751
[T.L: punisher87]
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On the first day of July in 1803, after the decisive battle between the Temporary Alliance and the Evil god, ten days had passed in the blink of an eye.
The world was gradually returning to its former state.
The sky and land were free of chaos, with a clear blue sky, shimmering beaches, fishing boats floating on the sea, bustling market streets, and everyday life free from the fear of the Evil god...
Fortunately.
Not only the Lutero Magic Federation and the Vermont Empire but also the entire continent, which had been engulfed in chaos, were starting to regain their previous appearance.
Not all the humans in the Huphester alliance had been sacrificed to the Evil god.
When the chaos that had covered the entire continent subsided, it turned out that there were far more survivors in Huphester than the Temporary Alliance had expected.
"It's the first time I've realized that checking reports and numbers can be so enjoyable and fortunate. Are the numbers and writings on this paper truly reflecting the situation of each surviving region?"
Mary asked.
Due to not having had a peaceful sleep even once since the end of the war, her face was pale and fatigued, but her eyes were sparkling.
"Oh, you are not the only one who is surprised, elder sister! We keep sending messengers to personally confirm the numbers and reports. They're all true."
"That's why you should go in and rest, get some sleep. We'll take care of the flagbearer duties. Don't keep asking the same question over and over again."
The Tona brothers replied.
Like Mary, both of them had sleepy faces with gleaming eyes.
"You think I'm going to beat you just because I double-checked a couple of times? Are you crazy?"
"Hah! Are you going to hit us? Try it!"
"Well, uh!"
Thud!
Mary left fist marks on the foreheads of the two brothers.
"Hah! We, as flagbearers, have our dignity."
"We've grown old enough. Uh, my forehead."
"No one is watching. I'm being lenient because it feels good. What about the youngest? Still not awake?"
"Why do you keep asking the same question... Ah, lower your fists."
"Elder sister, you heard it directly from the Holy King about an hour ago. She said the youngest is recovering steadily."
"I'm concerned because he hasn't regained consciousness. I can't help worrying."
"But that's... What did she say? It's not a medical condition of being unconscious; he's just in a long sleep. She emphasized that he will definitely wake up, so you don't need to worry."
"I understand your intention to reduce the workload for the youngest when he wakes up, but if you keep going like this, your body will suffer more, elder sister."
"Fetch the teapot, will you?"
"Ah..."
The siblings were unaware.
Since the start of their conversation, Jin had been awake in a different building.
While seeing off Lani who had just left, there was no one in the room where Jin was lying down.
Jin stared blankly at the ceiling for a while.
'This place…'
Familiar yet unfamiliar ceiling, it wasn't Tikan.
'...The Garden of Swords?'
The room Jin had used when he was still a cadet.
It was right there.
Even though Jin could move his body, he continued to stare at the ceiling as if he were bound.
He was afraid it might be a dream.
Since Jin's return to the human world, the Garden of Swords had been destroyed several times.
During the first all out attack, Jin had witnessed the destruction of the Garden of Swords with his own eyes. And the enormous castle of the Evil god had been built on the very site where the Garden of Swords used to be.
Therefore, Jin thought it was impossible for the Garden of Swords to remain intact like this.
Jin calmed his trembling heart and tried to recall his last memory.
He remembered the moment when he defeated the Evil god and plummeted to the surface.
'I feel like I saw the Garden of Swords still intact back then.'
He stood up from his seat and pinched his cheek.
It hurt. He pinched harder, checked to see if he could feel pain, and even took a sip of water from the glass placed beside him.
The sensation of cold water flowing down his throat was clearer than ever before.
"Young master!"
Jin heard Gilly's voice.
"Young Master Jin!"
"12th flagbearer!"
"Lord!"
"My lord!"
"Jin!"
"Darling!"
The voices of his comrades echoed together.
They had all returned after seeing off the Holy King and just came back.
Gilly hugged Jin tightly and tears welled up in her eyes.
The other comrades also had moist eyes, especially Jet, who was sitting down and crying, repeatedly saying, "Lord, Lord, our Lord has awakened."
If only the sound of Jet's crying could be heard from outside, it would be mistaken for Jin being dead rather than waking up.
"Young master, are you okay?"
"Darling! Are you hurt anywhere? Do you know how worried Sandra was, waiting for you for so long?"
"Young master, you woke up after ten days. And as you can see... you did it. You saved the world and reclaimed the Runcandel. That's what they're saying about you, young master."
As his comrades exchanged various words, Jin inexplicably felt mischievous.
"...Who are you guys?"
"...Young master?"
"Where is this place...?"
"What did you say?"
"My lord!?"
"Yo-Young Master?"
"Darling? No, this can't be!"
Jin's comrades widened their eyes, feeling a sinking sensation in their chests.
Jin was about to say one more word, asking who he was, but Valeria's entrance disrupted the moment.
"Well, surprisingly, there's a mischievous side to you. Isn't this prank too much for the people who waited for you with heavy hearts?"
Though her tone seemed cold, Valeria was smiling broadly.
Apart from the ten days of sleep, she had been monitoring Jin's condition, displaying a record window about him. The current record indicated that Jin had woken up and was playing a prank.
"Was it too cruel? I apologize, everyone."
"It was quite cruel, young master. I thought my heart would stop."
"I almost threw a punch."
"Darling, is your head really fine!?"
"Yeah, it's fine. But it seems like I need more time for my body to recover. Gilly, are all our comrades safe?"
"Yes, my lord. No one died in the Vamel alliance."
Just by looking at the atmosphere, it seemed likely. In this war, the Vamel alliance had suffered the least damage.
No, it went beyond that. The Vamel alliance had become much stronger than before the war.
For a while, Gilly and others explained the current situation to Jin.
The allied clans and civilians of Huphester were mostly unharmed, and in Runcandel, about three thousand knights, around a hundred scribes, and numerous servants had survived.
