“Despite my sense of humiliation, I also desire the spot of commander. This is a chance to make my family shine. It will certainly not be easy. But if you are near me to help then I have confidence that I can accomplish it. Just like you know me, I also know what a great warrior you are.”
“If you are the commander then of course I will risk my life to help.”
Ark answered. There was nothing Ark wanted more. This expedition was a collective effort of the Schudenberg troops. The King ordered this mission directly so there would be various quests and rewards associated with it. Then wasn’t it best to have a high intimacy with the NPC Commander of the expedition? Wouldn’t Ark be given more opportunities than other people?
‘But that isn’t the important thing!’
There was a chance that Ark’s Corporation would become bankrupt. However, if Haverstein became the commander of the military expedition then there was a way to solve that problem. Ark got the idea after hearing about the expedition force.
‘For the sake of Ark’s Corporation, I have to ask Haverstein to become the commander no matter what! I have to become his cheering squad……’
Ark was thinking that when he was interrupted.
“I’m thankful but it is highly unlikely that I will become the commander.”
“Huh? Why is that?”
“Haven’t you noticed? You’re strangely innocent in some matters. In fact, today’s meeting was a type of play. 3 candidates were nominated but everybody already knows who will be the commander will be Lord Kuran. The reason is simple. It is because the forces that support Duke Sarkin are the largest. Lord Kuran also has no blemishes so there is no reason for him not to win.”
Ark finally understood the general situation after hearing Haverstein’s words. Despite the factions nominating 3 factions, the winner had already been decided. So the King ended the meeting and allowed more time to give the appearance that Marquise Daltin and Halben’s opinions were being considered.
‘Damn! What the? It’s like that?’
Ark bit his lips. If that happened then wasn’t it the end for Ark’s plan? While Ark was busy thinking, Haverstein pointed towards Kuran.
“But I am a little anxious. Duke Sarkin….um, I shouldn’t say this but…..he already controls most of the power in the kingdom so if his candidate becomes the commander and succeeds……”
Haverstein looked at Marquis Halben having a conversation with other nobles and sighed.
“The only way is to have Marquis Daltin withdraw his candidate Lord Ballen and push the one Marquis Halben recommended. But it won’t be easy.”
Ark’s eyes lit up at that moment. In fact, this was the first time he had encountered the factions. But now he could imagine the ratio of the factions.
‘If Marquis Daltin pushes Marquis Halben’s candidate then they can prevent Duke Sarking from winning. Based on what I heard, I can conclude that Marquis Halben’s faction consisted of 30%, Marquis Daltin 30% and Duke Sarkin 40%. Either Lord Halben could give up and push Daltin’s candidate or vice versa. So there is a chance Haverstein can become the commander!’
Of course, like Haverstein said it wasn’t easy. The relations between the political factions were deeper and more complicated then it seemed. It would be difficult for the factions to give up their own candidates in order to unite. Ark who had just become an aristocrat couldn’t understand the secret strife between factions which continued for hundreds of years but he could profit off it.
‘I don’t understand but there is still something I can try!’
The fate of who would become the expedition commander depended on this. Ark started to desperately think of a plan.
————————————————————————————————————–
“Are you Baron Ark?”
Daltin looked at Ark with an arrogant expression. Ark paid a visit to Marquis Daltin’s mansion the evening before the aristocrat meeting would occur again.
“I’ve heard about some of your actions. But why did you happen to visit?”
“I know that I am a novice aristocrat who has just been knighted. There haven’t been any chances in the meantime but now that I’m in Selebrid, I can finally visit the high ranking nobility and greet them. If you’re not busy then can we talk for a bit?”
“Hrmm…..greetings?”
Daltin carefully looked at Ark. His eyes suddenly moved to a female nearby and he asked.
“We can talk. But who is this lady next to you?”
“My mother.”
“Mother?”
“You might be tricked by her overly young appearance but she is actually an ahjumma (female version of ajusshi i.e. aunt)……ouch!”
So-mi pinched Ark’s side because of his playful introduction. After her appearance changed to that of a teenage, her behaviour had seemed to become increasingly more childish. Anyway, Daltin seemed to lose his wariness after seeing that actions between mother and child.
“I’ve heard that foreigners don’t age but I am once again amazed after seeing your mother. The grown up son looked older than the mother. If some secret to becoming younger exists then I will offer my entire fortune to learn it.”
“Becoming younger?”
“Not for me but for my wife.”
“You must love your wife very much.”
“I’m not ashamed to openly admit it.”
Daltin replied without hesitation. So-mi’s eyes sparkled with admiration and she said.
“So Marquis-nim is a romantic. How wonderful. The one who receives the Marquis’ love never needs to worry. Is there a chance I can meet her?”
“I’ve been waiting for that. In fact, one of my pleasures is to boast about my wife to guests.”
Marquis Daltin smiled softly and ordered a servant to bring his wife. After a while……
‘T-this is the same as a thief!’
Those words rose in his throat. Judging from his appearance, Daltin was approximately 50~60 years old. But the Marchioness who appeared with the servant was only 17~18 years old. If he guessed correctly, there was at least a 30~40 year age gap.
‘No wonder why he wants to become younger.’
“Please tell me. I want to meet a husband who loves me as much as yours does.”
“You have to find a good man.”
Daltin winked lightly towards So-mi. Daltin was an old man with the personality of a Casanova. Despite that minor issue, his overall impression was quite good. He seemed to have a great sense of humour after seeing his reactions to So-mi. But that was just his superficial appearance. Daltin was the leader of one of the factions in Schudenberg Kingdom. He wasn’t an insignificant rival.
“Since you came all the way here, did you have some business?”
As expected, Daltin’s atmosphere completely changed when the two of them moved to the adjoining room. He changed from a neighbour’s grandfather to a politician.
“I previously mentioned that I already heard your name. Well, it is the first time a foreigner has been appointed as an aristocrat in Schudenberg so many people are curious. And they also know the decisive person who allowed you to become an aristocrat. Vicsount Haverstein.”
Daltin mentioned in a quiet tone.
“If you know Viscount Haverstein then why would you come to the head of a different faction?”
“I’m still not a part of a faction.”
Ark answered lightly and Daltin’s eyes turned cold as ice.
“I hate ungrateful humans the most.”
If Haverstein was the one who made him a noble then of course he should join the same faction. Despite being the head of another faction, he was still dissatisfied with that behaviour. Ark answered with a laugh.
“That makes sense. And I’m not that type of person either. If I receive a benefit then I should repay that person. That is why I decided to visit the Marquis.”
“I understand the general principles.”
Daltin laughed. He finally understood why Ark visited based on his answer.
“Your answer is honestly not satisfying. But if you came to my faction then it would be a few times more unpleasant. Yes. It’s not bad. I’ll listen to your talk.”
Daltin nodded and lifted his cup of tea. He closed his eyes to relish the fragrance of the tea before asking.
“Yes, what can you give to me?”
If he wanted Daltin to push Haverstein as a candidate then a price needed to be paid. Ark was aware of that but the timing made him nervous. Daltin’s voice was really casual. What did he expect? Well, it turned out like this so there was no reason for Ark to hesitate.
“What do you want?”
“100,000 gold right now.”