IWBNAM Chapter 12 (Part 3)

The admiral, who certainly never worked Saturdays, was likely waiting impatiently for his older workaholic lover to arrive. Hearing that Nael would come early would surely delight him.

“It’s fortunate the stadium visit was last week. Rainy weather would have made things uncomfortable.”

As he helped prepare for Nael’s departure, Gilbert commented. Nael agreed. Rain wouldn’t have entered the VIP box, but a public date was better enjoyed under clear skies.

“Well then, I’ll be off. Have a pleasant weekend.”

“Yes. I’ll see you tomorrow evening.”

“…Don’t come.”

“Have a good evening, Your Excellency.”

Nael shook his head as he climbed into the car, exasperated by his cheeky chief secretary. The Chancellor’s official car sped through the rain under heavy escort.

Even on a weekend afternoon, the rain had emptied the busy streets. Nael mentally checked the date. Today was June 25. On Earth, June 25 would have marked the start of the Korean War, but Imperials knew nothing of that. Instead, they would say:

Today? Isn’t it thirty-one days before the birth of our Baby Emperor?

Coincidentally, a massive street screen showed the phrase:

[Celebration! D-31 until His Majesty Sirius II descends upon the world!]

At last, with only about a month left until the birth anniversary, the countdown had begun. They were deliberately creating a festive atmosphere.

Nael stared blankly out the window. Some individuals might say this date held a different personal meaning, but no one in this entire universe would ever mention it as the day the Korean War broke out. In this era, it was nothing more than an old event stripped of all significance.

Enough thinking about his past life. That could wait. For some later time, when he had nothing to do and grew bored.

A while later, the vehicle arrived at its destination. As always, the younger boyfriend was waiting at the entrance, his face bright with joy as he opened the door for him.

“Your diligence is acceptable.”

Nael stepped out of the car with a gentle smile.

“It is a great honor, Your Excellency the Chancellor, that you grace my humble home again today. This way, please.”

“I left work earlier than usual for your sake. Rejoice.”

“Oh, Your Excellency the Chancellor. The imperial government offices operate on a five-day workweek, you know. Have you not realized that coming to work on Saturdays is a problem in itself?”

“Come now. How can someone responsible for running the country insist on taking every holiday off?”

“If someone so high-ranking works too hard, those below him suffer, Your Excellency.”

Antigonos replied with a slightly teasing tone. It sounded like he was pretending to worry about lower-rank staff, but what he really meant was that he wanted Nael to spend more of his free time with him.

“If someone can’t handle that level of commitment, they shouldn’t even think about holding a key position in the government.”

Nael snorted quietly and headed inside. Antigonos stayed close at his side, grumbling.

“That’s fine and all, but shouldn’t you get proper rest when you can? I heard you’re skipping your summer vacation this year. What’s that about? Maybe not a full month or two, but at least take a few days off.”

“Hm. With you?”

“Of course.”

The bear. He deserved credit for how fast he moved. There was no real reason they couldn’t spend a vacation together when they had already done everything a couple could do.

“Just spending one weekend day together is enough for me. I don’t want to carve out several days.”

“Since you’re already giving me one weekend day, be a little more generous. The government is stable right now, isn’t it? I’m not asking for much. How about a week?”

“A week? Why don’t you just suggest we go on a honeymoon while you’re at it?”

“Could we?”

The bear asked back, clearly tempted. Nael clicked his tongue inwardly. This bastard really didn’t seem to understand the difference between a joke and seriousness. Or he understood and pretended not to.

“Of course not.”

Nael headed toward the guest room he had come to use like his personal bedroom in this mansion. In truth, he had learned it wasn’t a guest room at all, but a space meant for the lady of the house. He didn’t dare ask Antigonos if that was true. He didn’t want to know what answer would come back.

“You know, I’ve been thinking. You’re the Chancellor and I’m an Imperial Marshal, right? If we push it properly, couldn’t we drive through legalization of same-sex marriage?”

…Right. This kind of answer.

