Chapter 73

# 73

User Manual for the Reincarnated 073

Ambitious Man (2)

"Ah! Can I first tell you about our demands?"

"Of course."

"First, we need you to make an official statement."

"For example?"

"Something like, 'I received a sincere apology from Jung Yura of Black Swan, and we have cleared up our misunderstandings. I was never physically threatened...' It would be really appreciated if you could include that. Apart from that, you can think of what to say... but any statement that helps calm this situation would be fine."

"Hmm... Even so, it won't be easy."

"I would also like you to mention the changed appearance of Black Swan."

"You want to use me as a promotional tool, huh?"

"Of course. Some people are already calling me a symbol of resistance, like Ki Young... and I think I might even get a title soon. While you may have a certain image you're pursuing, it's not essential to mention additional details... but I would appreciate it if you could mention it at least once, for my sake. You've changed a large guild. You've won. This isn't just my victory! Something like that would be great."

"Victory? What victory..."

Seeing how cunning her thoughts were, I couldn't help but laugh.

The change in Black Swan's power structure is due to various political relationships.

Of course, the current situation was the catalyst, but if there weren't any internal issues with Black Swan, it's unlikely that the change would have happened.

Still, it's only natural to laugh at her request to focus on the public's victory.

"Doesn't the truth matter? It's important to make the public think they've won, right?"

"That's why I'm laughing."

"Well, we won't just sit idly by, so you don't need to worry about us. Just don't pour oil on the fire with various statements like you've been doing. We hope you'll be careful with words like 'understanding' or 'malicious acts.'"

"I understand. I'll consider it."

"At least for old times' sake, okay?"

A gentle smile appeared in my field of vision, but I didn't pay much attention to it.

"Is there anything else?"

"Of course. This might be a bit beyond your authority, but... we are pushing for a tripartite alliance between Red Mercenary, Black Swan, and Blue. I would like you to make an official announcement about this. It won't be a bad thing for you either."

"Does that mean expanding your influence within the guild?"

"Yes. I'm not asking you to announce it immediately, given the current situation. But it would be nice if you could mention the friendly atmosphere. Something like, 'We are maintaining a good relationship with the changed Black Swan' would be good."

"It seems like you're asking for a lot... Is the compensation properly prepared?"

"Yes. All the items, materials, and resources obtained from the Garden of Fear will go to you personally. The shares and land deeds from the completed dungeon will be the same."

"Considering public opinion, that's not exactly a welcome statement."

"Officially, it will go to charity."

"Ah, I see."

"Nobody will know what you received from our guild."

While I can't fully trust her, I thought that Ji Hye could easily stab me in the back.

If it became known that I had received significant benefits, it would be impossible to avoid criticism from the media.

"I think we can handle it if it becomes known."

'That's true.'

Many media outlets are already on my side.

Even if something were to happen, it wouldn't be a big problem to handle.

Most of the media in Lindel have already decided to support Blue and Red Mercenary.

Thinking about it, it's only natural that Black Swan is courting me.

If the people of Black Swan, including Ji Hye, know this, it makes sense.

"There will also be support from the guild for Kim Hyun Sung's party."

"Isn't that a bit too generous?"

"That's how much we want to impress you."

"Such attention isn't exactly welcome..."

While I didn't say it, I had probably inflated my image within Black Swan.

If my value rises, Ji Hye's position, who is connected to me, will also rise.

It's a win-win situation.

While it's not entirely pleasant, it's not bad either.

In the end, I would receive a lot of benefits.

"If there's anything else you want, we can try to accommodate it..."

"Leave that to you. The guild will have its own ideas about what to give and how much. Whatever you do, it doesn't matter to me anymore."

"It's a bit burdensome. It feels like you're testing me."

"Not really. To be honest, I don't understand why you're doing so much for me. While Black Swan's actions aren't without reason, it seems a bit excessive. You're not the only one who needs to be taken care of. With Red Mercenary also in the picture, it doesn't seem like a profitable deal."

"While it's embarrassing to say, I do have some influence."

"That's why I'm even more curious. You're too rational to be swayed by old feelings. I wish you would tell me what you really want."

Silence fell.

Ji Hye's expression didn't change. She didn't seem flustered.

She continued speaking calmly.

Of course, it was quite different from what I had expected.

