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 attire with a harmonious blend of black and gold, exuding an elegant sophistication within its splendor. 'Then Mother's is....' He turned his gaze to the right. Sylvia's box contained a white dress with intricate gold embroidery. "Ah...." She too seemed bewildered, staring at the dress with a dazed expression. -Bah! Wrath swung his round fist as if displeased. -It's all inedible! Well, that tasteless old geezer would only send Nadine bread anyway! He snorted, saying it was better this way. "Hmm...." Ignoring Wrath's chatter, Raon examined the formal attire and dress again. 'Why did he give us clothes?' He had expected Glenn to give a reward for the life-and-death battle and the war, but he didn't anticipate receiving ordinary clothes instead of an artifact. It was a bit surprising. "Lord Roenn." Raon called out to Roenn as he lowered the box containing the formal attire. "Did the Head of House really send these clothes?" "Yes. He wishes for you to wear that formal attire and dress to attend today's banquet." Roenn bowed his head, saying he wouldn't lie about such a matter. "Ah...." Sylvia let out a soft gasp as she looked at the hem of the dress. The emblem of Zieghart, a burning sword, was embroidered there, shining even more brilliantly than the one on the golden tablet. 'Mine is the same.' The same emblem was engraved on the chest of his formal attire, so vivid it seemed as if the sword was truly ablaze. 'To include such an emblem....' Raon swallowed hard as he touched the Zieghart emblem. 'Does this mean he's going to elevate Mother to the direct lineage today?' Yes, that must be it. There seemed to be no other reason for suddenly gifting such elaborate formal attire and dress, and requesting their presence at the banquet, other than elevating them to the direct lineage. The Zieghart emblem engraved on the clothes only reinforced this belief. "R-Raon. This is...." Sylvia's lips trembled as she hugged the dress preciously. She seemed to have realized the significance of Glenn's gift as well. "I think you're right." Raon nodded, meeting Sylvia's eyes. "It's been discontinued for some time, but originally in Zieghart, there was a custom where fathers made their children's first clothes. Your formal attire and dress were made with thread from the Spirit Silkworm." Roenn smiled slightly, mentioning that Glenn had personally caught the Spirit Silkworm. His words seemed to confirm that Glenn had acknowledged Raon and Sylvia as part of the direct lineage. "Ah...." Sylvia lowered her head when she heard it had been discontinued at some point. Naturally, it seemed she hadn't received her first clothes. "Then, I'll see you at the banquet." Roenn bowed respectfully before heading towards the Lord's Manor. "Understood." Raon returned the greeting to Roenn and then looked at Sylvia. "Looks like we have a lot to prepare. Let's go back." "Okay." Sylvia's lips trembled as her eyes welled up with tears. Recently, she had been given the nickname "Red-Eyed Demon Blade," but Raon couldn't see how she resembled a demon sword at all. "Let's bring Helen and the other maids too." "Alright...." Raon held Sylvia's trembling hand tightly as they headed towards the annex building. * * * "Did you give it to them?" Glenn nodded slightly towards Roenn as he entered the audience chamber. "Yes." Roenn nodded with a faint smile. "Did Raon and Sylvia find it strange?" "They're both quite perceptive, so I believe they understood your intentions, Head of House." He approached the platform, saying that both Raon and Sylvia had grasped the meaning behind the gift of clothes. "Huh? That can't be right?" Rimmer blinked at Roenn. "Sylvia maybe, but that Raon kid is as dense as they come! The very definition of clueless!" He shook his head, saying he'd never met anyone as oblivious as Raon. "That's true." Sheryl nodded in agreement. "He's caused me frustration more than once because of that." She sighed, saying Raon was hopelessly dense. "But in battle, he's more perceptive than anyone." Roenn chuckled, saying it was quite surprising. "That's right. In battle, Raon's more perceptive than even me. But...." Rimmer smirked and waved his hand. "Strangely, he can't grasp social situations at all." He clicked his tongue while looking up at the platform. "Maybe it's because someone kept him cooped up in the annex since he was young...." "Hmm...." "Well...." Sheryl and Roenn followed Rimmer's gaze and glared at Glenn. "Ahem!" Glenn cleared his throat and quickly gestured to Roenn. "Did they like the clothes?" "Yes. They