9th Grade Civil Servant In Another World Chapter 221 - My World (3)

“Hey! Hey there!”

“Snap out of it!”

My body was roughly shaken. My eyelids stung as I opened my eyes to find strangers looking down at me.

“Uhhhhh…”

“Thank goodness, he’s not dead.”

“Phew, that was scary.”

I was sprawled out spread-eagle. In one hand I held a melted ice cream stick, all sticky.

“Can you get up?”

A kind-looking middle-aged man extended his hand. I fumbled to grab it and pulled myself upright, then everyone poured out worried words.

“Young man, we were selling shaved ice at our stall and you were eating ice cream when you suddenly collapsed with a thud! How startled we were!”

“You weren’t breathing so we thought you’d died!”

Ah, I remember. The lady running a food stall on the beach selling shaved ice and ice cream. And the men who’d been drinking under the parasol in front of her.

“Thank you.”

“Make sure to go to the hospital! There might be something wrong somewhere.”

“You were shaking your whole body while unconscious—such a young person too.”

“I will. Thank you so much.”

I bowed my head several times and left the beach for the roadside.

“Ugh, what kind of vacation is this.”

I used an air compressor to brush the sand off my t-shirt and shorts, then went to the restroom to wash my hands that had gotten sticky from the ice cream.

I must have been overworked lately. That psychopath Manager Kim has been targeting me intensely.

“That bastard, did he have to throw his tantrum right in front of Executive Director Seo?”

My teeth ground together. The guy’s always looking for any excuse to pick on me. Still, if I can just endure another seven years, I should be able to swallow up his position. That thought is what’s barely keeping me from wanting to submit my resignation.

So I’d made a solemn resolution to truly enjoy this final vacation. Yeah, I came all the way to the East Coast with that big decision, only to embarrassingly collapse.

“I’ve been working out regularly too…”

Grumbling, I got into my car parked in the public parking lot. When I started the engine, the smooth vibration and air conditioning kicked in with a hum. I sat in the cool breeze for a moment, organizing my schedule.

Once I get back to Seoul, I need to stop by the hospital first. Manager Kim’s stress is always the same old thing, but it’s definitely because of that drinking session last time that my body got strained. No matter how good I am at holding my liquor, I don’t want to suddenly die from drinking myself to death someday.

“This day I need to call Executive Director Seo, and I need to take care of Deputy Manager Oh’s birthday too…”

I was diligently going through my schedule on my phone app when the screen suddenly flickered.

“Ah, what now. Is it already dead?”

I quickly pulled out a mana crystal bottle from the glove box. When I plugged in the charging cable, I could see blue liquid starting to fill up behind the phone.

To arrive in Seoul before evening, I need to get going soon. I set the phone on the passenger seat and started driving.

While driving on the highway, I habitually turned on the radio news.

“The Elven Federation announced there will be no reversal on their mana crystal-related position. At 3:30 PM our time today, Elven Federation Treasury Secretary Fa-Elif stated that the Federation had already agreed on an adjustment plan based on ‘diplomatic importance’ internally…”

“Princess Orelian of the Rubellia Kingdom has been embroiled in controversy once again. Photos taken with her boyfriend spread through SNS, and the party scenes in the photos…”

“On the 22nd, ‘Peace Day,’ netizens worldwide criticized Korea’s insufficient multiracial policies. In response, Education Minister Cha In-beom posted a rebuttal on his personal blog, which President Cortana directly mentioned at a luncheon…”

I remember all the news I need to remember, and I try to remember even the useless news. You never know when that usefulness might change.

Around the time I passed through the Dong-Seoul tollgate, I got a call from a college classmate. A guy who properly latched onto the line because he went to the same university as Executive Director Seo.

“Oh, Seong-jun. What’s up?”

“Choi Hyeon-su, you hit the jackpot.”

“What do you mean?”

“Executive Director Seo seems to be thinking of putting you in overseas sales. Project S.”

“What?!”

