Chapter 324: A Clandestine Meeting |
Chapter: 324
Chapter Title: A Clandestine Meeting
"I'm sorry, Mercenary Lord."
I personally escorted the Istantel Law clan members who had visited the Mercenaries to the VIP room. After offering them seats and moving to sit down myself, Yeon Hye-rim's sudden apology caught me off guard, leaving me standing awkwardly. I sat down as naturally as possible and glanced at Han So-young, who was staring at Yeon Hye-rim with a stern expression.
"When I came to guard the clan house last time, I spoke rudely to one of your clan members. I won't make any lame excuses. I was very short-sighted. I know I've already been disrespectful, but I hope you'll forgive me just this once."
Before I knew it, Yeon Hye-rim had bowed her head deeply. And unusually for her, her voice was extremely polite.
In truth, not long ago, Istantel Law had sent a messenger apologizing for Yeon Hye-rim's slip of the tongue, so I had anticipated some gesture of reconciliation soon. Still, I hadn't expected her to apologize in person like this—it was a surprise that had come true.
At any rate, this was a proper apology, and I had no intention of holding a grudge against Istantel Law. So, I decided to wrap things up here.
"I accept your apology. It's true that I was displeased when I first heard it. But knowing the Princess of Execution as I do, I don't believe your heart was as harsh as your words."
"Mercenary Lord, I too would like to apologize for failing to properly manage my clan member."
At that moment, Han So-young's voice broke in; she had been quietly observing until now. I shook my head immediately. Even pleasant words can grow tiresome if repeated too much, and their constant apologies were starting to make me feel embarrassed.
"It's fine. I'll speak to my clan members, so you don't need to worry anymore."
"Yes. Then I'll leave it to you. Thank you for understanding."
She must have caught my firm tone, as Han So-young finally nodded in response. Only then did Yeon Hye-rim fully raise her head and, glancing at Han So-young, take her seat.
A brief silence followed. The apology had gone well, but the awkward atmosphere lingering in the room was inevitable.
Han So-young seemed to feel the same, as she was the one to break the silence.
"I was quite shocked to hear you'd gone missing in Mul. My greetings are belated, but I'm glad you returned safely."
"Yes. I never dreamed the Vagrants would attack. There were various circumstances along the way, but... as you can see, I made it back in good health. Come to think of it, I should thank you for guarding the clan house."
"No need for thanks. If anything, we couldn't even form a rescue team and just waited. That's been weighing on my mind..."
"Haha. No, it was a wise choice."
Though our words were mere formalities, the awkward mood gradually warmed with the exchange of well-wishes. Now it was time to change the subject.
"Oh, right. I heard something about a summoning order. Are you planning to hold one soon, by any chance?"
At my question, Han So-young parted her lips briefly before suddenly turning to look at Yeon Hye-rim. Receiving her gaze, Yeon Hye-rim stood up smoothly, bowed slightly, and turned to leave.
Watching her exit, I smiled wryly to myself. It might be for an important discussion, but it felt like another gesture of apology. Her actions seemed to say she had come solely to apologize.
Once the door closed, Han So-young fixed me with a piercing gaze laced with cold charisma. Up until now, she had been Han So-young the woman; now, she was fully the Iron-Blooded Queen.
"Actually, Mercenary Lord, there's one favor I'd like to ask."
"If it's about participating in the summoning order, I plan to attend."
"It's similar, but the situation is a bit complicated. The story might get long..."
As Han So-young trailed off, I replied immediately.
"I'll listen attentively."
Han So-young stared at me intently for a moment, cleared her throat once or twice, and began.
"For now, we plan to issue a summoning order to the clans in Monica soon. Preparations are nearly complete. But personally, I don't think the Mercenary Lord needs to participate in this one."
"Pardon? Why is that?"
"It's not a complete waste of time, but... it won't hold much significance even if you do."
Suddenly, an odd dissonance crept into Han So-young's words, like something didn't quite fit. But she seemed about to continue, so I listened quietly.
"Istantel Law currently has two summoning orders planned. One is hosted by us, but the other is one we're receiving."
"You're... receiving a summoning order? The Istantel Law Clan?"
"Yes. The second one encompasses the entire east and south regions. And the host is in the east. She's someone with deep ties to me, but I believe she also has a connection with you, Mercenary Lord."
Finally, I vaguely grasped who she meant. I didn't know the full details yet, but I could picture the rough outline.
"Originally, I planned to invite you to the Monica summoning order. But after receiving her contact yesterday, I changed my mind. To put it simply, she wants to meet you, Mercenary Lord."
"So, you're asking me to attend the second summoning order?"
Han So-young slowly shook her head. Her reaction made my eyes narrow. After hesitating briefly, she spoke quietly.
"No, I'm not sure about that. But she wants to meet you before the second summoning order takes place. Just the two of you."
*
The sky was clear, and the day was warm. I was lounging on the rooftop of the main building, leaning against a Unicorn and savoring a rare moment of leisure.
Nothing much had changed since Istantel Law's visit a few days ago. If anything, it was internal clan matters. The newly completed prison was filled with Vagrants, equipment inventory was finalized, and Vivian's research was nearing completion—those were the only changes.
Hrrrng...
"Kyu..."
A soft cry near my ear made me turn my head, revealing two Unicorns sleeping peacefully. The baby Unicorn was nestled in my arms, snoring softly. Hyeon Seung-hee's Unicorn was dutifully serving as our pillow.
