Descent of The Demon Master [EN]: Chapter 1591

“So, we’ll focus on the orphanage for now. But didn’t you also want to establish a school last time? One that the children from the orphanage could attend?”

“I did.”

“Then, you’re not considering that anymore?”

Kang Jin-ho seemed to ponder for a moment before shaking his head.

“I don’t think it’s the right thing to do.”

“May I ask why?”

Why.

Why, indeed…

Kang Jin-ho opened his mouth in a slightly lower voice.

“Even though times have changed, children from orphanages still face prejudice from their peers and parents.”

“Hmm, I suppose that’s true.”

It was undeniable.

Even if public awareness increased and the world was filled with basic respect, those looks of contempt wouldn’t completely disappear.

Park Yu-min was like that, and Han Jin-sung was too.

Did they have any reason to be bullied?

No.

They didn’t.

Yet, there were those who tried to torment them.

‘It’s not that strange.’

Even beasts try to harass the weaker ones and drive them out of the pack. Considering that humans are also animals, it might be unavoidable.

That’s why he had considered establishing a separate school.

“If we expand the orphanage and create a school only for those children, they would at least be free from that kind of bullying.”

“Hmm, I suppose so.”

“But that’s not really for the children’s sake.”

Kang Jin-ho shook his head.

“I can’t follow those children around and protect them for the rest of their lives. They’re children who will have to find their own paths someday. Perhaps the reality they’ll face when they enter society will be far harsher than anything they’d experience at an orphanage or school.”

Jo Gyu-min quietly nodded.

It was true.

“That’s just covering their eyes. If we truly want what’s best for the children, we need to ensure they can live lives no different from others. It might be more hands-on and more difficult, though.”

A smile touched Jo Gyu-min’s lips.

“It feels strange.”

“Yes?”

“Someone who used to attend the school I was the chairman of now has such a firm educational philosophy. As an educator, I’m proud.”

“…You were the acting chairman, and I don’t think you actually taught anything?”

“Let’s move on.”

Jo Gyu-min chuckled.

“So, we’ll just focus on the orphanage for now. How many do you plan to open initially?”

“I still need to think about that a bit more… maybe about ten at first?”

“Let’s start with five.”

“Ten is too much. It might vary depending on the size, but right now, it’s not easy to find the staff to work there.”

There was definitely that issue.

“I’d like to make a personal suggestion.”

“Yes.”

“Have you considered acquiring other orphanages besides Sungsim?”

“Acquire?”

Kang Jin-ho tilted his head.

Why would he need to acquire an orphanage that was already well-run?

“Yes. This is a bit of a sensitive issue…”

Jo Gyu-min opened his mouth with a slightly bitter expression.

“I did some research on orphanages while looking into this, and… there were quite a few that weren’t being run properly.”

Kang Jin-ho slightly narrowed his brows.

“Tell me more.”

“Actually, the children at Sungsim Orphanage were lucky. They had a director who was truly dedicated to the children. But most aren’t like that.”

Kang Jin-ho took out a cigarette.

Jo Gyu-min lit Kang Jin-ho’s cigarette and continued in a slow voice.

“There are various reasons. First, there’s the issue of the chairmen who run the orphanages but don’t really care about the children.”

“…Then why do they run orphanages?”

“The position of chairman of a welfare foundation that runs an orphanage is a good title to have.”

Kang Jin-ho took a deep drag of his cigarette.

A feeling of disgust welled up from his gut.

Even if it was a world where people would do anything for profit, there were some areas that shouldn’t be touched if they had even a shred of conscience.

“And?”

“There are also many orphanages where the chairman has the will but lacks the ability, leading to poor management.”

“Hmm, that’s…”

“Basically, orphanages get their operating funds from government support, foundation contributions, and public donations. Government support is generally the same for everyone, but there are many places that are barely surviving because they lack the ability to secure donations or have squandered their foundation contributions. Naturally, the children in these places don’t receive proper support.”

“Hmm.”

“There are also many places where the childcare teachers are the problem. Basically, childcare is an extremely stressful job. Even raising one child can break your mental state, so it’s not easy to take care of dozens of children.”

That was immediately understandable.

Even Kang Jin-ho would lose his mind if the orphanage children were swarming around him.

“The problem is that being a childcare teacher isn’t a well-paid job.
They endure with a sense of duty and responsibility despite the low salary, but…”

“There’s a limit to that, I suppose.”

“Yes, that’s right.”

“Hmm.”

“The more frequently people change, the lower the quality of childcare becomes. And it’s also a problem if someone who has fallen into a rut stays on.”

“I understand what you mean.”

Kang Jin-ho scratched his chin.

Come to think of it, it was the same when he first went to Sungsim Orphanage. The orphanage was on the verge of closing, and although the children were happy, their overall condition wasn’t good.

In other words, even a place with a head nun who poured so much affection into the children that she seemed almost inhuman was only that good, even looking back now.

