BANG !

This was the moment when my plans were finally coming together. When Choi Young-ki spoke those words out of nowhere, it left Jung Yura and the other members of Black Swan bewildered. They were caught off guard, unsure of how to react to his sudden declaration.

I resisted the urge to smile. Didn't Jung Yura realize that I excelled at political tactics? Yet, she had tried to outmaneuver me in my own game. The atmosphere in the room had taken an unexpectedly tense turn.

"Are you kidding me?" Jung Yura spoke, breaking the silence that had fallen over the room.

Choi Young-ki's response was silence, but his stern expression conveyed that this was no joke.

"Did he really think Choi Young-ki would joke about something like this?" I chimed in, my voice calm but filled with conviction.

Jung Yura, who had been silently assessing Young-ki to confirm her suspicions, grew visibly angry. "This is ridiculous," she snapped.

Choi Young-ki maintained his composure and explained, "No, Jung Yura. From the perspective of leading this expedition, this decision is justified."

"Huh," Jung Yura scoffed, clearly not satisfied with his answer. "I can see what your intentions are, Jung Yura," Young-ki continued. "I also recognize your contributions and dedication. But it's becoming increasingly difficult for the entire group to work together with you."

Jung Yura was incredulous. "How could you come to such a decision?"

"It was an inevitable choice," Young-ki replied firmly. "I didn't think it reasonable to proceed with the expedition under these circumstances. I don't know how you feel about the Blue party, but your actions seem irrational and harsh."

"I've only been speaking in the best interest of the expedition!" Jung Yura protested.

I wanted to point out how she had treated me, but seeing how furious she was, I decided to remain silent. Her expression spoke volumes as she hurled unspoken curses at Choi Young-ki.

For Young-ki's sake, I intervened. "It's alright, Choi Young-ki. You don't have to do this."

"No, Mr. Kee Miyoung. This is for the best. Members who stir up trouble could lead to major accidents in the future. Something would undoubtedly happen if they continued like this."

"Are you suggesting that I'm causing trouble?" Jung Yura challenged.

"Yes," Young-ki stated firmly. "I won't divulge the details, but there are things you need to reflect on."

"Miss Yura's actions have already surpassed our comprehension," I added.

"You've been here for a long time, and you should respect my decision. Even if you believe your actions are justified, they make others uncomfortable. Take some time to reconsider."

"How preposterous! Who do you think you are?" Jung Yura retorted, seemingly unaware of her standing in the group.

It had become clear to me that she was incompetent, not just in terms of hunting skills or stats, but also as a leader, especially considering her narrow-mindedness.

At that moment, Jung Yura glared at both Young-ki and me with an expression filled with hatred.

However, we had no reason to fear her. Our protector went by the name of the Legendary Red Queen Cha Hee-ra.

"Now it all makes sense, Mr. Choi Young-ki," I said, trying to keep my tone level.

"It's hard to understand what you mean," Young-ki replied.

"I've been trying to be fair all along, but you keep trying to undermine me. Was this your plan from the beginning?" I continued, feigning surprise.

Young-ki's eyebrows raised at this accusation. "Whoa, now she's taking it in this direction?"

"Did you receive something from the Mercenary Queen? Is that why you're acting like this? Were you planning to sabotage the Black Swans from the start? It's absurd. You pretend to be a good leader while secretly favoring Kee Miyoung. You know Cha Hee-ra would have done the same."

"Yura, that's going too far. Cha Hee-ra has nothing to do with this," I cautioned.

"Shut up, you scoundrel!" Jung Yura snapped.

"Please, calm down," Young-ki tried to reason with her.

I played my part in wanting to end this unpleasant scene as soon as possible. But in reality, I was subtly aggravating the situation with my pitiable expressions to further divide the group. It appeared that Jung Yura had reached her breaking point.

"Hah. This whole thing is rigged. The Mercenary Queen must have bribed you with an item and unleashed you to create chaos on this expedition. Do you think guild expeditions are a joke? If that's the case, I should have joined the Blue Guild or the Red Mercenaries."

"Yura," I said in a softer tone, attempting to reason with her.

The more Jung Yura spoke, the more she tarnished her own image. I could feel discomfort as Cha Hee-ra's name was mentioned repeatedly.

This was the perfect moment to remain silent. Everyone was already embarrassed by Yura's behavior. Choi Young-ki seemed to be struggling to contain his anger.

"Unnie, please," Jung Hayan pleaded.

"Stop!"

"Let me go! They're acting like crazy bitches! I don't know how great the Red Mercenary is, but if our guild hears about this, do you think they'll let it slide? Blue and Red are suppressing our guild! This is unfair! I want to lodge a formal protest!"

Bang!

Jung Yura's expression shifted to one of shock as Choi Young-ki slammed his fist into the stone wall next to her, his anger palpable.

Come to think of it...

"Did Yura really just say that Young-ki owes his power to Cha Hee-ra?" I thought, concerned.

I knew how much Choi Young-ki admired Cha Hee-ra, so mentioning her in such a manner was unwise. Jung Yura must have been carried away by her excitement. I had thought she was a formidable opponent, but it turned out she was simply foolish. Choi Young-ki, and even the other Red Mercenary members, were struggling to restrain their anger.

If I were in Jung Yura's shoes, I'd be trembling right now. Choi Young-ki's anger was evident, and the gap in their power was substantial.

"It's good that she's realizing," I thought.

If she dared to say anything more, Young-ki might lose control.

"Are you finished talking?" he asked, his voice low.

"That..." Jung Yura began.

"I want you to leave right now."

"Forgive me, I spoke out of turn. I got carried away, and I—" Jung Yura attempted to apologize.

"I told you to leave right now. I don't want to hear anything more," Young-ki insisted. "As I mentioned earlier, you'll receive your share separately."

"But..."

Bang! Young-ki slammed his fist again.

"I understand," Jung Yura conceded.

Finally,although the situation was tense, I couldn't help but feel satisfaction. I concealed my smile carefully.

"I want you to leave the dungeon immediately, Miss Yura. This decision will also benefit the Magic Guild," Young-ki declared.

Even the other party leaders behind me began to support Young-ki, recognizing him as the winning side.

"You thought you could defeat me," I thought with a sense of triumph.

I knew I was more capable than Jung Yura had assumed. Watching her depart, followed by her supporters, Young-ki turned to the rest of the group.

"So, let's go."

"Yes."

"We apologize for any inconvenience or discomfort I may have caused you."

"No, no, we completely understand," the group responded promptly.

"And you thought you could outsmart me," I thought, privately amused by the outcome.