#359
It’s so touching.
Han Seo-Jin, is she laughing because my words are funny or something?
Honestly, even I think it’s a bit ridiculous.
No matter how much this is a light novel world, openly declaring a harem is a bit much.
You don’t even see scenes like that in B-grade romantic comedy manga.
It’s not a normal proposal, to say the least.
My face is getting hot for no good reason.
How embarrassing.
*Clears throat.*
I coughed, trying to cool down my heated face.
But I had to say it.
“After pretending not to notice for so long, why are you making such a fuss now? I guess you could think that way.”
The original Kurosawa Yuji was really oblivious, but I wasn’t.
I had already noticed their feelings.
The reason I hesitated was simple.
I hadn’t found a way back to my original world, a two-way gate.
“Actually, there are many complicated reasons, but… thinking back, they were all just excuses.”
I had made those excuses to myself.
But looking back now, they were nothing more than reasons for self-justification.
At first, it was an excuse not to leave lingering feelings in a world I was going to abandon anyway.
Then, it became a justification due to the fear that revealing the truth would make everyone leave.
“When you look at it this way, I guess I was quite a hypocrite after all. Anyway, regardless of what you all think, the final showdown will happen at the academy soon. When that time comes, whether you like it or not, this world will meet its end in some form.”
I realized that after the Messiah’s warning, once the countdown to the final chapter began.
One month.
Neither long nor short.
After that, it’s not a metaphorical ending, but a literal one.
A real conclusion is coming for me.
If I can fend off the Messiah, this world will endure; if he wins, this world will perish.
And not just this world.
The utopia he referred to, the world I originally lived in, will be consumed as materials for a new creation if he wins.
Of course, I don’t think I’ll lose.
But there are possibilities.
So before that, I had to tidy everything up.
“So before the conclusion arrives, I’ve decided not to ignore your feelings anymore. That’s it. As I mentioned earlier, if my proposal doesn’t sit well with you, you can leave this conference room right now. There’s only one chance. There won’t be another.”
“I’ve decided not to ignore this anymore. That’s all there is to it. As I mentioned earlier, if you don’t like my proposal, you can leave this conference room right now. There’s only this one opportunity. No second chances.”
I vowed not to turn away from the results of my actions.
With that resolve, I said, “That’s all I have to say.”
As I spoke, I looked around the room.
Of course, I had no solid plan on how to create a harem.
South Korea is a monogamous country, and even if I hold a high position here, allowing polygamy might be too much to ask.
Still, I have to try something.
If I can thwart the Messiah, I might truly become, as the original expression puts it, a ‘savior of the world.’ With that level of authority, isn’t it possible?
I pondered this while observing everyone’s expressions.
Ignoring Yuji since he isn’t a heroine anyway, the reactions of the other heroines were strange.
Neither happy nor sad…
If I had to pinpoint it, it looked like they were trying to hold back laughter?
What on earth is going on?
Just then, Han Seo-Jin pulled out a remote from her pocket.
As she pressed a button, a giant monitor that filled one wall lit up with the feed.
[This is the Cheongwadae Press Hall. President Kang will soon give a statement to the public.]
The backdrop of the press center at the Cheongwadae, which I used to see on the news before my reincarnation, appeared on the massive main monitor.
A statement to the public?
What the heck is going on…
[At this moment, President Kang has entered the stage.]
With a journalist’s commentary, the press conference room was adorned with the Cheongwadae logo and flanked by the national flag and the Cheongwadae flag.
The president stood at the podium and began to speak into the microphone.
[Hello, fellow citizens. This is President Kang Myung-Hyun. The important matter I need to address today is related to Hero Kim Deok-Sung.]
Something related to me?
What’s this all about?
What’s the intention behind airing this now?
As my mind swirled in confusion, the president spoke proudly.
[The recent terror incident in Gangwon Province was led by the EX-rank villain, Soul Reaper Diego Morales, and our proud hero, Kim Deok-Sung, neutralized the instigator and prevented the villain’s attack without bloodshed. An EX-rank villain is someone so powerful they could obliterate our country in a day. Moreover, Soul Reaper Diego Morales is the worst terrorist with the highest bounty on his head. It was indeed Mr. Kim Deok-Sung who took down such a dangerous EX-rank villain and prevented what could have been a national crisis. This makes it the second time this summer, following the Seoul terror incident, that he has saved our country.]
The president drummed up a lengthy speech that painted a golden layer over my face.
What on earth is he trying to say?
Just as the confusion in my heart started to swell into anxiety, the president continued.
[He has saved our country, South Korea, not once but twice. Mr. Kim Deok-Sung is, quite literally, a hero of the nation, no, a true hero. I, along with the government and all citizens of South Korea, owe him a debt of gratitude. For achieving such a remarkable feat, unprecedented in the five-thousand-year history of our nation, Mr. Kim Deok-Sung deserves honor and compensation commensurate with his achievements.]
