I could guess how Jung Hayan and I must have seemed to them. Jung Hayan even seemed to be pampered in skincare products because of the difference in fairness. That was how large the difference was. However, I knew that with me in the mix, it would also seem like we were a young couple who had wandered into the slums because we were curious about it. In the end, though, I knew that whatever prejudice was held against us, the poor would not dare to face off against us entirely. In the Free City of Lindel, wearing neat clothes meant that you were strong, powerful, and had a lot of gold. However, it wasn't just the poor looking at us with eyes filled with hostility.
'This…'
It was not good news that Sun Hee-young was among those who looked on with disapproval. This was backed up by the fact that Kim Hyunsung was interested in her. Meanwhile, Jung Hayan had only now realized what mistake she had committed.
Sun Hee-young said, "Apologize to them."
"Apologize. No one here deserves to be insulted by the likes of you."
The guild scouts immediately backed up her words. I had to laugh at this absurd situation. Of course, they would take her side.
"I don't know who you think you are, but I think you should apologize."
Jung Hayan interrupted and said, "I want you to cancel that rant immediately."
Sun Hee-young asked "Are you from the Blue Guild?"
Red Mercenaries and other large guilds were not among them. Was this really how those of the smaller clans dared to talk to us? It was understandable for someone like Sun Hee-young to address us in this manner, but them? The audacity!
'A selfish, ambitious person.'
'Computational analyst.' I thought.
However, I knew that whoever saw this scene would think that we were the biased couple, and they were the bringers of justice. It was a situation where the good and the bad were divided – and warped.
'A mistake?' I thought in my mind.
And my intuition said,
No. This could never be called a mistake.
I didn't know when that recruitment war had been going on and how much progress Kim Hyunsung had managed to make so far, but there were so many competitors in the first place that there was no way we could make a good recruitment offer.
Anyhow, her top priority seemed to be to help the poor. Since she was adamant about it, there seemed no way for her to even think about joining a guild.
It was in that instant that a whole new way for her to join us came to mind.
I slowly opened my mouth as I pulled the white shoulders, which seemed a little dead to this side.
"I will not withdraw the statement." I said.
Sun Hee-young surprisingly said.
"What?"
"I said I would not withdraw." I repeat again.
Sun Hee-young asked once againg,
"Why is that…"
"I don't think it's wrong to say that they are like dog pigs when they do nothing and eat what others give."
Sun Hee-young said, "What are you talking about? You… You're from Blue Guild!"
"My affiliation and my words have nothing to do with it. It doesn't matter if I'm from Blue or not. It's a very, very personal thought that has nothing to do with what my guild stands for." I replied.
Sun Hee-young then said.
"There are things you can and shouldn't say. You don't know anything about this place. You don't deserve to blame them simply because you're in good clothes and are in a good position!"
At this point, I knew Sun Hee-young was gaining momentum from the way she spoke.
"They are not here because everyone is good. They were forced to flock together because of their own circumstances. A small mistake on this continent can cost you your life. There is no way a person who has a special talent like you, who is being contacted by a good guild and is living well, can understand them." Sun Hee-young said.
When a special talent came out, I had to hold in my laughter. If only she knew.
"It's funny."
Sun Hee-young asked,
"Yeah?"
"I haven't been here for a while, but at least I've lived ten times more intensely than those over there. I can probably say the same for all of you here. The same goes for the guild member you see over there. He must have earned that position not only by risking his life to go hunting, but also by indulging in nasty or hard work. No one wants to die. Likewise, no one wants to work." I said.
"The same is true of me. Overcoming the risk of dying many times, I was able to enter Blue. But what about these other people?"
"It's not like that. These are…" Sun Hee-young said.
"Yeah?"
Sun Hee Young replied "Absolutely"
"I think I know roughly why they are like that."
Sun Hee-young said,
"What are you talking about?"
"It is you who made them that way." I replied.
She then said,
"Do you even understand the gravity of your words? You mentioned that you haven't been here long enough to fully grasp the city's reality… Spouting such allegations recklessly… It's not individuals like me who've pushed these people into their circumstances. It's people like you."
While I lacked in-depth knowledge about these people, I was well-aware of their general traits.
"Ah, yes. People like me. Those who've chosen hard work as a means of survival. Those who've worked strenuously to earn their keep. I've never exploited anyone. Perhaps some individuals might feel that way, but I've never taken advantage of others to further my interests. The focus shouldn't be on these people who need assistance. Think about the adventurers risking their lives on expeditions or the laborers toiling in harsh environments."
I had no qualms about volunteer work itself. I respected those who engaged in such activities. However, her approach was misguided.
'Did she believe she epitomized the ideal volunteer?'
"I get where you're coming from. You want to teach people to fish instead of just handing them fish… Is that it? At least, that's what you intend to do. But you, who do nothing of the sort, have no right to pass such judgments. You haven't done anything for these people… Your words hold no weight." I said.
Additionally I added by saying, "I'm here to make a difference."
Sun Hee-young asked.
"What…"
I raised my hand slightly and began speaking.
"All of you here, I'm offering you employment."
"Yeah?" The people said in an excited mood.
"I'm hiring every single one of you. The work won't be dangerous, but it might be physically demanding. However, I assure you there'll be no risks involved. Think of it as basic labor."
"What about the pay..." One of the people from the crowd inquired.
"I'll give you 1 gold. Additional compensation can be provided for extra work. We'll plan for an 8-hour workday."
Sun Hee-young said,
"That's… Well…"
"It's an opportunity. Even those with limited physical abilities can join." I encouraged those people.
"I'm in."
"I'll give it a shot too."
"Count me in..."
"I'll work diligently if chosen." The people started to accept my offer one after another.
Seeing so many hands raised in acceptance was a satisfying sight. Sun Hee-young and the guild scouts observed, their expressions a mix of astonishment and skepticism.
"Work will commence tomorrow. It's simple, so just be here at 9 a.m."
"Sure, understood." The solid reply came from the crowd.
Sun Hee-young appeared to be embarrassed by her previous outburst. Nevertheless, doubt lingered in her eyes. But her belief didn't matter.