The Reincarnated Assassin is a Genius Swordsman - Chapter 724

“Clothes?”

Raon’s eyes widened as he looked at the clothes inside the luxurious box.

It was a formal suit with a harmonious blend of black and gold, radiating an elegance that was both lavish and stately.

‘Then Mother’s must be…’

He glanced to his side. Inside Sylvia’s box was a dress with a white base adorned with gold embroidery, graceful and flowing.

“Oh….”

Sylvia stared at the dress with a dazed expression, as if overwhelmed by the unexpected gift.

-Tch!

Wrath shook his round fist in disappointment.

-They’re all inedible! Not that that tasteless old man would serve anything better than some bland Nadine bread anyway!

He snorted, muttering that it was probably just as well.

“Hm….”

Ignoring Wrath’s grumbling, Raon examined the suit and dress again.

‘Why would he send us clothes?’

He had expected Glenn might give them rewards for their performance in the war, but he hadn’t anticipated receiving formal attire instead of artifacts. It was somewhat surprising.

“Lord Roenn.”

Raon lowered the box containing his suit and called out to Roenn.

“Did the Head really send these clothes?”

“Yes. He wishes for both of you to wear them at the banquet this evening.”

Roenn nodded, affirming there was no mistake.

“Oh….”

Sylvia let out a faint gasp as she looked at the hem of the dress.

The hem was embroidered with Zieghart’s emblem—a flaming sword—which glowed even more brilliantly than the crest on the official badges.

‘Mine’s the same.’

The same symbol was embroidered on the chest of his suit, so vivid it seemed as though the sword were truly ablaze.

‘Embroidering the Zieghart emblem like this means….’

Raon gently traced the emblem, swallowing hard.

‘Is he saying he’ll officially make Mother part of the direct line tonight?’

Yes, that must be it.

The sudden gift of elaborate formal attire and the invitation to the banquet could only mean they would be inducted into the direct line.

The embroidered Zieghart emblem reinforced his certainty.

“R-Raon, this….”

Sylvia clutched the dress to her chest, her lips trembling. She, too, seemed to understand the significance of the dress Glenn had given her.

“I think that’s right.”

Raon met Sylvia’s gaze and nodded.

“There was once a tradition in Zieghart where a father would make their child’s first set of clothes. Though it’s been discontinued, these clothes are crafted from the threads of an ancient spirit, the Spirit Thread.”

Roenn smiled slightly as he explained that Glenn had personally obtained the Spirit Thread. It seemed like Glenn was officially acknowledging them both as direct members of the family.

“Oh….”

Sylvia lowered her gaze upon hearing that the tradition had once been discontinued. Naturally, she had never received any such “first clothes” herself.

“I will see you at the banquet, then.”

After a polite bow, Roenn headed off toward the Main Hall.

“Understood.”

Raon returned the bow, then looked at Sylvia.

“There’s much to prepare. Let’s head back.”

“Yes.”

Sylvia’s eyes glistened with tears, her lips quivering. Lately, people had been calling her by the moniker “Demon Blade with Red Eyes,” yet she hardly seemed like a demonic swordswoman at this moment.

“Let’s bring Helen and the other attendants along.”

“Right….”

With a firm grip on Sylvia’s trembling hand, Raon led her back to the annex.

* * *

“You’ve delivered them, I assume?”

Glenn tilted his chin as Roenn entered the audience chamber.

“Yes.”

Roenn nodded, smiling slightly.

“Did Raon and Sylvia have any suspicions?”

“They’re both perceptive; I believe they’ve understood your intentions, my lord.”

He mentioned that both Raon and Sylvia seemed to have recognized the significance of the gifts as he approached the podium.

“Hm? I find that hard to believe.”

Rimmer blinked at Roenn.

“Maybe Sylvia figured it out, but Raon? That kid wouldn’t notice a thing unless it hit him in the face! The densest of the dense!”

He shook his head, saying he had never met anyone as oblivious as Raon.

“That’s true.”

Sheryl nodded in agreement.

“There were countless times I wanted to shake some sense into him because of his cluelessness.”

She sighed, echoing the sentiment about Raon’s obliviousness.

“But he’s remarkably quick-witted in battle.”

Roenn laughed softly, noting how surprising it was.

“That’s true. Raon is sharper than even me when it comes to fighting, but….”

Rimmer chuckled, waving his hand dismissively.

“For some reason, he’s utterly lost when it comes to human relationships.”

