Chapter 402

Chapter 402

Chapter 72: Homeward (3)

I first met Gilenios over a decade ago. Even before he became an apostle of Meferoseta, meeting him a couple of times during his time as a priest. After he became an apostle, we often encountered each other at Order events.

However, despite knowing him for so long, our relationship wasn’t always cordial. Every time I met Gilenios, I realized anew that he was not someone I suited well with.

Yet, because our overarching goal was the same, I managed to keep pace with him so far. However, after Hyunwoo, who had held his reins tightly, disappeared, even that became unstable.

Gilenios’ impulsive actions and authoritarianism became even more pronounced. Although I didn’t find it agreeable, there was nothing I could do about it. For now, Biharin needed him desperately.

Ultimately, it was always me who had to yield in these strange arguments. Just like when there was nothing I could do about his demand to remove all attendants because they bothered him, it was the same this time too.

“…… Let’s have a meal first.”

As I took a step back, Gilenios also came out of the gap obediently. He then headed towards the field tent and started devouring the preserved foods I had brought.

‘I guess he doesn’t want to starve either.’

Honestly, how great it would have been if he’d just started eating properly from the beginning. I stared at the back of his head, straight as it was, suppressing my dissatisfaction.

Since I couldn’t bring myself to hit him, I opted for speaking as officially as possible.

“How much has the space restoration work progressed?”

“About 5%?”

Although the government of Biharin was established and began to function as a nation less than a year ago, the restoration work started well over a year ago.

And yet, only 5%?

‘A dismal figure.’

The slower than expected progress made my face darken instantly. At this rate, it would take decades to normalize the place. That also meant that Gilenios would be forced to make sacrifices for all those years.

Seeing things that way, the thought that I couldn’t afford not to tolerate his temperament began to slip away…

“Be grateful. I’m holding back my urge to quit and working hard, you know.”

…or maybe not.

I stifled a sigh. I was genuinely grateful to Gilenios for his efforts. I wanted to treat him well, and I believed that I should support him to the best of my ability if he desired something.

Yet his annoying way of speaking, his shameless attitude, and his egocentric thinking and behavior were enough to foster antagonism where there had been none before.

As a result, every time we met, our voices would escalate and I would end up yelling. Not that I forgot about his hard work though.

“I truly appreciate you. If there are any shameless people who don’t, I’ll make sure they do.”

“That’s nice to hear.”

“If there’s anything you require for the work, let me know anytime. I’ll do my utmost to support you.”

“Things are just fine the way they are. Honestly, there’s no need to come every week. I could get food myself when it runs out.”

I ignored Gilenios’ words with a smile. Though aware of his peculiar personality, I couldn’t afford to let him roam free without even the basic supervision.

‘Who knows what kind of mess he might cause?’

Under the pretense of being out of food, he might go and loot all the goods off a perfectly operating store or restaurant. Even though the restoration work is necessary, I couldn’t let an official of a law-abiding government engage in plunder. Given that he is capable of such actions, periodic checking was essential.

Of course, there was no need to lay bare all of such internal concerns.

I casually changed the subject to pique his interest.

“Oh, by the way, there’s some news I need to relay. There will be an election taking place in March next year. You should go and exercise your voting rights then.”

“What’s it called again, president?”

“Yes, along with members of local councils, and…”

“I’m not interested in the smaller roles. Just tell me who the president is likely to be.”

“The candidates haven’t been finalized yet.”

“Isn’t Yuria going to be running on our side?”

I nodded easily.

“Then potential strongmen from the Atar Empire will be running, I suppose. Ah, isn’t the princess likely to run? It would be troublesome if she were elected, right?”

Not just a little, it would be very problematic. Recently, meetings between Princess Isola and prominent figures from the Atar Empire had been sighted occasionally.

Publicly, princess Isola was perceived as someone who abandoned the Imperial House to seek help from outsiders for the sake of saving the people of Biharin. Among those unaware of the true situation, many regarded her as a saintess.

If Isola were to run for election and even win,

‘Things would become complicated in many ways.’

It was easy to envisage the Scenario of the Atar nobles vying for interests, using the politically inexperienced Isola as a puppet. The chance of shifting from democracy to a dictatorial socialist regime was all too feasible.

‘Though I won’t let that happen.’

The possibility was being accounted for. My side too was keeping a keen eye on the upcoming election, so we wouldn’t succumb easily.

“We are keeping a close watch on it, so don’t worry too much.”

“Then…….”

Nodding as if satisfied, Gilenios suddenly clicked his tongue.

“Anyway, the actions of those higher-ups are the same here and there.”

And he grumbled in a voice full of discontent,

“Did you say March next year? It would be nice if that guy came back before then. Then we could stomp over the Princess and render her silent.”

There was no need to ask who Gilenios was referring to with ‘that guy’.

“The princess is oddly afraid of that bastard, isn’t she? You think so too, right?”

I couldn’t deny that. It was true that Isola reacted sensitively to the name “K.”

“What’s taking him so long…?”

Munching.

