Chapter 405

Chapter 405

Chapter 73: Reward Vacation (2)

“If you voluntarily acquire the nationality of another country, do you automatically lose your Korean nationality?”

“Unfortunately, yes.”

At that moment, the only thought in Squad Leader Yang Jochul’s mind seemed to be that he needed to prevent me from transferring to another country.

If not, he wouldn’t have been listing all the potential problems Korea would face if I was no longer considered Korean.

Beginning with a drop in Korea’s international standing.

The financial crisis that could ensue from the withdrawal of foreign investments attracted by my reputation.

And the severe criticism the government would face due to liability issues.

There truly were various significant concerns.

“Hmm…”

I pondered for a moment while listening to Squad Leader Yang Jochul’s earnest explanations.

Going forward, I would have to spend more time in Bihar than in Korea.

Therefore, acquiring their nationality seemed convenient in many ways.

There’s a big difference between residing as a foreigner and living as a citizen.

However, that didn’t mean I held any resentment towards Korea.

On the contrary, there was some patriotism.

The twins, Mr. Seo and his son, and many others I was connected to were Korean.

Thus, I had no intention of abandoning or forsaking Korea.

‘Honestly, I hadn’t thought about it this seriously.’

Once I surpassed the causality, I could travel back and forth between the two countries within minutes, so physical constraints weren’t a concern for me.

Squad Leader Yang Jochul, knowing my past prowess, wouldn’t have been unaware of that.

Yet his actions suggested that nationality held substantial value.

Even if it was merely text on paper.

After a short thought, I asked Squad Leader Yang Jochul.

“Is there no problem with involuntary acquisition of nationality?”

“Specifically, what method are you referring to?”

“Marriage.”

Squad Leader Yang Jochul’s eyes widened.

I wasn’t saying I’d definitely marry Rashar, but I wasn’t ruling it out entirely.

I always met her with that consideration in mind.

That’s why settling in Bihar was an easy decision to make.

“If you file a report of dual nationality, the period for choosing a nationality is extended for two years, but after that, it becomes difficult to maintain dual citizenship.”

“Wouldn’t it be possible to amend the law during that time?”

I was implying that I wouldn’t acquire another nationality immediately, so they should take measures in the meantime.

“But that…”

Squad Leader Yang Jochul stopped mid-sentence.

Perhaps he understood the firmness of my stance that further negotiations were impossible.

I had to go to Biharin.

It was the only way the system, which disliked Biharin, wouldn’t eliminate them but turn a blind eye instead.

‘I must take responsibility as I brought them here.’

Considering Korea’s circumstances, I wasn’t willing to live uncomfortably as a foreigner for the next several decades.

So, they’d need to either change the law during the given time or decide to give up on me.

Witnessing my unwavering determination, Squad Leader Yang Jochul, slightly dispirited, said in a low voice.

“I will convey your words to the higher-ups. But when do you plan on getting married…?”

“I haven’t decided on any specific plans yet.”

“Ah… Then is there a possibility it might happen next month…?”

“That’s not the case. It’s an intensely busy time due to the upcoming elections and ongoing issues with the Ministry of Defense.”

Upon hearing the term “military,”

Squad Leader Yang Jochul quickly caught on to who I was referring to.

“Then we’re okay until at least March next year. We should be grateful to Ms. Rashar.”

I said to the relieved Squad Leader Yang Jochul.

“Of course, if we break up without getting married, I’ll obtain the nationality through other means. Just letting you know.”

“… I’ll have to wish that both of you maintain a long and happy relationship.”

He muttered with a solemn expression following our conversation.

“If the law changes… besides, additional… or perhaps add a completely exceptional clause…”

I figured he was lost in his own thoughts and didn’t bother disturbing him further.

With no more discussions, the vehicle exited Seoul faster than expected.

Before long, it arrived safely at Incheon International Airport.

The twins and I left Korea, seeing off Squad Leader Yang Jochul.

* * *

The Biharin claimed region was the Western part of the United States and Canada.

To be precise, it was what used to be the West.

Amidst my efforts to split Omby, the Earth’s crust cracked entirely.

It resulted in the land breaking away from the continent due to the impact.

The once-continental terrain had turned into an island.

Thus, it was somewhat elongated in shape.

It looked like Japan placed symmetrically across from the Pacific Ocean.

And, as it was previously American and Canadian territory, many infrastructures were already present.

It included Seattle, portland, narrowly San Francisco, and the Nevada region.

Thanks to this, flights were operational less than a year since its founding.

‘There were some oppositions from the Western U. S. due to such infrastructures during the territory designation.’

However, traditionally, the Western U. S. consisted of barren, desolate wilderness.

For this reason, two-thirds of the original U. S. population lived in the East.

Thus, skepticism, though present, wasn’t overly severe.

I heard negotiations proceeded smoothly after adding a clause stating that various magical formations and tools’ benefits would be firstly provided to the U. S.

Likely, an agreement was possible because Las Vegas was narrowly excluded.

‘Perhaps Lily’s interventions also played a part.’

Simultaneously, they must’ve wanted to offload the spatial fracture I left in the territory to someone else.

The U. S. would have had nothing to lose in this transaction.

As I recalled the general circumstances unfolded during Biharin’s founding, the plane arrived at its destination.

“Is this Pamel?”

“Wasn’t this place once called Seattle?”

The twins, excited for their first overseas trip, looked around the airport curiously.

I led them and Rice Cake out of the arrival hall.

“K!”

Rashar, waiting, approached us.

But she wasn’t alone.

