Lee Hyeon-Su's eyes became withdrawn.
In his view, the former knight of the Round Table, Wiggins, looked like an unfathomable creature. This man, he... He was different from anyone Lee Hyeon-Su had dealt with until now.
When humans encounter an opponent defying their common sense, their first reaction would be to get flustered. And Lee Hyeon-Su was unable to break free from that convention, either.
Lee Hyeon-Su suddenly realized he wasn't as gutsy as he previously thought. As it turned out, his composure and boldness weren't the reasons why he always maintained his confidence against every opponent he met until now. No, the truth was...
An absolute belief in his ability to never fall into danger due to his superior intellect had been subconsciously occupying a corner of his heart, and that was why he could retain his confidence in most encounters.
However, his confidence was nowhere to be found against this older gentleman sitting relaxedly before his eyes.
Wiggins' eyes...! Those eyes, overflowing with confidence and leeway as if they could see everything...! Lee Hyeon-Su was being silently oppressed by those probing eyes.
This Englishman was markedly different from Kang Jin-Ho. First of all, Kang Jin-Ho couldn't be bothered to care about everything. He didn't feel the need for it. After all, he didn't place much importance on things Lee Hyeon-Su was taking care of. If something inconvenienced or even harmed him in some way, Kang Jin-Ho would simply deal with it... By eliminating the source!
The absolute hegemony Kang Jin-Ho exercised over Lee Hyeon-Su was founded upon the former's nonsensically incredible martial prowess capable of one-sidedly 'sorting out' most problems.
However, the story with Wiggins was different. While Lee Hyeon-Su's relationship with Kang Jin-Ho was built upon the extreme and unbridgeable difference created through abnormally-high superiority of the latter in a single aspect... Wiggins was simply superior to Lee Hyeon-Su in every way.
Self-esteem was necessary when trying to maintain a stable working relationship with someone, but Lee Hyeon-Su felt like his was evaporating in front of Wiggins.
“I told you, Mister Lee. You don't have to look at me that way,” said Wiggins, still full of leisure and relaxed confidence. “No need to question my relationship with my lord. He simply receives what he needs from me, and I... Well, I remain loyal to my lord. That is all. Surely, there isn't another relationship as concise as this one.”
“So, you wish to drive home that you are bound by a contract.”
“Yes. Indeed.”
“Objectively speaking, a relationship built on a contract sounds quite logical. However, maybe because I'm an Asian, I can't help but think that such a relationship sounds rather inflexible and too business-like.”
“Mm? That is rather unlike you, Mister Lee.” Wiggins slowly shook his head. “Listen. From my perspective, the way your relationships work looks far less trustworthy.”
“In which aspect?”
“A contract can help with setting clear boundaries in a relationship. For instance, it will clearly note what my job entails. However, your relationships are... How should I say it? Quite ambiguous and undefined? It's unclear just how much you should do for the sake of the other party in the relationship. In other words...” Wiggins suddenly smirked, his expression unreadable. It was as if he wanted to test Lee Hyeon-Su. “A simple change in one's whims or the straining of the relationship could lead to so many things being affected, wouldn't you say? This is unlike a relationship bound by a contract, as it needs to be upheld regardless of what the other party feels about you. That's the difference between you and me, I think. As an example... Pore over the pages of the East's history, and you will soon realize that this thing called loyalty, the thing you place so much importance on... Are rarely adhered to.”
Lee Hyeon-Su grimaced a little. What should he say to counter that? He couldn't think of any.
“Now, now. Let's not try to make it complicated, shall we?” Wiggins chuckled jovially.
Lee Hyeon-Su quietly spoke up. “Do you mind if I ask a question?”
“No. Go ahead.”
“Why do you want to change the Assembly?”
“Hmm...” Wiggins leisurely puffed on his cigar.
It wasn't hard to provide a throwaway answer. The question itself was extremely straightforward, after all! However, the easier the question, the deeper the one must ponder the answer. That was because Wiggins needed to choose the one answer Lee Hyeon-Su wanted to hear from many options available.
“Mister Lee, what do you think is my reason for joining the Assembly?”
“...”
