The Reincarnated Assassin is a Genius Swordsman 790
Chapter 790
"The Thespian Emperor has arrived?"
Raon frowned as he looked at Dorian, who was smacking his lips.
"Yes! I heard that she arrived at the front gate just a while ago!"
Dorian nodded, saying that all the swordsmen outside were talking about the Thespian Emperor.
"Well, take care of the bread first."
Raon pointed at the bread crumbs hanging on Dorian's chin.
"Oh, yes!"
Dorian chuckled and stuffed all the crumbs on his face into his mouth.
Whatever kind of bread that is, it looks delicious….
Wrath smacked his lips, saying he was craving bread.
Bring some bread for the King of Essence as well! He’s so hungry that his head is spinning! Cough!
'All I have is nadine bread, but if you don’t mind that….'
No, no need! The King of Essence shall keep his mouth shut until dinner!
He shouted that he'd pass and fled into the ice flower bracelet.
"Did the Thespian Emperor come alone?"
Raon let out a brief sigh and looked at Dorian again.
"No. I heard she came with her subordinates this time."
Dorian shook his head, saying she didn’t come alone like last time.
“The reason for requesting an audience with the head of house?”
“That, I don't know either.”
He shrugged, saying he came right away as soon as he heard about the Thespian Emperor's arrival.
"Since the foreign minister Illiune has sent a message to the head of house, they should be coming in soon."
Dorian pointed towards the front gate, murmuring that the atmosphere wasn’t bad.
"I suppose so."
Although there had been minor issues with the Five Divine Orders, they weren’t enemies, so there was no reason to refuse the visit.
"The Thespian Emperor…."
Rector stroked his chin and turned his gaze toward the front gate of Zieghart.
"Did she perhaps have a fortuitous encounter in the meantime?"
He squinted his eyes as if he already sensed the Thespian Emperor's presence.
"If you say a fortuitous encounter, could it be...."
Raon looked at Rector with wide eyes.
"Yes. Seeing that she has grown in a short period, it seems she has gained a great enlightenment."
Rector nodded, saying that the Thespian Emperor's energy had become remarkably stronger.
"Can a Transcender gain enlightenment that easily?"
"The realm of Transcendence is mysterious. One may gain nothing in ten years, or reach a higher place by gaining enlightenment in ten seconds."
He smiled thinly, saying it was a most unfair world.
"But why the sudden visit from the Thespian Emperor…."
"Probably to assess the worth of the Five Divine Orders."
Raon lowered his eyebrows, placing his hand on the sword hilt.
He didn’t know how much the Thespian Emperor had grown, but he could guess why she had come.
"Currently, the Five Emperors and Five Demons are clashing across the entire continent. Wars are breaking out among the small and medium factions that follow them. In such circumstances...."
He exhaled a murky breath as he looked toward the front gate of Zieghart with Rector.
"The value of the Five Divine Orders, who possess Transcenders and Grandmasters, is immense. Which side they support could change the outcome of the war."
"Indeed."
Rector nodded as if in agreement.
"Moreover, the Five Divine Orders have lost much of their fame and influence
due to the previous Holy Sword Alliance’s master’s attack. They won't miss this opportunity to raise their own stature."
"You seem to have figured it all out."
He smiled softly, looking proud of his grandson.
"Because it’s obvious."
Raon scratched the back of his head, shaking his head.
Knowing what kind of person the Thespian Emperor Ariel was, understanding her mindset wasn’t that difficult.
"Considering the current situation, it’s right to accept the Thespian Emperor's proposal as long as it’s not overly burdensome. But…."
Raon lifted the corners of his mouth as he looked at Rector.
"The situation has changed. No one knows that Zieghart and the Holy Sword Alliance are now allied."
The Thespian Emperor would play both the Five Kings and the Five Devils against each other to increase the Five Divine Order’s value, and under normal circumstances, they would have no choice but to respond to that deal.
