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Lata turned his head abruptly, meeting Veradin's gaze.
His eyes, which had been filled with anger, seemed to shake momentarily, as if taken aback by the sudden conversation.
It wasn't just Lata; others in the banquet hall also appeared surprised. This was because Veradin had mentioned a sensitive issue like the "Alliance between Runcandel and the Ghost Mercenaries" quite casually.
'What a funny guy,' Jin thought to himself. Veradin's impulsive behavior was unexpected and amusing.
Suddenly, he recalled the first day they had met at the transfer gate of Mitel, as he was heading to the Garden of Swords.
-Well, aren't you quite an interesting fellow, Jin Runcandel?
-I'm Veradin Zipfel. I only provoked you to test, but I apologize formally.
'At that time, I thought he was just an odd guy.'
In reality, Veradin was someone with a burning sense of justice, willing to risk his life to rectify his clan's wrongdoings. Those who used this kind-hearted idiot for their own gain were his greatest enemies.
'He seemed so carefree earlier, and even now, he appears to be helping me, but... I can't be sure if Veradin is in his right mind.'
Mind manipulation.
Jin didn't know much about that sinister magic. During the "Black Knight Assassination Mission," it had been limited to manipulating his mind to the extent of turning him into a killing machine, but since then, it was possible that mind manipulation magic had advanced, allowing for more subtle control outside of combat.
Even if his friend seemed to show signs of goodwill, he couldn't be trusted. That fact was unsettling and made Jin's stomach churn.
".... An alliance? What are you talking about, Veradin Zipfel?"
"Oh, you two looked quite friendly, so I assumed you had formed an alliance. Isn't that the case?"
"Are you here to make fun of me?"
"Huh? Why would you interpret it that way? Weren't we getting along?"
At least one person found it amusing to watch them.
However, as the three of them were such remarkable figures, it wasn't wise to interfere in their conversation, as it might lead to unexpected consequences. Especially with Lata, who seemed to be on edge, mocking him at this moment would only invite trouble.
Veradin, smiling, met Lata's gaze, which seemed ready to explode at any moment.
"Even if I consider the actions you showed us today as representing Zipfel, it wouldn't be too far off, right?"
"Haha, I'm not that impressive."
The sharp glances that had been directed at Jin were now focused on Veradin.
'Lata Proch, this human is something else too. To bare your fangs against Zipfel, even that just because you're in a bad mood.'
It was a testament to the strength of the Ghost Mercenaries, but in Jin's eyes, he seemed like an ignorant frog in a well.
'After Smarion Proch removed the Seigalga clan, which was leading the Ghost Mercenaries, Lata smoothly inherited the power. That's why his political capability is at the level of a firefly.'
However, despite his low status as the leader of a mercenary group, there was a reason he kept the position of leader.
'I wonder if it's his individual power or if it's Lata's leadership capability, which I'm unaware of.'
Maybe it's the latter, but if it was the former, then Jin didn't know what kind of sandcastle Lata's power might be.
As Jin was lost in thought, Lata turned his head again and glared at him.
"An alliance, you say? The Ghost Mercenaries do not ally with any faction. We have only contracts and clients. Jin Runcandel, I challenge you to a duel."
Cough, cough!
Faced with Lata's sudden challenge, Jin could only cough in disbelief.
'A duel? What kind of lunatic are you?'
Onlookers wore bewildered expressions, as no one had expected such a turn of events at Ron Hairan's banquet, held after 22 years. The appearance of an individual willing to engage in such madness was beyond anyone's expectations.
"Ghost Leader, Lata Proch!"
"Hail to Proch's devil!"
Amidst the stunned crowd, the voices of support for Lata came from one side of the onlookers. They were the members of the Ghost Mercenaries who had followed Lata.
"Why are you so surprised, Jin Runcandel?"
"I am sure the only ones who aren't taken aback by Sir Lata's actions are the Ghost mercenaries."
"You are not going to back down, are you?"
"I refuse."
"Lacking confidence, are we?"
"This is a banquet hosted by Sir Ron. Fighting here would be an insult to Sir Ron."
"Then we can settle it after the banquet is over."
In this situation, there was no choice but to accept the challenge.
'I'd have preferred to avoid a fight and have him join me as an ally, but I guess there's no choice. Well, these types of people don't know when to give up.'
Jin shrugged his shoulders.
"Fair enough. However, I'm not interested in defeating weaker opponents."
Somehow, it seemed like a thread of reason in Lata's mind had snapped.
"Tell me again."
"Not too long ago, I fought against the entire Runcandel. And you could even call the result a kind of victory. Do you think it would be exhilarating for me to fight against Sir Lata?"
Lata's pupils dilated, and the buzz of conversation around them instantly fell silent.
The silence wasn't a result of Jin's effective provocation; it was because the onlookers were shocked by the statement that he had fought against the entire Runcandel.
"I heard you've got guts and a sharp tongue to match, and it turns out it's true. You know how to handle a sword, I assume?"