“I'll be honest with you. The Round Table is like the sun setting below the distant horizon. However, its sheer scale is still not something the mere likes of the Martial Assembly can match up to. It will be utterly impossible for the Assembly to surpass the Round Table in my lifetime via normal means.”
“I think so, too,” said Lee Hyeon-Su.
“I may not look like it, but the truth was... I was the frontrunner in the race to become the next Master of the Round Table. Between the Master position and a director of the Martial Assembly? It'll be stupid to try comparing the two. You can safely label anyone choosing the latter position as an insane lunatic. Even if it's a bit embarrassing for me to say that out loud like this,” Wiggins cackled softly as he spoke. “So, the question is... Why did I still choose the Assembly?”
Lee Hyeon-Su narrowed his eyes. “...I'm guessing you saw potential?”
“Indeed. By satisfying a handful of conditions, the Assembly can surpass the Round Table. And those conditions are simpler than you may think. One, my lord needs the freedom to rampage as much as he wants. Two, the Martial Assembly must spare no effort in supporting my lord in his endeavors. I thought you'd already be doing that. However... When I got here, I found out that hadn't been the case at all. It feels more like my lord is supporting you and this organization instead. At this rate, this place will never improve or advance to the desired level on time.”
Lee Hyeon-Su was left with nothing to retort with. After all, Wiggins had been speaking only the truth.
The Martial Assembly, in its current state, was leaning heavily on Kang Jin-Ho for support. The benefits Kang Jin-Ho acquired from the Assembly were negligible at best. But the amount of work he had to do increased exponentially by getting involved with the Assembly.
Lee Hyeon-Su released a lengthy but silent groan. “What should I do, then?”
“Although you took some time to figure it out, you drew the accurate conclusion. And that is perfect for us. So, for now...” Wiggins leisurely got up to leave. “Why don't we continue this chat at another time? Oh, and email me the details of what I need to do. Thank you.”
Lee Hyeon-Su grew flustered and sat upright in his seat. “H-hang on a second. Are you leaving?”
“Mm? Was there something else left to discuss?”
“But, what about what I need to do...?”
“Listen, young man.” Wiggins's expression grew unreadable as he stared at Lee Hyeon-Su, forcing the latter to flinch uncomfortably. “I've led you to water, so you should at least try to drink it yourself. I'm not willing to scoop the water and pour it into a cup of a grown-up like yourself, after all!”
“...”
“Well, then. Until next time,” Wiggins left the office while leisurely whistling away. As he walked down the corridor, a different type of unreadable expression formed on his face. “I've given him enough hints, so...”
The way Wiggins saw it, Kang Jin-Ho didn't hold the key to the Martial Assembly. Sure, Kang Jin-Ho could shake the Assembly up at any time if that was what he wanted... But he didn't seem to have any desire to do that.
Besides, Kang Jin-Ho personally stepping up in every little matter wasn't a good look, either. Only the obvious fate waited for an organization micromanaged from top to bottom by its boss.
Only the person holding the reins should change their organization. And in Wiggins' opinion, the individual fitting that description wasn't the former Assembly Master Bang Jin-Hun, but Lee Hyeon-Su. Why? Only the person with the power to implement the budget and 'recommend' the future direction of the organization was worthy of the label 'the one in charge'—not the person with the authority to issue orders, thanks to their job title.
So, Wiggins needed to persuade Lee Hyeon-Su.
“Hmm. It's always fun to change and reform things, isn't it...?” Wiggins muttered softly to no one in particular.
That was when a sudden booming voice came from behind Wiggins. “Is it? But who is this reform for? A rat?”
“Oh!” Wiggins turned his head and smiled gently. “You're here, Sir Vator.”
“Hmph. Your Chinese has suddenly become quite fluent, it seems!”
“Oh, that. I already could speak a little, you see.” Wiggins continued to smile gently, but his probing eyes were carefully scanning Vator's hulking frame utterly filling up the corridor. 'Still feels intimidating, doesn't it?'
A large physique was always an effective weapon to threaten one's opponents. However, a large, muscular physique meant little to those who had already attained or broken through a certain cultivation realm. To them, the realm of their cultivation was what mattered the most.
