The Reincarnated Assassin is a Genius Swordsman 1073

 Chapter 1073

 

I-It's scary, say something!

Wrath grabbed Raon's chin and shook it, telling him to run his mouth like he usually does.

‘Move aside.’

Raon pushed Wrath, who was fussing in front of his eyes, to the back and looked at Glenn again.

“Head of house. There is one more thing I’d like to ask.”

“Speak.”

Glenn nodded as if he would listen to anything.

“Denier Zieghart.”

Raon recalled the earnest gaze of Denier that he had seen on the battlefield and murmured his name.

“No, what happened to Denier?”

I was as curious about Denier’s story as I was about the well-being of the other Transcenders.

If I don’t hear why Denier betrayed the Five Kings, and after that, even betrayed the White Blood Religion’s leader, I feel like I won’t be able to sleep tonight.

M-me too!

Wrath suddenly raised his hand.

That double-betraying scoundrel, why did he do that!

Calling Denier, who betrayed twice, a double-betraying scoundrel, Wrath swallowed dryly.

“That is….”

Glenn parted his trembling lips, then closed his eyes.

“I do know, but it is hard for me to say it with my own mouth. Hear it directly from Martha.”

He let out a heavy breath, saying the owner of that story was not himself, but Martha.

“I see….”

Raon nodded and recalled Denier’s last moments.

‘Denier treated Martha like his own child.’

It seemed that he had committed two betrayals to save Martha and her mother, and to kill the White Blood Religion’s leader.

“What I can say is….”

Glenn gazed for a long time at the second pillar where Denier always stood.

“Denier Zieghart. He was my son.”

He nodded calmly, as if declaring that even in death, Denier would not be expelled from Zieghart.

“Understood.”

Raon bowed, saying he would obey.

‘In the end, I’ll have to meet Martha.’

Since I had to see Martha’s mother anyway, it worked out well.

“Darkan.”

Glenn turned his gaze and called Darkan.

“It seems the wounds on your body have almost healed.”

“Yeah. That beggar doctor of yours is pretty capable.”

Darkan nodded, saying thanks to the Ragged Saint Federick, he had recovered quickly.

“What will you do from now on?”

“I’ll look around here for a bit and then leave.”

He shook his hand, saying he would leave Zieghart.

“It would be better for you to stay here.”

Raon narrowed his eyes at Darkan. He was a bomb that could explode in any direction, but also a useful card he didn’t want to let go of.

“There are certainly plenty of interesting folks here. But….”

Darkan curled his lips and placed a hand on his black sword.

“My sword always comes first. I have to recover my weakened martial strength and clean up the shit I left behind.”

He bared his white teeth, saying he would personally kill Derus, who had obtained the Heart Sword.

“His sword may be boring, but when we meet next, something will surely be different.”

Darkan smacked his lips as if in anticipation.

“When do you plan to leave?”

Raon let out a short sigh.

“After a match with you and your sister.”

Darkan grinned, as if he had already said so earlier.

“That was serious?”

Raon gave a hollow laugh.

“Of course, I’m serious! Because I only ever speak the truth!”

Darkan, having spouted a lie just a minute ago, mumbled that he only speaks the truth.

“Ha….”

Looking at a man who had truly gone insane, Raon was too dumbfounded to speak.

“Your sister? What do you mean by that?”

Glenn narrowed his eyes, not understanding.

“This man requested a spar with Sia. More than ten times, at that.”

Raon shook his head side to side.

“Even for a madman, you’re disgustingly mad.”

Glenn furrowed his brows and placed a hand on Heavenly Tremor.

“Fine. I’ll deal with you myself.”

He lifted his chin as if to say, come at me right now.

‘He’s going to rush in happily.’

But contrary to what Raon thought, Darkan didn’t move an inch.

“Ah, I’ll pass on that.”

For the first time since coming to Zieghart, Darkan revealed a serious look in his eyes.

“A fight with you would mean I have to bet my life.”

He lowered his hand, which was trembling with excitement, saying he wanted to fight when he had reached a higher place.

Gogogogogogo!

It was as if an invisible blade was rising from behind Darkan’s back. Even though his soul had weakened, he was still burning with a fighting spirit worthy of being Glenn's rival.

