352
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Gilly couldn't understand herself.
‘It's true that they were disgusting. But I shouldn't have been unable to control my emotions to that extent…’
It should have been something she could just let go of. Yet, an inexplicable anger had surged within her, causing her to almost attack the Ivelianos siblings.
"Even if you had attacked them, it wouldn't have been a big problem."
Jin shrugged his shoulders as if indicating that the incident was nothing significant, after Gilly explained the events that had occurred in the corridor.
"I am ashamed of myself. I almost embarrassed the young master."
"Well, there might have been a bit of a hassle. But it wouldn't have been a fatal blow."
Jin truly believed this, he didn’t say this just to console Gilly.
The first reason was Bishkel.
‘He couldn't have ignored Gilly's attack.’
Even if Myu didn't witness that scene and Gilly had attacked, Bishkel would have easily blocked Gilly's strike.
Gilly's current at 7-stars level.
Of course, she was exceptionally talented, and she still had immense potential, but Bishkel was an even more advanced martial artist than her.
The second reason was that this was the Garden of Swords.
Even if Bishkel hadn't blocked Gilly's attack, Jin would have made the excuse of "they disrespected Runcandel's flagbearer," it would have been a problem they could somehow overlook.
Especially considering they were uninvited guests who had come without any prior contact.
‘But the part where Gilly said she suddenly couldn't control her anger is strange. Could it be because it's related to me? Maybe she's been accumulating stress without realizing it lately.’
If that were the case, Jin would have been even more careful. Whenever someone did something harmful to Jin, Gilly would always flare up in anger, but she was always rational when it came to situations where she might damage Jin’s status.
‘Or perhaps it's due to the chaos energy that Margiella could possibly have…’
Either way, Jin thought Gilly didn’t make a fuss over a problem like that. It was also true that Margiella possessed some strange power.
"If I were in your position, I would have done the same. So, don't worry about it."
"Yeah, Strawberry Pie. After all, humans have always been spouting such nonsense throughout history. They should just be honest about wanting to indulge in their desires, rather than attaching themselves to some lofty ideals or a better world. I mean, they name it as their cause."
"It's interesting how charlatans manipulate these kinds of statements to gain influence, no matter the era, Murakan."
"Because humans are an utterly weak race. That's why in ancient times, some crazy dragons insisted on killing humans except the useful ones. They even suggested killing 80% of the population."
"That's insane in its own right."
"That's why I killed them. Well, it was more because their actions were ridiculous and annoying than for the sake of humans."
"You're you. But anyway, Gilly. Did Elder sister Mary ask to set a date for the duel?"
"Yes, young master."
"We agreed to have a duel every three months, but my head still hurts. Fighting back and forth with elder sister Mary, it's quite a burden on the body."
He recalled the time when he rescued the small beastmen, and Mary unleashed the variation of the Volcanic, the decisive killing move.
‘If elder sister Mary were to get excited and use that during the duel... Just thinking about it makes me dizzy.’
Cold sweat trickled down his spine.
"Since she mentioned selecting the theme as well, why don't you look for something other than a duel?"
"That's probably a good idea. Murakan, did you hear anything special in the reception room?"
"That fellow named Berakt slightly deceived your mother. He only mentioned to your mother that Zipfel is searching for the tomb of Temar."
Berakt didn't inform Rosa about the information regarding the "Vermont Imperial Family."
"Your mother doesn't seem to be highly suspicious of that information. Berakt seems to have fought quite intensely against your mother in the past. Would it be correct to say they felt some camaraderie as opponents?"
"Since our clan is about to begin a thorough investigation of the tomb, eventually my mother will learn that Vermont is involved as well. Nonetheless, for the time being, I should be able to maintain an information advantage regarding the tomb."
Even after Kinzelo had left, Rosa hadn't summoned Jin separately. This was despite hearing the mention of the "tomb" from Berakt.
The only reason for this was simple.
‘My mother already knew that the tomb of Temar existed. Perhaps she even knew that Zipfel was searching for it.’
He hadn't really expected it, but it seemed likely.
‘My mother must have been waiting for the right time to find the tomb of Temar, even if it meant breaking the oath with Zipfel. Or perhaps she thought there was no need to find it.’
Either way, the circumstances were about to change. Since both Kinzelo and Jin had mentioned the existence of the tomb and the fact that Jin was searching for it, it was only natural for Rosa to take action.
"Temar. He can't find peace even in death. Why are these Vermont people so obsessed with finding his body? It's astonishing that major forces are resorting to the same methods as mere grave robbers."
Murakan spoke with a bitter expression. The reason behind Vermont's search for Temar's body continued to trouble Jin.
"I should meet Ms. Misha at least once. I need to share the story about Arya Hister as well."
"Oh, I have to meet her again?"
