"They say the bead ice cream here is the best on the continent."
The black-haired youth, likely a swordsman from Zieghart, winked at the blonde woman walking beside him. A soft, warm atmosphere enveloped the couple, hinting at a date.
"Really?"
The blonde woman's eyes widened in surprise.
"No doubt about it. In Zieghart, where it's cold year-round, it sells out daily. They even release new flavors here first because it's so popular."
The dark-haired young man licked his lips, saying it was a must-try dessert every vacation.
"Dessert? We haven't even had breakfast yet."
"That's why we're here. If we're late, we might not get the flavor we want."
"Is it that popular?"
"After missions at the Light Wind Palace, one of the squad leaders always buys ice cream in bulk. So... Oh!"
He slightly lowered his shoulders as he opened the door to the ice cream shop, then froze in place.
"Ugh..."
The dark-haired young man trembled all over as if he was about to faint.
"D-darling?"
"Good morning!"
He bowed deeply towards the inner tables, then slowly backed away.
"L-let's go."
"But we just got here..."
"This is no place for people!"
The dark-haired young man grabbed the blonde woman's wrist and left the ice cream shop.
"At least explain why we're leaving!"
"That place is off-limits! It's inhabited by evil spirits!"
As soon as they left the ice cream shop, he ran away, abandoning even his girlfriend.
"That crazy fool!"
As the blonde woman stomped her foot in anger, a group of children around twelve years old walked past her.
"I heard they're getting honey-dipped melon flavor next week."
The shorter child licked his lips in anticipation.
"I don't care for fruit flavors. Chocolate is the best."
The child wearing a hat insisted that chocolate ice cream was supreme, wagging his finger.
"Kids these days just don't know good taste."
The shorter child clicked his tongue dismissively.
"That's rich coming from someone who always mooches off others."
"I bought it for you last week."
The children bickered as they entered the bead ice cream shop, their relationship unclear.
"Mister! We'd like chocolate and... Huh?"
"Eep!"
However, as soon as the two children crossed the shop's threshold, they froze like statues in front of a school.
"W-we'll come back later."
"Y-yeah..."
The shorter child and the one wearing a hat linked arms as if they had never argued and bolted out of the ice cream shop.
"Children, be careful!"
Krein frowned as he dodged the children running out like wild animals.
"Tsk tsk. Kids these days have no manners. It wasn't like this in my time."
He clicked his tongue roughly, as if disappointed.
"You tried to challenge Lord Raon and got beaten immediately."
Dorian smirked as he patted Krein's shoulder.
"T-that was when I was young!"
"So you were ill-mannered when you were young too."
He waved his hand, saying all kids were the same.
"W-we were about the same age then. It wasn't about manners..."
Krein wrinkled his nose, seemingly recalling the first time he was beaten by Raon.
"Anyway, why did you want to come here?"
Dorian tilted his chin up, looking at the ice cream shop's sign.
"I think this place might have a secret."
"A secret?"
"Yeah. Whenever they return to Zieghart, the Palace Master or Squad Leader Runaan always stop by this shop. The secret to their strength might be in this ice cream."
Krein suggested they go in and see for themselves, opening the door to the ice cream shop.
"Oh? It's the Palace Master! See, just like I said, he's always... Gah!"
He waved at Raon sitting at a table, then his jaw began to tremble.
"Urk!"
Dorian also swallowed hard, seemingly startled.
"Hmm?"
"Hm."
Karoon and Balder, sitting across from Raon, turned their heads and frowned. The two emitted a fierce aura, suggesting they were in a foul mood.
"W-we'll be going now. Enjoy your training!"
Krein, his mind seemingly frozen, wished the three men with ice cream in front of them a pleasant training session before fleeing.
"I-I need to check on supplies!"
Dorian also hastily backed out of the ice cream shop, apparently uncomfortable with staying.
"Haah..."
Raon brushed back the hair that had fallen over his forehead and sighed deeply.
'They're leaving again.'
Everyone who entered the ice cream shop fled as soon as they saw Karoon and Balder's faces. Given their past behavior and reputation, people seemed to find them simply terrifying.