“K! K! Keii!”

Both Breche, and Berta, who had leapt from their father’s head onto mine, were with her.

Seeing the two beastfolk after a long time was delightful, even for me.

‘But I don’t really care for this incessant tugging on my hair.’

The Biharin had already been on Earth for nearly two years.

Amidst that time, Berta’s grip strength had grown much stronger.

It seemed like he intended to strip my skin entirely, as there was no mercy in his hands.

Then again, it wasn’t painful enough for me to brush him off entirely.

Having a body equivalent to my post-fifth-awakening one, there was no concern about losing hair.

I let Berta, who was happily perched atop my head, be and wrapped my arms around Rashar’s waist.

“No need to trouble yourself in coming out here, aren’t you tired?”

The arrival time was unfortunate—just when everyone was heading home after work.

It seemed inconsiderate to trouble her and make her come all the way here.

“Being bored at home alone… was my thought…”

Rashar awkwardly glanced around.

She was keenly observant, noticing both Breche, the twins, and every unfamiliar face around the airport.

Although the smartphone penetration rate seemed low; not many Biharin citizens were recording us here.

Rather, foreign arrivals gasped and shoved their cameras toward us.

Regardless, I didn’t release the hold around her waist.

Berta, who reigned on top of my head, curiously asked.

“Why are you hugging?”

Rashar flinched, her eyes fixed upward.

“Get away, get away! K is mine, sha, move!”

Berta expressed his discontent by nudging Rashar’s head with his tail.

My eyebrow twitched at his bold antics.

If one individual had to leave this scene, it definitely wouldn’t be Rashar—it would be Berta.

Before I could utter a word, thinking of catching his unabating tail, a shocking flashback of Berta’s previous outburst crossed my mind.

The confusion and shock I felt back then resurfaced, solidifying my resolve to act now.

“Why hug?”

I simply pulled Rashar closer and kissed her.

“That’s why.”

Thud.

That sound best explained Berta’s face at that moment.

Like a world collapsing, his expression was a sheer manifestation of shock.

Both Berta and Rashar were in a similar state.

In fact, most people in the airport shared the same reaction.

In the midst of chaos, only I remained serene.

I gently picked up a frozen Berta and handed him to Breche.

Then, gathering Rashar and the twins, I swiftly departed.

While Rice Cake hurriedly trailed behind, a sudden thought of whether I’d overdone it crossed my mind.

There was a lingering heart debt due to Horfe’s death.

Nonetheless, pondering over the situation, I couldn’t see myself acting differently.

With the intention of spending a lot of time with Rashar, I couldn’t let Berta interfere constantly.

‘Besides, first loves don’t usually pan out, kid.’

Berta would turn seven soon enough.

It seemed about time this young one tasted life’s bittersweetness.

“Noooo!”

“Ugh! Oof! Ouch! Don’t scratch!”

Jarring bellows of Berta reverberated through the airport as he regained his senses.

Instantly, the sound of footsteps approaching rapidly ensued.

I never needed to glance back.

It was almost certainly Berta escaping Breche’s hold.

I casually picked up the three suitcases of the twins and my luggage and said:

“Take care of Yeonwoo, will you, Jinwoo, you take Rice Cake.”

“Huh? Oh, oh…”

Unlike me, Rashar anxiously glanced back.

Reflexively reaching out her hands, she gently lifted Yeonwoo, who gazed at her with twinkling eyes.

Simultaneously, Jinwoo clutched Rice Cake in his arms.

Thereupon, I shouldered Jinwoo onto myself with a free hand.

After gathering everyone and everything, what was left was clear.

“Run!”

Backtracking the rapidly encroaching presence, I swiftly fled away.

That daytime airport chase led to an embarrassing debacle broadcast worldwide by international media.

However, that was a matter for hours later.

I succeeded in eluding both Berta and Breche at the airport.

Eventually, we arrived near the hotel used by the Biharin Ministry of Defense.

After checking in, I handed the key to the twins and said:

“Just rest for today.”

They’d grow tired from the lengthy flight.

It was evident from them nodding off during the taxi ride.

They nodded willingly and accepted the keys.

I had Jinwoo take my luggage along, and as he left, Rashar looked at me and asked:

“Aren’t you going to rest?”

“I need to work.”

“What kind of work?”

“Isola.”

Speaking a name I’ve known for a while but hadn’t needed to call, Rashar flinched.

“Where might our princess be now?”

During my time in Seoul, I received updates on global situations.

And upon confirming Isola’s recent actions, I was determined to handle it.

If she forgot the warning from my past self, a reminder was due.

I planned to resolve Isola’s issue as soon as I arrived in Bihar.

But Rashar hesitated instead of heading straight out.

Could it be discomfort due to my intervention in national authority, specifically political affairs?

Or, was it reluctance to involve me in Bihar’s matters?

Though uncertain about the exact reason, I had no intention of asking.

“It’s okay if you don’t guide me. I planned to find her anyhow.”

No matter her reasoning, my decision wouldn’t change.

With outcomes predetermined, there’s no sense in needless probing.

Even if my involvement might cause discomfort or guilt, I intended to take matters into my own hands.

Thus, skipping the idle deliberations, I urged.

With a sigh, Rashar turned back and said:

“… Let’s go.”

I followed her lead.

Damned System

**New Elements and Characters:**

– 양조철 (Yang Jochul) – Captain (he)

– 라샤르 (Rashar) – Rashar (her)

– 브레체 (Breche) – Breche (na)

– 벨타 (Berta) – Berta (he)