Even then, there was always an exception. And Vator's physique was it. Despite being a formidable man himself, Wiggins still couldn't help but feel a bit intimidated and threatened by that massive physique.
“What brings you strolling in these cramped quarters, Sir Vator?”
“...Maybe because the building is so small, I felt the presence of a rat scurrying about. So, I thought I might as well catch it.”
“I see. That sounds like a good idea. So, did you catch it yet?”
“I'm in a dilemma.”
“How so?” Wiggins tilted his head.
Vator scowled monstrously. “I can't decide whether to crush the rat in one go or let it run around for a little while longer.”
“Mm, letting it run around... That's good news for me, I assume?”
“Good news, you say...?”
Thump, thump, thump!
Vator took one thundering step after another to close the distance to Wiggins. The closer the big man got, the more Wiggins got to feel it.
He could feel the so-called divine physique. A body where a divine being resides! And he got a stark reminder of how terrifying it was for a powerful physique like that to approach him with palpable hostility. Vator's immense physique that utterly dominated a person's view was the 'threat' personified, even if he wasn't doing anything particularly threatening.
Vator growled menacingly. “Listen closely, rat.”
“...”
“I do not know what you're scheming. And I don't want to know. There is no need. However, I will still evaluate you on one metric. Will your actions be beneficial to my liege... Or ultimately harm him?”
Vator's growling became even more primal.
“If you dare harm my liege, even if only by a little, I will not hesitate to dispose of you. I will make sure your useless, aged body will assist this world in some capacity. Becoming one with nature should be a graceful way to bow out of life.”
Vator found a strange way to imply that he'd kill and bury Wiggins under a mound of dirt. Of course, Wiggins knew exactly what the big man was saying.
“Sir Vator, I recommend you to calm down.”
“I'm always calm,” said Vator.
“What I'm trying to do here will not harm my lord. That I assure you. After all, aren't we all riding in the same boat?”
“Same boat, you say?” Vator smirked derisively. “Even people in the same boat will go on a mutiny. I do not trust your type. A type whose words do not match what's in their hearts. Be nervous. You'd do well to never relax. I am not as benevolent as my liege. He might have acknowledged your usefulness, but such a thing does not interest me. Do you understand?”
“Of course.”
“...Sly like a raccoon, aren't you?”
“Not a raccoon, no, but simply extending my goodwill. As my lord's loyal subordinate, I get where your concerns are coming from. You can't trust me. Which is understandable since I haven't shown you anything worthy of your trust. However, take your time and observe me, and you'll learn soon enough that you have nothing to worry about me.”
“I'll pray that your words come true sooner rather than later,” said Vator before spinning around on his heels to leave. Just his quick-ish movement was enough to generate powerful gusts of winds.
'Indeed, what a stupefying physique that is...'
Wiggins smirked softly while watching Vator coldly walk away.
'Although he's a dependable ally to have, this isn't good timing, now is it? Him monitoring me like this will only reduce the range of my activities, so to speak... In that case, I should remove him from the picture for a while.'
Wiggins suddenly called out, “Ah, by the way, Sir Vator?”
“Mm?” Vator turned his head and glanced back.
“Did you hear about my lord's upcoming itinerary?”
“My lord's...?” Vator looked interested when he heard that.
A strange smirk crept up on Wiggins' face as he watched Vator fully turn around. 'I'm sure my lord will lecture me for this later, but... I'm sure everything will be fine since this is for his sake.'
Wiggins could already imagine Kang Jin-Ho's expression, but dangling a bait was the best method available to hook a soldier wrapped up in blind loyalty. Such a man was bound to cause a problem sooner or later, after all!
“My lord wishes to go somewhere, and I thought it might be a good idea to keep you in the loop as well, Sir Vator. He doesn't need anyone to escort him, of course. Still, his destination being what it is...”
“Stop beating the bush and be out with it!”
Wiggins casually shrugged his shoulders at how impatient Vator was.
'Sir Vator, you can't pose a threat to anyone like this.'
It seemed this particular organization was filled with too many good-natured and naive people.
“How about we discuss this topic over a cup of coffee?” Wiggins asked. And then...
He successfully hooked his big fish.
