Chapter 48 - 05. Knight of Mu-yeol
Whether it was one thing or the other, having something like that attached was nothing but trouble. Especially if it was a knight—they were mainly for combat, after all. And what was most important in battle? Making precise judgments in the split second that decided everything. But if she was harboring pointless negative emotions like despair, it was basically no different from slapping a debuff on herself.
Of course I had to rip it out by any means necessary.
Anyway, with Absolute Loyalty in place, she won't betray me no matter what. Investing in her is the same as investing in myself.
Money wasn't the issue. The problem was how.
If I were a player, I could pop a Ninelord and pick the trait I wanted gone. But that was only for players. For regular NPCs like her, it'd randomly wipe one of their traits—and the same went for Baekseol. There was a real risk of losing something useful to me, like Absolute Loyalty or Subjugation. That would be putting the cart before the horse.
Hold up. What if I grab some random knight and feed them Ninelords until the subjugation wears off? Then make them drink my blood to re-subjugate them...
A sudden idea popped into my head. Extremely extreme, but it seemed possible. I'd jot that down for later...
Anyway, back to the point—using Ninelord on Baekseol to wipe Despair and Resignation was too risky.
Resignation isn't that intense an emotion, so I can put it on the back burner... Maybe just go for Despair first?
I racked my brain for items. But nothing perfect came to mind. The ideal ones were hard to get right now, and the ones I could grab were iffy at best.
In the end, I guess I have to talk it out of her.
I glanced at Baekseol. She was lying down diligently, following my order to "rest."
Traits or not, despair is psychological in the end. Means I just need to touch her heart.
Of course, I didn't think I had some god-tier silver tongue for swaying hearts. But Baekseol was mine anyway, right? Even if I fucked up and tanked her affinity, she's my knight. I could afford to be casual with her. Worst case, no loss.
She was already in despair—what's a little worse gonna do?
Guess I'll have to invest some time massaging her psyche.
"Sua."
"Yes, my lord."
"Go pay the bill out front."
"The bill? For what?"
"It's not some national outfit, just a Militaris training camp, so they'll take the money fine. But since I'm here, gotta save face. Buy something for the unit. Use your discretion."
"Ah! Understood, my lord."
Sua left the room. Now it was just me and Baekseol.
"…!"
Her face screamed it's finally here as she gulped hard. Despair and resignation floated plain on her features, like she was about to be devoured.
I see the problem now.
Well, duh. It was obvious. Having to do night duty or whatever for a total stranger would shred anyone's mental. The normal knights who took it as an honor? They were the weird, brainwashed ones.
Maybe this is what makes her a named character—her dignity(?) or whatever. Not your average knight.
I paced her room. Wine enthusiast, apparently—bottles everywhere. I picked one with low contents, already half-drunk, and popped the cork. Poured a glass.
Baekseol startled.
"M-Me—"
"Looks like you've got complaints."
"P-Pardon? No such thing! Over mere wine—"
"Not that."
"??"
"I can see the deep resentment from here."
I took a sip and turned to her. Honestly, the wine tasted like shit.
"Dissatisfied with becoming my exclusive knight?"
"!!"
Her eyes widened, then she shook her head. Still lying down to obey my rest order—hilarious.
"This one does not…"
"Lying's no good. From now on, confess only the truth to me. Even if it sours my mood."
"…."
She hesitated, probably scared I'd punish her for honesty. But as a knight, my orders were absolute. She spilled.
"…To be honest, yes… it is."
"Why? You hate me? We just met."
"This one does not hate my lord. It's just… this one's reality feels so hopeless. Essentially a slave. Unlike the others."
"So, everyone else enjoys freedom while you're chained as a slave, full of despair?"
"…."
She felt exactly what I'd sensed when I first saw a knight. Probably stronger as the one living it. Even if everyone fawned over her as a knight or general, the core was loyalty. Power came with a collar just as tight—no rebelling against her lord. And for an exclusive like Baekseol? Even worse. Calling it slavery wasn't wrong.
But… were normals any different?
"You're dead wrong. Completely backwards."
"Pardon?"
"Wrong, Baekseol."
"…What is wrong?"
"You gained true freedom by serving me."
"??"
Her face screamed what bullshit.
"Those people outside look free? Nonsense. If there's anyone who can defy me, bring 'em here."
"…."
"Talking veto power? Think those who defied me lived to see dawn."
"That's—"
"Every person, every land, every sky exists for Goryeo Group. No freedom on this earth. If it feels that way, it's illusion. Only the master of Great Goryeo Group and his bloodline enjoy it."
I set the glass down and approached. She flinched.
"See that girl who just left? Stuck to my side 24/7, doing every damn errand. My most trusted jotjip. Still always anxious. Know why?"
I climbed onto the bed, looming over her. Her pupils quivered in fear.
"She knows it deep down. She's only with me for the money, and that's not rock-solid reliable. Every moment's a loyalty test. One slip and she's done."
I leaned in close, noses almost touching, locking eyes with her dilated pupils. She parted her lips with a soft "ah."
"But you're different. You're my knight. You'll never betray me."
"!"
"I can take your words at face value. Why? You're my knight."
"M-My lord…."
"Whatever you do, I trust you completely. Why? You're my knight."
I whispered in her ear.
"That's freedom, Baekseol."
"Hngh…!"
"Freedom from proof. You're the free one. Everyone else is the slave. Don't mix that up."
"Ah…!"
I admired her face again. Total confusion—pupils shaking wildly. The blatant despair on her expression had diluted a bit, but not fully gone.
I never thought a few words would fix it anyway.
It'd take time. Hearts don't flip overnight.
Anyway, I'd pried enough words out. Time for the real action.
Imprint my genes deep. Over and over.
I stroked her face, savoring her delicate, pretty features, thumb pressing her lips.
"Open your mouth. Accept me, Baekseol."
"Ahh… my lord…."
"Time to become a free woman."
She parted her lips, still uneasy. I bit into those small red lips.
"Mmph! Mmmph!"
I ravaged her soft lips, teasing the wet entrance, saliva flowing. She panicked but gulped it down, tangling her tongue with mine. Hot breaths intertwined. I forgot everything, focusing on tasting her lips. For a good while.
Before I knew it, I'd spread her legs, wedging my hips between. My rock-hard cock rested on her panty-covered mound, grinding.
I pulled back. She gasped deeply, sticking her tongue out long. Instinct or some reason to show it off? That red tongue looked obscenely hot. I nipped and sucked it lightly, then kissed again. This time more frantic, ravaging her mouth while stripping her clothes.
She let out a "hng," nasal moans. No resistance.
"Haht, ahh…."
When I broke the kiss again, we were both naked.