Chapter 550: Establishing the Hierarchy (2)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 550: Establishing the Hierarchy (2)
The crowd gathered here did not know the truth. Unlike Park Min-woo.
Everyone was amazed by Wang Wiryong's declaration to hand over all of China, but his version of the Heavenly Demon Cult actually meant nothing to Roman Dmitry. And why would it? Heavenly Demon Baek Joong-hyuk himself was the very essence of the Heavenly Demon Cult. What use would he have for superficial research materials gathered over the years?
Neither Wang Wiryong nor Roman Dmitry was ignorant of this fact.
Yet, Wang Wiryong made that statement in front of everyone to emphasize the symbolic gesture of offering up China.
Park Min-woo's insides boiled. He felt like he was going crazy with rage.
'You cowardly bastard. How dare an interloper like you try to take my place by bringing up past connections? Well, I suppose you had no other choice. To push past me—someone who has shared the destiny of meeting him three times across three lifetimes as Kim Pan-seok, Alexander, and Park Min-woo—your only option was to cling to the Heavenly Demon Cult. But this is unacceptable. No matter what, you aren't stepping on my head to climb up.'
In this life, Park Min-woo's priorities were clear.
At first, it had been resolving his karma, but as those boundaries crumbled, his absolute top priority became securing his position as Roman Dmitry's second-in-command. Naturally, seeing Wang Wiryong receive the crowd's cheers was incredibly grating. It was a gift of absolutely no substance, yet people gasped in awe at every single word the man uttered.
Park Min-woo believed in himself.
Although the position of Roman Dmitry's second-in-command was rightfully his, the fact that Wang Wiryong was a descendant of the Heavenly Demon Cult could not be ignored.
Think about it.
Even if Wang Wiryong was merely the descendant of a painter, the ancestor who had passed down the 'mural' was someone Roman Dmitry considered a close friend. The Wang family's dedication to keeping the legacy of the Heavenly Demon Cult alive until the very end might earn Roman Dmitry's genuine recognition. From that point on, Wang Wiryong would no longer be a descendant in name only. Just as Roman had taught Kevin the Heavenly Demon Sword Technique, there was no telling when Wang Wiryong's status might skyrocket.
In a single moment, their hierarchy could be redefined.
That anxiety fueled his anger. And perhaps because his rage had crossed a line, his gaze eventually turned cold and steady.
He watched Wang Wiryong step down from the stage.
Watching that confident stride, a certain scenario began to take shape in his mind.
'That's right, Wiryong. Smile all you want right now. Even if everyone else accepts you, I will never acknowledge your existence.'
He began to calmly untangle his chaotic thoughts.
Just like the days when he lived as Alexander, harboring ambitions of continental conquest and abandoning his humanity, Park Min-woo's eyes gleamed with a dangerous light.
* * *
On the stage, Roman Dmitry watched everything unfold.
Wang Wiryong stepping down, and Park Min-woo watching him with an envious gaze. It was a familiar sight. Just like the rivalry between Chris and Kevin, a war was brewing in this new life over who would claim the spot right beside him.
'What are you all up to now?'
Suddenly, a wave of nostalgia washed over him.
Having lived a life where human emotions were not permitted, every time he reminisced about his past life, feelings he hadn't realized back then came rushing in. Even Roman Dmitry was human. He had not been able to fully enjoy the bonds he shared with his subordinates who would throw themselves into raging fires at his command, with Hans who genuinely cared for him, or with the father and mother who looked at him with warm eyes.
It was the shackle of his existence.
Because he had lived so fiercely as Baek Joong-hyuk, he could not entirely break free from that mold even as Roman Dmitry.
But now, things were different.
He had the luxury to look back.
He had the room to look around.
He now possessed more than enough power to protect his people.
He was certain. Even if he achieved the great feat of continental conquest once again in this new life, he would never be satisfied with just a glorious outcome. He needed the people of Dmitry. Only when those who allowed him to live not just as the Heavenly Demon, but as the human Roman Dmitry, stood by his side, would his life truly be complete.
He did not grow impatient.
Step by step. Gradually.
While resolving the problems plaguing this world, he would simultaneously find a way to connect it to the world of Dmitry.
