Chapter 25: The price of loyalty
After listening to Mark’s confession, Lucen didn’t respond immediately, and after a while, he sighed. Even now, after knowing how mature Lucen was for his age, it was weird for the mercenaries to see a twelve-year-old sigh like some middle-aged man.
"So you were going to update your former employers about what we’re doing, but with lies. Then, before you were able to do anything, Harlik had already intercepted you and stopped you from doing anything."
"Yes, that’s right," Mark answered.
The other mercenaries did not say anything as they simply looked at the exchange between Lucen and Mark.
"I think I already know the answer to this question, but I’ll ask it anyway. Why did you do it?" Lucen asked with a serious tone and face. A smile appeared on Mark’s face as he answered.
"What other reason would a mercenary like me do such a crazy thing? Of course, it’s for money. They offered me gold that would help my family eat like nobles for a year... I wasn’t planning on betraying or anything. I would have just sent some random report, and that would be it. That’s all there is, so little leader, if you wish to banish me or kill me, do whatever you deem is right. I will follow your decision."
Everyone thought that Mark was done talking, but then he looked Lucen straight in the eye, his Lackadaisical demeanor changed into a serious one.
"But if you allow me to stay, then I swear on the graves of our fallen brothers and sisters, I will never betray you again."
The other mercenaries waited to see how Lucen would handle the situation. In this kind of situation, Lucen did not know what to say; he was not truly a leader type of person. Even though he had memories of his past life, he was just a normal person who liked playing video games and watching anime, and movies.