Chapter 453: New Year, False Rumors, Major Construction (2)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 453: New Year, False Rumors, Major Construction (2)
*
“Something has clearly gone wrong.”
A warrior spoke with a grim expression. He was delivering a report to the 2nd Flagbearer of Runcandel, Joshua Runcandel.
For a moment, the only movement in the room was the slow burn of a cigarette. Bathed in its faint glow, Joshua’s face was even more rigid than the messenger’s.
He had never imagined such a thing could happen.
It wasn't just anyone; it was a Black Knight.
The strongest of the clan’s Guardian Knights, the only ten individuals permitted to wear the black helmets. Black Knights did not know the meaning of failure.
Even if, by some miracle, they did fail, they were trained to have a contingency plan. If they encountered an inexplicable variable they couldn't handle alone, they were supposed to return safely.
And if even that was impossible—if the situation demanded they lay down their lives—it was their duty to leave a message for the clan.
In short, no matter what happened, it was unthinkable for a Black Knight to vanish without a word.
At least, that was what a Black Knight represented to Joshua. Most others felt the same.
Yet, several days had passed since articles regarding the ‘Black King Corps Incident’ began to flood the press, and the Black Knight sent to meet Valkas had yet to be heard from.
‘Given the circumstances, he was undoubtedly involved in the battle at the Black King Mountain Fortress….’
Joshua exhaled a cloud of gray smoke like a deep sigh, the vapor shimmering in the darkness.
He wanted to slit the messenger’s throat.
He wanted to scream that he already knew this, that the man was only grating on his nerves by stating the obvious.
Even if he cut the man down to vent his unresolved anger, no one would punish or reproach him.
The fingers holding the cigarette trembled minutely. Five seconds passed after the intense impulse struck. Joshua managed to regain his composure without killing the messenger.
It was a five-second interval that felt like thousands of insects crawling over his body, yet during that time, Joshua neither showed emotion nor moved an inch.
He took a quiet, perverse pride in his ability to master even such a horrific impulse.
“I am aware. You may leave. Call Howard.”
“Yes, I understand.”
Once the messenger departed, Joshua sank back into his thoughts, his gaze drifting toward the newsletters piled on his desk.
[While the Black Dragon Murakan has destroyed the Black King Mountain Fortress, neither the 12th Flagbearer’s side nor the Black King Corps has revealed the clear reason for the conflict... What are the most likely developments to follow?]
[Dragons who know Murakan and their contractors continue to refuse interviews or even mention him.]
[Judging by their apparent terror, this incident may have simply been caused by the Black Dragon Murakan being in a foul mood...]
[The dragon who was called the Overlord of the Skies and made the world tremble in fear a thousand years ago... Who is Murakan?]
The newsletters were plastered with news of Jin and Murakan—especially Murakan.
‘If the Black Knight is dead….’
Naturally, the most likely culprit was Murakan.
A man as shrewd as Valkas Kran would never have joined in murdering a Black Knight simply because the opportunity presented itself.
But why would Murakan do it?
Like the countless newsletters, Joshua could not find a clear answer.
‘My youngest brother wouldn't have told his Guardian Dragon, Murakan, to kill a Black Knight.’
The youngest, the 12th Flagbearer.
Joshua had always acknowledged Jin. Even when their other siblings dismissed Jin as a mere fearless brat, Joshua saw his youngest brother’s brilliant talent and potential.
The youngest was undoubtedly an exceptional individual.
It wasn't just his talent for swordsmanship, magic, or his contract. He was exceptional as a lord leading his people.
While the virtues of a lord were countless, Joshua believed the most important one was affection for those under one’s rule.
‘In that sense, the youngest would not kill a Black Knight simply because the man belongs to me and not him. Never!’
The youngest was also someone who loved Runcandel more than anyone else.
‘From what I’ve heard from Mother and experienced myself, the Black Dragon Murakan is an extremely fickle and violent being. If Murakan killed the Black Knight, it must have been an accident that occurred against Jin’s wishes.’
That would mean Jin didn't have proper control over Murakan.
However, Joshua soon concluded that wasn't the case. If Murakan were truly beyond Jin’s control, there had been far too many moments where he could have caused even greater disasters.
Creak!
A man with clean white hair and a straight back entered the room. It was the Head Butler, Howard.
“You summoned me, my lord?”
“Howard, what are your thoughts?”
Howard showed no sign of confusion at the abrupt question. He already knew exactly what Joshua was agonizing over.
“There are two possibilities: death or desertion. In my opinion, regardless of the outcome, betrayal is likely involved.”
Joshua’s eyes narrowed at the mention of betrayal.
“Betrayal. That man… he was the brother of the youngest’s nanny, Gilly, if I recall. Before he became a Black Knight.”