Nael shook his head with a sour expression. Legalize what? Was he out of his mind? Was he suggesting they walk hand-in-hand into an imperial marriage? His dreams were overly ambitious.

“Like those libertine Union types?”

The Union recognized same-sex marriage legally. It was one of the favorite topics the Empire used when criticizing the Union. They said that a man and woman marrying and having children was the law of nature, and that the Union had spread filthy, decadent culture to the public.

“That’s… Nael. Don’t you think we should accept good things when we see them?”

“People would laugh if they heard you.”

Nael replied sharply and coolly as he opened the bedroom door and stepped inside. Antigonos closed it behind them. And as if it were his natural right, he immediately asked for his lips.

“……”

The man devoured his lips with the hunger of someone who hadn’t eaten for days. And in a way, that wasn’t entirely wrong. They had seen each other often enough at the palace, but there had been no chance to kiss.

Nael barely pulled his lips away to catch his breath when Antigonos kissed his cheek and whispered.

“My dear Lord Chancellor. May I assist with your bath again today?”

“No….”

“Dinner will take over an hour to prepare. So, Your Excellency, why not think of it as a light warm-up before then… hm? That’s fine, isn’t it?”

The lust-soaked voice muddled Nael’s thoughts. Antigonos kept pressing kisses on him, cornering him against the wall so he couldn’t escape.

A light warm-up, my foot. Nael looked up at him with deep suspicion. If they started now, dinner would end up being served around nine in the morning tomorrow.

“Stop it. Don’t act like some old bachelor who just discovered debauchery for the first time.”

Antigonos’s eyes suddenly turned fierce. For a moment, Nael wondered if he had rejected him a little too coldly.

“I… am exactly that. An old bachelor who just discovered debauchery for the first time.”

The man shamelessly admitted it and then lunged at Nael with reckless force.

“Why are you doing this? Stop.”

“Come on, now. Let’s go to the bathroom.”

“No, put me down.”

“No.”

Antigonos easily hoisted Nael over his shoulder and headed straight for the bathroom. At that moment, his mind contained nothing but the image of washing together in a quiet, intimate way. Heat pooled low in his body, but there was nothing to worry about, his lover was right here to share that excitement with him.

“Ugh… Antigonos… mm….”

The uniform he hastily stripped off fell crumpled at Nael’s feet. But there was no room left in his mind to care about it. A rutting bear had pounced on him.

How many times had they met like this already? One would think he’d have grown used to it by now, yet whenever things truly began, Antigonos turned into a male who moved purely on instinct. The phrase gentle lovemaking couldn’t be further from anything he did.

Even so, it seemed he hadn’t completely forgotten the original goal of helping with the shower, because contact began beneath the running water. His lips touched Nael’s lips, his cheek, the edge of his ear, and the nape of his neck. Nael’s body was ruled entirely by his hands. Antigonos roamed wherever he pleased, grabbing and caressing boldly. Each time, Nael let out a short moan. His whole body shivered so much he could hardly endure it.

“Ugh, Antigonos… don’t leave marks where they can be seen.”

“Alright. I’ll be careful.”

Nael said it because the man’s eyes had gone wild and he was already sucking on his neck, but Antigonos didn’t seem to be listening with very much sincerity. Nael gently blocked his face with his hand. For a moment Antigonos resisted, then reluctantly pressed a kiss to his fingers and shifted his position.

He guided Nael to stand leaning against the wall, then knelt down on the floor himself. The most important part of Nael’s body slid into his mouth. Nael covered his own lips with his hand to stifle the moan trying to escape. Antigonos never bothered telling him to make noise or keep quiet. He knew perfectly well that once they got to the bed, Nael would lose control and cry out anyway.

“Anti… gonos.”

Having finished once in his mouth, Nael’s eyes were faintly reddened as he called his name. Antigonos leisurely rose to his feet, licking his own lips with his tongue.

“Hold mine.”

The hard length pressed against Nael’s lower body. Looking away, Nael lowered his hand. When the heavy shaft settled into his grip, its owner looked pleased and drew his body closer to his lover. His left hand braced against the wall, and with his right hand he began to touch Nael’s most sensitive place. Nael flinched but said nothing, only letting out a thin, drawn-out breath.

