Confirming that everyone had left, Jun turned his head sharply to look directly at Eda. He then approached her with purposeful steps and spoke.
"Eda, what is this? That's your mining rights."
"Exactly. So I used it where I wanted to."
"Don't play games. We're talking about one-third of all the caves we've found until now. You know how significant that is. Even if you build a new space station for yourself, there's still plenty left. I can't just accept that."
"Jun, you should remember when I negotiated with the Bones Brigade back then."
In their minds, they both recalled the events from three years ago when they infiltrated the pirate base. It was the time when Eda persuaded the Bones Brigade, surrounded by pirates, to help locate the Lumen cave. Eda had proposed giving all the mining rights to the pirates, with the condition that they would repel United Mining if their goals overlapped.
"Jun, you heard it when I tried to negotiate with the Bones Brigade back then, right?"
"I never needed things like mining stakes in the first place. If I need cash, they can be earned through work. And I... I just needed to find my master."
As the conversation touched upon sensitive topics, there was a momentary pause.
Jun thought about it. From his perspective, this was something he couldn't accept. Regardless of honor issues, he simply couldn't let Eda do this.
Jun shook his head and spoke again.
"...Anyway, even if you say that, I can't accept receiving something like this without any decency."
"I was going to stay quiet since I'm an outsider, but the result was a bit too close for comfort, wasn't it? What if it doesn't go as planned?"
"...The calculations of the clan's top minds."
"I've seen calculations like that go wrong without a doubt. I'm not belittling the abilities of your people. It's just that in reality, there are too many unpredictable variables. Just take it. You need to achieve your purpose in coming to Thousand Peaks."
"But..."
As Jun continued to show a negative attitude, Eda decided to change her approach. It might be a bit embarrassing, but it should be effective.
"Jun, during my time in East Ocean, you promised to look after me, right?"
"Huh? Yeah. Of course."
Jun's eyes widened at the sudden change of topic. Eda continued.
"So, if things go awry, and you fail to revive the clan, how will you take care of me in that situation? How will you protect me in such circumstances?"
"Well… We should do our best to avoid such a situation."
Suddenly, Jun's voice softened, as if he felt uneasy. Eda seized upon that vulnerability. Her white hands took hold of Jun's right hand and lifted it.
"Think of it as an investment. I'm investing in you and the Lee Clan, and you can repay me in any way you can later."
Eda smiled as she gently played with Jun's hand. Jun, looking at her hand and pondering in silence for a while, finally spoke.
"...Half. I'll only take half of your stake. If we still fail with that, then it was never meant to be."
"Smart decision."
"Just tell me one thing. Why are you giving me this?"
After a moment of consideration, Eda smiled and spoke.
"...Because I want to see you achieving your goal."
/
At that moment, outside the room, all eyes were on the administrative official who owned the computer Eda had added the variable to. The official, apparently feeling the weight of everyone's gaze, fidgeted and proceeded to address everyone's questions.
"Uh, so... she multiplied the young clan master's mining rights by 2."
This statement raised eyebrows among the others. Regardless of their positions, question marks appeared over everyone's heads. Representing the curiosity of the group, a few individuals closest to the official voiced their inquiries.
"By 2? So, does that mean the young clan master's mining stake has doubled? Why would she do that?"
"Even a fool would know that mines don't just pop out of thin air."
At that moment, Zhen interjected unexpectedly and said, "As far as I know, the three members of the Red Chamber evenly divided the rights to the found mine. The captain, who is here with us, the pilot who is said to still be staying in Thousand Peaks, and our young clan master - they all share the same rights."
As others began to catch on, they wore expressions of disbelief.
"Wait, so you're saying the benefactor added the variable assuming that she will transfer their entire mining stake to the young clan master?"
"...Could it really be? It sounds absurd. Even though it was a bit tight, it's a level of capital that could resurrect a clan. It might even be possible to buy a natural satellite."
Though it should have been a favorable situation, the Lee Clan members were perplexed as they couldn't grasp Eda's motive. Zhen clapped his hands once to gather their attention.
"Well, the young clan master will explain soon. Until then, let's refrain from speculating about the benefactor."
Most nodded and fell silent, taking a short break as Zhen suggested. However, a few still wore uneasy expressions, sensing something amiss.
/
"From now on, consider my mining ownership, which I had, as 1.5 times."
As everyone returned to the conference room, Jun began the explanation, facing the curious eyes of the clan members. Eda sat beside him, a hastily made sign reading 'Investor' placed in front of her.
"Here, Captain of the Red Chamber has decided to invest half of her mining stake into our clan."
