Chapter 252
Episode 78: The Feat of the Prospective Knight (Part 1)

No one expected that name to be spoken aloud. The moment the dazzling blonde hair hidden beneath the hood was revealed, the moment the decadent face, heavily made up, came into view, everyone naturally assumed the introduction would begin with Bamel.

But then—Jin Runcandel.

For a moment, the entire square fell silent. People doubted their own ears, waiting for Jin to continue speaking.

“Jin Runcandel?”

“Not Bamel, but Jin Runcandel? The prospective knight of Runcandel?”

Reporters exchanged bewildered and astonished glances.

At one corner of the square, the Runcandel delegation paying their respects looked as if their eyes might pop out.

“Seriously, the youngest sibling… that crazy… brat. Not even a hint, just expects us to figure it out ourselves!”

Even Luna hadn’t been informed beforehand.

She simply assumed that since it was the youngest, there must be some certainty behind this bold move.

She almost cursed under her breath but reminded herself that she had vowed to be the youngest’s “sword.”

A sword that could be wielded at any time, without hesitation—the most trusted blade. That was her role. So, she steadied herself, determined to read the youngest’s intent and act accordingly.

Beside Luna, Joshua’s face had turned a deep shade of red as he glared at Jin.

“Jin, you really are going to cause a scene, aren’t you?”

To Joshua, revealing one’s identity now was nothing short of suicide.

Jipl had sacrificed so much, showing his resolve to eliminate Bamel.

He had thrown away the family’s honor and image, even creating a fake assassin.

He was determined to kill at all costs. The damage Jipl had suffered was too great to let this slide.

Joshua clenched his teeth so hard his neck veins bulged. He thought he understood why his damn youngest brother had revealed himself now.

“You must be confident that, even if I break family rules, I won’t let you die. You’re relying on that damn contract of yours…!”

The spiritual energy—the power Joshua coveted so much.

If Jin died, Joshua couldn’t seize the contract with Solderet. So Joshua suspected Jin was using that spiritual energy as leverage to draw him in.

It was one thing for others to recognize him, but for a prospective knight to reveal their identity themselves was the ultimate taboo.

Likewise, for a prospective knight to be aided by someone from the Knight’s Garden was forbidden.

A rule meant to prevent anyone from building their personal reputation by riding on Runcandel’s prestige.

This was a well-known law, even among outsiders.

But what if, in a place filled with so many eyes, both the prospective knight and the knight broke the rules simultaneously?

Strictly speaking, both should be executed or banished from the family. But the knight in question was Joshua, the heir apparent.

“Mother won’t punish me properly, and if I’m not punished, then he’s safe too… That cunning bastard knows this well.”

The Black Panther, Rosa Runcandel, would do whatever it took to protect Joshua.

And even Rosa couldn’t find grounds to punish Jin separately.

For Joshua, it was infuriating.

Knowing his youngest brother’s scheme but having no choice but to play along.

“I’ll indulge you for now, but you won’t be able to run wild like this forever.”

Having made his calculations, Joshua calmed himself.

“Guard knights, prepare for battle.”

In a low voice, Joshua ordered the knights behind him. If Jipl attacked Jin, they would immediately move to protect him.

“Yes.”

“Yes.”

The guard knights responded crisply, sharpening their senses.

Jin subtly glanced toward Joshua, who was barely keeping his expression in check.

Their eyes met briefly.

Jin lifted the corner of his mouth in a faint smile, thinking:

“You’re trying so hard to keep a straight face, but I can see right through you, Joshua. You’re burning up inside, knowing you have no choice but to help me. You’re no match for me.”

Maintaining his smile, Jin continued addressing the crowd.

“As you all know, I am the prospective knight of Runcandel. I began my activities as a prospective knight in 1795 and have used several aliases. Today, I stand before you under the name Bamel.”

“Are you really Jin Runcandel? I thought Jin Runcandel had black hair and black eyes.”

A reporter shouted.

Jin pulled a handkerchief from his pocket and wiped his face and hair.

With each wipe, the makeup faded, and the golden hair gradually returned to its original black.

Bamel’s appearance—blonde and beautiful—had been described in news reports worldwide, but Jin Runcandel’s true appearance had remained a mystery even after the Lone Bridge Party.

Everyone knew the youngest prince of Runcandel had black hair and black eyes.

As people gasped reflexively, a few recognized Jin’s face.

“Th-that’s… Jin Gray!”

“Oh! The winner of the Cosmos Arena, Jin Gray!”

