Chapter 138
Thus, the confrontation between the Queen and the Lord Protector was officially set in motion, and the British political sphere foresaw that this conflict between the two factions would not be a short-lived skirmish.
Meanwhile, the Balhut Cult, having sided with the Queen, allowed their diplomatic envoys to rest after their exhausting negotiations, finally preparing to formally report their achievements to the cabinet.
Of course, before Bahamut himself even conveyed this to them, Lee Hyuna and Lee Sua, who led the executive team, had already compiled and reported the diplomatic results in detailed data format.
“This diplomatic mission was half a success and half a failure.”
“I suppose so. Since the Asian region, with some effort, could still be connected without needing the International Organization.”
In essence, their discussion was more of a review of their diplomatic mission.
Park Cheol-gon, the leader of the Constitutional Democratic Party and Speaker of the National Assembly, expressed slight disappointment that the diplomatic mission had only yielded partial success.
Despite Bahamut himself participating in the negotiations, it was frustrating that they had been unable to establish relations with the most important European powers.
However, given the significant achievements they had obtained, it was unjustifiable to reprimand or criticize the executive team that had taken part in the negotiations.
“Still, we have an advantage in Japan, thanks to A-yeon’s connections. That means we can initiate friendly relations.”
Unlike Park Cheol-gon, Hwang Geun-chul, the Prime Minister and Leader of the Bahamut Association, was delighted that they had been able to establish a connection with Japan.
He advised Bahamut that, with the help of Jina Ahn, who was part of the Allied Forces, they could maintain diplomatic cooperation.
This new market in Japan could significantly reduce the Balhut Cult’s reliance on the United States, a long-standing issue.
However, Bahamut looked uneasy, and his expression darkened as he brought up a controversial topic that had remained a source of endless debate in South Korea.
“Is that… really okay? Cooperating with Japan?”
“Of course, there is historical resentment and deep-seated grudges. There are even people who love Japanese culture but still hate Japan as a nation. The issues from before the apocalypse, such as historical disputes and territorial conflicts, make it difficult to see Japan as a friendly neighbor.”
Before becoming a Dragon God, Bahamut had lived as a young South Korean, fully aware of the strained relations between Korea and Japan and the historical grievances.
The pain of the imperial era still lingered even in modern times, manifesting in social and political disputes, and sparking heated debates regarding biased and revisionist historical views.
Given the long-standing nature of these conflicts, Bahamut felt cautious about forming an alliance with Japan, even in the post-apocalyptic world.
After all, even decades later, the remnants of past injustices continued to stir national debates across South Korea.
Seeing Bahamut’s hesitation, Hwang Geun-chul nodded, acknowledging that there were citizens who harbored strong resentment toward Japan.
“However, in this apocalyptic era, we must set aside personal emotions and act solely on public interest.”
Hwang Geun-chul insisted that, for the sake of survival, personal grudges and historical resentments needed to be suppressed, focusing only on mutual benefits.
“Moreover, Japan is geographically much closer to us than the United States.
To survive this apocalypse, we must maintain diplomatic ties rather than ignite unnecessary conflicts.”
Indeed, Japan was much closer than the United States.
Even if the Balhut Cult wanted to ignore Japan, geography dictated otherwise.
With trade routes reopened, they could easily sail to Japan in a matter of hours, making trade an immediate and viable option.
“Of course, when this apocalypse ends, we will demand historical reparations from the Japanese government.”
However, Park Cheol-gon firmly stated that this was only a temporary measure due to the apocalypse and that South Korea’s grievances with Japan remained unresolved.
Hwang Geun-chul did not object, silently nodding in agreement, indicating that he too harbored no fondness toward Japan.
“I see.”
Understanding their perspectives, Bahamut moved on to the next agenda.
“Unfortunately, we were unable to establish strong ties with Western Europe.”
“Yes, that is truly unfortunate. We wanted to at least establish diplomatic relations with Britain, France, or even Germany.”
At this, Park Cheol-gon sighed heavily, his disappointment evident.
While regional cooperation was important, the most crucial nations in the International Organization reconstruction were Britain and France, followed by Germany.
However, all diplomatic attempts had been outright rejected.
Although they resented this treatment, they could understand why.
“Unfortunately, the Lord Protector’s Cabinet was too preoccupied with staging a coup for the throne, while the Saint of Orleans turned out to be an extreme Eurocentrist. Neither was a reliable diplomatic partner.”
“Hah… Hahaha.”
Despite their frustration, they had plenty of reasons to justify the diplomatic failure.
One was orchestrating a coup, and the other was an extremist nationalist—hardly the kind of leaders they could negotiate with.
“How ridiculous… If their countries were stable, neither of those two would have ever made it into office.”
His bitter laughter was not one of disappointment, but rather of realization—
That both Britain and France had fallen into the hands of radicals who had seized power amid chaos.
The Balhut Cult had also observed how extremist factions had infiltrated cities, attempting to seize control through elections and underground movements.
Which meant…
‘If things had gone wrong, this could have been our own future.’
‘How horrifying.’
Realizing that this scenario could have been their fate, had the wrong people gained power, sent chills down their spines.
Although Bahamut and Yuna provided a solid foundation of stability, they knew that extremists did not concern themselves with fairness.
“A Dragon Slayer… Our nation’s ruler is a Dragon, yet there are people who call themselves Dragon Slayers?”
‘Bahamut is a dictator. Yes. The voters really made the right choice this time.’
As they recalled the platform of this faction, they truly believed that the voters had made the right decision this time.
