The Reincarnated Assassin is a Genius Swordsman - Chapter 224

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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 224

I surveyed the Kren Forest thoroughly before gripping my sword.

‘All the corpses have vanished.’

Not a single body of the assassins who had attacked the carriage before we arrived at Letran remained. Given the abundance of inhuman footprints scattered about, it seemed monsters or beasts had carried them away.

‘Derus Robert might have disposed of them.’

That madman would certainly have cleaned up the assassins’ corpses to prepare for any unforeseen complications.

‘Either way, it feels satisfying to have landed a blow.’

He must be seething with rage.

Derus Robert is a perfectionist of the most pathological degree. He plans meticulously before acting and only moves when he’s 100% certain.
His plan to dominate the Yonan Family, which he’d spent over a decade preparing, had been utterly shattered, so he must be desperate to scream and tear his hair out.

‘He’s surely heard the rumors about me.’

Through this incident, the Zigheart Family had gained the youngest Master in Continental history, and had forged an even stronger bond with the Yonan Family. Derus Robert must be grinding his teeth in frustration, his pride thoroughly wounded.

‘I’d love to see that face of his.’

I laughed softly, imagining Derus Robert’s twisted expression.

“Wow, even smiling alone looks handsome. The sun is unnecessary.”

Ensia had her arms draped over the window frame, staring blankly at me. Even her handmaidens’ attempts to stop her proved futile.

“Dorian. Don’t go that way. There’s a demon that destroys self-esteem.”

Crain stopped Dorian from approaching my side.

“I know, but I was curious why you were smiling alone.”

Dorian tilted his head as he glanced at Raon’s profile.

“Think about it. At eighteen, you’ve reached Sword Master, saved a Saint, earned the epithet Legend Sword Association, and you’re even handsome. How could you not laugh?”

Crain scrunched his face like crumpled paper.

“If it were me, I could grin all day long!”
“Ugh….”

Dorian frowned and turned his head.

“Hmm?”

On the right side, there was a small child staring only at Raon, much like Ensia did.

‘His name was Julius, wasn’t it.’

I hadn’t spoken with him yet, but I knew that this child possessed great talent in martial arts and would be heading to the Zigheart Family following Raon.

“The forest is a bit dark, isn’t it?”

Dorian approached Julius’s side, thinking he might as well make light conversation.

“Yeah. It could be pretty scary for kids.”

Crain lowered his voice as if to frighten them.

“Actually, they say ghosts appear here….”
“Pardon me.”

Julius bowed politely to Dorian and Crain.

“I cannot see Raon, so would you please move aside?”

He furrowed his brows at the two men as if urging them to hurry.

“Huh?”
“Huh huh?”

Dorian and Crain’s jaws dropped at Julius’s unexpected response.

“W-what did you just say….”
“I’m currently envisioning my future by observing Raon. I apologize, but please step aside.”

Julius’s tone was remarkably polite, but his words essentially meant ‘I have no interest in looking at the likes of you, so get out of the way.’

“Hmm, what kind of future are you envisioning by watching the Master?”

Dorian forced himself to maintain his composure as he looked at Julius.

“My grandfather once told me that merely existing in the presence of a strong warrior becomes an education in itself. I’m contemplating what I need to learn by observing how Raon perceives the world and how he conducts himself on horseback.”

Julius answered with courteous language, but his gaze was cold and sharp, clearly urging them to leave quickly.

“Ah, if that’s the case, you can watch me instead.”

Crain pointed to himself with his thumb and grinned.

“I’m pretty good with a sword too, and I’m an excellent horseman. Honestly, my horsemanship is better than the Master’s! I’ll specially allow you to observe me.”

He muttered proudly about how he’d been riding horses since he was five years old.

“Hmm….”

But Julius’s expression grew even colder.

“I apologize, but I intend to learn only from those I have acknowledged.”

The boy waved his hand dismissively, as if to say he had no interest in Crain whatsoever.

