'What is she talking about…?' Cha Hee-ra's words left me bewildered in this new and unfamiliar setting. Her expression held a sense of amusement, indicating that my proposal had amused her. The intensity in her gaze seemed to surge anew.
"No one has ever been this forthright with me... Are you truly that self-assured?"
Her voice carried a husky quality, rekindling the flame of desire in her eyes.
"To be candid, your appearance fits my taste quite well. I have a penchant for creatures like serpents. The calculating glint in your eyes appeals to me. While it might not be conventionally attractive to many, it's rather alluring to me."
My response faltered momentarily. "That..."
"Nonetheless, this doesn't imply my urge to acquire you has diminished. However, I believe it's prudent for me to gauge if you could become a trustworthy and useful asset. What are your thoughts on this?"
She sat cross-legged, exuding an inviting aura as she patted the space beside her on the bed. It was only then that I comprehended her intentions.
A blush enveloped my cheeks instantly. 'What...?' Could she truly be addressing the matter at hand in such a direct manner? I was aware of the folly in underestimating her intellect, yet this offer was entirely unexpected.
'Is she genuinely not taking this seriously?' A part of me believed she was.
I raised my hands in a gesture of deference. "I didn't mean it in that way."
"Then, what did you intend?" Her question hung in the air.
"That's..."
"Kee Miyoung, your potential investment in me was the only narrative I was prepared to entertain upon your arrival in our order. Of course, I'd have no objections if you were to come accompanied by your beloved partner. However, even if you arrive solo, I'm inclined to admit you into our ranks. While I don't perceive you as exceptionally talented, I do not harbor negativity towards alchemy. Nurturing positive affiliations doesn't strike me as undesirable."
"Ah."
"But persistently seeking this investment even after your transition to another guild is preposterous. It's not my responsibility; your guild should attend to that. Would you bestow resources on an individual who offers no return? Frankly, it appears to be a more profitable venture to expend funds for occasional liaisons, recompensing you for your services. You provide me with companionship, and I reciprocate financially. Do you understand?"
'Damn.' The unvarnished truth hit me with unanticipated force. In essence, Cha Hee-ra was proposing that she invest in my physique rather than my personal development. Though, in honesty, her proposition didn't seem entirely unfavorable.
I remained uncertain if she was acting, yet her current disposition suggested her genuine interest. Naturally, I needed to acknowledge the fact that she saw me as an object of amusement, not as an individual.
Self-loathing coursed through me, particularly for my pride and, most crucially, for grappling with the notion of becoming subservient to her every whim.
Still...
'I can't.' I couldn't allow myself to devalue my self-worth in such a manner. Once her interest waned in my physical presence, her investment in my potential would also dissipate.
I couldn't accept that fate.
"Of course, I understand, Cha Hee-ra. I'm not requesting personal sponsorship. I'm seeking your backing for our party, which emerged as the first to complete this tutorial. Kim Hyunsung and Jung Hayan are poised for growth. One among them might ascend to become the mightiest on this continent."
"And?" Her tone remained steady, awaiting further explanation.
"W-What?"
"And what's the significance of that? Whether they progress or not holds no bearing on me. I'm already one of the most formidable assets this continent possesses. Our guild's members also surpass most others. Though we lack magicians, our treasury is impressive enough to dazzle many. The Red Mercenaries aren't wanting in financial resources. Even if Jung Hayan flourishes, years will pass before any substantial change. Why should I invest my time and resources in this endeavor?"
"All I require are magicians for my guild. I crave nothing else. If you're intent on spouting nonsensical notions, why not grace me with your charm instead? I'll offer you a generous stipend to stave off disappointment, and I'll shower you with presents."
'Damn, she truly desires me as her plaything...' Her forthright proposition of money and gifts for companionship felt rather mortifying. It seemed that, regardless of my response, she'd interpret it as jest.
Resolutely, I retrieved an artifact I had concealed, extending it to her. Cha Hee-ra observed curiously as I unveiled the object. Recognition soon clouded her features.