"Didn't I tell you before?"

"What?"

"I like ambitious men."

"Don't joke... "

The moment I looked into her eyes, I couldn't finish what I was about to say.

Her expression, looking straight at me, didn't seem like she was lying.

It wasn't the usual playful smile and eye twinkle.

"Do I look like I'm joking?"

"..."

"I have an interesting story to tell you."

I slowly nodded, feeling that I should.

"Have you heard the anecdote about former U.S. President Bill Clinton and Hillary Clinton? It's a fictional story, but quite interesting..."

"I haven't."

She took a brief breath and continued. It was a bit random, but an interesting story.

"Bill Clinton and Hillary Clinton once went to a gas station to refuel. At that gas station, Hillary gave a passionate hug to a stranger."

"An interesting story."

"It turned out that the man at the gas station was Hillary's ex-boyfriend... On the way back, Bill Clinton playfully said, 'If you were still dating him, you'd be working at the gas station together...'"

"..."

"What do you think Hillary's response was?"

"..."

"No, he would be the President of the United States, not you."

It's an interesting story.

Definitely an interesting story.

If we apply the story of Bill Clinton and Hillary Clinton to me and Ji Hye, it's as if she's saying she can make me the President.

"I can relate to the story, but I want to add one condition."

"What is it?"

"How ambitious the man is."

"Hmm..."

"Men can change based on what women do, but a man without the ambition to act isn't very attractive."

"Do you understand the situation I'm in?"

"Of course. You're the lover of the Queen of Mercenaries... and that's not all. You're also raising a bomb named Jung Hyeon. But a woman's charm isn't determined by her looks or power alone."

"Hmm..."

"I'm not asking you to meet me right now, brother. I already know that such women aren't popular. I don't care if you're with a bloodthirsty mercenary or a strange mage. If it's part of the process to rise to the top, I might even welcome it. Ultimately, I know that the one chosen in the end will be a woman like me."

"..."

"A woman who can make a man like you a king."

"Hmm..."

I was so flustered that I couldn't even speak properly.

I had understood her ambitious nature from the beginning, even from the tutorial, but I didn't expect it to be this much.

I wasn't surprised by her interest in me. It was her strange confidence that caught me off guard.

Ji Hye's stats are definitely poor, and her talent is no better.

Of course, she might not be fully aware of her talent limits, but she's probably starting to realize them.

Choosing the Commander class is evidence that she's aware of her limits.

Despite this, this woman, who is similar to me, has confidence.

Confidence that, aside from stats and physical power, she can make the man she chooses a king.

'Well...'

I have no idea when she started thinking this way.

Considering her personality, it was probably from the beginning.

I had no idea how to react to her words.

While I was thinking, I noticed Ji Hye slightly getting up.

I could see her gently caressing my face.

"Why me?"

"I don't know. If I had to make a reason... "

"..."

"Because you said you wanted to see me again?"

I didn't avoid her slight kiss.

She has more than enough value to be used.

"That's the end of the conversation. Please think about what I said, both from the guild's perspective and personally, brother."

"I'll think about it, sister."

'All of it was a good conversation.'

A slightly wrinkled expression.

But the smile on her lips showed that she was pleased with today's conversation.

As she got up to leave, I saw Jung Hyeon waiting outside the door.

I was briefly startled, but Ji Hye looked at Jung Hyeon without any surprise.

"It's been a while, Hyeon."

"Yes... It's been... a while. Ji Hye."

'Damn.'

"You said you're dating Ki Young, right? How are Hyun Sung and Deokgu doing?"

"Yes..."

"I congratulate you. Seeing you in a beautiful relationship makes me happy. I hope we can see each other often... Please take care."

"Yes..."

"Then, I'll be going."

I had a feeling that Jung Hyeon's state was different.

Of course, she couldn't have known what was discussed inside.

This place was a room with a magical barrier to prevent eavesdropping.

But sensing a strange atmosphere, I noticed that she was looking at Ji Hye with the same eyes she used to look at Park Hye Young.

I can say for sure.

Jung Hyeon's eyes looked like they had lost their luster.

'Damn.'

She was even looking at me with a scrutinizing expression.

Ji Hye slowly smiled and looked at me.

The world is wide, and there are many women.

But I couldn't understand why I always ended up with crazy women.