His mind immediately went to the current relationship between Gilly and the McLoran family.
“…And Gilly McLoran likely harbors immense hatred toward the McLoran family.”
“I agree, my lord.”
“There was also a report that the Black Knight exposed his use of claws at the Sword Emperor Castle to the youngest. If so, the youngest would have easily deduced that the Black Knight was related to the McLorans.”
The youngest betrayed the clan and killed the Black Knight.
That was what Howard was implying. Unlike Joshua, he did not believe the 12th Flagbearer truly loved the clan.
He believed Jin had killed the Black Knight to soothe Gilly’s resentment—since she was more important to him than the clan—and to strike a blow against Joshua.
‘Considering how much the youngest treasures Gilly, it’s a plausible scenario.’
But Joshua soon shook his head.
“It’s a valid point, but I don't think the youngest is that emotional.”
“Yes, my lord.”
“He would find another way to satisfy Gilly’s thirst for revenge. If betrayal is involved, it’s more likely to be a case like Barton Vichena.”
“That traitor.”
“Yes. If the missing Black Knight was in the same situation as Barton, it would make sense for the youngest to kill him. He would have been executing a traitor of the clan.”
“My lord, in that case, it means there is a problem with our internal cohesion. If it’s revealed that another traitor has emerged from among the clan’s Black Knights…”
Howard trailed off.
Joshua also hoped that wasn't the case. If the man had been a traitor, it meant Joshua hadn't even realized it—a failure on his part, unlike the situation with Barton.
Meeting with Howard didn't bring any clarity. Just as he was feeling frustrated, as if wandering through a thick fog, Joshua suddenly realized what he needed to do.
“In any case, the fact that a Black Knight was involved in the Black King Corps incident is information that hasn't been made public. That includes our enemies.”
Only the Black King Corps and Jin’s party knew of the Black Knight’s presence.
‘And you, my youngest brother who loves the clan, will never hand that information over to the Zipple or any other power. Even if it could cause me great harm, you will prioritize preventing a loss for Runcandel above all else.’
In other words, whether the Black Knight betrayed them or not, Runcandel and Joshua had nothing to lose externally.
“As long as the 12th Flagbearer and the Black King Corps keep their mouths shut, that information will never be revealed.”
Of course, their confidence stemmed from their ignorance of Zephyrin's existence.
“Losing a Black Knight is an unspeakably painful blow, but the clan must reap the maximum benefit from this incident.”
Howard bowed his head.
“Just give the order.”
“Draft and distribute articles promoting the 12th Flagbearer. Use the narrative that the Black King Corps was defeated by Jin and has come under his command. It must be presented as fact, not rumor. It will be unpleasant for him, but Valkas Kran won't be able to respond recklessly. The fate of the Black King Corps depends on it.”
“Yes.”
“Also, distribute articles praising Murakan’s might. Spread rumors that the Dragon of Dragons is protecting Runcandel, and that the Zipple fear him.”
This time, even Howard couldn't help but ask.
“…Will that really be alright, my lord? It might be like giving wings to the 12th Flagbearer. Furthermore, provoking the Zipple to such an extent…”
“The youngest suddenly swallowed up one of the largest neutral powers that everyone has been eyeing.”
Howard bowed again.
“Several days have passed since that absurd event occurred, yet the Zipple have not made a proper statement. What do you think that means?”
The Zipple have no intention of fighting.
Joshua continued, “Whether they fear Father as they always have, or they truly fear Murakan—either way, the Zipple have abandoned the Black King Corps. They lost them to Runcandel while they were busy hesitating.”
Joshua also had a counter for the possibility of the Black King Corps rebelling.
“Valkas Kran might protest vehemently. He might claim they never surrendered and demand to know why we’re spreading nonsense, threatening to seek refuge with the Zipple if we continue.”
This was exactly what Howard had wanted to ask.
“If Valkas acts like that, we can simply erase the Black King Corps from the world.”
“Ah…!”
Howard let out a gasp as he realized the implication a moment later.
“The Zipple have already signaled that they have no intention of starting a full-scale war with Runcandel just to acquire a force like the Black King Corps. In such a situation, would the Black King Corps really turn to the Zipple for help? If we take a stance that we are willing to risk total war, the Zipple will never help them.”
“I will see to it immediately.”
“Good. You will personally oversee and execute the detailed orders.”
“Yes, my lord.”
As Howard left the room, Joshua leaned back into his chair. He lit a fresh cigarette, and the sound of the tobacco burning seemed unusually loud.
Giving wings to the 12th Flagbearer…
Howard’s words lingered in his mind.
He was right. Jin’s prestige would soar once again because of this.
‘But, regardless.’
In the end, everything Jin possesses and achieves will eventually return to me…
Amidst the gray smoke filling the air, Joshua held onto that absolute conviction.