It was certainly not a time for pure joy.
The population of the city of Kalon had been sacrificed entirely, and the number of knights who had fallen and been corrupted by chaos was beyond counting. When considering the global scale, the number of dead easily surpassed millions.
Even if the Evil god had died, those who had disappeared would not return.
However, it was also true that things that were thought to have completely disappeared were now flourishing, instilling a sense of hope.
For the living people, there was a foundation to prepare for tomorrow.
The reason why Jin's comrades were excited throughout was because they had to be in order to push away the sorrow of the war and move forward.
"The fact that so many people have survived in Runcandel is the result of the evil god's attachment to the clan. Even if the evil god were to completely destroy the world, she intended to leave behind the Garden of the Sword and Runcandel."
Valeria opened the record window and showed the contents related to that.
It was a record of the conflicting feelings that even the evil god herself did not know.
Before the decisive battle, the evil god poured most of her efforts not into building the enormous and dreadful castle but into rebuilding the "Garden of the Sword."
The evil god sealed the entire restored Garden of the Sword and built the castle on top of it.
And all the surviving members of the clan were trapped inside it, having never been corrupted by chaos.
"She became an evil god herself and corrupted most of the knights of the clan with her power... but she preserved and protected some without causing harm."
"That's right. The evil god left behind the Garden of the Sword as remembered by the human Rosa Runcandel, not the Garden of the Sword she had defiled."
Jin recalled the final battle at that moment.
The white lonely scenery that resided in the deepest part of the evil god's inner realm.
"...Perhaps she left behind the last castle in preparation for her defeat. Because if she were to die, you would have to lead the remaining people."
There was a commotion outside.
It was because Jet had gone out and revealed that Jin had awakened.
The heavy footsteps of the knights of the clan were causing vibrations.
It was in preparation to greet Jin. Gilly opened the wardrobe and took out a coat that Jin had never worn before.
"Young master, it would be best for you to go out and see the details later."
Jin quietly looked at the coat that resembled the attire of a Flagbearer but had different embroidery.
'Ten black swords embroidered on the collar...'
The only one who had this coat in Chiron's Runcandel was Luna before she turned nineteen.
That coat symbolizes the 'Young Patriarch' of the swordsmen clan.
Even when Joshua performed the role of the young patriarch externally, Chiron did not allow him to wear this coat.
"...Could it be that my father has returned?"
"The patriarch has not yet returned."
"Then who can permit me to wear this coat? Even if I made this much contribution, I cannot wear it on my own. I am still the twelfth flagbearer of the clan, Gilly."
Instead of answering, Gilly bowed her head silently, as if telling him to put it on.
In the end, after staying still for a few seconds, Jin stood up and quickly washed his face before putting on the coat.
As he stepped out of the room, the knights who had been waiting in the corridor followed him, saluting.
Jin wanted to see each of their faces, but it seemed that he had to go to the garden first.
In the garden, all the surviving members of Runcandel were lined up.
Mary and the Tona brothers were at the forefront, raising the clan flag.
Hearing and seeing are different experiences.
Jin felt his heart swell as he looked at the lined-up knights.
As Jin approached, the knights stepped aside, saluting.
At the end of the line, there were people that Jin had never expected.
[You've come, 12th flagbearer.]
[You have finally awakened.]
Alpen and Tasha were the first to speak to Jin.
And among them stood the one-armed former patriarch, who had a face very similar to Chiron.
[Come, my great-grandson.]
The one-armed former patriarch, who was rescued in the final battle, smirked and spoke.
He was the 57th patriarch of Runcandel and Chiron's grandfather.
752
[T.L: punisher87]
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'Knight King' Vallas Runcandel.
As soon as he saw Jin, he burst into laughter.
[Hahaha! I thought it would take another thousand years for someone worthy to emerge in our clan after my grandson. You're surprising this old man once again, just like that fellow, Chiron!]
At the mention of "that fellow," Jin unconsciously raised his eyebrows.
No one in this world dared to call Chiron by that name.
But come to think of it, there was no reason why a grandfather couldn't refer to his cherished grandson that way.
'Well, I suppose my father in my great grandfather's memories is still a young boy.'
Vallas met his fate when Chiron was fifteen years old.
And though Jin didn't know much, Vallas and Chiron had a relationship similar to Ron and Dante.
Among the elders of the clan, there were quite a few who saw the time when Chiron began to become truly cold-hearted as the time after Vallas' passing.
The other members of the clan, however, had already adapted to Vallas' bold actions and didn't show any remarkable surprise.
Only Alpen, although in a different manner, whispered to Vallas, as it seemed uncomfortable to casually address the current patriarch in such a public gathering.
'The 57th patriarch, wouldn't it be more respectful to the current patriarch in a situation like this?'
However, Alpen's efforts were in vain as Vallas burst into laughter once again.
[Hahaha! Ancestor, worry not! Since Chiron has grown older, there is no way that bastard is going to embarrass this old man.]
'And to think he even used the word 'bastard' this time, the 57th patriarch!'
[Hahaha, let's put trivial matters aside and welcome my great-grandson.]
Alpen rubbed his forehead, and Tasha smiled as she found her father's appearance amusing.
She recognized the contradictory aspects of her father's wisdom regarding "etiquette and law."
As an ancestor it was problematic to scold Vallas, who is too old, for his reckless words and actions, unlike Alpen and Tasha, who died in young age.
Because of this, Alpen struggled to treat Vallas with the respect he deserved as an ancestor.
'In any case, Father has some adorable aspects.'
For Tasha, the fact that she was standing here with her father, whom she thought she would never see again, was simply delightful.
"Nice to meet you, Great-grandfather. I am Jin Runcandel, the 12th Flagbearer."
[Oh, yes!]
