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8. “Eunho.”
At my call, Eunho, who had been seething inside, sprang to his feet with an expression ready to run out and swing his sword immediately.
“Shall I bring the sword?”
“What do you mean, black…? We have the documents processed, don’t we?”
Eunho, who had been clenching his fists tightly with both hands, tilts his head in puzzlement.
“Do you mean the documents to be sent to the Academic Hall and the Education Hall?”
“Yeah. Plus, there are the documents borrowed from the Ministry of Communications.”
“That is… just an example sentence.”
I gave Eunho a big smile.
Bring all of that out.
“…….”
So you’re saying Cheol-sun-jik is recklessly challenging me with that pathetic trick?
Take everything out and spread it all out here.
But what can I do? It’s not like I’ve beaten up a rat like you one or two times.
“Hehe…….”
“What kind of trouble are you causing again…… Ah!”
Eunho, who had been looking bewildered, suddenly wore a surprised expression.
Are you telling me to pretend to be busy?
“okay.”
Before I knew it, a wicked smile rose over his face as well.
That sounds really interesting, hehe. Understood.
Eunho led the delegation out of the office with a mischievous expression, like a child who had discovered a fun toy.
Okay, the preliminary preparations are done.
“Ugh.”
I got up from my seat with a calm expression.
Then, Jang Woo-jae’s voice is heard.
“Representative, what was that just now…….”
He was looking back and forth between my face and the door Eunho had gone out through, with an innocent expression that showed he had no idea how the situation was going.
I lightly patted his shoulder.
“Ah, there is something like that. Take a look.”
“Let’s see what level Cheol-sun’s position was.” Eun-ho gathered up everything from finished documents to those that just needed to be delivered, filling the office to the brim, and made the staff work as noisily as possible.
And a short while later.
With Jang Woo-jae’s guidance, things called the ‘Council’ of the school building appeared.
Cheol-sun-jik and his entourage standing tall in the middle of the noisy office.
Eunho deliberately tapped their shoulders, frowned, and yelled at the members of the delegation.
Who told you to handle the work like this!
“I, I’m sorry!”
“Do it again! And…….”
Soon, Eun-ho’s fierce gaze turns toward Cheol-sun-jik and his group.
“Why are the student dormitory residents here at the representative hall when they are not the delegation?”
Matching Eun-ho’s possessed acting, Jang Woo-jae also wore a perplexed expression and began to explain hurriedly.
Hoho, these guys are pretty good!
Shouldn’t we set up a theater stage for a school center event?
I calmly stopped them.
“Eunho, he is my guest, so escort him inside.”
“Senior Brother… no, CEO! Even so, do you really have to handle things this way at a time when you are so busy?”
I let out a sigh and shook my head.
“Then what can be done? They say they are the ones who ‘represent’ the students.”
Eunho frowns sharply and asks, as if he has heard something completely absurd.
“What kind of ‘bullshit’ is that? We are already in charge of the student center delegation.”
I shrugged lightly and stared intently at Nam Hwa-seong’s face.
“I don’t know. I asked you to come just to hear what that bullshit is all about.”
Eunho scrutinized the members of the council one by one with a look of contempt, and each time, they were busy clearing their throats or avoiding his gaze.
After looking around the busy delegation, I turned to Cheol-sun-jik.
Please sit over here.
Cheol-sun-jik frowned as he gestured while pushing aside one side of the table piled high with documents.
“This is an important matter, so how about we move to a different location?”
Then let’s make a formal appointment and talk then. As you can see, I’m very busy.
Well, what are you going to do if you glare at me like that?
As I stared intently into his eyes, Cheol-sun-jik’s lips trembled slightly.
“……
That’s enough. It won’t be a very long story.
Cheol-sun-jik took his seat as the representative, and the people who came with him stood around him as if surrounding him.
The composition was truly amazing.
“The lineup is interesting. It’s obvious you’ve tried hard not to look like you’re here as representatives of the Twelve Peaks… Oops, I slipped my tongue. Haha.”
Those who blushed in unison at my words. Although some were members of the Twelve Peaks, most were members of the Nine Great Sects or the Five Great Clans.
Cheol-sun-jik, having regained his composure before anyone realized it, displayed his characteristic cool-headed expression.
