Chapter 261 – Last Day
“You’re getting bolder by the day, Congressman Henry.”
“Hmm, if I consider it the price for awarding the Medal of Honor… Just kidding, just kidding. Don’t put me in a wheelchair before the primary race even starts.”
“Isn’t it a bit much to make such a fuss over a medal that should go to the youngest anyway?”
“Oh, it’s alright, everyone.”
A world where such fierce jokes were commonplace, it wasn’t a top-notch penthouse overlooking the entirety of New York’s Manhattan. Rather, it was a large lounge located on the top floor of a building connected to Madison Square Park. If you were familiar with that place, you were familiar with the members gathered there – unfortunately, excluding the senior officer.
After a brief orientation, the banquet continued. However, since it was a bit difficult to discuss matters only we knew about in that place, we moved the location here.
The conversation, half as secretive as it was, was quite sinister, but fortunately, no one was serious. Seeing the playful tone in their voices, it felt like that.
If not… well, then we’d have to custom order a top-of-the-line wheelchair for Congressman Henry at our own expense. And create a reason for him to use it.
Anyway, everyone sat down in their chairs.
Conversations continued.
The start was Logan’s jab.
“How much money are you pouring into Times Square? I can’t even lift my head when I pass by there out of embarrassment.”
“Haha, recently, thankfully, a new Super PAC joined in… I’ve already cut back on the ads, so don’t hit me.”
Then he glanced in my direction.
“That aside, I keep piling up debts to Yoo Jin. I’m quite worried since there’s no suitable way to resolve it. Politicians, you know, feel like they have a leash around their necks when they owe a debt.”
“Speaking of the Super PAC, I heard you also used ICARUS Gear’s help for crowd control this time. Next time, shouldn’t we look for a better venue than Manhattan?”
“As a matter of fact, starting next year, we have to move the stadium to northern New York. We’re planning to set up both an airport and a stadium there. ICARUS is also planning to establish a branch there, so we’ll push it quite hard once we enter the White House. By the way, would you like to see something interesting?”
There was no answer, but Henry chuckled and gestured.
A schematic view of Madison Square Park floated in the air. Data inflows and outflows, people’s movements, traffic police, traffic lights, and even the Emergency Response HQ gradually withdrawing from nearby as no riots had occurred.
Next to it, a holographic table appeared, showing that despite the Final Championship duo and squad matches starting this past Monday, no incidents had occurred.
Several videos followed.
“What’s this?”
“The magic of ICARUS Gear.”
At first, they didn’t understand what he meant, but soon Logan and Laurentina realized what Henry implied.
Despite hundreds of thousands of people crowding into a single block, the scene remained extremely orderly. Even though bottlenecks or riots could have happened, the complicated flow of the crowd dispersed at perfect timing whenever traffic surged.
Wherever an ominous air lingered, police patrolled without fail. Security guards working at Madison Square Garden opened previously closed access routes to help many people pass through.
Furthermore, if that couldn’t prevent situations, emergency safety texts were sent to individual cell phones, causing people to avoid crowded or excessively packed areas on their own.
It couldn’t be said that Manhattan’s security was wasted.
The ones truly surprised were the NYPD. It was nothing short of a miracle that despite the large gathering, no incidents occurred for about a week.
And at the center of it was Yoo Jin’s smartwatch.
How many seconds had passed? Laurentina let out a small laugh.
“You’ve incurred a huge debt to our youngest.”
“There’s one more interesting fact. Want to see it?”
There was no answer, but it wasn’t exactly a question seeking one.
As a few unnecessary hologram windows closed, the current state of the most popular social media in the U.S. filled the space. The notable thing was the overwhelming number of posts with the hashtag #POMGANY – every post inevitably included at least one orderly view of Madison Square Garden.
Peace On Madison Garden And New York.
Henry, watching it, added with amusement.
“It seems Manhattan’s citizens were quite impressed by the incident-free event.”
“A kind of autonomous security recommendation and promotional activity?”
“Of course. Some broadcasting stations already caught the scent and plan to turn this into a documentary. An unexpected virtuous cycle.”
Henry couldn’t wipe the smile off his face.
Then he spoke again.
