"Did you just say the White Blood Religion Headquarters?"
Glenn rose from his throne as if he had heard something completely unexpected. Even for him, the news of discovering the location of the White Blood Religion Headquarters was shocking.
"Yes, that's correct."
Raon nodded while meeting Glenn's trembling gaze.
"However, since I only inherited the memory, I haven't pinpointed the exact location yet."
"What do you mean by that?"
Glenn furrowed his brow, seemingly not understanding.
"Explain everything that happened there, from beginning to end."
He sat back down on the throne and lowered his arms, ready to listen to the entire story. The grandfather who had been eager to hear about his grandson's achievements now wiped the smile from his face, revealing the cold gaze befitting the head of a great family.
"As soon as we set out to sea, we encountered the Blue Wolf that Lawaine had mentioned. After that..."
Raon explained everything that had happened during the mission to Glenn, Sheryl, and Roenn.
"...Before departing, the Sea Spirit imprinted the location of the White Blood Religion Headquarters it had seen into my mind."
When he had touched foreheads with the Sea Spirit, the location of the White Blood Religion that it had seen flashed in his mind. The memory was so vivid, as if he had experienced it himself, that he would be able to find the White Blood Religion Headquarters once he discovered that place.
"...So where is the White Blood Religion?"
Glenn exhaled deeply and stroked his chin.
"Underwater."
Raon closed his eyes, recalling the massive white city submerged beneath the sea.
"The White Blood Religion Headquarters is at the bottom of the ocean."
Even though he had inherited the Sea Spirit's memory, it was hard to believe, but the White Blood Religion was hiding its vicious bloody energy deep in the sea.
"It seems to be somewhere along the northern sea route from the Kusar Pirate Territory. However, since I haven't been there myself, it will take considerable time to find it."
Even with the Sea Spirit's memory, it was clear that it would take a lot of time and effort to locate the exact position.
"Are you certain?"
Glenn raised the hand that had been gripping the throne and stroked his chin.
"If it's a memory passed on from a spirit, isn't there a possibility that you might have seen it wrong?"
"I'm certain."
Raon nodded without hesitation.
"The Sea Spirit didn't just leave a fragmented memory, but a vivid one that made me feel as if I were actually there. The White Blood Religion's city is definitely underwater."
He clenched his fist, thinking of the white city protected by the underwater mist.
"Hmm..."
Glenn clicked his tongue briefly.
"I agree with Master Raon's thoughts."
Lawaine raised his hand as he removed the eyepatch covering his perfectly good eye.
"While preparing to return to the family, I noticed something peculiar about the White Blood Religion's sailing ship."
"Something peculiar?"
Glenn asked, turning his gaze to Lawaine.
"Yes. There was a massive water tank inside the ship that seemed to suck in and store seawater. It appeared to use the stored water to create a density difference, allowing the ship to sink underwater."
Lawaine bowed his head, saying it was a mechanism not found in ordinary ships.
"Where is that ship now?"
Glenn lowered his eyebrows as if he wanted to see it for himself.
"I originally planned to keep it at the harbor, but thinking the White Blood Religion might realize their headquarters' location had been discovered, I deliberately sank it."
Raon slightly lowered his chin, saying he had cut the White Blood Religion's ship into four pieces and sunk it to the bottom of the sea, as if he hadn't noticed its secret.
"I have something to say as well."
Martha stepped forward, biting her trembling lips.
"Go ahead."
Glenn nodded slowly, as if being considerate of Martha's heightened emotions.
"The Ninth Apostles weren't flustered even though they knew the Light Wind Palace Master was coming to support us, and they said they had a separate escape route. They must have been planning to escape underwater using the ship's capabilities."
Martha clenched her fist, saying she now understood the Ninth Apostles' relaxed attitude.
"Underwater..."
Glenn sighed briefly as he looked at the window where the sunlight was fading.
"Even with the Sea Spirit's memory, it won't be an easy place to search."
"That's right."
Raon nodded heavily.
