Raon swallowed dryly as he looked at the vibrating ground and Glenn's eyes surrounded by anger.
'I made a mistake...'
I shouldn't have called her 'aunt' here.
My status is not a direct line, but a collateral. It was only natural that Glenn was so angry since I called Alice, who was at the top of the direct line, 'aunt.'
'That person's joke goes this far.'
Since Alice first heard me call her aunt, she came every hour to make me call her that until my mouth was sore.
After repeatedly calling her aunt for a short time, the word stuck in my mouth.
-You idiot.
Wrath laughed as he saw Glenn's face turning red.
-I told you not to come here, just have a meal.
'How could I do that?'
Raon sighed, pushing away the floating Wrath.
"Aunt?"
"You had an aunt?"
Runaan and Martha tilted their heads in surprise at the word 'aunt.'
"If it's the deputy leader's aunt…"
"She's a member of our family."
"But who on earth is the aunt... Ah! No way!"
"Alice?"
The Light Wind division gasped as they thought of Alice, Glenn's eldest daughter.
"Ah…"
Burren's eyes widened in surprise as he heard Alice' name.
"Aunt. Aunt…."
Glenn bit his dry lips harder at the word 'aunt' coming from the Light Wind division.
"I apologize. I made a mistake."
Raon knelt down and bowed his head to Glenn.
'I did something the head of the house hates the most.'
Glenn is a person who values keeping boundaries.
Even though I got closer to him by eating and training together, I shouldn't have called Alice 'aunt' since I was not yet a direct line.
"…You know well."
Glenn nodded coldly.
"Be careful from now on."
He sighed deeply as if he would let it slide just this once.
"Yes."
Raon raised his head and stood up.
"Ha…"
"Whew…"
When he turned back at the sighs, Rimmer and Roenn were holding their foreheads and shaking their heads.
"Raon Zieghart."
Before he could even think about why the two were acting like that, Glenn called him again, so he looked at the platform.
"Report what you did from the start of the mission until now."
"Yes, understood."
Raon nodded and stepped forward.
"After the sudden attack by the Leader of the Holy Sword Alliance and the Leader of the White Blood Religion, the Light Wind division and I demolished the city's walls to save the civilians there…"
Excluding the summoning of Wrath and the destruction of Derus' factory with the Black Market, he told everything that had happened so far.
-You punk!
Wrath hit his shoulder and glared at him.
-Why did you leave out my achievements? Tell him that I pulled out that weakling's neck and even treated them!
'Please stay quiet!'
Raon quickly pushed Wrath away, who kept interrupting without reading the atmosphere.
"You caught a dragon?"
"Kaivar is the Blue Dragon that destroyed more than five cities!"
"Crazy…"
"How did you manage to catch a dragon in such a short time?"
The Light Wind division showed shock in their eyes as if they couldn't believe Raon had hunted a dragon.
"Ha, you really…"
"Handsome Raon!"
Martha shook her head as if it was absurd, while Runaan clenched her small fists with joy.
"Ugh…"
Burren's reaction was intense today. He pointed his finger at him and trembled.
"Raon Zieghart."
Glenn, probably because Alice had informed him in advance, was not surprised at all and nodded calmly.
"You know that the ring Chamber gave you had two abilities, right?"
"Yes, I know."
"The first is to send others to a place you know, and the second is to summon someone you know to your location. Why didn't you call me there?"
Contrary to his expectation, he asked about something that had happened before the dragon, not about the dragon itself.
"I thought that even if I survived after summoning the head of the house, the Light Wind division would die."
Raon spoke exactly what he had thought at the time.
"The condition of the captains, Mark Goetun, and Dorian was so severe that even if the head of the house came, you wouldn't be able to treat them."
"You were lucky that you were thrown out when the barrier broke. You could have died if you were off by a little."
"At that time, I did not consider my life important. My mind was only filled with the thought of saving them."
The Light Wind division bit their lips or clutched their chests and lowered their heads as they listened to Raon's words.
"Is that so."
Glenn nodded slowly and turned his gaze to Dorian.
"Dorian Sephia."
"Ah, yes!"
Dorian shivered his shoulders but raised his head.
"Weren't you afraid of Orgoth?"
"I was scared. My tongue wouldn't even move properly."
"Then why did you pretend to be Raon?"
"I was scared to die, but I was more afraid of Raon getting caught by that guy."
Dorian continued while stroking his pouch with both hands.
"I thought it would be better for me to die, so I forced myself to speak."
"It seems everyone thinks the same."
Glenn nodded, thinking Dorian's answer represented the thoughts of the entire Light Wind division.
"What do you think is the condition of a true comrade?"
No one answered his question.
"It is whether you can prioritize your comrade's life over your own. It's not something that can be achieved just by spending a lot of time together. It's only possible when trust is built up between people. You have accomplished that difficult task at a young age."
A smile lingered in Glenn's voice. It was the gentlest tone he had ever heard.
"For raising the name of Zieghart high at the Five Divine Orders festival, rescuing civilians from the attack of the Five Demons, and fighting for your comrades' lives, I award the entire Light Wind division with a Golden Tablet and high-grade elixirs!"