Some nobles from the Bellado Principality, who had come to pay respects, shouted excitedly—one of them had made a fortune thanks to Jin’s victory.

“No doubt about it. That’s the young monarch I saw in the Mittel Kingdom.”

Similarly, mercenaries from the Black King’s Band, visiting as part of the condolence delegation, recognized Jin.

“I always expected Prince Jin to shake the world someday. He was no ordinary figure at the Lone Bridge Party. Ha ha!”

Jonshina Perrel of the Dragon King’s Knights laughed heartily upon seeing Jin. Other knights from various families who had attended the Lone Bridge Party and were now paying respects reacted similarly.

Since the memorial service was the final step in the condolence process, all delegations from various countries had gathered in the square.

Moreover, through the name “Jin Gray” mentioned by the Bellado nobles, reporters recalled another incident.

Kidad of the Reflux.

The mysterious swordsman who killed him had also left the name Jin Gray behind.

The reporters’ instincts kicked in. This was a scoop bigger than the assassination of the Holy King or Jipl’s political interference—an unprecedented story unfolding right now.

They had to ask questions immediately.

To the reporters, it wouldn’t be surprising if Jin died right here and now.

Jipl’s mages would soon storm the square to capture Jin.

Would the knights of Runcandel and Hupester come to Jin’s aid? The reporters doubted it.

“Prince Jin! Did you kill Kidad Hall?”

“Why risk your life to appear here now? Aren’t you afraid of Jipl?”

“Why did you break the prospective knight’s code to help the Holy Kingdom? Was this a family directive?”

“What is your relationship with Lady Rani of the Holy Kingdom?”

Suddenly, the reporters shouted frantically.

The warriors of Runcandel and Hupester glared fiercely, but they knew if not now, they might never get a chance to question Jin again.

The moment Jipl’s mages arrived, the square would descend into chaos.

They had to get answers before that and leave quickly.

Jin felt a wave of disgust watching the reporters’ frenzy. He had known reporters could be relentless, but he hadn’t expected them to lose all decorum at a memorial gathering.

“Enough. No questions will be answered.”

Jin’s voice rang out, filled with authority.

The reporters flinched and fell silent.

“I did not come here to satisfy your curiosity. From now on, any reporter who speaks out of turn without my permission will never hold a pen again.”

The deadly intent in Jin’s eyes made it clear he wasn’t bluffing.

Once the reporters quieted down, Jin composed himself and spoke again.

“As a prospective knight, I traveled many lands to build my future reputation and benefits as a knight. During that time, I witnessed Jipl’s biological experiments in Colon, and learned that not only Jipl but also the terrorist group Kinzello were involved.”

The reporters hurried to record every word precisely.

“I was unaware that the Holy Kingdom had been infiltrated by Jipl and Kinzello, but my actions broke their alliance. As a result, the two factions fought bitterly within the kingdom, and I felt some responsibility for that.”

Rani’s face was grim as Jin spoke calmly.

“I also saw it as an opportunity. As a prospective knight, exposing a nation’s corruption and undermining Runcandel’s rival families is the best kind of achievement, isn’t it?”

This was a pre-planned performance. Jin wasn’t helping the Holy Kingdom out of gratitude to Rani, but for his own personal gain.

“Therefore, I ventured into Kinzello’s territory, rescued the kingdom’s citizens, and handed them over to Lady Rani. She promised to acknowledge my merits to our family in the future. But in the end, Jipl tried to hold me back. I have never killed the sword Jipl. That would only harm me.”

Jin shrugged, prompting sighs from the crowd.

“In other words, I came here to prevent my alias Bamel from becoming the assassin of the sword Jipl. Revealing the atrocities of Jipl and Kinzello is my achievement alone, not the family’s. I hope everyone remembers that, because…”

Jin suddenly pointed with his finger toward one side of the plaza.

“They’re going to attack me now. Let’s all meet again alive.”

There, cloaked in robes, stood the Ziphl’s mages.

They had just finished chanting and aiming their offensive spells.

“Paladins, protect the reserve riders!”

Just as Joshua was about to shout this,

Luna raised her voice first.

“Runkandel paladins, and all knights of Huepester, protect the civilians! Anyone trying to assist the reserve riders will have their head taken off by me personally!”

Hearing Luna’s command, Jin smiled inwardly with satisfaction. She had perfectly understood his intent.

Fshhh—!

Five beams of magical energy shot straight at Jin.

But Jin lightly sliced through the magical rays and leapt down from the platform.