Ch.73Chapter 73: The Eldest Son.

Halik Gerungtu, the eldest of Kwan’s 18 siblings.

He’s a full 17 years older than Balt.

The most likely candidate to become the next Kwan after Kwan unified the South and established the nation.

During the unification wars, he fought alongside Kwan on the battlefield, turning countless battles into victories.

Though his current neat attire conceals it, his trademark was a massive scar running from his left shoulder to his right waist.

Halik smiles warmly and opens his arms toward Balt.

“Well, my youngest brother. It’s been a long time!”

Whoosh-

Halik lightly embraces Balt and pats his back firmly.

The sound of air bursting follows.

Thump-

Thump-

Lisa and Lati watch in disbelief.

“I’d die if someone greeted me like that.”

“Me too.”

After the brief greeting, Balt asks Halik:

“Were you in the capital? I thought all my brothers, including myself, were sent to the continent on missions from Kwan?”

Halik looks at his youngest brother with fondness.

Balt had given up countless things simply for being the youngest.

Or rather, it would be more accurate to say he was never given opportunities in the first place.

Yet the youngest had returned having successfully completed his mission.

Of course, he still had a long way to go, but none of the siblings had achieved results as quickly as Balt.

“Haha, kid. Is that all you have to say to your eldest brother after so long?”

“Have you been well?”

Halik chuckles and shakes his head.

“Such a stoic one. You should just bow down to me instead. So, are these friends you made at the Academy?”

King Bladir wasn’t in the streets.

It would have been strange for King Bladir to be sightseeing with Balt’s group, given his position.

“Yes. Everyone, say hello. This is my eldest brother and the heir to Gerungtu, Halik Gerungtu.”

At Balt’s introduction, Halik’s eyebrow twitches.

‘Hmm… this kid…?’

As expected, Lisa is the quickest to respond to Balt’s introduction.

“Your Highness! It’s an honor to meet you! I’m Lisa Valentine, Balt’s dedicated adjutant!”

Halik looks impressed at Lisa’s introduction.

“Oh… from the Valentine family at the southern border region. Pleased to meet you. But what do you mean by adjutant…?”

Lisa excitedly blurts out as if it’s nothing special.

“Ahaha! You see, we’re Balt’s gang! Balt is the leader, and I’m his supporting adjutant!”

Lati scoffs at Lisa’s words.

“What adjutant… you’re too weak to even accompany us…”

An irritated Lisa retorts.

“The Valentines are late bloomers, you know!? Is 5th Circle nothing to you!?”

Halik flinches at Lisa’s words.

‘5th Circle? Is that tiny fairy race that strong?’

As a Gerungtu great warrior, Halik can somewhat gauge others’ strength.

Though precise assessment is impossible, his estimates are quite accurate, so it doesn’t cause him any inconvenience.

In fact, in real combat, Halik might even have an advantage since he doesn’t let his guard down by being fixated on Circles and Floors.

‘They all exceed the average level. Heh, so my youngest brother is their leader?’

While Lisa and Liti bicker, Halik, having greeted everyone, speaks up.

“If it’s not too much trouble, I’d like to show you around Geruntia. Would that be alright with everyone?”

Everyone turns to look at Balt.

“…That would be fine.”

In Balt’s memory, Halik was unlike typical Gerungtu.

In a word, he was gentle.

In battle, he was as demonic as any other Gerungtu, but for a Gerungtu, he had a refined manner of speech, expression, and fairly decent manners.

If he had been smaller in stature, he could have passed for a Central Continent human with his abundant knowledge and constant desire to learn.

That’s why his nickname was the “Demon Gentleman.”

In fact, there’s a story that when he learned Kwan’s purpose for declaring the southern conquest war was to change the Gerungtu, he went to Kwan and wept with joy.

Kwan, in turn, placed his eldest son Halik, who so strongly supported his views, at the forefront, giving him opportunities to achieve merit.

And he was in the process of solidifying his position as heir.

***

Under Halik’s kind guidance, Balt’s friends explored the vibrant streets, while Halik and Balt simply watched.

“It’s good to see your face after so long.”

“You didn’t answer my question.”

“Ah, yes, you asked why I’m already in the capital.”

Halik explains with a gentle smile.

“You’re curious about the non-aggression treaty with the North-South-East-West Kingdom Alliance? That matter was concluded when we signed the treaty with the Empire. You have nothing to worry about.”

Though he speaks so casually, officially establishing agreements and documenting them is different.

When the treaty with the Empire was finalized, Halik had already begun preparing diplomatic relations with other kingdom alliances, even before Kwan ordered it.

