Episode 442
Chapter 127: To the Black King’s Order (3)
The next day, Luton set off for the Holy Empire, while Jin and Murakan headed to the Kingdom of Mila.
Their destination was the highest-class secret tavern called “The Veil,” run by Grace Shields—better known as Misha.
The staff immediately recognized the two, but gave the same answer as the last time they’d come.
“The mistress is not here at the moment.”
“She wasn’t here a few months ago either. When is she expected back?”
“Since your last visit, she hasn’t returned even once.”
It wasn’t unusual for Misha to be away for months at a time. As the proxy for Solderet, she was constantly busy, and besides The Veil, she maintained numerous other hideouts.
Still, it was rare for her to go through an entire season without stopping by.
“Did she leave any letters for me or my friend?”
“No, nothing. It’s been so long that even we are starting to worry about her.”
“Please tell her to contact us here as soon as she returns.”
Jin pulled out a slip of paper with his address and a small pouch of gold coins, which the attendant accepted with a graceful bow.
Until evening, the two traveled through several teleportation gates, visiting other hideouts Misha had mentioned. But, as expected, she was nowhere to be found.
“Haha, they say even dog dung is useless as medicine sometimes!”
Murakan seemed oddly pleased that they didn’t have to meet her after all.
“You’re enjoying this a bit too much. Shouldn’t you be at least a little worried?”
“Worried? What for? A dragon being away for a few months isn’t a big deal—it’s not like it’s been decades. She’s probably just out having fun somewhere.”
“Something about this feels off.”
Jin’s unease was met with a scoff from Murakan.
“Off? Good. Better that she’s out there getting beaten to hell by some powerful foe. That’d make her more human. The problem is, there probably isn’t anyone strong enough in this world to do that.”
Murakan was right—there was no one capable of capturing Misha.
Even during the thousand years Murakan was asleep, Misha had fought against the Phantom Legion but was never caught.
“That may be true,” Jin admitted, “but there’s a mountain of things I want to discuss with her as soon as possible.”
The tomb of Temar, the head of Kinzel, the demon dragon, chaos, Valeria… Misha might not have all the answers, but she could provide valuable clues.
Especially regarding Valeria and the ‘restoration of the recording device’ she was working on—Misha was the only one who could give the most fitting insights.
“Let’s stop worrying and just go find the Black King’s Order.”
The Black King’s Fortress was located in the Kingdom of Bise, a central continent’s notable unprotected territory.
Bise was a minor kingdom, not belonging to any of the three major powers—now four, including Ziphl, Runkandel, Biment, and Kinzel. Though it maintained a royal family and army, no one truly considered the royal family the kingdom’s rightful rulers.
Instead, the Black King’s Order and its leader were recognized as the true masters of Bise.
This was common knowledge. The Black King’s Order possessed enough strength with just a fraction of their forces to topple the Kingdom of Bise.
The prevailing theory was that they refrained from outright seizing control to maintain their identity as a mercenary group.
“Impressive bunch, aren’t they?”
“What do you mean?”
“Usually, when a military force takes root in a small kingdom like this, they seize the royal family and exploit the civilians.”
The Black King’s Order was the exact opposite. They provided substantial support to both the royal family and the people, to the point that it could be said they sustained the kingdom.
As a result, Bise was considered a pleasant place to live, attracting a steady stream of immigrants. Its many ancient ruins and artifacts remained well-preserved, drawing professors, scholars, and students from the Academy every year.
“That’s quite a contrast to the usual image of mercenaries as money-obsessed thugs.”
“Despite the name, they’re kind and even cute. If they get uncooperative, we can just give them a light tap.”
“Kind, huh? Are you sure about that?”
Jin chuckled and added, “Why? Got a problem with that?”
“It’s not because they’re charitable that the Black King’s Order manages and protects Bise. This kingdom is their hostage storage.”
Jin explained that the Black King’s Order used Bise as a buffer zone to maintain their ‘neutrality.’
Any major power wanting to subdue and absorb the Black King’s Order by force would have to trample Bise first, inevitably causing the deaths of many residents and the destruction of ancient relics.
Murakan’s eyes widened at the revelation.
“So… they’re pulling off villainous deeds while maintaining a good image and practical benefits? Those are some nasty, clever bastards. I was about to say I don’t like the name ‘Black King,’ but now I get it.”
Of course, the Black King’s Order could maintain neutrality without Bise, but having more options was always better.
“Well, since I was born, no hostages have been killed yet. We’re almost there. Time to transform.”
With a pop and a meow, Murakan transformed into his butterfly Runkandel form and perched on Jin’s shoulder.
