The Regressed Mercenary’s Machinations

The commander of the 2nd Legion of the Kingdom’s Army, Viscount Jacqueline, was waiting for Ghislain inside a massive command tent near the capital.

After reviewing the document Ghislain handed him, his expression twisted in disbelief.

"What? I’ve been dismissed?"

Ghislain nodded casually.

"That’s right. As of today, you’re fired."

"……."

The words were delivered so plainly that it almost sounded like a joke.

But the document bore the royal seal and the insignia of the Supreme Commander.

No matter how he looked at it, it was genuine.

Jacqueline couldn't help but feel uneasy.

"Something isn’t right. What the hell happened?"

He was part of Marquis Falkenheim’s faction, and he had been in close coordination with the now-deceased Supreme Commander.

There was no reason for him to be dismissed so suddenly, without any prior indication.

And the way this man spoke, his entire demeanor—it was all wrong.

There was no respect, no formality. He acted as if court etiquette didn’t even exist.

Then there was the way he had arrived—marching into the camp with a mix of royal knights, palace guards, and mercenaries, waving around some suspicious decree.

Everything about this screamed ‘something is off’.

"And who the hell are you? I was told the Royal Knights were coming to see me, but I don’t recognize your face."

"My name is Astion."@@novelbin@@

"An ill-mannered brat, I see. And yet you come here waving official documents?"

"I only return the courtesy I’m given. Consider it an equal exchange."

"……."

Jacqueline narrowed his eyes.

Yes, he had spoken dismissively first—but he was in a position to do so.

At least, that was how things were supposed to be in this part of the kingdom.

Everyone knew who deserved respect around here.

And yet, this arrogant mercenary—who clearly had no understanding of the chain of command—was acting as if he were the superior.

Jacqueline turned his gaze toward the vice commander of the Royal Knights, standing at Ghislain’s side.

"And this one? Who is he?"

"He is the vice commander of the Julien Mercenary Corps."