Chapter 340
Episode 340 Initiative (4)
“Has everyone arrived?”
“Everyone has arrived except Seiran Castle Lord.”
Gayen slightly lowered her head and answered Baek Woojin’s question.
“When will the meeting be held?”
“I think it will open tomorrow at noon as scheduled.”
“All right. “I’ll come visit you early tomorrow.”
“yes. Then…”
Gayen looked like he was alive, closed the door without a sound, and went out.
“Edgar Seiran, the lord of Seiran Castle, is practically the leader of the alliance. “It’s clear that he comes late because he thinks he’s the main character.”
Dapple sighed and put down his fork.
“What is Edgar Say?”
“He is renowned as the fastest prosecutor. “It’s been a while since I reached absolute heights.”
“Then is he the strongest in the Seiran Alliance?”
“no. Rector Freed, the owner of Shukan Castle, is just as strong. “The two of you have been rivals since childhood.”
“Then he will definitely do it too.”
“yes. that’s right.”
“Edgar and Lecter Fridra…”
Baek Woo-jin clasped his hands together and rested his chin.
‘It seems like the two of them have a relationship with their father and Daeyeonmunju.’
-Shukan and Seiran have been rivals since ancient times. It seems like that relationship still continues today.
Darkness slightly raised the blade as if thinking about old times.
‘Then, as you said before, Shukan and Seiran will never move together.’
-There will be almost none. Are you sure the alliance really has no choice?
‘That’s enough then.’
Baek Woo-jin smiled as he read the documents containing the union’s rules that were placed next to the table.
‘You can play with it as much as you want.’
**
The imperial palace of the empire soars into the sky. Right in front of it was a building that soared higher than the imperial palace.
It was not a spire, a watchtower, or a magic tower. That’s a temple. It was a temple dedicated to the empire’s new state religion, Kabalon.
Unlike the dark-looking imperial palace, the temple of Kabaron shone as white as snow, as if surrounded by white light. A stranger would have thought that the temple of Cavalon was an imperial palace.
Murian approached the pure white temple.
“Meet the Deputy Director!”
The paladins and priests guarding the temple stepped aside and bowed their heads.
“What about Director Shin?”
“He’s waiting inside.”
“i get it.”
Murian nodded and opened the temple door. The door opens silently, revealing a panoramic view of the temple.
The entire interior was painted platinum, there was not a speck of dust on the red carpet on the floor, and the stone statues piled up throughout the temple looked as if they were ready to fly at any moment.
Jeez.
Murian walked down that gorgeous and sacred path and approached the priest who was looking at the stone statue of Cabalon.
“Meet Director Shin!”
Murian knelt down and bowed his head to the new director whose back was turned.
“Hehe…”
Director Shin looked up at the stone statue of Cabalon and let out a hollow laugh.
“That guy was special.”
“yes?”
“I mean Baek Woo-jin, who fought with you.”
Director Shin continued speaking while looking at the stone statue.
“I completely ruined the performance I was trying to prepare for you.”
“What is that….”
“I tried to send maroons, priests, and troops to clear out Linden Castle, but that guy stopped me.”
“Ah…”
“I didn’t see such a situation in the oracle he gave me.”
The new director slowly turned his back.
“Hmm…”
Murian swallowed his dry saliva after seeing that. In contrast to his soft voice, Director Shin’s eyes were emitting a murderous spirit that made you shudder.
“That guy is dangerous. “More than you and I expected.”
The new director placed his hand on the head of Murian, who was kneeling.
“Mr. City Director.”
Murian froze in that absolute hand, unable to lift a finger.
Cheeeeee!
The white light that exploded from the priest’s grasp spread out like smoke and covered Murian’s entire body.
“This!”
Murian opened his eyes wide. The seal on his heart was broken and his power was unleashed.
“The seal has been lifted. “This is the first time the seal has been completely released, so it will take some time to get used to its power.”
The new director removed his hand from Murian’s head and stepped back.
“As soon as you finish adjusting to the energy, visit Linden Castle. “Tear Baek Woo-jin to death and burn Linden Castle and Rhine Forest.”
“Ah…”
Murian couldn’t control his turbulent energy and clenched his fists tightly.
‘Is it possible! With this power, anything is possible!’
Even if not only Baek Woo-jin but also the castle lords of the Seiran Alliance attack at once, they can win. An almighty power that could literally do anything stirred in my heart.
“I follow your orders!”
Murian lowered his head until it touched the floor and then stood up.
“I trust you.”
“I won’t disappoint!”
