The Reincarnated Assassin is a Genius Swordsman - Chapter 1073

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Chapter 1073

-I’m s-scared, so say something!

Wrath grabbed Raon’s chin and shook it, urging him to speak as he always did.

‘Move aside.’

I pushed Wrath away as he fidgeted before my eyes and turned my gaze back to Glen.

“Head of House. There’s one more thing I’d like to ask.”
“Go ahead.”

Glen nodded as if he would listen to anything I had to say.

“Denier Zigheart.”

I murmured his name, recalling the desperate gleam in Denier’s eyes that I had witnessed on the battlefield.

“What happened to Denier?”

I was just as curious about Denier’s circumstances as I was about the wellbeing of the other transcendents.
If I couldn’t hear the reason why he betrayed the Five Emperors and then betrayed the White Blood Cult Master, I felt I wouldn’t be able to sleep tonight.

-Me too, the True Demon King!

Wrath raised his hand eagerly.

-I’m curious why that double-crossing traitor did what he did!

He called Denier, who had betrayed twice, a double-crossing traitor and swallowed hard.

“That is….”

Glen’s trembling lips parted, then his eyes closed.

“I know of it, but it’s difficult for me to speak of it. Hear it directly from Martha instead.”

He exhaled heavily, saying that the true protagonist of this story was not himself, but Martha.

“I see….”

I nodded and recalled Denier’s final moments.

‘Denier treated Martha like his own child.’

It seemed he had committed two acts of betrayal to save Martha and her mother, and to kill the White Blood Cult Master.

“All I can say is….”

Glen gazed for a long time at the second pillar where Denier had always stood.

“Denier Zigheart. That man is my son.”

He nodded calmly, as if to say he would not expel Denier from Zigheart.

“Understood.”

I bowed respectfully, acknowledging his words.

‘I’ll need to meet Martha after all.’

Since I had to see Martha’s Mother anyway, it worked out well.

“Darkan.”

Glen turned his gaze and called out to Darkan.

“Your physical wounds seem to have healed almost completely.”
“Yes. Your family’s beggar physician has decent skills.”

Darkan nodded, saying he had recovered quickly thanks to Pedrick, the Saint of Nenma.

“What will you do from now on?”
“I’ll look around this place a bit and then leave.”

He brushed his hands clean, saying he would depart from Zigheart.

“I wish you’d stay here.”

I narrowed my eyes as I regarded Darkan. He was an unpredictable bomb, but precisely because he was such a useful card, I had no intention of letting him go.

“You certainly have interesting people around you. However….”

Darkan curled his lips upward and placed his hand on the black sword.

“My blade always comes first. I need to recover my weakened power and clean up the mess I’ve made.”

He bared his white teeth, declaring that he would personally kill Derus, who had obtained the Heart Sword.

“He wields a boring blade, but I have a feeling something will be different the next time we meet.”

Darkan smacked his lips in anticipation.

“When are you planning to leave?”

I exhaled a short sigh.

“After I have a match with you and your sister.”

Darkan laughed wickedly, as if to say he’d already mentioned that.

“Were you serious about that?”

I let out a hollow laugh.

“Of course I was serious! I always speak only the truth!”

Darkan had spouted lies just a minute ago, yet here he was rambling about always telling the truth.

“Ha….”

Faced with a truly deranged human, I found myself at a loss for words.

“Your sister? What are you talking about?”

Glen narrowed his eyes in confusion.

“This man has challenged Sia to a duel. More than ten times, no less.”

I shook my head in disbelief.

“He’s lost his mind. Completely and utterly.”

Glen Zigheart furrowed his brow and placed his hand on his sword.

“Fine. I’ll be your opponent.”

He lifted his chin, inviting immediate combat.

‘He’ll charge at me the moment I agree.’

Yet contrary to my expectations, Darkan remained motionless where he stood.

“Ah, I must decline that offer.”

For the first time since arriving at Zigheart, Darkan’s eyes grew serious and resolute.

“A battle with you demands that I stake my life on it.”

His trembling hands fell to his sides as he spoke of wanting to fight when he had climbed to greater heights, his voice quivering with anticipation.

Rumble, rumble, rumble, rumble!

Behind Darkan’s back, invisible blades seemed to shimmer into existence. Despite his weakened soul, he still burned with the fierce spirit of one worthy to stand against Glen.

“I see. That makes sense.”

Glen nodded slightly and returned to the Jade Throne.