But since the Holy Sword Alliance’s master, Rector, was his biological grandfather, and only in name was he affiliated with the Five Demons, her scheme was nothing but an illusion.
"Exactly."
Rector chuckled as if he found the situation amusing.
"Of course, we mustn’t mention your name here, grandfather. There’ll likely be an order within the family to keep this quiet as well."
Raon put his finger to his lips, saying it must absolutely be kept secret.
"No one outside knows either."
The Dragon Lord was too focused on himself, who used wrath energy, to notice Rector, and the Fallen was beheaded and killed.
Even if he did revive, it would take time, so it was information no one could know for the time being.
"If I am to go along with your plan, I should conceal my presence as well."
Rector smacked his lips, rapidly reducing his presence to the point where he could hardly be sensed, even though he was right there.
"Thank you for your understanding."
Raon bowed his head to Rector.
"Isn’t it a benefit to everyone involved? And…."
Rector carefully patted Raon’s head.
"There's no need to say thank you among family."
He smiled as if urging him to get used to it.
"Yes…."
"Oh, what was it that you wanted to ask before heading to the Holy Sword Alliance?"
Rector lifted his gaze, as if suddenly remembering.
"I’ll tell you after the Thespian Emperor leaves."
"Very well."
He said to meet at the annex building and left the fifth training ground.
"Wow…."
Dorian let out an exclamation as he watched Rector’s back.
"The division leader’s grandfathers are all so amazing."
"Indeed."
Raon nodded in strong agreement at those words.
"They’re people I could never match."
Even if he eventually caught up to Glenn and Rector's martial power, he felt he could never match their convictions and will.
* * *
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Rumble!
The front gate of Zieghart, thicker as if to say it would never collapse again, opened, and Foreign minister Illiune stepped out.
"Welcome to Zieghart."
Illiune raised his tone and bowed, as if he had been instructed to treat the guest respectfully.
"Thank you for the warm welcome."
The Thespian Emperor Ariel gave a faint smile and bowed her waist.
As she slowly lifted her head, her elegant figure caused the eyes of the guards of the outer fortress to become dazed.
"Ahem!"
Illiune coughed with aura, and the guards, who had lost their focus, regained their senses and straightened their backs.
"We have been rude to our guest."
"It’s fine."
Ariel lightly waved her hand, as if this were a familiar occurrence.
"Please, follow me. I’ll guide you to the main building."
"I’ll be in your care."
She expressed her thanks and followed Illiune along with her subordinates.
"It’s still as beautiful a place as ever."
Ariel softly smiled as she looked around Zieghart’s lush interior.
"It seems even more vibrant than before."
"Thank you for saying so."
Despite receiving a compliment, Illiune simply gave a slight nod without showing much reaction.
As Ariel was engaging in light conversation with Illiune and arrived near the main building, a tall swordsman on the right caught her eye.
"Raon Zieghart?"
The cunning brat who had humiliated her twice before was looking this way.
His noble appearance, as if a halo shone behind him, was the same, but there was something even more surprising.
‘Has he already reached peak Grandmaster level?’
It wasn’t the wall of Transcendence, but he certainly seemed to have reached peak Grandmaster level.
‘Unbelievable….’
Even she, who was praised as heaven's chosen talent, was only at the realm of Master at his age. Raon’s martial talent was almost frightening.
'It reminds me of that drawing.'
She recalled the time she had read Raon's heaven’s flow, only for a demon image to emerge on the tome.
The terror beyond comprehension had made her immediately close the tome, but now she wondered if he had really sold his soul to the demon.
‘However….’
What was truly frightening about him was not his sword but his mind and his tongue.
Having been fooled by him twice, she had no intention of letting it happen again today.
"It’s been a while, leader of the Light Wind division."
The Thespian Emperor smiled warmly at Raon as she looked at him.
"Yes."
Raon merely gave a slight nod, showing little interest.
Although irritation rose inside, she held it back and maintained a smile.
"I heard you were severely injured, but I'm glad you're safe."
"Yes."