As soon as he finished speaking, a thunderous applause erupted. Some even bowed at a perfect 90 degrees to Eda. Receiving infinite gratitude, Eda made a slightly embarrassed expression, covering her blushing face.
"From now on, Eda will participate in the meetings as an investor. Now, starting with the cave that should be dedicated to the emperor..."
As the meeting approached its end, when everyone was leaving the conference room, some high-ranking officials gathered and exchanged hushed conversations. Among them was Jang, a man with a shaved head that caught Zhen's attention.
"Heh... I did see it starting from dinner yesterday, but the young clan master and captain of Red Chamber is… It seems their relationship is truly like that. I guess."
"With that level of mining rights, it's truly an enormous amount for an individual to possess, isn't it? And yet, she just gives it away without any conditions."
"Young Clan Master called it an investment, didn't he?"
When Jang questioned, others in the conversation rebutted.
"He didn't mention receiving anything in return for the investment. How can you call that an investment? It's more like a gift."
"I couldn't do that much even for my wife. It seems their relationship is much closer than we think. This might be a way to prove that she has no other intentions."
"Who knows. It might be an attempt to eliminate our suspicion and build trust."
When his opinion was not accepted, Jang, on his own, revealed the information he had investigated.
"Hmm... It's indeed a fortunate turn of events, but it still bothers me. Do you know the investor's first name? It's Grant. I had some research by my own, and it seems he is the disciple of Red Grant. That woman, who was the most feared witch."
The words couldn't help but flow, and the attention of everyone in the conversation was fixed on Jang.
"...Is that true?"
Right at that moment, Zhen, next to Jun, warned about Jang. Some, including him, had a negative view of Eda.
"Alright. If anything happens, let me know immediately."
As Zhen nodded and looked at Jang moving away, Jun found himself in contemplation. How could he help Eda? Even with the time spent in Thousand Peaks, he already owed her a debt that could never be repaid, but now, he felt the need to do more.
/
A few days after Eda's investment, Jun found himself once again boarding the crimson spaceship that had brought him from Thousand Peaks to the Lee Clan. The spacecraft swiftly moved away from the planet towards the direction opposite to the star, leaving the planetary system. Leaving Eda and Zhen in the Lee Clan, Jun had only taken a minimal escort with him. Inside the spaceship, a heavy sense of tension seemed to be sculpted from solid stone, weighing down on everyone.
They were heading to the imperial palace to present themselves before the rulers of the East Ocean Empire.
In Jun's mind, old memories resurfaced. Back when he had clashed with the heir of another clan over ownership of a cave. Despite not knowing where the opponent had secretly acquired information beforehand, Jun swiftly proceeded to open the Myrian Gate at an astonishing speed. The opponent had rapidly opened a Marian Gate, and in his desperate attempt to do the same, Jun failed. In the heat of the moment, Jun's inadvertent retort to the emperor resulted in the clan losing the mine on a significant scale.
Kay argued that the emperor merely needed an excuse. Looking back, Jun thinks he was right. However, the fact remains that Jun's hasty actions provided the emperor with that pretext, and that mistake didn't change.
"Hmm."
Letting out a light sigh, Jun mulled over the information Zhen had shared once again.
"Jun, you might not be aware, but the emperor is currently seriously ill. It's said to be complications from excessive use of Lumen medicinal ingredients, but I don't know the details. Anyway, the emperor is incapacitated, and the crown prince is assuming control. They say the crown prince is a somewhat different person from the emperor, described externally as an enigmatic noble of the East Ocean. Anyway, the person you'll be presenting yourself to is likely the crown prince, not the emperor. Be cautious."
Jun once again pondered over the current emperor. The present emperor, the 15th ruler of the East Ocean Empire, was an incredibly ambitious individual. Using various political maneuvers, he weakened or eliminated clans that posed a threat, and he and his confidants monopolized the Lumen caves taken from them. His skill in plotting was unmatched, and no one dared to challenge his authority.
...Until he succumbed to his own ambitions and fell into a comatose state. Thanks to that, the crown prince inherited the power as if it were handed to him on a silver platter.
Jun steadied his resolve. Regardless of who the crown prince might be, he would act calmly, confidently, to be not shamed in front of Eda, all for the sake of reviving the clan. As Kay advised, he will think before act.
As Jun gazed out of the window, he saw a colossal artificial station, comparable to Thousand Peaks' Ironwind, floating in the vastness of space. Reflecting the will of the first emperor, who considered himself the ruler of all East Ocean clans and chose to reside in the sky rather than on the ground like other clans, Jun arrived at Tyjin, the capital of East Ocean. The enormous symbol of Taiyang engraved on Tyjin's walls shimmered in the sunlight, piercing Jun's eyes.
