Chapter 11: Until Turning Ten (3)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 11: Until Turning Ten (3)
Luna and Jin had a nineteen-year age gap. As the eldest and the youngest of Cyron and Rosa’s thirteen children, such a difference was only natural.
Usually, when there is such a significant age gap, the older sibling dotes on the youngest, but…
That had not been the case for Jin in his previous life.
Consequently, Luna’s sudden visit was more bewildering than welcome.
‘This is an unnecessary burden. Has my eldest sister ever shown interest in any of our other siblings?’
Even as he hurriedly searched his memories, no such instance came to mind.
Among the public, Luna’s epithet was the "White Whale."
It was a title given to her for being as noble and untouchable as the legendary white whale of myth. Since there was only one white whale in the world, the name also reflected her solitary nature and her refusal to associate with any faction.
“Greetings to the First Lady!”
“Greetings to the First Lady!”
The guardian knights, who had been clapping moments ago, rushed out and shouted their greetings.
Though she had not yet entered the castle, the servants gathered at the dining table were already bowing their heads.
“Let’s go down and greet my sister, Nanny.”
Gilly was also somewhat dazed. It was extremely rare to encounter Luna within the family, and she was visibly tense.
“Ah, yes, Young Master.”
Jin and Luna met in the central hall. It was the first time he had seen his eldest sister since the Selection Ceremony.
Shining silver hair, skin like white jade, and… deep eyes that seemed capable of piercing through anything.
An indescribable dignity dwelled within Luna’s gaze. It was a look possessed only by those who had spent their lives approaching the status of a Fighting God, having cut down countless masters.
Meeting that gaze made Jin’s heart pound.
‘Is this the gaze of a human who stands near the pinnacle of strength…?’
However, now was not the time to be lost in admiration. He could not rule out the possibility that she had sensed Murakan’s awakening and come to investigate.
If that were the reason, he needed to figure out how to navigate this.
While Jin was lost in thought, Luna signaled for the surrounding guardian knights to be at ease.
“You’ve grown a lot, youngest.”
Her voice was calm and dry. It was hardly the tone one would expect for a youngest brother she hadn't seen in eight years.
However, Jin could detect a faint trace of goodwill hidden within that dry voice. Still, it was far too early to feel relieved.
“Had you sent word, I would have greeted you in more formal attire, Sister. You must be tired from your journey.”
“You say such cute things. Why would I need to send word just to see my brother?”
Luna said, stroking Jin’s head.
In his previous life, he had barely exchanged a few words with his eldest sister. To have her stroking his head now… it was a situation he found difficult to comprehend.
‘Why, exactly?’
‘Why?’
‘Why is she doing this?’
Questions flashed through his mind in rapid succession.
When Cyron had visited, everything had proceeded exactly as predicted. For some reason, however, Luna felt impossible to read.
But just because she was difficult to read didn't mean he should stop thinking. No matter how great a figure Luna was, she was ultimately just a twenty-eight-year-old woman.
Jin, on the other hand, was living his thirty-seventh year, all told. There was no need to feel intimidated.
“You’re right. There’s no need for such formalities when you set foot on Runcandel grounds, Sister. But honestly… you feel a bit like a stranger to me, so I find myself on guard.”
Luna’s hand, which had been stroking Jin’s hair, came to a halt. Hearing Jin’s audacious remark, Gilly was so startled she let out a fake cough. The guardian knights standing nearby couldn't help but widen their eyes.
Silence fell for a moment. The onlookers grew incredibly tense as they watched the silent exchange between the two siblings.
“On guard?”
“Yes, Sister.”
“Am I to take that to mean you find me uncomfortable?”
“It’s not that I find you uncomfortable. It’s just that this is essentially the first time I’m properly meeting you…”
Silence fell once more.
However, the atmosphere surrounding Luna was strange.
The guardian knights and his nanny naturally expected her to be furious, but the opposite was true. Within her deep, dark-blue eyes, an unexpected emotion welled up.
Sadness, pity, and bitterness.
Those were the emotions that flickered across Luna’s expression.
“…Right. I was inconsiderate. I momentarily forgot that even though you are young, you are a Runcandel. I am sorry.”
Jin was equally taken aback by her reaction.
Runcandel.
This great martial clan was by no means a family where siblings built affection, made sacrifices for one another, or cheered each other on.
Monitoring, usurping, and trampling over one another—that was the true tradition of the Runcandel family. Therefore, upon hearing Jin’s words, Luna assumed that he viewed her as an ‘obstacle.’
That was the reason for the sorrow in her eyes.
“All of you, step back for a moment… No, Jin. May I dismiss your guardian knights and nanny for a while?”
Luna lowered herself to match Jin’s eye level. When Jin gave a quiet nod, the guardian knights and Gilly exited the central hall.
Jin still couldn't fathom her true intentions, but he judged that the situation was not a bad one.
“My youngest brother.”
“Yes, Sister.”
“The reason I came to see you so suddenly… is because I have something to tell you. It is your birthday today, after all.”
The wariness in Jin’s expression softened slightly.
“What is it you wish to say…?”
“Everyone—including Father and our siblings—is watching you. Looking at you now, I don't think I need to explain what that means.”
Everyone in Runcandel was focused on Jin.
The reason was simple. The theory that Cyron had visited Storm Castle last year solely to check on his youngest son had become an established fact within the family.
