Chapter 321
[Support and buy ahead chapters from here:- https://bmc.link/punisher87 ]
A private room within the Sword emperor castle healing center.
"Oh, my goodness, my grandson! Still not awake, huh? Look at him, when will my grandson
wake up? He can't stay like this forever, can he!?"
"His heartbeat and body temperature are very stable, lord patriarch. He will surely wake up
soon, so please don't worry."
"Dante, Dante! How much has my grandson suffered....!"
Dante continued to feign unconsciousness, unaware even in his dreams that Ron was aware of
his scheme and playing along.
"It tears my heart apart...! As soon as this old man returns, let's go eat the Imperial Dragon
King's Soup that my grandson loves so much. Tell the Emperor, no, His Majesty, to have a top
chef ready."
While Ron sniffled, Dante felt a strange sense of satisfaction from the guilt of deceiving his
grandfather.
Ron looked through his grandson's act but managed to hold back his laughter.
Creak.
About fifteen minutes after Ron left, Jin entered the treatment room. At the same time, Dante
made a sound as if he was pretending to wake up.
"Uh...."
"Young patriarch, are you awake now?"
"It's been a while since I fainted... How long have I been lying down?"
"About 30 minutes."
"Not too long, that's good. Ah, Paul Gray Mick. You don’t look good. Please leave us for a
moment. This friend and I have something to talk about."
As soon as the doctors left the room, Dante suppressed his laughter."Did you fall for it too?"
"No."
"Of course, you couldn't be fooled. Jin! How was my acting? Wasn't it splendid? Haha, with this,
Grandfather must know how much I cherish you. He must have promised 300 million gold coins
for sure. No, maybe even 500 million!"
Dante raised his voice, filled with excitement.
"I was a little worried deep down. I wondered if Grandfather would truly look favorably upon the
friendship between Hairan and Runcandel. But in the end, Grandfather is on my side. If I do
something for your sake, Grandfather will also do something for your sake..."
Dante stopped there and observed Jin's expression.
Jin had lost all color from his face, with half of his soul seemingly absent from his vacant eyes.
"J-Jin? What's wrong with you?"
"I've been robbed...."
"W-What?"
"I've been robbed by your grandfather."
"Is that true?"
"It is."
Dante couldn't believe it even when hearing it firsthand.
This demon-like friend of his had been stripped of everything he possessed by someone? No
matter how great his grandfather was, Dante couldn't imagine Jin being subjected to such a
fate.
"Uh, um, well... Sorry. I never expected it to turn out like this. Grandfather isn't the type to do
such things."
"No, you don't have to apologize. It was my carelessness. Sigh, you have such a good
grandfather."
"Is there anything I can do to help?"Upon hearing that, Jin let out a wry smile.
"To be honest, it's not just losses. In addition to the pottery, I also handed over some portions of
the ancient iron mine and even wrote a document... But I found out the extent of Hairan's
intelligence network."
The mission to assassinate the Black Knight was highly classified.
Knowing what rewards Jin received after completing that mission meant that there was
someone among the flagbearers who had connections with Ron.
'Whoever that person may be, it's unlikely that they betrayed Runcandel. It's probably someone
who owed a debt to Sir Ron. It's likely a one-time information exchange. If they had planted a
spy, Sir Ron wouldn't have been so confident.'
Jin even thought it might have turned out well.
He concluded that he could find out who among the flagbearers had given that information to
Ron and use it to his advantage.
He also learned about Ron Hairan, the legendary knight.
A role model of the patriarch, who never let his guard down in any situation and never gave up
his own interests for Hairan's sake.
However, he was also a caring and warm-hearted grandfather who would sacrifice more than
his life for his grandson.
'In that sense, Ron Hairan has already caught hold of my greatest weakness.'
Just knowing that Jin is Dante's most precious friend made it impossible for Ron to treat him
lightly. He had witnessed Dante willing to sacrifice himself to save Jin.
'Taking the pottery and the ancient iron was a warning. It's a warning not to even dream of using
Dante as a pawn in the future.'
