Raon calmly took Derus's hand. Without displaying any aura or imposing presence, he simply shook the hand up and down, adhering to the basic etiquette of a handshake.
I can't provoke him now. Derus Robert was more suspicious and cautious than anyone Raon knew. The fact that he extended his hand now meant he had completed all his preparations.
I must wait. Raon bit the inside of his lip, suppressing the Blade of Death that seemed to want to pierce through his heart.
I need to stick to the plan. It would be impossible to reveal Derus's true identity while he was in such a focused state. Instead, Raon might end up falling into his trap and giving away information. Now was the time to quell his anger and desire for revenge, and put on a false smile—just as Derus had manipulated him.
—My, the atmosphere is quite chilly. It feels as if we've entered an ice castle. Wrath muttered, shivering slightly.
—It's an honor to shake hands with the Sky Sword Saint. Raon smiled faintly while gently brushing his thumb across the back of Derus's hand.
I can't feel it properly. The black leather gloves Derus wore were too thick to discern any scars on the back of his hand. He was always so cautious. Raon suppressed the urge to burn the gloves off and ended the brief handshake.
—Raon, you will undoubtedly rise to heights far beyond my reach in the future. Derus offered insincere praise with a radiant smile.
—Ah, that's right. He clapped his hands lightly, as if suddenly remembering something.
—Are you aware that your epithet has changed?
—Yes. Raon nodded, lowering his eyes slightly.
—I hear I'm being called the Kingkiller. It's a stylish epithet, but it seems too grand for me at the moment.
As Raon spoke, Lephon, standing behind Derus, flinched.
—It's not too grand at all. Derus waved both hands with an exaggerated expression.
—Haven't you pulled corrupt kings from their thrones? He smiled, saying it was truly a fitting epithet.
—Actually, that epithet 'Kingkiller'… Derus brought forward Lephon Robert, who had been standing behind him.
—It was created by our youngest. He's still a fan of you, Raon. He laughed, almost jealous.
—Ah, hello. Lephon bowed, shrinking his shoulders as if embarrassed.
Come to think of it, I heard that epithet came from the south. When Chad had informed Raon of the new epithet, he mentioned it had spread from the south. It seemed the boy had come up with "Kingkiller."
Lephon Robert… An undeniable kindness bloomed in his untainted eyes. Born after Raon's death, he had just come of age this year and didn't seem to have been tainted by Derus yet.
But I can't let my guard down. Derus was a monster who brainwashed even his own son and fed him Rage Worms. Raon couldn't lower his guard just because the boy's eyes looked kind.
—I-I'm sorry. Lephon lowered his shoulders, looking at his feet.
—No, that's not it. Raon shook his head and grasped Lephon's trembling shoulders.
—I didn't mean that I dislike the epithet 'Kingkiller,' but that I'm not yet worthy of bearing such a name.
—R-Really? Lephon raised his gaze, his smile bright.
—Yes. I like it. Thank you for coming up with such a good epithet. Raon nodded, looking into Lephon's sparkling eyes.
—N-No, I should be thanking you! Lephon scratched the back of his head, embarrassed.
—Um, Raon… I'm sorry, but… Lephon pulled out two thick books from his subspace pouch. Raon immediately recognized them as biographies of Raon Zieghart.
—Ugh… Raon groaned. How far have those things spread?
—Lephon, the others are waiting for us in the conference room. It would be better to get the autograph later. Derus stroked Lephon's head apologetically.
—Ah…
—Don't worry, I'll sign them for you after the meeting is over. Raon promised the flustered Lephon.
—Oh, yes! Lephon responded formally.
—And I really do like the epithet 'Kingkiller.' I'm planning to pull down a certain unsightly king from his high throne soon… Raon curled his lips, meeting Derus's eyes.
—I look forward to it. Derus twisted his lips, as if he knew he was the unsightly king Raon referred to.
Raon and Derus entered the Beast Union conference room, each wearing a different smile.
—Then, let's begin the Six Kings Conference. The Vice Union Leader of the Beast Union, acting as moderator, bowed to those seated in the circular conference room.
—Before we move on to the first agenda, I'll brief you on the situation and results of the recent war. He picked up some documents.
