“I’m sorry, Mercenary Lord.”
I personally escorted the members of the Istantel Rowe clan to the VIP room at the mercenary headquarters. Just as I was about to sit down after offering them seats, Yeon Hye-rim suddenly apologized, catching me off guard. Trying to maintain a natural demeanor, I took my seat and glanced at Han So-young, who was staring sternly at Yeon Hye-rim.
“When I came to guard the clan house last time, I spoke out of turn to one of your members. I won’t make excuses. It was thoughtless of me. Although I’ve already been rude, I hope you can forgive me just this once.”
Yeon Hye-rim had her head bowed, her voice uncharacteristically polite. We had received a messenger from Istantel Rowe apologizing for her earlier slip of the tongue, so I had anticipated a gesture of reconciliation. Still, I hadn’t expected Yeon Hye-rim to apologize in person, yet here she was.
This was a sincere apology, and I had no intention of holding a grudge against Istantel Rowe. I decided it was time to wrap things up.
“I accept your apology. It’s true I was displeased when I first heard about it. But knowing the princess of execution as I do, I don’t believe her words reflected her true feelings.”
I subtly referenced my acquaintance with Yeon Hye-rim, knowing her strong personality and pride. It seemed to lighten her expression a bit.
“Mercenary Lord, I also want to apologize for not managing my clan members properly.”
Han So-young, who had been silent until now, spoke up. I shook my head. Even the most pleasant words can become tiresome if repeated too often, and the continuous apologies were starting to make me uncomfortable.
“It’s fine. I’ll speak to my members, so there’s no need to worry.”
“Thank you. I appreciate your understanding.”
Han So-young nodded, seemingly aware of my intention to end the conversation. Yeon Hye-rim finally lifted her head and took her seat, glancing at Han So-young for reassurance.
A brief silence followed. While the apologies were necessary, they left an inevitable awkwardness in the room. Han So-young seemed to sense this too and broke the silence.
“I was quite worried when I heard you were missing from Mule. It’s late, but I’m glad you returned safely.”
“Yes, I never imagined we’d be attacked by vagrants. There were some complications, but as you can see, I made it back in one piece. I should thank you for guarding the clan house.”
“There’s no need to thank me. I regret not organizing a rescue team and just waiting. It still bothers me.”
“Haha, it was a wise decision.”
Though the conversation was mostly formalities, it helped ease the tension. It was time to change the subject.
“By the way, I heard something about a summons. Are you planning to hold one soon?”
At my question, Han So-young hesitated, then turned to look at Yeon Hye-rim. Receiving her cue, Yeon Hye-rim stood, bowed slightly, and left the room.
Watching her leave, I couldn’t help but smile wryly. It seemed like another gesture of apology, as if to show she was brought solely for that purpose.
Once the door closed, Han So-young’s demeanor shifted, her gaze now sharp and commanding. She was no longer just Han So-young, but the “Iron-blooded Queen.”
“I have a favor to ask of you, Mercenary Lord.”
“If it’s about participating in the summons, I’m willing.”
“It’s similar, but the situation is a bit complicated. This might take a while to explain…”
Sensing her hesitation, I replied promptly.
“I’m all ears.”
Han So-young studied me for a moment, then cleared her throat and began.
“We’re planning to issue a summons to the clans in Monica soon. Preparations are nearly complete. However, I don’t think it’s necessary for you to participate in this summons.”
“Why not?”
“It’s not a waste of time, but… it won’t be particularly significant for you.”
There was something off about her words, but I listened quietly as she continued.
“There are two summons planned for Istantel Rowe. One is hosted by us, but the other is one we’ve been invited to.”
“You’ve been invited to a summons? Istantel Rowe?”
“Yes, the second summons involves the entire eastern and southern regions. The host is in the east. I believe you have a connection with them as well.”
I began to piece together who she might be referring to, though I didn’t know the full details yet.
“We initially planned to invite you to the summons in Monica. But after receiving a message from them yesterday, I changed my mind. To be direct, they want to meet with you.”
“So you’re suggesting I attend the second summons?”
Han So-young shook her head slowly, and I felt a tension in my gaze. After a moment of hesitation, she spoke quietly.
“No, I’m not sure about that. They want to meet with you before the second summons. Just the two of you.”
The sky was clear, and the day was warm. I leaned against a unicorn on the main building’s rooftop, savoring a rare moment of leisure.
Since the visit from Istantel Rowe a few days ago, not much had changed. Well, except for some internal clan matters. The prison was completed, the vagrants were locked up, equipment assessments were done, and Vivian’s research was nearing its end.
A soft whinny caught my attention, and I turned to see two unicorns sleeping peacefully. The baby unicorn nestled against me, purring softly, while Hyun Seung-hee’s unicorn served as our pillow.
Just as I was about to drift off, I heard footsteps approaching. I turned to see Hyun Seung-hee tiptoeing towards us, careful not to wake the sleeping unicorns.
“When did they fall asleep?”
“A little while ago. About thirty minutes?”
Hyun Seung-hee sighed in relief and sat down beside me. She gazed fondly at the baby unicorn before meeting my eyes.
“Oh, Mercenary Lord. Why didn’t you come yesterday?”
“Yesterday?”
“The summons. All the clans in Monica gathered. I wanted to greet you, but you weren’t there.”