Glenn looked at the Light Wind division with eyes filled with warmth rather than the usual emptiness.
"The entire Light Wind division?"
"We're getting a Golden Tablet?"
"Is that possible?"
"Is this the first time an entire division is getting a Golden Tablet?"
The Light Wind division opened their mouths wide in surprise, unable to believe they were all receiving the Golden Tablet.
"Ah…"
Raon also let out a breath at the unexpected reward.
'But will this be okay?'
It was obvious that the elders would oppose it, but Glenn seemed to have already made his decision, gesturing calmly to Roenn.
The Destructive King of the North seemed to be more of a mood-driven person than expected.
"It's ready."
Roenn climbed onto the platform with large plates in both hands.
"Raon Zieghart. Step forward."
Raon looked back. He made eye contact with Martha, Runaan, Burren, and the entire Light Wind division before walking to Glenn's throne.
"You know you were lucky, don't you?"
"Yes."
"Luck doesn't always follow you on the battlefield. Think about how to act if the same thing happens next time."
"I will keep that in mind."
Glenn nodded as if he believed him and handed over the Golden Tablet and elixirs he received from Roenn.
"We will discuss the dragon incident separately."
He waved his hand as if to tell him to go down.
"Thank you."
-Arrgh!
As Raon bowed to Glenn, Wrath's fit started again.
-Why isn't there anything for me? I killed them all and healed them!
'I'll give you food!'
Raon coaxed Wrath like pacifying a dog with food as he descended the platform.
"Burren Zieghart. Step forward."
"Ah, yes!"
Burren, who had been staring blankly, hurriedly climbed onto the platform. His eyes and reactions were strange today.
-Heh.
Wrath chuckled as he watched Burren.
'Why are you suddenly laughing?'
-Something fun is going to happen.
He smirked at Burren's back, his smile filled with slyness and anticipation.
'Sigh.'
Raon shook his head and looked at the platform.
"Thank you!"
Burren bowed his head deeply to Glenn, biting his lips as if he were moved by the Golden Tablet he received for the first time.
"I will show you a better version of myself."
Martha, on the other hand, confidently took the Golden Tablet and elixirs as if she deserved them.
"Is there a sweet elixir?"
"…There is no such thing."
And Runaan wasn't interested in the Golden Tablet but asked for a cold and sweet elixir.
After that, Dorian, Krein, Mark Goetun, and all the members of the Light Wind division received the Golden Tablets and elixirs.
Seeing that they gave the suitable elixirs for each member immediately, it seemed they had prepared in advance.
"Thank you!"
"Thank you!"
Finally, Yua and Julius, who received the Golden Tablets, bowed deeply and descended the platform.
"You have worked hard as the swordsmen of Zieghart. Now, go and rest."
Glenn nodded to the Light Wind division and rested his chin on his fist. His eyes were filled with grey emptiness. It seemed like everything was over.
Thud!
Roenn, who had moved to the back, opened the huge door of the audience chamber.
The Light Wind division bowed quietly and left the audience chamber one by one.
"Wait a minute?"
Rimmer pointed to himself with his finger and blinked.
"I didn't get anything?"
Even though he shouted that he didn't receive any award, no one paid attention to him.
"Hey, you said you would give it to the entire Light Wind division! I'm part of the Light Wind division too! And I'm the Division Leader!"
"..."
The Light Wind division left the audience chamber, covering their ears, and Glenn ignored him as usual.
"Uh, head of house."
Raon, who was about to leave last, turned around and looked at Glenn.
"Yes, Raon! Say something for me!"
Rimmer shook his fist as if asking him to speak on his behalf.
"I heard from Alice that you fought against the Leader of the Holy Sword Alliance and the Leader of the White Blood Religion alone. Are you alright?"
"Ugh…"
Glenn did not answer but clenched his fist that was supporting his chin. He covered his mouth with his trembling hand.
'Why does he look upset…?'
-You fool!
Wrath hit Raon's head.
-That old man has reached a transcendent state. He feels bad because he thinks he's being ignored! How do you not know that obvious thing!
'Ah…'
Raon was about to apologize again when Glenn nodded.
"I'm fine."
He waved his hand as if to tell him to leave.
"Yes."
Raon bowed and left the audience chamber.
"Hey!"
Rimmer shouted emptily at the closing door.
"Why are you ignoring me! Can't you see me!"
The audience chamber, where the Light Wind division had left, was silent.
Only Glenn, Rimmer, and Roenn, who were left in the audience chamber, were frowning.
"Hmph…"
Glenn covered his chin with his large hand and raised the corners of his mouth.
'I don't remember when was the last time someone cared about me.'
Maybe it's because of the name Destructive King of the North and my position as the head of Zieghart.
For a long time, there has been no one to worry about my health.
For the first time in a long while, someone cared about me, and that was Raon. All my worries, anger, and fatigue seemed to be washed away.
'But still, calling her aunt is a bit…'
Even though Rimmer took away my first drink with Raon, I wanted to be the second person to be called a family title after Sylvia's mother.
