The Reincarnated Assassin is a Genius Swordsman - Chapter 147

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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 147

I met the gazes of those around me, my fists clenching with resolve. My eyes were clear and unwavering. Every word they had spoken about standing behind me came from the depths of their hearts.

‘I can’t find the words.’

There was no way I could say “Actually, I deceived the Demon Lord” while facing eyes like those.

-Why are you keeping that loose mouth shut today?! Speak properly! Tell them how you toyed with the Demon Lord!

Wrath struck my shoulder like a drum, urging me to speak faster.

He had a point. Because these people were who they were, I wanted to reveal at least some of the truth.

“Actually, I….”

“You don’t need to say anything.”

As I slowly began to speak, Terian raised his hand.

“Pardon?”

“It’s well known that speaking of dealings with demons makes those dealings even more disadvantageous. You don’t need to say anything more. We all understand already.”

He offered a gentle smile, as if to say he comprehended everything.

-Hah, I’m going to lose my mind. Why do these fools who don’t even know anything keep acting so wise!

Wrath approached Terian and tapped his head like a woodpecker’s beak.

-There’s no law that says you’ll be disadvantaged for being known to trade with demons! The trade means this bastard profited from it!

He pounded his chest frantically as if losing his mind.

“That’s not what I meant to say….”

“You don’t need to explain.”

Beto, the commander of the Ulves Mercenary Group, let out a wry chuckle while cradling his head in his interlaced hands.

“We decided that day to stand behind you no matter what happens. You don’t need to say anything.”

-They’ve all clearly had holes drilled through their heads. Their capacity for thought has definitely turned to mayonnaise!

A thin foam began to form at the corners of Wrath’s mouth. He looked ready to lose consciousness again soon.

“You’re not from this place, are you?”

I tilted my head slightly as I looked at Beto. It was puzzling why the commander of a mercenary group that followed the money would be here.

“As a mercenary, I’m not ignorant of how heavy a debt of life can be. Since it’s still a debt, I prefer to repay it more thoroughly.”

Beto brushed away the Ulves Mercenary insignia engraved with a wolf.

“It’s not just me—the mercenaries have agreed as well. We can’t keep chasing after you forever, but we’re prepared to stake our lives for you.”

The lightness vanished from Beto’s eyes. He too spoke with genuine conviction, pledging to support me with all his strength.

“It is not merely the mercenaries. The Sulgyek Swordsmen, the knights, and the soldiers—all have agreed to stand behind you. That is why I revealed your name.”

Milend smiled as he glanced in turn at the executives flanking him on both sides.

So that was it.

Now I understood why the eyes of those I had seen upon entering the conference room had shifted. They had treated me with such care because they had already decided to follow me.

“I am not such a remarkable person. I am not even a direct descendant of Zigheart….”

“I know that as well. You may not be a direct descendant, but you carry the blood of the Northern Overlord thick within your veins.”

Milend waved his hand dismissively. The eyes of those standing beside him remained utterly unchanged.

“And you as well?”

I turned my gaze toward Edquil, the Sulgyek Commander standing to my right.

“Of course. Whatever you do, wherever you go, I shall follow.”

Edquil dropped to one knee and struck the ground with his fist.

“Thanks to you, Raon, I have awakened to something more precious than life itself. Please, allow me to follow you!”

He didn’t offer to support me from behind like the others, but declared outright that he would follow me.

“Actually, this one came first.”

Milend stepped forward and placed a hand on Edquil’s shoulder.

“He was the very first to say he’d follow you, yet he asked to be exiled from Habun Castle.”

He lowered his brows as if utterly bewildered.

“Hmm….”

I met Edquil’s gaze once more. There was a gravity in his eyes deeper than what I saw in Milend or the other executives. This man was genuine.

-That unlucky bastard was the first to follow you? Ha, I give up now. I truly give up.

Wrath chuckled, muttering that he’d surrendered all understanding. He sounded as though he’d lost his grip on reason itself.

“I’ve also suppressed the rumors about your contract with the demons. It won’t spread anywhere, so rest assured.”

Radin tapped his chest as if urging me to trust him. It seemed he’d mobilized the Scout Unit to contain the gossip.

“Ah….”

I steadied my breathing and straightened my posture. The thoughts and emotions of everyone in the Conference Room washed over my heart, leaving it warm and trembling.

“Thank you.”

Given how things had unfolded, I had no choice but to accept it. I bowed my head to those who gazed at me with such trust.

“I look forward to working with you all going forward.”

“Whether you become the head of Zigheart or live the life of an ordinary swordsman, we will always stand behind you.”

Milend smiled broadly—a rare sight.

“Then, Commander, might I make my first request of you?”

“A request? Of me?”

“There is something I have long wished to ask of you.”

“Speak.”

He nodded as though anything would be acceptable.

“In four months’ time. Would you be willing to spar with me?”

