章節 116: CHAPTER 275
"I only greeted you after the clan members offended you. I should have been more present." Rosa spoke as she set down her teacup.
She was in Jin's room after receiving the report from the guardian knights.
"Yes, you should have been more present. Don't you think you and your husband should have greeted me when I woke up and came to the Garden of Swords? But the Patriarch left without acknowledging me, and the servants were rude. It made me feel upset in more ways than one."
"I will take measures to ensure that everyone in the Garden of Swords treats you on par with the great elders from now on, Lord Murakan."
Murakan's eyebrows furrowed at the mention of being on par with the great elders.
He was annoyed that he was only treated as a great elder. But Murakan decided not to dwell on the good old times. Not only had he not fully recovered his powers from his prime, but also a thousand years had passed since Temar's death.
When Temar founded the Runcandel clan, Murakan was closer to the heart of the clan than anyone else.
But now, he was almost a stranger. In fact, he was clearly on hostile terms with Rosa, who wielded most of the clan's power.
"Everything is different from a thousand years ago, not just the landscape but also the people. Temar, I miss you, old friend."
Murakan suddenly laughed. "The Runcandels sure have changed."
"It is natural for one to progress with the flow of time."
"Progress, you say. If the Runcandels achieved such progress, the Zipples would no longer exist on Earth. After losing magic, the clan has only lost its power over the course of a thousand years."
"I am but a mortal and can only catch a glimpse of the power of the ancient Runcandels through records. I cannot dare to boast for myself how powerful the Runcandels of old were, so I can only adhere to the traditions and laws of the clan."
"And are you not aware that those same traditions and laws stemmed from the humiliating pact we have made with the Zipples?"
"Yes, I am aware of that."
"Then why does the majority of the clan try to exclude the one being who can shatter the pact, namely your youngest son?"
Rosa stared into Murakan's eyes for a long while.
"The elders seem hesitant to pass down the final techniques to Jin, and I have been told that you have assigned him an impossible mission from the start. I hope you have an explanation that I can accept," she said.
"Lord Murakan. First of all, to say that Jin is the only person who can break the pact is not true. If someone had enough power to subdue the Zipples, they could always nullify the pact."
"There is a curse in the blood of the Runcandels. The curse seals all mana, and no spell or divine power can neutralize it except for Solderet's power." 𝑅read latest ch𝒂pters at n/𝒐v(e)lbi𝒏(.)co/m
"If Solderet is so all-powerful, why has he abandoned us for the past thousand years? In fact, he had been the guardian of the Zipples."
Murakan had nothing to say to that.
What made a god a god? One only answered to the definition of a god if they protected the humans who served them or did things that were beyond the powers of humans.
In that sense, Solderet had never been a god to the Runcandels after Temar's death.
"Isn't that why he made a contract with his youngest son?"
"A contract may help Jin grow his personal strength, but I wouldn't say it means much for the greater perspective of the entire clan, unless he intends to descend upon us to rid us of the curse. In fact, it's only more likely that we will be pressured by the Zipples for breaking the pact or that we will cause chaos within the clan by undermining our legitimacy."
"It's curious that you mention legitimacy before me."
Rosa touched her teacup.
"That is why the elders hesitated to instruct Jin in the final techniques. Additionally, I believe there is a misunderstanding. I have never given Jin an impossible task to accomplish."
"Continue," Murakan said.
"Assassinating the Black Knight spy will not solely fall on Jin's shoulders. As it is of utmost priority, another competent flagbearer will join him. The Patriarch has revealed his intentions, so I do not wish for the harm to fall solely on Jin. I am also aware of Jin's exceptional abilities."
"For some reason, it seems like you want to utilize those exceptional abilities before discarding him."
"In any case, Jin is in a position where he has to constantly create surprises and shocks. If he cannot, he will never be accepted in the Runcandel clan, even if he is already a flagbearer. Does this explain enough?"
Murakan stared into Rosa's eyes for a while. "Alright. Then let me ask you one last question."
"Please, go ahead."
"Where is Temar's tomb?"
"I don't know. Can I leave now?" Rosa got up before Murakan could respond.
"I will impose severe punishments on the knights who have slighted you, Lord Murakan."
Murakan clicked his tongue after Rosa left the room. "She's not up to Cyron's level, but she certainly has quite some strength."
