A Smile for the Iron Mask
Chapter 227
At the Yonan family estate, before departing for Zieghart.
"Smile?"
Raon wrinkled his nose as he looked at Pedric, who was grinning. He had given him the strange advice to smile brightly if he wanted to see Glenn's true face.
"Yes. Smile at him as brightly as you smiled at me two days ago."
"What would change from smiling?"
Raon tilted his head.
It probably wouldn't make any difference. Glenn would likely hand over the reward for the mission with the same expressionless face as always. His iron mask didn't seem like it would come off no matter what.
"Just try it. There will definitely be a change."
Pedric nodded with certainty and added the advice to smile genuinely.
"The family head isn't like Encia..."
He had come to understand the uniqueness of his appearance to some degree, but he didn't think it would work on Glenn at all.
"What are you talking about? It'll be even more effective on that iron-masked bastard than on Encia."
"Excuse me?"
"You and that man are grandfather and grandson, aren't you?"
Pedric was now openly referring to Glenn.
"The family head doesn't show much emotion even to his children, let alone his grandchildren."
Glenn showed little interest not only in Sylvia but also in his other children. He couldn't understand why his smile would get a reaction from him.
"Grandfathers naturally love whatever their grandchildren do, but you became a Master at eighteen and made a name for yourself across the continent as a righteous swordsman. He must be inwardly overjoyed, so if you hit him with your smile, that bastard will definitely not be able to hide his laughter."
"Hmm."
"And Sylvia and you... never mind."
Pedric stopped speaking and clicked his tongue.
"Anyway, you won't regret trying it."
He said to smile no matter what and left.
* * *
Raon studied Glenn's face while maintaining a smile.
'What kind of expression is that?'
Glenn's expression was wrinkled like old tree bark, crumpled like paper that had been squeezed. In short, it was a bizarrely awkward expression.
'He's not smiling at all.'
Contrary to Pedric's guarantee, there was no sign of laughter.
-Still, there is some change.
'That's true.'
Raon narrowed his eyes. Glenn's lips were twitching more than just a severe frown, and his deeply sunken gaze was rippling as if a stone had been dropped into still water.
"Pfft!"
Rimer's laughter from below broke the strange atmosphere.
He glanced behind him. Only Glenn and Rohen had seen his smile, so the other heads of houses were bewildered, not understanding the situation.
"You. No, Raon Zieghart..."
Glenn's Adam's apple bobbed heavily, and then his expression returned to normal—no, it became even colder than before, as if wrapped in ice.
"Don't do useless things."
He let out a chilling voice that sent shivers down the spine and gestured to Rohen.
"Yes."
Rohen, who had been standing there bewildered, approached with a red plaque bearing a golden token.
"I bestow upon the Light Wind Vice-Commander, who has admirably completed the mission, a golden token and one entry pass to the Treasury."
Glenn addressed him by his title, unlike before, and handed over the golden token.
"Thank you."
Raon received the golden token with both hands and bowed his head.
'He didn't smile, but his expression did change.'
He hadn't seen Glenn laugh, but his smile had clearly affected him.
'Though I don't know what that means.'
Since he had been far from an ordinary life in both his past and present lives, he couldn't quite grasp what Glenn's reaction signified. As Pedric had said, it did seem clear that he didn't dislike him.
"Waaaaah!"
"Well done, Raon! As expected of our Vice-Commander!"
The Light Wind Division and the Heavenly Sword Division erupted in cheers, and Rimer waved his hands wildly. Sheryl also smiled and applauded.
Raon turned around and gave a faint smile.
'This is comfortable.'
Unlike Glenn's opaque emotions, gazes that could be immediately understood were directed at him. Admiration, pride, competitiveness, jealousy, anger, and even malice. He accepted all the mixed gazes and descended from the platform.
"Burren Zieghart, step forward."
At Glenn's low call, Burren stood and ascended the platform.
