Chapter 784

“Raon, don’t just stand there—sit down.”

Glenn’s sharp gaze cut across the table as he pointed to the seat beside him. His expression made it clear that if Raon hesitated, the Azure Sky Sword might just end up embedded in the table.

“Raon, the food is getting cold.”

The Rector patted the empty chair to his right with a genial smile. Yet beneath that warmth, his eyes held a silent threat—one that promised he’d draw his sword if Raon dared to choose otherwise.

“Hahaha…”

Raon gave an awkward chuckle as his gaze flicked between the two men.

Why are both of them acting like this…?

Glenn and the Rector had clashed like sworn rivals every time they crossed paths. Sword training was one thing—but now they were fighting over who got the seat next to him. He had no idea how to navigate this battlefield.

No, I’ll think about the reason later. Right now, the real problem is… where do I sit?

His bond with his maternal grandfather, Glenn, had grown warmer after many conversations. But the Rector had risen to the position of Leader of the Holy Sword Alliance for his sake—and had guarded him like a silent shadow. Choosing between them wasn’t something he could do lightly.

– What are you doing?! Sit anywhere and grab a fork already! Cough!

Wrath smacked him on the back, the blow stinging more than usual—likely thanks to the Demon King’s newly strengthened soul.

Please, just stay still for a moment!

Raon shoved Wrath away as the latter scratched his back and bit the inside of his cheek.
I can’t decide. What should I do?
The choice felt so agonizing he almost wished he could just fight the Fallen again instead.
Normally, I’d sit next to Sir Rector… no, next to my paternal grandfather…
The Glenn he knew was magnanimous enough not to care about such petty things. But now that he was openly competing with the Rector, sitting beside him would only fan the flames.
Sitting next to my maternal grandfather isn’t any better.

The Rector still hadn't recovered from his injuries. He had only just regained consciousness, and sitting next to Glenn might cause him emotional distress.

Ugh...

As Raon held his forehead and frowned, he heard someone approaching from outside the dining room.

"I've brought the stew."

That voice wasn't Helen's or any of the other maids', but it sounded very familiar.

"Huh?"

When Raon turned around quickly, he saw Merlin entering the dining room, elegantly dressed in a maid's uniform and carrying a bowl of stew.

"Hellooooo!"

Wrath shouted as he jumped away from Merlin.

– T-This is it! That’s why I felt that chill! It’s because of that crazy woman!

Wrath hid behind Raon, claiming that he had finally understood.

“M–Merlin? What are you doing here…?”

Raon exhaled sharply as he looked at Merlin.

“I was just helping with a task.”

Merlin explained that she had been preparing food with the maids because she had nothing else to do, while carefully placing the stew on the table.

“I made it with your mother.”

She smiled and said that it would surely be delicious as she settled into an empty seat.

“It seemed like you were having trouble deciding where to sit…”

Merlin tilted her old woman’s mask just enough to reveal her red lips.

“Do you want to sit here?”

She smoothed the skirt of her maid uniform, as if suggesting he take a seat on her lap.

“Ahem!”

“Mmm…”

Glenn and the Rector, who had been staring at Raon, simultaneously turned their heads away as if embarrassed.

“Eek!!”

Sylvia’s cheeks flushed red as she blinked rapidly.

“Son! How on earth did you manage to captivate that crazy… I mean, Merlin?”

Edgar’s eyes widened in disbelief.

“I do not know either…”

Raon shook his head and sighed.

“I am just joking. Although you would have been welcome to sit here.”

Merlin clicked her tongue as if disappointed and stood up.

“Enjoy your time with your family.”

Contrary to expectations, she left the dining room after saying those words. Raon narrowed his eyes as he watched the somewhat lonely line of Merlin’s back.

That girl…

Although Merlin usually launched one–sided attacks, she strangely kept her distance when it involved his family. Family seemed to hold a special meaning for her.

Now that I think about it, I do not really know what happened to Merlin.

Aside from what he had seen through Rokta’s memories and what was publicly known, he knew very little. Having received much help from her, he wanted to hear her story if the chance arose.

“Raon.”
“Raon.”

As soon as Merlin disappeared, Glenn and the Rector called him again, each pointing to the empty seat beside them. Neither seemed willing to concede.

– P–Please! Sit wherever you want. This King feels like he is going to die of old age. Cough!

Wrath also pleaded with Raon to sit anywhere as he clutched his stomach.

Mmm…

Just as Raon was about to force his trembling feet to move while gritting his teeth…

“Enough already, everyone! Why can you not act your age and stop making things difficult for the boy?”

