Chapter 790
“The Thespian Emperor is here?”
Raon frowned as he watched Dorian munching noisily.
“That’s right! I heard she arrived at the front gate just a moment ago!”
Dorian nodded enthusiastically, saying all the swordsmen outside were talking about it.
“Hmm, first, deal with that bread.”
Raon pointed at the crumbs stuck to Dorian’s chin.
“Oh! Yes, sir!”
Dorian chuckled and stuffed all the crumbs into his mouth.
– Whatever kind of bread that is, it looks delicious…
Wrath licked his lips, feeling hungry.
– Bring some to this king as well! My hunger is making my head spin! Keuh-huk!
‘The only bread I have is Nadine bread. If you’re okay with that…’
– N-no need! This king shall keep his mouth shut until dinner!
Wrath shouted his refusal and disappeared into the Ice Flower Bracelet.
“Did the Thespian Emperor come alone?”
Raon let out a short sigh and looked back at Dorian.
“No, she brought her subordinates with her this time.”
Dorian shook his head, explaining that unlike before, the Thespian Emperor hadn’t come alone.
“Did she say why she requested an audience with the Patriarch?”
“No idea.”
Dorian shrugged, saying he had rushed over the moment he heard the news.
“The High General has already sent a message to the Patriarch, so he should be coming soon.”
Dorian pointed toward the main gate and muttered that the atmosphere didn’t seem bad.
“That makes sense.”
Although there had been some minor conflicts with the Five Divine Order, they weren’t enemies, so there was no reason to refuse the visit.
“The Thespian Emperor, huh…”
Rektor stroked his chin and turned his gaze toward Zieghart’s front gate.
“Did she gain some sort of enlightenment?”
His eyes narrowed as if he could already sense the Thespian Emperor’s aura.
“If you say enlightenment, then… could it be…?”
Raon widened his eyes and looked at Rektor.
“Yes. She must have had a major realization, given how much stronger she’s become in such a short time.”
Rektor nodded, confirming that the Thespian Emperor’s energy had grown noticeably more powerful.
“Can a transcendent really gain enlightenment that easily?”
“The realm of transcendence is mysterious. Some gain nothing for ten years, while others reach new heights in just ten seconds.”
He smiled faintly, saying it was an utterly unfair world.
“But why would the Thespian Emperor suddenly come here…?”
“Probably to assess the value of the Five Divine Order.”
Raon rested his hand on his sword and furrowed his brow.
He didn’t know exactly how strong the Thespian Emperor had become, but he could guess why she was here.
“Right now, battles between the Five Kings and the Five Demons are taking place all over the continent. Even the minor factions allied with them are at war. In this situation…”
Raon sighed as he looked toward Zieghart’s front gate alongside Rektor.
“The Five Divine Order holds immense value, as they have both a transcendent and a Grandmaster. Whichever side they choose could tip the scales of war.”
“Indeed.”
Rektor nodded in agreement.
“On top of that, the Five Divine Order lost much of their influence and reputation after the Holy Sword Alliance Lord’s attack. They won’t miss this opportunity to regain their standing.”
“You’ve already figured everything out.”
Rektor smiled, looking proud of his grandson.
“It was obvious.”
Raon scratched the back of his head.
He was well aware of what kind of person Ariel, the Thespian Emperor, was, so understanding her motives wasn’t difficult.
“In our current situation, unless the Thespian Emperor’s offer is too unreasonable, we should consider accepting it. However…”
Raon smirked and turned to Rektor.
“The circumstances have changed. No one knows that Zieghart and the Holy Sword Alliance are now connected.”
The Thespian Emperor was likely trying to increase her own worth by playing both sides between the Five Kings and the Five Demons. Normally, they would have no choice but to entertain her offers.
But with Rektor, the Holy Sword Alliance Lord, being his grandfather, and merely a nominal member of the Five Demons, her plans were nothing more than an illusion.
“That’s right.”
Rektor chuckled, finding the situation amusing.
“Of course, we must not reveal your identity here. The clan will likely issue a gag order on this matter as well.”