He clicked his tongue, looking up at the podium.

“Probably because someone kept him confined to the annex since he was young….”

“Hm….”

“Hmm….”

Sheryl and Roenn’s gazes shifted to Glenn in unison, following Rimmer’s line of sight.

“Ahem!”

Clearing his throat, Glenn quickly motioned Roenn to continue.

“Did they like the clothes?”

“Yes. Both of them were pleased.”

Roenn nodded, adding that they seemed genuinely delighted.

“Of course they should be pleased! Do they know who made them?”

Siran, former head of the Zieghart Elder Council and current leader of the Five Flowers Guild, snorted.

“By the way, Head, you’re too much. You asked me to fill the council head position, then you suddenly have me back in the guild, telling me to make the finest clothes in three days! It was exasperating!”

She covered her mouth with her fan, which bore a black butterfly design, her tone elegant yet reproachful.

“I do have a schedule, you know. It was truly abrupt.”

“Ah, I apologize. But your skill surpasses that of the current guild head.”

Glenn raised a hand apologetically, admitting that his request had been sudden.

“I wanted to give the best clothing to those two.”

“Well, a parent’s heart is the same everywhere.”

Siran’s expression softened, and she smiled faintly.

“Still, I didn’t make Raon and Sylvia’s clothes solely because of your request. I wove those threads with the hope that they would thrive.”

She laughed, saying she had worked day and night without sleep or food, yet didn’t regret it.

“Now, if you’ll excuse me, I should go rest—”

“Oh, absolutely not!”

Siran shook her head firmly.

“Zieghart’s most beautiful faces will be wearing my masterpiece, and I wouldn’t miss seeing that for anything!”

She clenched her fist, declaring she’d rather collapse at the banquet than miss it.

“Ahem! Well, yes, they are both quite striking.”

Glenn nodded vigorously, pleased that Raon and Sylvia had received compliments on their appearance.

Rimmer, Sheryl, and Roenn chuckled quietly as they watched Glenn’s genuine smile.

* * *

“Hm?”

Raon donned the formal attire Roenn had provided, moving his arms and legs to test the fit.

“It’s surprisingly easy to move in for formal wear.”

Usually, formal clothing, prioritizing ornate designs, was uncomfortable, but this suit allowed him to move as freely as training clothes.

It was both exquisite and comfortable, which was rare.

-What’s the point of that? It’s not even edible!

Wrath muttered that clothes were worthless, shaking his head.

‘But with this suit, we can go to the banquet and eat all the delicacies, can’t we?’

-Ooh! Then it’s essential!

He suddenly sounded like Dorian, muttering the word “essential” over and over.

‘Simple-minded.’

Raon chuckled and left his room.

“Wow….”

“Young Master, you look angelic.”

“The suit doesn’t overshadow your face, and your face doesn’t overshadow the suit. It’s perfect!”

“Absolutely stunning….”

The attendants, dressed in casual attire, praised his appearance, their faces lighting up. Thanks to Encia, even they had started using the term “stunning.”

“Young Master….”

Helen, who had been staring in awe, approached him cautiously.

“Are you really sure we’re allowed to go?”

She looked down, as if unsure about attending the banquet.

“It’s fine. You’re family.”

Raon smiled, meeting her anxious gaze.

The attendants were family who had endured hardships together, and he wanted them by Sylvia’s side when she joined the direct line.

“Young Master….”

With eyes glistening, Helen and the other attendants bit their lips to hold back tears.

“Don’t cry, or your makeup will be ruined.”

Sylvia came down the stairs, shaking her head.

She wore the dress Roenn had given her, but despite its ornate beauty, the focus was entirely on Sylvia’s face.

“My lady!”

“You’re truly beautiful!”

“The dress can’t match your beauty!”

“So gorgeous! So gorgeous!”

The attendants chirped around Sylvia like sparrows.

“Thank you. You all look lovely too.”

Sylvia laughed as she embraced each of them.

“If you’re ready, let’s head out.”

“Yes.”

Raon opened the door and led them outside.

He escorted Sylvia and the attendants into the prepared carriage and headed toward the main hall.

Laughter filled the carriage as they talked and enjoyed each other’s company.

By the time they arrived at the main hall, people were already entering the Main Hall for the banquet.

“Let’s go in.”

“Yes, my lady.”

Sylvia led the attendants into the Main Hall. As they made their way down the hall, a man standing in the right corridor blocked their path.

“Hm….”

