章節 202: Chapter 361
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It has been ten days since obtaining the new Bradamante.
He hasn't had a chance to properly use the Bradamante yet. As a knight, he wanted to test the enhanced features of his sword as soon as possible, but there was another issue that was bothering him.
'The Great Plain of Anz, where the first tomb of Temar was located. And the Schutzeron Kingdom where Clamshell and Mr. Olmango have been to…'
[T/L: Clamshell contractor of Olmango.]
Ever since Kinzelo came and informed him that "other factions are also searching for Temar's tomb,"
Jin had been thinking about it all along, and before going to capture Ozdock, he asked Tikan's comrades to revisit the tombs they had been to before.
And today, Kashmir brought the news.
(People suspected to be associated with Zipfel and Vermont have been seen near the Great Plain of Anz and the beaches near the Schutzeron Kingdom.)
Jin learned about the existence of Temar's tombs in those regions through the instructions left by Solderet as his contractor.
In other words, unless you're a contractor, it's practically impossible to track the tombs.
'They must have gone to the Great Plain of Anz and Schutzeron Beach because of my actions.'
Even after becoming a flagbearer, Jin has always moved in disguise when dealing with matters related to Temar or other personal matters.
When he went to the Great Plain of Anz, he deliberately went through the Hola Mountains to create confusion in case anyone was tracking (at that time, only Joshua was conscious of it), and when he went to Schutzeron Beach, he pretended to be on vacation for a few days.
The third was located in the hiding place of the Felinoids tribe, and it was impossible to enter without their guidance due to its unique characteristic. Nonetheless, the Spectre Corps had tracked Jin and found him.
'My routes are being exposed.'
Jin wasn't directly followed by a pursuer.
If he had, there was no way he wouldn't have noticed. Unless it was someone like Yona or Nameless King.
'Margiella did mention that my movements were exposed to the Vermont Imperial Family. They probably tracked and deduced several important areas from the aliases I used and the revealed movements. That's why they sent people to the Great Plain of Anz and Schutzeron Beach.'
Of course, just because Zipfel and Vermont sent people to the Great Plain of Anz and Schutzeron Beach didn't mean they immediately uncovered meaningful information.
The investigations in those places were already completed, and Jin had taken the recording devices.
However, the fact that "he is being followed" was important in itself.
He had thought that someday it would come to this. Major factions aren't fools.
It was just a bit disappointing that it started to be exposed more quickly than expected.
Being the "12th Flagbearer of Runcandel" was a position where he couldn't carry out covert actions. Not only the Garden of the Sword, but also enemies were naturally eager to scrutinize every move of Jin.
Moreover, the enemies are also searching for Temar's tombs like Jin.
Discovering three tombs alone without any fatal issues so far was nothing short of a miracle.
'It's partly because I did well, but eventually, there will be a limit. And I was lucky while encountering the Spectre corps in the third tomb; it could have been a significant setback.'
Without the sudden intervention of Kinzelo and the help of Diphus and Mary, Jin could have incurred considerable losses.
'I need more allies.'
Not just Jin alone, even Jin and Tikan's companions together couldn't stand against Vermont and Zipfel.
Even Runcandel was filled with his enemies, and Kinzelo would eventually participate in the "tomb search competition."
While pondering, someone tapped Jin's shoulder.
"Hey, youngest!"
It was Mary.
"Elder sister."
"What are you thinking so deeply about? Ah, are you thinking about when you'll have a rematch with me?"
Mary sat down beside Jin.
Jin looked at her, slightly flustered.
'If elder sister Mary is a true ally, she could really be dependable.'
Mary already considered Jin as one of her people.
Jin also felt a sense of human fondness and a sentiment akin to sibling affection towards her.
However, Jin had not informed her about the existence of Vin Branche and Picon Minche.
It was because Jin judged that as the 7th Flagbearer, she would most likely use them as the blacksmith of the clan.
But there was a separate reason why Jin couldn't fully trust her.
'As long as my second eldest brother exists, elder sister Mary cannot be entirely on my side.'
Diphus Runcandel, the 4th Flagbearer of the clan.
To make Mary an ally, Diphus had to be brought on board.
But of course, not just Diphus, even Mary had not given up the patriarchy.
'Me, Second Eldest Brother Diphus, elder sister Mary, Joshua. There are four of us who haven't definitively given up on the patriarch's seat.'
And then there was one person whose intentions were entirely uncertain, Luntia Runcandel.
If she too had aimed for the patriarchy, there would be a total of five people competing.
Therefore, trying to approach Diphus to resolve the immediate problem was a reckless gamble.
Trying to win Mary by recruiting Diphus could easily end up with just providing information and being stabbed in the back.
