"You’re getting more audacious by the minute, Senator Henry."

"Hmm, if we consider it the price for the Medal of Honor… just kidding, just kidding. Please don’t put me in a wheelchair before the campaign race even starts."

"Aren’t you showing off too much for a medal that should go to the youngest member?"

"Oh, it’s fine. It’s all good."

In a world where bold jokes were a part of everyday life, this was a luxurious penthouse overlooking the skyline of New York Manhattan… or rather, a large lounge located on the top floor of a building connected to Madison Square Park. It was a familiar place for those who knew it—unfortunately, the senior officers were absent.

After a brief orientation, the banquet followed. However, since it felt a bit awkward to discuss certain topics there, we moved the location here.

The conversation felt quite serious, given that it was partly a closed-door meeting, but it was a relief that everyone was just joking around. The playful tone in their voices suggested that.

Otherwise… well, I’d have no choice but to prepare a premium wheelchair for Senator Henry out of my own pocket. I could at least give him a reason to ride in one.

In any case, everyone settled into their seats comfortably.

The chatter continued.

Logan started with a jab.

"Just how much money are you pouring into Times Square? I can’t even lift my head in shame just walking around that area."

"Haha, thankfully a new super PAC has recently joined in… but please don’t hit me too hard since I’ve already cut down on ads."

Then he glanced my way.

"Speaking of which, I keep getting into debt to Yujin. I’m quite worried since there’s no proper solution in sight. Politicians often feel like they’re on a tight leash once they incur debt."

"I heard you borrowed from Icarus Gear for crowd control this time as well. Shouldn’t you look for a better venue than Manhattan next time?"

"Well, starting next year, we’ll probably have to move the stadium to northern New York. Considering the airport and the venue. I heard that Icarus plans to set up a branch there, so once I step into the White House, we’ll push for that pretty hard. Speaking of which, do you want to see something interesting?"

There was no response, but it wasn’t really a question seeking an answer.

As a few unnecessary holographic windows closed, the current situation of a popular social networking site in the U.S. filled the space. Notably, there were numerous posts tagged with the hashtag POMGANY—of course, those posts always included one or more orderly scenes from Madison Square Garden.

"Peace On Madison Garden And New York," meaning peace in Madison Garden and New York.

Henry watched it with amusement, adding,

"It seems Manhattan citizens were quite impressed with this event without any incidents occurring."

"Is it a kind of self-maintaining security promotion and public relations activity?"

"Of course. Some broadcasting stations have already planned to make a documentary about this event. It’s an unexpected positive feedback loop."

A smile never left Henry's face.

Then he continued.

"Yujin, without you, this would have been impossible. I won’t forget this assistance, no matter what happens."

"Oh my, you’re not going to wash your hands of it with just that much to say to our youngest, are you?"

"Haha, you think I would?"

Then he gestured again. All the holograms that had been floating disappeared, and one window filled the space.

A think tank.

Even as Logan and Lorentina quietly chuckled, having somewhat grasped what he was about to say, Henry added with quite an enthusiastic voice.

"I’ve already spoken to Janet. How could I not invest in such a blue-chip stock? The think tank is closely linked to the policies I’ll tackle once I step into the White House, so you don’t need to worry about growth engines or funding."

"You seem quite determined, Senator."

"I told you. Politicians can’t afford to live with debt."

Swish.

He turned his gaze to everyone gathered in this place.

"Well, is there anything you need? Since this is the case, why not settle the debts incurred from sending the president away in a helicopter right here?"

"How about raising the salaries of the non-commissioned officers instead of thinking about destroying a smoothly operating nation?"

"Haha, that’s harsh. I’ll consider my salary. I’ll think about it until next year and let you know in detail. After that, I’ll be too busy to listen."

"That’s enough."

His gaze returned to me. After the think tank-related holograms faded, the discussion regarding the scenario began.

The gist was simple. Through the MAVNI Act, while training within the U.S. military, I had participated in various tactical exchanges and, during that time, got to know several senators related to the technology scans involved with MWTR, and afterward returned to Korea with this person’s help to avoid any aftershocks…

It wasn’t a scenario that had been created with much care, but what did it matter? I couldn’t delve deeply into it anyway.

Night fell.

Being in the middle of winter, the sun set quickly, and a deep sunset draped over Manhattan, which was free of clouds for the first time in a while. It would probably begin to darken in less than half an hour.

However, unlike in the past, winter was no longer the season of death—and glancing around, it seemed everyone shared similar thoughts.

As Henry set his wine glass on the table, he sent me something.

I glanced at it quickly.

"…A restaurant?"

"Christmas is just around the corner. Go and have a hearty meal. Do you like seafood? If we go, you’ll probably end up liking it."

"The fact that a restaurant has three stars attached to it is quite overwhelming."

"I can’t serve just any food to someone with such a large debt. I’ve already reserved enough seats for the five of us who usually hang out together, so come by tomorrow evening. Just mention my name."