“Ah… aah…”

He felt the thick fingers sliding inside. It didn’t hurt. If anything, a quiet anticipation stirred. This man had driven him to climax countless times, by mouth, by hand, and with his body.

“Ah… Antigonos…”

Nael leaned against Antigonos’s shoulder, murmuring only his name. At some point, even though he had already climaxed once, his own arousal had risen again. While he was being toyed with by the fingers cleverly stroking his inner walls, he rubbed Antigonos’s length in return. A second wave of pleasure crashed over his body.

Antigonos even hummed a tune as he helped dry Nael’s hair. Nael simply sat and rested. It had only been a light session, but having climaxed twice left his head a little foggy.

“You’re just weak.”

Antigonos said this as if he bore absolutely no responsibility.

“Yeah. Sure. Let’s go with that.”

Nael considered himself to have average stamina. The problem was that the bear of a man beside him wasn’t built to normal human standards. The bastard never seemed to tire. Had he grown up running through ginseng fields or something?

“I was thinking of grilling some barbecue for dinner myself, but with the rain we probably can’t eat outside. Should we go to the dining hall? Or should I have something brought up?”

“The barbecue table by the back garden? There’s a roof there. What’s the problem? Let’s go there.”

It would be pleasant to enjoy barbecue while watching the rain fall. His appetite stirred.

“Oh, yeah? If you’re fine with it.”

With that, the dinner location was decided. Antigonos confidently boasted that he could grill meat perfectly. Nael gave him a faint smile.

“Why are you smiling?”

“Seeing you like this, you really do give off the youngest-child vibe.”

“Oh, what’s with calling me the youngest again.”

Antigonos grumbled in annoyance. He might be a general who commanded the Empire, but apparently being treated like the baby of the family embarrassed him.

“I said it because you’re cute.”

“…”

Antigonos turned his head away with a displeased expression. As if thinking, Cute, who’s cute? Still, there was a faint excitement under the surface, as if he didn’t truly dislike hearing it. See? He was cute.

“This meat is something I specially prepared for you.”

Standing before the barbecue table, today’s chef went on to explain the ingredients. Nael listened seriously, nodding along. Confidently, the chef placed the meat on the grill. With a sizzle, a delicious smell quickly filled the air.

“According to the weather forecast, it’ll rain until Monday. The people preparing events for the birthday countdown were pretty discouraged.”

They had a glass of fine wine along with the well-grilled meat. As if remembering something, Antigonos brought up the topic of the emperor’s birthday.

“Mm. If it hadn’t rained, a performance in the plaza tomorrow would’ve been nice.”

“You should’ve called the meteorological office and told them to change the weather.”

“Messing with it too often isn’t good either.”

He spoke calmly, then suddenly felt something was off. Talking about changing the weather so naturally?

It reminded him once again just how advanced this world’s science and technology were. This was an era capable of traveling faster than the speed of light and terraforming barren planets into Earth-like worlds. Adjusting the weather of a local region on a planet was nothing. That was why national events were always held under clear and sunny skies.

“The young emperor… will finally be revealed to the public in a month…”

Antigonos murmured, his tone carrying a hint of thoughtfulness. He had never said anything particular about the incubator emperor; only the customary line that he would loyally serve the sole heir. His true feelings were unknown.

“It was all a bit of a see-no-evil, pretend-not-to-know situation. Every living soul learned during the May tragedy that His Highness the Prince had been born…”

But they could not acknowledge it openly. So the date had been changed. Nael worried about how the baby emperor would react someday when he discovered the secret of his own birthday. He hoped the child would not be hurt.

“Premature babies usually use their original due date as their birthday, right? Anyway, don’t worry. If anyone shows up trying to mock him for it, I’ll beat those reactionaries to a pulp.”

“That’s quite reassuring.”

“I’m on your side.”

Antigonos glanced at Nael and answered as if it were the most natural thing in the world, something that needed no exaggeration.

“Alright. I’ll trust you.”

