Gathering the Old Guard
-Vassals?
-There were such things?
-You just let William die?
-Ah lol, gotta save myself first.
-Fr, tried to help and got fucked.
The viewers' questions were understandable. William's old vassals. These were people who had served loyally under him when he was mayor. From an outsider's perspective, it looked no different from just standing by during the execution.
"They're talking about Uncle Henry and the others?"
Liora knew of the vassals' existence too. She had rarely met them, but William often shared stories about them.
"Yes. They stepped down from their positions back then, but they're still working for Edlen."
"...Was that Dad's order too?"
"Yes. On Lord William's command, they kept silent during the incident. He judged that if they were all purged, the city's future would be as good as doomed."
Cown recalled that day he fled the mansion with Liora. Even if it was an order, the guilt lodged in his chest didn't fade easily. The old vassals felt the same.
"Can you trust those guys?"
Asla, who had been listening, narrowed his eyes and asked.
"What do you mean?"
"Betrayal is human nature. People discard many things for their own safety. Even family can't always be trusted—what's so strange about suspecting them?"
"......"
-Facts.
-Brooke sniped;
-Family's the most dangerous anyway.
-Fr, skipped academy for a week and got smacked.
-You deserve it.
The viewers aside, Cown couldn't easily refute. Right after fleeing with Liora, he had no choice but to suspect the vassals himself. As a shadow knight, Cown only knew them through reports anyway.
"...I've observed them for a long time. After Lord William's execution, I had to gauge their actions and whether Bares had influenced them."
"Not so naive after all. So, what was the result?"
"They were all buried in their work. Like dolls with grim expressions, obsessed only with their duties. As if they couldn't endure otherwise."
"Who do they associate with?"
"They avoid even meeting each other, going only between home and work every day."
"...A fleeting life."
Asla clicked his tongue and shook his head. But it was also a life so twisted that betrayal seemed impossible.
"What about Uncle Henry?"
Liora, who had been listening, asked. Henry, who handled finances under William, was a kind man who often played with her. His always-smiling face left clear, fond memories.
"...Henry's the most immersed in his work. After losing his wife and daughter to the plague, he barely even goes home."
"That's......"
The tragic situation left her speechless. The stark contrast to old memories made it even more shocking.
"If it makes you uncomfortable, you don't have to meet them. With the ring and magic tool, we can persuade them anyway."
Cown said worriedly, looking at Liora as she averted her gaze. But after a brief silence, she lifted her head with a resolute expression.
"I want to meet them. Uncle Henry's the only one I know by face... but I still want to see them."
"...Understood."
Seeing her face, Cown nodded quietly. He rose, bowed politely, and said,
"I'll arrange it right away. It may take a little time, but Bares's faction won't catch on."
Ding-
[You have completed Main Quest #7.]
[Progress increased.]
[Main Quest #8: Assembly]
With Asla's help, you thwarted the Holy Nation assassins' attack. To judge Bares and Brooke's crimes, you need the king's sword—the Royal Knights' power. Meet William's old vassals assembled by Cown and unite your cause.
Goal: Make plans with William's vassals.
Rewards: 50,000 gold, 15,000 EXP, 2 stat points
*Current progress: 66%
*This quest can be started in 12 hours.
The message popped up with Cown's words. Hanbit rose from his seat and said to Liora,
"Should we bring Plona here too? Worried leaving her alone?"
"Huh? For real?"
She looked up sharply, as if she'd been pondering it—her eyes pleading to bring her along.
"One more coming? Planning to use your master as a babysitter?"
Asla frowned slightly, sensing what was coming.
"Can't we bring Atsbel unnie too? She knows the situation."
"...Two more?"
-lololol
-Wind Swordsman (Daycare)
-Gets boring alone.
-Atsbel knew too;
-Chanting again today. Julio you bastard.
As Liora's request piled on, the old man's wrinkles deepened.
"That's fine, right? We trust you, Master."
"No......"
Ignoring the reply, Hanbit headed upstairs with Cown. Since he left immediately to assemble them, Hanbit hurried after.
"Adventurer?"
"Black Dragon?"
No persuasion needed. They'd nod at Liora's name alone. Atsbel, who knew the situation, reacted especially strongly.
"What? You're helping with that? What about Liora? Is Liora okay?"
After hearing what happened, she bombarded him with surprised questions. Best to leave details to the person involved.
"Um... can Ruby come too?"
"Of course."
One more cat wasn't an issue. Just more work for Asla.
With everyone cloaked, Hanbit moved to an old building. They were extremely cautious not to be spotted.
"Plona! Unnie!"
