The Reincarnated Assassin is a Genius Swordsman - Chapter 227

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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 227

At the Yonan Family, before departing for Zigheart.

“Smile?”

I furrowed my brow as I watched Pedrick grinning widely. He had offered me the strangest advice—that if I wanted to see Glen’s true face, I should smile brightly in front of him.

“That’s right. Smile as radiantly in front of that bastard as you did for me two days ago.”
“What difference would smiling make?”

I tilted my head in confusion.

‘It doesn’t seem like anything would change.’

Glen would likely remain expressionless and simply collect his compensation for the task. His iron mask seemed impenetrable, no matter what I did.

“Just try it. There will definitely be a change.”

Pedrick nodded with conviction and added the advice to smile with genuine sincerity.

“The Patriarch isn’t Ensia…”

I had come to understand the peculiar charm of my appearance to some degree, but I couldn’t imagine it would work on Glen.

“What are you saying? It would be far more effective on that iron-faced bastard than on Ensia.”
“Pardon?”
“Aren’t you and that fellow in a grandfather-and-grandson relationship?”

Pedrick was now openly revealing his knowledge about Glen.

“The Patriarch doesn’t show much emotion even to his own children, let alone a grandson.”

Glen showed little interest in Sylvia or his other children. I couldn’t understand why he would respond to my smile.

“Grandfathers have always been fond of whatever their grandsons do, but you’ve reached Master rank at eighteen and made a name for yourself across the Continent through the Sword Cooperation. He must be overjoyed in his heart, so if you strike him with that smile of yours, he certainly won’t be able to hold back his laughter.”
“Hmm.”
“And you and Sylvia are… no, never mind.”

Pedrick trailed off and smacked his lips.

“In any case, you won’t regret giving it a try.”

He left, insisting that I simply smile.

*

*

*

I maintained my smile while studying Glen’s expression.

‘What kind of face is that?’

Glen’s expression was as wrinkled as ancient bark and creased like crumpled paper. In short, it was grotesquely awkward.

‘He’s not smiling at all?’

Contrary to Pedrick’s confident assertion, there was no hint of laughter whatsoever.

-Yet there is some change, nonetheless.
‘That’s true.’

I narrowed my eyes. Glen’s lips twitched more violently than if he were grimacing, and his deeply sunken eyes gleamed as though stones were falling within them.

“Pffft!”

Rimer’s laughter from below shattered the strange atmosphere.

I glanced back discreetly. Since only Glen and Roen had witnessed my smile, the other masters were bewildered, unsure what was happening.

“You. No, Raon Zigheart….”

Glen’s throat bobbed heavily, and his expression shifted—no longer merely cold, but now as if encased in ice, far more frigid than before.

“Don’t waste time on pointless gestures.”

He released those words in a voice so glacial it sent shivers down my spine, then gestured to Roen.

“Yes.”

Roen, who had been standing uncertainly, approached with a crimson tablet bearing a golden badge.

“For excellently completing your mission, I bestow upon the Gwangpung Unit’s deputy commander a golden badge and one pass to the Treasure Vault.”

Glen presented the golden badge, this time speaking with formal titles, a departure from moments before.

“Thank you.”

I accepted the golden badge with both hands and bowed my head respectfully.

‘He didn’t smile, but his expression did change.’

I hadn’t witnessed Glen’s laughter, yet my smile had clearly affected him in some way.

‘But I don’t understand what it means.’

Whether in my past life or this one, my existence had been far removed from the ordinary, so I couldn’t quite grasp what Glen’s reaction signified. Yet it seemed certain, as Pedrick had suggested, that he didn’t dislike me.

“Waaaaaaah!”
“Raon, well done! That’s our deputy commander!”

The Gwangpung Unit and the Heavenly Sword Squad erupted in cheers, while Rimer waved his hands enthusiastically. Sheryl also smiled and applauded.

I turned around and offered a faint smile.

‘This feels more natural.’

Unlike Glen’s inscrutable emotions, the gazes directed at me were instantly legible—admiration, pride, competitive spirit, jealousy, anger, and even malice. I descended from the platform, accepting the multitude of emotions reflected in their eyes.

“Burren Zigheart, come forward.”

At Glen Zigheart’s final call, Burren Zigheart rose and ascended the platform.

