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'…Look at his confidence.'
A chuckle escaped between Jin's lips.
He expected some sort of alliance proposal as a pretext for a reward.
The whole world knew that the Empire had betrayed Hairan, so it was obvious why the Emperor had summoned Jin separately to offer a reward.
"The power to swallow Runcandel and oppose Zipfel, is it?"
"How so? It is quite a tempting offer, doesn't it?"
Jin glanced at the Emperor's shining eyes for a moment.
'Still, he's the Emperor of the Empire, he has a pretty strong look in his eyes.'
It wasn't easy to read what was behind those eyes.
"Do you know about it?"
"What are you talking about?"
"A few days ago, I demonstrated my abilities in the Garden of Swords. On that day, I declared that I would become the patriarch."
"There's no way I wouldn't know. The majesty you showed that day was named as: 'The Return of the Magic Swordsman clan and the Declaration of Patriarchy.' Even the bards of Vermont sang your song for a while. I also enjoyed that song and ordered the Imperial Orchestra to perform it."
"I'm embarrassed that such a thing happened. Anyway, the reason I made that declaration in front of everyone is simple. I already have the power to become the patriarch."
The Emperor blinked his eyes gently at Jin's words.
"I heard that most of the Elder Council members, as well as the Enforcement Knights and the Black Knights, have already fallen into the hands of the 2nd flagbearer. On the other hand, your forces seem rather weak."
Jin couldn't help but laugh again upon hearing that .
"So that's how I look to the outsiders."
Weak.
There had been a time when it was undoubtedly true. A time when Jin was in Storm Castle, and his only ally was Gilly.
However, since awakening Murakan from the underground secret library of Storm Castle, Jin's power had never been considered weak in absolute terms.
Murakan had lost some of his strength, but he could rise to the ranks of strongest at any time if given the chance to recover.
In addition to Murakan, there were Luna, his comrades from the Free City of Tikan, Plutonian Tribe from Laprarosa, the Holy Kingdom, Misha, the arrangements of Solderet, small beastmen, the Wantaramo Forest, Ron and Dante's Hairan.
Furthermore, within Runcandel itself, there were Yona, some elders, and knights who had shown favor to Jin after the declaration of patriarchy, and Veradin in his usual self. Apart from these, there were also considerable potential allies.
Currently, Jin's power was among the most notable in the world, and his potential for expansion in the future was also significant.
However, he couldn't help but feel amused after hearing the word "weak."
"Your well-crafted public image serves you well. I know that the power you're hiding is enormous."
"I do not need the Emperor's assistance to the extent that you suggest."
"Well, even if you don't know the power of the 2nd flagbearer of Runcandel... I thought you knew about Zipfel's power."
"Are there people in the world who don't know the power they have?"
"Their power is like an iceberg and even a fraction of it can overwhelm the whole world. I am asking if you have ever glimpsed what lies beneath Zipfel's surface. If you have..."
The Emperor paused for a moment.
Then he shivered, as he recalled the 'real power' of Zipfel, which he had glimpsed briefly. It was hard to distinguish whether the trembling was excitement or fear.
"Regardless of who you meet, you can't say you don't need help."
"It seems that the Emperor is afraid of Zipfel."
"Isn't it natural to fear them?"
"You said a moment ago that you might know me a little, but now you're talking nonsense."
"The first patriarch of Runcandel, Temar Runcandel."
The Emperor suddenly mentioned that name. But Jin maintained a composed expression.
-What other faction is looking for Temar's tomb.
-Who do you think it is?
-Zipfel.
-Correct! But that's not all.
-Even the Vermont Imperial Family is looking for the tomb of the first patriarch of Runcandel. Your movements have been exposed to them.
A recent conversation between Jin and Margiella when Berakt came looking for Rosa.
Jin learned for the first time then that forces other than Runcandel and Zipfel were searching for Temar's tomb. Even more surprising was the fact that Vermont was interested in Temar's remains.
'I didn't expect him to bring up the topic of Temar first.'
Jin locked eyes with the Emperor and waited for his next words.
"According to the records, that man had a power stronger than anyone else in history. It is said that no one of his time could do anything about Temar Runcandel..."
"Where is this record?"
"Even he couldn't cross the wall called Zipfel, but do you think you can stand alone against that great evil?"
"I asked where is this record?"
"I'll show you when you become my person."