“If I had come as a member of the 12 Bongseong from the beginning, I would have said that I came in my capacity as a representative member of the 12 Bongseong.”
“I was actually going to ask that. A council? What on earth does that mean?”
“A council member is a place where decisions are made through deliberation.”
Well done, you’re talking big.
Anyway, I’m telling you, he’s the best at wasting that good head of his.
I leaned back and asked back.
“Hmm. What do you mean by making a decision?”
It applies to everything related to the actions and consequences of the dormitory residents. Since it is a place where the opinions of all residents are gathered, there is no room for complaints.
At first glance, it sounds very good.
However, as long as the speaker is Cheol-sun-jik, one should not take that at face value.
“Then are you saying that the decision of that council becomes the decision of all the students in the academy?”
That is correct.
In that case, who takes responsibility?
“It is a loss for everyone. The Murim Alliance has maintained a top-down structure all this time. But what are the results? The Jianghu is stagnant, power has solidified, and ultimately, it looks like a caste system distinguishing between purebloods and mixed-bloods is about to emerge.”
He looked around as if to make sure I heard him and continued speaking.
The vested interests that issued the orders shift the blame to those below them, and the innocent personnel dragged along end up bearing the responsibility without even knowing why.
Whenever Cheol-sun-jik’s calm and clear voice rings out, the commotion inside the smoke-filled office subsides.
Conscious of the stares gathering on him, Cheol-sun-jik speaks in a low voice.
Do you really think the current structure, in which decision-making power is concentrated in the hands of a minority, is right?
I think he is truly a born person when it comes to speaking clearly.
but.
What is the reason for introducing such a horizontal and outstanding organizational structure within the academic building?
It is clearly visible to me.
public interest
He wore the mask of a nobleman acting for the sake of [the nation/the people], but ultimately [acted] for his own self-interest
The appearance of a hypocrite obsessed with it.
Cheol-sun-jik answered my sarcasm without the slightest change in his expression.
I thought Representative Jin would know without me having to say it.
I said it clearly.
I’m not sure.
Cheol-sun-jik’s lips twitch.
However, he soon regains his composure and composes his expression.
“The council will ultimately become an organization that accepts everyone’s opinions. They will act proactively in accordance with the organization’s decisions based on their own views, and as they must take responsibility themselves, they will be cautious in their decisions and judgments.”
Cheol-sun-jik’s question back, “Don’t you understand even after this?”
I can’t believe it’s this blatant.
I couldn’t help but chuckle.
Then the reason for organizing the council is crystal clear
I see.
Cheol-sun-jik wanted to weaken the power of the delegation by applying the horizontal structure of this council to the delegation.
“Isn’t it time to break the wrong practices that have persisted for hundreds of years? I have no doubt that Representative Jin is someone who has shattered conventional wisdom.”
Cheol-sun-jik stares at me with eyes that look infinitely upright.
“I am saying that Representative Jin is the one who will take the first step to break the oppressive practices that have dominated the Hakgwan and the Murim Alliance.”
The person who usually calls me “Representative Jin” even uses the title “Mr. Representative” when speaking.
Ha, this little rat is something else. I told you, he’s a pro at stirring up trouble.
Cheol-sun-jik is certainly Cheol-sun-jik. The atmosphere was formed in an instant. He instilled in those around him the expectation that a ‘proper representative’ would naturally agree with his views.
Just as he said, the members of the Nine Great Sects, the Five Great Clans, and the Hundred and Eight Peaks who followed him are looking at me with expectant eyes.
In addition, the members of the delegation who were acting also seemed to have been captivated by it, their faces full of interest.
Above all, one could tell just by looking at Eunho’s furrowed brow how persuasive Cheol Sun-jik’s words were.
“Everyone’s opinions…… absurd practices…….”
Because at least within the delegation, he is the most logical and intelligent one.
However, knowing that the delegation’s status will be jeopardized, he probably won’t be able to easily like it either.
I applied for the Cheolsun position.
If we look at the differences from my past life, there isn’t much difference except that a few wrinkles have disappeared.
Humans want to avoid loss to the extreme.
Therefore, they constantly doubt and calculate, and mobilize their maximum skills to eliminate anxiety and risk factors, attempting to avoid losses.
That is why what Cheol-sun-jik is saying now is useful.
