* * *
Tower of Stories, Zipfel.
Kadun, Hedo, and Octavia's eyes were on the newsletter on the table.
(The hero of the Sword Emperor castle war, the 12th flagbearer of the Garden of Swords, Jin Runcandel. Returned after finishing closed-door training!)
“It means Jin Runcandel is back…….”
Octavia spoke in a low voice as if chewing.
The 12th flagbearer in question disappeared shortly after the end of the sword emperor castle war.
Hedo, who still had no ill feelings toward Jin, had a calm face, but Octavia and Kadun's eyes were full of bloodlust.
'The attitude of the people, who are top leaders of the world, is always like this towards that child. I can't even control them myself without patriarch.'
Kelliark Zipfel.
He was currently assisted by chaos control devices and his body is in life supporting device.
It was only natural that he was exposed to the most chaos in the Sword emperor castle war along with Rosa.
Until about a year ago, he did a little external activity to hide the disgrace of Zipfel, but now Kelliark was really 'saving' his time.
Until Zipfel gets perfect chaos control technology, or until Kinzelo accepts the deal.
‘Well, I also took him a little lightly in the Sota Desert for the first time…….’
Looking back, that was the problem. If he had finished off Jin before Sandra made a fuss in the Sota Desert, if he had slashed Jin before she opened the way, or if he had stuck with Sandra and followed her to the Gaifa Island when she fell in love with Jin and cut him then...….
It wouldn't have been such a big concern. To Zipfel and Hedo as individual.
If it's a good thing. It was the fact that Jin, who had come back stronger now, wasn't such a bad thing for Zipfel.
Hedo opened another newsletter lying beside the table.
(Sir Dante Hairan subdues the Demon of ghost castle! Sir Dante is the first guardian sword of the empire succeeding the late Sir Ron Hairan, and is evaluated as having entered the 10-star realm after the Sword Emperor Castle war....)
“Smarion Proch of the Ghost Castle was probably subdued by the 12th flagbearer, not Dante.”
“Why do you think so, Hedo?”
“Dante Hairan continues to make public appearances. But there is no sign of injury, and none of his knights are dead. No matter how strong the Imperial Guardian Sword becomes, it is not strong enough to subdue that amount of chaos unscathed. If you're alone, you'll have to risk your life to be able to do it."
[T/L:- Imperial Guardian Sword is name given to Dante after he succeeded Ron.]
"That's right. But isn’t that the case with Jin Runcandel as well?”
“I don't know. It’s a different matter depending on how strong the 12th flagbearer has become.”
"No matter how much he has grown in 2 years and 6 months, it’s not to that extent, right?"
“He is obviously a different person. Everyone here must have experienced that he always produces results that exceed common sense.”
“Even so, if he dealt with Smarion without injury, then it would be the result of Murakan recovering his strength and reappearing.”
Hedo nodded his head.
“Either the 12th flagbearer has a power close to genesis knight, or Murakan has regained his former power. Neither of those things are too bad for us right now.”
Runcandel, long-time nemesis of Zipfel, whom everyone thinks is on the decline. Zipfel and Kinzelo were making completely different judgments from the public's evaluation.
“Garden of Swords. Right now, there is no better hand than 12th flagbearer to keep them in check.”
Hedo opens another newsletter on the table.
(In the Garden of Swords, the discovery of the legacy of Temar Runcandel, the first patriarch of the family… No specific announcement was made, but a strong will to recover the clan’s forgotten history was expressed.)
“The 12th flagbearer will not know exactly the current situation in Runcandel. So as soon as he came back, he felt something is strange and announced his return to the world before his clan. This is the reaction that Runcandel showed after that.”
After losing most of its history when Runcandel was defeated by Zipfel a thousand years ago, Runcandel has rarely publicized problems about its ancestors. Among them, directly mentioning the Temar is a taboo among taboos.
But now, the power of Zipfel’s stories that weighed down Runcandel had weakened, and also they no longer cared about Zipfel.
Runcandel did not say anything about the phenomenon of ‘mana affinity’ that occurred in pure-blooded Runcandel after the Sword Emperor Castle war.
There can be only one reason for that.
Confidence.
Runcandel now has the confidence and strength not to fear Zipfel's oath...….
“Hmm…… Did they find Temar's tomb before Hister's survivor? Through the power of the Prophet?”
