"The Thespian Emperor has arrived?"
Raon frowned as he watched Dorian munching away.
"That's right! I heard she just arrived at the main gate!"
Dorian nodded, saying all the swordsmen outside were talking about the Thespian Emperor.
"Well, finish your bread first."
Raon pointed at the bread crumbs hanging from Dorian's chin.
"Ah, yes!"
Dorian grinned sheepishly as he stuffed the remaining crumbs into his mouth.
-Whatever kind of bread that is, it looks delicious...
Wrath licked his lips, saying he was hungry for bread.
-Bring this king some bread too! My head is spinning from hunger! Ahem!
'I only have Nadine bread, if that's okay...'
-No, forget it! This king shall keep his mouth shut until dinner!
He shouted that he would decline and retreated into the ice flower bracelet.
"Did the Thespian Emperor come alone?"
Raon let out a brief sigh and looked back at Dorian.
"No. I heard she came with her subordinates this time."
Dorian shook his head, saying it wasn't like before when she came alone.
"What's the reason for requesting an audience with the Head of House?"
"I don't know that."
He shrugged, saying he came right away after hearing about the Thespian Emperor.
"The external commander sent a message to the Lord's Manor, so they should be coming in soon."
Dorian pointed towards the main gate, muttering that the atmosphere wasn't bad.
"I suppose so."
Although there had been minor issues with the Five Divine Orders, they weren't enemies, so there was no reason to refuse the visit.
"The Thespian Emperor..."
Rector stroked his chin as he turned his gaze towards Zieghart's main gate.
"Did something fortunate happen to her?"
He narrowed his eyes as if he had already sensed the Thespian Emperor's aura.
"When you say something fortunate, surely not..."
Raon turned to Rector with wide eyes.
"Yes. Judging by her rapid growth, it seems she's gained a great insight."
Rector nodded, saying the Thespian Emperor's aura had become unrecognizably stronger.
"Can a Transcendent Warrior gain insight so easily?"
"The realm of transcendence is mysterious. One might gain nothing in 10 years, or reach greater heights with an insight gained in 10 seconds."
He said it was an unfairly capricious world as he gave a thin smile.
"But the reason the Thespian Emperor suddenly came..."
"It's probably to find out how much the Five Divine Orders are worth."
Raon lowered his eyebrows with his hand on his sword hilt. He might not know how much stronger the Thespian Emperor had become, but he could guess why she came.
"Currently, the Five Kings and Five Demons are engaged in battles across the continent. Even among the smaller factions following them, wars are breaking out. In this situation..."
He let out a heavy sigh as he looked towards Zieghart's main gate, following Rector's gaze.
"The value of the Five Divine Orders, with their Transcendent Warrior and Grandmasters, is enormous. Depending on which side the Five Divine Orders support, it could change the course of the war."
"Indeed."
Rector rubbed his chin in agreement.
"Moreover, the Five Divine Orders have lost much of their reputation and power due to the Holy Sword Alliance's attack. They won't miss this opportunity to increase their standing."
"You seem to have read it all already."
He smiled gently, as if proud of his grandson.
"It's obvious."
Raon shook his head as he scratched the back of his head. Knowing what kind of person the Thespian Emperor Ariel was, it wasn't difficult to understand her psychology.
"Given the current situation, it would be right to accept the Thespian Emperor's proposal if it's not too burdensome. However..."
Raon looked at Rector and curled his lips upward.
"The situation has changed with this recent event. No one knows that Zieghart and the Holy Sword Alliance are now connected."
The Thespian Emperor would try to raise their value by walking a tightrope between the Five Kings and Five Demons, and originally, they would have had no choice but to agree to that deal. But since Rector, the Leader of the Holy Sword Alliance, was his grandfather, and they were only nominally affiliated with the Five Demons, her plan was nothing more than an illusion.
"That's right."
Rector also smirked as if he found the situation amusing.
"Of course, we shouldn't mention grandfather's name here. A gag order will probably be issued within the family."
Raon put a finger to his lips, saying it must never be revealed.
"No one outside knows either."
The Dragon Lord was too focused on his demonic energy to notice Rector, and The Fallen had died with his neck cut. Even if he were to come back to life, it would take time, so for a while, this information would be known to no one else.
"If I'm to go along with your plan, I should conceal my presence too."
Rector licked his lips as he drastically lowered his presence. Even though he was right in front of them, his presence was barely noticeable.
"Thank you for understanding."
Raon bowed his head to Rector.
"It's beneficial for everyone. And..."
Rector gently patted Raon's head.
"There's no need for thanks between family."
He smiled as if telling Raon to get used to it.
"Yes..."
"Ah, what was it you wanted to ask before going to the Holy Sword Alliance?"
Rector raised his eyes as if he just remembered.
"I'll tell you about that after the Thespian Emperor leaves."
"Very well."
He said they'd meet at the annex building and left the great training ground.
"Wow..."
Dorian let out an exclamation as he watched Rector's retreating figure.
"All of the Division Leader's grandfathers are so cool."
"That's right."
Raon nodded in full agreement with those words.
"They're people I can never catch up to."
