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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章節 160: Chapter 319

"If it's Joshua's villa... Are you referring to the secret villa that lady Luna mentioned to you last time?"

"That's right, Sir Kashmir. It's a place I've been thinking of raiding at some point anyway."

Joshua had dozens of private villas, but only five were classified as secret villas or safe houses.

-My elder sister's trip to the Black Sea is also good news for me. Please take this opportunity to find out what kind of missions our father and the former Black Knights were performing there, and why our father's Runcandel is so obsessed with the Black Sea.

-Okay. It's the first time our father takes anyone to the Black Sea who isn't his comrade. So, I'll bring you news that satisfies you. In return, tonight, you have to sit with me and tell me the stories you've experienced outside all night long.

Before leaving for the Black Sea, Luna told Jin about two of the five secret villas.

It was the information that she found out after receiving a request from Jin to 'find out about Joshua' during the Holy Kingdom incident.

"Are you suggesting we attack it right now?"

"I would love to, but Kuzan and Yulian haven't returned from the southeast of Mitel yet."

The dragons couldn't join in on the attack on Joshua's secret villa. If a dragon intervened, there could be a problem if any survivors were left among the enemies.

Since the Black Dragon was the guardian deity of the family and the Silver Dragon was unofficially wanted by Vermont, so they could not attack Runcandel.

"And I need to confuse him, too. Let's show him a little bit of how I'm struggling to get money. While suing him, once his secret villa is exposed, I wonder what expression he will make."

"But young master, the possibility of us actually struggling is high. The Seven Colored peacock leaders are already meeting with the Vermont contacts… Frankly, I don't want to use the Imperial family's money."

"I understand, Sir Kashmir."

"Of course, if the situation doesn't improve, I'm willing to bow my head to the Imperial family. The Emperor… if I demand it, he will definitely give an enormous sum of money."

There was no way he would choose to lower his pride to the Imperial family who had exiled him. Kashmir was prepared to abandon his pride as a good leader should, but he did not want to use that final resort unless absolutely necessary.

Jin also hoped that Kashmir wouldn't have to endure such humiliation because of him.

"As for money, I'll try to get some, so don't worry. Strawberry, no. As Gilly said it's still impossible to beat Joshua in terms of financial power, I'll prevent the city from going bankrupt."

Kashmir placed his hand on Jin's shoulder, looking both moved and apologetic as he smiled.

"I am ashamed, young master. It seems like I burden you with too much every time."

"What are you talking about, Sir Kashmir. The problem originally started because of me. Don't think like that. Rather I should apologise."

"No, Young master Jin didn't do anything wrong…"

"You guys are just playing around like kids. Both of you are at fault. So, how do you plan on getting the money?"

"You are a dragon. Do you have any hidden wealth?"

"No, I don't. Even if there was, would it still be there at the storm castle where Runcandels lives, which used to be my hideout?"

"In that case, you'll have to sell your vomit and scales. They'll sell well as perfume and armor materials."

"What!?"

Then, Gilly burst into laughter.

"It's a joke. Don't be so flustered. First of all, we need to borrow some money. Start the business that I put off."

"What kind of business?"

"The business prepared by my friends from the Gold Snow tribe. I must move busily, it's hasn't been a long since I went on vacation, so I can't leave the Garden of Swords for too long."

***

The next day, Jin arrived at Vermont, once again disguised and with a fake identity to enter the country. He dyed his hair white and dressed up like an aristocratic artist using Gold Snow Tribe cosmetics.

'It seems like I have to keep hiding my identity even after becoming a flagbearer.'

In his arms, he held a porcelain vase wrapped in the finest silk.

- Do you really need to take it? It's something I'm pretty fond of though.

- There is a place where I need it.

- Can't you take anything else? That's an art piece is over 1,500 years old and can't be valued...

-Hey! you're also a dragon guardian, right? What's the role of a dragon guardian? The thousand-year contractor need this, so give it to him. Come on, haha. Kid, where do you plan on using this? How about smashing it in front of her?

- Let me give you a beating, little brother.

A while ago, when Jin visited Misha's bar called "Tent," she noticed that the interior decorations were extraordinary. The top-class bar was strictly operated by membership, and the owner was a dragon who had lived for over 3,000 years with exceptional aesthetic sense. Among the decorations were ancient art pieces that even most archaeologists had never seen.

[T/L:- 장막 - means High-end bar, also tent, curtains, veil.]

Jin demanded the porcelain vase that was located in the spot Misha treasured the most (her bed) and had seen it from a glance.

'I wanted to use it at a better time, but I have no choice. This is not bad either. Thank you, Miss Misha.'

Jin had requested it in case he needed it when he found this place.

"We have arrived, Sir."

"Keep the change."

After paying the fare and getting off the carriage, a towering castle soon came into view.

This place, where dozens of guards dressed in shining armor guarded in every direction, was the Hairan clan's ancestral home.

Sword Emperor Castle. (劍皇城)

It was a name that was arrogant yet convincing, fitting for the home of most famous swordsman in Vermont.

