The next day.
As soon as morning broke, the clan house in Eastantel Row was thrown into chaos. The cause was the individual summons issued the previous evening. Of course, this wasn’t unique to Monica’s city—similar scenes were unfolding across all the cities. At the root of it all was the central administration’s official declaration to launch an assault on the Steel Mountains.
So, while representatives from each city’s major clans gathered in noisy commotion, from a broader perspective across the northern continent, it wasn’t exactly a raucous uproar.
Instead of reactions like, “Wait, they’re attacking the Steel Mountains?” most were more along the lines of, “So it’s finally official.”
Behind this was the strategy of the central administration—more precisely, Lee Hyo-eul’s plan.
Two months ago, Lee Hyo-eul had secretly sent envoys to the most prestigious clans in each city. The message itself was nothing special: they were to start preparing gradually for the upcoming Steel Mountains assault, much like the announcement made during the last Halo selection.
But what Lee Hyo-eul truly aimed for was what would happen afterward.
Yes, the envoys were sent in secret. But secrets rarely stay secret for long. Envoys weren’t sent to just one or two places, and rumors inevitably leaked out.
Lee Hyo-eul’s prediction was spot on.
Clan leaders told their officers, officers told clan members, and clan members told acquaintances.
The rumor about the Steel Mountains assault spread gradually from the top down, and within a month, it became an open secret known to most users.
As a result, preparations for the assault on the Steel Mountains happened naturally and voluntarily, minimizing the shock when the official announcement came.
In fact, the current bustle among the representative clans wasn’t due to the sudden declaration, but rather the culmination of all the prior preparations.
“Ah, by the way, I heard So-young is turning thirty this year.”
Inside the Eastantel Row clan house’s office.
Han So-young was already nursing a headache from the morning. The official announcement of the Steel Mountains assault had come down last night, and as soon as dawn broke, a flood of clan leaders had descended upon Monica’s place.
If it were just casual conversation, it wouldn’t be so exhausting.
But as always, So-young had to process the information transmitted through her extrasensory perception, which drained far more energy than normal. And when that information was unpleasant or repulsive, it was even worse.
Moreover, because the summons were individual, she had to deal with each person one by one, making the morning a grueling test of both body and mind.
Just look at the middle-aged man currently sitting in her office.
“Wow. Seeing you face to face like this, there’s no way you look thirty. You remind me of a glamorous career woman! Hahaha!”
He could have just said what he needed to and left, but instead, he babbled nonsense from the crack of dawn. If he weren’t from the so-called Musha clan—a well-known martial clan—So-young might have kicked him out already.
Though she tried to hide it, her expression was growing colder by the minute, her face slowly shadowed by a chill that hinted she was nearing her limit.
“Actually, I’m over forty myself.”
“Oh, so that means the Musha clan will be joining the southern expedition team this time?”
“Eh? Ah, yes, that’s right. Don’t worry, So-young. The Musha clan, made up of true men, will lead the vanguard in the Steel Mountains assault.”
“Alright, I’ll keep that in mind. Thank you for the Musha clan’s participation.”
“Hahaha, no problem. Oh! But look, the sun’s already high. I’m starting to feel a bit hungry… How about we grab a meal together?”
“There’s a restaurant on the first floor. Hyerim? Please escort the Musha leader to the dining area.”
So-young cut him off sharply and immediately called for Yeon Hyerim.
The man reluctantly got up but didn’t lose the sly look in his eyes until he left the room. So-young felt as if dozens of caterpillars were crawling all over her body and sank deep into her chair.
But before she could rest, someone else opened the door and stepped in. It was Park Da-yeon.
“Huh? Unni, why do you look like that?”
“…Tired.”
“Hmm? Well, no wonder. Almost twenty people have come by since morning. But what should we do? Another person just arrived.”
“Haah…”
So-young let out a sticky sigh, genuinely exhausted.
Park Da-yeon blinked and cautiously spoke.
“What if you take a break for a bit? It’s almost lunchtime anyway. I could have a meal with that person and stall for time.”
