章節 516: CHAPTER 675
[T.L: punisher87]
[My ko-fi link:- https://ko-fi.com/punisher87 ]
Tikan, Latrie cafe.
"Jin, did you know? These days, I'm very happy."
Crunch!
Sandra spoke while munching on a Latrie cookie.
Hedo, sitting next to her, wiped the cookie crumbs from Sandra's mouth with a blank expression, and Jin felt that they were more like father and daughter than butler and master.
"Isn't it polite to ask why someone is happy in a situation like this?"
"It's touching to hear the word 'polite' from a lady's mouth..."
"What do you mean?"
"It's quite moving. You should continue to think about manners and decorum."
"What are you talking about? You don't have any manners to begin with. Normal people feel intimidated just by looking at these needlessly bulky muscles."
"Please stop spilling your cookie crumbs everywhere. Why can't you eat without making a mess, whether you're five years old or not?"
"Hedo takes care of everything, so why would I bother?"
"Then maybe I shouldn't help you anymore from now on."
"Then I'll rip you apart!"
Jin was getting the impression that they were a pair of comedy actors. Sometimes, he couldn't help but chuckle as he listened to their conversation.
"Why are you so happy, Sandra Zipfel?"
"Well, because I've been seeing you a lot lately! You are asking the obvious, haha."
"Um... I see."
Jin had never imagined that he would one day ask a pure-blood Zipfel and an unknown extraterrestrial tower keeper to betray Zipfel, except for Veradin.
'Who holds the key is not Sandra, but Hedo.
While on the surface, Hedo was obedient to Sandra, but Jin believed that Hedo had the real leadership between them.
Of course, Hedo followed Sandra's requests to a certain extent, but there was a line that he would not cross. If Sandra made demands beyond that line, Hedo would never comply, and Sandra would only swear or urge him, but that was all.
The final decision-making power lay with Hedo.
"My, you lady shows such a positive expression every time the 12th flagbearer calls you, that's why he easily tells us to come and go. Relationships sometimes need mysterious push and pull to maintain their allure. This means that Jin Runcandel cannot find Lady attractive."
"Well...that's an interesting point. But as far as I know, you've never been in a relationship, how do you know so much about it?"
"Well, there are 24 hours in a day, my lady. And I spend an average of five hours a day not with you."
"Then you used those five hours to date, is that it? Tower keeper."
Jin asked. He was really curious. Hedo was only the second-class butler and tower keeper in name, but in reality he was acting as the top executive in Zipfel.
So, there would undoubtedly be a considerable amount of work or tasks to be done during those five hours, making it questionable whether he could date within that time.
"... Well, is that strange?"
"It's a little fascinating. It seems that Zipfel's top executives are not as busy as I thought."
"Oh my, Jin is more interested in Hedo than me! Are you crazy, Hedo!? You wag your tail like this?"
"I'm just a butler, not a top executive, 12th flagbearer."
"If you are just a butler...…."
Jin's eyes narrowed.
"Then I want to offer you a job transfer."
There was no need to beat around the bush.
"Okay!"
Sandra immediately nodded with twinkling eyes, but Hedo's eyes sharpened.
"A job transfer?"
"Yes."
"Do you know what you're talking about?"
"I know exactly what I'm talking about."
"Then let's pretend we didn't hear anything."
"Hedo, why again!"
"Why again? It's not 'again', my lady. The 12th flagbearer is telling you and me to betray our clan."
"What's wrong with that? I've been doing that for a long time."
"My lady, I know you tend to be indecisive at times, but this is something the 12th flagbearer should never say. The alliance is temporary, and Zipfel and Runcandel cannot coexist."
-It was only a few years ago when he almost got beaten by Hedo in the Sota Desert. Back then, Hedo overwhelmed Jin and his party, but what about now?
-What do you mean?
-Can you win?
-I don't think so. I expected it because he was fighting alone in the Garden of Swords, but seeing it up close is a different feeling.
- See! If it's Jin, there's definitely a possibility. I didn't think so at first either, so it's not Hedo's fault. So, how about we do what I suggested last time...… Oh, You scared me!
A conversation between Hedo and Sandra in the Kaldran Snowfield. In fact, Sandra had been arguing to support Jin before. Hedo was firmly opposed to it.
"Is it just because of the long-standing animosity between Zipfel and Runcandel?"
"Yes."
"You are not a pure-blood Zipfel. There doesn't seem to be any personal animosity towards the Runcandel or Vamel alliance either."
"That's right, you're not pureblood. I, a pure-blood, said I would betray them, but why are you stopping me and freaking me out!"
"I I don't have personal animosity towards you. But now it seems like it's going to happen. Don't you think you're taking advantage of my lady's feelings for your own gain?"
