WE TRIED TRANSLATIONS

Translator/Editor: Ryuu

Discord: https://dsc.gg/wetried

◈ The Little Prince in the Ossuary

00030 <-- The Little Prince of the Ossuary -->

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"Then how about this? What if I say that I can't even trust my own people?"

"Are you saying that you lack the ability, Mr. Han? That doesn't seem to be the case."

"Please stop overestimating me. The Gyeoul Alliance has only just been formed. It was only today that the existing members barely acknowledged me. How can I guarantee that new recruits won't rebel?"

"......"

"You said the Triad's regulations are strict, right? As far as I know, their regulations include something like this: 'Those who regret or lament after joining must pay for their sins with death.' ...A lot of people will die. There might even be cases where this is exploited to establish hierarchy within the organization."

Li Ailing's composure was wavering as the conversation wasn't going as she had expected. The smile she had been wearing faded considerably.

"Punishing those who don't follow the rules is a leader's duty. It's also something you, Mr. Han, must do. Making an example of one to educate many is fundamental to maintaining the organization's discipline."

"Unavoidable sacrifices for the greater good do exist. But killing someone just because they complained... that's not my way. I don't care if someone can't be trusted for now. As long as they don't become enemies, I will lead them to the best of their abilities. Over time, trust will naturally develop. Not the fake trust created by threats and killings, but genuine trust in the community."

"Fake trust... Are you insulting our society?"

Survival Instinct reacted. An augmented reality red warning appeared. The threat level was low. It wasn't that she intended to start a fight immediately, but rather that she harbored a vague murderous intent that might manifest someday. It made sense; no matter how pretty her face, she was still a woman belonging to a criminal organization.

The warning's color faded, indicating she was controlling herself. She still seemed to want to persuade me.

"America has no interest in saving refugees. If they truly saw us as humans, this conversation wouldn't even be necessary. There would be security, order, and hope in this camp."

Taking a breath, she continued.

"Are you proud of the reputation and status you've achieved? You're nothing more than livestock. A high-quality breed, but livestock nonetheless. How long do you think you can rely on your handlers' protection? Once they find a better breed, you'll be discarded."

She's good at making threats. Gyeoul remained silent.

"Numbers equal strength, and unity is the only way to survive. Join the most powerful organization. People who receive help during difficult times remember it for life. If you don't help, they'll remember that too. We can be as ruthless as we want to those who aren't one of us."

She demanded.

"Now, give me an answer."

Her pressure was immense. While her demeanor was strong, the guards, angry from listening to the conversation, were even stronger. They glared at Gyeoul fiercely. Their eyes were like blades. Combat Sense, Survival Instinct, and Insight all linked together. Threat assessment. Each guard was highly skilled. Though Gyeoul had firearms, there was no need to be afraid.

Gyeoul spoke quietly.

"In truth, I prefer alliances to subordination."

"Such a weak bond would be useless to both parties. We would lose our leadership in the Heishehui, and you wouldn't gain the strength of a major power. Moreover, alliances are formed between equals. We don't need the Gyeoul Alliance, which is full of the elderly, women, and orphans. We only need you, and you alone. It’s not a match."

"What if I worked hard enough to make up for that?"

"You're not being humble. There's a limit to one person's ability."

"Is that so? Then go back."

Gyeoul let go of the conversation without hesitation. Li Ailing looked as if she had been struck hard.

"What... did you say?"

"You were incredibly rude. To summarize your words, 'Submit first. If you prove yourself, we'll treat you like family.' You haven't provided any substantial guarantee for that promise. When I expressed my doubts, you resorted to threats, saying we'd eventually be crushed if we remain just Koreans."

"I was merely stating reality!"

"Then it's even worse. It means you subconsciously look down on us."

The beauty bit her lip, looking frustrated. The murderous intent from the burly guards spiked dramatically. They seemed ready to draw their swords at any moment, but Li Ailing’s hand gesture calmed them. The original occupants of the tent looked extremely anxious.

Among them, two people stood out: Park Jin-seok and Yura.

Jin-seok quietly gathered people around him, those who could be expected to fight. Despite trembling, Yura sat with a knife under her butt. Her courage was commendable.

"I have one more thing to say."

Holding up one finger, Gyeoul spoke.

"I am capable. I will make sure I am never abandoned by the handlers. As long as I am here, no one will underestimate the Gyeoul Alliance. If you think I’m arrogant, try surpassing me. Or kill me."

Who could surpass a player who benefits from Talent Advantage?

"You are very confident."

"I was merely stating reality."

He returned Li Ailing's earlier words verbatim. She was at a loss for words. She clasped her hands on her lap and sighed. After several breaths, she seemed like she might get up and leave, but she didn't.

After several more attempts, she finally spoke.

"You'll need a lot of external help. Information, for instance..."

Pathetic. Within expectations.

"Thanks to your visit, I won't worry about that. Won't the other members of the Heishehui know about your visit? In exchange for not cooperating with the Triad, they'll provide information."

"Urgh..."

She fell silent again. The wait was tedious for some, but for those watching, it was suffocating. Gyeoul considered giving them a reassuring smile but decided against it. It might inspire respect among his allies but would be unnecessary provocation towards the woman before him.

"Then, my final offer."

Li Ailing's voice trembled.

"If you need a guarantee, how about me?"

He shouldn't laugh, but Gyeoul couldn't help a bitter smile. Not a sneer. The surge of viewer quests was intense. Every quest he saw started and ended with sex. The number of unread messages skyrocketed.