Raon placed a finger to his lips, emphasizing the need for secrecy.
“There’s no one outside the clan who knows, right?”
The Dragon Lord had been too focused on Raon’s use of demonic energy to notice Rektor, and the Fallen One had been beheaded.
Even if the latter somehow survived, it would take time before he could reveal anything. For now, this was a secret only they knew.
“If I’m to follow your plan, I should suppress my presence as well.”
Rektor clicked his tongue and instantly concealed his aura. Even though he stood right in front of Raon, his presence became completely undetectable.
“Thank you for understanding.”
Raon bowed his head toward Rektor.
“This benefits us all. And more importantly…”
Rektor gently patted Raon’s head.
“There’s no need for thanks between family.”
He smiled, as if telling Raon to get used to it.
“…Yes.”
“Ah, before we leave for the Holy Sword Alliance, what was the favor you wanted to ask?”
Rektor lifted his gaze, realizing he had almost forgotten.
“I’ll tell you after the Thespian Emperor leaves.”
“Very well.”
He nodded, saying they would talk again at the annex, before leaving the training ground.
“Wow…”
Dorian let out a breath of admiration as he watched Rektor’s retreating figure.
“Your grandfathers are both amazing.”
“They are.”
Raon nodded in full agreement.
“They’re on a level I can’t reach.”
Even if he eventually caught up to Glenn and Rektor in terms of strength, he felt that their convictions and willpower were something he would never be able to match.
* * *
Rumble!
Zieghart’s massive front gate, now even sturdier than before, opened with a deep, resonant sound.
High General Illiun stepped forward.
“Welcome to Zieghart.”
His voice was formal and respectful, following the order to treat their guests with courtesy.
“Thank you for welcoming me.”
The Thespian Emperor, Ariel, offered a gentle smile as she bowed.
As she slowly raised her head, her elegant demeanor left the martial artists stationed outside the outer fortress momentarily dazed.
Ahem!
Illiun cleared his throat, infusing his voice with aura. The martial artists, whose gazes had blurred, snapped back to their senses and straightened their backs.
“We apologize for our rudeness, honored guest.”
“It’s quite alright.”
Ariel waved her hand dismissively, as if she was used to such reactions.
“Please follow me. I will guide you to the main hall.”
“I appreciate it.”
She thanked him and walked behind Illiun, her subordinates following closely.
“This place is still as beautiful as ever.”
Ariel glanced around Zieghart’s lush, vibrant interior, her lips curving into a soft smile.
“It seems even more lively than before.”
“Thank you for your kind words.”
Illiun, though receiving a compliment, merely gave a slight nod without showing much emotion.
As Ariel and Illiun engaged in light conversation while approaching the main building, her gaze was drawn to a tall swordsman standing to the right.
‘Raon Zieghart?’
The sly little brat who had humiliated her twice was staring right at her.
His noble features, as if illuminated by a halo, remained unchanged, but something far more shocking caught her attention.
‘He’s already reached the peak of Grandmaster level?’
Though he hadn’t yet reached the threshold of transcendence, it was undeniable that he had ascended to the very limit of the Grandmaster realm.
‘This is absurd…’
Even she, once praised as divinely gifted, had only reached the Master level at that age. Raon’s martial talent was so overwhelming that it sent a chill down her spine.
‘That image comes to mind…’
She recalled the time she had drawn his celestial energy with great effort, only to find a devilish figure staring back at her.
Overcome with fear, she had immediately closed the book. Now, seeing him in person, she couldn’t help but wonder if he had truly sold his soul to a demon.
‘However…’
Raon’s true danger lay not in his sword but in his mind and his silver tongue.
Having been fooled twice, she refused to fall for his tricks again today.
“It’s been a while, Light Wind Division Leader.”
Ariel smiled warmly at Raon.
“Yes.”
Raon merely gave a brief nod, his expression indifferent.
A flicker of irritation arose within her, but she suppressed it, maintaining her smile.
“I heard you were gravely injured. I’m relieved to see you’re well.”
“Yes.”
His response was once again curt, showing no intention of engaging in conversation.