“Then, what about me?”

Dorian made the mistake of asking a question to which he already knew the answer.

“Sigh….”

Julius didn’t even bother responding and simply exhaled a long sigh.

“Ah….”
“Ugh!”

The shock struck Dorian and Crain like a physical blow, their eyes going blank.

“I’m… I’m ugly, and even a kid disrespects me….”
“I want to die. If only this river were warm enough, I’d jump in right now….”

Both men collapsed onto the ground like unconscious corpses.

“Heh.”

Burren Zigheart chuckled softly and approached Julius.

“Well thought. There isn’t much those fools could teach you anyway.”

He tapped his sword hilt and gave Julius an approving nod.

“I quite like that noble etiquette of yours. You’ve learned well.”
“My Grandfather always said that a person without manners is no better than a beast.”
“A fine grandfather indeed. Excellent. If you ever come to Zigheart, I’ll personally evaluate your talents.”

Burren Zigheart’s sharp eyes softened with a gentle smile as he patted Julius on the shoulder.

“May I ask your name, swordmaster?”
“Burren. Burren Zigheart.”
“Your bearing is also magnificent, Burren. Even your horsemanship carries an air of nobility.”
“Ahem!”

Burren Zigheart’s pride swelled visibly at Julius’s praise.

“However, as I mentioned earlier, I only wish to learn from those I have acknowledged. My apologies.”
“W-what?!”

Burren Zigheart’s jaw dropped so far it nearly touched the ground.

“Not me either? Then who exactly have you acknowledged?!”
“Raon, Sheryl, the Saint, and Eckon.”

Julius stated the four names as though it were obvious. They were all people who had reached the Master rank.

“Do you really have to become a Master to be recognized?”
“These young ones are terrifying these days….”
“Ugh! There it’s about appearance, here it’s about ability! Where are ordinary people like us supposed to live!”

Burren Zigheart, Crain, and Dorian watched Julius’s eyes gleaming with arrogance that pierced the heavens, their jaws trembling despite their courteous tone.

“Hmph. Idiots.”

Martha snorted dismissively. Of course, she didn’t approach Julius.

“Everyone, please move aside. I need to keep an eye on Raon.”

Julius squeezed between the three of them as if urging them to hurry, examining Raon carefully.

Raon chuckled softly as he listened to everyone’s conversation.

‘The journey won’t be boring.’
-Your mouth won’t be bored either if you chew on some jerky.
‘….’

*

*

*

“We’ve finally arrived.”

Dorian looked up at the main gate of the Yonan Family, rubbing his belly pouch vigorously.

“It was a bit boring since nothing happened.”

Crain smacked his lips regretfully.

“What madman would attack a group with one Grand Master and three Masters?”

Burren Zigheart clicked his tongue and approached the main gate.

‘That’s true enough.’

I nodded as I watched the carriage standing before the main gate.

Just as Burren Zigheart had said, during the journey back to the Yonan Family, we encountered neither ambush nor even a glimpse of beasts or monsters. If anything, the real challenge was fending off the people who recognized me and rushed over to greet me with tears of joy.

“Oh, she’s arrived! The young lady has returned!”
“Huff!”

The gatekeeper standing watch at the Yonan Family’s main entrance spotted the carriage and rang the yellow bell urgently. Before the sound even finished echoing, the gatekeeper on the right began pushing the main gate open.

“Whee!”

Ensia leaped from the carriage window and rushed toward the gatekeepers.

“Sihan, Kapin! I’m home!”

She called out their names and embraced them both.

“Ah, young lady!”
“You’ve truly recovered!”

The gatekeepers of the Yonan Family beamed with bright smiles at the sight of Ensia fully healed.

“Huff!”
“Young lady!”
“Miss Ensia!”

Hearing the bell, the craftsmen and servants of the Yonan Family came rushing down, swarming toward Ensia.

“Kichi, Tuen, Istirin, Yedella, Piscal, Terey, Doyan!”

