I’m really losing it.
“Well, since we’re here, let’s go.”
Thinking that I need to finish this quickly and return to Japan, I board the bus with my club members. What I saw at Tokyo International Airport was.
“Welcome. Mr. Kim Deok-Sung and fellow students.”
“Aboard you will have the utmost service and a comfortable, safe flight to South Korea.”
A passenger aircraft with a big inscription in Hangul stating 대한민국 and featuring the Taegeukgi was impressive.
So, it was the presidential plane.
But why is it here?
“The president has lent you the Republic of Korea Air Force One for a smooth summer camp for you and your classmates.”
Han Seo-Jin whispers into my ear about the details I wasn’t really curious about.
Hearing that makes me even dizzier.
They’re sending a presidential plane to Japan just for a summer camp?
For me and the club members?
I’m at a loss for words.
I haven’t even stepped on Korean soil yet and I feel lightheaded.
Below us, a red carpet was laid out, and the captain and crew members stood in formation, bowing politely toward me.
“What an honor to meet Mr. Kim Deok-Sung, the pride of South Korea…”
“It’s quite moving. Sob…”
“We will ensure your safe transport back to Korea without any incidents.”
As our eyes met, I saw crew members tearing up and a pilot saluting.
They looked like idol fans meeting their idol.
Why are they acting like this? They are all grown-ups.
It’s too overwhelming.
“Master, this is amazing…”
“My lord, I’ve never seen anything like this; it’s fascinating…”
“I didn’t expect such treatment. Thank you, Deok-Sung.”
Seeing Eri and Makoto’s sparkling eyes, along with Rin smiling next to them.
What are you doing getting excited over there?
“Junior, did you prepare a private plane just for us? Even though you pretend to hate the camp, you were secretly caring for us? You’re a bad guy, but a kind junior.”
And then, Hoshino Kasumi, with shining eyes, jumps in.
What kind of misunderstanding can lead to comments like that?
I don’t even have the energy to respond now.
As I sighed inwardly,
“…Hang in there.”
I heard Olivia’s voice near my ear.
Turning my head, I met her blue eyes.
Her face turned red.
Olivia quickly turned her head away.
“Th-that’s not because I care about you or anything, so don’t get the wrong idea.”
Hmph.
Olivia snorts and strides down the red carpet.
[Haha, of course, the only one worrying about our partner is my sister. So do your best, partner. Got it?]
With the Black Prince’s nagging and the crew’s enthusiastic welcome, I boarded the plane with my club members.
As expected of a presidential plane, a spacious area unfolded before my eyes, much bigger than a regular passenger aircraft.
Designed to carry the president and numerous government officials, it was way too spacious for just eight of us including me.
It’s such a waste of space.
Actually, it’s a waste of taxpayers’ money.
To think that our motherland’s tax money is being wasted on something so pointless, blood tears fall.
What’s wrong with just going normally?
[Mr. Kim Deok-Sung and fellow students, hello. I am your captain, Lee Hyun-Seong, here to take you to South Korea. Our flight is scheduled to depart from Tokyo International Airport and will arrive at Seoul Airport in approximately two hours. We hope you all enjoy your time in our country, South Korea, along with the support of the entire nation.]
We are scheduled to arrive at Seoul Airport about two hours after departing from Tokyo International Airport. Together with the entire nation, we wish you a pleasant time in our country, the Republic of Korea.
Once the captain’s announcement finished, similar messages echoed in Japanese and English.
Before long, the plane took off.
*
Seongnam City, South Korea.
Seoul Airport.
The Republic of Korea Air Force One was landing on the runway at Seoul Airport, which serves as the exclusive airport for the President of South Korea and state guests.
The plane carrying the pride of South Korea, the hero of the Korean people, Kim Deok-Sung, had finally arrived in Korea.
As the plane landed, a step van followed closely, and soon the red carpet was rolled out.
Members of the national guard, who had been waiting in advance, lined up on both sides of the red carpet.
[The pride of South Korea, Hero Kim Deok-Sung, has just arrived at Seongnam Seoul Airport.]