“In the absence of the unit commander and vice commander, you demonstrated exceptional composure, made sound tactical decisions regarding personnel deployment, protected those under your care, and laid the groundwork for mission completion. For these achievements, I bestow upon you the Bronze Medallion.”
“Thank you!”

Burren Zigheart’s voice rang out powerfully as he bowed his head.

“Waaaaah!”
“Congratulations!”

The Gwangpung Unit and Heavenly Sword Squad erupted in cheers once more. However, Karun Zigheart—whom I expected to ignore or show irritation—clapped in an ordinary manner.

‘Is there a hidden agenda?’

I studied Karun Zigheart and furrowed my brow. That cold-blooded man who had once abandoned his own son would never offer applause without ulterior motive. He certainly had some scheme in mind.

“Hmm….”

Burren Zigheart descended the stairs with wide eyes, clearly taken aback.

“Next, Martha Zigheart.”

Glen Zigheart bestowed Bronze Medallions not only upon Burren Zigheart but also upon Martha Zigheart, Lunan Slion, Dorian, and Crain—each receiving their own.

I congratulated all who received their awards while examining the golden medallion. Upon seeing the burning sword emblem engraved at its center, I clenched my fist with determination.

‘How many of these will I need to elevate Mother to the Main Lineage?’

There were plenty of people who opposed even her entry into the Treasure Vault, so it would certainly not be an easy task.

However, if I could achieve a few more accomplishments like this one that would silence everyone’s objections, it would be entirely possible.

I met the piercing gazes of the Main Lineage members and smiled coldly.

‘Just wait.’

Soon I will stand beside you as equals. No—I will look down upon you from an even greater height.

*

*

*

An old tavern within the Robert Territory in the Southern Region of the Continent.
Despite the sun blazing brightly outside, the tavern’s interior was packed with patrons, and a stirring violin melody resonated from the stage at its center.

An adventurer-dressed man standing center stage recounted someone’s heroic deeds in rhythm with the vivid violin notes.

“He evaded Gwahyeolgwi’s massive fist while seizing his opportunity. The moment Gwahyeolgwi’s movements grew wider, he extended his blade like a tempest, driving it straight through the heart! It was the first time on the Continent that an Expert had severed a Master’s life. But his valor did not end there!”

The man stretched his long arm toward the tavern’s far end, sustaining the tension.

“Without hesitation, he ventured into the pitch-black forest, cleaved through the combined might of the Red Wolf Demon and the Black Wing Demon, and rescued a saint and child prepared for death! What followed was a fierce, blood-soaked clash of steel and flesh….”

He raised his voice to match the intensifying violin and rolled across the stage, vividly depicting the battle between Raon Zigheart and the Red Wolf Demon and Black Wing Demon.

“…And now, the true masterpiece of this entire confrontation! The Evil Goat Demon and Raon Zigheart decided to settle their clash in single combat, each unleashing their full might as their blades collided! Naturally, despite expending all his strength and bearing wounds, Raon was pushed back, yet he refused to fall. Why? Because there were people behind him worth protecting! Though the Evil Goat Demon’s force drove him into a tree, he rose again and drew his blade. The Evil Goat Demon himself, moved by such resolve, withdrew and proposed a draw!”

The man clapped his hands so forcefully the entire tavern resonated.

“Those who heard this legendary tale bestowed upon Raon Zigheart the epithet ‘Legend Sword’—a man who never forgot the aid he received in childhood and repaid his debt with his very life! Even now, the heroic tales of the Legend Sword spread across the entire Continent!”

He proclaimed that news of a genius swordmaster who reached Master rank at eighteen was shaking the Continent.

“Uooooooh!”
“Such a valiant warrior existed in the North!”
“Zigheart! The Northern hegemon is not yet dead!”
“What a shame that a swordmaster who understands gratitude and upholds conviction was not born in the Robert Territory!”
“If such a swordmaster existed here, it would have been far better!”
“Master rank at eighteen. I wonder how many years he’s shaved off the youngest age record.”
“He seems like a hero who would suit Patriarch Derus Robert well.”

The tavern’s patrons erupted in cheers, shouting Raon’s name. Some interjected claims of exaggeration or falsehood, but most were so entranced by the man’s performance that they paid no heed to objections.

“Hey! Tell us more!”
“What happened after that!”
“Did he really reach Master rank at eighteen?”
“That’s far faster than our young master who entered the Twelve Continents!”

People threw money at the man and the violinist, shouted orders for food and drink, and demanded to hear more of the story.