Jin waited for Vallas to say something more, but silence filled the air for a while.
Vallas's gaze, as he smirked and examined Jin thoroughly, felt somewhat uncomfortable.
'57th patriarch, all the members of the clan are waiting. Wouldn't it be better to conclude the appointment ceremony and have everyone return to their duties? We are busy at the moment.'
[Ah, right. I momentarily forgot how enjoyable it is to see my great-grandson. You are looking well, with a robust body, a bright gaze, and a lot of energy. Isn't that how it appears to you as well, ancestor?]
'Yes, it does.'
[But, ancestor, why have you been whispering since earlier? Is your throat sore? Shall I prepare some medicine for you?]
Tasha's face turned almost bursting red as she struggled to hold back her laughter, and Alpen coughed repeatedly out of embarrassment.
[...Ahem! I'm fine.]
[It sounds much better when you speak clearly and distinctly. Now, great-grandson, come closer. We gathered hastily like cadets when you woke up. Do you know how quickly this old man ran? My empty sleeve was fluttering in the wind, kicking up dust. We need to expedite the appointment ceremony!]
Vallas playfully pointed his outstretched arm while speaking.
In that moment, Jin, like Tasha, stifled his laughter and approached him even closer.
[Do you know the significance of the coat you're wearing?]
"Yes."
[Originally, in addition to the coat, you should also inherit the black sword, Kainer. I heard that some wretched creature has it. By the way, we are currently tracing that wretched creature and Kainer.]
"Did Joshua survive?"
[In truth, we can't tell if he perished or survived. The chances are higher for the former. There were people who witnessed him being tossed around by shockwaves on the battlefield. As for Ran and Vigo, their deaths have been confirmed.]
Jin felt a slight uneasiness regarding Joshua and a somewhat bitter feeling concerning Ran and Vigo.
However, compared to the remaining individuals, both matters were not of great importance.
[Regardless, we have decided that you will lead the clan until Chiron returns. The three of us should have enough authority, legitimacy, and justification.]
The 20th patriarch, known as the Knight of Light who led the Holy Kingdom Protection War to victory over five hundred years ago, the 21st patriarch who purged the remnants of demons as his daughter, and the 57th patriarch who laid the foundation of modern-day Runcandel.
There was no doubt that the three individuals possessed sufficient authenticity to appoint Jin as the young patriarch.
"Instead of me becoming the young patriarch, would it be possible for the three of you to act as acting patriarch...?"
[Ah, what nonsense you're talking about. What can a ghost like us do as an acting patriarch?]
Upon hearing the term "ghost," Jin swallowed a bitter sigh.
Of course, as comrades who had fought together in battles and as ancestors who were needed now more than ever, Jin wished for them to continue existing.
The resurrection of the three individuals was achieved through the fusion of the souls of the mausoleum and the power of chaos.
In that case, when the power of chaos vanished upon the death of the evil gpd, they should have disappeared as well.
'If the manifestation of three of them is not over because the power of the evil god hasn't completely vanished, then the war is not yet over…'
Just as Jin had that thought, Alpen shook his head, recognizing his inner thoughts.
[12th flagbearer, the Hister's mage has confirmed multiple times that the power of the evil god has completely vanished from this world. So, for now, you can relax and kneel before the 57th patriarch.]
Jin knelt down on one knee and lowered his head.
Balas, with a serious expression on his face, looked down at Jin with deep eyes.
[Alpen Runcandel, the 20th patriarch of Runcandel, Tasha Runcandel, the 21st patriarch, and I, Vallas Runcandel, the 57th patriarch, following the long-standing tradition and principles of our clan, wish to bestow a certain qualification upon the most shining individual among the flagbearers.]
The knights simultaneously raised their swords.
[Jin Runcandel, 12th flagbearer of the 59th patriarch of Runcandel. Since the clan's greatest crisis a thousand years ago, you have protected the Garden of the Swords and upheld the name of Runcandel. Therefore, we, on behalf of the current patriarch, officially appoint the 12th flagbearer as the clan's legitimate successor and the young patriarch.]
Swoosh!
Vallas drew his sword and tapped Jin's shoulder.
Jin felt a pain in his shoulder that seemed like it would shatter him. Due to his body not being fully recovered, the pressure became even more agonizing.
As the energy in the sword pressing against his shoulder grew stronger, the garden floor beneath Jin, who was kneeling, began to sink.
[12th disciple, rise with the weight of the sword.]
Jin started to lift his body and his trembling legs seemed weak.
After about ten seconds, when Jin finally stood up completely, Vallas nodded with satisfaction.
'Haha, this guy is pretending to struggle and even upholding the honor of his ancestor. He could have stood up effortlessly.'
Vallas put away the sword.
[From now on, you are the head of the clan. Whenever there is a need to decide on important matters in the absence of the patriarch, anyone should come to you first. When good things come to the clan, you should be the first to enjoy them, and when the clan faces a crisis, you should bear all the responsibility.]
"I will keep that in mind."
[From now on, you are Runcandel, and Runcandel is you. Your words are the law of Runcandel, and your actions are the will of Runcandel. Turn around and look at your people.]
When Jin turned around, all the members of the clan knelt on one knee with their right hand on their chest. Even the siblings holding the flag bowed their heads in respect.
Appointing a young patriarch of the clan without any dissent from the entire clan, was undoubtedly an unprecedented event.
Jin felt a strange emotion welling up in his chest.
From his previous life, he had longed for the throne of the clan, and now he really had only one step left.
His heart was overwhelmed, yet the future seemed daunting. There had been too many farewells and sorrows to reach this position, and the clan had been on the brink of destruction.
"...More than my father."
Jin gazed down at his people calmly.
"I will show a much better appearance than the dishonorable former acting patriarch. Even in the absence of the patriarch, I will ensure that you cannot feel that void."
