“Excuse me, Master. Are you sure about this?”

“About what?” Song Jung-Wook[1] asked.

“About Lee Ki-Young of the Blue Guild taking command…”

“Oh, don’t worry about that,” Song Jung-Wook replied.

“What? But… your plan…”

“We need to take care of what’s in front of us first. Lee Ki-Young is from Lindel and even if his influence over Castle Rock expands, there’s a limit to what he can do. Actually, it’ll be better for us, since we still have a lot to benefit from him,” he explained.

“Ah…”

“Lee Ki-Young knows exactly what ‘give and take’ means… hehehe.”

Despite his bad first impression of Lee Ki-Young, the latter had turned out to be the type of person who always brought surprises. At first, he had thought Lee Ki-Young was just lucky and that he had simply obtained his position by being the Mercenary Queen’s lover, but as time passed, Song Jung-Wook realized that wasn’t the case. Even though Song Jung-Wook was curious about how Lee Ki-Young had gotten so much power, it was more important to know the latter’s attitude and how he was going to use that power.

‘He knows…’

Lee Ki-Young knew better than anyone how to use his power and position because not long after he had arrived in Castle Rock, he had become acquainted with the masters of mid-sized clans.

‘Of course, it was through me…’

The fact that Lee Ki-Young had visited Song Jung-Wook first showed what kind of person he was, and it was a bit funny to say this, but Song Jung-Wook somewhat respected Lee Ki-Young. Efficiency was the most important, and after bringing people to his side, Lee Ki-Young rewarded them for their loyalty and made them realize how helpful they were. The result was obvious. Castle Rock had changed to the point that there were even matters they couldn’t discuss without him, and that included the economy, politics, and even trivial matters.

‘It’s all about skills.’

While Song Jung-Wook was thinking, Park Ga-Eul, his adjutant, spoke, “Master, I understand what you’re thinking, but I’m kind of worried…”

“No need to worry,” Song Jung-Wook interrupted.

“Okay…”

“I’m not as dumb as you think. From what I heard, he doesn’t have a good relationship with Jo Hye-Jin. So what does this all mean? ”Song Jung-Wook asked.

“Uh…”

“It means Lee Ki-Young is the same as us. The business the Blue Guild is doing is borderline illegal and the contract we made wasn’t exactly legal either. He basically forced it on me,” Song Jung-Wook explained.

“Yes, he did…” Park Ga-Eul mumbled.

“Based on the rumors, it seems like he doesn’t have a conscience, which makes him the same as us, not Jo Hye-Jin. I decided that we should maintain a closer relationship with him, so that basically says it all,” Song Jung-Wook added.

“Master… you’re not thinking about telling him about our business, right?” Park Ga-Eul asked.

“No...”

“Whew...”

“It’s still too early,” Song Jung-Wook remarked.

“S-So… you’re going to tell him eventually?” Park Ga-Eul asked once more.

“The more I think about it, the more I think it’s not a bad idea, because I’m sure we’ll benefit from him joining. Can you imagine what Lee Ki-Young will look like when he enters the underground? We can grow more and take full control of the amphitheater. It’ll be our chance to get back at those who looked down on the Small Stone Guild,” Song Jung-Wook explained.

“You have a point, but I feel kind of nervous. I keep thinking that it’s not a good idea to be so close to him…” Park Ga-Eul said, worried.

“Ah, I’m being cautious, so don’t worry so much. Ahem. Let’s continue what we’ve been doing and who knows? Lee Ki-Young might hand over Marilyn to me… As long as we pretend to be loyal to him, we’ll always benefit from it. I’m taking care of it, so don’t worry, Ga-Eul,” Song Jung-Wook said in a reassuring tone.

“...”

“I was worried when he said we were going to live at the walls, but it’s nice to have connections,” Song Jung-Wook said.

The room was so big that it couldn’t be called the barracks, and it was more comfortable than the room Song Jung-Wook was currently staying in in the barrack. Due to Castle Rock being under martial law, Song Jung-Wook couldn’t bask in luxury, but he was still living a decent life. Lee Ki-Young was obviously being considerate of him.

“Just look at the room we’re in; you’ll know how important I am to him. I can understand why he feels that way—he needs me too, hehe,” Song Jung-Wook chuckled.

“I see,” Park Ga-Eul said, nodding.

“By the way, is there something wrong, Park Ga-Eul?” Song Jung-Wook asked.

“It’s nothing,” they answered.

“Do you have any complaints?” Song Jung-Wook asked once more.

“No, it’s nothing like that. It’s just everything seems to be working too smoothly…” they said.

“There’s no need for you to worry,” Song Jung-Wook said once again.

“That man…”

“What?” Song Jung-Wook asked.

“I feel something sinister from him… Of course, it’s just my feeling, but… I feel like you won’t benefit from anything by being involved with him,” Park Ga-Eul answered.

“Tsk. You’re too cautious,” Song Jung-Wook clicked his tongue.

“I’m sorry, Master,” they apologized.

“There’s nothing to apologize for, I like that about you. Of course, it’s a bit overboard to trust a crazy bastard that had just appeared here, but I heard something from Lee Ki-Young when I drank with him last time,” Song Jung-Wook said.

“What?”

“He doesn’t like to gamble but is willing to if necessary,” Song Jung-Wook answered.

“Ah.”

“Mmm… When I heard that, I knew he was going to be successful, and even though he’s younger than me, I could still learn a thing or two from him. He also has qualities I respect. I don’t like to gamble either, but my guts are telling me that this is the time to throw the dice,” Song Jung-Wook explained.

“I see…” they said.

