ACT 9 Lobbyist

It is confirmed that there have been 273 obelisks in Schudenberg Kingdom. We havent discovered the identity of the obelisks but it is certain that the mystery monsters are caused by it. Theyre far stronger and aggressive than normal monsters so the surrounding villages have received considerable damage.

How do we deal with it?

The main instruction provided to the Lords of each territory is to protect the citizens and destroy the obelisks. Therefore each territory has received insignificant additional damage and the number of obelisks has decrease by 1/3rd. Yet the overall situation with the obelisks hasnt had any large results.

They were in Selebrids royal castle. Various affairs dealing with the kingdom were reported in a serious manner. One of the contents on the list was regarding the black obelisks.The black obelisks had simultaneously appeared in various kingdoms on the same day. The problem wasnt the black obelisks but the unidentified monsters.The even more disturbing thing was that the monsters from the obelisks resembled monsters from that regions folklores that had been passed down.

Leviathan was also the same.The monster Leviathan was known among sailors as the monster that tells the end of the world. Ark hadnt understood it when he disposed of Leviathan but when recovering the goods, a black obelisk had been found underwater.The Mermaid Queen said that Leviathan had disappeared a long time ago so the obelisk was probably the reason why it resurrected.The Mermaid Queen also mentioned that the events on the continent were also occurring underwater. Anyway, these events had turned the Schudenberg Kingdom upside down.

Of course, the kingdom always had numerous monsters. But the monsters from the obelisks were different. Furthermore, the monsters over level 100 had high aggressiveness and tended to flock together to attack territories.The balance of the game had completely collapsed. Meanwhile the troops dispatched to each territory and village in the territory had destroyed the obelisk and additional damage was stopped. But not long afterwards, there was a new obelisk so it just led to a vicious cycle.Therefore public sentiment had reached a state of confusion.So an urgent meeting was called to develop a way to calm the turmoil.

It is unnecessary to say but the people are shaking in fear. It is essential to show a firm attitude to offset that fear. His Majesty the King has declared martial law and regular troops will be sent to take control of all roads and towns.

Emergency martial law

The King stroked his beard and sighed.If he declared martial law then the entire kingdom would be prepared to fight.In other words, the areas unrelated to battle would come to a standstill. Declaring martial law would decrease the damage of the obelisks but the backlash couldnt be ignored.

Does this situation really require martial law?

A nobleman asked. The person in charge of state affairs stated in a resolute voice.

Many people dont know this yet but the damage to the western region of Schudenberg is beyond imagination. Especially thanks to the monster called Doppelganger that can eat their victims and then change into their shape. The only way to minimize the damage is to declare martial law and use the checkpoints between each village.

But the damage of martial law to the economy

We have to concentrate on reducing todays damage before worrying about tomorrows damage.

I understand. I will entrust the authority to you.

The King nodded towards the government official in charge of state affairs.Arks face hardened at the same time.

Im screwed!

After receiving the summoning order, he had quickly moved to Selebrid using the Letter Movement.Of course, it wasnt because of loyalty to the King that he flew so quickly. The central subject of this meeting was the martial law.No, to be exact it was the problem of provisions when martial law was declared.

Martial Law Section 5: The borders will be blocked under martial law. With the checkpoints closed, movement between territories (see exceptions) is strictly prohibited.

The border and territory checkpoints will be closed and movement between territories prohibited!In other words, all types of trade within the kingdom would be forbidden. It was a natural measure when considering the unnatural monsters

Ive just recovered Gold Dream and now what it this?

Ark wasnt happy.He was the Chairman of a business with hundreds of staff (Sailors on Gold Dream, employees of the trading post, etc.) It wasnt easy to lead a business.If there was a standstill then the business would undoubtedly suffer and receive tremendous losses. He still had to pay the monthly salary to the staff as well as rent for the warehouses.Was that all? If he missed the timing of the sale then he would lose tens of thousands of gold. The business would undoubtedly suffer a deficit.Now all trade was blocked in Schudenberg Kingdom.Ark was like a horse that had just started learning to walk only to die.

I havent even made 1 gold profit from Gold Dream yet. First it had been swallowed by a monster and I had to pay the costs of repairs and now trade if banned?

It was to the extent that Ark thought he was cursed.

I didnt realize the situation was so serious when hearing about it from Global Exos the other day

It wasnt just talk any more.No, now Arks life was at stake.If this continued then there was no guarantee when the martial law would end. It couldnt be simply resolved by finding the obelisks and destroying them.The reason was that.