Ensia called out the names of everyone who approached, her laughter as radiant as sunlight. Bright tears streamed down her face, perfectly matching that luminous joy.

“Huff!”
“You’ve finally come home!”
“Young lady! Thank goodness! Truly….”
“Congratulations!”

The members of the Yonan Family surrounded Ensia, tears of genuine affection streaming down their faces as they smiled.

“Hmm.”

I tilted my head to one side as I observed Ensia and the members of the Yonan Family.

‘How fascinating.’

It was remarkable—both that Ensia had memorized the names of every family member, and that these people offered their congratulations with such genuine warmth, unmarred by any hint of artifice.

‘There are no factions at all.’

Typically, large families harbored internal factions. Even if Burren Zigheart had returned after curing an incurable disease, not everyone in the Zigheart Family would rejoice.
Yet here, from the gate keepers to the Chief Steward, everyone celebrated and cheered with genuine joy.

Watching them, I found myself smiling—as if I were gazing upon the Annex Building where Sylvia and Helen resided.

“Everyone, please greet them! We’ve recovered like this thanks to the swordmasters of the Zigheart Family and the Saint!”

Ensia, who had been enjoying her reunion with the family members, turned around and gestured toward the swordmasters.

“Thank you!”
“We are truly grateful!”
“Welcome, our benefactors!”

The members of the Yonan Family bowed so deeply their foreheads nearly touched the ground.

“Please, there’s no need.”

Just as I and the swordmasters were about to wave them off, Ensia continued speaking.

“And this is the most handsome person on the entire Continent! This is Raon! His face shines like the sun!”

She suddenly pointed at me and exclaimed about my appearance.

“Oh! So this is the person!”
“I’ve seen them before, but it’s no joke seeing them like this!”
“The proportions of their facial features are absolutely golden!”
“I want to take a cast and incorporate it into my work.”
“Is that really the face of a living person?”

The artisans of the Yonan Family rushed toward me, their eyes gleaming with an intense, predatory light.

“Ugh….”

I stepped back and glanced around, but there was no one to help. Everyone had retreated to a safe distance.

‘Wasn’t it just Ensia?’

Perhaps Ensia had been holding back before due to illness, but now all the artisans’ eyes sparkled with fervent desire.

-Tsk, what a shame I cannot display my absolute beauty. I could have enslaved every last one of them.
Crackle!

Ignoring Wrath’s words, I continued backing away when a loud round of applause suddenly rang out.

“Everyone, compose yourselves! These are our guests!”
“Ah.”
“I-I apologize.”
“It’s an occupational habit….”

Michelle Yonan, the head of the Yonan Family and Ensia’s mother, smiled knowingly from behind. Like zombies that had caught the scent of flesh, the artisans immediately retreated in unison.

“Mother!”
“Ensia!”

Ensia rushed forward as if flying and embraced Michelle, who accepted her daughter’s weight and gently patted her back.

“You’ve been through so much.”
“Yes.”

The mother and daughter remained inseparable, their hands clasped tightly together for a long while. Even without seeing their faces, I could sense the warmth of their expressions.

“Watching those two, all my fatigue just melts away.”

Dorian wiped the corner of his eyes as he looked at Ensia and Michelle.

-Hmph, it’s nothing special.

Wrath turned his head away and sniffled.

I nodded without objection. Just watching them warmed my chest, exactly as those two said it would.

“Yeah, it does.”

*

*

*

After the touching reunion ended, I was guided to Michelle’s office along with Sheryl and Pedrick.
The room was still a mess, but it was cleaner than before. It seemed she had tidied up somewhat for her guests.

“I must first express my gratitude. Thank you so much for saving my daughter.”

Michelle rose from the sofa and bowed respectfully.

“I will never forget this kindness for the rest of my life.”

Her voice trembled slightly, and it sounded genuine.

“I merely did what was necessary.”

Sheryl’s smile was deeper than usual, clearly in good spirits.

