302
They were the elders.
There were about twenty of them. It was rare to see the elders of Runcandel gathered together like this.
The servants dared not raise their heads, and the guardian knights saluted them respectfully every time they crossed paths.
Everyone was curious about where the elders were heading, but they couldn't dare to ask.
‘Huh, it's the elders, right?’
The Tona brothers had just woken up. They rubbed their eyes and looked out the window.
‘Where are they going? And isn't Uncle Zed with them too? It seems like they are heading towards the youngest's room.’
As the Tona brothers expected, the place the elders were heading to was Jin's room.
"Is it really true, Elder Zed?"
"You really don’t trust me! How many times do I have to tell you? I clearly showed you the evolved decisive killing move, Falling petals. It's not something I achieved alone."
The reason the elders were going to see Jin was none other than the decisive killing move.
After completing the improvements of the Falling petals, Zed requested the review of the Elder Council. The elders, who didn't know the circumstances, congratulated Zed and suggested that his name be added to the new version of Falling petals.
However, Zed argued that Jin’s name should be added to the Falling petals, because he provided crucial clues for improvement.
"No, I just can't understand it at all. I mean, how could you get the clue for the improvement of the decisive killing move from a boy who has just become a flagbearer..."
"Moreover, it hasn't even been a few days since you taught him the Falling petals, Elder Zed."
“Oh my god, are you telling me that I’m lying for the sake of the 12th flagbearer? You've been suspicious of me all along. If you’re going to act like this, you might as well stop following me!”
"Hehe, it's not like that. Come on, calm down. I admit it. I was wrong."
"Yes, yes, you were wrong. Elder Zed is not the kind of person who would lie. Besides, last night, even the Fourth Flagbearer came and told us some strange things."
Another elder gently patted Zed's shoulder and spoke.
"He said that the 12th Flagbearer used a sword better than the Sixth decisive killing move in this mission. Perhaps the 12th Flagbearer can provide important clues for the improvement of Runcandel's decisive killing moves."
Diphus deliberately leaked information about Jin's use of the Plutonian Mystic Technique, Thunder Blade, to the elders.
He knew Jin would never tell him even if he asked, so he decided to use the elders to get the information. It was an excellent choice.
"The Fourth Flagbearer is not the type to spout nonsense. Anyway, we've gathered here to see for ourselves. We're almost there, so let's hold our curiosity a bit."
Ahem, ah! Ahem!
The elders coughed softly, as they carefully eyed Zed’s reaction.
Finally, the elders stood in front of Jin's room.
‘These damn old men, I can clearly see them drooling and lusting after the youngest shows them his swordsmanship. How dare they doubt me?’
Knock!
Zed knocked on the door impatiently.
"Answer the call of the Elder Council! Jin Runcandel, the 12th Flagbearer, come out quickly!"
Zed shouted with a triumphant voice.
However, there was no response from inside the room.
"Youngest! Come out quickly!"
There was no answer even after calling out repeatedly, so Zed turned the doorknob forcefully.
Creak! The lock broke, and the door swung open, revealing an empty room.
"Huh? Why is that kid... not here? Hm, hm!"
This time, it was Zed’s turn to eye the elders’ reaction.
The elders shrugged with expressions that seemed to say, "I knew it."
"It's a shame, Elder Zed. We all took time out of our schedules to come here..."
"Why does everyone seem so disappointed, even if he's not here? Do you really doubt me that much?"
"Well, it's not like that. Um, we trust Elder Zed. There must have been some reason for the 12th Flagbearer not being here. Haha. Let's just go back for now."
Whoosh.
As the elders turned back all at once, Zed could only blame Jin silently.
‘Where the hell are you, brat...? Have you any idea that your uncle was humiliated?’
***
Squeak-squeak, squeak!
Jin sat at a beachside tavern where seagulls cried out, sipping on a cocktail. In front of him, Gilly, dressed neatly, was feeding the seagulls.
"Two more cocktails, please. By the way, isn't it about time for everyone to arrive, Young Master?"
"Yeah, they should be here soon."
Jin pointed his finger towards the sky, and the seagulls hastily scattered.
The reason was the dragon descending toward them. It was Murakan. Jin’s companions from Tikan were riding on his back.
"Oh, my Lord! You have no idea how much this Jet missed you!"
"Whoa, Lord Jin!"
Jet and Enya were the first to rush over. They displayed their joy just like dogs reuniting with their long-lost owner.
"Jet, Enya. Have you both been well?"
"Oh, thanks to you, we've been living happily. Oh, how much you've suffered. I heard your life has been hectic as soon as you returned to the Garden of Swords."
"Oh, waitD do I call you Sir now instead of lord? You're still as handsome as ever! First, sign this for me! Make sure to write 'Jin Runcandel, the 12th Flagbearer.' Right here, on my back!"
