Dozens of papers were strewn across the streets.

Seol Jihu had just returned to the city, but he could feel countless people stealing looks at him. The signs all over the city were screaming that something unusual was happening.

Seol Jihu picked up one of the papers lying on the ground.

Soon, his eyes went wide before narrowing. The newspaper explained what had happened while he was gone.

While Carpe Diems main force left to complete the royal familys mission, the Eva Alliance sent Ochoa Cartels Level 5 Warrior, Noah Freya and a representative of the Eva Alliance, the level 5 Warrior Yang Yang, to attack Carpe Diems base. Receiving Carpe Diems request for assistance, the Triads dispatched Ayase Kazuki and others, successfully annihilating the Eva Alliances forces raiding Carpe Diem.

Coincidentally, at the same time, Ochoa Cartel and the other organizations picked a fight with members of the Triads at the pub. Although it was only a small, insignificant fight at first, it quickly intensified until organizations were brought into the mix.

The Triads executive, Ming Jie, understood the seriousness of the situation and tried to stop the conflict, but the Eva Alliance unscrupulously raised their hand, taking out their weapons despite Ming Jies attempt to appease the situation. In the end, they attacked the Triads forces first.

In response, the Triads struck back, lighting the fuse for a war which ended in the Eva Alliances complete defeat.

The leader of Ochoa Cartel, Omar Garcia, was present at the scene. As he was making his escape, he was caught by the members of Carpe Diem who were on their way to reinforce the Triads. Captured and questioned, he revealed that he was instigated by Jung Sua, the representative of the royal familys partner organization, Evangeline.

Jung Sua is pleading innocence, claiming that she knew nothing about Omar Garcias plans, but this was clearly the Eva Alliances attempt to drive out Carpe Diem and the Triads after suffering a huge loss from the recent revelation of their illegal activities.

With Jung Sua revealed to be the one who suggested Carpe Diems escort mission, her words are losing trust.

As a result, the Eva Alliance was completely annihilated, leaving behind only the Dongchun Merchants and Red Hwaru. However, the Triads and Carpe Diem suffered great losses as well.

Carpe Diem managed to escape the worst-case scenario thanks to the Triads timely support, but two legends of Paradise, Seo Yuhui and Jang Maldong have suffered severe injuries, causing the rage of many Earthlings

What?

Seol Jihu didnt catch the last bits of the news, which noted, Everyone is awaiting the decision of Evas queen, Charlotte Aria.

Seo Yuhui and Jang Maldong suffered severe injuries?

Seol Jihus head turned white.

Ooooh? What? What the hell happened?

Phi Sora must have picked up a newspaper too as she muttered in shock. It wasnt just her. Everyone else was in shock.

In the next moment, Seol Jihu ran.

He initially planned to stop by the palace to report the successful completion of the mission, but that thought evaporated altogether as he ran at full speed toward Carpe Diems building.

Passing the main gate and throwing open the front entrance, he heard someone scream and backed off.

It was Chohong.

Ah, hey! Easy on the do

Chohong, who was about to get angry, shut her mouth seeing Seol Jihu.

Oh, youre here

She changed her attitude right away, welcoming him before trailing off. She had no other choice when she saw his face and spoke carefully.

W-When did you get here?

Just now. Wheres Master Jang and Yuhui Noona?

Seol Jihu had a ton of questions he wanted to ask, but he asked the most important matter first.

Old Man is enjoying the hot spring Yuhui Noonim, I think, is resting in her room.

Seol Jihus eyes waned. Of the two supposedly injured people, one was enjoying the hot spring and the other was resting in her room?

Did they come back from the emergency treatment room already?

Uhh, about that

Chohong avoided Seol Jihus eyes. She seemed guilty of something.

I only heard after you left and Old Man reluctantly agreed to it as well

She muttered something Seol Jihu couldnt understand. He no longer waited for her reply and hurried up the stairs. He wanted to check their conditions with his own eyes.

