Chapter 399
Episode 119: The Sword Emperor’s Banquet (4)
As if expecting the reaction, Dante calmly looked up at his grandfather.
The look in his eyes unsettled Ron deeply.
The grandson he had imagined—Dante—was a strong man.
No one in the Hailan family had ever imagined that their naturally frail and small grandson would become the next head of the family.
Though Dante’s rise to become the perfect heir, surpassing Ron’s own father, his uncles, and brothers, was largely thanks to Ron’s unwavering support.
But behind that support lay a harsh training regimen.
Watching Dante struggle up the ladder of the sword, screaming hoarsely until his throat was raw, was a rare and profound inspiration to Ron.
This wasn’t the kind of determination or willpower people casually called “great.”
It was a rare, powerful will that even the peerless warriors who had reached the 10th Star would marvel at.
Seventeen years had passed since Dante began his grueling training at the age of five.
Any person who endured—or was even capable of enduring—that brutal growth would inevitably harbor a great demon deep within their heart.
That was why Ron had always believed his grandson was not simply a kind and righteous man.
The world was no fairy tale. Sometimes, like Runcandel, one had to wield ruthless power without hesitation; sometimes, like Ziphl, one had to show two faces; and like all great powers, there were times when dirty deeds had to be done.
To do such things without remorse was the very foundation of being a leader.
Yet, contrary to his expectations, Dante had never once shown any sign of succumbing to his inherently good nature.
“Yes, Dante. My grandson. You were always that kind of child.”
That thought suddenly crossed Ron’s mind.
Whether Dante became the head of the family or wallowed in the mud, Ron’s wish was only that he would seize power and rule the world.
“You’ve endured such painful days all this time to remain true to yourself. Or perhaps because you simply love wielding the sword.”
If he looked at it differently, it might be that Dante’s superhuman will was what preserved his upright character all along.
Anyone could have been tempted at least once.
The temptation to grow stronger more easily, to grasp power more easily, to eliminate rivals more easily…
But his grandson had never once shown interest in such temptations. He had simply wielded his sword in silence.
“That is a value only you possess, my grandson.”
“Grandfather?”
Dante looked puzzled by the sudden remark, and Ron smiled faintly.
“Dante, we cannot form an alliance with Runcandel. No one in the family desires that.”
Dante nodded gravely.
“I know that as well.”
“But in the future, when Ziphl uses memory manipulation magic, we will need a way to counter it.”
Ron placed a hand on Dante’s shoulder and continued.
“I believe that Jin Runcandel, your friend, is either searching for that means or already possesses it.”
Dante’s eyes widened slowly.
“So don’t become a servant of Jin Runcandel. Instead, make Jin Runcandel your servant. Then, when you become the head of the family, no one will oppose your decisions.”
“Grandfather!”
“Of course, that will only be possible if your friend is as capable as you say.”
It was an unexpected statement even for Dante. He knew well that his grandfather could be colder than anyone at times.
Still, Ron’s subtle approval of Dante’s opinion meant just how serious the issue of ‘mind control’ was.
No matter how strong a warrior was, if their mind was manipulated, they could unknowingly act for Ziphl.
“If Ziphl’s mind control is at the level Dante described, and continues to evolve, anyone could fall victim. The swords of Hailan who serve Dante, Dante himself, and perhaps even me.”
That was Ron’s greatest concern.
Mind control was a power that had never before appeared in the world’s balance of power.
“Very few forces are aware of Ziphl’s mind control. I only just learned through Dante… Even within Runcandel, except for that demon, few may know.”
Siron Runcandel.
Ron wondered if his lifelong rival knew this truth.
“Even if he does, there must be a reason that monster hasn’t left the Black Sea.”
Ron shifted his gaze to Jin.
Everyone was looking at Jin, not just Ron.
Originally, Ron had planned to use this banquet to publicly announce once again that Dante was the next head of the family.
He wanted to make it clear to Dante’s brothers, who had recently seemed to waver.
That supporting Dante was the only way for them to have a foothold in the Sword Emperor’s Castle.
But this unwelcome guest—if he could even be called that—was stealing the spotlight at the banquet he had held for the first time in 22 years, and Ron was deeply displeased.
“In that case, I might as well use that fellow for Dante’s sake.”
