Chapter 947
“This place supposedly has the best bead ice cream on the continent.”
A black-haired youth, clearly a swordsman of Zieghart, winked at the blonde woman walking beside him.
Whether it was a date or not, a warm and gentle atmosphere flowed between the two.
“Really?”
The blonde woman widened her eyes in surprise.
“Considering how Zieghart is cold year-round and this shop still sells out daily, there’s nothing more to say. It’s so popular that new flavors are launched here first.”
The black-haired youth licked his lips, saying it was a must-try dessert during leave.
“Can you even call it dessert when we haven’t had breakfast yet?”
“That’s exactly why we’re here. If we’re late, the flavors we want might be gone.”
“It’s that serious?”
“Every time the Light Wind Palace finishes a mission, one of the team leaders buys out the place. So… huh!”
As he slightly lowered his shoulder to open the ice cream shop’s door, he froze on the spot.
“Urgh….”
The black-haired youth began trembling all over, as if he was about to faint.
“Uh, honey?”
“Greetings!”
He deeply bowed toward the inner tables, then slowly began backing away.
“L-let’s go.”
“Why so suddenly…?”
“This is no place for people to be!”
Grabbing the blonde woman’s wrist, he turned and dashed out of the shop.
“Care to explain before running off?!”
“You can’t go in there! That place is cursed!”
As soon as he exited the shop, he bolted far away, abandoning even his girlfriend.
“What the hell is wrong with him?!”
As the furious blonde stomped her foot, a group of kids around twelve years old walked past her.
“They say next week’s flavor is honey-glazed melon.”
The shorter boy licked his lips in anticipation.
“I’m not into fruit flavors. Chocolate’s the best.”
The boy wearing a cap shook his finger, firmly declaring his preference for chocolate.
“Kids just don’t understand taste.”
The short one clicked his tongue in dismay.
“Pretty bold words for someone who always mooches.”
“I paid last week, didn’t I?”
Bickering like they were best friends or sworn enemies, the kids entered the bead ice cream shop.
“Mister! We’ll have choco and—huh?”
“Gah!”
But the moment they stepped inside, they froze like statues outside a school gate.
“W-we’ll come back later!”
“Y-yeah…”
The short boy and the one in the cap linked arms and bolted out like lightning.
“Hey, be careful!”
Krein dodged the wild kids, furrowing his brow.
“Tsk. Kids these days have no manners. Back in my day…”
He clicked his tongue harshly in disapproval.
“You tried to fight Sir Raon and got smacked down instantly.”
Dorian patted Krein’s shoulder with a mocking grin.
“T-that was when I was a kid!”
“Exactly. You were a brat too.”
He wiggled his fingers as if all kids were the same.
“W-we were around the same age back then! I wasn’t a brat, just…”
Krein scrunched his nose, recalling the first time Raon had knocked him flat.
“So why’d you drag me here?”
Dorian tilted his chin at the shop’s sign.
“I think this place holds some kind of secret.”
“Secret?”
“Yeah. Every time we return to Zieghart, either the Palace Lord or Team Leader Runaan always comes here. Their strength might be tied to this place’s ice cream.”
Krein opened the shop door, determined to find out.
“Look! It’s the Palace Lord! See? Told you—huh!”
He raised a hand to greet Raon seated at a table, but his jaw began trembling.
“Guh!”
Dorian also gulped in shock.
“Huh?”
“Mm.”
Karoon and Balder, seated across from Raon, turned their heads, brows furrowed.
The two men radiated an intense and ominous pressure, clearly displeased.
“W-we’ll be on our way! Enjoy your training!”
Krein, mind blank, hurriedly left the three men and their ice cream behind.
“I-I have a supply shortage too!”
Dorian also backed out, seemingly unable to bear staying there.
“Haah…”
Raon brushed his bangs aside and sighed deeply.
‘Another one ran.’
Everyone who entered the ice cream shop turned and fled the moment they saw Karoon and Balder.
Considering their past words and reputations, it wasn’t surprising—they looked terrifying.
“If there’s anything I can help with, p-please let me know… a-anything at all…”
Even the shop owner was shaking like a broken puppet.
“It’s all delicious!”
-This is true bliss! When I return to the Devildom, I’ll build a bead ice cream factory! Bigger than your house!
The only ones smiling inside were Sia and Wrath.
‘This is worse than I thought.’
Raon had anticipated some trouble when Wrath and Sia insisted he invite Karoon and Balder along—but the result was more serious than expected.
People were fleeing like a Archmage had cast a barrier over the shop.
‘Then again, maybe it makes sense.’
Three of Zieghart’s four Palace Lords were gathered in one place. Fear was natural. (T/N: HAHAHAHAHA. I cant imagine the other two licking their ice creams with a serious/awkward face. hahaha)
‘And they’re not even hiding their hostility.’
Karoon and Balder openly released fierce energy, clearly annoyed by being here.
Given their massive builds and fierce scowls, it was no wonder regular customers were scared away.
‘Ding.’
As Raon shook his head, someone else entered the shop.
‘They’ll probably leave too.’