For now, he focused on the reality before him. Putting his past memories aside, he looked at the two men glaring with bloodshot eyes, eager to claim the spot by his side.
'Now that a new landscape has been established, a stage to prove themselves is necessary to prevent meaningless conflict.'
It wasn't to repeat his past life.
The Heavenly Demon Cult was a group that followed the law of power. Roman Dmitry knew all too well that this was an inevitable process. Therefore, he set the stage for Park Min-woo and Wang Wiryong.
Roman Dmitry signaled to his subordinate. The man stepped forward and shouted in a booming voice:
"We will now proceed with the Rewards and Punishments Based on Merit!"
* * *
The highlight of the festival, the Rewards and Punishments Based on Merit, began.
The recipients had already been notified beforehand and told to consider what rewards they desired. They were called up one by one.
First was Kim Jun-hyeok.
Roman Dmitry spoke.
"From this day forward, the Korean Empire will maintain a clear system of rewards and punishments. Those who commit crimes will be judged solely by their offenses, but those who perform meritorious deeds have the right to demand fitting rewards. Mayor of Incheon, Kim Jun-hyeok. In recognition of your contribution to perfectly defending against Russia's surprise attack, state the reward you desire here and now."
For this moment, Kim Jun-hyeok had already prepared his answer.
Experiencing the war with Russia following his dealings with the Central Government, his eyes had been opened to a new domain.
"Before I met Your Majesty, I was skeptical of my own worth. I believed there was little I could do, as unawakened ordinary people have their limits. But things are different now. Incheon, and the Korean Empire, need people like me—those who can read the battlefield and employ formations. I ask for the establishment of a facility to train strategists like myself, along with massive investment in it. I wish to make the Korean Empire a stronger nation than it is today."
"Is that all? You may speak of your personal desires."
"This is more than enough. As Your Majesty knows, the revival of Incheon is my ultimate goal."
Kim Jun-hyeok's words were sincere.
Though it was a sufficient reward for him, Roman Dmitry insisted on adding more.
"I accept your request. Not only will we establish the new facility, but you will also be granted wealth befitting your contributions."
"Thank you, Your Majesty!"
Next up was Kang Min-ho.
He had performed meritorious deeds alongside Kim Jun-hyeok, but he simply bowed his head and said:
"I do not require any separate reward. Had I not met Your Majesty, I would still be scraping by at the very bottom. I have already received so much, so simply accepting me and my daughter is more than enough for me."
Kim Jun-hyeok and Kang Min-ho both had clear priorities in life.
Because they did not pursue material wealth, they showed no greed even when presented with a life-changing opportunity. Yet, Roman would not accept their sincerity without giving anything in return.
When his subordinates looked back on their lives, he wanted to ensure they would not regret their choices in the slightest. To do so, he had to avoid taking their sacrifices for granted. It was a virtuous cycle. Although Roman Dmitry maintained a clear boundary between lord and vassal, he never accepted his vassals' loyalty without compensation, and that was exactly what earned him their blind trust.
Roman Dmitry shook his head.
"No, self-satisfaction cannot be considered a sufficient reward. This country does not demand sacrifice without compensation. As long as the Korean Empire stands, a massive monthly stipend will be paid in your name. This is a reward for leading the Guardian Unit. And even if you should die, the compensation will be passed down to your daughter. Kang Min-ho, in this chaotic world, no one here can guarantee when they might die. But what is certain is that those who devote themselves to the Korean Empire will never be unhappy, no matter how uncertain the future may be. I will make sure of it."
He understood Kang Min-ho's situation and considered what the man truly wanted.
His daughter. She was his absolute top priority.
Promising to guarantee her future was the greatest reward possible for Kang Min-ho.
"Therefore, enjoy everything I bestow upon you. You deserve it."
"……Thank you."
Kang Min-ho's voice trembled.
He felt deeply grateful for Roman Dmitry's sincerity. Although Roman had praised his contributions in front of everyone, Kang Min-ho knew all too well that this was a war Roman Dmitry had ended single-handedly. That was why he had declined the reward. He didn't believe that simply holding off Russia's surprise attack was grand enough to warrant proudly asking for compensation.
Yet, a reward that would be passed down to his daughter... he had no choice but to accept it.
