Chapter 341
Episode 104: Debt, Debt, and More Debt (8)
The elders, who had been glaring at Jin as if ready to kill him for opposing Rosa’s judgment, suddenly went blank.
Though their expressions were clearly displeased, no one dared to contradict Rosa’s opinion. Not even Jorden, the head of the elders.
In Runcandel, the family head’s orders were absolute.
Even the acting head was no exception. Historically, the family had rarely spared anyone who defied the head’s decisions—whether over minor or major matters.
“Yes, Mother. I will keep that in mind.”
Jin quietly looked up at Rosa.
Seated like a queen at the head of the conference room, her calm expression revealed no particular emotion.
‘I often feel that dealing with Mother is even more difficult than dealing with Father…’
Since his return, strangely enough, Jin found it easier to face Siron. In his previous life, his father had been a terrifying figure he couldn’t even meet eye to eye with, let alone speak to. Now, that felt oddly comfortable.
But facing Rosa was always a challenge.
Like Siron, Jin had few memories of Rosa from before his return.
Both Rosa and Siron had, at some point, treated Jin as if he didn’t exist.
He had never experienced any words or looks filled with affection, nor scolding, insults, contempt, or abusive discipline disguised as training.
At least, not from the age when clear memories began to form.
Only an endlessly indifferent, cold gaze—like that of a stranger with no connection whatsoever.
That was all Jin had ever received from his parents in his previous life.
At least, Rosa had shown some emotion two days after ‘Trash Jin Runcandel’ was banished, by fasting in mourning.
Was that genuine?
Or was it just an act to ease her own guilt?
‘Either way, it doesn’t really matter. But looking at Mother now, I can’t even imagine it.’
What did Mother truly want?
‘Information about the mentor? Partial ownership of the business? Surely she doesn’t expect me to step down from the family head competition over something like this.’
Jin hadn’t backed down even when Rosa revealed the Eastern Five Regions as her trump card. It seemed their conflict was destined to continue until one of them was utterly destroyed.
As he pondered this, Rosa left the meeting without further comment. She had set the broad direction; the rest was up to them.
Sigh.
Jorden exhaled deeply.
“You always seem to have luck on your side, Cadet Twelve.”
“I look forward to working with you, Elder Jorden. The Black Sword Society will have much to do for my business.”
“We’ll see how long that luck protects you.”
“Of course. I intend to reward your support generously. I hope you don’t think me too arrogant.”
Jin bowed politely, but no one truly believed his manners were sincere.
Jorden left the room without pressing Jin further, knowing that pushing too hard would only make himself look foolish.
Most of the brothers watching this scene were once again exasperated by the youngest sibling.
‘What on earth is going on inside that kid’s head? How can he act like that toward the Elder Head?’
‘It’s not the first time. At this point, it feels like he’s on a completely different level from us.’
The Tona brothers looked at Jin with a mix of fear and admiration, as always.
‘What is Mother thinking? She seemed intent on keeping Jin in check, but now it looks like she’s protecting him.’
‘There must be some reason. Surely she’s discussed this with Brother Joshua.’
Mew and Anne were once again overwhelmed by anger and defeat. Their greatest regret was not having killed Jin when he was still a cadet.
Jin could see their feelings clearly—their sorrow at not having been able to kill him when they had the chance.
‘Since Joshua coveted my contract anyway, no matter what they did, they couldn’t have killed me. And that won’t change.’
Jin smiled at Mew and Anne.
They seemed to have nothing more to add and soon left the meeting.
Luntia yawned repeatedly, bored as usual, while Ran and Vigo looked displeased. Both hoped the youngest wouldn’t cause any more major trouble for the family.
“Well then, I’ll be going.”
Jin spoke, resolute, scanning those still in the room.
As he walked through the courtyard of the Sword Garden, he happened to encounter Rosa, who had left the meeting first.
She was receiving a report from the steward Heinz, her expression serious as if the matter was urgent.
Heinz.
He was Siron’s man. Realizing this, Jin instinctively knew the report concerned the ‘Black Sea.’
‘News about Father, my eldest sister, and the Black Knights.’
Rosa’s usually unreadable face was darkened, which troubled Jin. Even while assisting him in the meeting, she had remained expressionless.
As Jin approached naturally—heading toward his room—Heinz closed his mouth.
“What’s going on? Is the meeting already over?”
“Just passing by. Elder Jorden left, so I had nothing more to say. Since Mother ordered me to assist, I have no choice but to act, but it doesn’t look good.”
“I see.”
“Is this about the Black Sea?”
“You don’t need to know.”
“I’m a cadet too.”
