Chapter 72
Episode 24: Twisting Two Fates (Part 4)
“As soon as I arrived in Tikan, I’ve already revealed my true identity to two people.”
Kashimir the Swordmaster and Quikantel the Silver Dragon.
Kashimir was already an ally, and Quikantel was very likely to become one as well. Jin wondered if any previous candidates had ever openly revealed their identities like this, but in the end, it didn’t really matter.
“What’s the harm in breaking a few family rules? I was doomed the moment I learned magic anyway. This life is mine to live as I please.”
Honestly, Jin felt a strange thrill every time he broke one of his family’s strict rules.
He formally introduced himself to Quikantel.
“Hmm, so you’re that Jin Runkandel. I suspected as much when I sensed the energy of Temar, but it’s still fascinating.”
“I’m the one who finds you fascinating, Quikantel. They say you’re the Silver Dragon of Time, but seeing your power to rewind time firsthand left me speechless.”
“Not sure if that’s something the guy who cut my wing should be saying. Hmm, the reason I said I find you fascinating is because Enya has mentioned you a few times.”
“You mean the contractor of Olta talks about me?”
“Yes. Until recently, the world’s news was buzzing about your five-star achievement. Enya read it and told me a few times how, even though you’re both fifteen, you’re so different from her that she respects you.”
“Ha, respect might be a bit much… We’ve never even met face to face, so that’s a little embarrassing. But she must have incredible potential to become a divine contractor.”
“That’s right, Quikantel. Why are you suddenly flattering a kid like that? If this brat gets spoiled, you’re the one responsible.”
Jin and Quikantel naturally ignored Murakan and continued their conversation.
“I think she’d really like you if she met you in person. How about staying in Biment for a while before meeting Buretta?”
Quikantel said it would take about a week to summon Buretta.
It would be ideal to meet immediately and get everything sorted, but Buretta was a dragon who accompanied Ziphl’s deputy governor. Not someone you could just meet anytime.
“Enya will also need time to settle things, and I’d appreciate it if you explained to her why you have to leave Biment. She seems to have some illusions about you, so it might help her understand better.”
Jin nodded.
Not just to convince Enya, but staying in Biment was advantageous for meeting Buretta.
Quikantel had already chosen this deserted island where they stood as the place to summon Buretta.
Because even a large-scale battle here wouldn’t cause problems—just like earlier, when Jin and Murakan fought Quikantel without any interference.
“Quikantel, where should Murakan and I stay in Biment? Using the capital’s lodgings is too risky; too many eyes watching.”
Biment wasn’t a small country like Akin. Especially in the capital, there were people who might recognize Jin—lower-ranked royals and members of the Dragon King’s Knights lived there.
“Oh, don’t worry. I have a house. Plenty of spare rooms.”
“W-wait a minute. Your house? Just buy us a small, out-of-the-way place. I’ll pay you back later. After all, we’ve split up—living under the same roof is a bit awkward, isn’t it?”
“Stop making a fuss, Murakan. I’m just talking business.”
“Hah! You were the one making a fuss earlier!”
“Let’s just forget what’s past. We need to keep work and personal separate.”
It was ridiculous, but Jin figured arguing further was pointless. Murakan just sighed, trembling with frustration.
Jin and Murakan snuck into Biment hidden beneath Quikantel’s wings. Murakan couldn’t transform freely in Biment, so this was their only option.
Quikantel’s house was nestled deep in the forest on the outskirts of the capital. It was built by Enya herself, who became Quikantel’s contractor and came to Biment.
The entire exterior was made of logs, giving it a stylish look. The pleasant scent of wood lightly filled the air.
“Wait a moment. I’ll tidy up inside before you come in.”
“Take your time.”
Even dragons don’t want to show a messy room to an ex, huh? Jin shrugged as Quikantel stepped inside.
“So, Murakan, how does it feel to suddenly be living with your ex?”
“Ha… don’t even ask. I’m a mess right now.”
Murakan couldn’t take his eyes off the log cabin.
“Damn it… He built it exactly like the house we used to live in. It’s obvious why he brought me here.”
Seeing the house from those days didn’t rekindle Murakan’s old feelings for Quikantel.
What troubled him were the memories.
A thousand years ago, they often partied here with Temar and Quikantel.
One was dead without even a grave, and the other was an ex. The past suddenly felt bitter.
“You can come in now.”
As Jin stepped inside, he couldn’t help but chuckle.
“Did he really clean up? Quikantel seems a bit clumsy.”
Though Quikantel had hurried to tidy up, clothes were scattered around and empty bottles rolled on the floor.
“Want something to drink?”
“Just cold water for me.”
“Murakan?”
“Bring a few bottles of alcohol. Damn it, this is why I hated coming to your place.”
