The Nobel Prize money fluctuates slightly each year, but this year it was about $1 million.
In the case of joint recipients, the prize money is divided by the number of winners. Professor Mohan and Ronald announced that they would donate their share to the Big One victims, and I gladly decided to join them.
It's not like we're going to become rich with this money.
After the awards ceremony, Ronald went to meet with the Prime Minister and members of Parliament, and Professor Mohan headed to the University of Oslo.
And I received a dinner invitation from the Norwegian King and Queen.
Taek-gyu was startled.
"What? Dinner with His Majesty?"
"His Majesty, schmajesty. Just a king."
Norway is a constitutional monarchy. In the first place, their separation and independence from Sweden also started with establishing a separate king.
Sweden and Denmark also have kings, so there are quite a few constitutional monarchies in Northern Europe. Even if they are kings, they don't have real power, they are just symbolic figures. A kind of honorary position, you could say?
The reason monarchy remains in democratically mature Northern Europe is because of the significant role the royal family played in the process of modernization and democratization.
Royal families that stabbed and killed citizens demanding rights with swords and spears were eliminated by the angry populace. In Korea's case, it naturally disappeared through Japanese colonial rule and independence.
"What about Russia and China?"
"Those are just dictatorships."
"North Korea?"
"That's the real monarchy, if anything."
Thinking about it, it's funny. There are countries with kings that aren't monarchies, and countries without kings that are monarchies.
Even in the 21st century, where democracy is taken for granted, many monarchies still remain. Especially oil-rich nations. Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Brunei, etc.
The United Arab Emirates is a federal republic, and Iran is nominally a presidential republic, but… should it be seen as a theocracy by the Rahbar?
Turkey is also a presidential system, but President Suleiman is aiming for theocracy. It wouldn't be surprising if he ascends to Caliph.
Anyway, the current King of Norway is Carl V. Unlike most royals who marry into European noble families or conglomerates, he married an unknown Norwegian actress.
I don't know how it is now, but back then, marriage between royalty and commoners was a big issue. Anyway, they had sons and daughters and have lived happily ever after, and they are respected by the people.
"Kang Jin-hoo has made it big. Eating with the King."
"What are you talking about? You have to come too."
"Huh? Why me?"
"I'll be bored alone. It's not an official event, so you won't be in the spotlight."
It's just having a meal together, after all. The Deputy Director is coming too, so he shouldn't refuse. I already mentioned it to them beforehand and got their consent.
Taek-gyu said, sounding bewildered.
"Why didn't you get my consent? I hate formal occasions."
"Since when have you cared about formality?"
"Exactly. I don't care, but won't they care?"
"Think about it. How often in your life do you think you'll get the chance to eat with a king?"
Actually, it happens quite often. No king dislikes wealthy people. That's why even in the Middle Ages, wealthy people could meet with kings as much as they wanted and even lend money to the royal family.
Even now, not just in the Middle Ages, if you say you're going to invest in any country, the king will jump at the chance to welcome you.
"Even the Queen of England?"
"That place is a bit…."
Considering what they did during Brexit, I feel a bit sorry to visit. And they recently profited from oil again.
Still, I'm always grateful for the UK. If it hadn't been for the Brexit vote, would we be where we are now?
"You'd be lucky if you didn't get slapped by the Queen."
Taek-gyu crossed his arms and pondered.
"Hmm, royalty is an indispensable presence in subculture. Lost Fantasy also features several kingdoms."
"Stop talking nonsense and let's go."
***
The Royal Palace is located in Oslo.
It's called a palace, but its size is more like a large mansion. Still, just having the name 'Royal Palace' attached to it made it feel different.
The King and Queen welcomed us warmly.
"Welcome. We have been wanting to meet you for a long time."
"It's an honor to be invited."
I introduced Taek-gyu.
"This is the COO of OTK Company, whom I mentioned."
Taek-gyu bowed deeply.
"Hello, I am Oh Taek-gyu."
The conversation was conducted in English.
Contrary to my worries, the atmosphere wasn't particularly formal.
Taek-gyu looked around with curiosity. Although he tried not to show it, I was also just as amazed.
Not only the King and Queen, but also the Crown Prince and Princess were there.
Herman, the eldest son and first in line to the throne, had curly brown hair, a tall height with broad shoulders, and striking features.
In short, he looked like a prince charming straight out of a fairy tale. He was approaching his forties now, but in his youth, he was known as the most handsome prince in the world.
Beside him stood a beauty in her late 30s with long blonde hair and blue eyes.
The moment I saw her, I was reminded of Grace Rothschild, whom I had met at JP Morgan a few months ago. There was a bit of an age difference, but their faces were quite similar. That's because she was also a Rothschild.
The marriage between the Norwegian royal family and the venerable Jewish financial family was a big issue at the time as well.
Finally, Princess Anneke. Now twenty years old, she had the looks befitting a princess. Curly brown hair and deep brown eyes. Freckles remained on the bridge of her nose. Her height was around 160cm, and rather than pretty, she had a cute feel, and somehow there was a tomboyish glint in her eyes.
Currently an engineering student, the princess is known to have a lot of interest in IT and high-tech industries.
Norwegian traditional dishes prepared by chefs were laid out on the antique dining table. We sat down and had dinner while drinking wine.
King Carl V asked about the situation during the Big One, and I told him about what I experienced on site. He couldn't hide his admiration.
"You have done truly incredible things. The Nobel Peace Prize is almost not enough."
