Chapter 276: The Congratulatory Delegation, An Unexpected Encounter (2)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 276: The Congratulatory Delegation, An Unexpected Encounter (2)
The Delki Kingdom, the Holy Kingdom, the Bill family, the Volta family, and the McLoran family.
Among the five factions Jin had agreed to meet personally, the delegation from Delki arrived first. Leading them was Laika, the third prince of Delki.
"Young Master Jin—no, I suppose 'Sir' is more appropriate now. It has been a long time."
"I have been expecting you, Prince Laika. You can still call me what you used to."
"I can't just call you 'Young Master' anymore, not now that you're a Flagbearer."
I believe you want something from me. Speak your mind, Prince Laika.
When you become a Flagbearer, please dispatch more Guardian Knights to Delki. And return a small portion of the shares Runcandel holds in the Delki gold mines.
That was the conversation they had shared right after Jin woke up in Laika’s villa, following his battle with Kuzan.
Jin had received significant help from him twice during his time as a reserve flagbearer.
Had it not been for Laika during that first fight with Kuzan, Jin might not have survived. Furthermore, it was thanks to Laika that Jin had managed to find and recruit Kuzan before Joshua could.
"How are things in Delki these days?" Jin asked after they finished exchanging pleasantries.
Laika’s expression darkened. "Internally, things are stable. My brothers and I get along well, and public sentiment remains loyal to the royal family. However, the Zipple extremists are a problem."
The Zipple extremists.
These were the same fanatics from whom Mary had confiscated the top-grade anti-personnel mana bombs she’d used against Jin.
These zealots were now more active than ever across the globe, acting as the Zipple’s vanguard.
In the past, their activities mostly consisted of terrorism born of fanatical adoration. Recently, however, it seemed these extremists were receiving direct support from the Zipple.
Groups that once operated as isolated cells were now systematically smuggling mana bombs. They had formed a chain of command and were carrying out terrorist attacks throughout Huphester.
Moreover, a significant number of skilled mages of 6-star or higher were now joining their ranks. Such a feat would be impossible without the backing of a massive power.
However, it remained a matter of "circumstantial evidence." Huphester had yet to find a direct link between the Zipple and the extremists.
"Their attacks kill commoners every day—a few on a good day, dozens on a bad one. No matter what we do, even when we capture and torture them, they never reveal their superiors. It is a massive headache."
"I'm sorry, Prince Laika. I know I'm not entirely blameless for the Zipple’s decision to support them so openly."
The extremists' rise in activity coincided perfectly with Jin revealing his identity. Rumors were already circulating among the factions of Huphester that they were suffering because of Jin Runcandel.
"It may indeed be retaliation for you bringing down the Zipple’s Golden Castle at the end of your term as a reserve flagbearer. But Sir Jin, even if it weren't for you, the Zipple would have used their followers eventually. They would have done so the moment their mask of justice was stripped away or whenever they felt cornered."
Laika was right.
The war between Runcandel and Zipple was inevitable, bound to happen one way or another. The rise of the extremists was merely the beginning; from now on, countless more people would die. There was no such thing as a war without casualties.
Whether Jin started it or someone else did, the result would have been the same—unless one side had the power to wipe out the Zipple in a single stroke.
Nevertheless, Jin felt a heavy sense of responsibility.
"I may not know you well, Sir Jin, but I believe you are the one who will ultimately make Huphester a more prosperous land than it is today."
"You flatter me."
"It is not flattery. While empty-headed nobles are spouting nonsense about you causing trouble, please know that public sentiment is different. At the very least, the people of Delki have not forgotten the courage and results you showed as a reserve flagbearer. I will always stand by your side against the Zipple."
Laika had brought various jewels and excellent armaments, but his true gift was his sincere support and encouragement.
As Laika said, many of the common people in Huphester supported Jin.
Exposing the Zipple's hypocrisy, fighting for those they trampled, and feeling rage on behalf of their victims—not just anyone could do such things, even if they were willing to risk their lives.
"Thank you, Prince Laika. I'll see to it our agreement is fulfilled before the year is out."
After Laika departed, the delegation from the Bill family arrived.
Jin had refused to see the Jhan royal family's delegation but specifically granted an audience to the Bills. As a result, Sember Bill, who led the group, was understandably ecstatic.
"Yo-Young Master Jin! No, Sir Jin! Great 12th Flagbearer of Runcandel! I knew this day would come…! Congratulations!"
"Sember. My time as a reserve flagbearer got off to a smooth start, thanks to you. It’s good to see you."
They, too, exchanged pleasantries for a while.
"How is the situation in Jhan?"
"Very peaceful! Even the Zipple extremists aren't carrying out attacks in the Jhan Kingdom."
"That must be because of Kinzelo."
Because the Jhan Kingdom was located close to the Land of the Beastmen, the extremists didn't dare act recklessly there.
"That is correct, Sir Jin. Ever since Kinzelo revealed its power during the Holy Kingdom incident, crime in the Jhan Kingdom has actually decreased. Because it’s perceived as safe, merchants looking to trade with Kinzelo are visiting constantly."
Any perception of Kinzelo as a mere third-rate terrorist group had been completely erased. They were emerging as a fourth great power, after the Zipple, Runcandel, and Viment.
The Zipple are still reluctant to engage in an all-out war with Kinzelo. Seeing as Jhan is the only place without terrorist attacks, it’s certain that the Zipple are directing the extremists. They must have judged that things could get complicated if the Beastmen get caught up in the attacks.