It was Sterik, one of Karoon’s direct subordinates. He seemed briefly taken aback by Sylvia’s appearance, then shook his head.

“Are those attendants behind you?”

“Yes.”

Sylvia stepped forward protectively, nodding.

“Then why are they wearing dresses instead of attendant uniforms?”

Sterik frowned in confusion.

“I asked them to join me.”

Sylvia raised her chin confidently, taking another step forward.

“How absurd. Inviting attendants to a banquet—even if there’s no restriction on attendance, you must have lost your senses.”

Sterik looked at Sylvia and the attendants with disdain.

“Hah.”

As Raon was about to step in, Sylvia raised her hand, stepping up to Sterik and drawing close as if she’d grab him by the collar.

“Keep your mouth shut unless you want to lose that head.”

Sylvia could no longer tolerate the insult. Her red eyes flared as she unleashed an imposing aura, pressing down on her opponent with the force of her will. The Demon Blade with Red Eyes—her resolve to protect the annex was clear.

“Urgh! D-do you realize where we are?”

Sterik’s lips trembled as he took a step back, ready to summon the guards to block their entry.

“Let them pass.”

Karoon approached from behind, pushing Sterik aside and opening the doors to the banquet hall.

“K-Karoon, sir?”

“The Vice Lord invited everyone to the banquet without qualifications. That means anyone can enter, so it’s not your place to interfere.”

Karoon looked down at Sterik with a chilling gaze.

“My… my apologies.”

Sterik pressed his back against the wall, quivering, unable to defy Karoon’s words.

“Th-thank you.”

“……”

Karoon didn’t respond. He glanced at Sylvia and Raon briefly, then entered the banquet hall.

“Raon, see you inside.”

Burren, standing behind Karoon, waved to Raon before heading into the hall.

‘What’s gotten into him?’

Raon narrowed his eyes as he watched Karoon’s retreating back.

Normally, Karoon would have gone out of his way to put up obstacles, yet he had actually helped. It was disconcerting.

‘Does he have some other scheme?’

But Raon detected no hint of treachery from Karoon—only an austere, bamboo-like dignity.

“You heard me. There’s no reason to shrink back. Walk with confidence!”

Sylvia patted the attendants on their backs, then led the way into the hall.

“Yes!”

Feeling Sylvia’s encouragement, the attendants walked confidently behind her.

With a slight smile, Raon was the last to enter the banquet hall.

“Wow….”

“Is that really Sylvia?”

“So the stories were true about her once being the most beautiful woman in Zieghart.”

“Who crafted that dress? It complements her beauty perfectly….”

The people enjoying the banquet couldn’t close their gaping mouths as they took in Sylvia’s appearance.

“Raon isn’t overshadowed by her either.”

“He’s not overshadowed? He might even surpass her!”

“They say the term ‘absolutely handsome’ was coined for him. I believe it.”

“He’s been famous for his looks since he was a kid, too.”

The Zieghart swordsmen couldn’t take their eyes off Raon, who followed Sylvia as if guarding her, leaving them all sighing in admiration.

Raon took in their attention calmly as he observed the banquet hall.

Given that it followed a funeral, the hall wasn’t overly extravagant, but the warm colors and ambiance brought a sense of comfort.

-Ohhh!

Wrath let out a gasp as if his breath had been taken away.

-This is the most food I’ve ever seen at a banquet!

Indeed, as Wrath had said, the outer areas of the hall were laden with a countless array of dishes, like an endless buffet.

The colors and aromas of the food alone made his mouth water.

“Raon, taste some!”

Runan waved at him, clutching an armful of ice cream scoops. Judging by the bulge in her dress, she’d already eaten her fill.

“Tsk. Why am I even here….”

Martha leaned against the wall, looking disgruntled. She seemed embarrassed by her white dress, keeping her head low and frowning.

“……”

Burren followed closely behind Karoon, and the two seemed slightly closer than before.

“Master! Try this!”

Dorian’s cheeks were puffed with food, his beaming smile suggesting he’d already sampled everything. He looked happier than ever.

-Let’s go, let’s go!

Wrath drooled as he reached toward the buffet.

‘What do you want to try first?’

-First, the beef tartare over there!

He licked his lips, claiming that buffets should start with cold dishes.

‘For a glutton, you have an odd amount of knowledge.’

Raon chuckled softly and was about to head toward the beef tartare when a voice rang out.

“Presenting the Lord of the North, Glenn Zieghart!”

