Chapter 457
Episode 131: Those with Good Instincts, Those Without (Part 1)
Late January, 1800. The free city of Tikan was still in a frenzy, busy moving and setting up the equipment from the Black King’s Mountain stronghold.
The guardian knights that Runkandel had dispatched to the Black King’s Mountain had initially been a source of irritation, bruising the pride and ego of the Black King’s members. But now, even the members found their presence convenient.
With them firmly stationed in the Vise Kingdom, no pesky troublemakers dared to swarm around.
If Runkandel hadn’t been there, Tikan’s forces would have had to fill that role. In the chaotic international climate following the sudden collapse of the Black King’s Mountain stronghold, that would have been an exhausting task.
More than anything, the members were pleased that the commander of the guardian knights stationed in the Vise Kingdom had changed.
“Hmm, I thought those guys would look like bitter, defeated soldiers, but actually, they seem to have accepted their loss calmly. More than that, they even look somewhat satisfied, if you ask me.”
Crunch!
Mary bit into an apple as she spoke. Standing beside her was, of course, Dipus Runkandel.
They had come to prevent any mishaps where other riders or the elders—though lately their influence had waned—might mishandle the “rookie’s spoils.”
Sure enough, when they first arrived, Joshua’s knights stationed there treated the Black King’s members carelessly.
The Black King’s members endured the unpleasant attitude, wanting to keep their new lord out of unnecessary conflicts. Only after Mary and Dipus arrived did the atmosphere improve, allowing them to work comfortably.
The two had restored discipline among the guardian knights. And their actions weren’t just out of affection for the youngest member.
It was a warning—a subtle but clear message—that anyone who clumsily crossed the youngest might trigger serious trouble for their family.
Even Mary, who could be described as ‘mad about fighting,’ thought that Runkandel needed a period of calm for now.
“Well, on the first day we came to act as their umbrella, everyone was pretty fired up. Not the leader, but the lower-ranked riders of the second squad.”
Dipus caught the apple Mary tossed him and replied.
For a while, the siblings perched on a tree, devouring dozens of apples as they watched the Black King’s members at work.
“If I’d known, I would’ve taken on the entire Black King’s group myself. I really regret it. I’m jealous of the youngest.”
Mary envied not just having the Black King’s group, but the fact that the youngest had faced them head-on.
“Strictly speaking, the youngest didn’t fight alone. Murakan—without him, this outcome would never have happened.”
“You never know. It’s been revealed that Murakan’s combat skills are incredible, but the second squad’s scribes are obsessively writing articles praising him. It almost seems like they’re trying to erase Jin’s role and achievements in the Black King’s incident.”
“Overpraising Murakan to downplay Jin’s strength?”
“That’s what I think. The second squad, us, and everyone else in the family that day—we all saw it with our own eyes. On the day of the family head’s declaration, how overwhelming he was.”
Recalling Jin’s destruction of the Demon Sword’s secret technique, the Reign of the Underworld Sword, and the partial destruction of the Sword Garden sent chills down their spines.
“At that time, he had just recovered from losing both arms. The chances that he was in peak condition were almost zero. He might have been close to his worst.”
“That’s a bit much. If he caused that chaos in his worst condition, then the family head’s role belongs to the youngest.”
“But can’t you imagine it?”
“Imagine what?”
“Him single-handedly smashing the Black King’s Mountain stronghold, wielding those incredible Demon and Underworld swords…”
Mary’s mouth watered as if thinking of a delicious meal.
Dipus shook his head but couldn’t deny his beloved sister’s words. It was easy to picture.
It seemed strange that someone who had partially destroyed the Sword Garden alone wouldn’t be able to handle the Black King’s Mountain stronghold.
“If Murakan fought instead, would the Black King’s members be working so contentedly? Their eyes look like they’ve found a lord they can truly respect. To a reckless rookie who trusts a guardian dragon? No way.”
“Now that you mention it, that makes sense.”
“Besides, after watching for a few days, the equipment at the Black King’s Mountain stronghold—important pieces are strangely intact. I don’t think that’s just luck.”
“…Are you saying the youngest controlled his power during the fight? To avoid damaging key spoils?”
“Yeah.”
Honestly, it sounded unbelievable.
But in reality… it was strange. None of the most expensive and rare equipment was damaged beyond repair.
The siblings didn’t know why.
It was purely a matter of luck.
On the day Zephyrin went berserk, by some miracle, her attacks missed all the Black King’s top-tier equipment. Even the relentless landslides failed to destroy them.
It was just luck!
Mary’s imagination soared far beyond, refusing to discount that unfathomable level of fortune. Even Dipus found himself half-believing, half-doubting.
As silence fell between the siblings once more, the Black King’s members began singing a hearty work song that echoed through the mountain range.
“Anyway.”
Mary crushed the last apple core between her teeth and continued.
“We need to get stronger, big brother. That’s what my gut’s telling me.”
“What?”