His confident words unexpectedly startled clan members.
They did not know about Rosa in her human life, it was hard to imagine the flagbearer publicly declaring that he would surpass Chiron.
But everyone was reminiscing about the daring and unconventional youth of the 12th flagbearer from a year ago.
Looking back, Jin had always been like this.
He never hesitated to step forward in situations where no one dared to, and even when everyone laughed at his words, he always made them a reality.
The boy who shone in those days had now become a giant with an even deeper radiance.
[Heh! You have such a refreshing personality! With this, let's conclude the appointment ceremony. Well then, young patriarch?]
Vallas gestured to give orders to clan members.
"Everyone, quickly disband and return to your posts. The flagbearers, bring the reports that I need to personally check in the patriarch's office in 20 minutes. And the scribes and record-keepers, thoroughly organize the clan's assets and inventory and report them to me. From now on, let's rebuild the clan."
"We will obey the command!"
As soon as the order was given, thousands of knights dispersed without any hesitation.
In the Garden of the Swords, the head's command was absolute.
In an instant, only Jin and the former patriarch of the clan remained in the garden.
After expressing his gratitude to them, Jin posed a question.
"Ancestors, and great-grandfather, may I ask why the three of you can still exist?"
In response, Alpen faintly smiled and replied.
[12th flagbearer, though we may appear to exist perfectly fine, in reality, we are gradually fading away.]
753
[T.L: punisher87]
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"Are you saying that you are disappearing...?"
[That's right. The binding force of the chaos that makes us up is continuously weakening. It's probably because the evil god has disappeared.]
[Shortest would be six months, longest would be a year. Our existence will probably be limited to that extent.]
Alpen and Tasha spoke.
Jin felt a pang in his chest upon hearing their words, and Vallas chuckled as if it didn't matter.
[Hahaha! great-grandson, you're as sensitive as when your father was a kid. Don't be resigned about us disappearing. After all, people eventually die, don't they? Rather, the three of us have already been dead for a long time, yet we gained new time, so it's more like a blessing. Just think of us as elderly people past their time.]
[57th patriarch. Well, I may not be old...]
[Elderly people pass their time, hm. It doesn't seem like an expression that would be comforting to the young patriarch.]
"I will investigate if there is a way to extend the remaining time for the three of you."
[Yeah, sure. But don't try too hard. People have to go. Anyway, while we exist, we will fully support you with all our power.]
"Thank you, Great-Grandfather."
The existence of the previous patriarchs was truly a double-edged sword.
Now, in the current diminished state of Runcandel, the three of them were adding significant strength, but it could also become a vulnerability for other forces to attack.
It was clear that Jin and the temporary alliance had saved the world from chaos.
Because the place where evil god was born was also "Runcandel."
There were not a few people who felt anxiety about that fact.
Amidst such concerns, the previous patriarch, who had been resurrected due to chaos, remained.
So, it was an ideal condition for someone to instigate Runcandel with evil intentions.
[What worries me, however, is the possibility of external forces targeting the three of us. Perhaps the cunning and treacherous Zipfel would do such a thing.]
The previous patriarchs were also aware of that fact.
"While I was unconscious, there were no signs of that happening, right?"
[Not yet.]
"Then it should be fine for the time being. Zipfel or Kinzelo probably won't act recklessly because they fear me."
The Battle god fusion and Murakan's battle prowess demonstrated in the battle against the evil god.
Of course, Jin himself could now be called the World Best Sword with his own power, but after the dissolution of the alliance, the two things that other forces were most wary of were exactly those.
With his personal power alone, Jin couldn't overwhelm the powerful forces on his own.
Although there were damages caused by the battle, the enemies had become even stronger than before when Chiron was present.
"Perhaps other forces, especially Zipfel, would have wanted to attack us immediately after the battle ended. If they didn't see the Battle God fusion and Murakan, they surely would have done so."
[Which means, can you freely use those two powers? That's what they couldn't confirm, so they remained still.]
"That's correct. Naturally, I can't use those two powers whenever I want. Both have significant limitations. The enemies probably anticipate that, but they won't move until they are certain."
[If Zipfel were to attack us right now, what do you think would happen?]
"What is the current situation of Zipfel's casualties?"
[There were no deaths among the superhuman-class personnel, but more than 70% of their fleet has been destroyed, as reported.]
[T/L:- I think from now on the ranking will be in "class" type. The superhuman-class is for people like Jin, Hedo, Veradin, Octavia, Dante, etc.]
"Then there shouldn't be significant damage. With time, it can be recovered to a certain extent, and perhaps the fleet has already been fully replenished."
During the battle against the evil god, Zipfel had managed to recover several hundred fleets within two months.
It meant that there were at least a few more battleship construction sites similar to the Sota Desert.
[What do you think would happen if Zipfel were to attack us right now?]
"We wouldn't have much of a chance of winning. Even if we manage to hold on, our clan will inevitably suffer devastating losses. What about the damages on Kinzelo's side?"
[It's at a similar level as Zipfel. No one among the major demons has died, but several fleets and completed Plutonian-type golems have been lost.]
Jin expected that Kinzelo had already started the process of recovering from the damages as well.
With the enhanced abilities of Orgal and Bubare, rebuilding the fleet was not a difficult task.
[If Zipfel and Kinzelo were to join forces and attack us at this moment, we would face defeat.]
"That's correct."
Currently, Jin was unable to use Battle god fusion again.
It was because he lacked the materials to recreate the Wavelength Tracing Synchronization Device.
Murakan could be summoned if he wanted, but even that was a risky gamble.
If Murakan reappeared, Misha would inevitably fill his void for a while, which meant that Elona's seal could be lifted.
[Do you think there's a need to bluff that you can still wield the powers you used in the battle against the evil god?]
