The Reincarnated Assassin is a Genius Swordsman - Chapter 679

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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 679

“A coronation?”

I trembled at my fingertips as I met Hofen’s azure gaze.

“Then the reason everyone gathered here is….”
“Yes. I was preparing for my coronation.”

Hofen laughed softly, as if embarrassed.

“I see.”

Now I understood why so many people had gathered in the Garden. The executives here had been preparing for Hofen’s coronation.
The executives at The Facility seemed to be preparing for Hofen’s coronation.

“Normally there would be many things to do before the coronation, but…”

Hofen turned his gaze beyond the Garden. He let out a long sigh as he surveyed the Kingdom that remained unrestored.

“I pushed for it.”
“I pushed it through.”

Saint Olga nodded with her arms crossed. She had gotten more tattoos since the last time I saw her.

“It wasn’t just you—everyone agreed.”
“Not just you, but everyone agreed.”

Paladin Kinier waved his hand toward Olga.

“In this incident, Hofen admirably fulfilled the role of a Paladin in my stead. He has the support not only of the people, but also of the Holy Knights and the Priests.”

He laughed, saying Hofen’s reputation shot up all at once.

“Actually, there’s one more thing I need to tell Raon.”

Hofen exhaled a heavy breath and bit his lip.

“Please, go ahead.”

I noticed what Hofen was about to say and gave a slight nod.

“It concerns my father.”

Hofen ran his hand through his neatly combed blue hair, lowering his gaze.

“If it became known that my father, Pirn, and Danieff joined hands with the Demon Race and attempted to sacrifice the people as offerings, the kingdom itself would collapse. So we announced that the three of them were manipulated by an overwhelmingly powerful Demon Race force.”

He bowed his head deeply, shame written across his face.

“I’m truly sorry….”
“…There was no other way.”
“I apologize as well.”

Not only Hofen, but Olga and Kinier also cast their eyes downward.

“No. I believe that was the right choice.”

I nodded calmly.

‘There was no other option.’

It was far better for the kingdom’s future to say the Demon Race had employed cunning rather than reveal that King Baurn, the greatest pillar of Sueper, Vice High Priest Pirn, and Royal Guard Commander Danieff had colluded with the Demon Race.

If the truth that the king himself had summoned the Demon Race spread, this kingdom could no longer remain the Holy Kingdom.

-Cough….

I turned my attention to Wrath upon hearing the sound of a dry cough.

‘Why are you so quiet?’

Normally, he would have raised a fuss, insisting that the Demon Race shouldn’t be underestimated, but he was oddly silent.

-Isn’t that the right choice to maintain the kingdom? Besides, we committed contract fraud on our end too.
‘But won’t all these people come to hate the Demon Race?’
-Cough. It’s fine.

Wrath coughed dryly and nodded calmly.

-We’re accustomed to playing villains, after all.
‘….’

Hearing those words, I felt a strange sense of discord.

‘Gods and Celestials….’

It occurred to me that gods, Celestials, the Demon Race, and Demon Lords might operate under concepts far different from what I understood.

“….”
“Raon.”

As I stroked my smooth jaw, Hofen stepped forward toward me.

“Would it be possible to ask you to bestow the crown upon me?”
“Isn’t the bestowal of the crown the duty of the kingdom’s highest authority? Why would I….”

I leaned back slightly, observing the fervent gleam in Hofen’s eyes.

“Because we survived thanks to you.”

Hofen brought both hands together before him.

“You were the one who stopped my father consumed by demonic energy. You were the one who defeated Silkret, the Demon Race that appeared afterward. When no one else could even stand against him, you alone drew your blade and fought. Without you, this kingdom would have already perished.”

Gratitude shimmered in his eyes as he bowed his head once more.

“If you bestow the crown upon me, I believe I can walk this path with the same resolve as you.”

Hofen’s shoulders trembled slightly as he remained bowed. He seemed less eager about the path ahead as king than apprehensive of it.

“There’s one more reason besides that.”

Olga raised a finger.

“Your reputation in Sufer right now is beyond imagination.”
“What do you mean?”
“Many people witnessed you defeating the Demon Race. A demon who toyed with the King, the Acting High Priest, and the Royal Guard Knights Commander knelt before a young, handsome swordsman—of course there’s an uproar, isn’t there?”

She shrugged as if it were an obvious outcome.

“Unfortunately, you’re right.”

Kinier nodded in agreement.

