章節 236: Chapter 395
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It was impossible to keep the Garden of Sword in state of war and block off the entire Huphester territory.
This was because the war had not actually broken out. No matter how much authority Runcandel had as ruler clan of Huphester, they couldn't continue to suppress the convenience of all residents without a special justification.
Furthermore, the cause of the incident had already spread among the Kalon residents and spies.
The rumor was that Jin Runcandel had caused the accident.
And the rumors were spreading like a buoy that would float back to the surface no matter how much it was pushed down, there were words about Jin circulating among the Huphester residents.
Starting with the news that the 12th flagbearer had fallen into a critical condition.
And rumors that a rebellion had occurred in the Garden of Swords (which could be interpreted differently depending on one's viewpoint). Dangerous rumors even suggested that the 12th flagbearer had defeated all the flagbearers and even suppressed the acting matriarch.
Amidst the overwhelming flood of rumors, Runcandel had to make a decision.
In the end, before Jin could wake up and before a week had passed, Runcandel lifted all the blockades and restored Huphester to its original state.
Unless they were going to eliminate Jin, it was better for the reduced truth to spread rather than rumors.
Jin Runcandel, the 12th flagbearer of Runcandel, the greatest swordmaster on the continent, had destroyed the Garden of Swords!
The Sword Clan originally belonged to the Magic Swordsmen. An exciting and turbulent declaration of reinstating Runcandel status as a Magic Swordsman clan, Huphester vibrated.
The true identity of the thunderbolts that Jin Runcandel had used in his early days as a reserve flagbearer was the power of the ancient beastmen tribe that disappeared thousands of years ago...
Would Runcandel consider Jin Runcandel a traitor or a flagbearer of evolution?
I will become the Patriarch, a single sentence that rang in the Garden of Swords... It was also reported that the 3rd flagbearer, Luntia Runcandel, had made the same declaration. The possibility of a three-way battle in the Runcandel succession battle was high.
The declarations spread like a raging fever! The 4th flagbearer, Diphus Runcandel, and the 7th flagbearer, Mary Runcandel, reaffirmed their determination not to give up the throne. Would it become a five-way battle?
What about the position of the 2nd flagbearer, Joshua Runcandel?
Where is Jin Runcandel, the one whom the people of Huphester wanted to see?
From the moment the blockade was lifted, articles poured in like wildfire.
As always, led by Dino Zaglan, journalists who were sympathetic to Jin had no rest for a while.
The appearance of a hero is always exhilarating. The public had been enthusiastic about Jin Runcandel since the Holy Kingdom incident, and his name had long been synonymous with a hero.
Originally, Runcandel would not have let such articles from news outlets go unnoticed.
However, at this point, suppressing the media was quite burdensome. There was no benefit in killing those who were friendly to Jin.
On the contrary, it could be detrimental. Moreover, similar articles were already emerging from outside of Huphester, so Jin's presence had become impossible to conceal.
Of course, alongside the endless praising sentences, journalists from the opposing camp to Jin were also having hectic days.
Was Runcandel really a Magic Swordsman clan? Baseless rumors, Runcandel was a clan that had become conqueror of the continent solely with a single sword. Could the 12th flagbearer dare to tarnish that glorious history?
Denying the legitimacy of the clan was equivalent to rebellion, and it was a time when Runcandel's strict judgment was needed...
The limitations of a Magic Swordsman had already been extensively proven in the history of humanity, so one shouldn't be fooled by the extravagant stories of the 12th flagbearer...
It was an excessively radical move to consider this simply as a form of rebellion. Those who referred to it as merely "radical" should have their heads split open with an axe and displayed at the entrance to the Garden of Swords.
While the lower-ranking flagbearer had made declarations of patriarchy, the 2nd flagbearer remained steadfast. The 2nd flagbearer encouraged the lower-ranking flagbearer, saying, "Healthy competition is always necessary," and displayed dignity befitting the next patriarch.
Where is that madman right now?
Strip Jin Runcandel of his flagbearer status!
Amidst the praising and maliciously articles that stirred up the world, there was one thing both media outlets were equally interested in: where Jin Runcandel is right now. After visiting the Garden of Swords, all that could be heard was the news that Jin had left the Garden of Swords, and his whereabouts were still unknown.
"Haha...!"
Zipfel, the 1st Magic Tower, the Tower of Stories.
As usual, Kelliark Zipfel was sitting in front of the crystal orb on the top floor, passing his time. Beside him, various newspapers from different countries were piled up in a mess.
Contrary to what was known to the public, there was a boyish look on his face. He underlined the newspapers as he read them, and he was unmistakably a nobleman with gray hair.
[What's so funny, again!]
Kadun, the Fire Dragon, was grilling skewers reaching almost 5 meters using his fiery breath, standing a good distance away. Despite his true form, his face was filled with irritation.
"I have felt it before, Runcandel's youngest has always been quite an interesting fellow."
[Interesting? Are you in your right mind?]
"Why not? At his age, he single-handedly turned Runcandel into a complete mess. Even I couldn't do what he's doing. It's refreshing, isn't it?"
Crunch!
Kadun angrily bit into a cooked skewer.
[How much damage have we suffered because of that damn brat? Your brother died, and the Demon God's Orb was destroyed, not to mention our alliance with Kinzelo. The Holy Kingdom incident... I can't even bring myself to mention it. And just a while ago, we lost a Black Knight spy, Kelliark!]
"Including the fact that we lost some of the Spectres."
[Yes, that too. Is that all? A Magic Swordsman...! That brat is breaking the oath!]
The reason for Kadun's anger was that.
A thousand years ago, he and Zipfel of that time had taken away Runcandel's magic with so much difficulty.
Kadun could understand that Jin, as an individual, was overturning the world as a Magic Swordsman. The problem was that Jin had declared his intention to turn the entire Runcandel back into a Magic Swordsman clan.
It was unbearable.
Thinking back to how mighty Runcandel was in those days, it made his teeth chatter and sent shivers down his spine.
"Calm down, Kadun."
[You haven't experienced it a thousand years ago, so you wouldn't know. If it weren't for those bastards... the world would have been entirely ours since then. It's because of those terrible Magic Swordsmen that I had to wait an extra thousand years.]
"A thousand years isn't that long for a dragon, is it?"
[A thousand years is long for a dragon too! Damn it, can't you see that I'm reacting so sensitively to this?]
"I understand. It's about how important this matter is."
[We need to meet with Runcandel's acting matriarch again and put pressure on them to remember the oath.]
At that, Kelliark smiled slyly.
"No, there's no need for that."
[You should give a convincing explanation.]
"Of course. Think about it, Kadun. Based on what we've observed so far, the 12th flagbearer of Runcandel is not the kind to recklessly cause trouble. The fact that he openly mentioned reinstating the Runcandel status as a Magic Swordsman clan is because he has a reliable safety net."
[Are you talking about Chiron Runcandel?]
"Yes, Chiron Runcandel. What the 12th flagbearer believes in is his father. I don't know how much of the Black Sea's secret Chiron has shared with his youngest son, but one thing is for sure..."
Chiron Runcandel had not yet entered the territory of five kings of the Black Sea.
As Kelliark continued, Kadun's pupils dilated.
[...No way. The Runcandel's strongest knights, along with the demigod, have been searching for several decades by now. By this time, they should have undoubtedly found the territory of the five Kings.]
"I also expected that from Chiron and his knights. However, judging by the actions of the 12th flagbearer, it's more likely that he's still wandering, unable to find the Five Kings' territory."
If Chiron had already found the territory of the Black Sea Kings and he couldn't get out for a while, Jin wouldn't have made the declaration of Magic Swordsman.
That was Kelliark's judgment.
"The Black Sea is truly an unknown land. Even if Chiron hasn't found the Five Kings' territory yet, it wouldn't be surprising."
[Hmm, that's true.]
"Maybe he gave up on finding the Five Kings' territory. So, while he is still alive, he might be looking for an opportunity to break the oath with the 12th flagbearer."
[Either way, it's annoying.]
"Kadun, Chiron is just a human after all. And he won't get what he wants."
Kadun nodded silently. A human, and one with limited time left at that.
Once Chiron disappear, Runcandel wouldn't be a problem anymore.
"Besides, the oath is just a symbol. What's actually carved into Runcandel's blood is a curse. So don't rush it, let's keep an eye on it. It's quite interesting, you know."
[Alright. But still, it's a good idea to confirm Jin Runcandel's whereabouts for now. It's unsettling.]
"That's a valid point. Let's see, I'll check the crystal ball..."
[You can't see anything in there!]
As Kadun exclaimed in frustration, something caught Kelliark's eye below the crystal ball.
There was a sealed letter. It had arrived for his precious son, Veradin Zipfel.
"...We might not need to look. I'm pretty sure he's coming here."
Kelliark shook the letter in his hand.
[What is it?]
***
While everyone was curious about Jin's whereabouts, he was simply spending his time with his comrades at the mansion in the Tikan Free City.
He was leisurely checking the newspapers while enjoying some Latrie cookies.
However, Jet suddenly rushed over and handed Jin a letter.
"Lord! A letter has arrived in Tikan under your pseudonym. It seems like an invitation of some sort."
"Give it here."
Jin already expected it to be an invitation, so his reaction was rather calm.
When he opened the seal, the first thing he saw was the image of a lion holding a sword, the "Seal of the Sword Emperor."
Only the Lord of the Sword Emperor Castle could use it.
(Paul Gray Mick! I invite you to the Sword Emperor's Banquet.
Join us to enjoy the splendors of the Sword Emperor Castle and to shine your name.
Lord of the Sword Emperor Castle, Ron Hairan.
P.S.: Regrettably, I am sending this invitation to you because of my grandson. Please refrain from coming if possible.
Don't come!)
After reading the contents, Jin chuckled.
He could almost vividly imagine how desperately Dante must have pleaded with Ron Hairan to invite him to the banquet.
Jet, who glanced over the contents, sighed.
"My lord, why did he bother sending the invitation if he didn't want you to come? Ron Hairan is quite petty."
"Jet."
"Yes, my lord."
"Do you have suitable attire for the banquet?"
"Yes, I do, but... Why do you ask?"
"Then prepare it. Let the others know too. We're all going together to meet this petty lord."
章節 237: Chapter 396
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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."
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