The S-Classes That I Raised - Chapter 689: Seonghyeonje Market.

This world had no nations. A millennium ago, there was said to be a great empire that united the continent. But the last king inflicted a curse through the final priest: “You shall forever be shattered. You will never unite as one realm.” After that curse, the empire vanished. Even if a city grew large enough to be called a nation, it retained the name “city.”

If you become a nation, you will fall apart.

People never forgot the final priest’s curse.

—From the Miranglun History Book for Children, Volume 1.

Still, attempts were made to swallow up other cities and expand. But because many cities possessed roughly equal strength, any warmonger could be easily defeated by a coalition. As a result, wars were rare in this world.

‘Why now of all times?’

It’s history, so it had already happened—but did someone send me here on purpose at this moment?

“Fortunately, with the Gunders cleared, we can deploy all our troops to the borders.”

“Even so, the gap is large. Belonde City’s defense costs are said to be three times ours.”

“The greatest problem is that neighboring cities remain silent. Even Songbrode City, with which we had strong exchanges, has given no response.”

They meant: “No ally willing to help against a city three times stronger than ours!” A few councilors stared at me.

“Councilor One, you and your party will lead the charge, won’t you?”

“Aren’t you the greatest warrior in this land?”

“You could even serve as Commander-in-Chief—”

What are these dolls saying? Sweeping away mob bosses and waging war are not the same. Though the Gunders are villains, soldiers dragged into war—friend or foe—are mostly ordinary people. I’d never let my team do that. Even if they’re balloon dolls, some things are unacceptable.

Killing people is never allowed! Reality is harsh, but that applies only to those who choose to pick up weapons and harm us. The ideal would be a place where life is secure for everyone, but still…

“I will visit Belonde City personally.”

Let’s attempt dialogue first. All eyes turned to me.

“That’s dangerous!”

“Leading the vanguard is no less dangerous. Still, they won’t treat a lone ambassador with disdain. If things go awry, we could turn their misconduct to our advantage.”

I am a popular young councilor. If I went formally and were assassinated, the city’s rage would burn bright. It would also give us cause to rally other cities to our side.

The mayor and councilors hesitated, then nodded at my decision. A career game, indeed—how far does this go?

“You can’t go alone.”

Yuhyun said firmly.

“He’s right. It’s too dangerous, Uncle. I’m still young—may I accompany you?”

Yerim joined in. Yerim, you’re an adult here.

“You may use Stealth Skill. With no Awakened in that land, you won’t be noticed.”

Noah also objected. Riette, who’d been affixing glitter to Noah’s fake wings, cocked her head.

“Like Noah says, no Awakened there. Why worry? We’re weak, but not that weak. We’re stronger than humans here.”

“Just as Riette says. We have blessings and Lynx Armor. Even a million troops couldn’t trap us—we’d slip away.”

Though my stats are F-rank, I’m stronger than ordinary people. Our item grade is high enough that Awakened remain outmatched. Even if cannon fire rained, we’d activate blessings, use Stealth, and escape. In a world without Awakened, items and skills are absurdly overpowered.

“Don’t worry—rest up. If we prevent war, I could even become mayor. Even if not, I’ll hold the greatest influence in the city.”

I’m already insanely popular. Yuhyun looked at me with abandoned-puppy eyes. Ugh.

“…Hyung.”

“Don’t look at me like that. No, you can’t.”

It felt odd being a head of household forced away from the kids who wanted to stay together.

“…I’ll bring you something tasty when I return.”

Such a good kid. There’s no real danger—if Seong Hyunjae’s team interferes here, they settle matters by dice, not force.

“Overprotective~.”

Riette—the eldest—teased, saying I’d keep them safe by keeping them back.

“If another dice event appears, we need contingency plans. What should we do? Draw pictures?”

“Seems wasteful. If you roll well, it’s a jackpot. You rolled well today.”

For a moment, I became a chef and harvested rare ingredients. Had I stayed a councilor, that might’ve been political funds…

“Not at all. Actually, bad dice runs are fine.”

It stung to lose my villa, scooter, and truck, but Pongpong was a nice gain. Still…

“When something bad happens, we know how to fix it. But when the Gunders showed up, we could do nothing.”

Villains appeared to steal your truck? Fine—up to that point.

“I could’ve taken them out easily, but I just stood there as they robbed us. Life includes bad things alongside good, but this crossed the line.”

Trials are acceptable, but being robbed by thieves? That’s enraging. Even when I lost to Seong Hyunjae and the police arrived, I couldn’t bribe or excuse my way out—I was hauled off.

“No need to rely on luck anymore~. Better not to use it.”

When I switched to politics, I had nothing to lose, but now I do. I’ll accept obstacles but not let them reroute my journey.

“Councilor Han Yujin!”

“Please return safely!”

“We love you, Councilor One!”

Citizens sent me off, some in tears.

“My dear citizens, thank you.”

I bowed politely to them and to the broadcast cameras.

“I will stop the war and return unharmed!”

Applause erupted. I turned to the Family-Love Party members and councilors. They wore white with veils—treating me as if I might never return. Cultural differences, indeed.

