Chapter 84

Chapter 29. The Terrifying Family

"Fa, favor...?"

The Tona brothers tilted their heads simultaneously.

They were amazed that the youngest had returned alive from the study, and even more so that he was suddenly talking about a favor, leaving them completely at a loss.

"Ah, nothing much... I'm talking about my faction's students. I just want you to pay more attention to them before I come back. I'll let the kids know before I leave."

Before the Tona brothers could respond, Jin was already moving. He needed to inform Luna and Gilly, who were worried, that everything had been resolved.

"The youngest is still the same... Did he just see Father?"

"Yeah."

The Tona brothers shrugged as they watched Jin's back.

"But why did we worry so much about that guy? What's so special about him?"

"Exactly?"

"Hmm, I don't know. First, the youngest wants us to take care of his faction's students. Hehe, it looks like we'll be the real power in the intermediate class again."

Meanwhile, the brothers who had been pressuring Luna and Gilly outside were completely taken aback when Jin emerged unharmed from the mansion.

Especially Mu and Ann, who had most fervently wished for Jin's death, were pale as a sheet.

"Father must have had a good talk with the youngest. Now, everyone, put away your swords before it's too late."

As Luna spoke in a low voice, the brothers and the guardian knights hastily sheathed their weapons.

The guardian knight who had been pointing a sword at Gilly's neck was nearly fainting from the sudden surge of Luna's killing intent.

'Damn, that youngest. He always manages to survive...!'

Mu and Ann gritted their teeth as they thought this.

'As expected, he's not the type to die easily. Just wait until he grows a bit more and makes this big sister happy!'

Mary smiled as she looked at Jin.

"Luna, you should go see Father. He seems to have some questions about that day."

"Alright, I understand."

"And I have a homework assignment from Father, so I need to go to the teleportation gate for a bit. I'll see you later."

"Teleportation gate? Hmm, I don't know what kind of homework it is, but see you later."

Jin and Luna were calmly exchanging words, and even others couldn't understand what they were talking about.

'That day?'

'Saying he'll go to the teleportation gate? Could he mean he'll leave and come back to the Garden of Swords?'

'What does it mean that Father gave him homework!?!'

It wasn't a situation where they could ask for clarification. The brothers could only exchange skeptical glances.

"Let's go, Gilly."

"Ah, yes! Young Master."

Gilly, who hadn't expected things to go so smoothly, seemed somewhat dazed. Soon, the two left the Garden of Swords, and Luna headed to the study.

The brothers left in the garden could only stand there blankly for a while.

* * *

Three hours later, back in Shiron's study.

Jin stood confidently before Shiron, who, though not showing it on his face, was somewhat flustered.

"...I see, no wonder you didn't flinch when you heard the test content. Your confidence wasn't misplaced."

Shiron chuckled and his gaze fell on Casimir, who had just arrived at the Garden of Swords through the teleportation gate, his identity hidden.

'This man. The world's strongest knight, Shiron Runcandel. Ugh, just standing before him is overwhelming.'

Casimir had refused the offer to become a junior class teacher at Runcandel several times.

Building Tikan into a 'nation' would not benefit from his teaching experience at Runcandel and might even hinder it.

Therefore, Shiron was someone Casimir preferred not to meet if possible. If Shiron were to show displeasure over his refusals, there would be no way out.

Most importantly, if Shiron were to express a direct intention to merge Tikan into Runcandel, Casimir would have few means to resist.

'At least I came because of Master Jin's request... but it's incredibly uncomfortable. Have I been refusing such people all this time?'

Seeing Shiron in person.

He exuded an overwhelming presence that far exceeded the rumors. Even Casimir, a formidable warrior himself, instinctively realized that his sword skills were nothing more than child's play before Shiron.

'This is the dignity of an absolute strongman.'

Still, don't be intimidated.

Casimir resolved, mindful of Jin.

'I am Master Jin's guest. There's no need to fear Sir Shiron... '

"Are you the Gray Sword, Casimir?"

"Yes, yes! But the title 'Gray Sword' is embarrassing to use before Sir Shiron, so you can omit it if you like!"

Casimir answered reflexively, not fully aware of what he was saying.

Tears welled up in his eyes, and cold sweat trickled down his face. He didn't even feel embarrassed that Jin was watching.

'Oh, my fate. Last time, I almost got beaten by Murakan. This time, I'm making a fool of myself in front of Sir Shiron...'

It seemed that since meeting Jin, he had been dealing with one formidable person after another.

"Father."

"Speak."

"Sir Casimir and I are, in a sense, a community of fate... Now it's time for you to keep your promise."

While Jin spoke firmly, Casimir was doubting his own ears.

