Episode 84
Chapter 29: The Fearsome Family
“A, a favor…?”
The Tona brothers both tilted their heads in confusion.
They were already amazed that the youngest had returned alive from the study, but now he was suddenly asking for a favor? It was all too much to process.
“Ah, it’s nothing big… Just about my faction’s cadets. I want you guys to keep an eye on them until I get back. I’ll tell the kids before I leave.”
Before the Tona brothers could respond, Jin was already walking away. He needed to inform Luna and Gilly, who must be worried, that everything had been settled.
“The youngest hasn’t changed at all… He really did just see Father, right?”
“Yeah.”
Watching Jin’s retreating figure, the Tona brothers shrugged.
“But why were we so worried about him? What’s so special about that kid?”
“Who knows?”
“Well, anyway, the youngest wants us to look after his faction’s cadets. Heh, looks like the mid-level power is ours again.”
Meanwhile, outside, the brothers who had been pressuring Luna and Gilly were utterly shocked the moment Jin emerged unharmed from the mansion.
Especially Mua and Ann, who most wished for Jin’s death, went pale as ghosts.
“Looks like Father had a good talk with the youngest. Everyone, put your swords away, before we all get killed.”
Luna’s low voice prompted the brothers and the guardian knights to hurriedly sheathe their weapons.
The knight who had been pressing a sword to Gilly’s neck even fainted, eyes rolling back, overwhelmed by the deadly aura Luna emitted.
“Damn it, that youngest kid… He always manages to survive somehow…!”
Mua and Ann ground their teeth, while Mary smiled softly at Jin.
“Luna, you should visit Father. He seems curious about some details from that day.”
“Alright, I will.”
“And I have a task from Father to complete, so I’ll be heading to the teleportation gate for a bit. See you later.”
“Teleportation gate? Hmm, not sure what kind of task that is, but alright. See you.”
Jin and Luna exchanged words calmly, as if nothing was amiss.
No one else could make sense of their conversation.
‘That day’s incident?’
‘Teleportation gate? Could he be planning to leave and then come back to the Sword Garden?’
‘What does it mean that Father gave him a task!?’
There was no chance to ask. The brothers exchanged suspicious glances, unsure what to make of it.
“Let’s go, Gilly.”
“Y-Yes, Young Master.”
Gilly seemed just as surprised that things had gone so smoothly. Soon, the two left the Sword Garden, while Luna headed back to the study.
The brothers left behind could only stand there, dumbfounded.
Three hours later, back in Siron’s study.
Jin faced Siron with a confident expression, while Siron, though hiding it well, looked somewhat flustered.
“…No wonder you weren’t fazed when you heard the exam details. That confidence wasn’t unfounded.”
Siron chuckled lowly, his gaze landing on Kashimir.
Kashimir had just arrived at the Sword Garden with Jin via the teleportation gate, keeping his identity hidden.
‘This is Siron Runkandel, the world’s strongest knight. Just standing before him makes me feel sick.’
Kashimir had declined Siron’s repeated offers to become a junior cadet instructor.
His mission to build Tikan into a nation wouldn’t benefit from Siron’s teaching experience—in fact, it might hinder it.
So to Kashimir, Siron was someone he’d rather avoid meeting. If Siron took offense at Kashimir’s refusals, there’d be no way out.
And if Siron openly declared his intention to annex Tikan, Kashimir would have few options to resist.
‘I came because Prince Jin asked, but this is incredibly uncomfortable. Have I been foolish to refuse this man’s requests all along?’
Seeing Siron in person, Kashimir felt an overwhelming presence beyond any rumors. Though a formidable warrior himself, he instinctively knew his swordsmanship was child’s play compared to Siron’s.
‘This is the true majesty of an absolute power.’
Still, he resolved not to be intimidated.
He reminded himself, glancing at Jin, ‘I am Prince Jin’s guest. There’s no need to fear Siron…’
“You’re the famed swordsman Kashimir, right?”
“Y-Yes! But, well, calling me a swordsman in front of Siron is embarrassing, so you can leave that title off!”
Kashimir blurted out nervously, barely aware of what he was saying.
Inside, tears threatened to fall; outside, cold sweat dripped down his face. He didn’t even feel embarrassed that Jin was watching.
‘My life’s a mess. Last time I almost got beaten by Murakan, and now I’m making a fool of myself before Siron…’
Since meeting Jin, it seemed he kept facing tougher and tougher people.
“Father.”
“Speak.”
“My relationship with Siron is, well, like a shared destiny… It’s time for you to keep your promise.”
As Jin spoke clearly, Kashimir doubted his own ears.
‘How can Prince Jin be so confident in front of Siron? And shared destiny? I was the one who said that, but to say it in front of Siron…!’