“I see. So it is.”

Glenn gave a small nod and sat back on his throne.

“Now that everything’s been said, withdraw….”

Just as he was about to tell them to return,

Whooooom!

A blue dimension opened in the air, and Jaina’s face appeared.

[Greetings to the Destructive King of the North. Right now… ah!]

Jaina, about to deliver her message, widened her eyes at the sight of Raon and Darkan.

[My apologies. You had guests.]

“It’s fine, speak.”

Glenn nodded, saying it was fine to speak so long as it wasn’t an important secret.

[Lady Chamber has awakened. She said she will contact you soon, so please wait.]

Jaina let out a sigh of relief, saying Chamber had safely woken up.

“That is good news.”

Glenn also said it was fortunate and wore a faint smile.

“…Any word on Lecross?”

[There has been no change yet.]

Jaina lowered her head, her expression hardening again.

“I see. Understood.”

Glenn furrowed his brows as if he understood the situation from her reaction alone.

[Yes. Then….]

“Wait.”

Raon stepped closer to Jaina, who was about to cut the communication.

“I heard you forced yourself to open a long-distance dimensional gate. You’ve worked hard.”

He bowed his head, saying she had done something truly important.

[Ah….]

As if swept by a great tide of emotions, Jaina’s face flushed red and her eyes trembled.

[I-it’s thanks to you.]

After steadying her breath, she slowly parted her lips.

“What do you mean by that?”

[When I was humiliated by you in the underground auction house, I was furious out of wounded pride. When I was treated like a slave, I honestly wanted to strip your bones bare and kill you. But as time passed, I realized that those humiliations and experiences made me who I am now.]

Jaina smiled, saying that because of those hardships she was able to endure suffering and pain in magic without yielding. Her pink eyes seemed to brim with moisture.

[Thank you. For letting me live not as an arrogant princess, but as a striving mage.]

She said she was truly grateful, taking off her hat and bowing her head.

“I will accept that thanks with respect. I also apologize to Princess Jaina for all my discourteous behavior until now.”

He bowed to Jaina and apologized for all the rude words and actions he had shown her.

[I will accept your apology as well.]

Jaina smiled, saying she accepted gladly. Honestly, Raon hadn’t bullied her to correct her habits, but seeing someone change like that left him with a strange warmth in his chest.

“You suit each other well. Get married.”

Darkan clapped his large hands, saying they were a good pair.

“What?”

[What is that supposed to—!]

Both Jaina and Raon snapped their heads toward Darkan with wide eyes.

“Houses like yours, or kingdoms, often have political marriages, don’t they? You suit each other, so get married.”

Darkan looked at Glenn as if to ask if it wasn’t a good idea.

“Political marriages are common, but what matters most to me is the children’s will.”

Glenn took Darkan’s words seriously and turned his gaze to Raon.

“In any case, we are not that kind of relationship. And besides, I…”

As Raon waved his hand, denying it, the squirrel doll tucked inside his chest pocket began to vibrate madly. Almost enough to burst out of his clothes.

Th-that madwoman! She heard everything!

Wrath screamed as if sensing Evelyn’s presence.

“Th-then, I’ll be taking my leave now.”

If I stayed here any longer, it felt like Evelyn would burst out of the doll, so I need to leave right away.

“See you next time.”

He bowed his head to Jaina as well.

[Next time, I’ll prepare so I can stand in place of Lady Chamber.]

Jaina nodded with a face flushed in determination, as if to say she would work harder. Someone he thought he would remain lifelong enemies with had become a reliable ally, and it made his back feel supported.

‘So this is….’

He wiped away a clear tear as he watched Jaina disappear, curling his lips upward.

‘…what they call a bond.’

*   *   *

After leaving the lord’s manor, Raon went to the Wise Martial Palace where Martha was.

“Why are you following me?”

He frowned, seeing Darkan trailing behind him like a baby bird.

“Because I’m curious.”

Darkan whistled, saying he was curious about Martha and Denier’s story as well.

“This has nothing to do with you.”

He waved my hand, telling him to go back.

“It hurts when you say it like that. I fought together with you, didn’t I? I’m a comrade too.”

Darkan hunched his shoulders like a sulking child, saying Raon was being too harsh.

“Ha….”

