"Clothes?"
Raon's eyes widened as he looked at the contents of the luxurious box. Inside was a formal attire of black and gold, its elegance refined yet splendid.
Then Mother's is…
He turned his gaze to the right. Sylvia's box contained a white dress adorned with intricate gold embroidery.
"Ah…"
She too seemed bewildered, staring blankly at the dress.
—Bah!
Wrath swung his round fist, clearly displeased.
—It's all inedible! That tasteless old geezer would've only sent Nadine bread anyway!
He snorted, declaring it was better this way.
"Hm…"
Ignoring Wrath's chatter, Raon examined the formal attire and dress once more.
Why did he give us clothes?
He had expected Glenn to reward them for surviving the life-and-death battle and the war, but not with ordinary clothes instead of an artifact.
"Lord Roenn."
Raon lowered the box and called out. "Did the Head of House really send these clothes?"
"Yes," Roenn replied with a bow. "He wishes for you to wear them to today's banquet."
"Ah…"
Sylvia gasped softly as her eyes fell to the hem of the dress. Embroidered there was the Zieghart emblem — a burning sword, shining more brilliantly than the one on the golden tablet.
Mine is the same.
The identical emblem was engraved on the chest of Raon's formal attire, vivid enough to seem alive.
Does this mean… he's going to elevate Mother to the direct lineage today?
There could be no other reason for such clothes, such timing, and such a request.
"R-Raon. This is…"
Sylvia's lips trembled as she hugged the dress tightly.
"I think you're right." Raon met her gaze and nodded.
"It has been discontinued for some time," Roenn explained gently, "but in Zieghart, fathers once made their children's first clothes. These were made with thread from the Spirit Silkworm. The Head of House personally caught one."
"Ah…"
Sylvia lowered her head at the mention of the old custom. Naturally, she had never received her first clothes.
"Then, I'll see you at the banquet."
Roenn bowed respectfully and left for the Lord's Manor.
"Understood."
Raon returned the greeting, then looked to Sylvia. "Looks like we have a lot to prepare. Let's go back."
"O-okay."
Her lips trembled, eyes brimming with tears.
"Let's bring Helen and the other maids too."
"Yes…"
Raon clasped her hand tightly as they walked toward the annex.
"Did you give it to them?"
Glenn glanced at Roenn as he entered the audience chamber.
"Yes," Roenn replied with a faint smile.
"Did Raon and Sylvia find it strange?"
"They're both perceptive. I believe they understood your intentions, Head of House."
"Huh? That can't be right."
Rimmer blinked. "Sylvia, maybe. But that Raon kid is as dense as they come! The very definition of clueless!"
"That's true," Sheryl sighed, nodding. "He's caused me more than one headache because of that."
"But in battle," Roenn chuckled, "he's more perceptive than anyone."
"That's right." Rimmer smirked. "In battle, sharper than even me. But outside of it? Clueless. Maybe because someone kept him cooped up in the annex since he was young…"
"Hm…"
"Well…"
Both Roenn and Sheryl glanced at Glenn, their glares sharp.
"Ahem." Glenn quickly cleared his throat. "Did they like the clothes?"
"Yes. They seemed very pleased."
"Of course they should like them! Who do you think made them?"
Siran, head of the Elder Council and master 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's head position, then suddenly demand I return to the Five Flowers Guild and make the finest clothes in just three days? Absurd!"
Her fan, adorned with a black butterfly, fluttered as her refined voice carried both elegance and exasperation.
"I have a schedule too, you know."
"My apologies." Glenn bowed his head. "But your skill surpasses even the current guild head. I wanted to give those children the best."
"Well, a parent's heart is the same everywhere."
Siran's expression softened slightly. "But I didn't weave these clothes just because of you, Head of House. I made them with hope for those children's success."
"Then you should rest…"
"Absolutely not!"
She shook her head firmly. "Raon and Sylvia, the most beautiful faces in Zieghart, will wear my masterpieces. I must see that!"
"Ahem. Well… yes. They are quite pretty and handsome."
Glenn nodded, clearly pleased. His rare sincere smile drew quiet laughter from Rimmer, Sheryl, and Roenn.
"Hmm."
Raon moved his arms and legs, testing the attire.
Surprisingly comfortable.
Unlike most ceremonial clothes, which were stiff and heavy, this one allowed movement as easily as training gear.
—What's so great about it? It's not even tasty!
Wrath grumbled.
