The Duke's Son :Re-Chapter 248

Chapter 248
“Step aside! Make way!”
Military troops made their way through the crowd.
A navy blue uniform, silver epaulets, protective gear, and a white scabbard—these were the symbols of the Capital Defense Force.
The military had arrived. But conveniently, they’d appeared only once everything was said and done...
The captain pushed aside the foreign ers before scanning Jae-Hyeok up and down in a concerned manner.
“Are you well?”
The implication of those words was significant.
Ever since Jae-Hyeok had killed a high-ranking general, the Korean military had been pushing for severe punishment, going so far as to qualify him as treasonous in their public addresses. In fact, the military had been so determined to see Jae-Hyeok punished that when the Twilight Kingdom gate appeared, they shamelessly dragged their heels to pressure the government into withdrawing support for Jae-Hyeok.
However, now with the gate cleared, a military captain of the Capital Defense Force had actually taken the lead in asking after Jae-Hyeok’s safety. From this alone, it was clear their stance had changed.
They must’ve realized the value of that boy.
Ha Yul, the leader of the Jeongdo Party, sighed with relief. In truth, had Jae-Hyeok died... she wasn’t sure what she would’ve done.
Korea had not seen talent like his in decades—just his existence promised a future leap in Korea's national power, and what’s more, he was someone with a personal stake in cleaning the nation’s corruption, so his and her own aims aligned.
For these reasons, Jae-Hyeok’s well-being was a matter of national importance as far as Ha Yul was concerned. And upon news of his delving into the gate with Jiang Lei’s party, dread and worry had gnawed at her mind.
Like the military and everyone else, Ha Yul had thought the worst. But much to her shock, somehow, someway, Jae-Hyeok had managed to outsmart a National Treasure fostered by China, one of the top superpowers of the world, sweeping up the first clearance rewards for himself in the process.
The thought sent a thrill through Ha Yul, and she wasn’t the only one.
There were many speechless Koreans in the crowd. Not even the most naive person would believe Jae-Hyeok’s claim about Jiang Lei sacrificing himself—and of course, in some sense, whether it was believable or not didn’t matter, as there was no proof to the contrary. But the fact remained: Jae-Hyeok’s talent clearly had hidden depths. They realized that Jae-Hyeok was a greater blessing than they’d thought, and it seemed the Korean military had arrived at this same conclusion, as well.
“We’ve orders to escort you to the Blue House. But... Would you like to rest first? Should we take you to your home? We’d be honored to serve you,” the captain said.
“Thank you, but it’s not needed. Let’s head straight there.”
Jae-Hyeok accepted the military’s change in treatment without blinking. Having delved into an S-grade gate and emerged unscathed, Jae-Hyeok had somewhat expected it.
Moreover...
This is how it should be.
He was the successor of the Kang family, the descendant of Peak Sword, and the son of the Yaksha. His ancestry was one of great heroes who’d fought for Korea, and he strived for the same. If that was not deserving of respect, then what was?
“Kang Jae-Hyeok! Kang Jae-Hyeok! Kang Jae-Hyeok!”
"Waahh!"
People chanted, while others bowed their heads.
The atmosphere seems similar to the day I earned my candidacy status, but it’s different...
Jae-Hyeok could sense it: whereas in the past he’d represented a brighter future, now he’d shown that future had come sooner than anyone could have imagined. Having won tangible benefits for Korea, Jae-Hyeok could see the respect in others’ eyes.
As much as you respect me, I also...
Jae-Hyeok slowly bowed his head in return, his black eyes shining in the sunlight.
***
Inside the presidential office.
“Mine is a role that requires understanding and engaging with ordinary citizens, and so it is that neither I nor past elected presidents of Korea were awakened as players.
Be that as it may, I am not short on advisers and have gone to great lengths to understand the matters of players.
“After all, awakened are also among my citizens, even if they are in the minority...”
“Naturally, I’m aware that players below S-class aren’t effective in kingdom-sized gates.”
President Park Tae-Gyu invited Jae-Hyeok to a relatively private space and asked bluntly, “Has Young Master Kang reached S-class?”
“If I had to assign myself a rating, that would be accurate...”
Jae-Hyeok put down the teacup and stared straight into the president’s eyes. His posture was clear and upright, exuding an aura of confidence.
The two individuals sitting across from one another worked in entirely different fields and belonged to different generations, and yet, they shared a remarkable similarity in their dispositions.
“In terms of combat power alone, I doubt that most National Treasures would stand a chance against me.”
Facing a president who confronted him with complete honesty, Jae-Hyeok also spoke candidly. This was a private setting intended for the president, where there was no risk of their conversation leaking or causing unfounded speculation.
“... How amazing.”
The president was momentarily dumbfounded, but he quickly controlled his expression.
Jae-Hyeok said, “It must be hard to believe, right? It might even seem arrogant.”
“No. I believe you. I can finally understand the achievements Young Master Kang has shown so far.” The president’s expression turned ambiguous. “And as for today’s matter...”
“Don’t worry. I was the main contributor for clearing the quest, not Jiang Lei.”
Jae-Hyeok shared his status window to clear all doubt, following which the president gasped and jumped from his seat. The numbers recorded in the floating window were unbelievable.
A National Treasure!
Jae-Hyeok’s total stats rivaled those of a level 200 player despite not having reached even level 150 and overcoming a thunder tribulation.
Was this really possible?
