LTTH C87

Chapter 87

‘Anything he wants.’

The man before him didn’t look like someone who would toss around such a dangerous promise without understanding its weight. Which meant—reversely—that the person he wished to save was important enough to justify any price.

“It’s too dangerous, Hansol-nim.”

“Yeah. If it were the U.S., maybe—but Russia is…”

“Why don’t you just come back to England with me? Hansol?”

While Radi calmly offered a blank-check promise, the three beside Hansol were already pacing with agitation, throwing in one protest after another. Hansol weighed it all in silence.

Could he refuse?

Not over compensation—that didn’t matter. What mattered was the desperate eyes of a man asking him to save a life.

In the end, there was only one answer Hansol could give.

“…All right.”

“Haa…”

The three who had been poised to leap up earlier all exhaled at the exact same moment—one heavy, unified sigh that even Hansol felt guilty hearing. They knew him too well. Even if he had been firm with the Korean Association, when it came to a request involving someone’s life, Hansol could never turn away.

“…Didn’t expect you to actually accept.”

In contrast to the resigned trio, Radi let out a strange, almost embarrassed smile.

“You were taking a last chance by asking, weren’t you?”

“…Yeah. That’s… true, but…”

Hansol’s calm observation made Radi nod with an ambiguous expression.

“Then—what do you want in return?”

When Radi finally asked, his tone was gentle, but weighted. If this had been the old Hansol, he would have immediately said I don’t need anything.

But Hansol now understood—his value could not be measured or treated like mere charity. Even if he didn’t mind giving freely, others would eventually take advantage of it, treat it as expected or owed.

Favors repeated become rights.

That line was famous for a reason. And Hansol had learned it well—from England, from the Tower Master, from James.

“I wasn’t exaggerating when I said anything. If you want, I can even arrange a residence for you in Russia—immediately.”

“That’s…”

“Why? You have something in mind?”

Hansol wasn’t the only one stunned. The Korean Association president’s face drained of color. He stared at Radi in panic.

“…No, nothing.”

“If you want gold and treasures, I can guarantee you enough wealth to live in luxury your entire life. Whatever you desire—anything—just tell me.”

Eyes dark as deep ocean fixed on Hansol. With that much sincerity, it felt like Hansol should answer right away, but—nothing came to mind. He didn’t want to live in Russia. Money was nice, but… considering the ten billion won already sitting in his account, he was more overwhelmed than appreciative.

“…Would it be all right if I tell you later? When I think of something?”

“Of course. In that case, I’ll need your contact—”

“No. I’ll deliver any messages myself.”

“…The Tower Master?”

Radi’s glimmering eyes collided with the Tower Master’s hostile gaze, sparks practically flying. Radi narrowed his eyes sharply, threateningly—but the Tower Master did not back down. He frowned instead, as if ready to spit an insult.

“Yes, I’ll deliver it. Any complaints?”

“Complaints? Messiah isn’t yours, is he? What right do you have to hover like a guard dog?”

Maybe they had some past grudge Hansol didn’t know about. Their stares were downright murderous. Nervously breaking into a sweat, Hansol cut between them.

“Radi! Before going to Russia, is it all right if I cleanse the remaining infected in America first?”

“…It was the original agreement, so sure.”

Radi turned away from the Tower Master and nodded. Hansol breathed out in relief and glanced at James. James mouthed ‘darling~’ at him, eyes trembling emotionally. At this point, even that embarrassing nickname felt normal.

“Thank you so much, Messiah. And for the cleansing—should we send compensation through the same route as last time?”

“Ah.”

So that money wasn’t payment for that…

Hansol had thought the previous amount more than enough. He shook off the thought. He had to adjust—none of the people in this room were simple. Not one.

“Yes. I’ll receive it through James as before. Roughly… ten times the previous amount?”

“……!”

Ten… times?

Hansol’s composure faltered. How much had they given last time? He didn’t remember the exact figure—but it definitely wasn’t a few million.

Hundreds of billions… possibly trillions…?

The Tower Master hadn’t been exaggerating. Earning astronomical sums was frighteningly easy.

“If it’s insufficient, tell us anytime. Our countries and Messiah are not in a simple, casual relationship—haha.”

Mack smiled brightly, then shot a sideways glance at Radi. Almost like competing over who could offer more. Hansol simply stayed quiet.

“Considering the offers so far, you should have a sense of the level of ‘goodwill’ required to request Hansol-nim’s help.”

There had been exactly three people who had spoken with Hansol so far. The Tower Master clearly thought that was enough. He swept his eyes over the remaining representatives.

“Surely none of you have come expecting to leave after offering nothing, yes?”

“……”

Some who had held their heads high until now visibly flinched. They had all come with desires—but Mack and Radi had already set the bar sky-high. If they couldn’t match it, Hansol wouldn’t help them—surely that was what they feared. Yet they also couldn’t leave empty-handed. Some nations had even fought for a place here, only to be denied.

If they lost this chance, they might never meet the Messiah again.

“So then—we agree you all came prepared.”

No one objected. Hansol glanced around—and spotted the Korean Association president, whose expression still looked like he’d bitten into manure.

“President. You can leave now, can’t you?”

“……”

“I don’t think we have anything more to discuss.”

The blunt dismissal left the president speechless. Unlike the others, he hadn’t come to request anything from Hansol. He had only come to demand the Sanctuary over Korea be reduced. Naturally, he had brought no offerings. Why would he? He wasn’t asking for anything extra.

But even if he offered compensation now, Hansol would not retract the Sanctuary. The Association president had nothing to gain here. Nothing.

“I’ll escort you to the first floor.”

“…Understood.”

The Tower Master rose and volunteered coolly. The Association president hesitated, then rose as well—and was promptly teleported out of the building.

“Now then—shall we continue a productive conversation with everyone else?”

Returning to Hansol’s side with a bright smile, the Tower Master surveyed the room. Hansol-nim, I’ll make you a billionaire, he whispered secretly.

And he delivered.

One by one, he wrung out every remaining representative—except Mack and Radi—until Hansol’s metaphorical pockets were overflowing.

Those representatives left the room pale as ghosts.