Chapter 84: A Terrifying Family
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 84: A Terrifying Family
“A-A favor…?”
The Tona brothers tilted their heads in unison.
They were already stunned that their youngest brother had emerged from the study alive, but for him to suddenly start talking about a favor left them utterly bewildered.
“Oh, it’s nothing major. It’s just about my cadets. I want you two to look after them until I get back. I’ll let them know before I leave.”
Before the Tona brothers could even respond, Jin was already walking away. He needed to let Luna and Gilly, who were undoubtedly worried sick, know that the situation had been resolved.
“The youngest is the same as ever… He just came from seeing Father, right?”
“Right.”
The Tona brothers shrugged as they watched Jin’s retreating back.
“But why were we so worried about that brat, anyway?”
“I know, right?”
“Well, whatever. He wants us to look after his cadets. Hehe, that means we’re back in charge of the intermediate class.”
Meanwhile, the siblings who had been pressuring Luna and Gilly were struck with disbelief the moment Jin stepped out of the manor unscathed.
Myu and Anne, who had desired Jin’s death more than anyone, turned deathly pale.
“It seems Father and the youngest had a productive talk,” Luna said, her voice low and chilling. “Now, why don’t you all put your swords away? Before I kill every last one of you.”
At her words, the siblings and their guardian knights hurriedly withdrew their weapons.
The guardian knight who had been holding a sword to Gilly’s throat was so overwhelmed by the sudden burst of Luna’s killing intent that his eyes rolled back in his head as he nearly fainted.
Damn it, that brat. He manages to survive every single time…! Myu and Anne thought, gnashing their teeth.
As expected, he’s not the type to die so easily. Grow a little more and keep entertaining your big sister! Mary watched Jin with a smirk.
“Sister Luna, I believe you should go see Father. He seemed to have a few questions regarding the events of that day.”
“I see. Understood.”
“And since Father gave me a task, I need to head to the teleport gate for a moment. I’ll see you later.”
“The teleport gate? Hmm, I don’t know what kind of task it is, but I’ll see you later.”
Jin and Luna exchanged words nonchalantly.
The others couldn't even begin to fathom what they were talking about.
The events of that day?
He’s going to the teleport gate? Does he mean he’s leaving and then coming back to the Garden of Swords?
And what does he mean, Father gave him a task?!
It wasn’t a situation where they could ask for clarification. The siblings could only exchange suspicious glances.
“Let’s go, Gilly.”
“Ah, yes! Young Master.”
Gilly also seemed somewhat dazed, as if she hadn't expected things to go this smoothly. Soon, the two of them left the Garden of Swords, and Luna made her way toward the study.
The siblings remaining in the garden could do nothing but stand there blankly for a long while.
*
Three hours later, Jin stood before Cyron in the study with a confident expression. Cyron, though his face didn't show it, was slightly taken aback.
“…No wonder you weren’t flustered when you heard the test. It wasn’t empty confidence.”
Cyron let out a low chuckle, his gaze shifting to Casimir.
Casimir had just arrived at the Garden of Swords with Jin via the teleport gate, his identity still concealed.
This man. The strongest knight in the world, Cyron Runcandel. Ugh, just facing him is enough to give me indigestion.
In the past, Casimir had rejected several offers to become an instructor for Runcandel’s beginner cadets. Having a career as a Runcandel instructor wouldn’t help his goal of turning Tikan into a nation; in fact, it would be a hindrance.
Therefore, to Casimir, Cyron was someone he ‘wanted to avoid at all costs.’ There would be no solution if Cyron expressed displeasure over his past rejections.
Above all, if Cyron himself decided to annex Tikan into Runcandel, Casimir had very few ways to resist.
I came because it was Lord Jin’s request, but… this is incredibly uncomfortable. Have I really been rejecting requests from a man like this all this time?
Seeing Cyron in person was a different experience entirely.
He exuded a pressure that far exceeded the rumors. Casimir was a renowned martial artist himself, but he instinctively realized that his swordsmanship wouldn't even qualify as child’s play before Cyron.
This is the dignity of an absolute powerhouse.
Still, I mustn’t lose my nerve.
Casimir steeled himself, glancing toward Jin.
I am Lord Jin’s guest. There is no need to fear Lord Cyron…
“So, you are the Ghost Sword, Casimir.”
“Ye-Yes! However, ‘Ghost Sword’ is an embarrassing title to use before Lord Cyron, so you may omit it!” Casimir babbled reflexively, hardly conscious of what he was saying.
Internally, he was weeping; externally, he was breaking out in a cold sweat. He didn't even have the presence of mind to feel embarrassed that Jin was witnessing this.
Ha, what a life. Last time I was almost beaten to a pulp by Lord Murakan, and now I’m making a fool of myself before Lord Cyron…
It seemed that ever since meeting Jin, he was constantly dealing with overwhelming individuals.
“Father.”
“Speak.”
“My relationship with Sir Casimir is, so to speak, a community of fate. Now, it is your turn to keep your promise.”
While Jin spoke clearly and firmly, Casimir doubted his own ears.
