Rather than being absurd, it seemed amusing how obvious the game of tugging and pulling was between us. I couldn't help but chuckle softly, while Chloe merely brightened her cold gaze, seemingly perplexed. At this moment, I decided to check Chloe's stats. The growth of retainers or companions would directly translate to an increase in my own strength and that of my territory, so knowing their stats was vital.
[Chloe – Level 119]
[Strength: 203]
[Stamina: 122]
[Magic: 25]
[Wisdom: 34]
[Agility: 701]
[Charm: 31]
[Physical Defense: 41]
[Magical Defense: 21]
[Special Traits: Absolute Stealth SS / Disguise S / Weakness Analysis A / Stealth B]
[General Traits: Likeability, Confusion]
[Currently possesses the artifact ‘Tranquil Fleet’s Boots.’]
[Currently possesses the artifact ‘Assassin’s Stalad Dagger.’]
"That Stalad Dagger I obtained from defeating Gaphajis really raised her stats a lot."
Looking at the options on the Assassin’s Stalad Dagger, it added 200 Agility, 100 Strength, and 25 Stamina. Additionally, it had insights related to stealth, and a technique to recover daggers thrown using 5 Magic points. It was likely that the moment Chloe equipped the dagger, she absorbed the knowledge of its techniques as if she had known them all along. However, since she had never mentioned it to me, it seemed that her cautious nature made her keep quiet.
"Her Weakness Analysis has also risen from B to A. With this, it can be said she’s equipped like an A-grade warrior. She could silently take out a level 3 mage without even alerting them."
The overwhelmingly high Agility stood out. It was incredible growth, something unimaginable when I first considered Chloe. With her by my side, she was an essential force for dungeon explorations. Moreover, if she were willing, assassinating key figures of enemy nations was within reach. Her value was substantially high.
"Yes, I need her. What does pride matter? In times like this, I should bow my head and speak sincerely!"
I hungered for a capable retainer! After fully embodying the anecdote of ‘Three Visits to the thatched Cottage,’ I spoke to Chloe earnestly, "Chloe, I truly need you. Stay by my side until the time permits. Help me and my territory."
"Am I really needed...?" Chloe's voice trembled slightly at the end of her question. Her lips also quivered, and for some reason, she wouldn’t look me straight in the eye. Was she embarrassed? Did she want to avoid facing me directly? I could only guess what she was thinking, but it was clear she seemed troubled.
"Yes, I really need you. There's no one specialized in stealth, assassination, or disguise like you at my side. And one more thing."
"One more thing?"
"I will find someone for you who can be a better master beyond just my advice. Within a year, definitely!"
"Really?"
"I don't lie. They will teach you far more than Ella."
I made a bold move. Formido. At 70 years old, he was an elder who had walked the path of an assassin all his life and reached the pinnacle. Unfortunately, he would not exist by the year 1424 when the Demon Lord War breaks out. He would die at the age of 79 that year. He was mentioned only in passing during the main quest of <Paradiso>, but I had closely studied the backstory related to him. Like many other players who loved <Paradiso>, I was quite the “story geek” and adored the narrative.
However, enticing Formido would require a gamble where the stakes were my life. It meant betting my life. In death, I would lose, but if victorious, he would grant my wish. It was said that over 300 people perished trying to recruit him with thoughts similar to mine, and not a single person was said to have fled more than ten paces from him! I could only imagine his strength.
"Um, um..."
"Consider staying by my side, as if you're fooled. I promise you will have countless experiences. Think of it as a lesson from the Queen. What do you say?"
"Queen? I have two older brothers. They will surely inherit the throne one day."
No, those people will eventually die. I couldn’t bear to say this to Chloe. I simply let her words pass without denying them. "How about just sticking around for one year? I’ll leave it up to you after that."
"If you wish that much... I will stay."
"Perfect!" Finally, Chloe agreed. There are no unimportant companions or retainers, but the fact that Chloe, a key character in the story, will be at my side made me truly happy! She would surely become a strong ally of the protagonist in the upcoming Demon Lord War. This made my relationship with the Gray Elves highly significant.
"Let’s do our best, Chloe."
"I too."
With a joyful heart, I extended my hand for a handshake, and after hesitating for quite a while, Chloe finally took it. At that moment, I was taken aback by the unexpected coldness of her hand, almost as if it were made of ice.
"Ah."
"It might be a bit chilly."
"Chloe, are your hands usually cold?"
"Yes."
"Recently, I made a necklace with leftover mana crystals and materials while crafting artifacts. I should give it to you!"
"What's that?"
"This! Here, take it. It's a charming little necklace with weak healing and warmth effects."
I handed her the necklace. It was rated only a 1-star quality, and without any specific stat options, it would serve for basic healing and temperature regulation. It was not suited for combat but perfect for maintaining one’s stamina and warmth on a regular basis.
