The Warmth of Home
Sheryl tossed the blackened, collapsed Rimer into a corner and approached Glenn.
"My lord. That expression earlier—were you really just holding back a laugh?"
Glenn didn't answer. He simply frowned and stretched out his hand.
A rumbling crash split the air. A bolt of lightning erupted from the ceiling and slammed down onto Rimer's shoulder as he lay there.
"Gyaaaaah!"
Half-unconscious, Rimer screamed and bolted upright on reflex.
"Wh-why me…"
He couldn't even finish the protest before his head slammed back into the floor.
"You started it, didn't you?"
Glenn clenched his fist as if he regretted not hitting him harder.
"My lord."
Sheryl lowered her eyes and took a step forward.
"I understand now why you told me to take Raon on that mission."
A faint smile touched her lips as she looked up.
"At first I thought he was just a lucky boy blessed with heaven-sent talent. He isn't. Even while carrying out the mission, the moment he had a spare second he threw himself into training. There isn't a swordsman in House Zieghart who slacks off, but I've never seen anyone work as hard as that child."
Whenever a scrap of time opened up, Raon had either been swinging his sword or sinking into meditation. Sheryl had watched countless swordsmen in her life, but she had never seen anyone so consumed by training.
"I assumed from his looks that he was a cold-natured boy. He isn't. His expressions are simply faint. He watches everyone with remarkable care. In that short time I grew fond of him—I found myself looking after him without even realizing it."
Warmth saturated every word. Sheryl's voice was full of genuine affection for Raon.
"I understand now why that idiot called him a candidate for family head, and why you think of him so specially. He's a boy worth watching."
"Ahem. Is that so."
Glenn cleared his throat and lifted his chin a fraction. The corners of his mouth, which he had been forcing down, crept upward of their own accord.
"That child has the makings of greatness—as a swordsman and as a leader. I intend to keep a close eye on him from now on as well."
"That's your business, I suppose."
He propped his chin on his hand as if it were of no particular concern to him. The smile at the edge of his lips, however, climbed as if it meant to reach the sky.
"Ah. Come to think of it."
Sheryl's brow furrowed as she looked up at Glenn.
"Raon seems to be looking for Dokoe."
"Dokoe? Why all of a sudden?"
"That idiot lost money somewhere, and Raon looked like he meant to go collect it."
She pointed at Rimer, who was still crumpled in the corner, gasping for breath.
"I was wondering why he looked like a beggar. You went to a gambling den again, didn't you."
"Th-this time it was a real shame."
Rimer read the room, climbed to his feet, and scratched his head.
"If I'd just caught that last tile I would've cleaned them out. I was one tile short…"
"Idiot."
Sheryl sighed and shook her head.
"Isn't it about time you stopped?"
Glenn's brows drew together. The atmosphere was different from his usual scolding.
"That isn't what everyone hoped for from you."
"This is the only way I know."
Rimer gave a somewhat bitter smile and shrugged.
"Hah."
Glenn let out a short breath and turned his head away.
"Leave that idiot. Why is Raon going to find Dokoe?"
"Judging by how he mentioned the Three Pledges and smiled, he's clearly planning to win back the money this gambler lost."
Sheryl relayed Raon's conversation exactly as she had heard it.
"Dokoe belongs to House Zieghart, but he's a man who is no longer of House Zieghart. A certain degree of caution will be necessary. Shall I stop him?"
"There's no need."
Glenn shook his head slowly.
"That child needs to make a mistake at least once, and to know what defeat feels like. Leave him be."
"Understood."
Sheryl didn't argue. She simply stepped back.
"And…"
"Huh? Wha—"
Glenn stretched out his hand, and Rimer—who had been quietly trying to slip out of the Audience Chamber—rose into the air.
"Why me all of a sudden…"
"You're the one who taught Raon that worthless gambling."
"I've told you before, I never did that! I really didn't!"
"Who else would have taught that child to gamble if not you!"
"I didn't do it, so I'm saying I didn't—"
"Gyaaaaah!"
Rimer's indignant voice was swallowed by thunder as he was driven into the floor.
"Roen."
Glenn smoothed the frown from his face and beckoned to Roen, who had been standing there with a smile.
"Yes, my lord."
"What you said earlier."
"Which…"
"That if Raon were your grandson, you'd have spread the news through every neighborhood."
"Ah. Yes."
Roen nodded.
"What would you say to spreading word of Raon's exploits a little further? No—not because of Raon, but because it raises the name of a house that produced the Youngest Master. Yes. For the sake of the family."
Glenn kept his usual cool expression, but a faint tremor ran through his voice that only those close to him would have caught.