'Master Jin, how can you be so confident in front of Sir Shiron? And a community of fate! I said it first, but to mention it in front of Sir Shiron...!'

All sorts of dark futures flashed through Casimir's mind.

-Casimir, you and my son are a community of fate? Then Tikan belongs to Runcandel.

-A community of fate... The relationship between Runcandel and Tikan could be the same.

-Then from today, Runcandel and Tikan will be a community of fate, hahaha!

He could imagine Shiron saying such things.

Of course, this was purely a result of Casimir's fear.

"A sly one... Trying to deceive your father?"

Contrary to Casimir's imagination, Shiron looked at Jin with a rather kind expression.

In fact, Shiron was quite satisfied. He didn't know how Jin had tricked Casimir, but the youngest always exceeded his expectations.

"Deceive? That's not appropriate. It was just good luck. In fact, I had already formed a bond with Sir Casimir as soon as I arrived in Tikan."

"Fine, in any case, you've passed the test. From today, no Runcandel can set foot on Tikan's land without your permission, even if it's this Shiron Runcandel."

"Thank you, Father."

"Then you may leave. I have something to discuss with Casimir."

Jin bowed and left the study.

Left alone with Shiron, Casimir cleared his throat and stared at Jin's back.

"Don't be so tense. Anyone would think I'm about to eat you."

"Haha... I'm sorry, Sir Shiron. To be honest, facing you directly, I feel overwhelmed."

Shiron approached the table with the teapot and poured a cup of tea, which he offered to Casimir.

Casimir accepted the cup with extreme politeness.

"The reason I left the youngest and kept you here is..."

Swallow.

Casimir involuntarily swallowed. Could it be about the merger? Or would he be scolded for refusing the teaching position at Runcandel?

While worrying, Shiron continued.

"There's something I want to ask of you."

The word 'ask' made Casimir's heart sink, but as the leader of a group and a future king, he steeled himself.

'I can't keep acting like a fool. If he demands Tikan, I'll refuse strongly!'

With his resolve set, Casimir met Shiron's eyes.

"Speak, Sir Shiron. If it doesn't harm Tikan, I'll do my best to help."

Though he deliberately drew a line, Shiron didn't seem to care. Casimir calmed his racing heart and waited for Shiron to continue.

"From now on..."

"Yes, Sir Shiron."

"Keep me informed of the youngest's growth process. I think it's necessary to keep an eye on him."

It was completely unexpected.

'...At least it's not about the merger, so I'm relieved. And this shows how much Sir Shiron values Master Jin.'

The great Shiron Runcandel.

To think he would make such a request. Casimir became even more curious about Jin.

'From the first time I met him, I felt he was extraordinary, but for Sir Shiron to personally watch him... According to the Seven-Color Sparrow's information, Sir Shiron doesn't pay this much attention even to Joshua, the designated next head of the family.'

Casimir nodded.

"It's not difficult, Sir Shiron. If you open a direct line, I'll keep you informed."

For Casimir, this was a golden opportunity. It would be a small favor to Shiron and a direct line of communication.

Being able to contact Shiron Runcandel at any time was no small matter. Even the emperor of Viment couldn't claim such a privilege.

"Thank you. If you do well, I won't forget it. And this matter should be kept secret from everyone except you."

"Of course. I'll keep it a secret from Master Jin as well."

"Before you leave, a guardian knight named Kan will give you an address. Send your reports there. If there's a special event, come and tell me directly. I'll offer you good wine."

"Thank you, Sir Shiron."

"You may leave."

As Casimir bowed and was about to leave the study, Shiron spoke again.

"And... one more thing."

"Yes, speak."

"You should also be on guard. The youngest said even this Runcandel isn't satisfactory to him. I expect Tikan and you to grow rapidly. Enough to make him truly interested."

Before leaving with Jin to return to Tikan.

Casimir couldn't meet the guardian knight Kan.

'He said he would open a direct line... Should I visit again when Master Jin isn't around?'

Instead, as he absentmindedly put his hand in his pocket, he felt a strange piece of paper.

It was a note.

-Greetings, Sir Casimir. I am Kan, a guardian knight of Runcandel. The address the head of the family mentioned is...

Casimir didn't know, but Kan had already observed him and slipped the note into his pocket without him noticing.

Realizing this, he felt a chill run down his spine.

'He could eliminate someone like me without anyone noticing. Runcandel... a terrifying family.'

Casimir quietly turned his gaze to Jin. Perhaps to the boy who might become the head of this terrifying family in the future.

"How does it feel for Tikan to gain freedom from Runcandel, Sir Casimir?"

"I'm still in shock. I look forward to the days ahead with Master Jin."

Casimir quickly hid the note and smiled.