“Perhaps. But it doesn't matter if it's true or false. It is important that the 12th flagbearer has no choice but to go to his clan the moment he sees this article.”
“To ascertain the survival of the Hister’s survivor and the legacy that Runcandel has obtained, right?”
“Not only that, but Jin Runcandel’s return to his clan is bound to be a must-do choice. Even if it’s to become the patriarch. He will never give up on his clan, even if Runcandel isn't what it used to be. It's not something that he can compromise on."
“It is as the Captain of Spectre and Lord Kadun said. Of course, the 12th flagbearer will not visit his clan without any preparation. It seems that he will use the toad that the master of hidden palace possesses as a way to escape, and will not drag the Vamel alliance with him.”
“Then he will surely die on the spot, Sir Hedo. He won't know how dangerous Runcandel is right now!"
Octavia resents the loss of her chance for revenge.
“No, Octavia. If Murakan regained all his old powers. Besides, as Hedo said, if his battle prowess is at a level of first-class superhuman or higher...… Just the two of them should be able to do something like a war with Runcandel.”
“And unless the 12th flagbearer choose the option of submitting to Runcandel with the Vamel Alliance, it is inevitable that a fight will break out in the Garden of Swords.”
“He would never make a choice like that.”
How much damage will Runcandel suffer in the process?
It was unpredictable for three of them
However, all three of them predicted that the chances of Jin surviving are very low. Even in a situation where Murakan supports him with all his regained strength.
“Then at that time, we can confirm the power of Runcandel through their battle.”
Zipfel knows that the Prophet took control of the Garden of Swords in earnest with Rosa, and infers that their power is beyond imagination.
But they didn't know exactly what is their level.
Therefore, they were avoiding an all-out war by using the truce that they had previously concluded.
“Of course, it’s a good option to keep an eye on movements. But I don't think it would hurt to go further than that.”
“Go further……?”
Kadun and Octavia's gaze fell on Hedo.
“If Runcandel is weaker than we expected, then they will take a serious hit in that fight.”
If so, then is the right time to completely end Runcandel.
Hedo was saying that.
“We shouldn’t give them time to recover. How quickly the Prophet revived so many knights who died in the Sword emperor castle war and how she strengthened them. Doesn't everyone know?”
It was an intelligence report that they get when Jin was in Laprarosa.
The spy, who informed about the resurrection and strengthening of the knights that done by Prophet, died and ‘melted’ in front of Kelliark as soon as the report was over. In other words, the Prophet was deliberately showed off her power at the time. Even knowing that he's a spy.
Recalling the memory of that time, Kadun and Octavia shook their heads as if they were getting goosebumps.
“So Hedo, you mean. Are we preparing for an all-out war?"
“It means that we need to prepare for a response according to the aspect of the battle. It is not an unconditional all-out war.”
“If the battle goes when both side losing, then it means we'll wrap up both of them…… if that’s not the case then just leave."
There was a moment of silence, and then Kadun made his decision.
“It's definitely the best outcome if it works as you says. But it's not a matter for us to decide. We would better wake Kelliark for a moment and let him decide."
Then they went to the top floor of the Tower of Stories and informed Kelliark about the situation.
Kelliark nodded in the life supporting device, saying that Hedo is right.
* * *
The New Headquarter of Kinzelo.
At the same time, they were also having a meeting on the same topic as Zipfel.
They were also reaching a conclusion similar to that of Zipfel.
It was Bishkel Ivelianos who said let's take the initiative and aim for both sides defeat.
“Hmm, I think vice-leader’s opinion is good, but...… will he really go to the Garden of Swords alone? Even though he defeated Ranke, it would be crazy to go to the Garden of Swords alone, which even we can't touch. Much more so if it’s that shrewd guy, right?”
“Huh! That Jin Runcandel guy, he seems to be completely invisible after he turned Ranke into a bloody mess!?”
Bubare and Ainas expressed their doubts.
Ranke was sitting in the corner and muttering to himself in a state of fascination.
Although sometimes, Ranke remembers Jin “beating” him whenever he heard his name, and he looked at Ainas and Bubare as if they were going to kill him.
“As Lady Ainas said, unless his brain was damaged because he easily trampled on Ranke, I don't think he will go to the Garden of Swords. Lord Ranke and the entire Runcandel are on different levels, right? Ah, of course, I'm not saying Lord Ranke is pathetic. He just lost...….”