[This afternoon, a welcoming banquet will be held at the Blue House for Mr. Kim Deok-Sung.]
[Our KBC will provide live coverage of every detail of Mr. Kim Deok-Sung’s entry for the citizens.]
Naturally, regular broadcasting on domestic channels was immediately interrupted, and all networks organized special live programs for Kim Deok-Sung.
The viewership ratings for the live broadcast of Kim Deok-Sung’s entry totaled 80%!
From Seoul to Busan, from the Demilitarized Zone to Jeju Island.
Most of the citizens of South Korea were glued to their screens, watching the live coverage of Kim Deok-Sung.
Even in schools and offices, people were tuning in to watch the live broadcast.
It was truly a moment when South Korea came to a standstill, all for him.
[Today, Mr. Kim Deok-Sung had bibimbap for in-flight meals, right?]
[Yes, that’s correct. I heard that everyone accompanying Mr. Kim also had bibimbap as their in-flight meal. Isn’t bibimbap one of our country’s signature dishes? It’s a carefully selected menu for Mr. Kim Deok-Sung, who is working overseas.]
[I also heard there’s buzz about the delegation accompanying Mr. Kim.]
[Yes, indeed. Accompanying him are distinguished individuals like the “Platinum Knight Princess” Olivia Napoleon Bonaparte, a French princess, and Shinozaki Rin, the heir of the top-notch Shinozaki family in Japan.]
[Oh, as I speak, Mr. Kim Deok-Sung is disembarking from the plane.]
Swoosh.
The plane doors opened, and the members of the culinary team, including Kim Deok-Sung, stepped onto the red carpet.
In that moment.
Bang! Boom!
Cannons lined up on the runway let out a booming sound and emitted smoke.
With a total of 19 ceremonial gun salutes, the soldiers on parade saluted Kim Deok-Sung.
Kim Deok-Sung’s face stiffened.
The corners of his mouth twitched slightly.
Next, the door of a 12-seater limousine parked at the end of the red carpet opened.
“Please get in, Mr. Kim Deok-Sung.”
At Han Seo-Jin’s guidance, Kim Deok-Sung sighed and climbed into the limousine.
[Ah, Mr. Kim Deok-Sung and his party have just boarded the vehicle.]
[Are they heading to the Blue House now?]
[That’s correct. An official welcome ceremony is scheduled to be held at the Blue House.]
Clank.
As everyone boarded, the limousine door closed, and the limousine departed.
The destination was Seoul.
The official welcome ceremony at the Blue House.
*
Korea was beyond my imagination.
In a not-so-good way.
What I was riding in was a mid-sized bus modified for VIP use.
And outside.
“Wow, Master. Amazing! Look at that! Eri, I’ve never seen anything like this before!”
Police motorcycles and escort vehicles, reminiscent of those seen in movies, surrounded us.
Eri’s eyes sparkled with excitement as she looked at the police motorcycles escorting us.
“This is Korea… Deok-Sung, your country.”
Rin, sitting across from me, glanced around with a serious expression.
We were in Seoul.
As the capital of South Korea with a population of ten million, the roads should normally be bustling with traffic.
Yet, the roads visible through the windows were completely empty.
Seeing the starkly empty roads of Seoul, especially in the heart of Gangnam, felt like an unreal scene.
I was astounded.
But if that were all, I wouldn’t have felt this bewilderment soar through the roof.
“Everywhere I look, it’s all Junior! It’s Junior all over the place…”
As Kasumi-senpai said, the entire city of Seoul was covered by me.
The entire city of Seoul was covered by me.
Not in a metaphorical sense, but in plain and simple fact.
My face was plastered on outdoor billboards and electronic screens, and the streets were filled with countless banners saying, “Welcome Mr. Kim Deok-Sung to Korea!”
From the Gangnam District Office to the Seoul City Hall, from political parties to major corporations, even the Women’s Association had banners dedicated to my name, flooding the streets.