What is the true identity of the obelisks?

Somebody asked and a court magician replied.

We still cant determine anything about the obelisks identity. Our guess is that it is some kind of curse.

A curse?

Thats right. The cursed obelisk pollutes the surrounding environment and causes illusions and memories of the evil in this world to be amplified.

Illusions or memories? What do you mean?

The monsters dont exist. They are a virtual image created through the excessive fear of the population. This is the part where the curse becomes tricky. In this case, the fear that the people feel are so amplified that the monsters actually become real. And this curse isnt simply settled by destroying the object.

But didnt the monsters stop appearing when the obelisk was broken?

It is a temporary phenomenon. The obelisk is just the vehicle for the curse. Unless the source is destroyed, the obelisks will just be reformed in the future. Well, using a strong artifact with the power of a god will completely destroy the obelisk but that isnt a viable solution.

What should we do then?

An aristocrat asked with a pain expression.Then the court magician pointed to a northern area of the continent on a map.

From our advance reports, the source of this originated in the Sinius Principality. Schudenberg has 273 black obelisks. Bristania has a similar number but surprisingly the Sinius Principality has 700 of them. There are so many obelisks in the whole kingdom that it wont be able to easily be resolved. And.

The court magician laid a memory crystal onto the table. A light was emitted from the crystal and a hologram appeared.A heavy moan emerged from the mouth of the aristocrats and the King.The image which appeared was a city immersed in darkness.It wasnt night time. But the entire city was covered in something like a black fog. The city covered by darkness was being attacked by a huge number of monsters.The guards swung their weapons to block but the attacks were relentless.In the end, the monsters invaded the city causing flames to rise and a slaughter to occur everywhere in the city.It was a hell like scene.

This is the current situation of the Sinius Principality. Its only been a few days and the deformed monsters had already taken over 60% of the Sinius Principality. The areas taken by the monsters are covered in a black fog and the environment is rotting. Our studies showed us that the black fog is the root of the curse produced by the black obelisk. The problem is that the black fog is expanding and pushing close to the borders of the Schudenberg and Bristania kingdoms.

What the hell is going on? Ive lived for 60 years and Ive never seen or heard of such a thing!

A nobleman exclaimed with a confused expression.The court magician looked at the King and seemed to ask something with his eyes.The King nodded and the court magician took a deep breath before opening his mouth.

No, this is not the first time this happened. It occurred a long time ago but there remains a record of this phenomenon. Hundreds of years ago..when the Dark Lord descended to earth.

W-what?

The nobles burst out with surprise.Their faces were enveloped with shock.After a moment, a nobleman asked carefully.

D-did you say the Dark Lord?

Thats right.

The court magician replied calmly.

Are you saying that the Dark Lord has been resurrected?

Thats not it. If the Dark Lord was resurrected then the situation wouldnt end here. The darkness wouldve already spread across the whole continent. Just like in the past when the continent was seized by darkness. Weve checked and that isnt happening. Judging from the current situation, this is just the precursor to the Dark Lords resurrection. In other words, someone is trying to revive the Dark Lord.

Fear appeared in the eyes of the nobility.None of the nobility here had experienced the Dark Century. Yet the people of the continent grew up hearing about the Dark Century.The Dark Lord was like an existence of fear to them.After he finished all that he had to say, the court magician stepped back. Then the King opened his mouth again.

Now youve realized the seriousness of the problem. If this situation isnt settled then it would become even worse. If the Dark Lord is resurrected

The King let out a heavy sigh.

.The current domestic situation is serious enough to declare an emergency martial law. If the Dark Lord is resurrected then this situation will worsen. This is a life and death situation for the whole continent so I quickly made contact with the King of Bristania and reached a swift agreement. We will send an expedition to the Sinius Principality.

Expedition? From both the Schudenberg and Bristania kingdoms?

Yes. The primary objective is to stop the darkness pressing against both kingdoms. And the second objective is to solve the problem attacking the Sinius Principality. I think there is no one who will oppose this decision.

All the nobles nodded along with the King.It concerned the fate of the continent so how could they object?

Thats right. Isnt this the corresponding scenario that Ho Myung-hwan talked about?

When Ark first heard about the situation at Global Exos, Ho Myung-hwan told him that New World would respond to the situation with more scenarios. NPCs dispatching an expeditionary army were also part of that scenario.

But what if the expedition fails?