Jin, who had been gazing up at the castle for a while, approached the gate.

Contrary to the intimidating castle, the guards were surprisingly kind to Jin as they welcomed him.

The Hairan clan, as seen from Dante's character, also had a good image externally, similar to that of the Zipfel clan.

"What brings you here?"

"Oh, I'm a craftsman named Paul Gray Mick. I've come to deliver the pottery that Sir Dante ordered a while back."

The guards glanced at the pottery Jin was carrying, then nodded as if they understood. This was because it was common for Dante to request pottery from time to time.

"This friend will guide you. Please go to the reception room and wait."

"I must deliver it directly to Sid Dante."

"I cannot guarantee that little patriach Dante will come out himself. However, it is inevitable as the little patriarch is busy with work. Please don't take it the wrong way."

The guard almost smiled when he referred to Dante as the young patriarch.

[T/L:- 소가주 - young patriarch/little Patriarch(小家主)]

Jin know that Dante had took the hard way before the regression, but experiencing it in person is completely different feeling.

"I don't dared to think such a thing. I came without prior notice because it was finished faster than expected. I'm grateful for your hospitality."

"You're the most sensible artist I've ever met."

Jin followed the guard into the reception room inside the castle.

Today, there was only one person who came to see Hairan, and the vast reception room felt empty.

Jin had succeeded in getting in. However, he was unsure if Dante would recognize the name "Paul Gray Mick". If he didn't understand, Jin would have to approach him in another way, which could be troublesome.

Jin stood still and waited for some time, talking with the gatekeeper.

About 30 minutes had passed.

Thududududududududu...!

Jin heard footsteps running from the corridor outside the reception room.

"Ji, no. Where is Paul Gray Mick!?"

Dante hastily corrected himself after reflexively calling for Jin. As soon as he appeared, the gatekeeper respectfully saluted him, and Jin lowered his head as if he had seen his superior.T

"Well, um. Ahem! I've been waiting too long for this masterpiece. You should go back now."

"Yes, young patriarch!"

As soon as the gatekeeper disappeared, Dante hugged Jin tightly.

"Jin! How can you come here without even letting me know? And how long has it been? Have you been well? You've gotten stronger since I last saw you!"

His familiar, playful voice that Jin hadn't heard in a long time.

"Slow down, Dante. You seem a little taller."

"I grew about an inch. You noticed that."

Although he had grown, Dante was still much smaller than Jin. It was an inevitable result of his congenital bone structure.

But Jin could immediately tell how much training Dante had done during the time they hadn't contacted each other.

'At age of 19, he became young patriarch, and his swordsmanship had reached a level that could not be described as anything less than a genius. He's still putting in ten times the effort of others.'

It was impressive. He wanted to open up a bottle of alcohol, but he didn't come here today to do that.

"Dante, I have a request."

"Oh, anything. What is it?"

"Can you lend me some money?"

Asking for money straightaway after meeting for the first time in over a year and a few months meant that this friend was clearly not a good friend.

But Dante thought that if it was Jin, it would be fine. It means that even if Jin ask for something bigger than money, Dante would listen to it.

"How much do you need? Ah, while we're at it, I should pay back the money I borrowed from you when I escaped from the Holy Kingdom, and I'll make sure to pay you an enormous amount of interest."

"About 300 million gold coins."

"I see... Wait a minute. Say that again."

"I need 300 million gold coins."

Dante felt cold sweat on his back for the first time in a long while. Three hundred million gold coins was an enormous amount of money, even for the young patriarch of Hairan.

"Did Runcandel ask you to collect a bounty of 300 million for appointing you as a Flagbearer?"

"No, it's not that. Can I get it?"

"Even I need to get permission from my grandfather to use such a large amount of money. However, I don't have enough justification to ask my grandfather."

Jin removed the silk that wrapped the pottery.

"What do you think about saying that it's for this pottery?"

Dante was not particularly skilled in art, but he recognized that Jin's pottery was not an ordinary object.

It was due to his grandfather, Ron Hairan, who was a pottery enthusiast and had been admiring top-quality pottery in his study and workshop every day.

However, even if it was an exceptional pottery, could it be worth 300 million gold coins? Dante had his doubts.

"A few years ago, I was curious about who shook my grandson's heart."

A new voice came from beyond the reception room.

Ron Hairan.

Hairan's patriarch, and the thrifty knight who competed the longest against the genesis knight Chiron Runcandel. It was his voice.

"I never thought it was a scammer like this. 300 million gold coins? Were you silently listening to such nonsense? I'm disappointed, Dante."

"No, Grandpa. He is not a scammer, I'll explain..."

Shling...!

Ron drew his sword from his waist. Then, the aura that escaped the scabbard caused a slight earthquake in the reception room in an instant, and the air was distorted.

"Besides, that guy has the dirty smell unique to Runcandel."

"Grandfather!"

"I won't kill you. Instead, I'll take one of your arms as a lesson. Don't ever show your face in front of Dante again."

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