Chapter 1099
Goooooo!
Red lightning flared and flickered from Glenn’s shoulders. An aura imbued with a noble will surged throughout the Audience Chamber.
“T-the Head Of House’s lightning?”
“Why all of a sudden…?”
“It is lightning, but it feels different than usual.”
“Instead of feeling painful, it feels like it’s filling us with vitality.”
The executives widened their eyes, feeling Glenn’s lightning—which had always been merely intense—now supporting them.
“The Head Of House of Zieghart is not one who stands above the family.”
Glenn swept his gaze over the executives and brusquely brushed off his hands.
“The one who stands at the very bottom to support the family—that is where the Head Of House of Zieghart must stand.”
He gave a heavy nod, stating that one could only become the Head Of House by enduring the weight of the family.
“However, that position can never be held alone. Only a person who can gather vassals who follow only them—supporters who would jump into fire with a smile even if ordered to die—can become the Head Of House.”
Glenn stated that this was the most crucial element before withdrawing the lightning that had spread through the Audience Chamber.
》”That old geezer actually knows his stuff!”
Wrath wore a wide grin, acknowledging Glenn’s words.
》”He hasn’t spent his whole life for nothing! Though he’s quite late to the party.”
He nodded, thinking that Glenn had only recently realized these values.
“He’s right….”
“Yeah. A Head Of House should have many followers.”
“I just didn’t expect the Head Of House to say something like that….”
The executives shifted their eyes, noting that Glenn’s convictions regarding the Head Of House were different from what they had expected.
“I know what you are thinking.”
Glenn let out a murky sigh, as if he had read the executives’ minds.
“I sought only to reign over the family, thinking only of individual martial power and territorial conquest. Countless blood was shed not only against enemies, but within the family as well, and I neglected it all. It is no exaggeration to say that I tore down the reputation and trust built by my ancestors with my own hands.”
He laid bare his past, which could have been a source of shame, in a calm tone.
“I almost carried that stupidity with me until the day I died, but thanks to a few people, I was able to realize the path I should take, albeit late.”
Glenn’s gaze turned toward Raon, and a faint smile bloomed on his lips.
“After that, I realized I had been standing at the peak of the family, and I worked desperately to move downward. It required much patience and effort, but fortunately, I believe I am now below the family.”
Glenn wore a thin smile, noting that while the difference was slight, the family now stood above him.
“I believe so as well.”
Karoon nodded with a serious gaze, agreeing with Glenn’s words.
‘He’s right.’
Raon wore a light smile as he looked into Glenn’s calm eyes.
‘He really has changed a lot.’
When he first met Glenn, the man exuded an atmosphere so cold it felt as if ice water flowed through his veins.
However, he had gradually assimilated with those around him, accepting Sylvia as a daughter and Raon as a grandson.
Of course, it was true that Raon had achieved various accomplishments, but none of this would have happened if Glenn hadn’t first been willing to change.
“I will say it again. Find supporters who follow only you, and who believe you are worth supporting. The greater the number and the higher the reputation, the better.”
Glenn explained the test of gathering supporters once more.
“Question….”
“I have a question!”
Just as Karoon was about to raise his hand, Balder stepped forward first.
“You told us to gather supporters, but how do you intend to determine the results?”
Balder looked back while keeping his hand raised.
“There’s a huge difference between being supported by Head Of House Wigvix and being supported by some peddler old man Wigvix over there!”
Contrary to his usual simplicity, he pointed out the most critical part. Or rather, because he thought simply, he seemed to have grasped the core element of the test faster.
“Good question, Balder.”
Glenn nodded, praising Balder for once.
“W-what? Are you sick?”
Aris approached in surprise and tapped Balder on the head.
“What’s wrong with you! I’m also a direct lineage of Zieghart and a Palace Lord!”
Balder pushed Aris’s hand away and snorted.
“Normally, it would be correct to count every single person who supports you. However, since it isn’t easy to account for everyone in every way….”
Glenn nodded as he looked at the five successor candidates before him.
“The people you must receive support from are the leaders of organizations. It does not matter if they are inside or outside Zieghart.”
He nodded, stating that they must only receive the support of leaders.
“No, the status and power of leaders are all different!”
“I haven’t finished speaking.”
Glenn frowned, telling him to be quiet.
“Hup!”
Realizing he had become too excited after Glenn’s praise, Balder shut his mouth.
“The number of people led by the leader who supports you.”
Glenn raised his index finger and drew a circle.
