Victory Ceremony (1)
Ilbaek, the elite three-headed white tiger, was still in its massive true form.
As if in communion with Taeju, it emanated its feral aura solely toward the enemies.
The rebel forces of the territory and the Kyushu territory troops trembled in place, utterly paralyzed.
Taeju approached his father, Kim Ungbang.
He still said nothing.
Taeju simply handed over a recovery potion indifferently, and Kim Ungbang accepted it and drank.
When Taeju pulled out the Fresh Flesh Growth ointment, Kim Ungbang turned his back, exposing his wounds for easy application.
Once the emergency treatment was finished, Kim Ungbang finally spoke.
"Thank you."
Taeju replied simply.
"Sure."
That was it.
Suddenly!
Thud-thud-thud-thud!
The distant roar of helicopter propellers.
Taeju looked up and signaled to Ilbaek.
Whoosh!
The enormous true form vanished in an instant.
Moments later, agents from the Presidential Security Service rappelled down from the helicopters.
"Capture them all!"
Then, Palace Secretary Geum Suhu and Presidential Office Deputy Director Jang Sangho disembarked as well.
"See? I told you. He's already here."
"Yeah, you're right."
"By the way, where's that bastard Honda? Ah, there he is."
Kim Ungbang quickly walked over to Geum Suhu and said,
"Secretary Geum."
"Mm, Colonel Kim, you're safe?"
"I'm fine. I took some wounds, but... and these guys, I killed them all myself."
"...You did?"
"Yes."
"Honda Kazuo and Honda Jiro too?"
"Both."
"Those guys were Masters."
"So am I."
Geum Suhu could guess why Kim Ungbang was acting this way.
The Honda father and son were central figures among the Japanese factions in the empire.
Their deaths couldn't just be swept under the rug.
An investigation was inevitable.
Backlash from the empire's Japanese citizens was expected too.
Then Taeju would be in a tough spot.
"I get why you're doing this, but you're worrying needlessly. Worry about yourself instead of Chairman Kim."
"Still..."
"It was legitimate self-defense against illegal territory invasion—no issue there. Plus, all these witnesses here. How do you plan to silence them?"
"..."
Geum Suhu had a point.
"But the Hondas are backed by Empress Yeomhwang and the Third Prince. They won't stay quiet."
"And if they don't? You think they'll touch someone His Majesty favors? Let them try if they dare."
"But His Majesty is ill in bed..."
"Don't believe the rumors. He's too healthy—that's the problem. Even gets drunk and rambles."
"What?"
"Keep it to yourself. Don't spread it around."
"Ah!"
Kim Ungbang was startled.
"And His Majesty read the petition you sent."
"...Yes."
"Things have changed. Haven't changed your mind? I can have it returned if you want."
"No change. I'm not fit to rule a territory."
"I see. Then we'll proceed as is."
Kim Ungbang stood.
"Where to?"
"Back to Paju territory. Things to sort out."
"You finally see your son after so long. Why not catch up?"
Kim Ungbang stood still, gazing at Taeju.
Their eyes met, a whirlwind of thoughts crossing his mind.
But he lacked the courage for a long talk yet.
"Next time. Take care."
Kim Ungbang walked off alone, his steps unsteady.
Geum Suhu watched his retreating figure, then turned to Taeju.
"Nothing to say to Colonel Kim?"
"I have a bit, but he doesn't seem keen on talking... It'll happen eventually."
"Yeah, fathers and sons are often like that—stiff."
Taeju chuckled at Geum Suhu's words.
"Oh, right! The liquor I gave you before... Not this time too?"
"Sigh, exactly three glasses. Begged for them."
"Good."
"Nah, I regret it. Other liquors taste bland now."
"His Majesty's health?"
Geum Suhu grinned.
"Come to the victory ceremony and see. Something really fun's about to unfold."
※ ※ ※
The victory ceremony loomed.
Yet the emperor's attendance remained undecided.
No— it was all but certain he wouldn't come.
No mention from the palace secretariat.
Not even the merit list had been issued.
