Raon’s chin trembled as he met Martha’s bloodshot eyes.
“You found your mom on that battlefield?”
Martha had never told him about her story. Raon had only guessed that the tenth apostle had attacked her village from how things went.
He thought it was a sad thing to happen because the White Blood Religion took people away to feed them to the bloody demons, and that’s why it was completely unexpected for him that she’d seen her mother.
“Yes.”
Martha nodded. Her black eyes were trembling violently.
“My mom was there.”
“Which one was she?”
“……”
Martha didn’t respond, looking up at the magic lamp hanging on the ceiling.
“She’s younger and prettier than before, but she was definitely my mom. There’s no way I wouldn’t recognize her…”
She bit her lip tightly, saying that there was no mistake about it.
“Martha?”
Raon called her name, and her gaze lowered. Her unfocused eyes were reflecting her despair and vanity.
“The… White Blood Religion's leader.”
“…What?”
Raon gasped. His mind went blank from the completely unexpected response, and he couldn’t think about anything at all.
“Ah?”
Runaan also stepped back in surprise. The water bottle on the ground was knocked over and created a blunt noise.
“The White Blood Religion's leader had my mom’s appearance.”
Martha said it with certainty. Her dying eyes seemed to be screaming.
“Are you saying that she looked similar in appearance?”
“She’s not just similar. The White Blood Religion's leader is my mom.”
“What do you mean…?”
Raon started shaking his head before looking at the droplet necklace in Martha’s hand.
‘That’s…’
It was the necklace that appeared around her neck when they went through a difficult training one summer when they were trainees. He’d seen her putting it back inside as soon as it came out, which showed how precious it was to her.
‘I’m sure I’ve seen that somewhere. Ah!’
Raon sank to the ground, unable to control his trembling legs.
‘The White Blood Religion's leader. It’s the same one she had…’
When the White Blood Religion's leader summoned the Blood God and went all-out against Glenn, a necklace came out from under her dress and swayed.
The color was different, but the shape was exactly the same as the necklace that Martha was holding.
‘Now that I think about it… She also looks similar.’
Both the White Blood Religion's leader and Martha had black hair and black eyes. Raon finally remembered that he had the impression that she somehow looked familiar, and it was because she looked similar to Martha.
Martha’s appearance gave an elegant impression despite her personality, and Raon figured that she would look similar to the White Blood Religion's leader once she gained some charm from getting older.
‘Does that mean that the White Blood Religion's leader is really her mother?’
He was completely speechless. The feeling that her conviction was actually true was pounding violently in his brain.
Raon swallowed nervously.
‘How is this…?’
Even though he was supposed to console her, he was completely clueless about what to tell her.
The fact that he hadn’t led a normal life in his previous life was coming back to haunt him.
‘Wrath, what shall I do? Do you have any good ideas on what I should tell her?’
M-maybe we should feed her?
‘……’
Obviously, Wrath was also useless because his life wasn’t normal either.
“Martha, the White Blood Religion's leader…”
“She’s not my mom.”
She hung her head once again after the sudden declaration.
“That face and body definitely belong to my mom, but the one inside is a different bitch.”
She clenched her fist while scratching the ground.
“My mom doesn’t laugh in such a dirty way. She can’t even insult people, let alone kill them. There’s no way my mom would’ve become the head of the bloody demon bastards!”
“……”
Runaan went to Martha to grab her trembling hand. Martha would’ve normally pushed her away, but she quietly accepted Runaan’s warmth instead.
Raon narrowed his eyes while brushing his neck.
‘Does that mean that the soul of the White Blood Religion's leader is dwelling inside Martha’s mother’s body?’
That seemed completely possible after what happened from wearing Eden’s helmet. A monster of her level would’ve made it possible to transfer her soul somehow, whether she used necromancy, blood magic, or sorcery.
Indeed. That’s not exactly a difficult task.
Wrath clicked his tongue in displeasure.
There are lots of parasites like her in Devildom. They are hungry demons who try to devour a healthy body with their dirty souls.
‘…But you also tried to take over my body, just like them.’
Raon licked his lips. Wrath wasn’t any different from them when it came down to it.
Th-the King of Essence only came to you because of your wish! It’s you who wanted it!
‘I didn’t, though?’
You did! You damn fiend!
‘Well, sure.’
Aaaaargh!
Wrath grasped his head and started to scream.
‘Can you move away?’
Raon pushed Wrath away as he writhed in agony, then fiddled with his fingers.
‘Is that why the White Blood Religion keeps abducting people?’
Whenever the White Blood Religion attacked a village or a city, they usually killed half of the people and took the other half to their base.