both seemed very pleased." Roenn nodded, saying they had received the gifts happily. "Of course they should like them! Who do you think made them!" Siran, the head of the Council of Elders and the head of the Five Flowers Guild, snorted. "I'll say this now, but you went too far, Head of House. You ask me to fill the Elder Council Head position, but then suddenly demand I return to the Five Flowers Guild and make the finest clothes in just three days. It's absurd." Siran covered her mouth with a fan adorned with a black butterfly, her voice refined yet exasperated. "I have a schedule too, you know. It was too unreasonable." "Ahem, I apologize. But your skills far surpass the current head of the Five Flowers Guild." Glenn raised his hand, apologizing for the sudden request. "I wanted to give those two children the best clothes possible." "Well, a parent's heart is all the same, I suppose." Siran's expression softened slightly, a faint smile appearing on her face. "But I didn't make Raon and Sylvia's formal attire just because of you, Head of House. I wove the thread hoping for those children's success." She smiled, saying it wasn't bad even though she had worked without sleep or food. "Then you should go rest...." "Absolutely not!" Siran shook her head firmly. "Raon and Sylvia, the most beautiful faces in Zieghart, are wearing my masterpieces. How could I miss seeing that!" She clenched her fist, declaring she'd collapse in the banquet hall if she had to. "Ahem! Well, yes. Those children are quite pretty and handsome." Glenn nodded vigorously, seemingly pleased that Raon and Sylvia were complimented on their appearance. Rimmer, Sheryl, and Roenn quietly laughed at Glenn's sincere smile. * * * "Hmm?" Raon moved his arms and legs, trying on the formal attire he received from Roenn. 'It's surprisingly comfortable for formal wear.' Usually, formal attire prioritized splendor like a peacock's feathers, making it uncomfortable to wear, but this outfit allowed for easy movement like training clothes. It was a strange garment, being both the most splendid and comfortable. -What's so amazing about it? It is not even tasty! Wrath grumbled that clothes were unnecessary, shaking his head. 'But we need these clothes to go to the banquet and eat delicious food, you know?' -Oh! Then it's essential! The gluttonous creature repeatedly muttered that it was essential, as if he had become Dorian. 'You're so simple-minded.' Raon chuckled as he left the room. "Wow...." "Y-Young Master. You could ascend to heaven right now!" "The clothes don't overshadow your face, and your face doesn't overshadow the clothes. It suits you perfectly!" "Handsome Raon...." The maids in casual clothes smiled brightly, saying he was dazzling. Thanks to Ensia, they too had gotten used to using the term "handsome". "Um, Young Master...." Helen, who had been standing in a daze, cautiously approached. "Can we really come too?" She lowered her head, seeming worried about attending the banquet. "It's fine. You're family." Raon smiled, meeting Helen's trembling gaze. The maids were family who had been through hardships together, and he wanted them to share the moment Sylvia was elevated to the direct lineage. "Young Master...." Helen and the maids pressed their lips together, their eyes reddening. "Don't cry. You'll ruin your makeup." Sylvia shook her head as she came down the stairs. She was wearing the dress received from Roenn, and strangely, one's gaze was drawn more to Sylvia's face than the elaborate dress. "My Lady!" "You're truly beautiful!" "The dress can't even compare to your face!" "Super beautiful! Super beautiful!" The maids flocked to Sylvia's side, chirping like sparrows. "Thank you. You're all beautiful too." Sylvia smiled as she hugged each of the maids. "If you're ready, let's depart." "Yes." Raon opened the door first and stepped outside. After loading the maids and Sylvia into the prepared carriage, they headed towards the main building. For some reason, laughter never ceased from inside the carriage. As Raon listened to the chatter of Sylvia and the maids, the carriage had already arrived in front of the main building. He could see people entering the Lord's Manor one by one to attend the banquet. "Let's go in too." "Yes, My Lady." Sylvia led the maids into the Lord's Manor. As she was about to enter the banquet hall, a man standing in the right corridor blocked her way. "Hmm...." It was Sterick, a direct lineage executive who followed Karoon. He hesitated for a moment, seemingly surprised by Sylvia's appearance, then shook his head. "Are those behind