“Yoo Jin, it would’ve been impossible without you. I won’t forget your help this time, no matter what.”
“Oh my, you’re not planning to just say that and wash your hands of it with our youngest, are you?”
“Ha, how could I?”
He gestured again, making all the holograms that had been displayed disappear, leaving a single window.
A think tank.
Logan and Laurentina, who had a rough idea of what he was going to say, let out small snorts, but Henry continued with quite an enthusiastic voice.
“I’ve already talked to Janet. Investing in such a blue-chip stock is a must. The think tank is closely linked to the policies I’ll be handling once I enter the White House, so you don’t need to worry about growth drivers or funding.”
“You’re very determined, Congressman.”
“I told you. Politicians can’t live with debts hanging over their heads.”
Swish.
He turned his head, looking at everyone gathered there.
“Well, don’t you all need anything? Since it’s come to this, how about settling the score for sending the president, who had holes all over his administration, off in a helicopter right here?”
“Instead of thinking about wrecking a perfectly fine country, how about increasing the salaries of the noncommissioned officers?”
“Haha, fierce. I’ll consider my salary. Think it over until next year and tell me in detail. After that, it’ll be hard to hear any stories because I’ll be busy.”
“That’s enough.”
His gaze shifted back to me. The hologram related to the think tank had disappeared, and the scenario agenda began.
The gist was simple. I joined the U.S. military under the MAVNI program, participated in various tactical exchanges during training, got involved with Henry through a tech scandal involving several senators while working with MWTR, and then returned to Korea with his help to avoid the fallout….
The scenario wasn’t meticulously crafted, but so what? It’s not like they could dig deep into it anyway.
Night was approaching.
Being in the middle of winter, the sun set quickly, and a deep dusk was cast over a clear Manhattan with not a single cloud in the sky. Darkness would begin in less than 30 minutes.
However, unlike in the past, winter was no longer a season of death – glancing around, it seemed everyone had similar thoughts.
Henry, who had placed his wine glass on the table, transmitted something to me.
A quick check revealed-
“…A restaurant?”
“Christmas is just around the corner. Go have a hearty meal. Do you like seafood? You probably will once you go there.”
“For a casual mention, the restaurant has three stars. How flattering.”
“I owe you a big debt. I can’t just serve any food to a creditor. I’ve made reservations for five, including your usual companions, so visit tomorrow evening. Just mention my name.”
I couldn’t help but chuckle.
And I added.
“This year in New York has been filled with food blessings.”
“Isn’t it one of the most important human desires? It took quite an effort to make a reservation on Christmas Day. Enjoy it to your heart’s content.”
“Thank you.”
“I’m the one who should thank you. There’s still a lot of debt to repay, so don’t worry.”
Swish.
Of course, Henry’s grace extended to the two people I saw as soon as I turned my gaze.
“You two don’t be late tomorrow either. I can’t get you the same table, but dining at the same restaurant should be possible.”
“Haha, I’ll gratefully accept.”
“That’s a relief.”
Beep beep.
At the same time, a small alarm sounded. The sound came from Henry’s pocket. With a knowing expression, he added with a feigned look of inconvenience.
“It must be getting boring talking to this old man. Go finish what you were doing. From now on, it’s a politician’s solo stage.”
“I look forward to your opening speech tomorrow, Congressman.”
“What’s so important about that? Go have dinner. The buffet food here is quite good.”
Boom.
With that, Henry coaxed and shooed us away. The three of us stepped back into the hallway and had a brief conversation before parting ways.
But soon, a gentle hand stroked my head. It was Laurentina’s fingers, who was almost 185 centimeters tall.
“It was worth taking a vacation and coming up to New York. I’m enjoying all sorts of luxuries I’ve never experienced in my life.”
“I wonder if all the next presidential candidates will be like that.”
“What are you talking about, Yoo Jin? I’m talking about you. You are my luxury.”
“…Uh, what? Huh?”
But this man just laughed at my reaction.
I urgently glanced at Logan, but she had a similar reaction.
“Don’t tell me you too, Logan…”
“…I didn’t say anything.”
“Hehe, don’t be shy. How about being a little more honest, polar bear?”
“Forget it.”
Then he patted my back and added,
“See you tomorrow evening. Though we’ll be at different tables.”