Lee Hyeon-Su's eyes became withdrawn.
In his view, the former knight of the Round Table, Wiggins, looked like an unfathomable creature. This man, he... He was different from anyone Lee Hyeon-Su had dealt with until now.
When humans encounter an opponent defying their common sense, their first reaction would be to get flustered. And Lee Hyeon-Su was unable to break free from that convention, either.
Lee Hyeon-Su suddenly realized he wasn't as gutsy as he previously thought. As it turned out, his composure and boldness weren't the reasons why he always maintained his confidence against every opponent he met until now. No, the truth was...
An absolute belief in his ability to never fall into danger due to his superior intellect had been subconsciously occupying a corner of his heart, and that was why he could retain his confidence in most encounters.
However, his confidence was nowhere to be found against this older gentleman sitting relaxedly before his eyes.
Wiggins' eyes...! Those eyes, overflowing with confidence and leeway as if they could see everything...! Lee Hyeon-Su was being silently oppressed by those probing eyes.
This Englishman was markedly different from Kang Jin-Ho. First of all, Kang Jin-Ho couldn't be bothered to care about everything. He didn't feel the need for it. After all, he didn't place much importance on things Lee Hyeon-Su was taking care of. If something inconvenienced or even harmed him in some way, Kang Jin-Ho would simply deal with it... By eliminating the source!
The absolute hegemony Kang Jin-Ho exercised over Lee Hyeon-Su was founded upon the former's nonsensically incredible martial prowess capable of one-sidedly 'sorting out' most problems.
However, the story with Wiggins was different. While Lee Hyeon-Su's relationship with Kang Jin-Ho was built upon the extreme and unbridgeable difference created through abnormally-high superiority of the latter in a single aspect... Wiggins was simply superior to Lee Hyeon-Su in every way.
Self-esteem was necessary when trying to maintain a stable working relationship with someone, but Lee Hyeon-Su felt like his was evaporating in front of Wiggins.
“I told you, Mister Lee. You don't have to look at me that way,” said Wiggins, still full of leisure and relaxed confidence. “No need to question my relationship with my lord. He simply receives what he needs from me, and I... Well, I remain loyal to my lord. That is all. Surely, there isn't another relationship as concise as this one.”
“So, you wish to drive home that you are bound by a contract.”
“Yes. Indeed.”
“Objectively speaking, a relationship built on a contract sounds quite logical. However, maybe because I'm an Asian, I can't help but think that such a relationship sounds rather inflexible and too business-like.”
“Mm? That is rather unlike you, Mister Lee.” Wiggins slowly shook his head. “Listen. From my perspective, the way your relationships work looks far less trustworthy.”
“In which aspect?”
“A contract can help with setting clear boundaries in a relationship. For instance, it will clearly note what my job entails. However, your relationships are... How should I say it? Quite ambiguous and undefined? It's unclear just how much you should do for the sake of the other party in the relationship. In other words...” Wiggins suddenly smirked, his expression unreadable. It was as if he wanted to test Lee Hyeon-Su. “A simple change in one's whims or the straining of the relationship could lead to so many things being affected, wouldn't you say? This is unlike a relationship bound by a contract, as it needs to be upheld regardless of what the other party feels about you. That's the difference between you and me, I think. As an example... Pore over the pages of the East's history, and you will soon realize that this thing called loyalty, the thing you place so much importance on... Are rarely adhered to.”
Lee Hyeon-Su grimaced a little. What should he say to counter that? He couldn't think of any.
“Now, now. Let's not try to make it complicated, shall we?” Wiggins chuckled jovially.
Lee Hyeon-Su quietly spoke up. “Do you mind if I ask a question?”
“No. Go ahead.”
“Why do you want to change the Assembly?”
“Hmm...” Wiggins leisurely puffed on his cigar.
It wasn't hard to provide a throwaway answer. The question itself was extremely straightforward, after all! However, the easier the question, the deeper the one must ponder the answer. That was because Wiggins needed to choose the one answer Lee Hyeon-Su wanted to hear from many options available.
“Mister Lee, what do you think is my reason for joining the Assembly?”
“...”