"Since it's quite deep underwater, it won't be easy to approach, and if we're detected, it will be difficult to escape as well."
The location shown by the Sea Spirit was a place difficult for ordinary people, and even for experts, to enter. Even if they found the location, it wasn't a place they could immediately attack.
"Even if it's dangerous and difficult..."
Glenn smiled faintly as he looked at Raon.
"You'll go, won't you?"
"Of course."
Raon bowed, saying it was only natural.
"To think I have to send you on an even more difficult mission right after you've returned, I'm at a loss for words."
Glenn touched his forehead with his finger, seeming genuinely apologetic.
"Please don't say that. Since I'm the one with the spirit's memory, it's only natural that I should go."
Raon shook his head calmly, saying it wasn't a burden.
"I..."
Martha raised her hand, biting her lip.
"I want to go too."
She stood next to him, saying she wanted to volunteer for the mission to find the White Blood Religion Headquarters.
"Hmm..."
Glenn, also aware of Martha's circumstances, couldn't answer immediately and let out a low groan.
"Martha."
Raon turned to Martha after exhaling softly.
"Please! I can also..."
"Your job isn't to find the White Blood Religion."
He shook his head firmly while looking into Martha's trembling eyes.
"While I search for the White Blood Religion Headquarters, you need to become even a little bit stronger. As you are now, you'd be of no help in the fight against the Leader of the White Blood Religion."
Raon reminded her of what she needed to do while stating the harsh truth.
"If you want to create even the smallest opening against the Leader of the White Blood Religion, swing your sword with all your might."
"Ugh..."
Martha lowered her trembling hand after staring at Raon's sunken red eyes.
"I understand."
She bowed her head deeply, biting her lip.
"I'll make sure to be of help."
Martha gritted her teeth, not deflated but rather invigorated.
"The same goes for all of you."
Raon lightly patted Martha's shoulder before looking down at the Light Wind Palace Swordsmen.
"We don't know when or where an all-out war with the White Blood Religion might break out, so increase your strength even a little."
"Yes!"
The Light Wind Palace Swordsmen straightened their postures and shouted that they would train to death. Everyone clenched their fists until blood flowed, watching Martha's trembling shoulders.
"Miss Rakshasa..."
Runaan approached Martha's side and lightly bumped her shoulder.
"Are you cold?"
"A little..."
"..."
She silently held Martha's trembling hand. Usually, they would have separated, calling each other disgusting, but today they held hands tightly without letting go.
"When will you depart?"
Glenn nodded slightly at Martha and Runaan before calling out to Raon.
"Since it's not my own memory, I don't know when it might disappear, so I plan to leave at dawn tomorrow."
Raon raised his gaze, saying they shouldn't delay.
"Alone?"
"Yes. It would be more convenient for me to move alone..."
"No matter what, I can't send you to such a dangerous place alone."
Glenn shook his head, implying he would assign someone to accompany him.
"But an inexperienced person would only be a hindrance..."
"They won't be inexperienced."
He turned his gaze to the right and stroked his chin.
"Roenn."
"Hehehe."
As soon as Glenn called, Roenn stepped forward with a gentle smile.
"Palace Master. I'll be in your care."
He bowed with his hand on his chest.
"Hmm..."
Raon clicked his tongue as he looked at the chuckling Roenn.
"I certainly can't refuse Roenn."
Roenn was an assassin known as the Killing King. Although his raw power was weaker than Raon's, he would undoubtedly be of great help in this kind of reconnaissance mission.
"I'll be in your care as well."
Raon bowed back to Roenn.
"Well then, you must be tired, so let's dismiss."
Glenn tapped the armrest of his throne, telling everyone to return to their positions.
"One moment."
Raon called out to the Light Wind Palace Swordsmen who were about to leave the audience chamber.
"You may speak about the White Blood Religion being behind this incident, but do not mention finding a clue to their headquarters to anyone. Not even to family."
He gave instructions on maintaining secrecy, especially looking into Martha's eyes.