The president might not be awakened, but he had common sense, was well-read, and was well-informed. He recognized the absurdity of Jae-Hyeok’s stats. After some time, when the president didn’t respond, Jae-Hyeok returned to business.
“I’ve taken all the greatest benefits from the Twilight Orc Kingdom, so please rest assured.”
“Ah...”
The president let out a sigh as the status window closed. He felt a sense of regret knowing that was probably the first and last time he’d ever see it. Seeing the longing in the prescient’s eyes, Jae-Hyeok gave a faint smile.
“So, there is something I would like to ask. Could you trust me for the time being and accommodate China?”
“Accommodate China?”
“Allow them to investigate me and the Twilight Kingdom freely.”
“......”
The president of Korea was momentarily taken aback by Jae-Hyeok’s words.
In fact, the reason he’d summoned Jae-Hyeok to his office was precisely this issue.
Within minutes of Jae-Hyeok emerging from the gate, the Communist Party had made a call to the Blue House, demanding that they be allowed to thoroughly investigate the death of National Treasure Jiang Lei and threatening economic sanctions should Korea stand in their way.
In response, the president had no choice but to agree. It was humiliating; it was a betrayal of Jae-Hyeok’s efforts; and it was utterly frustrating...
But what else could he have done?
Regrettably, the Korean government held neither the justification nor the power to stop China. Should they try, the losses would simply be too high. Or so he’d thought.
Upon gleaning Jae-Hyeok’s status window, the president’s initial sense of defeat had given way to a newfound determination. Considering Jae-Hyeok’s prospects, he’d resolved himself to stand against China this time, no matter what. The short-term losses to Korea’s economy would be as a drop compared to the ocean they were poised to gain later, as Jae-Hyeok continued to grow.
However, just as the president had prepared to slap his desk and express his bold intentions, Jae-Hyeok had beaten him to the punch with a shocking request...
Jae-Hyeok continued, “I’m well aware of how shameful and dangerous it is to allow a foreign power investigative autonomy within our country, and within a gate, no less. And if you do this, the people are sure to resent and criticize you. Nevertheless, I am asking you anyway. Please, sir, I ask that you trust me this once.”
Silence lingered in the room.
After the initial bewilderment, a hint of admiration flickered in the president’s eyes.
This boy has a remarkable mind. He’s considered my own difficulties with China and has taken it upon himself to forgo my support. But even still...
The president’s expression cooled.
“Forget what the people think, and forget my difficulties. Your intentions are noble, but I refuse. The Korean government has turned its back on the Kang family once before. I won’t allow it a second time. Even if a knife is put to my throat, the government will stand by the Kang—”
“And I thank you for that,” Jae-Hyeok said, smiling. “But I have no intention of sacrificing myself to China. I’m simply asking you to trust in my ability to handle this matter neatly.”
As someone learned in the etiquette of a duke, Jae-Hyeok normally would not have interrupted the president, but the topic at hand was a weighty one, and given the magnitude of Jae-Hyeok’s aim, he gauged that a touch of boldness would add persuasive momentum to his next words.
“I’m going to devour China.”
“Devour... China?” The president inwardly wrestled with those words.
What sort of nation was China?
China was the dragon of the mainland continent. It had a foundation dating back five thousand years. And had it not been for Korea and the sea acting as a buffer, not even Japan would’ve stood its match. And yet Jae-Hyeok actually had designs on it?
Jae-Hyeok gave his best smile.
“Don’t worry, I’ll be careful.”
***
Namsan Tower.
A young man stood at the edge of a sky terrace with his hands clasped behind his back, overlooking the entirety of Seoul.
The young man was none other than Yusuke. Also known as Prince, he was heir to the Greed Church, which used an anvil as its symbol.
A young woman approached Yusuke and asked, “Is the rumor that Jiang Lei sacrificed himself to save the Yaksha’s son true? Conspiracy theories are spreading that it is, and that China plotted everything in order to sway the Yaksha’s son.”
Although her tone didn’t show it, the young woman was worried.
Japan and China were accomplices in orchestrating the Yaksha’s fall, but if the rumors were to be believed, then it seemed China was moving preemptively to erase its involvement and pin the blame on Japan; in which case, Japan would be in trouble, as that meant China aimed to build a cooperative relationship with Korea, working with them to pressure Japan.
“Eh? That’s impossible.”
Yusuke dismissed the young woman’s concerns.
“Jiang Lei wasn’t sacrificed; he was killed.”
“He was? By whom?”
“By him, of course.”
A black-haired boy stood in the direction Yusuke was pointing. Although he was far away and looked smaller than a dot, the woman spotted him easily.
“The Yaksha’s son... killed Jiang Lei?”
Regardless of the context within the gate, a National Treasure was a National Treasure; the idea that such a being could fall at the hands of a half-baked National Treasure candidate from the backwaters of Korea was absurd.
Moreover, Yusuke had forgone entering the gate with Jiang Lei and the rest and had no firsthand account of the events therein. On its face, there were many reasons to doubt the validity of Yusuke's words.
And yet—
“I... see.”
The young woman didn’t doubt Yusuke in the slightest.
Betting against Yusuke was betting to lose—the entire Greed Church trusted and relied on Yusuke’s strange insight.
The young woman recomposed herself and smiled.
“It seems that the lineage of the three major ducal families is excellent. What do you think? Will Kang Jae-Hyeok be an enemy or a great partner?”
“I think he will be our master.”
“?”