章節 158: Chapter 317

Arya Aulhart.

Most of the flagbearers exchanged looks of confusion when Valeria's favorite alias came out of Rosa's mouth.

Because they didn't know who it was. The only flagbearers who knew this name were Jin and Joshua.

But no one dared to ask Rosa, 'Mother, who is that?' It was absurd, but asking such a question would only prove one's own incompetence.

On the other hand, the elders who decided to give Joshua a reward were naturally aware of Arya's existence. They slyly emphasized their better knowledge over most flagbearers by making it sound like an obvious matter.

"The acting matriarch and the second flagbearer made a great decision.This is a person who need to be found quickly,even if we have to inform the rest flagbearers in the process."

The elder council president and chief of Black sword association, Jorden Runcandel, said with a smile. Elder council Vice President and chief of guardians of law, Lynn Milcano nodded as if in agreement, and Elder council secretary and chief of guardians of civilians, Tellot Runcandel did not respond otherwise.

Jorden secretly turned his gaze to Joshua.

"The second flagbearer played a big role in this."

"That's right, Elder Council President Jorden. The 2nd flagbearer figured out the name, so we can move ahead of the Zipfel."

"You're right."

The elders who supported Jorden and Joshua chimed in, driving the flagbearers insane.

'Elder brother Joshua didn't tell us anything in particular.'

'Fucking old sacks. What the hell are they talking about? Why can't they explain things before they discuss them?'

Myu and Anne were thinking this.

'Why are the elders making it sound like elder brother Joshua made a great achievement? What could he have achieved this time?'

'Are they finishing up their preparations to turn him into the patriarch?'

Ran and Vigo.

'Oh, let's just be quiet.'

'Still, act as if we are serious.'

Tona brothers.

'Have you heard anything, Orabeoni?'

'No.'

Mary and Diphus.

'It's cumbersome and annoying...'

And finally, Luntia.

While each flagbearer was busy in their own thoughts, Rosa spoke again.

"Most flagbearers don't know what the name Arya Aulhart means. Let me explain. She is the last remaining surviving member of the Hister clan, a clan of mages that once threatened Zipfel…..."

Rosa continued to explain about 'Histers' for a while.

The period when the Histers were active, the reason they were able to threaten Zipfel with magic, and how such a great clan had been erased from history that it is difficult to find even relevant historical records.

'She knows quite a lot of details about it.'

In his past life, Jin was not a flagbearer, so he couldn't participate in these meetings. At that time, Jin knew very little about the Runcandel clan.

Rosa, no. Runcandel was more interested in the Hister clan than Jin expected.

"...So, if we find Arya Aulhart first and get information about the Hister clan's succession temple and record the magic she knew. We will have a key asset to press Zipfel."

It was really surprising that Rosa brought out the words 'record magic' and 'succession temple of the Histers' directly. Jin did not think Rosa would share that much information with anyone other than Joshua.

'Well, there's nothing strange about it. She is telling this only to a few key members of the elder council and the flagbearers.'

The flagbearers' eyes lit up when Rosa finished explaining.They had an intuition that an 'opportunity' had come for everyone.

"Mother, then, the reason why you called today's meeting is to order the flagbearers to find this individual?"

"Yes, Ran. Searching and capturing Arya Aulhart is a constant mission of the Runcandel's Flagbearers as of today. It will be classified as top secret, so the use of outside personnel is strictly forbidden."

"All right."

"If the information that we are looking for Hister is leaked to the outside, I will definitely find the source of the leak and punish all those involved. There are no exceptions. Therefore, each flagbearer should carefully select your guardian knights to this mission."

The flagbearers nodded with heavy hearts. She declared that there would be expectations in the punishment.

If any knights under their control leaked ant information by mistake in carrying out this mission, they would be the ones to bear the responsibility.

This meant that they could be stripped of their status as flagbearer.

And that will soon lead to banishment or exile without a promise of return.