Once again, he gave a curt reply, as if uninterested in engaging in conversation.
"I must go see the head of house, so let’s meet again next time."
"……."
Raon simply nodded without replying this time, displaying the height of arrogance.
"This time, I won’t fall for it."
The Thespian Emperor maintained her smile even as she observed Raon's arrogant demeanor.
If she allowed herself to be outsmarted by that guy’s schemes again after being deceived twice, she wouldn’t deserve to be the leader of the White Whale.
"Let’s go."
Maintaining her gentle expression, the Thespian Emperor walked toward Illiune, who was standing a short distance away.
"Ah, yes."
Illiune blinked as if he was more flustered and resumed leading them.
‘Right….’
Ariel let out a calm breath, twisting her lips.
‘I can’t react to something this minor.’
Having suffered much from Raon, her insides ached without realizing, but thanks to prior preparation, she could endure well.
Feeling satisfied with herself, she continued walking, and before she knew it, Zieghart’s main building was in front of her.
"Since the preparations are not yet complete, please wait a moment."
After leading them to a luxurious guest room, Illiune stepped out.
"Haa…."
The leader of the Water Sword squad, Sakan, sat down in a chair with a long sigh.
"It’s not for nothing that House Zieghart is called the ruler of the north. Each of them emits a presence like a lion…"
"Among them, Raon Zieghart stood out the most. Not just his appearance, but the subtle pressure he exuded made my skin tremble."
The leader of the Demon General squad, Beriol, shook his head in disbelief.
"Raon Zieghart’s real weapon isn’t his presence or his sword, but his tongue."
Ariel, set up an energy barrier to ensure no sound escaped, shook her head.
"Never fall for his schemes. Just think of it as a barking puppy and ignore him."
"But he seemed quiet?"
Beriol tilted his head, mentioning that Raon barely spoke.
"He only pretends to be quiet. He’s got an endless number of schemes within him."
Ariel bit her lip, warning them to never let their guard down.
"But I wonder if things will go as planned. Being in Zieghart makes my flesh tremble..."
"It has to go well."
She crossed her long legs and shook her head.
"Currently, not just Zieghart but all of the Five Kings are suffering from manpower shortages. Since battles are breaking out everywhere, they can't send reinforcements. On the other hand, the Five Demons can create non-human troops, so losses will inevitably accumulate on one side."
Ariel laughed, saying it's like a gambling table where the opponent's hand is visible.
"In other words, this is a game we can’t lose."
She clasped her hands with a victorious expression.
"Still, that doesn’t mean we can let our guard down. Stay on your toes."
"Yes!"
As Ariel was spending time emphasizing caution to her subordinates, there was a small knock on the door.
"Come in."
Upon her call, a gentle-looking butler with a kind smile entered and bowed his head. It was Roenn, the assassin known by the alias Assassin King. (previously translated as king of slaughter)
"The preparations are complete."
Roenn, with careful respect, gestured outside.
"Please proceed to the audience chamber."
"Understood."
Ariel tidied her attire and followed Roenn to stand in front of the audience chamber.
Thud, thud, thud!
With a light motion of Roenn’s hand, the heavy door to the audience chamber opened, revealing a blood-red carpet and a platform that soared like a mountain.
On the golden throne set upon the platform sat Glenn, as unshakable as ever, and at his sides, Zieghart’s executives stood with their hands behind their backs, emanating a chilling energy wave.
Raon Zieghart, whom she had seen earlier, was also standing before the right pillar, gazing forward.
Ariel smirked as she looked at Raon.
'Is that why you acted that way?'
She had thought it strange that he was so quiet, but it seemed he had intended to pick a fight here anyway.
Still as cunning as ever, but today was different from back then. The ones in a disadvantageous position were not herself or the Five Divine Orders but Zieghart and the Five Kings.
"I greet the Destructive King of the North."
Ariel walked to the center of the audience chamber and bowed, her eyes, despite her inner thoughts, reflecting a serious hue.
"Rise."