I was so happy my voice went up about two octaves. I quickly pulled over to the shoulder and assumed a reverent posture for the phone call.

“Project S means that Schufaben thing, right? The one Deputy Manager Jeong was eyeing.”

“Yeah, what else would it be? Anyway, don’t cause any trouble and just wait quietly. Executive Director Seo will call you soon. I’ll be expecting a treat.”

“Ah, this bastard, what do you take me for. Got it, next Monday okay?”

“Okay!”

After the call ended, I let out a silent cheer.

It came.

Finally, the opportunity to make connections with the world’s leading Schufaben magical engineering companies!

If I do this well, it’ll pave a royal road. A royal road where I can aim beyond department head to executive level.

“Starting today, I’m quitting alcohol!”

From that day on, I entered thorough self-management to get into the best condition. Fortunately, the hospital said there was nothing particularly wrong with my body, so I just need to do well.

I quit playing the role of company drinking buddy, avoided even going within 10 meters of the smoking room, worked out two hours daily, meditated before bed, and whenever I had spare time, I devoured Schufaben-related books.

Schufaben is famous as the economic center of the Western Continent.

Though it completely collapsed after losing the great war started by the infamous dictator Friedrich Kruger 100 years ago, it was heaven’s fortune that they encountered a series of good leaders afterward, allowing them to rise frighteningly.

“First President Ludwig Pahel. Skipping the Supreme Leader period, Second President… Third… Fourth… Fifth President Christian Bamel…”

I looked up and memorized anything related to Schufaben current affairs, and even re-memorized things I already knew accurately. I especially crammed into my head the resistance history and White Raven Order that Schufaben people take pride in, even making notes.

“Hmm, there’s no record of Lucas Redan’s later activities. However, the tavern he established is still operating on a historic street…”

Rolling around on my room floor reading wiki on my phone, I stared intently at Lucas Redan’s photo.

This handsome but somehow cocky face—why does it look familiar?

***

A month later.

As my classmate had hinted, I was selected for overseas sales and boarded an airship with Executive Director Seo as my superior. My heart swelled as much as the balloon inflated.

Flying to Schufaben with that fluttering heart, I safely completed the schedule. Of course I was nervous, but when I brought up various topics in the Schufaben language I’d practiced intensively, the atmosphere was pretty good too.

All that was left was to wait for the results while serving as Executive Director Seo’s errand boy, touring attractions.

The ‘Grand Plaza’ famous in District 1 of Lüdelheim, or the dragon ranch on the capital’s outskirts. Honestly, rather than enjoying it, I followed Executive Director Seo around like a puppy, serving him while thinking of it as building cultural knowledge.

And two days before departure, a positive signal came. Executive Director Seo finished his call and patted my back with a face bright as the sun.

“Wasn’t your nickname ‘youngest’? Youngest assistant manager, youngest section chief! Now you’ll become youngest deputy manager! Hahaha!”

“Haha, is it that much?”

“The directors really liked you! They want to see you again!”

My second silent cheer.

Only the day before departure could I have free time.

This was because Executive Director Seo had opened a celebration drinking party the night before and drank himself unconscious. Of course, I stayed sober after dealing with Executive Director Seo all night.

“As expected, quitting drinking for a while was the right call. My liver is really in great shape, isn’t it? Perfect condition!”

Humming, I left the hotel and walked a bit to catch the tram. Honestly, I’d had a place I wanted to visit from the moment I boarded the airship.

The tram passes over the iron bridge spanning the Mire River. Why does the riverside scenery I’m looking at through the tram window seem so familiar?

I got off at District 13’s shopping district and looked for a nearby flower shop. I bought a simple white rose, but the young florist’s face somehow catches my eye. With blonde hair and blue eyes—a rare combination even in Schufaben—but still, why does it feel strangely…

“That’ll be 130 pelts, sir.”

“Ah, yes. Here you go.”

Realizing I was rudely staring, the young man tilted his head slightly.

