"Head of House...?"
Raon exhaled sharply as he examined Glenn's wrinkled eyes.
"What happened to you?"
Glenn Zieghart was the most cold and rational person Raon knew. Even if he had been worried about losing contact with Montiro, Raon never expected such an intense reaction. His head, which had been spinning from shock, cleared momentarily.
"Just looking at you, I can tell how dangerous the war here was."
Glenn bit his lip slightly and tightened his arms around Raon.
"Thank you for enduring until the end, Raon."
He repeated his thanks, patting Raon's back with trembling hands.
"Grandfather..."
Glenn's words of gratitude resonated strangely in Raon's heart, causing him to unconsciously utter the word "grandfather."
-Has the old geezer finally lost his mind?
Wrath gasped, unable to comprehend Glenn's behavior.
'It's not senility, he seems to be overcome with emotion.'
Raon had always known that Glenn cared for him more than others. However, he had always maintained a cold demeanor in public, so Raon never expected him to show affection in front of everyone.
'It's not just emotion; he seems exhausted.'
Glenn had been panting since he arrived, and his eyes were filled with fatigue as if he hadn't slept for days. Since a Transcendent wouldn't tire from merely traveling here, it seemed he had been through a great battle.
'It's strange. Grandfather seems a bit... blurry. Is it because I'm tired?'
Glenn was emanating a more majestic aura than when he sat on the Zieghart throne, yet he also appeared hazy, like morning mist dispersing before the sun. The conflicting sensations were confusing.
-No, you're seeing it correctly.
Wrath narrowed his eyes, confirming that Raon's perception was accurate.
'What do you mean....'
As Raon was about to question Wrath, he heard the sound of the ground crumbling, and people began to gather around the fountain.
"H-Head of House?"
"How is the Head of House here?"
"Huh...?"
Burren, Martha, and Runaan widened their eyes as they saw Glenn embracing Raon.
"Come here, all of you."
Glenn lifted his head slightly and gestured to Burren, Martha, and Runaan.
"What? Ah..."
"Us too?"
"Mm!"
While Burren and Martha stood still in shock, Runaan approached without hesitation and stood next to Raon.
"You've been through a lot."
Glenn gently embraced Runaan, just as he had done with Raon.
"It's alright..."
Runaan said it was fine while patting Glenn's back in return.
"Huh!"
"Oh...?"
As soon as Burren and Martha saw Glenn hugging Runaan, they rushed over, cracking the ground beneath their feet.
"Thank you all for overcoming such a difficult battle."
Glenn nodded as he embraced Burren, Martha, and Runaan all at once.
"Hmm..."
Raon let out a low groan as he observed Glenn's slightly trembling voice.
'What could have happened to him?'
It seemed as if he had become a different person, expressing his emotions not just to Raon, but to everyone.
"Raon, can you tell me about the battle that took place here?"
"Well, since you already know the strategy, I'll start from what happened after that."
Raon briefly reported on the war with the Black Tower to Glenn, who was still comforting the three squad leaders.
"F-Father?"
Just as Raon was finishing his account of the war, Karoon emerged from the infirmary after having his injuries treated. He was so shocked to see Glenn embracing Burren, Martha, and Runaan that he blurted out "Father" instead of "Head of House."
"...What's going on here?"
"Ah, well..."
Glenn, seemingly realizing he had been too careless about the eyes around him, let out a low groan and released his arms from around the children, standing up.
"How did you get here, and why are you embracing the children...?"
Karoon's eyes trembled like a sailboat hit by waves, as if he couldn't believe what he had just witnessed.
"You played a significant role. Well done."
Glenn slowly walked up to Karoon. He closed his eyes briefly, as if in thought, then opened them and gave Karoon a light hug.
"F-Father?"
Karoon's entire body shook, unable even to move his eyes. He was more shocked than when the Black Tower Master had broken through the ceiling.
'Father is hugging me and praising me?'
Despite having accomplished many feats as Glenn Zieghart's son, this was the first time he had received such praise. Surprise and shock hit him simultaneously, leaving him dazed.
"Head of House."
Raon called out to Glenn while clutching his throbbing temple.
"I've been informed that all communication across the Five Kings has been cut off. It must be the work of the Five Demons, so we need to move quickly..."
"It's alright."
Glenn turned around and shook his head calmly.
"Owen was attacked, but the other places are safe."
"Hmm..."
Raon furrowed his brow as he looked at Third Prince Greer watching them from afar. As expected, it seemed that while they were attacking the Black Tower, the Five Demons had attacked Owen.
"The one who attacked Owen..."
"Yes, it was Derus Robert."
Glenn lowered his chin, indicating he had fought with Derus Robert.
"He's become much stronger. I doubt there are many among the Five Kings and Five Demons who could face him now."
He frowned, stating that Derus's martial prowess now stood at the pinnacle of the Five Kings and Five Demons.
'So that's why he looked so exhausted.'
Now Raon understood why Glenn seemed so tired. It appeared he had expended a lot of energy stopping Derus in Owen before flying here.
'But he's become even stronger?'