The door was open. Just like Chohong said, Seo Yuhui was resting in her room. To be more precise, she was sitting on her bed, playing with the red egg.

Whats he doing there?

Seol Jihu couldnt figure out what the egg was doing here, but he set the question aside. This wasnt the first time it had happened anyway.

What mattered was Seo Yuhuis condition.

But the way she smiled and gently tickled the egg, she looked nothing like a severely injured patient.

Seol Jihu breathed a sigh of relief before knocking on the door.

Seo Yuhui turned around in a startle.

Jihu?

Noona.

When did you get here?

Just now.

Seol Jihu continued as he stepped into the room.

Are you okay?

Yeah, Im fine. Theres no problem at all. Ah, except the problem that Ive been having.

Are you really, really okay?

As Seol Jihu asked a second time, Seo Yuhui smiled bitterly.

You saw the newspaper?

Seol Jihu became convinced. The publicly known story was a lie.

Words could easily be manipulated to instill different thoughts in people. For whatever reason, someone must have pulled some strings to make the false story go out.

And within Carpe Diem, there was only one person who would think of such a thing.

Before Seol Jihu mentioned the name, he asked.

What happened?

Unn Were pretending to be hurt. Miss Hannah said that would make it easier to manipulate public opinion.

Seo Yuhui spoke in a slightly bashful way.

As I thought.

After relief came suspicion. Seol Jihu felt stuffy for whatever reason and hurriedly asked.

Can you give me an explanation?

*

Kim Hannah has been running around like a headless chicken trying to take care of recent events. Even today, she left the Carpe Diem building early in the morning and had yet to return.

Seol Jihu stayed cooped up in the main office after hearing Seo Yuhuis explanation. Sitting at the desk chair, he smoked endlessly. Otherwise, he didnt feel like he could relax.

Although he was working hard to pretend like he was okay, he was seething on the inside like a blast furnace at full capacity.

White smoke came out of his nostrils and mouth, like the steam escaping a heated kettle. By the time his cigarette butts formed a small mound on the ashtray, the clacking of high heels rang out in the hallway.

Soon, knocks rang out, followed by the sound of the door opening.

Youre back? Good work. Did the mission go well?

He could tell who it was without even having to look.

Seol Jihu spoke with a slightly hoarse voice.

Come sit.

What, why? Why are you acting so serious?

Seol Jihus chin shook a little. Kim Hannah must have known what he meant, so seeing her act this way made him too spiteful.

Seol Jihu took a deep breath.

Dont you have something to say to me?

Im a bit busy right now

You dont have time to talk even for a little while?

Fine, Ill stay and talk. But keep it simple.

Sit.

Even Seol Jihu was surprised by his cold tone. Kim Hannah looked at Seol Jihu with a renewed expression. Next, she quietly walked forward and sat down on a chair.

Seol Jihu had already heard about the events leading up until here.

After a moment of silence, he asked.

Is this why you asked me to lend you the pendant?

Yep, it was just in case anyone attacked Having it, saved us.

Seol Jihu scoffed.

No, you borrowed it to reverse the situation if the Eva Alliance invaded and devoured them instead.

Youre right. Since Flone was here, I didnt think wed lose.

Kim Hannah admitted easily.

But its not like I didnt give much thought to it. Flones strength is one thing, but her main advantage is that her existence has not been revealed to Paradise. I had to devise a plan to utilize this advantage, and thats how this plan came to be.

What she said wasnt wrong.

But like I said in the past, the success and failure of the plan was unclear with you around. We kept poking at the Alliance, but they continued laying low. In the end, you had to leave this city to bait them out.

Seol Jihu understood what she meant.

Anyway, everything went well. With the Eva Alliance attacking first, we have the proper justification to deal with them. We also hid Flones existence, and with clear evidence supporting us, the public support is with us as well. The Eva Alliance is practically done for.

