Chapter 396
Episode 119: The Banquet at Sword Emperor’s Castle (Part 1)
October 25, 1799.
The most prominent families and factions of the Huperster, Bimant, and Lutero Magic Federation were gathering at the main estate of the Hailan family.
The banquet at Sword Emperor’s Castle was about to begin.
The sight of their procession was truly spectacular. Surrounding the imposing, towering Sword Emperor’s Castle, the colorful tents set up by each faction’s attendants looked like a vast flower garden from afar.
Each attendant had brought with them a key figure—someone central and influential within their respective faction.
Compared to Runkandel, where a grand gathering was expected once every ten years, the Hailan family was known for hosting banquets fairly regularly.
Yet, it was rare for so many important figures from various factions to attend at once. The guest list always depended on who the host was—only those worthy of the occasion would show up.
In that sense, this banquet at Sword Emperor’s Castle was a festival comparable to the Runkandel banquet held when Jin was fifteen. After all, the host was none other than Ron Hailan himself.
It had been a full 22 years since Ron last hosted a banquet, and even then, it was to gather people for his newborn grandson. Truly a hopeless doting grandfather.
“Wow, Your Highness! This is my first time at a banquet like this. Look over there! That’s Sir John Sina of the Dragon King Knights! And next to him is Lady Seri, the Royal Magic Captain, and that person is…”
“Heh heh. Enya, why are you so amazed? Compared to our lord, these people aren’t exactly the hottest names these days.”
“Honestly, I think so too. But since so many famous people have gathered, it only makes sense to react a little more excitedly.”
“Ridiculous,” Jet chuckled.
Enya and Jet still got along perfectly. Beris and Kuzan shook their heads at the display (Julian was absent, busy attending to Kaltor), Gilly let out a small laugh, and Murakan clicked his tongue.
Alisa and Kashimir wore somewhat stern expressions.
“Kashimir, Alisa. Are you worried about running into the Emperor?” Quikantel asked. Though still unofficially wanted in Bimant alongside Enya, they no longer needed to hide as extremely as before.
Jin had become a Rider, and their faction was growing into a force that could no longer be ignored.
“Not exactly, but it does feel strange,” Alisa shrugged.
“Even if we don’t meet the Emperor himself, we’ll definitely run into some members of the royal family. Since they’re planning to elevate Tikan to a nation, we can’t keep running forever.”
The group had disguised themselves with makeup so thorough it was almost like a mask, using products from the Geumseol tribe—just like during the compass heist operation.
Yet, despite their elaborate appearance, people barely glanced at them. Surrounded by so many renowned figures, Jin and his group were perceived as nothing more than stylish nobles you could see anywhere.
“It’s almost our turn.”
They had been standing in line for five hours since dawn.
“Show your invitation.”
The gatekeeper’s eyebrows twitched as he examined the invitation Jin handed over.
“Paul Gray Mick? Never heard of that name. And the family head even left a postscript advising against coming, yet you brought companions?”
“If you insist on entering, your companions must wait outside.”
“But the nobles ahead were all allowed in with their companions,” Enya protested.
The gatekeepers exchanged awkward glances.
“That’s customary… but no. The family head clearly doesn’t welcome this guest. It’s best if only the guest enters.”
“Wait, listen.”
Jin whispered something into the gatekeeper’s ear, and their eyes widened.
“You’re Jin Runkandel?”
“Lord Ron invited me under a pseudonym, so I came accordingly. Please keep your voice down.”
“Proof you’re one of the Twelve Riders of Runkandel!”
Suddenly, the gatekeeper shouted, drawing the attention of nobles waiting nearby.
“Is it true? Jin Runkandel is here!?”
“What? Jin Runkandel? Where? Who is it? That person?”
In an instant, all eyes turned to Jin and his group. Some nobles even claimed to have seen ‘that flashy blonde’ in the Bellado Principality, insisting he was the real Jin Runkandel.
Since the recent Sword Garden incident—now commonly called the ‘Youngest Declaration’—Jin’s whereabouts had become the hottest topic. It was only natural that the nobles, always sensitive to gossip, were in an uproar.
And just as the commotion began, someone stepped forward to settle the matter.
“Oh! Welcome, Jin!”
It was Dante Hailan, standing atop the castle walls, looking down at the guests. Beside him stood Ron Hailan, wearing a displeased expression.
Another person immediately turned their head upon hearing the name Jin Runkandel from the VIP entrance.
“Jin? Jin is here? Where, where?”
The white-haired young man scanning the crowd like a well-meaning fool was none other than Veradin Ziphl, the next family head of Ziphl.
As Veradin craned his neck to spot Jin, his attendants gently admonished him.
“Master, please maintain your dignity.”
“He’s an enemy Rider. You shouldn’t act so pleased…”
Despite their warnings, Veradin kept searching for Jin, and everyone nearby watched the scene unfold.
“Veradin is here too!”
Dante waved at Veradin.