Had he received the power of an Angel? Derus hadn't been gone for long. It was hard to understand how he could have become so strong in such a short time that even Glenn would acknowledge it.
"Um, then what about my father...?"
Unable to contain himself any longer, Third Prince Greer ran up and stood before Glenn.
"He's injured, but safe. He's a naturally strong person, so you needn't worry."
Glenn nodded, assuring him that King Lecross would recover sufficiently.
"Hah..."
The Third Prince collapsed on the spot, as if all the tension had suddenly left his body.
'That's a relief.'
Raon let out a sigh of relief as he looked at the Third Prince.
'We can't afford to lose even one more person now.'
To win the war against the Five Demons, they couldn't afford to lose any more of their forces. Hearing that Lecross had survived and the other Five Kings were safe, Raon felt his unease subside a little.
"But it's strange. For Derus to only attack Owen and leave the other places alone..."
Raon frowned as he recalled Derus Robert's nauseating face.
"If they had moved after hearing about our surprise attack, they could have easily attacked the magic tower, Balkar, or the Beast Union as well."
Of course, they had made other preparations, but if the White Blood Religion and Eden had joined in the attack, the entire continent would have become a battlefield. It was suspicious that they hadn't aimed for that.
"We should conduct additional investigations just in case..."
"Without information, it's futile to try and guess his intentions. For now..."
Glenn slowly shook his head and embraced Raon again.
"Rest."
"What? But... Ah."
As Glenn stroked his back, fatigue washed over Raon like a wave, draining the strength from his entire body. Glenn's gentle touch brought on a warm drowsiness, reminiscent of falling asleep while practicing the Ring of Fire as a child.
'Not yet...'
For the first time in a long while, Raon drifted off to sleep as if he were beside Sylvia.
* * *
The door of the cracked infirmary creaked open as Glenn entered. He nodded at the cute-looking girl sucking on a candy in front of him.
"I'm glad you're awake."
"Someone must have caused quite a commotion outside? It woke me up."
Chamber narrowed her eyes as she bit into her candy.
"What's gotten into the ice-cold old man who never even smiled at his family? Hugging the kids in front of everyone."
She shook her head, as if unable to comprehend.
"How are you feeling?"
"Thanks to Suphren's Saintess, all my external wounds have healed."
Chamber nodded, saying that Saintess Olga had paid surprisingly close attention to her external injuries.
"However, the condition of my upper dantian isn't good."
She tapped her forehead, indicating it had been dangerous.
"Upper dantian..."
Glenn let out a low groan as he examined Chamber's head. Even without a deep look, he could tell that her mind had suffered a significant shock.
"This injury is something only I can heal. It's going to take quite some time."
Chamber sighed briefly, saying it would likely be a boring time.
"But don't worry. I'll definitely recover."
She waved her hand holding the candy, assuring him she'd be able to participate in the next battle.
"Of course, I believe you."
Glenn nodded calmly.
"What's this? Why are you being so kind today?"
Chamber muttered that it was strange as she rubbed her goosebump-covered arms.
"Earlier, you asked what wind had blown to make me hug the kids?"
Glenn parted his lips as he looked at Chamber's narrowed eyes.
"Before coming here, I met Derus Robert."
"What...?"
Chamber's eyes widened, as if she hadn't heard about this.
"So he finally came! Where was he!"
"Owen. King Lecross was defeated."
"He, he's not dead, is he?"
She sat up, throwing off her blanket at the news of Lecross's defeat.
"He's in much better shape than you, so don't worry. His external and internal injuries are severe, but his energy center is intact."
Glenn told her to worry about herself as he laid Chamber back down on the bed.
"Hah..."
Chamber exhaled a long breath, seemingly relieved that Lecross was safe.
"Wait! So Lecross was defeated by Derus? What a pathetic guy!"
"He was strong."
Glenn shook his head at Chamber's angry outburst.
"Even if you and Lecross had attacked together, it wouldn't have been easy."
"...That strong?"
"Yes."
He nodded firmly, as if certain.
"Wait, did you use the Soul Sword again?"
Chamber furrowed her brow, as if she had just noticed Glenn's change.
"Yes."
Glenn exhaled briefly as he looked out the window.
"When all contact with Montiro was cut off and we couldn't receive any news, Derus Robert told me that Raon and Karoon were dead."
"Hmm..."
Chamber ground her molars as she observed Glenn's downcast eyes.
"As you know, the Soul Sword is a martial art that transcends even the boundary of Transcendence. I could have killed Derus or the Angel beside him. But when I heard that Raon and Karoon were dead, I couldn't swing that sword to its full extent."
Glenn's wrinkled hands trembled, as if he was still conflicted about it.
"But thanks to that, I realized how much I cherish Raon, Karoon, and the children of our house. Funny, isn't it? That I only realized this because of an enemy's lie?"
He curved his lips upward, as if mocking himself.
"Ascension is the dream and ideal of all martial artists. It was something I longed for even in my dreams, but now I don't want to leave. I want to stay on this land and watch Raon and the others grow."
Glenn lowered his head heavily, saying he'd rather become weaker if it meant he could remain on this continent.