What could I say? I couldn’t help but smile.

Then I added,

"Coming to New York this year has brought me nothing but good fortune."

"Isn’t it one of the most important desires of humans? I had to exert quite a bit of effort to make a reservation for Christmas Day. Enjoy it to the fullest."

"Thank you."

"I should be the one thanking you. I still have quite a bit of debt left to repay, so you don’t need to worry about it."

Swish.

Of course, as soon as I shifted my gaze to the two people next to me, Henry’s generosity fell on them as well.

"Make sure you two don’t be late tomorrow. While I can’t reserve the same table, it should be possible to have dinner at the same restaurant."

"Haha, we’ll graciously accept it."

"Then that’s a relief."

Beep beep.

At the same time, a small alarm rang out. It was the sound coming from Henry. With an expression that indicated he had expected this, he added, showing a feigned awkwardness to us.

"I suppose it’s about time you’re all tired of talking to this old man. Go on and get back to what you were doing. From now on, it’s the politician’s solo performance."

"I’m looking forward to your opening remarks tomorrow, Senator."

"What’s so important about that? Just go have dinner. The buffet food here is quite good."

Boom.

With that, Henry coaxed us away, and as the three of us stepped back into the hallway, we had a brief conversation before parting ways.

But not long after, a gentle hand ruffled my hair. It was Dice’s fingers, nearing 185 cm in height.

"It’s really been worth taking a vacation and coming up to New York. I’m getting to experience all these luxuries I’ve never experienced before…."

"What’s the taste like?"

"It was good, really good…."

I chuckled.

Dice, dressed quite elegantly, added with a peculiar expression. To look at him, he seemed like a typical New Yorker, wearing a thick coat and long UGG boots, but in reality, it wasn’t quite like that.

As everyone burst into laughter at Yerin’s comment, I subtly gazed outside. Outside the window, Columbus Circle appeared. The trees in the outer garden surrounding the central tower, which was sculpted in Columbus's likeness, sparkled with stars and tiny lights, signaling Christmas.

Not long ago, surveillance cameras capable of watching from every direction had been attached to Columbus's statue, and a large watchtower maintaining strict security had surrounded the area.

I was relieved I didn’t have to witness that scene.

"Grilled black bass and scallops. The garnish on the scallops is made of spinach…."

"Wow, the size difference is quite severe."

"At this rate, Yujin, you’ll have to pay at least double what we do when you leave…."

At that moment, the server placed the dishes on the table.

As the lids of the plates opened simultaneously for Dice, Harmony, and my dish, a fragrant aroma wafted out. While the explanation about the food continued, the sizes of the dishes in front of Minah and Yerin were close to a single serving, whereas what was on my plate felt more like a tasting portion.

Logically speaking, it was natural for the size of the food to be small. It was a course meal, which provided a sense of completeness to a single story. Even if the actual portion was small, once all the courses were in one’s mouth, the stomach would inevitably feel full.

Of course, that was the way it was "logically speaking."

"…If there are leftovers, could I have just one bite?"

"I won’t mind just one bite even if there’s no leftover."

"But what if we get to dessert later and you can’t even take a bite? Are you all okay with that?"

Only then did everyone look a bit despondent, realizing the potential loss.

While waiting for the next course, footsteps approached quietly from behind. As I tilted my head in curiosity at the unfamiliar vibration, a rather seasoned-looking chef in a chef's uniform approached, greeting all the tables.

He was probably the head chef of this restaurant.

It didn’t take long for him to reach our table.

"Is the meal to your liking?"

"Yes, it’s really delicious."

Then a brief exchange of glances occurred.

This head chef knew that I and Lorentina’s group had visited this restaurant a few days ago, but there was no need for that to be known—and fortunately, he kept quiet about that matter.

A normal conversation followed.

"I hope this will be an unforgettable Christmas. I wish the time spent in this restaurant will remain the most enjoyable memory to wrap up the year."

"Haha, unfortunately, that’s going to be difficult. I plan to take first place in the upcoming Final Championship match."

"Ah, the joy of victory, I understand what you mean. In that case, I’ll make an effort to ensure the next course brings you more emotion than you’ll feel then."

"Wow. I’ll look forward to it."

Then the head chef slightly bowed and moved on to another table.

Of course, what astonished those seated at my table, Dice and Harmony, was something else.

"…People who speak English well are really impressive."

"Oh dear."

As I chuckled briefly, Dice slyly added.

"Thanks to you, Yujin, I’m experiencing all these wonderful experiences, so I guess it’s my turn to treat you to something good."

"Like what?"

"Well, you know, something like that."

As she spread her five fingers, she confidently declared.

"Getting into this."

"…."

What could I say? Should I call her audacious? But in the end, it didn’t matter much.

I chuckled and added,

"Yeah, that’s the reason I came to this place and this city."

With only 24 hours left until the start of the Final Championship, the fact that appeared above the clock felt exceptionally vivid this evening.