Sylvia rose boldly, slamming her hands on the table.

“Raon! That is enough! Sit next to me.”

She called him over while frowning at both the Rector and Glenn.

“Ahem…”
“No, I was just…”

Glenn and the Rector lowered their gazes, looking faintly embarrassed.

“Huh? Where am I supposed to go then?”

Edgar, seated beside Sylvia, blinked in confusion.

“You should have stepped in when you saw the boy struggling! How could you just sit there and watch?”

Sylvia kicked Edgar with her brows lowered.

“Ugh…”

Unable to withstand the sudden blow, Edgar toppled from his chair and rolled onto the floor.

“Son, come sit with Mother.”

Sylvia beckoned gently, the same way she had when he was a child.

– As expected of our mother! Cough!

Wrath threw both arms into the air in triumph, declaring that everything was resolved.

“Yes!”

Raon nodded with a sigh of relief. Although Sylvia’s behavior in moments like this usually made him feel uncomfortable, today it was the best and most ideal action she could have taken.

“Mmm…”
“Ugh…”

As Raon sat down beside Sylvia, Glenn and the Rector clicked their tongues in disappointment. Now that the tense situation had been resolved, their expressions only made him want to laugh.

“Ay.”

Edgar sat on the opposite side, rubbing his waist where Sylvia had kicked him.

“One moment before eating.”

Sylvia reached for the bottle of alcohol placed at the center of the table. She poured drinks for Glenn, Rector, Edgar, and Raon before returning to her seat.

“I want Raon to serve mine.”

“All right.”

Raon nodded and took the bottle, filling Sylvia’s glass.

“Since today is a joyful day, I would like everyone to say a few words. I will start…”

Sylvia lifted the glass that Raon had served her and smiled faintly.

“Our family has been through many hardships, so I hope that from now on we have only happy moments.”

She added that she hoped no one would gain any more wrinkles on their faces, then turned her gaze to Edgar.

“M–Mmm!”

Realizing Sylvia’s intention, Edgar rose from his seat.

“I have been through painful moments, and I am still bearing that pain. Ah, but it is not so bad. Compared to before, this is paradise. Even that bastard Death Knight is too scared to move properly now, so life has become quite comfortable. Everything is thanks to everyone here. Now we just need Sia to wake up, and for the first time, the whole family will be—”

“Edgar. Toasts are supposed to be brief…”

The Rector shook his head, as if embarrassed by his overly talkative son.

“Ah, I am sorry. I will start again. I think Sylvia, Raon, and Sia have endured even worse than I have. From now on, as a father, I want to always make those three smile.”

Edgar clenched his fist as if to demonstrate his sincerity.

“Of course, there is more I want to say. I cannot stop thanking Dad and my father–in–law. It was also surprising that Dad showed up out of the blue…”

“Dad should also say a few words.”

Sylvia cut in, redirecting the moment to the Rector.

“Very well…”

The Rector nodded as he idly turned his glass in his hand.

“All I wish for is one thing: may you all be happy.”

He said that was all, then raised his cup towards Glenn.

“I have many regrets in my life.”

Glenn exhaled sharply as his gaze moved between Sylvia and Raon.

“You are a family that met under the most difficult circumstances, so I hope you do not hurt each other and spend happy moments together without regrets.”

His firm eyes lingered on Raon, as if telling him to make certain of it.

“Everyone talks about happiness, but there will not always be joyful moments. However…”

Raon quietly rose from his chair and turned his gaze to the head of the table.

“With both my grandfathers here, I feel like we can overcome anything.”

As he spoke, Raon raised his cup towards both Glenn and the Rector.

“Ahem!”
“Hmm!”

Their faces flushed red as they cleared their throats, clearly unprepared for their grandson’s sudden praise.

“Son! You are learning to socialize!”

Edgar raised his thumb as if to say well done.

“Of course it is my son!”

Sylvia wrapped Raon in a tight hug, telling him he had done well.

“Eh…?”

Raon blinked, perplexed by her enthusiastic reaction. He had spoken sincerely, not to flatter anyone. The four people at the table, however, seemed to find his bewildered expression endearing, and their smiles grew even warmer.

– I am also glad the family is getting along, but…

Wrath clutched his swollen head and bellowed.

– Can we eat now, please?! Damn humans! This is torture!

* * *

After finishing their meal, Glenn and the Rector headed to the Head of House training grounds for a walk.

“I did not know Sylvia was such a good cook.”

The Rector chuckled softly, saying he had not eaten such a delicious meal in a long time.

“I found out myself not long ago.”

Glenn sighed quietly as he looked at the darkening sky.