“Your achievements are spreading beyond this kingdom across the entire Continent. Your appearance is comparable to mine, so you’d make a fitting recipient of the crown.

He laughed, flicking his hair slightly.

“What utter nonsense.”

Olga and Martha furrowed their brows deeply, as if rejecting his ridiculous words.

“You’re hideously ugly.”
“You have nothing in common with Raon except eyes, nose, and mouth.”

The two rivals glared at Kinier as if they could kill him.

“There’s no one comparable to the devastatingly handsome Raon.”

Lunan Slion also cast a sharp glance at Kinier, clearly displeased.

“Ugh…”

Kinier genuinely appeared wounded, backing away with a hurt expression.

“I humbly request this of you.”

Hofen bowed his head again, asking for the crown to be bestowed for himself and the kingdom.

“Hmm…”

I didn’t answer immediately and turned to look behind me.

“There’s nothing to deliberate over.”

Rimer nodded, signaling acceptance.

“I understand it may feel burdensome, but for the sake of the Sufer Kingdom, I believe acceptance would be wise.”
“It will benefit us both.”

Burren and Mark Goeten advised acceptance, calling it a favorable arrangement.

“Understood.”

I nodded calmly.

“Thank you.”

Hofen lifted his head and broke into a radiant smile.

“Prepare the coronation ceremony at once!”

He issued the command immediately, as if determined to conclude matters before my resolve could waver.

Since preparations were nearly complete, the Garden soon filled with executives, and countless citizens gathered throughout the Royal Capital.

Remarkably, the people chanted not only the new king’s name but mine as well.

“Mm….”

I touched my earlobe as my name echoed up from the Royal Capital.

‘This is embarrassing.’

It was Hofen’s coronation, yet my name rang louder—more burdensome than gratifying.

Still, I resolved to give the ceremony my full sincerity so the people could find reassurance.

Since the kingdom’s restoration remained incomplete, the coronation proceeded simply.

Prayers were offered to the Divine in the new king’s name, the fallen were honored, and then came the moment of the crown’s bestowal.

“The Awardee, Master of the Gwangpung Corps, please ascend the Platform.”

I heard the Announcer’s words and climbed onto the golden Platform—a stage only kings were permitted to stand upon. My name echoed countless times throughout the Royal Capital.

“….”

Saint Olga stood beside me with the crown, her usual fierce gaze replaced by the serene bearing of a holy maiden.

“We ask that Your Majesty kneel before the Awardee.”

Hofen knelt on one knee before me, his face flushed with emotion.

-Kellek! When bestowing a crown in the old ways, the awardee traditionally offers brief counsel.

Wrath seemed to recall ancient memories, his lips moving thoughtfully.

-It means you should speak some words of wisdom!
‘Understood.’

I nodded and grasped the crown Saint Olga brought with all ten fingers. Light, yet impossibly heavy. The thought of bestowing a crown upon a foreign king pressed down upon my fingertips with tremendous weight.

As I raised the crown toward Hofen’s head, I recalled King Baurn. That man who had been more virtuous than anyone else—what he truly needed was not someone to whom he could bare his soul and pour out his suffering, but rather someone who could share that burden with him.
I found myself thinking that what someone as kind as him needed was perhaps a person to whom he could show his true feelings and pour out all his pain.

Suffering alone and enduring pain in silence is not strength. There are good people around you. Share your pain with them and talk about your hurt. The one who truly endures to the end is a strong king.

Not just this matter, but looking back on my life, I placed a crown upon Hofen’s head.

I will keep that in mind.

Hofen lowered his head as if feeling the weight of the crown, and answered.

Raon bowed to the new king and descended from the Platform, while Hofen exchanged greetings and ascended onto the Platform.

“I am truthfully not a great person worthy of standing in this position. I am weak and inexperienced. However, I love this country more than anyone else. Even if I cannot make Sueper wealthy and militarily strong, I swear before God that I will make it a Kingdom more pleasant to live in than any other place.”

Hofen knelt on the Platform facing the people. The setting sun settled upon his white robes, casting a brilliant radiance. It was as if the heavens themselves were blessing the new king.

Whoa-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh!

The executives standing in the Garden and the citizens of the Royal Capital sent forth applause and cheers.

Though only Hofen’s name should have been called, a considerable number of them shouted Raon’s name as well.

-Grrrrgh…

Wrath gnashed his teeth as if displeased.

‘Why again.’
-The name that should be called is not yours, but the True Demon King’s!

He shook his plump fist while glowering down at the Royal Capital.

