In the kind of political tactic Yura was trying to employ, understanding the situation around you was paramount. This meant that the opinions of those who had the right to vote were important.
As this was a fight for the public's approval, now was hardly a good time to go against her.
Unlike Jung Y-ra, who had already established a firm standing as both an experienced member and explorer, I was still just a newbie party member who hadn't proved anything yet. Although the Red Mercenary people regarded me highly, they would not risk extending their hand out so far to help me.
Therefore, I had a new top priority. I had to establish my standing within this party to prove to everyone that I, along with the rest of my party members, were not useless like they thought.
"I'm really sorry," I started, bowing slightly.
The first thing to do in a situation like this was to apologize. Much of the group members' attention was on me now. I continued speaking.
"I know anything unexpected can happen in an expedition, which is why I understand your anxiety. We also understand that you already have yourselves to focus on, and you can't do the same for our party. However, please give us one more chance to prove ourselves."
"But this is..."
"I know you are concerned for our well-being. Please, just give us one more shot. We won't let you down." I was careful to keep my tone sincere. This was the best way to get the hearts of my audience.
As expected, many of my fellow group members nodded and showed preference to my words. They respected my choice to prove the usefulness of my party once more.
Jung Yura, too, looked a little embarrassed, and the expression on her face was as clear as day.
"I'm sorry." Even Park Deokgu had begun to bow his head in apology, adding Jung Yura's embarrassment even more.
I didn't think he should apologize. He had just stumbled by accident, and it was his first time. Since it was our blunder, we would be the ones to die first, and they could still have the time to escape.
However, I knew this kind of reasoning would not work well with the others, so humility was the best option we could take. Jung Yura began to speak.
"Dungeon strategy is not a joke. Actually, I wouldn't say I like giving second chances in dangerous situations like these, but... I guess I can give you another chance."
"Thank you." With this, I lowered my head even further. Park Deokgu seemed both moved and sorry with my initiative to step in for him.
"Hyung... I really have nothing to say except sorry."
"No, it's fine, Deokgu. Anyone can make mistakes. Don't be scared. Try again. You'll be able to do it successfully the next time."
I neglected to say that Jung Yura would have gained the upper hand if something did happen during his blunder. If we so much as had a casualty on our hands, the fault would lie entirely on our guild party and our guild party alone. An apology would not work in that kind of situation.
However, since nothing bad had happened, the entire group found our blunder easily forgivable. No one suffered any major injuries, and we could still repel the first wave of monsters. On the contrary, most of the other people had begun to approach a gloomy Park Deokgu to offer comfort words.
'Everyone here knows what it's like to be a beginner, so they must be sympathetic.'
Everyone had been a newbie at one point. It was a normal occurrence to make mistakes if one was inexperienced. This was especially true for a new tanker like Park Deokgu, whose role garnered the most pressure. He needed to stay in front, soak the damage, and ensure protection to his allies. Failure to do so might result in the death of a team member.