“Right, he just lost. So cheer up! Ranke.”
Bishkel, as always, was fed up with Bubare spewing shit-filled words from his stupid head.
“…… Lady Ainas and Bubare. Don't keep emphasizing Ranke's defeat. It doesn’t fit the topic of the meeting, and it’s against etiquette.”
Crunch.
The two of them didn't even listen to Bishkel and took a sweet potato croquette out of their pocket and ate it, and Bishkel broke the pen that he was holding.
“Umm, what do you think, leader?”
Margiella said as she patted on Bishkel’s shoulder.
[The vice-leader's opinion is correct. Perhaps Zipfel had a similar plan. When Jin and Runcandel both take a big hit, if we and Zipfel hit Runcandel together. I don't think it's going to be easy to handle, no matter how powerful is the garden of swords.]
“Well then, leader. Are you saying we should prepare for an all-out attack?”
[I think that would be good for now, Berakt. We'll have to keep an eye on the future. Since Jin Runcandel cannot swear obedience to the Prophet...… fight is bound to happen. And Ainas, Bubare. Ranke's defeat is not without any reason. Jin Runcandel has become incomparably stronger than before.]
The leader’s direct evaluation made the executives' eyes widen.
In particular, Zephyrin had been with Orgal for a long time and she could only count the memory of seeing a human that he evaluated so much on one hand.
“At that time, the outcome will be determined by how strong the power Runcandel is hiding. If it's weaker than what we think, then it's our chance to wipe it all out. Master, it's been a while since you've made a decision that's to my liking. I’m just getting annoyed at how long I have to keep an eye on that person.”
[Zephyrin, don't judge the Prophet carelessly.]
“Hmph, anyway, I am a pitiful dragon who has no memory of receiving favoritism from master.”
Again, Margiella patted Zephyrin on the shoulder.
“Then, the Leader’s permission has been granted. Shall we prepare too? The Garden of Swords and Sir Jin Runcandel. In the end, it will be a fight that will inevitably hurt both of them, so it must be fun.”
Margiella smiled softly. Thinking that this might be the last chance to recruit Jin.
* * *
Tower of Stories, Zipfel.
Kadun, Hedo, and Octavia's eyes were on the newsletter on the table.
(The hero of the Sword Emperor castle war, the 12th flagbearer of the Garden of Swords, Jin Runcandel. Returned after finishing closed-door training!)
“It means Jin Runcandel is back…….”
Octavia spoke in a low voice as if chewing.
The 12th flagbearer in question disappeared shortly after the end of the sword emperor castle war.
Hedo, who still had no ill feelings toward Jin, had a calm face, but Octavia and Kadun's eyes were full of bloodlust.
'The attitude of the people, who are top leaders of the world, is always like this towards that child. I can't even control them myself without patriarch.'
Kelliark Zipfel.
He was currently assisted by chaos control devices and his body is in life supporting device.
It was only natural that he was exposed to the most chaos in the Sword emperor castle war along with Rosa.
Until about a year ago, he did a little external activity to hide the disgrace of Zipfel, but now Kelliark was really 'saving' his time.
Until Zipfel gets perfect chaos control technology, or until Kinzelo accepts the deal.
‘Well, I also took him a little lightly in the Sota Desert for the first time…….’
Looking back, that was the problem. If he had finished off Jin before Sandra made a fuss in the Sota Desert, if he had slashed Jin before she opened the way, or if he had stuck with Sandra and followed her to the Gaifa Island when she fell in love with Jin and cut him then...….
It wouldn't have been such a big concern. To Zipfel and Hedo as individual.
If it's a good thing. It was the fact that Jin, who had come back stronger now, wasn't such a bad thing for Zipfel.
Hedo opened another newsletter lying beside the table.
(Sir Dante Hairan subdues the Demon of ghost castle! Sir Dante is the first guardian sword of the empire succeeding the late Sir Ron Hairan, and is evaluated as having entered the 10-star realm after the Sword Emperor Castle war....)
“Smarion Proch of the Ghost Castle was probably subdued by the 12th flagbearer, not Dante.”
“Why do you think so, Hedo?”
“Dante Hairan continues to make public appearances. But there is no sign of injury, and none of his knights are dead. No matter how strong the Imperial Guardian Sword becomes, it is not strong enough to subdue that amount of chaos unscathed. If you're alone, you'll have to risk your life to be able to do it."