Raon shook his head. It was true that Darkan had gone out, saying he was fine with it, but since it was also true that he had used him, he had nothing to say about it.

“Fine. But if Martha doesn’t want to tell, you leave immediately.”

“I’ll do that.”

Darkan also nodded, as if saying he had no intention of forcing it.

Knock, knock.

Raon smacked his lips briefly and knocked on the door of Denier’s mansion inside the Wise Martial Palace.

“Who is it?”

After a bright voice rang out, the door opened, and a black-haired, black-eyed woman walked out. A graceful face Raon could never forget. Martha’s mother, whose body had once been taken over by the White Blood Religion’s leader.

“Ah….”

He took a step back and clenched his fist.

Even knowing she was Martha’s mother, tension welled up inside, since this was a face he had long only met as an enemy.

“Everyone stiffens up when they see me.”

Martha’s mother clasped her hands, apologizing.

“You are Raon Zieghart, aren’t you?”

She nodded as if she already knew him.

“You knew of me?”

Relaxing his tense body, Raon stepped forward again.

“How could I not recognize the benefactor who saved me and my daughter?”

Martha’s mother smiled, saying she wanted to express her thanks. She was more full of vitality than he expected.

“Elena greets her benefactor.”

She revealed her name and tried to kneel before him.

“Please don’t do that!”

Raon hurried forward and lifted Elena up.

“I wasn’t even able to thank you properly. Please accept at least this much.”

“Martha is not just my subordinate but my friend. I don’t want to see my friend’s mother kneel.”

He shook his head firmly, saying words alone were enough.

“Please also drop the honorifics. That would be more comfortable.”

“Shall I?”

Without a single refusal, Elena immediately dropped her speech. It felt as if she had wanted this from the beginning, but this way was indeed more comfortable to him.

“Please do so.”

Raon smiled and lowered his hand.

“Just as I heard, you’re straightforward! The more I see you, the more you’re just right….”

“Huh? Just right in what way….”

As Raon was about to ask what she meant, another set of footsteps came from behind the door.

“Mom! What’s taking so long? The food’s gett—huh?”

Martha came up to Elena, then widened her eyes when she saw Raon.

“You woke up? When?”

“Yeah. Early this morning.”

He nodded at the astonished Martha.

“Thank goodness.”

Martha sighed in relief, saying she was glad nothing had gone wrong. It seemed she had been visiting him often as well.

“Martha, is your friend even human? How can someone look like this?”

Elena exhaled in disbelief, saying that seeing Raon in person left her at a loss for words at his looks.

“What do you have to eat to grow up like this? Your mother must truly have nothing to envy.”

She smiled, saying Sylvia would surely be proud of him.

“M-mom!”

Martha covered Elena’s mouth and shook her head.

“How can you speak informally! Even if he looks like this, he’s a direct line and a palace master!”

She smacked Elena’s back, telling her to get a grip. What she meant by “look like this” made Raon curious.

“Ow! Raon said I could speak informally!”

Elena brushed away Martha’s hand, insisting she had his permission.

“Is that true?”

Martha widened her eyes in disbelief.

“She’s your mother. And besides….”

He shook his head at Martha.

“You’re the first one who doesn’t even treat me as the palace master.”

“Wh-when did I ever!”

“You’re speaking informally to me right now too.”

“T-this is just a sign of closeness! In the Light Wind Palace, the one who follows you the most is me… ugh.”

Martha trailed off, her face reddening, and turned her head to the side.

“A-anyway, thank you. Thanks to you, I was able to save my mom.”

She bowed her head sideways, saying her thanks were late.

“Let’s not stand here, come inside. Since you’re here, eat before you go.”

Elena waved her hand, inviting him to join them for breakfast.

“You too, tall young man.”

“Gladly!”

Without the slightest hesitation, Darkan entered the mansion ahead of its rightful masters.

The food prepared by the beef girl’s mother? This is something to look forward to!

Wrath shot forward like a blue bolt of lightning, determined not to lose to Darkan.

“Why did you bring that man?”

Martha exhaled in disbelief.

“He said he wanted to come.”

Raon sighed and headed with Martha toward the mansion’s dining room.

Fwaaah.

