Chapter 276
Episode 88: The Uninvited Delegation, An Unexpected Meeting (2)

The five delegations who had agreed to meet in person—the kingdoms of Delki, Seongguk, Vilga, Volta, and Maekroran—had begun arriving. Among them, Delki’s envoy was the first to show up. Leading the delegation was Delki’s third prince, Laika.

“Prince Jin—or rather, I suppose I should now call you Lord Jin. It’s been a while.”

“I’ve been expecting you, Prince Laika. Please, feel free to call me as before.”

“You’ve become a Rider now; I can’t keep calling you ‘Prince’.”

—You have a request for me, don’t you? Please, speak freely, Prince Laika.

—When you officially become a Rider, please send more Guardian Knights to Delki. Also, consider returning a small share of the Delki gold mines that Runcandel controls.

This was the conversation they had the moment Jin woke up at Laika’s villa after the battle with Kuzan.

Back when Jin was still a prospective Rider, Laika had helped him twice in crucial moments.

The first time they fought Kuzan, Jin wouldn’t have survived without Laika’s intervention.

And when recruiting Kuzan, Laika’s help allowed Jin to find him before Joshua did.

“How is the atmosphere in Delki these days?”

After exchanging pleasantries, Jin asked, and Laika’s expression darkened.

“Internally, things are stable. The brothers get along well, and the people’s loyalty to the royal family remains strong. But the zealots of Jiple are a serious problem.”

The Jiple zealots.

All the top-tier magical bombs Mary used against Jin had been confiscated from them.

These fanatics were more rampant than ever, acting as Jiple’s pawns across the world.

In the past, their terrorism was mostly the result of blind fanaticism.

But recently, these zealots seemed to be receiving direct support from Jiple.

What had once been disorganized cells suddenly began systematically supplying magical bombs and coordinating attacks across Huepester.

Moreover, many powerful mages of six stars or higher had joined their ranks—something impossible without backing from a major power.

Still, this was only circumstantial evidence. Huepester’s authorities had yet to find a direct link between Jiple and the zealots.

“Every day, their attacks claim at least a few, sometimes dozens, of innocent lives. No matter how many we capture and torture, they never reveal their superiors. It’s a real headache.”

“I’m sorry, Prince Laika. I can’t deny some responsibility for Jiple’s full-scale support of these zealots.”

The rise of the zealots coincided exactly with the time Jin revealed his true identity.

Among Huepester’s factions, rumors circulated that “Because of Jin Runcandel, we’re suffering losses.”

“Since you brought down Jiple’s Golden Castle near the end of your prospective Rider days, this could be retaliation. But Lord Jin, even if you hadn’t become a Rider, Jiple would have eventually unleashed their zealots. Once their mask of justice falls or they find themselves cornered, they’ll act.”

Laika’s words were true.

The ‘war’ between Runcandel and Jiple was inevitable in any form.

The zealots’ rampage was only the beginning; countless more would die in the future. There was no such thing as a war without casualties.

Whether Jin started it or not, without the power to wipe out Jiple in one blow, the outcome would have been the same.

Still, Jin felt a heavy burden of responsibility.

“I don’t know you well yet, but I believe you are the one who will make Huepester a stronger land than it is now.”

“You flatter me.”

“This is no flattery. The empty-headed nobles complain that you’re a nuisance, but the people think differently. At least the people of Delki haven’t forgotten the courage and results you showed as a prospective Rider. I will always stand with you against Jiple.”

Laika had brought various jewels and fine weapons, but his true gift was the sincerity in his words of support and encouragement.

As Laika said, many of Huepester’s people stood behind Jin.

Exposing Jiple’s hypocrisy, fighting for those trampled by Jiple, mourning the victims with righteous anger—

Such acts were not for the faint of heart.

“Thank you, Prince Laika. I will fulfill our promise before this year ends.”

After Laika left, the Vilga delegation arrived.

Since Jin was meeting only Vilga’s envoy and not the Jan royal delegation, Sember Vil was understandably agitated.

“L-Lord Jin! No, Lord Jin! The great Rider of Runcandel! I knew this day would come… Congratulations!”

“Sember, thanks to you, my days as a prospective Rider were much easier. Good to see you.”

They exchanged pleasantries for a while.

“How is Jan these days?”

“Very peaceful! The Jiple zealots haven’t carried out any attacks in the Jan Kingdom.”

“That must be because of Kinzelro.”

Since Jan bordered the beastmen’s lands, the zealots dared not act recklessly there.

“Exactly, Lord Jin. Since Kinzelro revealed his power during the Seongguk incident, crime in Jan has actually decreased. Traders eager to do business with Kinzelro keep coming, believing the kingdom is safe.”

The notion that Kinzelro was just a third-rate terrorist group had been completely erased. They were rising as the fourth power after Jiple, Runcandel, and Bimant.

‘Jiple still hesitates to wage all-out war against Kinzelro. The absence of terror attacks in Jan confirms that Jiple commands the zealots. They must have judged that involving the beastmen in terrorism would cause bigger problems.’