“Since we’ve said all that needs saying, you may now withdraw—”

He was about to dismiss both Darkan and myself when it happened.

Whoooosh!

A blue Dimensional Gate tore open in the air, and Jeina’s face materialized within it.

[I greet the Northern Destruction King. Right now… Ah!]

Jeina had been about to relay her message when she caught sight of me and Darkan, her eyes widening in surprise.

[My apologies. I didn’t realize you had a guest.]
“No, I took the call intentionally. Pay it no mind—go ahead and speak.”

Glen nodded, indicating that it was fine to speak unless it concerned a critical secret.

[Chamber has awakened. She said she’ll contact you soon, so please wait.]

Jeina exhaled a breath of relief, grateful that Chamber had recovered safely.

“That’s good news.”

Glen too offered his relief, a faint smile crossing his face.

“…Is there any word from Lecross?”
[There has been no change in his condition yet.]

Jeina’s expression hardened once more as she lowered her head.

“I see. Very well.”

Glen’s brow furrowed slightly, as if he understood the situation from Jeina’s response alone.

[Then I shall…]
“Wait.”

I stepped forward to stop Jeina before she could end the call.

“I heard you strained yourself opening a long-distance Dimensional Gate. You’ve done remarkable work.”

I bowed my head, expressing my gratitude for the truly important task she had accomplished.

[Ah….]

Jeina’s face flushed crimson as a wave of profound emotion washed over her, her eyes trembling.

[It’s all thanks to you.]

She steadied her breathing before slowly parting her lips.

“What do you mean by that?”
[When you humiliated me at the Underground Auction House, my pride was wounded and I was furious. When I was treated as a slave, I genuinely wanted to flay you alive. But as time passed, I realized that the humiliation and experiences of that time shaped who I am now.]

Jeina laughed, saying that thanks to the hardships she endured back then, she could refuse to surrender to pain and suffering in magic. It seemed as though moisture was gathering in her pink eyes.

[Thank you. For allowing me to live not as an arrogant princess, but as a mage who strives.]

She removed her hat with genuine gratitude and bowed her head.

“I will accept your thanks with care. I also wish to apologize to Princess Jeina for my discourteous words and actions until now.”

Raon bowed in return to Jeina, apologizing for the disrespectful conduct he had shown her.

[I will accept your apology as well.]

Jeina smiled warmly, accepting readily. Truthfully, he hadn’t tormented her to correct her habits, but seeing her transform like this stirred an oddly gratifying feeling in his chest.

“You two suit each other well. Get married.”

Darkan clapped his hands loudly, declaring them a fine pair.

“What?”
[What do you mean!]

Raon and Jeina turned their heads toward Darkan with wide eyes.

“Families and kingdoms as large as yours often arrange political marriages, don’t they? Since you suit each other well, why not marry?”

Darkan looked at Glen as if to ask what was wrong with the idea.

“Political marriages are common enough, but I believe the children’s wishes are most important.”

Glen responded seriously to Darkan’s words, his gaze lowering toward himself.

“For now, we are not in such a relationship. Besides, I….”

As I shook my head, the Purple-eyed Squirrel stuffed in my chest pocket began vibrating frantically, as if it would tear through the fabric at any moment.

-You, Mad Woman! I heard everything!

Wrath screamed as if sensing Evelyn’s presence.

“I, I should be going now.”

If I stayed any longer, Evelyn would burst right through the doll. I turned around immediately.

“See you next time.”

I bowed my head to Princess Jeina as well.

[Next time, I’ll come prepared to stand in for Chamber.]

Princess Jeina nodded with an eager expression, as if determined to try harder. Someone I thought would be my enemy for life had become a reliable ally, and my back felt secure.

‘Is this what they call…’

I wiped away transparent tears and watched Princess Jeina disappear, curling my lips slightly.

‘…fate?’

*

*

*

After leaving the Patriarch’s Hall, I made my way to Hyeonmu Hall where Martha was.

“Why are you following me?”

I frowned at Darkan, who was chasing after me like a baby bird.

“I’m curious.”

Darkan whistled, saying he was curious about Martha and Denier’s situation too.

“This has nothing to do with you.”

I waved my hand dismissively, telling Darkan to leave.

“That hurts my feelings. I fought alongside you, after all.”

Darkan hunched his shoulders like a pouting child, as if to say I was being unreasonable.

