“Balloon dolls dressed as flamboyantly as male peacocks began to gather one by one in the spacious banquet hall. Some wore only simple frills, but others were so puffed up top and bottom that you couldn’t get within a meter of them. The more exaggerated the costume—like a clown’s—the more impressive it was. But anyone waddling around in such garb would become a laughingstock, so most dolls dressed within reasonable limits.

The latest trend was cascading frills and ribbons from the nape of the neck down the back like a waterfall, with all manner of tail-like decorations dangling. As a result, lace, fur, and feathers were sweeping across the marble floor in glossy swaths.

“That young man I don’t recognize must be in dire straits.”

“But that outfit is too half-hearted.”

Amidst the splendor I heard whispers about me. Half-hearted? I was wearing a frilled shirt and trousers embroidered at the waist with draped lace. I couldn’t possibly don the dress Yerim chose. I respect other cultures, but this was my best effort. They said back-ornaments were in vogue, so I even pinned ribbons behind my head and at the small of my back.

At that moment the mayor took the microphone.

“Citizens and politicians of Miranglun, and challengers, thank you for gathering. Let us now begin the second-quarter political contest!”

“Councilor No. 31! I challenge you to a duel!”

Before the words died away, one balloon doll climbed onto the podium and displayed its quarterly achievements on a monitor.

“Repaired the old road in West District 2—resident satisfaction 95 percent!”

Councilor No. 51, who had been challenged, elegantly tugged at their rainbow-colored tail ornaments and stepped forward.

“You merely fixed a road. I secured council approval for the long-yearned-for bridge at the mouth of the Semol River! And here is the growth forecast report to prove it!”

At Councilor 51’s gesture, an aide swiftly unveiled a large sheet of paper filled with bold predictions.

“See how many people needed persuasion and how many local facilities had to be addressed for that bridge!”

“Review of the duel between Councilor 67 and Councilor 51 will take place in one hour! As always, direct performance questions to each councilor and their aides.”

Miranglun’s political system was performance-based. Each quarter, councilors ranked by achievements, and anyone outside the top 300 over three years was expelled. Those placing in the top 10 even once in three years were exempt, so some councilors abandoned quarterly rankings and aimed for one big win.

“I have newly entered the council!”

A young balloon doll shouted vigorously. Any citizen could become a councilor each quarter.

“I’m with the Progressive Peace Party, fresh recruit!”

Joining an existing party only required recommendations from three party members or councilors. But newcomers without recommendations had to prove themselves by dueling an incumbent councilor. Founding a new party was even harder.

“Any new party this time?”

“Failed again last year.”

“Founding a party isn’t easy.”

To found a new party, one must—

“I challenge Councilor 1 for party formation.”

I quietly raised my hand. All councilors turned their gaze to me. I smiled brightly among those eyes.

“I am Han Yujin of the Family-Love Party, treating citizens as family.”

To found a new party required surpassing the top 10 councilors’ achievements over five years. Five years, not a quarter—and in the top 10. It was nearly impossible, so most new parties were launched with investment from established parties.

“A new party? Look at that outfit.”

“To challenge Councilor 1? Young people these days.”

“What audacity! I’ll root for you!”

Laughter erupted; some shook their heads. Councilor 1 also laughed. The mayor cleared his throat and composed himself before speaking.

“So what plans do you have?”

“A city development plan.”

I climbed the podium, took the microphone, and snapped my fingers. Whoosh! From the high ceiling, golden wings unfurled behind me. Two dazzling wings and a long, shimmering golden tail. Layers of fabric draped at my sides and frilled sleeves. The heavy drapery fluttered like butterfly wings as Noah approached and unrolled a map against the back wall.

Noah gently stepped down and bowed to the councilors after pinning the map. The balloon dolls’ eyes widened, then they burst into applause.

“How did they manage to descend so lightly with such heavy ornaments!”

“Those wings alone must cost more than two suits!”

“Perfect!”

“With that elegance, you could be a councilor on appearance alone!”

The dolls who saw wings and tail as mere ornaments applauded. Then—

Bang!

A gunshot echoed. The applause and admiration vanished as if doused in cold water.

“It’s a rubber bullet. Look—the wall is intact, right?”

Only the map had a neat round hole; the wall behind it was unharmed. In the sudden quiet, I pointed the muzzle at the hole and continued.

“The far east. And—”

Bang! Some recoiled reflexively.

“The far north. Over there—”

Pa-tang!

“The harbor. You know what that signifies.”