“Of course! There’s certainly more. About Raon’s healing abilities….”

As the bard prepared to resume his tale, a shabbily dressed youth sitting at the far end of the tavern rose to his feet.
With trembling hands, he placed gold coins on the table and left the tavern. The destination of his slow run was the Robert Family Manor.

Though the youth’s attire was even poorer than that of a traveler, no one blocked his path. Instead, they bowed their heads and greeted him respectfully. Receiving their salutations, he entered the heart of the Robert Family—the Patriarch’s Hall.

“Father! Father!”

He rushed deeper into the Patriarch’s Hall and knocked on the office of Derus Robert, located at its innermost chamber.

“Come in.”

At the warm voice from within, the youth nodded and opened the door.

“What troubles you so urgently, Lepon?”

Derus Robert brushed back his silver hair that had fallen over his shoulders and smiled faintly.

“Have you perhaps heard the rumors about Raon Zigheart?”

Derus’s youngest son, Lepon, trembled with clenched fists.

“Raon Zigheart?”

Derus repeated the name, his eyes growing distant.

“Yes! An undefeated swordsman who reached Master at eighteen and slew three of Eden’s ghosts! Raon Zigheart of the Legend Sword Association! The rumors are spreading throughout the entire territory!”

Lepon’s eyes gleamed with excitement as he exhaled sharply through his nose.

“We’re only three years apart in age, yet he’s endured such brutal battles and reached Master—it’s truly admirable! Or rather, I should call him a swordsman!”
“Ah, I’ve heard of him too. Quite an extraordinary young man. Or rather, swordsman, as you say.”
“What truly stirs my heart is his one-on-one duel with the Evil Goat Demon. That indomitable fighting spirit! I dream of becoming such a hero myself!”
“Yes, indeed.”

Derus nodded with a faint smile.

“But wouldn’t a hero like that have no time to be doing this right now?”
“Ah….”
“You can’t skip training and go to taverns either.”
“Ugh! Y-yes, I’ll do it right away!”

Lepon’s shoulders trembled slightly as he retreated. Before leaving, he glanced back over his shoulder.

“If I train hard, could I become someone like you, Raon?”
“It might take a bit longer, but it’s certainly possible.”

Derus Robert nodded with a gentle smile.

“Understood!”

Lepon clenched his fists tightly and left the room.

The air grew heavy.

Alone now, Derus Robert’s smile remained the same as when he’d shown it to Lepon, yet the atmosphere of the office had become bitterly, suffocatingly cold. Even the sunlight pouring through the window bars seemed to freeze.

“Matio.”

At his call, a black shadow fell from the ceiling. It rippled like a wind-stirred puddle before transforming into the figure of a man dressed in black night clothes, his face concealed behind a mask.

“Report.”
“The trap Themurs created was destroyed, and the one who killed him was Sheryl, the Heavenly Sword Master. Her aura was imprinted on the corpses as well. Raon Zigheart did move, but only in a supporting capacity—he didn’t take the lead in anything.”

The masked man called Matio continued in a mechanical, unchanging tone.

“Rumors spread that it was Sheryl who made the Yonan Family refuse Themurs’s treatment and uncovered the maid’s identity, though there were also whispers that it was Raon Zigheart who orchestrated it initially.”
“What about the information that Raon Zigheart is a Master?”
“It’s true. The Black Market has confirmed Raon’s rank as Master.”
“A Master at eighteen….”

Derus Robert smiled coldly. With that chilling smile, he tapped his fingers lightly against the desk.

The mana rippled outward.

The atmosphere of the office shifted once more. The desk and bookshelves didn’t tremble in the slightest, yet the mana permeating the entire space began to grow so heavy that breathing became impossible.

“Ugh….”

Matio groaned under the crushing pressure.

“Not enjoying yourself?”

Derus Robert’s smile deepened as he tilted his jaw to the side.

“Themurs. Because of that one idiot, an eighteen-year-old Master emerged in the Zigheart? Is that it?”

Had Themurs handled things properly, Raon would never have ascended to Master, and the plan to dominate the Yonan Family would not have failed.
The fact that everything had spiraled out of control because of one vermin was infuriating.
Moreover, before Raon became Master, the youngest Master belonged to the Robert Family. I barely restrained the impulse to shatter everything in sight, consumed by rage at all my carefully laid plans crumbling to dust.