"I was looking after you. But when you cross the line to this extent, there must be consequences. Let's have the duel. However, it wouldn't be appropriate to fight just like that. As you may know, I'm a businessman."
"You're suggesting a wager for the duel?"
"Isn't there something you need from me?"
"Before I kill you, I'll have you sign a blood oath then."
"Blood oath or whatever, if you win, I'll grant whatever you desire. Whether you take my life or engage in any act that can humiliate me while I'm still breathing, it's all fair game. But if I win."
Jin smirked as he finished his sentence.
"The Ghost Mercenaries will fulfill one of my requests."
We have only contracts and clients.
That statement caught Jin's attention. After defeating Lata, he planned to use it as a leash around his neck.
"Very well."
"There are many onlookers. I hope you won't disappoint them later by changing your mind. You may now withdraw."
When the conversation ended, Lata didn't appear as angry as he had at first. Instead, his eyes sparkled with elation, and a smile graced his face.
He was excited at the prospect of crushing Jin. And that's what people were thinking as they watched him.
Veradin had actually made Jin's situation more complicated by pretending to help him. With just a few words, he had pushed Jin into a duel with Lata, and whether Jin won or lost, Zipfel wouldn't suffer any losses, so the interpretation wasn't entirely incorrect.
"What a hot-tempered person you are, Ghost Leader. I just came to say hello, and he got jealous, huh? How have you been, Jin?"
Veradin said cheerfully, extending his hand for a handshake.
Seeing his demeanor, a mixture of emotions crossed Jin's mind for a moment.
Onlookers couldn't help but be captivated once again by intense curiosity. They couldn't figure out the connection between the 12th flagbearer of Runcandel and the next patriarch of Zipfel, or whether Veradin was just provoking.
"It doesn't seem like we're on friendly terms, Veradin Zipfel."
Jin immediately addressed their curiosity.
"Why would you say that? It is harsh!"
Veradin exaggerated his expression.
Jin chose not to respond and completely ignored him. Whether Veradin was behaving like this of his own accord or being manipulated for nefarious purposes, it was not a good idea to show a close relationship with him right now.
Especially when it had only been a few days since Jin declared his intention to break the disgraceful oath between Zipfel and Runcandel.
Whether Veradin was acting under manipulation or not, Jin couldn't be sure of Veradin's intentions. In the end, Veradin withdrew his outstretched hand and left, still wearing his characteristic wide smile.
Naturally, the onlookers also dispersed. From this day on, their words would spread far and wide, carrying the story of Jin, Veradin, and Lata with them.
And on the top floor of the banquet hall, hidden from view, there was someone who had been watching the recent commotion with displeasure.
"Dante."
Ron Hairan, seeing young blood who dared to create a scene at his own banquet without fear, was beyond exasperated.
"Yes, Grandfather."
"Must you associate with people like them? There are plenty of fine young men in the world."
"Those two are fighting and struggling against their respective clans, unlike me. So, to me, they are cherished friends because they are better than me."
"Haha, it seems you value those misfits more than this old man."
"That's not true!"
Ron mussed Dante's hair with a smile.
"But speaking of misfits, it is true for the Runcandel's scoundrel but what's the story with that Zipfel's idiot opposing his clan? I've heard that unlike Jin, Veradin was designated as the next patriarch and has been enjoying all sorts of privileges for a long time."
Dante had not yet told Ron about Veradin's mind manipulation.
Bringing up that issue would mean that Hairan would have to make a choice.
Whether to turn the world's number one clan, which is capable of 'mind manipulation,' against their enemy or continue to build a slow friendship like now.
It was a decision that Dante, as the young patriarch, had to make carefully when discussing Veradin with the patriarch.
Dante made up his mind a long time ago, but he hasn't had the right opportunity.
"Grandfather, if I were to tell you that magic can manipulate human minds and memories as one wishes, would you believe me?"
As Dante spoke with a serious tone, Ron's eyes deepened.
"For the past few years, Zipfel has used mind manipulation magic on Veradin, perhaps even longer. They have manipulated Veradin like a puppet. Despite that, Veradin has opposed the secret misdeeds of his clan."
"Go on."
Dante began explaining the events that had been hidden behind the scenes of the Holy Kingdom's incidents. Veradin setting fire to the gold bars, the Specter Corps pursuing Jin, Veradin's diary and confessions, and more.
"I would never have shared my thoughts with you if it was simply a decision I made as a friend out of pity. However, as the Hairan's young patriarch, I believe that Zipfel, with their manipulation abilities, is an evil force that must be eliminated."
"So, your argument is that we should now form an alliance with Runcandel and counter Zipfel."
"Yes, Grandfather."
Without hesitation, Ron shook his head.
"Dante, my grandson. Normally, in situations like this, what you should expect is for Runcandel and Zipfel to fight each other until they destroy each other. Or, for the two clans to engage in a war until one weakens, and you can conqueror both of them."