Chapter 93: Gyeongbokgung Gate
Among the most symbolic palaces in Korea, where would most people say is the top? If you asked that question, the majority would probably answer Gyeongbokgung. The palace itself was rebuilt during the reign of the Daewongun regent. Originally, it was constructed under King Taejo Lee Seong-gye, but it burned down during the Imjin War when King Seonjo fled, enraging the furious populace. Later, the ruined site that had stood as an eyesore was finally reconstructed under the leadership of the Daewongun during King Gojong's time. It's a famous story that this endeavor utterly wrecked Joseon's already rock-bottom economy. But the desire to rebuild Gyeongbokgung wasn't just the Daewongun's alone. Many kings after Seonjo wanted to restore it. Why? Probably because it was the symbolic royal palace of Joseon itself—the law palace. The symbol of the Joseon Dynasty, a historic nation that endured for 500 years. Most dynasties established in Korea tended to last a long time once founded, which is perhaps the biggest difference from China. In any case, it makes sense that Gyeongbokgung, the ultimate symbol of the final Joseon Dynasty, became a sanctuary.
What doesn't make sense is how a gate appeared there. Gates usually form in homes, and no one lives in Gyeongbokgung.
"How could a gate possibly appear in Gyeongbokgung?"
"Ah, one of the people managing it became the gate's owner."
"That must've been an insanely slim chance."
"Yes, probably. Considering no gates appeared in other palaces like Deoksugung and the like, it's a rare case."
No gates in the other palaces, but one in Gyeongbokgung. Truly bizarre.
Then a sudden thought crossed my mind.
"Is the manager perhaps...?"
"Yes, a descendant of the king."
"Ah, then that makes sense."
Though most people don't know it, I'd heard stories of royal descendants living in Gyeongbokgung back in the day. One of them even debuted as a singer. I vaguely remember reading that the singer of that childhood song "Pigeon House" was the last imperial grandson. Maybe it was that descendant. Even if not, there are plenty of Yi Joseon descendants around.
"Is he a grand lord?"
"No, just a regular lord. But we'd prefer to keep it that way if possible."
I nodded at Jeong Gi-hoon's words. The Gyeongbokgung Gate was highly symbolic. If he fell under another grand lord, it could cause issues. Though, few people truly understood the current situation.
"Planning to visit the Gyeongbokgung Gate yourself?"
I shook my head at Jeong Gi-hoon's question. Did I really need to go there?
"Is there any real need?"
"I'd prefer if you did, Si-woo. If you could take his territory under your wing, an allied territory might be possible too, right? I haven't tried it myself yet."
I nodded again. It could work. If so, I'd want to keep the Gyeongbokgung Gate as an allied territory—not out of greed, but for protection. Our great-grandfather probably wanted to protect Joseon, or rather, the Korean Empire. Or maybe not the dynasty itself.
"I'll go when I have time. But sanctuaries aren't just in our country, right?"
"Of course not. I've heard symbolic sites in other countries have transformed into sanctuaries too."
Jeong Gi-hoon lived up to his chaebol heir status with his wealth of information.
"Did you recommend our company president take a spot in your gate for that reason?"
He gave a slight smile at my words.
"So you heard that directly. That brother's got some real drive. Honestly, if I weren't a grand lord myself, I'd want to join your command. Even from that one encounter, I could tell you're on another level."
"Eh, that doesn't seem like a big deal."
"You might feel that way, Si-woo. But it's hugely important. And it will be going forward."
Jeong Gi-hoon spoke with a serious expression.
"Anyway, how do you plan to resolve that gate mutation issue?"
"They're manipulating public opinion, so I'll counter by swaying it too. It won't end until Jo Mun-seong pays the price."
"You think that'll work?"
Honestly, I doubted it. Even if the world turned against him, would Jo Mun-seong comply? I didn't think so. A guy like that wouldn't sacrifice himself.
"Probably not easy. But other countries are leaning toward similar decisions. We can't ignore gate mutations forever."
"Other countries?"
"The US seems likely to make that call. I've heard they've already decided internally."
If America did it, it'd set the standard. That's how it usually went. But would this issue pass so smoothly? I had no idea.