"So that's why you hugged Raon and the kids in front of the square. I understand now."
Chamber smiled faintly, saying she finally comprehended.
"You've grown old too. In your youth, you ignored even your own flesh and blood and caused bloodshed, but in your twilight years, you've become just a loving grandfather."
"Well, I have no words to refute that..."
Glenn lowered his eyebrows, as if regretting those youthful days.
"But in my opinion, you might live to see Raon's grandchildren."
Chamber shook her head, as if telling him not to worry.
"What do you mean?"
"When ascending, one must shed all human desires and emotions. They say you have to become a being different from humans, but you've actually become more human, haven't you?"
She waved her hand, as if suggesting he think about it.
"Hmm..."
"And don't just do this for today. Keep treating the kids warmly from now on."
Chamber smiled brightly, telling him not to change just for one day, but to keep this heart going forward.
"Children need constant praise, after all."
* * *
"Mmm..."
Raon opened his eyes with difficulty. Seeing the sea through the window, it seemed he was still in Montiro.
'Well, that's for the best.'
Saintess Olga's medical skills and holy power were not far behind those of the Ragged Saint, Federick. Since she remained in Montiro, it made sense to continue receiving treatment here.
-You've finally woken up.
Wrath snorted, as if finding it pathetic.
'How long have I been asleep?'
-Two days.
The demon pointed to the darkened window outside, frowning.
-To think you'd sleep for two whole days after reaching that level. This king's meals have been delayed by twelve servings!
'Why twelve servings?'
Raon looked at Wrath with incredulous eyes.
-Three basic meals and three snacks for this king. Isn't six meals a day correct?
'...'
He used to say four meals a day, but now it had become six. Raon was increasingly unsure whether this was a Demon King or a glutton.
'Still, that's a relief.'
Raon chuckled as he watched Wrath crying out about being hungry.
-A relief? What do you mean?
'Every time we've been in such a dangerous war, you've either manifested or exerted your power, coughing afterwards. But you're not doing that now.'
Thanks to Wrath stepping in whenever they encountered Transcendents or Demon Kings, Raon had survived. But each time, Wrath had used power that defied causality, causing great shock to his soul. This time, however, Raon and Chamber had fought to the end to capture the Black Tower Master, and with the help of Lust and Gluttony, they had managed to push back Greed as well.
Seeing Wrath in good condition even after such a major battle made Raon feel good.
-W-Well...
Wrath let out a low groan, as if he hadn't expected Raon to think of him that way.
-T-This king is the ruler of Devildom! You needn't worry about someone like me!
He turned his head abruptly, saying not to worry about him, his face turning red. Though his words sounded unpleasant, he seemed embarrassed.
'Yes, yes.'
Raon chuckled and lightly patted Wrath's head.
'Where are Lust and Gluttony now?'
-Lust is...
Wrath trembled all over as he looked up at the empty air.
-Even now, she's watching you in her mist form. It's so scary and boring, I feel like I'm really going to die...
He sniffled, unable even to look at the ceiling.
'Ah, I see...'
Raon exhaled sharply as he noticed the faintly shimmering pink current in the air. He could feel Lust watching over him right now.
-Gluttony is going around this town eating all the food! If you don't wake up soon, we'll run out of supplies!
'I guess she did have money after all.'
Gluttony had said she came because she ran out of money, but as expected, it seemed she had come to help Raon. As he experienced more and more, the Angels and Demons were quite different from the myths passed down on this continent.
-Weren't you worried about him before you passed out? Are you okay now?
'Derus? Of course, I'm still concerned.'
It was true that Raon was still worried about why Derus had targeted Owen and why the other Five Demons hadn't moved. Knowing him, he must have had some intention. But whether Raon understood his reasons or not, all he could do now was recover and become stronger.
'I need to get stronger.'
As Raon clenched his fist, determined to reach even greater heights, the infirmary door opened and Olga entered, carrying bandages and medicine.
"You're already awake? What kind of body do you have, made of steel?"
Olga shook her head. Unlike Wrath, she was surprised that Raon had woken up after just two days.
"It's not like my injuries were that severe."
Raon shook his head as he examined his bandage-wrapped body.
"Your physical wounds weren't too bad, but the mental shock was significant. Though not as severe as Chamber's, your upper dantian was also on the verge of collapse."
Olga frowned, asking what on earth he had done.
"I just fought hard. How's the situation outside?"
Raon changed the subject, gesturing to Olga with his chin.
"It's been sorted out to some extent. Owen's knights left first, and the remaining people are preparing to return, leaving this place to the rear guard. Now that you're awake, Zieghart will leave too."
Olga shook her head.
"What about you?"
Raon narrowed his eyes as he noticed Olga's tattoos had darkened.
"We need to return too. A king can't be away from the kingdom for too long, right?"
Olga lowered her hand, saying they would stay a bit longer before returning.
"Then send the king back, and come with me."
"What? What do you mean...?"
"That constitution of yours."
Raon nodded calmly as he looked at the black tattoos covering Olga's arms and legs.
"I can fix it now."