“Sigh…”

I shook my head slowly. It was true that Darkan had left willingly, but it was also true that I had used him, so I had nothing to say on that front.

“Fine. But the moment Martha says she doesn’t want to tell you, you leave immediately.”
“Understood.”

Darkan nodded, making it clear he had no intention of forcing anything out of her.

Knock, knock.

I smacked my lips briefly and knocked on the door to Denier’s residence within the Hyeonmu Hall.

“Who is it?”

A bright voice rang out, the door opened, and a woman with black hair and black eyes stepped out. A refined face I could never forget—Martha’s Mother, whose body had once been stolen by the White Blood Cult Master.

“Ah…”

I stepped back and clenched my fists.
Though I knew she was Martha’s Mother, tension surged through me because this was a face I had only ever encountered as an enemy for so long.

“Everyone stiffens up when they see me.”

Martha’s Mother clasped her hands together apologetically.

“You’re Raon Zigheart, aren’t you?”

She nodded as if she already knew who I was.

“You knew who I was?”

Raon relaxed his tense body and stepped forward once more.

“I cannot fail to acknowledge the benefactor who saved both myself and my daughter.”

Martha’s Mother laughed, saying she wanted to express her gratitude. She was far more vibrant than I had anticipated.

“I am Erena, and I bow before my benefactor.”

She introduced herself by name and began to kneel before me.

“Please, do not do this!”

Raon hurried forward and helped Erena to her feet.

“I haven’t even properly thanked you yet. At least accept this much.”
“Martha is my friend before she is anything else. I don’t wish to see my friend’s mother kneel.”

I shook my head firmly, insisting that words of gratitude were sufficient.

“Then speak to me without formality. That would be more comfortable.”
“Is that so?”

Erena dropped the formal speech without a moment’s hesitation. It seemed she had been hoping for this from the start, but this way felt more natural.

“Then let’s do that.”

Raon smiled and lowered his hand.

“You’re as straightforward as I heard! The more I see, the more you seem perfect for—”
“Perfect for what exactly…?”

As I was about to ask what he meant, footsteps sounded from beyond the door.

“Mom! Why are you taking so long? The food’s getting cold… Huh?”

Martha approached Erena but froze when she saw me, her eyes widening.

“You’re awake? When did you wake up?”
“Yes. Early this morning.”

Raon nodded as he observed Martha’s startled expression.

“That’s a relief.”

Martha exhaled a sigh of relief, grateful that nothing had happened. It seemed she visited him quite often.

“Martha. Is your friend actually human? How does she look like that?”

Erena, seeing her in person, let out an impressed whistle at her breathtaking beauty.

“What does one have to eat to grow like this? Your mother must have nothing to envy.”

She chuckled, imagining that Sylvia would be proud of her.

“Ah, Mom!”

Martha covered Erena’s mouth and shook her head.

“How can you speak so casually! Even though he looks like this, he’s a direct member of Zigheart and the former lord!”

She struck Erena’s back, telling her to come to her senses. More than anything, I was curious about what she meant by “even though he looks like this.”

“Ow! Raon said I could speak casually!”

Erena swatted Martha’s hand, insisting she had already been given permission.

“Really?”

Martha’s eyes widened in disbelief.

“She’s your mother, after all. And….”

Raon shook his head at Martha.

“You don’t treat me as the former lord either.”
“I, when did I ever!”
“You’re speaking casually right now.”
“T-this is just a sign of familiarity! I’m the one who follows you the most in Gwangpung Hall… ugh.”

Martha closed her mouth, embarrassed by what she was about to say, and turned her flushed face to the left.

“W-well, anyway, thank you. I was able to save my mother because of you.”

She bowed her head in profile, apologizing for her delayed gratitude.

“Don’t do this out here. Let’s go inside. Since we’re here, let’s have a meal together.”

Erena waved her hand, inviting them to join her for breakfast.

“You too, tall young man.”
“Sounds great!”

Darkan didn’t hesitate for a moment and entered Hyunmu Division ahead of even the hosts.

-Food prepared by the beef girl’s mother? I’m looking forward to this!

Wrath shot forward like a blue bolt of lightning, refusing to lose to Darkan.

“Why did you invite that guy?”

Martha let out an exasperated sigh.

“He wanted to come.”

Raon sighed and headed toward the mansion’s dining hall with Martha.

Whoosh.

Erena had already laid out a generous spread on the table. Though the variety of dishes wasn’t extensive, each one looked delicious.

