Early in the morning, the Huphester Alliances transfer gate lacked people.

Yet, as soon as Jin, Luna, and Gilly arrived, they attracted the attention of the few people who were there.

Mainly because of Luna.

Jins face had not been widely known yet. But when it came to Luna, people would notice her anywhere she went. And being the Runcandel Clans military ally, the people of the Huphester Alliance especially paid more attention to her.

However, nobody spoke to her nor mentioned her name. Instead, that night, there would be bustling talk about her visit to the city.

This is why I dont like moving around. I usually enjoy a small rural area where nobody knows me. How could you say that the outdoors are more comfortable?

While Luna complained, Jin pulled down his hood to partially cover his face.

The transfer gates security ran towards them.

All hail!

I am honored to escort the first flag-bearer of Runcandel!

Since were going to the Garden of Swords, please call a carriage for us.

Luna received the salutes and responded.

Yes, maam!

The security officers ran off. Although they were not directly affiliated with the Garden of Swords, they received financial compensation from the Runcandels for their work. It was the same for all knights in the Huphester Alliance.

After ten minutes, a steel carriage belonging to the Runcandel Clan arrived at the VIP waiting hall.

The person who brought the vehicle was the clans second butler, Petro. Conveniently, he had come to the transfer gate to deliver some important documents.

Lady Luna! The main house was petrified because of your sudden disappearance. Where have you been? Huh? And Young Master Jin? Gilly?! Why are you with the eldest daughter?

Petros eyes widened.

To his knowledge, these three people shouldnt be together. A provisional flag-bearer acting with the first flag-bearer was unacceptable.

It seems there is some backstory to this nonsense. Well, lets go, Lady. There are too many eyes here. You guys go to the main house first and tell them the news.

Petro looked around and told the guardian knights to go ahead. He was worried that there would be rumors of Luna being together with Jin.

Clop, clop.

The carriage began to move, and Petro still couldnt suppress his discomfort.

What the hell is going on? At this rate, if Young Master Jin arrives at the house

Then the Garden of Swords would definitely turn upside down.

Lunas sudden disappearance was dismissable because it often happened.

But a provisional flag-bearer returning without permission when it hadnt even been a month since they left?

At that point, if blood dropped from the sky, nobody would be surprised.

Uh, Lady Luna, Young Master Jin! It may seem a little tactless, but I have something to ask.

Youre already making it awkward, so shut up. Im also very concerned.

Understood

Unaware of the embarrassment burning Petro from the inside, the carriage and its passengers departed for the Garden of Swords.

We came here, but what should we do if Father gets furious? Do I have to pray that Gilly takes Jin and escapes while I block Fathers attacks?

There were too many stationed guardian knights to do that. Even without them, running away from the other Runcandel children was impossible for Gilly alone. Additionally, the nannys power was currently being suppressed.

As they got closer to the Garden of Swords, Luna got more and more uncomfortable.

Whatever. Whatever happens, happens. Theres no way Father will try to kill him, right? I mean No, he definitely has the drive to do so.

Luna gave up on thinking through the situation and stared at Jin.

Even Im sweating from anxiety, but this kid is annoyingly straight-faced.

In fact, Jin was leaning on a window, lost in thought. Of the things he planned to request from Cyron, he was deciding which would be more strategically advantageous for him.

Youngest Brother.

Yes, Eldest Sister?

You better be really nice to me.

Of course.

The carriage stopped.

In the courtyard, there were countless swords with the hilt sticking out of the ground. A few servants were working about. The guardian knights on standby raised their swords in salute at the sight of the carriages arrival.

Petro opened the carriage door, and Luna stepped out.

Subsequently, Gilly and Jin disembarked the carriage, startling the servants. Even the lowest-class servants expected something bad to happen in the near future.

Receiving the reports from the guardian knights who left earlier on Petros orders, Jins siblings emerged from the residence.

This crazy bastard! Youngest Brother! Do you not have any respect or responsibility after leaving the house? How dare you enter the Garden of Swords as a provisional flag-bearer?!

The first one to exclaim was the fourth son, Vigo Runcandel. Next to him were the fourth and fifth daughters, Myu and Anne.

Probably the result of Eldest Sisters kindness.

I dont think Eldest Sister Luna can help you this time. This is really not okay.

Luna, Jin, and Gilly stood still and remained silent.

On the other hand, as the man who brought them here, Petro felt like he was sitting on thorns.

Ha, theyre getting scolded as expected!

The servants couldnt even murmur. After some time, they stopped their work in the courtyard and frantically fled to safety.

Jins disobedience of the rules was that severe.

From the residence, the second daughter Luntia, third daughter Mary, and second son Dipus emerged.

Wow Its more shocking in person. What is it, youngest idiot? Are you forfeiting your chance of becoming a flag-bearer? Or is your puberty compelling you to commit suicide?