Director Shin smiled softly and patted Murian on the shoulder. Murian nodded, then turned and walked toward the exit.
“….”
However, there was something that even Murian did not know. Unlike Director Shin’s mouth smiling while looking at him, his eyes are not smiling.
**
Knock.
The next day, while Baek Woo-jin was meditating, there was a knock on the door.
“Prosecutor. “It’s time.”
Sylvia opened the door and lowered her head.
“They say the other castle lords are already waiting in the conference room.”
“All right. “Let’s go.”
Baek Woo-jin nodded and stood up.
-You’re the last one to go.
‘Usually the main character enters last. You’ve seen a lot of dramas.’
-He said he was the main character. Ha…
the darkness waved the blade of its sword as if it was absurd. I chuckled at that and followed Sylvia to the conference room on the second floor.
“Please go in.”
After checking on Baek Woo-jin and Sylvia, the deacons opened the large door of the conference room.
When we went inside, five castle lords were sitting around a huge round table.
However, sitting in the center seat, which could be considered the head table, was not Bulfor, but a middle-aged blue-haired man with a handsome gray beard.
-That guy is the lord of Seiran Castle.
‘I think so.’
Baek Woo-jin nodded. Aside from his location, he was superior even just by looking at the power he possessed.
“It is an honor to meet the famous swordsman in black like this. “My name is Edgar, the lord of Seiran.”
“This is Baek Woo-jin.”
Edgar nodded slightly while sitting down, and Baek Woo-jin also greeted him in the same way.
“However, only the lord of the castle can attend this meeting. “I’m sorry, but I would like you to leave…”
“I attended as a representative.”
“deputy?”
“Linden Seongju suddenly became unwell, so I participated in his place.”
“Hmm…”
“Isn’t it said in the Seiran Alliance regulations that if the lord of the castle cannot attend the meeting, he must send a representative?”
“Well, then there’s no problem.”
Edgar nodded. His eyes flashed blue for a brief moment.
“My name is Faden, the lord of Furen Castle.”
“I am Tilly, the owner of Kelden Castle.”
“I am Kutan, Lord of Rendanus Castle.”
After Edgar’s permission was given, the three castle lords also introduced themselves one by one.
“Ugh.”
Bulfor looked at himself and just lowered his head.
“Please excuse me for today. “This is Baek Woo-jin.”
Baek Woo-jin bowed politely and sat on the right side with Sylvia.
Creak.
As soon as I sat down, the conference room door opened again.
Jeez.
A short, red-haired man who looked as strong as steel sat down across from Edgar, his eyes shining with concentration.
‘The absolute state.’
It is a powerful energy that is no less powerful than Edgar. This man seemed to be Rector Freed, the lord of Shukan Castle.
“A black swordsman. As I heard, he is very handsome! “Lecter Freed!”
As expected, he greeted me with his eyes in a loud voice that sounded like he had boiled a train firebox.
“This is Baek Woo-jin.”
Baek Woo-jin slightly lowered his head.
“….”
Even though we got to know each other and everyone was gathered, no one spoke.
“Barex Castle Lord.”
“Oh yeah!”
At Edgar’s call, Bulfor jumped up. He was so nervous that he seemed to have forgotten that he was in charge of the meeting.
“Now that everyone is here, let’s start the meeting.”
Bulfor approached the wall, taking a quick look at himself.
“The important agenda of today’s meeting is Linden Castle and the Rhine Forest.”
He pointed to Linden Castle and the Rhine Forest on a map of the continent spread out on the wall.
“These two places are currently at the forefront of our alliance and are under great threat from the Empire. “When we barely managed to stop the Empire’s invasion three years ago, I asked you to move towards Seiran, but you two refused.”
“that’s right.”
“I know it was really dangerous this time. “If the swordsman in black hadn’t arrived in time, the castle itself would have collapsed.”
“That’s also true.”
Sylvia nodded honestly.
“Now stop being so stubborn. Guarding Linden Castle won’t help you at all.”
Lord Payden of Furen Castle shook his head.
“that’s right. Besides, it was already decided in the previous meeting.”
Rendanus Castle Lord Kutan agreed and touched his hand.
“Hmm…”
Sylvia bit her lip and looked at Baek Woo-jin. He didn’t give any answer and kept his eyes closed.
‘You want me to decide.’
Baek Woo-jin seemed to have been given the opportunity to make his own choice.
“Then I’ll tell you again. “I refuse.”
“what?”
“Why on earth!”
“There is a world tree in Linden Castle and in the Rhine Forest. “No one will deny that the reason the empire’s invasion has been delayed is because of the World Tree.”