He turned his head, expecting them to walk right back out—but the person at the entrance stared blankly.
“Runaan?”
The newcomer was Runaan. As always, she seemed to be here for bead ice cream.
“Hi.”
Even after seeing Raon, Karoon, and Balder, she just gave a casual nod and headed straight for the counter. That girl truly had a clear mind of her own.
“What are you going to get? This one was really good!”
Sia approached and began recommending the flavors she had enjoyed.
“This one’s the best.”
Runaan, ever decisive, picked mint chocolate without hesitation.
-As expected of the Ice Cream Girl! Truly worthy of being this Monarch’s top vassal!
Wrath nodded proudly at his excellent choice in subordinates.
‘When did she become your top vassal…?’
Raon pressed Wrath down and sighed.
“This stuff isn’t bad. I could snack on this regularly.”
Balder licked his lips, deciding to stock up at Central Martial Palace.
“The taste is fine, but it’s too sweet for frequent consumption.”
Karoon narrowed his eyes, saying it wasn’t suitable for a martial artist.
“Sirs.”
Raon turned toward Karoon and Balder.
“Shall we begin? Why did you come to the annex so early this morning?”
He nodded while eating a spoonful of mint chocolate bead ice cream.
“Hrrrrmph!”
Balder gulped down a bowlful in one go and stomped hard.
‘KWOOM!’
Despite not using aura, his sheer bulk shook the entire shop.
“Right! A Palace Lord shouldn’t sit around sulking like this!”
Balder leaned forward with his bear-like torso.
“Nephew! I have a favor to ask.”
“Go ahead.”
Raon nodded calmly, having expected a request.
“Make a martial art just for me!”
Balder clasped his hands earnestly.
“If you do, I’ll give you anything you want!”
“Hmm…”
Raon tilted his head at the sight of Balder’s trembling hands.
“Wouldn’t it be better to ask the Head of House?”
He could make martial arts, but Glenn was on another level. He didn’t understand why Balder was asking him.
“My father’s martial arts are too advanced for me. But the techniques you make are simpler and more direct. I want to use your swordsmanship!”
Balder clenched his fist, saying Raon’s style suited him better.
‘SMACK!’
Karoon slammed his spoon onto the table.
“You’re asking our nephew to make a martial art for you? Are you insane?”
He frowned in disgust.
“Have you no shame?!”
“He’s stronger than me, so what’s there to be ashamed of? If he’s that good, I should be able to ask!”
Balder snorted proudly, unbothered.
“Then what about you? You’ve been sitting there saying nothing—what did you come for?”
He raised his chin, challenging Karoon to speak.
“Hm…”
Karoon glanced at Raon and sighed.
“I…”
He took a breath and finally nodded.
“I want to spar with you.”
“…Spar?”
Raon’s eyes widened.
‘A duel? Out of nowhere?’
He had anticipated Balder’s request—but not Karoon’s challenge.
“I learned a lot watching you in the last war. I want to confirm those realizations through battle.”
Karoon nodded, saying that was his request.
“Heh!”
Balder slammed the table and smirked.
“You called me a leech, and now look at you!”
He clicked his tongue and wagged his finger.
“Trying to beat up your nephew—jealous that he took the Black Tower Lord’s head?”
He sneered, saying male jealousy was pathetic.
“I’m asking for a fair match. And besides, I don’t even know who would win right now!”
Karoon shook his head firmly.
“Same here! I’m asking for a fair favor!”
Balder slapped his palm on the table.
“How is that the same?!”
“In the end, it all comes down to the same thing!”
The brothers glared at each other, frowning—but side by side, they looked remarkably alike.
“Let’s not fight.”
Raon extended his hand between them.
“I’ll start with Lord Balder’s request. Please tell me what kind of martial art you want.”
Though Balder’s first impression had been terrible, he was just a simple man. (T/N: Best uncle!)
Given all the help he’d received, Raon didn’t mind creating something for him.
“You know the one! That sword technique that destroys everything in one blow! I want something like that, but usable with a soft sword!”
Despite his size, Balder used a long, flexible sword. Raon figured he could make a martial art that allowed a soft sword to unleash powerful attacks like Flame Dragon Break or Sky Piercing Cannon.
“Understood. But I’ll be entering the Chamber of Self next week, so it might take some time.”
“No worries! I’m great at waiting!”
Balder said he could wait—but his twitching legs betrayed his excitement.
“Chamber of Self?”
Karoon narrowed his eyes in surprise.
“You’re going in now? That’s not a wise choice.”
Like Glenn, he didn’t think it was the best time.
“I may never reach beyond transcendence. It could be impossible. That’s why I want to go while I still have time.”
“…True. You’ve always climbed your own walls.”
Karoon nodded, now thinking it wasn’t such a bad idea.
“Then we can’t duel, I suppose.”
“No. That’s why we should.”
Raon smiled as he met the softening red gaze in Karoon’s eyes.
“But let’s do it twice.”
“Twice?”
Karoon tilted his head.
“Yes. Once before I enter the Chamber of Self, and once after I return.”
“…You want to gauge your growth through me?”