As always, Enya pounded his chest like an agitated primate to express her joy.
"Ah, alright. Enya, you're happy about getting the signature, aren't you? Well, I'm glad. Nice to see you, Jin."
"How have you been, Ms. Cuicantelle?"
"I have been well, except for the constant whining from Enya, Euria, and Pinte about missing you."
Cuicantelle no longer reminded Enya to uphold her class as the contractor of Olta.
"Sir Jin. You have always been such a mature person, but now you seem more like an adult."
"Lady Alisa, just call me like you used to. You too, Enya."
"Shall I, then"
Jin and Alisa shook hands and exchanged a light hug.
"This reminded me of the first day I met you. Lord Jin," said Kashmir as he approached.
"Sir Kashmir."
"Thanks to your help back then, my daughter is growing up well. She's already nine years old."
"Time really flies. She was only five when we first met."
It had been over four years since Jin formed a bond with the Tikan people. To Jin, they felt more like family than his real siblings, and Tikan felt more like home than the Garden of Swords.
"My daughter and Latrie couldn't come. They're busy with the bakery... And Veris is also helping them. Kuzan and Yulian are still carrying out the mission you gave them, Lord Jin."
It was quite surprising that Veris, with her personality, was working at a bakery.
Kashmir presented a basket filled with cookies. Freshly baked Latrie cookies, the signature of the Latrie bakery.
But those cookies weren't meant for Jin.
Jin inspected the cookies, and closed the basket right away.
"I hope they like it."
"Probably. According to our informants, the contractor of Olmango has been dying for these cookies."
Jin and Kashmir burst into laughter.
The Seven-Colored Peacock had already pinpointed the exact location of Olmango's contractor a long time ago. They had confirmed it even before Jin issued the order.
As a result, they learned that the contractor of Olmango had a peculiar fascination with Latrie cookies.
Latrie cookies had gained worldwide fame for their exquisite taste and aroma since last year. Prominent figures from various countries lined up to taste these cookies. The cookies were featured in all kinds of magazines and newspapers. Latrie cookies became a dream snack to those who enjoyed indulging in sweets.
Some poets even wrote verses about how one must visit the Tikan Free City at least once in their lifetime just to taste these cookies. Unfortunately, this story only applied to the wealthy nobles and tycoons who had both the money and time to visit the city.
Regrettably, it did not apply to the contractor of Olmango.
"Anyway, for now..."
Jin looked at his companions before continuing.
"Let's enjoy our vacation for a few days. We don't get many chances to gather like this."
From then on, they did nothing but play on the beach like carefree children. They engaged in various activities, shared stories, played beach volleyball, invited city's poets to sing songs, brought in chefs to prepare delicious meals, and even enjoyed swimming and fishing.
Three nights and four days passed by like a blink of an eye. Jin and his companions had forgotten how enjoyable it could be to simply "do nothing."
"You all seem to be very close with each other, sir. Thanks to you guests, it looks like we're setting a new sales record this month," said the young bartender while looking at Jin.
He appeared to be in his early twenties with an almost boyish face but unusually smooth skin.
He still didn't know who Jin and his companions really were. If he had known, he probably wouldn't have approached them so casually.
"Clamshell."
The bartender was taken aback when Jin suddenly called his name.
"Um, yes, sir?"
Jin placed a basket filled with Latrie cookies on the table.
"I'm Jin Runcandel, the 12th Flagbearer of Runcandel, and the contractor of Solderet. And this is a gift for you."
Jin and his companions had spent several days on vacation at this remote beachside tavern. The reason being that this place was where Clamshell, the contractor of Olmango, worked.
Clamshell suddenly stiffened like a stone statue and was unable to open his mouth.
As he opened the box with trembling hands, the fragrant and savory aroma of the cookies wafted out.
"I've come to ask a favor from your god. If it's okay with you, could you call Mr. Olmango for me?"
Clamshell seemed to be in great shock.
He was not shocked because of Jin’s identity, but because the basket filled with cookies made him feel dizzy.
"Are you really giving all of these to me?"
"Of course."
"Well, is it okay if we talk while I enjoy them?"
Jin nodded, and Clamshell reached for a cookie with trembling hands. His face immediately blushed after taking a bite, and his eyes rolled back in his head.
The reaction was not just because of the shocking taste of the cookie but also resembled the response of a god when they manifested.
It was almost similar to when Picon had entered Vin Branche's body.
[This is amazing! Yes, I’m sick and tired of seafood!]
"..... Mr. Olmango?"
"Just wait a moment, Solderet's contractor. Let me finish eating this first, and then I'll grant you what you seek."
Olmango was gobbling up cookies with his heads buried in the basket. Indeed, they did not feel anything like the authority or class of a god from him.
