The Reincarnated Assassin is a Genius Swordsman - Chapter 621

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“Hmm?”

Glenn frowned as if he had heard something nonsensical.

“Leader!”

Raon ran forward and grabbed Rimmer’s shoulder.

“What are you talking about? Why are you suddenly saying you’re going to pass on the leadership position?”

With Karoon’s matter resolved, he thought he could comfortably return to the annex, but the sudden talk of transferring the leadership made his head spin.

“The time has come.”

Rimmer turned around and grinned.

“If you’re willing to stand against the Central Martial Hall for your maid and her brother, then you can protect the Light Wind Division no matter who comes. I believe in you.”

He nodded heavily, indicating his sincerity.

“But this is too sudden.”

Raon bit his lip as he looked at Rimmer. Taking on the position of leader wasn’t the issue. He had already been handling the leader’s duties despite being the deputy leader.

What threw him off was not taking the position, but Rimmer intending to leave the Light Wind Division.

“You even have an artificial arm. Why are you retiring? Is something wrong?”

Raon squinted his eyes at Rimmer’s right arm.

“No.”

Rimmer swung his artificial arm like a windmill and shook his head.

“I’m in top shape. It’s even better than my original hand.”

“Then why…?”

“It’s not retirement.”

He grabbed Raon’s shoulder and laughed.

“I’m just stepping back and letting you step up as the leader. It’s just a change of positions.”

Rimmer shook his head, indicating he had no intention of leaving the Light Wind Division.

“Why would I quit such a sweet job that pays me just for sitting around!”

He rubbed his fingers together, indicating he still had debts to repay.

“Ah…”

Raon nodded, seeing the calm determination in Rimmer’s eyes.

‘So that’s it.’

He had thought Rimmer was going to leave the Light Wind Division completely, but it seemed he was only planning to pass on the leadership.

“You’ll do well.”

Rimmer patted him on the shoulder with his left hand, the one with blood flowing through it.

“Hmm…”

“Raon Zieghart, as the leader?”

“Well, he’s more than capable.”

“He’ll probably do a better job than Rimmer.”

The first to react to Rimmer’s words were the officers. They nodded, saying it seemed fine.

“But…”

Aris tilted her head, puzzled.

“Wasn’t Raon already the leader of the Light Wind Division?”

“Now that you mention it, I thought he was the leader too.”

“I thought the same.”

“Doesn’t he submit the mission reports too?”

It wasn’t just her; other officers also opened their eyes wide, feeling something was off.

“What are you talking about! I’m still the leader!”

Rimmer waved his hands as if to dismiss their nonsense.

“Hmm…”

Cheryl stroked her chin and stepped forward.

“Who manages the training grounds?”

“Raon.”

“Who arranges the deployment of the Light Wind Division members?”

“Raon.”

“Who submits the interim reports during missions?”

“Raon…”

“And the post-mission reports and accounting?”

Cheryl’s voice grew quieter with each question, as if she was getting angrier.

“Ra-Raon.”

Rimmer started to stutter, sensing the shift in the atmosphere.

“Are you even human?”

“An elf.”

“Shut up!”

Cheryl kicked Rimmer, who was kneeling.

“…”

Glenn stepped aside slightly to let Cheryl hit Rimmer more comfortably.

“T-that’s all the deputy leader’s duties! I’ve been doing my job as the leader properly!”

Rimmer shook his head, saying those were all the deputy leader’s responsibilities.

“Then let me ask you.”

Aris, with her brow furrowed, stood to Rimmer’s right.

“Who plans the missions?”

“Raon.”

“Who makes decisions during missions?”

“Raon…”

“Who deals with the enemy leader in battles?”

“Th-that’s also Raon…”

“You parasite!”

Unable to contain her frustration, she punched Rimmer in the head.

Bang!

With a thundering sound, Rimmer’s neck sank into his shoulders like a turtle.

“Aaagh!”

Rimmer screamed, telling them to stop, but Aris didn’t relent.

“You don’t do anything! No wonder everyone thought Raon was the leader!”

“You should just die!”