That was it.
Laurentina followed him closely, and the two of them disappeared, leaving me alone in the hallway.
And at that moment, a message popped up on my watch.
-[DICE: If you’re done, come quickly!]
“Sigh.”
I sent a quick reply.
-[Yoo Jin: I’ll bring a gift, so wait for me]
-[DICE: Wow, a gift! What is it?? Tell me, hehe]
-[DICE: Can’t you tell me in advance? I’ll keep it a secret]
-[DICE: Yoo Jin? Hello?]
-[DICE: Where did you go AHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!]
Leaving the chaotic chat behind, I quickly walked down the hallway.
In celebration of Christmas Eve, it was time to fill their stockings with gifts.
“When I came to New York last year, food was never a concern, but what’s going on this time? This year, I never even dreamed of coming to such a restaurant. Walking around with Yoo Jin, I’m having all sorts of experiences…”
“How’s the taste?”
“It was good, uh, very good…”
Hehe.
Dressed quite elegantly, Dice added with a peculiar expression. Looking like a typical New Yorker striding around in a thick coat and long Ugg boots, but not quite.
While everyone burst into laughter at Seo Ye-rin’s comment, I quietly looked outside. The Columbus Circle outside the window. The trees in the outer garden surrounding the central tower, sculpted with Columbus’s figure, sparkled with stars and fairy lights, signaling Christmas.
Once, the statue of Columbus had surveillance cameras that monitored all directions, and there were large guard posts maintaining strict security around it.
I was glad I didn’t have to see such a sight.
“This is charcoal-grilled black bass and scallops. The garnish on top of the scallops is made of spinach…”
“Wow, the size difference is huge.”
“Yoo Jin should pay more than twice as much as us when we leave…”
Meanwhile, the server placed the plates on the table.
As the lids on the dishes of Dice, Harmony, and mine were lifted simultaneously, a fragrant aroma spread. Despite the ongoing explanation of the food, the size difference between the dishes in front of Mina and Ye-rin and those on this side was like that between a main course and a bite-sized sample.
It was only natural for the portion sizes to be small. This was course dining, which creates a sense of completeness in the overall story. And even if the actual quantity was small, once you ate all the courses, you would inevitably be full.
Of course, this was true “if all went according to plan.”
“…If there’s any left, just give me a bite.”
“I want a bite even if there’s nothing left.”
“If we keep this up, we might not be able to touch the dessert later. Is everyone okay with that?”
Only then did everyone look somewhat regretful.
As we waited for the next course, I felt footsteps softly approaching from behind. Puzzled by the unfamiliar vibration, I turned my head slightly to see a rather experienced-looking chef in a chef’s coat greeting each table.
He must be the head chef of this restaurant.
It didn’t take long for him to reach our table.
“Is the food to your liking?”
“Yes, it’s really delicious.”
Then a brief exchange of glances took place.
The head chef knew that Laurentina and I had visited this restaurant a few days ago, but there was no reason for that to be disclosed. Fortunately, he kept quiet about it.
We continued with a casual conversation.
“I hope this becomes an unforgettable Christmas for you. I wish your time at our restaurant to be the most enjoyable memory that wraps up your year.”
“Haha, unfortunately, that’s going to be tough. We’re planning to take first place at the upcoming Final Championship match.”
“Aha, the joy of winning. I understand what you mean. In that case, I’ll make sure the next course brings you a thrill that surpasses that feeling.”
“Wow. I look forward to it.”
The head chef then bowed slightly and moved on to another table.
Of course, Dice and Harmony, who were sitting at the same table with me, were surprised by something else.
“…People who speak English well are really cool.”
“Sigh.”
As I chuckled briefly, Dice quietly added.
“Thanks to Yoo Jin, I’ve had all sorts of great experiences this time, so maybe it’s my turn to give you a good experience.”
“Like what?”
“You know, things like that.”
She confidently held up five fingers right there.
“Like getting in here.”
“….”
What should I say, bold might be the word. But in the end, it didn’t really matter.
I chuckled and added.
“Yes, that’s the reason we’re here at this table and in this city.”
Twenty-four hours until the start of the Final Championship.
That fact, displayed on the watch, felt especially vivid that evening.