“That number will be the count of supporters who will make you the Head Of House.”
He nodded, explaining that he would calculate the results by counting the people under the leaders who supported them.
“Ah….”
Raon blinked.
‘Then it’s better to get support from a faction with a lot of people.’
Glenn had told them to gain the support of faction leaders, and the result would be based on the number of people those leaders led.
In other words, to pass the second test, one had to get the support of a leader who led as many people as possible.
‘Then I’m in luck.’
Many people had gathered at Habun Fortress to protect the North.
If he received the support of the Lord of Habun Fortress, it would be equivalent to receiving the support of all those people, meaning he had essentially already gained hundreds of supporters.
“I will now begin the second successor candidate test.”
Glenn clapped his hands, announcing that today’s meeting was over.
“Whose support should we get?”
“The Five Kings? Wouldn’t getting the support of the Five Kings be the best?”
“Right. They have the most people. Especially the kingdoms.”
“No. The Beast Union probably has the most people. You can’t even count the number of tribes there!”
The executives naturally brought up the names of the Five Kings first.
“For your information, the Four Kings—excluding Zieghart—are excluded from this test. Going to them would be a waste of time.”
Glenn sat on the Jade Throne after giving this final piece of advice. He closed his eyes, signaling that he would truly tell them nothing more.
‘That’s a shame….’
Raon smacked his lips slightly.
‘If the Four Kings were involved, at least two of them would have supported me.’
He wasn’t sure about King Lecross of Owen or Magic Tower Lord Larian, but the Archmage of Glory, Chamber, and Beast King Ogram would certainly have supported him. It was a bit disappointing not to have their backing.
‘But it makes sense.’
Since the Five Kings were on equal footing, the very expression of “supporting” one side wouldn’t look good.
Moreover, since the state and atmosphere of the other Four Kings—excluding Zieghart—were poor, it was right that they didn’t get involved in this matter.
‘Hey.’
Raon nudged Wrath with his elbow as the latter was blankly scratching his chin.
‘You have a lot of subordinates, right?’
》”You ask the obvious!”
Wrath lifted his chin, as if he finally had something to brag about.
》”Highly loyal demons stood in lines beneath this King! The sword masters of your family cannot even compare!”
He nodded, claiming that both the number and quality were far superior.
‘Then….’
Raon leaned in close to Wrath, licking his lips.
‘Can’t you just support me? If I have you, I’ll win.’
》”Are you truly insane?!”
Wrath widened his eyes in disbelief.
》”Why would this King support a thief like you! I would rather die than follow you!”
He screamed, telling Raon not to talk nonsense.
》”I wondered why you suddenly asked about my subordinates, but you truly are a madman beyond imagination!”
Wrath gnashed his teeth, wondering how Raon’s mind worked.
》”If my subordinates knew I was in this state, they would come rushing here immediately….”
‘I’ll buy you bead ice cream.’
Raon raised a finger.
》”D-do you think this King would fall for such a thing….”
‘As much as you want, and any flavor you want.’
At the additional offer, Wrath’s words cut off abruptly.
》”H-how many days?”
‘Huh?’
》”How many days will you throw this ice cream party for?”
‘…….’
The Demon King was so easy to handle. It was so easy it almost brought tears to his eyes.
===
Karoon remained in the drawing room on the first floor of the Head Of House building with Balder and Aris.
“This worked out well, didn’t it?”
Balder smacked his lips.
“I thought for sure Raon and Hyung would move up, but if I play this right, I might be one of the final two!”
He laughed heartily, looking forward to it.
“You seem confident?”
Aris asked, pouring whiskey directly into her mouth.
“Of course!”
Balder smirked as if there was no need to even ask.
“I’ve built up a lot of connections since I was young! If I just say a few words, everyone will support me!”
He tilted his head, as if it were obvious.
“Hey.”
Aris put down the bottle and frowned.
“Why do you keep speaking informally to me? Do you want to die?”
She glared at him, daring him to do it again.
“I-I will support you…?”
Balder lowered his eyes, his voice trailing off into a question.
“Anyway, this is my chance! Father also thinks it’s too early for Raon to be the Head Of House!”
He bit his lip, determined to seize this golden opportunity.
“Balder. You are under a very great delusion.”
Karoon shook his head with his arms crossed.
“What delusion?”
Balder blinked, completely clueless.
“As you said, you’ve built decent connections with various people since childhood. To a degree that Raon or Serena couldn’t possibly match. However….”
Karoon narrowed his eyes as he looked at Balder and Aris.
