Episode 398
Chapter 119: The Sword Emperor’s Banquet (3)
Rata abruptly turned his head and locked eyes with Veradin.
The suddenness of the statement seemed to catch him off guard. The fury that had burned in Rata’s eyes wavered for a moment.
Not only Rata, but others in the banquet hall looked equally stunned. Veradin had casually mentioned something as sensitive as an alliance between Runkandel and the Ghost Order, as if it were no big deal.
“What a ridiculous guy.”
Jin almost let out a snicker. It had been a while since he’d seen Veradin act so unpredictably.
His mind flashed back to the day they first headed to the Garden of Swords, when he’d met Veradin at the Mittel transit gate.
“Jin Runkandel. You’re quite an interesting fellow.”
“I’m Veradin Ziphl. I just threw out a few words to test the waters, but I’ll formally apologize.”
“At the time, I just thought he was a clueless idiot.”
But the Veradin Jin had come to know was a man burning with a fierce sense of justice—willing to risk his life to right his family’s wrongs.
The worst enemies were those who used that kind-hearted, foolish guy like a puppet.
“Earlier, he seemed perfectly innocent, and even now he looks like he’s helping me… but I can’t be sure Veradin is in his right mind.”
Mind control.
Jin didn’t know much about that twisted magic.
During the “Black Knight assassination mission,” it had been a simple mental manipulation to turn someone into a killing doll. But since then, the magic might have advanced, allowing for more subtle control when not in battle.
Even if a friend seems to show goodwill, you can’t trust it. The thought made Jin’s stomach twist in discomfort.
“…An alliance? What nonsense are you spouting, Veradin Ziphl?”
“Oh, you two seemed so close, I just assumed you’d formed an alliance. Isn’t that right?”
“Did you come here just to mock me?”
“Huh? Why would you interpret it that way? Weren’t you on good terms?”
Anyone else might have laughed at the exchange.
But with such formidable figures involved, no one dared to intervene for fear of what might happen. Especially since Rata looked cornered—mocking him now would only bring disaster.
Veradin smiled, and their eyes met—his calm gaze against Rata’s barely contained fury.
“Can I take your actions today as representing the stance of the Ziphl family?”
“Haha, I’m hardly that important.”
The murderous intent Rata had aimed at Jin now shifted toward Veradin.
‘Rata Prochi has no backing either. Even if his grudge against me is because of his younger brother, with so many eyes watching, to bare his teeth at the Ziphl family just because he’s in a bad mood…’
That only showed how formidable the Ghost Order really was. But to Jin, Rata was just a frog in a well, clueless about the world.
‘After Smarion Prochi eliminated Seigalga, the head family of the Ghost Order, Rata smoothly took over. Maybe that’s why his political skills are like a moth to a flame.’
Still, despite his poor diplomacy, there had to be a reason he maintained his position as leader.
‘Whether it’s personal strength or some unique leadership ability I don’t know about, I’m curious.’
If it’s the latter, fine. But if it’s the former, Rata’s power might be nothing but a sandcastle.
Just as Jin was thinking this, Rata turned back and glared at him.
“An alliance? The Ghost Order never allies with any faction. We only have contracts and clients. Jin Runkandel, I challenge you to a duel.”
Cough, cough!
Jin couldn’t help but clear his throat at Rata’s sudden challenge.
‘A duel? What kind of lunatic is this?’
The onlookers looked equally bewildered. No one expected such reckless behavior at a banquet hosted by Ron Hiran for the first time in 22 years.
“Ghost Commander, Rata Prochi!”
“Salute to the Prochi demon!”
Amid the stunned silence, a voice rose from the crowd—supporters of Rata, members of the Ghost Order.
“What’s with the shock, Jin Runkandel?”
“Only the Ghost Order members wouldn’t be surprised by Rata’s actions.”
“You’re not planning to back down, are you?”
“I refuse.”
“Lacking confidence?”
“This is a banquet hosted by Lord Ron. Fighting here would be an insult to him.”
“Then fight after the banquet ends.”
At this point, Jin had no choice but to accept.
‘I wanted to recruit him as an ally without fighting, but it can’t be helped. Sometimes, a good beating is the only way with this kind of person.’
Jin shrugged.
“Very well. But I have no interest in defeating someone weaker than myself.”
Jin could almost hear a thread of reason snapping inside Rata’s mind.
“Say that again.”
“Not long ago, I fought against all of Runkandel. And I came out with what you could call a decisive victory. Do you really think fighting me would satisfy you?”
Rata’s eyes widened, and the murmuring crowd fell silent instantly.
It wasn’t because Jin had effectively provoked him. The spectators were shocked by the claim that Jin had fought the entire Runkandel family.
