Chapter 63
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 63
Chapter Title: The Mayor and the Bat
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Only silence remained in the mayor's office after Kang Hyunwoo disappeared.
Yes, this worked out perfectly.
Frontier Development and the Magpie Village residents' committee. Neither side is righteous. Neither is just.
That's why it's perfect. The openings for my intervention are crystal clear.
I need to buy Kang Pro more time to dig deeper too. The more evidence, the better.
A true schemer always profits from playing both sides. Of course, in my case, it'll be a loss instead of a gain.
What's the most reviled position in politics?
The bat-like opportunist who plays it safe, cozying up to whichever side suits the moment. That's the one.
I sweetly whisper to both sides: "Trust only Lee Garam."
I offer a handshake with one hand while slipping secret info to the other side with the one hidden behind my back.
I stoke conflict, amplify suspicion, and foster distrust.
And when both sides' rage reaches its peak, I dramatically betray them both, striding to center stage with a shocking declaration: "They're both the same trash!"
Ah, just imagining it brings tears to my eyes. Picturing both sides wailing, "We trusted only you, Mayor!"—my chest already swells with grandeur.
Basking in their curses and resentment from all directions, I shall fall magnificently.
I dub it: Operation Bat.
Heh. Even naming it myself impresses me. Bat. Predator of the dark. Mysterious being that reads the world with echolocation.
Of course, I'll be firing lies instead of echolocation. And operating in daylight. Details don't matter.
What matters is the image.
From now on, I'll be Neo Incheon's ultimate bat.
The scenario is complete.
"Kuhuh, heh heh heh."
"Mayor."
"Eek!"
A cold voice shattered my sweet delusions.
Seria was gazing down at me, though I hadn't noticed her standing there.
"What childish play are you scheming this time?"
"Ahem. Play? Seria, this is politics. A noble political act to uphold the people's will and uproot evil. More importantly, Seria! How many times have I told you to knock?"
"I did. You were too lost in your own world to hear. So, what outlandish, idiotic plan have you cooked up to look so blissfully happy?"
I cleared my throat needlessly and straightened up.
"Idiotic? Nonsense! This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, a divine masterstroke! 'Operation: Bat'!"
I puffed out my chest and declared proudly.
Seria's eyebrow twitched faintly.
"Bat... you say?"
"Yes! Bat! Emperor of the night! Noble predator soaring freely through the darkness! Solitary enigma shrouded in mystery!"
"Nocturnal, nearly blind, barely navigating by echolocation, suspected carrier of all sorts of viruses, hanging upside down from damp cave ceilings amid its own droppings—that creature?"
"......"
Seria's biological breakdown brutally demolished my romantic vision.
"For a self-comparison, it's almost too accurate and objective. Have you finally gained some self-awareness? Congratulations, Mayor. You've taken your first step in evolution."
Clap. Clap.
She gave a light applause. It didn't feel congratulatory at all.
"N-No, that's not it! Bat has a positive connotation! Like a dark hero! Tormented and wandering, but ultimately realizing justice in his own way! I'm making a tormented decision for Neo Incheon's peace and stability!"
"A genius idea from your head? That's an oxymoron. Like mint chocolate or an honest politician. It can't exist."
"What's wrong with mint chocolate? It's delicious! And honest politicians do exist! Right here!"
"Ha?"
How much time passed before she spoke.
"Fine."
"...Huh?"
"Go ahead and try it."
It was an unexpected response. I'd braced for rejection. Something like, "That's a foolish waste of city funds—stop it immediately."
"Watching how you'll bizarrely stumble into success this time might be entertaining."
A faint smile curved her lips. Pretty as always, but one I didn't like.
"Of course, all extra administrative costs and overtime pay from the process will be deducted precisely from your next month's salary."
"W-What?!"
"Then I'll go prepare the paperwork for your creative plan. I hope it doesn't end in some boring, quick fizzle."
She gave a light nod and left the office.
I stared blankly at the door she'd vanished through for a while.
...Once again, I felt played in the palm of her hand.
But I got permission. Or something like it.
Good. No more hesitation.
"Nero. Wake up. Time for a walk."
Nyaaang!
Nero, dozing under the desk, sprang up like a spring and landed on my shoulder.
Its tail tickled my cheek.
Near Magpie Village, a black goat restaurant known only to locals.
The backdrop was perfect. Dingy eatery, worn tables, steaming black goat hotpot.
"Mayor! Over here!"
Village head Park Chunbae waved from the innermost room. Resident representatives lined up around him.
We sat facing each other across the bubbling black goat hotpot.
This setup feels like a negotiation table. I like it.
"We never dreamed you'd grace such a humble spot, Mayor."
"Nonsense. A mayor's duty is to rush wherever citizens are."
The hotpot bubbled, filling the air with savory perilla powder scent.
Smells great, but the visuals... Black broth with unidentifiable bits floating around.
I began gravely.
"I've quietly mobilized the city's full intelligence resources for an investigation. And... the situation is very, very serious."
I dropped the first prepared bombshell without hesitation.
"Frontier Development—they're rotten to the core. Repeat offenders. They've scammed residents in other areas too, buying land dirt cheap."
"Heavens...!"
Low groans erupted here and there. But this was just the opener.
"That's not all."
I lowered my voice, leaning forward as if sharing a dire secret.
"We caught signs they're bribing councilors to push forced expropriation. Three from the urban development committee. I even have the list."
"Those filthy... filthy bastards!"
Park Chunbae's face flushed beet red. He trembled, fist raised to slam the table.
Good, the mood's ripe. Time to tug at the heartstrings.
"Remember... the truck terror at Cattopia not long ago?"
"How could we forget! Nero nearly got hurt!"
Hm... Nearly?
In reality, Nero wrecked the dump truck, but the intent was clear. Terrorism, pure and simple.
"That terror? Frontier Development orchestrated it. To smear your protests as violent and sway public opinion."
"W-What?!"
The room erupted into chaos. Curses and shouts mingled.
"And... behind it all... one of the top 10 conglomerates, Mirai Corporation. Source of all the dirty money. Frontier's just their lackey."
"The Japanese eyeing our land?! Does that even make sense?!"
"Plus... I heard Magpie Village's ground is hollow underneath... Buildings might collapse... Or so they say."
"Ah... Uh... No way...!"
Hm? The reaction feels off.
'Shock must be too great. Makes sense. Your lifelong home's foundation at risk.'
I ignored their awkwardness and pressed on.
"Everyone! Will you just take this lying down? Let that massive evil cabal steal your livelihoods root and stem?!"
"N-No! We can't!"
"Resist harder! Bigger protests, more media attention! Let all of Neo Incheon—no, the world—hear your plight!"
I met each elder's eyes.
"Prepare legal battles too. I promise city-level support. Development permits? I'm the mayor. No signature from me, they can't dig. I'll stall them somehow."
To them, I was the savior. A hero emerging from darkness with a beam of light.
Park Chunbae staggered forward and seized my hand. His rough, wrinkled palm was slick with sweat.
"Mayor... Mayor! Truly... thank you! We'll trust only you now! You're Magpie Village's benefactor!"
Tears welled in his eyes.
I gripped his hand back with a benevolent smile.
Inside, I cheered triumphantly.
'Yes, that's it. Cling tight. The stronger the faith, the deeper the betrayal stings.'
With a satisfied smile, I picked up a tender piece of black goat and popped it in my mouth. Delicious.