In fact, Ark had thought Ho Myung-hwans in the worst case scenario there is a possibility of service being suspended was just an exaggeration.Why would they stop a game that millions of users played because of a few bugs? However, he now knew it wasnt an exaggeration after participating in the meeting.If the expedition failed then the continent would be covered in darkness like the Sinius Principality. Many cities and villages would be captured by monsters.If that happened then users wont be able to play the game normally anymore. They wouldnt be able to receive quest or even rest at a village. Furthermore, level 200~300 monsters appeared in a level 100 area so they couldnt even hunt properly. Wasnt it natural that New Worlds service would have to be suspended?

Then what about all the money I invested in Arks Corporation?

The NPC villages would disappear and he wouldnt be able to trade. If the Dark Lord was resurrected than Arks investment of 150,000 gold would fly away.

I dont know whether the Dark Lord is a devil or not but I cant leave it alone!

If his business which he suffered so much to build was destroyed then wasnt the devil his adversary?It was absolutely unacceptable.Saving the continent? He wouldve left it to the ones who wanted to become heroes.But if it was to keep his own property?He had to absolutely obstruct the Dark Lords resurrection in order to defend his business. Arks head instantly recognized the Dark Lord as his biggest and worst enemy.Then the King opened his mouth again.

I have two reasons for holding this meeting. The first reason was to gain your consent for the martial law and the other reason is to appoint a commander to lead the expedition.

The aristocrats started buzzing after hearing the Kings words. After a long period of discussion, the candidates were narrowed down to 3 nobles.The 1st was an old general known for his military exploits in Nagaran, Kuran. The other person was Earl Ballen in charge of the royal guard. And to Arks surprise, the last candidate was Viscount Haverstein, the Lord of Jackson.

The previous Lord of Jackson was a war hero with various achievements in the Continent War. Viscount Haverstein who succeeded him has managed to sweep up a large number of monsters in his territory as well as subjugating the band of thieves that had been causing a headache for ages, and various other military achievements. This situation is also unprecedented for our generation. I think it would be better to have an unconventional young Commander than a stereotype.

Marquise Halben spoke skillfully and eloquently.

Lord Jackson is even recognized by other nobles.

Ark looked at Haverstein after hearing Marquis Halben speak. But Haverstein was just making a bitter expression.

Hmm Lord Kuran, Ballen and Haversteinall of them are great knights. But it isnt possible to have 3 wonderful knights as commanders. Fortunately, there is still time before the expedition sets off so we can discuss the matter two days later. The nobles can discuss it during the intervening days and make a decision before the meeting.

The King finished before getting up and leaving.The aristocrats immediately separated and began to discuss the contents of the meeting. As expected, Lord Haverstein was surrounded by 10 nobles the moment the meeting ended.

Lord-nim.

Oh, Ark. You came as well. You left for an adventure so I thought you wouldnt come

I received a notification and hurried here. An important affair is happening in the kingdom so I cant pretend ignorance.

To be exact, he wanted to prevent the martial law which would involve trade being banned. But the martial law wasnt something Ark could stop. He was discouraged thinking about the huge loss that would occur in the future but now he had to think about the expedition.Ark dimly thought that the expedition was a way to solve his problem.When Ark approached, Lord Haverstein excused himself from the other nobles and exited the group.

Did Jackson receive any damage?

Fortunately the damage isnt as serious as other territories.

A fast response.As expected, he truly had the qualifications necessary to be the commander of the expedition forces.

By the way, I truly hadnt expected that you would be nominated as a candidate.

Is that so?

Lord Haverstein replied lightly. Ark had a reason for thinking that.

He still seems young to me.

Haverstein had only been 15 years old when Ark first encountered him.It had been 2 years since then. Time sped 3 times faster for NPCs then users so 6 years had passed.Haverstein was already a youth in his twenties. His physique was sturdy and his body had become bigger than Arks.But Ark still had the memory of his childlike appearance and kept on thinking of Haverstein as a child.

Congratulations.To be nominated as a candidate for the commander position at such a young age, doesnt that mean that the kingdom is recognizing your abilities?

Thats not necessarily the answer.

Just like when he was first nominated, Haverstein gave a bitter smile as he replied.

Ive been nominated as a candidate because there are a lot of civil servants in Marquis Halbens faction. Although they are dissatisfied because I dont have as much battlefield experience, they have no other choice.

Huh? Marquis Halbens faction?

Hmm, of course you wouldnt know about it.

Haverstein thought for a bit before saying.

