054_Coming-of-Age Ceremony
"Time really flies..."
In the blink of an eye, the new year had arrived.
Though we'd already held a New Year's festival a few months back, this time we decided to throw another one in Nakyuan (Paradise Territory) to celebrate the recovery of Gangnam and Im Jui's coming-of-age ceremony.
The executives of Nakyuan had returned from Gangnam just last night.
The weather was still bitterly cold, so dozens of military tents dotted the territory. Inside each one were wood-burning stoves and electric heaters.
After the speeches, we'd all enjoy private banquets in those tents.
Even in this freezing weather, so many kids were begging to ride the Viking ships that I pulled out two of them.
The children didn't seem to feel the cold at all. While the adults shivered outside in our puffer jackets that morning, the kids ran around lightly dressed.
"Well, I guess I was the same way when I was little."
"You're still in your twenties..."
Han Byeol teased me from the side.
Since the weather had turned cold, we'd started setting up tents outside for workers during labor shifts, with mandatory 30-minute breaks every two hours.
We required winter gear and safety equipment at all times. I'd laid down the law: anyone skimping on safety rules or skipping gear would face disciplinary action. No one dared disobey.
Safety supervisors patrolled the territory busily every day, checking on the workers.
"Do-hyun, preparations are almost complete."
"Good. Let's go."
We planned to kick off the festival before sunset.
"I still can't get used to that thing every time I see it... It looks even flashier now. Where'd you even get stuff like that?"
"It was imported from Kim Dae-geon at the constructors' request."
"..."
The stage had been upgraded even further from before—now even the stairs leading up were carpeted.
Red banners embroidered with gold thread hung around it, along with flags.
No choice but to grit my teeth and go through with it.
"Supreme Leader!"
"Long live the Supreme Leader!"
"Long live!"
As soon as I stepped onto the stage, the residents raised their hands and cheered loudly.
I silently raised one hand in greeting, facing them.
Having seen this scene multiple times now, it didn't faze me much.
About five minutes of roaring cheers followed until Han Seol put a finger to her lips, silencing everyone.
"Alright... since it's cold, let's wrap this up quick. We're holding a small banquet to celebrate the recovery of Gangnam. Food and drinks are unlimited, so eat your fill—no leftovers. We'll distribute any extras fairly to every house, so don't hold back."
"Thank you!"
"Supreme Leader! Thank you!"
"And... all executives who contributed greatly to the Gangnam recovery, come up to the stage."
The executives ascended the stage.
Im Jui took off her mask and joined them.
I shook hands with each one, praising their achievements.
Now it was time for the star of this banquet to step forward.
I grabbed the mic and stood in front of Im Jui.
"The executive who contributed the most to the Gangnam recovery, Im Jui, has turned twenty. In fact, this banquet doubles as her coming-of-age ceremony."
"...!"
Im Jui seemed to sense her fate, her face twisting in confusion as her pupils trembled.
Smiling, I handed her the mic.
Her trembling hands took it.
"Now, as a newly minted adult, say a few words to the residents."
"..."
As I stepped aside, the gazes of nearly two thousand residents locked onto her.
"Oh...!"
"Director of Security!"
I ducked my head and chuckled, and soon the executives were laughing too.
Im Jui's face turned beet red.
This wasn't meant to torment her.
A few months ago, I'd asked if she wanted to work on her speech issues. She'd said yes, she wanted to improve.
When I'd told her I'd have her give a short speech in front of people someday, she'd confidently said she could do it.
But she probably never imagined that day would be today.
"Man... sweating bullets in this cold."
A bead of sweat trickled down her forehead.
"Ah... uh...!"
As she opened her mouth, the residents shouted.
"You can do it!"
"Director! You got this!"
Buoyed by their encouragement, Im Jui closed her eyes and yelled.
"Th-thank... you allll!"
The residents clapped in admiration.
I approached, patted her shoulder, and said,
"Good job."
Her mental energy spent, she nodded with half-lidded eyes.
Outside, the residents' laughter and chatter filled the air.
We'd brought in instruments and karaoke machines for anyone who wanted to sing, and it was surprisingly popular—people were taking turns on stage belting out their favorites.
Some residents had real talent.
The kids were out there braving the icy wind on the Viking ships, giggling in their puffer jackets and furry hats. It warmed my heart.
I'd left Seo I-rang with Na Hye-won.
After my speech, I'd headed straight back to the office to handle affairs.
Mountains of work still awaited.
Reports from the executives: first, on the Union.
We'd stationed 80 Union personnel each in the new Guryongju (Nine Dragons Domain) and Daemojo (Great Mother Domain)—160 in total.
Some received passes for hospital operations.
I hadn't thought much of it when issuing them, but to the Union's executives and group leaders, this "Paradise Territory Supreme Leader's Colony Pass Issuance Authority" apparently carried huge weight.