Furthermore, Jin had chosen Barisada during the Selection Ceremony, so it would be stranger if he weren't receiving attention.
“Yes, I am aware. It means that the moment I leave Storm Castle, my other siblings may begin to view me as a rival to be dealt with.”
Luna lowered the axe-sword on her back, Krantel, to the floor. Thump! Even though she set it down carefully, it made a heavy sound.
“Yes, you understand well. You were wary of me because you know that.”
Jin didn't answer and simply met Luna’s eyes.
“But, youngest, this is what I want to tell you. I hope that you do not lose your happiness by getting caught up in the filthy struggles between family members.”
It felt like being struck in the back of the head with a hammer.
‘Does Luna really think like that? Is the reason she never participated in the bloody battle for the patriarch’s seat… because of this?’
As the strongest among the siblings, Luna could have usurped Joshua’s position as the Next Patriarch whenever she wished. Despite that, she had remained far removed from the family’s internal strife, so what she was saying now wasn't entirely out of the blue. It was just surprising to hear it directly from her.
However, for Jin, it was also a statement that sparked a bit of resentment.
‘If you hated the idea of me being sacrificed in the struggle between siblings, why didn't you give me even a single hint in my previous life?’
Was it because he hadn't even been worth giving such advice to back then? Or was it because the other siblings hadn't viewed him as a competitor at all? The thoughts crossed his mind, but they weren't the important issue right now.
“Sister Luna.”
“Speak.”
“I am incredibly grateful for your words, but I have no intention of stepping away from the fight.”
His tone was firm yet polite.
“I am serious. I’m not saying this because I’m worried you might threaten me in the future.”
“I can feel that, Sister. Truly, thank you. I am serious as well. I never imagined that one of my siblings would actually worry about me.”
“……Then may I ask why?”
“You might not know this, Sister.”
Jin took a deep breath before continuing.
“But I have already experienced one assassination attempt. It’s something I’ve never told anyone. Even Gilly doesn't know. In that sense, the fight has already begun.”
To be precise, it wasn't an assassination attempt but a curse. However, since the curse ‘Delusion of the Blade’ was something worse than death for a member of Runcandel, his words weren't a lie.
“How dare they!”
Rumble!
As Luna shouted, particles of Aura poured from her body. The Aura swirled like a cyclone for several seconds, shaking the central hall as if an earthquake had struck.
“How dare one of your siblings try to kill you here in Storm Castle! Who was it? Was it those Tona brats?”
“I cannot tell you that.”
He answered dryly, but seeing Luna so enraged on his behalf made Jin feel a strange tug at his heart.
“Though it would be more accurate to say I don't know, rather than I cannot tell you.”
“Sigh!”
There was no need for further words.
Luna had no choice but to accept that her youngest brother was already mired in the swamp of the family’s filthy struggle.
As Luna stood with a troubled expression, Jin carefully wrapped his arms around her neck.
“But I am very happy to realize today, thanks to you, Sister, that not all my siblings hate me.”
“Jin. My brother. I am… so sad.”
To think that the White Whale, Luna Runcandel, was such a fragile person.
To Jin, she no longer looked like a terrifying 9-star Knight, but simply a human being suffering from a sorrowful situation.
“Please, don't be so sad.”
*
Luna stayed for two more hours before leaving Storm Castle. Thanks to her presence, Jin’s desolate birthday party took on a slightly brighter atmosphere.
‘I didn't know my eldest sister had such a side to her.’
Jin thought as he toyed with the pendant around his neck. It was the birthday present Luna had left behind.
‘She told me to break this gem just once, when I encounter something I absolutely cannot handle.’
If he broke the blue gem embedded in the pendant, Luna could instantly teleport to his location. It was a one-time-use artifact she had obtained after slaying a demon.
“Oh. Kid, that thing on your neck! Is that an item belonging to the Beast Demon King Orgal? It is! Wow, you received quite the precious birthday gift. A thousand years ago, dozens of kings threw away their lives trying to get that.”
“Who is the Beast Demon King Orgal?”
“He exists. A great demon who was active in my era. This Great One can recognize it at a glance. Since it was given to you by the owner of that powerful energy from earlier, you’ve essentially gained an extra life. Congratulations, kid.”
Murakan knew the effects of the pendant.
“I know it’s a good item, Murakan. But powerful energy? You were sensing that?”
“Of course, you brat. Even if I’ve lost a lot of my power, I’m still a dragon. Who was it? At first, I guessed it might be your father, but seeing as they just left even after sensing my presence, I guess not.”
“What? Wait. You’re saying my eldest sister probably noticed your presence?” Jin asked, startled.
“Haha, so the owner of that energy was your sister? As expected, this crazy family is the same as ever. I was even thinking of taking you and making a run for it if necessary.”
“Hah.”
“Well, seeing as she gave you Orgal’s pendant, it doesn't seem like your sister will tattle on us to the family. It worked out well in many ways.”
“I wonder if she’ll turn a blind eye.”
“I’ll bet a hundred apple pies on it. If she were such a petty human, she wouldn't have given you that pendant. You have a good sister. I’m jealous, you brat. On the other hand, my sister…”
While Murakan went on to complain about his own sister, Jin worried for a moment that Luna might inform the family of Murakan’s existence.
However, remembering the words Luna left right before she departed, his mind quickly found peace.
‘Remember one thing, Jin. My brother.’
‘No matter what you do, or what you become, I will always support you.’