Chapter 72: Twisting Two Fates (4)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 72: Twisting Two Fates (4)
‘I’ve already revealed my true identity to two people since arriving in Tikan.’
Casimir, the Ghost Sword, and Quicantel, the Silver Dragon.
Casimir was already an ally, and Quicantel would very likely become one soon. Jin wondered if any reserve flagbearer in history had ever revealed their identity so freely, but he decided it didn't matter.
‘What does it matter if I break a few family rules? I already ruined things the moment I learned magic. In this life, I’m living as I please.’
To be honest, Jin felt a certain catharsis every time he broke one of the family’s many regulations.
He formally introduced himself to Quicantel.
“Hmm, so you were that Jin Runcandel. I suspected as much from the moment I felt Temar’s energy, but it’s still remarkable.”
“I find you just as remarkable, Lady Quicantel. The Silver Dragon of Time… I’d heard the rumors, but seeing you wield the power to turn back time with my own eyes left me speechless.”
“That’s rich, coming from the person who cut my wing. Hmmph. The reason I said it was remarkable is that Enya has mentioned you from time to time.”
“The Contractor of Olta talked about me?”
“Yes. Until recently, wasn't the entire world’s press buzzing about you reaching 5-star? Enya read those reports and told me several times how much she admired you. You’re the same age, yet so different from her.”
“Haha, admiration… It’s a bit embarrassing to hear that from someone I’ve never met. She must have incredible potential herself to be a god’s contractor.”
“Exactly, Quicantel. Why are you suddenly showering the kid with praise? It’s unlike you. Are you going to take responsibility if this brat gets a big head?”
Jin and Quicantel naturally ignored Murakan and continued their conversation.
“I think the girl would be quite happy to see you in person. How about staying in Viment for a while until we meet Buretta?”
Quicantel said she needed about a week to summon Buretta.
It would have been ideal to meet him immediately and demand an explanation, but Buretta was a dragon partnered with the Zipple Vice-Patriarch. He wasn't someone who could be summoned at a moment’s notice.
“Enya will also need time to get her affairs in order. I’d appreciate it if you could personally explain to her why she needs to leave Viment. Since she seems to have an idealized image of you, she might be easier to convince, don’t you think?”
Jin nodded.
It wasn't just about persuading Enya; staying in Viment offered many advantages for the upcoming meeting with Buretta.
Furthermore, Quicantel had decided to summon Buretta to this very spot—the deserted island.
This way, even if a large-scale battle broke out, it wouldn't cause any problems, just as how Jin and Murakan had fought Quicantel earlier without any interference.
“Lady Quicantel, where should Murakan and I stay in Viment? We can’t use an inn in the capital with so many prying eyes.”
Viment was not a small country like Akin. In the capital, there were bound to be at least a few people who might recognize Jin. Lower-ranking royals and groups like the Dragon King Knights resided there.
“Oh, don’t worry about that. I have a house. There are plenty of spare rooms.”
“Hey, hey! Wait a minute. Your house? Just buy us a small house in some secluded corner. I’ll pay you back later. Even if we’re on speaking terms now, isn't it a bit much for exes to live under the same roof?”
“Don’t be so dramatic, Murakan. My offer is strictly business.”
“Ha! You were the one being dramatic earlier!”
“I’d prefer it if you forgot what happened before. Let’s keep personal and professional matters separate.”
It was absurd, but Murakan realized further argument was futile. He could only let out a trembling sigh.
*
Jin and Murakan entered the country illegally, hidden under Quicantel’s wing. It was an unavoidable choice, since Murakan couldn't risk transforming recklessly within Viment.
Quicantel’s house was situated in the middle of a forest on the outskirts of the capital. It was a house she had designed and built herself as soon as she arrived in Viment to become Enya’s guardian dragon.
The exterior was quite stylish, constructed entirely of logs. The pleasant scent of wood seemed to lightly soak into one’s body.
“Wait a moment. I’ll go tidy up the inside before you come in.”
“Take your time.”
Even for a dragon, did she hate showing a messy room to an ex-boyfriend? Jin shrugged as Quicantel hurried into the house.
“Looks like you’ve suddenly ended up living with your ex, Murakan. How do you feel?”
“Ha… Don’t even ask. My mind is a mess right now.”
Murakan had been unable to take his eyes off the log mansion for some time.
‘That damn woman… She built it exactly like the house we used to live in. Her intention in bringing me here is crystal clear.’
Seeing a house identical to the one from that era didn't mean his cooled affection for Quicantel was rekindling.
What troubled Murakan were the memories.
Memories of the frequent parties he, Temar, and Quicantel had thrown a thousand years ago in a house that looked just like this one.
One of them was dead without a grave to his name, and the other had become an ex-lover. Murakan felt a sudden bitterness at the passage of time.
“You can come in now.”
As soon as they entered the house, Jin couldn't help but let out a small chuckle.
‘Did she really tidy up? Lady Quicantel seems surprisingly clumsy.’
She had clearly rushed to clean, but clothes were still strewn about, and empty bottles rolled across the floor.
“Want something to drink?”
“Cold water is fine for me.”
“Murakan, what about you?”
