The Precious Demon King - Chapter 95

WeTried Translations

Translator: Yasi

◈ The Precious Demon King

Chapter 95: Same Bed, Different Dreams

The gathering of the Chinese leadership. As soon as the president hung up the phone, the Communist Party cadres erupted in anger.

"That small country's king is far too arrogant!"

"Indeed! Demanding territory in exchange for lancing a mere boil is absurd!"

"The price is far too great."

Changbai Mountain. It was the Chinese name for Baekdu Mountain, South Korea's sacred mountain. Kim Seungtae had mentioned it.

"His arrogance pierces the sky."

"Once we yield, he'll only demand more."

"Our concession over the Yellow Sea alone was already too much."

Kim Seungtae demanded three main things.

First, the removal of all illegal maritime structures in the Yellow Sea. Second, a ban on Chinese interference in North Korea. Third, the transfer of Baekdu Mountain and part of its surrounding territory.

The Communist Party government was under so much pressure that it was forced to consider these outrageous terms.

Bang!

The president slammed the desk violently.

"Silence, all of you! Why do you only think of what we're giving while ignoring the blade at my throat?"

"Ahem."

"My apologies."

"I spoke out of turn. That small country's arrogance got the better of me."

Their furious display was nothing more than a show to placate the president and preserve his dignity.

"In international affairs, promises are often broken."

"Eh? What do you mean by that?"

"As expected of President. There was deep meaning in your words."

The president nodded.

"A sparrow cannot swallow a pig."

Kim Seungtae's ambition was excessive.

Even without China's interference, what could South Korea possibly do against North Korea? As long as North Korea held nuclear weapons, they could not recklessly wage war. Then, assassinate the supreme leader, Kim Jungman?

That would splinter North Korea into warring factions, spiraling into uncontrollable chaos. Could South Korea possibly rein them in?

"President, do you believe South Korea will attempt something against North Korea?"

"President Kim Seungtae is a reckless man. I know the ambition lurking within him."

The president's gaze turned chilling.

"Observe carefully how he moves against North Korea. The Intelligence Bureau especially must keep a close watch."

"Yes, President!"

If they understood how South Korea would attack North Korea, they could devise a counterstrategy.

We will not suffer like Japan.

The president made such generous concessions to South Korea because he had seen the precedent set by Japan. Although it was not publicly revealed, the Chinese Intelligence Bureau knew the inside story.

Cowed by the threat of assassination, the Japanese prime minister was the first to prostrate himself before South Korea. South Korea then acted as if it were the victor, even awarding Japan compensation.

One of those golden tickets fell into the president's hands.

Immortality is no longer a dream.

President Xiu Gang, the supreme leader of China, had become a hunter. As his youth gradually returned, he was looking not to the next five or ten years, but far beyond.

"For now, our only concession will be over the Yellow Sea."

Even that would only be temporary. Once the Beijing dungeon was dealt with, they could quietly resume their operations. What could South Korea do about it then?

It would be better if they made a move against North Korea.

It would allow China to pinpoint their strategy and prepare a response. For Xiu Gang, who wanted to avoid assassination, North Korea would be an excellent case study.

"What about Changbai?"

"If the local people oppose it, what can even the Party do?"

The cadres marveled at his words.

As expected, his thinking was revolutionary. Promise to give, but simply not give it.

"Wow! That's a perfect remark."

"Indeed! The opposition from people working in Changbai tourism will be tremendous."

Facts didn't matter. The Communist Party forced processes to fit the desired outcome.

Ultimately, South Korea would receive nothing.

All that was lost was Xiu Gang's dignity, for having personally heard and accepted such outrageous demands.

"China owes much to President's foresight."

"A truly masterful negotiation."

Xiu Gang brought the chaotic meeting under control.

"Have the foreign minister quickly conclude the agreement and make resolving the Beijing crisis the top priority."

"Yes, President!"

The meeting concluded on a harmonious note.

