Chapitre 237: Chapter 396
[Support me here:- https://bmc.link/punisher87 ]
October 25, 1799.
The influential families and clans of Huphester, Vermont, and the Lutero Magic Federation were gathering at Hairan's main residence.
The banquet at the Sword Emperor Castle had begun.
Their procession was truly grand. The various colors of each clan's banners around the imposing Sword Emperor Castle resembled a colorful flower garden from a distance.
The individuals gathered under those banners were the core figures and pillars of each clan.
Compared to the rare banquets of Runcandel that happened once every ten years, Hairan was a clan known for frequently hosting banquets.
However, it wasn't common for the key figures of each clan to attend every time. It depended on who the "host" is. Depending on the host, individuals worthy of that status attend the banquet.
In that sense, this Sword Emperor Castle banquet is worthy of being compared to the Runcandel banquet held when Jin was fifteen years old.
The fact that Ron himself is the host made all the difference.
Ron had personally hosted a banquet for the first time in a staggering 22 years. The last time was when he had gathered people for the sake of his newly born grandson. Regardless, his grandson had grown into a stubborn fool.
"Wow, lord! This is my first time at such an event. Everyone, look over there. That's the esteemed Sir Jonsina of Dragon King Knights! And right next to him is the Commander of the Imperial Magic Division Lady Serri, and that person is..."
"Hehe. Ms. Enya, why are you so amazed? They're not that impressive compared to our lord these days."
"Well, I do think so too. However, since so many famous individuals have gathered, it seems appropriate to react a bit more energetically."
"That's an amusing thought, hehe."
Enya and Jet still got along well. Veris and Kuzan nodded at their interaction (Yulian didn't attend, as he was taking care of Caltor), Gill let out a small laugh, and Murakan clicked his tongue.
Alisa and Kashmir, on the other hand, had somewhat stern expressions.
"Kashmir, Alisa. Are you worried about running into the Emperor?" Cuicantelle asked. She was still unofficially wanted by Vermont, along with Enya, but now she didn't need to hide.
Jin had become a flagbearer, and his faction was growing into a force that could no longer be ignored.
"It's not necessarily that, but I feel strange," Alisa shrugged her shoulders.
"While we might not encounter the Emperor himself, but I am sure we will meet a few members of the imperial family. Anyway, if we intend to elevate the status of Tikan to a country, we can't keep avoiding them forever."
The group had all used Golden Snow Tribe's products to disguise themselves, much like they did during the Compass Theft Operation.
However, even with their extravagant disguises, people didn't pay them much attention. With so many prominent figures around, Jin and his group were only perceived as fashionable nobles easily spotted anywhere.
"It's almost our turn."
The group had been waiting in line for five hours since dawn.
"Show your invitations."
The eyebrows of the gatekeepers twitched as they examined Jin's invitation.
"Paul Gray Mick? That's a name I've never seen before. Furthermore, the patriarch has left a note telling you not to come if possible, yet you have brought companions?"
"If it's absolutely necessary for you to enter, your companions can step aside."
"Well, you allowed the companions of nobles in front to enter as well."
When Enya asked, the gatekeepers exchanged awkward glances.
"That's customary... Anyway, it's not allowed. Since the patriarch doesn't seem to welcome your presence, there's nothing we can do. It's better if only you enter."
"Wait a moment."
Whisper, whisper.
Jin whispered something in his ear, and the gatekeepers' eyes widened.
"... Are you truly Jin Runcandel?"
"Sir Ron sent the invitation in my alias, so I came using that name. Please lower your voice a bit, as a courtesy."
"If you are the 12th flagbearer of Runcandel, show me the proof!"
When the gatekeeper suddenly shouted, the eyes of the other nobles in the next row widened.
"Are you really Jin Runcandel!?"
"What did you say? Jin Runcandel is here? Where? That person?"
Suddenly, all eyes turned to Jin and his group. Some nobles even shouted that they had seen the "that gorgeous blonde" even in the feudal state of the Empire, Bellado, confirming that he was indeed Jin Runcandel.
After the recent Garden of Swords incident, which is commonly referred to as the "Youngest Declaration", Jin's whereabouts had become the top concern of the public. It was only natural for the gossip-prone nobles to make a fuss about it.
And as soon as the commotion started, someone took the opportunity to interject.
"Oh! Welcome, Jin!"
It was Dante Hairan, standing on the castle wall, looking down at the guests. Next to him, Ron Hairan stood with an uncomfortable expression.
And another person.
The moment they heard the name Jin Runcandel, a figure in the VIP entrance area turned to look.
"Jin? Jin is here? Where, where!"
This good-natured idiot, white-haired young man was none other than the next patriarch of the Zipfel, Veradin Zipfel. As he craned his neck to see Jin, his attendants touched their foreheads, trying to restrain him.
"Young Master, please maintain your composure."
"He is the enemy's flagbearer. If you act as if you are pleased to see him..."
Despite the attendants' objections, Veradin continued to search for Jin, drawing the attention of everyone nearby.
"Veradin is here too!"
Dante waved towards Veradin.
At that moment, Veradin met Jin's gaze and shook his hand. Jin, in turn, naturally avoided his gaze and continued walking into the Sword Emperor Castle.
It was because he worried that Veradin might be in trouble.