Thus, Crown Prince Ryu Jinyoung and the princes and princesses scrambled to get their backers on the list—except Fifth Prince Ryu Jincheol, who had no interest in the throne.
Crown Prince Ryu Jinyoung gathered them.
"This list. No complaints. Got everyone you wanted."
First Prince Ryu Jinsu objected.
"What's the point of names? My people are all third-, fourth-, fifth-grade merits. Too obvious, no? Your followers get first- or second-grade."
Fourth Prince Ryu Jinung grumbled too.
"Second bro at least has numbers. What's this? Just five?"
First Princess Ryu Jinah backed him.
"Right. Big bro discriminates 'cause we didn't come from the same womb? Add a few for absent Jincheol."
Third Prince Ryu Jinpyo spoke up.
"Fine, all good, but remove this one."
"Who?"
"Kim Taeju of Taehong Bio. What'd he do? Sold drugs for cash, didn't fight."
First Princess Ryu Jinhee and Third Princess Ryu Jinseo, from the same mother Empress Yeomhwang, agreed.
"Yeah, like Jinpyo says. Cut Kim Taeju."
"Same here, bros."
They had reasons.
Recently, their staunch supporters Honda Kazuo and Honda Jiro died in Paju territory.
Investigation by the Presidential Office: The Hondas plotted to kill Kim Ungbang, who sought divorce and separation. They invaded Paju with Kyushu awakeners, but Kim Ungbang, tipped off, called Gurye resident Kim Taeju for aid.
After fierce battle, Kim Taeju and Kim Ungbang beheaded the Hondas.
That was it.
Presidential Office ruled it lawful self-defense—no charges.
Kim Taeju wasn't arrested.
Empress Yeomhwang raged.
Third Prince Ryu Jinpyo, First Princess Ryu Jinhee, Third Princess Ryu Jinseo too.
How dare a mere businessman!
Can't let it slide.
Honda deaths were a fatal blow to Yeomhwang.
Lost military might and funding overnight.
Must show other backers.
Leave Kim Taeju be, and supporters waver—leadership crumbles.
Once emperor dies, he's a kite without string. Make him pay.
Thus, no way his name goes on the merit list.
Crown Prince and First Prince nodded to Third Prince's proposal.
They knew why.
"Just cut Kim Taeju?"
"Yes, then no complaints."
"Good. Done."
All agreed.
Taeju's name vanished instantly.
After more debates, concessions, compromises—the merit list finalized.
※ ※ ※
Day before the ceremony.
Newspapers and broadcasts announced the Great Wall Wave War merit list.
Taeju, preparing to attend, checked it.
Hm? My name's missing?
What gives?
Invited him, then this.
Whatever. Fine by me. No need to go.
Didn't want to anyway.
Better not to.
Time to plan a trip?
Off abroad for new poisons.
But Geum Suhu's call derailed it.
"That was the plan."
"I'll hear about it later."
No choice.
Had to go.
Victory ceremony day.
Taeju arrived in New Seoul, entered the palace with Secretary Seo Pilmyeong.
Passing Gate 5 of the imperial palace, into the venue—crowd's eyes locked on Taeju.
Kim Taeju? Why's he here?
Right? Not on the merit list.
Sightseeing.
Makes sense. Lots of non-merits here.
Taeju ignored the stares, sat in the front row as guided by Seo Pilmyeong.
Front row?
Why there?
Royals or first-grade merits only.
Those seated with Empress Yeomhwang glared murderously at Taeju.
Even she stood, approached Taeju's seat.
"So you're the bastard Kim Taeju. Daring to show your face after that?"
Taeju tilted his head.
"What 'that'? I've done nothing wrong."
"Ha! Arrogant as rumored. Don't know what you rely on. His Majesty maybe?"
Empress Yeomhwang sneered.
"Hohoho, keep hoping. See what happens after the ceremony."
Third Prince approached too.
Unlike her,
"You can survive. Join me. I'll let it slide."
Knew this offer was coming.
"Don't want to meddle in throne fights."