As Tasha spoke, Jin smirked and shook her head.
"In my opinion, it would be better to openly reveal the fact that I can't use them anymore."
[Why is that?]
"Because it will create confusion. If I try to hide it too much, they will suspect me. In truth, if I reveal it, they might think that it would be a calculated scheme to get the justification for the war after making the rest of the forces break the non-aggression pact once the other forces realize I can summon both Battle god fusion and Murakan... That's what I mean."
[But what if the enemies really take the bait?]
"Even if that happens, Zipfel and Kinzelo cannot recklessly engage. If either side starts moving first, we'll extend our hand as well. Moreover, we hold one card each that both forces desire most."
Bale and Valeria.
"To my knowledge, Zipfel and Kinzelo do not possess cards of equivalent value to those two individuals. If they want to ally with us and bring an end to one side, it means they would rather join forces with us. Either side."
[Hahaha, especially unlike Zipfel, Kinzelo doesn't bear a thousand-year-old grudge against us. I've also heard that they have consistently shown favor towards you.]
Of course, Jin had no intention to use those two individuals as bargaining chips.
Just by slightly revealing and shaking these cards, Jin could threaten his enemies.
In the first place, Jin had already concluded that there was no possibility of an alliance between enemies.
He judged that the only time they would truly form an alliance would be when Runcandel became the overwhelmingly dominant force.
"However, there will be political maneuvering to make us an axis of evil by using the origin of evil god and the three of you. This is something that I can't avoid, even if I have secured public sentiment since my time as a reserve flagbearer."
[I don't know about the 20th and 21st patriarch's time, but we are a clan that naturally doesn't care about such worldly concerns. A dominance that doesn't care about the world, that's Runcandel.]
"I do care, Great-Grandfather."
[If that's the case, then you're right! You're the young patriarch of our clan!]
"We will conduct our own maneuvering. We plan to officially announce the presence of Record Mage Valeria Hister and make all the records related to this war available to the public. It is true that the evil god born in Runcandel caused damage to the world, but I will reveal that the intentions of me and my companions who resolved this war were not motivated by greed to become the conquerors of the world."
[Furthermore, we should proceed with compensating for the damages.]
[That's true, we've been receiving official letters incessantly, 57th patriarch.]
"It will require a substantial amount of funds. That problem will be solved with the money we have accumulated so far and the assistance from the Empire."
This part had already been discussed with Dante before the decisive battle.
Dante was in possession of the enormous slush funds left behind by the imperial family.
However, no matter how much money was spent, it could never compensate for the emotional pain of those who had lost their families.
The lives of the deceased were no different.
Upon realizing this fact, Jin closed his eyes tightly for a moment.
Jin felt a tremendous sense of responsibility towards them.
What the clan had caused was now soon becoming Jin's own doing.
Even if it was an event caused by someone else just before Jin became the young patriarch, the responsibility was entirely Jin's.
Along with material compensation, Jin also planned to provide a foundation for their lives.
He wanted to offer the land that was left empty by the population loss in Huphester to the war refugees.
Of course, it wouldn't be easy. Setting aside the issue of resources, Huphester had a history of chaos and destruction, so there wouldn't be many people willing to come here.
However, when Jin spoke about these thoughts to the previous patriarchs, the response he heard was something Jin had never expected.
[The requests for immigration and resettlement are already pouring in endlessly. You mentioned caring about public sentiment, right? I can instantly see what kind of life my great-grandson has lived. Despite the world being in such a state due to the evil god born in the clan, many refugees still come seeking only you.]
"...Is that really true, Great-grandfather?"
[Yes, it is. We said that we have never cared about the world's opinions, but in reality, this great-grandfather has observed and felt a lot from it.]
The pursuit of power alone was what the evil god' s Runcandel had shown, but Jin's Runcandel would be very different.
[Since you were unconscious, so everyone withheld permission.You can tell the flagbearers to accept it immediately.]
Jin remained silent for a moment, contemplating the situation.
Clearly, Runcandel had taken more from ordinary people through this incident than what they had given. Yet, people were still coming, seeking reliance on "Jin Runcandel."
Amidst this turbulent era, where instability resumed immediately after the Evil God War, Jin had become the guiding light for countless individuals.
Jin was different from others.
Different from the leaders of other major factions, different from other powerful individuals. Therefore, it was evident that he could lead this world towards a better state.
Just as there were those who felt aversion towards Runcandel, there were also many who saw Jin in that light.
"Yes. I will meet with the flagbearers and make an announcement worldwide."
[What's next?]
Jin responded with a sly smile.
"After observing the enemy's movements, I will rescue the remaining flagbearer and find the former head butler of the clan and bring them back."
754
[T.L: punisher87]
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[The former butler of the clan...?]
"Luntia Runcandel, my 2nd sister and the 3rd flagbearer, and the former head butler of the clan, Luet Damiro Yul, are trapped in different subspaces. As soon as the announcement is over, I will search for them."
Finding Luntia first was necessary.
Since the evil god is dead, there is a high possibility that the chaos energy, which is supporting her, also has problems.
But the most frightening fact was that Luntia had already transformed. With her physical changes, it was impossible to restore her to her current state of purification.
'Elder sister can only be properly rescued when the battle god fusion is possible, or after sister Vahn comes out.'
Still, if she was alive, there would be a chance to reverse the situation eventually.
Jin thought with hope.
"Great-grandfather and Sir Alpen, from now on, please take charge of the Black Sword Association and the Guardian of law, respectively."
During the appointment ceremony, Jin confirmed the survival of the chief of the Guardian of civilians, Tellot Runcandel.
For the remaining two positions, Vallas and Alpen were the best choices.
[I understand. You mean to manage and designate successors in advance, right?]
"Exactly, Sir Alpen. And Dame Tasha, please take the position of the Chief Instructor."
