〈 Chapter 71 〉 Part 1, Chapter 5 (4)
“Sky Castle might be doing some intimidation, but at the end of the day, what we want is this: leave Seoul alone in its own affairs! New Seoul, don’t interfere with what happens in Seoul! We’ll handle our survival on our own!”
[But the political burden that comes with that will fall on New Seoul. And international criticism too.]
Sixty thousand citizens are trembling in fear between monsters while the government does nothing. Of course, they’ll be criticized.
Still, Sun Icheol will refuse any international aid. He’s a nationalist who pathologically insists on Korea’s autonomy.
“So, we’re going to prove that Seoul can survive on its own.”
[By what means?]
I brought up a map of Seoul. The boundary between humans and monsters established by the Han River. The Blue Wind Sect will set up their territory right there at Yeouido.
Externally, it will be presented as a voluntary recapture of Seoul done jointly by Seoul residents and villain alliances.
“The Seoul restoration operation continues.”
I pointed at one spot on the map.
South of Gwanghwamun, the administrative center of Seoul, also the lair of the worst S-Rank monster in Korea—the Nine-Tailed Fox.
Seoul City Hall.
“On May 15th, two weeks from now, we’ll kill the snake at City Hall and retake Seoul—without New Seoul’s help.”
[…So Seoul will truly become the Special City of Seoul, huh.]
You’re sharp. I lowered the screen and hardened my expression after stopping my sly smile.
[But why tell someone like me, a mere merchant? Information this crucial could easily be sold to the president, couldn’t it?]
“If you do, then we become enemies. My main client would no longer be Yu-sung but another group entirely.”
[…Such cute threats. But honestly, someone like you seems like they’d actually do it, which is terrifying. Is life really just about allies and enemies?]
“Miss Yun Yuhwa. Isn’t that true for you too?”
[…What exactly are you implying?]
I paused for a moment.
“To me, those who bring profit. Those who bring loss. A capitalist who’d team up with villains if it makes money and cut ties with heroes if they cause harm. So, compared to Sun Icheol’s New Seoul, is our Blue Wind Sect’s Seoul beneficial or detrimental to you?”
[…Heh heh. You’re quite amusing.]
Yun Yuhwa in the screen ran her hand through her hair. Between the strands, a bright, carefree smile appeared—one she’d never shown before.
[Would I ever break off business with a customer I’m crazy about? Just breathing around you brings in dozens of cores.]
“That’s why I deal with you.”
Yun Yuhwa.
The main heroine, yet she leans toward a darker side compared to Cheon Gaeul, mainly in financial matters.
“Alright. If we conquer the snake at City Hall, I’ll sell you the cores as a gift.”
[Customer, would you marry me? I think I’m falling in love with all the money you bring in.]
…A woman who approached the protagonist purely for his monetary value. A heroine with an iron wall when it comes to love—she wouldn’t give it to anyone, not even the protagonist, unless it was her personal route.
[Customer, how much would it take? I really want to buy you out. I’ve always dreamed of creating a PMC. Just bring the seal. I’ll leave the deposit blank on the contract.]
And currently, the best ally who, if given enough benefit, would never betray. I answered her with full trust.
“It’s sold out.”
* * *
“…Very well…”
Jang Hujung gritted his teeth. Trying hard to act calm, but the fists clenched under the table were visibly trembling on his thighs.
“Alright. Thank you for your efforts, Deputy Minister of the Counter-Monster Department.”
Sky Castle adjusted his fedora with an extremely satisfied look. The expressions of the two representatives clearly showed which side had the upper hand in this negotiation.
An overwhelming defeat for the government. Using 60,000 hostages was incredibly effective. Even the representative from the association who came along subtly leaned towards protecting the heroes and people, siding with the villains.
After a brief pause, Sky Castle addressed the special envoy delegation.
“Let’s immediately transfer custody of ten heroes. We’ll escort them to Gwanak.”
“We appreciate your cooperation.”
Jang Hujung bowed his head. On the table lay a piece of paper prepared by the delegation detailing the negotiations.
An agreement between Jang Hujung, Minister of the Korean Government’s Monster Countermeasures Department, and Ryu Cheonseong, representative of the Villain Alliance.
Even though it was handwritten on a plain sheet of paper, the content was quite lengthy. Lighthouse briefly summarized it using his smartwatch.
“First, the transfer of heroes. From a humanitarian perspective, we will transfer ten heroes to the delegation and escort them to Gwanak by the Villain Alliance.”
The rescued heroes have been cleaned up and placed in various hotel rooms. Whether it’s imprisonment or protection is something only they know.
“Next, the issue regarding Seoul citizens. On May 8th, one week from now, the government will dispatch personnel to re-register Seoul citizens. Limited to thirty people—fifteen from the government side and fifteen from the association.”
Most Seoul residents had already been declared dead. Both the government and villains expressed concerns about having 60,000 unregistered people roaming freely.
“However, registration will be voluntary for Seoul citizens. While respecting individual choice, the Villain Alliance will inform them of their legal responsibilities. By this, we mean…”
“They’re renouncing their citizenship in Korea.”
Phantom responded bitterly. Depending on the person, interpretations may vary, but at the very least, here ‘Korea’ refers solely to ‘New Seoul.’ Lighthouse took a breath and continued explaining.
“But, the government has a humanitarian obligation to inform the families of those who refuse registration about their survival.”
This was to accommodate those who distrust the Korean government led by Sun Icheol. The Villain Alliance pushed for registration to be optional rather than mandatory.
Of course, hidden within this was the villains’ intention not to register, but Jang Hujung didn’t notice due to the last point of the agreement. The Chief Justice understood the underlying meaning and chose not to argue further.
