Finally, the vampire’s owner had appeared. The public display in the bustling square had worked. The thought of finally meeting “her” made my heart race with anticipation.
“What kind of person is she? How can I win her over?”
I found myself pondering. We had the vampire as leverage and the moral high ground, but it was a delicate situation. The goal wasn’t material compensation but rather recruitment.
“We need to use the situation to our advantage, but we can’t push too hard.”
It was better to approach with a degree of formality and respect rather than being confrontational. Yet, there was always the chance of unexpected variables, like Nam Da-eun.
“No, surely she wouldn’t be like that.”
I decided it was best to review the user information before making any judgments.
As I waited, I thought about “her.”
Yoo Hyun-ah’s team was truly impressive, boasting some of the best talents. At one point, four of the top ten were under her command.
Among them, there was one user I held in the highest regard. It wasn’t Cha Seung-hyun, the “God of War,” or Ban Da-hee, the “Crazy Woman,” nor the user with a magic stat of 101 points.
It was Cha So-rim, known as “Flash.”
She was a user who served Yoo Hyun-ah with unwavering loyalty and had an exceptional talent with the spear. Her skills were remarkable, but more than that, she had an undefeated record in official battles, a feat unmatched by anyone else.
Cha So-rim’s end came at the hands of the “Iron-blooded Queen,” a clean execution. Though she was captured due to Yoo Hyun-ah’s misjudgment, Han So-young respected her wishes and did not tarnish her final moments.
“Han So-young was quite regretful about the execution.”
Han So-young’s special ability, Cocked Pistol. Wasn’t she surrounded and killed by the Queen’s Army?
Suddenly, footsteps echoed down the corridor, interrupting my thoughts of Cha So-rim’s last moments. The wait hadn’t been as long as I expected.
A light knock on the door was followed by the sound of it opening.
“I’ve brought her, Clan Lord.”
The familiar, stoic voice belonged to Seon Yu-un, who appeared first. I nodded slightly, smiling. Though his body blocked my view, I could tell someone was standing behind him.
“Is the person behind you the owner of the vampire?”
“Yes.”
“I see… Thank you for your efforts. I’d like to speak with her alone now, if you don’t mind.”
Seon Yu-un nodded in understanding and quietly stepped back.
Once the door closed, it was just me and “her” in the office. I gestured towards the table, trying to maintain a gentle expression.
“I’m Kim Soo-hyun, the Mercenary Lord.”
”…I’m Cha So-rim, a third-year user. Thank you for allowing me to visit.”
Hearing her name, I couldn’t help but think of “Flash.”
Once she was seated, I spoke up.
“I understand the vampire acted alone in this incident.”
“Yes, I didn’t give any orders.”
Her tone was formal and clipped, ending with a definitive “da.” It reminded me of a woman named Noh Yu-mi, an intriguing character.
I dismissed the idle thought and spoke softly.
“Even so, your presence here suggests you’re willing to resolve this matter.”
Cha So-rim nodded, her expression confident but not arrogant, nor was she servile. Her mature demeanor made me smile inwardly as I observed her closely.
Her skin was flawless, almost translucent, and her dark eyes beneath slightly thick eyebrows added an intelligent look to her refined features. Her nose was elegantly shaped, and her full, pink lips were striking.
Her long, straight hair, a common symbol of purity and grace, contrasted with her poised demeanor, exuding a clean and strong beauty rather than a fragile one.
Seeing Cha So-rim’s composed appearance filled me with satisfaction. I had worried she might disappoint me like others had, but she was just as I remembered.
“She doesn’t look like someone who’s unwell.”
This was a testament to her excellent self-discipline. I also appreciated that she wasn’t putting on a facade. If she had exaggerated her condition, I would have been greatly disappointed, but her straightforward demeanor showed her inherent strength and composure.
After a moment of silence, perhaps feeling the awkwardness, she blinked her soft double-lidded eyes and spoke in a calm voice.
“I’ve heard the situation, Mercenary Lord. How should I apologize for my comrade’s actions?”
“Comrade? I heard it was a master-slave relationship… Anyway, I’m curious about your thoughts on this incident, User Cha So-rim.”
“What is there to think? It’s a clear oversight on my part. I have no excuses.”
She hesitated briefly before bowing her head, her movements slightly awkward, suggesting her discomfort wasn’t entirely feigned.
“I’ll accept any punishment… But if I may be so bold, I hope you’ll spare my life.”
Her tone of resignation made me nod quietly. It was time to start working on my plan, so I activated my third eye.
Name: Cha So-rim (3rd Year)
Class: Normal Lancer (Master)
Nation: Barbara
Clan: -
True Name • Nationality: Silent Hunter • South Korea
Sex: Female (24)
Height • Weight: 170.7cm • 49.8kg
Alignment: Lawful • Belief
[Strength 89] [Endurance 83] [Agility 95] [Stamina 88] [Magic 91] [Luck 77]
(Remaining ability points: 2)
(She has suffered severe soul damage from a lich’s mental attack. If left untreated, her life could be in danger.)
“Two remaining ability points?”
I was taken aback by the fact that she still had unused ability points. It suggested she took her user information seriously and studied it deeply.
Perhaps it was my initial positive impression, but I found myself increasingly drawn to Cha So-rim.
“User Cha So-rim, you mentioned accepting punishment, but the situation isn’t that simple.”
”…Yes.”
“The item the vampire attempted to steal is highly classified. It’s not something that should be known to the world. Do you understand what it is?”