"Yes!"
"You know us, we're tight-lipped!"
"Don't worry!"
The Light Wind Palace Swordsmen nodded, as if they wouldn't speak even with a knife to their throats, and left the audience chamber.
"Then I'll take my leave as well."
"Raon."
As Raon was about to leave the audience chamber, saying he would prepare for the search, Glenn spoke.
"It seems you've grown again."
Glenn smiled softly, as if he had sensed his change.
"While facing the rampaging Sea Spirit, I learned a bit more about what the Soul Sword truly is."
"I see. I can feel that your heart has become firmer and your sword sharper."
He smiled, saying he could tell the change in Raon's sword just by looking into his eyes.
"And in handling the children as well."
Glenn closed his eyes and opened them again, looking at where Martha and the Light Wind Palace Swordsmen had been.
"You've become a proper Palace Master now. In the future... hmm."
He was about to continue speaking but seemed to think it wasn't the right time and closed his mouth again.
"Raon. Confirming the location of the White Blood Religion Headquarters is important, but always think of yourself first."
He advised Raon to retreat without looking back if he found himself in a dangerous situation.
"I'll keep that in mind."
Raon said he would remember those words and left the audience chamber.
"Roenn."
Glenn turned his gaze to Roenn and nodded.
"I'm counting on you. You may use 'that' if necessary."
"Don't worry."
Roenn nodded with a hearty laugh. Unlike his usual relaxed demeanor, his laughter now carried a deep solemnity.
"I will serve the Young Master with my life."
***
"Ah..."
Martha frowned as she looked at her hand, still warm from Runaan's touch.
'Why is her hand so warm when she uses Cold Energy!'
How embarrassing to be comforted by that brat! Runaan, whom she always found annoying, had approached carefully today, comforting her with words and body heat. It felt awkward yet pleasant that the one she considered a rival had become a friend to share her feelings with.
'And...'
She bit her lip, recalling Raon's sturdy back as he prepared to leave for a life-threatening mission without rest.
'Raon too.'
This mission made her realize it clearly. Raon remembered his promise to fight alongside her against the Leader of the White Blood Religion and was striving to keep it.
'No, it's more than that.'
It was clear that Raon intended not just to stop the Leader of the White Blood Religion, but to directly drive out that demon's soul and reclaim her mother's body. She felt his resolute will in the Soul Sword he used at the end.
'What a fool.'
Thinking of Raon, who would press forward without looking back if it was the path he had chosen, even in life-threatening situations, made her face heat up and her fingertips tremble.
'I can't help that fool right now.'
All she can do is train. As Raon said, she shouldn't intervene clumsily but should save even eating and sleeping time to become stronger. Only by approaching the Leader of the White Blood Religion and awakening her mother's soul would their chances of victory increase, even slightly.
"I'm back."
Martha entered the Wise Martial Palace, determined to train with all her might.
"Martha?"
Denier, standing in front of the garden, widened his eyes as he saw her.
"Have you just returned?"
"Yes! I just finished reporting to the Head of House."
Martha nodded, saying she had just come back.
"You must have had a hard time."
Denier narrowed his eyes, looking at Martha's tanned face with concern.
"Others had it much harder than me."
Martha sighed briefly, scratching her head.
"Those fools were so considerate of me..."
She smiled faintly, remembering the swordsmen who had comforted and cared for her just because she had encountered the White Blood Religion.
"Well, I'm curious about what happened. Can you tell me?"
Denier licked his lips, seemingly eager to hear the story.
"Since you'll find out anyway, I'll tell you..."
She explained everything: that the White Blood Religion had attacked the port, that they had fought and defeated the Ninth Apostles, and that they had purified the Sea Spirit the enemies had controlled.
"To think you defeated the Ninth Apostles, what a great achievement! No wonder your Sword Aura feels different from before!"
Denier patted Martha's shoulder, praising her as if she had done really well.
"Are you injured anywhere?"
"I suffered some internal injuries, but they'll heal with rest."