Jin had dyed his hair red and altered his face using Golden Snow Tribe products, so neither the gatekeepers nor the civilians of Bise recognized him.
Still, Jin was certain that someone from the Black King’s Order would recognize him in this form.
‘The third squad of Murka would never forget this appearance.’
When it was revealed that the black cat Jin had with him when leaving Storm Fortress was Murakan, the story circulated endlessly within the Black King’s Order. After all, no ‘young sovereign’ would be seen with an ordinary cat.
Since the city saw many outsiders, Jin and Murakan didn’t attract too much attention.
Jin wandered near the castle, glancing at advertisements and newsletters from the Golden Bell Guild posted around.
He subtly radiated an aura that those below six stars couldn’t sense.
Soon enough, as expected, a mercenary approached him.
“…That cat. Could it be you?”
Though uncertain at first, the mercenary soon recognized him as Jin Runkandel, whom he had personally guarded long ago.
“Sir Latam.”
Before the mercenary could speak further, Jin cut in. Latam was startled, not expecting Jin to remember his name.
“I didn’t think you’d remember mine. I’m ashamed I didn’t recognize you sooner.”
Latam bowed hurriedly.
“I remember you standing beside Commander Murka of the Third Army. It’s good to see you again.”
As they shook hands, Latam was impressed by the immense power radiating from Jin’s grip, confirming the rumors about him were true.
“You didn’t come just to visit, did you? Do you have business with the commander?”
The fact that Latam mentioned the commander directly, rather than some higher-up, showed how highly he regarded Jin.
“Yes.”
“Commander is at the fortress now. I’ll escort you. However, there are guests who arrived before you, so please understand.”
Though the Runkandel’s Twelve Riders could meet the commander anytime without notice, they couldn’t push past other guests.
From Latam’s words, Jin deduced one thing.
‘There’s a guest here with a higher rank than me.’
He was right.
Currently, at the Black King’s Fortress, there was a guest of higher status than Jin, so he had to wait until their business was done.
‘Who could it be?’
Few names came to mind. He’d find out soon enough. He hoped the coincidence wasn’t with someone too troublesome.
“Of course, I understand.”
“Thank you. Please follow me.”
By the time they reached the Black King’s Fortress, it was nearly midnight.
Though it didn’t exude the overwhelming aura of a ghostly fortress, the rugged mountain range where it stood seemed to hum with a unique energy.
No guest could arrive at the fortress looking anything but dignified. Without the strength to climb the mountains, one would have to be carried, which was humiliating.
Only those who could fly on dragons or airships could maintain their dignity, and only a handful of people in the world could fly over the Black King’s Fortress.
As Jin took in the breathtaking view of the fortress halfway up the mountain, he silently marveled.
The sudden deep hollows in the mountains looked as if carved by giants, and atop them stood massive black fortresses lined up, their sturdy walls clearly built for defense.
Perhaps anticipating a dragon invasion, countless magical cannons pointed skyward, and all manner of magical devices and traps writhed like serpents.
‘Compared to this, the Garden of Swords looks downright modest.’
Upon entering the central fortress, rows of mercenaries saluted. News of Jin’s arrival had spread throughout the mountain range before he even reached the fortress.
“Welcome, Sir Jin Runkandel! It’s good to see you again.”
Murka greeted him warmly. As they made their way to the reception room, Jin frequently glanced around, searching for Zephyrin.
Just then, Zephyrin’s lively voice rang out from ahead—right outside the Black King’s commander’s reception room.
“Sorry, Second Captain!”
“Sorry doesn’t cut it! Honestly, I don’t know how the Third Captain who’s stuck with you doesn’t lose his mind. What were you thinking, being so rude in front of the Commander’s guests?”
“I didn’t know any better!”
“No, the Commander didn’t even call you. Why did you think you had to handle the guests? Do you even know your place? It’s ridiculous when you think about it. And what was that nonsense about wanting to meet the first generation of Runcandel…?”
“I’ll just bash my head against the wall!”
“Ow, my head! Hey, someone get this out of my sight, quick!”
Just like the first time at the Geomhwangseong banquet hall, Zephyrin was once again being scolded for messing up.
“Sigh… I’m so sorry, Jin Kyung. She’s causing a scene again.”
“It’s fine.”
“What am I supposed to do with her? Hey! Zephyrin! Get over here right now!”
Zephyrin hurried over, flashing a cheeky grin at Jin once again.
Jin and Murakan couldn’t take their eyes off the massive axe-sword strapped to her back—bigger than her own body—once again.