/
Jun stood at the end of a grand corridor. A red carpet adorned the floor, leading towards a massive door. It was the same door he had encountered before, the gateway to the emperor's throne. Last time he crossed this door, he had engaged in a competition with the heir of another clan, with all the East Ocean clans watching, and he had failed. Jun still remembered the gaze of the emperor looking down from the lofty throne.
The door was imposing and magnificent, resembling the Myrian Gate. Adorned with intricate carvings, gold leaf decorations, and crafted with Lumen, it showcased the grandeur and majesty of the imperial family. To exaggerate a bit, selling just ten of these gates could probably buy a small Lumen cave.
Jun glanced around. Only two attendants from the Lee Clan accompanied him, as that was the limit allowed to approach the door.
Only two, but if it were a prestigious clan, ten could have been permitted. Jun took a deep breath, feeling a mixture of frustration about the current state of the clan and gratitude towards Eda, who had turned it all around.
On either side of Jun, the royal guards stood in place. They wore suits that seemed to embody the mythical beings of East Ocean, motionless and imposing. Each one appeared more formidable than the assassin from the Lee Clan who had threatened Jun and swept away the Bones Brigade.
Thud, thud.
Footsteps echoed behind Jun. He chose not to turn around, remaining still. Eventually, a man revealed himself, starting from Jun's left. He covered his face with a mask, and a crimson silk coat concealed any trace of his skin. The imperial crest was emblazoned on his chest. He was an attendant assisting the prince.
"His Highness, the Crown Prince, wishes to meet you alone. You may leave your attendants here. However, His Highness also prefers to be alone."
A disguised voice flowed from behind the mask. Jun was taken aback. Leaving Jun's attendants outside while he entered alone, that made sense. Such arrangements happened occasionally. But the Crown Prince being alone too?
However, Jun silently agreed with the attendant's words. After all, he was in a position to seek forgiveness, and he didn't want to create a negative impression by opposing the suggestion from the start.
The attendant took out a synthescepter. To be precise, it wasn't a synthescepter but a switch disguised as one. Given that the door mimicked the Myrian Gate, it opened in the same way.
Jun and his attendants bowed their heads. Until permission was granted, they were not allowed to raise their heads when approaching the emperor. This rule applied even more strictly when seeking forgiveness.
Tap,
The sound of the synthescepter r lightly striking echoed, and a wave of Lumen spread through the surroundings. The massive gate opened with a sound that reached Jun's ears.
"Proceed."
The attendant gestured for Jun to move forward.
As the attendant's words fell, Jun continued to step forward slowly, still keeping his head bowed. He pondered about the Crown Prince—what kind of person he might be and how he should respond. The sound of the gate closing echoed behind him.
When Jun had walked about halfway to the audience chamber, a voice, unfamiliar to him, came from the side.
"You may raise your head now."
The tone was refreshingly casual, not fitting the heavy atmosphere Jun had imagined. When he lifted his head, he found the grand throne of the emperor in front of him. The throne was crafted from even more luxurious materials than the gate he had just passed. It featured designs engraved in silk or fine wood, Lumen decorations, and embedded jewels. The legs and backrest of the throne were adorned with carvings featuring gold or silver infused with Lumen. The surface and top displayed symbols and patterns encapsulating the philosophy, history, and religious significance of East Ocean.
Jun could observe all of this because there was no one on the throne. If the Crown Prince were not yet the emperor and unable to sit, someone should be standing beside it. Yet, there was no one directly in front.
While Jun was still trying to comprehend the situation, the voice from earlier spoke up again from his side.
"Haha, sorry about that. Was the joke a bit too much?"
Turning his head, Jun saw the attendant who had just spoken standing calmly.
"Oh, the voice? I turned off the distortion feature."
With a playful tone, the attendant removed the mask. Revealed beneath was the face that Jun had been familiarizing himself with through pictures since yesterday—the Crown Prince 'Dan'. Though his face resembled that of the emperor, it carried a much livelier impression.
"Your Highness, I pay my respects!"
Jun quickly knelt. As he couldn't yet predict the Crown Prince's temperament, he decided not to pick up on any clues prematurely.
"Get up, get up. I wanted to talk comfortably, so I suggested meeting one-on-one."
Dan spoke in a much more relaxed manner.
Upon hearing those words, Jun stood up, not releasing the tension in his body.