"Family publicity. Not a bad idea. I'll see to it."
"I think it's an excellent approach as well."
Roen smiled and nodded, and Sheryl's lips curved in a faint answering smile.
"N-no. Not that…"
Rimer heaved himself up, panting.
"Forget the publicity and just show that you care about him! What good is publicity? All you have to do is hug your grandson once as his grandfather and say, 'You did well. My beloved grandson Raon!' That's all it takes, why is that so har—"
"Gahk!"
Crimson lightning struck him from above and below at the same time. He tumbled across the floor.
A harsh sizzle rose from Rimer's body and clothes as black smoke curled gently off him.
"You have to ease into suggestions like that."
Sheryl shook her head, watching Rimer still alive after four bolts of lightning.
"Idiot."
Raon took Julius with him across the garden of the Annex. As they drew closer, Julius's hands began to tremble.
He's nervous. Of course he is.
The boy had left his hometown to live in a new place. Raon understood the shaking well enough. He remembered feeling something similar when he had first brought Yua here.
"Don't be so tense. They're all good people."
"Yes. I understand."
Julius drew a deep breath and nodded.
"Ah—there's a child in there the same age as you."
"The same age, you said?"
Julius's eyes flashed at the words. A spark of rivalry, by the look of it.
"That's right. I hope you two get along."
Raon gave a quiet laugh and opened the door of the Annex.
"Oh!"
Yua, wearing a white baker's cap and carrying a tray, rounded her eyes.
"Young Master!"
She came running forward, the tray in her hands laden with a pie still sending up curls of steam. The twintails spilling from beneath her cap fluttered like a butterfly's wings.
"You're back!"
"Have you been well?"
"Of course!"
Yua nodded, her voice far brighter and more alive than before.
"We heard you'd returned, so everyone was cooking together. It's almost ready—go wash up quickly!"
"Got it."
"But, um…"
Raon had nodded and was about to head for the washroom when Yua tilted her head, looking at Julius.
"This is a boy who'll be living with us from now on. He's your age, so get along."
"My age? Wow! I'm Yua. Nice to meet you!"
Yua offered a lively smile and tipped her head slightly. Even with a tray in her hands, she made the greeting as kind as she could.
"My name is Julius Porzan."
Despite being told they were the same age, Julius bowed his head and spoke with formal courtesy.
"You wash up too and come quick!"
Yua grinned and ran off toward the dining room.
"Is that the person you said was my age?"
"That's right."
"Ah. I thought she was a martial artist."
Relief bloomed across Julius's earnest face.
"She is a martial artist."
"Pardon?"
"She hasn't been at it long, but she's walking the path of a warrior. She has the kind of talent Eden would target—just like you."
"Hah—!"
Julius's mouth fell open. The competitive fire that had settled flared up again, heat kindling in his eyes.
"Raon!"
"Young Master!"
Yua must have passed the word, because Sylvia and the maids came pouring out of the kitchen and dining room in a rush.
"O-our son's face is half gone! Have all your injuries healed? Have they?"
"You've been skipping meals again, haven't you! Girls!"
"Yes! We'll have it ready right away!"
Sylvia touched his face, sniffling, and Helen took his hand and bit her lip. The other maids let out pained sighs and hurried back toward the dining room.
Raon watched their reactions and smiled faintly.
They haven't changed at all.
Even after he had risen to Master, Sylvia and Helen were the same as ever. They worried less about him hunting down Eden's ghosts than about whether he had been well, whether his wounds had healed. It put his heart at ease.
"I'm all healed. I'm fine now."
Raon squeezed the hand holding his and nodded.
"I've gotten taller, not thinner. Don't worry."
"Really?"
"Mm."
"You're sure?"
"I am."
Only after confirming it three times did Sylvia let out a breath of relief.
"But this child…"
She looked at Julius standing to Raon's right, her eyes going round.
"He'll be living with us from now on. In Letran…"
Raon gave her a brief account of Julius's story.
"Those devilish things again…"
Sylvia bit her lip, bent at the waist, and met Julius's eyes.
"You're welcome here. From now on, no monster will ever lay a hand on you."
"That's not necessary. I am a body meant to become a martial artist. I must be prepared to fight anytime, anywhere…"
"Don't you worry."
Sylvia shook her head and drew the refusing Julius into a full, enveloping hug.
That memory again.
She had lost her husband and daughter to Eden's ghosts, and so she hated and feared Eden more than anyone. The old recollection must have risen; her emotions ran hotter than usual.
"Urgh—w-why so suddenly…"
Julius was flustered, but he didn't seem to dislike the genuine warmth in her arms. He pressed his lips together tightly. He was holding it in, but he was still a child. It must have been hard until now.