“The same goes for me and sister. Most of our connections overlap.”
He shook his head, explaining that since they built those connections from the equal position of being Glenn’s children, they were bound to overlap.
“On the other hand, Raon went out into the world from a young age and formed bonds with many people through his own strength. That child’s connections are entirely his own. Even without the support of the Four Kings, it will be a threatening number.”
Karoon nodded, as if he had already finished calculating Raon’s position.
“I’m not on Raon’s level, but I’ve built up some connections of my own. There might not be a spot for you two.”
Aris smirked, mentioning that she had met the leaders of quite a few factions while traveling the seas.
“T-those people would all follow sister?”
Balder’s eyes widened in surprise.
“I’m pretty, aren’t I? They just came to me on their own.”
Aris smiled, resting her chin on her fingers.
“Isn’t it because you have a terrible temper?”
“Are you actually insane?!”
Unable to hold back, she smacked the back of Balder’s head.
“If you truly dream of the Head Of House position, you don’t have time to be doing this.”
Karoon downed his tea in one gulp and stood up from the sofa.
“The ones in crisis right now aren’t Raon, but us.”
Leaving those words behind, he left the room.
“W-wait for me! We should discuss this so we don’t overlap!”
Balder rubbed the bump on his head caused by Aris and followed Karoon out.
“Sigh….”
Aris stretched and let out a long yawn.
“I’m not particularly interested in being the Head Of House, so what should I… Ah!”
She let out an exclamation and snapped her fingers.
“That’ll work!”
===
“Public Sword Palace Lord.”
Raon called out to Serena, who was leaving the Head Of House building first.
“Light Wind Palace Lord.”
Serena bowed politely toward him.
“Congratulations on becoming a successor candidate.”
Raon gave a smiling nod.
“You kept the words you told me before. I’m moved by how you achieved your goal to the end.”
He smiled, recalling the moment Serena had declared she would become the Head Of House during their trainee days.
“You remembered.”
Serena scratched her cheek as she looked at Raon.
“It’s embarrassing, but thank you.”
Her lips trembled slightly, as if she hadn’t expected to receive such sincere congratulations.
“If the Light Wind Palace Lord had joined me back then, I might have achieved it sooner. What a shame.”
Serena playfully beat her chest, lamenting that she couldn’t bring the trainee-era Raon with her.
“That might be true, but I think the current Captain is cooler.”
It wasn’t a lie. Even with the help of the Public Sword Palace, the fact that she had climbed this far through her own ability was far more impressive.
“But this is as far as I go.”
Serena let out a deep sigh.
“I don’t have the confidence to pass the second test.”
She shook her head, saying she had only focused on achievements and had no connections to bring in.
“But….”
Raon shook his head as he looked into Serena’s eyes, despite her saying she lacked confidence.
“You have no intention of giving up.”
Contrary to her words, her eyes were flashing with a determination to achieve it somehow.
“Of course. If I were going to give up, I wouldn’t have climbed to this position.”
Serena nodded, lightly dusting herself off.
“From now on, I’ll search the entire continent if I have to. For supporters of my own.”
She wished him luck on the test and departed. Whether her last words were sincere or not, her footsteps were fast yet heavy.
“What will you do, Palace Lord?”
Burren approached and asked.
“I have to find my own supporters too.”
Raon rubbed his chin and lowered his brows.
“Receiving help or having a favorable impression is one thing, but giving support is another.”
He had formed bonds with many people while completing numerous missions, but he didn’t have the confidence that all of them would support him.
He intended to receive the supporter’s mark only from those who could truly follow him.
“Even if you’re that picky, won’t there still be many?”
Martha lowered her brows deeply.
“For starters, our Black Tortoise Palace will support you. Not because of my will, but because the sword masters of the Black Tortoise Palace are incredibly grateful to you for taking care of my father until the end.”
She smiled, stating that the Black Tortoise Palace’s choice was already made.
“There’s the Supere Kingdom too. The current King and Saintess will come running the moment they hear your name.”
Burren smirked, bringing up the Supere Kingdom.
“My house too….”
Runaan let out a long yawn and mentioned her family, the Sullion family.
》”If you think about it, the Holy Sword Alliance would support you too….”
Wrath scratched his head, mentioning the Holy Sword Alliance, which was still in the Three Demons region.
“There really are a lot….”
Raon’s lips curled into a fresh smile as he thought of the factions whose names hadn’t been mentioned yet.
“Where should I go first?”
