Seol Jihu’s heart sank. It was as if a misshaped boulder was dropped into a tranquil lake.

He wanted to ask whether she was serious, but he could only hold his mouth agape.

He couldn’t find the words to speak. If Sicilia was an organization that only pursued profits like the Eva Alliance, then Seol Jihu would have been greatly disappointed and even berated them.

But Sicilia was different. During the previous valley war, they complied with the Haramark Royal Family’s conscription order without complaining and led the Earthlings from the frontlines.

Cinzia herself had almost died fighting Unsightly Humility, and Agnes had suffered a critical injury of having both legs pulled out.

If someone were to ask, ‘Are you seeking freedom after performing your duties and responsibilities?’ Then Sicilia could confidently answer, ‘Yes.’

That was why Seol Jihu couldn’t say anything. As Sicilia was an organization based in Haramark, he didn’t have the justification to drag them into the Federation’s war either.

But it wasn’t as if he could just give up and leave. As Philip Muller said, they needed the power of the Star of Sloth.

Seol Jihu broke the silence and spoke.

“Can you tell me your reason?”

“Reason, huh.”

Cinzia watched Seol Jihu’s constantly changing expression with an intrigued face before shrugging.

“On the surface, it’s because this might be the Parasite Queen’s scheme like the last valley war. Haramark is a city that is on the frontlines, so Sicilia must be present to prepare for an ambush of a detached guerrilla force. Now, as I said, that is only the surface reason… but I suppose you are asking for my true reasoning.”

Seol Jihu stared at her with a stiff expression, and Cinzia broke out into a grin.

“Alright, I’ll tell you. It is because I do not want to lead my subordinates into a war that is a guaranteed loss.”

Seol Jihu bit his lip.

He knew the Parasites were in an advantageous position. That was the reason he was working so hard to overturn the status quo.

Cinzia was only making a guess since she did not...