Chapter 396: The Banquet at the Sword Emperor Castle (1)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 396: The Banquet at the Sword Emperor Castle (1)
October 25, 1799.
The most prominent families and powers from Huphester, Viment, and the Lutero Magic Federation were converging on the Hairan estate.
The banquet at the Sword Emperor Castle had begun.
Their processions were a spectacle to behold. From a distance, the colorful tents pitched by the attendants of each faction looked like a field of flowers blooming around the imposing, towering Sword Emperor Castle.
The individuals escorted by these attendants were the pillars and leading figures of their respective organizations.
Compared to the Runcandels, who rarely hosted a banquet even once a decade, the Hairans held such gatherings quite frequently. However, it wasn't often that so many major figures from every faction attended. Usually, the guest list matched the prestige of the host.
In that sense, this banquet at the Sword Emperor Castle was a festival on par with the Runcandel banquet held when Jin was fifteen. After all, the host was none other than the Sword Emperor, Ron Hairan.
It had been twenty-two years since Ron last hosted a banquet personally. The last time, he had gathered everyone to celebrate the birth of his grandson. He was, by all accounts, a man utterly smitten with his grandchild.
"Wow, Young Master! This is my first time at a banquet like this. Everyone, look over there! It’s Sir Johnsina of the Dragon King Knights! And next to him is Sir Seri, the Captain of the Imperial Mages, and that person is…"
"Heh heh. Miss Enya, why are you staring so wide-eyed? Compared to our Lord, those people aren't even the main attraction these days."
"Actually, I think so too. It’s just… since so many famous people are gathered in one place, I figured I should act a little excited."
"What a funny way to put it, kuku."
Enya and Jet were still perfectly in sync. Beris and Kuzan shook their heads at the sight—Julian had not attended, as he was looking after Kaltor—while Gilly let out a small laugh and Murakan clicked his tongue.
Alisa and Casimir, however, wore somewhat stiff expressions.
"Casimir, Alisa. Are you worried about running into the Emperor?" Quicantel asked.
Although she and Enya were still technically fugitives from Viment, they no longer needed to live in constant hiding as they once had. This was because Jin had become a Flagbearer and was growing into a power that could no longer be ignored.
"It’s not exactly that, but it does feel strange," Alisa said with a shrug.
"Even if we don't see the Emperor, we’ll certainly run into a few members of the Imperial family," Casimir added. "Since we intend to elevate Tikan to a nation anyway, we can't keep avoiding them forever."
The group was currently disguised with makeup from the Gold Snow Tribe, just as they had been during the operation to steal the compass. Despite their fine attire, people paid them little attention. With so many high-profile figures around, Jin and his companions were perceived as just another group of well-dressed nobles.
"It’s almost our turn."
The group had already been standing in line for five hours, since the crack of dawn.
"Please show your invitation," a gatekeeper said. His eyebrows twitched as he examined the invitation Jin handed him.
"Paul Gray Mick? A name I’ve never heard. Furthermore, the Patriarch even added a note asking you not to come if possible, yet you brought companions?"
"If you must enter, your companions must withdraw."
"Uh, you let the companions of the nobles in front of us go in, didn't you?" Enya asked.
The gatekeepers exchanged awkward glances.
"That was a matter of custom… Regardless, it is not permitted in your case. It seems the Patriarch does not welcome this guest, so it can't be helped. It would be best if you entered alone."
"A word."
Whisper, whisper.
As Jin whispered into his ear, the gatekeeper’s eyes widened.
"…You are Jin Runcandel?"
"Sir Ron sent the invitation to my alias, so I came under that alias. I would appreciate it if you lowered your voice."
"If you are the 12th Flagbearer of Runcandel, show me proof!" the gatekeeper suddenly shouted.
At his outburst, the eyes of the other nobles in the adjacent line flashed with interest.
"Is he really Jin Runcandel!?"
"What! Jin Runcandel is here? Where? Who? That man?"
In an instant, all eyes were on Jin and his group. Some nobles even shouted that he was the real Jin Runcandel, claiming they recognized 'that brilliant blonde hair' from the Bellado Principality.
Ever since the recent incident at the Garden of Swords—which people were now calling the 'Youngest's Declaration'—Jin's whereabouts had become a subject of intense public interest. It was only natural for the gossip-hungry nobles to cause a stir.
And as the commotion began, someone blew their cover completely.
"Oh! Welcome, Jin!"
It was Dante Hairan, looking down at the guests from the castle wall. Beside him stood Ron Hairan, looking thoroughly displeased.
And there was one more person.
The moment the name Jin Runcandel was heard, a figure in the VIP entrance area whipped his head around.
"Jin? Jin is here? Where, where!"
The white-haired youth, looking around frantically like a good-natured fool, was none other than the next Patriarch of Zipple.
Veradin Zipple. As he craned his neck to find Jin, his attendants buried their faces in their hands, trying to stop him.
"Young Master, please maintain your dignity."
"He is a Flagbearer of the enemy. If you act so pleased to see him…"
Despite his attendants' pleas, Veradin continued to scan the crowd for Jin as everyone nearby watched the scene unfold.
"Lord Veradin is here as well!" Dante called out, waving toward Veradin.