The position of "Chief Instructor" might seem less prestigious for the former patriarch.
However, Jin believed that talent development was urgently needed now, and the former patriarch thought the same.
[Understood, with honor.]
"When it becomes known that Dame Tasha will be personally involved in training, not only the cadet but also the current knights will gather."
Replenishing the workforce was necessary.
Not only for future wars against powerful forces, but also to protect those who gather around Jin Runcandel.
[I can see that happening. But I have very high standards, and the selection process will be strict. Be prepared for the recruitment process to take longer than you expect.]
"Of course. That's why I entrusted Dame Tasha with the role of Chief Instructor. Show your vision as the former patriarch."
[It may be a heavy burden, but you can expect good things.]
When the former patriarchs withdrew, Jin headed straight to the patriarch's office.
In the office, Mary and Tona brothers, as well as the butler and the scribes, were waiting.
Without hesitation, Jin took his seat in the office, without even taking a moment to appreciate his first step as the young patriarch of the clan.
"Young patriarch, even though I tried to filter them, there are still many reports."
"They are still coming in from various regions, so if you set the criteria today, we will try to minimize the number of reports to be submitted in the future."
Mary and Tona brothers spoke. As it was an official setting, their attitude towards Jin had changed.
Jin smiled as he looked at the siblings. The fact that they had all survived the war gave him a sense of relief.
Familiar faces were among the butlers as well.
However, the faces of the two butlers who knew most of the clan's secrets were not present.
"Are the chief butlers, Heinz and Howard, deceased?"
"...Yes, lord young patriarch."
Petro answered.
"What about the documents they possessed?"
"While you were absent, Miss Valeria conducted a search, but they couldn't be found. Only records of them being damaged before the death of the evil god remain."
Jin decided not to dwell on it.
Among the clan's past secrets, the most important one was inevitably related to Chiron. The reasons why Chiron had devoted his time to the Black Sea from a young age, and ultimately why he formed an expedition team....
Jin now felt like he had a slight idea of those reasons.
'Father, he went to the Black Sea so as not to become a monster like the evil god.'
When he met Chiron in the inner realm last time, he had a strong conviction, and since discovering the characteristics of the power called 'genesis knight', he had suspected as much.
For a while, Jin quietly reviewed the reports.
With each confirmation of the number of survivors, he felt a surge of emotion, just like with the siblings.
"Petro."
"Yes!"
"Lend all the unused renowned swords stored in the clan warehouse to allied clans and the Empire. The assessment of rental fees will be handled by lord Picon. The contract will be for a period of 5 years, and if the rental exceeds 20 years, ownership will be transferred. The money generated from this will all be invested in Huphester's stabilization."
Petro wanted to ask if this was really happening, but he held back and bowed his head.
"But do not force the rentals. Provide them only to the clans that are willing to borrow those swords, even if it means opening up slush funds."
"Understood."
"Everyone must have been surprised. Throughout the past thousand years, the renowned swords of the clan have never been utilized in this manner. But now we need money. In addition to stabilizing Huphester, we will need a significant amount of money to produce a fleet in the future. It's enough to make another renowned sword."
"When you mention production... Well, Lord young patriarch, even in times like these, it is highly unlikely that the noses of the Minche Blacksmith Association will be lowered. Especially considering that most of the weapons our clan is lending are the association's creations. If that fact were to be revealed, it would be even more so."
As a scribe struggled to speak, Jin looked around at everyone.
The three leaders of the Minche Blacksmith Association, "Anvil," "Fire," and "Hammer," had even refused exclusive contracts presented by Chiron in the past.
"In the future, when presenting your opinions to me, do so confidently without being cautious. Unless it's a completely foolish idea, I will never reprimand you. It is important for these intelligent individuals to continue expressing their opinions."
"Understood!"
"I have already considered weapon production through the Minche Blacksmith Association. Some people may already know, but the origin and legendary blacksmith of that association, Picon Minche, is affiliated with the Vamel alliance. Furthermore, he is considered the successor of the previous blacksmith god, Growler. Lord Picon will personally participate in negotiations with the association."
It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that the Minche Blacksmith Association was composed entirely of Picon's extreme followers.
Even if Picon asked them to give up their position as president of the association, it was highly likely that they would immediately agree.
The reason Jin had preserved the favor of Picon all this time was precisely for moments like this.
"Do not hesitate to lend the renowned swords. The martial power of our allied warriors will strengthen, and we will earn money to produce even better weapons. Furthermore, we will distribute those swords to those among the cadets and knights who have shown significant achievements."
Jin believed that in times of chaos, what moved most people was personal goals and a sense of accomplishment, rather than just righteousness.
"Petro, by now, you can probably guess what other commands I will give."
"I will dispose of everything in the clan treasury that doesn't hold historical significance, according to your instructions."
"Excellent. Consult with the Golden Peng Upper Division on that matter. Sell everything through clandestine transactions on the black market to the Lutero Federation and lands of the beastmen. Remember, no matter how much we scrape together, it won't be enough money."
"Yes!"
"Furthermore, for the time being, only high-ranking butlers including Petro, along with five scribes, will remain in the Garden of Swords. The rest of you will be dispatched immediately to Huphester and report on the local situation regularly. Assignment will be handled by the 7th flagbearer."
"Yes."
"In terms of financial measures within the clan, things seem to be in order. Now the problem we need to address is manpower."
Acquiring skilled personnel for fleet production, magical engineers.
That was the key.
Nowadays, a war without a fleet was unimaginable.
To create the "Golden Fleet," the presence of magical engineers was essential.
"We may be able to secure some through the magic engineer in Huphester and the Empire, but it won't be enough. Is there anyone who can propose a way to gather magical engineers?"
"I have an idea."
Surprisingly, it was Valeria.
She had just entered the office and overheard Jin's voice.
