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“Can’t say I quite understand what you’re talking about.”

In response to my question, Muk Yeon maintained his silence.

Not that he didn’t know.

‘How did he catch on?’

The whole reason he casually brought up those conditions was most likely something I should have drawn out on my end as well.

Even while writing the report about the accident before coming up here, I had prepared for it.

The alliance wouldn’t betray me due to my current value, so even if I faced punishment for this incident, I could talk about it to lessen the severity.

Support from the sword team?

That was a part I unnecessarily brought up while listing conditions.

What would I need their support for? This was essentially to keep the Great Lords from feeling too powerful.

‘A justification to ignite the flames.’

It was merely a tool to create friction.

In reality, some of them hadn’t been able to contain their agitation after hearing that.

Whether to use this to disrupt the flow or prepare for when things got out of hand—this had been my strategy.

‘Did you know?’

It seemed that elder had cottoned on like a ghost to what was going on.

He might not have understood all my intentions, but he definitely grasped at least what I meant at this moment.

To prove that, the old man immediately started discussing amendments to the conditions.

‘Ah, I finally get it.’

I was wondering how he planned to deal with the opposition from the Great Lords.

I suspected they would have to wait for something to explode anyway.

And.

‘Whatever I do seems aligned with the old man’s intentions, so does he plan to use me?’

During the recent Great Lord meeting.

Muk Yeon had taken on a stance that suggested he desired something from me, and I vaguely sensed that intention.

Yeah, Muk Yeon was.

As a military advisor returned from the battlefield and a ghost in the realm of politics, he was.

‘He wants a shake-up.’

He wanted a clean sweep within the Martial Alliance.

Minimizing resistance to overhaul everything in one swoop.

Rather than leaving stagnant water to sit, he’d pour in new water to flush it all away.

Muk Yeon aimed to establish a new system in preparation for the impending crisis.

To do that, he needed to overhaul the pillars known as the Great Lords.

And for that.

‘He intends to use me.’

The method the old man chose was precisely me.

He planned to rein in the Great Lords with my assistance, and if need be, dismiss those who needed to be dismissed.

Honestly, I didn’t mind.

I wouldn’t merely fall prey to his intentions.

‘I’ve got things to gain too.’

I needed to create a point of contact within the alliance, and for now, I planned to go along with his plans.

But.

‘Did they know about this on that side as well?’

The current conversation indicated that just as I had sensed Muk Yeon’s intentions, he also knew about mine.

Understanding this, he must have called me here directly.

‘That old man is like a real ghost.’

To anticipate clashes with other regiments due to conflict with the Great Lords, he’d look to eliminate conditions due to my reckless incident.

This way, the opposition from other regiments would decrease.

‘I was surplus and unnecessary anyway, so it’s fine.’

Muk Yeon was skillfully managing things from the middle without suffering losses, so it was a good situation.

‘Hahaha.’

I was wondering how to untangle this mess.

‘It’s really not easy.’

This is why dealing with veterans in politics made anything difficult.

‘Indeed, clearing it out quickly might be the solution.’

Spending more time next to this old man felt like it would mean I’d have more to lose.

“The conditions… I hope you can wrap them up nicely with your discretion, Advisor Muk.”

“I shall take that as meaning it’s acceptable. As for the amended parts, I will send someone to convey them again.”

“…Yes.”

“Normally, it would be appropriate to wait within the alliance until the truth comes to light, but I’d like to use some of my authority here.”

“…You won’t be ousted for abusing your powers, will you?”

“Haha.”

That laughter assured there was no way that would happen.

Yeah, I thought the same. There wouldn’t be a madman willing to oust that old man.

“I shall consider it a token of consideration. Therefore, I will not forget your desires, Advisor Muk.”

“I must admit, I have no understanding of what desires you speak of, dear old man.”

His face showed complete cluelessness.

I couldn’t tell whether he was pretending not to know or if he genuinely didn’t have those intentions.

‘No, it’s clear.’

I was confident he had tasks to accomplish by using me.

Even while harboring suspicions, he would utilize me.

Muk Yeon’s intentions were likely that.

It appeared to be a dangerous choice. Still, the old man had good reason to do this.

Moreover.

‘I don’t think he has much time left, even if I don’t kill him.’

It seemed Muk Yeon didn’t have that much time remaining.

‘…’

As I considered that quietly, a thought occurred to me, and I slightly moved.

“Muk, Advisor.”

“Yes?”

“Have you finished your statements… or is there more?”

“I’ve said all I needed to say. If you’re busy, you can return now. As for the Guardian Unit, I’ll have a separate discussion with them.”

“Understood. I’ll come back once there’s progress.”

“Please return safely. I won’t see you off.”

“Yes. Until next time.”

I gave a light bow and turned to leave.

Just as I grasped the doorknob and was about to step outside.

“Oh, and Advisor Muk.”

I slightly turned my head and said to him.

“That tea, by the way.”

“Yes?”

“Instead of that, you should rather dry the Mureongcho. The Taesunhwa does have paralysis effects, but no matter how long you dry it, it retains a mild toxicity, so consuming Mureongcho would be more effective for pain relief.”

“…”

“Then, I’ll take my leave.”

After finishing my statement, I closed the door and exited.

Right after.

“…Hehehe.”

Muk Yeon whispered with a look that suggested he’d been surprisingly hit.

“Indeed… what a shame.”

His voice held genuine disappointment.

 

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