Ten Union awakeners got pass-issuance rights: one subordinate each from the top executives, plus six more from the rest.
Nakyuan's executives reported that Union execs without subordinates in Guryongju or Daemojo worried they'd been sidelined from the Union's power center.
I never imagined I'd have to micromanage that.
After an executive meeting, we decided to add another 160—320 total—in those domains.
Ten more awakeners for pass rights, this time pulling from minor warlord subordinates to avoid alienation.
All strictly Gangbuk natives, of course.
Next: the rebellion plot and constitutional reform.
A recent incident in Gangnam. After it fell to the Union, some ousted high officials and elites from the old regime had secretly plotted a revolt.
They approached military officers they thought might join, pitching their plan.
The officers feigned interest, asked for details... then arrested them on the spot after hearing it all.
They sent me the recordings and reports.
I'd wondered how Gangnam's military viewed me post-takeover, but this confirmed their loyalty.
The plotters got the full treatment before execution.
I rewarded the lead officers with booze and food, promising invites to Nakyuan soon.
"Haa..."
The final report was the real headache.
It started violently: "Lifetime President"
With Seoul unified—Gangnam and Gangbuk alike—requests poured in for constitutional reform and a new political system.
The most popular: lifetime presidency.
Teachers had highlighted the key parts with fluorescent pens amid the dense legalese.
Lifetime president? Basically a monarchy.
The gist: amend the constitution, indirect election by assembly... sole candidate: me.
I balked, so executives said we could stick with the Supreme Leader system.
But the majority wanted legal procedures for legitimacy.
The old Gangnam president's term had time left, so we'd mull it till then.
Yesterday, he asked, "Will I die when my term ends?"
No plans to kill him. No gain offing a powerless man.
Told him to live quietly with family in his mansion post-term.
Assets seized; he'd scrape by on Union pension. House arrest, essentially.
Finished work—clock read past 11 p.m.
Down on the first floor: Na Hye-won's door ajar, her and Seo I-rang asleep inside.
Voices leaked from my room: Han Seol and Han Byeol.
"Get up already...!"
"Why's she so strong...?"
"N-nooo... ah!"
"That sounds like Jui."
Screech.
Opened the door.
Han Seol and Han Byeol froze like statues, busted.
On the bed: Im Jui clutching the sheets, the twins prying her off.
"..."
"D-Do-hyun! It's not— um...!"
Before Han Seol could explain, Im Jui beamed, pointed at me, and shouted,
"Do-hyun oppa!"
I paused, then said,
"How much did you let her drink...?"
The executives said they'd poured her a glass at the spa to celebrate her coming-of-age.
I'd allowed it: first drinks as an adult, drink as much as she wanted.
Nakyuan whiskey suited her palate; she downed every pour.
Soon straight from the glass. Past fifteen bottles, she tossed her notepad and spoke freely.
Sampled every type—thirty-seven bottles solo—then demanded to see me, barging into the mansion.
Han Seol, Han Byeol, Han Eun-ji, Jeong Su-hwan, Lee Kyung-min all hung on her... dragged here anyway.
Face buried in the pillow, she yelled,
"Not going! Not going! Sleep here tonight!"
"Sorry... didn't think she'd get this wasted."
"Thirty-seven bottles? Even an awakener'd be smashed..."
Her awakener tolerance saved her; otherwise, she'd be a lightweight.
"It's fine. I'll calm her down and send her off. Everyone out."
Han Seol and Han Byeol left.
I sat on the bed.
"Booze loosens your tongue, huh?"
"..."
Face in pillow, silent.
I tucked her in.
"If you wanna crash here, fine. I was gonna give you this room anyway if you'd stayed."
"Really?"
"Yeah, I'd take the sofa...!"
As I stood, she hugged me from behind.
"J-Jui?!"
"Thank you... for everything."
"Jui, let go first... no, why're you so strong...?"
All my strength: zero give.
"Wh-what do you... think of me?"
"Huh? Think how...?"
Thud thud.
She bonked her forehead on my back.
"As a woman?"
"..."
My mind raced.
Obvious meaning.
"Well... I..."
As I started, her arms slackened.
Turned: she was asleep.
"..."
Laid her down, covered her.
"Booze turns her into a spoiled brat."
Slept in the office, came down to first floor: Im Jui dogeza in the living room.
Family at the table, watching us.
"Sleep well, everyone... What're you doing...?"
"S-s-sorry!"
"It's fine, get up."
She stood, flustered.
"No big deal. Let's eat breakfast."
Just to check, I asked,
"Remember last night... at all?"
Face flushing, she pulled her notepad.
Sorry. Sorry. Sorry.
Bowed deeply, bolted.
"Ah... shouldn't have asked."