章節 203: Chapter 362
[Support me here:- https://bmc.link/punisher87 ]
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."
章節 204: Chapter 363
[Support me here:- https://bmc.link/punisher87 ]
"Perhaps if I hadn't spoken, you would have never known, elder sister."
"If that were the case, Mother..."
Would have informed me. Because ultimately, it's a matter concerning the clan.
Mary couldn't continue the sentence. If it had been before hearing this story, she might not have known, but now she wasn't entirely convinced that Rosa's decision was solely for the clan's sake.
The sandcastle of trust towards Rosa had crumbled.
"...Anyway, I unexpectedly heard an extraordinary story. If I were to reveal this content in the next flagbearer meeting, it would surely bring chaos to the clan."
Not only Mary and Diphus, but from now on, all the flagbearers would search for and protect Temar's tomb. Not only the flagbearers, but also prominent figures in the elder council, especially those like Jorden who still clung to their long-standing ambitions.
It was an opportunity to "achieve a great achievement" that rarely came.
There were those who would step forward purely for the clan and those who would do so to fulfill their desire for honor.
Those who found or protected Temar's tomb would forever have their names engraved in Runcandel.
"Chaos. Looking back, that was always my role in the clan."
"That's why the Elder council dislikes you so much."
Mary's voice saying so had softened even more.
"Wouldn't that be the same for you, elder sister?"
"Would it not? Among the elders, there are many people who like me. Hm, after the chaos caused by you this time, it would be nice if some order could be restored. See you at the meeting."
***
However, Jin didn't attend the next meeting. Once again, he left the clan using his mission as an excuse.
'It's fortunate that I had a mission assigned to me.'
No matter what agenda was discussed in the meeting, the central topic would inevitably be Temar's tomb.
Jin had nothing to gain from attending the meeting where Mary will explode a bomb.
'I wonder if elder sister Mary is flustered by my absence. Nevertheless, the process of public debate would have continued, so chaos must have broken out in the meeting room by now.'
Although it was regrettable not to witness that scene firsthand, he didn't want to get involved in a needlessly tiring situation.
Jin planned to return slowly. Until the figures suitable for the stage had all finished their preparations and began their substantial activities.
'Ten days, maybe two weeks. Returning after that should be good. This mission is quite substantial. Oh, rescuing a royal captive from a maritime fortress isn't all that extraordinary for a flagbearer, no?'
Of course, Jin wasn't the one directly solving that substantial mission.
Bellop Schmitz, once again, was scheduled to rescue the royality in Jin's stead.
Jin felt a bit worried whether that guy would manage it well, while Jin was thinking about this.
Bellop was scouring all the maritime fortresses near Vermont, shouting in frustration. Where the heck was the captive for rescue, he was yelling, surrounded by the relentless blades of mercenaries.
'Stay strong, Bellop.'
There was another person who needed to stay strong.
More precisely, not a person but a dragon.
Jin had come to Tikan to witness the awakening of that dragon.
"Have you arrived, Lord Jin?"
"Woah! It's Lord Jin!"
"You're here!"
As he entered the mansion, Kashmir, Enya, and Jet all greeted Jin simultaneously. Other companions also gathered to exchange greetings.
Enya, as usual, showed her back and asked for an autograph, while Jin, as if with water, smoothly wrote on her shirt.
"You're always collecting these meaningless autographs."
As Murakan ruffled Enya's hair and spoke, Alisa chuckled.
"Lord Murakan, don't you also have a hobby of collecting meaningless magazines?"
"Alisa, that's not it. How can collecting such noble texts be meaningless? Besides, this smell. Hm, that Cuicantelle. Seems like she's skilled at making potions."
Sniffing and wrinkling his nose, Murakan had referred to the smell of Ozdock's core as a potion.
After Jin secured the inner core, Cuicantelle had been staying up all night, brewing potion. All for the purpose of awakening the guardian dragon, Caltor, of Yulian.
Although Murakan had clearly said to Picon that he had no interest in potions concocted from the inner core, much like dragons being dragons, Murakan seemed to have unknowingly regained his appetite for potions' fragrance.
"Huh, looks like her skills haven't died out yet. Cuicantelle has been exceptional at brewing potions for a long time. So, how's that Caltor? Is there any improvement?"
Since being rescued, Caltor was practically in a state of being like a corpse.
His energy was barely discernible, and he was hardly breathing.
The shattered bone joints had no hope of reattaching, and the wounds on his chest were still there, unhealed.
Anyone who had seen that appearance would have thought he was already dead. A dragon with a fatal wound to the heart could never rise again on its own.
Even Murakan, who had been acknowledged as the strongest dragon, had fallen into a thousand-year slumber after suffering heart injuries.
He wouldn't have woken up now if Jin hadn't found him in the basement of Storm Castle.
"There are improvements. However, Ms. Cuicantelle mentioned that due to Caltor's weakened state, we should be extremely cautious when administering potions."