* * *

Presidential Office, South Korea.

"Waaah, President! You're amazing!"

"I can't believe they accepted this!"

Amid the ministers' cheers, Kim Seungtae was the most bewildered of all.

Wow, it actually worked?

Everyone has that instinctive curiosity. It was like pushing the limits in a patience test.

During his talks with Xiu Gang, Kim Seungtae felt that instinct kick in.

They accepted that? Then...what about this?

His counterpart, seemingly more desperate than expected, accepted everything. The demand for the cession of Baekdu Mountain had actually been half in jest. Even if they refused, he had intended to settle at that point.

The concessions regarding the dismantling of illegal structures in the Yellow Sea, the resolution of territorial disputes, the crackdown on illegal fishing, and the Ieodo issue alone would have been a tremendous diplomatic victory.

And though it could not be publicly announced, the clause preventing Chinese intervention in the event of a North Korean regime collapse was also one of the greatest diplomatic gains.

It would serve as a crucial stepping stone toward unification in the near future.

At present, South Korea truly had no capacity to move against North Korea. Their nuclear weapons alone posed too great a threat.

Even if Kim Jungman were assassinated, the nuclear weapons would remain. If the wrong person pressed the launch button, the consequences would be catastrophic.

Absorption unification, not military unification, was the only viable path. However, South Korea still lacks the capacity and readiness to absorb the massive wave of refugees that would result from war.

"Isn't this all for the sake of our descendants?"

"Indeed! In the next administration, or the one after that, unification may be seriously discussed."

"In that case, we've gained leverage over China."

"Wow, this is a tremendous diplomatic achievement!"

"Hahaha."

"Congratulations, President!"

"Hahaha."

"Wow, I thought China was just bluffing. To think this is reality..."

"Huh?"

Kim Seungtae's heart sank.

"Bluffing?"

"Sir?"

"Foreign Minister!"

"Yes, President."

"Hurry and put everything into writing."

"Huh, understood."

"Once it's documented, prepare a press conference announcement as well!"

Those bastards. He would make sure there was no backing out.

"And force the Chinese government to hold their own press conference."

"Do we have to go that far?"

"What if we make the announcement and they simply deny it–even daring us to prove it?"

There had to be an official "request for help" from the Chinese government.

"Have President Xiu Gang, their foreign minister, or another senior Communist Party official come forward and make an official request for assistance. Also, have them announce the cession of Baekdu and part of the surrounding territory."

"Ah."

"If not, we'll tell them to go to hell as well."

Kim Seungtae decided to take a hard line. The Beijing dungeon was in a very dangerous state.

"They can't resolve the dungeon without our Special Advisor. What are they going to do about it? Hmph."

There were three world-power-level hunters. Vikram was occupied with a dungeon in the United States, leaving only France's Sophie Giraud and South Africa's Jabari Okoye. Even if they were brought there with great difficulty, conquering the dungeon would still be impossible.

Unintentionally, our Special Advisor has given the country a great gift.

The Beijing A-rank dungeon. China's Central Special Division–an organization equivalent to South Korea's Hunter Management Bureau–had dispatched a suicide squad.

The squad was still alive inside.

No reinforcements could be sent in unless a dungeon break occurred.

Beijing was now a city with a bomb waiting to explode at its very center.

"Let's see how long they can hold out."

In the end, China would have no choice but to raise the white flag.

"P-President. For the sake of future South Korea–China relations, wouldn't it be better not to pressure them too much?"

"Come now, it's fine. Pressure, you say?"

"China is a country that can start a war over a personal grudge."

"Hmph. Who says I'm afraid?"

Kim Seungtae's outburst left the ministers' faces darkened. His belligerent temperament had been well known since his early days in politics.

"If they don't want to give, then they don't need to ask for help."

In the end, it was the thirsty who dug the well.

It's a blessing to have such a strong backing.

Kim Seungtae gave Park Taejun a honeyed look.

"Why is the Hunter Management Bureau so frugal with its budget?"