Ron stroked his beard.
“Do you understand?”
“Yes, Grandfather. I will keep it in mind!”
“Ha ha, good. Now that all the honored guests seem to have gathered, it’s time to begin the banquet.”
Clap!
Ron lightly clapped his hands, and the noisy banquet hall fell silent instantly.
Though it was just applause, the deep and immense aura it carried allowed those who had reached a high level to glimpse Ron’s martial prowess.
Naturally, everyone looked up at Ron and Dante.
“Thank you all for coming. I am Ron Hailan, Lord of the Sword Emperor’s Castle.”
Ron waved to the crowd, who responded with prolonged applause.
Normally, the next order of business would be to thank the ‘royal family’ who had come.
But Ron continued as if the royals didn’t exist.
“I hold this banquet today to celebrate my grandson here, Dante Hailan. As you all know, I am a famous doting grandfather. The thought that this boy will soon inherit my sword fills me with such joy that I often find myself sleepless.”
The royal family showed no sign of offense despite being clearly snubbed.
Instead, they lightly chuckled at Ron’s words.
This was a testament to how much power Ron wielded in Bimant.
“Even if the emperor himself were here instead of the royal family, Lord Ron would not have offered him thanks.”
Jin glanced at the table where the royals sat and thought.
The empire’s mystics.
In Hupester, the Bimant royal family was called that.
Because, aside from the emperor, they rarely appeared in public.
The royals mostly attended grand banquets like this or major imperial events.
“Yet, the reason the royals hold power comparable to Lord Ron and other meritorious officials is because they are responsible for recruiting the imperial guards and special forces.”
The appointment rights for the imperial guards and special forces were exclusive to the royals.
“The bio-golems we saw in the Wantara Forest were likely their creation. Not mystics, just a bunch of shady characters. I’ll make sure to expose them soon.”
Jin caught the eye of one royal and exchanged a casual greeting, thinking this.
Meanwhile, some others wore forced smiles.
The pure-blooded Hailans, except for Dante, seemed to be barely holding themselves together.
Though they didn’t openly show displeasure, just staying in their seats was a struggle.
“But it seems there are those who want to cause trouble on this joyous day.”
Suddenly, Ron’s smile vanished as he spoke, causing the pure-blooded Hailans to stiffen.
But Ron wasn’t addressing them.
“To the Twelve Riders of Runcandel and the Ghost Captain: your actions were a grave insult worthy of my stern rebuke.”
All eyes turned to Jin and Rata.
“We apologize, Lord Ron.”
“We are sorry.”
As they responded, Ron smiled again.
“You are in the prime of your youth, so I understand. But there must be consequences. I was just thinking that I should prepare some entertainment worthy of the honored guests. My old face alone won’t suffice.”
Rata’s eyes sparkled.
Since the Ghost Corps was headquartered in Bimant, the two groups were usually quite friendly.
Rata understood Ron was offering his support.
To swiftly defeat Jin.
“It would be fitting if the two of you celebrated my grandson with a duel at midnight. No need to wait until the banquet ends. Everyone is eager to see the outcome.”
“I, Rata Prochi, Ghost Captain, gladly accept Lord Ron’s consideration and proposal.”
Cheers erupted throughout the hall. Naturally, everyone had assumed Jin and Rata’s duel would be a secret affair, away from prying eyes.
“You’re subtly elevating Dante’s status by reprimanding me and Rata.”
Though Hailan was undoubtedly one of the world’s greatest noble houses, it was still inferior in status to Runcandel.
But if Jin fought a duel ‘to celebrate Dante,’ it would naturally raise Dante’s prestige.
“Twelve Riders of Runcandel, I accept.”
Jin’s reply brought a satisfied smile to Ron’s face.
“Excellent. Then everyone, enjoy the food and drink I have prepared. At midnight, let us witness the divine martial arts of these two.”
As the banquet hall quickly filled with excitement,
A group of people seated behind Jin were quietly discussing the unfolding events.
“Thanks to Lata Prochi’s sudden move, carrying out the plan just got a lot easier.”
“After midnight, Ziphl and Hailan become our enemies.”
No one was watching them closely—except for one person.
Zephyrin was smiling quietly to himself as he observed them.