Of course, there would be countless orphanages that were far better than Sungsim. But there would also be many orphanages in far worse condition than Sungsim back then.

“Isn’t that something the government should be managing?”

“Yes, of course. But there’s a really critical problem with that.”

“…What problem?”

“Orphanage children don’t have the right to vote.”

“They don’t have families, and they don’t have the right to vote. In other words, even if those children become unhappy, it doesn’t immediately become a problem for the government. So, it gets pushed down the priority list. Things that are immediately visible get dealt with first.”

“Creating new orphanages is certainly a good thing. But that won’t change the fact that children living in poorly run orphanages will continue to be in bad situations.”

Kang Jin-ho nodded.

“I understand what you’re saying.”

“Yes.”

“But I’ve never heard of an orphanage acquiring another orphanage?”

“Of course, it’s difficult. But it’s not impossible. We can take over the foundation itself, or make them give up their management rights.”

Jo Gyu-min shrugged.

“Those who started orphanages with good intentions but lack the ability can be persuaded with appropriate compensation, and those who use children for their own gain…”

Jo Gyu-min smiled slyly.

“I don’t think I need to explain this to you.”

“I understand.”

Kang Jin-ho chuckled.

Is it justified to use violence for a good cause?

Of course, it wouldn’t be.

But it didn’t matter. Kang Jin-ho wasn’t particularly averse to committing sins. He would just crush whatever he didn’t like to achieve his goals, as usual.

“There are also legal and administrative issues, but the government will take care of that.”

Kang Jin-ho laughed.

“That sounds a bit irresponsible.”

“It’s okay to be a bit irresponsible. When I went to get the approval again this time, the civil servants who were nitpicking and being annoying suddenly became polite and respectful after receiving a phone call from someone higher up.”

Kang Jin-ho made a slightly uncomfortable face.

So…

It wasn’t that Jo Gyu-min had used his connections, but that a call had come directly from the higher-ups shortly after the documents with Kang Jin-ho’s name on them were submitted.

He didn’t know how that kind of thing happened, but…

“With that level of cooperation, we could even build an orphanage in North Korea. Mr. Kang Jin-ho, you can do whatever you want.”

“Is that a good thing…”

“Of course, it’s a good thing.”

Kang Jin-ho chuckled.

“Then, I’ll keep that in mind.”

“Yes. I’ll contact you as soon as the land is confirmed and we’ve selected an orphanage to acquire.”

“Yes.”

Kang Jin-ho got up from his seat.

“We should have a meal together…”

“I’m too busy right now, so it’s difficult. Let’s do it next time.”

Before Kang Jin-ho could even say he was sorry, Jo Gyu-min cut him off.

Kang Jin-ho shook his head with a helpless expression.

“Okay. Then next time, for sure.”

“Of course. I’ve been feeling like I’m being treated worse than Hyung-nim [older brother or respected male figure] these days, so you should definitely treat me.”

“I will. Then.”

“Yes.”

Kang Jin-ho smiled and left the chairman’s office.

Kang Jin-ho went down to the first floor and walked towards the entrance.

“Ah, I’m sorry. I didn’t get your car ready in advance. Should I do it now…”

“It’s okay.”

“Then your car is on the third basement level, so should we go…”

“It’s okay. I’ll take my car tomorrow.”

“Ah, okay. Then…”

Kang Jin-ho gave a light bow and walked out of the entrance.

Kang Jin-ho stepped out of the building, put his hands in his pockets, and slowly started walking towards home.

‘It’ll take a while.’

But for some reason, he wanted to walk on his own two feet today.

Various thoughts floated through Kang Jin-ho’s mind as he walked slowly.

It was strange.

It was as if the whole world was suddenly telling him to go back to the beginning.

Now that he had done enough, he should go back to where he started.

To rediscover the beginning of his sword…

To realize where the beginning of the Assembly was…

And what had driven him to live in this modern world.

Yes, what was it?

He glanced up and saw the dark sky between the towering skyscrapers.

‘Sister.’

Kang Jin-ho closed his eyes.

‘I… I still haven’t become the person you said I should be.’

A person who could reach out first.

That simple phrase… seemed so far away for the current Kang Jin-ho.

Perhaps he could try his whole life and still not be able to say he had achieved it.

However…

‘I’m trying.’

To become a slightly better person.

To become someone who can reach out a little faster.

I’m trying…

And trying again.

So, please don’t be too disappointed.

Kang Jin-ho opened his eyes.

In the sky, slightly tinged with gray by the light from the skyscrapers…

It seemed as if the head nun was smiling at him.

Kang Jin-ho slightly lowered his gaze.

Not yet.

Yes. He didn’t deserve that smile yet.

But someday…

Kang Jin-ho raised his head and slowly started walking.

The night air mixed with exhaust fumes was drawn deep into his lungs.