Chapter 537

Raon smiled while tapping on Wrath's head as he went limp.

"He is my pet spirit."

"A-a pet spirit?"

Burren widened his eyes while looking at Wrath.

"I happened to meet him during the dragon hunt. He is the ocean spirit, as you can see from his blue color."

A-a spirit? And a pet on top of that? You crazy nutcase! How dare you refer to the king of Devildom, the monarch of Wrath as a stinky spirit? Do you have a death wish—

Wrath shouted with his face turned red.

"Huh? He's dancing."

Shitty Eyes! Open your shitty eyes! This isn't a dance, it's a shout of wrath!

"But he's reddening a bit."

"He must be excited because he is happy to meet you."

Raon told him that Wrath was being happy, which was the opposite of his reaction.

"He is pretty cute now that I look at him. He's a spirit indeed."

Burren tried to pet Wrath as he rampaged, but his hand only stroked the thin air.

Uaaaah!

Wrath slammed on his chest like a drum. He'd said he was dying from frustration, and he seemed to be trying to end himself.

"Why am I the only one who can see this spirit while the others didn't even notice?"

"I wonder. Maybe only the kindhearted ones can see it. Or it might be because of your new eye."

Raon smiled and glossed over his question.

"My eye! Yes, that might be the case. The head of house also said that this eye is special."

Burren nodded while touching his blue eye.

That's right! Shitty Eyes! Please think with your brain. The King of Essence is the one who implanted that eye in you! Ignore this fiend and become the King of Essence's follower!

Wrath ran up to Burren and shouted at him to come back to his senses.

"What is this spirit saying right now?"

"He says that he wants to get along with you."

Raon smiled while leading Burren to believe that Wrath was a simple spirit.

"I see, let's get along in the future!"

Burren smiled while tapping on Wrath's round hand.

H-he is seriously dying from the frustration! H-he can't even breathe…

On the other hand, Wrath started to foam from his mouth and subsided.

"Is he okay? He is foaming."

Burren's hand trembled, worried about Wrath.

"He is an ocean spirit. He is greeting you with bubbles because he is glad to meet you."

Raon smiled while popping the bubbles coming from Wrath's mouth with his finger.

"Ah!"

Burren accepted that as a fact while saying, "I see!"

Hey! Shitty Eyes! Look with those shitty eyes of yours! How does this even look like a greeting to you?!

Wrath suddenly stood up even though he was fainting. He frantically shook his arms, pleading for him to understand him.

"He is really good at dancing. I can feel his emotions!"

Burren applauded while believing that Wrath's gesture was a dance.

"Isn't it great? Little spirit."

Raon petted Wrath's head and smiled gently at him.

"You've got a new friend."

Arrrgh, you are definitely going to get a divine punishment…

Wrath got so angry that he collapsed on his back with his eyes rolled backward.

"What is he doing this time?"

"It's a diving game. He is still young, you see."

"So cute."

Burren smiled while watching Wrath's unconscious, spasming body.

'No one will think that he is a demon king because of his cuteness.'

Wrath in his cotton candy form was pretty cute, objectively and subjectively.

His cute appearance, with his googly eyes attached to his plump body, made Burren believe that he really was an ocean spirit.

"Please keep it a secret that you can see him."

"Why?"

"Because we are the only ones who can see him right now. Other people would call us crazy if we told them about it."

"Hmm, okay."

Burren nodded, thinking that it was an appropriate reason. Raon kept walking while talking with him, and he was outside the lord's manor before he knew it.

"Why do you keep whispering to each other? What are you even talking about?!"

Martha frowned with her arms crossed in displeasure.

"Come out already," Runaan said, waving her hand at them.

Raon smiled faintly and walked up to them.

"Are you okay?"

"Are you injured anywhere?"

Despite complaining to him a moment ago, they checked Raon over to see if he was injured or not.

"Vice division leader!"

"Didn't Orgos hurt you?"

"How did you even slay the dragon?"