Glenn lightly waved his hand, as if saying excessive greetings were unnecessary.
"Thank you for your hospitality despite the sudden visit."
Ariel bowed her head once more and looked at Glenn.
“Since you are not an enemy, there is no reason not to. So then…”
Resting his chin on his fist, Glenn looked down at Ariel.
“What is it that you want?”
His bright red eyes gleamed as if he already knew everything.
“What I want…”
Ariel’s lips curled into a thin smile.
'As expected, he's no ordinary man.'
To openly ask her purpose like this—it was fitting for the one standing at the peak of Zieghart, someone who would never allow himself to be led.
"Then shall I get straight to the point?"
Ariel lowered her clasped hands and nodded.
"As you likely know better than I, all over the continent, large and small wars are breaking out. At first, it was balanced, but gradually, one side is being pushed back."
Though her words hinted at the Five Kings being at a disadvantage, Glenn’s expression didn’t change in the slightest.
"I’ve heard that Zieghart, too, has suffered significant losses. The same goes for the vassal families."
Ariel nodded with a faint smile.
"And so?"
Glenn’s right eyebrow twitched as if finding the conversation uncomfortable.
"The Five Kings are strong. But they aren’t large enough to oversee the entire continent against the Five Demons. So…."
Seeing his reaction, Ariel moistened her lips. It was time to begin.
"We will lend you the power of our Five Divine Orders."
An intelligent gleam settled over her eyes.
"What is it that you desire?"
Glenn nodded as if he had known all along.
‘As expected….’
He would have no choice but to accept.
While the exact situation was unclear, there had been recent rumors that House Arianne had collapsed completely.
It seemed he could not refuse, considering there were also many injured among the Warring Steel division and a few other combat divisions.
"We don't need monetary compensation. As I am also a warrior, I am not drawn to such things."
Ariel lightly smiled as she said words that could elevate her own status.
“What I – no, what we, the Five Divine Orders, want is recognition of our sphere of influence—not only in the lands we currently control but also in those where we provide support. Grant us the opportunity to expand our influence.”
She bowed her head as she said this.
'He might think it's nothing special, but...'
To build influence, people are necessary, and to gain people, you need time and dedication. If you help people who are dying or in dangerous situations, it's natural for them to feel goodwill and follow their savior. With a bit of information manipulation, it would be easy to win over an entire region and weaken the Five Kings' influence.
If everything goes according to plan, by the time the war ends, we will be able to wield influence not inferior to the Five Kings.
“Hmm…”
Glenn narrowed his eyes, stroking his chin as though deep in thought.
“If I may add….”
Ariel raised a finger, revealing her pitch-black gaze.
"The Five Demons made a big offer first, but we turned them down and came to you, head of house."
She said that and clasped her hands together again in front.
‘He will have no choice but to accept.’
If the Five Divine Orders went to the Five Demons, it would significantly disrupt the balance between the Five Kings and Five Demons.
From Zieghart's standpoint, they have to accept even if they suffer losses.
“That woman. Still so greedy.”
As Ariel smiled in satisfaction, a thin voice sounded from behind.
"Even after being beaten up like that, it seems you haven’t learned anything?"
It was Raon Zieghart. He shook his chin in mock pity.
"Exactly. She looks just like I did when I was about to lose everything in the casino."
Rimmer chuckled, saying Ariel had that exact expression.
“Ha…”
Ariel forced herself to erase the twisted expression on her face as she turned around.
“Leader of the Light Wind division, you’re no longer a child, are you? If you have something to say, come down and say it properly.”
Raon always attacked in that mocking way, stirring up one's mind. This time, she had no intention of letting it affect her, so she calmed herself and beckoned him with a flick of her finger.
“Since you put it that way, I’ll be clear.”
Raon tilted his head slightly and looked down at Ariel.
“You spoke as if this war depended on the hands of the Five Divine Orders, but your choices are limited to just two.”
A crimson flame that seemed impossible to extinguish blazed in his eyes.
"Follow us, or die."
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