Chapter 326
Episode 100. What kind of punishment is this…? (Part 2)
He thought he must have misheard.
“What did you say…? A three-year ban on leaving the estate? Are you sure?”
“Yes, Young Master. The butlers and attendants are already whispering about it.”
“This is absurd. On what grounds?”
“Well, it’s because of the business you recently started…”
“Are you telling me the Elders’ Council plans to impose a three-year house arrest just because I did some advertising?”
“That seems to be the case.”
“Have they lost their minds? Punishing Runcandel like some rebellious teenager? A ban on leaving the estate? This is ridiculous. Gather the entire Elders’ Council. I’m going to tear them apart…”
“Please calm down, Murakan. There are many ears listening.”
“Let them listen! Strawberry Pie, I can’t believe the Elders’ Council of Runcandel would stoop to such petty punishments.”
Jin Murakan felt the same outrage but knew he couldn’t afford to lose his temper here.
‘It’s Joshua. Not the Elders’ Council itself, but that guy’s idea. Looks like he plans to use lifting the ban as leverage to strike a deal with me.’
House arrest or confinement orders. He hadn’t expected any other form of punishment. So, he hadn’t prepared any countermeasures yet.
Gritting his teeth at the dirty, petty scheme, he also realized that such underhanded tactics might be the best way to deal with him.
‘It’s a bit unsettling, but if they think they can get something from me this way, they’re sorely mistaken. Joshua.’
Composing himself, Jin asked, “Petro, when is the disciplinary meeting?”
“The Elder Chairman said it would be held as soon as you returned. Since your arrival was reported at the gate, the Elders are already being summoned.”
“I’ll just change clothes and head there.”
He quickly found his room.
“Young Master, I’ll prepare a clean rider’s uniform. You might want to tidy your hair before you go.”
“No need. Prepare the flashiest outfit you have. Bring out all the Golden Snow Tribe cosmetics, too. And the hair dye.”
“Excuse me?”
“The Elders seem to hate our products. I want to show them just how good they are.”
After washing his face, Jin slathered on cosmetics, then dyed his hair a radiant blonde. Gilly was at a loss for words, while Murakan laughed so hard he clutched his belly.
“Hahaha, the Elders will be stunned! Good, kid. That’s how Runcandel should always be—defiant. Right?”
Once the makeup was done, Gilly forced a hesitant smile.
“Y-Young Master, are you really going out dressed like that?”
“Yeah. Make sure Murakan doesn’t cause any trouble. Oh, should I bring some product samples?”
“Better to just go as you are. Young Master, may I ask what you’re thinking?”
“Strawberry Pie, why ask so seriously? Hey, kid, it’s funny, but you think this will be okay?”
“It’s fine. To me, this punishment is just a show. Joshua just wants to use it as an excuse to negotiate. He’ll say, ‘I’ll lift the punishment if you return what you took.’”
Gilly nodded, finally understanding.
“Phew, that’s a relief. I thought you were just acting out of rebellion.”
“Don’t be ridiculous. I’m not that reckless. I’ll be back. Don’t worry too much.”
Of course, part of him wanted to rile up those old fogies a bit.
Not long after leaving his room, Jin ran into some brothers in the hallway.
First was Joshua himself, who had been waiting for him as soon as he heard of Jin’s return.
He wanted to speak before the disciplinary meeting.
“Jin, we need to talk… Wait, are you really going to the Elders’ Council for your punishment like that?”
“That’s right.”
“But what on earth is that outfit?”
“What’s wrong with it?”
Joshua was momentarily thrown off by Jin’s confidence, feeling like he was the strange one.
“What do you mean, what’s wrong? The glare from your hair is blinding. And that heavy makeup… you look like a clown from some theater troupe! You’re seriously going to the disciplinary meeting dressed like that?”
“Is there a law in Runcandel forbidding riders from wearing makeup or dyeing their hair? Not that I know of.”
Joshua rubbed his forehead.
“Ha, no such law exists. But there is a code of dignity. You’re being punished precisely because you failed to uphold it.”
“That’s not the real reason. The second rider must have pressured the Elders.”
A cold smile spread across Joshua’s lips.
“True. I was the one who suggested to the Elders that you be disciplined. But it wasn’t because you raided my villa. It was about dignity.”
“Is that so? This is the first I’ve heard of me raiding the second rider’s villa.”
“Deny all you want. I’m not planning to ask for what was stolen back.”
That response surprised Jin.
When he didn’t reply, Joshua continued.
