Chapter 52: Dragon (1)

"...You said you would forgive, didn't you...?"

These were the words from Rin, who was looking at Kim Hyunwoo with an expression as if the world had crumbled.

"But why... is it impossible?"

At that sorrowful muttering, Kim Hyunwoo made a peculiar face and thought.

In fact, he was very curious about many things.

However, despite a few unresolved questions, there were definitely facts Kim Hyunwoo could infer from her immediate actions.

That was, the Absolute Ruler of Darkness before him wanted to return to Lartania.

From Kim Hyunwoo's standpoint, it was undoubtedly good news.

After all, obtaining a 5-star hero right now would be greatly beneficial.

However, despite such merits, the reason he couldn't accept Rin was,

"Honestly, it's impossible because your infamy is too high."

It was because of her relationship chart - in other words, her infamy.

"Infamy?"

At the Absolute Ruler of Darkness' puzzled question, Kim Hyunwoo nodded.

In fact, Kim Hyunwoo hadn't planned on discussing her relationship chart with her.

After all, explaining this relationship chart, which only he could see, to a hero seemed not that easy a task.

However, seeing her seemingly harboring a huge misunderstanding, he felt compelled to explain.

To Kim Hyunwoo, her current expression seemed... how should he put it?

A little dangerous.

Honestly, it looked like she could commit some 'terrible deed' without it being the least bit surprising.

Kim Hyunwoo's gaze briefly caught on the long sword at Rin's waist. Somehow, it looked exceptionally sharp today.

"...Hmm."

After a moment of contemplation, Kim Hyunwoo opened his mouth, pondering how to discuss this relationship chart with her.

"First off, it seems you've had a hard time. Although I can't know the details, you must have had your reasons. At least, as far as I know, you don't recklessly take lives."

"...!"

Kim Hyunwoo, cautiously praising her because of her slightly dangerous look, seemed to bring a faint color to Rin's face, but,

"However, while I can understand that, I can't accept you."

"Uh...!"

Her expression darkened again at the following words.

"Your infamy is essentially poison to Lartania's territory."

Kim Hyunwoo continued.

"You said you've been watching me, right?"

"......"

"No?"

"...! Ye-yes! I, I have indeed been watching you...!!"

"Then you must know well. Lartania's territory has just begun to grow, and a proper structure has just been established to function as a territory. But your infamy could ruin everything I've built up so far."

"If you're afraid of those who bear grudges against me seeking revenge-"

"If that were the only issue, I might have considered recruiting you."

"......"

Kim Hyunwoo, scratching his head as if pondering, continued.

"The demerits of employing you aren't just that, Rin. The Labyrinth city I've created ultimately relies on the influx of territory residents and diplomacy. But what if I recruit you, with your infamy piled high?"

"Uh..."

Rin's breathing visibly halted.

Anyone but a fool would understand what Kim Hyunwoo was saying, and Rin was no fool.

"First off, the mercenaries' footsteps will cease. Naturally, the territory's revenue will decrease. The merchant groups and territory residents won't come because of your presence. In a stagnant territory, the residents will leave. Then? We end up back at square one. Besides-"

Kim Hyunwoo went on.

"-Even if we ignore all those demerits and recruit you, could you alone fend off everyone hostile to Lartania? No, it would be impossible."

Kim Hyunwoo roughly guessed the strength of the Absolute Ruler of Darkness.

After all, he had seen the strength of Merilda, who was also a 5.5-star, even if it was only for a moment.

But no matter how strong she was, capable of overwhelmingly winning hero battles and facing thousands single-handedly, if a nation declared war and started to form alliances, there would be no answer.

After all, an individual, even a 5.5-star, couldn't fend off tens of thousands of troops and 5-star heroes.

Therefore.

"That's why I can't accept you."

As soon as he finished speaking.

A dreadful silence followed.

Rin had bowed her head deeply after hearing those words, so it was unclear what expression she was making, but Kim Hyunwoo, having thoroughly laid out the reasons, felt the weight of the atmosphere enough to be cautious.

'...Is she angry?'

Kim Hyunwoo could guess that she must have gone through a lot, just from hearing about what she had done. However, being rejected so bluntly was likely something she hadn't anticipated.

But accepting Rin in the current situation was out of the question-

"-I understand."

Before he could finish that thought, Rin's somber voice answered.

The pain of having one's guts torn apart was etched on the face she lifted. She was clenching her teeth so hard that blood seemed to seep from her gums.

It was a face that seemed to understand and accept in her mind that he couldn't accept her now, barely holding back the urge to cry out loud.

However, somehow.

Even with such an expression,

what was engraved in her eyes was not simply pain, but a determined 'will'.

As if.

"I have something to do for a moment."

As if she had realized what 'she had to do'.

"Let's see each other again later."

With those words, she turned her back on him with a limping walk, as if promising a future encounter.

"...?"

For Kim Hyunwoo, those words only amplified his unease.

"As promised, there will be no commission this time."

