The Reincarnated Assassin is a Genius Swordsman - Chapter 625
Aris waved the document in her hand, smiling brightly as if she genuinely wanted him to choose a mission.
“Ugh…”
Raon pressed his lips together as he looked at the fluttering document.
‘This is so embarrassing…’
It had been a long time since he felt this embarrassed, not since he had to act like a baby in front of Sylvia. His face felt hot, and he was sure his cheeks would be red if he looked in the mirror.
-Wow…
Wrath shook his head in disbelief.
-I’ve met many troublemakers, but never one like this. She’s a disaster of a different kind.
‘Indeed.’
Raon nodded briefly. Ordinary troublemakers relied solely on their noble blood, but Aris had both noble blood and formidable abilities.
In the entire Zieghart, only Glenn could handle her.
“If you can’t decide, should I choose for you?”
Aris scanned the documents and picked one up.
“This one looks good. The South-North Union’s riffraff scouted our territory up to the Parin River. Go and crush them. Consider it practice for capturing the king.”
She smiled, suggesting they send a warning to the South-North Union’s leader and king.
“This one is good too. Monsters are gathering in the Tonon Plains to the northwest. Since the Light Wind Division has completed their training, participating in a large-scale war wouldn’t be bad either. And…”
Aris continued listing the contents of the documents, suggesting suitable missions.
“Uh…”
“What’s going on?”
“Is this right?”
The executives looked between Aris and Raon with bewildered eyes.
“If you don’t want to get bitten by a mad dog, just stay quiet.”
Balder raised his fist, signaling the other executives to keep their mouths shut. It seemed he didn’t want any more victims besides himself.
“Who are you calling a mad dog!”
Aris frowned and struck Balder’s waist.
“Gah!”
Balder hit the floor but quickly stood up, flexing his muscles. It seemed he wanted to show that his muscles made him impervious to pain, but it only made him look more ridiculous.
“Ugh…”
Raon massaged his throbbing temples with his fingers. He felt so embarrassed his hands were shaking.
“Um, Lady Aris…”
Raon was about to ask Aris to stop when Denier stood up.
“Sister.”
Denier approached Aris and shook his head.
“Calm down. This isn’t helping Raon.”
“Are you going to interfere too?”
“That’s not it. I understand your intention to show consideration to a new division leader and to let him choose his mission first. But…”
He turned to Raon, his eyebrows furrowed.
“That’s something Raon should decide. If you spoon-feed and choose for him, it won’t help his growth at all. You can’t be here for every round table meeting.”
Regardless of what people thought of Denier, his words were irrefutable. They were indisputable truths everyone in the room had to acknowledge.
However, Aris was a free spirit who disliked such truths.
“Hmmm.”
Aris slowly turned her gaze to Denier. Their eyes were alike but also different.
“You speak well.”
She twisted her chin and curled her lips.
“You must have a lot you want to eat since you talk so well.”
“S-Sister?”
Denier blinked, not understanding her words.
“What you said isn’t wrong. It’s true. But coming from you, it feels deceitful.”
Aris rotated her shoulders, looking as if she might throw a punch.
Raon sighed. He hoped Aris would back down after hearing Denier’s words, but as expected, she seemed intent on escalating the situation.
“Sigh…”
Denier stepped back and assumed a defensive stance. A solid aura rose from his feet as if a stone wall had been erected.
Rumble!
Aris tossed the document aside and rose. A fierce aura like that of a war god emanated from her entire body.
‘Is this the only way?’
Raon sighed, looking at Aris. He tightened his lips and spoke.
“Aunt.”
The chilling energy around Aris vanished instantly at the word.
“Yes, nephew!”
Aris smiled brightly, as if she hadn’t been angry, and waved her hand warmly.
“What’s the matter?”
Her voice was gentle, unlike when she had pressured Denier.
“Wow, look at that voice change. She was the one being deceitful.”
“Shut up!”
Balder grumbled at Aris and got kicked in the shin.
“Gah!”
He rolled on the floor clutching his shin. It seemed even muscles couldn’t protect against a kick to the shin.
“I agree with the True Martial Division Leader.”
Raon glanced at Balder and then looked back at Aris.
“I’m grateful for your consideration since I’m new and have no senior, but I don’t need special treatment like this. I’ll take on a mission through the proper process, just like the other executives.”
While he felt sorry for Aris, it was the right decision to make here.
“Really? If that’s what you want, there’s no helping it.”
Aris waved her hand dismissively and sat back in Balder’s seat. She didn’t seem upset, rather she appeared pleased.
‘As expected.’
Raon had thought it strange that Aris was behaving so unreasonably, and it turned out she had hoped for this response.
‘She did it for me.’
Aris wanted to create a favorable impression of Raon among the executives by stopping her and choosing his mission on his own.
In other words, her goal was to elevate his reputation.
“Thank you, Raon.”
Denier nodded slightly, appreciating that Raon understood his intent.
“Ugh…”
Balder, rubbing his shin, stood up and resumed his position behind Aris.