Cheryl ran over and stomped on Rimmer again.

“…”

Once more, Glenn stepped aside to give her more room.

“So I’m passing it on!”

Rimmer waved his hands to escape Cheryl and Aris’s kicks.

“Please, say something, family head!”

“Hmm…”

Glenn, frowning, shook his head.

“I also thought Raon was the leader of the Light Wind Division.”

Given the seriousness of the situation, he seemed sincere.

“Unbelievable!”

Rimmer shook his head, exasperated.

“Family head, you shouldn’t… Do you know how much I’ve…”

“Silence.”

Glenn extended his hand, and lightning flashed.

Boom!

Rimmer, struck by the lightning, rolled across the floor, charred black.

“A useless eater.”

Glenn kicked the scorched Rimmer and approached Raon.

“Raon Zieghart.”

“Yes, family head.”

“What do you think?”

He lowered his eyebrows, asking if Raon could truly handle the role of the leader.

“The Light Wind Division is now attracting attention not just from Zieghart but from the entire continent. The squad leaders are masters, and the squad members are high-level experts. There are even a few who will soon become masters.”

Glenn calmly waved his hand.

“Attracting attention isn’t always a good thing. The Light Wind Division has made many enemies because of it. No one will always be there to save you. Can you be the shield to protect your subordinates even when your own life is at risk?”

Glenn’s question went beyond just the role of a leader; it showed he was looking far ahead. It was clear he had been observing the Light Wind Division closely.

“As you said, the Light Wind Division has many enemies. But if we hide in fear of our enemies, we can’t call ourselves Zieghart swordsmen. I’ll build a Light Wind Division so formidable that our enemies will fear us and avoid us without a fight.”

Raon spoke with determination, thumping his left chest with his right fist.

“And don’t worry about protecting my subordinates.”

He smiled, looking at the staggering Rimmer.

“That’s one thing I can guarantee I’ve learned well.”

“I see.”

Glenn nodded, looking between Raon and Rimmer. His complexion seemed to improve slightly.

“You’ll do well.”

He patted Raon on the shoulder, a rare show of praise, considering the circumstances.

“From this moment, I appoint Raon Zieghart as the leader of the Light Wind Division.”

The officers applauded solemnly at Glenn’s declaration.

“Congratulations.”

“Congratulations.”

Cheryl and Aris approached with gentle smiles.

“It’s a bit late considering your skills.”

“Looking forward to working with you.”

“See you at the next leader’s meeting.”

“You’ll see how scary a senior can be there.”

The officers also laughed and offered their congratulations. The direct lineage members furrowed their brows in silence.

“Family head.”

Raon took a step closer to Glenn.

“Excuse me, but I have a request.”

“A request?”

“Yes. Could I ask for your protection for Judiel and Jubel?”

“Y-young master!”

“We’re fine!”

Judiel and Jubel waved their hands, eyes wide, surprised Raon would directly ask Glenn for their protection.

“No.”

Glenn shook his head, looking at the two.

“It’s my duty. No need to feel burdened.”

He reassured them, shaking his head.

“That’s all for today.”

Glenn, looking tired, turned around.

“All of you, follow me.”

He called Aris, Balder, and Denier, heading back to the family head’s quarters.

“Raon.”

As soon as Glenn disappeared, Rimmer got up and stuck close to him, smelling of burnt flesh.

“Now that you’re the leader, there’s something I need to teach you.”

“Please go ahead.”

“First, the accounting…”

“I already handle that.”

“Well, then the reports…”

“I do those too.”

“Then sometimes chatting with the family head…”

“You’ll continue that.”

Listening to Rimmer, nothing seemed helpful.

“I have something to say too.”

“What is it?”

“Now that you’re under me, can you handle my training?”

“Ugh…”

Rimmer’s eyes widened, realizing he hadn’t considered that.

“Training… wait a minute.”

He shook his head quickly.

“Haven’t you been doing that? You call me to train all the time.”

“…That’s true.”

Raon nodded. Thinking back, he realized he’d been living as the leader for a long time already.