The Lord of Rapengan territory, Berta, said this to Adria, the head of the Tienus Merchant Group who had put the 'Execution Sword' up for auction, with a smile.

"I don't know how to thank you for this convenience."

"Convenience? It's only right to do so for you, head of the Merchant Group."

As Berta said, it was indeed beneficial in many ways for Rapengan to accommodate the Tienus Merchant Group.

While a hefty commission in Gold Coins could provide immediate material benefits, the friendship with Tienus Merchant Group, one of the great trading companies on the Continent, offered greater advantages than the immediate material gains.

Even if Berta and Adria were not on bad terms, building a good relationship was always beneficial, which is why Berta willingly waived the commission.

At least, Berta thought that Tienus Merchant Group and Adria were worth it.

"By the way, I heard there was a bit of an inconvenience during the auction process. Is that alright?"

Adria's question.

Berta smiled slightly at that.

The fact that a merchant asks such a question, even when there might be regrettable comments about the problems they are involved in, proves that, even if calculated, a certain degree of friendship has been built with the other party.

"There was indeed a bit of an unfortunate incident at the auction."

Indeed, as Berta said, a very unfortunate incident occurred at the auction.

Certainly, it was good that four great heroes came, but then one woman drove all four great heroes away.

Just one woman, against four great heroes.

Regardless of the circumstances, the plain fact that remained quickly spread around, causing some damage to Rapengan as well.

Of course, while it was that woman who caused the commotion, it was ultimately Berta who had given her the right to enter the grand auction.

However, the damage Rapengan received was minimal.

The reason was that the woman was strong enough to overpower other great heroes.

Of course, one should not only believe what is seen.

Unless one is a mad dog like those called the Continent's mad dogs, most great heroes, whether neutral or affiliated with a nation, avoid fights.

From a nation's standpoint, since each great hero represents a significant force, any injury to them could lead to a substantial loss of national power, so they avoid fights as much as possible.

Moreover, great heroes not affiliated with any nation, holding much in their hands, would not want to engage in fights with other great heroes and suffer losses.

Especially since the disappearance of the Blue Merchant who used to roam the world a few years ago.

'...Of course, even considering all that, the fact that four great heroes were humiliated by just one woman without a fight breaking out is something worth pondering.'

Ultimately, thanks to the woman, who was recommended by the 'Swords of Calan' to enter the grand auction, being too strong, Rapengan was able to get by with minimal damage.

After all, everyone knew that it was impossible to avert a disaster capable of overpowering four great heroes in a commercial territory.

"...But Adria, you don't need to worry about it. After all, the original purpose was achieved."

Moreover, the fact that the Execution Sword was sold in Rapengan territory and, fortunately, the woman purchased it for a vast sum meant that, ultimately, Rapengan did not suffer significant damage compared to what it gained.

In fact, it could be said to have benefited in a way, beyond the damage.

Ultimately, her participation in this grand auction, recommended by the 'Swords of Calan', revealed her identity.

'She is the hidden power behind the Calan Kingdom.'

Berta could easily tell that she was the monster who had grown the kingdom, which, ten years ago, seemed about to be consumed by Norba Kingdom.

...Of course, spreading that information around was impossible, but just knowing it was a great help, so she was satisfied.

"If that's the case, I'm relieved."

After Adria's words and a bit of conversation,

"I should be going soon."

"Oh, are you leaving already?"

"Yes. I have a destination I need to visit now."

"A destination...?"

"I need to return to my Guardian."

"Ah, I see."

After a brief conversation, they parted ways.

'Uhm, there were some issues, but it's not too bad considering.'

Adria checked the Gold Coins loaded in the carriage once more,

'Then, should I propose to visit my Guardian while delivering this?'

Thinking this, as she left Rapengan territory and was working in her office, Adria sent her secretary away and took out a small crystal orb as the territory grew distant.

Today was the day to report in advance to her Guardian.

Therefore, after taking out the red crystal orb, Adria placed it on the desk in her office, gently infused it with magic, and bowed.

Woong-!

The crystal orb shone brightly, and something similar to a hologram window appeared in front of Adria.

"I greet The Great One."

Adria immediately bowed her head as the hologram appeared.

However, the woman with red hair like Adria's, appearing in the hologram, did not say anything.

"I will report."

As if accustomed to her response, Adria began the report on her own.

Despite the start of the report, the woman with various scars on her neck just looked at her with an empty gaze.

A little while later.

"That concludes the report on the Merchant Group..."

After finishing the report on the Merchant Group, Adria continued,

"May I introduce a person to you, if you permit?"

The woman looked down at Adria with an indifferent gaze.

However.

"It's just that, perhaps, that person might possess what you desire, so I dare ask."

"...The item I desire?"

At Adria's words, she responded.

"Yes. So, if it's alright with you, Great Guardian, I wish for you to see this person with your own eyes through your power and make a decision."

At Adria's continued words,

"...Alright."

The dragon answered.