"Jin isn't using me! And even if he is, what's wrong with that? I'm happy with it."
"It may seem that way. But I'm saying this for your sake, not just for the alliance or Runcandel's benefit."
Jin meant it. Jin couldn't understand Sandra's feelings towards him, and she herself felt like an enigma.
Over the past few years, Jin developed a kind of camaraderie and empathy with her as we went through several events together. As long as Sandra remained with Zipfel, he was convinced that her future would ultimately be bleak.
"Sandra, give us a minute."
"I don't want to."
"Just stay here, my lady."
"I'll make dinner later for you, just give me 30 minutes."
"I'll have a cup of tea with Enya. Well, I'll be back!"
When Sandra disappeared, only Jin and Hedo remained in the cafe. Hedo wiped his glasses uncomfortably and took out a cigarette.
"This is a no-smoking area."
Hedo's shirt button bounced towards Jin as his bulging muscles swelled. Hedo lit a cigarette and smoked it in one breath.
The gray smoke temporarily obscured the two men's vision.
"I don't think I have to be courteous to you when you cross the line."
"I understand that much. As far as I can see, tower keeper, you're loyal to Sandra Zipfel, not Zipfel."
Sandra Zipfel, not Zipfel. That was what Jin had intuitively felt since he first saw him.
The source of that absolute loyalty is unknown, but Hedo will definitely choose the latter when he had to choose between Zipfel and Sandra Zipfel.
"Am I wrong?"
Instead of answering, Hedo lit another cigarette.
"I will assume that means yes. That means I understand even less. If Sandra Zipfel continues to stay in her family, what do you think will happen in the end?"
"It will stay the same."
"I met Veradin not long ago. He lost his memory and became a living golem magic swordsman test subject and a different person from before. I thought Sandra might end up like that too, sacrificed to the experiment."
"My lady won't end up like that, Jin Runcandel."
"Is it because you're looking after Sandra Zipfel?"
"Yes."
"I don't understand. Are you saying that the protection you're talking about would allow for a certain level of experimentation on Sandra?"
Sandra is already a living golem. She has been able to use some of time authority through some means, and had a physical ability that was not like a mage, along with her regeneration abilities.
"I think that Sandra Zipfel's somewhat peculiar mental state and the experiments she has undergone may not be entirely unrelated."
"Lady Sandra is naturally strange. It has nothing to do with the experiment."
"Well, I hope so, but can you guarantee that it won't happen again in the future? If she changes like Veradin did, can she still be considered Sandra Zipfel?"
"That's not for you to judge."
"It's not for you to judge either. It's up to Sandra herself to decide. And what kind of protection is that? You allow experiments up to the point where a person is not completely destroyed, and beyond that, you say you will protect them? Is that really why you keep Sandra by your side?"
"I responded to your call to find out the identity of my sword, I did not come to Tikan with the intention of becoming a traitor. And as for the experiments..."
As if a certain memory had come to mind, Hedo narrowed his eyes.
"...It's what the lady wanted."
"You're talking cowardly. Even if Sandra wanted it, it doesn't mean it's right to let her become a test subject. Or did you decide that she needs at least that level of regeneration ability to protect her no matter what?"
"Then what can you do for her?"
"What?"
Hedo stood up from his seat.
"Let's say that Lady Sandra betrayed Zipfel. What's next? Can you and the Vamel Alliance always prioritize protecting lady Sandra, no matter what? Even if the entire alliance is wiped out, can you still prioritize lady Sandra?"
"Of course not."
"You are undoubtedly strong. You are even stronger now than I am. But when the fight with Rosa is over and the alliance will break, I still can't imagine you defeating Zipfel. It's the same even if I join under your command."
"So you're saying that you're willing to bet Sandra's life on what you think is the more likely outcome."
"Yes. I would have rejected it even if Sir Chiron had made the same offer. Now that I've said it so plainly, I hope you understand and give up."
"In that case, can I understand it as accepting the proposal when I have the power to completely overwhelm Zipfel?"
Hedo nodded without hesitation.
"Absolutely. If you can give me that kind of confidence, even if you refuse, I might beg you to take me and my lady with you."
[T/L: You can read more chapters and support me here: https://ko-fi.com/punisher87 & https://bmc.link/punisher87 ]
創作者的想法 
babayaga01
babayaga01 You can read more chapters and support me here: https://ko-fi.com/punisher87 & https://bmc.link/punisher87
Your gift is the motivation for my creation. Give me more motivation!
章節 517: CHAPTER 676
[T.L: punisher87]
[My ko-fi link:- https://ko-fi.com/punisher87 ]
"To think that I ate a dish cooked by Jin... Ah! I just want to live here in Tikan forever. Don't you, Hedo?"