“I understand that you’re worried, but it’s not good to cower all the time. What do you think the difference is between me and him? Look at the things he has accomplished. Can you believe that Lee Ki-Young has only been here for a year? Of course, one of the reasons is that he’s close to the Mercenary Queen, but I’m certain there’s a difference between him and us,” Song Jung-Wook added.

“What kind of difference?”

“Whenever we need to make a choice, I don’t throw the dice, while Lee Ki-Young does, and that’s the reason why I’m being hesitant in Castle Rock, while Lee Ki-Young is controlling Lindel. Do you understand?” Song Jung-Wook said to Park Ga-Eul.

“Of course, Master...”

“You can’t gain anything if you don’t bet anything. Ah, that’s something he said, too. It sounds like he’s telling me to follow him. Ahem. Anyways, it’s almost time for the meeting, so I should head out. By the way… the supplies are properly stored, right?” Song Jung-Wook asked.

“Yes, Master. We stored them in the guild’s warehouse,” Park Ga-Eul answered.

“And the egg?” Song Jung-Wook asked once more.

“We’ve been taking good care of it, so don’t worry.”

“That’s good. Once this is over, I’ll have a chance. Pay attention to what’s happening outside because we need to work harder at times like this. Make sure to keep everyone in check,” Song Jung-Wook instructed.

“Understood...”

When Song Jung-Wook stepped outside, he saw knights, his guild members, and people wearing the Red Mercenary Guild’s badge patrolling from the top of the wall, but a red-headed woman caught his attention.

‘Cha Hee-Ra?’

Lee Ki-Young had mentioned getting help from the Red Mercenary Guild, but Song Jung-Wook didn’t think they would actually come. After the first meeting, Song Jung-Wook recalled seeing her riding a griffon. A strong body and aura, this was exactly what Song Jung-Wook had heard about the Mercenary Queen when he was out drinking. There was no need for other words—simply looking at her made his heart race.

‘They must have known each other since way back on Earth.’

If someone asked Song Jung-Wook if he was jealous, he would say that he was. Not only was the Mercenary Queen strong, but she was also beautiful. Her red lips and sharp eyes, and the way her fiery red hair fluttered in the wind made her look like a goddess. While staring at her, Song Jung-Wook saw her waving, so he showed respect by bowing, but when he raised his head once again, she was no longer there. She was probably headed to the meeting. Song Jung-Wook didn’t want to arrive later than the Mercenary Queen, so he sprinted there, and when he arrived, he noticed that everyone was already talking.

‘Am I late?’

Song Jung-Wook wasn’t really nervous, but he knew that he had made a huge mistake today since Castle Rock was under martial law.

“You’re late…”

“Yes, I’m sorry,” Song Jung-Wook apologized.

“It’s fine, since we haven’t decided on the unit structure yet. But I’d appreciate it if you could be more careful from now on,” Lee Ki-Young said.

‘That’s it…’

“I’m very sorry,” he apologized once again.

Song Jung-Wook was very happy when Lee Ki-Young told him it was fine.

‘It’s nice having a powerful friend.’

“Let’s continue our conversation,” Lee Ki-Young suggested.

“Okay...”

“Please have a seat, Mr. Song Jung-Wook. We’re currently discussing the layout of the units,” Lee Ki-Young added.

“All right…”

“We have decided to integrate the small guilds and clans as a whole in the command chain. We tried our best to give you autonomy, and I am sorry for the inconvenience, but please understand that we absolutely need a structure,” Lee Ki-Young started the discussion by apologizing.

“You don’t need to care so much, darling. They just need to follow your orders, don’t you agree? You can use military law to deal with those who disobey. You just need to cut their heads off. Am I wrong?” Cha Hee-Ra asked.

“Yes, you’re right, Miss Cha-Hee Ra…”

“Y-Yes, of course. The Mercenary Queen is right.”

“See, everyone agrees. In war, the commander’s orders are law, and this applies to both Lindel and Castle Rock, so there’s no need to question where my darling is from. I’d also like to remind everyone… I’m not soft-hearted like my darling. Disobeying orders means death,” Cha Hee-Ra warned.

“Yes, Ma’am!”

“Understood…”

“Noona,” Lee Ki-Young called out.

“Okay, okay, I’ll quiet down. Don’t look at me like that, darling,” she said.

Song Jung-Wook looked around and the clan and guild masters were trying not to make eye contact with her. He could understand their reaction. After all, Cha Hee-Ra was the strongest in Lindel and one of the top five most powerful people in the Holy Empire. The free city citizens of Castle Rock found it hard to adjust to being with a person of her caliber. However, it seemed like the Mercenary Queen’s lover had put in a good word for Song Jung-Wook because he remembered how she had waved at him earlier.

‘I’m safe. Thanks, Lee Ki-Young. Hehehe.’

Naturally, Song Jung-Wook imagined getting all the benefits while standing in the back line and he may even get sweeter benefits since he had played a key role in placing Lee Ki-Young in that position.

“We should announce the formations first. We have decided on the defenders of the first wall,” Lee Ki-Young said.

“Okay.”

“The first wall is very dangerous and since it’s a strategic point, we thought it would be best to leave it to someone we could trust,” Lee Ki-Young added.

‘That’s right…’

Song Jung-Wook couldn’t help but smile, because it would be very beneficial to him if a rival guild ended up being placed on the first wall.

“The Small Stone Guild will handle the first wall,” Lee Ki-Young announced.

“What?”

‘What?’

Song Jung-Wook turned his head and saw Lee Ki-Young’s bright smile.

‘This… This bastard!’

1. Chapter is from Song Jung-Wook’s POV, but in 3rd person ☜