"I recognize your contribution in protecting people with appropriate troop deployment and judgment without panicking even in the absence of the Commander and Vice-Commander, and in laying the foundation to complete the mission. I bestow upon you a same-colored token."
"Thank you!"
Burren shouted loudly and bowed his head.
"Waaaaah!"
"Congratulations!"
Again, the Light Wind Division and Heavenly Sword Division cheered. However, Karon, whom he had expected to ignore or show irritation, clapped normally.
'Does he have an ulterior motive?'
Raon lowered his brows as he observed Karon Zieghart. That cold-blooded man who had once abandoned his son wouldn't just clap for no reason. There must be some scheme.
"Hmm..."
Burren also seemed surprised, coming down the steps with wide eyes.
"Next, Marta Zieghart."
Glenn bestowed same-colored tokens not only on Burren but also on Marta, Runaan, Dorian, and Crain who had gone together.
Raon congratulated all who received awards and examined the golden token. He clenched his fist as he looked at the blazing sword emblem engraved in the center of the token.
'How many of these do I need to elevate Mother to the direct line?'
Since there were plenty of people opposing even just entering the Treasury, it would definitely not be easy.
However, if he accumulated achievements that silenced everyone's mouths a few more times like this time, there was enough possibility.
Raon grinned as he met the gazes of the direct-line members sending fierce looks.
'Wait.'
Soon, I'll be in the same position as you. No, I'll look down on you from an even higher place.
* * *
An old tavern within the Robert faction's territory in the southern continent.
Even though the sun was still bright, the tavern was packed with people, and on the central stage, a powerful violin melody filled the air.
A man dressed as an adventurer standing at the center of the stage recited someone's heroic tale to the clear violin tune.
"He dodged the Blood Demon's massive fists and watched for an opportunity. The moment the Blood Demon's movements grew large, he struck like a gale, driving his sword into his heart! It was the continent's first moment where an Expert cut down a Master. But his bravery didn't end there!"
The man stretched his long arm toward the end of the tavern, sustaining the tension.
"He boldly entered the pitch-black forest, cutting through the strong energy of the Red-Eared Demon and the Black-Winged Demon, and rescued the saint and child who had accepted death! After that, a fierce close-quarters battle with blood and flesh flying..."
He raised his voice and stomped his feet in time with the intensifying violin, vividly depicting the battle between Raon, the Red-Eared Demon, and the Black-Winged Demon.
"...Finally, the highlight of this battle. The Evil Yang Demon and Raon Zieghart decided to settle it with a single decisive clash, each striking with full force! Naturally, Raon, who had used all his strength and was injured, was pushed back, but he never fell and endured. Why? Because there were people behind him he had to protect! Even though he was pushed into a tree by the Evil Yang Demon's power, he stood up again and raised his sword. The Evil Yang Demon, perhaps impressed by his fighting spirit, declared a draw and withdrew!"
The man clapped so loudly it resonated throughout the tavern.
"Those who heard this mythical tale named Raon Zieghart, who did not forget the help he received as a child and repaid kindness with his life, with the epithet 'Tale Sword Knight'! Even at this very moment, the heroic tales of the Tale Sword Knight are spreading across the entire continent!"
He shouted that news of the eighteen-year-old genius swordsman who had become a Master was shaking the continent.
"Ooooh!"
"Such a brave man existed in the North as well!"
"Zieghart! The Northern hegemon is not dead yet!"
"What a shame that a swordsman who knows gratitude and holds conviction wasn't born in Robert!"
"If only such a swordsman were here!"
"A Master at eighteen. I wonder how many years he's advanced the youngest age record by."
"A hero who seems like he'd get along well with Lord Derus."
The people in the tavern cheered and shouted Raon's name. Some said it was lies or exaggeration, but most were drawn into the man's performance and paid no attention to objections.
"Hey! Tell us more!"
"What happened after that!"
"Did he really become a Master at eighteen?"
"He's much faster than our young master who entered the Twelve Stars of the Continent!"
