Side Story 20 – The Next Day - Jonathan
If you put chili oil and chili powder into the preheated earthenware pot, it would burn quickly. You had to stir-fry it slowly to bring out the aroma and spiciness of the chili powder, and because water comes out of the soft tofu, the quality of the stew depended on properly adjusting the amount of broth poured in initially.
The soft tofu stew that Jonathan had was excellent in that regard. The soup was moderately spicy. Chopped chilis and green onions were beautifully placed on the seasoned soft tofu, not only enhancing the flavor of the soup but also looking quite good. The clams in the dish also looked big and fresh.
Jonathan was salivating. However, contrary to his feelings, his expression remained intimidating. The U.S. President began to feel uneasy, not knowing that. It was not appropriate to explain in detail what efforts had been made to prepare this dish.
Jonathan picked up his spoon after understanding the situation. Sun had visited the headquarters and revived Joshua. The sensory network told him so. Ideally, it would have been nice to have a meal together, but it seemed Sun had prepared a separate meal for Joshua.
It’s unfortunate, but there is nothing I can do.
Jonathan broke the egg with his spoon. After stirring it, the dish became even richer. It was dense and heavy.
The first spoonful had both soft tofu and soup, and the second had egg and enoki mushrooms. The third was just the broth without toppings.
Slurp.
The fourth spoonful was mixed rice and clams, soaked in the soup.
Only then did Jonathan’s gaze s.h.i.+ft to the U.S. President. When Jonathan nodded, indicating it was delicious, the president was finally able to speak.
“I’m glad you like it.”
“It must be the Korean lady’s food. Have you eaten yet? If not, let’s eat together.”
The president gladly sat across from Jonathan. Then, he placed an additional order with his phone under the table. At least until the meal was over, a one-on-one conversation was guaranteed with the King of h.e.l.l.
“I will have two more pots brought up, including mine.”
“Duk-bae-ki[1].”
Jonathan corrected him casually.
“Bring some whiskey along, too.”
Koreans sometimes accompanied hot soup dishes with soju, a traditional Korean alcohol, but it was whiskey for Jonathan.
Jonathan’s order came up first, earlier than the stew. It was Macallan Fine and Rare 1926, vintage sixty years. It was unattainable through regular channels. It could only be acquired through a famous auction.
Some expensive whiskey bottles were encrusted with diamonds or crafted by artisans. Those enhanced the value of the bottle to an artistic level, but the whiskey brought for Jonathan was valued purely for the liquor itself. It appeared the U.S. President had brought it over when he brought the Korean chef.
Jonathan took a spoonful of stew, then took a sip of whiskey. As expected, it lived up to its reputation. It slid down his tongue and esophagus and did not feel burdensome at all.
However, there was a lingering sense of regret. This had nothing to do with the grade of the whiskey. Even back when he was a Wall Street man and during the whole period when he was eagerly antic.i.p.ating his reunion with Sun, Jonathan had kept a particular whiskey with special fondness in his storage.
Nonetheless, because this whiskey could not be obtained in Korea, let alone in a provincial city rather than Seoul, Jonathan filled his gla.s.s with what he had on hand.
An hour later, the U.S. President emptied the pot, coughing a few times in the process. His chopstick skills were clumsy, but his effort was commendable.
As the U.S. President was wiping his sweat, Jonathan spoke to him, who was wondering how to initiate a conversation.
“I also found it spicy at first, but this was the perfect way to relieve stress. Then, I eventually came to enjoy it.”
Perhaps it was because the food was amazing, but Jonathan’s tone was noticeably softer.
“How do you cope with stress?”
“Thanks to you, I learned a great way to do it. I will try next time.”
“Take care of yourself.”
That was the only thing the U.S. President heard during the conversation that lasted more than an hour. However, Jonathan’s last words were precisely what the U.S. President had been wanting to hear and confirm. With the global threat now gone, it was natural for club members to worry about rumors.
Look. What would be the reason He disbanded the Bilderberg Club and founded a new club that currently existed? It was to defend against the threats that would occur in the future back then!
And now, the threats have disappeared. Therefore, it was natural for the club members to be concerned about the disbandment of the club.
However, Jonathan dispelled such worries with his final words. The club would remain the same. It would continue its secretive and perfect control over all fields of politics, society, and finance worldwide.
“Do you feel relieved now?” Jonathan asked.
“How could I say no? You are right… All the members, including me, are ready to follow the order from the chair.”
“There is no need for that. And there will also be no opportunity for you guys to see Him. Make sure to tell that to the other members.”
It was something that would be announced soon at the meeting, but there was no harm in letting him know in advance.
***
Sun withdrew his hands from all matters concerning the club. He wished to regain his normal life and hoped Jonathan would do the same. He said it was okay to leave Gillian as the leader and enjoy the life he wanted.
