Episode 340
Chapter 104: Debt, Debt, and More Debt (7)
The elders’ eyes burned with barely contained fury. At the slightest provocation, it felt as if they would tear someone limb from limb without hesitation.
But their anger wasn’t directed at Jin, who had dared to interrupt them and speak up—it was aimed squarely at JPL.
Most of the elders disliked Jin or, at best, regarded him with wary neutrality. Yet these were warriors who had devoted their entire lives to Runcandel.
Regardless of pureblood, branch family, lesser house, or outside faction, the elders harbored the deepest hatred and loathing for JPL.
They had been fighting JPL for decades—it was inevitable.
Many elders carried painful memories of losing family, comrades, or lovers to JPL’s schemes.
“Speak up, Twelfth Rank!”
Jorden barked, his eyes blazing red.
“First, I want to apologize for the unfortunate incident that occurred because of me,” Jin began.
“Cut the unnecessary apologies and get to the point!”
“Retaliation must stop.”
The elders’ eyes widened in shock. The other ranks in the room stared at Jin in disbelief.
“What did you say!? Twelfth Rank, what nonsense is this…!”
Jorden strode forward, closing the distance until their noses nearly touched, glaring down at Jin with overwhelming intimidation. The other elders looked equally incredulous, as if questioning their own ears.
“Do you even realize what you’re saying right now?”
“Yes, I do.”
“You better have a responsible and reasonable explanation. Otherwise, I’ll cut off your arm right here.”
“Seems like a lot of people are after my arms. But luckily, none have actually taken one yet.”
“Don’t be sarcastic! Do you really think your words are right in this atmosphere?”
“If you’d heard me out, Elder Chief, you would agree. When I say we shouldn’t retaliate, I mean physical retaliation.”
“Physical retaliation? You mean we shouldn’t strike JPL’s magical production facilities?”
“That’s right.”
Jin’s calm, unwavering answer was met with sighs and murmurs.
How could a rank like him say such foolish things? No wonder he’s so disliked… the elders clicked their tongues in frustration.
Jin thought to himself, Are they just slow-witted, or has age clouded their judgment? To waste such a golden opportunity on a fight they can’t win…
It wasn’t just the elders who were dumbfounded. Jin himself found their simplistic plan absurd.
“Explain yourself! Why do you think that way?”
“It’s obvious. What if we strike their magical production sites and it sparks an all-out war? Do you think we can win?”
“What did you say!”
“I’m being realistic. Can we really crush JPL right now, take everything for ourselves?”
A heavy silence fell.
Everyone knew the answer but no one dared say it aloud.
“Our head of house and strongest ranks are absent. Many former Black Knights and some current ones are missing too. Starting a war with JPL now would only mean bloodshed on our side.”
Even if Runcandel’s strongest swords, who had gone to the Black Sea, were holding their posts, it wouldn’t change the fact.
Runcandel cannot defeat JPL.
At least, not yet. That was the sole reason Siron Runcandel hadn’t launched a full-scale war despite ascending to Changsung and telling his youngest son, “My time is limited.”
This wasn’t the time for angry, reckless talk that couldn’t be carried out—or shouldn’t be.
My father has his reasons for staying silent. Surely Jorden and the elders understand this too. They just can’t control their rage.
They were like children—desperate to get back at their enemy but powerless.
So they vented their frustration like spoiled brats.
They needed to be calmed and guided toward a better path.
“Attacking the enemy’s most critical facilities now is a sure path to ruin. Besides, haven’t we suffered no real damage so far?”
“I never said we suffered no damage. How do you know that?”
“On my way here, my steward reported to me. The Fourth and Seventh Ranks killed some of their men, and we only sustained minor injuries. Also, one elder just mentioned that civilians could have been hurt, which means no civilians were actually harmed, right?”
Jorden was momentarily speechless. He knew Jin was right, but he hated hearing it from this irritating kid.
“Therefore, their recent attack should be seen as a major victory for us. We suffered no losses, while JPL lost elite mages not even known to the public.”
Crunch.
Jorden clenched his teeth as if trying to bite Jin in half.
“So what? You’re saying since we won, it doesn’t matter what happens on the surface?”
Jorden’s anger stemmed from one thing: the decision to strike JPL’s magical production facilities was essentially helping Jin, who always wanted to clip their wings.
