Seoul Dragon - Chapter 44

My sister was still a freshman, so she couldn't transfer departments immediately.

She needed to earn 65 credits or something.

But it wasn't impossible, so my sister set her sights on transferring to the clothing and textiles department.

When our parents saw her in the photo spread, they were surprised but said she could transfer to the clothing and textiles department.

They welcomed it with open arms when I told them that getting a job with a business degree is extremely tough these days, but the modeling field seems quite promising.

When I told them she would likely work as an exclusive model under Jin-ha, their eyes widened—I wonder how much Yoon Seoa cut herself off from the world since the first appearance of mutants that she didn't know about Jin-ha.

Even our parents, who have no interest in that field, knew about her.

Well... come to think of it, our parents always have the TV on, so they probably knew from watching the news often.

Anyway, my sister's issue seemed to be settling down.

Since I was sticking around with her, even if attention was drawn, it was directed at me rather than Seoa.

Yes, just like now.

"Um... excuse me, could I take a photo with you?"

I nodded readily to the student who asked cautiously.

"Of course. But could you please not include my sister in the photo? She's sensitive..."

"Of course! Thank you so much!"

Perhaps because I saved those paragliders in Danyang last time, I felt like more people were asking me for photos.

"...Doesn't it bother you?"

My sister asked, watching me. What a strange question to ask now.

"I'm used to it now. And it's not particularly tiring. But doesn't it bother you?"

"Not really, since you're handling it all?"

"What about them?"

At my words, Seoa understood perfectly. You know, those friends involved in that romance drama.

"I just told them yesterday."

"Told them what?"

"That I'm transferring departments, so stop bothering me. And stop playing petty politics behind my back. We won't be seeing each other anyway, so there's no benefit in paying attention to me."

"Good job. What about the others?"

"Well, some were disappointed, some looked glad... people's reactions are all the same, you know."

"Anyway, don't get entangled with people for the time being."

"I know."

"You got Jin-ha's contact last time, right? Ask her once. Tell her you want to continue as a model and ask for advice."

"Okay."

"She'll probably want to train you professionally, so if you're really interested in that field, push forward in that direction. Got it?"

"Got it."

Anyway, that concludes my sister's issue.

Today, my sister only had one morning class, so after seeing her off, I went to my own class.

Hangyeol was sitting in the classroom, and I naturally sat next to him.

"Ugh, I'm tired."

"Oh, the celebrity."

"What, do you want me to sign something for you too?"

"No, no thanks. Forget the signature. Are you free today?"

"Hmm... I don't think so? The Vice Chief said there's a schedule this afternoon."

"...I'm still not used to those titles. Vice Chief, Chief, and all that."

To be honest, I felt the same way. Being a Bureau Chief at this age.

Even though it's an agency under the National Intelligence Service, it's still quite extraordinary.

Well, it's because of my special circumstances.

"Anyway, what's happening today?"

"They said it's a rehearsal for the inauguration ceremony."

"Inauguration ceremony?"

"Yes. The Mutant Crime Management Bureau inauguration ceremony."

"...Ah, so will you be giving some kind of speech?"

"I think so."

"Huh."

"The country gave me this position, so I should do at least this much. It's not like giving a speech is that difficult..."

"What about the script?"

"Well, I think the Vice Chief will give it to me later... I'm planning to add a little ad-lib to it."

"Oh. Will it be broadcast live?"

"I think the live broadcast will be tomorrow. So I'll be absent tomorrow~"

"Did you submit your absence note?"

"I already informed all the professors. They said I don't even need an absence note."

"I'm so jealous."

"Hey, it's not all enviable. I have to mingle with high-ranking officials tomorrow."

"Ah, that part does sound tough."

"Right?"

There are movements to accommodate me at school. Like being allowed to miss classes without an absence note for official duties.

"So, could you write down what's covered in tomorrow's class and what assignments there are? I'll buy you a meal."

"That's no problem. If you're buying a meal, I'll gladly accept."

"School cafeteria food is okay, right?"

"Are you crazy?"

"Just kidding, just kidding. Anyway, thanks."

Whatever the case, when a new public agency is established, the government usually holds an inauguration ceremony. Even in the military, they hold all sorts of events for any occasion.

The same applied to the Mutant Crime Management Bureau.

After my class ended, I smiled at the Bureau agent who came to pick me up.

This agent was someone I had met when I visited the Bureau last time. His name was Lee Janghyuk, I believe.

"Thank you."

"Haha, then, I'll escort you right away, Chief. And please feel free to speak comfortably."

"This is comfortable for me."

"Then however you prefer."

I arrived at the National Intelligence Service building more quickly than expected and was able to meet the Vice Chief who was looking for me.

"You've arrived, Chief."

"Hello."

"We have a lot to do today, so I've summarized what you need to do at the inauguration ceremony rehearsal. Read it, and if there's anything that seems odd, please let me know."

"I understand. Oh, do you need my approval on any documents?"

"I've already prepared all the necessary paperwork."

"Oh, then I'll read this and check."

"Yes."

Even though I'm only a figurehead Chief, I need to know how the Management Bureau should operate, so I asked the Vice Chief about various matters.

Fortunately, the dragon's gracious wisdom helped me once again.

Despite it being my first time, I could immediately understand how the Management Bureau operates.