Lord Jin, how can you be so bold with Lord Cyron? And a community of fate! I was the one who said it first, but to bring up a community of fate in front of Lord Cyron of all people…!
In an instant, all sorts of dark futures flashed through Casimir’s mind.
—Casimir, you say you’re in a community of fate with my son? Then Tikan belongs to Runcandel.
—A community of fate… The relationship between Runcandel and Tikan could become just that.
—Then from today, Runcandel and Tikan shall be a community of fate as well, khaha!
He could practically hear Cyron saying those lines.
Of course, it was merely a groundless fear born from Casimir’s terror.
“You cheeky brat… Are you trying to deceive your own father?”
Contrary to Casimir’s imagination, Cyron looked down at Jin with a benevolent expression. In truth, Cyron was very satisfied. He didn't know how Jin had managed to win over Casimir, but his youngest was always exceeding his expectations.
“Deceive you? Perish the thought. I was simply a bit lucky. To be honest, I had already formed a bond with Sir Casimir the moment I arrived in Tikan.”
“Fine. Regardless, you have passed the test. From this day forward, no Runcandel shall set foot on the land of Tikan without your permission. That includes me, Cyron Runcandel.”
“Thank you, Father.”
“Now, you may leave. I have something to discuss with Casimir privately.”
Jin bowed and left the study.
Left alone with Cyron, Casimir cleared his throat awkwardly, his eyes fixed on Jin’s retreating back.
“Don’t be so tense. Anyone watching would think I’m about to eat you.”
“Ha, haha… My apologies, Lord Cyron. To be honest, I am overwhelmed with awe just by facing you in person.”
Cyron didn't respond, instead approaching a table with a tea set. He soon brewed a cup and handed it to Casimir, who accepted the teacup with extreme politeness.
“The reason I sent the youngest away and kept you here is…”
Gulp.
Casimir swallowed hard without realizing it. Was he going to talk about annexation? Or was he going to be scolded for repeatedly rejecting the instructor position?
While he worried, Cyron continued.
“Because there is a favor I would like to ask of you.”
His heart sank at the word ‘favor,’ but Casimir was also the leader of an organization and a man who would soon be king of a nation.
I can’t keep acting like a fool. If he demands Tikan, I will refuse him firmly!
Steeling his resolve, Casimir looked Cyron straight in the eye.
“Please speak, Lord Cyron. If it brings no harm to Tikan, I will gladly help in any way I can.”
Though he deliberately drew a line, Cyron didn't seem to care. Casimir barely calmed his racing heart and waited for Cyron’s next words.
“From now on, you shall…”
“Yes, Lord Cyron.”
“Inform me of every step of the youngest’s growth. It seems I need to keep an eye on that boy.”
It was a completely unexpected request.
…At least it’s not about annexation, so that’s a relief. And this shows just how much Lord Cyron treasures Lord Jin.
For that Runcandel, for that Cyron… to make such a request. Casimir became even more curious about Jin.
I felt he was extraordinary from the moment I saw him, but for Lord Cyron to personally watch over him… According to the Seven-Colored Bird’s information, Lord Cyron doesn’t even pay this much attention to Joshua, who is designated as the next Patriarch.
Casimir nodded.
“That is not difficult, Lord Cyron. If you provide me with a direct line of communication, I will keep you informed of everything.”
In many ways, this was an opportunity for Casimir. It meant he could make Cyron directly indebted to him, even for small things, and he would have a direct line to the Patriarch.
Being able to contact Cyron Runcandel at any time was no small feat. It was a privilege that even the Emperor of Viment did not enjoy.
“I appreciate it. I won't forget your efforts. And no one other than yourself must know of this.”
“Of course. I will keep it a secret, even from Lord Jin.”
“Before you leave, a guardian knight named Khan will give you an address. Send all reports there. If there is a particularly special event, come and tell me in person. I shall serve you some good wine.”
“Thank you, Lord Cyron.”
“You may leave.”
Just as Casimir bowed and was about to leave the study, Cyron spoke again.
“Ah, and…”
“Yes, please speak.”
“You should stay on your toes as well. The youngest said that even this Runcandel is not yet enough to satisfy him. I look forward to you and Tikan growing busily—enough that he truly covets it.”
Until he left for Tikan with Jin later that day, Casimir never met the guardian knight named Khan.
He definitely said he’d give me a direct line… Should I visit again when Lord Jin isn’t around?
As he thought that, he absentmindedly put his hand in his pocket and felt a strange piece of paper.
It was a note.
—Greetings, Sir Casimir. I am Khan, a Runcandel guardian knight. The address the Patriarch mentioned is…
Casimir hadn’'t known, but Khan had been observing him the entire time. And without him ever noticing, Khan had slipped the note into his pocket.
Realizing this, goosebumps broke out all over his body.
It means they could have gotten rid of someone like me without anyone ever knowing. Runcandel… what a terrifying family.
Casimir quietly turned his gaze toward Jin—toward the boy who might one day become the Patriarch of this terrifying family.
“How does it feel for Tikan to have gained its freedom from Runcandel, Sir Casimir?”
“It’s a bit surreal. I find myself looking forward to the days ahead with you, Young Master.”
Casimir hurriedly hid the note and smiled.