“Yuhyun, you’re the eldest while I’m gone. Take care.”

“Yes, hyung. Don’t worry—be careful.”

Yuhyun nodded, though saddened. Riette, the eldest, gave orders:

“Riette, no causing trouble—behave.”

I’d trust Yerim’s vigilance more. Yerim, eyes full of concern, hugged me tightly. Camera shutters clicked.

“I’ll take good care of Pongpong.”

“I might be back by tonight.” I finished farewells and climbed into the truck. My first duty as formal Councilor One: prevent a war. Life’s difficulty level just skyrocketed.

The city gate opened and we departed. After a long drive down the open road, we spotted makeshift structures. Since both sides distrusted each other, we’d meet midway. A plain held military trucks in neat rows. No tanks ✧ NоvеIight ✧ (Original source) yet, but individual armaments were war-ready.

“Stop!”

Soldiers with guns shouted from behind a barricade. I killed the engine and stepped out, hands raised to show I was unarmed.

“I am Han Yujin, Councilor One of Miranglun City.”

A balloon doll soldier of apparent rank approached, comparing my face to the magazine cover. That magazine was distributed even in other cities?

“It is you. Follow me.”

The barricade was removed, and they led me inside but refused to let me enter a building.

“You came unarmed alone. I prefer not to be trapped indoors.”

They smiled, as if finding this reasonable. They said my face was among the city’s finest. Attractive features sway all—regardless of gender. I’d use this advantage well.

“…Very well. We respect ambassadors. We accept a peaceful surrender.”

He motioned, and chairs and a table were set up. I considered sitting but held off—I knew only basic etiquette here and wanted to avoid missteps.

After a moment, armed soldiers surrounded us. The moment had come. I peered at the balloon dolls—waiting for their commander.

“…Sir.”

The words on my lips froze. In military attire, Seong Hyunjae emerged from among the soldiers. No balloon form—was he the local Seong Hyunjae? But…?

“Pleasure to meet you, Councilor Han Yujin.”

Seong Hyunjae smiled. My mind reeled, but I managed to speak.

“It’s—an honor to meet you. So… you are—”

“The Mayor of Belonde City, Seong Hyunjae.”

…Ah. I’d thought him a restaurateur; perhaps he has a twin. Identical in name as well—his parents must be eccentric. I bit my tongue—too many eyes to flip the table.

“Mayor Seong, lovely to meet you.”

I forced a smile. He’d expanded to other cities and become mayor—unfair. Why two odd jobs for one person?

“I’ve heard many rumors. No ribbon today.”

He spoke while receiving that fashion magazine from a soldier.

“War is… imminent. I did not refuse courtesy.”

I wracked my brain. But what feats allow one to run a business and become a city’s mayor? Even if Hyunah’s bar had gathered intel, still… must be dice jackpots. Yet it seemed excessive.

“…First, I propose an armistice. I see no need for war. If your city desires anything, we shall grant it where possible.”

“I too wish to avoid needless bloodshed. And between you and me, Councilor Han Yujin, there is no need for blood to be shed.”

The dice appeared. Damn. I clenched my teeth. I still loathed settling outcomes this way—such results disregard my efforts. If I lose, it’s disaster; if I win, it feels tainted.

‘Board games would at least be fun.’

He picked up the dice. Roll—tumble.

[2!]

My lip twitched. A low roll. But I’d lost on a 1 before, so not all bad. I cast the dice in turn.

[5!]

I won. I swallowed and faced Seong Hyunjae.

“Will you withdraw?”

He bowed slightly.

“I shall withdraw. I yield command.”

“…Excuse me?”

“My reputation will suffer, I suppose.”

His golden eyes curved in a smile. Wait. While I was stunned, a soldier approached him in uniform. Seong Hyunjae handed him a medal-like badge.

“Please take care of things.”

“I will!”

“My Mayor Seong—!”

Was the war supposed to end? He looked at me.

“It was ‘I’ who lost, Councilor Han Yujin, not Belonde City.”

…Indeed. A mayor stepping down doesn’t end a war. Losing one’s head could lower morale or prompt surrender—but not always.

“Councilor Han Yujin.”

The soldier who received command regarded me coldly.

“We will accept nothing but unconditional surrender.”

Ah, I see. I never truly believed it would end peacefully by words alone. When Seong Hyunjae said “Mayor,” I entertained hope. But I have no intention of reliance on dice.

“Very well. You will send us back safely, correct?”

“Of course. If you wish, we will accept a personal surrender. I promise you proper treatment.”

Does that mean I’ll become Mayor Seong’s house cleaner? I shook my head and pressed the remote.

“My truck is entering—please yield.”

The soldiers stepped aside. The truck halted behind me.

“Automated driving by remote? Impressive. Technology in Miranglun is more advanced than I thought.”

“It has progressed. Far more than you imagine.”

I manipulated the remote again. The front of the truck popped open with clanks, revealing machinery unlike any conventional engine.

“In fact, this truck runs on nuclear power.”

I hated spending on fuel. One must save to live well.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by readnovel.co