“Haa…”

“Umm…”

He sighed, exasperated, while Rimmer grinned and gave a thumbs-up.

“Sweet job!”

“You idiot!”

Raon couldn’t hold back and kicked Rimmer. He was truly asking for it.

– What is a sweet job? Why does it taste like honey? Let’s go eat it now!

Wrath, who had been yawning out of boredom, jumped up.

Raon closed his eyes, looking at Rimmer and Wrath.

‘So tired…’

* * *

Raon returned to the annex with Jubel and Judiel. With the news of their return already spread, Sylvia and the maids were waiting in the garden.

“Judiel!”

Sylvia ran out and hugged Judiel without hesitation.

“Madam…”

Judiel bit her lip as she was held. She seemed to be suppressing her emotions, but her eyes glistened with unshed tears.

“I was worried. You should’ve told me.”

Sylvia patted her back gently.

“I’m just glad you returned safely. Welcome back.”

“I’m…sorry.”

Judiel bowed her head repeatedly, apologizing. Sylvia’s shoulder gradually became damp.

“Judiel!”

“Sister!”

“Are you okay?”

“Are you hurt anywhere?”

Helen, Yua, and the other maids ran over, surrounding Judiel and Sylvia.

They sighed in relief, more concerned about Judiel’s safety than the circumstances.

“Judiel. Where have you been!”

“Are you alright?”

Encia and Siyan also approached, checking Judiel’s condition.

“Umm…”

Jubel watched the maids surrounding his sister, gripping his wrist tightly with trembling hands. He seemed moved by how many people cared about her.

“Raon.”

Sylvia stroked Judiel’s back and looked up.

“What happened? You said you’d explain when you returned.”

“I didn’t say that…”

– Say you did! Read the room, you fool!

Wrath smacked the back of his head.

– This idiot doesn’t know if he’s a demon or a human…

Wrath frowned, irritated by Raon’s lack of sensitivity.

‘Grr…’

Raon rubbed the back of his head, nodding.

“We’ll step aside then.”

Helen began to lead the other maids away, but Sylvia shook her head.

“No, everyone stay. Family shouldn’t hide things from each other.”

She seated everyone in the garden.

Raon narrowed his eyes, looking at Sylvia.

‘She seems a bit different.’

Or maybe this was her true self.

Since regaining her dantian, Sylvia had become more confident and resolute. She now embodied the spirit of a Zieghart swordsman, as she had taught him.

‘Her martial skills have improved the most though.’

She was already at the mid-Master level. If not higher. Despite having a Grand Master-level artificial dantian, her growth was astonishing. It was clear why she was considered the most talented of Glenn’s children.

“Now, tell us.”

Sylvia nodded after looking at everyone.

“We need to go back a bit. When Judiel first came…”

Raon recounted the events to everyone in the garden.

“I’m sorry.”

As soon as he finished, Judiel knelt and bowed her head to the ground.

“I deceived Madam and everyone. I don’t know what to say…”

“Enough.”

Sylvia stopped her, hugging her again.

“You must have had a hard time.”

Judiel’s shoulders trembled at her gentle voice.

The maids silently hugged both Judiel and Sylvia together.

“You’re Jubel, right?”

Sylvia, still holding Judiel, looked up at Jubel.

“Nice to meet you. I’m…”

Jubel stammered, his lips trembling.

“Welcome to the annex.”

Sylvia smiled warmly at him, like sunlight dancing on flower petals.

Despite knowing he had lived as an assassin, she neither feared nor scolded him, only embraced him. The maids also welcomed Judiel’s brother with smiles.

Sylvia and the maids treated Jubel and Judiel better than expected, and he was just grateful.

“Let’s go back.”

Sylvia took their hands and led them towards the annex.

“I’ve prepared a special meal for you!”

She smiled brightly, telling them to wait just a little longer.

– Food! A special treat! Delicious!

Wrath, who had been sulking with his arms crossed, flew towards the annex at the mention of food.

‘This place is the most comforting.’

Raon laughed softly, watching Sylvia and the maids with Wrath’s wagging tail.