Then Sember shared unexpected news.

“Lord Jin, do you know the Gold Snow tribe called Peng and his group?”

“I do. They’re the ones who returned Bradamante to his family.”

“Recently, the merchants led by Peng have surpassed us in Vilga and become the wealthiest in Jan. Can you believe it? All in just one year. They invested the money from Runcandel into various businesses, and everything exploded in success.”

“Really?”

Jin had expected the Gold Snow tribe to be wealthy, but not to this extent.

“Yes. Even my father was amazed by their business acumen. Peng asked me to tell you something if I met you.”

“Go on.”

“He said, ‘The business is ready; all you have to do is come.’ He seemed like he could sweep up all the money in Huepester if he could just meet the Prince. It doesn’t seem like he’s just after money.”

Jin swallowed the words with a smile.

“Tell him I understand.”

Whatever it was, the Gold Snow tribe had something prepared.

Sember talked excitedly for a while longer before leaving.

Naturally, he left behind a huge amount of gold coins.

Jin handed every single coin over to Gilly.

After Sember’s departure, the delegation from Seongguk’s King Rani arrived at the Garden of Swords.

Since she was a special guest to Runcandel, Rosa personally went out to greet her.

But after a formal greeting with Rosa, Rani blessed the survivors of Colon and immediately sought out Jin.

She was a completely different person from the last time they met.

Her eyes were as hard as stone, her bearing radiated sacred dignity, and she carried herself with the authority befitting the Crown of the Dormant Volcano.

“Lord Jin.”

“Your Majesty, King Rani.”

For a moment, they simply looked at each other in silence.

It was clear how much profound growth each had undergone during their time apart.

“You’ve grown stronger.”

“And you’ve shed all traces of your former weakness.”

“Don’t be so formal when we’re alone; it feels distant.”

“Very well, Rani Salome.”

Though their time together had been brief, they shared a strong bond.

They had witnessed the sacrifice of a steadfast knight and saved Seongguk from being swallowed whole.

Rani smiled.

“It’s been just over a year, but Seongguk still hasn’t fully recovered from the chaos. Some traitors still breathe.”

“But you’re firmly securing the throne. Soon, it will be a true land of saints again.”

“The news of your safe return and becoming a Rider has revived the spirits of our people, weary from long isolation. Lord Bitura must be watching from Ayula’s embrace.”

“Lord Bitura’s family is adapting well in Lady Luna’s territory. Before you step down from the throne, I hope they come to know that Lord Bitura was the most honorable paladin.”

“That will happen. Lord Jin, aren’t you curious about the gift I brought?”

“Please, tell me.”

“Saints. From today onward, Seongguk will end its isolation within Huepester and send saints to aid the innocent victims of the Jiple zealots.”

Rani’s gesture was meant to ease Jin’s heavy heart.

“Is that wise, given the turmoil? Do you have the resources?”

“We can manage to send about five hundred saints. In return, I ask for your support in funding Seongguk’s operations.”

Though not as dire as Jin feared, Seongguk was struggling financially. Jiple’s offer of gold had not been without reason.

Many factions wished to support Seongguk after the incident, given its unique status.

But Rani had refused all outside aid, waiting for Jin’s return.

Waiting for him to come back.

“To receive sponsorship means that the Holy Kingdom is officially forming an alliance with that power. As I’ve said before, I intend to ally with Sir Jin Runcandel.”

Rani emphasized the full name, “Jin Runcandel,” rather than just “Runcandel.”

“You’re in luck, Rani Salome. The funds allocated from the 12th Cavalry aren’t enough to fully support the Holy Kingdom, but just now, a new and excellent source of funding has come through.”

“I look forward to it. I don’t suppose I need to specify exactly how much support we want, right? I’m sure there’s no one between the Duke and me who could ask for more. After all, we’re friends.”

Rani deliberately used the old term “Duke” instead of the formal title, just like before.

“You’ve gotten a bit cheeky. Well, it’s a necessary trait for a king of a nation. I’ll do my best to provide generously, so make sure it’s officially announced that my influence was behind sending the Holy Order to Huepester.”

“As expected, you never miss a single detail. I wanted to just say it was Ayula’s decision. By the way, where is the black cat I saved?”

“I’ll call it over. Let’s have some tea. But when it arrives, people might start calling you a religious fanatic, even as a Holy King. Are you okay with that?”

“Well, I don’t really mind that nickname.”

Murakan laughed heartily, clearly delighted to see Rani, and they chatted for quite a while.

Rani left that evening.

Even as midnight approached, the McLoran family—the main house of Gili—had yet to send an envoy.

Since the Garden of Swords had agreed to receive all envoys concerning Jin only for today, McLoran’s silence meant they had no intention of congratulating Jin.

“I’m sorry, young master.”

“Why are you apologizing?”

“My family has been disrespectful to you, young master. It’s probably because of me.”