“I rushed out thinking it was him coming this time, was so disappointed when I saw it was you, you know.”

Chewing.

“Ah, if he finds you first, send him straight here.”

Gilenios continued murmuring while never stopping to shovel food into his mouth.

“Send K here?”

“He can communicate with the Original God, can’t he? If we use that route, we can restore this place quickly too. So when he comes back, send him to me immediately. Got it?”

“Is it a given that K would find me first?”

“Isn’t it obvious? Why would he come to me before you?”

In another sense, he had a very clear self-perception.

“He should clean up the mess he left.”

But that didn’t make him any more likable.

Perhaps it was due to his harsh words that I frowned while responding vaguely to his blatant words.

“I’ll pass the message.”

When I reunite with Hyunwoo, I’d deliver the message. Whenever that might be.

Having ensured Gilenios had his meal, I returned to the city and attended yet another meeting.

The process of gaining recognition as a free nation through the United Nations didn’t take long nor was it particularly difficult.

That was thanks to the temporary cooperation among the various factions, uniting briefly under a common goal.

That unity didn’t last forever though.

“And thus the governor…”

“There should be more reconstruction funds for the south…”

“They need rail access…”

“That’s not the priority now!”

“Are you telling the folks in the east to keep on living in isolation?!”

“When did I say that……!”

“You might as well have!”

In any country, there are always groups squabbling over vested interests.

Biharin was no exception to this natural order.

Once the election date was set, the obvious divide started to heat up.

I calmly watched the individuals raising their voices during the cabinet meetings.

‘Is there any need for this much shouting?’

Currently, political powers within Biharin were largely divided into two factions.

One consisted of former Atar Empire affiliates who wanted to continue the aristocratic system or at least maintain central authority through socialism.

The other was comprised of former suppressed Commonwealth States who wanted to form a government through elections and selections, based on democratic ideals.

Public support leaned more towards the latter. Given the sheer number and international support received, it was apparent why.

Because of this, it appeared that individuals from the Atar Empire were following the trend to some extent.

‘However, once they seize power, their attitude will likely change.’

They had already seen centralist politics at play in some Earth countries. They wouldn’t give up easily.

Ultimately, it meant a lifetime of witnessing these tiresome power struggles.

Just watching people shout, criticize, and ridicule each other made me feel suffocated.

I felt drained of energy as well.

It was both frustrating and hopeless. A complicated set of emotions.

Nonetheless, I applied myself fully to the tasks assigned to me even after the cabinet meetings ended.

How much time had passed this way?

As the sun began to set, I finally succeeded in leaving on time.

Step by step.

My steps were heavy as I exited the building serving as the Ministry of National Defense’s quarters.

“Today feels particularly exhausting.”

Could it be due to the relentless march I had been subjected to?

Or perhaps my dread for the future I was about to face?

“Maybe it’s both.”

The real work hadn’t even started yet, and here I was, already feeling so worn out. Was my choice the right one?

If I abandoned everything and chose a life without political ties,

“Then at least I wouldn’t feel so stifled and frustrated.”

Before I knew it I had stopped walking altogether. Standing there absentmindedly like someone who had lost their way, for quite a while.

“Get a hold of yourself.”

Although disheartened by the situation, I had no intention of backing out. Life without clear answers sometimes filled me with suffocating emptiness.

But I still wished for the people of Biharin to live a new life in a new world. Hence, I wouldn’t commit the foolishness of fleeing cowardly from their ambitions.

After catching my breath, I trudged along weakly once more.

As if to cheer me on, the unusually crimson sky falling behind glowed warmly.

Soon after, I arrived at the multi-family residence for temporary soldiers.

My father died during the war, and while I had a sibling, they were currently overseeing the reconstruction efforts in southern Biharin, leaving me alone in the capital.

With familiar hands, I opened the door and put my keys down.

Then, as usual, I opened the refrigerator.

I thought I’d drink a glass of water first before taking out something for dinner.

“Cough.”

However, the moment I took hold of the bottled water, my body froze at the unfamiliar presence from behind.

The mere fact that a skilled person, enough to elude my senses, was inside the house was shocking.

“Don’t get me wrong. I didn’t deliberately hide.”

The voice emanating from the presence caused my heart to plummet in shock.

“I thought you’d realize I was here. Seems I toned down my presence a bit too much.”

As if ignorant of my reaction, the owner of the voice approached, footsteps echoing clearly.

“I’m still not used to moving in this body, so don’t get too mad.”

Finally, warm hands embraced me from behind. Tears welled up, clouding my sight.

“Are you just going to keep staring into the refrigerator? Didn’t you miss….”

With a tremor in my limbs, I forced myself to turn around.

A pair of vivid golden eyes met mine.

“Finally meeting my gaze.”

Briefly, my eyes lingered on those alluringly curving eyes before I flung myself into Hyunwoo’s arms, wrapping my arms tightly around his neck.

Damned System

Characters Introduced:

라샤르 – Rashar (her)

길레니오스 – Gilenios (he)

현우 – Hyunwoo (he)

이솔라 – Isola (her)