The Civil Servant Who Concealed Their True Strength Turns Out to be a Master of Possession - Chapter 214

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com

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A Civil Servant Who Hides His Strength Is Exceptionally Good at Possession – Episode 214
Hunter Management Office, First Floor Conference Hall.
I stood alongside my colleagues from the Public Investigation Division, surrounded by a gathering of spectators.
Quite a few reporters had assembled, and in the distance stood Kang Il-yeon, Kang Won-yeon, Lee Yu-gyeom, and Kang Min-joo.
Colloquially known as Lee Yu-gyeom and the kids.
Or Lee Yu-gyeom and the Kang trio.
‘How on earth did those four become so close?’
I turned my gaze away from Kang Il-yeon, who was eagerly photographing me, Kang Min-joo, who was taking selfies with Lee Yu-gyeom instead of me, and Kang Won-yeon, who was giving Kang Min-joo a pointed look.
Standing there was the Vice Chief, acting as the Hunter Management Bureau Chief’s representative.
“Ha ha, delighted to meet you all, investigators…!”
Unlike the Chief, who always maintained an arrogant demeanor, the Vice Chief greeted us with exceptional humility.
There was no choice in the matter.
We were standing here precisely because we’d taken the Chief’s head off.
“We’ve streamlined the program as much as possible, but given the large number of reporters present, there will likely be a considerable question-and-answer session.”
We nodded at the Vice Chief, who spoke as if he were a secretary.
Behind us loomed an enormous screen.
Hunter Investigation Bureau Public Investigation Division Presidential Commendation Ceremony
Naturally, the President herself wouldn’t attend to present the commendation.
Typically, a representative presents the award, and this time that representative happened to be the head of the Hunter Management Office.
‘Well… I suppose this is also somewhat intentional on their part…?’
I became certain, recalling Baek Hee-ryeong and Gu Jae-yong, who always managed to secure two or three benefits in a single stroke.
The Blue House operatives were deliberately holding this awards ceremony at the Hunter Management Office to resurrect the scandal involving the Opposition Party Representative and the Chief, which had been quietly subsiding.
They were also redirecting the media’s focus, which had been concentrated solely on Choi Jun-gu.
Whether to call it cunning or wise.
“As a member of the Hunter Investigation Bureau’s Public Investigation Division, you have stood at the forefront of our nation’s security and defense, dedicating yourself with utmost diligence, and through your efforts, you have contributed to creating a safer Republic of Korea for all. Therefore, this commendation is hereby awarded to you.”
As the one with the least seniority, I received my award last.
As I stepped forward in my dress uniform, the shutters of the cameras erupted in a thunderous chorus.
‘It seems to be the second largest after Kwon Ik-seong.’
The sensation didn’t feel particularly favorable.
The reason being—
“Well then, since our investigators are quite busy, let’s hear just a few brief remarks about their impressions, and then we’ll take some questions from the reporters. Official press materials will be distributed, so please keep it brief. Brief, if you would.”
Before the Vice Chief had even finished speaking, every reporter raised their hand.
The quiet yet fierce motion of the crowd was almost frightening.
‘Sigh… what else could they possibly want to ask.’
“Ah ha ha… let’s start with impressions. Yes.”
Captain Hong was the first to step forward.
He stood before the podium with the microphone and spoke.
“I feel humbled to be here thanks to the blood and sweat of my subordinates. However, if I may express a wish, it would be that our investigators no longer have to risk their lives, and that a safer working environment be created for them going forward.”
As Captain Hong spoke, his gaze was directed toward Pee So-won.
Pee So-won’s expression appeared somewhat bitter.
I’m thinking of Han Su-eop.
‘Han Su-eop.’
In the past, whenever that name came to mind, I’d wonder what kind of person he was, and I’d feel sympathy for Pee So-won first. But now, when I recall Han Su-eop’s name, something feels off.
Because I’ve come to realize that Han Su-eop’s life trajectory matches my mother’s first-cycle life trajectory.
Han Su-eop is an existence created to align the causality of this world.
If I had to guess, for some inexplicable reason I possessed a body and survived without dying, which meant the narrative of Team 5 needed to be reconstructed—
‘An existence like my mother became necessary for the character arcs of Pee So-won, Captain Hong, and Kwon Ik-seong.’
It’s like watching some movie Matrix knockoff. This is disgusting.
Actually, before coming here, I asked Pee So-won something in the car.