However, imagining his new life in Saint Dragorin was not much different from sitting in the seat of power in Jeonil Club. Rather, it was something that could only arouse the dissatisfaction of some Awakened who deserved to be commended for their achievements.
Of course, the biggest reason for staying in the mainland was not because of those few Awakened. The solidified level of powerful dominance, arising from ma.s.sive capital from Jonathan Investment Finance Group and Gillian Group, could not be handed over to anyone else.
Who dares, when I have returned?
He was certain that except for Sun, there would never be another individual more suitable for the club’s seat of power than him.
That afternoon, Jonathan spotted some unfamiliar Koreans. The place they were landing their feet were not allowed for anyone except club members and security guards to access. There was an old guy and a guy in his mid-thirties.
Soon, Jonathan received information about the ident.i.ty of the two men. The elder Korean was Park Choong-Sik and had come in with new members.h.i.+p qualifications, and his son’s name was Park Woo-Cheol and was coming in as an aide.
Both were busy introducing themselves to the other members. They were born elite, so there was no awkwardness.
The first impression Jonathan had toward Park Choong-Sik was that he looked very healthy despite his age.
Park… The guy who made this country into Sun’s pocket.
[King of h.e.l.l Jonathan: Sun. If this message reaches you, please reply. There is something I need to confirm.]
The reply came in right away.
[System Administrator Odin: About what?]
[King of h.e.l.l Jonathan: Glad this is still working. Could we keep talking like this between us? Just to catch up once in a while.]
[System Administrator Odin: The only ones who know my number are my parents, Yeon-Hee, and you. We can talk through texts, even without relying on the System.]
Sun had plans to disable his own abilities, but he would leave some flexibility to bring them out when necessary.
[King of h.e.l.l Jonathan: If that is what you still want, then I will support that idea. Let’s get to the point. Here, a man named Park Choong-Sik has entered with an invitation.]
[System Administrator Odin: Park Choong-Sik?]
[King of h.e.l.l Jonathan: Jeonil Group.]
[System Administrator Odin: It seems that my father has chosen him. He probably wants to give strength to this country by creating a members.h.i.+p seat for a Korean.]
Sun’s message continued.
[System Administrator Odin: I will make it clear.]
[System Administrator Odin: That invitation is made by me. I made it separately thinking it might be a little help, as my father does not want to get involved in the club business.]
[System Administrator Odin: But my father would not have sent Park Choong-Sik as your subordinate. That is for sure. He probably wants Park Choong-Sik to represent the interests of this country.]
[System Administrator Odin: So, you don"t need to pay special attention to him, Jonathan. Park Choong-Sik is just a member with the qualification of a Korean member.]
[King of h.e.l.l Jonathan: Is it your father"s intention not to get involved in the club business?]
[System Administrator Odin: Yes. He is focusing only on world tours, lectures, and events. Once again, Park Choong-Sik is only qualified as a Korean member. Don’t think of him as my father’s eyes and ears. Such a guy should not bother you, and my father would not want that. That is why he is not intervening in club matters.]
[King of h.e.l.l Jonathan: That"s a relief. I appreciate that.]
[System Administrator Odin: Even if by chance my father thinks differently, remember. You"re the only one who can handle the responsibility of the seat of power.]
[System Administrator Odin: Jonathan, you are the ruler of this world.]
Though it was only through messages, Jonathan felt the weight of Sun’s hand on his shoulder. A faint smile crossed Jonathan’s lips.
[King of h.e.l.l Jonathan: Where are you now?]
[System Administrator Odin: Airport.]
[King of h.e.l.l Jonathan: Airport?]
[System Administrator Odin: I am heading to Europe with Yeon-Hee.]
[King of h.e.l.l Jonathan: Are you going on a trip? You guys could have used your abilities for transportation.]
[System Administrator Odin: If I allow things like that, then it will eventually become no different from before. The joy we seek is very tiny, but to get that…]
[King of h.e.l.l Jonathan: Ah, I get it.]
[System Administrator Odin: Lee Tae-Han just finished making a decision. This is the last time we will contact each other through the System. Are you really staying here?]
[King of h.e.l.l Jonathan: Why would an emperor ever leave his empire?]
Jonathan did not hesitate to refer to himself as an emperor. The old emperor, who had now become a deity and left for the heavens, had left this small world. Therefore, it was only natural for him to continue in his predecessor’s stead.
[System Administrator Odin: Okay, but since you chose to stay here, your powers will be disabled. But they will be enabled again once you step into Saint Dragorin. If you ever miss your old abilities, it would be nice to take a trip to Saint Dragorin.]
[King of h.e.l.l Jonathan: I will keep that in mind. Send me a bottle of whiskey when you get to Europe.]
[System Administrator Odin: The one we always drink?]
[King of h.e.l.l Jonathan: Yes, exactly that one.]
Jonathan had an expression he could not show in front of club members as he sent his final message.