“Ah, the mercenaries weren’t invited. We’re a free mercenary clan, so there was no reason for us to attend.”
Han So-young had asked me to keep her request confidential, so I couldn’t share the details. Not that I intended to. My explanation wasn’t entirely false, and Hyun Seung-hee nodded in understanding.
“But did the Starlight Clan receive a summons? Didn’t you just arrive in Monica?”
“Yes, but we’re now a subsidiary of Istantel Rowe. We have the right to participate.”
I chuckled at her response. Han So-young’s talent for recruiting was impressive; she had already brought them under her wing.
“Haha, Istantel’s efficiency is truly remarkable.”
“What do you mean?”
“You haven’t been here long, yet you’re already a subsidiary clan…”
Hyun Seung-hee furrowed her brow slightly, then tilted her head.
“What are you talking about? We were a subsidiary when we joined.”
“Weren’t you originally under SSUN?”
“I told you we left. Didn’t I mention that? We were disenchanted with SSUN, but Istantel Rowe wanted to recruit us as a subsidiary.”
”…Really?”
“That’s why I said not to judge us harshly. There are many clans like us. I think some went to Khan or Koran… or maybe even to the east. That’s what I heard.”
The moment I heard those words, it felt like my heart stopped. Hyun Seung-hee started chattering about how the draft notice went, but none of it registered. My mind, which had been somewhat clear, suddenly became a tangled mess.
And amidst all this, a thought flashed through my mind like lightning—perhaps the future I remembered was rushing toward me faster than I anticipated.
The night was deep. While most people would be asleep, preparing for the next day, I had slipped out of the clan house unnoticed. I was waiting for Han So-young at the entrance of the Istantel Low Clan House, where I had been summoned.
The streets were empty, likely due to the late hour. Then, I heard it.
Creak.
“Mercenary Road.”
A door opened slightly, and a familiar voice, though lower than usual, called out. I turned my head to see Han So-young, her body and face hidden beneath a thick robe.
“This way.”
After confirming my presence, she gestured lightly and turned away. I had a vague idea of why we were being so secretive, so I quietly followed her into the clan house.
Han So-young didn’t lead me inside the building. Instead, she seemed to be heading toward a secluded area within the expansive grounds.
Following her, I soon found myself in a place that resembled the garden of the Mercenary Clan House. Our clan house was quite pretty, but it couldn’t compare in size or quality to the main clan’s.
“He’s over there. You’ll have to go alone from here.”
Han So-young stopped and pointed to a tall pavilion in a corner of the garden. I approached her and spoke.
“You’re not coming with me to see Istantel Low Road?”
“No. I know it seems strange, but once you meet him, you’ll understand.”
“Alright, I see.”
“Oh, and thank you for agreeing to my request today.”
As I walked toward the pavilion, I took in my surroundings. Despite Han So-young’s assurance that someone was there, I couldn’t sense any presence. Curious, I activated my third eye, and only then did I identify the source of the unease.
The area was silent, except for one spot. Around the pavilion Han So-young had indicated, there was a high-level barrier that defied description. It wasn’t harmful, just a barrier to block detection, so I quietly ascended the pavilion steps. Just as I stepped inside—
“Ah, my savior has arrived?”
”…”
“Shall we see the face of the one whose fame is spreading far and wide? What are you waiting for? Come in.”
At that moment, a confident voice rang out, and I felt an indescribable, unfamiliar magic envelop me.
『User Lee Hyo-eul’s unique ability, Discerning Eye (Rank: S), has been activated.』
『Unique ability Third Eye (Rank: S) is responding. Same rank assessment… Third Eye completely sees through Discerning Eye (Rank: S)!』
“What, what? See through? An unknown ability?”
The previously confident tone vanished, replaced by a shrill, stammering voice. I clicked my tongue inwardly and fully entered the pavilion.
---------------------------= Author’s Note ---------------------------=
Oh dear. Classes started today. The professors showed their enthusiasm by holding lectures on the very first day. Haha. My body isn’t quite used to it yet. Looks like I’ll have to be up by 7:30 tomorrow. Actually, come to think of it, it’s the same for Monday through Friday… Hahaha. I need to hang in there. :)
『 Reader Comments 』
Lancelot du Lac: Congrats on being first! Didn’t one of your other personas recently enlist in the military? :)
Bin Gang-soe: Yes, I’ll do my best to maintain it!
Pineiro: Saving Lee Hyo-eul was indeed an event that could impact the entire Northern Continent. However, unfortunately, achievements can’t be recognized between users. Acknowledging it now would complicate too many things. :D
Potato Chip: Once Baek Han-gyeol fully awakens, no one in the clan, except Kim Soo-hyun, will be able to harm him.
s25jin: NO. The criteria for the Top 10 isn’t just about strength. It includes class, experience, reputation, achievements, and more.
White Crow: It’s a scroll that can appraise items. :)
Sunset s: What does “Days” mean? Memorize Days? I searched on Naver but found nothing… I’m curious!
Iruk + Jiralbyeong: Thank you for the coupon! I’ll work even harder. (__)
dkeogu2001: Haha. I’m just grateful you’re reading. Please give the coupon to your favorite author!
Healthy Summoner: I’m envious. Starting on September 2nd… ㅜ.ㅠ
Thank you for always reading. Your recommendations and comments are a great source of strength.
I hope you always read my work with a relaxed mind.
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