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As if anticipating the reaction, Dante calmly looked at his grandfather.
His gaze troubled Ron's heart.
The grandson he had in mind, Dante, was a resilient human being.
No one in Hairan had ever imagined that his naturally frail and diminutive grandson would become the next patriarch.
Although Ron's overwhelming support played a significant role in Dante becoming the young patriarch, behind that support lay relentless training.
Dante's struggles as he shouted to the point where his throat went hoarse, climbing the stairs of the sword, were a source of inspiration for Ron that the world had never seen.
It was an achievement far beyond what people commonly referred to as extraordinary mental strength or determination.
Even the transcendent martial artists who reached the 10-stars needed an incredibly powerful and rare will to do such training.
It had been 17 years since all that training began when he was just five years old.
Anyone who could endure or withstand such brutal growth, or even those who could, would inevitably harbor a profound demon deep within them.
That's why Ron believed his grandson wouldn't be an entirely kind and just person.
The world was not a fairy tale. Sometimes, one had to be as ruthless as Runcandel without hesitation, and at other times, as two-faced as Zipfel. Like all other powerful clans, there were times when he had to do all sorts of dirty deeds.
To achieve such deeds without any guilt was the basic principle of becoming the leader of a group.
However, contrary to his belief, Dante, whom he had observed all along, had never once been swayed from innate good nature.
'Yes, Dante. My grandson. You used to be that kind of kid.'
Suddenly, such a thought crossed Ron's mind.
Whether Dante became the patriarch or rolled in the mud, it's his wish to wield power and rule the world.
'What you've endured all these painful days was to maintain yourself. Or perhaps you just liked swinging your sword.'
If he looked at it from a slightly different perspective.
Thanks to his extraordinary will, Dante might have preserved his unique upright nature all these years.
Anyone could be tempted at least once.
The temptation to become stronger more easily, the temptation to seize power more easily, the temptation to eliminate competitors more easily...
His grandson had never shown any interest in such temptations. He had simply swung his sword silently.
"...That is a value that only you possess, my grandson."
"Grandfather?"
When Dante expressed doubt at Ron's unrelated words, Ron smiled faintly.
"Dante, we cannot form an alliance with Runcandel. No one in our family desires that," Ron said gravely.
Dante nodded heavily, replying, "I understand that."
"However, when Zipfel uses mind manipulation magic in the future, we will need a means to prevent it," Ron continued, placing his hand on Dante's shoulder.
"I think that Jin Runcandel is looking for the means or perhaps already possesses it."
Slowly, Dante's eyes widened.
"So, instead of you becoming a person of Runcandel, make Jin Runcandel become your subordinate. Then, when you become the patriarch, no one will oppose your decisions."
"Grandfather!"
"Of course, that's only possible if your friend is equally useful at that time," Ron added nonchalantly.
It was an unexpected story for Dante. He knew very well that his grandfather was sometimes more rational than anyone else.
However, despite that, Ron's subtle approval of Dante's opinion implied the seriousness of the matter called "mind manipulation."
No matter how strong a martial artist might be, if their mind were manipulated, they could unwittingly act for Zipfel.
'If Zipfel's mind manipulation is as advanced as Dante described, and if it continues to progress, anyone could become like that. The Hairan swords who will assist Dante, Dante himself, and even me,' Ron worried.
That was precisely what Ron was concerned about.
Mind manipulation had never appeared in the world's power structure until now.
'The factions aware of Zipfel's mind manipulation are likely to be extremely limited. Even I just learned about it through Dante... Within Runcandel itself, besides that devil fellow, there may not be many who know.'
Chiron Runcandel.
Ron wondered if his lifelong adversary knew about this fact..
'Even if he knows, there must be a reason that monster is not leaving the Black Sea,' Ron thought.
Ron shifted his gaze to Jin.
Not only he but everyone was looking at Jin.
Originally, Ron intended to use this gathering to publicly announce once again that Dante would be the next patriarch.
He also wanted to make it clear to Dante's brothers, who seemed to have other ideas lately.
He wanted to tell them that supporting Dante was the only way for them to establish a foothold in the Sword Emperor Castle.
However, the unwelcome guest was playing the role of the center of attention at his own banquet after 22 years, which did not sit well with Ron.
'Now that it's come to this, I might as well make some use of that fellow for Dante's sake,' Ron thought, stroking his beard.
"Do you understand?" he asked Dante.
"Yes, Grandfather. I'll keep it in mind," Dante replied.
