Chapter 593
Episode 155. Once Again, to Laprarosa (1)
Surprisingly, Quaul and Valeria seemed to get along quite well.
“Wow, my lord. That cold lady really has Quaul wrapped around her finger. The same man who used to boast loudly to you now behaves like a meek lamb.”
Quaul, with his characteristic arrogance displayed back at the cabin, was like a human version of Murakan.
When he first introduced himself to the group, he claimed to be the most precious being in the world and even joked that he would speak informally to everyone—telling them to hit him if they felt offended.
Of course, it wasn’t out of malice or genuine disdain; it was just that, like Murakan, his tone was a bit rough, and his abilities were exceptional, so the others accepted it.
Though he grumbled occasionally, he was especially kind to the younger members, so there was no need to put him in his place.
Yet, as Jet had said, Quaul maintained a proper and respectful attitude toward Valeria, reminding the others of Murakan. It was like watching Murakan interact with Jin when they needed to secure a rare collection of spring paintings.
“…Ah, so that part could be solved just by doing as you said! I was trying to fix everything too technically.”
“That’s a common mistake among engineers. Even a five-star level mage can easily amplify the effects of that rod device.”
“Assuming you mastered the spell you created with me in just ten minutes. While working at Ziphl, I had many prodigious mages as assistants, but none of them came up with such an idea and immediately crafted a spell on the spot. You’re on a whole different level!”
“If you’re an eight-star or higher mage, it’s even possible to produce more than ten effects with a single rod device. Let’s stop here for today—I imagine your head must be spinning.”
“Agreed! I feel like I need to organize the device improvements you just mentioned right away. By the way, when’s our next meeting? Just tell me—I’ll adjust my work schedule to yours.”
“I’ll set a time by this evening and let you know.”
Quaul immediately pulled out a pen and began jotting down notes, while the others watched Valeria turn away with an air of pride, silently admiring her.
Jin felt a strange warmth seeing Valeria’s studious side again after so long—like a proud apprentice admiring her master.
“There’s no one luckier than you, Jin Runcandel. Not only do you have my support, but you’ve even managed to recruit someone like her.”
“That’s largely thanks to you. One of Quaul’s conditions was to have a record mage as his assistant. Though, as I expected, it seems Quaul ended up being the one with the assistant, not me.”
“As expected?”
Valeria locked eyes with Jin.
She was aware that Jin spoke as if he knew her well.
“Hmm, I just said that because I can’t imagine you being anyone’s assistant.”
Jin quickly covered up, realizing his slip.
‘When my master gains record magic at the level of a past life… will she find out about my regression then?’
He wondered how Valeria would react, and the thought made his chest tighten.
Yet, on the other hand, he felt that only she could fully unravel his secret.
If the day came when Valeria could access all of Jin Runcandel’s records and share them with their comrades, there would be no need to explain any of their past actions.
As a regressor, Jin might carry some guilt or responsibility, but there was nothing shameful about it.
“You sometimes speak as if you know me well.”
Valeria’s blunt remark made Jin calmly nod.
“Anyone who’s seen you even once would think the same. And you called me by name as if you already knew me the moment you saw me.”
They stared at each other in silence for a while. Valeria recalled the Jin she had seen in her dreams long ago, and Jin remembered her from his past life.
‘From Jet’s perspective… there’s no way this is just an ordinary relationship. Has my lord ever looked at a woman with those eyes before?’
‘Not that I know of, Jet.’
‘Right? Lord Valkas thinks the same. Ha, this is going to drive Lady Enya crazy. And what about the young lady of the Bihun family? If Lady Thalaris hears about this…’
‘You two should change the subject. Even if Valeria doesn’t hear, the young lord might be listening.’
As Gilly said, Jin caught the gist of Valkas and Jet’s conversation. Valeria seemed unaware.
‘Even if she did hear, she wouldn’t show any interest or reaction.’
Valeria naturally averted her gaze first.
“Anyway, I didn’t expect you to bring such an engineer in such a short time. Quaul’s abilities will be a great help with my personal work as well. Prepare a room in Tikan for me—I think I’ll be spending a lot more time here.”
“Pick any vacant room you like. Ask Gilly or Jet for anything you need.”