"Insolent punk! Think Kyushu's my only support? I'll tear you and your company apart, whatever it takes."
Sigh, not here for this.
Still, not boring. Entertaining.
The ceremony began.
All venue doors shut.
Preliminaries ended, time for merit list.
Emcee took the mic.
"Originally, His Majesty the Emperor was to preside."
Paused, then,
"But due to His Majesty's indisposition, Crown Prince shall instead..."
Before finishing, Crown Prince Ryu Jinyoung rose, heading to podium.
Then—
Bang!
Sealed venue doors flew open.
What?
Why open now?
One man strode in.
Palace Secretary Geum Suhu.
His voice boomed.
"His Majesty the Emperor, founder and ruler of the great Samhan Empire, enters! All rise and pay respects!"
What?
The emperor?
Bedridden with illness?
What the—
Suddenly!
Step-step,
Imperial army uniform, piercing eyes, striding powerfully—Grand Master aura overwhelming.
Hummmm!
Thick mana flooded the venue.
The emperor indeed.
Who else exudes such presence?
Empresses' shocked faces.
Crown Prince, midway to podium, frozen awkwardly.
Princes and princesses, jaws dropped in disbelief.
Unmistakable.
Same as his prime—no, stronger.
Stunned crowd.
Who hadn't bet on emperor's illness rumors?
Ruined.
Emperor Ryu Taehyeon reached the podium.
Stopped at Taeju's seat.
"You came."
"Yes, Your Majesty!"
"Must've been bored waiting. Why not bring that cat you raise? Better than mingling with these fools."
Taeju smiled faintly.
"Not bored. Quite entertaining, actually."
"It'll get more fun from here."
The emperor smiled too.
Their warm exchange.
Empress Yeomhwang paled.
Third Prince too.
※ ※ ※
Immortal Realm.
The immortals' filming was for "greetings."
Thanks to Kim Taeju, parallel soul to Dokseon, from another world.
Dang Gunak didn't stop it.
No issue.
Taeju deserved it.
Filming started with Cheoljang Seonin.
Reading haltingly from script by Gwigok Seonin, fluent in Samhan tongue.
"Uh... oh, hello, Great Hero Kim Taeju! Weapons from your replica Yeouiju are done. Dokseon'll deliver soon. Uh, that cola thing? Refreshing and tasty. Yeah."
Taeguk Seonin too,
"Juseon Taeguk Seonin here. Hope you got the immortal liquor well. Always grateful. Beer would be better. Saw cocktails in dramas—highball, Black Russian? What's in them? Genuinely curious, haha!"
Gwigok Seonin as well.
"Want to know more about Earth. Books on your world would help—like encyclopedias. Language? No worry. Learn quick."
Dang Gunak was floored by their shamelessness.
What? Greetings?
These greedy bastards.
Openly demanding stuff.
Geomseon couldn't stay quiet.
"Great Hero Taeju! Demoed Demon Subduing Sword well. Hope your subordinates master it. Oh! Using Myriad Flying Sword okay? No ride, so walk. Dramas had bikes? Harley something—fun. Not asking for one... ignore. Legs hurt a bit though."
Just immortals?
Seowangmo and Miho Seonja were hyper too.
After watching immortals play, begged Dang Gunak for another tablet.
"Lady Wangmo, shall we film?"
"Yes, ready."
Seowangmo twisted slightly, hand to face, seductive smile at lens.
Click!
"Hurry, bring it."
Checked the photo.
"Sigh, face too dark. Powder maybe?"
Pinched to zoom, shrink,
Then,
"Hm? Face brightened suddenly. Why?"
"You touched that, Lady Wangmo."
"This? Oh! Much prettier. Amazing gadget."
Found filters.
This the Immortal Realm?
Gwigok Seonin grinned, tablet in hand, to Dang Gunak after all greetings.
"Done. Send now."
Greetings my foot!
No way.
Wipe before sending.
Right then!
Bzzzzt...
Signal now?
Sigh.
What to do?
No time to edit.
Has Geomseon's sword demo—can't withhold.
No choice.
Send as is.