Ha. This is...

But for Li Ailing, unaware of his situation, his reaction was deeply humiliating. He apologized before she exploded.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to laugh at you, but I do find something strange."

"What is it?"

"Why are you going this far?"

No answer.

"Is the Heishehui's leadership that important? It's just a matter of changing the representative among the same people. Even if another organization becomes the leader, can't you just wait for the right time?"

Still no answer.

"Or do you have a reason you can't wait?"

"...You're despicable. Stop asking questions you already know the answer to."

At last, she responded, and Gyeoul nodded.

"It seems you've done a lot of unspeakable things. Despite calling them Heishehui brothers."

Things bad enough to worry about retaliation.

"I told you to stop."

"Oh, there's no need to make that face. We Koreans do the same. We’re more eager to kill and rob each other than anyone else. We’re probably much worse than the Chinese."

Gyeoul spoke in a calm tone.

"Someone once told me that people have the most of what other people need. Instead of risking danger outside, it’s easier to take from others. I understand. It’s always easier to cheat and swindle your own kind. You probably did the same. I don't want to be associated with someone like that."

Saying he wouldn't accept a woman like her even if she were offered. What greater insult could there be for her? A raw rebuttal came out without passing through her brain.

"I was against it."

"You're not denying it, though?"

Once her composure broke, she fell into his traps repeatedly.

Now Li Ailing's eyes were filled with venom as she looked at Gyeoul. Her eyes were a bit wet. Her slender shoulders trembled slightly.

Regardless, Gyeoul remained unperturbed. He was satisfied with the many things he had learned. Additionally, he was satisfied with the stars gained from this conversation.

"I’m leaving."

Finally, the Triad's representative stood up. She paused, glaring at him.

"You will regret this."

"Is that just something you're saying, or is it a declaration of war from the Triad’s plenipotentiary?"

The system was fair. She wasn't an incapable woman, so she should have at least moderate Insight and Survival Instinct. These would react to his emotions and thoughts. Given his superior combat ability, her perceived threat level would be extremely high.

Sure enough, her slender body flinched. She had understood his intention to kill her first and then deal with the Triad to avoid leaving loose ends. She stammered.

"...They’re just words."

She chose to live with the humiliation. And then, the tears she had held back began to fall.

"You have a terrible personality. Did you really have to press so meaninglessly?"

If it was meaningless, it was. There was no guarantee she wasn’t lying. But Gyeoul had no hobby of mocking others. He explained this point.

"I apologize if it seemed that way. It was a warning."

"A warning?"

"That it would do us no good to fight each other, and if we do, I won't go down easily. Just in case you let your emotions get the better of you and relay the wrong message... I didn't mean to mock you out of malice. Who knows what the future holds?"

"......"

"Please don’t misunderstand. I still think an alliance would be good. If you ever change your mind, feel free to come back. I'll be waiting."

It felt as if time had stopped. Li Ailing didn't move for what seemed like an eternity.

Finally, a long sigh moved her. Her eyes were much softer.

"I feel somewhat wronged."

"You don't need to feel that way. We were both rude, so let's call it even and move forward without hard feelings."

The beauty's expression was a mess as she heard this. All sorts of emotions were visible at once. In the end, she smiled bitterly. Without the system's help, Gyeoul could tell this was her true face.

A random thought crossed his mind. If you cry and then laugh, hair grows on your butt. Of course, it was just a thought. Saying it would be rude and sexual harassment.

Li Ailing spoke in a powerless voice.

"You're truly eloquent."

"So they say."

Her response was once again filled with bewilderment.

"How should I respond to that?"

"Laugh. If life is gray, at least laugh."

Only one woman responded with a smile. The five men beside her kept their stern expressions.

"Take care."

"Yes. Stay healthy. As you said, I hope we meet again under better circumstances."

As they left, the crowd surged towards Gyeoul. They were curious about the conversation. Although it was cumbersome, it would be better to explain it once for the sake of his leadership image.

It wasn't necessary.

"That was impressive."

"Do you speak Chinese?"

"I’m still not fluent, but I can understand it. Compared to the Little Captain, it's nothing."

Vice-Captain Min Wan-ki was more talented than expected. While his intent might be to curry favor, most of his admiration seemed sincere.

"I didn’t expect you to be so skilled in negotiation. You spoke fluently and pinpointed the opponent’s weaknesses and strengths. There were many tense moments. Calming the opponent at the end was also excellent. Your ability to control the conversation was like watching a seasoned negotiator. It seems you have a natural talent."

"You're exaggerating."

As the conversation heated up, those who didn't know the situation became even more curious. They naturally looked at Gyeoul with pity.

Gyeoul asked Wan-ki for a favor.

"If you heard it all, could you explain it to everyone on my behalf?"

"Understood."

Gyeoul's judgment of using him as a mouthpiece was correct. Min Wan-ki didn’t just relay facts but intentionally boosted the morale of his audience.

Meanwhile, Jang Yeon-cheol hesitated before approaching.

"What is it?"

He mumbled.

"I can speak Japanese."

"…Pardon?"

"I-I mean, I can speak it."

"......"

While others praised Min Wan-ki, only Gyeoul and Jang Yeon-cheol stood in an awkward silence. Jang Yeon-cheol's face turned red, as if he regretted speaking up.

"I'm sorry."

"No, it’s okay. I look forward to your help."

The reassurance didn’t seem to help. He slumped away. Contrary to initial impressions, he seemed to have a clumsy side.

Footnotes:

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