"I think you should also meet her."
Murakan rubbed his forehead. The information they had obtained from Kinzelo needed to be shared with Misha as well.
"And you held back well. There were enough opportunities to vent your anger at my mother, weren't there?"
"I didn't hold back."
"What?"
"I yelled at your mother. I asked her if she knew where his body was. She dodged the question, giving some vague response. I can't believe her now even if she says she didn't know."
Murakan added a few sarcastic remarks, but Rosa responded calmly and sent him back.
"In the past, I wouldn't have settled with just words. I would have overturned the entire clan. But this time, I held back because of you."
"Yeah, that's right. You did well. Gilly, has there been any contact from Tikan?"
Tikan's message. It means news about the "Felinoids tribe" and the "Demon Clan, Rontelgius Family."
It had been about two months since their last meeting, but Valeria still hadn't found the whereabouts of the Felinoids tribe. Similarly, Cuicantelle hadn't discovered anything about the Rontelgius Family.
Even with record magic, locating the Felinoids tribe was no easy task, and Cuicantelle was still an undercover imperial fugitive, so there were limits to how much information she could gather herself. It required time.
All Jin could do was hope that the members of the Felinoids tribe were safe and unharmed.
"Yes, young master. It seems the agents of Seven-Colored peacocks aren't moving as easily these days."
"With more eyes on them, it's an unavoidable issue. It's frustrating, though. I can't jump into action myself."
Thunk.
Butler Petro entered Jin's room.
"Young master, a letter has arrived from the Lord of Voltaga."
Respected Sir Jin Runcandel, thanks to your efforts, the Voltaga territories...
That was how the letter from the Lord of Voltaga began, filled with mundane stories and flattery.
However, the letter contained an important message despite its lack of substantial content.
Strengthening of Bradamante.
It was a message that Picon Minche had sent the letter through Lord of Voltaga to convey the story about it.
"Just in case, let's wait until tomorrow for my mother’s summon. If it doesn't come, we should go immediately."
***
The next day, Rosa still hadn't summoned Jin by the afternoon.
Though a few ordinary tasks were assigned, as usual, Jin sent Bellop out in disguise and visited the "Veil" of the Mila Kingdom.
"Master is currently unavailable."
However, they couldn't meet Misha.
She had been absent for over a month without even informing her employees of when she might return.
"It happens often. I will send a letter as soon as she returns."
Since she was handling all of Solderet’s responsibilities, it was natural that Misha was having busy days without a moment of rest.
"This is like trying to use dung as medicine when you have none. We walked for nothing."
He had said it like that, but Murakan oddly felt pleased that he didn't have to see Misha.
The two of them headed straight to Voltaga and then to the house ofVin Branche.
"Sir Jin Runcandel! Come in... ugh."
Vin’s greeting was cut short as he suffered a convulsion, his eyes rolling back due to the manifestation of Picon.
[Have you arrived?]
"I hope you've been well, Mr. Picon."
"Enough with the pleasantries, Picon. Since you told us to come, you must have the necessary items prepared. Is the strengthening of Bradamante complete?"
[I never actually told you to come, did I, Murakan?]
"Oh, is that so?"
Seeing the two of them arguing, Jin burst into laughter.
[Huh, huh. You're as ignorant as ever, relying solely on your strength. Alright, alright! I surrender, I lost!]
Picon controlled his breath as he brought the sword from the underground forge.
It was Bradamante.
At first glance, nothing seemed to have changed, but Jin could tell at a glance.
His beloved sword had become even harder and sharper.
As Jin caressed Bradamante appreciatively, a satisfied smile formed on his lips, and Picon spoke with a spirited tone.
[It’s amazing, right?]
"I'd like to test it out right away."
[But it’s not finished yet.]
"Are you saying you can make it even better?"
[There's one more function that I haven't added yet.]
-[... But the only drawback of Bradamante is that it doesn't provide protection for the user.]
-Protection? But it's not armor.
-[I've created countless armors throughout my lifetime, but none have been better than armor formed using shadow force. That's why, when I designed Barisada, I added a function so that the armor was formed by injecting shadow force.]
Jin recalled the conversation he had with Picon when they first met.
"So, you're talking about the function of forming shadow force armor."
[That's right. Thanks to you for providing materials from the tombs of Temar and the ancient everlasting steel, the work is now nearing completion. However, there's one more item that I need.]
"What is it?"
[The core of a demonic creature.]
Upon hearing this, Murakan let out a startled exclamation.
"What? The core of a demonic creature? Why would you need something like that to make a sword?"
[I need it. To activate that function, I need the core of a demonic creature that has been preserved for a thousand years. Otherwise, I would need the hearts of multiple dragons, which is not feasible, right?]
"Where can we find this?"
Jin interjected before Murakan could ask more questions.