“If we’re going to fight the youngest.”
Whether opposing or fighting alongside him.
To Dipus, Mary’s voice always seemed to carry that unspoken addendum.
“You’ve always been thirsty to get stronger for no reason. It’s nothing new.”
“My beloved sister and my greatest rival—the mountain we must overcome! Ah, isn’t this wonderful? Thrilling.”
Though a bit wistful, Dipus chuckled.
“When you get back, make sure you find the right medicine for your headache. I understand what you mean.”
Mary’s eyes sparkled, and Dipus added,
“For now, do whatever you want. Cause trouble, train as you please. I’ll take responsibility for whatever happens.”
“Only my second big brother understands me!”
“Only when it suits you, huh? When will you ever grow up?”
“No nonsense later. Surely the great Runkandel’s fourth rider wouldn’t contradict himself. I’m heading out now. You take care of things here. Handle my duties for a while.”
“Hey, hey, Mary! Wait!”
Before Dipus could grab her, Mary was already sprinting madly down the mountain range. Trees bent and dust clouds rose in her wake.
“Hah… I hope she doesn’t cause an uncontrollable accident like before. Maybe I should’ve chosen my words more carefully.”
A sudden wave of intense anxiety crept up the back of Dipus’s neck.
Dox McLoran still hadn’t fully recovered.
But after regaining Claw and reaching about 30% of his usual strength, Dox immediately left the free city of Tikan, leaving only this note behind.
(I won’t forget that you risked your life to bring me Numelus’s blood and that cursed thing. I admit, without your efforts, I would have died in vain and never devoted the rest of my life to the family.
Still, as a Black Knight, I cannot carry out your orders.
Instead, I will fulfill them as Dox McLoran. I will send a letter as soon as it’s done, so please know I haven’t broken my promise or fled.)
Surprisingly,
Dox slipped out of Tikan without being detected by anyone.
That meant the opposite was also true.
Joshua’s Black Knights hadn’t infiltrated Tikan not because they lacked the ability, but because Sirron had ordered them not to.
‘He’s not ungrateful. I didn’t expect him to leave a gift behind.’
Jin was well aware that Dox’s secret departure was a subtle message.
“Sir Valkas.”
“Yes, my lord.”
“Once all the equipment is moved, how much can Tikan’s security level improve compared to now?”
“That depends on how much you invest in security, my lord.”
“Whether manpower or money, allocate everything to the maximum.”
“That was my thought as well. You saw the message left by the departing Black Knight clearly. If a less-than-fully recovered Black Knight escaped so quickly, there’s no doubt about one in perfect condition.”
Valkas had pledged loyalty to Jin but also took every opportunity to test him. As a leader who had successfully commanded a large force before Jin, Valkas’s role was to challenge him. Jin appreciated this role.
“Very well, my lord. What comes next?”
When a power suddenly grows, the leader’s textbook options are to consolidate forces and organize the hierarchy.
Valkas hoped Jin wouldn’t give such a textbook answer.
“It’s time to consolidate forces and organize the hierarchy.”
“Tch.”
“But that’s not my job. Consolidation—or rather, maintaining morale—will be handled as much as possible by the existing Tikan personnel, excluding me. But organizing the hierarchy is each person’s responsibility. I won’t interfere.”
“You won’t interfere at all?”
“Since we’ve suddenly become family, isn’t conflict inevitable? If I step in, I’d have to take sides, so it’s better to let the winners and losers sort out the hierarchy themselves. But one rule: no killing or crippling each other. If that happens, I’ll personally be the one to cut heads.”
Valkas couldn’t help but applaud silently in his mind.
‘Rata Prochi… It’s almost strange that this young mad dog has been tamed. The kid the Third Army used to call the Young Emperor over a decade ago has now grown into a giant commanding me and the Black King’s Order.’
Suddenly, he recalled what Rata and Jett had said at last night’s drinking party.
—“Lord Valkas might actually be the lucky one here. I lost my most cherished subordinate, my only sibling was captured, and only after being beaten up for picking fights did I realize his true worth.”
—“As for me, thanks to my lord… haha, I literally went through hell. When I played Veradin Ziphl, I was so convincing. When I first came to Tikan, I was a complete beggar. I’d been living comfortably as a petty pest in the Akin Kingdom, but only after getting involved with my lord did I become someone of value.”
—“Meanwhile, the Black King’s Order lost only their stronghold and reputation, right? Even then, most of the key equipment in the stronghold remains intact, and as for reputation… I’m certain that when our lord ascends the throne of the world, the Black King’s Order will shine with a reputation dozens of times greater than before. That goes for me and this friend Jett as well.”
Valkas grinned broadly.
“An excellent answer, my lord. So, what is it that you intend to do?”
Without a moment’s hesitation, Jin replied,
“Recruit the mercenary Amela.”
That was the right answer.
“We have to bring her over. If that’s impossible, then we must at least keep her firmly in check.”