"Zipfels are also looking for that person with their eyes wide open right now. But they don't know the name Arya Aulhart yet.We must secure Hister before Zipfel by all means."

"Yes!"

Ahem!

Jorden coughed and drew attention to himself.

"As the elder council president, there are a few things I would like to tell the flagbearers about this mission. First, I want the flagbearers to understand clearly that this mission is not just for achievement, but is an important matter for the clan...."

Jorden paused for a moment and took his time.

"Second, all flagbearers will report the mission progress to the current top flagbearer, the 2nd Flagbearer."

Jordan's words confirmed some of their fears.

A disappointment shone in the eyes of some flagbearers. They thought it would be an opportunity to make an achievement without being discriminated against by Rosa, but this time also it's all about eldest son, Joshua.

Of course, everyone acknowledged the fact that Joshua will be the patriarch no matter what they did.

So, they had little desire to compete for the patriarch seat by building up their achievements as a flagbearer.

But at times like this, they felt disillusioned. It felt like they were not flagbearers, but just puppets to fill the seats. Why had they struggled all their lives to become flagbearers if this was what they got in return?

Even if they can't become the patriarch, they want to be proud of themselves.

Rosa saw through the thoughts of the flagbearers, but completely ignored them.

It was because she had trained them in a way that they would never be able to rebel against her unless they could prove their rights, no matter how many times she ignored them.

In that regard, out of eleven flagbearers remaining in the clan, there were only four people who could show displeasure to Rosa and the elders.

"I do not understand, elder council president. Why did you say that the mission progress report has to be done through the 2nd flagbearer?"

"The 4th flagbearer is right, Elder council president. The 2nd flagbearer is literally a flagbearer, not the patriarch, or the acting patriarch."

Diphus and Mary. They have consistently proven their rights before becoming flagbearers.

Whether it's about power or about mission accomplishment. Neither of them has ever disappointed Chiron, Rosa, or the elder council.

However, the fact that they never disappointed them doesn't mean that both of them had a good relationship with all the elders. They didn't respect Jorden, and they haven't yet given up the seat of patriarchy.

"Oh. Looks like the 4th and 7th flagbearers have a complaint."

"Of course we do. You are trampling on the pride of the flagbearers. I don't understand why you're creating this division when you say it's an important clan matter."

"Then why didn't you get the name Arya Aulhart?"

"I beg your pardon?"

"It's the 2nd flagbearer, not you, who figured out the name that even Zipfel failed to obtain.This achievement is solely for the 2nd flagbearer. We are rather considerate of you to share the benefits."

As expected, Jorden leisurely responded to their argument.

"Oh, is that so? I had no idea. Then, elder brother Joshua, no. The 2nd flagbearer could search for the Hister himself. Why did you have to gather us all? Is this the elder council president's idea or my mother's?"

"Insolence!"

"Perhaps it is not worse than how you are treating us, elder council president Jorden."

Mary gritted her teeth, and Rosa raised her hand lightly.

"Enough, 7th flagbearer. I understand that you are offended, but be courteous to the elder council president. And elder council president Jorden, I hope you will understand. They are young and hot-blooded."

The three people who were growling, stopped talking at Rosa's words.

Rosa then turned to Jin and Luntia, another flagbearers who had a say.

"The 3rd Flagbearer, the 12th Flagbearer. Do you have anything else to say?"

"Nothing."

"Me neither."

"Then let's do this. Fine, as per 4th and 7th flagbearers' request, you will report to me directly instead of reporting through Joshua. Also, I will hand over the control of the five eastern regions of Huphester to those who bring Hister."

At those words, everyone in the conference room turned their attention to Rosa. Even Joshua and Jorden, who are obviously on Rosa's side, have expressions of great surprise.

The only person who kept a nonchalant face was Jin.

'The sovereignty of the five eastern regions. I can't even compare it to the 400 million gold coins that hung around my neck...'