Elena had already laid out a plentiful meal on the table. The number of dishes wasn’t many, but each one looked appetizing.

Oooooh!

Wrath exclaimed and lifted his head.

The aroma is good! Sit down quickly!

For the first time since Raon woke up, Wrath wore a truly happy smile.

“Eat before it gets cold.”

Elena lifted her hand, telling us to eat, as if confident in her cooking.

“Thank you for the meal.”

Raon bowed his head to Elena and, as always, tasted the stew first.

‘It’s warm.’

The sweet yet light broth melted through my body. More than just the flavor, I could feel the sincerity that had gone into it.

Kyaaaah! Excellent!

Wrath flailed his hand wildly, saying he liked it.

It’s stew filled with heart! Next, that meat! Bring forth the well-grilled lamb!

He pointed at the next dish right away, clearly pleased with Elena’s skill.

“It’s easy to digest! Good food!”

Darkan shoved food into his mouth, saying it was good for filling his stomach. For him, meals seemed nothing more than a ritual to replenish strength for swinging his sword.

Ill-mannered oaf! One mustn’t babble at the dining table! Hey! Next, bring that beef over there! Since she’s the beef girl, she should eat beef! Kyahaha!

Wrath shouted for beef, laughing gluttonously. He was a Demon King utterly lacking in table manners, with words and actions completely at odds.

“This brings back memories.”

Martha gave a faint smile as she looked at the steak on her plate.

“When your mom treated me kindly, my heart swelled and it felt good, but it also made me think of my own mom and feel guilty. I remember crying alone when I got home.”

Her hand holding the fork trembled, as if her childhood memories were rising up.

“It was a long, long detour, but now I can be with my mom without guilt.”

Martha put down her utensils and looked at Raon.

“Thank you, truly. You saved me.”

Her eyes reddened as she bowed her head, her sincerity clear.

“One thank-you is enough.”

Raon cut a piece of steak from Martha’s plate, ate it, and waved his hand.

“Hehe.”

Elena gave a gentle smile, as if the bond between Raon and Martha was pleasing to see.

“You came here because of father’s matter, didn’t you?”

Martha still called Denier her father.

“Yes. I was curious about what happened.”

Raon nodded, asking if she could tell him.

“But that man can be sent away.”

Elena pointed at Darkan, who was stuffing the carefully prepared food down his throat.

“It’s fine. It’s no secret anymore.”

Martha shook her head calmly.

“Father wasn’t human. He was an experiment born from the White Blood Religion’s blood. But…”

She told them all of the memories Denier had sent her.

“…That was how we pushed the White Blood Religion’s leader back. And father left this world along with the vow placed upon my soul.”

Martha gave a smile filled with longing rather than tears, as though she had already let go of much of her emotion.

“I see.”

Raon nodded with a long sigh.

‘Now I finally understand everything.’

Why I could never fully grasp Denier as a person, why Denier stabbed both enemy and ally, it all made sense now.

Kkueeek….

Wrath stopped eating and burst into tears, his pupils trembling.

Denier Zieghart was a true father! Though not born as a human, he was still a father!

He sniffled, saying that if he had known, he would have found a way to save him.

“That man was a swordsman!”

Darkan slammed his fist on the table, saying Denier’s life was splendid. For him, calling someone a swordsman seemed to be the highest praise.

“Father was grateful to you.”

Martha pressed her lips tightly, looking at him.

“It wasn’t just me and mother, father himself said he was saved too.”

She smiled, saying Denier was able to leave as a human thanks to Raon.

“Tell him I’ve received that thanks.”

Raon nodded with a smile.

“Yes.”

Raon and Martha looked at each other as if they had returned to their childhood and shared a transparent laugh.

“You two look good together. Get married.”

Darkan, once again out of the blue, clapped his hands that were greasy from the meat, telling them to get married. A while ago he had been cheering for Jaina, but not even an hour later, he seemed to have changed his mind.

“What now….”

“……”

Raon furrowed his brow, while Martha, blushing, narrowed her eyes.

“Martha’s a Zieghart, but since they’re not related by blood, would marriage be allowed?”

Elena tilted her head curiously.

“Don’t take anything this man says seriously.”

Raon waved his hand, his body trembling.

Wooooong!