“Mm. And with that in mind, our honeymoon…”

“We’re not married.”

“Let’s spend summer vacation together.”

The topic he thought he’d brushed aside slid right back in. Nael stared at him, then sighed in defeat.

“I’ll give you one extra day with the weekend. Friday–Saturday–Sunday, or Saturday–Sunday–Monday. Which do you want?”

“Are you kidding me? Just three days? Weekends are supposed to be days off. Give me three additional weekdays.”

“If you’re willing to put up with subordinates barging into the resort with work whenever they please, I’ll give you five days including the weekend.”

“…Damn it.”

Antigonos cursed viciously. Nael didn’t even blink and ate another piece of meat. Watching him chew so contentedly, Antigonos had no choice but to compromise.

“Then give me half a day on Thursday.”

Thursday–Friday–Saturday–Sunday. Well, that was doable.

“Alright. I’ll tell the secretary’s office. Pick whatever dates you want.”

Nael smiled kindly as he accepted the compromise. It was clearly a move to make himself look generous, but Antigonos didn’t push further and simply agreed.

“The meat is good. It’s the best barbecue I’ve ever had.”

When Nael stabbed a piece of meat with his fork and showered him with honest praise, Antigonos’ expression finally brightened.

“Yeah. I really put in effort just for you.”

The praise-starved man puffed up proudly. Nael watched him with warmth. Told you, he really was cute.

* * *

Saying he was cute a few times must have made the favorite concubine arrogant under the illusion of pampering.

Nael greeted the morning filled with regret. His whole body ached. Just trying to move made a groan slip out of his mouth.

Thirty-six years old and going through all sorts of nonsense. His heart still felt like blossoming youth in its prime, but what sin had he committed in his previous life to deserve this… No, was the universe really that offended that he pulled a legendary hero with a 0.1% rate while gaming? Why me?

‘Why was it me?’

Why me? Why did it have to be me?

It was a question he’d asked himself hundreds, thousands of times since waking up in this world. Why me? He couldn’t be the only person who had drawn a legendary-grade hero in the game, so why was he the one who transmigrated? Why? Why?

“Are you awake? If you’re tired, sleep a little more. It’s only eight-thirty.”

The man who looked at full power from morning spoke with fake consideration, pretending to be gentle. Annoying.

“…You’re not cute at all.”

Nael deliberately said it loud enough for him to hear and pulled the blanket over his head. Laughter echoed behind him. Truly unbearable. That younger boyfriend brat. So insolent!

He stayed lying down for about an hour before finally sitting up. After washing, he found breakfast already prepared. The last time he stayed here, it had been a typical German-style breakfast with assorted bread, egg dishes, salad, and a few drinks. This time, it was different. Warm egg porridge with finely chopped vegetables, tender braised beef, lightly stir-fried morning glory, and kimchi were set out.

“You seemed to prefer Eastern-style breakfasts.”

Receiving Nael’s glance, Antigonos answered sheepishly. He wasn’t completely oblivious.

“Fine. You get point one in cuteness.”

Nael nodded sternly as if officially scoring him. Antigonos brightened and asked,

“How many points do I have so far?”

“Minus ninety-nine point nine.”

“What? Why is it minus?”

“Talking back. Minus point one.”

“You’re seriously deducting more? That’s harsh!”

“Don’t worry. The minimum is minus one hundred.”

“Oh, truly comforting words that bring tears to my eyes, Your Excellency.”

They exchanged silly jokes. It was the last Sunday of June, and the two began breakfast by the window overlooking the garden. The rain that fell all night was taking a brief break now. It wasn’t a clear sky, but the air held just enough moisture to feel fresh. It was nothing like the hot, sticky monsoon summers.

“Maybe my body aches more because it rained all night.”

He muttered absentmindedly, remembering things old people used to say.

“If we do the exact same thing again on a clear night, we’ll know for sure.”

“Don’t apply scientific control variables to this.”

“It’s not wrong, is it? Let’s just change the weather and test it. You and me.”

The man grinned slyly, having found a perfect excuse. Always running his mouth with nonsense.

