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"It seems like there's definitely a problem."
A knight said with a dark expression. He was reporting to Joshua Runcandel, the 2nd flagbearer of the Runcandel clan.
Joshua remained silent for a while and only the embers of cigarettes glowed. Joshua's face illuminated by the dim light, and he had a stiffer face than the knight.
Because he had never imagined something like this would happen.
It wasn't just anyone; it was the Black Knight.
The strongest guardian knight of the clan, only ten people in the clan could wear the black helmet. Black Knights never fail in their missions.
Even in the rare event of a failure, they would certainly find another way, or they would have encountered an insurmountable variable that they couldn't handle on their own, then they would return safely.
If it was an impossible situation, to the point where they had to give their lives, they had to leave a message to the clan.
In other words, no matter what problem arose, it was unthinkable that a black knight would disappear without any news.
At least, that's how Joshua saw the Black Knight. Most others felt the same way.
However, it had been days since the news about the 'Black King Mercenaries Incident' started pouring in, and the Black Knight, whom he had sent to meet with Valkas, had not yet returned.
'It's clear that he was involved in the battle at the Black King Mountain Hideout…'
Joshua let out a deep sigh, and grey smoke wafted through the darkness.
He wanted to cut the throat of the reporting knight.
What was the point of reporting what I know? Why are you scratching my inside by bringing it up when everyone already knew about it?
No one would blame Jin for venting his unresolved hatred and anger on the knight.
Joshua's hand, holding the cigarette, trembled ever so slightly. Joshua regained his composure after the intense impulse surged through him for 5 seconds.
He felt like thousands of bugs crawling all over his body for those 5 seconds, but during that time, Joshua didn't show any emotions or even a twitch.
He felt a great pride that he could control even such a terrible impulse.
"I know, so go away. And call Howard."
"Yes, my lord."
The knight left, and Joshua once again lost in thought. His gaze was fixed on the stack of newspapers on his desk.
(In the midst of the Black Dragon Murakan destroying the Black King Mountain Hideout, both the 12th flagbearer and the Black King mercenaries have yet to clearly explain the reason for the war... What are the most likely developments in this situation?)
(The contractors of the dragons, who are familiar with Murakan, have been continuously refusing to interview or comment on Murakan. It is indicating that they are extremely afraid of him. Perhaps, the cause of this incident could simply be Murakan's displeasure….)
(The dragon, known as the King of the Sky a thousand years ago, terrorized the world... What kind of being is Murakan?)
The newspapers were filled with information about Jin and Murakan, especially Murakan.
'If the Black Knight has indeed died.'
Then there was a high possibility that he was killed by Murakan.
It is unthinkable that Valkas Kran, who is good at seizing opportunities, would participate in killing the Black Knight.
But, why Murakan?
Like many newspapers, Joshua couldn't think of a clear answer.
'Surely my youngest brother could not have told Murakan to kill the Black Knight.'
The youngest, the 12th flagbearer.
Joshua had always recognized Jin. Even when the other siblings treated Jin as just a fearless young one, to Joshua, my youngest brother possessed a shining talent and potential.
The youngest was undoubtedly an exceptional individual.
It was not only his talent in swordsmanship or magic but also his leadership as a monarch that set him apart.
A monarch possesses countless virtues, but to Joshua, one of the most important ones was the affection he held for his subjects.
'In that sense, my youngest brother won't kill the Black Knight just because he's my person. Never!'
The youngest was also someone who loved Runcandel more than anyone else.
'I heard from Mother, and I experienced it firsthand. The Black Dragon Murakan is a very capricious and malevolent being. If Murakan killed the Black Knight, he would have done it against Jin's will.'
That would imply that Jin couldn't properly control Murakan.
However, Joshua soon concluded that it couldn't be the case. If Murakan had gone beyond Jin's control, there would have been too many instances when he could have caused even bigger accidents.
Knock!
A man with clean white hair and a straight posture entered the room. He was the 1st butler, Howard.
"Did you call for me, my lord?"
"Howard, what are your thoughts?"
Howard showed no sign of confusion even in the face of such a sudden question without any explanation. He already knew what Joshua was pondering.
"There are two possibilities. Either he died or he escaped. I think, in either case, there may be an element of betrayal."
Joshua's eyes narrowed at the mention of betrayal.
"Betrayal, He is... brother of youngest nanny, Gilly McRolan, before he became the Black Knight."
Joshua remembered the state of relationship between Gilly and McRolan.
"..... And Gilly McRolan, she may harbor significant animosity towards McRolan."
"I also feel the same way."