And Joshua was surprised and turned his head to look at Rosa. But in the process he looked at Jin's composed face, and he felt something out of place.

Control of the Five Eastern Regions.

It was, in fact, the biggest reward a flagbearer could have, aside from becoming the patriarch.

Even if you can't become the patriarch, you can build your own forces, if you have control over the five eastern regions.

The 'five eastern regions' is a top three prized land among the regions any flagbearer or an elder was allowed to possess.

The rest of the flagbearers who had no choice but to hide their disappointment when Joshua had been set to take all credit for himself were screaming with joy to themselves.

It no longer mattered whether Chiron or Rosa acknowledged them or not. If they found and brought Arya Aulhart, they would be able to rule as the conqueror of the east.

"Now, everyone must have realized just how important this is. Once again, this is a top-secret and constant mission. Everyone be vigilant and bring Hister to me. That is all!"

The meeting ended.

The flagbearers and elders bowed their heads to Rosa and began to leave the meeting room. The butlers and scribes, who were waiting in front of the meeting room, followed each of their respective masters.

'It looks like the negotiation between my mother and Kelliark Zipfel must have broken off if she is still looking for my teacher. Besides, rewarding the five eastern regions, what is my mother trying to get in return for handing my teacher over to the Zipfel?'

It wasn't something that Jin could guess yet. However, it is clear that Rosa will get something so great that she even mentioned the sovereignty of the five eastern regions.

Jin was about to go back to his room while thinking about it.

"Jin." Joshua called Jin.

"What's the matter, 2nd Flagbearer?"

Joshua distanced himself from his butler and Guardian knights when Jin turned around.

The words come out of Joshua's mouth when only the two of them are left in the empty hallway, and it's completely unexpected for Jin.

"You already found it, right?"

"What do you mean?"

"Arya Aulhart, you have already found this person."

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章節 159: Chapter 318

[T.L: punisher87]

As Rosa made her shocking proposal in the conference room, everyone held their breath, including Jin, who maintained his usual poker face. Joshua never thought there was anything special hidden behind Jin's stoic expression.

He always kept his composure, so there was no reason to suspect otherwise. However, when Joshua suddenly asked if Jin had already found Arya Aulhart, it was purely a gut feeling.

There's a moment of silence.

'What? When everyone was surprised earlier, was I really sitting too calmly? Even if that's the case, I can't be so confident just based on that.'

Jin quickly searched his memory, but he couldn't figure out when or how Joshua had found out about his meeting with Valeria.

For the first time since starting to confront Joshua, Jin felt flustered.

Fortunately, he didn't lose his trademark poker face when Joshua started to talk about Valeria.

Jin smiled. Regardless of how Joshua found out, it was a problem that could be solved by simply putting up a poker face.

"Both you and our mother seem quite troubled. Judging from the nonsense you're spouting." Jin said.

"The Youngest." Joshua replied.

"Don't use such a friendly term. We're not like brothers who get along well with each other," Jin said.

"This is a more important issue than you think." Joshua said.

"That why mother had offered the Eastern 5 regions as a reward."

Joshua speculated confidently at first, but since it was just a gut feeling, he struggled to keep the conversation going.

Do you mean to say that you also haven't found that person yet?

Joshua couldn't bring himself to ask that question directly.

"If you hand that person over to me, I will give you not only the Eastern 5 region, but also more than that. I swear on my name and clan's honor."

"Why do you keep beating around the bush with such an interesting story? Let's hear it."

"Your life."

Jin burst into laughter. And then he looked at Joshua with a serious expression.

"You're still not good at making jokes. Didn't I tell you last time, that was your last chance to kill me."

"And the safety of your comrades."

Joshua expected Jin to be visibly agitated by that remark, just like when she referred to him as "youngest" earlier and got upset.

But Jin didn't feel the need to get angered about it.

'I wondered when he would take my comrades hostage, but here it is.'