He was furious that after all his outrage, Jin was now spouting nonsense.
“Besides, they’re not fools. They know that losing a few facilities isn’t worth starting a full-scale war. Other factions are watching closely, waiting for their chance.”
“Exactly. The chance of JPL launching an all-out war is slim. But there’s always a chance, and more importantly, there are far more efficient ways to retaliate than reckless gambles.”
“More efficient ways?”
Jorden’s eyes narrowed.
“Turning public opinion against JPL.”
“Hah! So all this talk is about a propaganda war? They invaded our territory, and you want us to just twiddle our pens?”
That was the expected reaction.
“Elder Chief, please calm down and hear me out. I know you’re angry and fighting for me, someone you can barely stand. But you’ll come to see that my plan is the best option.”
Jorden glared silently.
“I’m sure you understand how much influence JPL’s magical products have. We’ve been unable to import their goods recently, causing great inconvenience to the public.”
Since the Holy Kingdom incident, JPL had completely cut off magical product supplies to Hupester.
Though some goods still came through black markets and smuggling, the supply was nowhere near what it used to be.
“Attacking their production facilities now would throw away all public support. Our family never cared much for public opinion, but now it’s necessary. The world’s greatest villain is shifting from Runcandel to JPL.”
Since the Holy Kingdom incident, JPL’s reputation had plummeted. The idea of a “benevolent JPL” was long gone.
Meanwhile, Runcandel was benefiting from a kind of backlash. Though still seen as ruthless, at least they weren’t known for human experimentation or recklessly attacking neutral states like the Holy Kingdom.
All thanks to Jin.
“We need to ride this wave. The innocent beastfolk making cosmetics, JPL’s sudden attempt to massacre them, and Runcandel’s heroic intervention—doesn’t it all fit perfectly?”
“So you want to shape public opinion, but how does that help us retaliate against JPL?”
“If Runcandel gains public favor, my cosmetics brand will naturally become more recognized. That translates directly into sales, and as my business grows, JPL looks more foolish.”
JPL had attacked the beastfolk because Jin Runcandel owned the cosmetics business.
It was retaliation for a JPL fugitive openly advertising in the Lutero Magic Federation.
Even after deploying the Wraith Corps, they couldn’t destroy a mere Twelfth Rank’s business. That alone was a humiliation for JPL.
“Just like the Fourth and Seventh Ranks did this time, protect my business from now on. And start supporting it at the family level.”
“More and more problems.”
“Having the family protect my business sends a clear message: Runcandel openly disregards JPL. There will naturally be localized skirmishes, and we can deal with killing JPL directly when the time comes.”
Jin smiled, and Jorden sighed in disbelief.
But even he knew Jin’s plan was sound. He just hated feeling dragged into it.
“So in the end, you just want to fatten your own pockets by selling that damn cosmetics!”
“That’s right. But if I prosper, Runcandel prospers too.”
Jin glanced toward Telrot.
Though Telrot had promised to back Jin, he had remained silent so far.
Why is Chairman Homin staying quiet? If he steps in soon, even the Elder Chief might back down.
But soon, Jin understood why Telrot had stayed silent.
“Do as he says.”
A sharp, authoritative voice confirmed Jin’s proposal.
It was Rosa Runcandel, the Black Panther and Jin’s mother. The moment she spoke, the chaotic atmosphere in the meeting room instantly calmed.
“We will protect your business. I agree that focusing on practical benefits is best. However, from today onward, the family will take 20% of the profits from your business.”
A faint smile appeared at the corner of Telrot’s mouth.
“If you honestly pay your dues at two-tenths each month, without any tricks, I’ll do everything I can to support your business. Erasing the suspension that’s currently on hold isn’t out of the question either.”
The two-tenths figure Rosa mentioned had already been agreed upon when Jin first spoke with Telrot.
As soon as Telrot heard the grim news that the Phantom Legion had attacked the smaller factions, he immediately sought out Rosa and made sure she proposed the two-tenths offer to Jin.
“Also, I’ll completely lift your current suspension. But remember, this isn’t because you earned it—it’s just how things have unfolded.”
There’s no kindness without a reason.
Especially between a mother and someone like me, there’s never such a thing as a favor without strings attached. She’s trying to put me in her debt somehow.
Jin sensed that Rosa wanted something from him.