"Not at all, my lady."
"Why are you always so negative? I'm starting to dislike what you're doing lately."
"If you keep it up, there's a chance that news of the young lady's exploits may reach the clan. If that happens, you may not be able to meet the 12th flagbearer even if you have the opportunity, like today."
"Wow, there's no shortage of trash here, huh? Do you think a brute like you fits in with that size?"
"It seems like a good combination. No one would think I'm a brute just by looking at my appearance, so there's some unexpected charm."
A day has passed since Hedo and Sandra came to Tikan.
And the others who watched the two of them, like Jin, felt that the two of them were just like a father and a daughter who were on good terms (but the daughter is quite a troublemaker).
"Hmm, no matter how much I think about it, this Jet can't figure it out. What's the reason that this amazing guy can't even move against Sandra Zipfel? It doesn't seem like he has any weaknesses."
"It's a strange relationship indeed."
"In the first place, the existence of this person named Hedo is strange, Sir Valkas. We don't have any information about him in our Ghost mercenaries, and it's the same for the Black King mercenaries, isn't it? Our lord also only found out about his existence after meeting him in the Sota Desert. Does it make sense that we know so little about someone of that caliber?"
"I think Sir Chiron, Runcandel, as well as Zipfel's top brass, seem to know about him, but... He is definitely a person shrouded in mystery."
Tikan still knows very little about Hedo. He is Sandra Zipfel's exclusive butler and second-in-command, yet he receives the highest treatment within the clan.
Hedo has the position to request a vacation based on the vague reason of "personal matters" in these times.
"The words written on the sword that Miss Valeria is examining are also mysterious."
Since yesterday, Valeria has been staying up all night looking at the records of Hedo's sword, the 'Bale'.
Since the Bale is related to the old Runcandel, its history has been manipulated as expected.
"Sir Hedo."
Valkas called Hedo on behalf of everyone.
"You can just call me Tower Keeper, leader of the Black kings."
"It's more convenient to refer to you as sir. I called you because I had a question."
"What is it?"
"I'm curious about the relationship between Sir and Sandra Zipfel."
"What's there to be curious about a butler serving his master?"
"Because it doesn't look like an ordinary butler and master. According to what I heard from Lord Jin, sir, you are loyal to Sandra Zipfel, not Zipfel. If you have any special stories, I'll prepare good drinks and cigarettes."
Valkas was subtly good at socializing. Hedo also showed no signs of being awkward with Valkas' sudden approach.
"Good wine and cigarettes are always welcome, but there is no particular story."
"Don't do that, tell me. Curiosity about Sir and Sandra Zipfel is paralyzing Tikan."
Valkas pulled out the Mila Mountain top-grade pine smoke from his pocket and offered it to Hedo. Hedo smiled satisfactorily after enjoying the aroma once.
"This quality is so good that it might be the only box to come out of the Mila tobacco farm in one year. I'll tell you then."
The group pricked up their ears, but Hedo gave a very disappointing answer the next moment.
"There are often people who care more about their dog or cat than their own body. The reason why I attend the lady is no different from that. I have been by my lady's side since she was little, so it is only natural now."
"Compared to a pet?"
"To put it bluntly, it's the lady. Anyway, compared to the cigarettes I received, it's a trivial matter. I hope you're not disappointed."
"Then...! How did you come to Zipfel's side?"
Jet glanced over and intervened. He also took out the finest pine from Mila, a different kind from Valkas, and held it out to Hedo.
It was stolen from Qwaul's drawer.
"You don't have to be so scared, Jet. I happened to belong to Zipfel while wandering as a young man. Um, this is also a very refined scent."
"It looks like you're having a lot of fun taking the Tikan people's stocks, Tower Keeper."
Jin shrugged and spoke.
"If you have any questions, feel free to ask me if you have anything that can pique my interest."
"There's no need to do that, we will naturally know everything when you become one of us."
If Jin asks Sandra, he will be able to find out about Hedo's past.
But Jin didn't do that.
There was no need to make the giant uncomfortable by uncovering his hidden past, which was not that important anyway.
The important thing was entering the sixth tomb through Bale.
"More than your past, I'm more curious about the history of your sword. The word 'Bale' written on the sword is believed to be the name of a person of one of ten great knights of old Runcandel."
"Like the guy we saw in the snowfield? I can guess to some extent."
"It's a very bitter story for me that the sword of a ten great knight is possessed by Zipfel's servant. Well, Tower Keeper, you are qualified enough to own a sword that is just as good if we exclude the fact that you are from Zipfel."