“Despite everything, I like that boy’s attitude. It’s truly befitting of a warrior.”
He raised his thumb, as if he had forgotten calling Raon disrespectful just ten minutes earlier. His simplicity made him hard to grasp.
“Then let’s continue.”
Aris smiled contentedly and handed the document back to Chad.
“Th-Thank you.”
Chad accepted the document with trembling hands, his eyes showing a determined look.
“Let’s resume the mission assignments.”
Chad rearranged the documents, still wary of Aris.
Balder remained standing behind Aris. He could have taken someone else’s seat but chose to remain standing, showing how peculiar he was.
“Since Lady Aris explained the missions, there’s no need for a lengthy explanation. Executives interested in the mission to drive out the South-North Union scouts from the Parin River, please raise your hands.”
“…”
Silence. No, it was cold. The executives were all watching Aris and Raon.
Raon closed his eyes and bowed his head, showing everyone he had no interest in that mission.
“Then we’ll take it.”
Latane, the leader of the Battle Sword Division, raised his hand. Since no one objected, the Battle Sword Division took the mission.
“The next mission is to subdue the monsters gathering in the Tonon Plains. Both large and small monsters are gathering, suggesting a leader-class monster has emerged. Executives interested in this mission, please raise your hands.”
“…”
Again, no one raised their hands. Raon closed his eyes again.
“We’ll handle the subjugation mission.”
Trevin raised his hand. With no objections, the Iron Throne Division took the subjugation mission.
“Today’s round table meeting is proceeding quickly. Let’s continue.”
Chad read through the documents, and the executives, now more relaxed, picked up missions one by one.
“Oh, this has come up.”
Chad lifted a document with a deep smile.
“This is the mission concerning the Sword Demon’s tomb, which I mentioned earlier when discussing the continent’s situation.”
He tapped the document with his fingers, licking his lips.
“We are Zieghart. While no martial art can surpass our swords, the White Shark, who knows the location of the Sword Demon’s tomb, is not far from Zieghart’s territory.”
“Is that true?”
“Yes. While not within our territory, it’s close enough that if the tomb is discovered near Zieghart, it could cause significant issues. Therefore, it needs to be addressed in advance.”
Chad nodded, explaining that they needed someone to retrieve the map from White Shark and determine whether to open the tomb.
“The mission to retrieve the map or possibly enter the tomb is very dangerous. Still, if any executives are interested, please raise your hands.”
“I will!”
Balder raised his hand immediately.
“Our True Martial Division will go!”
“No, you won’t.”
Denier sighed and shook his head.
“If I say I’ll go, I’m going! I’ll show that Zieghart is the strongest, not some Sword Demon!”
Balder clenched his fist, saying he would go to fight whoever came to the tomb, not for its treasures.
“We haven’t finished investigating the Middle Martial Division. Did you forget the House Master’s orders?”
“Ah…”
Balder opened his mouth in realization.
With the two martial lords not moving, the remaining executives raised their hands.
Raon nodded, observing them.
‘As expected.’
The mission to the Sword Demon’s tomb was in a league of its own. The honor, wealth, and martial arts of the Sword Demon were unparalleled. Even Zieghart’s executives were naturally drawn to it.
-Aren’t you going to raise your hand? You’ve been eyeing that mission.
Wrath tilted his head in confusion.
“Raon.”
Aris also gestured for him to choose that mission.
Raon looked at the document Chad held and licked his lips.
‘He said it’s near Zieghart.’
Chad mentioned that White Shark, who had the map, was near Zieghart’s territory. Given that, it seemed possible to aim for the tomb without taking this mission.
‘That would be more convenient.’
Raon decided not to raise his hand, quietly observing the situation.
“While I appreciate the branch leaders’ participation, this mission is dangerous and should be handled by a division leader or higher.”
“Hmm…”
“It’s a shame.”
“It was a good opportunity.”
At Chad’s suggestion, the branch leaders lowered their hands. Only two executives remained.
Serena of the Public Sword Division and Dronen, the leader of the Direct Line’s Young Heroes Division. Raon had often seen Dronen in the audience hall but had never spoken to him. He was a very taciturn person.
“Neither of you seems willing to yield. Given the urgency, it’s not suitable for a duel. We’ll decide by vote.”
Chad called their names and began a vote to determine who would take the mission.
“Those who think the Public Sword Division should take the mission, please raise your hands.”
“I do!”
Aris raised her hand for Serena, prompting most neutral executives to follow suit. Dronen’s turn hadn’t even come, and the decision was essentially made.
“Then the mission concerning the Sword Demon’s tomb will go to the Public Sword Division. And… Oh!”
Chad, flipping through the documents, suddenly twitched.
“I apologize. With so much happening, I forgot about this mission.”
He lifted the first document.
“This is the reconnaissance mission in Zieghart’s territory mentioned initially. Executives interested in this mission, please raise your hands.”
“I’ll do it.”
Raon stood up and raised his hand.
“Huh?”
“You want to go on reconnaissance?”
“Why so suddenly?”
The executives widened their eyes, surprised that Raon volunteered for what Balder had called a menial task.
