Chapter 398: The Banquet at the Sword Emperor Castle (3)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 398: The Banquet at the Sword Emperor Castle (3)
Rata whipped his head around, locking eyes with Veradin.
Startled by the sudden remark, the rage simmering in Rata’s eyes wavered for an instant.
He wasn't the only one; others in the banquet hall seemed equally stunned. Veradin had brought up a sensitive matter like an ‘alliance between Runcandel and the Ghost Corps’ far too casually.
What a ridiculous guy.
Jin almost let a chuckle slip. It had been a while since he’d seen Veradin act so unpredictably.
He suddenly recalled the first time they had met at the Mitel Teleport Gate on his way to the Garden of Swords.
— Jin Runcandel. You’re a pretty interesting fellow, aren't you?
— I’m Veradin Zipple. I threw out a few words just to test you, but I’ll offer a formal apology.
Back then, I just thought he was a bit of a fool.
In reality, the Veradin he knew was a man with a sense of justice that burned brighter than anyone else’s—enough to risk his life to correct his family’s wrongs.
The real enemies were those who used that kind and foolish boy like a puppet.
He seemed perfectly cheerful earlier, and he looks like he’s trying to help me now… but I can’t be certain Veradin is in his right mind.
Mind control.
Jin didn't know much about that sinister magic.
During the ‘Black Knight Assassination Mission,’ Veradin’s mind had been manipulated to the point of turning him into a mere killing doll. Jin couldn't rule out the possibility that the magic had evolved since then, or that a more sophisticated manipulation was possible when not in active combat.
He couldn't trust his friend, even when he appeared to be showing goodwill. The realization made his stomach churn.
“…An alliance? What are you talking about, Veradin Zipple?”
“Ah, the two of you looked so close that I assumed you’d formed an alliance. Was I wrong?”
“Did you come here just to mock me?”
“Huh? Why would you interpret it that way? Weren’t you two getting along?”
Under normal circumstances, someone might have laughed at the scene.
However, given that the three individuals were such prominent figures, the guests knew better than to intervene and risk the consequences. In particular, laughing at Rata while he was being cornered would lead to a terrifying aftermath.
Veradin’s smiling gaze met Rata’s, which looked ready to explode at any second.
“I suppose I should take your behavior today as the official stance of the Zipple family.”
“Haha, I’m not that important.”
The murderous intent Rata had been directing at Jin was now aimed squarely at Veradin.
Rata Prochi… this man really has no sense of self-preservation. His animosity toward me is because of his brother, but to bare his teeth at a Zipple in front of so many witnesses… and all because he’s in a bad mood.
While it spoke to the power the Ghost Corps possessed, in Jin’s eyes, Rata was merely a big fish in a small pond who knew nothing of the world.
After Smarion Prochi eliminated the Seigal family, the former leaders of the Ghost Corps, Rata inherited his power smoothly. Perhaps that’s why his social tact is so abysmal.
Yet, there had to be a reason why a man with such bottomless tact managed to maintain his position as Captain.
Is it his individual martial prowess, or some leadership quality I’m unaware of?
If it was the former, Rata’s power might be nothing more than a castle built on sand.
Just as Jin reached that thought, Rata turned his head back to glare at him.
“An alliance? The Ghost Corps joins hands with no one. We have only the mission and the client. Jin Runcandel, I challenge you to a duel.”
Cough, cough!
Jin couldn't help but let out a dry cough at the sudden challenge.
A duel? What is this madman thinking?
The onlookers also looked bewildered, clearly not expecting this turn of events. No one had anticipated that someone would act so brazenly at a banquet Ron Hairan was hosting for the first time in twenty-two years.
“Ghost Captain, Rata Prochi!”
“Respect to the Demon of the Prochis!”
While everyone else was dumbfounded, voices cheering for Rata rose from one side of the crowd. They were the members of the Ghost Corps who had accompanied him.
“Why so flustered, Jin Runcandel?”
“I think the only people here who aren't flustered by your behavior are your own men.”
“You’re not planning to tuck your tail and run, are you?”
“I decline.”
“Lacking confidence?”
“This is a banquet hosted by Lord Ron. Fighting here would be an insult to him.”
“Then we can settle it after the banquet is over.”
Since it had come to this, Jin had no choice but to face him.
I wanted to recruit them as allies without fighting if possible, but I guess it can't be helped. For this type of person, a good thrashing is often the only cure.
Jin shrugged.
“That’s true. However, I have no particular interest in defeating an opponent weaker than myself.”
Jin could almost hear the final thread of Rata’s sanity snap.
“Say that… one more time.”
“Not long ago, I fought against the entirety of Runcandel. And I achieved what amounted to a victory by decision. Do you really think a fight with you, Lord Rata, would be enough to satisfy me?”
Rata’s eyes widened, and the murmuring crowd fell into a sudden, heavy silence.
The silence wasn't because Jin had successfully provoked Rata. The onlookers were shocked by the claim that he had ‘fought against the entirety of Runcandel.’
“The rumors said you had a silver tongue and nerves of steel, and it seems they were true. I hope you can use a sword as well as you use your mouth.”