“Got it.”
“And, Valeria.”
“Yes?”
“Thank you.”
“For what?”
“For not harming Veradin and Sandra Ziphl. It must have been a golden opportunity for you.”
“I didn’t just let them go because of their relationship with you. I judged that sparing them would cause greater damage to Ziphl later on.”
That was a lie.
Valeria only checked the records proving Veradin wouldn’t betray their friends after they had left.
Before seeing those records, even Valeria couldn’t be sure of Veradin’s true feelings.
Moreover, regardless of Veradin’s sincerity, how Ziphl would use him later could cause problems for her.
So, Valeria simply decided to trust Jin for now.
“…Also, it’s been a long time since I’ve looked at that kind of record. With my current record magic, it’s usually hard to read such deeply personal thoughts.”
“How then?”
“It means Veradin’s true feelings for you and Dante Hiran are so deep that even my record magic can detect them. I hope he doesn’t forget those feelings and leads the charge to destroy Ziphl.”
Veradin’s goal wasn’t Ziphl’s destruction but purification.
Naturally, that would weaken Ziphl, and Valeria planned to annihilate them then.
“Let me warn you in advance: no matter how close someone is to you, to me they’re just Ziphl. The ones who destroyed my roots and family. Whenever I bring down him and his clan, if you stand in my way, our alliance ends there.”
Jin didn’t respond, and Valeria passed by him, walking away.
Watching Jin stand there blankly, Jet fussed, wondering if his lord had been rejected.
Late May, 1800.
The truce agreement between Runcandel and Ziphl was officially announced. The venue was the central plaza of the imperial capital—the very place where the emperor had been executed.
Never before had such a crowd gathered there since the empire’s founding.
People from all over the world had come to witness the truce between the two great houses.
From Runcandel, the Black Knight Captain Stam represented them, and from Ziphl, Octavia stood as their representative.
The public assumed that since Siron was at the Black Sea, other high-ranking members were sent instead, but the choice of these two was a courtesy from Runcandel. Unlike Rosa, Keliak was still unable to attend.
“…With this, the announcement of the truce between the two great houses is complete. On behalf of the empire, I express gratitude to these two houses for their great decision. Our empire will also do its utmost, alongside these houses, to alleviate the world’s suffering.”
As Dante, the witness, finished speaking, cheers erupted from the crowd. The atmosphere felt more like a declaration of peace than a mere truce.
With the contaminated areas expanding, the people hoped that whoever was responsible would quickly restore the world.
However, those familiar with the political situation—warlords, nobles, politicians—knew this truce was a fragile peace at best, lasting only a few years. To them, it was just a clearer division between friend and foe.
Though Dante was the witness, all of Hiran’s attendees sided with Runcandel, while the imperial family sat with Ziphl.
After the announcement, Hiran handed over the preserved bodies and belongings of the two houses, and Runcandel and Ziphl returned to their lands for memorial services.
The Garden of Swords had long displayed black flags in mourning. After the ceremonies, more swords were planted in the ground, and black helmets were placed in the mausoleum.
Then Jin went to Rosa’s office for a private meeting.
This was Jin’s first return to the Garden of Swords since the war ended.
Normally impossible, the family members no longer openly showed hostility toward him.
Even the elders of the Black Sword Society refrained from criticizing Jin’s return. Rosa had ordered them to ensure he behaved properly.
From the moment Rosa risked everything to save Jin during the Sword Emperor War, his status as the next family head had effectively been solidified.
“You’re late.”
Rosa spoke in a dry voice. Jin deliberately avoided looking at the chaos barely concealed beneath her clothes.
“I had a lot to do.”
“There should have been results.”
She referred to the mechanical devices and blueprints. Rosa was also curious if Jin had found any clues about the ‘Chaos Corruption.’
“You seem impatient, Mother.”
“Now you’re being insolent to me?”
“I only meant to express my concern.”
Rosa smiled.
“You’re the one who’s more desperate than you expected. Seems like you’re worried I might rush into negotiations with the prophet.”
“I won’t deny it. After today, I plan to leave Inse for a while.”
At those words, Rosa’s eyes narrowed sharply.