The Regressed Mercenary’s Machinations

When Ghislain said he was leaving, Alex and many other nobles came to see him off. Of course, their inner thoughts were varied.

‘Seeing him leave, it’s a bit lonely… but also good… and a little regrettable… still, I won’t forget that you saved my life.’

Alex’s mind was uneasy. While Ghislain was frightening, his presence had also been a source of reassurance.

The three key figures in the kingdom, who held the most important positions, were in a similar state.

‘Can we really manage without him? I wanted to live peacefully, fishing and duck hunting… What should we do with the kingdom? But still, it’s good. The Julien Mercenary Corps is truly the best.’

‘I’ll stay here as long as the kingdom remains chaotic. What should I do… but still, I will never forget the kindness of my older brothers.’

‘Oh my, could this possibly be useful? What kind of hero is that? But what should I do for my older brothers now?’

Meanwhile, the remaining nobles who had been overpowered by Ghislain’s influence cheered.

‘That last one was completely done for.’
‘It was so scary, I couldn’t even breathe.’
‘It was even more terrifying being with him. Let’s not see that again.’

If Ghislain had made up his mind, he would have been a far more terrifying presence than Marquis Filrelheim. They didn't fully understand that. Thus, as Ghislain calmly left, all their hearts opened just a little.

However, even though Ghislain was leaving, no one dared to think of a kingdom without him. They knew that behind the few in power, the Julien Mercenary Corps was always there.

The rumor of Ghislain's death might have sparked some desire for power. And so, the power structure of the Kingdom of Florba was completely reshaped by Ghislain’s influence.

Marquis Filrelheim tried to gain control over the remaining vassals through power struggles, but Ghislain’s momentary concentration of power had tipped the balance.

The strongest faction now, whether they liked it or not, was him, and it would be impossible for someone with such high prestige to be ignored.

After moving to another kingdom, Ghislain began to cause more turmoil, and the infamous reputation of the Julien Mercenary Corps spread widely.

***

[...Raising our reputation wasn’t difficult. First, we defeated the mercenaries of the kingdom and absorbed them, then summoned forces to expand. Naturally, the nobles began entrusting us with various tasks. We took only legitimate jobs and successfully completed them. And we didn’t let go of those who recommended us.]

[...As our fame grew, more complex and difficult requests came. But that wasn’t an issue. Ghislain had a remarkable ability to resolve even the most complicated matters in an instant. Of course, the methods he used were often... ########## At this moment, my life is being threatened. Please... save me…]

[We raised our reputation in many kingdoms and solved countless tasks. The scale of our jobs grew bigger and bigger. After quelling a rebellion in a kingdom, we also participated in battles. If needed, Ghislain would summon all the mercenaries he had gathered and forcibly resolved issues peacefully.]

[One year and a half passed, and branches of the mercenary corps were established in many kingdoms. More people came to join the mercenary group. Fame grew, and wealth began to overflow. But Ghislain seemed uncomfortable. He often repeated how strange things felt.]

[...During this time, the king of a kingdom was struck with a fatal blow from behind and died. The entire kingdom was shaken as a result. Despite countless investigations, no culprit could be found. In the midst of this chaos, Ghislain, in a state of shock, vowed to solve the matter.]

[Normally, they would have chased after or arrested him, but fortunately, our mercenary corps was already well known in the Arsena Kingdom. The king, desperate, entrusted us with the task.]

[For days, Ghislain was treated lavishly in the royal palace, only indulging in leisure. But then, he suddenly gathered all the palace workers into one place. There were some with high status, so they resisted, but with the king’s power, they were forced to comply. I... still can’t forget what Ghislain did at that time.]