Sember then delivered some unexpected news.
"Sir Jin, do you happen to know a member of the Gold Snow Tribe named Top?"
"I do. They're the ones who returned Bradamante to the family."
"Recently, the Gold Snow merchants led by Top have surpassed our Bill family to become the wealthiest in the Jhan Kingdom. Can you believe it? It all happened in just one year. They took the money they received from Runcandel, started several businesses, and every single one became a massive success."
"Is that so?"
Jin had expected the Gold Snow Tribe to become wealthy, but he hadn't realized it would be to that extent.
"Yes, even my father said their business acumen was breathtaking. I'm bringing up Top because he asked me to relay a message to you if I saw you."
"Tell me."
"He said, 'The business is ready. All we need is you, Sir.' He seemed confident he could sweep up all the money in Huphester if you were there. It didn't seem like he was just after profit, either."
Cute little rascals, Jin thought, swallowing the words as he smiled.
"Tell him I understand."
Whatever it was, it seemed the Gold Snow Tribe had prepared something.
Sember talked for a long while more in a voice thick with emotion before finally leaving. What he left behind was, naturally, a massive amount of gold coins.
Jin gave every last coin to Gilly.
After Sember left, the delegation from Holy King Rani arrived at the Garden of Swords.
Since she was a special guest even for the Runcandels, Rosa came out personally to greet her. However, after exchanging formal greetings with Rosa and blessing the survivors of Colon, Rani immediately sought out Jin.
Rani had become a person with a completely different aura since they last met.
Her eyes were as steady as stone, her movements were imbued with a holy dignity, and her demeanor was perfectly suited for the Dormant Volcano Crown.
"Sir Jin."
"Your Majesty."
The two looked at each other in silence for a moment.
They could sense how much each had grown, and through what intense and deep experiences, during the time they were apart.
"You have become stronger."
"And I see no trace of your former weakness, Your Majesty."
"Please, let’s not be so formal when it’s just us. It feels distant."
"Alright, Rani Salome."
Though the time they had spent together wasn't long, they felt a strong bond. It was only natural, as they had witnessed the sacrifice of a steadfast knight together and had saved the Holy Kingdom from being consumed.
Rani smiled.
"It's been a little over a year, but the Holy Kingdom has not yet fully emerged from the chaos. Some traitors are still drawing breath."
"But you have a firm grasp on the reins of power. Soon, it will truly be a land of Saints again."
"The news that you returned safely and became a Flagbearer has revitalized my subjects, who were weary from the long isolation. I’m sure Sir Vitura is watching over us from Ayula’s embrace as well."
"Sir Vitura’s family is adjusting well in Lady Luna’s territory. I hope that before you step down from the throne, they will come to know that Sir Vitura was a more honorable Paladin than anyone else."
"I will see to it. Sir Jin, aren't you curious about the gift I brought?"
"Tell me."
"Saints. Starting today, we are ending our isolation—specifically toward Huphester—and dispatching Saints. Their mission will be to provide relief to the commoners victimized by the Zipple extremists."
It was Rani’s way of acknowledging and easing the heavy burden on Jin’s heart.
"You said things were still chaotic. Can you afford to do that?"
"Dispatching about five hundred Saints is something we can manage. In return, Sir Jin, I would like you to support the Holy Kingdom’s operating funds."
While not at the level Jin had feared, the Holy Kingdom was suffering from a lack of funds. There was a reason the Zipple had offered gold to the Holy Kingdom.
Of course, due to the unique nature of the Holy Kingdom, many factions had offered sponsorship after the incident. However, Rani had been waiting without accepting support from any of them.
She had been waiting for Jin’s return.
"Accepting sponsorship means the Holy Kingdom officially forms an alliance with that faction. As I said before, I wish to form an alliance with Sir Jin Runcandel."
Rani placed emphasis on the name Jin Runcandel, not the Runcandel family.
"You’re in luck, Rani Salome. The funds allocated to me as the 12th Flagbearer wouldn't be enough to fully support the Holy Kingdom, but a great source of funding just happened to appear a moment ago."
"I shall look forward to it. I don't need to specify exactly how much support I need, do I? I don't think our friendship is so shallow that I have to. We are friends, after all."
Rani deliberately used the term "Young Master" instead of "Sir," just like in the old days.
"You’ve developed a sly side. Well, I suppose it’s a necessary trait for the ruler of a nation. I’ll do my best to give you more than enough, so please officially announce that my influence played a part in dispatching the Saints to Huphester."
"As expected, you never miss a beat. I wanted to announce it was simply the will of Ayula. By the way, where is that black cat I saved?"
"I’ll call for him. Let's have some tea. But you know, once he gets here, he’ll probably call you a 'religious nut' despite you being the Holy King. Are you okay with that?"
"Well, I’ve grown quite fond of that nickname."
Murakan seemed very happy to see Rani, bursting into laughter and chatting with her for a long time.
Rani departed in the evening.
And yet, even as midnight approached, the McLoran family—Gilly’s home—had not sent a delegation.
Since the Garden of Swords had decided to accept delegations regarding Jin only for today, it meant the McLorans had no intention of congratulating him.
"I am sorry, Young Master."
"Why are you sorry?"
"My family is being disrespectful to you. It's likely because of me."