'Trying to recruit Diphus and Mary right away might be a stretch. But it is possible to use them.'
Diphus and Mary always prioritize choices for the clan as flagbearers, no matter the issue.
Jin smiled inwardly, suddenly reminded of that proposition.
"A rematch, you say? It might be better to conclude this match with your victory, elder sister."
"Huh? Why would that be? Since uncle Tuben barged in, it's only fair to declare it invalid and have a rematch!"
"The match had already been decided even before Sir Tuben came. Your big move caused Ozdock to transform."
"No, do you really think so?"
"Yes."
Of course, Mary knew this.
So she had been thinking about fighting again, but when Jin admitted defeat so easily, it was an entirely unexpected turn of events.
'But this can't be, right? I would have to wait another three months for a rematch with the youngest!'
Thinking like that, Mary let out a groaning sound.
She knew that the youngest was just as fiercely competitive as she was, so she had anticipated him gladly accepting a rematch.
"I don't think that way. Let's fight again."
"Don't be so stubborn with someone who's admitted defeat."
"Then I will use the command of the winner. My command is a rematch. No problem with that, right?"
"...Did you not bother reading the contract I sent you when we first agreed to the match?"
-In each fight, victory or defeat is based on knocking someone out. The first one to fall is the loser, and the loser must carry out one command from the winner. Of course, we'll make sure there are no unfortunate events, and we'll write the contract accordingly.
-That's appealing. The contract is a bit burdensome, though.
A conversation they had during their first battle. At that time, Jin had actually created a contract and obtained Mary's signature.
Recalling that fact, Mary tilted her head.
"Um... I think I did read it."
"The contract includes clauses about the limits of the winner's command. It states that you cannot demand suicide, expulsion from the clan, property confiscation, etc., from the loser. And it also mentions that you cannot command a rematch."
"Fine with suicide and expulsion from the family, I guess. But why the rematch!?"
"...Do you really think I need to explain that?"
"Then let's say I accept my victory. Let's nullify the whole battle that used that demonic creature and talk about a rematch from the beginning."
"I think the winner had been decided from the moment you mentioned the right of command, elder sister."
Mary had nothing more to say.
"You sly little fox!"
"A flattering compliment."
"Ugh, fine. Okay. You're good. I'll accept that I won. So, I'll really use my command. Hand over that cat."
"If you're talking about Butterfly Runcandel, you can take him as much as you want."
"Butterfly, no. Not Lord Murakan. I mean Shuri, your ruby cat."
"If you read the contract, there's a clause that says the winner cannot give a command that the opponent cannot fulfill. Shuri is already contracted with me, and I can't release it."
"This, this is just unfair."
"Elder sister, please give a more realistic command. It's not that difficult, is it?"
Mary almost grabbed Jin's head in frustration.
But it wasn't Jin's fault. She was the fool for not properly reading the contract... and she had been trying to take advantage of the youngest once again. So, she really didn't have a right to feel aggrieved. She couldn't help the anger welling up, though.
Jin glanced at Mary, who was sulking.
"For example... you could command me to get you some delicious liquor."
"I don't need that kind of thing!"
"Or maybe ask for a few limited edition magazines that Murakan has?"
"The last time I checked, I had an even more amazing collection... ugh, no. Wait, let me see that. Who's the fool here?"
"If you don't like that, you could ask about the information Kinzelo brought me this time. How many practical commands like these do you have?"
Mary's pupils suddenly widened.
Ah, why did I forget about that? Her expression seemed to say. When Kinzelo visited the clan, it was herself who had prevented Gilly from making a mistake.
'It's a bit frustrating to be played by the youngest... Well, it's not bad to know. Diphus Oraboni would also be curious about what was discussed between Mother, Jin, and Kinzelo at that time.'
Since Kinzelo's visit, Rosa had yet to reveal any information about it to the flagbearers.
"Fine, then. What information did Kinzelo give you back then?"
"They told me that various factions, including Zipfel and Vermont, are tracking the legacy of the First Patriarch."
"What? The legacy of the First Patriarch?"
"It is about Temar Runcandel's tomb."
"...The First Patriarch's tomb, what about it?"
"In the tomb, there are the powers and long-held secrets of ancient Runcandel. I was searching for the tomb independently of the clan, and Kinzelo noticed that."
Mary's eyes widened.
"You were searching for the First Patriarch's tomb independently of the clan? Are you saying that Mother knew about this and stayed silent?"
Mary's sudden anger wasn't directed at Jin.
Rosa Runcandel.
Her anger stemmed from the fact that her own mother hadn't disclosed such a crucial matter to the flagbearers until now.
'Surely you didn't expect me to reveal the truth about Temar's tomb to the other flagbearers, Mother.'
Jin nodded, hiding his smile.