Indeed, the outcome of the plan was an undeniable success. After all, five of Evas seven remaining organizations had collapsed.

That was the case if he only looked at the outcome.

But what Seol Jihu had a problem with wasnt that.

You know thats not what Im talking about.

Since when

Seol Jihu cut himself off in the middle, feeling that his tone was getting unnecessarily sharp. However, his voice had already gotten loud.

Park Dongchun Ajusshi gave us the information. That the royal partner would pull some strings in secret.

Kim Hannah revealed the truth.

And shortly afterwards, I also got a message from Sorg Khne, saying that Jung Sua, the representative of Evangeline, brought up the idea of having Carpe Diem escort the Federation members. He was delaying the decision and wanted our input on the matter. I figured that was the perfect opportunity. So

This is the first time Im hearing any of this.

Seol Jihu cut her off, and Kim Hannah went mute. Seeing her staring fixedly, Seol Jihu continued where he left off.

Couldnt you have said something to me? Or at least, you could have called me after the plan ended in success. Do you have any idea how surprised I was when I came back?

Kim Hannah scratched her head as she made a flustered expression.

Ah Were you?

What? Was I?

I mean, its true that I didnt tell you about it but whats wrong with that? Its not like I committed a crime. And look, the outcome is great.

Seol Jihu doubted his ears, finally turning his gaze and staring straight at Kim Hannah. Facing his heated gaze, Kim Hannah flinched subconsciously.

She wanted to pretend that she was fine, but her body shrunk back on its own. Her throat felt parched, and she licked her lips unknowingly.

This was the face, the attitude, and the other side of Seol Jihu that Kim Hannah witnessed for the first time ever.

Who would have thought such a terrifying face would be hidden underneath all that childish laughter?

I see.

While she finally understood what Seol Jihus enemies had felt all this time, she barely managed to raise her hands and shrug.

How rude! I thought youd praise me. I gotta admit, Im a little taken aback by your anger.

She sounded innocent and nonchalant. Seol Jihu almost snapped and let his anger explode, but

.

He held himself back at the last moment.

Checking Kim Hannah with the Nine Eyes, he confirmed that she was still shining gold.

There had to be a reason the Golden Commandment was showing up in this situation, a reason that Kim Hannah was treating him this way.

Seol Jihu growled.

Why are you doing this?

A subdued voice flowed out. It was as if he was restraining himself despite having many things to say.

With Kim Hannah being sensitive to the emotional changes of others, there was no way she wouldnt catch this.

Perhaps this was the final chance.

Something that Kim Hannah learned after coming to Eva was that Seol Jihu did not hesitate to pull out his spear against those he deemed to be his enemies.

Regardless of the intention, Kim Hannah had tricked Seol Jihu.

Perhaps it was misleading to say tricked, but Kim Hannah had definitely carried out a plan while keeping Seol Jihu in the dark about it.

Thankfully, the trust they had built up until now seemed to be telling Seol Jihu that there must be a good reason for her actions.

I know.

As such, Kim Hannah decided to come clear. Fixing her posture, she sat tall and explained.

You must be surprised and confused. You might also be furious and disappointed.

But Jihu.

.

What youre feeling now is what I felt the first night we came to Eva.

When Seol Jihu heard this, he felt as if a hammer had struck his head.

His expression became dazed, and his mouth opened slightly.

Im not saying that Im in the right. I was the one who took you around the city, after all.

Kim Hannah uncrossed her arms and subtly lowered her gaze.

But its not like I demanded anything difficult.

She slowly continued.

Calling for a meeting, explaining the circumstances carefully, hearing everyones opinion and discussing whether anyone had better ideas at the very least, we could have contacted the Triads and let them know of our plan.

.

What did you think I felt as you dragged the main force along with nothing more than the words, trust me?

Seol Jihu remained silent.

And thats not all. You accepted the royal familys mission right away. You never thought to get back to them later and discuss it with us first?

