It hasnât even been a month since he became a provisional flag-bearer and left the Garden of Swords, yet Jin has already destroyed the Akin Kingdomâs underground organization, settled in the Free City of Tikan, and killed the Zipfel Clanâs second-in-command along with his guardian dragon, Vyuretta.
The last battle may have been concluded by Luna, but if it wasnât for Jin, Andrei and Vyuretta wouldâve never come to the island in the first place.
No provisional flag-bearer in Runcandel history had this many achievements in such a short amount of time.
However, there was a problem.
âI worked my ass off and did a lot of stuff, but not anything to instantly prove myself worthy of becoming a provisional flag-bearer.â
Murakan sighed at the young Runcandel and spoke.
âWell, when this is all over, I can say that I caused all the ruckus, so thereâs nothing to be worried about. Either way, itâs better to not become a public figure right now.â
A provisional flag-bearerâs fame was stocked up on a âfake nameâ that the clan determined beforehand.
And once it was known that the provisional flag-bearer had gathered enough fame, the clan would contact the candidate to inform them of their worthiness to the throne.
Therefore, Jinâs fame needs to naturally travel into the ears of the Runcandel Clan in order to be considered a strong candidate.
However, he could not do this. Until now, everything he did wasnât resolved with only the use of his sword.
âSince I dealt with stuff using magic, I definitely canât tell anyone in the clan.â
He would only be able to tell them once he had accumulated enough power and authorityâto a point where there would be no problem when his siblings find out about a âmagic-using Runcandelâ.
Until then, Jin planned to remain as a ârumourâ to the world.
Simply put, a rumour of a human who could resist the Zipfels and other powerful entities. One who could wield the sword and use magic, and also has unknown individual powers.
Furthermore, a rumour that he is Solderetâs contractor.
âUntil then, the people who know of my ability to use magic must be limited to my companions, Elder Sister Luna, and Father.â
Luna knew Jinâs inner thoughts. Even before she heard Andrei say that Jin âbroke the oathâ, she knew that her brother was a magic-user. Being the one to visit the Storm Castle and detect Murakanâs presence, it was obvious that she knew.
And Jin was certain that she knew about Murakan. He had no doubt that Cyron was also aware of her knowing about the black dragon.
âOur dear youngest brother, using magic even though heâs a Runcandel. A free-flying teenager, I see. Heâs gonna cut you in half, hehe.â
Luna walked towards Jin and spoke in a playful tone.
âIâm also worried about the Young Masterâs magic, Lady Luna. If the patriarch hears about this, he wonât sit still.â
âNo, Gilly. Father probably already knows. The destruction of the Tesing Clan and Andrei Zipfelâs death⦠He probably already assumed that it was all done by me.â
Luna nodded at her brotherâs conviction.
âYouâre pretty confident while saying that. You got something planned?â
âYes, Elder Sister. Iâm planning to go see Father with you tomorrow.â
âOh, sure. We can go see Fa⦠What?â
Luna stared at Jin in disbelief.
âEveryone knows that youâre impulsive, but wouldnât it be better to stay put when Father is turning a blind eye to you? What are you going to do when you meet him?â
âIâm going to warn him that the Zipfels are executing multiple plans to strike at the Runcandels.â
The life in Gillyâs face drained, and Murakan was a little surprised.
âHmm, the story about the orb? Wouldnât it be better if I told him about it? A provisional flag-bearer returning to the clan without permission is basically ruining your chances to the throne.â
As Luna said, a provisional flag-bearer could not enter the Garden of Swords without permission. It was equivalent to a âforfeitâ.
âNo, if you were the one to tell him, you would also have to mention that I summoned you to the island. Itâs better if I confront him myself. And with the story as the base, I plan to strike a deal with Father.â
Gilly spat out the water that she was drinking, shocked at the younger Runcandelâs declaration.
âY-Young Master, youâre joking, right?â
âOn top of returning to your clan, youâre going to make a deal with your dad? Hah, what in the world⦠I wouldâve never thought of that. Not even through my entire lifetime.â
The very idea of striking a bargain with Cyron Runcandel doused the group in awkward silence.
Was that even possible? Even Luna was concerned that her brother might have hurt his head during the battle.
âWhat do you plan on bargaining for from Father?â
âThere are too many, so Iâm planning to choose one or two while on the way there.ân/o/vel/b//in dot c//om
ââ¦I can see how tiresome it is for Gilly to deal with you. Losing your chances of being a flag-bearer is not the problem. One wrong move and youâll die. What should we do, Gilly? Stopping him will be futile, so is beating some sense into him the right answer?â
âIf the situation doesnât go well, you can just calm him down.â
Luna ultimately didnât beat Jin, but Gilly could only sigh at the sight of her young masterâs impulses.