章節 203: Chapter 362
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The reason why Rosa hadn't disclosed information about the tomb of the First Patriarch to the Flagbearers was evident.
Firstly, it was about gain.
She had no intention of sharing any benefits she could obtain from Temar's tomb with the other Flagbearers. Regardless of whatever benefits might arise, she believed that what she and Joshua would gain exclusively was the true way to serve the Runcandel.
Secondly, it was about confusion.
The moment information about Temar's tomb became known to the Flagbearers, it was only natural that the Flagbearers who, like Mary and Diphus, hadn't given up on the patriarchy, would react, even without solid evidence.
Rosa's decision to only share the information about Temar's tomb with Joshua was an obvious issue.
'My siblings have no objection about Mother's favoritism toward Joshua.'
It wasn't always like this. The times when they all felt that way had long since passed.
As Flagbearers, they, like humans, had moments when they were frustrated with Rosa's favoritism and found it hard to bear.
Runcandel. They struggled to find their place in this harsh family and survive on their own.
There was no room to vent frustration towards doting parents.
In their younger days, Chiron and Rosa were even more lenient with their children than they are now. The cadets and reserve flagbearers, who were not yet qualified to carry the clan flag, couldn't even dream of rebelling.
Luna was an exception, but that was a story of a monster who deviated from norms from the moment she was born.
They endured unfairness, hardship, and a painful time of growth and became a Flagbearer.
Becoming a Flagbearer wasn't something that could merely be achieved with age and accomplishments.
Only Strong humans both externally and internally are qualified to raise the Runcandel's flag.
Therefore, the Flagbearers are no longer hurt by 'favoritism'. Rosa's favoritism no longer ignited anger in their hearts; it had become a minor annoyance at best.
However, it wasn't because the emotions of the other Flagbearers, except for Joshua, had faded or dulled.
'It's because they are convinced that the favoritism Mother showed towards Joshua was undoubtedly the best decision for the clan.'
In other words, the Flagbearers had reached a stage where they respected Rosa Runcandel's favoritism.
Joshua is not as exceptional as Luna, but the Flagbearers also don't believe that pushing him down was the way for Runcandel. They were convinced that Rosa's favoritism wasn't for personal gain. That was the reason the Flagbearers respected Rosa's favoritism.
'However, sharing information about Temar's tomb exclusively with Joshua... in the eyes of the other Flagbearers... it's definitely not a decision for the clan.'
Temar Runcandel.
Despite being the founder of the clan, he was an ill-fated First Patriarch who couldn't be enshrined in the mausoleum.
The empty grave of the First Patriarch in the mausoleum was a symbol of disgrace and a memory of defeat for the Runcandels.
-Do you know? The First Patriarch, Temar Runcandel, was not buried here.
-Yes, and I also know that there is no tomb dedicated to him in the Garden of Swords."
-The dark power you possess. That power is the reason why we can't honor the First Patriarch. Show your shadow force.
The conversation between Chiron and Jin on the day he became Reserve Flagbearer and left the clan.
The absence of Temar's tomb in the mausoleum was due to the ancient oath, or rather, curse, made between Runcandel and Zipfel long ago.
A thousand years ago, Zipfel's gods joined forces to cast a curse on the bloodline of Runcandel. A curse that rendered all Runcandels after Temar unable to wield mana.
In the current Runcandel, there were no tombs to honor Temar.
Very few people knew the detailed circumstances. Even within Runcandel, only a handful knew the fact that the gods of Zipfel had directly cursed Runcandel a thousand years ago.
'But the high-ranking Flagbearers would all know. Especially Joshua, who is trying to become Solderet's contractor himself. And the Flagbearers who have long competed against him must know.'
Mary is 7th Flagbearer, although she is not in the high-ranking. Her actual rank as a Flagbearer was within the top five.
Above all, she had competed with Joshua for a long time and was sharing information with Diphus, unlike other mid- to lower-ranking Flagbearers.
Mary couldn't 'respect' Rosa's decision this time.
"Damn it..."
Mary muttered this through clenched teeth.
"You're clever, so you probably know why I'm so furious."
"Elder sister."
"And... you probably anticipated this kind of reaction from me."
Jin didn't want to deny it, so he refrained from answering.
Mary, the 7th Flagbearer of Runcandel, was a person who could remain cool and sharp whenever she wanted.
She knew well that her beloved youngest brother didn't just share this information out of affection for her. She was well aware that he had informed her for the sake of using her.
What was the intention behind this manipulation?
It was undoubtedly to oppose and thwart both Mother and Joshua, and to disrupt their plans.
That's why the wheels of calculation turned swiftly in her mind.
Remove the adjective 'beloved' from her beloved youngest brother and replace it with '12th Flagbearer.' That's what Mary's calculation was all about.