-Ooooh!

Wrath let out an exclamation of delight and lifted his head.

-What a wonderful aroma! Come, let’s sit down!

For the first time since awakening, he wore a genuinely happy smile.

“Eat before it gets cold.”

Erena raised her hand with confidence in her cooking, urging me to eat quickly.

“Thank you for the meal.”

I bowed to Erena before tasting the stew first, as I always did.

‘It’s warm.’

The sweet yet subtle broth melted through my body. Beyond the flavor itself, I could feel the care poured into every spoonful.

-Kyaaaa! Excellent!

Wrath thrashed his hands about vigorously, clearly pleased.

-A stew made with heart and soul! Next, bring that meat! Fetch me some well-roasted lamb!

He seemed to have taken a liking to Erena’s skill and immediately pointed to the next dish.

“It digests wonderfully! Excellent food!”

Darkan began stuffing food into his mouth, saying it was perfect for filling his belly. For him, eating seemed to be a ritual to replenish the strength needed to wield his blade.

-You uncouth fool! One shouldn’t speak with their mouth full at the table! Hey! Next, bring that beef over there! She’s the Charm Girl, so she should eat beef! Kyahahaha!

Wrath bellowed for beef to be brought while laughing ravenously. He was a Demon Lord whose words and actions were completely at odds—utterly lacking in refinement.

“It brings back old memories.”

Martha gazed at the steak on her plate, a subtle smile crossing her face.

“When your mother treated me so kindly, my heart felt light and I was happy. But then I’d remember my own mother and feel guilty. I remember coming home and crying alone.”

Her hand trembled as she gripped her fork, lost in childhood memories.

“I’ve taken a long path to get here, but now I can be with my mother without that guilt weighing on me.”

Martha set down her utensils and looked at me.

“I’m truly grateful. You saved my life.”

She bowed her head, her eyes glistening with sincerity.

“Let’s keep the thanks to just once.”

I cut into the steak on Martha’s plate and ate it, waving my hand dismissively.

“Hehe.”

Erena let out a gentle laugh, clearly pleased by the camaraderie between Martha and me.

“You came because of Father’s situation, didn’t you?”

Martha still referred to Denier as her father.

“Yes. I was curious about what happened.”

I nodded, asking if she could tell me about it.

“Though that man can leave.”

Erena pointed at Darkan, who was shoving the food she had carefully prepared down his throat.

“It’s fine. It’s not a secret anymore.”

Martha shook her head calmly.

“Father wasn’t human. He was an experiment born from the White Blood Cult Master’s blood. However….”

She recounted all the memories that Denier had sent to her.

“…And so we pushed back the White Blood Cult Master. Father departed from this world along with the oath that bound my soul.”

Martha had emptied herself of much emotion, and instead of tears,
she offered a smile tinged with longing.

“I see.”

Raon exhaled a long sigh and nodded slowly.

‘Now everything makes sense.’

I finally understood why I could never fully comprehend Denier, why he had stabbed both enemies and allies alike.

-Ugh…

Wrath stopped eating mid-bite, his eyes trembling as tears streamed down his face.

-Denier Zigheart was a true father! He was not born as a human, yet he was a father!

He sniffled, lamenting that he should have saved him somehow if he had known this would happen.

“That man was a swordsman!”

Darkan slammed his fist on the table, impressed by Denier’s magnificent life. The way he called him a swordsman seemed to be the highest praise he could offer.

“Father was grateful to you.”

Martha pressed her lips together as she looked at me.

“He said he was saved—not just me and Mother, but Father himself.”

She smiled, saying that Denier had been able to depart as a human because of her.

“Tell him I received his gratitude well.”

Raon nodded with a gentle smile.

“Yes.”

Raon and Martha gazed at each other as if they had returned to childhood, their transparent laughter blooming between them.

“You two suit each other well. Get married.”

Darkan suddenly urged them to marry again, clapping his hands with meat grease still smeared on them. It seemed his mind had changed in less than an hour—he had been cheering for Jeina just moments ago.

“What now….”
“….”

I furrowed my brow while Martha’s face flushed red, her eyes narrowing in displeasure.

“Martha is Zigheart, but since her blood isn’t mixed, would marriage even be possible?”

Erena tilted her head curiously at the question.

“Don’t take this man’s words seriously.”

I waved my hand dismissively, then my body began to tremble violently.

Uuuuuuung!