[T/L:- Imperial Guardian Sword is name given to Dante after he succeeded Ron.]
"That's right. But isn’t that the case with Jin Runcandel as well?”
“I don't know. It’s a different matter depending on how strong the 12th flagbearer has become.”
"No matter how much he has grown in 2 years and 6 months, it’s not to that extent, right?"
“He is obviously a different person. Everyone here must have experienced that he always produces results that exceed common sense.”
“Even so, if he dealt with Smarion without injury, then it would be the result of Murakan recovering his strength and reappearing.”
Hedo nodded his head.
“Either the 12th flagbearer has a power close to genesis knight, or Murakan has regained his former power. Neither of those things are too bad for us right now.”
Runcandel, long-time nemesis of Zipfel, whom everyone thinks is on the decline. Zipfel and Kinzelo were making completely different judgments from the public's evaluation.
“Garden of Swords. Right now, there is no better hand than 12th flagbearer to keep them in check.”
Hedo opens another newsletter on the table.
(In the Garden of Swords, the discovery of the legacy of Temar Runcandel, the first patriarch of the family… No specific announcement was made, but a strong will to recover the clan’s forgotten history was expressed.)
“The 12th flagbearer will not know exactly the current situation in Runcandel. So as soon as he came back, he felt something is strange and announced his return to the world before his clan. This is the reaction that Runcandel showed after that.”
After losing most of its history when Runcandel was defeated by Zipfel a thousand years ago, Runcandel has rarely publicized problems about its ancestors. Among them, directly mentioning the Temar is a taboo among taboos.
But now, the power of Zipfel’s stories that weighed down Runcandel had weakened, and also they no longer cared about Zipfel.
Runcandel did not say anything about the phenomenon of ‘mana affinity’ that occurred in pure-blooded Runcandel after the Sword Emperor Castle war.
There can be only one reason for that.
Confidence.
Runcandel now has the confidence and strength not to fear Zipfel's oath...….
“Hmm…… Did they find Temar's tomb before Hister's survivor? Through the power of the Prophet?”
“Perhaps. But it doesn't matter if it's true or false. It is important that the 12th flagbearer has no choice but to go to his clan the moment he sees this article.”
“To ascertain the survival of the Hister’s survivor and the legacy that Runcandel has obtained, right?”
“Not only that, but Jin Runcandel’s return to his clan is bound to be a must-do choice. Even if it’s to become the patriarch. He will never give up on his clan, even if Runcandel isn't what it used to be. It's not something that he can compromise on."
“It is as the Captain of Spectre and Lord Kadun said. Of course, the 12th flagbearer will not visit his clan without any preparation. It seems that he will use the toad that the master of hidden palace possesses as a way to escape, and will not drag the Vamel alliance with him.”
“Then he will surely die on the spot, Sir Hedo. He won't know how dangerous Runcandel is right now!"
Octavia resents the loss of her chance for revenge.
“No, Octavia. If Murakan regained all his old powers. Besides, as Hedo said, if his battle prowess is at a level of first-class superhuman or higher...… Just the two of them should be able to do something like a war with Runcandel.”
“And unless the 12th flagbearer choose the option of submitting to Runcandel with the Vamel Alliance, it is inevitable that a fight will break out in the Garden of Swords.”
“He would never make a choice like that.”
How much damage will Runcandel suffer in the process?
It was unpredictable for three of them
However, all three of them predicted that the chances of Jin surviving are very low. Even in a situation where Murakan supports him with all his regained strength.
“Then at that time, we can confirm the power of Runcandel through their battle.”
Zipfel knows that the Prophet took control of the Garden of Swords in earnest with Rosa, and infers that their power is beyond imagination.
But they didn't know exactly what is their level.
Therefore, they were avoiding an all-out war by using the truce that they had previously concluded.
“Of course, it’s a good option to keep an eye on movements. But I don't think it would hurt to go further than that.”
“Go further……?”
Kadun and Octavia's gaze fell on Hedo.
“If Runcandel is weaker than we expected, then they will take a serious hit in that fight.”
If so, then is the right time to completely end Runcandel.
Hedo was saying that.
“We shouldn’t give them time to recover. How quickly the Prophet revived so many knights who died in the Sword emperor castle war and how she strengthened them. Doesn't everyone know?”
