Raon gently tapped Wrath's drooping head and laughed.
"This is my pet spirit."
"P-pet spirit?"
Burren widened his eyes at Wrath.
"I met him while catching a dragon this time. As you can see from his blue color, he's a sea spirit."
A spirit? A pet? You crazy lunatic! How dare you call the Monarch of Wrath, the king of Devildom, a smelly spirit! Do you want to die...
Wrath's face turned bright red as he screamed.
"Oh? He's dancing."
Open your eyes! Look carefully! This is not a dance, it is a cry of fury!
"But he's turning a little red."
"He must be excited to meet you."
Raon smiled and said Wrath was happy, contrary to his reaction.
"He's cute when you look at him like this. Definitely a spirit."
Burren tried to pet the rampaging Wrath, but his hand only brushed through the air.
Aaargh!
Wrath beat his chest like a drum. He seemed so frustrated he was ready to stop breathing on his own.
"Why can only I see this spirit and not anyone else?"
"Well? Maybe only good people can see it? Or maybe it's because of your new eyes."
Raon smiled and deflected Burren's question.
"Eyes! Ah, that could be it. The head of house also said these eyes were unique."
Burren nodded, touching his blue eyes.
That's right! Eyes! Please think! I am the one who gave you those eyes! Ignore this evil spirit and follow me!
Wrath ran to Burren and shouted for him to come to his senses.
"What is this spirit saying now?"
"It's saying it wants to get along with you."
Raon smiled, encouraging Burren to think of Wrath as just a spirit.
"Alright. I'll get along with it too!"
Burren smiled, patting Wrath's round hand.
I'm so frustrated I could die! I can't breathe...
Wrath began to sink, blue foam spewing from his mouth.
"Is he alright? He's foaming at the mouth."
Burren trembled, worried about Wrath's condition.
"He's a sea spirit. He's just greeting you with bubbles because he's happy."
Raon burst Wrath's bubbles with his finger and smiled.
"Ah!"
Burren accepted it as the truth.
Hey! Eyes! If you have eyes, look! How can you take this as a greeting!
Wrath momentarily stopped fainting and sprang up, waving his arms desperately.
"This guy really dances well. He's full of emotions!"
Burren applauded Wrath's movements, seeing them as a dance.
"The spirit seems happy."
Raon petted Wrath's head and smiled warmly.
"He made a new friend."
Grrrr, you'll definitely be punished...
Wrath, his rage reaching the top of his head, rolled his eyes back and collapsed.
"What's he doing now?"
"Playing dead. He's still young."
"He's cute."
Burren smiled at the convulsing Wrath.
"Right."
Raon nodded, looking at Wrath.
'Thanks to his cuteness, no one would think he's the demon king.'
Wrath, in the form of a cotton candy, was objectively and subjectively cute.
With a chubby body and round eyes, Burren truly believed Wrath was a sea spirit.
"Keep it a secret that you can see this guy."
"Why?"
"Right now, only you and I can see him. If you tell others, they'll just think you're crazy."
"Hmm, alright."
Burren nodded, thinking it was a reasonable explanation. Walking and chatting with him, they soon found themselves outside the Lord's Manor.
"What were you two whispering about alone?"
Martha frowned, crossing her arms in displeasure.
"Hurry up."
Runaan waved her hand, urging them to come out.
Raon smiled faintly and walked towards the two.
"Are you okay?"
"Are you hurt?"
Despite their earlier complaints, they checked Raon's body for injuries.
"Vice Division Leader!"
"Did you get hurt fighting Orgoth?"
"How did you catch the dragon?"
Even the Light Wind swordsmen swarmed him, leaving no room to move.
"I'm fine. I was more worried about you guys."
Raon smiled, meeting the eyes of the worried Light Wind swordsmen.
"I'm glad you're all safe."
Although Wrath had healed them, he hadn't seen them awake, so he was worried. But they all seemed healthy without any aftereffects.
"That's all good, but contact us next time!"
Martha punched him in the stomach, twisting her lips.
"You actually hit me..."
Raon clutched his stomach, laughing helplessly.
"Be grateful I didn't use Aura."
Martha glared, saying she held back.
"Ice cream."
Runaan grabbed his sleeve and shook it.
"Hmm?"
"Buy ice cream."
She gestured, saying he should buy everyone ice cream for worrying them.