“Following the True Martial Division Leader’s advice, I think it’s best to start with what I can handle now. As a junior, I’ll take this reconnaissance mission.”
“Uh, um.”
Balder blinked, startled that Raon was following his advice.
“You don’t have to…”
He took a step back from Aris, fearing another hit.
“As you said, I’ll take my time and re-examine Zieghart.”
Raon shook his head, declaring he would take the mission.
“Ha! I knew I liked your attitude!”
Balder nodded, seeing Aris remain still.
“Yes, reconnaissance is an important mission! Do it thoroughly! And next time at the round table, I’ll give you the best mission!”
He pounded his chest confidently.
“Ha.”
Aris smiled softly, seemingly understanding Raon’s intention.
“…”
Denier also narrowed his eyes, seeming to grasp Raon’s plan.
“There are no objections. The reconnaissance mission will go to the Light Wind Division.”
Chad observed the executives’ reactions and nodded.
Raon smiled faintly, seeing the significantly different expressions of the executives.
“About that boy, Raon.”
Balder walked behind Denier as they left the round table meeting, chuckling.
“I didn’t like his attitude at first. Seeing him reminded me of Raiden, but now I like what he says more and more. If I had known, I would have brought him into our division.”
He licked his lips regretfully.
“Indeed.”
Denier shook his head, smiling at Balder.
“You couldn’t read that boy’s mind, could you?”
“What do you mean?”
“Why do you think Raon suddenly volunteered for the reconnaissance mission?”
“He said he wanted to re-examine Zieghart…”
“That’s not it.”
Denier slowly waved his finger.
“It’s because the one holding the map to the Sword Demon’s tomb is near Zieghart.”
“So…”
“Yes. With the location so close, he can use the reconnaissance mission as a pretext to search for the Sword Demon’s tomb. Raon aimed for that. He created a path to gain favor with the executives while pursuing practical gains.”
Denier praised Raon’s quick thinking and decision-making, laughing hollowly.
“Truthfully, anyone but you could have come up with that idea. But Raon was the fastest to act on it, outpacing executives who have attended dozens of round table meetings. It’s unbelievable how quickly that boy grasped the situation.”
“Hmm…”
“The executives who realize this now might feel tricked.”
“That’s not right.”
Balder shook his head firmly.
“They should admire him for getting the mission with his own skills. Complaining about being tricked is for narrow-minded fools.”
He laughed, saying it was only right to praise Raon.
“The more I think about it, the more I regret not having someone as clever as him in our division.”
“You…”
Denier looked at Balder, narrowing his eyes.
“Aren’t you jealous?”
“Jealous?”
“Because of your blunder, Raon Zieghart gained more trust from the House Master and became a division leader. If he survives the life-and-death duel next year, he’ll become a direct descendant, the Light Wind Division will be promoted in status, and he’ll be a contender for the successor position. He’ll be your rival.”
“Hmm…”
Balder scratched his chin with his large hand.
“I do want the House Master position. If possible, I’ll do anything to get it, though not like that person.”
He glanced towards the area where Karoon was confined.
“I might feel jealousy and envy. But if I can’t overcome him with my full strength, it means he’ll make Zieghart greater than I could. I’m fine with yielding then.”
TN: Wow, Character development approved. lol
Balder shook his head, saying he could accept any House Master as long as Zieghart grew stronger.
“…”
Denier nodded, looking at Balder.
“You never change.”
“What are you talking about?”
“I mean stay as you are.”
Denier patted Balder’s shoulder gently and returned to the True Martial Division.
“Speak plainly!”
Balder frowned at Denier’s back.
“It’s difficult!”
Two days later.
Raon went to the bustling marketplace to receive the information he had requested from the black market. Entering a dilapidated statue’s door in a corner of the shopping district, he was greeted by the warm scent of wood that calmed his mind.
Counting the increased number of sculptures, he walked to the counter where the owner lowered her hood and bowed.
It was Denning Rose, wearing an eyepatch with a purple rose emblem.
“Greetings, Light Wind Division Leader.”
Denning Rose smiled faintly, bowing her head.
“Why the sudden formality?”
Raon looked at her with a puzzled expression.
“It’s only proper to treat you according to your new status.”
Denning Rose waved her hand, saying it was a natural courtesy as a merchant.
“Congratulations on becoming a division leader.”
“…Thank you.”
Raon bowed his head and sat where Denning Rose gestured.
“But why are you here personally?”
“It’s only right that I come for the division leader’s request.”
Denning Rose smiled, saying it was proper etiquette.
“I’d love to hear your story of becoming a division leader, but we’re short on time, so let’s get straight to business. The situation has changed.”
Her eyes gleamed with a serious light.
“What do you mean by changed?”
“Two days ago, White Shark, who had the map of the Sword Demon’s tomb, was killed, and the map’s owner has changed.”
“Who has it now?”
“The Holy Sword Alliance.”
Denning Rose’s lips trembled slightly.
“The map is now in the hands of the Holy Sword Alliance.”
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