-How hard did the True Demon King work to keep from slaughtering those wretches! The True Demon King also enjoys being revered!
‘Then I’ll call you.’
-Huh?
‘Wrath. Wrath. Wrath.’

I drawled out the syllables as I called Wrath’s name.

-Don’t bother! It sounds as droopy as a wet rag!

Wrath shook his head, pleading for me to stop.

‘Wrath. Wrath. Wrath.’
-Just shut up already!

Wrath waved his hand, demanding silence.

“Now that I have become king, I shall issue my first decree.”

Hofen nodded, gazing down upon the Royal Capital.

“Though the times are busy, it would be a shame to let a coronation ceremony—which could rightfully be called the grandest of festivals—pass by without proper celebration.”

As he brought his hands together, pure white radiance bloomed above the sky like distant starlight.

“I have prepared a modest banquet for all to enjoy.”

When Hofen mentioned the festival, another tremendous roar erupted from the Royal Capital.

—This fellow actually knows something worth knowing.

Wrath laughed for the first time as if genuinely pleased.

—Now that you’ve spoken my name, eat the food the True Demon King desires!
‘Understood. I understand. But before that….’

I watched the steaming dishes with a faint smile.

‘I’d like to run an experiment. Do you have any nadin bread?’
—You madman?

*

*

*

Contrary to Wrath’s concerns, the dishes spread across the Garden were exquisite creations, each one delivering sublime flavors.

—Ohhhhh….

With each bite, Wrath released exclamations as if his very soul was departing his body.

—This is what living truly means! All the effort to keep them alive was worthwhile!

He grinned widely, radiating happiness at its purest form.

—Next, try that one. Cough!

Even as Wrath coughed, he continued pointing to new dishes.

“Sigh….”

I exhaled deeply and placed the spicy grilled shrimp he indicated into my mouth.
My stomach was already completely full and uncomfortably distended, but I couldn’t stop because of Wrath.

-Bring me that beef skewer this time!
‘I’m already full, and Gluttony seems satisfied too….’
-Cough! Cough!

Wrath coughed instead of objecting. He seemed to be exploiting his illness, and since I couldn’t examine Gluttony, I had no choice but to listen to him.

‘Ugh….’

I shook my head and chewed down the beef roasted with bone.

-Krraaah!

Wrath let out an exclamation.

-The meat is so tender, yet the juices are abundant! This is the taste! Chef! Bring the chef here! The True Demon King himself shall bestow praise upon you!

He smacked his lips loudly and grinned widely.

‘I really can’t eat anymore….’

It was as I patted my belly and sighed.

[You have completely satisfied your hunger.]
[The trait Gluttony activates.]
[Rewards are greatly amplified by the first ability manifestation effect.]
[All stats increase by 1 point.]
[The grade of your soul rises.]
[While satiation persists, stamina and physical recovery increase sixfold.]

Messages from Gluttony’s activation streamed upward.

-Huh…?
‘Krraaah!’

This time, I let out a long exclamation.

‘Now this is the taste. This is what living is all about!’
-W-what is this first trait manifestation! Are you not just distributing it, but now creating and distributing it!

Wrath let out a cry of exasperation at the message.

‘Thank you, Wrath.’

I chuckled as I looked at Wrath.

‘I thought my stomach was already full, but I was wrong.’

I had believed my belly was so stuffed that Gluttony was already active, but that was a mistake. To truly trigger Gluttony, I needed to eat until my stomach was on the verge of bursting.

Thanks to Wrath, I learned something new. He truly was a generous fool.

-Shut up a bit! Cough! Cough!

Wrath, who had been smiling just moments before, erupted into a series of dry coughs.

I was laughing at Wrath’s pouting expression when—

“Master Raon.”

Hofen approached and offered me a goblet he was holding.

“It seems the meal was to your liking.”
“Yes. Everything was delicious.”
“In truth, I never expected you to be such a voracious eater, Master Raon.”

He clicked his tongue as he surveyed the stack of plates on the table.

“Now I understand the rumor that you devoured all the pearl ice cream.”
“Ah, that was….”

I glared at Wrath and scratched the back of my head. It was embarrassing, but I couldn’t bring myself to say I hadn’t eaten it myself.

“I was only joking.”

Hofen smiled faintly and shook his head. Looking down at the people of the Royal Capital who dispelled the darkness with laughter and warmth, he smacked his lips.

“I didn’t know the crown was this heavy. If only I had realized this weight sooner, I might have been able to save my father…”
“The past must remain in the past. The only thing we should carry forward from it is reflection.”

