Having my work forcibly shut down by your parents, hatred quickly manifested in me. It intensified as society vilified us for just trying to help them. My ever-increasing anger even affected how I led my platoon of soldiers.

"Tsk! Can't you bastards do anything right!" John insulted them as he walked past his men, lined up horizontally. "Apart from the blessed slaughterer, you guys are just useless maggots against blessed criminals!!!"

Although the soldiers maintained their composure, sweat ran down their faces, indicating a feeling of intimidation.

"YOU GUYS ARE A WASTE OF TIME!!!" John exclaimed as he suddenly smacked one of his men to the ground, surprising the rest. In fear, the soldier looked at John while on the ground.

"What!? Aren't you going to get up, Corporal Mark!?" John angrily inquired. Corporal Mark, as referred to by John, broke out in sweat. "CAN'T YOU TAKE A LITTLE BEATING!!!" John yelled as he repeatedly stomped on Mark's head. Mark had to protect his head with his arms.

In my men's eyes, I went from being a good officer to being unnecessarily cruel, but I never cared about their opinions. My reputation was affected, and my anger was justified. As time passed, the military continued to face backlash due to your parents. I hated their success at my expense, but I had no idea how to get revenge, so I continued abusing my men.

But like before, Harvey gave me good advice.

John was once again sitting in Harvey's office.

"The Hayes' popularity has increased like never before," Harvey said. "Even the government has offered their support to them."

"...Yes, he has," John responded in an annoyed tone.

"So the amount of traveling they've done to speak at different areas has increased exponentially."

"Yes, it has..."

"Which means security is even more necessary for them," Harvey added. "Don't you think?"

"I'm sorry, I don't think I follow," John said as he wondered why John was saying all this.

"I thought...you could 'recommend' a bodyguard for them," Harvey responded with a smile.

"Hu--" Suddenly, the memory of Corporal Mark's fearful face as he was on the ground surfaced in his mind. With widened eyes, John realized what Harvey was alluding to.

"I-I think I understand."

"Great...I'm excited to see who you'll recommend."

And just like that, an idea was manifested. I didn't waste any time, and in a few days, I put it into action.

Entering Harvey's office was Corporal Mark. He was greeted by the sight of Harvey and John sitting at the side, immediately making him nervous.

"Have a seat, Corporal," Harvey said with a friendly smile. Hesitating at first, he obliged and sat down. There was a long pause, which made Mark more nervous.

"Listen, corporal," John said, breaking the silence. "I don't think you're cut out for this...you can't take a little tough training."

"S-Sir?" He uttered.

"Be honest, don't you think you're unfit for this career?"John asked. "Don't you want something easier?"

Mark didn't answer. He simply held his head down, silently agreeing with his words.

"You can get an honorable discharge," John suggested. "If you can do one thing for me."

Holding his head back up, Mark was curious.

"W-What can I do?" He asked, which caused both John and Harvey to smile.

"The Hayes couple require more security...sounds like something you could do, right?" John asked.

"You want me...to be their bodyguard?" Mark assumed.

"Well...I want you to play the part." John corrected. "Become close with them while you're at it...that's a necessity."

"Oh...how long would I need to be their bodyguards?"

"Don't worry, you'll get more information later," John said. "I hope you're willing to do anything we tell you."

"...Okay..."

Corporal Mark Wright. He was broken, and tired from my treatment, which made him the perfect guy. Remember when I said it took just a few days to implement my idea? Well, without Mark's knowledge and with the help of Harvey and the military, I had already honorably discharged him. Think of it as erasing any traces back to us...for what's to come.

Of course, he was accepted for the position of their bodyguard.

"It's a pleasure to have you as our bodyguard, Mr. Wright!" Anna happily said, and behind her was Tomas, giving him a friendly smile.

Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

"Um, thank you for this opportunity. I'll do everything I can to protect you two!" Mark declared.

Acting as their protection, Mark supported them wholeheartedly in their public speeches. It reminds me of myself when I just met your parents. To be safe, I ensured not to communicate with him. I just had to hope his endeavors were turning out well.

In his time as their bodyguard, Mark truly became a trustworthy man in their eyes. Going on many outings with them, whether work or leisurely related, Mark was chosen as their main bodyguard. He had accomplished John's sub-mission of becoming close with them.

As time passed, a new president was elected. Our president now, President Garfield. In celebration of the successful election, he hosted a large ceremony. He invited numerous people: politicians, celebrities, and even your favorite social activists. Harvey and I were also invited...which meant the final phase of our plan could be initiated.

In a deserted park, a nervous Mark was sitting on a bench. Suddenly, a man in a black trench coat approached and sat beside him. That man was John.

"...I thought you didn't want us to be seen meeting together," Mark said nervously.

"Tomas and Anna chose you to be their bodyguards for the upcoming ceremony they were invited to, right?" John asked, ignoring his statement.

"...Yeah."

"Good, that makes things easier. That will be your last mission...after that, you can retire...live a normal life."

"...What is it...?" Mark asked.

"A mass shooting. You'll disrupt the ceremony by opening fire on the attendees." John nonchalantly stated. In response, Mark stood up in shock.

"What!?" Mark yelled. "Why must I do that!?"

