The Reincarnated Assassin is a Genius Swordsman 1241

 Chapter 1241

 

“E–Eden?”

Sheryl’s eyes went wide, as if she’d just heard something that had never even crossed her mind.

“Don’t tell me they showed themselves because they found out the head of house went into seclusion?”

She bit her lip, as though thinking that the Heavenly Demon had cowardly moved first.

“Eden, huh….”

The faint, easy smile that had been hanging at Roenn’s lips melted away like snow.

“If traces of those demons have really been found, then this is dangerous.”

As if returning to the days when he earned the nickname Assassin King, he turned his chilling gaze toward Karoon.

“Y-Yes, that’s right.”

Chad ran a hand through his hair with the same hand clutching the documents.

“T–The Eden bastards aren’t even waiting for the day they declared on their own. They’re trying to start the war right now! The destruction of one of Zieghart’s villages is clearly their declaration of war!”

Grinding his teeth, he described just how utterly ruined the village had been, how mercilessly and brutally it had been wiped out by Eden’s demons.

"No. That’s likely not the case."

As Karoon lightly flicked his fingers, as if playing a piano, the papers Chad was holding floated up on their own and flew into Karoon’s grasp.

“You may not know this, but before the head of house entered seclusion, he told me about his encounter with the Heavenly Demon.”

Karoon slowly closed and reopened his eyes as he recalled going to the annex building at Glenn’s summons.

“He said that the Heavenly Demon doesn’t concern himself with demons that have slipped beyond his control, and that his sole focus is the duel to the death with the head of house.”

Karoon unfolded the papers Chad had brought, narrowing his eyes.

“Birdnew village was completely destroyed. Not a single survivor remained, and the only thing left standing in the ruins was Eden’s flag. Witnesses in the surrounding areas also reported seeing numerous suspicious figures wearing masks and helmets….”

Reading through the hastily written report, Karoon nodded calmly.

“Judging from this alone, it wouldn’t be strange to think Eden has finally stirred. But if they were truly aiming to exploit the gap while the head of house was in seclusion, they would have struck Zieghart itself first.”

Even amidst the rising tension, he analyzed the situation with composure. Of course, even if he alone knew the circumstances tied to the promise between the Heavenly Demon and Zieghart, maintaining such composure in a situation like this was not easy.

“This should be regarded as an independent action carried out by Eden’s demons who slipped out of the Heavenly Demon’s control, just as the head of house said.”

As if fully confident in his judgment, Karoon slowly lowered his hand and tapped the armrest of the jade throne.

“Hmm….”

Seeing Karoon’s tranquil eyes, Sheryl seemed to calm down and let out a brief, dry cough.
“Indeed, that possibility does seem high.”

She nodded, looking as though Karoon’s reasoning had convinced her.

“Huhuhuhu….”

Roenn suppressed his killing intent and stroked his chin.

“Then we should start with an investigation first.”

Following Karoon’s words, he rubbed his fingers together, deciding that a thorough investigation was more important than preparing for war.

“T–That’s right! I’ll begin the investigation immediately!”

Chad bowed deeply, saying he’d deploy agents at once.

“Wait.”

Karoon raised a hand toward Chad as he turned to leave.

“Have the White Shadow Agents coordinate with the Black Market and the other Four Kings to determine whether Eden is making any moves across the continent.”

Contrary to what he had just said, he narrowed his eyes thinly, as if intending to grasp all of Eden’s movements.

“There’s a strong chance this was the independent action of some of Eden’s demons, but we must not overlook the possibility that the Heavenly Demon broke his promise, so it would be right to investigate everything.”

Lowering his head heavily, Karoon said that they must not overlook keeping watch not only on Eden’s demons acting independently, but also on Eden’s main faction.

“Y–Yes! Understood! I’ll investigate quickly and report back again!”

After saying he would follow Karoon’s instructions, Chad left the audience chamber.

“What is this?”

Looking back at the closed doors, he swallowed dryly.