"Valeria?"
"I heard from the former patriarchs earlier that from now on, you will be putting me in the forefront. Although we didn't discuss it personally. Now that you've become the young patriarch of Runcandel, I can't be rash or..."
"Well, I was going to ask."
Jin replied in a solemn voice.
Mary and Tona brothers struggled to hold back their laughter, while the butlers and scribes rolled their eyes in embarrassment.
Valeria now treated Jin and his comrades with a comfortable familiarity.
"Anyway, since you have decided to make my presence public, we can use that to recruit quite a few magical scholars. As you know, there are quite a few mages obsessed with the name Hister in this world."
Figures like Kidard Hall were representative examples of the past.
'Hister' was a legend and myth to the mages.
Especially for mages who had received the "Advanced Education" of Zipfel and had even visited their secret library, it was even more significant.
In different circumstances, if Jin were to recruit mages through Hister's promotion, Zipfel would have gone into a frenzy. But not now.
Instead, it was Zipfel who had to be cautious of Jin's reactions.
"As the desire for Hister grows stronger for high-ranking mages, naturally, advanced talents will come seeking. If Euria takes charge of verifying their identities, we can filter out the spies sent by Zipfel as well."
"That's a good idea."
"However, I hope my face doesn't appear on those giant billboards that depict the image of the young patriarch of Runcandel."
"I've already mentioned it to the Golden Peng. It's better not to have high expectations. Those folks believe there's no better advertisement than that. And it actually worked well."
Valeria showed a displeased expression but didn't voice it.
Jin chuckled at her reaction.
The meeting continued for about two hours after that.
They discussed Huphester's financial situation and the plans for reconstruction.
It was the first time a meeting had been conducted in such a harmonious atmosphere in this era.
It was a scene that could never be seen during the time of Chiron and Rosa managing the clan.
"I guess we've covered everything roughly. The official statement will be announced tomorrow at noon, and we'll choose the imperial capital as the location."
As Jin stood up to conclude the meeting, he made eye contact with Mary.
"Young patriarch."
"Speak, 7th flagbearer."
"You should consider going down to the underground prison."
"...Underground prison?"
Currently, in the underground prison, the former ten great knight, Padler Runcandel, was imprisoned.
755
[T.L: punisher87]
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Jin sighed as he pondered the life of a man named Padler.
A thousand years ago, the Blue Thunder King, who had once guarded Runcandel as one of ten great knights, was now imprisoned in the underground dungeon of the clan, transformed into a monster.
"How is he doing?"
"Not well."
"Let's go see him right away. The flagbearers will accompany me, and the rest of you can disband and attend to your tasks."
The underground dungeon was located on the opposite side of the mausoleum. Jin paused momentarily in front of it as he passed by the mausoleum.
Just like the Garden of Swords, the mausoleum retained its original appearance. Many ancestors were exiled due to the evil god, but the mausoleum remained the foundation of the clan.
"Elder sister and brothers."
When Jin addressed them with informal titles, the expressions of his siblings visibly lightened.
"Yes, youngest brother?"
"Let us be like our ancestors who fought to the end even in death."
Padler was on the lowest floor, in the room where Joshua had held in the past, and was locked up.
Jin narrowed his eyes as soon as he saw him.
He had heard that Padler's condition was not good, but it was far worse than he expected. His body was covered in blood mist, gushing out from only six fist-sized holes.
It was evidence of a fierce battle with Bale. Jin was informed in advance that Padler had separated from the battlefield with Bale to fight him alone.
The result was Bale's complete victory. Although Padler had put up a fight, Bale had never once been defeated by him since their active duty days.
Yet, there was one reason Bale had not annihilated Padler.
The presence of the chain.
Jin focused his gaze on the chain that bound Padler's heart inside his hole-ridden chest.
Bale also recognized it during their battle and chose to spare Padler. Although Padler's condition couldn't be considered "alive," so to speak.
"Sir Padler."
The chain binding his heart was already partially broken. Jin's emotions became complex as he looked down at him.
In the end, Padler was nothing more than a fallen ancestor.
However, his corruption was not merely the result of the evil god. Before his heart was bound by the chains, he already held a deep hatred for Temar.
[Have you come?]
"You are forcibly delaying your death."
[Yes. There is no possibility of recovery or resurrection.]
"Do you have any lingering feelings left?"
[No, there isn't. I simply had something to say to you before disappearing from this world.]
"What do you want to talk about?"
[An old story...."]
Padler gave a faint smile.
He had no intention of resorting to cunning excuses to survive. The pupils of his eyes, as Jin observed, were already filled with the sense of emptiness that comes from letting go of life.
"What I desired was not the revival of Runcandel but corruption and destruction.... When we first met, sir, you told me those words. I hope that thought has changed."
-I do not know everything about what happened a thousand years ago, Sir Padler. And when I mentioned the names of Sir Sylderay and Dame Sarah, I didn't mean that you had to become like them... I simply wanted to say that you seemed to hold each other in high regard. Perhaps it was a point in time before the Idal Kingdom fell in your memories.
-[I cannot replace everything, the heart that once belonged to them has disappeared.]
A conversation Jin had with Padler during the first all out attack.
At that time, Padler said he didn't remember any other past except for Temar destroying the Idal Kingdom, and he didn't want to remember.
[In reality, nothing has changed. The fact that Temar annihilated my kingdom without leaving a trace... It hasn't changed.]
Black tears streamed from Padler's eyes. He was recalling the day Temar had attacked the Idal Kingdom.
[But as the evil god's power fades away, one more memory comes to mind. The truth that I had forgotten.]
"If it's the truth..."
[Temar went mad because there was someone who turned him, the hope of the clan and this world, into a crazy monster. There was a traitor in the family.]
Jin's pupils widened.
"... Who is it?"
[It was Lokia. Lokia Ganesto.]