Raon watched Julius's face flush red with helpless confusion, and smiled softly.
"Welcome. To the Annex of House Zieghart."
Raon washed in the washroom and went into the dining room.
A long rectangular table was crowded with all manner of dishes, and the maids stood behind the chairs, smiling.
A moment later Helen, Yua, and Sylvia brought out a pot brimming with white stew and set it on the table.
"Everyone sit."
At Sylvia's gesture, Raon and the maids took their seats.
"Today is in honor of Raon's return, and in honor of Raon becoming a Master, and in honor of Raon becoming a hero, and in honor of Raon receiving the golden plaque, and in honor of Raon being named the Frost-Flower Sword Hero…"
"Mother…"
Only when Raon frowned and shook his head did Sylvia's apparently endless speech come to a halt.
"Ah. Right. That's enough."
She smiled brightly and clapped her hands.
"Everyone must be hungry, so before we eat—one last round of applause for Raon, the Youngest Master!"
"Kyaaaaaa!"
"Congratulations!"
"I knew you'd do it, Raon!"
"That's right! You worked so hard for this!"
Helen and the maids all smiled and applauded, offering their congratulations.
Raon met each of their eyes and smiled.
This is better. This is how it should be.
After dealing with hypocrites who clapped with their hands while muttering criticism with their mouths, hearing words filled with genuine feeling warmed him through.
"Then let's eat before it gets cold!"
Before touching her own food, Sylvia ladled stew and set it in front of Raon.
"It's a new recipe. Plenty of beef, vegetables, and fruit!"
"Ohh! Just hearing that makes This King's mouth water!"
Wrath flopped up onto the bracelet like a leaping carp.
"Eat it already! Lead This King into a new world of flavor!"
Raon pushed aside Wrath—who was radiating the dignity of someone declaring war—and took hold of the bowl.
"Thank you."
He bowed his head to Sylvia and took a spoonful of stew.
The first taste carried the concentrated richness of beef. Through the middle came the stew's own savory, mellow character, and at the finish a gentle sweetness of fruit bloomed—an unusual and delightful dish.
"Haaaah… three flavors swirling across the tongue in perfect harmony. A work of art."
It really is.
Raon nodded. He had expected the fruit to throw it off, but the flavors fit together as if they had been designed that way.
"And yet it never strays from the fundamentals. Full of heartfelt care, yet the new flavors soak through beautifully. This King is pleased."
Wrath nodded in satisfaction.
"As expected, home cooking is the best."
……
Raon stared at Wrath, at a loss for words.
Your home is the Demon Realm.
"This is good."
Raon finished a satisfying meal and returned to his room with Wrath, who was patting his belly. He was putting his things in order when three knocks sounded at the door.
"Come in."
The door opened without a reply, and Judiel entered and bowed her head.
"Nothing happened while I was gone?"
"Not until a little while ago…"
Judiel clicked her tongue briefly and went on.
"Orders have come down from the Heavy Martial Palace to find out whether you sustained any particular injuries, and whether any aftereffects have appeared."
"Aftereffects, huh…"
Raon gave a short laugh. Karun really hadn't changed at all.
"What should I do?"
"Leave it for now. If you report immediately, it'll only raise suspicion."
"Understood."
Judiel seemed to have been thinking the same thing; she nodded at once.
"I have a favor to ask."
"Please tell me."
"Can you look into Dokoe for me?"
"Dokoe of the Three Pledges, you mean?"
"That's right."
Raon set down the pack he had been emptying and nodded.
"The one who was taking the squad leader's money at the gambling den wasn't an ordinary gambler. It was Dokoe. I intend to get my money back."
"That's not even your money."
Wrath shook his head as if he couldn't believe what he was hearing.
"Understood. He's a figure from the old days, so it may take some time, but I'll find the most current information I can."
With that reliable answer, Judiel left the room.
"This Dokoe you've been talking about—what is he?"
There's an old man who loves gambling, drinking, and fighting.
Raon smiled faintly and sat on the edge of the bed.
"Wrath. Feeling better?"
"Mm. Reasonably well. A proper rest should make things even better."
"Not craving ice cream?"
"This King craves it! Perhaps because the meal is over, This King is desperately craving something sweet!"
Wrath nodded at once, the tip of his tongue peeking out.
Raon enjoyed the reaction and grinned.
"Then shall we take care of a little business?"
The next day.
Raon took Yua and Julius to the garden under Roen's care.
"Roen!"
They had grown close enough that Yua ran to him waving, while Julius followed behind Raon with awkward steps.
