If I were all by myself, I might have considered joining the Crimson Blade Guild. However, the thought of aligning with the Azure Phoenix Guild was completely out of the question. To me, it seemed like a guild that was careening toward its own demise, led by a group of elders whose contributions held as much weight as a pile of dung.
From a logical standpoint, choosing the Azure Guild was nothing short of irrational. The guild's reputation had been tarnished by individuals like Lee Seolho, whose actions had contributed to its downfall. Even Lee Sang-hee bore responsibility for permitting her guild members to react so recklessly to minor provocations.
It was no wonder that other guilds often overlooked them. They practically made it appear as if signing up with the Azure Guild was akin to boarding a sinking ship, doomed from the outset. The thought of joining the Crimson Blade Guild and witnessing the demise of the Azure Guild seemed thrilling, but I wasn't overly confident in my abilities either.
It wasn't realistic to anticipate that joining the Azure Guild would bring about instant transformation. That held true not only for me but for Kim Hyunsung as well. Our cunning leader remained cautious. Nevertheless, Kim Hyunsung's desire to join the Azure Guild had been clear from the very start.
It wasn't that I hadn't considered other options, but up until now, everyone believed that this was the best course of action. One thing I was certain about was that whether it was in the near or distant future, aligning with the Azure Guild would prove more advantageous than siding with the Crimson Blade.
We would already be perceived as a team with considerable potential, which meant we didn't need to seek an alternative path just because the road ahead appeared rough. Similarly, it would be absurd for me to back down due to a handful of elderly men behaving erratically.
However, it didn't mean that I was disregarding this reality.
'My safety.'
My safety was paramount. My initial intent in seeking out Cha Hee-ra was to ensure my own security. Her name carried significant weight among our group. I couldn't indefinitely rely on Kim Hyunsung's strategies. I needed to find other ways to safeguard myself.
'I can manage.'
A guild filled with aged men? I could handle that. Although I despised taking risks, it felt like now was the necessary moment to gamble.
"You mean the Crimson Blade Guild?"
"I'm planning to return to her for a while."
"Why the sudden change?"
"I have something to discuss with the Guild Mistress."
"Cha Hee-ra? Are you serious?"
I nodded firmly.
Kim Hyunsung's expression displayed his uncertainty, while Park Deokgu and Jung Hayan seemed distinctly opposed to the idea. Their reactions were reasonable, and I acknowledged that. After all, why would I bother reconnecting with the same perilous woman who had openly kissed me in front of everyone?
Jung Hayan's reaction was the most profound, her skin taking on an almost ghostly pallor.
"Oh, Hyung... Why go to those lengths?"
"It could benefit the party."
"Even if that means... dealing with her..."
Jung Hayan's anguished expression concerned me. I hadn't fully addressed our situation since that incident, and now, hearing about my intended conversation with Cha Hee-ra, she was apprehensive.
Honestly, I was anxious about the forthcoming dialogue as well, but if this meant establishing an additional layer of protection, I was willing to assume the risk.
"May I ask why?"
In this context, there was no reason to fabricate.
"I believed I needed someone watching my back. I'll elaborate more after I've spoken with her."
"I understand now."
"Ah... I see," Kim Hyunsung's expression indicated his non-opposition to my plans. He probably comprehended my motivations and thus saw no reason to dissuade me.
Jung Hayan, on the other hand, bore a visibly alarmed expression. She might be fearing that I was considering a replacement, but that wasn't the case.
Her lips parted, seemingly on the brink of intervening in my conversation with Kim Hyunsung. Yet, she restrained herself from speaking. Park Deokgu exhibited a similar disposition.
I had no choice but to calm Jung Hayan by briefly clasping her hand.
"I won't be long."
"Yeah... okay."
Seeing Jung Hayan revert to her customary response—blushing—brought color back to her cheeks. Park Deokgu also appeared uplifted upon hearing this and offered a smile. He started walking away with her when she spoke up once more.
" Please don't go Kee Miyoung."
"It won't take much time."
"Still..."
"Trust me. I just need to share our story with her. Don't worry."
"But... .. I'll go with you."
"I think it's better if I go alone."
Her voice trailed off, carrying a hint of disappointment. It was somewhat expected, but even so, a shiver ran down my spine as Jung Hayan lapsed into silence. However, I needed to do this; it was for the benefit of the party.
As skilled as she was, Jung Hayan wasn't capable of protecting me in her current state.
Gently, I guided her against the wall. She seemed taken aback by my audacious act.
"Kee."
I didn't speak. Instead, I lifted her chin with a single finger.
Jung Hayan blushed like a tomato at my bold move. She blinked up at me, twice, trying to decipher my intentions.
"Kee....Miyoung."
Slowly, I drew my face closer to hers, my gaze tender and intense. Our lips met, a simple kiss, devoid of true emotion. But it appeared to satisfy Jung Hayan. As I wrapped my arms around her, the kiss deepened, our tongues intertwining.