"That's not difficult."
Raon nodded at Runaan's blank eyes.
As expected of the ice cream girl!
Wrath, who had regained his senses, praised and petted Runaan's head.
You're the only one who understands me!
"Oh, dancing again..."
Burren exclaimed at Wrath's cute movements.
"Dorian."
Leaving Wrath and Burren, Raon approached Dorian and checked his arms and legs.
"Are your limbs okay? Any pain?"
"I wanted to die back then, but I'm fine now."
Dorian laughed, raising his arms.
"Don't do unnecessary things from now on."
"I won't. It doesn't suit me."
He nodded, saying he wouldn't do it again.
"Really?"
"Of course! It was painful, but really scary too!"
Although he sounded scared, his eyes gleamed brightly, contradicting his words.
"Young Master Raon!"
"V-Vice Division Leader!"
Yua ran up and hugged him tightly, and Julius, holding back tears, formed round wrinkles on his chin.
"You've worked hard."
He bowed and patted the two children's heads.
"Everyone, line up."
After greeting all the Light Wind swordsmen, Raon, as the Vice Division Leader, stood before them for the first time in a long while.
"As the head of house said, you've all worked hard. Rest well until the day after tomorrow, and we'll meet again in three days."
The announcement of a meeting in three days made the Light Wind swordsmen sweat.
"Ugh..."
"Only two days off and then training?"
"So harsh."
"That's Raon Zieghart for you..."
They shook their heads, seeing Raon's firm expression.
"Training is necessary, but I owe you for making you wait without any news. Let's have a feast instead."
Raon raised his hand, suggesting a feast instead of training.
"Whoa!"
"What's gotten into him?"
"Did he change after nearly dying?"
The Light Wind swordsmen cheered, shouting they would definitely join.
"Then the time is..."
"Six o'clock."
Runaan raised her hand.
"Okay. At six in the evening."
"No, at six in the morning. In front of the bead ice cream shop."
"Uh...?"
Everyone, including Raon, widened their eyes.
"Hey, you sleephead. You can't even wake up at that time."
"I can keep my promise for ice cream."
Runaan shook her head, saying she wouldn't forget.
"The shop doesn't open at six. Let's make it ten."
"How do you know that?"
Martha narrowed her eyes curiously.
"Just happened to know..."
It was all because of Wrath. He had often yelled for ice cream early in the morning, so Raon memorized the shop's opening hours.
"Okay."
Runaan agreed, nodding blankly.
"Then see you at ten."
Raon smiled faintly and waved his hand. As he headed to the annex with Yua and Julius, Burren approached.
"By the way, what does the spirit eat?"
Burren asked, looking at Wrath, who had started dancing again because of Runaan.
Oh!
Wrath stopped dancing and ran to Burren.
Tell him I like mint chocolate ice cream and pineapple pizza! Offer them now, and I'll forgive him...
"Ah, spirits eat Mana, right?"
Burren scratched the back of his head, realizing he had forgotten.
"I wanted to give something, but it's a pity. See you next time, spirit."
He waved his hand regretfully and walked away.
Hey. Hey! Heeeey!
Wrath shouted, but Burren didn't look back.
Damn it! I shouldn't have fixed his eyes!
Raon scratched his chin, looking at Wrath and Burren's retreating figures.
'This is more fun than I thought?'
"We kept training!"
Yua shook her clenched fist, saying the entire Light Wind division had been training all day since her injury healed.
"That's not something to boast about. It's natural."
Julius waved his hand, saying it wasn't something to brag about.
"Good job."
Raon patted Yua and Julius' heads and walked to the annex.
Ugh...
Wrath was still in shock, hanging limply on his shoulder.
Thud!
As they headed home with lighter steps, they saw people running towards them, raising dust clouds from the annex.
"Kids!"
"Young Master!"
Sylvia, Helen, and the maids ran towards Raon, Yua, and Julius, embracing them all at once.
"Are you hurt? Why are you so late?"
As always, Sylvia checked Raon, Yua, and Julius for injuries.
"Young Master, please tell us where you're going. I almost died from tension."
"I got a stomach ulcer!"
"Still, it's a relief you're safe."
Helen and the maids tightened their grips, holding them. Raon felt their trembling through their tight embrace.
"..."
Even Judiel, who usually showed no emotion, furrowed her brow in anger.