Latrie looked worriedly towards the door on the other side. Beyond that door was the room where Misha had once healed Murakan.
"It seems they need a bit more time."
"Yes. However, there's nothing that would prevent him from waking up, so I think you shouldn't worry too much."
"Worry about what..."
Although he replied like that, Murakan subtly rolled his eyes towards Yulian sitting in the corner. It was a gesture that showed he cared in his own way.
For days, Yulian had been sitting there, rejecting food and waiting for Caltor to wake up.
Jin was about to offer words of comfort, but he swallowed them. Whatever he said could probably wait until Caltor's consciousness returned.
"By the way, I haven't seen Veris around."
"Oh, teacher Veris is currently working. There are plans to open a Second Refreshment Shop for Mr. Latrie soon, and it seems she'll be the head chef there. According to what Mr. Latrie said, she's quite talented..."
Enya still referred to Veris as her teacher.
And Veris had now given up pushing her away, genuinely passing on her magic knowledge.
'From a fearsome hound of Taimyun Marius to a chef at a refreshment shop…'
Rather than commanding her to kill as she did when she was a hound and an altered genius mage, the everyday task of baking cookies was now more familiar to Veris.
'Considering she was raised as a killing doll from a young age, I wondered if she would be able to live a normal life even after losing her mana. It seems she's adapting surprisingly well.'
Somehow, Jin thought of Yona. Along with the wish that his younger sister would eventually be able to live a normal life too.
"What about Kuzan?"
"Mister Kuzan went to check on the tasks related to the seven-colored peacock... Oh, there he is!"
Almost instinctively, everyone's gaze turned towards Kuzan, who had just entered the corridor.
He was holding a pile of documents in both hands. Upon seeing Jin, he gave a slight nod of greeting before accidentally dropping the entire stack.
Clatter!
"Heh, hey! Be a little careful, man."
Jet rushed over to help Kuzan pick up the scattered papers. Then, seeing Kuzan mimicking the gesture of clinking glasses in the air tonight, a laughter leaked out. Surprisingly, the two of them got along quite well.
"My lord, I was actually planning to contact you. Your timing is perfect. A letter has arrived for you."
There was only one letter that come to Tikan for Jin
'Valeria!'
Rip! Jin tore open the letter as soon as he received it.
(I've discovered traces of the Felinoids tribe. It's a forest named 'Wantaramo' to the west of the feudal state of the Empire, Kiken. If it's you, you probably know that the place isn't an ordinary forest.
We'll talk about the details in person. Come to the largest inn in the southwestern part of Kiken by September 19th.
Also, I've run out of cosmetics. Bring me some.)
It was a contact he had waited for three whole months.
And Valeria had kept her promise to search for the Felinoids tribe.
Until now, even the Seven-Colored Peacock had deployed their maximum personnel within their available scope to search for the Felinoids tribe, yet they hadn't been able to find even the smallest clue. That's how difficult it was to locate the Felinoids tribe. It took three months for the record mage to finally find something.
'By the way, Wantaramo...? I've never heard of that name before. And what does she mean it's not an ordinary forest?'
Valeria must have thought Jin would know, but even digging into his past life's memories, the name Wantaramo Forest remained unfamiliar.
"What's up, kid? Did she find the Felinoids tribe?"
"She hasn't completely found them, but it seems she has discovered some traces. It's a forest named Wantaramo in the feudal state of the Empire, Kiken. Do you know anything about that place?"
"Wantaramo? Such a forest exists?"
As everyone pretended to be oblivious, one person, Kashmir, clapped his hands as if recalling something.
"When I was a prince, I remember my father and advisors talking about a forest called Wantaramo. I was so young back then that I forgot about it, but hearing the name brings back memories. I think I was around seven or eight."
"Oh, creature... Right, you were the prince. It's the territory of the empire, so you must have heard of it."
It's not an ordinary forest.
Excluding Murakan, the companions were carefully examining the excerpt from the letter Jin had laid down.
"The emperor and the advisors of the empire would not have had a casual conversation about a forest that most people of the world did not even know about. There must be something about that forest."
Jin nodded in agreement with Kashmir's words.
If the emperor and advisors had discussions about this place, then it wasn't an ordinary forest by any means.
"Sir Kashmir, is there anything else that's coming to mind?"
"I don't think there's... Oh! Back then, the advisors mentioned that negotiations with the Wantaramo had failed. Now that I think about it again, it's strange. The advisors of the empire are negotiating with a forest in the Empire."
There was no such thing as negotiations between the empire and a forest in the Empire.
Extraterritorial jurisdiction.
Although Wantaramo Forest belonged to the territory of Vermont, it was a land that wasn't subject to their rule.
"Kid, once you go there, Arya Aulhart will probably tell you what kind of place it is. Why are you thinking about these complicated things?"
Murakan's words were accurate.
"The other party will think I know everything about it, so I don't want to appear clueless."
Jin shrugged and smiled.
每周推薦票狀態
200+ 推薦票
榜單 
51 推薦票 
段落評論