It was the item she had entrusted to me when we first crossed paths.
[Magic Amulet - Rare Grade]
[This amulet augments magic potency by 3. It possesses an amplification attribute for magical effects. Its origin remains a mystery.]
"This isn't necessary," she promptly dismissed the amulet, letting it tumble onto the bed. I was left perplexed by her current train of thought.
"You..."
Rash as it was, I was compelled to continue. "It's not about gold. I don't seek wealth."
"What I desire is your repute and strength. While you're hailed as the Mercenary Queen, I'm indifferent to these accolades."
"Do you fathom the gravity of your actions? Refraining from pursuing newcomers is a collective understanding, yet your audacious approach could prove detrimental. With all the lucrative propositions you attract, you seem more resolute than ever."
"Naturally, I'm conscious of my standing. This world is one where admiration today could yield assassination tomorrow, obscured from public awareness."
"Consequently, what's your verdict?"
The room grew charged with life and magic as I gazed up at Cha Hee-ra, her presence exerting more force than even Lee Seolho. The influence of the Mercenary Queen was unmistakable, though she wielded it without intention to cause harm.
"I find this amusing. Your audacity intrigues me, considering your background and the approach you've chosen. It's been a while since someone caught my attention in this manner. To be frank, I rather relish it. Few men possess the confidence to face me so boldly... I can't recall when last someone addressed me this way. And to think, it's a novice who dares to challenge me thus."
"But, have you gauged the magnitude of what you're asking? Hey. Alchemy, at its core, thrives on equivalent exchange. Should you wield me as your shield, the product you offer should be commensurate with my contribution, right? Failing that, you'll bear the consequences of your actions."
The weight of this discourse was almost forgotten in my endeavor to sustain it. Nonetheless, it hadn't spiraled into the catastrophe I anticipated. Surprisingly, Cha Hee-ra was open to my overture.
"Well? Speak."
"The stake is the potion I shall craft in the future."
With trembling hands, I produced a tome of heroic grade from within my robes, setting it on the floor. Interest flickered across Cha Hee-ra's features as she regarded it.
I sensed her contemplation, as if her current reward held more weight in her thoughts compared to my proposition. I maintained my composure, recognizing the likelihood of her eventual surrender. Yet, I acknowledged the possibility of her resistance as well. I could observe her inner struggle, evaluating the advantages and disadvantages.
"Damn," I thought. Was she truly dismissing our offer?
I believed I had successfully swayed her by highlighting our party's potential growth and the high-caliber Magics I could provide from this batch. While the terms weren't flawless, they were evidently favorable enough to be worked upon. However, I fretfully bit my lip, pondering if she was delving too deeply into the matter.
"The share for the potion you produce will be 3%, not 1%," I stated firmly.
"I will procure a roster of both melee workers and Magicians. The decisions, too, will be mine to make."
Her voice betrayed surprise, "What..."
"Did you not require my safeguarding? No harm will befall you, but this necessitates that I be the one to make determinations."
"How so?"
"I shall elucidate that today. So, are you amenable or not?"
Undeniably, there was no rationale to decline.
"Kindly oversee my well-being," she concurred.
"Let us reconvene later for further discussion. Privately," Cha Hee-ra gestured towards the door, an unspoken directive for me to depart. Nevertheless, contentment radiated from her demeanor.
"I realize I am strangely drawn to this proposition."
"It's a triumph!" I mused.
Just as I left the room, a flurry of individuals from the corridor surged inside. All bore the air of high-ranking members within the Crimson Mercenary Guild. A quick employ of my abilities affirmed my suspicions. Were they so eager to glean the outcome of our discourse?
Cha Hee-ra had already agreed to extend her protection, albeit at a cost. However, the methods she would employ in securing that protection remained a mystery.
The instant I stepped out of their quarters, an answer presented itself. A Show Details materialized unexpectedly.
[You have acquired a new title.]
"What?"
[Title-The Companion of the Mercenary Empress]
"Curses."
It marked my first-ever bestowed title.