Chapter 81: Meeting Cyron (1)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 81: Meeting Cyron (1)
Less than a month had passed since he left the clan as a reserve flagbearer.
In that short time, he had annihilated the underground organization Tessing in Akin, established a base in the free city of Tikan, and killed both the Vice-Patriarch of Zipple and Buretta.
While Luna had handled the final battle, none of it would have been possible if Jin hadn’t lured them to the deserted island in the first place.
In the history of Runcandel, no reserve flagbearer had ever achieved such monumental feats in such a short period.
However, there was a problem.
“We went through all that hell to get things done, but none of it can actually help your reputation as a reserve flagbearer right now,” Murakan said with a sigh.
“Well, I can just reveal I was behind it all later, so it’s not a huge loss. Besides, it’s better for me to stay out of the world’s eye for now.”
The reputation of a reserve flagbearer was traditionally built using a pseudonym assigned by the clan. When Runcandel judged that a reserve flagbearer had gained sufficient fame, they would contact them to announce that their qualifications had been proven. In essence, one had to become a powerhouse significant enough for their name to naturally reach the Runcandel main estate.
But Jin couldn’t follow that path. He hadn’t resolved his recent trials using only his sword.
Most of it was handled with magic, so I absolutely cannot let my siblings find out yet.
Then when could he reveal it?
It would have to be when he possessed sufficient power—the moment he held enough strength and influence that the fact he was a ‘magic-using Runcandel’ wouldn’t matter, even if his siblings found out.
Until then, Jin intended to exist only as a rumor to the world.
A rumor of a man standing alone against giants like Zipple.
A rumor of a man who used both sword and magic and possessed a secret, independent force.
And a rumor that he was the contractor of Solderet.
Until then, the only people who should know I’m a magic user are my companions, Eldest Sister Luna, and my father.
Even before Andrei told her that Jin had “broken his oath,” Luna had already suspected it. It was only natural, given she had sensed Murakan’s presence from the moment she first visited Storm Castle.
And Jin believed there was no way Cyron wouldn’t know what Luna knew.
“Our youngest, using magic despite being a Runcandel… You’re quite the delinquent, aren’t you? If Father finds out, it’ll be ‘off with your head,’ tee-hee,” Luna said in a playful tone as she approached Jin.
Jin merely shrugged in response, but Gilly’s face clouded over as she listened.
“I am also deeply worried about the Young Master’s magic, Milady. If it reaches the Patriarch’s ears, he won’t let it slide.”
“No, Gilly. Father likely knows everything already. He’ll soon guess that the destruction of Tessing and the death of Andrei Zipple are related to me.”
Luna nodded slowly.
“You seem quite confident for someone who thinks that. Do you have a plan?”
“Yes, Sister. I’m thinking of going to see Father with you tomorrow.”
“Ah, I see. To see Fa—wait, what?”
Luna stared blankly at Jin.
“I know everyone here is well aware of how unconventional you are, but… wouldn’t it be better to just stay quiet while Father is turning a blind eye? What do you plan to do when you meet him?”
“I’m going to warn him that Zipple is executing a plan to strike at Runcandel.”
Gilly turned pale, and even Murakan looked slightly surprised.
“Hmm, you mean the story about the Demon God Stone? Wouldn’t it be better if I just delivered that message to Father? A reserve flagbearer returning to the clan without permission is essentially disqualifying themselves.”
As Luna said, a reserve flagbearer could not visit the Garden of Swords without the clan’s permission. Doing so was tantamount to a declaration of forfeiture.
“No. Even if you tell him, you’d eventually have to reveal you went to that island because of me. It’s better if I inform him directly. And I plan to use that as a basis to strike a deal with Father.”
At that, Gilly spat out the tea she was drinking.
“Y-Young Master, you’re joking, right?”
“Not only are you returning to the clan, but you’re going to propose a deal to Father? Haha… wow. Even at my age, I’ve never even dreamed of such a thing.”
A brief silence followed.
Proposing a deal to Cyron Runcandel…
Was that even plausible? For a moment, even Luna had to wonder if her brother’s head had been rattled by the aftermath of the last battle.
“Exactly what do you plan to demand from Father?”
“There are too many things. I’ll pick one or two on the way there.”
“…I can see clearly now how much Gilly must have suffered trying to handle you. Sigh, what am I going to do with you? It doesn’t seem like stopping you will work. Is beating you until you snap out of it the only answer? Disqualification isn’t the problem here; you might actually die if you’re not careful.”
“If things take a turn for the worse, I’m sure you’ll step in and talk him down, Sister.”
“Argh, seriously!”
Luna stood up abruptly and stomped toward Jin.
The atmosphere suggested she might strike him at any moment. While Gilly fidgeted anxiously, Luna, standing before Jin, suddenly let out a chuckle.
Pfft.