“And most of this mission was handled by that fellow. Please direct your thanks to him.”
“I feel the same way. It’s too much for me to accept such gratitude.”

Pedrick and Sheryl pointed at me simultaneously.

“Thank you, Prosecutor Raon.”

Despite holding the position of family head, Michelle bowed deeply to me, who was far younger than her.

“I simply did my best to fulfill the mission.”
“That sounds quite reassuring to hear.”

She nodded with a refreshing smile gracing her lips.

“As the head of the Yonan Family, I formally declare that the commission requested of the Zigheart Family has been completed.”

Michelle retrieved a token engraved with Glen Zigheart’s name from the table. The crimson sword emblem embedded at its center gleamed brilliantly.

“As Glen Zigheart’s proxy, I confirm that the commission has been fulfilled.”

Sheryl bowed her head and took Glen’s token, placing it into her bosom. With this, Glen’s debt to the Yonan Family was erased.

“Then I shall return the items we borrowed.”

I placed the black cloth bundle I’d kept below the table onto its surface. Inside were the artifacts—all except those marked as disposable that had vanished.

“Ah….”

Michelle examined the meticulously maintained artifacts, which looked brand new, and bit her lip. Her lowered gaze betrayed a flicker of astonishment.

‘She’s returning all of them?’

I had fought Themurs to save Ensia, defeated countless assassins, and risked my life to rescue the saint from Eden.

Raon, who had saved her daughter, was more than a lifesaver to her. She would have had no objection if he’d taken all these items and demanded a legendary artifact in return, yet he was returning everything. It was utterly absurd.

‘He truly is extraordinary.’

Michelle lifted her gaze to look at me. Her unwavering eyes revealed a steadfast resolve. Now she understood why his epithet contained the character for “cooperation.”

“Thank you.”

Seeing those bold crimson eyes, gratitude naturally spilled from her lips, even as she received her own belongings back.

“Raon! You can keep all of it! It’s far better than having us hoard it!”

Ensia, who had been quietly watching my face until now, suddenly burst forth.

“Hold still for a moment! You!”
“Ow!”

Michelle struck Ensia’s back. For a moment, concern flickered across her eyes at the cry, but as she realized Ensia was fine, she exhaled in relief.

“I’m certain I told you this when you departed.”

Michelle swept the artifacts from the table onto the floor without hesitation. Seeing her do this revealed why the room was in such disarray.

“I said that if you treated Ensia and returned safely, I would grant you whatever you desired. You remember, don’t you?”
“Of course.”

Sheryl nodded.

“Then tell me. I will do my utmost to fulfill any request made here.”

Whether sincere or not, she spoke those words first.

“Raon.”
“Yes.”
“Since you handled this matter, you should be the one to speak.”

Sheryl didn’t hesitate for a moment, yielding this tremendous opportunity to me.

“Thank you.”

I bowed my head to Sheryl and closed my eyes.

‘Yes, that would be best.’

To achieve that goal, I needed to build merit not for myself, but for the family. This was the moment to look beyond merely acquiring a high-performance artifact.

“I would like to request…”

I slowly opened my eyes, looked toward Michelle, and spoke.

“I would like first refusal rights on all Yonan Family artifacts.”
“First refusal?”
“Yes. Going forward, I would appreciate it if the Yonan Family would offer all unique-grade and above artifacts to the Zigheart Family first. We will pay a fair price, of course.”
“Hmm….”
“That is….”

Michelle and Sheryl’s eyes widened simultaneously, realizing this wasn’t a request for specific artifacts, but rather a proposal concerning inter-family commerce.

“One more thing. For artifacts related to training, please offer them first to the Gwangpung Unit, even within the Zigheart Family.”

I added another condition. The growth of the Gwangpung Unit was my highest priority, after all.

“Raon. That’s not a proposal to be decided here and now.”

Sheryl sighed and shook her head.