People threw money at the man and the violinist, ordered them food and drink, and shouted for the rest of the story.
"Of course! There's definitely more. About Raon's healing abilities..."
Just as the bard was about to start his story again, a young man in shabby clothes sitting at the end of the tavern stood up.
He placed gold coins on the table with trembling hands and left the tavern. He began to run slowly, heading toward the Robert family's main mansion.
Though the young man's attire was worse than a traveler's, no one blocked his path. Rather, they bowed their heads and offered polite greetings. He received their greetings and entered the heart of the Robert family—the Lord's Hall.
"Father! Father!"
He ran inside the Lord's Hall and knocked on the door of Derus Robert's office, located at the deepest part.
"Come in."
At the gentle voice from inside, the young man nodded and opened the door.
"What's the matter that you're in such a hurry, Rephon?"
Derus Robert pushed back his silver hair flowing over his shoulders and smiled.
"Have you heard the rumors about Raon Zieghart?"
Derus's youngest son, Rephon, clenched his fists and trembled.
"Raon Zieghart?"
Derus repeated the name with lowered eyes.
"Yes! An eighteen-year-old who became a Master and cut down three ghosts of Eden! The undefeated swordsman, Tale Sword Knight Raon Zieghart! The whole territory is buzzing with rumors!"
Rephon, excited, exhaled heavily through his nose and shone with bright eyes.
"He's only three years older than me, yet he overcame such desperate battles and became a Master—it's truly admirable!"
"Ah, I heard as well. He's an impressive child. No, at that level, I should call him a swordsman."
"What excites me more than anything is his single decisive clash with the Evil Yang Demon. The fighting spirit to never fall! I also dream of becoming such a hero!"
"Yes. That's right."
Derus smiled faintly and nodded.
"But to become such a hero, don't you think you don't have time to be lazing around like this?"
"Uh..."
"You should also avoid skipping training to go to the tavern."
"Ugh! I-I'll go do it right away!"
Rephon flinched and stepped back. As he was about to leave, he glanced back.
"If I train hard, can I become someone like Raon-nim too?"
"It might be a little late, but it should certainly be possible."
Derus nodded with a gentle smile.
"I understand!"
Rephon clenched his fists and went outside.
Roar.
Left alone, Derus's smile was the same as the one he had shown Rephon, but the air in the office was chillingly cold. Even the sunlight pouring through the window bars seemed on the verge of freezing.
"Mattio."
At his call, a black shadow dropped from the ceiling. The shadow rippled like a windy pool and transformed into a man in black night clothes with his face hidden behind a mask.
"Report."
"It was Heavenly Sword Division Commander Sheryl who broke the trap Temus set and cut him down. Sheryl's energy was also engraved on the traces of the bodies. Raon Zieghart moved as well, but it was supplementary; he did not take the lead."
The masked man called Mattio continued in the same monotonous tone, as if he were a machine.
"Rumors spread that it was Sheryl who made the Yonan family refuse Temus's treatment and identified the maid's identity, but initially there were also stories that Raon Zieghart was behind it."
"The information that Raon Zieghart is a Master?"
"It's true. The black market has confirmed Raon's realm as Master."
"A Master at eighteen..."
Derus smiled. With that cold smile, he lightly tapped the desk with his fingers.
Rumble!
The air in the office changed once again. Neither the desk nor the bookshelves shook at all, but the mana in the entire space began to grow so heavy that it was impossible to breathe.
"Krrgh..."
Mattio groaned under the pressure.
"Isn't it interesting?"
Derus curved his chin sideways with an even deeper smile.
"Because of that idiot Temus, an eighteen-year-old Master has appeared in Zieghart?"
If Temus had handled things properly, Raon wouldn't have become a Master, nor would the plan to dominate the Yonan family have failed. It was absurd that one little bug had tangled things up this much.
On top of that, before Raon became a Master, the youngest Master had belonged to Robert. He barely suppressed the urge to smash everything in sight out of rage that all his prepared plans had been shattered.
