"Well, I am..."
I had to think about this thoroughly before I could even give a reply.
The kind of answer I wanted to give was quite obvious. Of course, I didn't want her to gain any more power than what was necessary, but I also didn't want to show my contempt for her.
It wouldn't be easy to achieve both, but I decided it was worth trying. I didn't want to give Kim Hyunsung the impression that I was someone who was greedy for power.
'It's a good thing that he's asked for my opinion.'
"Before that, I am curious to know exactly which key position you are going to give her."
| already knew that the position would be for guild secretary, but of course, had to ask again.
"Ah, in fact, I've been thinking about this a lot..."
"Yes?"
"If it's okay, I'm thinking about what it would be like for her to be the guild secretary."
"I'm sorry?"
"The guild secretary."
"Ah... I see."
"That... well, I've thought about it a lot, but I think your life will get a lot easier because of this too. Since you have so many tasks, Hyejin will be able to help
you."
"Hmm..."
"You'll probably be amazed if you check out how she handles things."
"Yes..."
"She has helped in all kinds of aspects that you can't even begin to imagine."
"I see."
Honestly, I was against this, no matter what Hyunsung said. I could also see him nervously fidgeting as I thought about how to respond.
Ah.
I was able to realize why he had on such an expression. First, he could see that I was not happy about it. Secondly, he seemed to feel guilty about trying to place her in a high position without even consulting me properly.
Of course, he was asking me now, but the fact that he was bothered was still evident.
'What a cute bastard...'
My unpleasant expression must have barred his idea of me liking his plan. He must've felt embarrassed to see that I, the star of his supposed gift, did not look happy after opening the present he had presented.
No, he must've noticed my discomfort as well. By this point, Kim Hyunsung must have realized that he had made a mistake. That was because he was not a stubborn type of person.
My unpleasant face blocked his idea of me liking this or agreeing or being happy about it.
I didn't know how Hyunsung had failed in the first timeline, but thanks to that, he seemed more attuned to his party members' psychological and physical conditions.
'Especially about mine.'
That had been made obvious to me as I remembered his devastated expression back when I was asked to go to the Holy Empire - Kim Hyunsung was not a dictator.
Though he was our Guild Master, he acknowledged his shortcomings and knew when he needed help from the people around him.
What mattered was the fact that I was one of the people he looked to for advice.
'That's right.
After assessing him carefully, I began to speak.
"I do not know..."
"Ah."
"I can see how competent Hyejin is, but I think it is a little too early. I think it'll be better to watch her a little more... Ah! First of all, I understand how Hyunsung-ssi thinks. You made such a decision because of me, who is under pressure... That's very considerate of you."
"Yes..."
"But I think that if she suddenly gets the guild secretary's position, it will instill a sense of discomfort in other guild members. Of course, this is only my personal opinion... But perhaps this needs a little more time. From a guild employee's point of view, it will look as if a CEO who has never been related to the company has appeared to suddenly take control."
"Ah, I didn't think of that at all... But when you weren't here, she seemed to fit in well enough."
"So I was the only one who didn't see it..."
"Ah."
Though I didn't show my direct intention, I used my skill to make him grasp my mood. The moment I shot Hyunsung a disappointed look, he flinched by reflex.
I'm a little disappointed in you, Hyunsung,' my expression seemed to say.
Of course, this was only acting on my part. Kim Hyunsung seemed more embarrassed than before. He had not expected his question to receive this kind of reaction from me.
In a way, I was happy because he had done this with his concern for me in mind. It showed that he cared about me, yet I didn't show this. I was kind of happy because Kim Hyunsung did this because he cared about me, but I didn't show it.
Even the littlest sigh on my part seemed to work. Slowly, Hyunsung was realizing that the topic of Cho Hyejin's appointment was a delicate topic.
"I didn't mean that."
"No. I believe in Hyunsung. You have never made the wrong choice until now. Personally, I think it's a bit unreasonable, but I trust your judgment."
"No..."
"I think it will be okay. Thank you for asking me, but the Guild Master of the clan is Hyunsung, so you can do whatever you want."
"You seem to have misunderstood something."