I continued, observing how Hofen’s shoulders seemed narrower than before.

“Your Majesty possesses such clear convictions that you’ll be able to discern right from wrong even while communicating with many. Should you ever face serious concerns, you may speak to me. As the one who bestowed the crown, I shall deliberate alongside you.”
“Thank you. However….”

Hofen shook his head calmly, meeting my earnest gaze.

“It is we who must help you.”

He extended his hand and grasped my shoulder.

“I and the Sufer Kingdom shall stand with you and the Gwangpung Corps whenever you call upon us, regardless of what the task may be.”

Hofen declared this as his first oath as the new king, bringing his palms together in reverence.

“There is no need for—”
“That I stand here now, that my people smile and celebrate at the festival—it is all because of you.”

He bowed his head slightly, asking me to accept this oath.

“Of course I accept it. Thank you.”

I smiled and helped Hofen to his feet. Behind him, I could see the street where Wrath’s snow flowers had bloomed in destruction. It appeared reconstruction still had a long way to go.

“Are there no issues with the reconstruction?”
“Truth be told, it is proving somewhat difficult.”

Hofen exhaled a short sigh.

“Wars have erupted in several places recently, so the merchant groups we normally trade with cannot supply materials. Some seem unwilling to provide anything at all….”

He furrowed his brow, calling it a strange matter.

“Dorian.”

I extended my hand to the right.

“Yes.”

Dorian, who had been eating sweets, came rushing over.

“This fellow is the successor of the Sepia Merchant Group.”
“Se-Sepia’s?”

Hofen’s jaw dropped as if he had never considered Dorian’s true identity.

“I’m not officially the successor yet—still in training.”

Dorian chuckled and shook his head.

“I heard you’re having difficulty procuring materials to restore the kingdom. Could I serve as a bridge for that?”
“I do have some construction materials myself….”

As he spoke, he withdrew from his spatial pouch enough timber to cover the entire Garden without raising an eyebrow.

“Uh, uh….”

Hofen trembled as he stared at Dorian and his spatial pouch.

“But it would be far better to establish trade with our Merchant Guild.”

Dorian smiled broadly and led Hofen to sit at the table.

“How much have you already investigated?”
“Well….”
“I can offer you first-transaction discounts, and bulk purchase discounts as well….”

He had already transformed into a merchant, holding Hofen firmly without letting go.

I chuckled softly and gazed up at the star-filled sky.

‘It’s time to return to Zigheart.’

*

*

*

Raon ended the festival a bit early and returned to the Dormitory.

-Dessert! I didn’t get to eat the pearl ice cream!
‘You two ate it all, so there’s none left!’

The pearl ice cream that Wrath and Gluttony had consumed hadn’t been restocked yet.

They said there wasn’t any around either, but it seemed like Gluttony was sweeping through all of it.

As a result, only Lunan Slion looked dejected at the festival.

-Tsk! I made a foolish mistake! I shouldn’t have told that glutton about it….
‘Keep it down.’

It was when I pushed Wrath aside and prepared to cultivate.

Tap tap.

A yellow sparrow flew to the window and fluttered its wings.

“There was a yellow sparrow… huh?”

I stared at the sparrow and my jaw trembled. The yellow sparrow had curled the tip of its beak upward as if it were a person.

-Kyeeeeee! Cough!

Wrath shrieked and hid behind my back.

“Merlin….”

I swallowed hard as I watched the sparrow grinning. I had been relieved that she hadn’t appeared suddenly, but seeing that smile sent chills down my spine.
I was relieved that he didn’t suddenly appear, but seeing that smile gave me even more chills.

I took a deep breath to calm my mind and opened the window. A sparrow fluttered over and landed on my shoulder.

“Raon!”

As expected, Merlin’s clear, crisp voice came from the sparrow’s beak.

“When did you arrive here?”
“Your question is wrong.”

She shook her head, saying it wasn’t her.

“I’ve been with you since the moment you arrived here.”
“Since the moment I arrived… what?”

Raon’s eyes widened upon hearing Merlin’s answer.

‘From the very beginning then?’

If she had entered with me, she might have witnessed my conversation with the Demon Lords.
After all, her animal possession magic hadn’t been detected even by Wrath.

“You couldn’t have….”
“I watched everything while waiting in case any danger befell you. A Demon Lord, no less….”

Merlin’s voice sank deeply. Simultaneously, alarm bells rang in my mind.

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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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