Even if he someday matched Glenn and Rector's martial prowess, he felt he could never match their convictions and willpower.
* * *
The main gate of Zieghart, which had become even thicker as if vowing never to fall again, opened, and External Commander Illiune walked out.
"Welcome to Zieghart."
Illiune bowed his head, speaking formally as if he had been instructed to treat the guest with respect.
"Thank you for welcoming us."
The Thespian Emperor Ariel bowed with a faint smile. As she slowly raised her head, her graceful demeanor caused the eyes of the outer castle's martial artists to glaze over.
"Ahem!"
When Illiune cleared his throat with a hint of aura, the dazed martial artists snapped back to attention and straightened their backs.
"We've been rude to our guest."
"It's alright."
Ariel waved her hand lightly as if she was used to it.
"Please follow me. I'll guide you to the main building."
"Thank you."
She thanked him and followed behind Illiune with her subordinates.
"It's still a beautiful place."
Ariel smiled softly as she looked around the lush interior of Zieghart.
"It seems even more vibrant than before."
"Thank you for saying so."
Illiune only nodded slightly, not showing much reaction despite the compliment. As Ariel engaged in light conversation with Illiune and approached the main building, a tall swordsman standing to the right caught her eye.
'Raon Zieghart?'
The cunning brat who had humiliated her twice was looking this way. His noble appearance, as if backlit by a halo, was still the same, but there was something even more surprising.
'He's already reached the peak of Grandmaster?'
While it wasn't quite at the threshold of transcendence, he had clearly reached the peak of Grandmaster.
'Impossible...'
Even she, who was said to have heaven-sent talent, was only a Master at that age. Raon's martial arts talent was frightening enough to make her tremble.
'It reminds me of that picture.'
She recalled the demonic image that was engraved when she had mustered up the courage to draw Raon's heaven's flow. She had immediately closed the book out of incomprehensible fear, but now it seemed as if he had truly sold his soul to a demon.
'However...'
What was truly terrifying about Raon was not his sword, but his mind and tongue. Having been fooled twice, she had no intention of falling for it today.
"It's been a while, Light Wind Division Leader."
The Thespian Emperor looked at Raon with a welcoming smile.
"Yes."
Raon just nodded lightly as if he wasn't particularly interested. Although irritation welled up inside her, she swallowed it and maintained her smile.
"I heard you were seriously injured, I'm glad you're safe."
"Yes."
He gave another curt answer, as if he had no intention of conversing.
"I have to meet the Head of House, so I'll see you next time."
"..."
Raon just nodded slightly without even answering this time. He was the epitome of insolence.
'I won't fall for it this time.'
The Thespian Emperor maintained her smile even after seeing Raon's arrogant behavior. If she fell for that brat's mind games again after being fooled twice, she wouldn't be fit to be the leader of the White Whale.
"Shall we go?"
The Thespian Emperor approached Illiune, who was standing a little distance away, while maintaining her gentle expression.
"Ah, yes."
Illiune blinked his eyes as if he was more flustered, then resumed guiding her.
'That's right...'
Ariel twisted her lips as she calmly exhaled.
'I shouldn't react to this level.'
Having been fooled by Raon many times, she felt a twinge in her heart without realizing it, but thanks to her prior preparation, she was able to endure it well. Satisfied with herself, she walked on, and soon the main building of Zieghart was before her eyes.
"The preparations aren't complete yet, so please wait a moment."
Illiune guided them to a luxurious guest room and then went outside.
"Haa..."
Sakan, the leader of the Sword Examination Division, let out a long sigh as he sat down in a chair.
"No wonder they're the leaders of the North. Every single one of them exudes the aura of a lion..."
"Among them, that Raon Zieghart we saw earlier was exceptional. Not just his appearance, but the faint aura he emitted was enough to make my flesh tremble."
Beriol, the leader of the Magic Field Division, shook his head in disbelief.
"Raon Zieghart's real weapon isn't his aura or sword, but his tongue."
Ariel shook her head as she created an aura barrier to prevent sound from leaking outside the room.
"Never fall for his mind games. Just think of him as a puppy barking and ignore him."
"But he seemed rather taciturn?"
Beriol tilted his head, saying he was rather sparse with words.
"He's pretending to be taciturn. There are countless snakes in his belly."
Ariel bit her lip, warning them to never let their guard down.
"But I'm not sure if things will go according to plan. My flesh trembles just being in Zieghart..."
"It has to work out."
She shook her head as she crossed her long legs.
"Currently, not just Zieghart, but the entire Five Kings are suffering from a shortage of manpower. With fights breaking out everywhere, they can't send support. On the other hand, the Five Demons can create inhuman troops, so one side's losses will inevitably accumulate."
Ariel smiled, saying it was like a gambling table where the opponent's hand was visible.
"In other words, we're bound to win this deal."
She clasped her hands with an expression as if she had already won.
"Of course, that doesn't mean we should let our guard down. Keep thinking, all of you."
"Yes!"
As Ariel was emphasizing points to be cautious about to her subordinates, a soft knock was heard.
"Come in."
Upon inviting them in, an elderly butler with a kind smile entered and bowed. It was Roenn, the assassin known as the Killing King.
