The Regressed Mercenary’s Machinations

Count Schwarz rose from his seat, his cold gaze fixed on Ghislain.

"Did you say your name was Alfoy? Then as a celebration for the start of this war, I’ll send your severed head as the first gift."

At his signal, the surrounding knights and soldiers drew their weapons, encircling Ghislain and his group.

The mercenaries who had accompanied Ghislain instinctively reached for their own weapons.

They weren’t exactly sure how things had ended up like this—again—but by now, they had grown accustomed to Ghislain’s antics.

The tension between both sides was suffocating.

The moment Count Schwarz gave the order, blood would be spilled.

Just then, Ghislain broke the silence.

"I am simply providing Count Boneto with a wonderful strategic opportunity."

"What?"

"Why do you think he entrusted a mercenary to declare war? He knew you would try to kill me."

"……"

"Count Boneto anticipated this exact reaction. But what happens if you do exactly what he expected?"

"……"

"If you act as he predicted, you’ll become a laughingstock. No one on Boneto’s side actually died, so if you respond with violence, you’ll be the fool who let himself be baited."

"……"

"Are you really willing to play right into his hands?"

"Ugh…."

Count Schwarz scowled.

Now that he thought about it, Ghislain had a point.

Schwarz and Boneto despised each other.

To react exactly as Boneto had predicted—no matter the situation—was a massive humiliation.

If war broke out, Boneto would mock him relentlessly for it.

And Schwarz had no intention of giving him that satisfaction.

Ghislain then offered him a way out.

"If you let me go, I will deliver your message to Count Boneto personally. When he realizes he was wrong, he will be absolutely furious."

Schwarz, swayed by Ghislain’s smooth words, eventually nodded.

"Hmph… I suppose you are just a neutral mercenary. Very well. Go and deliver my message to that fool Boneto."

"Understood. We will simply relay your words and leave the two of you to settle things yourselves."

"You’d better. Unless you want to die."

Schwarz finally sat back down, gritting his teeth in frustration.

Ghislain wasted no time and immediately rushed back to Boneto’s territory.

As soon as he arrived, he delivered his report—with a twist.