"You said Sheryl handled everything?"
"Th-that's correct."
Mattio answered, spitting black blood from his mouth.
"I think differently."
"Excuse me?"
"It differs from her usual behavior. Raon Zieghart must have intervened at some point."
Derus calmed the energy that seemed to press down on the world.
"Huff!"
Mattio's body staggered as if about to collapse.
"Investigate Raon. Who his mother and father are, who his close associates are, what his purpose is. Even what martial arts he's learned and his weaknesses."
"That is already being done with the utmost effort..."
"Utmost? I don't need that. I'm telling you to get the job done properly and thoroughly."
"Ah..."
"I don't need anything else. Focus on that bastard's information."
Though Derus's voice wasn't loud, Mattio's pupils trembled as if he had heard the roar of a monster.
"Becoming a Master at eighteen means he has the ability to change the future landscape of the continent. It means Zieghart may once again exert its power, just like before Glenn stopped."
Derus's ice-cold eyes dripped with bitter killing intent.
"He must be killed before that. By any means necessary."
* * *
After the awarding ceremony for the Heavenly Sword Division swordsmen was also completed, Glenn's gaze turned to Julius at the very end.
"Come forward."
"Ah, yes!"
Julius took a slow deep breath and stood before the platform with composed steps.
"What is your name?"
Glenn looked down at Julius with eyes that had lost their coldness.
"I-it's Julius Porzan!"
"There's a reason that man recommended you. Make efforts worthy of that quality."
'The Saint must have told him in advance.'
Raon nodded slightly as he looked at Julius. From Glenn's words, it seemed the Saint had already sent information about Julius.
"Yes! Thank you!"
Julius knelt and bowed his head. His noble etiquette flowed naturally like water.
"Hmm..."
"To the point of saying such words?"
"What did he bring this time?"
The heads of houses who were now seeing Julius for the first time raised their energy senses to confirm the quality that had earned Glenn's recognition.
"How can his mana circuits be that wide..."
"His dantian is also more than twice the size of a child his age."
"His physique is somewhat lacking, but internally, he has talent surpassing the direct line."
Upon confirming Julius's talent, the heads of houses sent greedy looks. They seemed ready to forcibly take him the moment they left this place.
"Raon Zieghart. Since you brought him, take responsibility for that child."
Glenn, as if knowing their thoughts, confirmed his affiliation outright.
"I obey."
Raon bowed his head. He had intended to take him to the annex from the beginning, so he naturally accepted.
"This concludes today's proceedings. Everyone return."
Glenn gestured as if telling them to leave quickly because he was annoyed.
The heads and vice-heads of houses, accustomed to such situations, quietly bowed to Glenn and left the audience chamber.
Of course, the direct-line members and the branch families who followed them continued to shoot ugly looks this way until the very end.
"Hmph."
Raon snorted and led Julius toward the audience chamber door. Before leaving, he looked back, and Glenn's expression was as hollow and bored as when he had first seen him. He bowed his head and closed the door as he left.
-Let's hurry! I miss the annex's food!
Las was doing a shoulder dance on the bracelet, looking forward to the baby's food.
"Raon."
"Raon!"
Just as he chuckled and was about to leave the Lord's Hall, Rimer and Sheryl's voices called out simultaneously.
"Congratulations."
Rimer grinned, raising his thumb.
"I expected the golden token, but I didn't think he'd give you a Treasury entry pass as well."
"As that idiot said, the Treasury entry pass is special. It will be a really good opportunity."
Sheryl pushed Rimer aside and nodded.
"When would be a good time to use it?"
"Not now for now."
"Right. Keep it for a while."
Rimer moved next to Sheryl and waved his palm.
"The Treasury contains various things: weapons, artifacts, martial arts manuals, elixirs, and more. They are family treasures that even the family head doesn't use carelessly. Go in when you feel lacking in something."
"Why is a gambler giving proper advice for once?"