—The war began with a duel to the death between the Light Wind Division Leader of Zieghart and the Axe King of the South-North Union. When the South-North Union refused to accept his defeat and launched a surprise attack, the leader of the Shadow, the Blue Dragon Helmet Swordsman, appeared…
After explaining the events, the Vice Union Leader rolled up his sleeves.
—Although the Six Kings suffered considerable losses, the fall of the South-North Union is an encouraging development. The balance of power that had tilted towards the Five Demons has been restored.
—Aren't there other issues? King Lecross raised his hand.
—You're right. The Shadow has newly joined the Five Demons, and the dragons have become our enemies. It's true that the Six Kings are still at a disadvantage in some aspects. However… The Vice Union Leader clenched his fist.
—The fact that our enemies are now clearly defined is a positive point for us. We won't be caught off guard by the dragons like we were this time.
…
Derus smiled as he read the atmosphere. As expected. All eyes in the room were observing him, trying to discern the scar on the back of his hand. Only the neutral faction leaders focused on the meeting itself.
How interesting. Derus rolled his eyes, enjoying the tension.
Especially that guy. He scanned Raon, who couldn't take his eyes off the Vice Union Leader.
Your intuition and acting skills surpass even the old geezers of the Six Kings.
Though he had offered a handshake as a trap, Raon had resisted, carefully observing Derus's hand without revealing his intentions.
—Raon. Derus curled his lips briefly. You're no different even after being reborn.
You can never win this fight. Derus thought. The scar remained hidden, and the death aura had been sealed at the bottom of his soul.
But… He twitched his fingertips. You won't back down. Because that's how I taught you.
Seems you're destined to only help me and then disappear in this life as well.
Derus clasped his hands, thinking of the rewards he would reap after finishing this affair.
—What's important for us now is the location of the disappeared dragons and the identity of the swordsman wearing the Blue Dragon Helmet. The Vice Union Leader picked up the second document.
—Since that day, the Dragon Lord and the dragons have vanished as if they no longer exist on this continent. Some have even abandoned their nests.
—They probably won't show up for a while.
Chamber tapped the table with her candy stick.
—Dragons were born as the strongest race on the continent. Those arrogant bastards nearly died en masse to humans they considered insects. They're probably hiding somewhere, trembling.
—It's not just the dragons. King Lecross raised his hand. The Fallen, the Leader of the Holy Sword Alliance, the Leader of the White Blood Religion, and the Blue Dragon Helmet Swordsman will also find it difficult to move.
—Th-That's fortunate… The Mage Tower Master raised her head for the first time.
—During that time, we need to reorganize our forces and build up our strength. Chamber clenched her small fist.
—I agree. Owen has also prepared to enhance the capabilities of our knights. King Lecross's gaze sharpened.
—Robert has already begun training. Everyone is swinging their swords, shedding blood and sweat. Derus Robert nodded.
—All of this is thanks to Head of House Glenn.
—You mean the Soul Sword?
—Yes. Everyone who saw that sword was paralyzed for a while…
—To think it could cut down even one of the Five Demons in one strike…
—Sure, that old man is impressive. But… Ogram turned his gaze to Raon. If it weren't for Raon, even that guy would have ended up with his heart pierced.
—You're stating the obvious. Chamber rolled her eyes.
—It's worth reiterating. I also think the Light Wind Division Leader changed the tide of the war. King Lecross gave a thumbs up.
—Aren't you scared…? The Mage Tower Master muttered.
—So, Raon. Ogram turned to him. Do you have any wishes?
—Pardon? Wishes? Raon's eyes widened.
—As Lecross said, what you've accomplished isn't just saving one person, but changing the tide of the war. No, it's no different from changing the balance of this entire continent.
—If you have a wish, I'll grant it as far as my power allows.
—Same here. I'll even grant it if you ask me to marry you. Chamber teased.
—I-If there's anything you want in Owen, I'll grant it, Light Wind Division Leader. Lecross avoided Chamber's gaze.
—As long as it's not troublesome… The Mage Tower Master added.
—Even Derus Robert agrees.
Raon scratched the back of his head.
—It's embarrassing, but there is something I'd like to ask. He turned to Glenn.
—I learned swordsmanship from the Head of House, and the Beast King taught me the Fierce Wave Arts. The Silent Sword Master also gave me advice.
—I wanted to learn a thing or two from the Sky Sword Saint as well, but I regretted not having much interaction with Robert.
Raon slowly lowered his gaze.
so i would request a duel from the sword saint..