Even if someone called him shameless, he would take it and live a life of even greater devotion to Roman Dmitry.
This series of events was also a formality.
While Roman Dmitry sincerely paid out rewards for sacrifices, the reason he held the ceremony of Rewards and Punishments Based on Merit in front of everyone was because such displays defined the direction of the Korean Empire. Formalities were not meaningless. A clear message showing that the sacrifices of the people were not taken lightly was absolutely necessary.
The ceremony continued.
Finally, it was Park Min-woo's turn.
Roman Dmitry anticipated what his reward would be. Just like Kevin had done in the past. If Park Min-woo wanted to clearly establish the hierarchy with Wang Wiryong, Roman intended to grant him a personal reward, setting the stage for their clash.
However.
"Please accept Baek-il as one of Your Majesty's official royal guards."
Park Min-woo requested a completely unexpected reward.
* * *
The event drew to a close.
Once the ceremony concluded, Park Min-woo slipped away alone.
In truth, he had wanted to demand a ranking battle with Wang Wiryong, just as Roman Dmitry had anticipated. He wanted to prove he was the second-in-command in front of everyone, but now was the time to suppress his boiling emotions.
He had a plan in mind.
One step back to take two steps forward.
He put on a mask. He had stood on the stage as the Mage in White, and as he stepped down, he received the cheers of the crowd under that esteemed title.
Once the festival ended, he waited for someone. The starting point of his plan.
Finally, seeing a group approaching from a distance, Park Min-woo stepped forward without hesitation to block their path.
"Wang Wiryong."
"I believe I told you to watch your mouth."
Step.
It was Xiao Long.
As Park Min-woo casually called out Wang Wiryong's name, Xiao Long glared at him with a sharp gaze.
He truly detested Park Min-woo's very existence. Even if he now followed Roman Dmitry, Wang Wiryong was like the heavens itself in China—a legendary figure who had conquered the nation with a single sword. Yet, Park Min-woo showed absolutely no respect, treating Wang Wiryong as if he were some common street thug.
Park Min-woo did not react to Xiao Long's words.
As if refusing to deal with small fry, he kept his eyes locked on Wang Wiryong and spoke.
"I'd like to speak with you alone. What do you say? Why don't you dismiss the small fry so we can have a chat?"
"How dare you!"
Xiao Long flared up.
Just as he drew his sword to subdue Park Min-woo, Wang Wiryong raised a hand to stop him.
He smiled. Park Min-woo's ridiculous attitude had successfully provoked him.
"Very well, let's do that."
* * *
They moved to a different location.
Once they reached a secluded spot away from prying eyes, Park Min-woo got straight to the point.
"Wang Wiryong. I'm telling you this because you don't seem to know, but there is a special secret between me and His Majesty, Emperor Roman Dmitry. Because of a connection that can only be described as destiny, I am standing by His Majesty's side today under the name of Park Min-woo. So I really don't understand why you keep coveting my position without knowing your place. The bond between His Majesty and me is not a relationship someone like you can dare to interfere with."
It was blatant hostility.
As Park Min-woo spoke fiercely, Wang Wiryong responded with cold indifference.
"You are the one who doesn't know his place. To His Majesty, nothing holds greater meaning than the Heavenly Demon Cult."
The Heavenly Demon Cult.
It was Park Min-woo's sore spot. In his past life, he had been nothing but the ignorant Kim Pan-seok. Stung by the fact that he could not claim the Heavenly Demon Cult as a connection, Park Min-woo let out a cold laugh.
"Just as I expected. From the moment I first met you, I knew you would be a thorn in my side. That's why I didn't ask His Majesty for a ranking battle. A public stage wouldn't be suitable for utterly crushing you."
Rumble.
Ruuuumble.
He channeled his magic power. Dark red energy flared up from Park Min-woo, pressing down heavily on Wang Wiryong as if he were about to unleash a spell at any second.
"I have a proposal for you. How about we settle our hierarchy right here with our strength? The loser, no matter how bitter they feel, will respectfully serve the 'second-in-command' as the third-in-command for the next year."
Step.
He took one step forward. Stepping close enough to feel Wang Wiryong's breath, he looked down at him with a fierce smirk.
"Decide. Will you accept, or not?"