As a reader, I could ensure Lee Joon-Soo didn’t originally appear like this in the novel.  I could easily identify him through the dialogue he spoke, protecting his country’s citizens. But I couldn’t believe I would meet Joon-Soo in such a state. He was recruited many times by Yu Daewon, but he rejected him, saying that he had chosen a different path.

Joon-soo was a supporting character from the 10^th Regression whose life ended amidst the slave rebellion he had led for his people. South Koreans were repressed in this world, and he wasn’t going to stand for it. Eventually, he got fatally injured during the rebellion, stabbed by twelve arrows through his chest as he was taking his last breath, a mystic double door appeared in front of him. That was how he ended up entering the Tower, becoming a rogue knight protecting the powerless people.

In the process, Joon-soo gained the class Guardian Paladin. A rare class specifically made for him. He met Yu Daewon again on the 47^th floor, but he again denied his recruitment request, he didn’t have the heart to continue the path of war after the rebellion. He had gotten strong, but the fear of losing comrades never left him.

“What are you doing? Take this slave to the courtesan Jun’s room as told”, the leader said, shouting at his comrades. They nodded and proceeded to move Joon-soo, dragging him by his metal collar. Joon-soo had no idea what was happening to him; he could only focus on the seething pain in his back.

I grinned; things were now looking up. This was the perfect chance to bring Joon-soo to my side. I knew there was no chance of succeeding if I attempted to finish my mission without trustable comrades, and the perfect opportunity just presented itself. I silently bowed toward Reiko and followed behind the merchants to my room.

Reiko scoffed.

Moments passed, and the merchants had dropped Joon-soo in my room. I ended up giving them a tip since those greedy bastards wouldn’t leave without it. “Give him some food and water,” I ordered.

“Yes, Jun-sama,” the maid answered hesitantly. “But are you sure? Treating a South Korean slave this way could provoke the Pavilion Master”.

I snickered. I don’t clearly remember the Pavilion Master or his motive, but from his actions, I can tell this much that he wouldn’t pose any threat to me for now. “Just do what I say,” I replied, waving my hand and gesturing for her to leave.

Sensing the maid leaving, I approached Joon-soo, who was sitting in the corner, slumped against the wall, completely bound with chains. I grabbed his face and wiped the blood trickling down from his cheeks. Hearing the chains rattle, I couldn’t help but chuckle. Joon-Soo was struggling, thinking he had a chance to get out of there, how cute.

I let go of his face aggressively, hearing him struggle.

As I turned to sit back in my chair, Joon-soo spoke, but only a muffling could be heard. “You’re finally willing to talk,” I said as I took out the keys the merchant had handed over. I walked over carefully, finding the keyhole on the thick metal collar. Placing the key within, and I turned the key to unlock it.

Joon-soo breathed deeply, catching his breath as the metal collar fell to the ground with a thud. “I never wanted this…all I did was try to protect my family, but your people killed all who I cared for! If you want to kill me, go ahead, but I won’t serve you!” he retorted, boiling in anger. “Why, just why are the Japanese so heartless?” he mumbled helplessly.

I moved closer to him, stopping just a foot away. I could hear the tremor in his breath; he was still ready to fight. Good. “I only bought you because I took pity on you hearing your words. And how you were going to protect your people. I can tell you cared for your family and were their shield. That hasn’t changed, has it?” I asked politely.

Joon-soo calmed down as he glanced at me. “What do you know about how I’ve lived?”.

“ Joon-soo”, I replied softly. “You and I are more alike than you think.”

Joon-soo scoffed. “Don’t you dare compare us!”.

My lips curled into a small, knowing smile. “I know more than you think. You think I don’t understand loss? I may be blind, but I see more than you think”. 

I could feel it. This was working. My reasoning could break through his resolve.