Raon had been thinking it must’ve been some kind of doctrine, but Martha’s story was pointing at the possibility that it was to find a body for their religious leader’s soul.
‘Is there a way to revert it?’
Ugh, it’s normally impossible. However, it depends on the situation.
‘Situation? Which situation is that?’
Raon held onto Wrath since he was implying that it wasn’t completely impossible.
It depends on whether she devoured the original soul of the body or simply locked it up.
Wrath continued while struggling to escape.
You experienced it during the last incident. You absorbed the halfling dragon’s soul, which means it can’t be returned anymore, but you could’ve also locked him up in that mental world. When that happens, it’s possible to recover the soul.
‘Hmm, that means that there’s no way Martha’s mother is still alive…’
Raon frowned. There was no way the White Blood Religion's leader would have spared the soul considering how she treated other people as worthless worms.
That’s not exactly true.
‘Hmm?’
Do you remember what the King of Essence told you about the causality?
‘Yes, it’s the cause and effect relationship.’
A powerful ability is bound to have a recoil. You can’t guarantee that she would’ve killed the soul just because she’s evil, as we don’t know what kind of contract and conditions she had.
Wrath murmured that it could be either way while watching Martha’s trembling neck.
“Hmm.”
Raon bit his lip slightly. He couldn’t tell Martha about it because he didn’t want to give her a futile hope.
‘I wonder if there’s anything that can confirm…’
He silently sighed, and he noticed the necklace in Martha’s hand.
‘Wait… That’s a bit strange.’
There was no way Martha’s mom would still be wearing the necklace if the White Blood Religion's leader had completely taken over. It was a cheap and simple worn-out necklace, after all—it didn’t even look pretty.
Considering the fact that she was still wearing an old necklace that she shouldn’t even care about, it seemed possible that Martha’s mom was really locked up in the mental world after losing to the White Blood Religion's leader.
Whir!
The Blade of Requiem hanging around his waist suddenly started to vibrate, as if it were trying to confirm his guess.
“Martha.”
Raon clenched his fist and stood up.
“It shouldn’t be completely impossible to save her.”
“What nonsense are you speaking…?”
“That necklace.”
He pointed at the droplet necklace in Martha’s grip.
“The White Blood Religion's leader was also wearing that necklace.”
Martha slowly raised her head upon hearing that. A faint ray of light returned to her dying eyes.
“There would be no reason for her to be wearing that necklace if your mother’s soul has been devoured by the White Blood Religion's leader. It’s close to impossible, but the hope still exists.”
He told her about the conversation he had with Wrath, and Martha’s eyes turned slightly brighter.
‘Ah, wait.’
Raon averted his eyes from Martha and frowned.
‘We don’t even know whether the White Blood Religion's leader is still alive or not…’
She’s still alive.
Wrath casually responded. He sounded like he was simply stating the obvious.
Both she and the halfling Pride survived.
* * *
* * *
Merchant City Cameloon
Outskirts
Many people had gathered in front of an antique and luxurious mansion.
A merchant passing by the avenue tilted his head upon noticing the people around the mansion. He couldn’t suppress his curiosity and turned to the old man, who was right next to him.
“Wasn’t this a vacant mansion? Why is everyone gathered here?”
“The Destructive King of the North is currently staying here.”
The old man briefly responded while looking up to the highest floor of the annex building.
“Th-the Destructive King of the North? Are you talking about Glenn Zieghart?”
The merchant was following the old man’s gaze as he listened before he stepped back in surprise.
“Tsk! You shouldn’t call his name so carelessly. Be more careful!”
“Ah, I-I’m sorry.”
“It’s because he’s here that all those peddlers have gathered to get on his side.”
The old man chuckled, saying that it was pointless.
“But why did the Destructive King of the North visit Cameloon?”
“Don’t you even know about that? What have you even been doing so far?”
“I just arrived here from Robert today.”
The merchant showed him the seasonings he brought from the south.
“Ah, that’s understandable.”
The old man nodded and pointed at the west.
“Those Eden bastards had set up a branch at the west of Cameloon. That’s where…”
The old man told him about the rumor that had already spread throughout Cameloon.
“D-did he really fight the White Blood Religion's leader and the Fallen on his own? The Destructive King of the North did? Huh…”
The merchant’s jaw dropped. Even though many people used to consider Glenn Zieghart the strongest in the continent, many started to think that the other supreme beings were stronger than him after Zieghart’s activities came to a halt.
Lots of people even considered the Destructive King of the North a retired old man, which was why it was completely unexpected that he could fight two of the Five Demons' heads on his own.
“That’s not all.”
The old man swirled his finger.