“I must meet with the Patriarch, so let’s talk another time.”
“……”
This time, Raon didn’t even reply. He simply nodded once, exuding an air of supreme arrogance.
‘You little brat, not this time.’
Despite his insufferable attitude, Ariel maintained her smile.
She had already been fooled twice before—falling for his cunning mind again would mean she was unfit to lead the Hundred Sects Alliance.
“Shall we proceed?”
Still carrying a serene expression, Ariel moved toward Illiun, who had stepped away to give them space.
“Ah, yes!”
Illiun, momentarily flustered, blinked before resuming his role as a guide.
‘Good…’
Ariel exhaled slowly and twisted her lips slightly.
‘I won’t let something so trivial get to me.’
Having suffered too many defeats at Raon’s hands, she instinctively felt the sting of annoyance. However, she had prepared herself mentally in advance, making it easier to endure.
Feeling satisfied with her composure, she continued walking until the grand entrance of Zieghart’s main hall appeared before her.
“The preparations are not yet complete, so please wait here for a moment.”
Illiun led them into an opulent guest chamber before stepping outside.
“Haa…”
Sahkan, the leader of the Sword Corps, sank into a chair and let out a deep sigh.
“Zieghart truly deserves its reputation as the ruler of the North. Everyone here exudes the aura of a lion.”
“Among them, Raon Zieghart stood out the most. His appearance aside, even the faint pressure he emitted was enough to make my skin crawl.”
Beriol, the leader of the Magic Corps, shook his head in disbelief.
“Raon Zieghart’s real weapons aren’t his presence or his sword. It’s his damn mouth.”
Ariel erected a soundproof barrier and shook her head.
“Do not, under any circumstances, fall for his mental tricks. Just think of him as a barking pup and ignore him.”
“But… wasn’t he rather reserved?”
Beriol tilted his head, recalling how Raon had barely spoken.
“He was pretending. That brat has more schemes than you can count.”
Ariel bit her lip, warning them never to lower their guard.
“Still… I’m not sure if our plan will work. Being inside Zieghart’s domain feels unnerving…”
“It will work.”
Crossing her long legs, Ariel shook her head.
“Right now, not just Zieghart but all of the Five Kings are suffering from a manpower shortage. Battles are breaking out everywhere, leaving them unable to send reinforcements. Meanwhile, the Five Demons can create inhuman forces, which means one side is bound to accumulate more losses over time.”
She smirked, likening it to a gambling table where the opponent’s hand was already visible.
“In other words, we hold all the winning cards in this deal.”
She clasped her hands together, her expression that of someone who had already won.
“But that doesn’t mean we should be careless. Keep thinking ahead.”
“Yes, ma’am!”
As Ariel continued instructing her subordinates on key strategies, a soft knock echoed through the chamber.
“Come in.”
She spoke calmly, and the door opened to reveal an elderly butler with a kind smile.
It was Roenn, the former assassin known as the King of Death.
“The preparations are complete.”
Roenn gave a respectful bow before gesturing outside.
“Please proceed to the audience chamber.”
“Understood.”
Ariel straightened her attire and followed Roenn to the chamber’s entrance.
Rumble!
With a slight movement of Roenn’s hand, the heavy doors of the audience chamber swung open, revealing a crimson carpet stretching toward a towering dais.
Atop the golden throne sat Glenn, his presence unwavering as if he were an immovable mountain.
Flanking him were Zieghart’s executives, standing with their hands behind their backs, radiating a chilling aura.
And to the right of the chamber, leaning against a pillar, stood Raon Zieghart, staring straight ahead.
Ariel glanced at Raon and let out a soft chuckle.
‘So that’s why he acted that way.’
Ariel had found it odd that Raon had barely reacted earlier. But now it made sense—he had been waiting to confront her here.
He was still as cunning as ever, but this time, things were different. It wasn’t her or the Five Divine Order that were desperate—it was Zieghart and the Five Kings.
“I greet the Sky of the North.”
Ariel stepped into the center of the audience chamber and bowed. Though her true thoughts were far from sincere, her gaze gleamed with respectful solemnity.
