Rust - Chapter 445



Only Krnovel

RUST -445

Cold, crossed gazes.

PD and Kim Yang looked at each other.

“No, you asked me a question, so why is Yania Kim answering?”

“What era is this? A kingdom? A sacred one? A cult?”

“Are you a cult leader? How can you say something like that when you experienced a miracle right next to you?”

“You still haven’t changed what you said about the religious order? Are you planning to turn everyone into fanatics?”

Religion was opium for Kim Yang. It was the gun, not God, that saved her from danger. Of course, when you look at Baekjeong, you wonder if he is a real person, but it is not a religious kingdom.

Her hometown, which is likened to the Kim Dynasty in the world, was also a democratic people’s republic on the surface. In reality, it was more like a kingdom, but that was the name.

Then why was it called a kingdom instead of a people’s republic? Because it was effective, both diplomatically and internally, and it was good for organizing things.

How can someone who doesn’t know that keep going on like this?

‘The PD is strangely stubborn.’

Kim Yang’s eyes narrowed.

I don’t like it when people are stubborn even though they know it’s obvious.

The PD silently ignored Kim Yang’s gaze.

It wasn’t that Yania Kim’s republic was bad. But at this point, a republic? Could it be that she’s going to do a republic like Joseon, her hometown?

But what about the Republic’s fatal problem?

Although the Holy Nation could be controlled by miracles, faith, and belief, it was not easy for the Republic.

The owner of the Vladislav Tower was Vladimir Kalin.

However, once the republican system is established, the people become the masters of the republic. Starting with the constitution, laws had to be created, and all criteria for judgment, duties, and authority had to be distributed and operated according to legal principles.

‘In the current situation, there is no chance of a good ending for the Republic. Could it be that what Miss Kim wants is to run it like her hometown, a republic in name only but a dynasty in substance?’

If so, it was her mistake.

In the United States, where gun freedom is in place, it would be impossible to open a republican dynasty in that way. The moment you declare it a republic and make laws to turn the system around, do you think people will want to pick up guns?

Even for the people in the satellite village right now, it was the same.

‘Oh my, I will continue to stay in the satellite city and devote myself to the Republic.’

Should I do this or not?

‘I am a citizen and the kids living there are also citizens. Are you discriminating against them?’

Should we go like this?

It was clear that a mess would arise starting with the controversy over the residency rights of Ark Town and Ark Tower, which were divided into outer and inner castles. What would happen the moment they gave voting rights to the Republic?

‘Paradoxically, order is collapsing.’

In PD’s view, giving the right to vote now would be like sowing the seeds of chaos, no matter how superficial it may seem.

Kim Yang seemed unaware that the moment the republic was declared, the operating rights to all that infrastructure could be put into question, even though everything had been won by Vladimir Kalin.

‘That’s true. In the Republic she knew, the leader would have ruled everything.’

The PD explained in a soft voice to Ms. Kim, who was looking at him with narrowed eyes.

“I don’t particularly dislike the Republic.”

“Hmm- then?”

The PD continued speaking, glancing at the gold bars that Kim Yang was keeping as if he felt regretful.

“If we become a republic, the things we have acquired this time will also become assets of the republic. Is that okay?”

Kim Yang’s eyes followed the PD’s gaze. The gold bar at the end of it.

“What the hell are you talking about!”

The PD, with a blank expression on his face, whispered softly to Ms. Kim, who was getting angry.

“There is a saying in the constitution of the Republic. The people are the masters of the Republic. But, after the establishment of the Republic, where will we get the goods we need immediately? Will it be from the people of the Republic, who are like dogs with nothing? Or···”

Instead of explaining, the PD looked at the gold bars and then back at Ms. Kim.

With a look that said, ‘Everything belongs to the Republic.’

Kim Yang felt slightly intimidated by the familiar gaze that said, “Everything about you belongs to the Republic.”

“···That. Then is it a religious country or a sacred kingdom?”

“Everything is according to God’s will. The Holy Land belongs entirely to Vladimir Kalin. Wouldn’t the faithful rather donate to the Land?”

“······.”

“······.”

Ms. Kim jumped up and walked out of the conference room carrying a 20kg gold bar. The nurse who had been sitting quietly followed her.

Caw-

With a crow sitting on his shoulder.

Maru quietly watched as Ms. Kim and the nurse left, letting out a small breath. He was still pursuing the highest dignity of the Republic.

Anyway, Ms. Kim retreated immediately at the PD’s words that if you want the republic, you have to offer gold bars.

“I don’t think I’ll give up.”

Since it was impossible for Kim Yang and the PD to give up their dreams of the highest dignity and a seat next to him, there was a possibility that they would clash over every little thing. Contrary to Maru’s worries, the PD spoke leisurely.

“Still, it would be difficult to insist on a republic unconditionally. In the current situation.”

The PD’s face, watching Kim Yang leave, had a smile on it, as if he was looking at his pubescent nephew. Maru’s lips also slightly turned up.

“You’re being mean.”

“Haha. No. She’s also a commander in command of the Royal Guard, so she has to experience more than just fighting.”

“So. Will the people accept the proclamation of the kingdom?”

“You might think this is strange, but there is something like a longing for a kingdom, royalty, or aristocratic culture.”

In America, a country where you can have one room and I can have one room, there’s something like that?

“Yes, it’s bigger than I expected. The consumption of medieval content has also been huge.”

“I see. So you’re saying that the kingdom won’t be rejected by the common people. But if you do declare it, wouldn’t it be more likely to cause conflict with other states?”

PD confirmed as if guessing Maru’s thoughts that if someone were to own Michigan, which is part of the United States, wouldn’t the conflict continue?