Seol Jihu finally realized why Kim Hannah was doing all this.

[Do we need to have a meeting? Just tell me.]

And he learned why Kim Hannah had glared at him back at the cafeteria.

Ill be blunt. What would you do if I said with no explanation that we should go to Scheherazade this instant and hit Sinyoung? As you know, I have a grudge against Sinyoung, and theyre not a righteous organization either.

Seol Jihu clenched his teeth.

Youd obviously say no, or at least ask me to explain. I would have no choice but to follow your order. Because at the end of the day, Im just a member of this team. But thats not the case with you.

Its fine when I do it, but its not fine when you do.

Seol Jihu hated these kind of hypocrites the most. But that was exactly what he was doing right now.

If you push hard, well have no choice but to go along. As long as were a part of this team, we have no other choice. Why? Because its obvious that well be ostracized the moment we refuse. Then, wed have no choice but to leave.

Of course, Seol Jihu had no intention of doing this, but it was true that he practically forced the Carpe Diem members to follow him in achieving his goal.

Thats what it means to be a leader. You have the authority, and the position to use that authority. Thats why you, of all people, should not have done that.

Put nicely, he was a conqueror. But in reality, he was a dictator.

At least in regard to the previous incident, Seol Jihu had acted like a dictator.

Of course, Chung Chohong and Richard Hugo might not think the same way. Same for Master Jang. Theyve all been watching you from right by your side for a long time, so they must have a deep-rooted trust in you.

But that wasnt the case for Kim Hannah and the others.

In any case, I want you to think one more time how everyone must have felt as they followed behind you that night.

Kim Hannah let out a small sigh.

And with that I admit I acted out of place. I wont say I did it for you or anything like that. I did it, fully prepared to accept any punishment.

Seol Jihu spat out the breath he had been holding in. Then, he looked up at the ceiling.

His vision was blurry, and he felt like he could see Ians face on the wavering ceiling.

[Ive witnessed your capabilities with my own eyes, but I still need to ask you again.]

[As a strategist, youre risking hundreds and thousands of lives if were talking about a small scale conflict, and hundreds of thousands, even millions, if were talking about a large-scale conflict. Are you offering this strategy, fully aware of the implications?]

And what Jang Maldong said also crossed his mind.

[Jihu, being a member of an organization means living a communal life. Its a community where members share common values and interests.]

[Theres a limit to an arbitrator stepping up and handling the issue. You have to let the parties involved resolve the situation on their own. Of course, you cant give them too much freedom, or else the community will instantly become a mess. Ive seen more than a few organizations that collapsed because of this.]

[Thats why you need rules and regulations. Applying principles and fundamental rules to everything to assure fairness. Miss Kim Hannah knows this too well.]

The advice hed heard in the past dug into his chest. Moreover

[Ill take care of this by myself. I want to do it with my own strength, you see.]

[At the very least, I told you beforehand, didnt I?]

Seol Jihu remembered why he got so mad at Chohong during the Delphinion Laboratory incident.

He couldnt hide his embarrassment. Of course, the situation was different from back then, but as Kim Hannah said, simply telling his teammates to trust him wasnt a convincing argument.

Yes, he was busy, but did he really not have time to call the Triads even once?

No, not at all.

It wasnt that he couldnt call the Triads, but that he didnt.

The one person who should have stuck to the principles and fundamental rules no matter what had not done his job.

Before Seol Jihu realized, his anger had dissipated completely. His drunken state of mind cleared up, and his mind seemed to turn sharper.

Only now did he start to see his surroundings.

Was I too temperamental? Did I go too far? Was I too hasty?

Thinking so, he was struck with a strange sense of dj vu.

.

He thought he had fixed this after suffering a major loss in the Neutral Zone.

Was I

But just like the saying, humans always repeat past mistakes, he ended up making the same mistake just because he had grown a little bigger.

Too rash?

Seol Jihu closed his eyes.