At that, So-young slowly opened her eyes. Though Da-yeon’s tone seemed considerate, the extrasensory information she received said the exact opposite—as if Da-yeon was hoping So-young would say yes.
“Who is it?”
“…The Mercenary Leader.”
“Show them in.”
“……”
So-young immediately straightened up. Da-yeon’s eyes narrowed instantly.
“Unni, are you really dating the Mercenary Leader?”
“What nonsense is that?”
“Well, you suddenly changed your attitude when you heard it was the Mercenary Leader.”
“Why are you spouting nonsense too? I just want to finish quickly and rest since there’s only one person left. And it’s rude to keep a big shot like the Mercenary Leader waiting.”
“Lies! Then why did you suddenly tie your hair up?!”
“……!”
Da-yeon’s outburst made So-young flinch and stop moving. At the same time, she felt a pang in her chest. She really had tied her hair back.
Without a word, So-young stood up. Then, with a quick “Go get them,” she playfully flicked Da-yeon’s forehead.
Da-yeon burst into tears and left the office, while So-young swiftly tidied her hair and clothes.
Not long after, the door clicked open, and a man appeared. It was Kim Soo-hyun, the Mercenary Leader.
“Long time no see, Eastantel Row Leader. I responded immediately after receiving the summons last night.”
“Yes, thank you for coming. Please, have a seat.”
Her voice was softer than when she addressed the Musha leader. Just as So-young’s heart fluttered and she prepared to sense his extrasensory aura, Kim Soo-hyun spoke first.
“I heard you’re not feeling well today. I was asked to keep this brief.”
“Y-yes…?”
“To be direct, the Mercenary clan plans to join the southern expedition team. For this Steel Mountains assault, we Mercenaries will fully cooperate with Eastantel Row.”
“Ah… yes… thank you for your cooperation…”
So-young barely managed to reply, clenching her fist slightly. She recalled Da-yeon’s parting words, as if daring someone to try her.
But So-young was no pushover herself and quickly found a topic.
“That’s good news. But I’m a bit concerned about the intentions of the Hamil Lord, the representative clan of Halo.”
“Oh, no need to worry about that. The West was judged as the fourth-tier force this time, so they’ll be part of the rear guard, not the vanguard. I’ve already made that clear, so I won’t be changing my mind.”
At that moment, So-young was momentarily speechless. Knowing about the West’s fourth-tier status meant he was fully informed.
That meant the discussion was practically over. Unlike the Musha leader, who wasted dozens of minutes, this conversation ended in just six sentences.
However.
What would have been a cause for celebration earlier now left So-young with an inexplicable sense of disappointment.
Then, it happened.
“…By the way, you really don’t look well today. You seem weak.”
A low, gentle voice whispered in So-young’s ear.
“Hmph. Just a little. It’s not that bad. Da-yeon must be exaggerating.”
“Still, it’s best to take care of your health.”
Kim Soo-hyun smiled warmly and rummaged through his belongings. Then, he quietly placed something on the table—a beautiful gem shimmering with ocean-blue light.
So-young looked at it with curiosity. After clearing his throat a couple of times, Kim Soo-hyun spoke softly.
“This is one of the treasures I acquired before… It’s called Cordelia. It purifies the body and accelerates the flow of magical energy. Taking it will help you quite a bit. Since you’re not feeling well, it’s perfect timing.”
So-young’s eyes widened slightly. If what he said was true, this gem was a legendary elixir coveted by all—especially mages. Faster mana flow meant not only quicker spellcasting but also the ability to use enhancement spells.
And he was giving her such a precious gift?
At that moment, as So-young looked at Kim Soo-hyun, she felt a warm sensation wash over her entire body. In his gaze, she sensed a rare tenderness—an affection that no other man had ever shown her.
Unlike the sinister feelings she’d endured all morning, this pure concern brought endless comfort to her weary body. It was healing, she realized.
But precisely because of that, she couldn’t accept it.