you maids?" "Yes." Sylvia nodded, stepping forward as if to protect Helen and the maids. "Then why are they wearing banquet dresses instead of maid uniforms?" Sterick frowned, as if he couldn't understand. "I asked them to come with me." Sylvia took another step forward, raising her gaze proudly. "This is absurd. Even if there's no restriction on attendance, to bring maids... I wonder what's wrong with your mind." Sterick glanced at Sylvia and the maids in turn with a look of disdain. "Ha." As Raon was about to step forward with furrowed brows, Sylvia extended her hand and moved close to Sterick as if to grab his collar. "Shut your mouth. Unless you want that neck to fly off." She no longer tolerated the insult. Sylvia exuded an overwhelming aura, pressing down on her opponent with her crimson eyes blazing. The Red-Eyed Demon Blade. Her determination to protect the annex was clearly visible. "Ugh! H-How dare you, in a place like this!" Sterick's lips trembled as he stepped back. Just as he was about to call for the swordsmen to prevent them from entering at all costs. "Let them in." Karoon, who had approached from behind, pushed Sterick aside and opened the door to the banquet hall. "K-Karoon, sir?" "The Shadow Agents' Leader said anyone could attend the banquet, without specifying qualifications. It means anyone can enter, so you have no right to object." Karoon looked down at Sterick with a cold gaze. "I-I'm sorry." Sterick pressed his back against the wall, his chin trembling, as if he couldn't refuse Karoon's words. "Th-Thank you." "..." Karoon didn't give any response. He looked at Sylvia and Raon once each before entering the banquet hall. "Raon. I'll see you inside." Burren, who had been standing behind him, waved and headed towards the banquet hall. 'Why is that guy acting like this?' Raon narrowed his eyes as he watched Karoon's retreating back. It was bewildering that someone who would normally bring a boulder to block the way was actually helping instead. 'Does he have some other scheme?' But Karoon didn't seem to have any ulterior motives. He only exuded a lofty aura, like a bamboo. "You heard him too. There's no need to hesitate. Walk proudly!" Sylvia patted the maids' backs and entered the banquet hall first. "Yes!" The maids, feeling Sylvia's resolve, followed her with confident steps. Raon entered the banquet hall last, wearing a faint smile. "Wow...." "Is that really Sylvia?" "So the rumors about her being the most beautiful woman in Zieghart's history weren't exaggerated." "Whose work is that dress? It perfectly complements her beauty...." The people enjoying the banquet couldn't close their mouths, gaping at Sylvia's appearance. "Raon is no less than Sylvia." "No less? He's even more!" "No wonder they came up with the term 'handsome' for him!" (E/N: again, 'handsome' is some kind of slang, but I was never sure how to properly translate it, and by now it's a bit too late) "He's been famous for his looks since he was young, after all." The Zieghart swordsmen couldn't take their eyes off Raon, who was walking behind Sylvia as if guarding her, and could only let out gasps. Raon calmly accepted the attention and surveyed the banquet hall. Since it was after the funeral, the banquet hall wasn't too lavish, but it was filled with warm colors, which made him feel at ease. -Ooh! Wrath let out an exclamation as if he was about to pass out. -This is the most food I've ever seen at a banquet! True to his words, countless dishes were laid out like a buffet around the edges of the banquet hall. The colors and aromas emanating from the food made his mouth water involuntarily. "Raon. Tasty." Runaan waved, her arms full of bead ice cream. Judging by the bulge in her dress's stomach area, she seemed to have already eaten her fill. "Tch. Why am I here...." Martha was leaning against the wall, looking displeased. She hung her head low, as if embarrassed by her white dress, and furrowed her brows. "..." Burren was silently following behind Karoon, and it seemed like the distance between them had shortened just a little. "Division Leader! Try this!" Dorian was beaming with his cheeks puffed out, having apparently already tasted all the buffet food once. He looked happier than ever before. -Let's go too! Wrath waved his hands towards the food, drooling. 'What looks good?' -This king wants to start with that beef tartare at the end! He smacked his lips, saying you should start with cold dishes at a buffet. 