“Just bring me a few bottles of booze. Dammit, this is why I didn't want to come to your house.”
“You’re the one who showed up first and disturbed my peace, remember? And I really don't have any ulterior motives, so if you hate it that much, you can go somewhere else.”
“Fine, whatever.”
Murakan grumbled as he flopped onto the living room sofa.
Then, before Quicantel could even bring the water and alcohol, he abruptly fell into a deep sleep, snoring loudly.
“What the? Murakan, are you sleeping? How can you fall asleep so suddenly?”
“…It’s likely because of our fight. He was bitten all over and expended a massive amount of spirit energy. He must be exhausted.”
“Ah… I see. He seemed fine until just now, so I had no idea.”
Pop.
Quicantel opened the bottle she had brought for Murakan and poured it into her own glass.
“Jin Runcandel.”
“Yes.”
“The reason I agreed to help you is out of loyalty to Temar and for Enya’s safety. But the biggest reason is that guy sleeping over there.”
“I see.”
Jin had nothing to say to that. He could only assume her lingering feelings for Murakan ran deep.
However, what Quicantel said next was something else entirely.
“That idiot still hasn't properly realized how weak he’s become.”
In his prime, Murakan was considered the strongest among the dragons. Even the Fire Dragons, who were said to be born solely for battle, avoided clashing with him.
Furthermore, while other dragons had strictly hierarchical relationships with gods, Murakan had a partnership of equals with Solderet, making him a truly exceptional dragon.
But that was no longer the case. Although he was gradually recovering his spirit energy thanks to Jin, he was nowhere near his prime.
“The current Murakan is no match for Buretta. I didn't say it earlier to spare his pride, but if it comes to a fight, I will fight in his stead.”
“Is Buretta that strong?”
“He is, but it’s more that Murakan has become too weak. My assault on him earlier would have been nothing more than a childish tantrum to the Murakan of a thousand years ago.”
Quicantel drained her glass in one go.
As she repeatedly refilled her glass, she looked somewhat lonely.
“I’m telling you this so you’re aware. If I told Murakan, he’d stubbornly insist that he doesn't need my help.”
Jin nodded calmly.
‘She seemed like a crazy dragon when we first met, but I’m glad she has a decent side.’
Zzzzz, snore…
Murakan’s snoring echoed indifferently through the room.
“Jin Runcandel. What do you plan to do after it’s revealed that Buretta kidnapped Latri? If I help you kill or subdue Buretta, the Zipples won't just sit idly by.”
“Well, I am a Runcandel… Isn't it only natural for us to be at odds with the Zipples?”
“What an interesting answer. Am I to take that as you haven't thought about the consequences?”
“It’s not that I haven't thought about them, but I don't have a detailed plan yet, so you’re not wrong. For now, saving the Contractor of Az Mil is my priority.”
“You must be very close to the Contractor of Az Mil.”
“No, we only met the day before yesterday.”
Quicantel’s eyes widened as she stared at Jin.
“What?”
“I just couldn't stand by and watch a child die. The Contractor of Az Mil is a kid named Yuria, and she’s only five years old.”
“So you’re saying you were willing to risk your life fighting Buretta for a child you met two days ago? As a Runcandel reserve flagbearer, you’re willing to provoke the entire Zipple clan for her?”
“That’s about right.”
“Haha… You truly are Temar’s second coming. Every single thing you do reminds me of him. How interesting.”
“I’ve been getting this feeling for a while, but you must have been very close to the First Patriarch as well, Lady Quicantel.”
“‘Close’ doesn't even begin to describe it. Temar was a friend I would have given everything for. The three of us, including that Murakan fellow, had some wonderful times.”
“Then why did Murakan lose to the First Patriarch and go into a thousand-year slumber?”
It was a story Jin had been curious about. He had asked Murakan a few times but had never received a proper answer.
“It would be best if you heard that directly from Murakan later. He’ll tell you when the time is right.”
There was clearly a story there.
Jin simply accepted that and nodded. There was no reason he had to hear it right this moment.
Just as a natural silence settled between them, the sound of someone approaching came from outside. Creeak. A girl opened the front door and entered the house.
It was Enya.
“Lady Quicantel, I’m ho— Oh? Who are these people?”
Enya bowed her head deeply to greet Jin. She instinctively assumed anyone visiting Quicantel was of a higher status than herself.
“Sit down, Enya. This is Jin Runcandel, and that guy sprawled out over there is a dragon and an old friend of mine.”
“Ah, yes. Lord Jin Runcandel. It’s a pleasure to… Jin Runcandel?!”
Suddenly, Enya’s eyes went wide, and she rushed right up to Jin’s face. Her face was already flushed, her entire being radiating excitement.
“I-I’m a fan! Young Master Jin! It’s an honor to meet you!”
Quicantel pressed a hand to her forehead, and Jin could only offer an awkward smile.
“…Enya, how about maintaining some dignity as a contractor?”
“Ah, I’m sorry, Lady Quicantel. But Young Master Jin! Are you really the real Young Master Jin? Oh my god! Heavens! Young Master Jin is right in front of my eyes! Ohhh!”
Enya was a girl who held a rather idealized image of Jin.