In Jin's perception, it wasn't a warning from a "strong" individual.
Rather, it felt more like a showoff from a position of having unilaterally taken something
valuable. That's why he didn't feel like he had lost much even after being tricked by Ron.
'I can recover what Sir Ron took from me today. The problem is the immediate loss of funds.'It seemed that he would have to be more resourceful than expected to make money.
"Jin, for now, within the limits I can use without Grandfather's permission, let's try to make as
much money as possible. There's no way to hide the frustration of being more of a hindrance
than help."
"It's okay, forget about the money. I can find it elsewhere."
"Is that possible?"
"I will make it possible. But more importantly, I met Veradin during the mission."
"...In Ventica, the disputed territory of Mila Kingdom where Runcandel and Zipfel clashed
recently?"
Dante's expression grew even darker. Jin and Veradin meeting during a mission meant that their
purpose was to kill each other.
"Yes."
"How was Veradin?"
Since Jin had escaped to the Western Sea, Dante hadn't seen Veradin once.
"He wasn't normal. Beyond mind manipulation, his mind wasn't intact anymore. It seemed like
he couldn't recognize me, and he even attacked me."
Jin explained the events of that day to Dante. Throughout the story, Dante couldn't hide his
bitter expression.
"...I can't even imagine how devastated Veradin would be once his sanity is restored."
"He probably won't be in that war-crazed state every day. Sometimes reports mentioned him
participating in external activities like banquets in a normal manner."
"I want to save him."
"I agree. But we have to wait for the right moment. Until there's a more certain opportunity."
"Jin."
"What?"With a hesitant expression, Dante alternated his gaze between Jin and the ground as if trying to
bring up something difficult.
"If, let's say, Veradin reaches a point of no return. If he can never come back as the person he
was, and can only live as a doll for Zipfel... What will you do?"
He asked the question, but he didn't expect to receive the answer he wanted. He thought Jin
would either give up or consider killing Veradin as the path for his sake... That's what he
believed Jin's answer would be.
Nevertheless, he asked because he wanted to confirm. He wanted to see if Jin might share the
same sentiment.
"We'll find a way."
Dante raised his head in response to Jin's answer.
"Really!?"
"Of course! Why would I lie? There's nothing for me to gain by giving up on him. He's my friend
too."
"Jin! I'm deeply moved!"
"That's why I want you to let Sir Ron know that I'm not just some ruthless person like he might
think."
"Since Grandfather found out about our relationship through today's events, I feel more
comfortable talking about you now."
"Yeah, yeah. I should start heading back soon."
"Already? How about having dinner together and having a drink before you leave?"
"With the person who just collapsed from anemia?"
"That was all an act."
"Alright, we'll do that another time. Maybe send an invitation to Veradin, just in case."
"Understood!"
***That night, as he returned to Tikan. Jin could truly grasp how much Ron Hairan cherished his
'one and only' grandson (although he also had Dante’s brother) - how much he adored him.
"Young Master Jin! What kind of magic did you perform?"
The atmosphere in Tikan, which had been somber until this morning, had completely
transformed into a festive mood.
"Sir Kashmir, what's going on?"
"Young Master Jin, you truly are our Tikan's lucky charm. Almost all the knights of Vermont are
flocking here with money and goods."
Jin smirked, taken aback by the news.
‘Dante, this guy is bringing us great fortune.’
Ron evaluated Jin in such a way.
A little warrior who, when one thing is lost, always manages to take away two or more. Without a
doubt, Ron considered his grandson to be the best among his peers. In terms of strength,
insight, strategy, courage, and even magic.
Because of that, Ron had made a calculated decision to never interfere with his grandson
unless it was absolutely necessary. He had concluded that meddling in his affairs would bring no
benefits to his grandson, who he loved and respected more than anyone else in the world.
"It's money! It’s actually a change of business to stronger clients than before!”
Kashmir was practically dancing with joy.
‘Sir Ron, you made an excellent judgment. Instead of just giving money, you've solved a more
fundamental problem.’