Just as drowsiness began to creep over me, footsteps approached from the rooftop stairs. Looking toward the door, I saw Hyeon Seung-hee bounding in lightly. Spotting the sleeping Unicorns, she tiptoed over to me.
"When did you fall asleep?"
"A little while ago. About 30 minutes?"
Hyeon Seung-hee looked relieved and carefully sat beside me. Gazing at the baby Unicorn with utter adoration, she met my eyes and spoke.
"Oh, right. Mercenary Lord, why didn't you come yesterday?"
"Yesterday?"
"The summoning order. All the clans in Monica gathered. I looked for you to at least say hello, but you weren't there."
"Ah. The Mercenaries weren't invited. We're a free mercenary clan to begin with, so no reason to attend."
Han So-young had earnestly asked me to keep her request secret. I couldn't divulge details. Not that I planned to anyway. My words weren't entirely wrong, so Hyeon Seung-hee nodded.
"But Starlight Clan received a summoning order too? Didn't you just arrive in Monica recently?"
"Yes. But we're now a subordinate clan of Istantel Law. We qualify to attend."
Her response drew a hollow laugh from me. As expected of Han So-young with her insatiable talent hunt—she'd already pulled them in as subordinates.
"Haha. Istantel Law's swiftness lives up to its reputation."
"Pardon? What does?"
"You haven't been here long. And already a subordinate clan..."
Hyeon Seung-hee furrowed her brow slightly before tilting her head.
"What are you talking about? We didn't become one after joining—we were already a subordinate clan when we joined."
"Pardon...? But weren't you originally under SSUN?"
"I told you we left them... Oh, did I not mention the rest? It's true we were drifting from SSUN, but we could make the decision because Istantel Law scouted us as a subordinate clan right on time."
"...What?"
"That's why I told you not to call it cowardly. Lots of clans like ours. Probably Khan, Koran... or even more in the east? That's what I heard."
Her words hit me like a stopped heart. She chattered on about the summoning order, but none of it registered. My slightly cleared mind tangled up in an instant.
And amid it all, a thought flashed: perhaps the future I remembered was swiftly approaching.
*
Night had deepened. While ordinary users would be asleep preparing for tomorrow, I had slipped out of the clan house in secret. Now, I waited at the main gate of the Istantel Law clan house, the meeting spot Han So-young had designated.
Midnight streets were empty. Then—
Kiiik.
"Mercenary Lord."
A faint door creak sounded, followed by a familiar voice in a lower tone than usual. I turned to see Han So-young cloaked in a thick robe concealing her body and face.
"This way."
Confirming my presence, she beckoned lightly and turned. I had no idea who warranted such secrecy, but I had my suspicions, so I silently followed her into the clan house.
She didn't enter the building, leading me instead to a dimly lit corner of the vast grounds.
Following her, I soon reached a garden reminiscent of our own clan's—though ours paled in scale and quality compared to the top clan's.
"She's over there. You'll have to go alone from here."
Han So-young stopped and pointed to a tall pavilion in one corner of the garden. I stepped beside her and asked,
"The Istantel Law Lord isn't coming along?"
"No. I know it seems odd. But once you meet her, you'll understand."
"Mm... Understood."
"Yes. And thank you for granting my request today."
As I walked to the pavilion, I scanned the surroundings slowly. Despite her saying someone was there, no presence registered physically. Curious, I activated The Third Eye—and pinpointed the anomaly.
All was still. Except one spot: an indescribably advanced barrier enveloped the pavilion Han So-young had indicated. It blocked presence rather than harm, so I ascended the steps unhindered. As one foot crossed the threshold—
"Ho... So my benefactor graces us?"
"......"
"Let's see the face of the man whose fame spreads far and wide. What are you doing? Come in."
Her distinctive confident voice rang out, and simultaneously, an unfamiliar, indescribable mana washed over me.
⚙ SYSTEM NOTIFICATION ⚙
Detecting activation of User Lee Hyo-eul's unique ability scan - Discerning Eye (Rank: S). Unique ability The Third Eye (Rank: S) counters. Same rank judgment... The Third Eye is incomparable in caliber. Completely pierces scan - Discerning Eye (Rank: S)!
"Wh-what? Pierced? An unknown ability?"
The confident tone from moments ago vanished. Lee Hyo-eul stammered in a shrill cry. I clicked my tongue inwardly and fully entered the pavilion.
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============================ Author's Note ============================
Aigoo. School started today. Professors showed their spirit by holding classes on the first day. Haha. My body's not adjusting well. Gotta head out at 7:30 tomorrow too. Wait, actually Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri all... lololol. Gotta power through. :)
💬 Ri Ripl
— Lancelot du Lac
Congrats on 1st place. Did one of your other selves(?) not go to the army recently? :)
— Bingangsoe
Yes. I'll do my best to maintain it!
— Pineiro
Saving Lee Hyo-eul will surely impact the entire Northern Continent. Unfortunately, achievements can't be established between users per the setting. Acknowledging it now would tangle everything up. :D
— Gamjatip
The moment Baek Han-gyeol fully awakens, no one in the clan except Kim Su-hyeon can harm him.
— s25jin
NO. The 10 Strongest criteria isn't just strength. Class, seniority, fame, achievements—all must exceed standards.
— White Crow
It's a scroll that appraises items. :)
— Sunset s
What does "Days" mean? Memorize Days? Searched Naver, nothing came up... Curious!
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Jealous. Sept 2nd start? ㅜ.ㅠ
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