The reason why so many mercenaries were supporting Keter was simple: all of them owed him a debt—either financially or emotionally. The mercenaries who supported Keter were easy to spot as they had all gathered behind him.0

Luke, beaming with satisfaction, began counting.0

“Twenty-five!”0

“...!”0

Cork’s frown deepened. As Luke said, a total of twenty-five mercenaries—more than half—were backing Keter. 0

Then, he suddenly became enthusiastic as he said, “Wait! Don’t forget, I’m a mercenary before I’m the branch manager. I still have my vote!”0

“You already used it,” Keter interjected, raising his middle finger. “Like this.”0

“...!”0

“What kind of man, let alone a mercenary who lives by his word, would change their words? Oh, wait—you already did.”0

“Grrr!”0

If Cork hadn’t hastily cast his vote earlier, the tally would have ended in a tie between him and Keter. By the rule requiring a majority, Keter would have lost. Cork had effectively dug his own grave.0

Keter placed a hand on his chest and declared, “So, I’m the branch manager now, right?”0

“Nonsense! Fine, if you’re really this determined, then I’ll remind you of your place through the mercenary tradition: the Goddess’ Trial!”0

The mercenaries couldn’t hide their excitement at Cork’s declaration.0

“It’s been years since we’ve had a Goddess’ Trial.”0

“This will be my first time seeing one.”0

While the mercenaries clearly understood what the Goddess’ Trial was, Luke had no clue.0

“What is this ‘Goddess’ Trial’?” Luke boldly asked Cork.0

“How absurd. You came to the mercenary guild without even knowing what the Goddess’...0