But just like a rolling stone removes a stuck stone, suddenly, Alice appeared and took the title that I wanted to hear second.
Even now, anger was boiling up, making my hands and feet tremble.
"Summon Alice immediately. If she doesn't come this time, tell her I'll visit her myself."
"Before that!"
Rimmer sighed and approached Glenn.
"Why did you tell him not to call her aunt?"
"Of course, that's unacceptable!"
Glenn shook his head as if he could never accept it.
"How can he call Alice 'aunt' when I can't hear 'grandfather'! I can't tolerate that!"
He frowned, saying he couldn't stand such a thing even if dirt went into his ears.
"Sigh…"
"Sigh…"
Rimmer and Roenn sighed simultaneously.
"Then you should tell Raon to call you grandfather, not forbid him from calling her aunt! Ah! It's frustrating!"
Rimmer pounded his chest as he looked up at Glenn.
"I've thought about that too. But…"
"But?"
"Telling him to call me grandfather with my own mouth is a bit embarrassing."
Glenn turned his gaze to the right as if he were embarrassed.
"Head of house…"
"There's nothing embarrassing about the relationship between a grandchild and a grandfather!"
Roenn and Rimmer shook their heads, not understanding.
"Hmph…"
Rimmer took a breath and called Glenn.
"You've been called grandfather by Burren, right?"
"Yes. That child has called me grandfather since he was young."
"It's the same thing. It's not embarrassing but natural. Just close your eyes and tell him! Tell him he can call you grandfather now!"
"Hmph…"
Glenn coughed shortly and rubbed the armrest of the throne with his finger.
"I want to be called naturally rather than forced…"
"At this rate, you'll grow old and die! No, I'll die first because I'm so frustrated! Argh!"
Rimmer lay on the floor and screamed.
"Haha!"
Roenn gave up and closed his eyes with his usual smile.
"Hmph."
Glenn clicked his tongue bitterly as he looked at Rimmer writhing on the floor and Roenn's continued laughter.
"I will try…"
Raon looked at the Light Wind division with a proud smile from behind.
'They've all grown.'
Burren, Martha, and Runaan had become Masters. Dorian and the vice-captains had reached the wall of Master, and the team members had all become the highest-level Experts.
It was not because they had experienced death. It was the growth they achieved by training with all their might even after recovering from their injuries.
'And…'
He looked at Mark Goetun walking right in front. He had broken through the desperately thick wall and confidently reached the intermediate level of Master.
Seeing Mark Goetun's confident steps, he naturally smiled, remembering the first time he saw him.
"Raon…"
While Raon was enjoying the growth of the Light Wind division, Burren approached him.
"Let's have a talk outside the audience chamber."
"Yes, but…"
Burren rubbed his temple with an uncomfortable expression.
"Do you have something on your mind? You seem off today."
His brow was furrowed as if he had forgotten about receiving the Golden Tablet.
"What's that?"
Burren pointed at his hand.
"What are you talking about?"
Raon tilted his head as he looked at his hand.
"What's that blue thing floating above your hand…"
Now that I see it, it's not the hand. Burren was pointing directly at where Wrath was floating.
The blue eye Wrath had embedded in his hand was shining brightly.
"…Can you see this?"
Raon trembled as he looked at Burren's different-colored eyes.
"As I thought!"
Burren clenched his fist as he looked at Wrath.
"He was dancing and causing a ruckus in the audience chamber, but no one noticed! I thought I was going crazy!"
"Ah…"
Now Raon understood why Burren's expression had been strange today.
A cotton candy-like thing had been running around and causing a commotion, so of course, he would make that face.
"What is that? Is it a monster?"
-Hehe! Lowly human. I am….
"Oh, it's just cotton candy."
Raon swallowed Wrath in one bite as he tried to introduce himself.
-You madman!
"That's…"
Burren's eyes trembled.
"It's coming out of your cheek right now."
-Hahaha!
Wrath held his bulging belly and giggled.
-You asked why I was laughing earlier, right? This is why!
He pointed at Burren's blue eye and lifted his chin.
-I embedded pure Wrath's energy in his eye! Since he's blessed by me, of course, he can see me!
'As expected, it wasn't a coincidence.'
-There's no such thing as a coincidence for me! Everything is meticulously calculated!
Wrath wriggled his fingers as if he were proud and spread his chubby arms.
"I…"
But Burren didn't say anything and stared blankly at Wrath.
"You're a good dancer."
He clapped his hands, seeming to find Wrath's movements cute.
-What? Why aren't you responding to me! Declare my existence and offer me food!
Wrath opened his mouth as wide as possible and screamed, but Burren just blinked in curiosity.
-What is this…
'Hey.'
Raon frowned as if he were pitiful.
'What does an eye do?'
-It sees!
'Then Burren can see you, but he can't hear you. You didn't do anything to his ears.'
-Oh? Oh… Oh! Oh no!
Wrath screamed as he looked at Burren's ears.
-I didn't touch his ears!
'You're so meticulous, aren't you, Monarch of Wrath…'