"Haha, good. Now that it seems all the guests have gathered, it's time to announce the start of the banquet."
Clap...!
As Ron lightly clapped his hands, the chaotic banquet hall fell silent in an instant. Even though it was just a clap, there was a deep and imposing aura contained within it, and those who had reached a certain level could sense Ron's accomplished martial prowess.
Naturally, everyone turned their gaze towards Ron and Dante.
"Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for coming all this way to the Sword Emperor Castle. I, Ron Hairan, patriarch of the Hairan clan, welcome you."
Ron waved his hand towards the applauding guests for a while, thanking them.
Normally, the next step would have been an expression of gratitude for the 'royalty' who had arranged this gathering.
However, as if implying that the royalty were of no concern, Ron continued with his next words.
"I have organized this banquet today to celebrate my grandson who is present here, Dante Hairan. As you all know, I'm famous for having great expectations for my grandson. I believe that this young man will soon inherit my sword. There have been many sleepless nights for me as I think about it."
The royalty showed no sign of displeasure at being clearly ignored.
Instead, they responded with light laughter to Ron's words.
This revealed how much power Ron wielded in the Vermont Empire.
'Even if there were an Emperor present instead of the royalty, Ron Hairan would not have expressed separate thanks to him," Jin thought, looking at the imperial family's table.
The mystics of the Empire.
In Huphester, people referred to the imperial family of Vermont as 'mystics.'
It was because they rarely took a leading role, except for the 'Emperor.'
The Vermont imperial family often attended gatherings like this involving powerful figures or important Imperial events.
'Yet, the reason the imperial family held such influence comparable to figures like Ron Hairan and other dignitaries was due to their role in recruiting the Imperial Guard and the Special Task Forces.'
The authority to appoint the Imperial Guard and Special Task Force in the Imperial Palace was the exclusive right of the imperial family.
'The living golems I saw in the Wantaramo Forest are most likely work of the imperial family. I'll soon prove that they are not mystical beings, just disgusting bastards,' Jin thought as he met eyes with one of the Vermonts and exchanged a subtle nod.
Meanwhile, some of the pure-blood Hairans, excluding Dante, were visibly uncomfortable. They didn't show any signs of displeasure openly, but just sitting in their seats seemed like an ordeal.
"However, it seems there are those who want to cause unnecessary trouble on this joyous day," Ron remarked, suddenly erasing his smile.
At that moment, the pure-blood Hairans adjusted their postures, seemingly caught off guard. But Ron's gaze was not directed at them.
"The 12th flagbearer of Runcandel and the Ghost leader. Your actions were significant discourtesy, to the extent that I could reprimand you as I please."
People's attention shifted back to Jin and Lata.
"I apologize, Sir Ron."
"Apologies."
As the two replied, Ron smiled again.
"I understand that it's a time of youthful exuberance, but you must pay the price. I happened to be thinking that I should prepare some entertainment fitting for the esteemed guests who have joined us today. It seems that this old man's face alone won't suffice."
Upon hearing this, Lata's eyes sparkled. Since the ghost mercenaries were originally from Vermont, the two groups had a generally friendly relationship. Therefore, Lata understood that Ron's offer was a form of assistance.
He would soon put Jin in his place.
"I, Ghost leader Lata Proch, gladly accept Sir Ron's consideration and proposal."
At that moment, cheers erupted from various parts of the hall. Naturally, people assumed that Jin and Lata's duel would be discreetly settled away from the gathering, which increased the anticipation for the results.
'It seems Sir Ron is indirectly raising Dante's status by chastising me and Lata,' Jin thought.
The Hairan clan was undeniably one of the world's leading clans, but compared to Runcandel, they were somewhat inferior in stature. However, when Jin and Lata engaged in a duel "to celebrate Dante," it was only natural that Dante's status would rise.
"I, 12th flagbearer of Runcandel, accepts," Jin said.
Ron appeared satisfied with Jin's response and smiled contentedly.
"Excellent. Then let's all enjoy the food and drinks I've prepared to our hearts' content, and let's look forward to the martial arts display of these two warriors at midnight."
As the atmosphere in the gathering hall rapidly warmed up, a group of people sitting behind Jin engaged in hushed conversation.
"Thanks to Lata Proch's impromptu actions, the duel should become more enjoyable."
"After midnight, Zipfel and Hairan will become enemies."
While no one was paying Jin's group particular attention, there was one exception. Zephyrin was watching them with a gleeful smile.