“Antigonos Kranaha’s cuteness, minus nine hundred.”

“You said the minimum was minus one hundred!”

Antigonos immediately protested the unfair deduction. Deeply dissatisfied with the inconsistent scoring standards, he demanded justice with great passion. Nael let it go in one ear and out the other. Didn’t he know? The world has never been fair, especially where subjective scoring is involved.

“Keep complaining and I’ll make a new scoring category.”

“What category?”

“Patheticness.”

“….”

That finally shut the noisy younger man up. Judging from the glare in his eyes, he was clearly storing up resentment inside.

“Just finish your breakfast.”

Nael picked up a piece of kimchi and kindly placed it on his spoon. Antigonos’ expression slowly relaxed, and he ate the spicy greens with delight. In a certain sense, he was an easy man.

“Don’t you think I eat kimchi really well?”

The younger man had already regained his confidence and asked proudly. Praising him might make him climb all the way to the heavens, but Nael decided to allow it today. He was cute, after all, even if he was still at minus nine hundred ninety-nine point nine points.

“Yeah. The kimchi itself tastes good too. Where did you get it?”

“They said Silla Hotel in Lotus had really good kimchi, so I had it specially ordered.”

His eyes were clearly begging for praise. Nael smiled softly and spoke.

“You put a lot of thought into it. Thanks to that, I had a good breakfast.”

“Then… my score…?”

“Minus nine hundred ninety-nine.”

He generously raised it by point nine.

“My dear lover, could you not grant me just a little more mercy?”

The bear pleaded with the eyes of a Siberian husky begging for treats. Nael couldn’t help but laugh out loud. It was funny how this fierce-looking man tried so hard to hide his wild face with some flimsy husky mask he must have found somewhere, twisting his whole body to look cute.

“Ninety-nine points added.”

“Oh… minus nine hundred points, huh. Good. At this rate I’ll hit the highest score soon.”

“Try your best.”

That attitude of never getting discouraged, he honestly didn’t dislike it. It suited him.

“If I get the highest score, do I get something special?”

“No.”

“Mm. It’s fine. The perfect score itself is what matters.”

Antigonos didn’t mind at all and burned with determination. Nael, as encouragement, placed a bit of stir-fried morning glory onto his spoon and then tasted the braised beef himself. It melted perfectly in his mouth, delicious.

The rain that had stopped began falling again. A garden walk seemed impossible today. Walking slowly with an umbrella didn’t sound terrible, but it also felt a bit troublesome, so he decided to skip it this time.

While Antigonos stepped out to brew drip coffee himself, Nael sat alone by the window, gazing at the scenery outside. This summer rain, completely unlike the monsoon rains of his past life, kept drawing out an odd, sentimental mood.

He remembered the three monsoon seasons during high school. As soon as the air turned muggy, first-years or third-years alike immediately turned on the air conditioner. Older teachers clicked their tongues, complaining that students these days couldn’t tolerate a little discomfort. The students sneered back, calling them old-fashioned. Whose mindset belonged to what era? Why should anyone endure discomfort in such an advanced age?

Lee Juwon felt the same. What was so wrong about choosing comfort? Why not use the air conditioner installed for them? Why suffer? To save the school’s electric bill? The days of leaving all the windows open and relying on fans were long gone. Summers grew hotter each year; you couldn’t compare them to twenty or thirty years ago.

‘The Asian sector must have a climate similar to East Asia in my previous life.’

He used to hate the muggy summer weather, but somehow Nael found himself missing it, muttering aloud in regret. Status window, status window, status window. Ah. And of course the vague translucent screen never appeared…

“Status window? What do you mean?”

Antigonos’s voice came from behind. At some point, he had returned with the coffee.

“Oh, just… bored, so I said it….”

Nael forced himself to answer casually, trying to hide the embarrassment. Damn it! He’d zoned out and didn’t even notice that brute come in. What if he’d heard something even more ridiculous? Damn it. Now the bear would laugh his head off. All right, laugh. He was ready.

But Antigonos didn’t laugh. Instead, he sat across from him with a very serious, deeply worried look and spoke cautiously.