– Hurry up! I can’t eat if you don’t!

‘I’m coming, I’m coming.’

* * *

Saint of Rags, Federick, scrutinized Karoon’s body with heavy eyes.

‘It’s a miracle he’s alive.’

It seemed Glenn had truly intended to kill Karoon, inflicting nearly fatal internal injuries. If the treatment had been delayed even a little, he would have either become crippled or died.

‘Well, it’s understandable.’

Karoon had committed an unforgivable act. The anguish and torment Glenn must have felt, nearly losing his son, were palpable.

Federick tapped Karoon’s critical points with his fingers, black blood oozing from the pores of Karoon’s burnt body like beads of sweat.

Despite the cold sweat streaming down his face, Federick’s fingers didn’t stop stimulating the mana circuits. It wasn’t until the gentle moonlight hit the window that his hands finally paused.

“Phew…”

Federick lowered his hands and fed Karoon a potion.

“Ugh…”

After a short while, Karoon slowly opened his eyes, lips trembling in pain.

“You’re awake.”

Federick sighed, touching Karoon’s forehead.

“Saint?”

“Did you see the afterlife?”

“Hmm…”

Karoon winced, recalling being struck by Glenn.

“Why did you do it?”

“…”

He closed his eyes again without answering.

“Never mind. I’m not here to chastise you.”

Federick examined Karoon’s condition again and shook his head.

“Your internal injuries are severe, even for a Grand Master. It will take months to fully recover.”

“I know.”

Karoon nodded, seemingly aware of his condition.

“While you’ve passed the critical stage, your insides are a mess. Don’t practice your aura for a while.”

“Yes.”

“I’ll return in the morning.”

Federick stood up after one last look at Karoon.

“Thank you…”

“Rest.”

He waved a hand and left the room.

“Phew.”

Karoon finally opened his eyes fully.

‘My aura is still intact.’

As Federick had said, his dantian and mana circuits were shredded, but they weren’t beyond repair. Recovery was possible, though it would take a long time.

‘Father acted personally…’

He had anticipated severe punishment but hadn’t expected Glenn to take matters into his own hands. He would need to revise his estimations about Glenn.

“Sigh…”

“Do you regret it?”

As Karoon sighed, a delicate voice echoed from beneath the bed.

A gentle light flickered within the black shadows, and a man in a spotless white robe emerged.

“You…”

Karoon frowned, recognizing the man.

“If you had joined us earlier, this wouldn’t have happened.”

The robed man smirked.

“How did you get in here?”

“We are everywhere and nowhere.”

The robed man shrugged, unwilling to answer.

“What do you think? Will you join us now?”

He raised an icy, white hand.

“If you do, we’ll erase Raon Zieghart and make you the family head of Zieghart.”

“Ha!”

Karoon scoffed at the robed man.

“You couldn’t even use the information I gave you.”

“That’s because your information was wrong.”

The robed man shook his head.

“Anyway, have you made your decision?”

He extended a transparent hand towards Karoon.

“Your only option now is…”

“Shut up and get lost.”

Karoon glared at the robed man with bloodshot eyes.

“Don’t you want to be the family head?”

“I do. No, I will be. But it has to be with my own strength.”

He gritted his teeth like a beast.

“In your current state, it’s impossible.”

“I am Karoon Zieghart. Even if I can’t become the family head, I won’t join forces with external trash to destroy Zieghart.”

Karoon clenched his fist, though his body was weak, his resolve unyielding.

“Hah.”

The robed man shook his head.

“The pride of Zieghart humans is really sky-high.”

He clasped his forward hand into a sword-like stance.

“A bug that doesn’t know its place… a bug that doesn’t realize it’s been crippled…”

The robed man brought his hand down towards Karoon.

“Needs to be squashed!”

At that moment, a crimson thunderbolt flashed, gripping the robed man’s wrist.

Crunch!

Glenn Zieghart, who should have been in the family head’s quarters, crushed the man’s wrist.

“You shouldn’t leave the windows open.”

Glenn’s red eyes bore into the moonlight streaming through the window.

“See, a bug got in.”