Chapter 142

"Commander."

"I'm the third young master now, Sir Smith. The war is over."

"…Yes."

Smith nodded. He had seen the process and the outcome. Robron Welrose's actions weren't a mere whim. With a bit of cleverness, he had managed to make the mighty Middleline back down.

"There are a few things I'd like to ask before proceeding any further."

"What do you mean by before?"

"Before I express my position on the matter."

"Ask."

"What would you have done if your plan hadn't worked?"

That was Strategist Smith's first question. Robron Welrose, now Seojin, answered with ease.

"You're asking in the wrong order. Shouldn't you be asking if I was confident that it would work?"

"Is there ever a certainty in war?"

"I had a way to listen in on the Middleline army's conversations. Just now, their commander was saying that even the Marquis of Middleline would understand, upon hearing the name Reinhardt."

"Their conversation you say… I presume you're not jesting?"

"I can see how you feel. There is what I have been doing after all."

It seemed unbelievable. Eavesdropping on an enemy commander's conversation? Even for a mage, that was impossible.

'But if it's true…'

Then his confidence was understandable. The reason why he pushed forward with a seemingly ludicrous plan, and why it worked out so well.

'And those eyes too.'

Robron's eyes were full of something Smith had never seen in him before. Confidence. A strong belief that everything would go according to his will.

"…My second question."

Still, one doubt remained.

"What do you plan to do now?"

"You have a habit of asking vague questions."

"They've fortunately waved the white flag. They shouldn't change their minds, but the news of using Reinhardt's name under false pretenses will surely reach the man himself."

"Again, you have the wrong assumption." Seojin shook his head. "Only you, I, and the Grandis Mercenaries, ah, and of course Helix himself, know that the existence of the Silver Legend Reinhardt was a lie."

"So you intend to hide it."

That would make sense.

"Officially speaking, yes."

"…Pardon?"

"We'll let it spread just enough. We'll deny it, but others will come to know it as fact. Perhaps even, the real Reinhardt out there might hear it."

It was incomprehensible.

What purpose did provoking Reinhardt serve? What could there be to gain from it?

"Young master, what do you mean by…"

"You know his profession."

"…He's a mercenary."

"And the principle behind a mercenary's actions?"

"A reward befitting the difficulty of the task involved. But…"

"He's no different."

"His price is beyond the marquis's budget. Third son, this should be discussed with the family head first."

Smith sounded almost frantic.

Seojin shook his head.

"Who said the reward has to be monetary?"

Now, Smith couldn't see any trace of the old Robron in him.

Robron was holding the book he had previously retrieved for him. 'The Seven Stars of the Empire.' A story of past heroes.

"Would you please read it?"

"…You can't be serious."

Realization dawned on Smith, leaving him momentarily speechless.

"Third son. That's just a fairy tale."

"To some extent, I agree."

"But Reinhardt described there is nothing like the real…"

"Is that so? I would beg to differ."

Seojin took back the book, casually flipping through a few pages.

"I've looked into the records of the great war, his subsequent actions, and events not described in this book. Surprisingly, the author described Reinhardt quite accurately."

"But, young master…"

"What's the problem? I have what he wants. There's no easier way to achieve peace than with overwhelming power."

Smith's gaze froze, he stared directly into Seojin's eyes.

"…You said you can give him what he wants?"

"A curious look, I see."

"Of course."

"You've heard a lot. Perhaps too much."

Snap. Seojin closed the book and stood up from the table.

Step by step, he approached Smith.

Looking him straight in the eyes, Seojin said,

"You're a wise man."

The he called him as had changed, not implying him to be a knight of the family, but a subordinate.

"You didn't follow my eldest brother, nor even the second eldest. You don't seem to have much interest in the ranks within this family."

"…"

"You don't aspire to revive and develop the marquisate. To sacrifice yourself for the land? Even less likely. But what you want to protect is…" After a brief pause, Seojin continued, "The people of this land. For them, you're ready to sacrifice yourself, even if it breaks you. Isn't that right, Smith?"

"…Yes."

"Loyalty to a master is a knight's duty. But your current master can't fulfill your dreams. Fortunately, you have the opportunity to choose your next master. Waiting because neither option appealed to you."

"I would have chosen the first young master."

Grinning, Seojin laughed.