It is better that you know this. The Schudenberg aristocrats are actually split into 3 factions. The head of one faction, Duke Sarkin was the one who recommended Kuran while the one who recommended Ballen was Marquis Daltin and I was recommended by Marquis Halben.

In modern times, a faction was like a political party. Unlike modern congressmen who could withdraw from their political party, it was almost permanent once a Lord entered a faction.No, it was ordinary for the next generation to be raised in the same faction.Because the most important virtues of an aristocrat were honour and trust.An aristocrat in Schudenberg kingdom who didnt belong to a faction would find it difficult to exert any power.

The three factions are always politically opposed but if a danger appears that risks the Royal Palace then they will unit. That is the reason why the factions didnt oppose the martial law or the expedition force. But the problem of the commander candidate is different.

The fate of the Schudenberg kingdom depended on the expedition force.If the expedition failed then everything was over.But if the expedition achieved their goal and saved the kingdom and continent then the commander would undeniably a hero. That was the reason why each faction nominated a different candidate. If that hero belonged to their faction then they would have a political advantage.

Whether a game or reality, all politicians are the same.

Ark looked around at the aristocrats.The factions were fighting while there was a chance the continent could perish? Wasnt it similar to the politicians who kept on arguing during the IMF crisis that Korea suffered? Well, Ark had more reason to be worried about the crisis than the nobles

Im just a mere decoration for them to arrange.

It was the reason why Haverstein smiled bitterly when he was nominated. However, Ark shook his head and spoke firmly.

Thats not right. Ive known Lord-nim since you were young so I know better than anyone. I dont know what kind of person Kuran and Ballen are, but I think Lord-nim is the right person for this position. I will definitely be supporting Lord-nim.

Im thankful for your words.

Haverstein then looked at Ark with serious eyes.

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 wasnt it best to have a high intimacy with the NPC Commander of the expedition? Wouldnt Ark be given more opportunities than other people?

But that isnt the important thing!

There was a chance that Arks 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 Arks 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.

Im thankful but it is highly unlikely that I will become the commander.

Huh? Why is that?

Havent you noticed? Youre strangely innocent in some matters. In fact, todays 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 Haversteins 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 Halbens opinions were being considered.

Damn! What the? Its like that?

Ark bit his lips.If that happened then wasnt it the end for Arks plan?While Ark was busy thinking, Haverstein pointed towards Kuran.

But I am a little anxious. Duke Sarkin.um, I shouldnt 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 wont be easy.

Arks 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 Halbens candidate then they can prevent Duke Sarking from winning. Based on what I heard, I can conclude that Marquis Halbens faction consisted of 30%, Marquis Daltin 30% and Duke Sarkin 40%. Either Lord Halben could give up and push Daltins candidate or vice versa. So there is a chance Haverstein can become the commander!

Of course, like Haverstein said it wasnt 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 couldnt understand the secret strife between factions which continued for hundreds of years but he could profit off it.

I dont 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 Daltins mansion theevening before the aristocrat meeting would occur again.

Ive 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 havent been any chances in the meantime but now that Im in Selebrid, I can finally visit the high ranking nobility and greet them. If youre 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 Arks 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.

Ive heard that foreigners dont 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.

Im not ashamed to openly admit it.

Daltin replied without hesitation.So-mis 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?

Ive 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 wasnt an insignificant rival.

Since you came all the way here, did you have some business?

As expected, Daltins atmosphere completely changed when the two of them moved to the adjoining room. He changed from a neighbours 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?

Im still not a part of a faction.

Ark answered lightly and Daltins 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 Im 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. Its not bad. Ill 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. Daltins 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.

Arks face hardened at Daltins words.Once again, the problem of whether Haverstein became the commander or not had his corporation at stake.No, it might be possible to get more benefits than expected as well as save his business from the crisis.

There is 20,000 gold left in the investment fund and Ive obtained 25,000 gold the other day. I have to accomplish it even if I have to use all the 45,000 gold!

Ark had been prepared for that much before visiting Daltin.Yet Daltin had requested more than twice that money. After starting his business, there was no way Ark had that type of money. When Ark couldnt answer, Daltin laughed and added.

Before you visited, a messenger for Duke Sarkin arrived and gave me a letter. It said that he would give me 100,000 gold if I supported him. If it continues like this than Kuran will become the expedition commander. Duke Sarkin only negotiated with me to gain the majority and show off his power. So your opponent is someone who offered 100,000 gold.

.Did you accept?

I refused.

Ark was relieved at his words.If Daltin joined Sarkin then there was nothing he could do anymore. On the other hand, he wondered why Daltin refused.