352
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Gilly couldn't understand herself.
‘It's true that they were disgusting. But I shouldn't have been unable to control my emotions to that extent…’
It should have been something she could just let go of. Yet, an inexplicable anger had surged within her, causing her to almost attack the Ivelianos siblings.
"Even if you had attacked them, it wouldn't have been a big problem."
Jin shrugged his shoulders as if indicating that the incident was nothing significant, after Gilly explained the events that had occurred in the corridor.
"I am ashamed of myself. I almost embarrassed the young master."
"Well, there might have been a bit of a hassle. But it wouldn't have been a fatal blow."
Jin truly believed this, he didn’t say this just to console Gilly.
The first reason was Bishkel.
‘He couldn't have ignored Gilly's attack.’
Even if Myu didn't witness that scene and Gilly had attacked, Bishkel would have easily blocked Gilly's strike.
Gilly's current at 7-stars level.
Of course, she was exceptionally talented, and she still had immense potential, but Bishkel was an even more advanced martial artist than her.
The second reason was that this was the Garden of Swords.
Even if Bishkel hadn't blocked Gilly's attack, Jin would have made the excuse of "they disrespected Runcandel's flagbearer," it would have been a problem they could somehow overlook.
Especially considering they were uninvited guests who had come without any prior contact.
‘But the part where Gilly said she suddenly couldn't control her anger is strange. Could it be because it's related to me? Maybe she's been accumulating stress without realizing it lately.’
If that were the case, Jin would have been even more careful. Whenever someone did something harmful to Jin, Gilly would always flare up in anger, but she was always rational when it came to situations where she might damage Jin’s status.
‘Or perhaps it's due to the chaos energy that Margiella could possibly have…’
Either way, Jin thought Gilly didn’t make a fuss over a problem like that. It was also true that Margiella possessed some strange power.
"If I were in your position, I would have done the same. So, don't worry about it."
"Yeah, Strawberry Pie. After all, humans have always been spouting such nonsense throughout history. They should just be honest about wanting to indulge in their desires, rather than attaching themselves to some lofty ideals or a better world. I mean, they name it as their cause."
"It's interesting how charlatans manipulate these kinds of statements to gain influence, no matter the era, Murakan."
"Because humans are an utterly weak race. That's why in ancient times, some crazy dragons insisted on killing humans except the useful ones. They even suggested killing 80% of the population."
"That's insane in its own right."
"That's why I killed them. Well, it was more because their actions were ridiculous and annoying than for the sake of humans."
"You're you. But anyway, Gilly. Did Elder sister Mary ask to set a date for the duel?"
"Yes, young master."
"We agreed to have a duel every three months, but my head still hurts. Fighting back and forth with elder sister Mary, it's quite a burden on the body."
He recalled the time when he rescued the small beastmen, and Mary unleashed the variation of the Volcanic, the decisive killing move.
‘If elder sister Mary were to get excited and use that during the duel... Just thinking about it makes me dizzy.’
Cold sweat trickled down his spine.
"Since she mentioned selecting the theme as well, why don't you look for something other than a duel?"
"That's probably a good idea. Murakan, did you hear anything special in the reception room?"
"That fellow named Berakt slightly deceived your mother. He only mentioned to your mother that Zipfel is searching for the tomb of Temar."
Berakt didn't inform Rosa about the information regarding the "Vermont Imperial Family."
"Your mother doesn't seem to be highly suspicious of that information. Berakt seems to have fought quite intensely against your mother in the past. Would it be correct to say they felt some camaraderie as opponents?"
"Since our clan is about to begin a thorough investigation of the tomb, eventually my mother will learn that Vermont is involved as well. Nonetheless, for the time being, I should be able to maintain an information advantage regarding the tomb."
Even after Kinzelo had left, Rosa hadn't summoned Jin separately. This was despite hearing the mention of the "tomb" from Berakt.
The only reason for this was simple.
‘My mother already knew that the tomb of Temar existed. Perhaps she even knew that Zipfel was searching for it.’
He hadn't really expected it, but it seemed likely.
‘My mother must have been waiting for the right time to find the tomb of Temar, even if it meant breaking the oath with Zipfel. Or perhaps she thought there was no need to find it.’
Either way, the circumstances were about to change. Since both Kinzelo and Jin had mentioned the existence of the tomb and the fact that Jin was searching for it, it was only natural for Rosa to take action.
"Temar. He can't find peace even in death. Why are these Vermont people so obsessed with finding his body? It's astonishing that major forces are resorting to the same methods as mere grave robbers."
Murakan spoke with a bitter expression. The reason behind Vermont's search for Temar's body continued to trouble Jin.
"I should meet Ms. Misha at least once. I need to share the story about Arya Hister as well."
"Oh, I have to meet her again?"