'You sure have strange knowledge.' Raon was about to head towards the beef tartare with a slight smile when... "The Northern Sky, Head of House Glenn Zieghart, is entering!" The doors of the banquet hall opened simultaneously, revealing Glenn. "We greet the Head of House!" Raon knelt down along with the others. "Everyone, rise." Glenn climbed onto the platform in the banquet hall and calmly looked down. "Are you all enjoying the banquet?" "Yes!" Everyone in the banquet hall gave the expected answer, bowing their heads. -We can't enjoy it because of you, old geezer! Wrath was the only one to rebel, thrusting out his round fist. "That's good." Glenn nodded with a faint smile. "This banquet was held to relieve the fatigue from the war, but there's one more important reason." He raised his finger to point at Raon and Sylvia. "Sylvia Zieghart and Raon Zieghart, step forward." Glenn called out to Raon and Sylvia immediately, seemingly not intending to drag things out. "Yes." Raon met Sylvia's eyes before standing in front of the platform. "I made a promise to the Light Wind Division Leader before." Glenn looked out the darkened window with his hands behind his back. "I said I would elevate Sylvia to the direct lineage if he survived the life-and-death battle with Axe King Roman." He turned his gaze to meet Raon's eyes. “I thought it impossible, but the Light Wind Division Leader defeated Axe King Roman and elevated the name of Zieghart.” Glenn nodded at Raon as if he was proud. "Moreover, he survived the South-North Union's dirty ambush and even blocked the blade aimed at me. After that...." He vividly described the battles he had personally seen and experienced to the swordsmen in the banquet hall. Even those who weren't present were on the edge of their seats. "Raon Zieghart has achieved feats far beyond my promise. Therefore...." Glenn revealed the most admiring look he had ever shown towards Raon and Sylvia. “I elevate Sylvia Zieghart and Raon Zieghart to the top of the direct lineage, expand the territory of the annex building to twice its current size, and grant one wish of Raon Zieghart.” He nodded calmly as if he would fulfill anything, and handed over the golden tablets that the direct lineage members possess to Raon and Sylvia. "Thank you." Raon and Sylvia bowed their heads to Glenn with trembling voices. "Woooooah!" "You finally did it!" "Raon! Well done!" "Division Leader!" The executives and Light Wind Division swordsmen who were usually close to them sent applause and cheers. The music echoing through the banquet hall changed to a more upbeat tone. "My Lady!" "Young Master!" The maids shed tears as if their wishes had been fulfilled just by witnessing this moment of Raon and Sylvia's elevation to the direct lineage. "Now you're officially my nephew!" Balder gave a thumbs up as if to say well done. "Congratulations, Raon, Sylvia." Denier nodded while applauding. "..." Karoon, who would normally have tried to interfere in any way possible, remained silent. With him quiet, the other direct lineage executives couldn't say anything either and stood still like dumb struck. Raon clenched his fist as he felt the atmosphere of the banquet hall turn festive. His heart was pounding so hard it felt like it might burst. 'I've finally achieved one goal.' The status of direct lineage might be a trivial thing given at birth for some, but for him and Sylvia, it was an aspiration they had to fulfill. He was overjoyed to have achieved this goal amidst everyone's blessings. He began to feel confident that he could also fulfill his revenge of killing Derus. "Thank you. Thank you so much." Sylvia bowed her head. She finally couldn't hold back and shed tears. "Thank you." Raon bowed his head while holding Sylvia's hand. "But is territory and a wish enough? Hey, nephew! I'll send you some gold coins!" Balder waved his hand excitedly, saying he'd send some money. "Hey, shut up. Raon is my nephew!" Alice jumped up and stuck close to Raon's side. "Now that you're officially my nephew, call me Aunt." (E/N: courting death) She reddened her eyes as if wanting to hear it right away. "Ahem, Uncle sounds good too." Balder smacked his lips as if he wanted to hear the word uncle first. "R-Raon." "Hey, hey!" "Hehehe! Shouldn't grandfather come first?" Rimmer, Sheryl, and Roenn pointed at Glenn, who was revealing an icy gaze. "Can't you call me Mom again, just for today?" Sylvia also leaned in, saying she wanted to hear the word mom properly now that she had become part of the direct lineage. "Aunt!" "Uncle...." "Grandfather!" "Mom." Hot gazes poured in from four directions along with the titles they wanted to hear. "Uh...." Raon's eyes darted around faster than ever before.