Chapter 345: The Recorders (3)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 345: The Recorders (3)
‘Damn it! Not now, of all times!’
Jin and Siris instinctively reached for the hilts of their swords.
Talaris, on the other hand, merely shrugged as if this were a common occurrence, though a bitter smile played on her lips.
“A human sealed a full thousand years ago is starting to overwhelm the power of my Ten Thousand Ice. There’s no need to be so surprised. The seal has shattered more than halfway before.”
Despite the cracks, Elona remained motionless within the ice pillar, her eyes still closed.
Talaris reached toward the fissures. As she did, the energy of the Ten Thousand Ice flowed from her and seeped into the cracks. Slowly, the ice pillar began to regain its original form.
Just repairing those few cracks left Talaris looking utterly exhausted.
“Mother, are you alright?”
“I’m fine. Hmph, I hope I didn’t worry my son-in-law for nothing. Haha.”
This time, Siris didn't even get annoyed at the persistent son-in-law joke. Her concern for her mother took precedence.
“It seems this woman’s will hasn’t faded one bit, even after a thousand years.”
“...Does Father also know of Elona Zipple’s existence?”
“He does. Back in his youth, when he didn’t quite understand our circumstances, he caused quite a stir, demanding we wake her up so he could fight her.”
“My father did?”
Jin’s eyes widened in surprise, prompting a smirk from Talaris.
“In those days, Cyron only cared about finding a formidable opponent. The fact that waking this woman could cause a global catastrophe was of no importance to your father in his younger years.”
It was around that time that Talaris and Cyron had become friends. After countless clashes of blades during Cyron’s frequent visits to the Secret Palace, they eventually reached a point of mutual understanding.
“Of course, your father has come to his senses now and takes responsibility for the power he wields.”
“Does that responsibility have something to do with the Black Sea?”
“You should hear that from Cyron himself. If he hasn't told you about his own matters yet, he must have his reasons.”
“Understood.”
“Jin.”
“Yes, Lady Talaris.”
“From this day forward, you shall also participate in guarding this seal.”
Siris’s eyes went wide as she stared at Talaris.
“Mother? Jin is an outsi—no, wait. Are you really doing this just because you think of him as your son-in-law?”
“And if I am?”
“Please, at least say something that makes sense…!”
“Oho, teasing my daughter truly never gets old. It’s a joke. I simply believe that Jin’s abilities will be a great help in maintaining this seal. The time has come when it is becoming too much for me to handle alone. And I can’t exactly pass the Ten Thousand Ice to you just yet.”
Siris had never imagined it—that her mother might actually rely on Jin for something.
She felt a pang of bitterness, realizing she wasn't yet enough of a help to her mother, but there was nothing she could do. If this was her mother’s judgment, she had to follow it.
After taking a moment to organize her thoughts, Siris extended her hand to Jin. He looked at her hand for a moment before taking it.
“I hope you realize this isn't an alliance between the Secret Palace and Runcandel. This is an alliance between the Secret Palace and Jin Runcandel, the individual.”
“I prefer it that way as well.”
In truth, Siris didn't mind being close to Jin.
Having lived her life as the only daughter of the Palace Master, she wasn't accustomed to the concept of ‘friends.’ Jin was the only person her age who was even remotely like a friend to her.
‘It was despicable how he tricked me when we first met… but he’s not a bad guy.’
Aside from their first encounter, Siris had maintained a positive impression of Jin. If she hadn't, she wouldn't have participated in the operation to steal the compass.
“Oh my, what a lovely sight. You two. Daughter, what do you think? Should Mother give you some space? Would you like some quality time alone?”
“That won't be necessary, Mother.”
“Right. Then I’ll see you later, daughter.”
A white portal shimmered open.
Talaris hopped onto Mort and returned to the outer Secret Palace, leaving the two behind. Jin and Siris—and technically Elona inside the ice pillar—were left staring blankly at the spot where Talaris had just been.
An awkward atmosphere immediately settled between them.
“...My mother is a bit peculiar, so I’d appreciate it if you could be understanding, Jin.”
“Of course. Compared to my father, she seems quite normal.”
After that brief exchange, silence fell again.
‘This is awkward.’
‘So awkward.’
A few seconds later, both spoke at the same time.
“Um.”
“Lady Siris.”
“Ah.”
“Please, you go first,” Jin quickly followed up. He didn't actually have anything to say.
“...I was wondering.”
“Yes.”
“Do those guys transform too?”
“Transform…? Who do you mean?”
“The Beastmen you brought. I was asking if they also transform into… unsettling humans, like Nabi Runcan—no, like your Black Dragon.”
Jin almost let out a chuckle. He barely managed to hold it in, knowing Siris would be embarrassed if he laughed.
“No, they are true Beastmen, not dragons. Only dragons can shapeshift.”
“That’s a relief.”
“It would have been quite reassuring if they were all dragons, though.”
“The thought that the cute cat I saw at the banquet is actually that hulking, dark-skinned man still gives me the creeps. He acted so charming toward me at the banquet.”
“Haha…”
Siris furrowed her brows as if the memory was still absurd.
“He didn't leave my side until the banquet ended. He was even in my arms when I went to watch your duel with that Bubar fellow.”