Comrades, though they are Jin's strongest fence, but at the same time, they were his biggest and only weakness.

That was why Jin and his comrades had already prepared themselves for the possibility that Rosa and Joshua would use them as leverage.

'I'm starting to wonder about the value of the teacher's ransom. Bringing out the most powerful card to pressure me, when even the Eastern five regions are not enough?'

Jin's curiosity about what Rosa would receive in exchange for handing over Hister grew quickly.

Jin's life, and the lives of his comrades.

What Joshua meant by saying that he would guarantee Jin two things.….

'It is highly likely that the problem is related to the Solderet contract. Mother may have asked from Zipfel for a Demon's God Orb or other means to transfer my contract to Joshua.'

It was just speculation, but it seemed like a plausible development.

Joshua's goal is not to kill Jin, but to take away Solderet's powers, and Rosa's goal was likely to correspond to his.

'Mother has been acting strangely since last time. For her, transferring only my contract to Joshua and using me as a flagbearer for our clan would be the best outcome.'

In fact, even without the power of Solderet, Jin can even use magic and the power of the Plutonian. Jin is considered to be most outstanding from Runcandel flagbearers, and he is also a person who could be evaluated as having high potential. With pure swordsmanship alone, he is showing growth enough to be mentioned as the next patriarch.

Even without the power of Solderet, and even if he couldn't use magic or the power of the Plutonian tribe, Jin was still considered the most talented Runcandel flagbearer and had high potential. He was already showing remarkable growth in swordsmanship alone, enough to be mentioned as a next patriarch.

As a Rosa, there was no reason for her to give up on his youngest son unless Jin betrayed the clan or hand over the power of the shadow to Joshua.

In addition, the fact that Zipfel can transfer God's contract is an almost confirmed case considering that the contractor of time in the past and present life are different. Also Midor Elner and Veradin used spatial explosions.

Various thoughts swirled through Jin's mind. The various scenarios that unfolded in his mind all boiled down to one question: why did Joshua and his mother obsess over Hister so much?

"How about it? Do you want to talk now?" Joshua asked, and Jin smiled.

"I'll say it again. I've never found Hister. I don't even know why you're saying this. It seems like you just doubted me with a hunch."

"I'll give you ten days. Bring Hister to me within that time."

"If you want to make an achievement that much, you'd better go outside and run to catch Hister instead of wasting time with this nonsense."

Jin turned around and added, "Just a few words. I hope you're not one of those idiots who are willing to bleed out from delusions. It means that there's nothing good about touching my comrades recklessly."

"Let me take your advice into account."

"That's just a warning, not advice. Do you understand? At a moment like this, in a dim corridor, just the two of us, I could impulsively draw my sword and cut off the second flagbearer's head without thinking about the consequences. I'm not worried about the aftermath."

"How pathetic. Do you think you could beat me in a one-on-one?"

"If you're confident, we could fight right now."

Joshua shrugged as if he didn't care. "The 12th flagbearer s in a better position than I thought. Even if I defeat you, you have nothing to lose."

Jin challenged him because he thought Joshua wouldn't fight anyway. As Joshua had said, even if he lost in a one-on-one fight, he wouldn't lose anything, whereas Joshua would lose his reputation even if he won.

Joshua watched Jin's back until he disappeared.

Then he became certain.

His beloved little brother must have at least met Arya Aulhart before.

'If the youngest really didn't know anything about Hister, he would have offered a deal in reverse when I spoke to him.'

The Jin that Joshua recognized was that kind of person.

If he saw a desire in his opponent, he would find a way to use it, even if he didn't have a weapon to shake that desire. That was the scary side of his little brother that he saw.

But now, even though he revealed his desire first, he only tried to avoid the subject when he didn't know anything about Hister.

Jin seemed to have no intention of proposing a deal or playing with him. That was the reason why Joshua was sure about the relationship between Jin and Hister.

