W.L.K. Epilogue (6): Fujiwara no Himeko's Ascension

Japan was a nation with a unique political structure, where the ruling Social Democratic Party had maintained long-term dominance for decades. The key factor enabling one-party rule in a democracy was the party's internal environment, allowing lawmakers with diverse political beliefs to form their own factions and operate independently.

Among them, the leader of the radical faction waving extreme right-wing banners like "Restoration of the Emperor System," "Reclamation of Takeshima," "Reclamation of the Northern Territories," and "Revival of the Japanese Military" was none other than ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠Fujiwara no Himeko.

Naturally, those spouting such extreme rhetoric couldn't form a majority. Neighboring countries' watchful eyes made it impossible. Thus, while Himeko commanded strong support from specific circles as an influential politician, she was inherently limited—she could never evolve into a mass-appeal leader embraced by the broader populace.

Moreover, a year prior, she'd clashed spectacularly with fellow lawmakers, stormed out of the Diet without permission, and vanished, plummeting her reputation to rock bottom. It appeared she had no place left in the assembly or the party.

Politics is merciless. It doesn't hold seats open indefinitely. Her faction had already crumbled and scattered to the winds, with no one awaiting her return.

But Himeko did return—arrogant and aristocratic as ever.

‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠

"It's been a while, esteemed lawmakers. I trust you've managed well in my absence."

"...Fujiwara no... lawmaker. To what do we owe this visit?"

"We figured you were dead after going missing."

"Your faction's already disbanded."

"Factions are irrelevant now. I've returned to purify this corrupted Japan."

Few welcomed Himeko's homecoming. A new power player's arrival was always a threat, and her personality guaranteed she wouldn't slink away quietly. Even former allies who'd jumped ship to safer lines squirmed uncomfortably—no one could wait forever for a boss absent a full year.

Yet Himeko had long outgrown such petty power games. Her ambitions soared far higher.

"The Social Democratic Party presidential election approaches soon, does it not?"

"What?! And? You planning to run?"

"The SDP will remain the top ruling party in the next election, of course. Its president becomes the prime minister designate."

"Fujiwara no lawmaker—even if you're revered as nobility in your district, your ideology's too radical for PM. We must consider neighboring countries' reactions."

"Exactly. A 'Chosunjing'-spouting type like you would tarnish national dignity."

"Aiming for PM to start a war?"

Radical shadow ops could be tolerated. But sunlight brought fierce opposition. Lawmakers viewed an ultra-rightist like Himeko ascending to PM candidacy as a dire risk.

"You all seem to misunderstand me. I'm no longer a niche politician pandering to one side. I've returned with policies every Japanese will embrace."

"Like what? Emperor restoration?"

"Reforming Japan to be truly Japanese."

"Be specific."

"Transforming Japan into a religious state worshiping Kim Hoyoung."

".........."

Kim Hoyoung's name silenced the room. No laws mandated it, but badmouthing him invited beatings. Labeled a "Hoyoung hater," and your election chances evaporated. Caution reigned.

"...Still... why you leading this charge?"

"Because I am the apostle chosen by Lord Hoyoung."

"What? Haha! Your self-delusion's pathological, Fujiwara no lawmaker."

Kim Hoyoung was a medieval deity—unquestioned object of worship, yet intangible in daily life. Naturally. He didn't stroll Shibuya handing out greetings. Living in Korea, he remained distant to Japanese; no casual boasts of connections.

"It's true. Behold this photo we took together."

"What?"

Yet Himeko slammed down ironclad proof: her kneeling beside uniformed Kim Hoyoung (her gift), trembling face frozen in pose. Meeting the legend and snapping a pic? Ironclad.

Historically, "hearing God's voice" earned sainthood. "Meeting God directly"? Unthinkable—but with proof? A priest photo-bombing the Almighty? Authority eclipsing the Pope's.

Himeko claimed it all.

"Lord Hoyoung commanded me to cleanse fallen Japan. My premiership is his desire."

"No. But... no confirming he said that..."

"Denying Lord Hoyoung?!"

"I never— I just didn't hear it myself..."

"I've shown proof of our audience, yet you defy?! I relay his words verbatim as apostle! Deny me, deny him! Seize that man! Or you're all his foes!"

"Ah, wait! I didn't mean—!!"

Kim Hoyoung's enemy? Social exile. Lawmakers masked revulsion, stripped the skeptic's badge, rolled it, and ejected him.

"Heed this: I alone met Lord Hoyoung, heard his voice. Join me to manifest his will here—or oppose and ignore at will."

All joined her faction on the spot. Numbers already formidable. Rival to re-election-shoo-in PM Minamoto born.

Such incendiary rumors breached the Diet, flooding the public. Fujiwara no Himeko and Kim Hoyoung dominated real-time trends for weeks.

Netizens buzzed:

Finally, an online debate pitted current PM Minamoto against PM hopeful Fujiwara no Himeko. Minamoto eyed the bolt-from-the-blue whirlwind intriguingly.

"Fujiwara no lawmaker—extreme right leader suddenly gunning for PM? Nation's on edge. Vanishing from Diet a year, now this gale? What's blown in?"

"The past year, I've communed with Lord Hoyoung."

The nation murmured. Rumor verification hour.

Minamoto smirked thinly, demanding proof.

"Hoyoung-name-droppers abound in scams. Third-rate theater in Diet? What voids compel him to you?"

"Proof here."

Same photo flashed before cameras. Unmistakable Kim Hoyoung visage—massive evidence. Yet Minamoto clung tight.

"Photo's flimsy. Composites exist... Most haven't seen his true face anyway. PM on one snap, zero policy? Greed."

"More proof required?"

"Naturally."

"Then, video call with Lord Hoyoung."

"??"

"Dialing now."

Minamoto forgot poise, bolting upright, jaw slack. He knew that face—pure Kim Hoyoung.

Every viewer echoed in unison—even Minamoto.

Himeko swept the election unanimously. She served the longest term ever, passing to daughter Fujiwara no Sumire, approval never dipping below 90%.

Signature policies:

Her Japan brimmed daily with vitality and joy, chronicles say.

Himeko herself preserved chastity for Kim Hoyoung, died single at 112.