"However, from what I've lived, money is ultimately the best! There's a gem called 'A Span of the Sun' in there—if you just sell that, you can live your whole..."
"Ugh!"
Sheryl kicked Rimer's waist and frowned.
"Don't listen to that bastard. There are many values in the world more important than money. Use it as an opportunity to supplement what you lack."
She also advised him not to go now and smiled faintly.
"Thank you."
Raon smiled and bowed his head to the two who had given their advice with sincerity in their own ways.
"Then I'll take my leave... Ah!"
As he was about to leave, he remembered something and turned back, approaching Rimer who was holding his waist and getting up.
"The Three Medicines you mentioned earlier. You meant Dokgoe's Three Medicines, right?"
"Huh? How do you know that?"
Rimer's eyes widened in surprise.
'I knew it.'
If it was Dokgoe, it made sense that Rimer had lost money.
"Then you really lost it all."
"Well..."
Rimer couldn't answer properly and averted his eyes.
"Idiot."
Sheryl clicked her tongue in disdain.
Raon examined Rimer, who had become a beggar, and frowned. He acknowledged Dokgoe's gambling skills, but he couldn't just let him keep draining his money.
'I need to get back my money that went to Dokgoe.'
-...
Since when is that your money?
* * *
When the audience chamber was completely empty, Rohen stepped onto the platform and smiled faintly.
"That was dangerous."
"Yes."
Glenn sighed, covering his eyes with his hand.
"When he suddenly came at me like that, I lost my composure."
He had been so satisfied that everyone fell silent upon hearing Raon's achievements that he felt like he was flying, but when that kid suddenly smiled brightly, his mind went blank for a moment.
'His destructive power is immense.'
When his grandson, who usually never showed expression, flashed a brilliant smile like hundreds of light stones had been turned on, his mind momentarily went blank.
It was a shock that made his heart race for the first time in decades, but he barely managed to endure it by exerting the mental strength of a Transcendent.
'I even had to use aura.'
To prevent his lips from rising, he used aura in an instant without anyone noticing to control his expression. If he had been even slightly slower, he would have shown a slack face in front of everyone.
"But I don't know why he smiled."
Glenn frowned. Raon's smile wasn't the smile of joy at receiving a reward, but a pure smile, so the shock was enough to strain his heart.
"I don't know either. But it was intense for me as well."
Rohen nodded in agreement. Having watched Raon since childhood and felt sorry for him, Raon's smile was a weapon sharper than a blade to him as well.
"We'll have to be careful from now on..."
Glenn shook his head.
"I think it can't be helped."
"Can't be helped?"
"He became a Master at eighteen, the youngest Master in continental history, and is overflowing with chivalry, even earning the epithet Sword Knight. His appearance is also outstanding, so it's only natural to be fond of him."
Rohen smiled as he looked at the seemingly weakened Glenn.
"If Young Master Raon were my grandson, I would have been running around everywhere bragging about him."
"Hmm..."
Glenn lowered his eyes. Thinking of himself in such a state, it was an eyesore.
'However...'
Why was he drawn to it?
He knew it was an eyesore and shameful, but strangely, he wanted to boast. Not just here and there, but on a larger scale—he wanted to announce Raon's existence across the entire continent.
"Hoo."
Glenn sighed lowly.
'I've gone crazy.'
He shook his head, attributing it to idle thoughts from exhaustion.
"I would never..."
Just as he was about to say he would never do such foolish things, the audience chamber door opened without a knock.
"Puhahahaha! Family head! You were surprised by Raon's smile, weren't you? Even I've never seen such a stupid face..."
Before Rimer could finish, Glenn reached out his hand.
KABOOOOOM!
In an instant, a red thunderbolt surged from the ground, wrapping around Rimer's body.
"Guh..."
Rimer, charred black, rolled on the floor from the intense lightning bolt that could melt even steel.
Sheryl looked at Rimer with pitiful eyes and clicked her tongue once more.
"Idiot."