“His grandson, Raon Zieghart’s, achievement doesn’t lose to him either. Even though he was kidnapped, he killed the fifth apostle and cut down an advanced Master swordsman called Unfaceable Snake to save the hostages. He even did that while the White Blood Religion's leader and the Fallen were watching.”
He grinned, praising the young swordsman’s amazing guts.
“I honestly think he’s even more amazing. That’s not something a warrior that hasn’t even reached his twenties can achieve.”
“Th-that’s true.”
The merchant nodded awkwardly.
‘Zieghart…’
Zieghart hadn’t really been making a name for themselves recently. Because they weren’t really doing anything in the center of the continent, they were usually considered average among the Six Kings.
However, the incident was bound to cause rumors that the northern sword had become even colder and stronger. Zieghart's name couldn’t be underestimated, after all.
The merchant went to the back of the crowd and placed his bag down.
“Weren’t you going somewhere?”
The old man narrowed his eyes while pointing at the merchant’s bag.
“I realized while listening to your story that I have a more important thing to do than my business right now.”
The merchant chuckled and sat on the ground.
“Since the current strongest man of the continent and the future strongest man in the continent are staying in this mansion, I’d like to see their faces at least.”
* * *
An old woman was watching the crowd gathered around the mansion from the highest floor of the mansion. She turned towards the center of the room with a smile on her face.
“Everyone’s so eager to meet the famous head of house.”
She smiled with her eyes while looking at Glenn, who was sitting at the center of the room.
“How about greeting them? I’m sure they would love it.”
“They can turn their wings at any time like migrating birds. It’s pointless.”
Glenn shook his head without standing up from his chair. There was no reason to meet people who only wanted to see him after what happened, as they could’ve visited him at any time if they wanted to trade with Zieghart.
There were countless people who could trade with him anyway, even if he refused them all.
“That’s true.”
The old woman nodded with a faint smile on her face.
“So, why did you come here, master of the Black Market?”
Glenn narrowed his eyes while looking at the old woman. That kind-looking old woman was the master of the Black Market, which was one of the best intelligence organizations in the continent.
Although the Black Market’s influence used to be limited to the center of the continent, that old woman had managed to expand it to their current state, which made it necessary to stay alert against her.
“Our trade should be over.”
“The trade is over. However, the favor still remains.”
The Black Market’s master walked up to Glenn and bowed to him. Her slightly trembling neck showed that she was struggling to do so, but she still lowered her head politely.
“Favor?”
“Yes. We’ve put a lot of effort into Grand Seville. We were planning on making it into the entertainment city Grand Seville, just like the merchant city Cameloon.”
“So?”
“That’s why we’ve dispatched many talented agents to Grand Seville. I’ve even sent one of my successors here.”
“Are you talking about the girl wearing an eyepatch?”
Glenn narrowed his eyes. He remembered the Black Market’s branch manager who had earnestly helped him.
“Indeed.”
The Black Market’s master nodded gently.
“She managed to survive the seventh apostle thanks to the Light Wind’s vice squad leader. She begged me to save Sir Raon no matter what.”
She bowed at Glenn once again with a kindhearted smile on her face.
“I’m thanking you once again for saving my daughter, esteemed Destructive King of the North.”
“She was really sincere, so much so that I’d like to thank her. However…”
Glenn tapped the armrest with his finger while staring at the Black Market’s master.
“I can hardly accept the Black Market master’s gratitude. I can’t tell what you are thinking, after all.”
“You are being too cautious around me. I’m just thankful to you this time. Please don’t doubt this maiden’s feelings.”
“Maiden, you say.”
Glenn chuckled and nodded.
“Alright. However, I’m not the one you should be thanking, and the same goes for that girl.”
“I know. She’s also coming this way, so we will be greeting the Light Wind’s vice squad leader together.”
The Black Market’s master looked up to Glenn with a faint smile on her face.
‘He cherishes the Light Wind’s vice squad leader a lot more than I thought.’
People in Glenn’s position tended to simply accept other’s gratitude. The way he casually passed the glory on to Raon implied that he truly cherished that boy named Raon.
‘I guess he wouldn’t even be here to save him if that wasn’t the case.’
Although he was acting under the pretext that they had underestimated Zieghart, the fact that the head of house had personally made a move implied that the boy named Raon was as important as a successor to him.
‘It’s understandable.’
Raon Zieghart had reached the intermediate level of Master at the age of nineteen, and he was a monster that managed to kill three apostles and five Master-tier demons.
Even though he was still young, he was capable enough to stand at the end of the line of the successors.
“I have something to discuss with the head of house.”
The Black Market’s master leaned forward to look at Glenn.