‘Team Leader Pee.’
‘What.’
‘When you first started work, did you ask Team Leader Han anything?’
At those words, the air in the car turned cold.
Byeon Gu-do and Ma Deok-ho especially grew restless and looked at me with resentful eyes, but—
‘Why are you asking that all of a sudden.’
Pee So-won spoke as if she didn’t care much.
‘Just… I was curious. The former Team Leader—’
I deliberately chose my words.
‘…was A-rank, so I was curious why she came to the Special Request Police Officers.’
I did it on purpose.
Because the first thing Pee So-won asked my mother on her first day of work was why she came to the Special Request Police Officers.
And sure enough, Pee So-won glanced at me as if remembering that question.
‘I was curious about that too.’
‘So?’
When I asked, Pee So-won furrowed her brow.
‘What do you mean “so,” you bastard.’
‘Right. Let’s stop talking about this….’
It was when Byeon Gu-do tried to cut me off.
‘Someone precious to me wanted me to become a police officer. Said it looked cool.’
The same answer.
‘My daughter wants me to keep being a police officer. Says it’s cool.’
…Same as my mother.
So this confirmed it once more. Han Su-eop was created to fill the void left by my mother.
“To do that, I believe the Hunter society first needs to become more transparent. We have equally high expectations for the new Association President.”
At Captain Hong’s words, the sound of reporters typing accelerated.
It couldn’t be helped.
The Hunter Personal Information Protection Act amendment had been rejected today.
The press would have been curious about the presidential office’s stance anyway, but at least they were getting a clear statement of the Special Request Police Officers’ position here.
“Yes. Then the next statement will be given by Investigator Kwon Ik-seong.”
Sensing this, the Vice Chief’s voice introducing Investigator Kwon Ik-seong trembled slightly.
His expression showed fear—fear of the barrage of questions that would come later, fear of the Hunter Management Office being ground between the Special Request Police Officers, the Blue House, and the National Assembly.
The face of a civil servant longing for quitting time.
But there was no quitting time for him.
He was the Acting Chief!
‘Ahahaha.’
How delightful for him, truly.
“I too have reached this position through the accomplishments of my subordinates. Article 11, Section 1 of the Republic of Korea Constitution contains this passage: All citizens are equal before the law. No citizen shall be discriminated against in political, economic, social, or cultural life on account of sex, religion, or social status. Going forward, as a member of the Special Request Police Officers, I will uphold the law and conduct investigations with equal treatment for all.”
Did Kwon Ik-seong realize it?
That statement he’d just made with that AI-like face was practically a declaration of war to those clinging to Hunter privileges, much like Choi Jun-gu himself.
That’s why the sound of the reporters’ keyboards grew more intense than before.
Yet after dropping that bomb, Kwon Ik-seong passed the microphone to Pee So-won with a composed expression.
Pee So-won stepped up to the microphone with an annoyed look and spoke simply.
“Thank you.”
…?
That’s it?
Everyone’s expressions showed their surprise.
Pee So-won casually passed the microphone to Byeon Gu-do.
“I dedicate this commendation to my grandmother! I miss you, Grandma~!”
Byeon Gu-do’s remarks weren’t particularly long either.
In the silence without the sound of reporters’ keyboards, Ma Deok-ho took the microphone and spoke.
“I-I-I’m grateful. Everyone, please take the lead in protecting animal rights. We need much attention for Wanson, the natural monument whale in the West Sea!”
…With a remark so very much like Ma Deok-ho, he passed the microphone to the other two investigators as well.
And then it was my turn.
I shuffled forward to the microphone.
The sound of the reporters’ camera shutters was already rapid and intense.
“Thank you. I only did my job, yet you’re giving me an award like this…. Um…. Uh….”
No, this won’t do. I had things to say before I malfunctioned.
But I was already on the verge of malfunctioning in front of countless cameras.
Ten seconds before malfunction….
3. 2. 1.
“…I will root out the bad guys! Taekwon!”
As murmurs rippled through the reporters, I heard stifled laughter from behind.
When I turned around with sad eyes, all the Civil Investigation Division staff avoided my gaze while suppressing their laughter.
And when I looked forward again, I saw Kang Won-yeon and Kang Min-joo covering their faces and giggling.
And Kang Il-yeon making a fighting gesture.
And also….
Lee Yu-gyeom, more embarrassed for me than anyone else.
Damn it….

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com

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