Chapter 68

The morning after the coup’s success.

Marcela was still in the process of taking over the Great Forest’s power.

Naturally, I wasn’t idle either.

“Alan Medoff… no, Sir Alan. Though I apologize, I must report everything I’ve witnessed here to His Majesty.”

This was a statement from Lord Grant, one of the empire’s masters, a man with coarse features that betrayed his stocky build even at a glance.

His expression was unusually serious, unbecoming of a victorious general.

The operation had succeeded, and it was indeed necessary to report to the Emperor. The Emperor was likely restless, unable to sleep at this very moment.

However, I already knew that “everything I’ve witnessed” as spoken by Lord Grant wasn’t just a regular battle report.

‘The detailed effects of heroin will be disclosed, and probably that’s why he’s asking for my understanding.’

Depending on the circumstances, I might find myself in a position where I have to “explain” heroin.

But I didn’t feel wronged—it was something I anticipated.

“Yes, General. Report thoroughly. If there’s anything you’re curious about regarding heroin, feel free to ask me for clarification.”

“Huh…?”

“I know what you’re worrying about. If we overlook the pathetic deaths of great magicians due to knife attacks, it’ll surely seem strange. His Majesty must be aware of this too.”

“…”

Lord Grant let out a sound of confusion.

But I was sincere.

The imperial army, which I had turned against Medelin this time, were elite soldiers in spite of their small number. The members of the royal guard were naturally the top-tier knights, and the officers from the army were high-quality personnel as well.

They had witnessed only the adverse effects of heroin, not its euphoria. Naturally, once they start talking, awareness of the dangers would naturally spread.

The Emperor would likely take some action regarding heroin if he had any plans.

Even though we won easily thanks to heroin, the situation required caution against its dangers.

And wasn’t I, its creator, the one who gifted the Empire this great victory? The Emperor’s position must be rather difficult as well.

“Sir Alan, there’s a possibility that you might not receive proper recognition for your contributions.”

“That’s fine. Even if I’m placed in an unfavorable situation due to this, I will not harbor any resentment. Please report everything you’ve seen and heard here to His Majesty honestly.”

After saying this, I lowered my gaze helplessly.

Lord Grant seemed to ease up somewhat and nodded.

“Thank you.”

Soon, everything that happened last night would be reported to the Emperor.

This was already expected, and I had already decided how I’d respond. First and foremost, I aimed to portray myself as a loyal subject who silently accepts any unfair treatment.

‘Still, I must demand some material compensation. That would help the Emperor feel more at ease.’

While I pondered my future conduct,

“Human? The Administrator… has summoned you.”

One of the elves came to call for me.

Administrator.

A title that didn’t exist in Medelin until just a few hours ago.

But it was a newly created position, unanimously agreed upon by the Elders, representing someone wielding full authority without a time limit.

Naturally, this role was filled by Marcela, the warrior who assassinated the Head Elder and ascended to the top of the Great Forest at the age of 190.

I headed to Marcela’s new audience chamber (originally the Head Elder’s). I assumed our discussion would likely center around the armistice treaty.

“Marcela.”

“Come in.”

Despite obtaining power, Marcela’s attire was simpler than even a common elf’s.

Her long green hair was loosely cascaded, and she wore a sleeveless tunic that left her sides exposed, revealing her well-toned body, the result of years of dedicated training.

While her casual clothing didn’t raise any concerns, the atmosphere of the audience chamber felt odd.

“Come in, Alan Medoff. What are you staring at?”

“It’s nothing.”

At her side, two elves were struggling: one leaning against the wall, taking deep breaths, while the other lay on the floor, drenched in sweat. Both were wrapped in blankets.

It was obvious they were suffering from withdrawal symptoms.

The question was why they were struggling beside Marcela. Had she personally caused them agony by forcing them to quit heroin?

“Marcela, can I ask what this is about?”

“There are many things we need to discuss.”

“I would appreciate it if you could answer. I’m curious about the situation.”

At this, Marcela glanced at the elves thoughtfully.

“They’re my kin. Very close ones.”

“…”

“For years, they ignored my warnings about heroin. When they learned about the coup, they approached me, claiming they wanted to quit after hearing that heroin users would be relocated to the Hoenn Region. Thanks to that decision, they’ve ended up like this.”

Judging by how Marcela described them as close kin, they were likely cousins or even sisters.

I observed Marcela silently.

Her face bore a deep sadness as she looked at her struggling kin. I noticed she had a draped cloth over her bare shoulders, but I soon spotted it—

‘Ah, there it is.’

