Somehow, Jay became the scapegoat for everyone's frustrations, as if they could vent their anger on him.
But before Jay even needed to argue back, Colonel Hammond shut them all up with a single sentence.
"Since you're all willing to go, I won't stop you."
"But let me make something clear."
"What was said earlier was earlier. What's decided now is now."
"...Huh? What do you mean?"
Hammond smirked.
"I mean, each of you will only get a 20,000 Beli daily allowance."
"Successfully protecting the target will still earn you a commendation on your record..."
"But don't expect any priority for promotions next time."
The officers collectively froze, their expressions twisting into utter despair.
Their allowance got slashed by more than half, and the promotion advantage was completely gone!
The worst part?
They couldn't even back out now.
What were they supposed to do? Throw a tantrum?
What did they think this place was?!
This is the , Marine's 88th Branch Base!
If they truly offended Colonel Hammond, they wouldn't have a good time in the future.
So, they had no choice but to swallow their grievances and keep quiet.
"Ah? That doesn't seem fair..." Jay said pretending to be concerned.
Colonel Hammond lit a cigar and waved his hand dismissively.
"Those with courage deserve better rewards. Don't you all agree?"
"...Yes, sir. You are wise."
Although everyone glared at Jay like they wanted to burn a hole through him, they had no choice but to grit their teeth and agree.
After all, they had missed their opportunity.
Some even suspected that Hammond and Jay had planned this together, setting them up on purpose.
But at this point, the truth no longer mattered.
Mission Assignment
The request for marine protection had come from nobles of two nations, the Rose Kingdom (Jay's homeland) and the Tulip Kingdom, which shared the same island.
Whether by coincidence or design, Jay's assigned protection target was a noble from the Rose Kingdom
Tessa Toledo, the first-in-line heir of the Toledo family.
According to the intel from Colonel Hammond, Tessa's father, Toledo Dempsey, had already been killed in a previous terrorist attack.
All of their hired bodyguards had been wiped out as well.
Against the Five Major Mafia Families, these so-called bodyguards were as fragile as paper.
With nowhere left to turn, the nobles had reluctantly sought help from the , Marine.
Even though Colonel Hammond was greedy, at least he would do his job after getting paid.
Jay handpicked nine privates to accompany him on the mission, all his own people, including Buck.
This mission was highly dangerous, and while Buck's squad wasn't the strongest, they were loyal and obedient, a crucial factor.
Jay also brought along a special weapon... just in case.
Rose Kingdom Toledo Estate
"Milady, the marine officers sent to protect you have arrived."
"Let them in."
Jay and his squad soon met their protection target
A beautiful blonde girl with twin tails, no older than twenty.
But her attitude was pure nobility, arrogant and demanding.
"Is this all of you?!"
"Just ten people?! What can you possibly do?!"
"Go tell your superior to send fifty, no, a hundred more soldiers!"
Facing this spoiled brat, Jay smiled politely and shrugged.
"Apologies, but we don't have the authority to decide that. You'll have to ask Colonel Hammond yourself."
"Butler! Butler!"
"Didn't you say everything was arranged?! Why are there so few?!"
Tessa threw a tantrum, scolding the butler as he hurried over.
The butler sighed helplessly and whispered,
"Milady, this is all the protection we could afford..."
"WHAT?! That bastard took five million Beli from us!"
"Keep your voice down, Milady!"
"I don't care! How are just a few guys supposed to protect me?! Pay the , Marine more! I have money!"
The butler grimaced and explained patiently,
"Because of your father's sudden death, you are only the heir, not the actual head of the Toledo family yet. Your available funds are limited."
"And honestly, even if we had more money, the , Marine doesn't have extra manpower."
"We're not the only nobles under attack. Many families, even more powerful than ours, have also sought protection. They're paying far more, so the , Marine will prioritize them."
It made sense.
Even though Jay was the first to volunteer, his assigned mission showed that he wasn't a priority.
And with the Toledo family only paying five million Beli, his squad was limited to ten men.
In contrast, Hammond personally led a team of one hundred soldiers, imagine how much that must have cost!
Truly, "you get what you pay for."
No wonder Hammond had been so generous with the squad's allowances, he was making a fortune.
Before Jay could think too much, Tessa started throwing a fit again.
She flung objects across the room, refusing to listen to reason.
Jay found it amusing.
Whether it was 10, 20, or even 30 marine soldiers, it wouldn't make much difference.
Did she seriously expect a small marine detachment to be that powerful?
Her real hope was that the mafia would fear the Marine's name and back off.
But if the mafia wasn't afraid, then...
Surrender would be the only option.
After a while, Tessa finally calmed down, though she kept sulking.
She strictly ordered Jay's squad to stay near her 24/7, even limiting bathroom breaks to one person at a time.
"Is she really that scared?"
Jay suspected there was a reason behind her paranoia.
So, he secretly asked the butler.
And his hunch was right.
Tessa had witnessed her father's murder with her own eyes.
She had been present during the attack but barely escaped with her life.
"No wonder..." Jay muttered.
The butler bowed respectfully.
"Milady has a strong temper, but please bear with her. Her safety is in your hands."
Jay nodded with a righteous aura.
"Rest assured. We will not let any harm come to Miss Tessa!"
But if the situation went beyond their capabilities...
Then all he could do was say, 'Sorry.'