“…It seems like we both have many regrets.”

The Rector clicked his tongue as his gaze drifted to the fine sand of the training ground.

They say that as one grows old, the mind lingers only on things to regret.

Glenn shook his head and said that it could not be helped.

“It seems so.”

“…”

The two men stood in silence for a while, gazing at the sunset as if admiring its fading glow.

“The moments I spent teaching Raon here were the happiest for me.”

The Rector’s lips curved into a faint smile. Those were moments, he said, when he had felt true happiness.

“I thought I might live in hell for the rest of my life with only those memories, but I never imagined I would experience even greater joy like this.”

He looked at Glenn with a deeper smile.

“It is thanks to you, my in–law. Thank you. And I am sorry.”

The Rector bowed to Glenn as he spoke his apology.

“I understand. I would have done the same in your place.”

Glenn calmly nodded, saying it was all right.

“And I thank you too, my in–law.”

He exhaled softly as he looked at the Rector.

“Thank you for suppressing the Five Demons and protecting Raon. It was not an easy task; you worked hard.”

Glenn also bowed his head to the Rector, expressing his gratitude. The two men met each other’s eyes and smiled warmly.

“If Sia wakes up now, I would not wish for anything more.”

The tips of the Rector’s fingers trembled as he said that was his last wish.

“Do not say that. We still have to see Raon and Sia get married.”

Glenn shook his head, adding that they should not hurt the children again.

“You are right. I misspoke.”

The Rector gave himself a light smack on the forehead, saying he had spoken foolishly.

“But is the Holy Sword Alliance all right?”

Glenn looked at the Rector with worried eyes.

“I received a response from my disciple stating that there are still no problems.”

The Rector narrowed his eyes as he pulled a letter from his chest.

“Since we did not tell the Fallen and the other Five Demons about the new location of the Holy Sword Alliance, it should be fine for a while.”

He shook his head, saying there was no need to worry for now.

“Even so, problems could arise, so I plan to return as soon as Sia wakes up.”

“That would be best.”

Glenn slightly lowered his brows, as if in agreement.

“Then, there is something I would like to propose to you, my in–law.”

The Rector carefully raised his hand towards Glenn.

“It is about Raon…”

* * *

After finishing the meal, Raon returned to his room with the beaded ice cream box he had received as a gift from Helen.

– Hurry, open it!

Wrath licked his lips at the sight of the cold air seeping through the cracks of the box.

Are you going to eat more after all that?

Raon chuckled softly as he looked at Wrath. He had eaten almost all the food from the dining room, but it seemed his stomach had grown along with his body.

Are you really a glutton?

– Do not compare me to such a hungry beast! Cough!

Wrath quickly shook his head, insisting it was not true.

– Stop saying nonsense and open the box. I am curious to know what kind of ice cream it is! Cough!

No matter how I look at it, you are…

Raon shook his head as he opened the ice cream box. A thin layer of blue frost spread out, revealing four scoops of ice cream inside. Two were mint chocolate and chocolate chip, while the other two were bright yellow, like banana.

– Oooh!

Wrath exclaimed as he took in the sight of all four scoops at once.

– Surviving is a reward! Cough! Let us go! Eat! Cough!

Which one first?

– Of course, the mint chocolate! Ah, no, should we try the new product first? But they say the old is gold, so perhaps the mint chocolate…

The demon waved his arms, unable to make a quick decision.

If you are not going to choose, I will. We have eaten mint chocolate many times already.

Just as Raon was about to try the new product first…

[<Wrath> has achieved soul growth through a new emotion.]
[You have achieved a great accomplishment.]
[All stats increase by 30 points.]
[Trait…]

Suddenly, reward messages appeared before his eyes.

– What the hell?! Why is this happening all of a sudden? Cough!

Wrath opened his eyes wide, saying he did not understand.

Mmm…

Raon squinted as he looked at the message.

It seems like a reward for your soul growth this time?

– No, I mean why is it giving it to you?

Wrath shouted, demanding to know what the hell it was doing.

How am I supposed to know if you ask me that?

– Damn it! It is clear it is doing this on purpose!

The demon gritted his teeth and said he would destroy the System as soon as he returned to the Devildom.

Now that I think about it, I have not checked the rewards I received before either.

Raon chuckled softly as he recalled the reward messages he had received after the war ended.

– Ugh…

Wrath’s eyes trembled as the message windows appeared, blocking his view.

There are so many. Well, I did a lot… huh?

Raon, who had been smiling while looking at the messages, suddenly widened his eyes.

This reward is…

***

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]