Chapter 69 Thoughts
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
The saying “the enemy of my enemy is my friend” is something everyone has heard at least once. While it’s not always true, people can help each other when they have a common enemy.
In a situation where they faced something like transport to another world, which is usually just a fantasy, a common enemy appeared. Even rivals like Wu and Yue could work together to overcome challenges.
This means that against an unknown threat, Babellion and Fuckland should be able to team up.
”Bozero Delica is now a guest of Fuckland, right?”
”Yes, sir!!”
Charles, sitting deeply in his office chair, shot a sharp look at the messenger. The messenger, feeling the pressure of being in the same room as the ruler and god-like Charles and the Twelve Pillars of the Saint Tower, straightened up and answered loudly.
”Fuckland… Crimson Jack, huh…”
”We should form an alliance.”
”Yes, I agree…”
Charles nodded slightly, still a bit hesitant, as Esmeralda finally returned to her usual self.
Although their first contact had been tense, they had cleared up misunderstandings on-site. There was no reason for Charles to see Fuckland as an enemy.
But Satsuki noticed something was off with Charles.
”My lord, I have a question.”
”Go ahead.”
”Yes. How strong is Fuckland?”
At Satsuki’s question, Charles pondered for a moment, crossing his arms.
”Honestly, I don’t know much. They shouldn’t be weak, though.”
Yes, Charles didn’t have detailed knowledge about the dungeon called Fuckland.
He knew 3 things.
It was a well-known dungeon that many players had tried to conquer. While it wasn’t unbeatable, it had a high defense rate, so they probably had decent strength. And it was like an underground maze mainly filled with undead… that was about it.
”But they should be weaker than Babellion.”
”That’s probably true, as the Minister of the Left says.”
Charles nods and continues speaking.
”When it comes to military strength, we might not be equal, and Babellion might be carrying a heavier load. However, it could be important as a source of information. At the very least, there’s no benefit in being hostile.”
Unlike the current Ravendora Feudal Kingdom, which is clearly weaker, they must see Babellion and Fuckland as equals, despite the difference in strength. If they try to push down from above, they will naturally resist.
This also relates to the personality of Crimson Jack, the lord of Fuckland.
”Lord, may I ask a question?”
”Go ahead.”
”I want to know what kind of person Crimson Jack-dono is. I think… perhaps even the Minister of the Left and Satsuki don’t know.”
In response to Esmeralda’s question, Charles puts his cigarette down in the ashtray.
”Well… he’s not a bad guy, but he’s definitely not a good one. We don’t have a relationship where we can let our guard down.”
…
To talk about Crimson Jack, he first need to explain the relationship between the Dungeon Masters in the game APOCALYPSE SAGA.
If he had to sum up the relationship of the Dungeon Masters in one phrase, it would be “a friendly group.” It’s not a guild; it’s more like a club for those who love the dungeon content.
Dungeon content is so intense that it’s often called a different game within the game. Naturally, being the strongest is important, but when the main focus is on dungeons, raid and combat content can easily be neglected.
Of course, not everyone is like that. There are strong players who belong to hardcore combat guilds while also enjoying being Dungeon Masters.
However, when it comes to high-difficulty raids that require teamwork, it really comes down to the fact that they play together regularly.
Even so, if you don’t join regular events or raids, your character will be left behind. So, you have to gather friends to clear them.
Instead of just joining random groups, Charles, NearHero, and pipi-tai (fat) became friends and started playing together. Before they knew it, it became a tradition to do events with the dungeon masters.
They didn’t create a guild, but it felt like one.
When someone said they made a new floor in a dungeon, they all went to try and beat it together. They even talked about their characters’ strengths and looks until dawn.
They met in real life many times. They held meet-ups and saw each other at events and tournaments. Their ages, genders, and where they lived were all different, but they were definitely friends.
With that in mind, let’s talk about Crimson Jack.
Crimson Jack is a dungeon master, but he’s not part of Charles’s close group.
He was a dungeon master, but that was just part of the role play.
What he really excelled at was PVP… specifically, something called PK.
The game APOCALYPSE SAGA didn’t ban PK. It was one of the most popular parts of the game, and tournaments were held for it, so it was seen as a valid way to play.
However, at some point, they set up PK-free zones and some rules were put in place. If you think about it calmly, PK-free zones are necessary. Back then, when you got killed, you would drop some of your items, which was a pretty harsh system.
But there were rumors that PK was regulated because Crimson Jack went too far.
He was an old player with a notorious reputation.
Of course, Charles doesn’t think he was a bad person at heart. When he met him in real life, he seemed like an ordinary guy with no standout features, and he didn’t get the impression that he was crazy at all.
But this world is a game, and at the same time, it’s real. It’s hard to tell which face he shows in this world is the real one, or which one is his true nature. Because they’re not very close, he can’t see his true self.