“I know that the World Tree is important. But what really matters is the fate of the war. We must come together and repel the imperial invasion. “Even if the world tree lives, what does it mean if we all die?”
When Edgar opened his mouth, the other four castle lords nodded.
“Hmm….”
“Ugh!”
Bulpor, who received Baek Woo-jin’s gaze, stopped just as he was nodding. However, because he was at the back, no one saw him.
“What do you think, the black swordsman, the representative of Linden Castle?”
“I think it’s better for it to stay like this.”
In response to Edgar’s question, Baek Woo-jin looked around at everyone and opened his mouth.
“It’s dangerous!”
“You never know when or how they might invade!”
“it’s okay. Because I can protect it no matter when and how it comes. The lords of the castle don’t have to worry.”
“Hoo…”
“Hmm…
Edgar frowned at the confident answer, and Lecter Freed grinned with admiration in his eyes.
“Then we will have no choice but to decide through voting. “This is the second time, so if there are five or more votes to agree, the decision must be followed.”
“wait a minute.”
As Edgar was about to give instructions to Bulfor, Baek Woo-jin raised his hand.
“From what I heard, the five original members of the Seiran Alliance always have the same opinion. Isn’t this at a disadvantage for us?”
“How can we always have the same opinion if we are not one body? “This is ridiculous.”
Edgar waved his hand and chuckled.
“The fact that the majority chooses means that it makes sense, so I hope you will accept it without misinterpretation.”
“Contrary to what I heard, you are narrow-minded.”
“I know. After all, you can’t trust rumors.”
“Kkeuk…”
Contrary to his soft words, Edgar raised the corners of his mouth as if he were mocking, and the other castle lords also began to mock in hushed voices.
-That’s annoying.
Darkness twisted the blade.
-Stupid guys who secretly mock.
Seeing the dogs laughing at Baek Woo-jin, who only followed the opinions of the strong without thinking of their own, made me angry.
‘don’t worry. ‘I’ll give it back to you.’
Baek Woo-jin gave off a cool look and knocked on the darkness.
“So, if there are 4 yes and 4 no, does this mean this agenda never happened?”
“Of course. “If that happens, I will never bring this up again.”
Edgar nodded as if to give it a try. However, the corners of his mouth went up even further, as if he thought that wasn’t happening.
“I believe it.”
“Hehe, then let’s start right away. Lord Barex Castle.”
“Oh yeah!”
Bulfor came forward, chewing his lips.
“From now on, we will vote on the motion to move the personnel from Linden Castle and Rhine Forest towards Seiran. “If you agree, please raise your hand.”
As soon as Bulfor finished speaking, Edgar raised his hand. The three remaining castle lords followed him and raised their hands.
Of course, he and Sylvia stayed still, and Lecter Freed didn’t even uncross his arms.
“There are four of you.”
Baek Woo-jin slowly turned his head and folded his fingers.
“hmm?”
Edgar raised his hand and counted the numbers, then his eyes widened. Bulfor was not raising his hand.
“Barex Castle Lord! “As the host, you also have the right to vote!”
“Oh, I know.”
“But what are you doing! “Why don’t you raise your hand!”
“….”
Even though Edgar pointed it out directly, Bulfor did not raise his hand. His trembling gaze was not directed at Edgar, but at Baek Woo-jin.
“No way….”
“4 in favor and 4 against. If this happens, the agenda becomes invalid and this agenda will never be brought up again, right?”
Baek Woo-jin tapped the table with his finger to attract attention.
“What have you done?”
“What are you doing? I and Barex Seongju are not one in the same body, he made his own choice. Since the majority did not choose it, I hope people will accept the truth without misinterpreting it.”
He said the same thing as Edgar and curled the corners of his mouth like him.
“Does that make sense!”
Payden, the lord of Furen Castle, stood up and slammed the table.
“Because you made a mess… Ugh!”
Payden, who was swearing, trembled like a person intoxicated by the cool energy generated by Baek Woo-jin.
“Be careful what you say, right?”
“Ah….”
As Baek Woo-jin released his momentum, Payden collapsed into a chair.
“Lord Seiran Castle. “Please confirm clearly whether the agenda has been canceled or not.”
“…cancel this agenda.”
Edgar nodded, making a sound that sounded like teeth grinding.
“ah!”
At those words, Sylvia put her hands together and smiled brightly.
-Hahahaha!
Darkness looked around at the castle lords and burst into laughter.
-You repay me unconditionally! This bastard!