"I don't really need something like this."
"I know. Still, hold onto it. You wouldn’t want to regret not having it later."
“…”
"This is a small gift for you for choosing to stay by my side. Don't make me feel embarrassed about giving it."
"Well, if that’s the case."
Chloe seemed to reluctantly accept the necklace, slipping it into her pocket. I secretly hoped she would wear it around her neck, but it seemed she had no intention of doing so. It was typical of the Queen of Silence, the Queen of Coldness. In other words, she was lacking in flair and utterly oblivious to subtle hints!
"Tomorrow, we’ll go through the planned training as usual. Remember, today is the only day off!"
"Understood."
"See you tomorrow!" True to her nature, Chloe nodded in her final reply and gracefully left the office, her silver hair fluttering as she did. In that fleeting moment, her amber eyes caught mine, shining distinctly. For just a moment, I could see it—her warm gaze, which she didn’t show openly, but surely felt thankful deep down.
Just like that, I had officially added another retainer to my ranks. Unless an unexpected disaster befell the Gray Elf tribe, she would undoubtedly remain by my side for a while longer.
Five minutes later.
"Ah?" After finishing my exhausting training in divine power, drenched in sweat, Hayes took Deli for a break and a stroll outside. She craved the refreshing night breeze. As she stepped out of the office, she happened to catch a glimpse of Chloe.
Should she greet her? But after the rigorous training, her body felt like jelly, so she merely stared without speaking when she saw Chloe.
"Mmm, la la la. Mmm mmm."
‘Huh?’ To her surprise, Chloe, who usually shot cold glares whenever Hayes hummed even a little tune, was now walking while humming cheerfully.
Twinkle, twinkle. Just before entering the office, Hayes noticed a necklace that hadn’t been visible before. Chloe was joyfully handling it, clasping it tightly in her hands, pressing it against her lips, and fiddling with it.
‘What’s going on with her...? She looks just like a girl in love!’ Hayes was quite startled. She had never seen Chloe so happy and enjoying herself. Most of the time, Chloe's expression was blank, stern, and she was the very epitome of coldness. But today was different. Hayes felt a sudden urge to rush over and ask what was happening, but held back.
There are moments when anyone, regardless of gender, cherishes a happiness that feels precious and special just to them. Just like the exhilarating kiss Hayes received from Jared while helping patients during an epidemic back on Sannare.
However, she couldn’t shake off the bitter taste that the gift making Chloe so happy must surely have been given by Jared.
‘Why do such pretty girls flock around the Lord?’ Hayes pouted.
Thump! Thump! Pouting her lips, Hayes took out her frustrations on the innocent grass beneath her feet. However, that didn’t last long.
‘No, I just need to do as I always do. I have to work harder for my Lord, train harder, and become stronger!’
After clarifying her thoughts, Hayes headed back to the training room. Tonight was definitely an all-nighter.
Looking from the training room window at Jared in his office, she focused on her divine power training. It was always enjoyable. The night spent with the cute cat, Deli, wasn't boring either.
Hayes was making effort upon effort, squeezing time to train, as she did not wish to fall behind her fellow companions, even marginally.
‘Divine Four.’ That was Hayes’ next goal.
Until she achieved it, she planned to stay awake for no less than four hours every night.
She was filled with determination, diligently training with fierce passion!
Four hours after Chloe departed, I meticulously went through the intelligence documents obtained from the spies regarding the Bonus Kingdom and the Malus Kingdom.
‘It seems it's time to start mining Keldia in earnest.’ A metal stronger than iron. Mining Keldia became necessary.
Based on the blueprint of the future of my territory, I had formulated some calculations. I focused on the state of national affairs of both kingdoms and the scale of the military forces deployed along the coast and in the surrounding cities.
‘If I wish to expand my territory in the future, an ice-free port is essential. The waters off Mate Harbor connected to the Magnum Strait freeze over in winter.’
I took a keen interest in the ice-free ports held by the two kingdoms and their coastal cities.
‘Silently mining Keldia and mass-producing weapons before they are prepared could allow us to seize all coastal cities and ports swiftly.’
I devised a plausible plan. With exclusive knowledge about ‘Keldia,’ a metal stronger than iron, I aimed to gain overwhelming advantage in battles against the two nations.
‘Not just through tricks and schemes, but also by making use of exclusive knowledge to truly reap the rewards! To ensure that my new life carries significance, I must always push forward and strive.’
At this very moment, I reaffirmed my resolve. Even now. Somewhere, each protagonist purposefully grew under the divine protection and support unknowingly.
‘No one knows more about the Demon King and his army than I do!’ This was the source of my confidence and the reason behind my relentless pursuit of challenges. Because I alone possessed all knowledge of this world.
Chapter 98