“What a cheeky brat. Fine, let’s do it! This big sister will act as your shield. Since your family is full of people trying to devour you, I should at least play the part of a warm-hearted sister properly.”
Luna didn’t hit Jin, but Gilly couldn’t breathe a sigh of relief just yet.
“Don’t worry too much, Gilly. If I shield him with my own body, even Father won’t go that far.”
“Milady… Young Master, in that case, I will go with you.”
“Ah, why are you being like this too? You're making this hard for me.”
Though she spoke that way, Luna was inwardly proud of Gilly.
She must be terrified, yet she’s willing to stay by Jin’s side even if it means death. You’re a lucky fellow to have a nanny like her, Youngest.
It was also bittersweet. Luna knew the full story of how ‘Gilly McLoran’ had ended up as ‘Nanny Gilly.’
If she hadn’t become Jin’s nanny, she likely would have become the next great sword of the McLorans. She was born with a fate quite similar to Jin’s.
Ahem. Murakan cleared his throat to draw attention.
“Eldest daughter of Runcandel, then I shall go as well, along with Strawberry Pie.”
“The Black Dragon should just stay here. You’d have to stay transformed as a cat the whole time anyway, wouldn’t you?”
“She’s right, Murakan. You stay here and help Sir Casimir until we return. There’s a mountain of information the Seven-Colored Bird needs to dig up.”
“Fine…”
A dejected Murakan transformed into a cat, his tail drooping. However, since no one paid him any attention, he eventually went to find Yuria and Enya, who were playing in the next room.
He was a superstar over there, after all.
“Well then, let’s plan to leave by the first teleport gate tomorrow. It hasn’t even been a month, but it feels like it’s been a long time since I’ve been home.”
*
A day passed. Just before leaving for the Garden of Swords, Jin visited Casimir’s office.
“Young Master Jin.”
“Sir Casimir, I’ve come to ask a few favors.”
“Favors? Please, don’t say that. You and I are in the same boat now. My influence is your influence.”
Jin knew that Casimir was the deposed prince of Viment and that his daughter was the contractor of Az Mil.
Casimir knew that Jin was a reserve flagbearer of Runcandel and a magic user associated with a dragon.
In a sense, they held each other’s weaknesses, which was why he described them as being in the same boat.
Furthermore, Casimir felt a deep sense of debt to Jin. Although Jin hadn’t specifically come looking for Latri, he had ultimately been the one to save his daughter.
“If I hadn’t met you, I would have had to stand by and watch my daughter die without even knowing why. I won’t be able to repay this debt for the rest of my life.”
Casimir’s eyes began to moisten.
He seems to have a surprisingly delicate and sensitive personality. Come to think of it, in my past life, there were many rumors that the era of the Holy King began with the founding of the Tikan Free State.
While Jin was choosing his words, Casimir hurriedly pulled out a handkerchief and dabbed his eyes.
“Oh dear, I’m making a scene… Haha, the mood almost got awkward. What should I prepare for the future? Just say the word.”
“Please order the Seven-Colored Bird to investigate these.”
Jin handed over a sheet of paper he had pulled from his robe.
Written on the paper were the atrocities of Zipple that Jin had witnessed firsthand. It included the bio-golem experiments at the Colon ruins and the details regarding the Demon God Stone from the deserted island.
It even included details about the ‘Graveyard Giant of the Kurano Duchy,’ which Murakan had confessed while explaining the Origin Stone the other day.
As Casimir read it, a strange light flickered in his eyes.
“Bio-golem experiments… If this becomes public, Zipple’s reputation will hit rock bottom in an instant. Though the Demon God Stone might not seem like a major issue to those who don’t know what an Origin Stone is.”
“Yes, but these matters must not be leaked to the outside world yet. If a problem arises now, those bastards will only conduct their experiments more covertly in the future.”
“I agree. I will issue search orders to only my most trusted informants. However, may I ask why you need the real name of this ‘Spider-Hand Alu’ and information regarding Vishkel Ivliano?”
Casimir asked this to confirm one thing: whether Jin truly considered him an ally. Jin answered without hesitation.
“Alu seems to have ties to Runcandel. My companions and I were the ones who destroyed Tessing recently. As for Vishkel… something unsettling happened at a recent banquet. But it’s not certain yet, so it’s difficult to say more.”
“Understood. I can resolve the matters regarding Alu and Vishkel quickly, but I cannot say how long the other tasks will take.”
“I understand. Investigating Zipple’s backyard is no easy feat.”
Jin and Casimir’s gazes met.
Jin then offered his hand for a handshake.
“I look forward to working with you, Sir Casimir.”
“As do I. I trust you will return safely from the Garden of Swords, and I will have some good wine prepared. There are many things I wish to discuss with you. This city will soon become a nation, and you will become the closest friend of the Tikan Free State.”
Casimir replied as he shook Jin’s hand.
Soon after leaving the mansion, Jin boarded a carriage headed for the Tikan teleport gate with Luna and Gilly.