"Haa..."
Raon sighed, seeing the trembling shoulders of Sylvia and the maids.
'The head of house didn't tell them.'
It seemed Glenn didn't tell them about going to catch a dragon, thinking it would only make them worry more.
"Sorry. I was in a hurry."
Raon gently patted Sylvia and the maids' backs and bowed his head.
"I'll contact you properly next time."
"You always say that, Young Master!"
Helen scrunched her nose, sniffing.
"I've heard of sons not listening, but you're the worst!"
Sylvia shook her head, her eyes moist.
"Really, I'm sorry. But I'm back safely..."
"Young Master Raon!"
As he wiped Sylvia and the maids' tears and smiled, Ensia flew in like a comet from the back.
Thud!
If he dodged, she would have skidded across the ground, so he had no choice but to catch her. The impact was like a tiger pouncing, making his legs tremble slightly.
"E-Ensia..."
"Young Master Raon! I missed you!"
Ensia hugged his neck tightly, showing her emotions directly.
"Thank you so much. And I'm sorry."
She apologized for leaving him in front of Orgoth and shook her head.
"There's no need to apologize for that."
Raon shook his head at Ensia, who seemed to be holding back tears.
"If anything, I'm sorry for arriving late."
"No. After that day, I was so worried... Huh? Did you go to the seaside, Young Master Raon?"
Ensia suddenly changed the subject while apologizing.
"How did you know..."
"Your skin is slightly tanned. How can you get even more handsome? Is this possible?"
Her reason seemed to fade, and her instinct came out, starting to praise his looks again.
"Even after a long time, you're still so handsome."
Ensia's eyes grew hazy and unfocused.
Mom!
Wrath clung to Sylvia's head, sobbing.
So many things happened. It was so hard! Please give me some delicious food!
He mumbled, saying his mouth still tasted like rubber, clutching Sylvia's hair ornament.
"You get more handsome with time. How can this be?"
Ensia's jaw dropped, looking incredulous. It seemed her jaw would soon touch the ground.
"I'm glad you're here, Ensia."
Ignoring her compliments, Raon smiled at Ensia.
"Huh? Huh?"
Ensia covered her mouth and nose with both hands, her eyelashes trembling.
"Is this a confession? I'm ready to accept it anytime! No, wait! I can't monopolize such an artwork! Aaargh! What should I do?"
"Huh?"
Raon blinked blankly.
'What is she talking about...'
He meant he was glad she was there for Sylvia and to help with the artificial energy center from the dragon heart, but she misunderstood greatly.
"Ensia is fine, but it's a bit early, so I'm against it for now..."
Sylvia stroked her chin and shook her head.
"My lady. Young people these days move fast."
Helen tugged at Sylvia's sleeve, telling her not to object.
"Haa..."
Raon sighed, looking at the people around him.
'It's chaotic.'
Everyone kept talking without a break, making it hard to follow the conversation.
But the hustle and bustle weren't unpleasant.
Food! Food! Fooooood!
Raon smiled at Wrath, who was clamoring for food.
"Let's eat first."
A table big enough for two grown men to lie on was laden with steaming food.
Pork barbecue with a smoky aroma, savory beef ribs seasoned with salt and pepper, fresh raw salmon, crispy chicken and cutlets, and Wrath's favorite, pineapple pizza.
So many dishes were placed on the table that it seemed it might collapse under the weight.
Clap!
Finally, Sylvia placed Raon's favorite beef stew in the center of the table with a loud clap.
"It's been a while since we all ate together. There's still plenty of food left, so eat slowly."
Sylvia smiled at Raon, Yua, and Julius, sitting right next to her.
"Yes!"
"Thank you."
Yua raised her hand cheerfully, and Julius bowed his head quietly.
Huff...
Wrath drooled at the various dishes, emitting different aromas.
What should I eat first? It's been so long since I had anything other than Nadine bread and beef jerky that I don't remember the taste!
He grabbed his head, trembling with anticipation.
'Take your time to choose.'
Take my time, my foot! The food will get cold! Actually, there's no need to choose!
Wrath pointed his round hand at the pineapple pizza on the left.
Let's start with the pineapple pizza!
'Got it. Got it.'
Raon nodded and placed a slice of pizza on his plate, putting it in his mouth.