“I'll be honest with you. The Round Table is like the sun setting below the distant horizon. However, its sheer scale is still not something the mere likes of the Martial Assembly can match up to. It will be utterly impossible for the Assembly to surpass the Round Table in my lifetime via normal means.”
“I think so, too,” said Lee Hyeon-Su.
“I may not look like it, but the truth was... I was the frontrunner in the race to become the next Master of the Round Table. Between the Master position and a director of the Martial Assembly? It'll be stupid to try comparing the two. You can safely label anyone choosing the latter position as an insane lunatic. Even if it's a bit embarrassing for me to say that out loud like this,” Wiggins cackled softly as he spoke. “So, the question is... Why did I still choose the Assembly?”
Lee Hyeon-Su narrowed his eyes. “...I'm guessing you saw potential?”
“Indeed. By satisfying a handful of conditions, the Assembly can surpass the Round Table. And those conditions are simpler than you may think. One, my lord needs the freedom to rampage as much as he wants. Two, the Martial Assembly must spare no effort in supporting my lord in his endeavors. I thought you'd already be doing that. However... When I got here, I found out that hadn't been the case at all. It feels more like my lord is supporting you and this organization instead. At this rate, this place will never improve or advance to the desired level on time.”
Lee Hyeon-Su was left with nothing to retort with. After all, Wiggins had been speaking only the truth.
The Martial Assembly, in its current state, was leaning heavily on Kang Jin-Ho for support. The benefits Kang Jin-Ho acquired from the Assembly were negligible at best. But the amount of work he had to do increased exponentially by getting involved with the Assembly.
Lee Hyeon-Su released a lengthy but silent groan. “What should I do, then?”
“Although you took some time to figure it out, you drew the accurate conclusion. And that is perfect for us. So, for now...” Wiggins leisurely got up to leave. “Why don't we continue this chat at another time? Oh, and email me the details of what I need to do. Thank you.”
Lee Hyeon-Su grew flustered and sat upright in his seat. “H-hang on a second. Are you leaving?”
“Mm? Was there something else left to discuss?”
“But, what about what I need to do...?”
“Listen, young man.” Wiggins's expression grew unreadable as he stared at Lee Hyeon-Su, forcing the latter to flinch uncomfortably. “I've led you to water, so you should at least try to drink it yourself. I'm not willing to scoop the water and pour it into a cup of a grown-up like yourself, after all!”
“...”
“Well, then. Until next time,” Wiggins left the office while leisurely whistling away. As he walked down the corridor, a different type of unreadable expression formed on his face. “I've given him enough hints, so...”
The way Wiggins saw it, Kang Jin-Ho didn't hold the key to the Martial Assembly. Sure, Kang Jin-Ho could shake the Assembly up at any time if that was what he wanted... But he didn't seem to have any desire to do that.
Besides, Kang Jin-Ho personally stepping up in every little matter wasn't a good look, either. Only the obvious fate waited for an organization micromanaged from top to bottom by its boss.
Only the person holding the reins should change their organization. And in Wiggins' opinion, the individual fitting that description wasn't the former Assembly Master Bang Jin-Hun, but Lee Hyeon-Su. Why? Only the person with the power to implement the budget and 'recommend' the future direction of the organization was worthy of the label 'the one in charge'—not the person with the authority to issue orders, thanks to their job title.
So, Wiggins needed to persuade Lee Hyeon-Su.
“Hmm. It's always fun to change and reform things, isn't it...?” Wiggins muttered softly to no one in particular.
That was when a sudden booming voice came from behind Wiggins. “Is it? But who is this reform for? A rat?”
“Oh!” Wiggins turned his head and smiled gently. “You're here, Sir Vator.”
“Hmph. Your Chinese has suddenly become quite fluent, it seems!”
“Oh, that. I already could speak a little, you see.” Wiggins continued to smile gently, but his probing eyes were carefully scanning Vator's hulking frame utterly filling up the corridor. 'Still feels intimidating, doesn't it?'
A large physique was always an effective weapon to threaten one's opponents. However, a large, muscular physique meant little to those who had already attained or broken through a certain cultivation realm. To them, the realm of their cultivation was what mattered the most.