Dark futures flashed through Kashimir’s mind.
Kashimir, you and my son share a destiny? Then Tikan belongs to Runkandel.
Shared destiny… So Runkandel and Tikan could become one.
Then from today, Runkandel and Tikan are bound by fate! Hahaha!
He imagined Siron laughing and saying such things.
Of course, this was just Kashimir’s fearful imagination.
“Trick me, will you?”
Contrary to Kashimir’s fears, Siron looked down at Jin with a kindly expression.
In truth, Siron was quite pleased. He didn’t know how Jin had managed to win over Kashimir, but the youngest always exceeded his expectations.
“Trick you? Not at all. I just got lucky. Actually, I had already formed a bond with Siron as soon as I arrived in Tikan.”
“Good. In any case, you’ve passed the test. From today on, no Runkandel may set foot on Tikan without your permission. Even I, Siron Runkandel.”
“Thank you, Father.”
“Then you may leave. I have some matters to discuss with Kashimir.”
Jin bowed and left the study.
Left alone with Siron, Kashimir cleared his throat awkwardly, staring after Jin.
“Don’t be so nervous. People might think I’m going to devour you.”
“H-Haha… Sorry, Siron. Honestly, facing you in person fills me with awe.”
Siron said nothing and approached the table with the tea set, brewing a cup and offering it to Kashimir.
Kashimir accepted the cup with utmost politeness.
“The reason I sent the youngest away and left you behind…”
Kashimir swallowed hard, fearing the conversation might turn to annexation or a reprimand for refusing the instructor position.
Siron continued.
“There’s one favor I want to ask.”
The word ‘favor’ made Kashimir’s heart drop, but as a leader and future king, he steadied himself.
‘I can’t keep acting like a fool. If he demands Tikan, I’ll refuse firmly!’
Meeting Siron’s gaze, Kashimir said, “Please, Siron. If it harms nothing in Tikan, I will gladly help with anything.”
Though Kashimir tried to set boundaries, Siron seemed unfazed. Kashimir struggled to calm his burning anxiety, waiting for Siron’s next words.
“From now on…”
“Yes, Siron.”
“Keep me informed of the youngest’s growth without fail. I think he needs to be watched closely.”
It was completely unexpected.
‘…At least it’s not about annexation. And it shows how much Siron cares for Prince Jin.’
That Siron Runkandel himself made such a request made Kashimir even more curious about Jin.
‘I sensed he was extraordinary from the start, but for Siron to watch him this closely… According to the Seven-Colored Bird’s intel, Siron doesn’t even care this much about Joshua, the next head of the family.’
Kashimir nodded.
“That won’t be difficult, Siron. Just open a direct line, and I’ll keep you updated without fail.”
For Kashimir, this was a golden opportunity. It meant owing Siron a favor, and gaining a direct communication channel.
Being able to contact Siron Runkandel anytime was no small privilege—something even the Emperor of Biment lacked.
“Thank you. If you handle this well, I won’t forget it. And no one else must know about this—only you.”
“Of course. I’ll keep it secret, even from Lord Jin.”
“Before you go, the guardian knight Kan will give you an address. Report everything there. If any special incidents arise, come find me personally and tell me. I’ll have some good liquor ready.”
“Thank you, Lord Siron.”
“You may take your leave.”
Just as Kashimir bowed and turned to leave the study, Siron spoke again.
“Oh, and one more thing…”
“Yes? Please go on.”
“You’ll need to stay sharp. The youngest said even Runkandel isn’t enough for him yet. I expect you and Tikan to grow quickly. He’s someone who’ll truly covet what you have.”
Until Kashimir left again with Jin to return to Tikan, he never got the chance to meet the guardian knight Kan.
They said they’d open a direct line… Should I try to see him again when Lord Jin isn’t around?
Lost in thought, Kashimir absentmindedly slipped his hand into his pocket—and felt a piece of unfamiliar paper.
A note.
“Pleasure to meet you, Lord Kashimir. I am Kan, guardian knight of Runkandel. The address the head of the family mentioned is…”
Unbeknownst to Kashimir, Kan had already been watching him. And without him noticing, had slipped the note into his pocket.
A chill ran down Kashimir’s spine as he realized this.
So from the start, someone like me could be erased without a trace. Runkandel… what a terrifying family.
Kashimir quietly shifted his gaze to Jin—perhaps the boy destined to become the future head of this fearsome house.
“How does it feel to have gained freedom from Runkandel, Tikan?” Lord Kashimir asked.
“It’s all a bit surreal. But I look forward to the days ahead with Lord Jin,” Tikan replied.
Kashimir quickly hid the note and forced a smile.