“That’s Karoon Zieghart?”

I had watched Karoon since the days under the previous Shadow Agents master. Because Karoon had long been the man closest to succeeding Zieghart, I observed him closely and tried to grasp as much about him as possible.

My conclusion back then was that Karoon Zieghart was not a man fit to lead Zieghart. He might run the Central Martial Palace well enough, but he lacked the caliber to head this massive house.

That was why, from the moment Raon Zieghart began to stand out, I had supported him and prepared to make him the head of house, and had continued backing him ever since.

‘But…’

He's completely different now.

It wasn’t simply because of the composure he had just shown.

My eyes, which I trusted to judge people well, reacted violently. I felt kingly qualities nearly comparable to Raon Zieghart. Though I had witnessed the lives and deaths of countless people as a member of the Shadow Agents, this was the first time I had ever seen a person’s disposition change to this extent.

‘And not just the qualifications to be head of house….’

His might had changed just as dramatically.

I am not a particularly strong warrior myself. As the head of an organization, I possess a certain level of strength, but compared to other organizations, it wouldn’t be strange to call me weak.

However, having been trained by the previous Shadow Agents master, I was confident that I could assess others’ might better than anyone. Karoon had achieved such tremendous growth that even my senses reacted.

Taking on the role of head of house he had yearned for his entire life, Karoon seemed to have stabilized his mind, spirit, and body, achieving growth that would normally be impossible.

‘Eden is a problem, sure, but if we let our guard down….’

Even after leaving the lord’s manor, Chad felt Karoon’s presence lingering and swallowed hard.

“Sir Raon’s position as head of house might really be in danger.”

*   *   *

“Hmm….”

Watching Karoon lost in thought, Sheryl narrowed her gaze to a thread-thin line.

‘I know they say a position can shape a person, but….’

To think he’d change this much.

Before being entrusted with the role of acting head of house, Karoon had many shortcomings to become head of house. He was mentally unstable, his might was stagnant, and there were times when he could not make calm judgments.

But after nearly two months in the role, he had transformed into someone worthy of the golden jade throne. Nothing seemed to shake him. His might had grown to an absurd degree, and his mind remained cool and collected at all times. Honestly, he looked capable of assuming the position permanently right now.

“Hohoho!”

Roenn, apparently thinking the same thing, let out a pleased chuckle and looked at Karoon with openly proud eyes.

“I always thought it was only natural that Raon would become head of house….”

Sheryl clicked her tongue softly.

‘This has gotten a bit complicated.’

As the head of house’s direct subordinates, neither me nor Si Roenn could openly take sides between Raon and Karoon.

I had simply grown fond of Raon and supported him quietly in my heart, but seeing Karoon act so fittingly for a Zieghart leader, my heart wavered, just a little.

Even now, Raon’s might would likely overwhelm Karoon. But the qualifications to be head of house weren’t decided by strength alone. The current head of house would have a lot to think about.

‘How will this turn out…?’

As Sheryl and Roenn rolled their eyes with similar thoughts—

“About the investigation into Birdnew village.”

Karoon turned his gaze toward them, rubbing his chin.

“Don’t leave it solely to the White Shadow Agents. It would be better to move an armed group as well.”

He nodded, not asking for opinions, but clearly having already made his decision.

“An armed group…?”

Sheryl tilted her chin, as if questioning why an armed group was needed.

“Given that they didn’t just destroy Birdnew village and disappear, but planted their flag there, it seems they want to make their presence known.”

Karoon shook his head slightly, rereading the report.

“The Shadow Agents are skilled at infiltration and investigation, but their might is weak, so I intend to attach an armed group to protect them.”

He lowered his hand, indicating that they should proceed with that course of action.

“Oh, I see. That makes sense.”

Roenn let out a low murmur, once again surprised by Karoon’s judgment.

“Then who will you choose?”

He narrowed his gaze, as if watching to see which armed group Karoon would select.