“…That’s the Gunder territory.”

One councilor spoke. I smiled at him.

“I intend to redevelop these three districts. Particularly, the northern sea is underutilized. We’ll expand the port northward and create a new street connecting to the eastern port. That eastern tip is also the passage to other cities.”

No wonder the eastern Gunders plundered and smuggled so much. Once cleaned up, it’ll develop rapidly.

“…If that’s possible, the Family-Love Party would instantly become the top party, but talk is cheap.”

“We lack the troops to clear the Gunders. Even defending the border is precarious.”

“They’re not standing idle out of goodwill.”

“All flash, no substance.”

Faces what? It wasn’t the words but the implication. Then one councilor stared at me and murmured “Han Yujin?” before exclaiming—

“The King of the East!”

Ha ha, yes. I am indeed the famous King of the East District… I was embarrassed inside but maintained a composed expression. Then I spun the gun and fired at the map again. Bang, bang, bang! The eastern tip tore to shreds.

“Just two days ago, I finished the cleanup.”

The councilors murmured. I heard questions: “King of the East?”

“And today—enter.”

I pulled out my phone and spoke. Click! The large doors on the opposite side of the hall swung open. Tense police officers lined both sides as Yuhyun marched in first. Behind him, hefty balloon dolls followed in neat rows. Yerim beside them, and at the rear, Riette bared her teeth.

“That’s the north Blue-gund boss!”

“That guy over there—he blew up the police station!”

The Gunders halted in the hall’s center. Yuhyun approached the podium. His silver coat flared in multiple tiers as he made a light leap. Like a semi-formal suit. Yerim wore a frilled cape and Riette a dress.

“I handled them all.”

Yuhyun bowed politely to me. He looked more like an organized boss than a politician, but he truly prioritized the city’s peace. Please believe us.

“Good work.”

Yuhyun stepped back slightly, and I stepped forward to look down at the captured Gunders.

“From this moment on, you will live as good citizens. Agreed?”

The Gunders nodded vigorously.

“Though you must still serve your sentence. Officers, please take them away~.”

I did escape once, but that was due to dice. Fortunately, the next roll was favorable, so I brought forward the contest originally set for a week later to today. Mini-me and mini Seong Hyunjae collapsed from exhaustion during the fight; mini Seong Hyunjae staggered and mini-me crawled one space at a time. You ought to pace yourselves.

By the way, Seong Hyunjae rolled a 5, and I rolled a 6. Why did it not come at the restaurant, but only now! Mini-me was totally worn out but rejoiced at moving one more space.

“The remaining place is the harbor. It’s the most important location.”

I surveyed the councilors in turn.

“Will you evacuate the people?”

We’ll handle the cleanup. The councilors, as if possessed, nodded. Entrust your citizens to the Family-Love Party, treating them as family!

[New Party, Family-Love Party, Declares War on the Gunders!]

[New Councilor Han Yujin of the Family-Love Party Drives Out the Gunders!]

[Eastern Road Finally Opens—City Trade Transformed]

[Northern New Port Development in Final Countdown!]

The city turned upside down. Police massed at the port and the mayor temporarily closed the city.

“I heard you started with Yujin Freight and became King of the East!”

Broadcast cameras focused on me—more than one. I resisted the urge to look away and nodded.

“Yes. I started with one truck.”

Image matters in politics. Simply driving out the Gunders is too violent. You must show something relatable.

“Actually, I lost my parents early. Now I care for my younger brother, who is my aide, and became head of the family early.”

I spoke fondly, glancing at Yuhyun beside me. No need to explain Yuhyun’s gaze—perfect broadcast material.

“Then I met Yerim, Noah, and Riette and we began working together.”

“I also lost my parents early.”

Yerim raised her hand from the guest seats; Riette nodded in agreement.

“Same here!”

“…Yes. That’s right.”

Noah and Riette’s parents were more like Riette had driven them away, but—

“So that’s the Family-Love Party!”

“Yes. Though we were strangers, we became family! Citizens are family!”

“I also hear that despite being a councilor and King of the East, you still ride a scooter and truck. Once you succeed in capturing the port and become Councilor 1, you’ll receive a top-of-the-line car!”

Councilors received benefits by rank: perks, high salaries, even housing and vehicles.

“I intend to keep riding my scooter and truck, to not lose my original intention.”

What original intention? It was the dice!

“Chairman Seong Hyunjae also rides a bicycle to preserve his founding spirit. A common trait of successful people.”