Then Gilly finally sighed and shook her head.
"Murakan, I had no idea you would directly summon the lady. I don't think you should do it again. The lady is acting on behalf of the Runcandel Patriarch at this moment."
"I know, Strawberry Shortcake. I just wanted to have a conversation with her myself to get an idea of what the boy's greatest enemy is like."
"You have no idea how terrified she was. I was worried the lady might reveal how offended she was."
"I knew she would have some class."
"Anyway, you need to stop embarrassing the lady in front of others. If something goes wrong, she could send you to the clan's courts, even if it's you, Murakan. Oh, God!"
Gilly suddenly shivered and stopped mid-sentence as she looked out the window. She saw Rosa exiting the building and slashing the guardian knights.
The blood of the guardian knights splattered in the intense sunlight shining in the Garden of Swords.
They were the guardian knights who had offended Murakan in their pursuit of Mary.
Rosa's face was expressionless as she took them down. Her sword was swift and precise as it cut off the arms and legs of the guardian knights.
As for the leader of the pack, she severed his head. It fell to the ground, but Rosa didn't even look at it.
Gilly covered her mouth in shock, and Murakan saw her only after it happened.
Obviously, it was a warning to Murakan.
She was warning him that he wouldn't be treated as the guardian dragon of the clan if he summoned her again.
Rosa continued on as if nothing happened, and the servants hurried to retrieve the corpses of the dead and transport the wounded.
----------------------
Gilly told Jin about the bloody scene that had occurred during the day when he returned from his treatment.
"I have never seen the lady punish the guardian knights like that. I'm worried that everyone in the clan might feel intimidated for a while," she said.
"Anyway, they are Joshua's knights. In any case, they would have died or been injured by my hands at some point. But Mother was tough on them. They still served the clan faithfully. She treated them harshly for no reason."
"Do you think she did it out of anger for how Murakan treated her?"
"No, it's not that. Mother's intention is clear. She is trying to warn others in the clan not to meddle with me. She's implying that they could very well be severely punished for the most insignificant things if it involves me."
Murakan chimed in. "I've been thinking about this for a while, but she's no mother. Brat. Things were tough back in Temar's time too, but we still felt affection for our families and our people. We had a strong bond among us."
"We still have those bonds. It's just that the bond is not shared by the whole clan and is only sporadic. Besides, why are you surprised? It's nothing new. Gilly, send condolences and compensation to the family of the guardian knight who died today. Do it discreetly, and don't mention my name."
The dead knight served Joshua, so he was clearly an enemy of Jin's.
But in the broader sense of things, he still belonged to the Runcandel clan. An enemy, but part of the clan. His death was the death of an enemy, but at the same time, the death of someone from the clan.
Therefore, Jin thought it deserved a certain level of respect.
While he didn't need to pay attention to such matters when he killed Joshua's knights in Sameel because he was a provisional flagbearer, now he was a flagbearer.
He had to take responsibility for the deaths of clan members, even if no one acknowledged him for doing so, nor did he desire it to be known. Of course, only in the case where the deceased didn't betray the clan or harm anyone in Jin's vicinity.
"Yes, Young Master. I will take care of it discreetly. And congratulations, I see you have recovered your sword."
"I had to go through mana bomb fields just to retrieve it from Mary. I even seriously considered killing Mary at one point."
"I believe young Lady Mary will become a strong ally by your side, Young Master. And also, Elder Jed sent a message earlier. He wants you to come after the congratulatory delegations leave, Young Master."
"Alright."
After that day, Jin focused on private training without getting involved in any particular activities. Upon returning to the clan, he caused a series of controversial events, so he felt the need to lay low for a while.
Meanwhile, the rumor that Jin had defeated Mary spread throughout the Garden of Swords, and the news of him becoming a flagbearer also circulated in the world.
It was natural for the Garden of Swords and the world to be stirred up once again.
Deano followed Jin's instructions to the letter when writing his articles, while Kuzan and Yulian made sure that Jack Glow, the rabid dog, and Firok, the apostate knight, guided them to the snow-covered ridges in the southeast of the Mytell Kingdom.
Like the eye of the storm, Jin was the only one whose life remained calm.
It was February 15, 1799.
Delegations to congratulate Jin began to arrive at the Garden of Swords. The flagbearers sent to encourage the clans under his control had not yet returned.
Many groups sent delegations, from the martial clans of Hughester to all kinds of neutral factions and even the Vimenth, but Jin refused to receive most of his visitors. In fact, he committed the rudeness of sending them back after accepting their gifts.
"Young Master, are you sure we can continue sending them back?"
Jin nodded in response to Petrow's question.
"I have no urgent need to win favors from those who judge me based on such trivial actions, and those who show generosity despite my rudeness will understand my worth regardless. Above all, I have nothing to give them at this moment. Unnecessarily approaching someone will only accumulate unnecessary debts at this time."
Owing a favor when he himself had nothing to offer meant ending up with great interests to repay.
"I will personally only respond to the delegations from the Delki Kingdom, the McLoran clan, the Bill clan from the Jian Kingdom, and the Holy Queen. Send the rest back after receiving their gifts."
"Understood, sir. I will also make a list of others who show special favor."
"Oh! And let me know if the Volta clan ever sends a delegation. I will also meet with them."
"The Volta clan, sir?"
The Volta clan was one of the poorest noble clans in Hughester. And to say that a clan was poor in Hughester meant that there were no notable martial artists in the clan at all.
Petrow found it difficult to understand why Jin would receive a delegation from such a destitute clan after sending back delegations from powerful and influential clans.
Oh no. I mentioned the Volta clan too randomly. Jin discreetly looked around while Petrow tilted his head in confusion.
Luckily, Gilly and Murakan were busy talking among themselves and didn't hear what he said.
I'll have to come up with a good excuse to tell them if those two ever ask why I was looking after the Volta clan.
Jin cared about the Volta clan because of memories from his past life.
But unlike Murakan and Gilly, Petrow wasn't a companion. He was Jin's subordinate in the clan, and Jin was a flagbearer, which meant he didn't have to persuade him in detail or explain the reasons behind an order.
'I needed Jet to use the memories from my past life in Arkhin, and Sir Kashmir's help benefited me afterward. But now I don't have to do that anymore.'
Jin smiled as he realized it.
"Understood, Young Master. I will inform you immediately when the Volta clan's delegation arrives."
章節 117: CHAPTER 276
The delegations came from the Delki Kingdom, the Holy Kingdom, the Bill clan, the Volta clan, and the McLoran clan.
Of the five delegations that Jin agreed to meet in person, the Delki delegates were the first to arrive. Laika, the third prince of Delki, himself led the delegation.
"Lord Jin, no, now I should address you as Sir Jin. It's been a while."
"I've been waiting for you, Prince Laika. Please address me as you always have."
"Now you're a flagbearer. I can't continue addressing you as a lord."
Jin recalled the exchange they had when he woke up in Laika's private house after his fight with Kuzan.
"It seems there's something you want from me. Please go on, Prince Laika."
"When you become a flagbearer, please send more guardian knights to Delki and return a portion of the Runcandel's stake in Delki's gold mine."
Laika had shown Jin two significant favors during his days as a provisional flagbearer. The first occasion was when Laika saved Jin after his first battle against Kuzan. Without the prince's help, Jin would undoubtedly have died.
On the second occasion, Laika assisted Jin in reaching Kuzan before Joshua, allowing Jin to win Kuzan to his side.
"How are things in Delki lately?" Jin asked after exchanging pleasantries.
Laika seemed concerned. "Politically speaking, we're doing well. My brothers get along with each other, and the people show great support for the royal family. But the Zipple extremists are becoming a problem."
The highly lethal anti-personnel mana bombs that Mary used against Jin had been confiscated from the Zipple extremists. They traveled the world to carry out the orders of the Zipple clan.
In the past, terrorist acts had been independent crimes committed by fanatics who showed excessive reverence for the clan.
But now, these extremists were believed to have direct support and funding from the Zipple clan.
The tiny terrorist cells that used to cause random crimes suddenly began coordinating the distribution of mana bombs and launched attacks throughout Hufester with an established chain of command.
In fact, talented magicians with more than six stars were also involved in these acts, which would be impossible without the support of a major faction behind them.
But all of this was speculation. Hufester still couldn't establish a direct link between the Zipple clan and the extremists.
"We have two to several dozen civilian victims daily due to their activities. I don't know how they do it. They never betray their command group, no matter how much we torture them. They are proving to be a cause for concern."
"I'm sorry, Prince Laika. I can't deny my role in aggravating and influencing the Zipple to support the extremists."
The rise of the extremists perfectly coincided with the revelation of Jin's identity.
Many groups in Hufester were already talking about the losses they were suffering because of Jin Runcandel.
"It could be an act of revenge for how you brought down their golden castle in your days as a provisional flagbearer, yes. But Sir Jin, the Zipple would have clashed with us using those extremists at some point anyway, regardless of your involvement. Whether it was when their veil of justice was exposed or when they felt cornered."
Laika was right.
The war between the Runcandel and the Zipple clans was destined to happen someday, regardless of the timing and manner in which it took place.
The rampage of the extremists was just the dawn of the battle. More people, no, an uncountable number of people would die when the war erupted because no war was fought without casualties.
It didn't matter if it was Jin or anyone else who initiated it. Unless one had the power to obliterate the Zipple in an instant, they would only reach the same conclusion.
However, Jin felt the weight of responsibility on him.
"I don't know you well, Sir Jin, but I believe that over time you will make Hufester prosper beyond what it is today."
"I'm flattered, Prince Laika."
"It's not mere flattery. Those empty-headed nobles may complain about how things have become more cumbersome because of you, but I want you to know that the people don't share their opinions. At least not the people of Delki. They still remember your bravery and the results of your actions during your days as a provisional flagbearer. Remember that I will always fight against the Zipple by your side, Sir Jin."
Laika brought an assortment of jewels and some distinguished weapons. But the best gift he gave Jin were words of genuine support and encouragement.
As Laika said, most of the people in Hufester supported Jin.
Unveiling the hypocrisy of the Zipple, fighting for those oppressed by the Zipple, and sharing the anger of the victims. It took more than risking one's life to achieve such things.
"Thank you, Prince Laika. I will fulfill my promises before the year ends."
After Laika's departure, Jin was greeted by the delegation from the Bill clan.
He rejected the delegation from the Jian royal family but received a visit from the Bill clan's delegation. Naturally, the leader of the Bill delegation, Sember Bill, was extremely excited.
"Lord Jin! I mean, Sir Jin! Oh, the great twelfth flagbearer of the Runcandel! I knew this day would come someday! Congratulations!"
"Sember, I started my life as a provisional flagbearer comfortably thanks to you. I'm glad to see you again."
Likewise, there was an exchange of pleasantries for some time.
"How are things in Jian these days?"
"Very peaceful! Not even the Zipple extremists cause terror in the Jian Kingdom."
"It must be because of the Kinzelo."
The Jian Kingdom was close to the land of the halfmen, so the extremists avoided causing trouble in the area.
"You're right, Sir Jin. After the Kinzelo revealed themselves in the incident at the Holy Kingdom, the crime rate in the Jian Kingdom actually decreased. Not only do people think it's safe, but there are also traders moving to the kingdom to do business with the Kinzelo."
The notion that the Kinzelo were a third-rate terrorist group was completely eliminated from the world's politics. They were now considered the fourth power faction after the Zipple, Runcandel, and Vermont.
I see that the Zipple still avoid conflicts with the Kinzelo. The Zipple must be behind the extremists since the Jian Kingdom is free from terrorist acts. They must have decided that things could get complicated if any of the halfmen got involved in their activities.
Sember also mentioned something unexpected.
"Sir Jin, do you know a golden mouse named Penny?"
"Yes, I do. It was him and his friends who returned the Bradamante to the clan."
"Recently, the golden mouse traders led by Penny have become the wealthiest group of traders in the Jian Kingdom, surpassing even my own clan. Can you believe it? And all that within the span of a year. They invested the money they received from your clan to start various businesses, and every business they started became an instant success."
"Really?"
Jin expected the golden mice to profit from the transaction, but not to that extent.
"Yes, even my father says their business acumen is impeccable. I'm telling you this because Penny asked me to convey a message to you if I found you."
"Okay, go on."
"He asked me to tell you that the deal is ready, so all you need to do is come. It sounded like he could sweep up all the money in Hufester if he could just meet with you. And he didn't sound like he was purely in it for the money either."
Those adorable little ones. Jin smiled. "Tell him I've received the message."