“Not just you, but no cadet has the right to know all the family’s affairs.”
Jin hadn’t expected Rosa to answer. He could always learn about the Black Sea through Luna later.
They stared at each other silently for a few seconds.
“Jin.”
“Yes, Mother.”
“Do you have something to say to me?”
Jin nodded.
“What do you want from me?”
“What?”
“You just lifted my punishment and ordered protection of my business.”
“And what of it?”
“I assume you have a reason for those orders.”
Jin thought about it.
Rosa could have protected the cosmetics business in other ways that excluded him from any benefit. But she hadn’t.
Rosa’s eyes widened.
Ha ha!
She burst out laughing, shaking her head. Jin was momentarily speechless.
“If I want something, do you think you’d be able to grant it?”
“I’ve never let a debt go unpaid.”
“Debt… that’s only acceptable between equals. I don’t think that applies to you and me.”
“That’s true.”
“I didn’t make that decision because I want something from you. So don’t worry about it and go on your way.”
“Understood.”
Jin bowed and passed by. Rosa looked back at him.
“Youngest.”
“Yes?”
“What I want is the survival and prosperity of Runcandel.”
Her voice was calm and sincere.
“That’s what I want too.”
Rosa gave a faint smile.
“No, it’s a little different.”
Jin bowed his head again and continued walking.
Before returning to his room, he stopped by the infirmary where Mary and Diffus were admitted. As steward Petro had said, their injuries were minor…
‘Minor injuries?’
Jin suspected Petro had been misinformed or that the two were exaggerating.
They were wrapped head to toe in bandages and splints.
“If only Brother had just pushed in there and created an opening, I could’ve taken their necks from behind. It would’ve been over quickly.”
“We bought enough time.”
“Still, I should’ve done better. I’m twice as good as Brother in martial arts. Sometimes he’s strong but not so good at fighting. Fighting’s about the head, you know?”
“Yeah, you’re great. You’re full of yourself. After all that, you just stood there.”
“If it were me, I’d have held out twice as long… Oh, hey, the youngest is here.”
They chatted cheerfully even from their beds.
Seeing them like this, Jin felt a bit guilty for coming empty-handed. Maybe he should’ve brought some fruit.
“Are you feeling better?”
“As you can see, perfectly fine.”
Mary grinned.
“You look pretty badly hurt.”
“That’s just an illusion.”
“Were the Phantom Corps really that strong? Enough to injure you two this badly?”
Jin couldn’t understand.
They hadn’t been alone; over fifty guardian knights of executioner rank had been with them. Even if the Phantom Corps were formidable, they should have easily torn apart two of them.
“Well, we pushed ourselves a bit to avoid the guardian knights dying while hunting those guys. My ultimate technique takes a toll on my body.”
The modified version of the ultimate technique, Volcano.
Jin recalled Mary unleashing it and nodded in understanding. Since it was essentially a self-destruct move that released an explosive amount of aura, it must have been extremely taxing.
“Heh, who knows? Maybe one day you’ll beat me and make a wish. If you ask nicely, I might even teach you.”
“Enough joking. Just get well soon.”
“Tch, no fun. Don’t worry about me or Brother. Just think carefully about how you’ll manage your friends from now on.”
By ‘friends,’ he meant the small subordinates.
“They’re currently at my safe house, guarded by the guardian knights. The meeting probably decided to protect your business, but it’s better if you manage them directly.”
Diffus said.
“I was already planning to do that.”
It was good to have the family’s support, but he couldn’t hand over everything.
It was only natural. Ultimately, he had to remain in control. The Black Sword Society and the Guardian Knights were there to protect the business itself from attacks—not to run it.
“Have you thought of a plan?”
“Yes.”
“I’ll give you the location of my safe house. You lead them there yourself.”
Dipus didn’t ask what Jin’s plan was. He figured it might seem like interference if he did.
‘Looks like I’m going to owe the Hidden Palace again after all.’
Jin intended to send the smaller beastfolk there. Now that the Myoin tribe’s barrier was gone, there was no safer place in the world for the little ones.
‘I should try to find the Myoin tribe as well.’
For now, all he could do was hope they hadn’t all fallen to the Phantom Legion.
Before leaving the infirmary, Jin glanced back at his brothers.
“Why?”
“Just… thank you.”
As Jin left, Mary and Dipus exchanged glances, blinking in surprise.
“Well, would you look at that… he actually said thanks. Right, brother?”
Dipus shrugged. The two of them stared at the spot where the youngest had been for a moment, then resumed their discussion about the battle with the Phantom Legion, arguing over who was at fault.