“Lastly, by May 31st, the government will appoint an acting mayor to oversee Seoul Special City administration…”
Lighthouse’s gaze turned to Sky Castle. Sky Castle tipped his hat back and raised an eyebrow.
“Appoint Sky Castle, Ryu Cheonseong. Restore Ryu Cheonseong’s registration, erase all criminal records, and the government will not interfere in any administrative actions taken by Ryu Cheonseong.”
Bang!
Unable to contain his anger, Jang Hujung slammed his fist on the table.
“The mayor of Seoul is an elected position! It must be decided by vote!”
Lighthouse pointed at the agreement document and pressed the issue.
“Minister, this has already been agreed upon. Are you suggesting you want to overturn the agreement now? Shall we start the talks again? Meanwhile, the 60,000 citizens of Seoul continue to suffer.”
Lighthouse tilted his head mockingly, but Sky Castle stopped him by raising a hand.
“Calm down. Haha. I don’t mind. However, Minister Hujung, haven’t you forgotten the rules of local elections? Who do you think elects the mayor of Seoul?”
“The residents of Seoul.”
Phantom added. The Chief Justice sighed.
Despite making a name for himself in Gangnam and staying in Seoul as part of the Villain Alliance, Sky Castle versus some random candidate sent by New Seoul.
Naturally, arms bend inward. Residents would lean more towards Sky Castle, who stayed with them through thick and thin, rather than someone who abandoned them and moved to New Seoul.
Moreover, existing Seoul residents directly experiencing the behind-the-scenes of the Seoul recovery operation would obviously vote for whoever.
Ultimately, Jang Hujung had no choice but to hand over the acting mayor position to Sky Castle, tears brimming in his eyes.
If they held an election, it would only weaken the reputation of the Sun Icheol government. Better to generously hand over the temporary mayorship to Sky Castle and plan for the future. This was Jang Hujung’s bottom line.
“To leave Seoul in the hands of villains for a year…”
“While the country couldn’t protect its people, it still needs to be protected, doesn’t it? Haha. Anyway, it’s only a one-year temporary appointment. Once Seoul stabilizes, we’ll hold a by-election for the mayor position. And remember, during my time as acting mayor, regarding the villains operating here…”
Sky Castle grinned, looking alternately between both sides.
“I’ll arrest them with all my passion and lock them away. How can we just stand idly by and let criminals run rampant in the heart of Seoul?”
“You try that.”
Jang Hujung clenched his fists in rage. Before he could yell in fury, the Chief Justice calmly questioned.
“Do you think you can cover the sky with your hand?”
The Chief Justice gestured upwards with his finger.
“At least people in New Seoul won’t know anything. We at least have hands and eyes to cover things, whereas they’ve plucked theirs out entirely. They won’t detect anything.”
“…Watch your words.”
Though angry, Jang Hujung’s warning fell on deaf ears as Phantom shrugged.
“Got it. After all, you never know when Pine Tree Unit might pop up. The weak should stay quiet, right? Isn’t that so?”
“……”
When the Chief Justice remained silent, Jang Hujung angrily slammed his fist on the desk.
“Anyway! Tell me where the heroes are immediately! Our citizens are anxiously waiting for their safe return!”
“Ho ho. Stop whining. Hey, Lighthouse, are you ready?”
“Yes, Sky Castle.”
Lighthouse stood up and left the meeting room. As one person exited, the Chief Justice took a deep breath and scanned the empty seat.
“By the way, Chairman Yu-sung hasn’t arrived yet, has he?”
About an hour had passed since the meeting started. Normally, he often leaves the meeting, but today it felt unusually long.
Jang Hujung frowned suspiciously at Sky Castle.
“Could you possibly…”
Jang Hujung recalled the secretary who guided Jae-min to the restroom—a petite woman with green ponytail hair, a rare beauty even in New Seoul.
And the chairman who hadn’t returned after nearly an hour in the restroom.
Chairman, secretary, restroom.
Male chairman and female secretary. Spending an hour together.
“……Hmm.”
Sky Castle hesitated momentarily, mumbled something, then waved his hand frantically.
“No, absolutely nothing like what you’re thinking! Definitely not! If that happened, I’d tear up the agreement immediately and start anew-”
“What kind of thing?”
Phantom growled, grinding his teeth. Sky Castle broke into a cold sweat and avoided eye contact. The Chief Justice’s face paled.
“…Could it be a beauty trap?”
“I’m leaving.”
Phantom swiftly wiped his mask off his face. Simultaneously, the floor beneath him collapsed, and he disappeared below.
“Wha-?!”
Startled, Jang Hujung jumped at Phantom’s sudden disappearance. Where Phantom vanished, the floor tiles seamlessly connected as if nothing happened.
The Chief Justice whispered softly.
“…He disappeared using his ability. Please don’t be alarmed.”
“I-I wasn’t startled!”
His quivering nose betrayed his shock.
“Just that…this villain Phantom seems extremely angry.”
“Not anger, per se…”
The Chief Justice stared sharply at where Phantom had disappeared. Based on his extensive experience with many ability users, the emotion Phantom displayed just before leaving was unmistakably…
“Jealousy-”
“That’s enough, Chief Justice.”
Sky Castle interrupted. His expression wasn’t entirely comfortable either.
“Sometimes ignorance is bliss.”
The three men fell silent. Tap tap tap. A knock came from outside.
“Everything’s ready.”
It was Lighthouse. Sky Castle immediately stood up and walked over to Jang Hujung, who sprang up just as quickly to shake the offered hand.
The conclusion of the talks ended with a handshake. Without photographers present, the meeting quietly concluded.