“Conflicts are bound to happen. If you don’t have power, you get eaten. That’s the history of America.”

America was a place where assassinations and plundering took place, divided into free and slave states. America was a place where people fought over whether to become free or to side with slave states.

Even after 150 years of war between the South and the North, it was difficult to say that there were no feelings. It was no coincidence that Texas declared secession from the Union and mentioned the Confederacy.

“There are still people in the South who proudly display the Confederate flag from the Civil War. That’s what it means to be American. So I think it’s important to draw a clear line and start over.”

“······.”

PD’s thinking was that if you try to establish yourself by mentioning a republic or a federation, it will eventually cause problems.

What if later on, some guy called the federal government shows up and starts talking nonsense about the powers of the federal government? What if some unheard-of Michigan legislature tries to get in on the action?

Are you going to threaten with nukes and run around with guns and swords shedding blood to protect this place? In this already apocalyptic era?

“I believe this is the end times. Going to the Republic or returning to the Federation is a choice that will remain after enduring this ordeal, but I do not believe survival is an option.”

“······.”

PD looked at Maru seriously. To him, Maru was his savior, the answer to his prayers, and the salvation of his life.

And the Vladiak Tower he built was the Ark of Salvation. Therefore, no matter what anyone says, the ark was a ship, and if it was a ship, the captain’s authority had to be absolute.

PD judged that other political systems were meaningless in the face of the storm of the apocalypse. Only with him at the center, he could break through the waves of the apocalypse and bring forth the ark of salvation.

Look at what has happened so far. From the PD’s perspective, it has been a history of miracles. Who has solved so many crises, including the wave of infected, the attack of mutants, the subjugation of cannibals, and the attack of the psychic mercenaries? If only one thing had gone wrong, we wouldn’t have gotten this far.

But is it possible to give him a chance under the pretense of a republic? Is it possible to tie himself to the past of the federation and give him room to do so? Is there any reason to divide his power under the name of an empire?

The Divine Kingdom is proclaimed. Those who seek salvation will gather, unbelievers will disembark from the ark, and only believers will survive this end.

The PD’s eyes lit up with faith. He could say that with certainty because he was a PD who had been watching Maru all this time.

“The Holy Kingdom will be the ark that can withstand the storm of the apocalypse.”

“···I’ll think about it.”

======

======

Ms. Kim was very, very, genuinely indignant.

The look in your eyes is that everything belongs to the Republic. In fact, isn’t everything that belongs to the Republic of the highest dignity?

I was upset, but when I thought about it, this was America.

The seat next to the highest dignity is right before my eyes.

Now all the conditions for a great, strong republic are in place.

Am I supposed to kneel here in vain like this?

She looked down at one heavy arm.

The yellow color that has accompanied human history was soothing her heart.

How about a compromise?

So, something like ‘Holy Republic’.

The name isn’t bad either.

Because PD likes HOLLY and Arc.

HOLLY Arc Republic. The feel is also good.

If we talk about a holy kingdom or a religious nation for no reason and a religious war breaks out, what will happen?

Don’t you know that a revolution has taken place in the kingdom? What if the revolution breaks out?

Do you really think a holy kingdom is possible in America, the land of shootings?

In Kim Yang’s opinion, the Republic was safe.

It’s a bit of a backtrack, but it seemed natural to start with ‘Everything belongs to the Republic’ and then move on to ‘A peaceful Republic under the protection of the highest dignity.’

‘So, let’s start by negotiating and establishing something like the Holy Ark Republic.’

huh.

Behind Kim Yang, who was lost in thought, a crow cawing was heard.

Caw-

I glanced back and saw a nurse following me.

“What is it?”

“Uh. Uh-uh- So you have something to say?”

The nurse’s expression was somewhat ambiguous.

I’m already in a mess with all sorts of thoughts.

‘What’s with your expression after calling me? Why are you being so vague instead of telling me what happened?’

Is this what happens when you don’t keep discipline in check these days?

‘Huh?’

A fleeting thought. Unit 1 also had a fair amount of shares.

First of all, it was controlling crows, and recently it was also understanding the words of the tribute rats. It was definitely Unit 1 that had become more important.

Kim Yang’s brain, which was about to experience a slight anger management error, quickly regained stability.

In a situation like this, we needed allies. Allies who would support the Republic.

Kim Yang said, softening her voice.

“What do you have to say?”

“Ah- Again- It’s not me. It’s this guy here.”

Kaaaak-

The crow spread one wing and bowed its head, as if greeting.

‘What the heck is this dog bone…’ A voice was heard in Kim Yang’s ear.

“Republic. Kaaaak- Good. Kaaaak-”

“Wh-what? Is this what you just said? Right?”

When Kim Yang, who was startled, saw the nurse, Nanae nodded with an embarrassed face.

“That’s right. They say that crows can speak human language like parrots.”

It is said that crows who could not go outside because of the bitter cold gathered together and began to learn to read and speak to pass the time.

So, just as the nurse finished talking about how there are more and more crows that can read and speak, although not many, the crow that sat on her shoulder voiced its opinion.

“Kaaaak- Republic. Equality. Alright. Kaaaak-”

The declaration of the crow, with one wing spread wide and its head held high as if giving a speech. Although it was a list of words rather than sentences, it was a statement with clear intentions.

What the hell is this?

The crow, who had been leisurely looking at the astonished Ms. Kim, met her eyes and spoke.

“Kk- labor. Salary. Money. Good. Kkaaaak-”

The crow’s gaze turned to the shining gold bars.

“So. Kak- Republic. Alright. Kaaaak.”

No. This little shit?