302
They were the elders.
There were about twenty of them. It was rare to see the elders of Runcandel gathered together like this.
The servants dared not raise their heads, and the guardian knights saluted them respectfully every time they crossed paths.
Everyone was curious about where the elders were heading, but they couldn't dare to ask.
‘Huh, it's the elders, right?’
The Tona brothers had just woken up. They rubbed their eyes and looked out the window.
‘Where are they going? And isn't Uncle Zed with them too? It seems like they are heading towards the youngest's room.’
As the Tona brothers expected, the place the elders were heading to was Jin's room.
"Is it really true, Elder Zed?"
"You really don’t trust me! How many times do I have to tell you? I clearly showed you the evolved decisive killing move, Falling petals. It's not something I achieved alone."
The reason the elders were going to see Jin was none other than the decisive killing move.
After completing the improvements of the Falling petals, Zed requested the review of the Elder Council. The elders, who didn't know the circumstances, congratulated Zed and suggested that his name be added to the new version of Falling petals.
However, Zed argued that Jin’s name should be added to the Falling petals, because he provided crucial clues for improvement.
"No, I just can't understand it at all. I mean, how could you get the clue for the improvement of the decisive killing move from a boy who has just become a flagbearer..."
"Moreover, it hasn't even been a few days since you taught him the Falling petals, Elder Zed."
“Oh my god, are you telling me that I’m lying for the sake of the 12th flagbearer? You've been suspicious of me all along. If you’re going to act like this, you might as well stop following me!”
"Hehe, it's not like that. Come on, calm down. I admit it. I was wrong."
"Yes, yes, you were wrong. Elder Zed is not the kind of person who would lie. Besides, last night, even the Fourth Flagbearer came and told us some strange things."
Another elder gently patted Zed's shoulder and spoke.
"He said that the 12th Flagbearer used a sword better than the Sixth decisive killing move in this mission. Perhaps the 12th Flagbearer can provide important clues for the improvement of Runcandel's decisive killing moves."
Diphus deliberately leaked information about Jin's use of the Plutonian Mystic Technique, Thunder Blade, to the elders.
He knew Jin would never tell him even if he asked, so he decided to use the elders to get the information. It was an excellent choice.
"The Fourth Flagbearer is not the type to spout nonsense. Anyway, we've gathered here to see for ourselves. We're almost there, so let's hold our curiosity a bit."
Ahem, ah! Ahem!
The elders coughed softly, as they carefully eyed Zed’s reaction.
Finally, the elders stood in front of Jin's room.
‘These damn old men, I can clearly see them drooling and lusting after the youngest shows them his swordsmanship. How dare they doubt me?’
Knock!
Zed knocked on the door impatiently.
"Answer the call of the Elder Council! Jin Runcandel, the 12th Flagbearer, come out quickly!"
Zed shouted with a triumphant voice.
However, there was no response from inside the room.
"Youngest! Come out quickly!"
There was no answer even after calling out repeatedly, so Zed turned the doorknob forcefully.
Creak! The lock broke, and the door swung open, revealing an empty room.
"Huh? Why is that kid... not here? Hm, hm!"
This time, it was Zed’s turn to eye the elders’ reaction.
The elders shrugged with expressions that seemed to say, "I knew it."
"It's a shame, Elder Zed. We all took time out of our schedules to come here..."
"Why does everyone seem so disappointed, even if he's not here? Do you really doubt me that much?"
"Well, it's not like that. Um, we trust Elder Zed. There must have been some reason for the 12th Flagbearer not being here. Haha. Let's just go back for now."
Whoosh.
As the elders turned back all at once, Zed could only blame Jin silently.
‘Where the hell are you, brat...? Have you any idea that your uncle was humiliated?’
***
Squeak-squeak, squeak!
Jin sat at a beachside tavern where seagulls cried out, sipping on a cocktail. In front of him, Gilly, dressed neatly, was feeding the seagulls.
"Two more cocktails, please. By the way, isn't it about time for everyone to arrive, Young Master?"
"Yeah, they should be here soon."
Jin pointed his finger towards the sky, and the seagulls hastily scattered.
The reason was the dragon descending toward them. It was Murakan. Jin’s companions from Tikan were riding on his back.
"Oh, my Lord! You have no idea how much this Jet missed you!"
"Whoa, Lord Jin!"
Jet and Enya were the first to rush over. They displayed their joy just like dogs reuniting with their long-lost owner.
"Jet, Enya. Have you both been well?"
"Oh, thanks to you, we've been living happily. Oh, how much you've suffered. I heard your life has been hectic as soon as you returned to the Garden of Swords."
"Oh, waitD do I call you Sir now instead of lord? You're still as handsome as ever! First, sign this for me! Make sure to write 'Jin Runcandel, the 12th Flagbearer.' Right here, on my back!"