It meant that almost all the knights in Vermont, except for the imperial family, wanted to trade
with Tikan. It wasn't just a favorable development for Tikan's economy. When Jin and Kashmir
took charge of Tikan in the future, it meant that they wouldn't have to be as concerned about
Runcandel's watchful eyes.
Although there were certain points where Tikan's autonomy had been compromised, as they
had to pay attention to Ron and Hairan instead of Runcandel. However, from Jin's perspective, if
he had to fight one of the two factions, Runcandel or Hairan, in order to achieve complete
independence for Tikan:Naturally, the latter was less burdensome. After all, Runcandel was undeniably a stronger clan
than Hairan.
"If the knights who visited us today are confirmed as our business partners, we won't have to
seek money anymore."
Jin raised his head at those words.
"But wouldn't it be better to have as much money as possible?"
"Of course! I've already received complaints. Soon, guests for Young Master Jin will be arriving.
Ah! Look, it seems Jet is bringing them."
Jin looked out of the window and saw a giant following Jet. He is approaching the mansion with
a strangely out of place movement, wearing a robe and a hood.
“Good evening! I brought them here!”
Jet swung the door open. Upon closer inspection, the robe-clad giant appeared to be much
larger. His skeleton is so strange that he doesn't look like a human.
Jin shrugged his shoulders as he saw twinkling golden eyes under the hood..
"You guys, you always arrange disguises for others so perfectly. Was this really the best
option?"
"Why? Isn't this quite excellent!?"
Rustle!
As the robe was taken off, tufts of fur that seemed to barely reach Jin's waist were revealed.
The creature's true identity was a 'Golden Snow Tribe’- four beings fused into one being,
forming a bizarre skeletal structure.
"Well, it's not bad. It's been a while, Peng."
"Ah, hey. Are you really going to be like this? We're no longer poor beggars in that cave. Call me
Peng, 1st leader of Golden Peng, Sir Jin Runcandel, 12th flagbearer of Runcandel."
Chapter 321
[Support and buy ahead chapters from here:- https://bmc.link/punisher87 ]
A private room within the Sword emperor castle healing center.
"Oh, my goodness, my grandson! Still not awake, huh? Look at him, when will my grandson
wake up? He can't stay like this forever, can he!?"
"His heartbeat and body temperature are very stable, lord patriarch. He will surely wake up
soon, so please don't worry."
"Dante, Dante! How much has my grandson suffered....!"
Dante continued to feign unconsciousness, unaware even in his dreams that Ron was aware of
his scheme and playing along.
"It tears my heart apart...! As soon as this old man returns, let's go eat the Imperial Dragon
King's Soup that my grandson loves so much. Tell the Emperor, no, His Majesty, to have a top
chef ready."
While Ron sniffled, Dante felt a strange sense of satisfaction from the guilt of deceiving his
grandfather.
Ron looked through his grandson's act but managed to hold back his laughter.
Creak.
About fifteen minutes after Ron left, Jin entered the treatment room. At the same time, Dante
made a sound as if he was pretending to wake up.
"Uh...."
"Young patriarch, are you awake now?"
"It's been a while since I fainted... How long have I been lying down?"
"About 30 minutes."
"Not too long, that's good. Ah, Paul Gray Mick. You don’t look good. Please leave us for a
moment. This friend and I have something to talk about."
As soon as the doctors left the room, Dante suppressed his laughter."Did you fall for it too?"
"No."
"Of course, you couldn't be fooled. Jin! How was my acting? Wasn't it splendid? Haha, with this,
Grandfather must know how much I cherish you. He must have promised 300 million gold coins
for sure. No, maybe even 500 million!"
Dante raised his voice, filled with excitement.
"I was a little worried deep down. I wondered if Grandfather would truly look favorably upon the
friendship between Hairan and Runcandel. But in the end, Grandfather is on my side. If I do
something for your sake, Grandfather will also do something for your sake..."
Dante stopped there and observed Jin's expression.