“The Light Wind Palace would be best.”

Karoon named them without the slightest hesitation.

“They’re small in number, but currently the strongest organization in Zieghart.”

He nodded, convinced it was the right choice.

“And since this is an escort mission, fewer people may actually be better.”

Tapping his fingers, it was clear he’d already decided on the Light Wind Palace.

“Wouldn’t this be a great chance for the Central Martial Palace to build some achievements? If things go well, they could even gain major accomplishments like Raon’s.”

Sheryl slightly lowered her head and lowered her voice.

“If I were to think about the future of the Central Martial Palace, that would indeed be the right choice. Killing an Eden executive would allow us to gain a great deal. But…. “

Karoon calmly rubbed his chin.

“Right now, I sit upon this honored throne. This isn’t a position where I prioritize the Central Martial Palace. I must put Zieghart first.”

With tranquil eyes, he turned his gaze to Sheryl.

“Do you still wish to test me?”

Karoon lowered his gaze with arrogance, turning the situation around as though he were judging Sheryl’s own qualifications.

“…I apologize. Your conduct as acting head of house was so unexpected that I overstepped my bounds.”

Realizing her mistake, Sheryl dropped to one knee and bowed her head. As she admitted her fault, she bit down on her lip.

“…….”

Roenn bent at the waist as well, as if silently asking for forgiveness alongside her.

“Send word to the Light Wind Palace.”

Karoon accepted their apologies without comment and rose to his feet.

“Have them depart for Birdnew village with the White Shadow Agents tomorrow.”

With that final instruction, he stepped down from the throne.

The back of Karoon as he headed toward the head of house’s training ground as scheduled looked strikingly similar to Glenn after attaining enlightenment.

*   *   *

“Light Wind Palace, assemble!”

Burren roughly threw open the doors of the fifth training ground and rushed inside.

"We have a mission!"

Saying that a mission had been issued, he headed toward the platform.

“A m-mission?”

“But the palace master isn’t here.”

“Doesn’t seem like a major mission.”

“Well, there are always small missions.”

"I thought we weren't taking missions because of the war prep?"

“Is it serious?”

Though flustered by the sudden mission, the swordsmen of the Light Wind Palace gathered in front of the platform.

"Better be something fun."

Martha clenched her fist, excitement flashing in her eyes.

“If it’s something boring like a guard mission, I’m gonna lose it!”

She shuddered, as though she absolutely hated it.

“I–I want to stay here….”

Dorian rolled his eyes and swallowed his dry saliva.

“Ugh, I’ve got a bad feeling.”

He sniffled, claiming he felt an ominous chill down his spine.

“Ah, seriously!”

Krein smacked Dorian on the back, grinding his teeth.

“Get a grip already! There aren’t that many people in this world stronger than us!”

He smacked him again, telling him to have some confidence in the strength he’d worked so hard to build.

“He’s right.”

Mark Goetten nodded in agreement with Krein.

“With war not far off, it’s time to wrap confidence around your blade.”

Exhaling a cold breath, he told them to think that they could defeat anyone they faced.

“Quiet.”

When Burren lightly stomped his foot, the Light Wind Palace swordsmen, noisy like a marketplace just moments ago, fell silent all at once and focused their attention on him.

“This mission comes directly from the lord’s manor.”

Emphasizing those words, Burren opened a white envelope.

“An investigation into Birdnew village, a Zieghart-affiliated village destroyed by Eden. You are to go to Birdnew village together with the Shadow Agents and find traces of Eden.”

As if he had already heard the mission details from Karoon, he calmly spoke Eden’s name.

Sssshhh—

The instant Eden’s name left his lips, an eerie chill swept through the fifth training ground. Silver frost spread across the yellow-hued ground.

“Haa….”

Runaan, who had been asleep while holding the Snow Flower Sword in her arms, lifted her deeply sunken eyelids. With eyes so cold they made one’s breath ache, she parted her gray lips.

“…Eden.”

 

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