"Calm down," John advised. "I simply want to crush the Hayes' reputation. If you, a trusted member to them, do something as deadly as that, the Hayes' will be ruined!"

"This...isn't what we agreed on!" Mark said. "I was only supposed to protect them...I'm not murdering them!"

His declaration caused John to become visibly annoyed.

"I...I have gotten close to them...they truly want this world to be peaceful. It's not fair that I ruin such nice individuals!"

"Sigh, you let your emotions get in the way of this..." John said as he rolled his eyes. "If you don't do what I tell you...you'll never have a free life."

"...That's fi--"

"You don't understand." John continued as he didn't let Mark finish speaking. "This will extend to your family too. I have made contingencies with my comrades in advance. If you refuse this, I'll kill your family without remorse. No one would even find out since it's the military that would carry out their murders."

Hearing this, despair came over Mark's face. He clenched his fist in frustration as he understood he had no choice.

"So, are you going to refuse and let your family die?" John said. "It would be a shame to have to murder your fiancée, Carla Smith."

Hearing that, Mark began to tear up. "W...Why are you...doing this to me...?"

"Sigh, stop your crying," John said with annoyance. "Sure, your girlfriend and family might hate you, but when it's over, I'm sure you'll get a good ending. You'll move to a faraway country, get a new identity, and there you can find new love and make a family of your own, or whatever."

"...It's not easy...to forget...past relationships..." Mark uttered as tears continued to flow.

"Well, it's between accepting the mission and leaving them or rejecting it, and they all die," John explained.

"...I'll...I'll do it." After much thought, Mark relented.

"Good choice. You should be a good soldier and follow orders," John said with a smirk. "Also, plant some evidence beforehand. You can send messages to their phones about planning the mass shooting. Make sure to delete it afterward. Oh, and be sure to shoot me too...not lethally, but just enough to make it seem more believable."

"...Okay."

"Good. I look forward to a successful completion." John said before getting up and walking away, leaving Mark frustrated.

So now, the pawn accepted the final task I had for him. However, I wasn't sure that he wouldn't try to escape the country or anything in secret. So filled with nervousness, I waited for the ceremony, to see the outcome.

The ceremony took place in a large ball setting. Seated in groups of three and wearing formal clothing, the guests sat around fancy-decorated tables, conversing with one another. Their bodyguards, dressed in suits, stood close by to them. Waiters and waitresses came with prepared meals and served at each table. Also, classical music was played by violinists and pianists.

On the day of the ceremony, there were numerous well-known individuals. Singers, dancers, politicians...it was a bargain sale of important people. However, who I looked for were your parents. To my happiness, they were there...along with Mark.

"It seems the main guests are here," John said to Harvey as his eyes were fixated on the Hayes couple. They were happily speaking with other guests. Suddenly, Tomas caught wind of John's gaze. He suddenly averted his eyes, shocking John.

"Tch...bastards..."

John turned his gaze to Mark, who was sweating up a storm. In a shock, Mark noticed John. John smirked, and as if understanding that cue, John became even more stressed.

"Are you okay, Mark?" Anna asked, noticing his expression.

"Y...Yeah." Mark replied. "I just need to...use the restroom. I feel a bit under the weather."

"Oh...Okay." With concern written on her face, Anna allowed him. Wasting no time, Mark headed for the bathroom.

I'm not sure if his conscience was eating away at him, but he had to go to the restroom. He probably was crying or something. But, I knew he would do it...because he wouldn't have come here in the first place.

Time passed, and there was no sign of Mark, which started to make John nervous. But, it was time for President Garfield to thank his guests.

A younger Garfield stood in the middle of all the guest tables. He was holding a glass of wine in his hand.

"I just want to thank you all for attending this ceremony." Garfield expressed. "But most importantly, I express my gratitude for choosing me as the next president of the United States. I dedicate this ceremony to you all...I hope you have been enjoying yourselves thus far."

Looking around, the president could see smiles. Everyone was enjoying their time. Reciprocating the smile, he raised his wine glass in the air.

"I offer a toast," Garfield suggested. "To build a better country. A world of peace enjoyed by us all."

Hearing that, John became slightly annoyed. However, he had to mask it as everyone else raised their glass in agreement, and he did the same.

The president was appealing to everyone...but he was sucking up to Tomas and Anna. I guess like the last president, he didn't want to be on the bad side of people with a revered reputation. However, I didn't have to live through this any longer...as finally, the man I was waiting for returned from the restroom.

Right as they raised their glasses, Mark suddenly barged in, grabbing everyone's attention. With an unhinged expression and holding an assault rifle, he aimed at the crowd.

"F-FOR PEACE!!!" He declared before opening fire. John had shot multiple people, including John, Harvey, and the president, causing them to fall to the ground.

Almost immediately, loud screaming was heard as everyone went into a panic. Some ran around, desperately heading for the escape, while most, including Tomas and Anna, hid underneath their tables.

"W-What are you doing...?" Tomas asked with a stupefied expression. On the other hand, John, who was clutching his bleeding stomach in immense pain, was smiling.

The shooting didn't take long, however, as he was tackled to the ground by numerous bodyguards. Mark didn't try fighting back. He just accepted it with a depressed expression.

And that...was what you could call a 'mission success'...