"I thought you would be scared."
"I'm just stating the facts. When I first met you, I thought, 'are there really monsters like this in the world?'"
"That won't change my mind."
"One of the reasons I have to show myself well to you is also related to elder sister Yona's matter."
Jin had asked for help in finding Yona as soon as Sandra and Hedo arrived.
"If that's the case, didn't the lady agree yesterday?"
"Hoho, don't worry. Honey, I'll save my sister-in-law somehow."
"I believe in Sandra. But I have a feeling you might report to higher ups."
"You're treating me like a snake in the grass twice. You can bring the Contractor of Truth and confirm it."
"I'll trust you."
"It's not that you trust me, but you'll think I won't report it even if Yona Runcandel goes wrong because lady Sandra will persuade me."
"I'm not that devious. But if the other side acts deviously first, then there's nothing we can do."
"I don't mind being kidnapped."
As the conversation continued, Valeria came out of the lab. She had the same dazed expression as always during such times, but there was one thing different.
'Her eyes are sparkling quite a bit...?'
It was a gaze that Valeria only showed when she made a particularly significant discovery. Jin smiled inwardly, thinking of his past life, as he saw her like that.
"Jin."
"Have you finished analyzing the records?"
"Yes, come with me. I'll explain it to you."
As Jin left, Sandra glared at Valeria's back as if she wanted to kill her, and Hedo let out a sigh and calmed her down.
"You seem excited. The harvest seems to be bigger than expected, right?"
"Of all the items we have found related to the old Runcandel, this one holds the most intact record."
"Didn't you say that the history of this sword was heavily manipulated?"
"Yes, I did. At first, it was actually like that. But this is the first time I've encountered something like this. As soon as my magic touched the sword, its history began to recover on its own."
"Recover its own history?"
Just like a dry forest drinking rainwater, Valeria's record magic slowly revived the records contained within the sword as soon as it touched it.
Valeria only maintained that state overnight without taking any special measures to restore the records.
"Yes. It's safe to say that this sword perfectly contains a fragment of Runcandel from a thousand years ago. It is in incomparably better condition than the records we saw in Wantaramo Forest."
Jin had never seen an 'intact record' of old Runcandel before. The records Jin had seen were always partially or mostly damaged.
"Then it'll show us more than the recording devices left by Solderet."
"Of course. And maybe...,"
Valeria paused and met Jin's gaze.
"We might even meet a living old Runcandel. Inside this sword's tomb."
"What...did you say?"
Jin's pupils dilated.
"I thought about why the manipulated history was so easily recovered. It might have weakened naturally over time, but that alone wasn't enough of an explanation. And it wasn't because my record magic was exceptional."
As Valeria casted record magic on Hedo's sword, she clearly felt that a certain living force within it began to resist the history manipulation.
"So you mean that a living ten great knight is resisting the history manipulation and reacting to your record magic inside the sword?"
"There's no guarantee that it's a one of the ten great knights, but it's highly likely that someone is still surviving inside the sword. Not as a guardian, but as a true living entity. And if their mind is intact and if they show favor to you, you can also hear stories from that time directly from them."
Jin's heartbeat quickened. The many doubts that he had harbored could have been resolved if only he could directly hear the story of the mysterious old Runcandel.
The background of Sylderay calling Solderet a traitor in the first tomb, the reality of manipulated history, the death of Temar, and the end of Runcandel at that time. And the reason why Solderet hid the fact that he had already foreseen himself as the contractor a thousand years ago.
"It is an amazing story. I didn't expect to find such a clue in the sword of Zipfel's Tower Keeper. Without that sword, we couldn't have entered the fifth tomb."
"Are you going to inform the Tower Keeper about this?"
"It might be a good idea to let him know. He's a thorough person, and he'll probably ask us to verify it through Euria when we finish the story. We've already mentioned Euria before, so if we're caught in a lie, he won't cooperate with us."
It wasn't a matter of refusal. Hedo is the master of the sword, so it would be better to be honest unless Jin is going to take it by force.
Of course, Hedo is a person of Zipfel. It was a difficult matter to inform him about the existence of 'an old Runcandel that might be alive', but there was no other way.
"Right now killing the tower keeper or taking the sword from him would be crazy, so that would be better. When are you going to enter the Tomb?"
"We should prepare now and try it outside, since we don't know what might happen during the opening process."
[T/L: You can read more chapters and support me here: https://ko-fi.com/punisher87 & https://bmc.link/punisher87 ]
創作者的想法
babayaga01
babayaga01
You can read more chapters and support me here: https://ko-fi.com/punisher87 & https://bmc.link/punisher87
Your gift is the motivation for my creation. Give me more motivation!
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