“Sheryl said she handled everything, didn’t she?”
“Y-yes, sir.”

Matio answered, black blood dripping from his lips.

“I disagree.”
“Sir?”
“Her behavior differs from her usual patterns. Raon Zigheart must have been involved somewhere.”

Derus Robert’s oppressive aura subsided.

“Gasp!”

Matio’s body staggered as if about to collapse.

“Investigate Raon. Find out who his parents are, who his close associates are, what his objectives are. Discover his martial techniques and weaknesses.”
“That’s already being pursued with utmost effort….”
“Utmost effort? I don’t need effort. Get me results—concrete, certain results.”
“Y-yes….”
“Forget everything else. Focus solely on gathering intelligence about him.”

Though Derus Robert’s voice was quiet, Matio trembled as if he’d heard a beast’s roar.

“Becoming a Master at eighteen means he possesses the ability to reshape the Continent’s power structure. It means the Zigheart could rise again to prominence, just as it did before Glen stepped back.”

A chilling killing intent flowed from Derus Robert’s eyes, cold as ice.

“He must be eliminated before that happens. By any means necessary.”

*

*

*

After the award ceremony for the Heavenly Sword Squad’s swordsmen concluded, Glen Zigheart’s gaze turned toward Julius Forzan at the very end.

“Come forward.”
“Ah, yes!”

Julius Forzan took a slow, deep breath before stepping before the Platform with measured dignity.

“What is your name?”

Glen Zigheart looked down at Julius Forzan with eyes that had lost their coldness.

“I, I am Julius Forzan!”
“So that’s why he recommended you. Strive to match the effort to your potential.”
‘The Saint must have informed him beforehand.’

I nodded slightly as I observed Julius Forzan. From Glen’s words, it seemed the Saint had sent information about Julius Forzan in advance.

“Yes! Thank you!”

Julius Forzan knelt and bowed his head. His noble courtesy flowed as naturally as water.

“Hmm….”
“Is he worthy of such words?”
“What else have you brought?”

The Masters who were now seeing Julius Forzan for the first time raised their auras to verify the qualities that had earned Glen’s approval.

“What kind of mana circuit is so expansive….”
“The dantian is more than twice as large as other children his age.”
“His physique may be lacking, but his internal talent surpasses even the Main Lineage.”

The Masters who had assessed Julius Forzan’s talent gazed at him with eyes brimming with greed. They looked ready to drag him away by force the moment they left this place.

“Raon Zigheart. Since you brought him here, you shall take responsibility for that child.

Glen, seemingly aware of their intentions, settled the matter of Julius’s affiliation outright.

“I accept your command.”

I bowed my head. I had intended to bring him to the Annex Building from the start, so I naturally accepted.

“That concludes today’s proceedings. Everyone, you are dismissed.”

Glen waved his hand as if to say he was tired and wanted them gone quickly.

The Masters and Unit Commanders, accustomed to such situations, quietly bowed to Glen and departed from the Audience Chamber.
Of course, the Main Lineage and the Branch Families who followed them continued to shoot hostile glares in my direction without bothering to conceal their resentment.

“Heh.”

I let out a scoff and led Julius Forzan toward the door of the Audience Chamber. Before leaving, I glanced back—Glen’s expression remained as hollow and bored as when I first saw him. I lowered my head, closed the door, and stepped outside.

-Let’s hurry! I’ve been craving the Annex Building’s meals!

Wrath bounced excitedly on my bracelet, eager for Yua’s cooking.

“Raon.”
“Raon!”

As I was about to leave the Patriarch’s Hall with a faint smile, the voices of Rimer and Sheryl reached me simultaneously.

“Congratulations.”

Rimer raised his thumb and grinned widely.

“I expected the gold badge, but I didn’t think you’d grant access to the Treasure Vault as well.”
“That fool was right—access to the Treasure Vault is indeed special. It’ll be a truly valuable opportunity.”

Sheryl pushed Rimer aside and nodded.

“When would be a good time to use it?”
“Not now, for starters.”
“Right. Let it sit for a while.”

Rimer sidled up next to Sheryl and waved his palm dismissively.

“The vault contains various items—weapons, artifacts, martial arts manuals, elixirs, and more. They’re treasures of the family that even the Patriarch doesn’t use carelessly. Use it when you feel you’re lacking something.”
“Since when does a gambler give proper advice?”
“Well, having lived through it all, I’ve learned that money is ultimately supreme! There’s a jewel called a Span of Sunlight in there, and if you just sell that, you could live for a lifetime—ugh!”