The news about the murder isn’t the type where they show a photo and say, “Yeah, I can totally see them doing that.” Instead, it’s more like, “They were such a nice person. They even said hi when we passed by… I can’t believe they would kill someone…”
”He has a lot of pride. His love for his avatar… no, he’s a huge narcissist.”
”Like the Minister of the Right.”
”…You’re not much different, are you?”
”And he hates having his self-esteem hurt more than anything. He’d rather die than admit defeat.”
”My lord, you know a lot. Even though you don’t seem close to anyone.”
”That’s just how famous he is.”
If you kill Crimson Jack, he’ll chase you down ten times. If he attacks you and you fight back, he’ll keep following you. It’s a terrible story.
Plus, his personality is messed up.
Making crude jokes in front of female players is just the start. He casually throw around racist and religious comments, and talk about their family life… If he had any morals, he wouldn’t say those things in public. But sometimes, he look at you like he’s testing your reaction.
”If you push him down too hard, he’ll bite back for sure. He’s not the type to accept being under someone else.”
In short, he’s full of pride. He doesn’t know much about Crimson Jack, but he wonders what kind of job they had with that personality. Is that normal-looking office worker he saw in real life really who they are?
Well, thinking about that now doesn’t really matter.
”I’m not super close to him, but one thing is for sure: his personality is terrible.”
Otherwise, he wouldn’t be waiting to ambush in front of the boss room or thinking it’s funny to hunt beginners, risking penalties.
”So, a complicated relationship?”
”Whether you see it as complicated or exquisite depends on the person.”
It’s not that they have a bad relationship. They just haven’t tried to get involved because of all the rumors about them.
”But we need to deepen our relationship with Fuckland.”
”Yeah. We’re both leaders of our own countries. We can’t meet easily, but we want to keep in touch closely.”
”We don’t need to be friends. As long as we both benefit from sharing information, that’s what matters.”
”That makes sense. If I add anything, it’s that we should respect each other’s space… that’s about it. Any more restrictions would just be annoying chains.”
Charles nodded and picked up the cigar he had placed on the ashtray again.
”Send a message. Report this matter to the military strategy department as well.”
”Understood.”
It’s late at night. The civil servants in the strategy department are probably sleeping at home.
”For now, let’s disband. We can meet again another day.”
As he thought about the time, sleepiness hit him hard. He was also tired from 3 intense hours with Satsuki.
Charles extinguished the cigar and stood up from the chair. He took a sip of water from a glass on the table to quench his thirst and was about to head back to his bedroom when──
”Lord, may I have a moment?”
He stopped when called.
When he looked over, he met Esmeralda’s serious gaze. She only said one thing, but he wasn’t so foolish as to not understand what she was thinking.
”Do you want to be alone with me?”
”I’m sorry. I have a request for the future.”
”Satsuki, please step out for a bit.”
”…Understood.”
* * *
”I appreciate your thoughtfulness.”
”It’s nothing. I was thinking I should say this too.”
Charles sat back down in the chair, arms crossed, staring at Esmeralda. It reminded him of the old days when he had career counseling in the staff room, but now the roles were reversed. Charles was the one receiving advice.
”It’s about Bozero Delica, right? Your sister and my former subordinate… they’re not enemies at the moment, but it’s a complicated situation. You must have your thoughts on it.”
Esmeralda, usually so composed, was clearly shaken. He understood that her feelings were still complicated and wouldn’t be easily resolved.
”First, an apology for Bozero Delica killing your soldiers.”
”That was an unfortunate accident. In any case, it’s not your fault.”
Taking care of the mental well-being of subordinates might be a boss’s job. But is it the king’s job to care for the mental well-being of his subjects? That thought felt a bit out of place.
”So, speak your mind. I’ll listen.”
At Charles’s words, Esmeralda hesitated for just a moment.
After a few seconds of silence, Esmeralda slowly began to speak.
”I’m worried about my sister and the minions.”
The “minions” refer to the “Night Bats.” They are Esmeralda’s direct troops, split in half when NearHero retired. One half was entrusted to Bozero Delica, who was the deputy leader, and they were placed in the Ruined Castle Grantham.
To Esmeralda, they are important former subordinates. She worries about them just as much as her sister.
”They were ordered by NearHero-sama to serve Fluffy Cream-dono as their master. But now, after killing that master, they have become avengers… It might be disrespectful to think this way, but if I think about losing my Lord in the future… I can’t even find the words.”
”I won’t die easily. I won’t let you all become avengers.”
Charles also sees himself in Fluffy Cream. If he were to be defeated, and his remaining subordinates were caught up in revenge.
”I can’t say not to worry about Bozero Delica and the others. But luckily, the enemy is the same, and that enemy is likely the one who harmed Fluffy Cream. By avenging, the chains binding Bozero Delica and the others will be broken.”
That’s how revenge works. Even if you say it’s pointless, that there are other fun things, it usually just makes them more determined. So, the best way is to finish the revenge.
Suddenly, feeling a sharp gaze piercing through, Charles looked over to see Esmeralda staring at him seriously. Her face, which had been sad just moments ago, now looked like a warrior ready to charge into battle.