Even the Light Wind swordsmen ran up to him, and he didn't even have any space to move.

"I'm fine. I was worried about you instead."

Raon smiled while meeting the Light Wind swordsmen's worried eyes.

"I'm glad everyone is safe."

Even though Wrath had treated them, Raon was still worried because he hadn't watched them wake up. He was glad to see them healthy and not facing any aftereffects.

"That's fine, but you should've sent us a message, at least!"

Martha punched his abdomen and twisted her lips.

"You really hit me…"

Raon laughed bitterly while covering his stomach.

"You should be glad that I didn't use any aura."

Martha glared at him, saying that she was going easy on him.

"Ice cream."

Runaan came next to him, grabbed his sleeve, and shook it.

"Hmm?"

"Buy ice cream."

She gestured with her hand for him to buy ice cream for everyone since he'd made them worry.

"That's not a difficult task."

Raon nodded while looking at Runaan's blank eyes.

Ice Cream Girl, you are great!

Wrath regained consciousness at some point and patted Runaan's head while complimenting her.

You are the only one who understands the King of Essence!

"Oh, he is dancing again…"

Burren exclaimed while watching Wrath's movement. He seemed to be completely fond of his cuteness.

"Dorian."

Raon ignored Wrath and Burren, who were having fun, and went to Dorian to examine his arms and legs.

"How are your limbs? Don't they hurt?"

"It hurt so much that I wanted to die back then, but they are perfectly fine now."

Dorian smiled and raised his arms.

"Don't do anything unnecessary in the future."

"I'm not planning on it. It's not suitable for my personality."

He nodded, saying that he would never do that again.

"Really?"

"Of course! The pain was one thing, but I was so scared!"

Dorian's voice was trembling in fear, but his eyes were sparkling despite his words.

"Young master Raon!"

"V-vice division leader!"

Yua ran up to him energetically and jumped into his arms, and Yulius's chin wrinkled with his effort not to cry.

"You've been through a lot."

He leaned forward and patted their heads.

"Line up, everyone."

Raon greeted everyone in the Light Wind division one after the other before he stood in front of them as their vice division leader. It's been such a long time since the last time he did so.

"You've done well, just like the head of house has told you. Take a good rest for two days, and I will see you again in three days."

The Light Wind swordsmen started to sweat from their foreheads upon hearing that they were meeting up in three days.

"Ugh…"

"Are we going to train right away after two days of rest?"

"H-he is so intense."

"Raon Zieghart. That's definitely him…"

The Light Wind division shook their heads while looking at Raon's unwavering expression.

"Of course we are going to train, but I'm going to repay you for making you wait without any news. We are going to dine together."

Raon raised his hand while telling them that they were going to have a meal rather than training.

"Ooooh!"

"What happened to him?"

"Did his personality change after surviving death?"

The Light Wind division cheered and shouted that they were going to participate no matter what.

"Then the time will be…"

"6 o'clock."

Runaan energetically raised her hand.

"Yes, let's make it six at night."

"No. In the morning, meet up in front of the bead ice cream shop."

"Huh…?"

Raon and everyone in the Light Wind division widened their eyes.

"Hey, sleepyhead. You can't even wake up at that hour."

"I can make it to the appointment for ice cream."

Runaan shook her head, saying that she was definitely going to remember.

"The ice cream shop doesn't open at six. Let's make it ten."

"How do you even know that?"

Martha narrowed her eyes, finding it mysterious that he knew that.

"It was a coincidence…"

Of course, it was because of Wrath. He had shouted from early in the morning so many times that he wanted ice cream, and Raon had memorized when the shop opened as a result.

"Mhm."

Runaan nodded with blank eyes, saying that she was fine with 10 AM.

"See you at that time, then."

Raon smiled faintly and shook his hand. He was about to return to the annex building with Yua and Yulius when Burren came up next to him.

"By the way, what does that spirit eat?"

Burren asked while looking at Wrath, who really started to dance because of Runaan.