Jin had lost all color from his face, with half of his soul seemingly absent from his vacant eyes.
"J-Jin? What's wrong with you?"
"I've been robbed...."
"W-What?"
"I've been robbed by your grandfather."
"Is that true?"
"It is."
Dante couldn't believe it even when hearing it firsthand.
This demon-like friend of his had been stripped of everything he possessed by someone? No
matter how great his grandfather was, Dante couldn't imagine Jin being subjected to such a
fate.
"Uh, um, well... Sorry. I never expected it to turn out like this. Grandfather isn't the type to do
such things."
"No, you don't have to apologize. It was my carelessness. Sigh, you have such a good
grandfather."
"Is there anything I can do to help?"Upon hearing that, Jin let out a wry smile.
"To be honest, it's not just losses. In addition to the pottery, I also handed over some portions of
the ancient iron mine and even wrote a document... But I found out the extent of Hairan's
intelligence network."
The mission to assassinate the Black Knight was highly classified.
Knowing what rewards Jin received after completing that mission meant that there was
someone among the flagbearers who had connections with Ron.
'Whoever that person may be, it's unlikely that they betrayed Runcandel. It's probably someone
who owed a debt to Sir Ron. It's likely a one-time information exchange. If they had planted a
spy, Sir Ron wouldn't have been so confident.'
Jin even thought it might have turned out well.
He concluded that he could find out who among the flagbearers had given that information to
Ron and use it to his advantage.
He also learned about Ron Hairan, the legendary knight.
A role model of the patriarch, who never let his guard down in any situation and never gave up
his own interests for Hairan's sake.
However, he was also a caring and warm-hearted grandfather who would sacrifice more than
his life for his grandson.
'In that sense, Ron Hairan has already caught hold of my greatest weakness.'
Just knowing that Jin is Dante's most precious friend made it impossible for Ron to treat him
lightly. He had witnessed Dante willing to sacrifice himself to save Jin.
'Taking the pottery and the ancient iron was a warning. It's a warning not to even dream of using
Dante as a pawn in the future.'
In Jin's perception, it wasn't a warning from a "strong" individual.
Rather, it felt more like a showoff from a position of having unilaterally taken something
valuable. That's why he didn't feel like he had lost much even after being tricked by Ron.
'I can recover what Sir Ron took from me today. The problem is the immediate loss of funds.'It seemed that he would have to be more resourceful than expected to make money.
"Jin, for now, within the limits I can use without Grandfather's permission, let's try to make as
much money as possible. There's no way to hide the frustration of being more of a hindrance
than help."
"It's okay, forget about the money. I can find it elsewhere."
"Is that possible?"
"I will make it possible. But more importantly, I met Veradin during the mission."
"...In Ventica, the disputed territory of Mila Kingdom where Runcandel and Zipfel clashed
recently?"
Dante's expression grew even darker. Jin and Veradin meeting during a mission meant that their
purpose was to kill each other.
"Yes."
"How was Veradin?"
Since Jin had escaped to the Western Sea, Dante hadn't seen Veradin once.
"He wasn't normal. Beyond mind manipulation, his mind wasn't intact anymore. It seemed like
he couldn't recognize me, and he even attacked me."
Jin explained the events of that day to Dante. Throughout the story, Dante couldn't hide his
bitter expression.
"...I can't even imagine how devastated Veradin would be once his sanity is restored."
"He probably won't be in that war-crazed state every day. Sometimes reports mentioned him
participating in external activities like banquets in a normal manner."
"I want to save him."
"I agree. But we have to wait for the right moment. Until there's a more certain opportunity."
"Jin."
"What?"With a hesitant expression, Dante alternated his gaze between Jin and the ground as if trying to
bring up something difficult.
"If, let's say, Veradin reaches a point of no return. If he can never come back as the person he
was, and can only live as a doll for Zipfel... What will you do?"
He asked the question, but he didn't expect to receive the answer he wanted. He thought Jin
would either give up or consider killing Veradin as the path for his sake... That's what he
believed Jin's answer would be.