Why?

The government affairs arent that simple right now. Right now it isnt important to get things immediately. If I move too lightly then the chance would be lost and misfortune might even occur. Youre a person who obtained a territory with your own hands so you should understand my words.

Ark couldnt understand all of Daltins words.But one thing was evident.

So you cant accept my request.

It is like that.

Daltin nodded.

But I dont dislike you. Although Lord Haverstein belongs to the faction of Marquis Halben, he is the paragon of a noble youth. He isnt the type to compel someone to pay back a favour. So he isnt the one to send you here. Did you decide this by yourself without telling your friend?

That is correct.

You must think highly of him to come all the way here. Aside from you, a lot of people also really covet Haverstein. I dont think it is bad that you have a close friendship with him. If the situation wasnt like this then I would help you.

Dont say that now.

Ark laughed bitterly and muttered.Despite his praise of Ark and Haverstein, Daltin had no intention of pushing another candidate. Ark was sighing when he suddenly remembered something.

Ive met Marquis Daltin and learnt a lot. Can I ask one more question?

Just say it.

How do I persuade a stubborn person?

Hahaha, youre asking me? You really arent ordinary. Okay, Ill tell you. How to persuade a person. You have to gather the maximum amount of information about your opponent first. Once youve grasped the weak point of the opponent then they cant refuse. You can then begin negotiations after that.

The weakness of the opponent? Isnt that slightly cowardly?

When Ark made a bothered expression, Daltin shook his head and smiled.

Unlike the battlefield, using those methods in a negotiation isnt cowardly. You have to use every method possible to persuade the person. This is the definition of negotiation.

So if someone discovered your weak point then you wouldnt condemn them? You wont get angry and called them cowardly?

Daltin firmly answered Arks question.

Angry? If a person really drove me into a difficult situation then I would praise them.

At that moment Arks eyes lit up.It was the answer Ark wanted to hear from Daltin.

Then Ill have another cup of tea.

Ark smiled and lifted his cup.Daltin looked puzzled for a moment. But Daltin had fallen into a trap that he couldnt escape.10 minutes passed like that.The door suddenly opened and the Marchioness ran in.

Honey, it is a request!

When his wife approached, Daltins firm face instantly changed. Daltin seemed to have forgotten that Ark was looking and nodded absent-mindedly.

Oh, what is it? Ill do whatever I can to fulfil your request.

Please recommend Viscount Haverstein as the commander of the military expedition!

Hohoho, I got it. I shall do as you want.ack! W-what?

Recommend Viscount Haverstein as the commander. It shouldnt be too difficult for you.

T-that

Daltin stuttered and turned his eyes towards Ark. They seemed to be saying what the hell did you do?The Marchioness didnt know anything about politics.Daltin also never talked politics with her. Yet she suddenly wanted Daltin to recommend Haverstein as the commander after Arks visit.It couldnt just be a coincidence.

Huhuhu, youre the one who said you didnt care about an attack.

Ark ignored Daltins eyes and looked into the distance.Thats right. Ark was the reason why the Marchioness requested such a thing from Daltin.It was his idea in order to achieve a negotiation. Ark had acted like he wanted to convince Daltin. That was in order to earn time for So-mis operation.How did So-mi convince the Marchioness in such a short time?

Marquis Daltin, youve now been trapped.

He had to either persuade Daltin or Sarkin in order to make Haverstein the commander.And there was a reason why Ark selected Daltin. It wasnt just because Duke Sarkins candidate was the one most likely to win.

Unlike Duke Sarkin, Marquis Daltin has an obvious weakness!

The Marchioness nagging Daltin right now was his weakness. According to his research, Daltin was a respected noble. The only time he lost his sense of reason was when it related to his wife. Then wouldnt it be 100 times easier to capture his wife?So Ark had turned his investigation from Daltin to his wife.And this morning he realized that the Marchioness had a princess like personality. Not just her behaviour but thousands of gold were spent on clothes, jewellery and all kind of items to decorate her rooms.

Clothes and decor..

So-mi instantly floated into Arks head at that time.So-mi had been steadily selling the costumes she made at Arks Store. The goods she created with Embroidery hadnt been seen before in New World so they flew off the shelves.There was a backlog of orders for a least a few months!

This is it!

There was no way he could give her jewels or precious metals that she didnt have before. But So-mis clothes are things that the Marchioness had never seen.He could attract the Marchioness attention using this material.

Omo, this room is very pretty.