“Have things been that hard for you lately?”

“…What?”

“I heard you’d been stressed about the personnel decisions… but I didn’t realize you were struggling so much that you’d start wishing for a status window.”

“…….”

“You must be under severe stress from managing state affairs. I’m sorry. I should have been more attentive.”

“…….”

Great. Just thinking about those pleasant late-June days made him nostalgic again. He used to hate stepping outside and instantly becoming sticky with sweat… but maybe it was that exact memory that made him crave the feeling again.

‘Why it was me… I’ll probably never know, not even when I die.’

He transmigrated while playing a game, but inside the original novel that the game was based on. Maybe that’s why the status window didn’t appear. After all, the original novel had no such feature.

“Mm. Status window.”

“I’ll be more attentive from now on…”

“I’m going home.”

Nael stood up with a blank expression. Antigonos panicked and grabbed him.

“What?”

“I’m leaving.”

“No, why? Did I say something wrong?”

Antigonos tried desperately to stop him. Nael only repeated that he was going home, face sullen.

“Don’t be like that. If I said something wrong, I’ll apologize.”

“I’m leaving.”

“All right, fine, it’s my fault. Everything is my fault. I’m entirely to blame. Just calm down…”

“I’m leaving.”

“What did I do wrong? Hey, fine, fine, I’m sorry, okay? It’s all my fault. Huh?”

The younger boyfriend, not knowing the reason, flailed helplessly and apologized over and over, taking full blame without even asking why. Nael reluctantly sat back down. Inside, he wanted to scream. Damn bear. He couldn’t just laugh it off, he had to say something like, “Have you been doing that badly?” That was worse. So humiliating. Damn it…

“…You’re feeling better now, right? Anyway, if you ever feel upset by anything I say or do, tell me right away. It’s always my fault, and I’ll fix everything.”

When Nael finally got up late in the afternoon to actually head home, Antigonos followed him anxiously, bowing his head.

“Fine. I’m okay now, so stop worrying.”

Nael spoke gently, as if he had never been upset. Only then did Antigonos look relieved.

“Get home safely.”

“You too. Go rest.”

The car door closed. A little while after departure, Nael let out a long sigh and leaned back comfortably. The embarrassment washed over him again. Of all things to get caught muttering, status window? At least that bear had misunderstood and thought it was due to stress. Thank god for that.

All right. That mess was handled somehow. Time to forget it and go home to rest. A whole new week awaited him again afterward.

* * *

“Well then, Eagle Class. Today we have a new transfer student joining us. Please welcome them with a round of applause. Their name is Naeri.”

A new character who looked oddly familiar appeared on the Sunday evening’s hit comedy show, Comedy Concert. Nael, watching TV comfortably with his aides in the reception room, froze with his eyes wide open. A comedian wearing what was clearly a wig, long black hair tied back, stood stiff and solemn.

“Welcome. Glad to have you.”

It was a comedy skit set in a lower-grade elementary school classroom. Every student seemed a bit slow-witted as they greeted the stern, overly serious new character with enthusiasm. The character named Naeri bowed with dignity and took a seat at the back.

“……”

“……”

“……”

The aides kept stealing glances at Nael. Nael calmly reached for his beer glass, pretending nothing was wrong. He desperately wanted to turn the TV off immediately, but he held back.

“Today we’ll be watching soccer clips and studying soccer together. You all like soccer, right?”

The teacher asked. The children all shouted “Yes!” in unison. As various characters took turns making comments, the transfer student suddenly pulled out fried chicken from their backpack. A boneless half-spicy-half-regular set, complete with pickled radish, a canned drink, and chopsticks.

A wild explosion of laughter erupted from the live audience. The transfer student unwrapped the chopsticks and, maintaining their stiff and serious expression, began eating the chicken. There were no lines. They simply ate diligently.

“……”

“……”

“This isn’t very funny. I’ll change the channel.”

Gilbert belatedly changed the channel. Another variety program appeared. In the Empire, families usually relaxed at home and watched TV on Sunday evenings, so major comedy shows aired then instead of Saturday nights.

