episode_0150

Freedom of Religion (3) ― One Mind Salvation Church Republic of Korea Branch

widely-!

“Beverages are standardized to cool carbonated drinks.”

A carbonated drink with floating ice is placed on a pure white round table.

“If you don’t like carbonation, please let us know right away~”

Following Han Gu-won, drinks were also politely placed on Kang San and Ha Chae-kyung’s seats.

Ha Chae-kyung looked blankly at Inari, who was facing her with a bright smile.

Inari’s collarbone is slightly exposed as she straightens her arms and puts down her drink.

A deep red mark passed by on his collarbone.

‘… … ah.’

Two eyes trembling as if they couldn’t believe it.

“Since you don’t seem to be here, I’ll just leave~”

Inari left with the same smile on his face, holding the tray.

Ha Chae-kyung quickly turned her head as the sound of clanking armor faded away.

Han Gu-won’s eyes are looking at him as if he was waiting.

Her eyes trembled violently as she looked at Number 1, who had a gentle smile on her face.

“… … You.”

There was no hard evidence.

It was only a feeling, but a very strong feeling was giving her confidence.

“… … You.”

However, the words don’t flow.

I did not come here to fight with number 1.

We had to have as many conversations as possible and find a breakthrough to revive the nation.

“… … .”

Han Gu-won didn’t say anything until the end.

He continued to smile softly and look at himself.

The strange feeling in those eyes gave me the creeps for some reason.

“… … What happened to Nari?”

In the end, I had no choice but to turn around and ask.

“There’s nothing special about it.”

He briefly glanced at the door that Inari was guarding, then looked at Ha Chae-kyung again.

“I let her do what she wanted to do.”

“… … .”

Is that a vigilante? Or are you taking care of yourself?

A question filled with anger rises to the top of my throat and finally subsides.

Ha Chae-kyung held her trembling hand under the round table.

Even though I came here with so many promises and promises.

I couldn’t keep my composure.

“Anyway, what a strange place.”

Meanwhile, the voice of No. 1 quietly coils around the round table like a snake.

“An amazing place where all three meet face to face for the second time.”

Even though Ha Chae-kyung wore a mask, once at the fair.

Kang San and I once at the mansion that Minguk gave us.

“We both turned our backs as if we would never see each other again.”

It’s really strange.

Murmurs mixed with laughter and coy glances.

The inner meaning contained therein was very disturbing.

“So, are you watching TV shows these days?”

A question to the ‘Proof Event’ planner.

Ha Chae-kyung reluctantly nodded and answered.

“… … yes. I watch it every night.”

“I guess so. The points were definitely as meaningful as you said.”

Nakwon and Minguk’s ‘Proof Event’ is broadcast consistently every night.

The video, which has now almost been transformed into a story about the construction of the Republic of Korea branch of the Salvation Church, earned Ha Chae-kyung quite a few points.

However, even with the points earned, it could not guarantee a prosperous life for citizens like the Salvation Church.

smart-!

A tapping sound is heard by Ha Chae-kyung, who is biting her lip weakly.

When I looked up, Han Gu-won gently knocked on the round table and said with a small smile.

“You are the ones who came as guests, but I am the only one who carries on the conversation.”

He slightly tilted his head and opened his mouth one after another.

“I thought I had at least one secret weapon.”

Number 2 shook his head at Number 1’s words.

“We don’t have anything like that.”

If there had been such a divine move, he would have done it right away without even coming to number 1.

Since there is no “, I came here to talk.”

I stared at number 1, gathering my trembling heart from anger and confusion.

“Didn’t you wait for me because you also wanted something?”

We should not cling to a game that is already over.

You can survive only by taking on a new challenge in a new game.

“There are things we need to discuss rather than things we want.”

“Then we can start with that.”

Han Gu-won smiles a little as he sees himself trying to be confident until the end.

He lowered his head and began speaking.

“Do you remember what I said in ‘Parliament’?”

With the words to resolve the problem peacefully and democratically,

“I talked about freedom of choice.”

He smiled softly, pointing to the forest of buildings outside the window.

“But ironically, it is our Salvation Church that is interfering with freedom of choice.”

Shabby Republic of Korea and developed Republic of Korea branch of Salvation Church.

“It’s no different from having only one choice in the first place.”

He looked at the seat next to Ha Chae-kyung with a subtle look.

“A man said that it had nothing to do with it, but I wonder what he thinks now.”

Kang San quietly glared at Han Gu-won and did not open his mouth.

The way to help Ha Chae-kyung was to remain quiet and not respond to Han Gu-won’s provocation.

“What did I say? Didn’t they say that only when hunger and filth are resolved can the cause of others be seen?”

Kang San kept his mouth shut and ignored Han Gu-won’s provocation.

He looked at Kang San with a strange smile and spoke again to Ha Chae-kyung.

“Anyway, if you come to the Republic of Korea, you should respect the Republic’s will. I plan to give citizens true freedom of choice.”

“… … How?”

He pointed out the window again.

“If you agree, Paradise will provide buildings and vehicles to the Republic of Korea. Of course, there are also resources such as water and electricity.”

ah!

He let out an exclamation as if he had forgotten something and spoke repeatedly.

“Convenience facilities including gas stations are also supported.”

“… … .”

The astronomical points contained in Han Gu-won’s lightly stated suggestion.

I couldn’t even guess how many points I needed to spend to make that proposal a reality.

So rather than being happy, I felt heavy and scared.

