“Having heard the news, five foreigners went to try and dissuade Earl Drachen, but they were punished for insubordination as well.”

Kim Woo-Young had so desperately tried to contact Marquis Reinhardt and Commander Mangsk, but was rebuffed under the pretext of them being in a confidential meeting. In reality, they had locked themselves in the conference room and were being briefed on the commotion caused by Seon-Hyeok.

“So you mean they were beaten up, right?”

Hearing the marquis’ question, the messenger hesitated before answering in the affirmative.

“Ugh. I thought he might’ve become somewhat useful after previous events, but he still has a long way to go. Those foreigners deserve to be torn to shreds for their crimes, but he’s too soft.”

Puzzled, Commander Mangsk looked at the marquis. He wondered why the marquis was saying this now after telling Seon-Hyeok to lead the foreigners.

“Of course, insubordination in a time of war is a crime immediately punishable by death, but isn’t it a bit much to summarily dispose of foreigners under royal protection?”

The commander’s words were informal and friendly, suggesting that the two men were already on close terms. The marquis’ attitude in responding was likewise gentle, as though addressing an old friend.

“That’s precisely the problem. The foreigners are too aware of that fact. They weren’t always like this, but they became useless after a while.”

Because the royal family directly managed and supported the foreigners,...