Chapter 44
Chapter 44
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 44
Chapter Title: Launch Ceremony Rehearsal
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My little sister was still just a freshman, so she wouldn't be transferring departments right away.
She had to complete 65 credits or something like that.
Still, it wasn't impossible, so she dove into school life with the goal of transferring to the Fashion Department.
My parents saw her in that photoshoot and, surprised as they were, gave her the green light to transfer.
Even if she graduated from Business Administration, job hunting these days was brutally tough anyway, and modeling seemed like it had a bright future ahead. When I said that, they clapped their hands in approval.
When I mentioned she'd be working exclusively under Jin-ha as a model, their eyes went wide. Just how much had Yoon Seo-ah isolated herself from the world since mutants first appeared? They didn't even know who Jin-ha was.
And my parents weren't even into that kind of thing.
Well... thinking about it, they were always glued to the TV, watching the news a lot, so maybe that's why.
Anyway, things with my sister seemed to be settling down for now.
Since I stuck close to her most of the time, any aggro pulled went to me, not her.
Yeah, like right now.
"Um... could I maybe get a photo with you?"
I nodded readily to the student asking timidly.
"Sure. Oh, but could you skip my sister? She's sensitive about that stuff..."
"Of course! Thank you so much!"
Ever since I saved those paragliders in Danyang last time, it felt like more and more people were asking me for photos.
"...You okay with this?"
My sister asked, watching me. What was there to be surprised about now?
"I'm used to it by now. And it's not tiring or anything. What about you? You okay?"
"You're handling it all, so yeah?"
"What about those guys?"
She got it right away when I said that. You know, those friends tangled up in that love triangle drama.
"I just told them yesterday."
"What'd you say?"
"I'm transferring departments, so quit bothering me. And don't play those half-assed games behind my back. No point wasting energy on someone you won't see again anyway."
"Good job. What about the others?"
"Some were bummed, some were relieved... People's reactions are all the same, right?"
"Anyway, stay away from people for a while."
"I know."
"You got Jin-ha's contact last time, right? Ask her. If you really want to go pro as a model, figure out the next steps."
"Okay."
"She'll probably want to train you properly, so if you're serious about it, let's push forward. Got it?"
"Got it."
Anyway, that wrapped up sister stuff.
Today she only had one morning class, so I saw her off and headed to my own lecture.
Han-gyeol was already seated in the classroom, and I naturally plopped down next to her.
"Ugh, I'm beat."
"Oh, the celebrity arrives."
"What, want an autograph?"
"Nah, pass. Signature my ass. You free today?"
"Hmm... probably not. Deputy Director said there's a schedule this afternoon."
"...Kinda weird hearing that title. Deputy Director, Director, all that."
Honestly, even I thought so. Director at my age?
Even if it was under the National Intelligence Service, it was still unheard of.
Well, it was because of my special circumstances.
"Anyway, what's on the agenda?"
"Launch ceremony rehearsal today."
"Launch ceremony?"
"Yeah. For the Mutant Crime Management Bureau." "...So you're giving a speech or something?" "Probably." "Huh." "Since the country gave me a title, I should at least do this much. It's not like giving a speech is that hard..." "Script?" "Who knows. Figure the Deputy Director will hand it over later... Planning to ad-lib a bit."
"Ooh. Live broadcast?"
"Tomorrow's the live one. So I'll be skipping class~"
"You submit the excuses already?"
"Told all the profs already. They said no need for formal excuses."
"So jealous."
"Hey, don't just envy. I gotta hang with all the bigwigs tomorrow."
"Ah, yeah, that sucks."
"Right?"
The school was pulling out all the stops for me in various ways. Like skipping class without an excuse for official duties.
"So, hey, can you note down tomorrow's lecture stuff and assignments? I'll buy you food."
"Sure, whatever. Food? Hell yeah, I'll take it."
"Cafeteria food cool?"
"You little shit?"
"Kidding, kidding. Thanks anyway."
* * *
Whenever a new public agency launches, the government always holds a ceremony. The military does the same—finding any excuse for events.
The Mutant Crime Management Bureau was no different.
After class, I smiled at the bureau agent who came to pick me up.
I'd met this agent before at the bureau. Name was Lee Jang-hyuk, I think.
"Thank you."
"Haha, right this way, Director. And please, speak casually."
"I'm good like this."
"As you wish."
