F/VoH Ch 116: You Have Slept with That Woman

The atmosphere fell silent again after Cheonghee expressed his opinion. The words felt heavy, as if opening up possibilities that they had never considered before.

Ryan looked at everyone in the room with a meaningful gaze. “Alright,” Ryan said slowly, “we will dig deeper, but remember, one small mistake could destroy everything we have built here. Let’s keep this information very carefully.”

Ryan turned his gaze to the window, looking far into the horizon that was beginning to dim. Ryan's mind was racing, formulating a plan that was slowly crystallizing in his head. After pondering for a moment, Ryan looked back at Cheonghee with a confident expression.

"Cheonghee," Ryan said slowly but firmly, “go meet with the Rebel Forces. Don’t immediately state that the Red District is ready to cooperate. Convey it carefully—we just need to ensure that this meeting remains a secret.” Ryan paused for a moment, making sure Cheonghee understood his intent before continuing. "Make sure that only you and the leader of the Rebel Forces know about this meeting. That way, we can lure the rats out of their nest."

Cheonghee looked puzzled, and Ryan crossed his arms over his chest while continuing to stare at Cheonghee. "The Royal Soldier Forces must have spies within the Rebel Forces. If we can force them to reveal themselves, we can eliminate that infiltrator at the same time we initiate a massive cleanup from within."

Cheonghee looked at Ryan with a serious expression, though a hint of doubt was visible in Cheonghee's eyes. "Why should my people also be investigated?" Cheonghee asked, his voice low but firm.

Ryan took a deep breath, trying to control his tone to remain calm. "I know this is difficult," Ryan said with an empathetic tone, but his gaze was sharp and unwavering. "But we cannot take any risks. Once information leaks, the Red District and the Rebel Forces will be in danger. We cannot let that happen, can we?"

Cheonghee fell silent for a moment, contemplating Ryan's warning words. The distrust implied in Ryan's face slowly transformed into understanding. Although there was still tension, Cheonghee nodded, indicating that he had accepted the logic behind the plan.

"Alright, I will do as you wish," Cheonghee replied with a heavy voice, though his gaze remained resolute.

Ryan nodded briefly. Deep down, Ryan knew this plan was fraught with risk. However, for the sake of the group's integrity and the safety of the Red District, Ryan had to rely on his instincts and ensure that every move was calculated carefully.

After Cheonghee left the inn, Ryan let out a quiet sigh, trying to calm his thoughts. However, suddenly Ryan felt two sharp gazes piercing from behind, making him shiver. An uncomfortable cold sensation crept down Ryan's back.

"...Huh? Is there something strange on my face?" Ryan asked awkwardly, trying to smile to lighten the mood.

Charlotte, standing upright in front of Ryan with her arms crossed, looked at Ryan with an expressionless face. In a low but emphatic voice, Charlotte said, "Master… you have slept with that woman, haven’t you?"

The words cut sharply, hitting Ryan who suddenly looked stunned. Ryan stared at Charlotte with his mouth agape, unable to believe what he had just heard. “A-ah…” Ryan stammered, not knowing what to say, while his face began to flush with an unusual expression of confusion.

Next to Charlotte, Ellina looked at Ryan with sharp eyes that were different from usual. "Is that woman so beautiful that you would dare to do that with her?" Ellina asked, her voice sounding colder, carrying a deep sense of disappointment.

Ryan felt his world spinning. His brain seemed to freeze; he could only stare at them with a blank expression, at a loss for words.