“Of course, even if the council system is implemented, your position as Representative will not disappear. After all, you will be the one making the final decisions.”
His gaze scans the members of the delegation.
Moreover, no one in the delegation needs to give up their position. They simply need to continue doing what they are doing right now.
Cheol-sun-jik speaks as if he has found the optimal solution for everyone to win.
His words are so sweet that they remind you of the benefits rather than the losses.
His way of speaking, which exploits the fragile human psyche, makes the other person feel that he has found a way to maximize everyone’s interests.
That I can do things I couldn’t do before.
Those who desire honor can have it.
It makes those who want money believe that they can have it.
“Your decision will change the system of the academy for the next hundred years. And the next generation of students will be able to dream of a brighter future in a better and fair environment.”
Cheol-sun-jik speaks to me in a firm voice.
I look forward to your decision, CEO.
Even the meticulousness to hand over the choice to me.
It seems his mind works not much differently from the older version of him in his previous life.
A strategy that makes the other party feel they have a choice, thereby boosting their sense of competence.
Although the opponent is merely a piece moving according to Cheol-sun-jik’s complex and thorough design, the chess piece comes to believe that it is moving on its own to capture the enemy’s king.
Cheol-sun-jik is that kind of person.
A person who can manipulate others at will to secure their own interests.
A person who believes they have ultimately won after dominating the minds of others to achieve their own extreme interests.
The human who survived to the very end in a world where the survivor becomes the strong.
Strategist Cheol Sun-jik.
I turned my gaze and looked at the people.
The members of the Nine Great Sects, the members of the Five Great Clans, and the members of the Hundred and Eight Peaks who followed him.
And even the members of the delegation.
Everyone was waiting for me to open my mouth. ‘It’s really fascinating.’ Because even I, who know he is a con artist, feel a sense of validity in his words right now.
But what can be done about this?
I may be stupid, but my memory is amazing.
The corpses of the comrades who died in their past lives, defeated by his eloquence and cunning, are visible before my eyes.
And as the corpses felt vivid, the answer was easy.
I don’t want to.
I clearly remember those wrongful and unjust deaths.
I don’t know why I have to do that.
So, I’m saying that I can’t just passively accept this in this life.
Cheol-sun-jik furrowed his brow at my unexpected answer.
“I am disappointed. I thought you were the most awake student council representative of any graduating class.”
Soon, those who had been looking at me with expectant eyes began to reveal their hostility one by one.
There are also some who seem eager to jump up from their seats and release their excitement right away.
Why are you so stupid?
Wouldn’t it be beneficial for everyone to follow Cheol-sun-jik’s opinion?
They are portraying me as someone who only looks out for their own interests without any justification.
However, for someone who is prepared to be insulted, no criticism is a blow.
I slowly looked around and clapped my hands.
Now! I’ve heard plenty of barking from those greed-ridden dogs.
“Representative Jin……!”
I looked at Cheol-sun-jik and chuckled.
“Why should I put up with you scheming to steal the CEO position from the start?”
Cheol-sun-jik’s mask twitches as his true intentions are exposed.
Didn’t you understand? This isn’t a matter of taking the seat or not… …!
“How is this different from the current relationship between the Council of Elders and the Alliance Leaders’ War of the Murim Alliance?”
When the General Assembly initiates a problem, the Council of Elders discusses it, and the Head of the Alliance makes a decision.
Although the final decision-making power lies with the leader, the leader cannot make decisions arbitrarily.
Ultimately, the decision can only be ‘announced’ in the Alliance War after the Council of Elders makes a decision.
“Well, in words, whether it’s a ‘council’ or a ‘consultative council,’ you could probably attach any nice word you want to it.”
I could not help but laugh at Cheol-sun-jik’s desire, which was revealed so transparently.
But if I had secured the representative position at the Twelve Peaks, wouldn’t this be a story I wouldn’t have even brought up?
Cheol-sun-jik is a truly interesting person.
He has no enemies or allies.
If their interests align, even if the opponent is from the Demonic Cult, they can become an ally; if their interests do not align, even a sect from the same 12 Peaks becomes an enemy.
Because he had thoughts that were not only practical but overflowing with rationality, he was able to firmly attach his sect to the Martial Arts Alliance of the North Sea.