"Eh?"

"Half of our military strength comes from you. You should spend like the Ministry of National Defense."

"Hahh, th-that's too much, President."

"Hahaha, I'm just saying. If you need anything, just say the word. Anything at all!"

"Yes, President."

Ah, how reassuring. A nuclear power? Shit, he couldn't care less. Do they have Kim Junyong?

Amid the excitement, another Conquest Monument was erected in Seoul.

"Oh! It seems our Special Advisor has returned."

"My, a second monument? Hohoho! If this isn't Korea's blessing, then what is?"

Hansan 2-dong, Seoul Station. Two dungeon-free zones had been created in South Korea.

* * *

The Kim Junyong family returned from their long expedition to the Demon Realm.

[ Admin: Oh! Hyungnim! Really, congrats congrats ]

[ Admin: I knew you would pull it off! ]

[ Admin: But isn't it a bit much, giving all the benefits to South Korea, haha. ]

[ Kim Junyong: What, punk. ]

[ Admin: He, haha, I'm just saying it's a little disappointing. ]

[ Kim Junyong: Don't you have an update or whatever to do? ]

[ Admin: Turns out prep time is taking longer than I thought, haha. ]

[ Admin: Before starting, I'll check the timing with Hyungnim. ]

[ Kim Junyong: Do as you please. ]

[ Admin: Yes, Hyungnim! Salute, salute! ]

[ Kim Junyong: ㅅㄱ. ]

Kim Junyong used the chatting skills he had learned from Yu Jihun. Then, he slipped his phone into his pocket.

"Ahh, so good!"

"As expected, home is the best."

Once they returned home, their tension eased all at once. At that moment, Remi quietly approached Kim Junyong and asked.

"What should be done if there's an unpaid debt?"

"Hm? You repay it."

Remi nodded. She had obtained her master's permission.

He has permitted murder.

When Remi gave a broad grin, Kim Junyong scolded her.

"What are you smiling about?"

"..."

This girl, Remi. Her knowledge of basic modern life was still shallow.

"Starting tomorrow, you'll go to school every day."

"Yes."

Remi nodded. She would be attending anyway to guard Yu Jia. But then again, wasn't Yu Jia already strong enough that she hardly needed protection anymore?

"While you're there, teach her some basic fighting techniques."

"Okay."

Kim Jangmi, Yu Jia, and Yu Jihun had only bulked up in size. Their magic reserves and physical abilities had skyrocketed.

But since their growth had come too fast in too short a time, they lacked the techniques and control to make full use of it.

Nevertheless, they were already more than capable of basic self-defense. However, Yu Jia's remarkable talent made it frustrating to leave it at that. With proper guidance from Remi, she could become a skilled hunter.

"Nyaa! For Master, Milady, Young Master, Young Lady, and the rest, I'll prepare a special nourishing feast, nya!"

Edmond was overjoyed at the family's return.

"Ah, I'm going to sleep."

With his eyelids weighed down like lead, Yu Jihun tried to slip away from the family dinner. However, his mother smacked him on the back.

Smack!

"Ah, Mom."

"Ed worked hard to prepare this meal, so eat before you go to sleep."

"Fine..."

Kim Jangmi had grown quite close to Edmond. Soon after, the house grew boisterous. As usual, Remi stepped outside.

Recharging her sugar had become a daily routine by now. She stopped in front of Mango Tango, where the owner, Wichai, greeted her with a smile and took her order.

"Six mango juices again today?"

"No."

Since her master was home, it wouldn't be right to buy only for herself.

"Twenty cups."

"Hahh!"

Seeing the flustered owner, Remi felt that the time had come. After all, she had already received permission to repay her "debt."

"I shall repay the debt."

"Hahh, really?"

"Would one be enough?"

"Hahh, th-then...even a demon?"

Tch. To think she had gone so far as to get permission, only for it to be about killing demons. That was something she could do without restriction.

"All right."