I arrived at the National Intelligence Service faster than expected and soon met the Deputy Director who was waiting for me.
"You're here, Director."
"Hello."
"Lots going on today, so I've summarized what you need to do for the launch rehearsal. Read it over, and flag anything unclear."
"Got it. Oh, any docs needing my approval?"
"Already prepped them."
"Oh, cool. I'll read and sign."
"Yes."
Even if I was a figurehead Director, I needed to know how the bureau operated, so I'd asked the Deputy Director about various things.
Thankfully, the gracious wisdom of the dragon helped me out again.
First time doing this, but I grasped how the bureau worked instantly.
Something past-me couldn't even imagine... But since I picked it up quick, the Deputy Director had sighed in relief, his burden lightened.
These days, I even handled some bureau work in the evenings.
Figurehead or not, freeloading on taxes felt wrong.
Sure, I brought benefits that offset costs... but with the title comes responsibility.
Anyway, my role at the launch was minimal. Shake hands with government brass, give a speech to attendees...
But what was this?
Transform into a dragon and fly around?
"Uh, Deputy Director?"
"Yes, Director."
"What's this? Something weird at the end of the speech?"
"Ah, that's... a show of force. Since it's the Mutant Crime Management Bureau. Broadcasting nationwide, so criminals see it and think twice..."
"But you said flying over Seoul airspace is banned."
"Haha. Exceptions exist. You're cleared to fly in Seoul now, Director."
"Oh, really? Got it then. But you'll need to clear a lot of space."
"That's why we're holding it in a wide-open venue."
"Ah... okay then."
"If it's too much, feel free to decline."
"Not burdensome. Gotta earn the title. Not mooching taxes for nothing. Oh, by the way, the Director wants to see me after rehearsal. What's up?"
"Nothing big. Just chit-chat. Probably wants to build rapport."
"Oh?"
"Yeah. Go easy—no pressure. One of the more reasonable higher-ups. Not for nothing I work under him."
The Deputy Director spoke with eyes full of trust.
Guy like that trusts him, so probably no old-school bullshit.
* * *
Rehearsal prep went smoother than expected.
I skimmed the script once and memorized it perfectly, nailing the speech without a hitch.
And the launch itself was straightforward.
Just explain what the bureau will do going forward.
Puffed up a bit, sure.
All bureau mutants attend tomorrow, so I'll meet ones I haven't seen yet.
That fairy-type mutant... Ha-rin, Sia, Yeon-hwa—all coming.
First time meeting Ha-rin tomorrow, kinda exciting.
Wonder if Sia wrapped up her California stuff.
* * *
One-on-one with the National Intelligence Service Director was a first.
Deputy was always there before; this was solo.
Word is, his influence got me the Director spot.
"Oh, there you are. Bureau Director."
"Long time no see."
"That press conference was memorable. Adjusted to the hat yet?"
"Weird at my age... but yeah, not hard to adapt."
"Haha! Good to hear. Was skeptical at first from Jeong-ho's talk alone... but making that position was the right call."
"Really?"
"Damn right! Bureau Director's presence slashed tricky mutant crime rates. You've seen the reports?"
"Yeah, checked yesterday—big drop."
"All thanks to you. Korea's lacked mutant deterrence. No guns permitted, civilians had no way to fight back. But you instilled fear in them. Honestly, we're all relieved by your temperament. Thank you again."
He bowed his head. Sudden... something bad with mutants?
"N-No need for that..."
"Yes there is. If you'd been even slightly vicious... Korea might've fallen. Grateful for that alone, but you caught that demon-type mutant too..."
"What'd that demon-type do anyway?"
"Ruined my granddaughter. Caught in his explosion, lost her leg. Not just that—post-conference, public anxiety plummeted. First time seeing this stat?"
He handed over a survey on public anxiety about mutant crime post-conference. Sharp drop after mine.
"Yeah."
"Your catch did that. Can't help but be thankful. Tomorrow's launch will drop it more. I pushed for the dragon transformation."
"Really?"
"Yeah. They'll think twice before rampaging. You're Korea's guardian dragon now."
"Sounds grandiose."
"Not at all. Post-world-change fear lingering over Korea's fading thanks to you. Best decision as Director: making you Bureau Director."
"You're too kind."
"Anyway, called you for casual talk. Heavy hat suddenly—anything you need, just say."
"Yes!"
He smiled, like a weight lifted.