Sheryl kicked Rimer in the waist and frowned.

“Don’t listen to him. There are many values in this world more important than money. Use this as an opportunity to fill in the gaps in what you lack.”

She too advised me not to go just yet, offering a faint smile.

“Thank you.”

I smiled and bowed my head to the two of them, who had offered their advice with genuine sincerity.

“Then I’ll be on my way—oh!”

I remembered something as I turned to leave, so I came back and approached Rimer, who was getting up while holding his waist.

“The medicine you mentioned earlier—you were referring to Dogyae’s medicine, weren’t you?”
“Huh? You know about that?”

Rimer’s eyes widened in surprise.

‘So that’s what it was.’

If it was Dogyae’s medicine, I understood why Rimer had lost money.

“Then you’ve truly lost everything.”
“Well….”

Rimer couldn’t even respond properly and turned his gaze away.

“Idiot.”

Sheryl clicked her tongue in contempt.

I examined Rimer, who now looked like a beggar, and furrowed my brow. While I acknowledged Dogyae’s gambling prowess, I absolutely could not overlook how he’d continuously drained my coffers.

‘I need to recover my money that flew into Dogyae’s hands.’
-…Why is that your money?

*

*

*

When the Audience Chamber emptied, Roen ascended the platform with a faint smile.

“That was dangerous.”
“Indeed.”

Glen sighed while shielding his eyes with his hand.

“When he suddenly burst in like that, I couldn’t gather my wits.”

Everyone who heard of my exploits was already satisfied by merely keeping their mouths shut, but when that boy suddenly flashed such a radiant smile, my mind went blank in an instant.

‘The destructive power is tremendous.’

My grandson, who rarely showed his emotions, displayed such a brilliant smile—as if hundreds of luminous stones had ignited at once—that my mind momentarily froze. It was a shock that stirred my heart for the first time in decades, yet I barely managed to endure it through the mental fortitude of a transcendent.
It was a shock that made his heart race for the first time in decades, but he managed to endure it by drawing upon the mental fortitude of a transcendent being.

“I even managed the aura.”

I suppressed my aura in an instant so no one could notice my lips curling up, managing my expression carefully. If I had been even a moment slower, I would have shown everyone my true feelings written all over my face.

“But I’m not sure why I smiled.”

Glen furrowed his brow. My smile wasn’t one of joy from receiving a reward, but a pure, genuine smile—one so striking it sent a jolt through his chest that nearly overwhelmed him.

“I’m not entirely sure myself. But it was quite intense for me as well.”

Roen nodded in agreement. Having watched me since childhood and pitied my circumstances, my smile had become to him a weapon sharper than any blade.

“I’ll need to be careful going forward….”

Glen shook his head slowly.

“I believe it’s unavoidable.”
“Unavoidable?”
“You reached Master rank at eighteen, becoming the youngest Master in continental history. Your swordsmanship surpasses even that, earning you the epithet Sword Cooperation. With such exceptional looks as well, it’s only natural to be proud of you.”

Roen smiled faintly as he watched Glen, who now appeared utterly drained.

“If you were my grandson, I would have spent my days running about, boasting of you everywhere.”
“Hmm….”

Glen closed his eyes. The image of himself doing such a thing was utterly unseemly.

‘And yet….’

Why was I drawn to it?

I knew it was unseemly and unbecoming, yet I inexplicably wanted to boast. Not merely here and there, but to expand the scale—to make my existence known across the entire Continent.

“Sigh.”

Glen exhaled a low breath.

‘I must be losing my mind.’

He shook his head, attributing these foolish thoughts to exhaustion.

“I am….”

I was about to say I would never do something so foolish when the door to the Audience Chamber burst open without so much as a knock.

“Puhahahaha! Patriarch! You were shocked seeing Raon laugh, weren’t you? I’ve never seen such a stupid expression before… Ugh!”

Glen reached out before Rimer could finish running his mouth.

Crackle, crackle, crackle!

In an instant, a crimson bolt of lightning erupted from the ground, engulfing Rimer’s body.

“Gaaahhh….”

Struck by lightning so intense it could melt steel, Rimer rolled across the floor, charred black.

Sheryl regarded the scorched Rimer with disdain and clicked her tongue once more.

“Idiot.”

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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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