I could not afford to miss the final opportunity for growth this place could offer.

“That’s hardly difficult. But will four months be enough?”

“Yes. That should suffice….”

A crimson resolve gleamed in my eyes.

“I won’t let it end in disgrace.”

*

*

*

A single bowl of porridge hadn’t been enough to satisfy us, so Raon and Dorian left the Conference Room and headed toward Frost’s Branch.

“Oh? Raon!”

The moment we stepped through the door, Yua came rushing over, abandoning the table she’d been wiping.

“Are you alright?”

“I’m fine.”

Though I’d heard that question countless times today, hearing it from Yua brought an involuntary smile to my face.

“I’m so glad.”

Yua’s twin-tails, which resembled rabbit ears, swayed as she sniffled.

“Yua kept coming by to bring you food and snacks. The porridge you had earlier—she made that too.”

Dorian patted Yua’s head with obvious pride.

“So it was as I thought.”

As expected, that delicious porridge had been Yua’s handiwork.

“But there were no snacks.”

“Ahem, well, I was hungry, you see….”

Dorian turned away with an embarrassed cough.

“Anyway.”

I chuckled softly and took a seat at the table.

“Are you ready to order now?”

“Of course. Grandfather has woken up. Grandfather!”

As Yua called out toward the Kitchen, the Restaurant Manager—whose complexion had improved considerably—rushed out in a fluster.

“Welcome!”

He removed the headwrap he was wearing and bowed respectfully.

“Last time, I wasn’t in my right mind, so I couldn’t properly express my gratitude. Thank you for saving us.”

“Me too. Thank you for saving Grandfather and me.”

Yua also bent her body at a right angle, following the Restaurant Manager’s lead.

“There’s no need for this.”

I shook my head and helped the Restaurant Manager and Yua to their feet. I hadn’t saved these two people to receive such treatment—it only made me uncomfortable.

“I heard that your quick first aid is what allowed us to survive. I truly don’t know how to repay such a debt….”

“Your good health is enough for me.”

I smiled gently and shook my head.

“Ah, this isn’t the time for that.”

The Restaurant Manager tapped his own forehead and placed the menu on the table.

“Order whatever you’d like.”

“Grandfather said that Raon will eat free for life!”

“What? What about me?”

Dorian pointed at himself with his finger.

“You have to pay, Dorian!”

Yua placed her hands on her hips and lifted her chin defiantly.

“Wow, already discriminating based on who people are? After how much I’ve sold you!”

“Hehehehe!”

Dorian, Yua, and the Restaurant Manager all burst into laughter.

-Everything’s fine, but let’s order first. I shall have the apple meat pie.

Wrath climbed up onto my wrist, rolling his eyes about.

“Well then….”

Raon ordered apple meatpie and stew, roasted duck, and cheese pizza just as Wrath wanted.

“Please wait a moment. I’ll prepare everything with the utmost care!”

Fifteen minutes later, dishes more carefully crafted than ever before were spread across the table. Not only did they smell wonderful, but the portions were far more generous than usual.

-Today’s presentation is particularly exquisite. Quickly, take up your weapons.

The weapons Wrath spoke of were the spoon, fork, and knife. A Demon King who became most serious when eating—truly amusing.

-What are you waiting for! The food grows cold!

I picked up my spoon, hearing the sound of Wrath’s salivary glands practically exploding.

‘What a troublesome Demon King.’

*

*

*

Perhaps it was the effect of eating a proper meal for the first time in ages, but the food tasted far better than usual. Not only Wrath, but even I found myself smiling with satisfaction.

“Thank you for the meal.”

“Raon.”

As I turned to leave after settling the bill, the Restaurant Manager raised his hand to stop me.

“You mentioned before that you had something to tell me about Yua. What was it?”

“Ah….”

I had been waiting for the right moment to bring it up, but this worked out perfectly.

“Do you know who came to abduct Yua?”

“Eden, wasn’t it? Though I’m not entirely certain of their reasons….”

“The reason Eden targeted Yua is simple.”

I continued, watching Yua wipe her hands beside the Restaurant Manager.

“They intended to place the Siren’s Mask on this child.”

“The Siren’s Mask?”

“Sirens are half-human, half-fish mermaid-type monsters with the ability to enchant humans through song and musical performance.”

“Song and music? You don’t mean…!”

The Restaurant Manager’s eyes widened as the implication dawned on him.

“Even someone like me, who only swings a sword, can recognize Yua’s talent for music. Eden was targeting that talent—they wanted to transform Yua into a Siren.”

“Ah…”

With each word, the Restaurant Manager’s expression grew more rigid.

“As long as Yua remains in Habun Castle, Eden will continue pursuing her through every means at their disposal. They’re not in their right minds, after all.”

“I… I see.”

The Restaurant Manager slowly turned his head to look at Yua. It seemed he had already anticipated this to some degree.