Flags with the Korean national flag and my face flapped at every utility pole, and drones were buzzing in the sky filming everything in real time.
In the distance, I could see an air balloon with the message, “Mr. Kim Deok-Sung, hurry to Korea,” flying above, and a blimp saying, “We sincerely congratulate Mr. Kim Deok-Sung on his visit to Korea ^^.”
Korean flags were proudly displayed at every window of downtown buildings.
Is today a national holiday? Why are there so many flags?
“Look, my lord! It seems everyone is here to see you!”
Makoto exclaimed, her face pressed against the window.
Just like she said, the sidewalks were packed with a welcoming crowd, barricaded off from the streets, where police forces had been deployed.
Flapping.
The flags with the Korean national flag and my face swayed among the crowd, and people seeing the bus I was in were fainting in tears.
I spotted people holding large banners that read, “Nice to meet you, Mr. Kim Deok-Sung,” and others taking photos and videos with their smartphones.
I felt nauseous.
This was not the Seoul I knew!
Is this perhaps Pyongyang? Did I mistakenly come to Pyongyang?
What a mess.
“…Are you okay?”
Olivia beside me asked, looking concerned.
Unlike the other girls who were excited to be in Korea, she seemed constantly worried about me.
I was grateful for that.
Indeed, Olivia was the best.
“Well, I guess…”
“Hmph. As your dedicated maid, if you have any concerns, you shouldn’t hide them unnecessarily and create a problem. You should tell me in advance, okay?”
Olivia pouted with her arms crossed.
Her blue eyes darted back towards me.
“Yeah…”
I nodded, sighing inwardly.
Looking at the horrible scenery of Seoul soaked in nationalistic fervor, the bibimbap I had for in-flight food threatened to come back up.
Is this summer camp?
I was already missing Shuo Hero Academy.
Coming to Korea wasn’t a good decision after all.
Could I go back to Japan even now?
As I was lost in those thoughts…
“Mr. Kim Deok-Sung, everyone. We will soon arrive at the Blue House.”
Han Seo-Jin’s voice jolted me back to harsh reality.
Ha. Damn it.
The Blue House, huh?
Isn’t this just the beginning?
The capital city of South Korea, Seoul.
A metropolis with a population of ten million.
This place was engulfed in a frenzy of nationalistic fervor.
Naturally, nearly every building in Seoul had the national flag voluntarily displayed, and various organizations and individuals had banners all over the streets.
“Welcome to Mr. Kim Deok-Sung’s visit.”
From metropolitan subway stations, bus stops, to train stations, even the sides and backs of buses were plastered with my face and welcoming messages. The subway cars were wrapped with my face too.
My face appeared on billboard ads installed on building rooftops, and trucks with welcoming messages were everywhere, filled with air balloons and advertisement blimps celebrating my arrival.
Even with traffic being controlled in bustling Gangnam, there was not a single complaint.
There were no anti-visit protests usually associated with such arrivals.
Rather, due to an estimated crowd of nearly one million, the police had to call in additional forces from nearby areas for safety management.
As the limousine I was in sped through roads surrounded by buildings and rooftops, throngs of people gathered to catch a glimpse of me.
Beep beep.
With sirens blaring, the police motorcycle escorted limousine sped down the empty streets of Seoul.
“Mr. Kim Deok-Sung!”
“I just made eye contact with Mr. Kim Deok-Sung!”
“Kyaaaaaaa!”
“Mr. Kim Deok-Sung!! I love you!!”
“I respect you!!”
“I’m a fan of Deok-Sung oppa!! Love you!!”
“Yay!! I love you!!”
People of all ages, regardless of status, gathered in large numbers, shedding tears while waving Kim Deok-Sung’s banners and the Taegeukgi.
As the bus carrying Kim Deok-Sung passed by, the surrounding buildings sparked excitement.
[Oh, the vehicle carrying Mr. Kim Deok-Sung has entered near the Blue House.]
[The vehicle is slowing down. Oh, what’s that?]
[The traditional honor guard has come out to welcome him. The Daechwita performance has just started. South Korea’s proud traditional culture is on display.]