"Just as I thought, Smith. Now, how do you perceive Robron Welrose, whom you've observed?"

"It's hard to judge."

"You must need more time then."

"…Yes."

"And to know him best, being close to him is preferable, isn't it?"

"That's true."

"My side has plenty of space. It might disappear any time, but I promise," Seojin told the frozen Smith, "As long as you don't leave suddenly, I'll always have a place for you."

* * *

Quest Complete

Trait Enhancement Quest: In Front of the Battlefield's Flag

*Remarkable. The war concluded with the overwhelming victory of the Welrose army, which had been at a severe disadvantage. The overwhelming contributor was none other than the commander, Robron Welrose…

Quest Complete

Auxiliary Quest: With the Heart of a Peasant

*The knight of the Welrose family, Smith, desired stability for the territory more than anyone. He wielded his sword not for the land, but for its people…

All Trait Enhancement Quests have been completed.

The episode concludes.

His view blurred. The cheers of the elated allies ceased, and the face of Smith, radiating joy, vanished. Once again, Seojin was welcomed by the stark whiteness of an empty space.

"Congratulations. You have proven your worth, adventurer."

"Phew."

The nameless guide was there. Seojin, instead of responding, ruffled his hair. He emptied his heart of the emotions that it was filled up with, and wiped his mind of the lines he had prepared.

"Ah, it's over."

It was over. Since the guide said so, he must have successfully obtained the second Qualification, Intimidation as well.

Then, he felt a prickling sensation. Something tugged at his head.

"Oops."

"I thought you'd never call for me. I figured you'd tell me to rest after following you around for so long."

It was Flappy. The spirit had tirelessly followed the commander since being sent to the Middleline formation. Seojin hadn't given her any rest.

"Sorry."

"You forgot, didn't you?"

"Not at all. I was only able to finish it well thanks to you. Especially the information you relayed at the end helped persuade Smith."

"I said, did you forget?"

"I needed help. I had to be ready for a conversation at any time. I could have made some time for you to rest in between, but…"

"But?"

Seojin smiled at Flappy.

"I promised, didn't I? After this, I'd reward you properly. And my Flappy always delivers, right?"

"…Ah!"

Flappy nodded quickly.

"That's right!"

"So, I asked for a bit more than usual. I thought you'd understand, but if it was hard…"

"Not at all."

Snap. Flappy showed her right hand.

"Not hard at all. I don't walk on two feet, and flapping my wings isn't hard. It was a bit boring, but not difficult."

"As expected of my Flappy. I knew you could do it."

"Of course. Who do you think I am? So then…"

Softly. Flappy settled back on Seojin's shoulder.

"I'll quietly wait. Finish your work. Uh, don't mind me."

Her gesture of covering her mouth was quite cute.

"Hmm, then… Guide?"

"Please speak."

"I'd like to receive my reward now."

"Understood."

Ding! Ding!

Your League has found its rightful place.

Acquired: League of Intimidation.

You have secured two Qualifications.

The Combination feature is now available.

Unlocked: Achievement — Two Steps Ahead

Only 1% of all users have obtained two Qualifications so far!

Two Steps Ahead

*All your stats increase by 2 percent.

Stance: Immature Threat is enhanced to Intimidating Gaze!

New skill acquired!

Insufficient skill slots!

"…Ah."

Not enough skill slots. Fortunately, he had one from a recent World Quest reward.

Using Skill Slot Expansion Coupon.

Active Skill: Cost of Choice

*The narrower the range of choices, the closer refusal becomes impossible. When presenting two options to a target, psychological pressure increases. I understand your situation, but are you going to refuse?

"This one's black."

If Deception was purple, Intimidation was black. Not just any black, but a feeling of pitch black.

'Isn't it too sinister?'

He wasn't wrong. Based on his appearance, it made him seem like a dark sorcerer.

'They're not made just for silver tongue players. Deception and Intimidation could suit other professions.'

Like a rogue specializing in poison and assassination, an ice mage, or a hunter with traps as their primary technique.

'Could NPCs show hostility just by revealing it?'

The need for practice was acutely felt. But that was a matter for after leaving this tower.

"Then, I've received everything. Guide."

"Yes."

"You said we could talk after the trial. Do you have time now?"

Responding to Seojin's question, the guide answered emotionlessly.

"Yes."