Even Cheol-sun-jik’s sect suffered almost no losses during the Great War of Righteousness and Demons.
I do not know what happened after I died in my previous life, but Cheol Sun-jik’s sect must have played a major role within the Martial Arts Alliance of the North Sea.
I looked straight into Cheol-sun-jik’s eyes and said.
“Do you know what it is called to force others to do something you would not have done yourself?”
What is it?
“fraud.”
Cheol-sun-jik’s face crumples like a sheet of paper.
Only scammers who treat their opponents like fools would pull such stunts.
Are you insulting everyone gathered here right now?
The way he deflects attacks to draw others in is on a level that rivals Yuunmun’s Pear Graft.
“Insults are only made when there is honor to be lost in the first place.”
I examined the faces of those standing behind Cheol-sun-jik.
“Ha San-dong, a disciple of Mount Hwasan. You entered the academy with the power of Mount Hwasan, but you received a stern warning from the main headquarters for going out to the entertainment district every day to mingle with geishas, didn’t you?”
One of the members of the Nine Great Sects flinches.
“Baek Jin-seong, a disciple of the Jegal family. Although he escaped imprisonment during the recent incident at Gimunjin, he has already fallen out of favor with the Jegal family. His path to advancement within the family is far off.”
Baek Jin-seong’s face turned pale.
“You certainly managed to gather people who have no right of origin in either the Jeongdohoe or the Baekdohoe. And those who came from the Twelve Peaks are the ones following Cheol Sun-jik.”
Cheol-sun-jik’s words are always intertwined with the pursuit of extreme self-interest.
Everything he says is related to personal gain.
Paradoxically, the time you should be most wary of him is precisely when he speaks in a way that benefits the other person.
“Even if a council is organized, it will likely end up acting according to your words, Cheol-sun-jik. It may be everyone’s opinion, but ultimately, you will be the one leading it.”
Moreover, if you intend to claim the title of representative of the student dormitories in that manner, shouldn’t you at least listen to the opinions of the students?
I asked the self-proclaimed ‘representative members’ surrounding Cheol-sun-jik.
“Did anyone receive even a single letter of recommendation from the students at the dormitory? Or were they selected through an election?”
However, not a single person answers.
Cold anger rises in my heart.
“Why do the students have to sit idly by and listen to the orders of incompetent council members?”
In my previous life, I realized it was Cheol-sun-jik’s scheme only after my comrades had died every time.
“Responsibility? Did I say responsibility? How are you going to take responsibility? Are you going to be dismissed from your post or imprisoned like during that overseas trip to Sacheon last time?”
So, I will absolutely not be defeated in this life.
“Ah, I suppose that can’t be right. Since it is the choice of the dormitory residents, you won’t face any punishment, will you? That is quite a convenient responsibility. After all, in the end, the greatest responsibility will fall on me—the representative of the dormitory.”
I gave him a good laugh.
“Enjoying the rights without taking responsibility… It is to the point where the vested interests who have continued the ‘wrong practices’ you spoke of actually look better. At least the Nine Great Sects and the Five Great Clans shed blood to defend their positions.”
The faces of those who have tightly closed their mouths gradually darken.
“Is this exactly what the members of that ‘Council’ want? To hold onto the rights while evading responsibility?”
In a past life, I once gave Gamja a taste of his own medicine by acting contrary to Cheol-sun-jik’s intentions, just once.
Based on Jegal Cheon-gi’s advice, he unconditionally expressed opposition to the intentions Cheol Sun-jik was speaking of.
Because of that, we had to face off against the Demon Eyepatch, but…
On that day, Cheol-sun-jik’s unit was completely annihilated, except for one-tenth of the personnel.
“For now, how about you, Cheol-sun-jik, try implementing this council first within your sect? The sect leader would simply serve as the final decision-maker, while the warriors below him would organize the council among themselves. Everyone in the sect would share the responsibility for all decisions.”
“I would prefer not to involve Samun. Show some manners, Representative Jin.”
Before I knew it, the title had returned from ‘Representative’ back to ‘Representative Jin’.
“Surely you don’t think my suggestion is rude, do you?”
Are you trying to force that rude proposal on a bunch of insignificant people?
Cheol-sun-jik’s face turned pale.
Just like back in my past life when I unconditionally opposed everything.
It was a damn missed face.