"I-if there's anything I can help with, please let me know. If there's anything I can help with..."
Even the shop owner couldn't overcome his nervousness, stuttering like a broken marionette.
"Everything is delicious!"
-This is happiness! When I return to the Devildom, I shall build a bead ice cream factory! Bigger than your house!
The only ones laughing inside now were Sia and Wrath.
'This is more serious than I thought.'
Raon had anticipated this situation when he proposed going to the ice cream shop with Karoon and Balder at Wrath and Sia's urging, but it was even worse than expected. He hadn't imagined that everyone entering the shop would flee, apologizing, as if an Archmage had cast a barrier to block out people.
'Or is this normal?'
It wasn't strange for people to be afraid, given that three of the four Palace Masters in Zieghart were gathered here.
'And they're not just sitting quietly.'
Karoon and Balder were emitting a fierce aura, showing their displeasure at being here. It was natural for ordinary people to feel uncomfortable with these large men scowling. The door chimed as someone entered the ice cream shop while Raon was shaking his head.
'They'll probably leave too.'
Thinking the newcomer would immediately exit, Raon turned his head, but the person at the entrance just stared blankly at them.
"Runaan?"
The person who had entered the ice cream shop was Runaan. She seemed to have come for bead ice cream as usual.
"Hello."
Runaan simply nodded at Raon, Karoon, and Balder, then went to choose her ice cream as if nothing was amiss. As always, she had a strong sense of self.
"What are you going to get? This one's delicious."
Sia approached Runaan, recommending the ice creams she had enjoyed.
"This is the best."
True to her resolute nature, Runaan immediately chose mint chocolate.
-As expected of the ice cream girl! A choice worthy of my top subordinate!
Wrath nodded, proud of having chosen a good subordinate.
'When did Runaan become your top subordinate?'
Raon sighed as he suppressed the excited Wrath.
"This isn't bad at all. It could even work as a snack."
Balder licked his lips, saying he should buy bead ice cream in bulk for the True Martial Palace.
"The taste isn't bad, but it's too sweet to eat often."
Karoon narrowed his eyes slightly, suggesting that as a martial artist, it would be best to exercise restraint.
"You two."
Raon turned towards Karoon and Balder.
"Shall we begin now? What did you want to discuss that brought you to the annex building this morning?"
He nodded, eating the remaining mint chocolate bead ice cream.
"Hmmph!"
Balder swallowed the bead ice cream in the bowl in one gulp and stomped his foot heavily. The entire ice cream shop shook due to his large frame, even without the use of aura.
"That's right! Shrinking away like this is not befitting of me, the True Martial Palace Master!"
Balder leaned forward with his bear-like upper body, as if he had made a decision.
"Nephew! I have a favor to ask."
"Yes. Please go ahead."
Raon nodded calmly, having anticipated a request.
"Create a martial art that suits me!"
Balder clasped his hands together as if pleading.
"If you create one for me, I'll grant you anything you wish!"
"Hmm..."
Raon tilted his head, looking at Balder, whose hands were trembling with desperation.
"Wouldn't it be better to ask the Head of House about creating a new martial art?"
Although he could create martial arts himself, he wasn't on par with Glenn. He didn't understand why Balder was asking him.
"Father's martial arts are too advanced and don't suit me. On the other hand, the martial arts you create are simpler yet more precise. I want to use the swordsmanship you create!"
Balder clenched his fist, saying that Raon's martial arts were more to his liking. Karoon roughly put down the spoon he was holding.
"You're asking our nephew to create a martial art for you? You've lost your mind."
He frowned as if Balder was pathetic.
"Don't you know shame?"
"What shame? My nephew is stronger than me! If I have such a talented nephew, why can't I ask for help?"
Balder snorted, saying he felt no shame at all.
"Then what were you going to say after all that hesitation? Speak up instead of muttering!"
He raised his chin, telling Karoon to get to the point.
"Well..."
Karoon glanced slightly at Raon.
"I..."
He nodded slightly as if he had made up his mind.
"I want to spar with you."