âDonât worry, Gilly. If I block with my body, then Father will not be so harsh.â
âLady Luna⦠In that case, I shall follow you, Young Master.â
âAwww, not you too. Iâm tired.â
Contrary to her words, Luna thought it was nice of Gilly to volunteer.
âIâm sure sheâs scared, but is she declaring that if she were to die, she will die with Jin? The youngest is very lucky to have such a protective guardian.â
She was a little heartbroken. After all, Luna knew the backstory of how âGilly McRolanâ became âNanny Gillyâ.
âIf she hadnât become Jinâs guardian, then she wouldâve become the McRolanâs next generationâs strongest sword. A destiny very similar to that of Jin.â
Murakan cleared his throat, attracting everyoneâs attention.
âEldest daughter of Runcandel. I shall go together with Strawberry Pie.â
âThe great black dragon should remain here. Even if you go, wouldnât you have to stay as a cat the entire time?â
âI understandâ¦â
Disappointed, Murakan turned into a cat and lowered his tail. However, no one really turned to look at him, so Murakan sauntered over to an adjacent room, where Euria and Enya were playing.
At least there, he was the center of attention.
âAlright, then. Tomorrow, weâll depart for the first transfer gate. It hasnât even been a month, but it feels like itâs been a long time.â
The day passed, and right before their departure to the Garden of Swords, Jin visited Kashimirâs office.
âYoung Master Jin.â
âSir Kashimir, I came for some favours.â
âFavours? No need. You and I now share the same fate, so all of my powers and acquisitions are yours as well.â
Jin knew that Kashimir was the Fallen Prince of Vermont and that his daughter was Az Milâs contractor.
Kashimir knew that Jin was a Runcandel provisional flag-bearer who was a talented magic user and got along well with dragons.
Essentially, they both had information that enabled them to hold each other by the throat. Which is why they shared the same fate.
On top of that, Kashimir felt indebted to Jin. Although he didnât directly bring back Lathry, ultimately, it was Jin who saved his daughter.
âIf I never met you, I would be watching my daughter suffer and die without knowing. I would never be able to repay this debt even until my final days.â
Kashimirâs eyes were glistening.
âHeâs very sensitive and delicateâeven more so than I expected. I mean, in my past life, I heard that the Free City of Tikan was established during the era of Holy Kings. A very romantic and emotional time period.â
While Jin looked for an answer, Kashimir hurriedly wiped his eyes with a handkerchief.
âMy apologies⦠Haha, the mood wouldâve been ruined. Anyways, what do you want me to prepare? Tell me anything you need.â
âPlease tell the Seven-Colored Peacock to research and investigate these things.â
He pulled out a piece of paper from his chest pocket and lent it to Kashimir.
Written on the paper was a list of the Zipfelsâ wrongdoings that Jin witnessed. The creation of living golems at the Kollon Ruins, and his experiences fighting against the Demon Godâs Orb.
Including everything regarding the Cemetery Giants in the Curano Dukedom, which Murakan confessed on discovering as he explained the Orb of Origin yesterday.
Kashimirâs eyes shook after reading through the paper.
âCreation of living golems⦠If the world finds out, everyoneâs respect for the Zipfel Clan would plummet. As for the Demon Godâs Orb⦠Since nobody knows of the Orb of Origin, I will not approach this problem.â
âAlright. However, this is information that shouldnât be exposed to the public. If anything happens, the Zipfels will conceal their illicit actions even further.â
âI agree. I will order investigations to the most trustworthy agents. On the contrary, may I ask why you want the real name of this gangster named âSpiderhand Aluâ and information regarding Vishukel Yvliano?â
Kashimir simply asked about the purpose of the investigation in order to confirm whether Jin also thought of Kashimir as a companion.
Jin answered him without hesitation.
âWe caused the destruction of the Tesing Clan and found out back then that Alu had ties with a Runcandel. As for Vishukel⦠Recently, there were some weird things that happened at the banquet. However, Iâm not certain of anything, so itâs hard to answer.â
âI understand. Although I can resolve the Alu and Vishukel cases very quickly, I donât know how long the other cases will take.â
âItâs alright. Investigating the Zipfel Clan is not an easy task.â
The two met eyes, and Jin extended his arm for a handshake.
âI look forward to our partnership, Sir Kashimir.â
âI as well, Young Master Jin. I will prepare some high quality wine in the belief that you will return in one piece from the Garden of Swords. There are many things I would like to discuss with you. The Free City of Tikan will soon become a country, and you will become its closest friend.â
Kashimir met Jinâs hand.
Within the hour, Jin left Kashimirâs residence and prepared to board a carriage with Luna and Gilly to leave for the transfer gate.
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