Greetings to the Head of House!"

The maids also knelt down, nervous.

"That's enough."

Glenn waved his hand, saying that greetings weren't necessary.

"I brought him because you said it was before dinner."

Raon explained as he guided Glenn to the main seat.

"Ah! Then, welcome!"

Sylvia smiled and pulled out a chair for Glenn to sit on.

"Well, well, the lazy ass actually came."

Federick smiled as he looked at Glenn.

"Why are you here?"

Glenn frowned as he looked at Federick, who was leaning back in his chair.

"The Saint came to look for Raon, so I invited him to dinner."

Sylvia smiled as she stood next to the Saint.

"Ahem!"

"Hmph!"

The two men, each invited by Raon and Sylvia respectively, cleared their throats and frowned at each other.

"We've prepared a lot. Please enjoy the meal, everyone."

As Sylvia clapped, the maids approached the table with steaming dishes.

–Ooooh!

Wrath opened his nostrils, his expression one of ecstasy.

–The smell is incredible.

The little one seemed to completely forget about Glenn in front of the food, licking his lips repeatedly.

"This is liquor obtained from the south."

Raon took out an elegant liquor bottle and poured it first into Glenn's glass.

"Hmph!"

Glenn curved the corners of his mouth as he pointed his glass toward Federick, as if rejoicing at receiving the first glass.

"Childish boy..."

Federick let out a wry laugh as he received the second glass from Raon, as if he were stunned. Raon poured drinks for everyone at the table before returning to his seat.

"Today is a welcome party for Raon and the children. Please enjoy yourselves, everyone."

The meal began with Sylvia's gentle applause.

–That one, bring it here! There's pasta inside the bread!

Wrath extended his round hand, seemingly attracted to the pane pasta.

–Next is the grilled garlic shrimp. Take out five!

"Wait."

Raon pushed aside Wrath, who had raised his hand like a bolt of lightning, and first served stew to Glenn, Federick, and Sylvia.

"Ahem!"

Glenn raised his bowl of stew toward Federick, as if showing off that he had received it first again.

"Why are you really acting like this..."

Federick shook his head in exasperation.

–Me too. I want to eat too!

"Alright, alright. Stop yelling."

Raon sighed and twisted the pasta that Wrath wanted on his fork, putting it in his mouth.

–Mmm! The cream is smooth but flavorful, it naturally stimulates the appetite!

Wrath immediately began to critique as soon as he tasted the pane pasta. Of course, his vocabulary was terrible compared to his excessive appetite.

"As expected, the annex food is the best."

Glenn and Federick also enjoyed their meal with slight smiles, seemingly pleased with the food.

"Ahem."

As the dishes on the table were nearly finished, Federick put down his cutlery and let out a small burp.

"Before coming here, I went to see the ones they captured."

"How was it?"

Raon asked as he put down the lamb chop he had finished.

"It was the same kind of brainwashing as the children you rescued. It was all Derus's doing."

Federick trembled with both fists, seeming genuinely angry.

"Can you remove the brainwashing and the Fury Worm?"

Glenn cast a sharp glance as he wiped his mouth with a napkin.

"Brainwashing is difficult. The children were only affected for a short time, but those guys have been brainwashed their whole lives. However..."

Federick nodded toward Raon.

"There's no choice but to use pain strong enough to expel the brainwashing. Raon demonstrated that."

"And what about the Fury Worm?"

"It can be removed. It will come with intense pain, but there's no need to be lenient with those guys."

He smiled and shook the dust off his hands, as if saying to trust him and leave it to him.

"Are the children okay now?"

Sylvia bit her lip with worried eyes.

"As I said before, thanks to all of you, everyone has returned to their original state. There's no need to worry now."

Federick smiled, saying it was thanks to Sylvia and the maids who took care of the children.

"Ugh..."

Raon let out a deep, heavy sigh that had been building up in his chest.

"Thank God."

The brainwashed children were like him in his past life, so he desperately wanted to save them. Hearing that they were completely healed, he finally let out a sigh of relief.

"Raon. Has your intention to support what the children want to do changed?"

Federick leaned forward with a serious look in his eyes.

"Yes. It's still the same."

"Then it will be difficult from now on."

He curved the corners of his mouth.

"Most of them say they want to become swordsmen like you."

"What do you mean..."

"Those children have seen Raon Zieghart's biography with their own eyes and have grown up listening about your exploits. You're practically their idol."

Federick wagged his finger, telling Raon to wait a little.

"The children keep calling your name."

Sylvia nodded with a smile.

"It's true. Even when we visit them, they only talk about the Young Master."

"It's enough to make one jealous."

"Raon Zieghart's biography has almost become a bible for them."

The maids also smiled softly, affirming the sincerity of the children.

"Ahem!"

Glenn cleared his throat, his mouth moving as if he were pleased that the children only looked up to his grandson and considered him an idol.

"Glenn. Now that the children are growing up, there are more things they need..."

Federick licked his lips, indicating that more support was needed.

"Double it."

Without any hesitation, Glenn immediately nodded, saying he would double the budget.

"D-Double? Seriously?"

Federick's eyes widened in surprise at the immediate answer.

"Thank you, Father."

Sylvia bowed her head with a slight smile.

"N-No problem."

Glenn removed the hand covering his mouth and quickly turned his head. Raon smiled silently, watching Glenn and Sylvia get a little closer.

"I hope they'll be a little happier..."

Just as Raon hoped that the two people who were close but distant would become more intimate, Wrath suddenly jumped in front of their eyes.

–What are you doing? This king is still hungry!

"To think this thing is a demon king..."

* * *

On the top of the Rudan Mountains, the highest in the continent, where even dragons avoid, The Fallen, wearing the mask of a handsome young man, descended to White Flower Peak. He advanced with elegant steps, as if taking a stroll through the snowfield where one couldn't see an inch ahead.

As The Fallen approached the edge of the peak, the Severing Sword, wearing the helmet of a Death Knight, emerged from the black snowstorm.

He lowered his eyes, which were frozen colder than the Rudan Mountains.

"You've sunk even lower."

The Fallen smiled slightly as he looked into the Severing Sword's eyes. The Severing Sword didn't say anything, only biting his lip tightly.

"I've come to see him. Please step aside."

The Severing Sword looked at The Fallen for a moment before slowly stepping to the right. The Fallen nodded to the Severing Sword and entered the black storm.

Whooooosh...

Surprisingly, not a single gust of wind blew inside the storm, and on the ground, instead of snow, flowers and vegetation that seemed to exude spring were scattered everywhere. It looked like the legendary Peach Blossom Spring where immortals live apart from the mundane world.

"It's been a while since I saw you."

The Fallen shook his sleeves, which were free of snow, and cast a sharp glance towards the back of the man sitting in the center of the garden.

"Heavenly Demon."

***

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]