"...A spar?"
Raon's eyes widened as he looked at Karoon.
'A spar all of a sudden.'
He had anticipated Balder's request, but he hadn't expected Karoon to ask for a spar at all. A gasp escaped him involuntarily.
"I learned a lot watching you in the last war. I want to confirm those insights through a spar."
Karoon nodded, saying that was his request.
"Ha!"
Balder hit the table with his fist and twisted his lips into a smile.
"You called me a guy who uses his nephew, and yet here you are, brother, doing the same!"
He clicked his tongue and wagged his finger.
"Openly trying to beat our nephew! Were you that jealous that Raon beheaded the Black Tower Master?"
Balder snorted, saying a man's jealousy was too ugly.
"I only want a fair spar. And if we fight now, who knows who would win!"
Karoon shook his head firmly, saying it was completely different.
"It's the same for me! I just want to fairly ask for a martial art to be created!"
Balder slapped his palm down, insisting it was the same thing.
"How is that the same?"
"It's all the same in the end!"
Karoon and Balder glared at each other, frowning. They truly were brothers; their profiles looked exactly alike as they argued.
"Please don't fight."
Raon pushed his hand between the two.
"First, I'll grant the True Martial Palace Master's request. Please tell me what kind of martial art you want."
While it was true that his first impression of Balder had been terrible, he was just a simple man. Given the help he had received and the favors he owed, Raon could at least create the martial art Balder wanted.
"You know that thing you're good at! The swordsmanship that destroys everything in one strike! Make it so I can use it with a flexible sword!"
Balder uses a long, flexible sword that doesn't suit his large frame. It seemed he wanted a martial art that could unleash the power of techniques like the Flame Dragon Strike or Heavy Sky Cannon with a flexible sword.
"I understand. However, I need to enter the Room of Self next week, so it will take some time."
"Don't worry! I'm good at waiting!"
Balder said he could wait, but his legs were already shaking. He seemed excited already.
"Room of Self?"
Karoon narrowed his eyes as if surprised.
"You're going to enter now? That doesn't seem like a good choice."
He frowned, seeming to share Glenn's opinion that entering now wasn't ideal.
"It's uncertain when, if ever, I'll surpass Transcendence. I'd like to enter while I have the chance."
"You have indeed overcome walls on your own until now..."
Karoon nodded, seeming to think it wasn't a bad idea after all.
"Then it will be difficult to spar."
"No. Let's do it."
Raon smiled as he looked at Karoon's red eyes, which were becoming lighter.
"But twice."
"Twice?"
Karoon tilted his head as if not understanding.
"Yes. I'd like to spar twice - once before I enter the Room of Self, and once after I come out."
"...You want to gauge how much you've improved using me as a benchmark?"
He chuckled as if he finally understood Raon's words.
"Yes. Will you accept?"
Raon waited for Karoon's answer with his hands folded on the table with holes.
"...Very well."
Karoon nodded as he pushed away the empty ice cream cup.
"I accept."
He licked his lips as if looking forward to it. A massive ice cream rose between Raon and Karoon as their gazes clashed intensely.
"I chose this with Runaan! Let's all eat together!"
Sia waved at everyone, saying it would taste better if they ate together.
"Ahem..."
"Ah..."
Raon and Karoon blushed as if suddenly remembering they were in a brightly lit ice cream shop with cheerful wallpaper.
"L-let's eat then."
Raon picked up a spoon, smiling awkwardly.
"...Indeed."
Karoon also nodded, lowering his eyes slightly.
"Ugh..."
The shop owner swallowed his tears as he watched the scene.
'When are these people going to leave...'
Business was good, but he felt like he was suffocating.
'This is an ice cream shop for kids! Why are they causing such a commotion here!'
* * *
After leaving the ice cream shop, Karoon entered the audience chamber.
"I have requested a spar with the Light Wind Palace Master."
He bowed towards Glenn, who was sitting on the throne with a bored expression.
"I knew you would."
Glenn nodded as if he had expected it.
"I could see the thirst in your eyes."
"However, there's something even you don't know, Head of House."