“What is it?”
“I believe the Black Market will be antagonized by Eden and the White Blood Religion after this incident.”
“That should be the case.”
“I’d like to request a temporary alliance to fight the Eden and the White Blood Religion.”
“Are you planning to borrow our might in exchange for information?”
“Indeed. We will deal with whatever we can by ourselves, but we expect an extreme amount of casualties if we have to fight one of the strongest apostles…”
“Alright.”
Glenn nodded after closing his eyes for a moment.
The Black Market’s master bowed.
‘Is this also because of Raon?’
Since Glenn originally had a self-reliant personality, he wouldn’t have accepted the alliance so easily.
He must’ve been still angry at the White Blood Religion and Eden for kidnapping Raon.
‘I shall prepare a gift for Raon.’
Since there was no disadvantage in getting on his good side in advance, she figured she should prepare a gift to improve his condition.
“I’ll write up the paperwork and visit again with my fourth daughter.”
The Black Market’s master bowed to him and left the room.
“That doesn’t seem too bad.”
Sheryl, who’d been standing away from them, walked up to him with a subtle smile on her face.
“Since our information is limited to the north and the center, we should gain a lot from borrowing the Black Market’s abilities.”
“I agree. The war has already started, and it’s better to annihilate them if we can’t avoid it.”
Roenn caressed the rapier hanging around his waist. Murderous intent was radiating from his usually gentle eyes.
“Please calm down.”
Sheryl chuckled and raised her hand.
“Hmm, please excuse me.”
Roenn awkwardly scratched the back of his head. However, the murderous intent coming from his eyes didn’t fade away.
“But I still can’t forgive the bastards who dared to harm young master Raon. I’ll have to warm myself up in preparation.”
He grabbed the hilt of his sword, saying that he was going to regain the abilities of his prime.
“I understand. I also would have searched throughout the continent for them if something bad happened to Raon.”
Sheryl also clenched her fist with a frightening look in her eyes.
“Indeed.”
Glenn nodded.
“There’s no reason to let such scum live. Make sure to kill them whenever you get a report.”
“Yes!”
“Understood.”
Frightening gazes were radiating from them as they looked at each other.
“Hah…”
Rimmer exclaimed while looking at Roenn, Sheryl, and Glenn.
‘They always called me out for doting on him so much, but now they are even worse.’
They used to scold him for taking care of him so much, yet they looked like they were about to overthrow the continent because of Raon. Rimmer couldn’t understand how it even happened.
‘It’s really strange.’
Sherly didn’t really like children, and Roenn had an extremely coldhearted personality despite his gentle appearance. It was a complete mystery that those two grew so fond of Raon.
‘I guess he’s a charming boy.’
Despite being a child, Raon had never acted spoiled or asked for help. It was probably because he was a hard worker who kept running towards the top instead of a simple genius that their hearts were attracted to him.
“Err…”
When Rimmer was about to talk to Glenn, a knocking sound could be heard.
“I’m the Light Wind’s vice squad leader, Raon Zieghart. I’m here because I’d like to see the head of house.”
Raon’s slightly nervous voice could be heard after the knocking.
“Hmm?”
“Huh?”
Roenn and Sheryl’s murderous auras disappeared at once, like candlelight that had been smothered.
“I’ll open the door.”
“Wait!”
Just as Roenn was about to walk towards the door like always, Rimmer created an aura barrier to stop the sound from escaping.
“My lord.”
He narrowed his eyes while looking at Glenn.
“You are planning to act cold towards him once again, right?”
“Hmm…”
“You must’ve realized from this incident that danger will happen countless times as long as he lives as a warrior. You might never be able to tell him your true feelings.”
Rimmer glared at Glenn with a serious gaze, which was rare coming from him.
“Please tell him your true feelings now. No one is going to criticize you for cherishing your grandson!”
“Ugh…”
Glenn shuddered for the first time against Rimmer.
“Well, I’d like to deny everything the drunkard says, but he’s right this time.”
Sheryl gave a big nod.
“I also agree.”
Roenn smiled gently from the door.
“I’m fully aware what kind of person you are, my lord. I’m not asking for much here.”
Rimmer sighed and raised his index finger.
“Worry! Tell him that you were worried, you must say that to him at least!”
He clenched his fist to plead for it before walking up to the door.
“Wait!”
Glenn raised his hand. Rimmer, Sheryl, and Roenn turned around to look at him at the same time.
“Ahem.”
He cleared his throat with a completely nervous voice.
“I-is my voice okay right now? I don’t sound strange, do I?”
“……”
The three were frowning because they were expecting another excuse from him, but their faces all turned blank at the same time.