“Sunday Night Live Show!”

It was a program with multiple skit-style segments. A set designed like a café in a luxury hotel appeared. The café manager lectured the new employees about customer service. They should meet customer requests when possible, but absurd requests had to be refused. One must handle troublesome customers firmly to protect the hotel’s dignity.

Then another familiar-looking character appeared. A man with long black hair wearing a soft cardigan came in and sat down, ordering an afternoon tea set. The new employee politely declined, explaining that it wasn’t available during that time. Immediately, the head manager ran out wildly and began rubbing his palms together in a groveling manner.

“Yes! Absolutely! Of course we can!”

Silence filled the reception room. The subordinates glanced at Nael.

“Ahem. Ahem. Shall we watch something else?”

Hessler picked up the remote. The channel changed again. Another popular comedy program appeared.

“The Era of Nero!”

A political satire skit starring the infamous Roman tyrant Nero was starting. Over the past several years, censorship had slowly loosened, and political satire on public broadcasts was now allowed to a considerable extent. In particular, The Era of Nero often introduced blatantly recognizable caricatures of certain real individuals. Just like the character appearing now.

“Naelius, sir. You must not order fried chicken alone during a Senate session.”

Long black hair… the rest omitted.

“I’m tired. I’ll go rest first.”

Nael left the reception room, pretending to be completely unbothered.

“Yes. Rest well.”

His subordinates, wearing peculiar expressions, rose and bowed deeply. But once the door shut, stifled laughter erupted from inside.

Hands clasped behind his back as he climbed the stairs to his bedroom, Nael thought to himself.

What is the meaning of life?

* * *

Every popular Sunday variety program seemed determined to introduce a certain character. But there was no intention to mock or ridicule. Rather, it felt like they genuinely enjoyed it with a strange affection. It was a character created out of fondness.

“Unbelievable.”

A man grimaced as he turned off the broadcast. The men seated with him each added a comment.

“What a joke. Isn’t that character just flattery disguised as comedy? If they want to do political satire, they should do it properly, not like that.”

“I’d bet ten thousand euros Azani had a hand in this behind the scenes. That cunning viper must’ve pressured the station to boost his own popularity.”

“I’m starting to think he’s slowly building a dictatorship. Didn’t the Imperial Security Bureau just get established? And the so-called Security Director is some lowly inspector who wasn’t even on the original candidate list? He must’ve picked someone like that on purpose to keep a loyal hunting dog by his side.”

“I really wonder how they’re pushing media virality like this. Isn’t it suspicious how his popularity suddenly skyrocketed after retirement?”

The men drank and roughly vented their frustrations. Each nodded as if they fully agreed.

“So the Azani system is really solidifying like this? And our leader…”

One man slammed his beer glass onto the table.

“That gigolo finally bewitched our leader completely…”

“That man, he was someone destined to climb to the highest heights…”

“An incubator emperor. How does anyone swear loyalty to an incubator emperor?”

The atmosphere turned violent as curses continued. They condemned one man as a filthy gigolo, while toward the other they expressed little more than frustrated regret. They lamented that their leader had fallen prey to the manipulations of a sly courtesan and had forgotten his true potential.

“We have to set things right!”

One man shouted.

“How?”

“What other way is there except killing the snake?”

Another man replied sharply.

“If only we can catch him…”

“We need to actively look for a plan.”

“No kidding.”

“It’d be ideal if our leader would come to his senses himself.”

“I’ve hinted at it several times, and all I got were warnings. Talking won’t work. He refuses to listen. If I push any further, I’ll be labeled a dangerous dissenter promoting division.”

A brief silence followed. One thing was certain, no one opposed the idea of hunting the snake.

“The opportunity will come.”

One man spoke in a heavy voice. Everyone turned to him.

“There will be a way.”

The leader-like man continued with firm resolve. The others realized he already had some scheme in mind.

“I’ll cooperate however needed.”

“Me too.”

“And me.”

Their opinions aligned perfectly. Meeting each other’s eyes, they confirmed their shared intent.