Now understanding, Karoon let out a dry laugh.
“Yes. Will you accept?”
Raon clasped his hands on the cracked table and waited for his response.
“…Very well.”
Karoon pushed aside his empty cup and nodded.
“I accept.”
He even licked his lips, as if looking forward to it.
‘WHOOOOOOM!’
Just as Raon and Karoon’s eyes clashed, a giant bowl of ice cream rose between them.
“Runaan and I picked it! Let’s all share!”
Sia waved, saying it would taste better together.
“Ahem…”
“Ah…”
Raon and Karoon both flushed, remembering they were inside a brightly lit, pastel-colored ice cream shop.
“W-well, let’s eat then.”
Raon gave an awkward smile and picked up his spoon.
“…Let’s.”
Karoon also nodded, gaze lowered.
“Hrk…”
The shop owner choked back tears.
‘When are these people going to leave…?’
Business was booming, but he felt like he was going to suffocate.
‘This is a kid’s ice cream shop! Why is this happening here?!’
—
After leaving the shop, Karoon entered the audience chamber.
“I’ve requested a duel with the Light Wind Palace Lord.”
He bowed toward Glenn, who sat on the golden throne with a bored expression.
“I figured as much.”
Glenn nodded, as if he’d expected this.
“There was thirst in your eyes.”
“But there’s something even you might not know.”
Karoon raised two fingers.
“Raon asked to duel twice.”
“Twice?”
Glenn narrowed his eyes.
“Yes. Before and after entering the Chamber of Self. He intends to use me as a benchmark.”
Karoon gave a faint smile, saying he was the one who got outmaneuvered.
“Classic Raon.”
Glenn leaned back, laughing, clearly caught off guard by Raon’s actions.
“You know this already, but I’ve always had the strongest desire for that seat.”
Karoon pointed at the golden throne.
“If someone else were to become Head, I was ready to leave the family. However…”
He slowly lowered his chin, staring out the darkening window.
“If it’s someone I can acknowledge, I might accept staying beneath them.” (T/N: SHEEESH! Peak character development right here boissss!)
“Karoon…”
Glenn’s eyes widened at the weight of his words.
“Of course, I won’t step down easily. I’ll spill blood and grind my soul to reach that seat.”
Karoon bit his lip and stared at the golden throne, heat rising in his ever-cold gaze.
“Then I’ll see you at the training ground tomorrow.”
Having said all he needed to, Karoon turned and left the audience chamber.
“I thought I’d regret passing it to anyone…”
Glenn brushed the armrest of the throne and clicked his tongue.
“But now, I’d be happy either way.”
He smiled faintly, as if looking forward to what was to come.
‘Though I may not live to see it…’
—
Noon the next day.
Raon stepped into the Head’s training ground with quiet, steady footsteps.
Inside were Glenn, Aris, Denier, and Balder. Just the four of them.
“Greetings, Head of House.”
Raon approached and bowed.
“Save your strength. Focus on preparing.”
Glenn waved a hand, telling him to get ready.
“Nephew! Crush that arrogant bastard today!”
Balder stomped his foot, cheering Raon on.
“Let’s see what the Slayer of the Black Tower Lord is really made of.”
Aris clicked his tongue and crossed his arms.
“A duel between transcendents is priceless. I’m excited.”
Denier stepped back with a faint smile.
‘Denier…’
Raon narrowed his eyes as he glanced at Denier.
‘Trying to scout?’
It was a bit suspicious.
Unlike the others, Denier was hard to read.
Raon wanted to confront him—but without any proof, he had no choice but to wait.
‘Then I’ll show strength too overwhelming to analyze.’
Perhaps it was best to display such power that Denier couldn’t glean anything even if he tried.
“Only a few were invited for this duel between Palace Lords.”
Glenn climbed the platform, telling them to focus solely on battle.
“Thank you.”
As Raon bowed again, the doors opened and Karoon entered.
‘WHOOOOM!’
Karoon’s sharp gaze gleamed with cold light as he stepped onto the stage, radiating intensity that stung the skin.
“Ready?”
His fingertips were already red, indicating he’d finished warming up.
“Of course.”
Raon placed his hand atop Heavenly Drive’s hilt, ready to begin.
“Good.”
Karoon nodded with satisfaction and gripped his sword.
‘WHOOOOM!’
Standing within striking distance, neither Raon nor Karoon moved—like statues.
‘Huuuuuuh…’
Beads of sweat formed on both their foreheads when a massive hawk soared from Northgaze Mountain.
The moment its shadow passed over the training ground—
‘Shrrrrng!’
Raon and Karoon simultaneously drew their swords, aiming for each other’s throats.
‘CHWAAAAAAANG!’
A thunderous clang erupted as the two blades collided.
“Today, I’ll see your limits.”
Karoon tightened his grip, his sword driving toward Raon’s neck.
“Apologies, but I’m quite deep.”
Raon raised his wrist, and Karoon’s blade—once bearing down like a storm—began to push back.
His crimson eyes blazed as fiercely as the flames on Heavenly Drive.
“If you want to find my limits, Palace Lord, you’ll have to stake your life.”