Ooh!

Wrath stopped dancing and ran up to Burren.

Tell him right now that the King of Essence likes mint chocolate ice cream and pineapple pizza! Say that he will forgive him if he offers it right now…

"Ah, spirits are supposed to feed on mana, right?"

Burren scratched the back of his head, saying that he had forgotten.

"What a shame, because I wanted to give something to him. Little spirit, see you later."

He waved his hand regretfully and went away.

Hey, hey! Heeey!

Wrath shouted at him, but Burren obviously didn't look back.

Damn it! He shouldn't have his eye!

Raon scratched his chin while watching Wrath and Burren's back.

'This is unexpectedly fun to watch.'

* * *

"We've been training all along!"

Yua shook her clenched fist, telling him that the entire Light Wind division had been doing nothing but training ever since they'd recovered from their injuries.

"That's nothing to brag about. It's only natural."

Yulius shook his hand, telling her that she shouldn't be proud of that.

"Yeah, good job."

Raon patted Yua and Yulius's heads as he walked towards the annex building.

Uhh…

Wrath was still limp on his shoulder, unable to recover from the shock.

Rumble!

His steps were lighter than usual as he headed home, and he could see people running towards him from the annex building, making a cloud of dust in the process.

"Hey, everyone!"

"Young master!"

Sylvia, Helen, and the maids ran towards him rapidly—as if they were using advanced footwork—and hugged Raon, Yua, and Yulius at the same time.

"Are you hurt anywhere? Why are you so late?!"

Sylvia examined Raon, Yua, and Yulius's bodies to check if they were injured, just like always.

"Young master, please send us a message if you are going somewhere. I've been so nervous I thought I was going to die."

"I have a digestive disorder now!"

"Aww, I'm still glad that you're safe."

Helen and the maids clenched their arms to hug him, blaming him for not messaging them. Raon could feel a faint trembling in their hands.

"..."

Even Judiel, who was usually expressionless, seemed to be angry if he judged by her furrowed brow.

"Haa…"

Raon sighed quietly while watching Sylvia and the maids' trembling shoulders.

'The head of house didn't tell them.'

He must've decided not to tell them at all because he figured they would worry about him even more if they learned that he was going to hunt down a dragon.

"I'm sorry, I was too busy."

Raon lowered his head while gently patting the backs of Sylvia and the maids.

"I'll make sure to send a message in the future."

"You always say that, young master!"

Helen frowned, her snot peeking out of her nose.

"I heard sons tend to be disobedient, but he's even worse!"

Sylvia's eyes were also teary as she shook her head.

"I'm really sorry. But I still returned safely, so…"

"Sir Raon!"

He smiled while wiping the tears from Sylvia and the maids, only for Encia to leap at him from behind like a nimble tiger.

Whack!

He had no choice but to catch her because she was about to hit the ground if he dodged her. His legs were shaking slightly because the impact felt like a real tiger was jumping at him.

"L-lady Encia…"

"Sir Raon! I wanted to see you!"

Encia hugged his neck while revealing her emotions without reservation.

"I-I'm really thankful to you. And I'm sorry."

She shook her head, apologizing for leaving him behind with Orgos back then.

"There's no reason for you to apologize about that."

Raon shook his head at Encia, who seemed to be trying to hold back her tears.

"I should be the one to apologize for getting there too late."

"No, I've been so worried ever since that day… Hmm? Sir Raon, have you been to the beach by any chance?"

Encia was apologizing but suddenly changed the subject.

"How did you figure that out…?"

"Your skin is slightly tanned. How come it makes you even more handsome? Is this even possible?"

Her reason must've faded away and her instinct surfaced instead, as she started to talk about how handsome he was once again.

"So amazingly damn handsome even though it's been a while."

Encia's eyes started to lose focus as if she were dreaming.

Mom!

Wrath stuck to Sylvia's head and sniffled.

So many things happened. It was so painful! Please give us delicious food!