It was an intelligence report that they get when Jin was in Laprarosa.
The spy, who informed about the resurrection and strengthening of the knights that done by Prophet, died and ‘melted’ in front of Kelliark as soon as the report was over. In other words, the Prophet was deliberately showed off her power at the time. Even knowing that he's a spy.
Recalling the memory of that time, Kadun and Octavia shook their heads as if they were getting goosebumps.
“So Hedo, you mean. Are we preparing for an all-out war?"
“It means that we need to prepare for a response according to the aspect of the battle. It is not an unconditional all-out war.”
“If the battle goes when both side losing, then it means we'll wrap up both of them…… if that’s not the case then just leave."
There was a moment of silence, and then Kadun made his decision.
“It's definitely the best outcome if it works as you says. But it's not a matter for us to decide. We would better wake Kelliark for a moment and let him decide."
Then they went to the top floor of the Tower of Stories and informed Kelliark about the situation.
Kelliark nodded in the life supporting device, saying that Hedo is right.
* * *
The New Headquarter of Kinzelo.
At the same time, they were also having a meeting on the same topic as Zipfel.
They were also reaching a conclusion similar to that of Zipfel.
It was Bishkel Ivelianos who said let's take the initiative and aim for both sides defeat.
“Hmm, I think vice-leader’s opinion is good, but...… will he really go to the Garden of Swords alone? Even though he defeated Ranke, it would be crazy to go to the Garden of Swords alone, which even we can't touch. Much more so if it’s that shrewd guy, right?”
“Huh! That Jin Runcandel guy, he seems to be completely invisible after he turned Ranke into a bloody mess!?”
Bubare and Ainas expressed their doubts.
Ranke was sitting in the corner and muttering to himself in a state of fascination.
Although sometimes, Ranke remembers Jin “beating” him whenever he heard his name, and he looked at Ainas and Bubare as if they were going to kill him.
“As Lady Ainas said, unless his brain was damaged because he easily trampled on Ranke, I don't think he will go to the Garden of Swords. Lord Ranke and the entire Runcandel are on different levels, right? Ah, of course, I'm not saying Lord Ranke is pathetic. He just lost...….”
“Right, he just lost. So cheer up! Ranke.”
Bishkel, as always, was fed up with Bubare spewing shit-filled words from his stupid head.
“…… Lady Ainas and Bubare. Don't keep emphasizing Ranke's defeat. It doesn’t fit the topic of the meeting, and it’s against etiquette.”
Crunch.
The two of them didn't even listen to Bishkel and took a sweet potato croquette out of their pocket and ate it, and Bishkel broke the pen that he was holding.
“Umm, what do you think, leader?”
Margiella said as she patted on Bishkel’s shoulder.
[The vice-leader's opinion is correct. Perhaps Zipfel had a similar plan. When Jin and Runcandel both take a big hit, if we and Zipfel hit Runcandel together. I don't think it's going to be easy to handle, no matter how powerful is the garden of swords.]
“Well then, leader. Are you saying we should prepare for an all-out attack?”
[I think that would be good for now, Berakt. We'll have to keep an eye on the future. Since Jin Runcandel cannot swear obedience to the Prophet...… fight is bound to happen. And Ainas, Bubare. Ranke's defeat is not without any reason. Jin Runcandel has become incomparably stronger than before.]
The leader’s direct evaluation made the executives' eyes widen.
In particular, Zephyrin had been with Orgal for a long time and she could only count the memory of seeing a human that he evaluated so much on one hand.
“At that time, the outcome will be determined by how strong the power Runcandel is hiding. If it's weaker than what we think, then it's our chance to wipe it all out. Master, it's been a while since you've made a decision that's to my liking. I’m just getting annoyed at how long I have to keep an eye on that person.”
[Zephyrin, don't judge the Prophet carelessly.]
“Hmph, anyway, I am a pitiful dragon who has no memory of receiving favoritism from master.”
Again, Margiella patted Zephyrin on the shoulder.
“Then, the Leader’s permission has been granted. Shall we prepare too? The Garden of Swords and Sir Jin Runcandel. In the end, it will be a fight that will inevitably hurt both of them, so it must be fun.”
Margiella smiled softly. Thinking that this might be the last chance to recruit Jin.
