Control

"Of course, child!"

The old man's expression grew even more amiable, and a hint of composure appeared on his face. "Everyone makes mistakes. You still have family, a future. Your ability is very special. As long as you sincerely admit your mistakes..."

"After we secure lenient treatment for you, I'll recommend you to join the military."

"With your abilities and my recommendation, you'll surely rise quickly to a position suited to you and bring honor to your family!" The old man acted as though he did not care about Seung-wook's transgressions at all.

Yet with just a few words, he turned the fact that they had harbored malice toward Seung-wook's group first and attacked first into Seung-wook's group's fault.

"That's right. I agree with the general. I also guarantee, in my capacity as mayor, that you must not continue down the wrong path, child!"

The officials all voiced their agreement, like a group of kindly elders looking upon wayward descendants and expressing their willingness to stand up for them.

The atmosphere suddenly relaxed.

Clap, clap, clap—!

Seung-wook's worried, remorseful expression abruptly changed. A mocking smile appeared on his face as he began to applaud.

"Really? If not for the hand behind your back making little gestures, I might have believed you."

The applause froze the smiles on the officials' faces.

The old man's heartbeat suddenly accelerated. The repeated emotional swings made his chest ache, and he nearly suffered a heart attack.

"Your acting is quite good. If my eyes couldn't see the gestures behind your back, see the snipers across from us watching you, and see the troops being deployed outside, you might really have persuaded me!"

Seung-wook slowly walked up to the old man and lightly patted his wrinkled face.

"Do you think you're very clever? That ordinary people