"The Vice Squad Leader has come as well."
Roen took Yua's hand and smiled at Raon.
"I wanted to see how much she'd learned. And…"
Raon gave Julius a light push on the back, sending him forward.
"I worked on his basic stances on the way here, but he needs someone who can watch him properly. I'd like to ask you to look after this one too."
"Huhu. They're of similar age, so training together wouldn't be a bad thing."
Roen looked from Yua to Julius and nodded.
As sharp as ever.
He seemed to have reached the same conclusion—that sparking a sense of rivalry between Yua and Julius would do them good.
"Then let's start by loosening up."
Roen rolled his wrists and ankles as if demonstrating. The small motions gradually grew larger, a warm-up that loosened the entire body.
"Julius, what did you learn from Raon?"
"I learned the fundamental stances of martial arts. The ready stance, the three basic postures, and training methods such as the horse stance."
Julius recited, one by one, the foundations he had been taught on the journey here.
"I see."
Roen studied Julius calmly and nodded.
"Then running would be a good place to start."
"Pardon?"
"This garden has a soft floor, so it's an excellent place to run. Shall we try ten laps for now?"
"Ah…"
Julius's eyes went round as he looked at Roen. Then he pressed his lips together.
"Understood!"
He set his stance and began to run around the garden.
"Hmm. He isn't refusing, contrary to what I expected."
Roen shrugged, looking mildly surprised.
"He's acknowledging you."
Raon smiled faintly, watching Julius's receding back.
"Acknowledging?"
"He told me he only listens to people he has recognized. He's following you because he's recognized you, Roen."
"That's rather interesting."
Roen watched until Julius disappeared among the garden shrubs, then turned his head.
"Then shall we begin as well?"
"Yes!"
Yua followed Roen to the center of the garden.
"Sound can be heard in all things under heaven. In the wind that brushes your hair, in these beautiful, living petals, even in a sword forged from beaten steel—there is sound."
"Yes! I know!"
Yua's twintails twitched like a rabbit's ears.
"Simply enjoying the sounds of nature is a fine thing. But people like us can make those sounds a little more pleasant to hear."
Roen raised both hands and clapped lightly.
A clear, ringing clap rolled through the garden. In that instant, Raon's head felt as if a cool wind had swept through it. The fatigue and sluggishness of the journey vanished at once.
"Wow, that feels so refreshing!"
Yua felt it too; she bounced on her feet and nodded.
"The sound just now mixed a special method into the mana in the air—one that clears the mind."
Roen smiled.
"Huh…"
Raon's mouth fell open. He had known there were martial arts that used sound, but he had never expected a single clap to feel like a session of meditation.
"Roen."
Raon raised his hand.
"Could you do the opposite with a clap as well—kill an enemy… no, attack an enemy?"
He had been about to say kill, then changed it when he glanced at Yua.
"Of course."
Roen turned, a cool smile on his face.
"Would you like to feel it once?"
"Yes."
Raon nodded. He set the Ring of Fire resonating and focused his mind on Roen.
"Then…"
Roen spread his hands a little wider and clapped. The aura in his dantian coiled through the air, raising a wave laced with killing intent.
A piercing ring exploded in Raon's ears. He had deliberately left himself unguarded so he could feel it properly, and for an instant his body locked as if paralyzed, his stomach lurching.
He used the clap as a medium to spread aura through the air.
This sound martial art could either awaken the mind or dull it, and it was not so different from swordsmanship. You imbued the sound you produced with aura, then either attacked your opponent or bolstered their strength.
I don't know the formula itself, but I could roughly imitate it.
The Ring of Fire was resonating, and Roen had demonstrated it so clearly that Raon thought he could copy the method of loading a clap with killing intent.
I can use the sword's cry instead of a clap.
If he used the friction of drawing the blade and the vibration of the sword's own cry, it was more than possible.
"As expected, you know exactly how to learn, Young Master."
Roen smiled with genuine pleasure, as if he hadn't expected Raon to take it without raising any aura of his own.
"May I try it once as well?"
"What you just felt, you mean?"
"Yes."
"Of course."
Roen spread his feet to shoulder width, nodding as if he were looking forward to it.
"Yua. Come behind me."
"Ah, yes."
He sent Yua behind him and confirmed Julius's position. Once he was sure neither of them would be caught in it, he gripped the hilt of the Heavenly Sky Sword.
The core isn't so different.
Swordsmanship and sound martial arts were not so far apart. What mattered was how quickly and how completely you could load aura into the sound.
"Then I'll begin."
A crimson gleam kindled in Raon's eyes. The Heavenly Sky Sword bared its silver fangs and let out a dragon's cry.