The three reuniting underground was heartwarming, no matter who saw it. Though the old man glaring at his disciple from behind soured it a bit.
"Then I'll handle some business. Take care, Master."
"......"
Hanbit fled outside again and quickly hit the streets. More prep needed, but not for today.
"12 hours is pretty generous. Gonna end the stream soon?"
Juyeonu asked, checking the time too.
"It's dawn, time to log off. Got errands tomorrow too."
"Ah, make some time for me too."
"Why you?"
"Got something to tell you."
-Ditching us?
-Watch together.
-Offline meet not bad.
-Already heading out.
-Where tho?
-My place go go
Viewers flooded in at the meetup mention. An offline gathering sounded chaotic just thinking about it.
"You guys have fun meeting up. I'm off. Story continues tomorrow. We'll talk separately."
-kkbb
-DM me.
-Dragon bye.
-See ya tomorrow. bb
-No problem.
Piit-
The game ended with the last chat. Hanbit showered quickly after removing his gear. Exhausted more than expected, he crashed on the bed and fell asleep.
***
The next morning.
"Juyeonu wants to meet?"
His mother asked curiously across the breakfast table.
"Said he has something to say. Told him we'd pick him up since you two have plans."
"Sure? Been a while since I saw him."
Last day of the weekend, Sunday. Today's schedule: shopping at the department store with Mom. Reason he held onto recent earnings.
"But really going to the department store? It's all expensive, nothing I need."
"We settled that already. Bag and wallet are getting replaced no matter what."
"...Sigh, so stubborn. Fine."
The repeated bickering ended in Hanbit's victory. Couldn't watch her 20-year-old bag and worn wallet anymore.
After breakfast, they prepared and left.
"To AG Department Store, please."
The taxi ride felt fresh. Never used it due to prices before.
"Thank you."
Arriving, Hanbit and his mother stood before the massive building. Sunday streets buzzed with people, many looking leisurely. But Hanbit's bank account was plump too.
"Let's go."
He led her inside. First floor's cosmetics and perfume scents hit after ages.
"Here?"
At the luxury store, she hesitated.
"Browsing's free."
"True, but......"
"Just look."
Hanbit pulled her reluctant hand inside. She flustered at the staff's kind guidance, but it didn't last.
"This suits you perfectly, ma'am. Sleek design, bright color—spot on."
"Really? I'm fine if it's comfy......"
"How about this line? New, but versatile for matching—super popular lately......"
The staff's professionalism was impressive. Flipping her hesitant mood was masterful.
"358 million won, I'll process payment."
Surprisingly, after browsing more stores, they returned to the first and decided. Pricey luxury bag and wallet she never considered. Hanbit's long persuasion helped clinch it.
"Thank you."
They exited confidently with branded bags. New bag already slung over her shoulder—staff's suggestion.
"Really okay?"
She fiddled worriedly with the smooth leather strap. Her slightly excited face showed she loved it.
"Your son made bank. We'll move soon too, so keep that in mind."
"Aigoo, sounds good just hearing it."
Moving talk she took as joking—billions needed, natural reaction. But Hanbit was serious.
'Post-episode's key.'
Sponsorships poured in mid-story. Companies showering love calls with cash—getting attention. Crucial after Edlen arc ends. Huge profits possible depending on approach.
'Items are clean.'
Info/education needs caring till buyer success. Items? Quality-check and sell. Best bet maybe.
"Juyeonu for lunch, so more browsing. Clothes and shoes too."
"What? More here?"
"Just look first."
Hanbit led her again. Amid bickering and chats, two hours touring stores. Exiting, Mom was head-to-toe transformed.
"Too much?"
She asked, awkward in her new look.
"What's too much? Perfect."
No lie there. Wanted to overdo shopping even more. But today just start—plenty chances ahead.
"Store's... here."
Meetup nearby, short walk. Upscale course cuisine spot, pricey vibe.
"...Right place?"
"Yeah. In."
They entered the classy interior. Guided to a private room.
"Mom!"
Juyeonu rushed over seeing them. Prioritizing her over daily-seen Hanbit with warm greeting.
"Doing well? Head-to-toe glow-up, almost didn't recognize. Suits you great."
"Flattery gets nothing. Lost weight? Eat properly."
"Can't fool Mom's eyes. Busy lately... Ah, sit first. Bro too."
They sat. Opposite Juyeonu looked tired indeed.
"Up all night again?"
"Whose fault......"
He replied incredulously to the casual jab. Then pulled a binder from his bag onto the table.
"What's this?"
The sudden office item sparked questions. Juyeonu slowly opened it.
"These—all recruitment offers for you."