“Excuse me, by any chance.”

I swallowed hard.

By any chance, what should I say? Don’t I know you? Haven’t we met somewhere?

‘That would sound like I’m hitting on a guy. Damn.’

While I was hesitating, the young man gave a somewhat cold business smile.

“Is there anything else you need?”

“No, not at all.”

I hurriedly took the flower and left.

I pass through the old but beautifully designed shopping district. From locals to tourists bustling about, it doesn’t feel unfamiliar or scary but rather homey.

The stone paving worn smooth so the patterns have disappeared, wooden store signs with the scent of wood, potted plants decorating here and there, and merchants calling out cheerfully to attract customers. Everything felt tearfully familiar, as if I’d come to some nostalgic traditional market. So I was unconsciously looking around as I walked.

From far away, when the Redan Tavern building came into view, my heart started pounding.

‘There’s always been one unsolvable mystery.’

From my earliest memories, I’d sometimes felt a strange sense of discord with this world. No, should I call it déjà vu? I felt that strange, indescribable emotion from time to time.

I felt like I was someone who shouldn’t be here, but conversely, also like I knew this world better than anyone.

That feeling kept coming at unexpected moments, making me uncomfortable.

Maybe that’s why I made light friends and lived noisily, chose a sales job where I could mingle with people. Though I realized sales was my calling, separately, that sense of déjà vu hasn’t disappeared even now that I’m past thirty.

And that déjà vu kept growing bigger and bigger while preparing for this business trip, until it weighed down on my chest. Meditation and everything else was no help, and I only had the desire to confirm with my own eyes.

‘What is it, what the hell, why do I feel this way?’

My steps got faster and faster. By the time I reached Redan Tavern, I was almost running.

“Haa, ha…”

Breathing heavily, I opened the door to see the interior with quiet music playing.

“Welcome!”

It’s a tavern, but during the day it operates as a regular café. The only difference is the slightly dim lighting making it feel cozy.

I passed the sparsely occupied seats and stood in front of the small altar set up in a corner.

It’s called an altar, but it’s not really religious—just a few picture frames placed on a small table.

Lucas Redan.

And the White Raven Order who had been with him.

An explanation was attached in front of the photos.

「The White Raven Order members during their lifetime.

From left: Daniel Hartmann, Erika Brightner, Lucas Redan, Georg Roman, Oscar Fisher.

The White Raven Order was a representative resistance organization during Supreme Leader Friedrich Kruger’s era, fighting against brutal dictatorship to achieve freedom. Though their methods are sometimes criticized for being violent, there’s no disputing that these are the people who created today’s Schufaben.」

I read the plain explanation written in various languages and offered the flowers. This is Redan Tavern’s custom.

After staring at Lucas Redan’s photo for a moment, I took a seat by a corner window. A young man who appeared to be the manager came to take my order.

“Have you decided on your menu, sir?”

“Yes, one cream coffee here…”

My face hardened as I looked up at him with a smile.

Different. Completely different.

Totally different from the photos I’d seen on wiki and the photo placed on the altar. Yet somehow I can picture those mischievous eyes and somewhat cocky expression.

And the intense déjà vu that struck me like lightning in an instant, followed by all sorts of colors and memories. I rolled back my eyes and screamed.

“Aaaaaaahhh!”

“Kyaaaaaahhh!”

The young man was also screaming with the same piercing cry. The startled customers looked our way, but both of us were too busy shrieking to apologize.

Just trembling, I met the young man’s eyes again.

“Ha, haha!”

A small laugh escaped.

I finally understood.

What that bizarre feeling that had dominated my entire life was. Why it had developed.

This isn’t my world. But it’s not that strange world either.

“You…”

My lips trembled and fluttered.

“Lucas Redan!”

“Choi Hyeon-su!”

The young man and I shouted simultaneously.

I remembered.

My—no, our previous life.

This is the story of two worlds becoming one.

The story of me falling into a strange world and suffering to death.

And the story of being saved.