Jin released a powerful aura without warning and it erupts like a volcano. The ground cracked beneath him, and the air instantly became heavy and fell down.
Even though this was the Emperor's palace, there was no reason for Jin to restrain his anger after hearing such words.
Temar is an ancestor of Runcandel, and no one can dare to mention a record that even Runcandel itself does not know.
The Imperial Guard began to move, but the Emperor raised his hand to stop them. Jin didn't release any more of his aura.
"The Emperor has stopped his swords, so I will consider this as your apology for what you just said."
Jin spoke calmly. He remembered the "Majin" of Vermont he had encountered in the Wantaramo Forest.
Vermont was trying to complete Majin using Temar's remains.
Jin had harbored such suspicions since encountering them in the Wantaramo Forest.
Now, those suspicions grew closer to certainty after his meeting with the Emperor. If he became certain, he wouldn't hesitate to annihilate the Imperial family.
"And I will give you a warning, Emperor. If, by any chance, you obtain the body of the first patriarch and create a wretched puppet or something similar... the entire history of Vermont spanning thousands of years will be in vain."
"Hoho, talking to you feels like walking on a tightrope."
"Whenever and wherever you find clues about the tomb of the first patriarch of Runcandel, you must report to Runcandel, regardless."
The Emperor did not show anger or discomfort no matter how Jin spoke.
"I will think about it after you become the king of the swordmasters."
He seemed to say it lightly, but his intent was clear.
You probably can't become a Guardian without my help, the Emperor was implying.
"Well, it seems we can't become allies right now. But let's leave it at that; I have already decided to reward you..."
The Emperor paused and clapped his hands as if remember something.
"Hairan. How about you taking over that whole clan? I called you to reward you for saving Hairan in the first place."
"You speak as if you can handle Hairan at will."
"Of course, there's nothing in Vermont that the Emperor can't handle."
"Loyalty must come first to take control of a clan. Even if the Emperor grants me its rulership, can I expect Sir Ron and Dante to swear allegiance to me? It would be a laughable matter," Jin said.
"Don't over complicate simple things. Do you really think there's no way?"
"Holding Dante hostage to pressure Sir Ron?"
"That's not a bad idea, but there are a few other options."
"I did my best to minimize the damage to Hairan during the terrorist attack. Do you think I would stab Hairan in the back like the Imperial Family?"
"Why?"
It was the first time the Emperor had shown such intense emotions during their conversation.
He looked puzzled. He couldn't understand why Jin would protect Hairan.
"I was very curious when I heard that you were active in the sword emperor castle. This terrorist attack could greatly benefit Runcandel, so I couldn't fathom why you protected Hairan. What's the reason?"
"I don't need some grand reason to help a friend."
"...What did you say, a friend?"
The Emperor abruptly rose from his seat and shouted as if he couldn't believe it.
"Are you saying you'll give up such benefits just for that?"
The Emperor expressed his disappointment vividly, but Jin shrugged his shoulders in response to the Emperor's strong reaction.
"Is that a problem?"
The Emperor, who had just sat down, sighed.
"The sense of excitement and thrill I felt during our conversation now seems to have turned cold. I didn't expect you to spout such weak words..."
"Is it disappointing?"
"If that's how it is, it will be difficult for you to survive in future battles."
"I've always survived by being like this."
Now, the Emperor's eyes showed bewilderment, but he quickly regained his composure and shook his head.
"Hey."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
"Give the golden crown to Sir Jin Runcandel."
Upon hearing this, Jin briefly bowed and turned to leave.
"Sir Jin."
the Emperor called him as he began to step out of the throne room, and said:
"As of today, it's safe to say that the possibility of you and I becoming allies has vanished. Make sure you understand that fact, and the next time we meet... behave with more decorum."
Based on their conversation, the Emperor had concluded that he should choose one side instead of walking the middle path as he had been doing.
He concluded that there was no need to join forces with Runcandel. He would never consider it unless he saw new potential from someone else in Runcandel.
So, the Emperor was telling him that there would be no such treatment as he had received today after this.
"Oh, by the way, I almost forgot. Sir Ron asked me to relay a message to the Emperor. He said it would be wise to make your choices carefully in many ways."
The Emperor did not respond, and Jin concluded his parting words.
"In other words, it means you should choose your side wisely. So you don't regret it."
Jin left the throne room, and the Emperor stared at the spot where Jin had been for a while.