“I haven’t heard specifics, but I have a rough idea.”
Cha So-rim answered honestly. Given her past pursuit of the elixir, it was no surprise she had some inkling.
“The issue is that the vampire succeeded in infiltrating the warehouse and even took the elixir. My concern lies in this fact.”
“He’s a resident, so he’s bound by a contract. I can renew it immediately…”
“Then the temple will find out.”
”…I see.”
“Moreover, now that you know, User Cha So-rim, this isn’t just a theft issue. Our position is quite precarious.”
Though I spoke at length, the implication was clear: we couldn’t simply let them go after learning the Mercenary’s secret.
Cha So-rim grew increasingly silent, seemingly at a loss for words. This wasn’t a problem that could be solved with simple compensation. If I were in her shoes, I’d be cursing the messiness of the situation.
“So… what should I do? I can’t seem to grasp it.”
“The best way to ensure secrecy is execution. Can I, or any of our clan members, truly trust you both?”
I replied directly. At that moment, a shadow crossed Cha So-rim’s face.
“Perhaps it’s time to ease up.”
Even if my words were true, pushing too hard could breed resentment. It was time to subtly offer a way out.
“I understand your position, User Cha So-rim. It’s unfair to be blamed for something you didn’t order.”
“No, it’s frustrating, but… it’s an unavoidable reality. I have no intention of running away.”
”…Hmm. You must care deeply for that vampire. It’s just a monster, after all…”
In truth, the vampire could be dealt with easily, but Cha So-rim’s case was more complex. Her willingness to take responsibility was fortunate; if she had denied involvement, it would have been quite troublesome for me.
Testing the waters, I made a comment, and Cha So-rim gave a bitter smile.
“At first, I found it overwhelming and couldn’t understand why he followed me around so persistently. But, in the end, he’s a colleague who genuinely likes and supports me. He was the only one who stood by me during tough times. Even though we have a contract, I see him as a friend, not a servant.”
Her response was exactly what I expected from someone known for their loyalty.
Cha Sorim continued, “Mercenary Lord, I have a request. As I mentioned earlier, if there’s one thing I ask, it’s to spare his life. I’ll endure any punishment for that.”
“Hmm…”
Cha Sorim bowed again.
I tapped the table lightly, pretending to be deep in thought, then spoke quietly, “I don’t want to resort to extreme measures either.”
Sensing a glimmer of hope, Cha Sorim slowly lifted her head.
“I considered execution at first… but seeing your sincerity, I’m reconsidering. If you had tried to shift the blame or resist, I wouldn’t have known. But you’ve shown a genuine desire to address the issue. To be honest, I find myself liking you. Well, I just started to.”
“What? Oh… th-thank you.”
For the first time, Cha Sorim’s expression changed. She seemed unsure of how to react, likely flustered by my directness. Still, her face brightened slightly, suggesting she wasn’t entirely displeased.
“Yes, thinking about it, there must be other ways besides drastic measures. Of course, it would require your agreement.”
“What do you mean?” Cha Sorim asked eagerly.
I smiled and pointed at her. “You.”
“Me?”
“User Cha Sorim, I want you.”
I thought it was a clever line, but Cha Sorim’s demeanor suddenly stiffened. Disappointment clouded her previously calm eyes.
‘Why is she reacting like this?’
I tilted my head in confusion. Given her straightforward nature, I thought being honest and gaining her trust was the best approach. That’s why I mentioned my interest, but her reaction was unexpected.
“Do you not want this?”
Cha Sorim didn’t answer immediately. She seemed lost in thought, then clenched her fists and spoke with a trembling voice, “Mercenary Lord, is that truly what you want?”
“Excluding drastic measures, it’s the only solution I can think of.”
That solution was becoming part of the family.
Upon my confirmation, Cha Sorim closed her eyes tightly, her body trembling with what seemed like intense embarrassment.
‘Are we really such a terrible clan?’
I had hoped she would see us in a better light. Feeling a bit disappointed, I bit my lip, just as Cha Sorim let out a deep sigh.
“Alright. If that’s the only way, I’ll accept it. I may not be worthy, but I’ll do my best.”
She opened her eyes and looked at me with a resigned gaze.
“So, how long… do I have to… do that?”
Finally, she agreed. I wasn’t sure what exactly she thought she had to do, but I felt like I had made some progress. I stood up calmly, and Cha Sorim flinched.
I pondered for a moment.
I had her consent, but her joining wasn’t something that could be finalized with a simple announcement. While I could just let her join, it’s best to address any issues beforehand to prevent future conflicts.
I needed to address the previous incident and gather the clan members’ opinions. If there were objections, I would have to persuade them.
I spoke calmly, “Well, it’s not a decision I can make alone. I need to hear from the clan members.”
”…What?”
“The meeting won’t take long. Could you wait in the lounge for a moment?”
“Uh… uh?”
”…Is something wrong? Are you uncomfortable?”
“N-no! Not at all!”
Cha Sorim stared at me blankly, her face a mix of confusion and disbelief. Despite her dazed expression, I calmly took out the summoning stone.
I planned to call a meeting.
---------------------------= Author’s Note ---------------------------=
Sorry for the delay. I tried to write as quickly as possible. My apologies. (__)
Unfortunately, not everything can be included in the side stories. Honestly, I want to wrap up the side stories and move on to part two. I can’t keep writing side stories forever. ㅜ.ㅠ
I’ve decided on the remaining content, but is there a particular side story you’d like to see? I can’t promise everything, but I’ll try to include a few if possible.