Ha Chae-kyung asked him with calm eyes.

“What is the cost of support?”

“What a price, you say such sad things.”

He shook his head lightly and smiled slightly.

“Rather than a price, I have one request for peace.”

Ha Chae-kyung quietly tensed and waited for Han Gu-won’s next words.

“After the prayer meeting, believers always say something to me with tears in their eyes. They say everything about Minguk is good, but there is just one scary thing.”

Han Gu-won’s long outstretched index finger pointed to Kang San’s uniform.

“I heard that people in those uniforms are always frowning and glaring scaryly at our believers. Every day, I hear people saying that they are scared to walk down the street at night because they are so full of life.”

Now that I think about it, I don’t understand why a country known for being peaceful and democratic needs police.

“For the sake of our believers, no, the citizens of the Republic, please take off the uniforms that seem oppressive. Instead of being a police force for control, why not join a vigilante group to protect the city? I will prepare plenty of seats.”

bang-!

A fist slams down on the round table as soon as Han Gu-won’s proposal ends.

“… … Now.”

Kang San’s burning eyes looked directly at Han Gu-won.

“What are you imitating now?”

“Imitation.”

His motionless eyes met Kang San.

“It is a process that must be followed for peace.”

“That doesn’t make sense—”

“I guess I’m mistaken.”

Han Gu-won cut off Kang San’s conversation.

“Don’t you know that trying to resolve something that can be decided through voting is already a significant concession in itself?”

“… … .”

My clenched fists were shaking as I tried to hold back my anger.

“… … Is that all?”

I closed my eyes tightly as I heard Ha Chae-kyung’s answer ringing from the seat next to me.

“I have one more please.”

“Then, let’s stop with what you said earlier by saying we will resign from the civilian police force.”

“With that much, our believers can walk the streets at night with peace of mind.”

Why do citizens who are protected by the Awakened Violence Prohibition Act feel anxious in the first place?

There was no such unreasonable force.

The conversation being exchanged at the round table now was neither a transaction nor a proposal.

It was an irresistible threat that was merely refined in tone.

“I also have a suggestion to make the event you planned even richer.”

When I closed my eyes, Han Gu-won’s words became more subtle, like a snake.

“Aren’t Minguk and Paradise already sister cities that have agreed to share the same goal?”

Fuck, when did we become sister cities with you guys?

A swear word that I can’t bear to say out loud.

“As part of that sisterhood, I accepted the invitation, so now I want you to accept the invitation to paradise.”

“… … .”

Ha Chae-kyung had no answer.

When Kang San opened his eyes, he saw Han Gu-won and Ha Chae-kyung quietly exchanging glances.

“Of course.”

“It doesn’t matter how many people you bring as an escort.”

“No, I will go alone.”

Because Nari was like that too.

Han Gu-won nodded his head in response to her recitation.

“Sure.”

Afterwards, Han Gu-won and Ha Chae-kyung were heard discussing detailed schedules.

Kang San was in agony as he listened to their conversation.

Everyone will be expecting you to take good care of your mother.

However, the direction of the conversation continues to discuss the mother going into the middle of enemy lines.

Without an escort, without any safety pins.

It must be stopped.

It must absolutely be stopped.

‘… … ‘Fuck.’

These days, the unfamiliar swear words automatically touched my heart.

No matter how much I thought about it, I couldn’t see a way.

As an unawakened person, I was too weak to turn the tables.

“… … Well then, we’ll just get up to get ready.”

“We will also start providing support from tomorrow.”

He quietly stood up and followed Ha Chae-kyung as she got up.

“You were unusually talkative today.”

A voice that pierces Kangsan’s back.

Kang San hid his trembling hands in front of him.

“Do you finally feel responsible for your words?”

“That’s all you have to do to celebrate victory.”

Ha Chae-kyung glared back and gently led Kang San.

It’s a profit –

When the door opened, Inari, who had already waited for the elevator, smiled brightly.

“That’s great, Chae-kyung! I’m also returning as a guide!”

Was it already a plan made before we arrived?

Under Inari’s guidance, I slowly boarded the elevator.

“Well, see you tomorrow!”

A moment of silence came with the door gently closing.

Kang San tried to coax him several times, but he was never able to open his mouth.

I had no idea what to say to my mother.

“… … It’s okay.”

A benevolent voice breaks the bitter silence.

Mother smiled slightly and whispered.

“Tomorrow we will be able to find out what Nari felt in paradise.”

I couldn’t even fathom the countless emotions contained in that short sentence.

They left the Republic of Korea branch without saying a word and headed toward the residential area.

After the splendid Republic of Korea branch, shabby houses welcome them.

Still, in the past, there were citizens full of hope that things would move forward.

Now only the truly empty areas evoked painful feelings.

“It’s the starting point again.”

A voice so bright that it doesn’t suit the situation.

Kang San bit his lip.

“Still, we are probably the ones most familiar with this type of situation.”

My body trembled slightly at the rhythm of the song.

Even on the Island of Ships and in Mapo-gu, they always started again from the beginning.

Ha Chae-kyung looked at Kang San and smiled brightly.

He whispered with that smile that always lifted them up.

“Thank goodness. But this time we can start together.”

always,

That bothered me so much.

“… … .”

Indescribable emotions heat my heart.

The distorted face took a harsh breath.

My clenched fist shuddered with helplessness.

“Ha- These kids are going to be really angry. How can I calm them down?”

She is for us.

Tomorrow I leave for paradise.