This World is too Cruel to Men – Chapter 224

Well, it’s only natural to think that if someone suddenly drops by and sees the spread they’ve prepared, they might say, “Oh, looks delicious. Let’s eat together!” while shoving a spoon in your face, not many would be pleased by that sight.

Unless you’re a saint from old stories, most would react otherwise.

And the position of Association Chairman in one branch is not something someone could casually occupy.

Because of this, when stories about Dogun and Chae-rim started circulating, an uncomfortable atmosphere blanketed the vicinity where those who flew in from Korea were situated.

Everyone seated around was clearly reading the mood created by the person causing this tension.

How could it be otherwise?

Most attendees at the meeting were former heroes, but not all, and among those who were heroes, very few climbed to the Special-Class rank.

Yet, the one who was radiating discomfort was actually a ‘Special-Class’ veteran who navigated through a tumultuous era with her own hands, earning her the title of ‘Hero’ without reservation.

Of course, she had long retired from the field, yet still, she was displaying signs of discomfort.

It was only natural for those around her to be wary of her.

And still, the one who created this atmosphere hadn’t said a word, and the reason was simple.

She felt no need to step in and lend a hand.

After all, if she intervened, it was obvious that attention would shift to the ridiculous opinions being thrown around.

No, it wouldn’t be a problem if everyone just focused on those thoughts; the people who usually keep an eye on this side might even support those absurd claims.

Thus, for me, ignoring whatever they said was the best course of action—

“However, what does the Chairman of the Korean branch have to say?”

Whether it was boldness or sheer cluelessness, the arrows were suddenly flying towards her.

“I’m sorry, what did you say?”

“…Huh?”

“Oh, I thought it wasn’t worth listening to, so I only half-paid attention.”

Could she truly be naive enough to make such a blatant remark?

The face of the woman, who looked like she was about to shout, “Gotcha!” instantly flushed red.

Although she had momentarily failed to maintain her composure, did she not know she wasn’t the one who had secured the position of the branch chairman?

Clearing her throat, she quickly corrected her expression and continued.

“It seems my opinion wasn’t impressive in your eyes, Chairman of the Korean branch. What a shame. I always thought you emphasized that the stability of society should come first…”

Her political finesse wasn’t too shabby.

“Isn’t it a time when decisive actions must be taken for humanity’s future?”

Listening to her, one might feel as though we were selfish opportunists who could easily turn around and abandon our usual principles in the face of personal gain, uncaring about the future of humanity.

Well, I didn’t plan to oblige her.

As I said, what I consider the top priority is the stability of society.

However, there was one word absent from her statements.

That word was ‘Korean.’

Thus, her proposal held absolutely no value for her.

If they were to summon Chae-rim just to hear her out and send her back, I could at least pretend to listen, but it wouldn’t make sense under normal circumstances.

They would likely start acting like they were only interested in listening, but at some point, they’d mention topics like the future of humanity, trying to involve Chae-rim in those nonsensical plans.

It was all too obvious how that would unfold, and I would be crazy to nod along with their suggestions.

Of course… if I were to express agreement with them, I could eliminate Chae-rim, who subtly opposes this side, without outright confrontation.

But that would mean losing both the present and future of the Korean branch.

In the end, Chae-rim’s significance and status within the Korean branch stood at that level.

It was only a given that the title of ‘Strongest’ would be widely associated with her.

Potentials aside, when that boy Dogun, or whatever his name was, crawled back after being lost for a month, he’d reportedly become stronger than before.

Either way, one thing was clear: no matter what logic they presented, I had no reason to listen or consider it.

But still, I had to respond.

“Indeed… it is that kind of time, isn’t it?”

I feigned agreement with their assertions, and the moment I nodded, the look in the eyes of the woman gazing at me shifted, contrasting with her determined expression that seemed to say, “If you can respond, go ahead!”

She felt a sense of petty victory, reflecting in her eyes.

Did she think she won?

Tsk tsk…

This is why you must listen to words, especially those spoken by Koreans, until the very end.

“In that sense, I won’t be getting involved in this matter.”

“…Huh?”

She had been waiting for a statement that was practically a surrender from me, but what came out was entirely unexpected, leaving her flabbergasted.

From her lips flowed a voice that didn’t match the expression she wore.

And sealing the deal against her would also be my role.

“You heard me right.”

“No, what do you mean…?”

“Having thought carefully after listening to your words, I believe that given I’m responsible for the Korean branch, it would be impossible for me to step in without letting my personal feelings influence the argument.”

So, if you want to persuade Lightning Lady, or rather Chae-rim, you’d better do it yourselves.

With that final remark, I closed my mouth.

To show I had no intention of saying anything further.

What would happen now?

Those who had expressed support for the nonsensical preemptive strike theory would have to step forward and show their sincerity by convincing Chae-rim themselves.

But would it be that easy?

Surely, some of them, their eyes gleaming now, might think it would be possible.

After all, Chae-rim had a public image of being overwhelmingly virtuous.

Even if only half of that’s true, couldn’t they figure out how to persuade Chae-rim to join their plans by tapping into that aspect?

Well, if Chae-rim was her former self, that could have worked.

But now, she wouldn’t be so easy to convince.

For back then, the Chae-rim encountered during the hero qualification trials had clearly worn the face of someone who now had someone to protect.

…Much like how she had been back in those days.

Perhaps at that moment, a thought randomly sprang to mind, and I couldn’t help but smirk to myself.

Yet somehow, it seemed that those who had their wits about them found it strange that I was stepping back so willingly.

“If it doesn’t work out, can’t we just call that boy who returned alongside Lightning Lady?”

“That… his name was Dogun Lee, right?”

“Yes, that name should be right.”

“Well, there’s no rule that says we must only get information from Lightning Lady…”

Maybe they thought summoning that boy Dogun, who felt relatively easier to deal with than Chae-rim, would be a more straightforward approach.

Of course, thinking of the abilities he presumably possessed, I couldn’t just toss him aside as nothing either, but there was no need to step in.

By putting myself forward, all I would do is instill confidence in them that they had something worth pursuing.

‘And more importantly…’

It wasn’t my duty to protect that boy Cry.

As I pondered this, the discussion was picking up pace.

It seemed they were planning to summon Dogun in the name of the Association to first secure information about the world inhabited by Another Ones, then proceed to engage Chae-rim or other heroes.

But did they know?

The moment they mentioned Dogun’s name, even the slightest possibility of persuading Chae-rim vanished completely?

Tsk tsk…

So, even if you lie down, you have to pick a proper spot; otherwise, you might find yourself sprawled on whatever place you find.