At that moment, Veradin caught Jin’s eye and waved back, but Jin quickly averted his gaze and moved inside Sword Emperor’s Castle.
He didn’t want to embarrass Veradin.
The guests mistook Dante’s gesture as a welcome and waved back, while the nobles near Veradin waved to him.
The scene felt oddly familiar—something like what had happened before in the Cosmos arena.
‘I didn’t expect him to show up. Is he in his right mind today?’
It was bittersweet.
The last time they met, Jin had fought Veradin. Back then, Veradin hadn’t welcomed Jin at all—he had acted like someone desperate to kill him.
It was too soon to judge. Not until they talked.
‘No, even if we talk… can I be sure his mind isn’t being controlled?’
It was unlikely. There was no clear information on the extent of Ziphl’s mind control.
Still, seeing an old friend who seemed sane was a relief.
Inside the castle, the reception room was already crowded.
If Jin’s identity as Runkandel hadn’t been revealed, they would have had to wait quietly until evening. Only after all the VIPs were seated would the general guests be allowed in.
Thanks to the commotion, Jin and his group were allowed immediate entry to the banquet hall.
“All that makeup was for nothing. I wanted to see Lord Ron’s smug face when he thought I wouldn’t come, then clutch his neck in surprise.”
The real heavyweights inside the banquet hall had already heard the news. They openly scrutinized Jin’s group with curiosity.
It was surprising enough that Jin showed up, but most of his companions were unfamiliar faces to them.
Officially, Hailan had not sent an invitation to Runkandel. Considering Rosa was still recovering, Ron had made that decision. He also wasn’t particularly eager to welcome Runkandel.
As they sat at the table their attendants showed them to, a woman approached with confident steps.
“Welcome, Lord Jin Runkandel!”
Her skin was so pale it seemed unreal, and her beauty was enough to surprise even Jin. She was slender, and carried an enormous weapon on her back—a double-edged axe sword.
‘A double-edged axe sword…? Aside from Luna, has anyone else used that as a weapon?’
Though part of her body was obscured, Jin could clearly tell it was an axe sword.
“What are you?” Jin asked, eyeing the weapon.
Murakan spoke gruffly, “Yeah, who are you?”
“I am Zephyrin of the Black King’s Order. I’ve long admired Lord Jin and wanted to pay my respects in person,” she replied.
“Admire? This guy? Why? Are you the same kind as this one?” Murakan pointed at Enya.
“Hey, Zephyrin!”
Someone called urgently from behind. A man, familiar to Jin, was rushing toward them.
“Oh, Captain!”
Zephyrin immediately bowed as the Black King’s Order’s Third Army Captain, Murka, pressed her head down. It was a natural, practiced gesture—like disciplining a troublesome student. Clearly, this happened often.
“What are you doing, barging in without a clue? Ahem, ahem! My apologies, Lord Jin Runkandel. I failed to keep my subordinates in line. She’s new and a bit of a troublemaker. If she’s lucky to be here thanks to me, she should behave…”
“No worries, Captain Murka. It’s been a while.”
Murka had once been Jin’s escort when he left the Storm Fortress. The nickname ‘Young King’ given to Jin by the Black King’s Order during that time had recently resurfaced due to recent events.
“I see you’ve been promoted to captain.”
“Yes, shortly after escorting you.”
“Though belated, congratulations are in order.”
Even as Jin chatted with Murka, her thoughts kept drifting back to Zephyrin, nagging at her quietly.
‘Is it because of that axe-sword? There’s just something off about it…’
Noticing her unease, Murka nodded knowingly and pointed to Jin’s axe-sword.
“This isn’t her real weapon. She normally wields a standard longsword. That axe-sword? She barely swings it once or twice. She carries it on her back all the time out of respect for Lady Luna. Please don’t take it the wrong way.”
Though Murka scolded Zephyrin whenever she had the chance during their conversation, it was clear she cared deeply for her subordinate.
“Of course.”
“I’m just grateful you understand. Hey, hey! What are you doing standing there without greeting?”
“Thank you!”
Zephyrin bowed deeply once more—so quickly that the blade of her axe-sword accidentally tapped the back of her head. Murakan shook his head in disbelief.
“Ugh, I’m exhausted. One superfan is enough. Get out of here.”
“Yes, we’ll meet again next time. Enjoy the banquet.”
As Murka and Zephyrin stepped away, the group exchanged glances.
“Ha, our lord doesn’t even have to lift a finger—beautiful women just come flocking to him. As expected!”
“That Zephyrin woman seems kind of suspicious, don’t you think?”
“She probably just feels that way because she’s a rival. Suspicious? She seemed more like a bit of a dimwit to me.”
While Zett, Enya, and Murakan chimed in, Jin and Quikantel narrowed their eyes, still watching Zephyrin’s retreating figure.
“Jin.”
“Yes, Lord Quikantel?”
“That Zephyrin… I don’t think she’s human.”