The Purple-eyed Squirrel doll in my inner pocket started vibrating far more intensely than before. Purple mana seemed to blaze from the doll’s eyes.

“Well, that was delicious! I should get going now!”

I said I’d be back soon, cleared the table, and stood up.

-W-wait, you’re leaving already?

Wrath shook his head, saying there was still food left.

‘Evelyn might come running this way!’
-D-dammit….

He couldn’t argue against that and closed his mouth.

“You’re coming too.”

I grabbed Darkan’s shoulder as he was still gnawing on meat and pulled him to his feet.

“But I haven’t finished eating yet?”
“We’re leaving because of you!”

I gritted my teeth and dragged Darkan out of the Dining Hall.

“A child like a storm.”

Erena laughed, saying she found joy simply in watching.

“That’s right. A warm storm.”

Martha continued to trace Raon’s back, her expression tender and affectionate.

“One who embraces everyone.”

*

*

*

The next morning.

“The training was going well… huh?”

The moment I stepped into the 5th Training Ground, I froze like a statue.

“Yes! Swing it like that!”
“That swordplay looks delicious. Show me more!”
“No, no! Lower your stance there! Imagine you’ve become a long-horned beetle and spread your legs wide, bend your waist!”
“Have you ever lived as a beggar? It’s worth trying once. Your perspective changes!”
“Hoo!”

Darkan was teaching swordplay to the Gwangpung Hall swordsmen as if he were an instructor himself.

“L-Lord!”

Dorian’s eyes widened as he spotted me.

“The Lord has arrived!”
“Thank goodness you’re safe!”
“W-we’ve been waiting for you!”

The Gwangpung Hall swordsmen who heard his words rushed toward me and bowed their heads.

“What were you all doing?”

Raon blinked as he observed the swordsmen and Darkan standing behind them.

“This man suddenly arrived and offered us sword technique advice.”
“Yes. He said he’d kill us if we didn’t follow his example….”
“We had no choice but to comply, and strangely enough, our swordplay flowed better than usual.”
“Yes. It’s hard to believe, but we could feel our skills improving.”

The swordsmen had been coerced by Darkan into practicing their techniques, yet inexplicably, their training had progressed remarkably well.

-Coercion-based training, huh….

Wrath looked at me and let out a quiet chuckle.

-You’re no different, are you?
‘That’s not the same thing!’

Raon turned his head sharply to regard Darkan.

“Are you trying to become an instructor?”
“How could I leave them alone when they’re brimming with raw potential! Their skills and talents are unremarkable, but their swordplay is alive—I found that appealing!”

Darkan grinned widely, revealing his teeth as he spoke of finding the Gwangpung Hall swordsmen’s blades intriguing.

“Do all those who learn from you end up wielding living swords? Well, thanks to you, I finally understood what true swordsmanship truly is!”

He nodded his chin, calling it a remarkable talent.

“Didn’t you originally judge people solely by their talent?”
“I did. But my perspective changed after losing this eye.”

Darkan laughed, saying there were invisible things in this world.

“May I continue observing those children?”
“Just don’t push them too hard.”
“I’ll keep that in mind.”

He nodded approvingly and walked back toward the center of the Training Ground with the Gwangpung Hall swordsmen.

“Ah, the direction of my left hand was important too.”
“I needed to swing all the way past my shoulder.”
“Now that’s real instruction!”

The Gwangpung Hall swordsmen laughed despite their words, listening intently to Darkan’s advice.

-The kids’ expressions look much brighter than when they train with you, you know?

Wrath nudged me repeatedly, noting how pleased the swordsmen appeared.

‘…Surely not.’

I said “surely not,” but even I had to admit their expressions did seem more vibrant.

‘Well, it works out. I needed time to prepare anyway.
-Prepare? Prepare for what?
‘For a journey.’

I dusted off my hands and smacked my lips.

-A journey? What kind of journey are you talking about in a situation like this?
‘That’s exactly why I have to go. There are people I need to find.’
-People you need to find?

Wrath’s eyes widened with curiosity.

‘Yeah. Your friends.’

I looked at Wrath and offered a chilling smile.

-W-wait, you’re not planning to use the True Demon King again!

Wrath’s face drained of color as he finally grasped my intentions.

‘Bingo. This journey’s name is…’

I smiled wickedly as I watched Wrath’s jaw drop.

‘A friendship quest where the Demon Lord of Wrath searches for his friends.’

—————
This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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