Is that so? It took me 1 year to decorate this room.

The Marchioness immediately puffed up when So-mi complimented the room. Then So-mi pretended to contemplate for a moment before saying.

But its too bad.

Huh? What is?

The chandeliers hanging from the ceiling, the tables, furniture and beds are really wonderful and full of dignity.

Indeed. I spent 100,000 gold decorating this place.

Butthe curtains and table cloths..

Arent they all top grade items?

Im aware of that. But the Marchioness should know that just because it is expensive doesnt mean that it is good. The design and colour doesnt emit the full dignity. Im also interested in this area..ah, do you want to look at this?

So-mi took out some fabrics from her bag.She compared the fabrics against the bed and table before speaking again.

How is it? Doesnt this fabric look a lot better?

The Marchioness was caught the moment So-mi showed her the fabric samples.It was an inevitable result. So-mi acted like it was a simple fabric but it was actually a special material that Ark spent thousands of gold on.Various rare materials he found in dungeons like the Golden Spider Web and the Unicorns Mane he requested from Roco were used as embroidery materials. That alone already made it a rare decoration.But was that all? So-mi had looked through various embroidery books and created an amazing design on the material.Currently all the items in the room were decorated with the image of a god. But So-mis embroidery had a simple yet stunning contemporary design.It was a pretty and rare decoration so of course the Marchioness heart would be captured.

T-this is the first time Ive seen something like this. Where did you buy something like this?

I didnt buy it.

You didnt buy it?

This is something I created.

Really? Then could you possible make me curtains and other decorations that suit my room? It doesnt matter how much money it costs. This might be rude but please.

I dont think its rude. Since it is my hobby then I would also like to decorate your room. Ive been allowed to see a room as nice as this so I would like to make you the best products. But.

So-mi sighed with a pained expression.

Im not an expert in decorating rooms. In order to create a design that best suits the room, I will have to stay here and work. Otherwise I wont be able to create my best products. But I have to leave for a different region soon.

T-that..

The Marchioness had a disappointed expression on her face.She was so frustrated that she even felt like crying.

Cant you somehow stay here and create it for me? You will have a lot of fun with me. You can also teach me some embroidery.

I would really like that too. But the reason I came here today is because my son wanted to ask your husband to support Viscount Haverstein in becoming the commander of the expedition. So if he fails then we will move to another place

Commander of the expedition?

At that moment, the eyes of the Marchioness gleamed. Then she covered her mouth politely and laughed loudly.

Hohoho, what is that? Was that the problem? Just leave it to me. I will talk to me Honey. If my Honey agrees then it wont be a problem! If Viscount Haverstein becomes the expedition commander then will unni accept my request?

So..the Marchioness stuck to Daltin.

I promised already. Does Honey want to make me a liar?

N-no, thats notgovernment affairs..my guest

I dont know! If you dont agree then Ill die!

Dont even joke about that. Ill think positively about it.

Youre trying to trick me again by using ambiguous words!

Thats not it. Ill think about it but I need to finish talking to my guest first.

Are you sure? You promise?

The Marchioness kissed Daltin and exited the room. Daltin wiped off the kiss mark and stared at Ark.

You..what did you do to my wife?

Didnt you say you would never get angry?

Ark smiled and replied.Daltin finally perceived that he had fallen into a trap.Everything had been planned from the beginning. Drawing Daltin to another room while leaving So-mi along with his wife, everything was Arks plan

Obviously Daltin was angry.Daltin had been tricked by Ark and was the opponent in his negotiations. He was furious but he couldnt say anything after the words he previously said.It would hurt his pride to admit it.Daltin muttered in a deep voice.

The person I thought was innocent is actually a snake.

Ive often heard that.

Okay. Then Ill ask again. Whatcan you give me?

Daltin asked with a disgusted expression and Ark laughed impudently.It was the same question but it was different from before. He didnt accept before but this time there was no choice but to accept. So he could negotiate directly.

My gratitude and respect.

What?

Daltins face hardened.But after a short moment, he abruptly laughed and said.

Hahaha, your gratitude and respect is worth more than 100,000 gold?

Thats correct. Theres no doubt.

Well..I really cant hate a guy like you.

Then a message window appeared in front of Ark.

* Art of Communication has increased by 20.-Political Power: Political Power has increased by 100.

<Political Power increases when you persuade an aristocrat or settle a political problem. If Political Power increases then you will have a stronger voice among the aristocrats. It will increase your chances of successfully persuading an aristocrat>