"The report mentioned that my youngest brother saw the Black Knight using the claws. So, my youngest brother could easily deduce that the Black Knight is somehow connected to McRolan."
According to Horward, my youngest brother betrayed the clan and killed the Black Knight.
Unlike Joshua, he didn't believe that the 12th flagbearer truly loved the clan. Because in Jin's eyes, Gilly held a higher position than the clan. So, he killed the Black Knight to release her grudge and to strike at Joshua.
'It is plausible considering that my youngest brother cares about Gilly very much.'
But Joshua shook his head.
"It doesn't seem like my youngest brother would be so emotionally driven," Joshua said.
"Yes, my lord."
"Perhaps Gilly's desire for revenge will be resolved in some other way. If there's any chance that he betrayed us, it might be the case like Barton Vicenna."
"Are you referring to the traitor?"
"Yes. If the Black Knight had betrayed the clan like Barton, my youngest brother might have killed him. He has punished the clan's traitor."
"But, my lord, in that case, it implies that our unity is in question. If it's revealed that another Black Knight of the clan has betrayed us..."
Howard trailed off.
Joshua was hoping it wasn't that scenario. If it turned out to be a traitor, it would mean he couldn't even detect it this time, unlike during the Barton situation.
Meeting with Howard didn't provide any clarity. Joshua felt like wandering through the fog with a frustrating feeling.
Suddenly, Joshua realized what he needed to do.
"After all, the fact that the Black Knight is involved in the Black King mercenaries' incident is information that hasn't been made public. Not just the general public but also enemy forces."
The information about the Black Knight's involvement was only known to the Black King mercenaries and Jin's group.
'And my youngest brother loves the clan, so he would never hand over that information to the Zipfel or any other factions. Even if it could cause me significant harm, he would prioritize Runcandel's well-being,' Joshua concluded.
In other words, whether the Black Knight had betrayed them or not, Runcandel and Joshua had nothing to lose at least externally.
"As long as the 12th flagbearer and the Black King mercenaries remain silent, there won't be any more information released to the public."
Of course, they were unaware of Zephyrin's existence.
"Losing the Black Knight is a devastating blow, so the clan must seize the opportunity to minimize the damage," Joshua declared.
Howard nodded in agreement. "Just say the word."
"Prepare a statement praising the 12th flagbearer, and portray the Black King mercenaries' defeat at hand of Jin and he absorbed them. It needs to convey a sense of reality, not just rumors. It's unpleasant, but Valkas Kran won't be able to respond casually. It's a matter that decides the fate of the Black King mercenaries."
"Yes."
"Additionally, distribute articles that commend Murakan's might. Let rumors spread about the Dragons of Zipfel being afraid of Runcandel's guardian dragon."
This time, even Howard couldn't help but question.
"Are you sure about this, my lord? You might end up giving wings to the 12th flagbearer. Moreover, provoking Zipfel like that..."
"My youngest brother out of nowhere swallowed one of the largest neutral forces that everyone had been eyeing for so long."
Howard bowed his head again.
"It's been days since this ridiculous event happened, yet Zipfel hasn't made a proper statement. What do you think this means?"
Zipfel has no intention of fighting.
Joshua continued his explanation.
"Whether it's because they are afraid of my father or because Murakan truly terrifies them, Zipfel has abandoned the Black King mercenaries just like they always have. It was taken away by Runcandel."
Jin could predict and prepare for Black King mercenaries' opposition, not Zipfel.
"Valkas Kran might protest violently by saying something like, what nonsense are you saying when we never surrendered or we will side with Zipfel if you keep pushing us."
It just happened to be the question Howard wanted to ask.
"If Valkas Kran strongly protests like this, we can just eliminate the Black King mercenaries."
It was a few seconds late when Howard finally realized what Joshua was saying.
"Ah…!"
Howard sighed.
"Zipfel has already indicated they have no intention of going all out against the Runcandel just to acquire Black King mercenaries. In such a situation, if the Black King mercenaries entrusts itself to Zipfel, will we engage in all-out war? Zipfel will never assist the Black King mercenaries if we adopt an attitude of going all out against them."
"I'll put it into action immediately."
"Yes, execute it according to your detailed instructions."
After Howard left the room, Joshua leaned back in his chair. He lit a fresh cigarette, and the sound of the ashes burning sounded unusually loud.
Granting wings to the 12th flagbearer...
Howard's words echoed in his mind. The words were true. This incident would certainly raise Jin's standing once more.
'But, in any case…'
Everything Jin had and would ever gain eventually came back to me.
Amid the grey smoky that filled the air, Joshua held onto that conviction.