Baek Woo-jin took Edgar’s line exactly and fucked the castle lords.
I felt relieved because we were on the same side, but if we were enemies with this guy, I would have groaned in frustration.
“Then, since the reason for gathering today is over, I will propose an agenda item.”
“agenda?”
“yes. “It’s not that difficult.”
Baek Woo-jin approached the continental platform where Bulpor was standing. Bulfor was startled by his approach and stepped aside.
“The front line of the Seiran Alliance is here now, right?”
end of the east. With just a flick of a finger, he pointed to the place where the sea was.
“That’s right.”
“My suggestion is to move this wire here.”
I moved my finger to the trading city of Ramelun, a little south of the center of the continent.
“What nonsense!”
“Nonsense!”
“Why is it so simple there!”
The three castle lords shouted and Edgar glared at them with murderous eyes.
“Finally, someone who says the right thing has appeared!”
Rector Freed, Lord of Shukan Castle, who had been sitting still like a stone statue, uncrossed his arms and stood up.
“I agree!”
He nodded, slamming the table hard.
“How long do you plan on staying stuck in this corner? “No porridge or rice like this!”
I felt it when he said hello, but Rector Freed seemed to have a very lively personality despite his small stature.
“Leading the meeting and thinking are the same. “I like it very much!”
“Does it make sense to suddenly raise the wire?”
“What else can’t I do?”
Edgar and Rector Freed frowned as they glared at each other.
“So how long do you plan on staying stuck here?”
Baek Woo-jin laughed and stepped forward.
“The Empire can use prisoners to create endless dark demons. “If we fight a war of attrition in this corner, only the Union will suffer losses.”
“Dark ghost? “How to make it…”
“We know.”
“omg!”
“Are you sure?”
When it was said that they knew how to create a dark ghost, the eyes of the castle lords shook violently.
“That’s right.”
“How on earth…”
“I can’t tell you in detail right now, but it’s not a difficult method. “You can really make as many as you want.”
I took a step forward towards the castle lords.
“In other words, the war will not stop or end if we continue to stay here. “We will fight an endless war of attrition and eventually be eaten by the empire.”
“That’s right! “If you’re a knight, you should go forward and fight!”
Lecter said he agreed and clapped his hands loudly.
“A black swordsman. “There is nonsense in what you say.”
“What?”
“exactly. “Just over there.”
Edgar pointed to the trading city of Ramelun.
“Ramelun is a neutral city. No, as anyone who knows knows, it is an established fact that it has already been eaten by the empire. Are you raising the wire up there? That’s impossible. “It’s like having enemies in front and behind.”
“That is correct!”
The other castle lords nodded in agreement with Edgar’s opinion.
“Ramelun has not yet established ties with the Empire. Additionally, because it is located almost in the center of the continent, it is good for receiving support from other places.”
“support? Where is the support? The entire west has been taken over by the Empire, and we cannot receive support from Preston Castle in the north or the Beast Tribe in the south. Besides, Ramelun has already been eaten by the empire!”
“So, the problem is with the trading city, Preston Castle, and the beast tribe.”
“exactly. What if a trading city supported us and Preston Castle or one of the beast tribes participated in the war? Raising the wire is unnecessary in the current situation. “No, I’m saying we should all die.”
Edgar increased his pressure and pressured it, as if trying to dismiss it as something that didn’t work, but it wasn’t even tickling that much.
“Then, if we ally with two of those three, the Lord of Seiran Castle will agree to raise the battle line.”
“Of course! “It may be impossible.”
“If that’s the case, I agree.”
“Same!”
As Edgar blinked, the other three castle lords agreed.
As I continued to watch, they seemed like Edgar’s puppets. He probably would have been like that if he hadn’t taken away Bulfor’s voting rights.
-Hehehe! It’s going to be a mess.
Darkness grinned as if he was looking forward to their reaction.
“okay. “It’s an alliance…”
Baek Woo-jin smiled, reached into his arms and took out two documents.
“Then that’s it. Here’s a document showing that Ramelun and Preston Castle and Linden Castle are allied.”
“What is that!”
Conversely, Edgar, who had been sitting calmly even when he was being ridiculed, could not stand it and started screaming.
“Ugh!”
“evil!”
He jumped up and applied so much force that the table split in half with a loud bang and the other castle owners fell backwards.
“This is the letter of alliance between Ramelun City and Preston Castle that the lord of the castle spoke about.”
Baek Woo-jin waved the documents in both hands as if teasing the castle owners.
“As you said, you agree to this agenda of raising the battle line, right?”