Since the criteria for the Nobel Peace Prize are subjective, it is always embroiled in controversy every year at the awards ceremony. But this time, there was no particular controversy.
Well, some conservative groups in Korea protested, but no one paid any attention.
The conversation then moved on to investment. King Carl V boasted about Norway's electric vehicle penetration rate and subtly mentioned that he hoped we would actively invest in Norway as well.
When he mentioned the need for investment in electric vehicle assembly plants and related infrastructure, I replied that I would think about it positively.
Princess Anneke said,
"Investing in Lost Fantasy was a great decision."
Originally, Japanese RPG games, so-called JRPGs, don't do well in the Western world. But Lost Fantasy M continued to rank at the top, surpassing famous games after the European service started.
Linix Pentagon belatedly regretted missing out on the goose that laid golden eggs, but the situation was already completely over.
Unlike OTK Games, which is thriving, Linix Pentagon continues to decline. Their market cap has also decreased significantly. CEO Ichikawa Shigeru is in negotiations with Linix Pentagon to acquire some game licenses, and is also considering acquiring the entire company.
"That wasn't my decision, it was this friend's decision."
At my words, she was startled.
"Really?"
"Yes. Otaku… no, the cultural industry is his responsibility."
"It's very popular in Europe these days. I play it too."
Taek-gyu, who had been quietly eating, subtly asked.
"Which character do you like the most?"
"Lucy."
At those words, Taek-gyu put down his fork and raised his head. And pushing up his glasses, he lowered his voice unnecessarily.
"You know your stuff."
"Of course. She's the main character of 12. I heard that Lost Fantasy Online is planning to link up with M for service, is that true?"
"Regarding that part…"
The two hit it off and had an in-depth conversation on the topic of games.
Various topics about games were discussed, and with my limited knowledge, it was hard to keep up.
Come to think of it, I think I saw it in an article. This princess was also a promotional model for the Norwegian Game Association and participated in European game shows, right?
As they talked, the physical distance between the two naturally narrowed.
For a moment, I couldn't believe my eyes.
An otaku and a princess… no, Oh Taek-gyu and a princess! I couldn't believe my eyes even as I watched.
When I first met Taek-gyu in middle school, who would have imagined that he would be talking intimately with a Norwegian princess?
Taek-gyu and Princess Anneke even exchanged contact information and emails on the spot.
"..."
What on earth is this situation?
***
I called Senior Sang-yeop.
[I watched the awards ceremony well. When are you coming back?]
"I should go back now."
[While you're there, why don't you meet some European leaders? I bet there are more than a few places asking you to come.]
"No thanks."
What else would I hear other than requests for investment if I met them?
"Is everything alright at the company?"
[Of course. Nothing's wrong.]
As always, our company is running perfectly fine even without me.
After ending the call, I went down to the lobby for a coffee. As it was December, Norway was in full Christmas spirit.
A huge tree stood in the hotel lobby, and in front of it was a charity donation box for children in the Third World. As I was about to take out my wallet, a woman's voice was heard from behind.
"How much are you going to donate?"
I turned my head. She took out a few 50-pound notes from the bag she was holding and put them in the donation box.
"We meet again."
She looked to be in her early 20s. Blonde hair down to her waist, blue eyes, a neat knee-length dress and heels, and silk gloves on her hands.
Her appearance was so perfect that it was hard to find any flaws. To put it nicely, she was doll-like, and to put it bluntly, she looked devoid of humanity.
It's easy to think of blonde hair and blue eyes when you think of Westerners, but in reality, it's not easy to find people who fit that description. Even among Hollywood actors we know as blonde, more than a few have dyed hair.
I recalled her name.
"Grace Rothschild?"
She smiled brightly.
"I'm glad you remember."
It would be stranger if I didn't remember, wouldn't it?
I asked her.
"Is this a coincidence?"
"Well, what do you think?"
Of course, it couldn't be a coincidence. Could she have come to meet me?
"What brings you here?"
"I have an appointment with my cousin."
"Your cousin would be…?"
"You've already met her."
Is she talking about Crown Princess Christine?
I nodded.
"I see."
She looked at her watch and said,
"I have some time left. Would you like to have afternoon tea together?"
***
We didn't have to go far, there was a place selling afternoon tea in the hotel. We sat down.
The name Rothschild is not common, but it's not extremely rare either. And just because someone uses the Rothschild name doesn't necessarily mean they are related to the Rothschild family.
But she is indeed from the Rothschild family.
The current head of the Rothschilds is Isaac Rothschild. And Grace is his granddaughter, a direct descendant, not a collateral branch.
She is truly a noble lady.
The UK still has a Queen and periodically bestows titles. Receiving a title doesn't grant great privileges, but you can officially attach the title to your name.
You could write 'Sir Kang Jin-hoo' on your resident registration card. Well, even this alone might be a great privilege to some.
Ah! You also get the qualification to enter the House of Lords in the Palace of Westminster. But again, it's hard to see it as real power.
Royalty and nobility in this day and age. It feels like a story from another world.
I looked at Grace Rothschild sitting across from me. Her skin was so pale, almost white, as if she hardly ever went out in the sunlight.
Like a flower grown in a greenhouse, but in another way, she also looked like she had been through thick and thin.
She looked three or four years younger than me, and it was amazing how she could exude this kind of atmosphere at this age.
"I have one thing I want to ask you."
"What is it?"
She asked, her blue eyes shining coldly.
"Did you know in advance that there would be a problem with the North Sea oil fields and buy crude oil futures in advance?"