The squirrel doll of Evelyn’s in his inner pocket began to tremble even more violently than before. It was as if purple mana blazed in its eyes.

“Th-thank you for the meal! I’ll be going now!”

Raon tidied up the table and stood up, saying he would come again.

A-already leaving?

Wrath shook his head, saying there was still food left.

‘Evelyn might come rushing over here!’

D-damn it….

Though Wrath seemed to dislike it, he couldn’t protest and held his tongue.

“You too, let’s go.”

Raon grabbed Darkan, who was still gnawing meat, by the shoulder and pulled him up.

“I’m not done eating yet.”

“It’s because of you that we’re leaving!”

Grinding his teeth, Raon dragged Darkan out of the dining room.

“What a stormy boy.”

Elena laughed, saying just watching him was fun.

“Yes. A warm storm.”

Martha kept her gaze on Raon’s back with a tender smile.

“One that embraces anyone.”

*   *   *

The next morning.

“Were you training properly… huh?”

The moment Raon entered the fifth training ground, he froze like a statue.

“That’s it! Swing it just like that!”

“That sword technique looks tasty. Show me more!”

“No, no! Lower your stance there! Think of yourself as a rhinoceros beetle, spread your legs, and bend your waist!”

“Have you ever lived as a beggar? It’s worth doing at least once. Your perspective changes!”

“Hooh!”

Darkan was teaching swordsmanship to the Light Wind swordsmen as if he had become their instructor.

“Pa-Palace master!”

Dorian widened his eyes at him.

“The palace master has arrived!”

“We’re glad you’re safe!”

“We’ve been waiting for you!”

Hearing Dorian’s words, the Light Wind swordsmen rushed over and bowed their heads to Raon.

“What were you doing?”

Raon blinked as he looked at the swordsmen and Darkan standing behind them.

“This man suddenly came and gave us swordsmanship advice.”

“Yes. He said he would kill us if we didn’t follow, so…”

“We had no choice but to do it, but strangely enough, the swordsmanship came out better than usual.”

“Yes. Hard to believe, but we could feel our skill improving.”

The swordsmen let out a breath, saying they had been threatened by Darkan and made to practice, but oddly enough, the training went well.

If it’s training by threats….

Wrath smirked at him.

It’s no different from you, is it?

‘That’s not true!’

Raon quickly turned his head to glare at Darkan.

“Planning to be an instructor now?”

“When there are so many rough gems lying around, how can I just leave them! Their skill and talent are lacking, but their swordsmanship is alive, and I like it!”

Darkan bared his teeth in a grin, saying the Light Wind swordsmen’s swords intrigued him.

“So all those who learn from you end up wielding living swords? Well, thanks to you, I’ve come to know what a true beggar is!”

Darkan tilted his chin as if it was a fascinating talent.

“Didn’t you originally only care about talent?”

“I did. But after throwing away these eyes, my thoughts changed.”

Darkan laughed, saying there are things in the world that cannot be seen.

“Can I watch over those kids a little longer?”

“Just don’t push them too hard.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.”

He nodded gladly, then led the Light Wind swordsmen back to the center of the training ground.

“Ah, the direction of the left hand was important too.”

“You had to swing all the way past the shoulder.”

“This is what teaching is!”

The Light Wind swordsmen, contrary to their words, smiled as they listened to Darkan’s advice.

The kids’ expressions look much brighter than when they train with you, don’t they?

Wrath poked him, pointing out the swordsmen’s expressions.

‘…No way.’

Even as I said that, it did seem the swordsmen’s expressions looked better than usual.

‘Well, it’s fine. I need time to prepare anyway.’

Prepare? Prepare for what?

‘For a journey.’

Raon brushed off his hands and smacked his lips.

A journey? In this situation, what journey are you talking about?

‘Precisely because of this situation, I have to go. There are ones I need to find.’

Ones you need to find?

Wrath widened his eyes in curiosity.

‘Yes. Your friends.’

Raon looked at Wrath with a chilling smile.

N-no way, you’re going to use the King of Essence again!

Wrath’s complexion paled as he finally realized his intention.

‘Correct. The name of this journey is…’

Raon smiled faintly at the trembling Wrath.

‘Let’s call it the friendship journey of the Demon King of Wrath searching for his friends.’

 

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