Chapter 715: PAID

Cheol Ji-seon fell silent for a moment after hearing my response.n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

I expected some kind of reaction after my confirmation. Judging by his character, I thought he'd ask either why I had done it or if there was a plan to get him out.

I tapped the table lightly with my fingertips, waiting for him to speak.

Would he ask why I did it?

Or would he ask if there was a plan to rescue him?

As I waited patiently, Cheol Ji-seon finally opened his mouth.

“…Did you have a reason for doing it?”

The first option. He was more curious about the reasoning than the plan itself.

It was a response that reflected Cheol Ji-seon’s personality—thoughtful and considerate, even in such a direct question.

Of course, this kind of approach didn’t suit me.

“A reason, huh… I did it because it was necessary.”

“Necessary?”

“Yes, it was necessary.”

Tang Deok had to be caught by the Alliance.

Under the name of the Demonic Cult (Magyo).

The timing was right. And since someone as impatient as Ilryong Leader had been sent, it made the situation even better.

“Then why did you specifically send Lady Nahi?”

Cheol Ji-seon’s question made me tilt my head slightly.

“What? Didn’t you already figure that out?”

When I sent Nahi to Hubei the other day, Cheol Ji-seon had reacted as if I was being cruel.

I assumed he had some idea of what was happening.

“It was just speculation. I didn’t think it would actually turn out like this.”

His tone suggested he was concerned, so I listened more closely, waiting for him to continue.

And then—

“No matter what, to use an ally like that—”

“Hah.”

Before he could finish, I let out an involuntary laugh.

He seemed to be misunderstanding something.

“Ji-seon.”

“…What?”

“Who said they were an ally?”

“…!”

Cheol Ji-seon’s eyes widened at my cold response.

“Yangcheon…? What are you saying…?”

“Don’t get it twisted. They’re not allies.”

“What do you mean—”

“I mean, stop getting attached. Look at you—your emotions are clouding your judgment.”

The more I spoke, the more Cheol Ji-seon’s eyes trembled.

I took a sip of tea, watching his reaction.

“Your goal and my goal. That’s why we’re together.”

There were very few people I would truly call allies.

Cheol Ji-seon might barely make the cut, but that’s it.