Chapter 309: Jung Hayan’s Instruction Manual (3)

It was undoubtedly unpleasant that the situation was twisted.

It was something I had been prepared for. From the time I came here, I knew that I would have to spend some time on this, but the work had become more complicated than I had initially thought.

In fact, hoping for results in less than a week after coming here was worse than a thief’s mindset.

Looking at Pristina gently avoiding my suggestions or questions, I thought maybe this alliance proposal itself was problematic.

‘Prematurely.’

Only a week had passed since then. As the other side was also aware of our intention, it was natural for it to be necessary to do prior work, rather than move openly.

Even Han Sora, who I had an expectation for, was working hard, and I also spent most of my time with the people of Laios, so it would be correct to think that I was laying the foundation for now.

‘Republican bastards… so annoying…’

It was obvious as to why I had become so nervous about something I didn’t have to be anxious about. The anxiety factor that everyone knew was none other than the existence of the Republic.

Three of the Eight State seats moved, and those who could be said to be important figures of the Republic also visited Laios. It would be fortunate if they simply came to enjoy tourism, but that was an impossible thing to hope for.

I had to think that they wanted something else, and that maybe, what they wanted wasn’t much different from what we wanted.

‘An alliance with Laios.’

In a way, I could say that it was a kind of work that would take place every year, but this time it felt like the scale had gotten much bigger.

As such, it was an indicator that the situation on the continent was unstable, so there was no need to explain the importance of this event.

If Laios and the Republic formed an alliance, it would be a big loss for the Empire. As the State had already achieved many results, it would be regrettable for us not to take any action now.

‘Absolutely…’

I did not want to miss the benefits that I could reap from this place. It had already been decided that I was busy with all the important issues gathered. Thanks to that, each day had become very monotonous.

The day would begin by meeting Pristina and other people from the neutral country.

It was no big deal, but I had also met with foreigners living in Laios and talked about the supply of potions I made, all produced in the State.

While proposing a contract enough to satisfy them, I talked about the benefits we could share if Laios were to join the State. In a way, we would give them enough money that can be called a lobby, and of course, a contract with this good condition has not been yet implemented. Rather than me refusing, the neutral country didn’t like these contracts, and they were aware that if there was something to receive, there should be something to give.

‘Their vigilance is thick.’

They say they welcomed the guests, but the Republic and the State were indeed unwelcome guests for Laios. They hoped to maintain their position as a neutral country rather than the immediate gains, so in a way, it was like talking to a brick wall.

Nevertheless, since there was nothing that I could do other than trying continuously, it was best to lay as much ground as possible from the State’s perspective.

The Republic might be in a similar situation. It was impossible to implement extreme diplomatic strategies as we knew that opposite camps were staying at Laios. Although we were in a position where we couldn’t confirm what each force was proposing and how it was moving, we didn’t have to see to know.

Actually, I should have taken a rest and focused on talking with the Laios. Since there were many complex issues entangled, I had to skip all the schedules with Jung Hayan or Cha Hee-ra.

I immediately sent the game’s content against that pro to Lee Jihye for her to analyze with Max the patterns and habits. I had to find a different way to get past this.

[I think it’s still hard with my level. You felt it too, but at first, it felt like he was taking it easy… I don’t think I can use it as data either… Of course, it is better to have it than not have it. For now, I will continue to simulate. Honestly, I’m not confident.]

That was the reaction I got after Lee Jihye saw the video I sent. The fact that a capable person like Jihye could admit that made me nervous. This was even harder than the war propaganda plan.

It was about the dangers of potential enemies.

Originally, I had already confirmed that the Five Tiger Generals were strong, but what I had actually seen was more than I had heard before.

The Russian Park Deokgu seemed to be a combination of Korean Park Deokgu and Cha Hee-ra, and I didn’t even need to say anything about Shaolin.

The same went for Jin Qing. Not only did he have a high magic power to be considered a sheer genius, he had such a good physical ability that he could also be considered a magical swordsman. It was a little shocking personally that they were stronger than the lower squad of the Eight Seats. If the level of the remaining falls short of them…

“They’re stronger.”

“I’m sorry?”