“I didn’t kill your family. I didn’t destroy your home”. I continued, my voice low, almost like a whisper. “Just like how all Japanese people aren’t bad, all South Koreans aren’t good. The actual criminals are still out there, walking in freedom, but you're tied up in chains…in this room”.

Joon-soo clenched his fists to the point of bruising himself with the chains. “What do you want from me?”.

“Hmm…nothing special. I just want you to be my knight. I’m sure you won’t mind being one for someone as pitiful as me”, I replied, crossing my legs as I sat back in the chair. “You couldn’t protect your people in this district, right? I’ll make sure to get your revenge. You need to find your strength, Joon-Soo”.

A silence followed in the room. I tilted my head slightly, my mind calculating the best approach. I couldn’t force this man; I had to use my skills discreetly. I let the silence linger, making Joon-Soo uncomfortable. I finally spoke, trying to lower his guard, “How can a blind person try to take advantage of a person as large as you?”.

“What would you get in return?” Joon-soo asked suspiciously.

I approached him in silence, crouching in front of him, and reached out, placing my hand on his shoulders. He stiffened, but I didn’t pull away. “I want you to help yourself, Joon-Soo,” I paused. “But if you continue like this, disobeying all my orders. The things you have sacrificed will be for nothing”.

I smiled slightly, giving him space. “I’m not looking for a servant. You and I…want the same thing: not having the innocent suffer because of people like me. For that, I need you, Joon-Soo”, I said, reaching my hand out for cooperation.

Joon-soo was silent for a long time; his gaze locked on mine as if searching for something. He glanced at the hand, somewhat unwilling. His instincts were telling him not to shake that hand for cooperation, but he had no choice thinking of the slaughter that he had witnessed in the village. And how he had been surviving barely with no food and homeless as a slave.

Finally, he sighed heavily. “Alright, I’ll work with you, but don’t expect me to do unnecessary things.”

I smiled. “Just my style of work, trust me”. For someone like Joon-Soo, I knew trust was a fragile thing, and I couldn’t afford to break it. “For now, just eat and regain your strength. I’ll call for you when the time comes”.

And with that, I left him to think. He was a valuable asset, but he was desperate. And desperation can be turned into power easily. In the end, Joon-Soo was just a pawn for me to complete the mission, I didn’t need to force him or make my plan around him. It was always best to have plan B.  

I had finished my courtesan duties for the day. “So much for privileges,” I muttered. Courtesans had privileges, but all I’ve been doing is embroidering and entertaining guests only when I’m called in. I usually end up with the worst patrons that no other courtesan wants to serve since I have no interest. The others find their favorite new patrons and appeal to them, but I don’t even try. The reason I end up with the worst patrons is the ones no one wants.

Today, after I left Joon-soo to think, I was summoned by the merchant group and served them drinks. I let them have a bit of touching action, nothing more. They were drunk and sloppy. I didn’t want them to suspect my identity; those drunk bastards even bit me on the neck. I let it slide, not wanting to draw attention. “This body is exquisite, after all,” I thought, but the idea of someone owning me made my blood boil. But I knew I had to act the part of being a courtesan.

As I was walking back to my room, my sight returned to the corridor. Night has arrived, I thought, looking at the sky through the window. I smiled. It was time. Time to train.

I barged into my room and glanced around the room, spotting Joon-soo slumped against the same wall where I had left him. “I was worrying for nothing; this bastard is sleeping peacefully after all the convincing he made me do,” I shook my head. But now, during the night, I could see how the supporting character, Lee Joon-soo, looked properly. He looked like a typical Korean with a height of about 6’1, short black hair, and a strong build. I was right this idiot is going to be useful.

I scoffed, wondering why this idiot was so stuck up on righteousness and making things harder on himself than they needed to be. “Just bending the rules a bit can make things much easier,” I whispered. Without a word, I grabbed my katana from the corner of the room and headed for the window. I leaped through the window, landing silently below. I grinned, sheathing my katana. “Time for some Shade hunting”.

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