The banquet doors opened in unison, and Glenn appeared.

“All bow to the Lord!”

Raon knelt along with the others.

“Everyone, rise.”

Glenn ascended to the podium at the center of the hall, casting a calm gaze over the attendees.

“Are you enjoying the banquet?”

“Yes!”

Everyone in the hall responded in unison, bowing their heads.

-I’m not enjoying it because of that old man!

Wrath was the only one who dared to resist, shaking his small fist.

“Good.”

Glenn nodded with a faint smile.

“Though this banquet was meant to reward your efforts in the war, there is an even more important reason for this gathering.”

Raising a hand, he pointed toward Raon and Sylvia.

“Sylvia Zieghart and Raon Zieghart, come forward.”

Not one to draw things out, Glenn called them up directly.

“Yes.”

Raon met Sylvia’s eyes and moved forward together to stand before the podium.

“Once, I made a promise with the Leader of the Light Wind Division.”

With his hands clasped behind his back, Glenn looked out the dimmed window.

“I promised that if he survived his duel to the death with Roman, the Axe King, I would raise Sylvia to the direct line.”

Turning back to Raon, Glenn’s gaze met his.

“I thought it was impossible, but the Leader of the Light Wind Division defeated the Axe King and brought honor to the name of Zieghart.”

He nodded in approval, as though genuinely proud of Raon.

“Furthermore, after surviving the North-South Union’s ambush, he even protected me from their assassination attempt. After that…”

Glenn vividly recounted the battles he had witnessed, leaving those who hadn’t been present sweating with tension.

“Raon Zieghart has achieved far more than just fulfilling our promise. Therefore…”

Glenn looked at Raon and Sylvia with pride in his eyes.

“I will raise Sylvia Zieghart and Raon Zieghart to the rank of the direct line, double the lands of the annex, and grant Raon Zieghart one wish.”

He nodded calmly, as if ready to grant whatever Raon desired, as he handed them the golden badges that symbolized the direct line status.

“Thank you.”

Raon and Sylvia bowed, Sylvia’s voice trembling with emotion.

“Wooow!”

“Finally, you did it!”

“Well done, Raon!”

“Master!”

The officers and the Light Wind Division swordsmen who knew Raon well clapped and cheered.

The music in the banquet hall changed to a more lively tune, echoing the celebratory mood.

“My Lady!”

“Young Master!”

The attendants, too, shed tears, as if simply witnessing this moment was a dream come true.

“You’re officially my nephew now!”

Balder gave him a thumbs-up.

“Congratulations, Raon, Sylvia.”

Deneir clapped and nodded.

“……”

Karoon, who would normally do anything to disrupt such a moment, remained silent.

With Karoon quiet, the other direct line members also held their tongues, standing still as if struck dumb.

Raon clenched his fist, feeling the festive atmosphere of the hall. His chest pounded as if it would burst.

‘I’ve finally achieved one of our goals.’

The status of being in the direct line might seem like a mere birthright to some, but to him and Sylvia, it was a long-held dream. The fact that they achieved it amidst everyone’s blessings filled him with indescribable joy.

Now he felt certain that he could also accomplish his vengeance against Derus.

“Thank you. Truly, thank you.”

Sylvia bowed, unable to hold back her tears any longer.

“Thank you.”

Raon took Sylvia’s hand and bowed.

“But would just land and a wish be enough? Hey! Nephew! I’ll give you some gold!”

Balder shouted, gleefully waving his hand, promising Raon some gold coins.

“Hey, shut up! Raon is my nephew!”

Aris leapt up beside Raon.

“Now that you’re officially my nephew, go ahead, call me ‘aunt’!”

Her crimson eyes glistened with anticipation.

“Ahem, I’d be fine with ‘uncle,’ though.”

Balder licked his lips, eager to hear the word first.

“R-Raon.”

“Yes, right here!”

“Hahaha! Shouldn’t it be ‘grandfather’ first?”

Rimmer, Sheryl, and Roenn gestured to Glenn, who was watching with an icy, fierce gaze.

“Today, as part of the direct line, can you finally call me ‘Mother’?”

Now that she was officially in the direct line, Sylvia moved her shoulders forward, wanting to hear him call her “Mother.”

“Aunt!”

“Uncle…”

“Grandfather!”

“Mother.”

Four directions, four intense gazes, each awaiting the title they wanted to hear.

“Uh…”

Raon’s eyes darted around faster than ever.