The draped cloth was tattered and discarded on the floor.

Clearly, these elves had wrestled with her. Once withdrawal symptoms start, individuals often lose all sense of judgment. After declaring their intention to quit, it was natural for them to lash out when denied access to heroin.

“…Alan, can I ask you something?”

“Go ahead.”

“…”

“Marcela?”

Though I urged her, Marcela simply stared at me silently. She then shook her head and forced a faint smile.

This was enough to deduce what she had hesitated to ask.

“Marcela, were you about to ask if these individuals could quit heroin?”

“Not exactly. I was considering if you could somehow help them.”

“Ah.”

“But upon reflection, it’s unlikely you’d assist me. Or else, you’d probably demand some favor in return. …Let’s act as though you didn’t hear that.”

“The assumption that I wouldn’t help you, Marcela.”

Reflecting on what I had done to Medelin, expecting goodwill from me would indeed seem unusual. If things had followed the original storyline, Marcela would have stubbornly interfered with the mediation by the saintess, leading to her demise at the hands of Leon. But bringing that up wouldn’t be productive now.

Nevertheless, contrary to Marcela’s thoughts, I was willing to assist her.

‘This is the right moment to adopt a more conciliatory stance.’

Medelin was already under Marcela’s control.

Even if we didn’t fully trust one another, it was necessary to reduce any bitterness between us to a degree where neither of us wanted to harm the other.

At this moment, I overheard Marcela’s murmuring.

“…Still, they’re family. No matter how much I dislike them, I can’t abandon them.”

Clearly, she wasn’t speaking for my ears.

Yet, her words stirred a curious sense of reflection within me—not because I admired her devotion to her family, but because an unresolved question about my own sister surfaced.

‘It’s hard to abandon family? Could Yerini’s betrayal have been due to this?’

Years of conflict resulted in my father’s imprisonment, and the mother who tried to protect him, I eventually cut ties with as well. Only my sister remained somewhat connected, even as I resolved her troubles with drug dealers in the past.

Helping her then wasn’t purely out of obligation—it had allowed me to deepen my understanding of drugs. And when I was unemployed, Yerini had even given me financial support.

Things seemed fine until she suddenly betrayed me, motivated possibly by her desire to become a vessel for someone else.

At that time, I hadn’t known or cared to understand her reasons, too busy trying to adapt to my new life.

But thanks to Marcela, I was beginning to faintly grasp her motives.

‘Did she fear being involved in my issues?’

During the years of conflict with my father that eventually led to his incarceration, Yerini must have had many thoughts. While I had resolved to sever ties with him after being repeatedly assaulted with a monkey wrench, it couldn’t have seemed normal from her perspective—especially my actions of redesigning and modifying my parents’ lives.

After all, even in difficult situations, abandoning one’s own flesh and blood isn’t easy, as Marcela put it. It’s hard to view lightly the prospect of becoming tainted by association with someone you care about.

Of course, ruminating on all this now was pointless.

‘Still, understanding the situation feels slightly better than remaining in ignorance.’

As I was lost in thought, Marcela shot me an inquisitive look.

“Alan Medoff? What’s wrong? Are you upset?”

“I’m sorry.”

“Before negotiating with your imperial court, we need to align our positions. Sit down.”

Marcela had regained her composed demeanor.

We needed to align our positions, but first, I had something to say to her.

“I’ll help.”

“What?”

“I mean with the antidote. Aren’t these elves all close kin? It’s impossible to rehabilitate those unwilling to quit, but if they possess some determination to stop, it could work. If you wish, I’ll assist you.”

“…”

Marcela’s expression suggested confusion about my true intentions.

So, I offered her a reason to believe me.

“No matter how powerful you are, Marcela, taking control of elf society won’t be an easy task. Thus, securing the support of your kin will ensure smoother governance. The stronger your power base is, the more effectively you’ll negotiate with the Empire.”

“Is that your reason?”

“Yes, that’s why.”

I promised to manage the withdrawal process of her two kin.

Though a cold turkey method would be necessary, managing their body temperature and fluid levels directly could mitigate some adverse effects. I was capable of offering that assistance.

“Alright.”

Finally, Marcela nodded in agreement, accepting my assistance.

Despite her acknowledgment, her gaze still carried suspicion.

She might be curious about my motives, but I didn’t bother to elaborate. Even if I explained at length, she wouldn’t trust me fully.

It was sufficient to implant in her mind the idea that cooperating with me would be beneficial.

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