“You came here first and disturbed my peace. And I really don’t mean anything by this. If you don’t like it, go somewhere else.”
“Fine.”
Murakan grumbled and flopped onto the living room sofa.
Before Quikantel could bring the drinks, Murakan suddenly fell asleep, snoring loudly.
“What’s wrong, Murakan? Falling asleep just like that?”
“…It’s probably because of the fight earlier. I got bitten all over and used a huge amount of energy, so I’m exhausted.”
“Oh… I didn’t notice since you looked fine just now.”
Pop.
Quikantel popped open a bottle of alcohol he’d brought for Murakan and poured himself a drink.
“Jin Runkandel.”
“Yes?”
“I’m helping you because of my loyalty to Temar and concern for Enya. But the biggest reason is that guy asleep over there.”
“Hm.”
Jin had no response. He could only think that Quikantel must still have deep feelings for Murakan.
But what Quikantel said next was something else entirely.
“That guy still doesn’t fully realize how weak he’s become.”
At his peak, Murakan was known as the strongest among dragons. Even the fire dragons, born solely for battle, avoided facing him.
Other dragons had a vertical relationship with the gods, but Murakan was on equal footing with Solderet—a truly exceptional dragon.
But not anymore. Thanks to Jin, he was slowly regaining his energy, but he was nowhere near his prime.
“Right now, Murakan can’t stand up to Buretta. I didn’t say this earlier out of respect for his pride, but if he has to fight Buretta, I’ll fight in his place.”
“Is Buretta really that strong?”
“She is, but Murakan’s just too weak now. When I charged at him in the sea earlier like I was going to kill him, that would’ve been nothing to Murakan a thousand years ago.”
Quikantel drained his glass in one go.
The way she kept refilling her cup looked somewhat lonely.
“I’m telling you this so you know. If I told Murakan, he’d stubbornly refuse help.”
Jin nodded calmly.
“He seemed a bit crazy when we first met, but it’s good to see he has some sense.”
Snore, snore…
Murakan’s loud snoring echoed indifferently.
“Jin Runkandel, what will you do if it’s revealed that Buretta kidnapped Latri? If I help you kill or subdue Buretta, Ziphl won’t just stand by.”
“Well, I am a Runkandel… It’s natural to be at odds with Ziphl.”
“Interesting answer. Should I take that to mean you haven’t thought about the consequences?”
“Not that I haven’t thought about it, but I don’t have a detailed plan yet. For now, saving Az Mil’s contractor is the priority.”
“You’re quite close with Az Mil’s contractor, then?”
“No, I just met her the day before yesterday.”
Quikantel’s eyes widened as she stared at Jin.
“What?”
“I just couldn’t stand by and watch a kid die. Az Mil’s contractor is a little girl named Yuria, only five years old.”
“So you’re willing to risk your life fighting Buretta for a kid you met just two days ago? As a Runkandel candidate, provoking all of Ziphl?”
“Something like that.”
“Haha… You really are the reincarnation of Temar. Every move you make reminds me of him. Fascinating.”
“I’ve been meaning to ask—were you also very close to the first head of the family, Quikantel-nim?”
“Close? You could say that. Temar was a true friend, someone I could trust with everything. The three of us—Temar, Murakan, and I—had some good times together.”
“Then why did Murakan lose to the first head and go into a thousand-year slumber?”
It was a question Jin had wondered about for a while. He’d asked Murakan a few times but never got a straight answer.
“That’s something you should hear directly from Murakan when the time is right. He’ll tell you when he’s ready.”
So there was a story behind it, after all.
Jin nodded, content to leave it at that. There was no need to pry any further right now.
Just then, as a comfortable silence settled between them, footsteps sounded outside the door. The creak of the gate opening, and a girl stepped inside.
It was Enya.
“Quikantel-nim, I’m here… huh? Who are these people?”
Enya said, then quickly bowed deeply to Jin. Whoever they were, she sensed they were of higher status than herself.
“Sit here, Enya. This is Jin Runkandel, and that sprawling figure over there is Yong—an old friend of mine.”
“Oh, yes. Jin Runkandel-nim. Nice to meet you… Jin Runkandel!?”
Suddenly, Enya’s eyes lit up, and she practically dashed right up to Jin’s face. Her cheeks flushed with excitement.
“I-I’m a fan! Prince Jin! It’s an honor to meet you!”
Quikantel rubbed his forehead, while Jin could only manage an awkward smile.
“Enya, maybe try to keep some dignity as a contractor?”
“Ah, sorry, Quikantel-nim! But Prince Jin! Are you really Prince Jin? Oh my goodness! Oh my god! The prince is right here in front of me! Ohhh!”
Enya was a girl who clearly held Jin in something of a reverential, almost idealized light.