"No, this isn't a misunderstanding."
"Well, I was thinking about this because Kiyoung-ssi looked tired. I don't have any plans to appoint her right now, and because Hyejin-ssi is very uncomfortable with this..."
"I see."
"Yes."
I had expected him to react like that. Normally, what people would say in this situation was, 'I did this for you.' However, that didn't happen. I wasn't angry or annoyed, but as I continued to send out a strangely disappointed attitude, could see his frustrated expression.
'You don't even know why I'm doing this.'
To express an example, I cast a special move, one known as 'Don't you know why I'm disappointed?'
Of course, the effect was better than I imagined.
It hurt me to hurt Hyunsung's feelings, but I had to delay Cho Hyejin's appointment as much as possible.
"Uh, Hyunsung-ssi... You can forget what I said before. It's just a personal thought. If you think Hyejin is suitable for the job, you can appoint her without any rejection on my part."
'Get all the burden!'
"Ah! I'm just telling you, but there is nothing misunderstood. Of course, you can think like that from your point of view."
"I'm not disappointed."
I'm disappointed! I'm really disappointed.'
I was twisting everything I said. Though he may think that I was okay with it, it would be difficult for him to appoint Cho Hyejin now. No matter how stupid Hyunsung could get, I knew he wasn't that slow.
'I think I've managed to delay it a bit...'
I knew Cho Hyejin would end up securing a high position for herself anyway. I also knew I would have the authority to use her properly. It would be such a waste to remove a capable member.
Her image as a whistleblower would also be helpful for our publicity. It would be ignorant for me not to use someone strong and smart as a party member.
The only problem was when she had come in.
It almost felt like playing a game of tug of war for power. However, once the problems around her were resolved, I was ready to work harder than anyone else to exploit her talents.
Just like a dog.
"Hmm. I'll be going, Hyunsung-ssi."
"Ah?"
"The meal is over. I need to get ready to go to Castle Rock."
"Yes, okay..."
"I will order the basic items first, but if there is any additional need, I would like you to instruct and send it as a document."
"That..."
It was time for me to go, and as I opened the door, I saw the guild staff just about to enter.
"Oh. Kiyoung-ssi!"
It was then that Kim Hyunsung decided to grab onto me as he called out for me in a loud voice. In that instant, all eyes focused on us. I could see most of the guild members blushing. Some of the female employees had even started squealing.
'What...
"I still have something to say!"
The atmosphere around us had become very unusual. I heard a few 'I told you so's and a few 'Oh's.
I immediately realized what all these people were thinking.
'It's not that... Fuck...'
"That... I guess I didn't think this through, Kiyoung..."
I got it. Let go of my arm.'
"I only wanted to ease your burden..."
That sounds even weirder!'
Kim Hyunsung seemed to struggle with himself for a bit before speaking once more.
"As Kiyoung-ssi said, it would be better to delay the timing a little. If you feel confused, then I sincerely apologize. I know the timing was strange, considering that you've just returned."
"No, that..."
"Kiyoung-ssi also needs time to get to know Hyejin-ssi. I also understand that the other guild members may feel uncomfortable. Of course, Kiyoung-ssi may also feel a sense of incompatibility. Naturally, you are a little embarrassed, and, naturally, you are disappointed. I didn't think this through."
That did feel like a sincere apology.
It seemed like a strange misunderstanding had occurred, but it wasn't bad. Jung Hayan was not the only one that was poor when it came to human relationships.
My dear regressor, who had lived more lives than me, was also quite clumsy. He was like a train - simply straightforward, and generally inflexible.
'He's a well-meaning arbitrator.'
Only
The fact that this guy had gone through a lot and still maintained his humanity was amazing. The Kim Hyunsung I met in the tutorial was different from the Kim Hyunsung now. He seemed to have been slowly recovering.
'It's not bad.'
The fact that he was a kindhearted person comforted me. If I were him, I wouldn't have apologized for this ambiguous situation.
'It's really not bad at all.'
I looked up at him before I spoke up once more.
"No. It's really fine, Hyunsun-ssi."
Half my words were sincere.
I'll forgive you, you bastard.'