The savory, warm cheese and chewy dough filled his mouth, the sweetness of the well-roasted pineapple and the saltiness of the pork harmonizing on his tongue.
The pizza tasted better than any food since it had been a long time since he ate at home.
Sigh...
Wrath nodded vigorously, tears welling up in his eyes.
This is food. I missed this so much!
Ignoring his flowing tears, he pointed to the pork barbecue.
Raon chuckled and ate the food Wrath pointed out one by one.
"Wow, even the way you eat is handsome..."
Ensia didn't miss a moment, taking numerous pictures of Raon.
"Young Master, what happened this time?"
Helen asked, wiping the sauce from Yua's mouth.
"You know what happened in Barene, right?"
"No."
"We don't."
"Tell us from the beginning."
Sylvia put down her fork, asking him to explain everything.
"Alright."
He had to tell them everything anyway, especially about the dragon heart.
Raon explained everything that had happened and then took out the dragon heart from his spatial pouch.
The dragon heart, wrapped in a brilliant rainbow-colored Mana, made the dining room lights seem to dim.
"You caught a dragon?"
"This is a dragon heart..."
"And it's from the blue dragon Kaivar..."
Sylvia and the maids couldn't close their mouths, stunned by the news that he had caught the blue dragon Kaivar.
"Whoa..."
For the first time that day, Ensia's gaze shifted from Raon to something else.
"It's real. The natural Mana is endlessly concentrated."
Even the genius of House Yonaan trembled, seeing a dragon heart for the first time.
"Can you use this to make an artificial energy center for my mother?"
"Of course! Please leave it to me!"
Ensia clung to him, asking him to trust her.
"I've come up with an even better idea! I can create something far superior to what went into Rimmer!"
She said she would make the best product, her gestures confident. She was indeed a master.
"Then please..."
"Wait!"
Sylvia raised her hand.
"I can't accept it."
"What?"
"How can I take something you worked so hard to get!"
She shook her head, saying it didn't make sense for her to take it when she did nothing.
"I knew you would say that."
Raon smiled. He had expected Sylvia to refuse.
"But this dragon heart isn't just from me."
"Huh?"
"Alice, no, Aunt gave it to me, saying, 'Fix my sister's energy center with this. My niece deserves the best.' If you don't accept it, Aunt will be disappointed."
Raon called Alice his aunt in Glenn's absence, trying to persuade Sylvia. Since it was true and because he called her aunt, Sylvia's eyes widened.
"Your sister..."
"Yes. Aunt said she would check, so you have to accept it. If you feel you did nothing, do something from now on."
Raon held Sylvia's trembling hand and continued.
"Family doesn't think about giving and receiving. I've received much more from you, Mother. Please accept it without any burden."
"Uh..."
Sylvia couldn't respond, lowering her head. Her shoulders and arms shook roughly.
"My lady can't win against the Young Master."
"He's always been like this."
"Just accept it."
Helen and the maids smiled, teasing Sylvia, who was holding back tears.
"It's decided then!"
Ensia stood up.
"I'll start working on it right away!"
She took the dragon heart and headed to her room, not knowing how long it would take.
"Thank you."
Hey!
As Raon thanked Ensia, Wrath jumped like a rabbit.
Stop talking and eat! The food is getting cold!
Raon stayed in the dining room until Wrath had finished all the food he wanted to eat before heading to his room.
"Ugh..."
I feel like my stomach is going to burst.
He had overindulged to appease the cotton candy creature, leading to an unusual case of overeating.
Ah...
Wrath lay on the bed, laughing in satisfaction.
I finally feel better. It was a satisfying meal.
'Ugh, I ate too much.'
Feeling he might get indigestion, Raon grabbed Heavenly Drive and left his room.
Where are you going at this hour?
'I need to digest.'
Why the sword?
'I'm going to train to digest.'
You're truly insane...
Wrath grumbled about being bored and hid in his bracelet.
Raon chuckled and headed to the clearing behind the annex.
'I feel at ease here.'
Having trained there since childhood, he felt more comfortable than in the great training ground.
Looking at the lake under the moonlight, Raon drew Heavenly Drive. He was about to start his basic swordsmanship when a gentle breeze blew.
"Hmm?"
Feeling a heavy presence behind him, he turned around.
Glenn, who seemed to have been there all along, raised his dry eyes.
"Let's continue our conversation from this afternoon."