Mary's calculation was nothing other than considering how to act after hearing her youngest brother's story to determine what benefits it could bring to the clan and to herself.
While Mary was lost in thought, Jin began to organize his own thoughts.
'Mother must have judged that I would never share the information about Temar's tomb with my siblings. She probably thought that if that happened, there would be a hindrance for me in monopolizing the inheritance from the tomb.'
But there is no need to worry about hindrance.
In the first place, unless one is a Solderet's contractor, they cannot possess the remaining inheritance in the tomb.
'Mother knew about the tomb's existence from before, but she doesn't know the exact details. Those who are not Shadows' contractors would only be able to oppose Guardians when they seek the tomb.'
Therefore, Rosa was implicitly granting Jin a certain amount of freedom.
Since she didn't know the exact details about the tomb and the thousand-year contractor, she was waiting for Jin to uncover everything and obtain it all.
And when Jin finally grasped everything, she would be able to seize it all at once.
'If there is a hindrance, it's not that she can't monopolize the inheritance and arrangement... It's that no one, including me, will be able to obtain it.'
Though one couldn't obtain the inheritance and arrangement unless they were a Solderet's contractor.
Even if one wasn't a contractor, it was possible to destroy the inheritance and arrangement. That was the reason Zipfel was still actively searching for Temar's tomb even after so many centuries.
Furthermore, Vermont sought Temar's body, not to destroy the inheritance but to acquire it.
'I don't know how much Vermont knows about the inheritance and arrangement. But they have a firm belief that they can utilize Temar's body even if they're not a contractor.'
In that case, the worst outcome that Jin and Runcandel could face was this.
Jin wouldn't obtain the inheritance, Runcandel would fail to overcome the shame of a thousand years ago, Zipfel would destroy all the tombs, and Vermont would obtain Temar's body.
'If I continue to search for Temar's tomb on my own, the probability of eventually reaching that point is high.'
In the end, he would need his clan's help. To protect the inheritance, he needed strength.
But among the Flagbearers, the only person he could completely trust was Luna, and she was absent.
Therefore, he had to accept the risk.
Whether making the information about Temar's tomb public was more dangerous or continuing to investigate the tomb alone was more dangerous, the answer to this question had already been reached.
Finally, Mary also came to a decision.
"I will officially bring up this issue in the next meeting."
Fortunately, she had given the response Jin wanted.
Mary judged that it was the path for Runcandel.
To once again reclaim the inheritance of the First Patriarch and restore the status of ancient Runcandel that even Zipfel was afraid. That was what mattered most to the current Runcandel.
Moreover, a thought briefly crossed her mind.
'Father can't be unaware of this fact. Absolutely not!'
If that was the case, could Father's obsession with the Black Sea be related to Temar's tomb?
Mary nodded as this thought. It must be true.
Mary's faith and respect for Rosa had been gradually shaking, and it had crumbled completely due to Jin's recent confession. However, her unwavering belief in Chiron's ultimate goal of reviving the clan's glory and restoring their legitimacy remained solid. That much was an unchanging proposition.
"Regarding Temar's tomb, how much do you know?"
"The First Patriarch was a contractor of Solderet. That's why Murakan was his Guardian Dragon. In the tomb of the First Patriarch, along with the inheritance of the First Patriarch and the ancient Runcandel, there are also things left behind by Solderet for me."
Mary's pupils dilated.
"Things left behind by Solderet for you... Is that because you're a contractor from Runcandel who appeared after a thousand years?"
"Yes, elder sister."
"I see."
As if she was relieved, Mary brushed back her hair and continued.
"You intended to seize the things Solderet left behind without the clan's knowledge. However, when Kinzelo suddenly appeared and revealed that other factions were also seeking his tomb, and you decided that you couldn't handle it alone, right?"
Jin couldn't help but be amazed by Mary's sharp observation.
"Exactly."
Bloodlust appeared in Mary's eyes.
This time, it was clearly hostility aimed at Jin. As a 7th flagbearer, she was furious about the fact that Jin had hidden such an important matter.
However, she could somewhat understand it, unlike when she thought about Rosa.
In Mary's view, most of the clan members despised Jin.
'Is the youngest 19 years old? If it were me back then, I would never have informed the clan even if I was not able to possess what was in the tomb. I would have kept it hidden from the clan, consumed by revenge and hatred.'
Mary, who slowly closed her eyes, seemed to be collecting her thoughts.
"Ha, you punk... it is annoying."
Jin didn't bother adding any apologies.
There was no need to apologize. He had not asked for help while whining about the burden.
"Anyway, you thought well, Jin. If you had continued to hide this fact due to greed and it had been exposed to me, I wouldn't have just let it slide like I am now."
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