He smiled as if he had achieved something big.

'But even if I really kidnap or kill his comrades, Jin will never hand over Hister to me.'

Rather, it was nothing more than provoking the sleeping beast.

'It's a good thing that the youngest knows Hister. If it's with him, even our Runcandel and Zipfel won't be able to find Hister. Hister is safe.'

The youngest would never let go of the cards he held. It is also another thing that Joshua understood about him.

Although they were clearly enemies, or even foes, Joshua respected Jin.

Since the time before Jin showed his skills until now. Joshua had never underestimated Jin even once.

"My lord."

Howard, the first-class butler who had stepped back, approached Joshua. He is the younger brother of the butler Heinz and one of Joshua's closest aides.

"Did you gain anything?"

"I caught an unexpected huge fish. Howard, don't assign any of my knights to search for Hister. It's a waste of resources."

"Understood."

"Instead, spread false information about Hister to the other flagbearers. While the flagbearers are preoccupied with finding Hister, secure as many death row inmates as possible and send them to Rickalton."

Howard didn't comment on Joshua's decision.

"And find a list of all our trading partners, including merchants, wealthy people, and nobles who have a relationship with Free City Tikan."

"The spies have already identified that information. They update it weekly, and there are few errors."

Joshua nodded in satisfaction.

"Cut them all off. I want to dry up their funds a bit. It doesn't matter if the youngest and his comrades figure out that their trading partners have disappeared, but we can't let the outside world know that we pressured them."

"I'll make sure to keep their mouth shut. How should we handle the trading partners of Zipfel, Hidden palace, and the Empire? It's difficult to maintain security in those areas."

"How many places are there?"

"I'll have to check, but I've heard there are about ten. Of those, about half of them are Zipfels."

"Leave the hidden palace alone and see if the rest of the trading partners have a proper connection with the Zipfel clan or the Imperial family. If not, send pirates to raid and incite a strike."

"Understood."

There is no need to provoke a ferocious animal into a full-on confrontation.

Instead, Joshua decided to gently scratch Jin's nerve by cutting off his money supply and subtly threatening his comrades to see how Jin would react.

And he wonders if Jin's comrades will endure all sorts of disadvantages and stay by his side till the end.

'He's smart enough not to come at me with an all-out attack. But it will be quite annoying.'

***

Ten days had passed.

April 10, 1799, the Free City of Tikan.

Kashmir's expression was dark as he sat in his office.

The city's economy had been paralyzed at an unprecedented pace.

Over 80% of the trading partners had already requested a stop to their contracts, bearing violations and penalty fees, and the remaining 20% seemed likely to disappear as well.

"The power of Runcandel's 2nd flagbearer is enormous indeed. Not a single trading partner has disclosed why they are cutting off their deals, young master."

Jin, disguised with Murakan and Gilly, had come to Tikan as soon as he heard the news.

"Kid, that brother of yours. Who does he take after to be such a little brat?"

"I don't know."

"Young master, you said to prepare thoroughly for the 2nd flagbearer's attack, but I didn't expect it to be like this... We are currently solving the problems with emergency funds, but I don't know how long we can hold out."

Joshua's attack was effective. In some ways, it caused more damage than a direct assassination threat.

Tikan's leadership was struggling to be recognized as a 'state' and was giving enormous amounts of money to each faction every month, which was why the damage was significant.

"It's frustrating, but we still don't have the financial power comparable to that bastard, no. Joshua... No, that bad bastard! We can't beat him. Young master, even the tourists were leaving when they heard the news of pirate ships appearing in the nearby waters." Gilly spoke in anger.

Jin's emergency funds were at a considerable level, but not enough to sustain a city.

"I didn't expect him to come out like this either. But we can't just sit and watch when he wants to fight this badly."

"Do you have any plans, Young master?"

When Kashmir asked, Jin lifted the corners of his mouth."I'm going to hit one of his villas."

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