Nevertheless, he asked because he wanted to confirm. He wanted to see if Jin might share the
same sentiment.
"We'll find a way."
Dante raised his head in response to Jin's answer.
"Really!?"
"Of course! Why would I lie? There's nothing for me to gain by giving up on him. He's my friend
too."
"Jin! I'm deeply moved!"
"That's why I want you to let Sir Ron know that I'm not just some ruthless person like he might
think."
"Since Grandfather found out about our relationship through today's events, I feel more
comfortable talking about you now."
"Yeah, yeah. I should start heading back soon."
"Already? How about having dinner together and having a drink before you leave?"
"With the person who just collapsed from anemia?"
"That was all an act."
"Alright, we'll do that another time. Maybe send an invitation to Veradin, just in case."
"Understood!"
***That night, as he returned to Tikan. Jin could truly grasp how much Ron Hairan cherished his
'one and only' grandson (although he also had Dante’s brother) - how much he adored him.
"Young Master Jin! What kind of magic did you perform?"
The atmosphere in Tikan, which had been somber until this morning, had completely
transformed into a festive mood.
"Sir Kashmir, what's going on?"
"Young Master Jin, you truly are our Tikan's lucky charm. Almost all the knights of Vermont are
flocking here with money and goods."
Jin smirked, taken aback by the news.
‘Dante, this guy is bringing us great fortune.’
Ron evaluated Jin in such a way.
A little warrior who, when one thing is lost, always manages to take away two or more. Without a
doubt, Ron considered his grandson to be the best among his peers. In terms of strength,
insight, strategy, courage, and even magic.
Because of that, Ron had made a calculated decision to never interfere with his grandson
unless it was absolutely necessary. He had concluded that meddling in his affairs would bring no
benefits to his grandson, who he loved and respected more than anyone else in the world.
"It's money! It’s actually a change of business to stronger clients than before!”
Kashmir was practically dancing with joy.
‘Sir Ron, you made an excellent judgment. Instead of just giving money, you've solved a more
fundamental problem.’
It meant that almost all the knights in Vermont, except for the imperial family, wanted to trade
with Tikan. It wasn't just a favorable development for Tikan's economy. When Jin and Kashmir
took charge of Tikan in the future, it meant that they wouldn't have to be as concerned about
Runcandel's watchful eyes.
Although there were certain points where Tikan's autonomy had been compromised, as they
had to pay attention to Ron and Hairan instead of Runcandel. However, from Jin's perspective, if
he had to fight one of the two factions, Runcandel or Hairan, in order to achieve complete
independence for Tikan:Naturally, the latter was less burdensome. After all, Runcandel was undeniably a stronger clan
than Hairan.
"If the knights who visited us today are confirmed as our business partners, we won't have to
seek money anymore."
Jin raised his head at those words.
"But wouldn't it be better to have as much money as possible?"
"Of course! I've already received complaints. Soon, guests for Young Master Jin will be arriving.
Ah! Look, it seems Jet is bringing them."
Jin looked out of the window and saw a giant following Jet. He is approaching the mansion with
a strangely out of place movement, wearing a robe and a hood.
“Good evening! I brought them here!”
Jet swung the door open. Upon closer inspection, the robe-clad giant appeared to be much
larger. His skeleton is so strange that he doesn't look like a human.
Jin shrugged his shoulders as he saw twinkling golden eyes under the hood..
"You guys, you always arrange disguises for others so perfectly. Was this really the best
option?"
"Why? Isn't this quite excellent!?"
Rustle!
As the robe was taken off, tufts of fur that seemed to barely reach Jin's waist were revealed.
The creature's true identity was a 'Golden Snow Tribe’- four beings fused into one being,
forming a bizarre skeletal structure.
"Well, it's not bad. It's been a while, Peng."
"Ah, hey. Are you really going to be like this? We're no longer poor beggars in that cave. Call me
Peng, 1st leader of Golden Peng, Sir Jin Runcandel, 12th flagbearer of Runcandel."