It would have been unimaginable for my previous self... but when I quickly understood how things worked, I remember the Vice Chief sighing with relief that his burden had been reduced.

So, these days I'm taking on small tasks for the Bureau every evening.

No matter how much of a figurehead I am, it doesn't feel right to waste tax money without doing anything.

Of course, I generate various benefits and prevent corresponding expenditures... but since I've taken on the position, I should take responsibility.

Anyway, I didn't have much to do at the inauguration ceremony. Just shake hands with high-ranking government officials, give a speech to those who came...

But what's this?

Transform into a dragon and fly in the sky?

"Excuse me, Vice Chief?"

"Yes, Chief."

"What is this? There's something strange at the end of the speech."

"Ah, that... it's a kind of show of force. Since we're the Mutant Crime Management Bureau. As the inauguration ceremony will be broadcast nationwide, it's meant to make criminals feel a sense of vigilance..."

"Didn't you say last time that flying over Seoul is prohibited?"

"Haha. Even such rules have exceptions, don't they? Chief, you can now fly in Seoul."

"Oh, really? Alright, for now. But you'll need to secure quite a bit of space."

"That's why we decided to hold the inauguration ceremony at a more spacious location."

"I see... Alright, then."

"If you feel burdened, you can refuse."

"I don't particularly feel burdened, so it's fine. Since I've taken on this position, I should do at least this much. It's not like I'm eating tax money for nothing. Oh, by the way, the Director of the National Intelligence Service said he wanted to see me briefly after the rehearsal. What's that about?"

"It's nothing major, he just has a few things to discuss. It's probably for personal socializing."

"Oh, is that so?"

"Yes. You can meet him without feeling pressured. Among high-ranking government officials, he's relatively sensible. There's a reason I work under him."

The Vice Chief spoke with trust-filled eyes.

Certainly, if someone of his caliber trusts and follows this person, there probably won't be any strange stubbornness or old-fashioned attitudes.

The rehearsal preparation ended more smoothly than expected.

First, I glanced at the script once and memorized it all, completing the speech without a single mistake.

Also, what we had to do at the inauguration ceremony wasn't much.

It was just explaining what the Mutant Crime Management Bureau would do going forward.

Just embellishing that a bit.

Additionally, since all mutants belonging to the Bureau would attend, I would be able to meet Bureau agents I hadn't seen before.

That Fairy-type mutant... Harin was said to attend, Sia would also come, and Yeonhwa too.

Since I'd be meeting Harin for the first time tomorrow, I was somewhat looking forward to it.

By the way, I wonder if Sia finished what she was doing in California.

It's also my first time having a one-on-one conversation with the Director of the National Intelligence Service.

Previously, the Vice Chief was always present, but this time it's a private meeting.

I heard that the Director of the National Intelligence Service had a strong hand in me becoming the Bureau Chief.

"Oh, you've come. Bureau Chief."

"It's been a while."

"Your press conference last time was very impressive. How is it, have you adapted to your position now?"

"Although it feels awkward to have such a position at my age... it's not difficult to adapt."

"Haha! That's fortunate. Honestly, when I first heard from Jeongho, I was a bit uncertain... but in many ways, it seems like creating that position was a good decision."

"Do you think so?"

"Of course! Thanks to the Bureau Chief's existence, the troublesome mutant crime rate has been extremely low. Haven't you received reports on this?"

"Ah, yes. Based on what I checked yesterday, it has noticeably decreased."

"That's all thanks to you. Korea has previously had a weak deterrent against mutants. Since it's not a country where firearms are permitted, individuals had no means to resist mutants. But... your existence has implanted a deterrent in them. Honestly, all of us higher-ups, including myself, were relieved that you have such a disposition. Once again, I express my gratitude."

Saying this, the Director of the National Intelligence Service bowed his head. This sudden gesture is hard to get used to... Did something bad happen related to mutants?

"I-I don't think I've done anything worthy of such gratitude..."

"You have. If your disposition had been even slightly tyrannical... Korea would probably have collapsed. That alone is enough to be grateful for, and you even caught the Demon-type mutant..."

"What exactly did that Demon-type mutant do?"

"Because of him, my granddaughter became disabled."

"...What?"

"She lost her leg after getting caught in an explosion he caused. Of course, that's not the only reason. After the press conference, citizens' anxiety has also decreased significantly. This statistic is probably the first time you're seeing it, right?"

What the Director handed me was a survey measuring citizens' anxiety regarding mutant crimes after the press conference. Indeed, it showed a significant decrease since my press conference.

"Ah, yes."

"This happened because you caught the Demon-type mutant. So I can't help but be grateful. From tomorrow onwards, such anxiety will decrease even more. It was I who requested you to transform into a dragon at the inauguration ceremony."

"Oh, really?"

"Yes. If they see that form, other mutants won't dare to run wild either. In many ways... you've become a guardian dragon protecting Korea."

"That sounds quite grand."

"It's not grand at all. After the world changed, the vague fear that has lingered in Korea all this time is gradually being lifted because of your existence. I think the best thing I've done since becoming the Director of the National Intelligence Service might be making you the Chief of the Mutant Crime Management Bureau."

"You're overpraising me."

"Well, so I called you today just to chat about various things. Since you suddenly took on a heavy position, if there's anything you want to ask for, don't hesitate to say it."

"Ah, yes!"

The Director smiled as he said this. It was like seeing someone who had put down a heavy burden.