I hadn't intended to take it this far, but it didn't seem to matter. I needed to ease her concerns somehow.
Her grip on my hair tightened, a sensation tingling with a touch of pain. Yet, the kiss and her embrace transformed that discomfort into a strange kind of pleasure.
"Ah..."
My original intention was a mere kiss, yet Jung Hayan had her own ideas. She nibbled and tugged at my lower lip with fervor, holding me close, her hidden desires surfacing. It was challenging to break free from her grip.
When she finally noticed that I needed to catch my breath, I managed to step back. Yet, the look in Jung Hayan's eyes demanded more, pulling me back in.
Once more, I kissed her. There was no reason to deny her need for closeness. If there was ever a time for recklessness, it was now.
I wasn't sure if it was intentional, but Jung Hayan began to bite and suck on my tongue. It carried a slightly sore sensation. I didn't particularly enjoy it, but I didn't protest either.
After a few seconds, Jung Hayan seemed to grasp the situation, drawing back with surprise in her eyes. But her wanting expression reeled me back in.
"I... I love you..."
"I want to safeguard what we have."
Half of what I said was genuine. Sadly, she was unaware of the underlying message I aimed to convey.
"Me too... I... love you..."
"I don't want to get hurt."
"Me too!"
"Which is why this is necessary. We need to cultivate a relationship with Cha Hee-ra because we aren't strong enough yet."
"I'm not strong either..."
"Do you understand why I'm doing this?"
"Still..."
"It'll be fine. Please trust me."
Jung Hayan fell silent, her expression morphing into one of complexity. I could speculate about her thoughts, but I didn't invest too much effort in deciphering them.
Instead, I squeezed her hand and placed a light kiss on her lips.
It wasn't a big deal. She'd understand.
Jung Hayan likely grasped that I was putting myself on the line, yet I intended only to hold a conversation with Cha Hee-ra. I saw no need to explain further.
'Good.'
In any case, one couldn't fully trust an unpredictable woman.
Besides, with the steps I was taking today, Jung Hayan's personal growth was set to advance. However, I knew she remained apprehensive about my meeting with Cha Hee-ra.
I chuckled. She was needlessly anxious.
"Things won't go down the same path as before."
"But..."
"I love you."
"Ah... Really..."
I had never verbalized these words, but they seemed to have an impact. Jung Hayan's legs trembled, as if she might collapse.
After kissing her forehead once more, I turned to leave.
Some of my plans hadn't unfolded as intended. Circumstances had pushed me to expedite my relationship with Jung Hayan.
Of course, that wasn't necessarily a bad thing. Our bond has deepened, fostering a stronger attachment. This would serve me well in the long run.
'Crazy old men.'
It wasn't just Jung Hayan who lacked true strength. I was in the same boat. Thus, we had to find a way to overcome this limitation.
Shaking my head to dismiss these thoughts, I continued on my way, my mind focused on strategic analysis.
Soon, I reached the dwelling of the Scarlet Scepter Guild. A guild member, eyes wide with surprise, hurried over.
"What can I help you with?"
"I've come to see Cha Hee-ra."
"Ah! Just a moment, please."
"Of course."
It felt like they'd been expecting me all along.
"Just head inside. She's in the last room."
"Thank you."
As I walked, I searched for the right words to say. But in this situation, finding them proved challenging.
"You're getting a bit too curious about Cha Hee-ra, Kee Miyoung." The idea of joining the Red Mercenary Guild might have changed the way I felt about the situation, but unfortunately, that wasn't the case. I rapped on the door, and a voice promptly replied from within.
"Enter."
"Thank you."
Pushing the door open, I found a familiar woman lounging on the bed, letting out a yawn. Her attire still retained its audacious flair, her fiery red hair as untamed as ever. Just like before, I stumbled for a moment, unsure where to direct my gaze, but I quickly regained my composure. I decided to meet her gaze head-on.
"Did you have a change of heart?"
"Not exactly."
"Then... You better give me a damn good reason for showing up here alone. I was having a nice dream before you barged in. Honestly, this is a bit unsettling. I can't just idly stand by as the young girl you came with enjoys your affections."
I blinked. My carefully crafted introduction vanished from my thoughts. This woman baffled me beyond comprehension.
Did one become impervious to embarrassment once they embraced their appearance? I couldn't tell.
Given that I was the one making the offer, I needed to match her confidence. Inhaling deeply, I organized my thoughts and blurted out the words I had rehearsed.
"I want you to be my patron."
A stunned silence hung in the air.
After a few seconds, Cha Hee-ra shook off her surprise and regarded me with an expression that unveiled her newfound interest.
"Interesting indeed."
'What on earth was she implying?'
[Cha Hee-ra]: "Hmm... you are indeed very interesting."
I couldn't fathom her intentions at all.