Chapter 399: The Banquet at the Sword Emperor Castle (4)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 399: The Banquet at the Sword Emperor Castle (4)
As if he had expected this reaction, Dante looked up at his grandfather with a calm expression.
That gaze stirred a complex mix of emotions in Ron’s heart.
The grandson he knew, Dante, was a man forged from iron.
Born naturally frail and small, no one in Hairan had ever imagined he would become the next patriarch. While Ron’s full support had played a significant role in Dante surpassing his father, uncles, and brothers to become the perfect successor, that support was built upon a foundation of grueling training.
The memory of Dante struggling up the stairs of swordsmanship, screaming until his throat went hoarse, moved Ron more than anything else in the world.
It was a feat that could not be achieved by mere “mental strength” or “willpower,” as people so commonly called it. It was a level of training that required a rare and powerful resolve—one that would make even 10-star warriors, the peerless masters of the world, shake their heads in disbelief.
Seventeen years had passed since that training began at the age of five.
Any human who had endured—or was even capable of enduring—such a harsh upbringing would inevitably harbor a monster deep within their soul.
Because of this, Ron had always believed that his grandson was not simply a kind and righteous person.
The world was no fairy tale. There were times when one had to tread the path of the overlord without hesitation, like Runcandel; times when one had to be two-faced, like Zipple; and times when one had to commit all sorts of foul deeds, just as every other great power did.
Carrying out such tasks without a shred of remorse was the most basic requirement for leading a clan.
Yet, contrary to his beliefs, the Dante he had observed all this time had never once acted against his naturally virtuous character.
‘Yes, Dante. My grandson. You were always that kind of child.’
The thought suddenly flashed through Ron’s mind.
Wishing for Dante to become the patriarch, to seize power and command the world even if it meant crawling through mud—that was merely Ron’s own desire.
‘The reason you endured such agonizing days was to remain true to yourself. Or perhaps… it was simply because you loved the act of swinging a sword.’
Looked at another way, perhaps it was that same superhuman willpower that had allowed Dante to protect his uniquely upright character until now.
Anyone could fall to temptation at least once.
The temptation to become stronger more easily, the temptation to grasp power more effortlessly, the temptation to eliminate rivals more simply…
His grandson had never shown the slightest interest in such things. He had merely swung his sword in silence.
“…That is a quality only you possess, my grandson.”
“Grandfather?”
When Dante looked confused by the sudden remark, Ron broke into a grin.
“Dante. We cannot form an alliance with Runcandel. No one in the family desires it.”
Dante nodded heavily.
“I am aware.”
“However, we will certainly need a way to block Zipple when they use their memory manipulation magic in the future.”
Ron placed a hand on Dante’s shoulder and continued.
“This old man believes that your friend, Jin Runcandel, is either searching for that method or already possesses it.”
Dante’s eyes slowly widened.
“Therefore, do not become Jin Runcandel’s man. Instead, make Jin Runcandel your man. If you can do that, no one will oppose your decisions when you become the patriarch.”
“Grandfather!”
“Of course, that is only possible if your friend remains a useful asset until then.”
This was unexpected, even for Dante. He knew his grandfather could be colder than anyone when necessary. Even so, the fact that Ron was subtly affirming his opinion meant the issue of ‘mental manipulation’ was truly that serious.
No matter how strong a warrior was, if their mind was manipulated, they could easily end up acting for Zipple’s benefit without ever knowing it.
‘If Zipple’s mental manipulation is at the level Dante described, and if it continues to advance… anyone could fall victim to it. The swords of Hairan who will assist Dante, Dante himself, and perhaps even me.’
That was exactly what Ron feared.
Mental manipulation was a card that had never before been played in the global struggle for power.
‘Very few factions would be aware of Zipple’s mental manipulation. Even I only just learned of it through Dante… Within Runcandel, there might not be many who know, aside from that devilish man.’
Cyron Runcandel.
Ron wondered if the man he had considered his lifelong rival was aware of this fact.
‘Even if he knows, there must be a reason that monster isn't leaving the Black Sea.’
Ron shifted his gaze toward Jin.
Not just Ron, but everyone was looking at Jin.
Originally, Ron had intended to use this banquet to once again proclaim to the world that Dante was the next patriarch. He also wanted to make it clear to Dante’s brothers, who had been harboring ulterior motives lately, that assisting Dante was the only way they could keep their footing in the Sword Emperor Castle.
However, this fellow—who could well be called an uninvited guest—was now stealing the spotlight at the first banquet Ron had hosted in twenty-two years, and it displeased him greatly.
‘Since it has come to this, I might as well use that brat for Dante’s sake.’