"I think you should also meet her."
Murakan rubbed his forehead. The information they had obtained from Kinzelo needed to be shared with Misha as well.
"And you held back well. There were enough opportunities to vent your anger at my mother, weren't there?"
"I didn't hold back."
"What?"
"I yelled at your mother. I asked her if she knew where his body was. She dodged the question, giving some vague response. I can't believe her now even if she says she didn't know."
Murakan added a few sarcastic remarks, but Rosa responded calmly and sent him back.
"In the past, I wouldn't have settled with just words. I would have overturned the entire clan. But this time, I held back because of you."
"Yeah, that's right. You did well. Gilly, has there been any contact from Tikan?"
Tikan's message. It means news about the "Felinoids tribe" and the "Demon Clan, Rontelgius Family."
It had been about two months since their last meeting, but Valeria still hadn't found the whereabouts of the Felinoids tribe. Similarly, Cuicantelle hadn't discovered anything about the Rontelgius Family.
Even with record magic, locating the Felinoids tribe was no easy task, and Cuicantelle was still an undercover imperial fugitive, so there were limits to how much information she could gather herself. It required time.
All Jin could do was hope that the members of the Felinoids tribe were safe and unharmed.
"Yes, young master. It seems the agents of Seven-Colored peacocks aren't moving as easily these days."
"With more eyes on them, it's an unavoidable issue. It's frustrating, though. I can't jump into action myself."
Thunk.
Butler Petro entered Jin's room.
"Young master, a letter has arrived from the Lord of Voltaga."
Respected Sir Jin Runcandel, thanks to your efforts, the Voltaga territories...
That was how the letter from the Lord of Voltaga began, filled with mundane stories and flattery.
However, the letter contained an important message despite its lack of substantial content.
Strengthening of Bradamante.
It was a message that Picon Minche had sent the letter through Lord of Voltaga to convey the story about it.
"Just in case, let's wait until tomorrow for my mother’s summon. If it doesn't come, we should go immediately."
***
The next day, Rosa still hadn't summoned Jin by the afternoon.
Though a few ordinary tasks were assigned, as usual, Jin sent Bellop out in disguise and visited the "Veil" of the Mila Kingdom.
"Master is currently unavailable."
However, they couldn't meet Misha.
She had been absent for over a month without even informing her employees of when she might return.
"It happens often. I will send a letter as soon as she returns."
Since she was handling all of Solderet’s responsibilities, it was natural that Misha was having busy days without a moment of rest.
"This is like trying to use dung as medicine when you have none. We walked for nothing."
He had said it like that, but Murakan oddly felt pleased that he didn't have to see Misha.
The two of them headed straight to Voltaga and then to the house ofVin Branche.
"Sir Jin Runcandel! Come in... ugh."
Vin’s greeting was cut short as he suffered a convulsion, his eyes rolling back due to the manifestation of Picon.
[Have you arrived?]
"I hope you've been well, Mr. Picon."
"Enough with the pleasantries, Picon. Since you told us to come, you must have the necessary items prepared. Is the strengthening of Bradamante complete?"
[I never actually told you to come, did I, Murakan?]
"Oh, is that so?"
Seeing the two of them arguing, Jin burst into laughter.
[Huh, huh. You're as ignorant as ever, relying solely on your strength. Alright, alright! I surrender, I lost!]
Picon controlled his breath as he brought the sword from the underground forge.
It was Bradamante.
At first glance, nothing seemed to have changed, but Jin could tell at a glance.
His beloved sword had become even harder and sharper.
As Jin caressed Bradamante appreciatively, a satisfied smile formed on his lips, and Picon spoke with a spirited tone.
[It’s amazing, right?]
"I'd like to test it out right away."
[But it’s not finished yet.]
"Are you saying you can make it even better?"
[There's one more function that I haven't added yet.]
-[... But the only drawback of Bradamante is that it doesn't provide protection for the user.]
-Protection? But it's not armor.
-[I've created countless armors throughout my lifetime, but none have been better than armor formed using shadow force. That's why, when I designed Barisada, I added a function so that the armor was formed by injecting shadow force.]
Jin recalled the conversation he had with Picon when they first met.
"So, you're talking about the function of forming shadow force armor."
[That's right. Thanks to you for providing materials from the tombs of Temar and the ancient everlasting steel, the work is now nearing completion. However, there's one more item that I need.]
"What is it?"
[The core of a demonic creature.]
Upon hearing this, Murakan let out a startled exclamation.
"What? The core of a demonic creature? Why would you need something like that to make a sword?"
[I need it. To activate that function, I need the core of a demonic creature that has been preserved for a thousand years. Otherwise, I would need the hearts of multiple dragons, which is not feasible, right?]
"Where can we find this?"
Jin interjected before Murakan could ask more questions.