“I’ve heard rumors that you’ve got the tongue and guts to match. And I suppose your swordsmanship is just as good?”
“I was holding back against you. But if you cross the line this far, I have no choice but to make you pay. Let’s duel. But fighting for nothing isn’t worth it. As you know, I’m also a businessman.”
“You want to bet on the duel?”
“Isn’t there someone you want from me?”
“Before I kill you, I’ll get a blood oath.”
“Blood oath or whatever. If you win, I’ll grant you anything you want. You can take my life, or keep me alive just to humiliate me however you like. But if I win…”
Jin grinned and added the final words.
“The Ghost Order will carry out one contract of mine without fail.”
Contracts and clients only.
Jin emphasized those words. After defeating Rata, he planned to use that as a leash.
“Fine.”
“There are many eyes watching. Make sure you don’t disappoint them with your words later. Now, let’s step back.”
By the time the conversation ended, Rata was no longer soaked in anger.
Instead, his eyes gleamed with exhilaration, a broad smile lighting up his face.
He was thrilled at the prospect of crushing Jin.
And the people watching thought this:
Veradin, pretending to help, had only made Jin’s situation more complicated. With just a few words, he’d pushed Jin into a duel with Rata—and no matter who won, the Ziphl family stood to gain nothing. Not a bad assessment.
“You’re quite hot-headed, Ghost Commander. I just came to say hello, but I got jealous for no reason. How have you been, Jin?”
Veradin cheerfully said, extending his hand for a shake.
For a moment, Jin felt a flood of mixed emotions.
The onlookers were gripped by intense curiosity once again. What kind of connection could there be between one of Runkandel’s Twelve Riders and the next head of the Ziphl family? Or was Veradin just provoking them? It was hard to tell.
“I don’t think we’re on friendly terms, Veradin Ziphl.”
Jin quickly dispelled their curiosity.
“How can you say that? You wound me!”
Veradin put on an exaggerated expression.
Jin ignored him completely.
Whether Veradin was acting out of his own mind or being manipulated for some sinister purpose, showing friendliness now would do no good.
Especially since it had only been a few days since Jin declared he would break the humiliating pact with the Ziphl family.
‘If he’s under mind control, this is the right response. And if he’s sane, he must understand my intentions.’
In the end, Veradin withdrew his hand and left, still wearing his trademark sly smile.
Naturally, the crowd began to disperse. From today on, the story of Jin, Veradin, and Rata would spread far and wide, distorted as it passed from mouth to mouth.
Meanwhile, on the top floor of the banquet hall, someone was watching the commotion with deep displeasure.
“Dante.”
Ron Hiran was utterly baffled by these reckless youngsters causing a scene at his banquet.
“Yes, Grandfather.”
“Do you really have to associate with those kinds of people? There are plenty of fine individuals in this world.”
“Unlike me, those two are fighting against their families. So they’re better than I am. To me, they’re friends beyond my worth.”
“Haha, it seems you value those brats more than your old grandpa.”
“That’s not true!”
Ron ruffled Dante’s hair with a smile.
“But what’s this I hear about that Ziphl idiot opposing his family? As far as I know, Veradin was groomed early on as the next head and has enjoyed every privilege.”
Dante hadn’t yet told Ron about Veradin’s mind control.
Because the moment he did, Hiran would have to make a choice.
Whether to make the world’s most powerful family—capable of manipulating minds—the enemy, or to continue slowly building a friendly relationship as they had been.
That was why, as the head of the Soga clan, Dante had to be extremely cautious when bringing up Veradin to his grandfather.
The decision had been made long ago, but the right opportunity had yet to present itself.
“Grandfather, if magic could manipulate a person’s mind and memories at will, would you believe it?”
Dante’s serious tone deepened Ron’s gaze.
“For years—perhaps even longer—Zipl has been using mind-control magic to treat Prince Veradin like a puppet. And yet, despite that, the prince has stood against the secret atrocities committed by his own family.”
“Go on.”
For a while, Dante explained the hidden truths behind the kingdom’s recent troubles: Veradin setting fire to the gold bars, the phantom army chasing Jin, Veradin’s diary and confessions.
“…If this were merely a decision born of sympathy for a friend, I would never have voiced my wishes to you, Grandfather. But as the head of the Soga clan in Hailan, I believe Zipl—who wields this manipulative power—must be eliminated as a force of evil.”
“So your argument is that we should form an alliance with Runcandel now, to keep Zipl in check.”
“Yes, Grandfather.”
Ron shook his head as if there was no question about it.
“Dante, my only grandson, in times like these, what you should expect is for Runcandel and Zipl to fight until they destroy each other. Or for one side to weaken in war, giving us the chance to conquer them.”