”I am completely devoted to my Lord. The same goes for the ‘Night Bats’ under my command. If ordered to kill, I will not hesitate to take down Bozero Delica or anyone else.”
She was worried. That’s why she made her position clear.
”Don’t worry. I don’t doubt your loyalty.”
”Then don’t be concerned about me.”
”Understood.”
But it’s a difficult topic.
Caring about someone shows how much you value them. You don’t worry about things that don’t matter. You treat important people with care because they mean a lot to you.
In this case, it’s like saying, “Don’t treat me like a fragile thing.”
Charles and Esmeralda aren’t just king and servant. They have a parent-child bond and a man-woman relationship. So, it’s a moment where he needs to say something thoughtful.
Charles feels troubled. When someone is down, there are mainly 2 types of words to say… comforting words and encouraging words. It’s not just about saying anything. Random words won’t really help.
After thinking for a bit,
”Esmeralda.”
Charles called out the name of his troubled subordinate.
At the sound of his voice, Esmeralda’s iron mask came off, and her eyes flickered again. Seeing her weak face for the first time made her look more fragile than a lamb seeking help from God, making him want to rush over and hug her. But he thought he shouldn’t.
So, Charles carefully chose his words and expressed his feelings.
”The you I know is a strong woman. Strong, tough, and beautiful… and that’s not just about physical strength. It’s about the strength of the heart. You have a strong and beautiful heart.”
Saying this made him feel embarrassed, like it was a sweet whisper, but he held it in. It’s hard to say such things even when they’re in bed together.
But since they’re not in bed, it’s his true feelings. It’s not just pretty words to make her happy. Because Esmeralda showed her weakness, Charles felt it was polite to reveal his own feelings too.
”So, you can always be proud. Wear your pride of being strong and beautiful. Show your worth through your actions, and because you have absolute confidence in your abilities, you should never bow down to anyone.”
That’s why he feels excited about her showing weakness in bed.
”That’s my subordinate, ‘Minister of the Right’ Esmeralda.”
However,
”The you right now is not the Esmeralda I know. You’re not the one I value as a ruler or the one I’ve fallen for as a man… you’re not the Esmeralda I cherish.”
It’s easy to comfort someone, and maybe that’s okay. Holding them tight and saying sweet words might heal a tired heart with kind words, making them feel better. And maybe Esmeralda wants that too.
But he thought he shouldn’t do that. Esmeralda is a strong woman. Even if she recognizes Charles as someone above her, she never shows weakness or tries to flatter him.
Right now, if he says comforting words to her when she shows a bit of weakness, it feels like it would confirm that she showed weakness, and he really wanted to avoid that.
”Tonight, I won’t meet with Esmeralda.”
That’s what he decided.
”I’ll command you for tomorrow night. At that time, come to me as the Esmeralda I know.”
Charles and Esmeralda have a man-and-woman relationship. If that’s the case, the delicate distance between them is on the bed.
When they are n*ked and intertwined, there’s no shame at all. They can speak more freely, and say things that can only be shared in bed. Most importantly, they can open their hearts to each other and confirm their feelings. That’s how it is.
* * *
After leaving Esmeralda in the office, Charles saw Satsuki and Faelrith in the hallway.
He knew Satsuki was waiting for Charles, but he was surprised to see Faelrith waiting too. But then he understood quickly. She was also worried about Esmeralda. She seems carefree and uninterested in others, but she is close to Esmeralda.
”Did you hear?”
”The office door is special. Even a rabbit person’s ears can’t catch the voices inside.”
Charles told Faelrith what happened in the office as she shook her head.
”By the way, Faelrith, about tomorrow night. Sorry, but can you switch with Esmeralda? Your turn will be the day after tomorrow.”
”Is it for Esmeralda?”
”Yeah, that’s right.”
”Then it’s no problem. I owe her one.”
”…Huh? Oh. Is it about the first night I held you?”
”…You don’t have to say that. It’s embarrassing.”
Faelrith’s cheeks turned red, and as he patted her head and tried to turn away,
”Your Majesty, I have a request in exchange for letting Esmeralda take my turn.”
”Speak up.”
”On the day after tomorrow, when it’s my turn, I want you to be really rough with me. Don’t hold back at all. Be so rough that it feels like you’re breaking me.”
”Ah, well…”
Charles scratched his cheek, looking troubled by Faelrith’s request.
Faelrith loved being dominated, but there were no limits to her desires. Charles didn’t mind such play either; in fact, he engaged in similar activities with Lucia, calling it ‘training’.
Faelrith, however, craved an intensity that seemed like she was pleading to be killed. It went beyond choking and spanking, and she probably enjoyed being punched and kicked, but Charles couldn’t bring himself to go that far.
But he had to grant her wish, at least to some extent.
”Very well. Look forward to it.”
Charles nodded deeply, then walked towards the bedroom, already planning in his mind how far he would go.
* * *
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
Thanks for reading.
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