Ron stroked his beard.
“Do you understand?”
“Yes, Grandfather. I will keep your words in mind!”
“Hoho, good. It seems all the distinguished guests have gathered, so I should announce the start of the banquet.”
Clap!
As Ron lightly clapped his hands, the noisy banquet hall fell silent in an instant. Though it was a mere clap, it contained a deep and immense energy, allowing those who had reached a certain level of mastery to glimpse the martial prowess Ron had achieved.
Naturally, all eyes turned to Ron and Dante.
“Thank you all for coming. I am Ron Hairan, Lord of the Sword Emperor Castle.”
Ron waved his hand at the long round of applause that followed.
Normally, the next step would be to offer words of gratitude to the ‘Royals’ who had graced the event with their presence.
However, Ron continued as if the Royals didn't even exist.
“I have opened today’s banquet to celebrate my grandson here, Dante Hairan. As you all know, I am a famously doting grandfather. The thought that this boy will soon inherit my sword fills my heart so much that I have spent many sleepless nights.”
Even though they were being blatantly ignored, the Royals showed no sign of displeasure. Instead, they chuckled lightly at Ron’s story. It was a moment that demonstrated just how much power Ron held within Viment.
‘Even if the Emperor himself were here instead of the Royals, Lord Ron wouldn’t have offered him a separate word of thanks,’ Jin thought, glancing at the table where the Royals sat.
The Recluses of the Empire.
That was what the people of Huphester called the Royals of Viment. It was because they rarely took a public role, with the exception of the ‘Emperor.’ Attending banquets hosted by giants like this or appearing at major imperial events was about the extent of their public activity.
‘Yet the reason the Royals possess power rivaling Lord Ron or other meritorious officials is because they hold the right to discover and appoint the Imperial Guard and the Special Task Force.’
The right to appoint members to the Imperial Guard and the Special Task Force was the exclusive authority of the Royals.
‘The bio-golems I saw in the Wantaramo Forest are highly likely their work as well. They aren't recluses; they're just foul-smelling bastards. I’ll expose that truth soon enough.’
His eyes met with one of the Royals. Jin gave a natural nod as this thought crossed his mind.
Meanwhile, a few people were barely maintaining awkward smiles.
They were the other pure-blooded Hairans, excluding Dante. They couldn't bring themselves to show their displeasure openly, but being there seemed like torture.
“However, it seems there are those who wish to cause an unnecessary commotion on this pleasant day.”
The moment Ron spoke, his smile vanishing, the pure-blooded Hairans flinched and straightened their postures.
But they were not the ones Ron was targeting.
“The 12th Flagbearer of Runcandel and the Ghost Captain. The discourtesy you two have shown is great enough for me to discipline you as I see fit.”
The crowd’s eyes gathered on Jin and Rata once again.
“My apologies, Lord Ron.”
“I am sorry.”
As the two replied, Ron smiled again.
“You are at a hot-blooded age, so I can understand. However, a price must be paid. I was just thinking that I should have prepared a spectacle worthy of the guests who have come to visit. Surely this old man’s face alone isn't enough entertainment.”
At that, Rata’s eyes sparkled.
Since the Ghost Corps had its main base in Viment, the two groups were usually on friendly terms. Thus, Rata interpreted this as Ron helping him—giving him a stage to crush Jin immediately.
“I would like the two of you to celebrate my grandson’s future with a duel at midnight today. There is no need to wait until the banquet is over. Everyone seems curious about the result, after all.”
“I, Rata Prochi, Ghost Captain, gladly accept Lord Ron’s consideration and proposal!”
At that moment, cheers erupted from all over. Naturally, people had assumed the duel between Jin and Rata would take place in secret, where no one was watching.
‘He’s scolding Rata and me while simultaneously elevating Dante’s status.’
While Hairan was clearly one of the world’s greatest families, it was also true that its status was a step below Runcandel’s. However, if Jin were to duel ‘to celebrate Dante,’ it would naturally raise Dante’s prestige.
“I, the 12th Flagbearer of Runcandel, accept.”
Ron smiled with satisfaction at Jin’s answer.
“Good. Then everyone, please enjoy the wine and food I have prepared to your heart’s content. At midnight, let us watch the martial arts of these two rising stars.”
While the banquet hall quickly filled with excitement, a group of people sitting behind Jin were having a quiet conversation.
“Thanks to Rata Prochi’s unexpected behavior, it will be easier to carry out the great task.”
“After midnight, Zipple and Hairan will become enemies.”
No one was paying them any mind, but one person—Zephyrin—was watching them with a beaming smile.