But we need these clothes for the banquet — to eat delicious food, you know?
—Oh! Then it's essential!
Raon chuckled and stepped outside.
"Wow…"
"Young Master, you could ascend to heaven right now!"
"The clothes don't overshadow your face, and your face doesn't overshadow the clothes. Perfect!"
The maids beamed brightly, dazzled.
Helen, flustered, approached. "Um… Young Master. Can we really come too?"
"It's fine. You're family."
Raon smiled warmly.
"Young Master…" Tears welled in their eyes.
"Don't cry, you'll ruin your makeup."
Sylvia descended the stairs in her white dress. Yet more than the dress, her beauty drew all eyes.
"My Lady!"
"So beautiful!"
"The dress can't compare to your face!"
Sylvia laughed softly, hugging the maids.
"If you're ready, let's depart."
The carriage carried them to the banquet hall, laughter spilling from inside as Sylvia and the maids chatted.
But at the entrance, Sterick stepped in their way.
"Are those behind you… maids? Why are they in banquet dresses?"
"I asked them to come." Sylvia raised her chin proudly.
"This is absurd." His voice dripped disdain.
"Shut your mouth. Unless you want that neck to fly off."
Her crimson eyes blazed, overwhelming him with her aura.
"H-how dare you!"
"Let them in."
Karoon appeared, pushing Sterick aside. "The Shadow Agents' Leader permitted anyone entry. You have no right to object."
"Th-thank you," Sylvia said softly.
Karoon ignored her, stepping inside. Burren followed. Raon frowned. What's he scheming?
But Sylvia urged the maids forward. They entered the banquet hall.
Whispers rose instantly.
"Is that really Sylvia?"
"Her beauty isn't exaggerated at all."
"And Raon… he's even more striking!"
Raon calmly surveyed the hall, though Wrath was drooling over the food.
"Raon. Tasty."
Runaan waved, her dress bulging suspiciously.
"Tch. Why am I here…" Martha sulked.
Burren shadowed Karoon silently.
"Division Leader! Try this!" Dorian beamed, his cheeks puffed full of food.
Before Raon could move—
"The Northern Sky, Head of House Glenn Zieghart, is entering!"
The doors opened. Glenn stepped in.
"We greet the Head of House!"
"Everyone, rise," Glenn ordered. He ascended the platform.
"This banquet was held to relieve the fatigue of war. But there is another reason." His finger pointed. "Sylvia Zieghart. Raon Zieghart. Step forward."
They obeyed, standing tall before him.
"I made a promise to the Light Wind's Division Leader. If he survived his duel with Axe King Roman, I would elevate Sylvia to the direct lineage."
Glenn's voice carried across the hall.
"I thought it impossible. Yet Raon defeated Roman, survived ambushes, and even blocked the blade aimed at me."
He recounted their battles vividly. Even those absent were left breathless.
"Raon Zieghart has achieved far beyond my promise. Therefore—"
He gazed down at them with pride.
"I elevate Sylvia Zieghart and Raon Zieghart to the top of the direct lineage, expand the annex's territory twofold, and grant Raon Zieghart one wish."
He handed them the golden tablets of direct lineage.
"Thank you," Raon and Sylvia whispered, their voices trembling.
Cheers erupted.
"You did it!"
"Division Leader!"
"My Lady!"
Tears filled the maids' eyes.
"Now you're officially my nephew!" Balder grinned.
"Congratulations." Denier applauded.
Even Karoon remained silent. The hall's atmosphere blazed with festivity.
I've finally achieved one goal, Raon thought, his heart pounding.
"Thank you. Thank you so much." Sylvia bowed her head, tears streaming.
"Thank you," Raon echoed, holding her hand.
"But is territory and a wish enough? Hey, nephew! I'll send you gold coins!" Balder laughed.
"Shut up! Raon is my nephew!" Aries jumped to Raon's side, eyes gleaming. "Call me Aunt!"
"Ahem. Uncle sounds better." Balder smacked his lips.
"R-Raon."
"Hey, hey!"
"Hehehe! Shouldn't grandfather come first?" Rimmer, Sheryl, and Roenn teased, pointing at Glenn.
"Can't you call me Mom again, just for today?" Sylvia leaned closer, eyes trembling.
"Aunt!"
"Uncle!"
"Grandfather!"
"Mom!"
Hot gazes poured in from all sides, voices demanding.
"Uh…"
Raon's eyes darted faster than ever before.