“Eden’s methods will only grow more brutal. There’s a real possibility that not just Yua, but others could be caught up in their schemes. That’s why I wanted to suggest that you both come with me when I return to my family.”

“You mean to Zigheart?”

“Yes. I cannot separate the two of you.”

I nodded immediately. Zigheart, standing at the opposite end from Oma, would certainly accept them if I explained the situation.

“Well, Raon.”

The Restaurant Manager pressed firmly on the counter, his gaze turning toward me.

“This question might seem strange, but could you tell me why you treat us so kindly?”

“That’s….”

At the Restaurant Manager’s question, my eyes drifted into the past.

Kidnapped in early childhood—a time I could barely remember—I had lived my entire life as an unwilling hunting dog and assassin.

Infiltration, murder, plunder, theft, information manipulation—I had done none of the things I wanted, only fulfilling Derus Robert’s orders that echoed in my mind.

If Yua were to wear the mask of Siren, she would endure something far more brutal than what I had suffered in my past life. Her hands would never know a day free of another’s blood.

Because I had experienced that hell firsthand, I could not bear to stain the hands of an ordinary child who loved cooking and singing with the blood of others.

That was all there was to it.

“Because it’s what must be done.”

I concealed that truth and smiled awkwardly.

“I see.”

The Restaurant Manager seemed pleased by my answer, his expression softening into a kind smile as he gazed at Yua.

“Over here, Raon!”

Yua raised her hand as if she had a question.

“Hmm?”

“Can I become strong like you, Raon? Can I protect Grandfather and punish the bad people?”

“Ah….”

I widened my eyes at the unexpected question.

‘I was wrong about this….’

I had only thought of taking Yua away and protecting her, but this child wanted to become strong on her own.

She seemed determined to move forward and leave behind the horrifying memory of her only family being devoured by a Monster.

-That child’s talent is genuine. Even if it manifests differently than swordsmanship, she can grow strong if we nurture it.

Wrath was right. If she had talent and wanted to fight of her own will, then showing her that path was the correct approach. Just as Rimer had demonstrated.

“Of course! I was a coward before I entered Zigheart!”

Dorian cut in before I could speak.

“Still a coward, though.”

I chuckled softly and placed my hand on Dorian’s shoulder.

“A c-coward? I just have a slight tremor in my hands, that’s all!”

-A coward among cowards, truly.

Wrath clicked his tongue disapprovingly.

“You want to protect both yourself and your grandfather with your own strength, don’t you?”

I bent down to meet Yua’s eyes directly.

“Yes!”

“If that’s what you wish, you’ll be able to do it.”

“Then I’ll go!”

Yua smiled brightly and clenched her small fists.

“Since she’s decided to go herself, I cannot stop her now. If it’s you, Raon, I believe I can trust whatever you say. I’m counting on you.”

“There’s no need for that.”

The Restaurant Manager was about to kneel and bow respectfully, but I hastily stepped forward to stop him.

“But you’re saying you’ll send Yua…”

“I’m not going.”

“What?”

“Grandfather!”

Yua rushed forward and seized the Restaurant Manager’s sleeve.

“What are you saying? You have to come with us!”

“I’ve lived here my entire life. Where else would I go?”

“But I’ve lived here too!”

“If I leave, this tavern ends with me. I don’t have many years left anyway. It’s enough for me if you live happily.”

The Restaurant Manager’s resolve was already set, and he offered a faint smile.

“Then I won’t go either!”

“Won’t go? But you complained every day about how cold and cramped it was.”

“No matter how good it is elsewhere, I can’t leave without you!”

Grandfather and granddaughter clutched at each other’s clothes, their voices rising with each exchange.

“Let’s go.”

Raon left the tavern, leaving the two of them to their quarrel.

“Is it alright to leave them like that?”

“Yes.”

I glanced back at Frost’s Branch, where loud voices were still being exchanged, and nodded.

“That’s a decision for those two to make.”

*

*

*

Raon entered the Dormitory just after evening had settled in and changed into fresh clothes. It was the complete opposite of his usual habit of training late into the night.

-Have you finally lost your mind?

Wrath poked his head out from the bracelet and let out a snicker.

‘That’s not it.’

I shook my head as I lay down on the bed.

-Then what?

‘I need to figure out how much my stats increase just from sleeping with Sloth’s effect.’

The effect I’d obtained from Sloth this time was an ability that made me grow stronger even while sleeping.

‘I need to know how much my stats will increase so I can plan my strategy for fighting the Commander in four months.’

I couldn’t afford to squander this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to spar with the Master through sheer foolishness.

I needed to face him at my absolute peak, in perfect condition, so I had to fully comprehend the abilities I’d gained.

‘Let’s see how much stronger I can become while I sleep.’

Raon smiled with anticipation and pulled the blanket over himself.

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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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