Hero, no, it’s Hero Kim Deok-Sung. Proudly, I and the government, and indeed all the citizens of South Korea, owe him a debt. His achievements stand tall and shine like no other in our nation’s five-thousand-year history; he deserves the honor and rewards befitting such a noble status.
Rewards?
The moment my eyebrows twitched.
The President on the screen spoke.
“Therefore, our government and ruling party have decided to push forward with special support policies for Hero Kim Deok-Sung following negotiations with the opposition. An extraordinary session will soon hold a legislative vote on the amendment of the Kim Deok-Sung Special Support Act, aimed at facilitating a harmonious married life for Mr. Kim Deok-Sung, who is currently engaged with multiple lady companions—specifically allowing polygamy for heroes…”
The President said something strange at the end.
Wait a minute.
What did he just say?
A special law permitting polygamy for heroes is to be presented in the National Assembly?
I’m the only hero with South Korean nationality anyway.
So, the implication here is that the state will recognize my harem.
The state is recognizing it?
Harem?
At that moment, I felt like my sanity flew out the window.
After that, the President rambled on about other support policies and the budget required for them, but I barely heard any of it.
The opposition agreed to such a crazy law?
Who in the world came up with this insane idea?
“This concludes the national address. Everything is for His Harem.”
The President said one last thing.
Everything is for His Harem?
He’s saying such a ludicrous statement in a national address for everyone to see?
*Sob, sob, sob…*
As he finished his script, the President exited while shedding tears.
Not one of the many journalists at the Blue House press room intervened regarding this crazy law and the President’s insane remarks.
What in the world is going on?
Just as my brain was about to short-circuit…
The screen changed.
“We will now connect to the National Assembly. Currently, all 300 lawmakers are present in the Yeouido National Assembly Hall, which is a rare sight.”
“Unlike the usual raucous shouting matches between the ruling and opposition parties, everyone is standing calmly and solemnly. Let’s listen to the Speaker of the National Assembly.”
“Now, please vote on the amendment to the Kim Deok-Sung Support Special Law submitted by Representative Lee Sung-Jin and 300 others.”
As the Speaker finished speaking, all standing lawmakers simultaneously touched their tablets.
The results appeared on the monitor next to the assembly hall.
300 green names indicating support.
No red names indicating opposition.
“Then, I will announce the voting results. Of the 300 present, 300 voted in favor, 0 against, and 0 abstained, thus declaring the amendment to the Kim Deok-Sung Support Special Law passed.”
Bang, bang.
As the Speaker rapped the gavel, the 300 lawmakers who were standing erupted in applause.
The members of the National Assembly all burst into applause.
[Sniff sniff… So touching…]
[Long live Hero Kim Deok-Sung!]
[Everything is for his harem!]
[This is truly a historic moment.]
[I’m honored to be able to serve him, sniff sniff…]
The tearful faces of the applauding lawmakers and their loud voices were broadcasted live.
Is it true that out of 300 members present, not a single one opposed?
Why is no one opposing this insane bill?
I can’t believe it.
Even in a dictatorship, they at least set a designated opposer to pretend that they aren’t one.
But in a democratic country, zero opposers?
And not a single member missing from the vote?
What the hell is going on in this damn otherworldly Korea?
I feel dizzy.
My senses can’t keep up with this insane reality.
[Out of 300 eligible members, 300 in attendance, the special law for Kim Deok-Sung has passed with 300 votes in favor in the National Assembly.]
[We’ll now listen to interviews with party representatives.]
[It’s an honor that our government and ruling party can actively cooperate without hindrance for the construction of Hero Kim Deok-Sung’s harem. Everything is for his harem.]
[Our opposition party also plans to cooperate in a bipartisan manner on matters regarding Hero Kim Deok-Sung. Issues related to him are not matters to be debated politically, but are related to national interests and security. Furthermore, supporting his harem is a duty as citizens of South Korea. The passage of this special law amendment is part of that agreement with the ruling party.]
Why are they cooperating so harmoniously?
[Yes, I’ve returned from the interview. From now on, we’ll analyze current issues with expert panelist Professor Shin. The amendment for Hero Kim Deok-Sung. The content is quite shocking. What changes will this amendment bring?]
[Firstly, the female students who are dating Kim Deok-Sung will now all be able to marry him after graduation. Moreover, they will also be granted South Korean citizenship, significantly increasing the number of national heroes. And since they can connect with Hero Kim Deok-Sung, they don’t have to compete, as they can all share him…]
Watching the news where they seriously discussed the harem made me feel dizzy.
Thunk.
The TV turned off.
My gaze turned to Han Seo-Jin.
Did she smile earlier…?
“What is this?”
I pointed at the TV with an incredulous voice towards Han Seo-Jin.
She didn’t answer.
Instead, she handed me a piece of paper.
I took the document she gave me.
The first thing that caught my eye was the large title at the top.
[Candidate List for Kim Deok-Sung’s Spouses]
They made a list of candidates…?
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