IFLDMHF | Chapter 85

Episode 85

According to Richard, who was born in an illegal market and raised as a slave, it was only after meeting Evgenia that he learned about his origins and began to dream of revenge.

‘She even removed his slave mark…’

So, was that why he was told to serve her as his master?

Or perhaps she had offered to help him achieve his revenge.

As I carefully speculated, I could fully understand the confusion Richard must have felt when I suddenly said, “You are free now.”

“I… I thought the Master was testing me. To see if I could follow you without wavering until the end.”

As expected, Richard stammered, tears streaming down his face.

“So, isn’t that why you gave me this robe?”

Huh? Robe?

Tilting my head in confusion, I finally noticed the black robe Richard was wearing.

No, it wasn’t just Richard.

The deputy of Gold and the executives of Black were all wearing the same attire.

A robe embroidered with a golden flame pattern on the left sleeve.

It was the same embroidery I had seen on the black pouch in the dressing room.

At the time, I had brushed it off, but now I instinctively sensed its significance.

Frozen like ice, I stared at the golden flame.

For some reason, it was hard to look away.

I felt as if I had momentarily forgotten how to breathe.

“I barely managed to find the mercenary headquarters. And I thought I could finally meet you, Master. But why…?”

I barely managed to tear my gaze away at the sound of Richard’s voice, thick with resentment.

To be honest, up until a moment ago, I couldn’t fully understand Richard’s feelings.

That’s why, in the training grounds, I had stared back at him when he looked at me with such accusatory eyes.

But after hearing what the Black executive said, I understood.

Richard must have thought I was testing him when I set him free. To prove his abilities, he must have taken over the mercenary group.

Of course, I hadn’t even known about Black’s existence, nor had I planned to bring them under the Rudion Ducal House…

In any case, when the mercenary group suddenly took the knight entrance exam, he must have felt truly abandoned.

“Hmm.”

At that moment, Gressel, who was standing behind me, cleared his throat uncomfortably. Then, he exchanged glances with the Black executive.

It seemed like he was asking if they should stop Richard from continuing his complaints.

After a brief hesitation, the Black executive spoke cautiously.

“Commander, to be honest, I was also quite shocked and confused. The members had improved significantly, and after we crushed the assassination guild that dominated the illegal market, everyone expected us to start taking over the underworld in earnest.”

But a knight order…

Even though they had come all this way and taken the knight entrance exam at my behest, he still seemed baffled as he mumbled.

After a brief silence, I raised an eyebrow and asked coldly.

“So, do you dislike it?”

“What? N-No! Honestly, I’m glad to serve you directly in the knight order rather than the underworld. The others feel the same!”

“If anyone doesn’t want to follow my orders, they’re free to leave anytime. Make sure the others know that too.”

“H-How could you say such a thing…!”

The Black executive turned pale and quickly knelt beside Richard.

“I apologize. I will never question your decisions again.”

Although I maintained a cold expression, I had expected this reaction.

I couldn’t fully understand their devotion, but even someone like Gresel, whom I had just met, was ready to sacrifice his life for Evgenia.

I was confident that none of them would ever leave, even if it went against their desires.

And I said those words intentionally to show Richard.

“Richard.”

When I called his name, his shoulders flinched.

“When I let you go, it wasn’t a test. It was my sincerity.”

“…”

“Whether you pursue revenge or live freely, I want you to do what you desire.”

If he had come to me, hoping I would help him with his revenge, then he was mistaken.

More importantly, I wouldn’t keep anyone by my side who refused to follow my orders.

So, I naturally thought Richard would leave me without hesitation.

But then—

“What I want? Then… Please let me serve you for the rest of my life, Master.”

“…What?”

“You can even tell me not to dream of revenge.”

After all, without you, Master, I would still be a slave, unable to even dream of revenge.

Richard mumbled softly, wiped his tears, and looked straight at me with clear eyes.

“I’ll obey you, so please, just let me stay by your side.”

“…”

I was at a loss for words.

I never expected him to give up on revenge and choose to stay by my side.

The image of Richard from the original story, desperately seeking affection and clinging to me despite the broken trust, resurfaced in my mind.

I was too scared to give him permission.

But I was someone who had sought out Basilian Duke’s help, even planning to cut ties with them entirely if necessary.

I was willing to use whatever I could, even if it meant ignoring my conscience or discomfort.

If I could exploit Evgenia’s family, whom she despised so much, there was no reason I couldn’t exploit her merchant guild and mercenary group as well.

Honestly, even now, I couldn’t fully grasp Evgenia’s true goal.

It wasn’t just simple rebellion—the motivation wasn’t clear enough.

If there was anything suspicious, it was the deep disgust I had sensed in her interactions with her family and the Crown Prince.

But for now, I had no intention of digging deeper into Evgenia’s goals.

‘There’s no immediate way to find out anyway.’

I had a vague feeling that if I kept moving forward, the truth would eventually reveal itself, just as today had unfolded before me.

The fortunate thing was that the goals of Gold and Black weren’t focused on rebellion.

And if I was willing to accept Gold and Black, there was no need to reject Richard, who was willing to abandon revenge and obey my commands.

‘Though I admit his presence is inherently dangerous.’

Now that I understood the fragile relationship between the Rudion Ducal House and the Imperial Family, Richard could also become a powerful card.

‘Well… whether it’s rebellion or independence, both require funds and military strength.’

While stability and outcomes differ greatly, the foundation remains the same.

In the original story, Evgenia ultimately failed, but I would not.

Resolving myself firmly, I slowly inhaled and exhaled.

“All right, fine.”

At my words, a clear sense of relief spread across Richard’s previously expressionless face.

“Master.”

Richard called me with a slightly flushed face.

When I looked at him, puzzled, he asked seriously.

“Then… shall I give you my eyes?”

Startled, I flinched.

Not just me—the deputy of Gold, the Black executive, Gresel, and even Anne all looked shocked.

‘C-Crazy Evgenia! Don’t tell me she demanded his eyes when she removed his slave mark?’

Suppressing my shock, I firmly replied, “No, that won’t be necessary.”

Ignoring Richard’s visibly crestfallen expression, I turned to the others.

“There’s something I need you to do.”

Since I now had two useful organizations under my command, it was time to put them to work.

“Spread rumors in the capital. The content is…”

One week later.

The rumors that swept through the capital had thrown the palace into chaos.