Martha shook her head, saying there was no need to worry.
"And..."
She was about to speak of what happened afterward but remembered Raon's stern gaze and closed her mouth.
'He said not to tell even family.'
Raon had said not to tell anyone about the search for the White Blood Religion, so she kept her mouth shut.
"Martha?"
Denier tightened his grip on her shoulder, as if asking what was wrong.
"Ah, it's nothing. I'm just tired and need some rest."
Martha laughed awkwardly, saying she should go in first.
"I see. You've done well. Get some good rest."
Denier stepped back, as if suggesting they could talk later.
"Yes. Then..."
Martha bowed to Denier before entering the mansion.
"..."
While Denier's mouth was smiling proudly at his daughter's achievements, his eyes flickered with an icy light devoid of any emotion.
***
Raon returned not to the annex building but to the dormitory of the fifth training ground to prepare for another sea journey.
-Why did you come here!
Wrath furrowed his brow, as if he didn't understand.
-We have to live at sea again, so I wanted to eat some home-cooked meals!
He pounded Raon's shoulder with his round fist, as if angry at missing out on the meal he had been looking forward to. Of course, it was more like a massage.
'It can't be helped. If I say I'm leaving right after returning from the mission, they'll worry.'
It was better to leave immediately as if he hadn't returned from the mission yet, because if he explained in detail to Sylvia or Edgar, they would both worry.
'Sis will be angry too.'
Even though Sia's mental age had increased, she still thought of him as a younger brother who needed protection. It wasn't the time to meet her now, as she would surely get angry if he said he was leaving right away.
-Grr...
Wrath let out a low groan, as if he wanted to argue but knew Raon wasn't wrong.
-Then for dinner, eat outside instead of the training ground food! Especially for dessert, it must be bead ice cream!
He bared his teeth and snorted, as if he couldn't compromise any further.
'Alright, alright.'
Raon shook his head, letting out a short sigh.
'I'll buy you whatever food you want after we finish preparing.'
He pushed Wrath away, saying he would buy him the food he wanted after completing the mission preparations.
"First, tools for disguise, food supplies, and..."
Just as Raon was about to open his Subspace Pouch, licking his lips, the door to the dormitory burst open with a loud bang, and Evelyn, wearing a purple robe, entered.
"E-Evelyn?"
Raon exhaled sharply, seeing Evelyn confidently enter as if it were her own home and sit on the bed.
-Th-The madwoman! How did she get here!
Wrath, too, opened his mouth wide in surprise, apparently not having sensed her presence.
"If it's a search mission, I should go too."
Evelyn smiled brightly, saying it was her area of expertise.
"Especially if it's underwater, you'll need my help even more, right?"
She nodded with a relaxed demeanor, insisting that she would definitely come along.
"Hmm..."
Raon lowered his eyebrows as he looked into Evelyn's calm purple eyes.
'She's not wrong.'
Evelyn can borrow animal bodies and is skilled in magic that conceals presence. With her there, it would be easier to search while avoiding the White Blood Religion's gaze.
"If you're helping, that's welcome, but..."
Raon furrowed his brow as he looked at Evelyn.
"How did you know I was going on a mission to search for the White Blood Religion?"
He didn't understand how Evelyn knew and came here, since he had told Yua and Julius to say he hadn't returned yet.
"Don't tell me..."
Raon took out the squirrel figurine he had received from Evelyn before.
"Did you install an eavesdropping spell on this wooden figurine?"
No matter how crazy Evelyn was, she wouldn't have installed magic in the audience chamber, so she must have done something to this figurine.
"No."
Evelyn shook her head firmly.
"N-No? Then how..."
"It's not just an eavesdropping spell on that figurine."
She smiled seductively yet coldly, as if the magic installed on the figurine was far more than just eavesdropping.
"Uh..."
Raon felt goosebumps rising all over his body and held his breath.
-Th-The madwoman...
Wrath screamed, clutching his head as if the inevitable had happened.
-The madwoman has returned!