As always, Enya pounded his chest like an agitated primate to express her joy.
"Ah, alright. Enya, you're happy about getting the signature, aren't you? Well, I'm glad. Nice to see you, Jin."
"How have you been, Ms. Cuicantelle?"
"I have been well, except for the constant whining from Enya, Euria, and Pinte about missing you."
Cuicantelle no longer reminded Enya to uphold her class as the contractor of Olta.
"Sir Jin. You have always been such a mature person, but now you seem more like an adult."
"Lady Alisa, just call me like you used to. You too, Enya."
"Shall I, then"
Jin and Alisa shook hands and exchanged a light hug.
"This reminded me of the first day I met you. Lord Jin," said Kashmir as he approached.
"Sir Kashmir."
"Thanks to your help back then, my daughter is growing up well. She's already nine years old."
"Time really flies. She was only five when we first met."
It had been over four years since Jin formed a bond with the Tikan people. To Jin, they felt more like family than his real siblings, and Tikan felt more like home than the Garden of Swords.
"My daughter and Latrie couldn't come. They're busy with the bakery... And Veris is also helping them. Kuzan and Yulian are still carrying out the mission you gave them, Lord Jin."
It was quite surprising that Veris, with her personality, was working at a bakery.
Kashmir presented a basket filled with cookies. Freshly baked Latrie cookies, the signature of the Latrie bakery.
But those cookies weren't meant for Jin.
Jin inspected the cookies, and closed the basket right away.
"I hope they like it."
"Probably. According to our informants, the contractor of Olmango has been dying for these cookies."
Jin and Kashmir burst into laughter.
The Seven-Colored Peacock had already pinpointed the exact location of Olmango's contractor a long time ago. They had confirmed it even before Jin issued the order.
As a result, they learned that the contractor of Olmango had a peculiar fascination with Latrie cookies.
Latrie cookies had gained worldwide fame for their exquisite taste and aroma since last year. Prominent figures from various countries lined up to taste these cookies. The cookies were featured in all kinds of magazines and newspapers. Latrie cookies became a dream snack to those who enjoyed indulging in sweets.
Some poets even wrote verses about how one must visit the Tikan Free City at least once in their lifetime just to taste these cookies. Unfortunately, this story only applied to the wealthy nobles and tycoons who had both the money and time to visit the city.
Regrettably, it did not apply to the contractor of Olmango.
"Anyway, for now..."
Jin looked at his companions before continuing.
"Let's enjoy our vacation for a few days. We don't get many chances to gather like this."
From then on, they did nothing but play on the beach like carefree children. They engaged in various activities, shared stories, played beach volleyball, invited city's poets to sing songs, brought in chefs to prepare delicious meals, and even enjoyed swimming and fishing.
Three nights and four days passed by like a blink of an eye. Jin and his companions had forgotten how enjoyable it could be to simply "do nothing."
"You all seem to be very close with each other, sir. Thanks to you guests, it looks like we're setting a new sales record this month," said the young bartender while looking at Jin.
He appeared to be in his early twenties with an almost boyish face but unusually smooth skin.
He still didn't know who Jin and his companions really were. If he had known, he probably wouldn't have approached them so casually.
"Clamshell."
The bartender was taken aback when Jin suddenly called his name.
"Um, yes, sir?"
Jin placed a basket filled with Latrie cookies on the table.
"I'm Jin Runcandel, the 12th Flagbearer of Runcandel, and the contractor of Solderet. And this is a gift for you."
Jin and his companions had spent several days on vacation at this remote beachside tavern. The reason being that this place was where Clamshell, the contractor of Olmango, worked.
Clamshell suddenly stiffened like a stone statue and was unable to open his mouth.
As he opened the box with trembling hands, the fragrant and savory aroma of the cookies wafted out.
"I've come to ask a favor from your god. If it's okay with you, could you call Mr. Olmango for me?"
Clamshell seemed to be in great shock.
He was not shocked because of Jin’s identity, but because the basket filled with cookies made him feel dizzy.
"Are you really giving all of these to me?"
"Of course."
"Well, is it okay if we talk while I enjoy them?"
Jin nodded, and Clamshell reached for a cookie with trembling hands. His face immediately blushed after taking a bite, and his eyes rolled back in his head.
The reaction was not just because of the shocking taste of the cookie but also resembled the response of a god when they manifested.
It was almost similar to when Picon had entered Vin Branche's body.
[This is amazing! Yes, I’m sick and tired of seafood!]
"..... Mr. Olmango?"
"Just wait a moment, Solderet's contractor. Let me finish eating this first, and then I'll grant you what you seek."
Olmango was gobbling up cookies with his heads buried in the basket. Indeed, they did not feel anything like the authority or class of a god from him.
