Chapter 318: From despair to hope 1 (1/2)
Why now…
Kwak Jun was left deep in contemplation after Niu left.
Dammit… what do you want me to do…
Since he was told to earn his keep, he needed to do something, but there wasn’t anything he could act as a spy for. Strategy? None of that was important for the battle that would happen in Styx soon. It would be a fight of strength against strength! Those trying to break through, the Valhalla Kingdom, and those trying to block them, the Gullveig Alliance. It was obvious that it was going to be a fight of strength, so what could he do as a spy? The most he could do would be delivering the battle tactics and plans of the Gullveig Alliance.
What is he thinking? This isn’t the best time to make the most out of me. Hmm…
As his contemplation continued,
“Is he saying that I should raise our chances of victory by at least a 1% chance?” Kwak Jung came to his decision. “Well… I guess so… since taking over Styx is the most important right now.”
It meant that Kang Chul-In had decided to use him actively starting from this battle, which was understandable. Kwak Jun really needed to start earning his keep considering the amount of money that Kang Chul-In supported Vito Clemenza with.
“And since I chose now…” Kwak Jung extended his hand towards a cube that had the strategies of the Gullveig Alliance stored inside of it. “I might as well do my best.”
Because he was the commander-in-chief, his level of authority was right below Andrei Ivanovich and Mei Ling’s. This meant that he could deliver nearly all information to Kang Chul-In.
“Sir. Her Majesty has come.”
The knight who was in charge of guarding him announced the arrival of the Mei Ling.
His hand reaching for the cube paused.
“Y-Your Majesty!”
“You’re working so hard… even though it’s so late at night…”
“It’s nothing!”
“Can I sit down?”
“Of course.” Kwak Jun signaled for her to sit. “What happened? You should be commanding the sovereigns of the alliance at the Pentagon…”
“I left that to Andrei Ivanovich. His charisma is more outstanding than mine, so there shouldn’t be a problem. Also… there’s something that only I can do here.”
“Ah…!” He realized why Mei Ling had suddenly come. “Neptune Spear’s…”
“Yes, that’s correct.” Mei Ling nodded. “I thought we would need to raise the morale of our soldiers.”
“That’s a wise judgment of yours.”
“Your compliments are too much.”
“Haha…”
“Are you working late into the night like this usually?”
“Of course. Our forces are many, but our opponent is the unmatched army of Kang Chul-In. We have to make sure things go smoothly without a hitch.”
“It’s only my job.”
Kwak Jun didn’t lose his humble attitude even after Mei Ling complimented him.
Dammit, just when I was trying to pass the information over.
Inside, he was cursing Mei Ling for coming at this time.
“How trustworthy… ah, also.”
“Please speak.”
“How is Lord Vito Clemenza?”
“...!”
“From what I know, he’s never shown himself in public…”
“He’s getting better.”
“Ah, is he?”
“But he’s still uncomfortable with walking around, so he’s staying on Earth with his secretary. He’ll probably come back soon, and he wants to speak with Your Majesty…”
“I see.” Mei Ling nodded. “Alright. If you lead our alliance to victory in this war, we’ll help you with anything to help Lord Vito recover.”
“T, Thank you!”
“Also…”
“...?”
“Commander Kwak, we’re planning on rewarding you separately as well. You’ll like it.”
“Haha…!”
“So I’ll leave it in your hands, Commander Kwak.”
“You don’t have to worry.”
“Then I’ll be off. Since it’s late, I’ll relay news about my family tomorrow in the morning.”
“Will you?”
“Yes. Oh, and…” Mei Ling looked back at Kwak Jun. “I hope you get a few hours of sleep at the least… as the commander-in-chief of our Alliance soldiers, it’s very important for you to maintain your health.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty.”
“Then I’ll really be off now.”
Mei Ling stepped out of Kwak Jun’s office.
“Whew…” After she left, he sighed in relief. “She came just when I made my decision…”
He wouldn’t be suspected just because he was touching the cube, but he felt it prick at his conscience. Still, he wasn’t going to stop handing the information over to Kang Chul-In.
***
Before leaving for the Emperor of Blood and Iron’s grave, he promised peace to the citizens of Esmeralda territory.
“Y-Your Majesty…!” Skadi, who had rushed over in the Warp Gate after hearing the news, had tears brimming in her eyes.
“I promised.” Kang Chul-In spoke with a grin. “When you left your body to me, I promised I would regain Esmeralda for you. Do you remember?”
“Of course…!”
“I’m keeping that promise now.”
“Your Majesty…!”
“Sorry it’s so late…”
Suddenly, Skadi jumped into Kang Chul-In’s arms.
“Huk… huk huk…!”