Chapter 55: Thorns Under the Rain of Bullets
"Honestly," he scratched the back of his head, "I’m already going gray trying to process everything that’s happened. But I think we can all admit one thing — we just want what’s best for us."
The emissaries who had fiercely argued for my execution were secretly certain that Vincent Hwan would side with them. In their eyes, the old system had brought stability, and therefore, it should be preserved.
"While there are those among us who wish for these peaceful days to continue, I believe it’s wrong to oppose our shared goal. For forty years, we’ve nurtured the hope of progress — and now that we finally have the chance, are we just going to turn our backs on it? Are we truly the kind of people who leap from one sinking ship to another?"
The emissaries were stunned. Kang Suwon watched carefully, noticing how much Hwan had changed.
"Today, we live in a world where new ideas burn with the will to fulfill that shared purpose. So I choose to stand on the side that will help our world shed its outdated notions. The world is changing — and so must we!"
The entire hall trembled. Hwan sat back down. Sashi quietly exhaled, grateful for his choice.
"Let’s hope," he whispered, "your reasoning leads us out of this dilemma, Miss Sashi Heiwa."
Then the judge announced:
"We thank all parties for their statements. Now, as decided, we begin the vote. Those in favor of sentencing Lee Ki-hyun to death, raise your hands."
The chamber fell into total silence. I could hear nothing but my own breath. I’d never felt so terrified.
My fists clenched. I was too afraid to turn around.