“This is all part of the hierarchy war. You won this round, so you deserve the spoils.”
“Good to know you won’t go after innocent people.”
Jin answered calmly, but Joshua’s attitude meant more calculations were needed.
‘Is the stolen spirit orb not that important to him? Or was it never his to begin with, but belonged to the dead demon? No, that can’t be.’
There was another motive.
One theory came to mind.
‘Joshua doesn’t know the spirit orb is a recording device. And both he and Mother seem to think they can take everything I have whenever they want. So they’re using me until the perfect moment to seize it comes.’
If so, Joshua’s lack of obsession with the orb might be because he expects me, as the official contractor of Solderet, to figure out its purpose. Or maybe he’s secretly spying on how I use it.
“Also, the ban on leaving the estate wasn’t my idea. The Elders imposed it themselves. It’s harsh for a dignity violation, but you brought their hatred on yourself.”
“So what do you want me to do?”
“Choose wisely. I can’t control the Elders completely. If I slip up, you might really be stuck inside for three years.”
“Thanks for the advice. I’ll handle it. Oh, and second rider.”
“What?”
“Don’t ever touch my comrades directly again. I’ll tolerate it only if no one’s life is at risk, like this time.”
“Tolerate? That’s not something you should say to me. Do you think I’ve spared your comrades because I couldn’t kill them?”
Joshua’s murderous intent flared instantly, but Jin shook his head.
“I meant you should think carefully about who stands to lose more.”
Joshua grinned.
“Good luck with your punishment.”
They passed each other and went their separate ways.
‘So it wasn’t just a scheme to make a deal with me.’
If it were, Joshua wouldn’t have let the villa raid slide so easily.
‘Anyway, Joshua isn’t the one imposing the punishment… I’ll understand the Elders’ true intentions once I get to the meeting.’
On the way to the disciplinary chamber, Jin met the Tona brothers.
As usual, they looked worried, but unlike before, there was no real tension in their demeanor.
“Hey, little brother, you okay? It’ll probably go well.”
“Yeah, yeah. You’ll get through this without trouble.”
They no longer worried about their youngest sibling. No matter what happened, since he was the ‘youngest,’ they believed he’d handle it.
“Still, that flashy outfit… well, I guess you have your reasons.”
“Hang in there, little brother. If I get a chance, I’ll come see you later!”
Their clenched fists felt oddly endearing to Jin.
Next, he ran into Dipus and Merry.
“Ugh, those old fools. What kind of punishment is that? Hey, little brother, you’ll be fine. They wouldn’t lock up someone as capable as you for three years. Think of all the missions you have.”
“They’ll just ban personal outings, but still send me on missions—with surveillance. This one might be pretty exhausting.”
“Dipus, you sound like you want this to happen, don’t you?”
“When did I ever say that?”
“Anyway, little brother.”
“Yes, Sister Merry?”
“Are you really going out dressed like that? It’s provocative and all, but… it feels out of place.”
“Maybe I should change after all.”
Everyone he met commented on his outfit. That made Jin think he’d chosen it perfectly.
‘The Elders will lose their excuse once Golden Snow Tribe products start making money. If that’s not enough, I’ll just bring out the advanced battle machines. They were always a faction to be won over or controlled eventually.’
That was why Jin could walk confidently toward the Elders’ Council.
Jin was certain that the business started with the Geumseol clan would never fail, and equally certain that the elders would never give up their desire for a decisive battle.
Dignity.
To Jin, now was not the time for Runkandel to be chasing after such things. Unless it was true dignity in the truest sense, expanding the family’s business was an absolute necessity.
Just as Zipple was subtly turning the world’s people into their slaves through magical products, Runkandel needed those kinds of items too.
If they didn’t, they were bound to be left behind. In fact, they already were.
“If I were an elder, the moment one of the riders started a business like this, I’d throw my whole soul into supporting it. Even if that rider was my enemy. Or, if not, I’d find a way to take it over and grow the business myself.”
Jin was frustrated that neither the council nor anyone else in the family seemed to understand this simple, clear truth.
Passing through the riders’ corridor, he saw the head of the elders.
He exhaled lightly, steadying his breath as he prepared to enter.
Creak…!
An elder stepped out of the meeting room. Jin, unintentionally blocking his path, bowed slightly.
“Chairman Telrot Homin.”
Telrot stared at Jin for a long moment without answering.
“Rider of the 12th squad, Jin Runkandel.”
“Yes.”
“No need to come inside. The disciplinary meeting about you is over.”