"Ah! Can I start with our requirements first?"
"Sure, go ahead."
"We would like you to make an official statement."
"Elaborate further."
"We just need you to say that you've received a sincere apology from Jung Yura of the Black Swans, and that we've managed to resolve the misunderstandings. You also have to mention that you have never been physically threatened... I would be really grateful if you could say all of that. Other than that, you can think of what to say on your own... Well, it doesn't matter what you say as long as it calms the situation down."
"Hmm... No matter what I say, though, I don't think it'll be that easy."
"Additionally, I would also like you to comment on the positive changes within the Black Swan."
"Using me as your publicity vehicle, now are you?"
"Of course we are. Many people have started to associate your name, Lee Kiyoung, as a symbol of resistance... Maybe in a little while, you will even get a title. I know there is an image you wish to maintain, so we won't ask you to add any more details. It's almost like saying that you've changed a large guild. You have won. Wouldn't that sound nice?"
"Victory, huh..." Despite myself, I began to smile at the thought.
The only reason why the Black Swan had to reform in the first place was because various political issues had revealed themselves to be true. Of course, the real spark that ignited the change would remain to be unknown to me, but I highly doubted they would have strived for change if an internal problem did not occur within the guild. These thoughts simply made me laugh.
"It doesn't matter what the truth is. What's important is that you let them know of your victory."
"That's why I laughed."
"Well, we won't do anything to endanger you, so rest assured we will not harm your current position. We're just asking for you to think of our guild in return."
"I understand. I'll consider it."
"Please remember our time back in the tutorial dungeon, yeah?"
An amused smile spread onto my face. I could care less about that.
"Is there another requirement?"
"Yes, although this one might be a little out of your authority... I would like you to promote a Red Mercenary, Black Swan, and Blue alliance, since we're actually pursuing the possibility of this happening. I'd like you to officially announce this as well. It won't be a bad story either, don't you think?"
"You mean you want to use this to expand your influence within the guild?"
"Yeah. Of course, you don't have to announce this right away, for the current situation is still cluttered. However, I would like you to hint at the friendly atmosphere, that you're maintaining an amicable relationship with the Black Swans. That sort of thing will suffice."
"You seem to be asking for a lot. I hope you have enough rewards in store for it."
"Yes, of course. All items, materials, and goods obtained from the Garden of Terror will go to you individually, not to the guild. Likewise, the stakes and land documents of the dungeons that have been attacked will go to you."
"I don't even want to think about what kind of reaction the public will have about me getting all that."
"Officially, we will make it look like we donated these to you."
"Ah, I understand."
"The real contents that you will receive will not be made known to the public."