…Now he’s a chairman? He’s really expanded the chain and grown the business. What did he roll? Another good die?

“Ha ha, indeed. Original intention is important.”

Shall I dine at Seong Hyunjae’s restaurant tonight? What mischief did he manage in the meantime? Not that I’m any different.

After the broadcast wrap, I changed clothes. Formal wear here was too cumbersome.

“You should have worn something more extravagant.”

The host lamented.

“Isn’t this semi-formal enough?”

“But compared to your looks… Oh, I’m sorry!”

The host apologized profusely, bowing. I told her it was fine, but she acted as if she’d committed a grave offense before gathering herself.

“You said you weren’t originally from this city.”

“Yes. I moved here a few years ago.”

Technically less than a week ago, but people perceived the dice buff and my newfound freight reliability as long-term.

“In Miranglun, evaluating one’s innate traits is considered rude. Others shouldn’t judge what can’t be changed by effort. That’s why there’s so much focus on clothing.”

A wonderful culture. But the clothes are too showy. Just clean lines would do.

“Yet honestly, no one can deny your handsomeness. Everyone thinks it—even if they don’t say so. You must have been very popular.”

“…Excuse me?”

“With your looks, you’re among the top three people I’ve ever seen.”

What? Me? Even with Yuhyun and Noah here? Does that include them? But Seong Hyunjae was on TV too. Flustered, I grabbed Yuhyun’s arm and asked.

“Isn’t my brother more handsome? He’s not rude, you know.”

“Well… He is handsome, but you have the more classic beauty.”

So the standards differ slightly here! My goodness! Culture is diverse indeed! No wonder the mayor treated me so kindly. I was already popular at markets back home, but here it was even more so. Work came flooding in. Well, so it is.

“Let’s go out for dinner!”

We should check it out.

[Temporarily Closed Due to Ingredient Supply Issues]

Seong Hyunjae’s restaurant had closed. Oh right, the market’s closed, so no fresh supplies. But the third-floor bar was open. No customers before opening, so we went up. Although under-age prohibited, Yerim is an adult here and I wasn’t drinking.

“Welcome, [N O V E L I G H T] brother! There’s a commotion everywhere.”

Moon Hyunah, dressed like a fairytale prince, greeted us warmly. Manager Song, tidying the bar, greeted us too. Unlike Hyunah’s flamboyant look, his sleek black suit—standard bartender attire—was trimmed with layered frills at the back in pale yellow. He’d stiffly accepted the gift I brought, but now he wore all those ribbons naturally.

“How about Seong Hyunjae?”

“You come looking for him first.”

“Of course I’m glad to see you more, Hyunah, but I have business.”

“He’ll be here soon—he stops by when we open. Dinner?”

“Yes, please.”

The outdoor seating also served food, and it was delicious—of course, by Seong Hyunjae’s recipe. Before long, patrons began to trickle in, greeting Hyunah and Manager Song as regulars. Then more, and more.

‘The atmosphere is completely different.’

Hyunah’s regulars spoke in hushed but animated tones; Manager Song’s were quieter. Soon Seong Hyunjae arrived.

“President Seong~ or should I say Chairman now?”

He smiled at me.

“You’ve become Councilor Han, haven’t you?”

“Yes, that’s right. Please, come this way.”

Seong Hyunjae took my arm and led me to where Hyunah stood. The regulars paused their chatter and looked at us.

“Please be honest—who’s more handsome, me or him?”

Seong Hyunjae and Hyunah turned to me in surprise. Clearing my throat, I asked the patrons.

“Between me and him, who is more handsome?”

After a moment’s hesitation, they unanimously pointed to me.

“He’s handsome too, but the councilor is.”

“Honestly, it’s you.”

So there is a day like this. I gave a weak smile and glanced up at Seong Hyunjae. Hmm, he really is disgustingly handsome.

At dawn the next day, the dim port was quiet. Normally, fishing boats returning with nets would line up all night, and the miasma of activity would hang like dense fog. But today, no one was there. Even the ships had taken refuge in secluded spots.

“We rammed the battleship.”

“Fortunately, it’s anchored near the harbor with only two guns.”

The police relayed the report. We could flee by boat, but that would be surrender. The Gunders are the strongest force and even have a battleship. They’ll want a rematch.

“Maintain the blockade. Stay back as much as possible.”

I said, placing a foot on my scooter. Chairman is nice. But there’s more than one company in this city. I’ll aim to become top councilor and then mayor!

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep