'Who does this nowadays?'
I wondered if he hired those guys. If he didn't, he probably had been waiting for this situation, and honestly, I couldn't help but laugh at his cheap plan that seemed to come out of a teen drama.
'Do you think this will work?'
However, it appeared to. Humans were supposed to pay more attention to people who showed affection for them.
From Kim Hyunsung's point of view, it would seem like he was angry on his behalf or got him out of a difficult situation.
He didn't help with anything great, but it was an undeniable fact that he scored at least.
As expected, there was a little gratitude in our regressor's gaze on the Song Villain.
Currently, he probably only became properly aware of him now, but he seemed to think that he had imprinted his presence.
'This bastard is good at acting.'
-It hasn't been long since the Son of Light entered the spiritual world. There are still many people who can't forget that sadness...
'You're good at acting. Very much so.'
-Your words may sound rude to those who honor him. I don't even need to say anything about the Sunset Swordsman. That's a glorious and high compliment for me, but... I'm afraid that it may harm his reputation.
'He doesn't address me as the late Honorary Cardinal Lee Kiyoung anymore.'
-He is the saint who gave everything for the continent. Nothing and nobody can take the place of the Saint of Light. I'm sorry for being so sensitive to your compliment, but I hope you refrain from saying that... at least in front of the Blue Guild Master.
'Is there really anyone that can replace me?'
-I apologize once again, Blue Guild Master.
-It's fine.
-We apologize too, Sunset Swordsman.
-We didn't consider the Blue Guild Master's feelings. We formally apologize.
Within the blink of an eye, only the extras looked bad. Kim Hyunsung, who almost got angered for a moment, was also making an awkward expression in that strangely sorted-out atmosphere.
It was understandable since the Song Villain decided to say the words he didn't want to say. Maybe he thought it was better like that.
As expected, manager Kim Mi-young looked relieved. Having been assigned to explain the situation to Kim Hyunsung, she wouldn't want a problem to erupt there.
Regardless of whoever's at fault, she didn't want anyone talking about this.
'Because the decoys didn't do anything really wrong.'
At this point, if Kim Hyunsung became enraged and messed things up, the rumors would probably put him in a bad light.
It was almost certain that there would be a story about the Sunset Swordsman going crazy because he couldn't overcome his sadness from losing the Honorary Cardinal, becoming unable to make sound judgments.
Those types of hearsays were already coming out little by little. There was no need to inflate such topics even more.
-...
While Kim Hyunsung was silent, the decoys quietly coughed and left, while the Song Villain sighed and spoke to him.
-I hope you don't resent or hate them too much, Blue Guild Master.
-...
-They didn't forget the Honorary Cardinal.
-If they...
-Yes.
-If they didn't forget, how could they...
-Yes?
-No... it's nothing.
-I understand your anger. However... However... Could they? Can the continent really forget the one who sacrificed himself for the world and devoted himself to the people? They... were just afraid.
-I don't know what kind of fear you're talking about.
-All kinds. The fear of living on this continent.
-...
-The fear of living on this continent without the Honorary Cardinal. They are not the only ones who are afraid. The citizens of this continent will feel frightened more than the authorities or adventurers. Considering that a lot has happened in recent times, I can't begin to fathom how much distress they'll have to endure. It's been less than a year since the great war ended. We still remember that day.
He continued to talk while handing him the glass in his hand.
-They must be thinking about a lot of things, thinking that they're safe, that they're protected. They simply want to fill in the empty space the Saint of Light has left.
His acting ability to release a self-helpful laugh wasn't bad.
-Even after he died...
-He became the spiritual proprietor of the continent. I am also scared. Knowing that I could no longer rely on the Saint of Light, I felt pathetic about myself, who had no choice but to rely on him. To escape from his arms, for ordinary people like me...
-Even after he died... he is being forced to sacrifice.
-...
-...
'That's how they interpret it, huh...'
Not surprisingly, Song Sookyung paused for a moment.
He wasn't sure if what he said was the right answer, and the build-up itself seemed fine, but he seemed to be shaken by the unexpected rise of the sacrifice statement.
It seemed that he took the issue itself completely differently, so he was probably flustered.
-I'm sorry, but... everyone lives relying on him.
-Ha... Ha...
-I-I... They don't want to believe.
-...
-Yes. They wouldn't want to believe it. How can we admit that he left us? Can you admit it, Blue Guild Master?
Now, I saw Kim Hyunsung responding by slowly shaking his head.
-They are the ones who inflate rumors to fill in that vacancy and to appease their anxiety. Rumors that the incarnation of the Saint of Light has appeared or that the Honorary Cardinal seems to have come back alive spread from mouth to mouth of the powerless people. I also don't feel that I am worthy of the adjectives attached to me... Rather, I'm embarrassed. Who could dare replace him?
-Yeah.
-However... However, you know, Blue Guild Master.
'This bastard...'
-I do not deny the rumors of the powerless people. At least in front of the public, I do not deny their words.
'There is a justification.'