“Even as the family head, this isn’t something one can decide easily. Don’t burden us.”
“I agree. There are countless people who want Yonan Family artifacts. Even with first refusal rights, it’s too much to discuss right now.”

Both Sheryl and Pedrick shook their heads, saying it wasn’t a decision to be made lightly.

“Mom! What are you hesitating about! Of course you should accept!”

Meanwhile, Ensia massaged Michelle’s shoulders and frowned, questioning why she was even considering it.

“The handsome Raon is the truth! He’s handsome and intelligent, handsome and strong, handsome and kind! Plus, every time you show him items, you get to see Raon!”

Only at the end did she reveal her true feelings.

“Ugh!”

Michelle pushed Ensia aside and sighed.

“I understand you need time to consider. I’m happy to give you as much time as necessary….”

I met Michelle’s gaze with calm eyes. As the others had said, this wasn’t an easy decision, so considerable time would likely be needed.

“No.”
“Hmm….”

Michelle, who had been dimming her gaze, shook her head. Raon’s brow furrowed at the unexpectedly swift response.

‘A direct refusal?’

Just as I was about to ask her to reconsider given how quickly she’d decided, Michelle’s words continued.

“The compensation is truly generous enough….”
“I accept.”
“Pardon?”

Contrary to expectations, she had accepted the proposal immediately. Even I, who had made the offer, was taken aback.

“Uh….”
“Huh….”

Sheryl and Pedrick also widened their eyes in surprise.

“Are you certain?”
“Some detailed adjustments will be necessary, but I accept the proposal of exclusive distribution itself.”

Michelle nodded with a serious gaze, making clear this was no jest.

“Why?”

Sheryl approached first and asked. Her eyes reflected incomprehension.

“I am fundamentally a craftsman, but I am also the head of my family and a merchant. Even someone like me, who lacks acumen in commerce, knows that investments must be made with certainty.”

Michelle placed her interlaced hands before her and looked in turn at Sheryl, Pedrick, and me.

“I believe now is precisely the time to invest in the Zigheart Family—no, in Raon Zigheart.”
“Invest in me?”

I swallowed dryly. I had never expected to hear that she would invest in me personally, not in the Zigheart Family.

“Indeed.”
“Quite so.”

Sheryl and Pedrick wore composed expressions, as though they had anticipated that answer.

“As the head of the Yonan Family, I’ve observed countless individuals, but you were the first to inspire trust through your eyes alone, Raon. Those crimson eyes—so vivid that even rubies pale in comparison—that’s why I chose you over Themurs. This time, I’ll place my faith in those eyes once more.”

Michelle winked and flashed a refreshing smile.

“And I’ve never seen anyone as handsome as you, Raon!”
“That’s right. Indeed.”

Michelle patted Ensia’s head and extended her right hand across the table.

“I accept your exclusive distribution proposal.”
“Hmm….”

I stared at the outstretched hand, biting my lip. Though this was what I’d hoped for, having my name bound to such an agreement felt overwhelmingly heavy.

“Raon.”

I turned at Sheryl’s voice.

“Faster than expected, but this is a path that extends across the entire Continent. Congratulations.”
“At eighteen, you’ll grow far beyond that fellow.”

Both of them wore faint smiles, as if urging me to shake her hand.

‘The world doesn’t move according to plan.’

I exhaled softly and grasped Michelle’s hand.

“The deal is sealed.”

Michelle grinned widely.

“I’m envious….”

Ensia watched Michelle shake my hand, her lips pursing with longing.

“Then why don’t you become the family head?”
“Yes! I should! I absolutely will!”

She clenched her fists with unwavering determination.

Michelle watched her daughter’s cheerful vow with a smile, then reached down to the floor. She placed a box adorned with a pattern of red and blue dragons intertwining onto the table.

“Please accept this as a congratulatory gift for the exclusive contract between Yonan and Zigheart.”

She smiled and slid the box forward.

“It’s a legendary-grade artifact. I hope it suits Raon well.”

—————
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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