Karoon raised his hand, holding up two fingers.
"Raon suggested we spar twice."
"Twice?"
Glenn narrowed his eyes as if asking what he meant.
"Yes. Once before he enters the Room of Self, and once after. It seems he intends to use me as a test subject."
Karoon smiled faintly, saying he had gone to make a request but ended up being used instead.
"That's just like Raon."
Glenn burst into laughter, leaning back on the throne as if he hadn't anticipated Raon's actions.
"As you know, Head of House, I desire that seat more than anyone."
Karoon pointed at the golden throne Glenn was sitting on.
"I had planned to leave the family if anyone but me became the head. However..."
He slightly lowered his chin, looking at the darkening window.
"If someone worthy becomes the head, I think I could accept serving under them."
"Karoon..."
Glenn's eyes widened as he grasped the meaning behind Karoon's words.
"Of course, I have no intention of stepping down voluntarily. I will shed blood and flesh, grind my soul, to ascend to that seat."
Karoon bit his lip as he stared at the golden throne. A fierce heat rose in his eyes, which had always been cold.
"I'll see you at the training ground tomorrow."
Karoon turned and left the Lord's Manor, as if he had said all he needed to say.
"I thought it would be a shame to hand it over to anyone..."
Glenn ran his hand over the throne Karoon had been looking at, licking his lips.
"Now I could welcome either outcome."
He smiled faintly, as if looking forward to what was to come.
'Though I'm not sure if I'll live to see it...'
* * *
The next day at noon, Raon entered the Head of House's training ground with calm steps. Only four people were in the training ground: Glenn, Alice, Denier, and Balder.
"Greetings, Head of House."
Raon approached Glenn and bowed.
"Don't waste your energy on greetings."
Glenn waved his hand, as if telling Raon to prepare for the spar instead.
"Nephew! Thoroughly thrash that arrogant man today!"
Balder stomped his foot, telling Raon to easily defeat Karoon.
"Let's see the skills of the Sword Emperor who beheaded the Black Tower Master."
Alice licked her lips, arms crossed.
"A spar between Transcendents is a rare sight, even for a price. I'm looking forward to it."
Denier smiled faintly as he stepped back.
'Denier...'
Raon narrowed his eyes as he observed Denier.
'Is he here to scout?'
It was slightly irritating. Unlike the others, Denier was an unfathomable entity. Raon wanted to openly question him, but since Denier hadn't done anything suspicious, he had to remain silent for now.
'Then I'll have to show overwhelming power that renders his observation useless.'
It might not be bad to display such overwhelming power that even Denier would be unable to glean anything useful.
"I only invited a few people, as this is a spar between Palace Masters."
Glenn climbed onto the platform, telling Raon to focus only on the fight.
"Thank you."
As Raon bowed to Glenn, the door to the training ground opened and Karoon entered. Karoon climbed onto the training ground, his sharp gaze flashing with a chilling light. His eyes were so intense that Raon's skin prickled as if cut by a blade.
"Are you ready?"
Karoon's fingertips were already red, suggesting he had warmed up before coming.
"Of course."
Raon said he was ready to start immediately, placing his hand on the hilt of the Heavenly Drive.
"Good."
Karoon nodded approvingly and grasped his sword hilt. Raon and Karoon stood motionless like statues in a space where they could touch each other if they reached out. Cold sweat beaded on the foreheads of the two swordsmen as a giant hawk rose from the direction of North Grave Mountain.
As the hawk passed over the training ground, casting a small shadow.
In that instant, Raon and Karoon simultaneously drew their swords, thrusting them towards each other's necks. A deafening clash rang out as the two blades collided.
"Today, I'll see your limits."
Karoon applied pressure to his sword-wielding hand. His blade dug in as if it would pierce Raon's neck.
"I'm sorry, but my depths are profound."
As Raon raised his wrist, Karoon's fiercely pressing sword slowly began to be pushed back. His scarlet eyes flashed as brightly as the flames on the Heavenly Drive, and he twisted his lips.
"If you want to see my limits, you'll have to stake your life, Palace Master."