While the Empire is certainly the center of the continent now, the Kingdom Alliance, if united, possesses similar power.

In many cases, they even have superior technology to the Empire.

There’s no reason for the Gerungtu, who opened their borders to learn from the entire continent, not to cooperate with them.

Halik was skilled.

In a short time, he persuaded the leaders of each kingdom alliance and even made them believe it would be disadvantageous not to trade with Gerungtu.

That was, in a way, one of the qualities of an emperor.

‘Impressive. To meet with all of them and establish treaties in such a short time. So this is what makes the firstborn different.’

“By the way, I heard you really learned magic? Could I see it for myself?”

At those words, Balt suddenly throws a punch at Halik.

A light Wind Fist. Still, it carries the power of the 5th Floor.

Pang-

Halik swats away the Wind Fist with his palm and looks surprised.

“Ha, ha… hahahahaha! It’s true! It’s really true! How on earth did you manage it?”

“Well… various things happened. And it’s not yet something warriors should learn.”

Halik crosses his arms, flexing his impressive arm muscles, and nods.

“Hmm, that’s what they said.”

Balt glances at his friends and notices they’re making quite an effort to befriend Liris.

Since Liris joined later, things are still awkward.

“Now, please tell me. What did you come here to say?”

“Hmm? Say what? I just came to see my youngest brother’s face.”

Balt could only sigh at such shamelessness.

“Sigh… Are you asking me to join your faction, brother?”

Halik scratches his head at Balt’s words.

“Is it that obvious?”

“Yes. Very much so.”

While it’s true that Halik is virtually designated as the next heir, Kwan hasn’t fully acknowledged him as crown prince.

Kwan has many children. He knows very well that competition helps build strength.

There was no need to dampen the enthusiasm of children who could benefit the entire race through competition.

Currently, the main contenders for succession are the eldest son Halik, the third son Bigo, and the second child and eldest daughter Ragna.

Though other children also have ambitions, their influence is incomparable to these three.

Naturally, Halik’s faction is the strongest, followed surprisingly by Ragna, then Bigo.

In this situation, Halik wanted to secure his position by gaining Balt’s support.

What Balt has accomplished is honestly impossible even for Halik.

He had estimated it would take Balt 10 years to succeed in this mission.

But Balt returned with results in just over two months.

In fact, according to Halik’s informants, it could already be considered a success.

So while he had hoped Balt could live more freely until then, that’s no longer possible.

Even if Halik left him alone, the other siblings wouldn’t leave Balt in peace.

With no other siblings in the capital now, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Halik laughs gently and speaks to Balt.

It’s a likable laugh that moves people’s hearts.

“Alright, I’ll be honest. Support me as the next Taiji.”

Taiji is ancient Gerungtu language for crown prince.

Halik’s eyes are full of firm resolve and confidence as he speaks.

Even with Balt’s knowledge, Halik is the right choice for the next Kwan.

First, as the eldest child, Halik has legitimacy, and now that Gerungtu has established a nation, there’s arguably no one better suited to further develop Gerungtu than Halik.

Seeing Balt’s contemplative expression, Halik pats his shoulder and smiles.

“You don’t have to answer right away. Think about it carefully.”

This is exactly it.

He considers others and skillfully gains their favor. Other siblings would have pressured for an immediate decision.

Balt asks Halik one question with determination.

“Is continental conquest your ultimate goal as well, brother?”

The youngest brother’s face is quite serious as he asks.

This brother was born when Halik was already grown and roaming battlefields.

Perhaps fewer than five people, including Halik and Kwan, know that Balt’s mother was from the Central Continent.

The once tiny brother has now become a warrior representing the tribe, asking about his ambitions.

Remembering the past when he was quite fond of his brother, though unable to care for him much, Halik smiles and shares his honest feelings.

“Balt, my brother.”

“Yes, brother.”

They exchange glances, and Halik’s voice drops to a whisper only Balt can hear.

“I am not someone who believes conquest alone makes a nation prosperous.”

Words that could be interpreted as directly contradicting Kwan’s will.

Balt feels his brother’s firm resolve.

“…That answers my question. I’ll think about your request and give you my answer.”

“Please do.”

Then Halik looks at Balt’s still boisterous friends.

“You’ve made good friends.”

“They’re noisy ones.”

“Hahaha, but they get along well with our warriors. My guidance is no longer needed.”

With those words, Halik pats Balt’s shoulder once more and turns toward the castle.

“Don’t think father is always right.”

Having already revealed his true thoughts by directly contradicting Kwan’s will, Halik leaves these meaningful words and disappears from sight.

‘Halik Gerungtu… interesting.’