Even then, there was always an exception. And Vator's physique was it. Despite being a formidable man himself, Wiggins still couldn't help but feel a bit intimidated and threatened by that massive physique.
“What brings you strolling in these cramped quarters, Sir Vator?”
“...Maybe because the building is so small, I felt the presence of a rat scurrying about. So, I thought I might as well catch it.”
“I see. That sounds like a good idea. So, did you catch it yet?”
“I'm in a dilemma.”
“How so?” Wiggins tilted his head.
Vator scowled monstrously. “I can't decide whether to crush the rat in one go or let it run around for a little while longer.”
“Mm, letting it run around... That's good news for me, I assume?”
“Good news, you say...?”
Thump, thump, thump!
Vator took one thundering step after another to close the distance to Wiggins. The closer the big man got, the more Wiggins got to feel it.
He could feel the so-called divine physique. A body where a divine being resides! And he got a stark reminder of how terrifying it was for a powerful physique like that to approach him with palpable hostility. Vator's immense physique that utterly dominated a person's view was the 'threat' personified, even if he wasn't doing anything particularly threatening.
Vator growled menacingly. “Listen closely, rat.”
“...”
“I do not know what you're scheming. And I don't want to know. There is no need. However, I will still evaluate you on one metric. Will your actions be beneficial to my liege... Or ultimately harm him?”
Vator's growling became even more primal.
“If you dare harm my liege, even if only by a little, I will not hesitate to dispose of you. I will make sure your useless, aged body will assist this world in some capacity. Becoming one with nature should be a graceful way to bow out of life.”
Vator found a strange way to imply that he'd kill and bury Wiggins under a mound of dirt. Of course, Wiggins knew exactly what the big man was saying.
“Sir Vator, I recommend you to calm down.”
“I'm always calm,” said Vator.
“What I'm trying to do here will not harm my lord. That I assure you. After all, aren't we all riding in the same boat?”
“Same boat, you say?” Vator smirked derisively. “Even people in the same boat will go on a mutiny. I do not trust your type. A type whose words do not match what's in their hearts. Be nervous. You'd do well to never relax. I am not as benevolent as my liege. He might have acknowledged your usefulness, but such a thing does not interest me. Do you understand?”
“Of course.”
“...Sly like a raccoon, aren't you?”
“Not a raccoon, no, but simply extending my goodwill. As my lord's loyal subordinate, I get where your concerns are coming from. You can't trust me. Which is understandable since I haven't shown you anything worthy of your trust. However, take your time and observe me, and you'll learn soon enough that you have nothing to worry about me.”
“I'll pray that your words come true sooner rather than later,” said Vator before spinning around on his heels to leave. Just his quick-ish movement was enough to generate powerful gusts of winds.
'Indeed, what a stupefying physique that is...'
Wiggins smirked softly while watching Vator coldly walk away.
'Although he's a dependable ally to have, this isn't good timing, now is it? Him monitoring me like this will only reduce the range of my activities, so to speak... In that case, I should remove him from the picture for a while.'
Wiggins suddenly called out, “Ah, by the way, Sir Vator?”
“Mm?” Vator turned his head and glanced back.
“Did you hear about my lord's upcoming itinerary?”
“My lord's...?” Vator looked interested when he heard that.
A strange smirk crept up on Wiggins' face as he watched Vator fully turn around. 'I'm sure my lord will lecture me for this later, but... I'm sure everything will be fine since this is for his sake.'
Wiggins could already imagine Kang Jin-Ho's expression, but dangling a bait was the best method available to hook a soldier wrapped up in blind loyalty. Such a man was bound to cause a problem sooner or later, after all!
“My lord wishes to go somewhere, and I thought it might be a good idea to keep you in the loop as well, Sir Vator. He doesn't need anyone to escort him, of course. Still, his destination being what it is...”
“Stop beating the bush and be out with it!”
Wiggins casually shrugged his shoulders at how impatient Vator was.
'Sir Vator, you can't pose a threat to anyone like this.'
It seemed this particular organization was filled with too many good-natured and naive people.
“How about we discuss this topic over a cup of coffee?” Wiggins asked. And then...
He successfully hooked his big fish.