"Well, I guess even if I say this, it's hard to believe, right? I swear before Taiyang. From now until I leave this room, everything I say is the truth emanating from my heart. If I break this oath, Taiyang's burning wrath will consume even my soul. So, feel free to relax. I wanted to have a real conversation with you."
An oath to Taiyang was the highest level of oath in East Ocean. Even as the Crown Prince, he couldn't afford to violate it. Jun, hearing this, relaxed his body.
"See? It feels so much better without the tension. Let's sit for a bit."
The Crown Prince pressed his thumb firmly against the side of the synthescepter he still held. Simultaneously, the floor in a corner of the audience chamber opened, and a small table and chairs rose up. On top of the table were two bottles of drinks. The Crown Prince comfortably settled onto one of the chairs, and Jun took a seat across from him. Jun decided to remain silent until the Crown Prince spoke, as opening his mouth before being instructed went against etiquette.
"Well, first, I should explain why I challenged you in this manner, right? You can help yourself to the drinks there. I wanted to have a relaxed conversation with you."
An oath to Taiyang was not to be taken lightly. The Crown Prince, taking a sip from one of the bottles, met Jun's eyes before starting his explanation.
"First of all, I want to apologize."
The Crown Prince rose and bowed. Jun, taken aback, quickly stood up and bowed in return. It was very, very unusual for the Crown Prince to bow first to his subordinate in East Ocean.
"Your Highness, please raise your head."
"I apologize for the sacrifice you made due to my father's despicable political maneuvering. I'm truly sorry. You might have already suspected, but your competitor in that contest received pre-information. It was my father's doing. He never intended to spare the Lee Clan."
Ah, as I thought.
While inwardly acknowledging this, Jun still restrained himself from interrupting the Crown Prince.
"Regardless of what decision His Majesty made, as a subject, it was only right to follow. So, please, stop blaming yourself."
"I heard you faced a life-threatening situation. How can I not blame myself? I'm sorry. It might sound like an excuse, but there was nothing I could do back then. If it helps, you can vent your frustrations about my father here."
"Your Highness..."
Seeing no progress in the conversation, the Crown Prince took extraordinary measures.
"Well, let's drop the formalities between us here. Forget the etiquette between a prince and his subject for now. Let's talk like peers. I'll address you by name, and you can do the same with me."
"Excuse me?"
Jun's eyes narrowed at the Crown Prince's unconventional move. The Crown Prince continued.
"Going back to our previous discussion, I genuinely regret what you went through. The main reason I suggested this one-on-one meeting was to personally apologize. Let's speak freely as peers."
By this point, Jun had a gut feeling that continuing to maintain formalities would be more impolite.
"Um… Well, if you're comfortable with it, I will call you Dan. I get it. I'll accept the apology. Honestly, I don't care much. There were certainly mistakes on my part back then."
"...Thank you. Truly. Honestly, I was worried that you might be using your position as the Crown Prince to force forgiveness."
As Jun remained silent, Dan continued.
"The other reason I wanted to meet you like this is that I just wanted to meet someone my age in a more relaxed setting. When my father was in good health, everyone treated me cautiously because of him. Now that I've inherited that power, no one can approach me comfortably. Everyone is trapped within the power web my father created. But you, who have been away for three years, suddenly appeared without any political ties."
Jun inwardly cocked his head. Everything this person was saying now had to be true. After all, he had made the highest oath. Then, is this Prince Dan truly lonely, which is why he addressed himself in such a way?
"And about the purpose of your visit here. You came to offer the caves to the Emperor and seek forgiveness, right? You must have roughly calculated how much your clan needs to offer internally, haven't you? Just give the minimum amount. I'll return them gradually. It's all for show anyway."
"Hmm? Really?"
Jun's eyes widened at Dan's unconventional proposal. Considering the substantial amount expected to be dedicated to the imperial cause, this statement significantly alleviated the burden.
"In return."
Dan took a sip of his drink and continued.
"Tell me the stories of what you experienced in Thousnad Peaks. I, as Oceaner, wanted to personally explore the Lumen, but my position didn't allow that. You, making a ruckus in the galaxy only in three years and being close to my age, I'm curious about your adventure. Oh, don't worry about where you heard the stories; I won't go spreading them."
Dan's eyes sparkled as he leaned toward Jun. He looked eager, and Jun, by now, had no choice but to acknowledge it. This person genuinely wanted to become friends. With a smile, Jun began telling the story from the time he escaped from the Lee Clan with Kay, using the Khun.
"I escaped from the Lee Clan with Kay, who was my guardian. Then, to regain honor, we had to decide which star system to go to. The starsong of the Ignis star in Thousand Peaks made me..."