Regressor Instruction Manual (PART 1)

Chapter 71: Press (4)

After assessing the atmosphere, I began to understand how Lee Jihye planned to direct this situation.

'Hm, she's smart.'

Evidently, it seemed that I wasn't the only one who knew how to assess situations. The Black Swans were fortunate to have someone capable of handling their internal affairs.

It was a little embarrassing to say that my rival could quite possibly be Lee Jihye, but I knew there was nothing shameful about it. The woman could quite possibly be as good as me in the employment of underhanded, political tactics.

In any case, she was a hundred times better and smarter than Jung Yura. That also meant I had a valid reason to feel wary now.

'Unfortunately for you, however, I know just what you're planning to do.'

Lee Jihye was a woman who clearly understood what a deal was. She must have planned to let the others know of our 'close' relationship through such means.

I decided to play along. "Is that really you?"

"Yeah. It's nice to see you here again."

"Long time no see. How have you been?"

"I've been fine. I honestly thought it'd be a long time before we meet again. I'm pleasantly surprised to see that it isn't."

"Yes, I agree." As I nodded in response to her words, I confirmed that I was right. All present Black Swan Guild members looked pleased upon hearing this exchange, and so did the delusional old men from my side.

"Hahaha. I see that you're both getting along quite well."

'What the heck are you laughing at? You crazy old man.'

I didn't like the fact that these old geezers were here. It spelled nothing but bad news. At the same time, a slight feeling of embarrassment coursed through me at this display.

Although the Black Swans were indeed a large guild representing Lindel, the Blue Guild had no reason to kowtow to them just because they had decided to visit. We were the ones in agreement with the Red Mercenary Guild. In short, we had the upper hand.

This scene was just like spoiling Jung Yura with lots of candy.

In the process of resolving this diplomatically complex situation, I knew the Blue Guild could gain more from the outcome than any other guild would. Better relationships? New ones? Greater influence? I didn't get why my fellow members were acting this way.

"I must apologize for stopping by this late. We also had some matters to deal with from our side."

"No, no, your presence here is already enough." Lee Seolho laughed pleasantly.

'Enough? What do you mean, enough? Crazy old man.'

I didn't like how we were faring in this exchange. There were polite smiles all around and the easy dismissal of apologies. In such a situation, I felt like I was the rude one, simply because I was the only one who refused to join in the pleasantries.

Then the introductions began.

"Oh, I'm sorry, I failed to do this... I am Choi Eunhee from the Black Swan Guild."

"I am Lee Kiyoung. It's nice to meet you."

However, it seemed that Lee Seolho did not want to help me out. As if to ignore my words, he turned to Choi Eunhee and spoke as if I was not there at all.

"Oh no, no, why don't we have some tea instead of all this awkward hoo-ha?"

"Yes, Seolho. Shall we do that?"