The bus that arrived in front of the Blue House was greeted by the traditional honor guard dressed in red military uniforms.
Surrounded by a large Taegeukgi, the honor guard soldiers clad in red hanbok with sabers, traditional uniforms, and armor began marching around the limousine bus.
“Your Majesty, the Daechwita! Hooray!”
“Yes!”
Clap, snap.
Deeennng.
Riiiing.
With the sounds of gongs, the taepyeongso began to play the Daechwita melody.
[Proud South Korea, the proud hero of our people, Mr. Kim Deok-Sung, who has saved the free world twice from the grasp of the Soviet Union, is now entering the Blue House for the official welcoming ceremony. Ohhh… Ughhh!]
The live broadcast anchor choked up.
It was clearly a broadcasting accident, but no one pointed it out.
The crowds welcoming him weren’t just in Seoul.
Daejeon, Busan, Daegu, Incheon, Gwangju, etc.
Major streets in big cities were showing the live broadcast on huge screens for the gathered crowds.
Restaurants, workplaces, schools, cafés, hair salons, everywhere you went, there wasn’t a place without Kim Deok-Sung’s homecoming live feed.
People eating in restaurants, sipping coffee in cafés, students in class, and workers at their desks.
From common folks to conglomerates.
Everyone was focused on Kim Deok-Sung.
[(Photo) Hero Kim Deok-Sung finally returns!]
[Did Kim Deok-Sung eat bibimbap on the plane? What does it mean?]
[(Photo) An in-depth analysis of Kim Deok-Sung’s airport fashion. What does the fashion brand he wore mean?]
[Who accompanied Kim Deok-Sung? Who are Kim Deok-Sung’s women?]
[Kim Deok-Sung’s one-week return schedule revealed!]
[President Kang instructed in the morning’s cabinet meeting, “Ensure the state visit event goes smoothly.”]
Countless articles were being posted on internet portals in conjunction with his return.
[Wow, finally, it’s the return of Lord Kim Deok-Sung, haha!]
[Lord Deok-Sung means “light.” Why? Because Kim Deok-Sung is literally light itself.]
[Is Lord Deok-Sung really shining? Haha, I can’t even see the screen because of the brilliance, lol!]
[Honestly, isn’t the true partner the French princess? No one suits Kim Deok-Sung like Olivia Napoleon Bonaparte, haha!]
[- Next, are there still no Olivia fans? lol]
[- What do you mean Olivia as a true partner, haha? Don’t you know the tide has turned? Now it’s the wise housewife, Miss Shinozaki, who’s the true partner, lol!]
[- Look at the inferiority complex, lol. Shinozaki’s crew totally got wrecked, haha!]
[- Olivia faction, Shinozaki faction, go away. The galaxy’s most beautiful girl, Eri-ring, is the real ‘true partner.’ Didn’t you see the wedding photos?]
[- Stop fawning over Eri-ring, lol. Your taste is terrible, haha. Of course, Senior Kasumi is the true partner!]
[- Makoto is also pretty, please look at her….]
Naturally, the largest fan site for Kim Deok-Sung, the Kim Deok-Sung Minor Gallery, was also buzzing with real-time reactions.
“You’re finally here.”
Among them was a stunning beauty with impressive beige hair.
“I’ve been waiting. My Kim Deok-Sung.”
She kissed the invitation to the Kim Deok-Sung welcome banquet, emblazoned with the Blue House emblem, that she was holding.
The elegant invitation envelope bore the name Yoo Se-Ra.
*
Inside the limousine bus.
The large monitor installed on the ceiling displayed our journey in real-time.
The sounds of the honor guard encircling the bus and their Daechwita performance were being broadcast through the monitor as well.
“Wow, this is amazing….”
Eri’s eyes sparkled in wonder.
It seemed like the first time hearing traditional Korean music, as the others in the party also focused on the monitor and the view outside.
Oh, I really want to die of embarrassment.
I felt like hiding in a mouse hole.
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