"Honestly, I don't know."
"Yeah, no certainty here either. But it doesn't seem bad. If mutations keep happening, people will grasp the severity. And once they realize it's irreversible..."
That sparked another question.
"Mutations change the terrain, fine. But monsters keep spawning too?"
That was the real problem. Mutations might seem like cities turning natural, but if that nature bred monsters, it became unusable land.
"That's the case in America, apparently."
"That's pretty serious."
"Yes, it is."
"One thing I want to make clear."
"Yes."
"Don't think about using me. If you do, you'll pay a heavy price."
"Haha, no plans to use you, Si-woo. Cooperation, maybe—but that'd follow your decision. I want to live long. I'm excited for the changing world ahead. Not about to risk my life needlessly."
As Jeong Gi-hoon spoke, I checked his words with my skill. Fortunately, he was telling the truth. At least no intent to exploit me. He seemed sincere about seeking cooperation, but only for issues he couldn't handle alone.
"What do you think will happen next?"
"I don't expect this status quo to last. The world will change dramatically. This time, gates mutated due to 'gate wrath,' but is that the only reason? I think gates will eventually encroach on our world. They approached benevolently, but there's no guarantee that lasts."
I nodded. His words rang true. Why did gates appear in our world? Providing resources for free? Spreading them here without cost? No such thing as a free lunch. We'd pay eventually.
"I'll watch this play out. Then decide my move."
"Understood. I won't disappoint."
His words left a strange unease.
"We're both grand lords, yet why do I feel like you're treating me as more than that?"
"I don't see us as equals. Someone will surpass lord and grand lord to become a monarch, right? I think Choi Si-woo is the most fitting for that role."
Monarch. In modern Korea, that sounded absurd. Grand lord was absurd too, though. Yet Jeong Gi-hoon mentioned it with clear conviction.
"Even if national structures don't collapse, countries will symbolically elevate monarchs. And I hope Korea has a strong one."
So that was Jeong Gi-hoon's ambition. A stronger Korea. And I fit the bill best now. Because of my level? Pfft!Nyaa! Hoya shot me a look like I was ridiculous. What was I supposed to do? She just stared pitifully. Me, a pitiful sight, becoming monarch? Weird.
"Well, I don't have such thoughts yet, so we'll see."
"Yes. Then I'll go handle the Jo Mun-seong matter."
"Sure. And the bat guy."
"Haha, got it."
No need for long explanations—refreshing. After parting with Jeong Gi-hoon, I tucked Hoya into my cloak and headed home. But Hoya spoke from my chest.
Nyaa nyaa!Nyaa nyaa nyaaang!
"Hm? Let's check out Gyeongbokgung? Right now?"
Nyaa!
Yes, she insisted. Since Hoya suggested it, I decided to go. It wasn't far anyway. I headed straight to Gwanghwamun. There, I spotted a familiar figure in front.
"Jo Mun-seong?"
Jo Mun-seong was camped out in front of Gwanghwamun. Strangely, he couldn't enter.
"When did Gwanghwamun get restricted?"
It didn't look controlled. Yet Jo Mun-seong couldn't pass. Gwanghwamun was Gyeongbokgung's main gate. And now, with a gate inside and the palace itself a sanctuary, as Jeong Gi-hoon said. So I tried Observation.
Observation skill used.
Discovered Grand Sanctuary: Gyeongbokgung.
A historic palace of immense significance. Concentrated with history and aspirations, it has transformed into a Grand Sanctuary.
※ Staying in the Grand Sanctuary rapidly recovers stamina and mana. Wounds and illnesses heal naturally just by being present.
※ A nation has only one Grand Sanctuary. Losing it causes all territories in the nation to rapidly decline.
"Whoa, is this for real?"
Gyeongbokgung wasn't just any sanctuary. It was a Grand Sanctuary with the "grand" prefix. And its domain seemed to cover all of Korea. Losing it would tank every territory in the nation.
As I stood dumbfounded, someone approached.
"Grand Lord Choi Si-woo, right?"
Looking at him, I realized he was the Gyeongbokgung Gate's owner.