𝐩𝐚𝐬𝐭 & 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭 — ᴘʀɪᴅᴇ ᴏꜰ ᴀ ɴᴀᴛɪᴏɴᴀʟ

A child sits beside you, kicking their legs. They appear feminine, with a dress reaching their knees and hair tied in a ponytail.

YOU

Do you love this nation?

The child looks at you. Their eyes are round and dark. They appear much too wise for their age. 

CHILD

Hmm... Maybe? 

I'm supposed to. Patriotism is important. 

But... I only ever know the mines and the dark alleys. Everywhere I turn, a crime is imminent. 

I don't understand safety for as long as I've grown up here. 

You do not expect the answer. Suddenly, you don't want to continue your questionnaire. However, you have a script to follow.

YOU

Is there something about this nation that makes you proud?

The child hums thoughtfully. They seem to consider the inquiry seriously. Then, they light up.

CHILD

The mines! It's our greatest source of income. 

I live around it, so I see the workers a lot. They're hard-working! They make sure our nation prospers!

You smile, glad for the child's positivity. You check your script. You have asked your questions.

YOU

Alright, that's all for the interview.

Thank you for answering me. Is there someone on your mind who I should interview next?

The child nods. They point to a distance. You follow their direction to find a handsome individual by themselves. 

CHILD

That mister looks nice. Maybe you can ask them next!

You thank the child for their time before approaching the individual. They turn around. You startle, recognising the round dark eyes staring back at you.

YOU

H-Hello, mister! I'd like some of your time to answer some questions, please.

The individual contemplates. You wonder if you have intruded. Before you can excuse yourself, they speak. 

INDIVIDUAL

I guess I can spare some time.

You sigh in relief. You did not check your script. It is just two questions.

YOU

Do you love this nation?

The individual mulls over the inquiry. They smile at you. There was no mirth in their eyes.

INDIVIDUAL

Truthfully? I do not. 

I wish I can say I love it, but I don't.

I've been let down my whole life. I can't bring myself to even lie about loving the nation that had failed me.

You are taken aback. You aren't sure how to respond. You can only move on to your next question.

YOU

Then... Is there anything about this nation that makes you proud of it?

The individual sighs. They aren't annoyed with you, rather despondent by the question. They offer a sympathetic smile.

INDIVIDUAL

I'm sorry for putting you in a tough spot. You don't have to comfort me.

As for my pride in this country... Sadly, there's none.

Perhaps, if I was younger, I can give you a sweet lie. Something along the lines of "the mines where I grew up near at", perhaps?

There's nothing special about this nation. Under all the glamour of its wealth and advancement, it's just another ordinary nation with nitty-gritty secrets. 

If you're lucky, you won't ever need to be exposed to the dark corners. 

If you have luck like mine, then I sincerely feel sorry for you. 

You are astounded by the individual's response. You gulp. You have no more questions.

YOU

Thank you for your time.

May I ask, what is your name?

The individual smiles. They extend a hand. You take it and shake it.

INDIVIDUAL

The name's Im Seolcheong. It's been nice talking to you, stranger.

♔　　〈 𝐏𝐘𝐄𝐎𝐆𝐘𝐎　 ♟ 　 표교 〉 has begun its first chapter! The Water Nation is carrying out an Initiation Ceremony to announce the next heir to the throne! Join us in this momentous event to find out who shall be the next crown!