"The preparations are complete."
Roenn pointed outside while maintaining a careful bow.
"Let's go to the audience chamber."
"Understood."
Ariel adjusted her clothes and followed Roenn to stand in front of the audience chamber. The heavy doors of the audience chamber opened with a rumble at Roenn's slight gesture, revealing a blood-red carpet and a platform rising like a mountain.
On the golden throne atop the platform sat Glenn, looking as if he would never waver, while on either side, Zieghart's executives stood with their hands behind their backs, exuding a chilling aura.
Raon Zieghart, whom she had seen earlier, was also standing in front of the right pillar, looking straight ahead. Ariel smirked as she looked at Raon.
'So that's why he reacted like that?'
She had thought it strange that he was so quiet, but it seemed he didn't want to provoke her since they would meet here anyway. He was still a cunning fellow, but today was different from before. The ones at a disadvantage were not her or the Five Divine Orders, but Zieghart and the Five Kings.
"I greet the sky of the North."
Ariel walked to the center of the audience chamber and bowed. Her eyes sparkled with a solemn color, contrary to her inner thoughts.
"Rise."
Glenn waved his hand lightly, as if excessive formalities were unnecessary.
"Thank you for your warm welcome despite our sudden visit."
Ariel bowed her head once more and looked up at Glenn.
"We're not enemies, so there's no reason not to welcome you. So..."
Glenn looked down at Ariel with his fist under his chin.
"What do you hope to gain by coming here?"
His scarlet eyes flashed as if he knew everything.
"Hope to gain..."
Ariel curled her lips into a thin smile.
'As expected, he's no ordinary person.'
To ask about her purpose so directly, he truly showed the demeanor of a leader who had reached the pinnacle of Zieghart. His will to not be swayed in any situation was palpable.
"Then shall we get straight to the point?"
Ariel nodded as she lowered her hands that had been clasped in front of her.
"As you know better than I do, large and small wars are currently taking place across the continent. At first, it was evenly matched, but gradually one side is being pushed back."
Even at the mention of the Five Kings being at a disadvantage, Glenn's expression didn't show the slightest change.
"I understand that Zieghart has also suffered considerable damage. The same goes for the vassal families."
Ariel nodded with a faint smile.
"And?"
Glenn's right eyebrow twitched as if he was uncomfortable hearing any more.
"The Five Kings are strong. But they're not large enough to keep an eye on the entire continent against the Five Demons. So..."
Ariel licked her lips as she observed his reaction. It was time to begin.
"We, the Five Divine Orders, will lend you our strength."
A gleam of intelligence shone in her eyes.
"What do you want?"
Glenn nodded as if he had known everything from the beginning.
'As expected...'
He has no choice but to accept. Although she didn't know the exact situation, she had heard that House Arianne had recently collapsed completely. With the Warring Steel Division and several other martial divisions also having many injured, they couldn't afford to refuse.
"We don't need financial compensation. As a martial artist myself, I'm not interested in such things."
Ariel smiled faintly as she spoke words that would elevate herself.
"What I, no, what we of the Five Divine Orders want is recognition of our sphere of influence. Please give us the opportunity to expand our influence not only in the lands we currently hold, but also in the areas where we provide support."
She bowed her head as she said this.
'You might think it's nothing significant…'
This is a huge reward. To form a faction, you need people, and to gain people, you need time and dedication.
It's natural for people to feel affection and follow those who help them when they're dying or in dangerous situations. With a bit of information manipulation, it would be easy as pie to gain the favor of the entire region and break away from the Five Kings.
If everything goes according to plan, by the time the war ends, they could wield influence no less than the Five Kings.
"Hmm..."
Glenn narrowed his eyes with his chin resting on his fist, as if in deep thought.
"Just for your reference..."
Ariel raised a finger as she revealed a pitch-black gaze.
"The Five Demons sent a big proposal first, but I rejected it and came to see you, Head of House."
She clasped her hands in front again as she said this.
'You have no choice but to accept.'
If they were to go to the Five Demons, the balance between the Five Kings and Five Demons would greatly collapse. Zieghart would have to take them in even if it meant suffering a loss.
"That lady... Still as greedy as ever."
As Ariel was smiling with satisfaction, a thin voice was heard from behind.
"Haven't you learned anything even after being fleeced like that?"
It was Raon Zieghart. He shook his chin as if looking at something pathetic.
"You're right. It's similar to when I was about to lose everything at the gambling table. The look of someone about to lose their entire fortune."
Rimmer chuckled, saying it was exactly that expression.
"Ha..."
Ariel forcibly erased her contorting expression as she turned around.
"Light Wind Division Leader, aren't you no longer a child? If you have something to say, why don't you come out and say it properly?"
Raon always attacked with such mocking methods to disrupt one's psyche. She had no intention of falling for it this time, so she calmed her mind and beckoned with her finger.
"Since you ask, I'll tell you clearly."
Raon tilted his head as he looked down at Ariel.
"You spoke as if this war depends on the Five Divine Orders, but you only have two choices."
A crimson flame that would never extinguish burned in his eyes.
"Either obey, or die."