At that moment, Veradin made eye contact with Jin and waved his hand enthusiastically. Jin deliberately avoided his gaze and walked into the Sword Emperor Castle, not wanting to put Veradin in an awkward position.
As a result, a strange scene unfolded: the people attending the banquet waved back, thinking Dante’s gesture was for them, while the nobles near Veradin waved back at him.
He hasn't changed, Jin thought. A similar situation had occurred back at the Arena of Cosmos.
I didn't expect him to attend. Is he in his right mind today?
On the other hand, he felt a pang of bitterness. The last time they met, he had fought Veradin to the death. Back then, Veradin hadn't welcomed him like this; he had been a man obsessed with killing him.
It was too early to judge. Not until they sat down and talked.
No, even if we talk… can I be sure his mind isn't being manipulated?
It would be difficult. There was no definitive information on the extent of Zipple’s mind control.
Still, seeing his friend appearing normal for the first time in a long while wasn't a bad feeling.
Once inside the castle, the reception rooms were already packed. If Jin's identity as a Runcandel hadn't been revealed, they would have had to wait in a reception room until evening. General guests were only allowed to enter after all the VIPs were seated.
Thanks to the commotion, Jin and his group were able to enter the banquet hall immediately.
"All that effort on the disguise went to waste," Jin muttered. "I wanted to see Sir Ron's face when he realized I'd shown up after he told me not to."
Word had already reached the true power players in the banquet hall. They were openly scanning the group with curiosity. It was surprising enough that Jin had come to the banquet, but the companions he brought were, with a few exceptions, completely unfamiliar faces.
The Hairans had not officially sent an invitation to the Runcandels. This was Ron's decision, a considerate gesture given that Rosa was still recovering. Of course, it was also true that Ron didn't particularly want to welcome the Runcandels in the first place.
As soon as they sat at the table the attendants provided, a person approached the group with a spirited stride.
"It is a pleasure to meet you, Sir Jin Runcandel!"
She had skin so pale it was hard to believe she was human, a face so beautiful it even surprised Jin, and a slender build. Incongruously, she carried a massive weapon—an 'axe-sword'—slung across her back.
An axe-sword…? Is there someone else who uses one besides Eldest Sister Luna?
Though her body partially obscured it, he could clearly tell it was an axe-sword.
"Who are you?" Murakan asked in a gruff tone while Jin was still examining the weapon.
"Ah, I am Zephyrin of the Black King Corps. I've long admired you, Sir Jin, so I came to pay my respects."
"Admired who? This kid? Why on earth? Are you another one of those?" Murakan grumbled, gesturing toward Enya.
Just as he said that, someone called out urgently.
"Hey, Zephyrin!"
A man came running up behind her in a hurry; he was someone Jin knew.
"Oh, Captain!"
Thwack!
No sooner had Zephyrin answered than Murka, the Captain of the Black King Corps' 3rd Army, pushed down on the back of her head, forcing her to bow. It was a practiced movement, like a teacher dealing with a troublemaking student. It seemed to be a frequent occurrence.
"Where do you think you're going, butting in like that! Ahem, hmph! My apologies, Sir Jin Runcandel. I've committed an impertinence by failing to control my subordinate. She hasn't been with us long, and she's quite the troublemaker. A rookie who was lucky enough to be here thanks to the Commander should have stayed quiet…!"
"Think nothing of it, Sir Murka. It has been a long time," Jin replied.
Murka had once been in charge of Jin's escort when he left the Storm Castle. The nickname 'Young Emperor,' which the Black King Corps members had given him back then, was starting to regain popularity in light of recent events.
"It seems you've been promoted to Captain."
"It happened not long after I escorted you, Sir."
"It's belated, but congratulations."
Even while talking to Murka, Jin found himself subtly distracted by Zephyrin.
Is it because of the axe-sword? For some reason, I feel… strange.
Noticing this, Murka pointed to her weapon as if he understood.
"This girl's actual weapon is a standard longsword. She can barely swing that axe-sword once or twice, but she carries it on her back constantly, claiming she respects Lady Luna. I'd be grateful if you didn't think too poorly of her."
Murka scolded Zephyrin at every opportunity, but it was clear he was fond of his subordinate.
"Of course."
"I am grateful for your understanding. Hey, you! Why aren't you greeting him properly?"
"Thank you!"
When Zephyrin bowed low once more—the blade of the axe-sword thumping the back of her head as she did—Murakan shook his head in disbelief.
"Ah, I'm tired. One superfan is enough. Get going."
"Yes, we shall see you again. I hope you have an enjoyable banquet."
As Murka and Zephyrin withdrew, the group exchanged glances.
"Heh, our Lord just stands there and beauties like that approach him on their own. As expected!" Jet said with a grin.
"That woman named Zephyrin… she seems a bit suspicious, doesn't she?" Enya countered.
"You probably just feel that way because you think she's a rival," Murakan scoffed. "What's suspicious about her? She just seemed a bit dim-witted."
While Jet, Enya, and Murakan bickered, Jin and Quicantel continued to stare at Zephyrin’s retreating back with furrowed brows.
"Jin."
"Yes, Lady Quicantel."
"That girl, Zephyrin. I don't think she's human."