Padler spat out the words.
[She was a traitor... She joined forces with the witch and turned Temar into a monster. It was all Lokia's scheme. How Solderet left Temar for a while, the gods betraying us, and Zipfel gaining power.]
-Patriarch, no! Brother. It doesn't seem possible. I'll go meet that witch who claims to be in the Black Sea. Lokia said there might be a way if it's the witch. To prevent Zipfel's manipulation of history...
Jin remembered the conversation between Sarah and Temar, heard from the third tomb in the past.
At that time, Temar lied to Sarah as if he could persuade the gods, and Sarah secretly planned to meet the witch with Lokia despite his objections.
"Please tell me more specifically."
[Before killing me, Lokia claimed that her purpose was the resurrection of the Sun God. That's why she killed all her comrades and spared only Bale. She wanted to completely erase the current world and regain a righteous world. She called it the original form of the world, and Lokia used everything for that. The clan, the witch, and even Zipfel.]
"There are still people saying similar things now."
[It must be the Demon Beast King, Orgal. He must have suffered as well. Lokia was behind everything to ensure that the Demon Beast King was erased from history. Even with the birth of the evil god this time, it is highly likely that Lokia was involved.]
"How can you be so sure?"
[Because the evil god inherited Ganesto's blood. It was only after the chains of my heart were released that I could know. It seems that Bale also found out recently that she was a descendant of Ganesto. However, she may not have realized Lokia's involvement.]
[T/L:- I told you.]
The reason Padler came to know this was because he had been peering into the inner realm of the evil god for a long time.
[If it weren't for Lokia, if she hadn't betrayed us. Temar wouldn't have gone mad, my kingdom wouldn't have disappeared, and there would have been no need for my comrades and Sarah to die like that...!]
Padler let out a sob.
He trembled and convulsed, gasping for breath that he had forcibly held onto until Jin arrived.
"Sir Padler!"
[All I remember is this... No matter how much I resented Temar, in the end, I became the same puppet, threatening the clan under the same cunning plan... I became a monster who killed many people.]
Padler grabbed Jin's shoulder.
[Jin Runcandel. I endured to deliver the truth because I believe that if it's you, you can break free from this curse... Lokia Ganesto, that demon, is undoubtedly still alive.]
Holes were gradually widening on Padler's body. His death was approaching.
[She received immortality from the witch. With my own eyes, I witnessed Lokia's resurrection multiple times. Neither the patriarch's sword nor Elona's magic could kill Lokia! You must find Lokia, but don't fall victim to her!]
Padler's eyes, in contact with Jin, were disappearing into the darkness.
Now... I must also tell Sarah, the family, and my comrades...
With those final words, Padler completely vanished.
Jin and his siblings stared at the empty space where Padler had disappeared for a while.
"What on earth... Could all of this, all these events, have originated from the betrayal a thousand years ago?"
"If the evil god was used by that traitor, then, youngest, couldn't Dr. Qwaul also be manipulated by Lokia?"
"Dr. Qwaul also recently discovered that he is a descendant of Ganesto, right?"
Soon, Mary and Tona brothers spoke up.
"Now that Sir Padler is gone, it doesn't seem like he was lying, but there are inconsistencies. If Lokia is the traitor, why was she completely erased from history until recently?"
"That part could be explained by Lokia using Zipfel's manipulation of history to protect herself. The stranger thing is the part where Lokia planned against Orgal, who shares the same goal."
"That's right...…."
"The important thing is Lokia's true identity and whether she is alive or not. If she is alive and the fact that she is a traitor is proven true, we must find her and eliminate her, as Sir Padler suggested."
They couldn't fully trust everything Padler said yet. It wasn't because they doubted him, but because there was no guarantee that his memories were entirely accurate.
However, if Padler's story turned out to be true, Lokia had been the greatest puppeteer behind the scenes for the past thousand years. And even now, she extended her influence.
"The clues are insufficient, so let's investigate this matter step by step. First, let's stabilize the situation and prepare for the visible enemies," Jin said as he opened the prison door and saw Bale leaning against the wall.
Jin knew that Bale had been eavesdropping on their conversation while leaning against the wall.
"This is a place you shouldn't enter without my permission, Bale."
"I know, but can't you cut me some slack since I'm a former ten great knight?"
"That's why I only said it."
"The things he said... They're probably all true."
"You knew?"
"No. Padler may be an unlucky guy, but his feelings towards the clan and Sarah were genuine. If what he said is true, then Lokia is Sarah's enemy. I will find not only Zipfel but also Lokia and make sure they suffer."
"Do you remember anything about Lokia?"
"She was a shady woman. I never thought she was a traitor, but it's true that Lokia frequently interacted with the witch. But I have no knowledge of her whereabouts after I was sealed. Oh, by the way... The one who strongly insisted on sealing me instead of killing me was Lokia."
"Understood. Let me know immediately if anything special comes to mind."
"By the way, what will you do with Padler's belongings?"
"Belongings?"
"Silus. His sword."
Padler's sword was currently stored in the warehouse.
As an old comrade, give me your opinion. What should I do?"
"You can't just put it in the mausoleum or stick it in the garden right now."
"Yeah. Even if there were circumstances, Sir Padler killed numerous people."
"In the end, he intentionally lured me out and fought me to prevent him from killing others. I know it's a far-fetched idea."
Bale harbored hatred towards Padler, but now that he regained his senses and vanished, Bale found himself caught in strange emotions.
Although they always argued with each other with Sarah in the middle, there had been a time when they were comrades.
"...So, don't give that sword to anyone and keep it for now. If Padler's words are proven to be true and as a result, the clan regains its former glory, then maybe you can place it in the mausoleum. If not the mausoleum, at least in the garden. That's my request."
Jin looked at Bale quietly and replied, "Okay."