If these extremists ever came into power and implemented their policies, the Balhut Cult would collapse instantly.
No matter how merciful Bahamut might be, he would never grant his protection to those who sought to eliminate him.
Without the Dragon God’s blessing, could this race even survive?
‘The only reason this race still represents South Korea is Bahamut’s divine protection!’
‘If they’re truly serious, this will be a major issue in the future. But if this is just a campaign slogan for regime change, then they should drop it immediately.’
A deep sigh escaped them.
“This world is no longer normal. This is the era where extremist political factions gain the most power.”
Bahamut merely commented that in a world as harsh as this apocalypse, it was only natural for extremists to thrive.
And he wasn’t wrong.
By preaching radical ideologies, these groups had amassed explosive levels of power and support.
In normal times, their doctrines would never have gained traction, but in chaos, their sharp rhetoric and hardline policies were highly effective at rallying people.
With the lines between right and wrong blurred in this apocalyptic world, their power had become absolute.
“A truly unfortunate situation.”
“At least we succeeded halfway. That gives the National Assembly and Cabinet some grounds for justification. Of course, if Bahamut himself couldn’t secure better results, then it’s safe to assume that no one else would have achieved anything at all.”
Hwang Geun-chul sighed regretfully, while Park Cheol-gon tried to lighten the mood by pointing out that they at least had something to justify to the government.
“But… we did find a new Contractee.”
Thankfully, there was still one major piece of news that would surprise them both.
“…Excuse me?”
“What do you mean…?”
“A Contractee.”
Yes. A Contractee of Bahamut.
In other words, a new Priestess of the Dragon had been born in this world.
For the Balhut Cult, this meant gaining an immensely powerful asset, and in an apocalypse where Awakeners were in high demand, this was a tremendous victory.
Choi Yuna and Baek Seol-hwa had already proven that a single Priestess of the Dragon could change the course of war, making this new Priestess nothing short of a strategic weapon.
“Are you saying… that a new Priestess of the Dragon has been made?”
“Yes. I have contracted with a new Priestess.”
Still half-doubtful, Park Cheol-gon asked for confirmation, and Bahamut nodded, confirming that a new Priestess had been chosen.
“Congratulations! Who is it? Is it Jina Ahn, the ace of the Ulsan Front? She would certainly be worthy of the title.”
Upon hearing this, Hwang Geun-chul expressed genuine joy, immediately inquiring about the new Priestess’s identity.
He had been expecting it to be Jina Ahn, who had already reached the Transcendent level.
If Jina Ahn received the power of a Priestess, she would become an overwhelming force on the battlefield.
And if Bahamut had contracted with her, it would solidify her as a core member of the Balhut Cult.
‘That would also secure the Ulsan Union as part of our faction.’
Additionally, Han Seong-geun, the leader of another independent faction, would also fall into their hands.
As a survivor with exceptional political skill, Han Seong-geun was someone the Balhut Cult absolutely needed to recruit.
“No. It’s not Jina Ahn.”
“Then… Son Sang-hui? No, wait… that would create problems with the military hierarchy. Is it Lee Hyuna or Lee Sua, then?”
When Bahamut denied that it was Jina Ahn, Hwang Geun-chul grew visibly flustered.
He then speculated that it might be Son Sang-hui, but immediately dismissed the idea, recognizing that it would disrupt the established military structure.
Instead, he suggested Lee Hyuna or Lee Sua, the executive sisters who had been closely involved in diplomatic operations.
“…It’s the Queen.”
“…What?”
“…Excuse me?”
At Bahamut’s single statement, the room froze.
Wait…
“The Queen of England?”
“Yes. I have contracted with the Queen of England.”
So…
“You mean… the newly crowned Queen…?”
“Her name is Alicia. She personally sought me out and requested a contract. I couldn’t turn away someone who came to me in person, so I accepted.”
“Uh… so you’re saying… you contracted with England’s Head of State?”
At this, Hwang Geun-chul looked like he was about to pass out.
This wasn’t just a high-profile figure—this was way beyond that.
Could even the Balhut Cult… or even the pre-apocalypse government of South Korea, have handled something of this scale?
“She holds no real power. The Lord Protector controls everything, so she’s just a figurehead.”
“That’s… still insane.”
Bahamut may have called her a figurehead, but before the apocalypse, the title of Queen of England carried tremendous weight.
Not only in England, but in several other nations, the Queen of England was recognized as a Head of State.
Her position held global influence, making this a diplomatic game-changer.
“She’s only ten years old. There’s not much we can expect from her in politics.”
“Even for an Awakener, that’s extremely young.”
“She wasn’t an Awakener before. She became one after contracting with me.”
“…What is the situation inside London, exactly?”
Hearing this, both the Bahamut Association and the Constitutional Democratic Party fell into utter confusion.
How could a Head of State remain powerless for this long?
The apocalypse had been ongoing for almost a year.
By now, most major factions had either secured power or had Awakeners leading them.
If she hadn’t Awakened until now, didn’t that mean she had no real authority?
“The Lord Protector is waging a power struggle for the throne, fighting against the existing political factions.”
“So… it’s basically a civil war?”
“Yes. A civil war—just without the bloodshed.”
Bahamut concluded that everything was due to the Lord Protector, while the political leaders assessed that this was essentially a civil war.
“Our Cabinet should remain on high alert.”
They knew now that they had to prepare for any unexpected developments within their own ranks.
If they weren’t careful, a similar civil war could easily erupt in their own nation.
—
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