As a result, those who came to the banquet responded to Dante's gestures, thinking that they were being welcomed, and shook hands in return. The nobles near Veradin also extended their hands to him.
Some things remained the same, Jin couldn't help but think. Similar situations had occurred in the past during the Cosmos Arena.
'I didn't expect that he would attend. Is he in his right mind today?'
On the other hand, there was a bitter taste in his mouth.
The last time they had met, Jin and Veradin had fought each other. At that time, Veradin had not only failed to greet Jin as he did now but had acted like someone determined to kill him.
He couldn't jump to conclusions yet. Not until he had a conversation with him.
'No, even if we talk in person... Can I be sure that his mind hasn't been manipulated?'
It would probably be difficult. There was no clear information on the level of Zipfel's mental manipulation.
Still, it wasn't so bad to see his friend looking healthy after a long time.
As they entered the castle, the reception area was already crowded with people.
If Jin's identity as Runcandel hadn't been revealed, they would have had to wait quietly in the reception area until evening. The entrance of regular guests would only begin after all the VIPs had taken their seats.
Thanks to the commotion, Jin and his group could immediately enter the banquet hall.
"I went to all the trouble of disguising myself, but it seems pointless now. I wanted to see Sir Ron's smug expression when he realized I wasn't coming."
The real fans in the banquet hall had already heard the news. They were openly scrutinizing Jin and his group with curiosity.
Even the guests in the banquet hall were already aware of Jin's presence. They were overtly examining the group, and their curiosity was evident.
Jin's arrival at the banquet hall was a surprise to everyone, but except for a few individuals, the people Jin had brought with him were unfamiliar to them.
Officially, Hairan had not sent an invitation to Runcandel. Ron made that decision based on the consideration for Rosa as she was still recovering. Ron also had his own reasons for not being particularly enthusiastic about Runcandel.
As they were guided to their table, one person with an interesting gait approached them.
"Nice to meet you, Sir Jin Runcandel."
She was a woman with an unbelievably white skin, an almost unearthly beauty, and had a slender figure. It was the first time Jin and his group saw her, and she carried an incongruously large weapon, the "axe-sword," on her back.
'Axe-sword...? Has there been someone else besides elder sister Luna who used such a sword as their weapon?'
Although part of it was concealed, it was clear that it was an axe-sword.
"Who are you?"
As Jin inspected the axe-sword, Murakan asked with a somewhat mocking tone.
"Oh, I'm Zephyrin of the Black King mercenaries. I've always admired Sir Jin for a long time, so I came to greet you."
"Admire who? Him? Why on earth? Are you in the same league as this girl?"
When Murakan pointed at Enya, someone urgently called Zephyrin's name.
"Hey, Zephyrin!"
Someone with an anxious voice called out to Zephyrin. A man rushed towards her from behind, and he was someone whom Jin knew.
"Oh, Captain!"
Thud!
Before Zephyrin could respond, Murka, the captain of the Black King mercenaries 3rd division, slapped her on the back of her head, causing her to bow her head slightly. He had a natural look, as if dealing with a troublesome student. It seemed like a common occurrence.
"Are you just shamelessly tagging along? Hm, hm! I'm sorry, Sir Jin Runcandel. I failed to supervise my subordinates properly. She is a newcomer who recently joined, and she's quite the troublemaker. If the newbie came here thanks to the leader, they should just behave quietly...!"
"No need to worry, Sir Murka. It's been a while."
Murka had been in charge of Jin's escort when he left Storm Castle. The nickname "Young Emperor" given by the Black King mercenaries, who protected him, had gained renewed attention recently due to the recent events.
"It seems you've been promoted to Captain."
"It happened not long after escorting you, Sir."
"Although it's quite belated, I should congratulate you."
While Jin was chatting with Murka, he couldn't help but be subtly bothered by Zephyrin.
'Is it because of the axe-sword? I have a strange feeling for some reason…'
Murka, seemingly aware of this fact, pointed at Zephyrin.
"Her real weapon is just a regular long sword. She carries this axe-sword around her back and claims to admire Lady Luna, always saying she does it out of respect. Please don't think too badly of her."
While talking with Jin, Murka occasionally scolded Zephyrin, but he showed affection for his subordinate.
"Of course."
"I'm grateful that you understand. Hey, hey! Why don't you say thank you right away?"
"Thank you!"
Once again, when Zephyrin quickly bowed her head (she bowed so energetically that the axe-sword hilt smacked in the back of her head), Murakan shook his head as if he was not surprised.
"Ah, I'm tired. One fan is more than enough. Go away quickly."
"Yes, see you again next time. Enjoy the banquet."
After Murka and Zephyrin left, the group exchanged glances.
"Our Lord doesn't need to do anything; beautiful women like her come to him on their own. As expected!"
"That Zephyrin woman seems a bit suspicious, doesn't she?"
"You probably feel that way because she is going to be your competitor. What's so suspicious about her? She just seems a bit inexperienced."
While Jet, Enya and Murakan made their comments, Jin and Cuicantelle continued to look at Zephyrin's back with their eyebrows narrowed.
"Jin."
"Yes, Ms. Cuicantelle."
"That Zephyrin, she doesn't seem like a human."
État de l’alimentation hebdomadaire
-- Classement
Power Stone 
-- Power
stone