Dipus clicked his tongue and looked towards Mary. However, Mary did not respond and instead continued to glare at Jin.

You dumbass You cant come back yet. You have to get stronger and fight me someday.

From the moment she gifted him the Phoenix Heart, she was awaiting a great battle with Jin. But now, with Jin standing before them, she could only be confused and disappointed.

As the culprits stood like statues, Luntia sighed and walked towards them.

Eldest Sister Luna for what reason did you bring him back?

Luntia spoke with a soft tone, but her eyes held a cold, violent glare.

I didnt bring him here. He brought himself.

Then you shouldve stopped him. Just because his head is empty doesnt mean you can just allow this!

Even though Luntia shouted at her, Luna didnt really have anything to say.

After all, she was more or less correct.

Whatever. So, wheres Father?

Annoyed, Luna turned her head away from all of the insults. Ever since she was young, Luna had a hard time dealing with Luntia, which explained why the second daughter was the only sibling who could talk to her in this manner.

Oh my. Did you really return to see Father?

Indeed, Sister.

Luntia facepalmed and spat some curses.

If Luna wasnt there, the Runcandel siblings wouldve ripped Jin to shreds.

What a wonderful family.

Jin sarcastically praised his family. Luntia shook her head and sighed.

I dont know what hell do, big sister. You, youngest. I dont know why you even came to see Father, but brace yourself. Go ahead. Hes in his study.

Jin moved his feet and Luna began to follow him.

Shing!

Along with the siblings, all of the guardian knights unsheathed their swords.

As of now, please surrender your weapon and wait, first flag-bearer. There was a strict order from the patriarch that we must send Jin Runcandel alone.

Their father, the patriarch; the eldest daughter, the first flag-bearer.

Luntia stopped screaming at Luna because she wanted to deal with this problem professionally. Additionally, it was on Cyrons orders.

Ah, this isnt how I expected it to turn out.

Luna thought. At this rate, if their father decides to kill Jin, she wont be there to become Jins shield.

And if I decline?

As Luna slowly reached for Crantel, a guardian knight stood behind Gilly and put a sword to her throat. Since her powers were still suppressed, she couldnt even react.

Please halt, first flag-bearer. It is the patriarchs orders.

You little! Put that sword away!

Youve crossed the line. If you dont offer a satisfactory discussion to Father, then you will not return alive. As for the first flag-bearer, you cant evade banishment.

Please surrender your weapon. If you resist, I will kill her.

Luna gritted her teeth.

Were doomed Should I just escape with Jin? Damn it. I knew I didnt think this through. I didnt think anything would happen since I thought Father favored Jin!

If she fought them and escaped, they were likely to succeed.

However, she probably couldnt save Gilly and would live the rest of her life being chased by the Runcandel Clan.

Of course, losing Lunawho had become a 5-star knight at the age of 15, the genius among geniuses, and the strongest knight after Cyronwould be a great loss for the clan.

However, the Runcandel Clan wasnt a rational clan. Even though they would lose a significant amount of power as a consequence, the orders of the patriarch were absolute.

At this point, Jin had no choice but to satisfy Cyrons will.

Still, Jin was expressionless the entire time.

Brothers, Sisters. It seems that you are all worked up. As a sonas a member of the Runcandel Clan, I only came to report something to Father. Please calm yourselves.

His siblings held back their glares and lowered their voices.

They were all just keeping an eye on Luna with a professional attitude.

Eldest Sister Luna and Gilly, I apologize for putting you in such a situation.

Jin began to walk towards the residence.

He did expect such a reaction from their family, but he would be lying if he said he wasnt nervous.

My siblings dont know Father that well. Its against the rules for a provisional flag-bearer to return to the main house. But surprisingly, Father isnt that strict with rules.

Either way, getting something from Cyron without any fear of danger was impossible. He couldnt evade the gamble.

On top of that, after his regression, Jin thought that it was much easier to understand his Father.

Usually, he couldnt even look his father in the eye. Now, however, Jin found it most comfortable when confronting him.

If I just stay alert, then I can succeed. If he just gives me a chance to talk, I must.

Phew.

Jin took a deep breath as he arrived at the studys door and carefully knocked.

Knock. Knock.

Swoooooosh.

Simultaneously, a blade beam flew past Jins headundetectable to Jin at the moment.

I guess I thought of you too highly. Im sure I gave you five years.

Cyrons booming voice followed soon after. The blade beam disintegrated the door to the study into dust.

As he looked at his father, Jin felt himself smile internally.

For some reason, his mind became calm the moment he saw Cyron. And the things he wanted to discuss constantly popped up in his mind.

I cant say that Im sorry. I must maintain a confident attitude, but not to a point where it comes off as disrespectful.

He immediately chose his response.

I came because I wanted to see you again, Father.