He held onto Sylvia's hair ornament while murmuring that he could still taste rubber in his mouth.

"You are getting more and more handsome as time passes. How is this even possible?"

Encia gradually widened her mouth, showing her disbelief at Raon's face. It looked like her jaw was going to reach the ground at the rate she was going.

"I'm glad that Lady Encia is here."

Raon ignored Encia calling him damn handsome and smiled at her instead.

"What? What?"

Encia's eyelashes were shaking as she covered her mouth and nose with her hands.

"I-is this a confession? I'm seriously ready to accept it at any moment! No, that won't do! I can't monopolize a piece of art! Arrrgh! What shall I do?"

"What?" Raon asked, dumbfounded as he blinked in confusion.

'What is she even saying right now…?'

He'd said that because he was thankful for her staying with Sylvia while he was missing, and he needed her to make the artificial energy center with the dragon heart. However, she was coming to a grave misunderstanding.

"Encia is a nice person, but I'm against it for now because it feels a bit too early for that…"

Sylvia shook her head while stroking her chin.

"Madam, young people are quick to start dating nowadays."

Helen grabbed Sylvia's sleeve, trying to stop her.

"Haa…"

Raon sighed while looking at the people surrounding him.

'This is so hectic.'

He couldn't even hold a conversation because everyone was talking nonstop.

However, he didn't exactly dislike the hustle and bustle.

Food! Food! Fooood!

Raon smiled while looking at Wrath, who was shouting for food.

"Let's eat for now."

* * *

Steamy food was being served on a large table, which was big enough for two adult men to lie down on.

Barbecued pork with a smoky flavor, savory beef ribs seasoned with salt and pepper, fresh salmon that seemed to be the embodiment of freshness, chicken and cutlet brimming with crispiness at a glance, and Wrath's favorite food: pineapple pizza.

All kinds of food kept being served endlessly, to the point the large table was about to collapse.

Clap!

Once Raon's favorite beef stew was placed at the center of the table, Sylvia loudly clapped her hands.

"It's been a while since the last time we ate together like this. Take it slow, since we have a lot more food left."

Sylvia smiled while looking at Raon, Yua, and Yulius sitting right next to her.

"Yes!"

"Thank you."

Yua energetically raised her hand, and Yulius calmly lowered his head.

Huaah…

Wrath was drooling from his mouth nonstop as he stared at the vast variety of delicious food.

Which one should be first? He can't even remember how normal food tastes because he's only been eating Nadine bread and beef jerky!

He clutched his head with trembling lips.

'Take your time deciding.'

Taking time won't do! The food is going to go cold! The choice was actually obvious from the beginning!

Wrath pointed at the pineapple pizza on the right side with his round hand.

Pineapple pizza will be the vanguard!

'Alright, alright.'

Raon nodded and took a slice of pizza, placing it on his dish before putting it in his mouth.

The warm and savory cheese and the chewy dough filled his mouth with satisfaction, and the sweet taste of the well-grilled pineapple and the saltiness of the pork engulfed his tongue.

Since it was the homemade pizza that he hadn't had in a while, it was more delicious than anything in the world.

Wow…

Wrath gave a big nod with teary eyes.

This is real food. He's been missing it so much!

He pointed his hand at the pork barbecue without even wiping the tears flowing from his eyes.

Raon chuckled and ate the food Wrath wanted one after the other.

"Wow, even the way he eats is so damn handsome…"

Encia was taking Raon's picture nonstop, determined to never miss a moment.

"Young master, what happened this time?" Helen asked, wiping Yua's sauce-covered mouth.

"You know what happened in Banneret, right?"

"No."

"We don't know about it."

"Tell us from the beginning."

Sylvia put down her fork, asking him to tell them everything that had happened.

"Alright."

It was necessary to tell them anyway because of the dragon heart.

Raon told everyone about what happened before he took the dragon heart from his subspace pocket.

The brilliance of the rainbow mana around the dragon heart made the dining room look dim in comparison.