—Oh! I’m so glad I decided to attend this banquet. To think I’d meet the successor of the Secret Palace at such close range! It’s a pleasure. You’re Siris Endorma, right? I’m Veradin Zi—
—Get lost.
—Ah, yes.
—By the way, be careful with that cat. He’s the one who scratched my face before, haha. He’s a very vicious fellow.
Siris recalled the conversation she’d had with Veradin back then and shared it with Jin.
His heart grew heavy thinking about how Veradin was doing now.
‘It’s frustrating not hearing any news. It seems Dante hasn't heard anything either. I should tell him to try attending a Zipple banquet instead of just inviting people to Hairan’s.’
While Jin was lost in thought, Siris continued talking about the Runcandel banquet.
Like Jin, she didn't have many memories of growing up, as she had almost no acquaintances her age. Her life had been nothing but training and missions.
Thus, though she didn't realize it herself, that banquet had remained a special memory for her.
Jin suddenly realized this and met Siris’s eyes.
He, too, had let his childhood and adolescence slip away without any real memories in his previous life.
‘Unlike me back then, Lady Siris at least has her accomplishments to show for her growth… but she must have been bored.’
And perhaps, lonely.
“Why are you looking at me like that?”
“Just… there’s not much else to look at here, Lady Siris.”
“I see.”
“Come visit Tikan often. Since we’re allies now, you’re my comrade too.”
He had already considered Siris a comrade for some time. He just hadn't said it out loud because he didn't think she felt the same way.
“Visiting somewhere just for fun isn't something I’m used to.”
“I was the same.”
“But it doesn't sound bad. Thinking about ‘playing’ makes me feel a bit excited.”
Siris was generally cold and composed, but she wasn't the type to be dishonest.
Since birth, she had lived only to improve herself as the successor of the Secret Palace, but she was still human—a young woman not yet twenty. Naturally, there were times when she wanted to connect with others or just play without a care in the world.
“I’m glad you feel that way.”
‘By the way, why don't you start speaking casually to me? It’s weird that you’re the only one using formal speech.’
Siris swallowed those words. She felt that if they started speaking comfortably, she would naturally grow closer to Jin, and she feared the confusion that might cause in her heart if it happened too quickly.
“Anyway, I wonder when Mother will open the door for us.”
“She’ll probably come back when she’s ready. Let’s just chat until then.”
“Chatting… I didn't expect those words to come out of your mouth.”
“I’m actually quite fond of it.”
*
It was the next morning when Talaris finally opened the door.
Until then, the two had spent the night engaged in trivial, pointless, yet enjoyable conversation, feeling as though time had flown by.
Talaris seemed a bit disappointed by the lack of progress, but the two felt content.
“Master, you’ve returned!”
As soon as Jin left the Secret Palace, he headed for Tikan. Now that the issue with the small Beastmen was resolved, he planned to stop by Tikan briefly before returning to the Garden of Swords.
“How did you know I was back? Butler Petro said I was away, and Lucas said I hadn't come out since entering the Secret Palace.”
“Did someone try to contact me? Why?”
“A guest has arrived, sir.”
“A guest?”
“That, uh, Aria Owlheart lady…”
“Where is she?”
“She’s at Master Latri’s tea house.”
Even though it was morning, a long line snaked out from the tea house.
Jin entered the kitchen directly through a secret passage—recently installed due to the overwhelming number of customers—and spotted Valeria sitting at a corner table.
The moment he saw her, he suppressed a laugh.
‘She’s making good use of the Gold Snow Tribe’s products.’
Her hair was dyed black, and her makeup made her appear five years older. The disguise was incredibly natural, making her look like a completely different person.
Jin took a seat across from Valeria.
“I didn't expect you to come all the way here. You acted like you didn't need them, but you’re using the products well.”
“They’re not bad. I figured you’d make a lot of money with them. I heard you obtained a second Spirit Energy Orb?”
Valeria’s tone made it clear she had no intention of engaging in small talk. Jin had expected as much.
“Yeah.”
“Show me. I need to see what kind of object it is.”
“Aren't there too many eyes here? Let’s move.”
“This spot is only visible from the kitchen. The only ones in the kitchen are the four Dragons of Truth, so it shouldn't matter. I assume the same goes for that mage who lost her mana.”
Valeria refused to move, having judged this spot to be the safest.
“You know quite a lot. I can understand you sensing the flow of mana from Beris, but Master Latri being a Dragon of Truth is top secret.”
She had found out about Latri by checking the records.
“My existence was top secret too. Just show me the device. I need to check if it’s broken this time as well.”
Jin pulled the Spirit Energy Orb he’d obtained during the raid on Joshua’s villa from his robe.
Valeria casually cast her Record Magic. Just as she’d said, no one inside the tea house noticed.
Blue mana enveloped the orb.
A moment later, Jin noticed Valeria’s old habit again—her pupils shifting to the left.
‘Is she confused by the orb? What is it?’
The blue mana of the Record Magic dissipated.
“Well? Is it broken this time too?”
The answer that came from Valeria in the next moment was something he hadn't expected at all.
“...I don't think this belongs to Solderet.”