“I was being lenient with you, but since you’ve crossed the line, I have no choice but to make you pay the price. Fine, let’s duel. However, fighting for nothing doesn't sit well with me. As you know, I am a businessman.”
“Are you suggesting a wager?”
“There’s someone you need to find through me, isn't there?”
“I’ll just take a blood oath from you before I kill you.”
“A blood oath or whatever else. If you win, I will grant whatever you desire. You can take my life, or you can humiliate me while keeping me barely alive. However, if I win…”
Jin smirked as he finished his sentence.
“The Ghost Corps must carry out one mission for me, without fail.”
We have only the mission and the client.
Jin had taken note of those words. He intended to defeat Rata and use that promise as a leash.
“Fine.”
“There are many eyes watching. I hope you won't disappoint me by saying something different later. Now, please step back.”
By the time their exchange ended, Rata was no longer consumed by the rage he had been at first.
Instead, his face was flushed with a manic delight, a wide grin spreading across his features. He was giddy with the anticipation of crushing Jin.
Watching this, the guests came to a consensus: Veradin, while pretending to help, had actually made Jin’s situation much more troublesome. With just a few words, he had forced Jin into a duel with Rata. And since Zipple stood to lose nothing regardless of who won, it wasn't an entirely incorrect interpretation.
“The Ghost Captain is quite the hothead. I just came over to say hello, but I suppose I got a bit jealous. How have you been, Jin!”
Veradin spoke cheerfully, offering his hand for a handshake.
Looking at him, Jin felt a momentary surge of conflicting emotions.
The onlookers were once again gripped by intense curiosity. They couldn't quite gauge what kind of history existed between the 12th Flagbearer of Runcandel and the Next Patriarch of Zipple, or if Veradin was simply being provocative.
“I don't think we’re on terms to be exchanging pleasantries, Veradin Zipple.”
Jin dispelled their curiosity in an instant.
“How could you say that? I’m hurt!”
Veradin put on an exaggerated expression of grief.
Jin didn't respond and ignored him completely.
Whether Veradin was acting of his own volition or being used for some foul purpose through mind control, there was nothing to be gained from appearing close to him right now.
Above all, it had only been a few days since Jin had declared he would shatter the humiliating covenant with Zipple.
If word reached the Garden of Swords that he was being friendly with Veradin, it would tarnish the justification Jin had built.
If he’s being manipulated, this is the right response. And even if he’s sane, Veradin won't fail to understand my intentions.
Eventually, Veradin withdrew his hand and left the area, never losing his characteristic, beaming smile.
Naturally, the crowd began to disperse as well. From this day forward, the story of Jin, Veradin, and Rata would spread from mouth to mouth, likely becoming distorted as it traveled across the world.
Meanwhile, at the very top level of the banquet hall, one man was looking down at the recent commotion with great displeasure, his presence completely concealed.
“Dante.”
Ron Hairan was utterly dumbfounded to see these young brats acting so boldly at his banquet.
“Yes, Grandfather.”
“Must you associate with such types? There are plenty of fine young men in the world.”
“Unlike me, those two are fighting against their own families. Since I cannot be as great as they are, they are friends I feel I don't even deserve.”
“Ho-ho, it seems you cherish those rascals more than your own grandfather.”
“That is not true!”
Ron smiled as he ruffled Dante’s hair.
“Well, setting the Runcandel brat aside… what is this about the Zipple moron fighting against his family? As far as I know, unlike Jin, Veradin was designated as the successor early on and has received every possible benefit.”
Dante had not yet told Ron about Veradin’s mind control.
The moment he spoke of it, Hairan would be forced to make a choice: turn the world’s greatest family—one capable of ‘mind control’—into an enemy, or continue slowly building a friendly relationship as they were now.
Therefore, as the Young Patriarch, he had to be extremely cautious about discussing Veradin with the Patriarch.
He had made up his mind long ago, but the right opportunity had never presented itself until now.
“Grandfather. If magic could manipulate a human’s mind and memories at will, would you believe it?”
As Dante spoke in a grave voice, Ron’s eyes deepened.
“For the past several years—perhaps even longer—Zipple has used manipulation magic to treat Lord Veradin like a puppet. And even in that situation, Lord Veradin has fought against the evils his family is secretly committing.”
“Continue.”
For a while, Dante explained the events hidden behind the Holy Kingdom incident: Veradin setting fire to the gold bars, the Wraith Squad pursuing Jin, Veradin’s diary, and his confession.
“…If this were a decision made solely out of pity for a friend, I would never have brought my wish to you, Grandfather. However, as the Young Patriarch of Hairan, I believe the Zipples, with their ability to manipulate minds, are an evil that must be eliminated.”
“So, your argument is that we should form an alliance with Runcandel even now to keep Zipple in check.”
“That is correct, Grandfather.”
At that, Ron shook his head as if there was nothing to even consider.
“Dante, my only grandson. In a situation like this, what you should hope for is that Runcandel and Zipple fight each other until they both perish. Or, you should have suggested that we conquer them once one side has been weakened by war.”