"D-did you really slay a dragon?"

"This is a dragon heart…"

"And from none other than the mad dragon Kaibar…"

Sylvia and the maids couldn't close their mouths after hearing that he'd slain the mad dragon Kaibar.

"Whoaa…"

Encia's gaze was distracted from Raon for the first time that day.

"I-it's true. There's an endless concentration of mana of nature in that."

The trembling of her fingers implied that it was the first time she'd seen a dragon heart, even for the genius from House Yonaan

"Could you make my mother's artificial energy center with this?"

"Of course! Please leave it to me!" Encia pleaded with him in return.

"I've gotten an even better idea than before! I shall be able to create an even better result than the energy center for Sir Rimmer!"

She gave a big nod, saying that she would try to make the best product. Her perfectionist nature as a crafter was showing for once.

"In that case, I'll leave it to you…"

"Wait!"

Sylvia raised her hand.

"I can't accept it."

"What?"

"It's your reward for your struggle to the death. There's no way I can accept it!"

She shook her head, saying that she couldn't possibly take the dragon heart when she hadn't done anything.

"I knew you would say that."

Raon smiled. He had expected that Sylvia would refuse, knowing what he did about her personality.

"But that dragon heart isn't a gift from just me."

"Hmm?"

"Lady Aries—no, Auntie gave it to me after telling me that she had to give the best items for her younger sister when I mentioned that I wanted to fix your energy center. Auntie will be disappointed if you don't take it."

Since Glenn wasn't around, he called Aries 'auntie' and tried to convince Sylvia. She did actually say that, and Sylvia's eyes widened, probably because he was calling her auntie.

"From my sister…?"

"Yes. Auntie said that she was going to confirm afterward, so you have to take it. If you didn't do anything to get it, then just do something in the future," Raon continued while holding Sylvia's hand. "You told me that family cares for each other without asking for anything in return. I've received so much from you, Mother. Please don't feel pressured and just accept it."

"Uhh…"

Sylvia lowered her head, unable to respond. Her shoulders and arms were trembling violently.

"Madam really can't win against the young master."

"It's always been the case ever since his childhood."

"Just accept it at this point."

Helen and the maids smiled, making fun of Sylvia, who seemed to be trying to hold back her tears.

"It's decided!" Encia briskly stood up and continued, "I'll start working on it today!"

She went into her room with the dragon heart after telling them that she couldn't estimate how long it was going to take.

"Thank you."

Hey!

Raon was thanking Encia when Wrath leaped like a rabbit.

Stop talking and eat! It's getting cold!

* * *

Raon stayed in the dining room until he was the last person left to devour all the food Wrath wanted before he returned to his room.

"Aww…"

'My stomach is about to burst.'

He had no choice but to overeat in order to improve the cotton candy's mood. It'd been a really long time since the last time he felt uncomfortable from eating so much.

Hell yeah…

Wrath lay down on the bed and smiled in satisfaction.

He's finally feeling better. He's satisfied with the meal.

'Ugh, I ate too much.'

He felt like he was going to have digestive issues if he stayed like that. He picked up Heavenly Drive and went outside.

Where are you going at this late hour?

'I'm going to digest the food.'

But why are you taking your sword?

'I'm going to train to help with digestion.'

You are truly insane…

Wrath murmured that he was tired of it at that point and went to hide inside the bracelet.

Raon chuckled and headed to the open area behind the annex building.

'I feel at ease here like always.'

He was even more used to that place than the training ground because he'd been practicing there ever since his childhood.

Raon stared at the moonlight reflected on the lake for a moment before he unsheathed Heavenly Drive. He was about to start with the basic technique like always when a faint wind started to blow.

"Hmm?"

Raon turned around upon feeling a heavy presence behind him.

He didn't even notice when he had arrived. Glenn looked like he'd always been there as he raised his emotionless gaze.

"Let's continue the talk that we couldn't finish in the afternoon."