“Then, why not take it now?”
“No, I’m sorry… Such a gift is too much. I’ll just accept the thought behind it.”
“Huh?”
“This precious elixir doesn’t feel like a gift I should be receiving.”
Because accepting it would be wrong—for both myself and Mercenary Lord.
With that thought, Han So-young spoke softly and calmly.
“Mercenary Lord, I truly appreciate this gift. But I believe it’s more fitting for you, or the members of the Mercenary Clan, to receive it.”
“Oh, no. It wouldn’t have much effect on me anyway. And it’s fine—it’s a personal achievement, after all.”
“Even so, this isn’t a gift I can accept. I’m sure there are clan members who would truly appreciate this reward. So, I think the right thing would be to give it to them. …Even if it’s a personal achievement, the position of a clan lord is inherently different.”
“……”
In a way, her words carried a kind of teaching, a meaningful lesson. And Kim Soo-hyun was not someone who would fail to understand.
“Understood. If you insist that much…”
After a brief moment of hesitation, Kim Soo-hyun nodded calmly. At the same time, Han So-young felt a bit flustered. She could sense his disappointment as he quietly gathered the jewels. It was like a puppy, tail wagging in hopes of praise, suddenly deflating in an instant.
If it had been the Warrior Lord who gave the gift earlier, maybe he would have accepted it—after all, he could just take it and be done with it.
But Han So-young had spoken out of genuine concern for Kim Soo-hyun, which made her feel even more apologetic.
In other words, Kim Soo-hyun’s feelings were sincere too.
Unable to shake the guilt, Han So-young leaned slightly forward, resting her hands on the table.
“I’m sorry. I’m truly grateful… I hope you’re not upset?”
“Ha ha. Not at all. Surely not…? Uh—”
At that moment, Kim Soo-hyun suddenly jerked his head back in surprise. Han So-young tilted her head in confusion, but soon realized why—his gaze was fixed on her chest. Because she had leaned forward, her loose top had slipped down, revealing a hint of cleavage.
A brief silence fell. Han So-young felt awkward, yet strangely intrigued.
“Uh… um.”
Kim Soo-hyun’s flustered expression stayed etched in her mind.
His usual steady demeanor had shifted for the first time. The subtle changes picked up by her heightened senses—all of it felt unfamiliar to her. No, more precisely, it was a feeling she hadn’t experienced in a long time since gaining her extrasensory perception.
After a moment.
Wanting to savor this fresh sensation a little longer, Han So-young swallowed and calmly unbuttoned one button. Her already loose top slipped down a bit more.
“Come to think of it, it’s a bit warm. Are you comfortable, Mercenary Lord?”
“Y-yes… I’m… fine…”
She unbuttoned a second button. Now, her chest covering was barely visible.
“Oh, by the way, the comb you gave me last time has been really useful. My hair is long, and it was a struggle to manage every morning.”
“That’s… really… good to hear… ha ha…”
Next, she rolled up her sleeves to reveal her pale arms, crossed her legs confidently.
“And I sincerely thank you for joining the southern expedition. Having the Mercenary Clan participate is the best news we could hope for.”
“Well… that’s… only natural…”
Now, Kim Soo-hyun had completely averted his gaze, his face trembling.
Han So-young watched him quietly.
Or rather, she was pretending to be calm.
‘…This is bad.’
Suddenly, a wave of anxious excitement washed over her. Her lips trembled. Though her mind told her to stop, her body wouldn’t listen.
‘This… is too much fun…’
Han So-young found herself strangely hooked.
---------------------------= Author’s Note =---------------------------
“Even though the tray was placed in front of them, no one dared to reach out.
I really wish they’d break this habit. I mentioned it once before, but everyone just gave a subtle smile and ignored me.
According to a tip from Shin Sang-yong, the female clan members secretly enjoy watching me get all flustered every time we start a meal.”
It’s no wonder the clan members want to see Kim Soo-hyun’s awkward reactions again. It’s his unexpected charm, you could say. Ha ha ha.