He had no idea what it could be about, but the golden mice seemed to have something planned for him.
Sember excitedly chatted with him for a while before finally leaving, not without leaving behind a huge gift of gold coins.
Jin gave every last piece of gold to Gilly.
When Sember left, the delegation from Lani, the holy queen, entered the Garden of Swords.
Rosa came to welcome the holy queen since Lani was also an honored guest for the Runcandels. However, Lani only exchanged greetings with her out of pure formality. She then blessed the surviving Kollon and immediately headed to meet Jin.
Lani looked very different from the last time Jin had seen her.
The gaze in her eyes was as solid as rocks, each of her actions carried the weight of holiness, and her presence was befitting of the dormant volcano crown she wore on her head.
"Sir Jin."
"Your Majesty, the holy queen."
They stared at each other for a while without speaking.
It was evident that each had gone through periods of intense growth since the last time they met.
"You've grown stronger once again."
"And I no longer see weakness in you, Majesty."
"Let's not be so formal when we're alone. It would bother me."
"Sure then. Lani Salome."
Although the time they knew each other was brief, the bond they shared was deep. Together, they witnessed the sacrifice of an honest knight and saved the holy kingdom from being undermined. Their bond was evident after what they had been through together.
Lani smiled. "It has been over a year, but the holy kingdom has not yet completely freed itself from chaos. Some of the traitors still live."
"But they are consolidating the throne under their control. I'm sure it will return to being a true Holy Kingdom."
"The holy subjects were starting to grow tired of the continuous closed-door politics. But now, they rejoice with the news of your safe return and your title as a flagbearer. Sir Vitura must be seeing you by Ayula's side as well."
"Sir Vitura's family has adjusted well to their new territory, which is under the control of my sister Luna. Someday, I hope someone tells them that Sir Vitura was an honorable holy knight like no other before he left his throne."
"I will certainly do so. Sir Jin, don't you want to know what gifts I bring?"
"Tell me."
"Santos. Starting today, we will open our doors to Hufester and send our Santos to your land for the civilian victims suffering from the Zipple extremists."
Lani was thoughtful enough to understand Jin's burden and alleviate some of his concerns.
"You told me that the kingdom is still in chaos. Can you really spare them?"
"We can undoubtedly afford to send around five hundred Santos on missions. But in return, please support the finances of the holy kingdom."
The holy kingdom suffered from a lack of funds, although it wasn't as severe as Jin initially expected. The Zipple knew what the kingdom needed when they offered the gold.
Of course, the holy kingdom's unique assets attracted many factions willing to provide financial support after the incident.
But Lani rejected all support and waited for Jin's return.
"Receiving financial support means the holy kingdom is officially forming an alliance with the faction. And as I mentioned before, I would like to form an alliance with Sir Jin Runcandel."
Lani emphasized Jin Runcandel to indicate that the offer did not extend to the entire Runcandel clan.
"You're in luck, Lani Salome. I wouldn't have been able to cover the expenses of the holy kingdom with the money allocated to me as the twelfth flagbearer, but it turns out I just found an excellent source of income."
"I will be delighted to receive it. I won't have to specify exactly how much you need to contribute, right? I believe we have a good bond between us, Lord Jin, since we are friends."
Lani deliberately addressed him as Lord, as she used to do before, instead of addressing him as Sir.
"You have become quite shrewd. Then again, you are the leader of a nation, and that is an essential trait to have in that position. I will do my best to provide you with more than you need, but in return, please make an official announcement mentioning my contribution in the Santos being sent to Hufester."
"I knew it. Not a single detail escapes you. I was only planning to announce it as Ayula's will. By the way, where is the black cat I saved?"
"I will call him. We will have tea together. But he will still call you Fanatical Believer even though you are now the holy queen. Would that be okay with you?"
"Well, I can't say I dislike that nickname."
Murakan seemed extremely happy to see Lani. He roared with laughter and spoke with her for a long time.
But as midnight approached, the McLorans, Gilly's clan, did not send a delegation.
Since the Garden of Swords was only receiving delegations for Jin that day, it meant that the McLorans had no intention of congratulating Jin on his promotion.
"My apologies, young master."
"Why?"
"My clan is being rude to you, young master, and it's probably my fault."
200+ 推薦票
榜單 
51 推薦票 
段落評論