“Rise.”
Glenn waved his hand dismissively, indicating that such formalities were unnecessary.
“Thank you for welcoming me despite the sudden visit.”
Ariel bowed once more before meeting Glenn’s gaze.
“You are not an enemy. There’s no reason not to welcome you. So…”
Resting his fist against his chin, Glenn’s crimson eyes gleamed as he looked down at her.
“What is it that you seek?”
His expression showed that he already knew the answer.
“Seek, you say…”
Ariel’s lips curled into a thin smile.
‘As expected, he’s no ordinary man.’
To ask her purpose so bluntly—it was only natural for the man who stood at the pinnacle of Zieghart.
His presence alone made it clear that he would never allow himself to be led by anyone.
“Then I’ll get straight to the point.”
Lowering the hands she had clasped together, Ariel nodded.
“As you are well aware, Lord Patriarch, wars of various scales are breaking out all across the continent. Though things were evenly matched at first, one side is beginning to falter.”
Despite her insinuation that the Five Kings were at a disadvantage, Glenn’s expression remained completely unchanged.
“I understand that Zieghart has also suffered considerable losses. The vassal families as well.”
Ariel smiled slightly as she nodded.
“So?”
Glenn’s right eyebrow twitched as if he was already tired of hearing her talk.
“The Five Kings are strong. But they are not large enough to oversee the entire continent while battling the Five Demons. So…”
Ariel licked her lips. It was time to begin.
“We, the Five Divine Order, will lend you our strength.”
A sharp intelligence gleamed in her eyes.
“What do you want in return?”
Glenn nodded, as if he had known from the start.
‘As expected…’
He had no choice but to accept.
Though Ariel didn’t know the full details, she had heard that the Arian family had collapsed completely.
There were also reports of significant injuries among the Iron Division and several other combat units. He couldn’t afford to refuse.
“We do not require monetary compensation. As a martial artist, I am not drawn to such things.”
Ariel smiled faintly, making it seem as though she sought only the noble path.
“What I, no, what we, the Five Divine Order, desire is recognition of our sphere of influence. Not just in the territories we currently hold, but also in the regions where we provide support. Allow us to expand our influence there as well.”
She bowed her head as she spoke.
‘They may think it’s a small request, but…’
This was the real prize.
To establish influence, one needed people. And to gain people, one needed time and effort.
If they provided aid in life-threatening situations, the rescued would naturally develop loyalty and follow their saviors. With some careful manipulation of information, it would be easy to sway entire regions away from the Five Kings.
If everything went according to plan, by the time the war ended, the Five Divine Order would hold influence nearly equal to that of the Five Kings.
“Hmm…”
Glenn rested his chin on his fist and narrowed his eyes as if in thought.
“For reference…”
Ariel raised her finger, her dark eyes flashing.
“The Five Demons approached us first with a significant offer. But we refused and chose to come to you instead.”
As she clasped her hands together again, she smirked inwardly.
‘He has no choice but to accept.’
If they allied with the Five Demons instead, the balance of power would collapse entirely.
Zieghart would be forced to accept, even if it meant taking a loss.
“That woman is still as greedy as ever.”
As Ariel smiled in satisfaction, a quiet voice came from behind her.
“Even after getting beaten so badly, it seems she hasn’t learned her lesson.”
Raon Zieghart.
He shook his head as if he were disappointed.
“He’s right. She looks just like me when I’m about to lose everything at the gambling table—right before I go completely broke.”
Rimmer cackled, clearly enjoying himself.
“Haa…”
Ariel forcefully erased the irritation from her face before turning around.
“Division Leader Raon, you are not a child anymore, are you? If you have something to say, come forward and speak properly.”
Raon always used these mocking tactics to disrupt people’s composure. But this time, she wouldn’t fall for it.
She steadied her breath and gestured for him to step forward.
“Since you insist, I’ll say it clearly.”
Tilting his head slightly, Raon gazed down at Ariel.
“You speak as if this war hinges on the Five Divine Order’s decision, but you only have two choices.”
His crimson eyes burned like an eternal flame.
“Obey, or die.”