“You said they’re stronger than me, right? It’s not publicly known, but it doesn’t make any difference. To be precise, I am the lowest among the five republicans. No, in a way, you can think that I’m similar to Valentin. We haven’t fought before, and I can’t judge how strong they are with just these specs, so I’m not sure, but I’m just making a rough guess.”

“Hmm…”

“I mean, except for our soldier. I can say he’s in second place in the hierarchy, but he’s a wizard, so it’s hard to measure… One thing is for sure, our number one is really strong. You will probably be surprised if you see it. But… aren’t you being too explicit?”

“I am not sure what you are talking about, Shaolin-nim.”

“Of course, you do… I understand that you want to get information out… but I can see that you only want to ask that kind of questions.”

“It’s just your imagination. Well, if you have any questions, you can ask, too. It’s more about exchanging information than taking it out.”

“This is not the kind of information exchange I wanted… this is a meeting between a woman and a man, of course, I don’t want to talk about these serious things. We’re even having dinner at a nice restaurant with a glass of wine… You owe me a lot, and I think you’d better think of my mood at least a little bit.”

“Of course, I am truly grateful for your help before, but… there’s also our current situation … and it’s only been a few days since the two of us started seeing each other. Anyway, ahem… This time, it’s your turn.”

“Then the question, what do you think of me?”

Overall, spending time with Shaolin in this way was already a confirmed issue.

I needed information, and as she said, I had a debt to pay.

‘She’s bold.’

I didn’t know if it was because she was still immature, but she was more outspoken than I thought.

Of course, Shaolin would be like this. She was 22 years old when I first saw her. It would have taken quite a while for her to reach this level, so she must have been active in her mid or late teens.

Her talent was indeed extraordinary, and she would have taken all sorts of expectations at an early age going through an elite road.

Even her face was very attractive. In a way, she was definitely a different type from the women I had seen so far. It was a similar word, but she had a stronger impression of sexuality than sexiness.

She had a ferocious impression like the “people-snatcher” Charlia, who I didn’t even remember the face of anymore, but she was sexually attractive in a way that could not be explained. With the deep sidecut of the Chinese dress that she was wearing, as well as the long lashes and fingers, the reddish face and the eyes looking at me, and even her actions, I could feel a strong sense of temptation.

I felt sorry for Jung Hayan, but it was impossible to compare with her periodic seduction.

That didn’t mean I wouldn’t try my best to wheedle information out of her, however.

‘It’s crazy.’

This could be a trap. If I successfully get baited…

‘I might die.’

In other words, she was not what she seemed to be. Seeing her right now, she looked normal on the outside, but I knew best than anyone that she was not.

The first place I met her was in the black market, and it didn’t show, but the temper itself was very cruel.

Kim Hyunsung also treated her as a villain, so it was obvious as to what she was doing in the first round.

To put it all together, spending time with her was no different from wanting to be found the next morning as a corpse.

“I think you’re beautiful. Honestly, I am interested.”

“That’s fortunate. In what way?”

“I don’t know. I don’t know exactly what to say… Ah. What do you think of me?”

“Is that a question?”

“Yes. This is a question.”

“Can I be a little honest?”

“Yes. Of course.”

“…”

“…”

“You look really sexually attractive…”

I had no choice but to cough. It was not because she was thinking the same thing as me, but because I was embarrassed that she said that too bluntly.

“I don’t usually get this feeling… It’s really weird. In fact, it is true that you are a little far from my type… you keep making me impatient… it looks like sweet honey is dripping from you. Can you understand it if I explain it like this? Your body seems to have a sweet scent, and your lips seem to have some nectar on them. You wouldn’t have put magic…”

“Ahem…”

“I don’t know if you look like that to other people’s eyes, but… It’s funny that at least it looks to me.”

I didn’t think Cha Hee-ra or Jung Hayan would see it as Shaolin described it.

“Well, if it’s a compliment, thank you.”

“Of course, it is a compliment. Although the expression was long and vulgar, I meant that I’m attracted to you as a woman.”

I could see her smirking. I didn’t know if it was my imagination, but I felt like she was smacking her lips for some reason. It was when a sense of uneasiness rose within me.

‘What the…’

“Uh…”

‘What is that?’

The problem didn’t come from her. Instead, a little far from this place. The ground had started to reverberate, and I could feel unimaginable magical power from above.

‘Fuck… What is that?’

I could see a large concentration of magic falling out in the outskirts of the city.