The lights in the President's office in the Blue House main building did not go out even as dawn approached.

Yang Do-yoon sat motionless, his eyes fixed on the documents. On the screen, reports from various government ministers and yet-to-be-released investigative data were piled in layers. It was a night so silent that even the sound of turning a page seemed exceptionally loud.

"Cooperation from each department has been secured. However, backlash from the National Assembly is expected."

At the Chief of Staff's report, he gave a very slight nod. There was no change in his expression. It was a reaction as if he had already anticipated it.

"It is within the expected range."

A short answer. But with those few words, the air grew subtly rigid.

Just then, the phone on the desk vibrated briefly. The moment he saw the name on the screen, the look in Yang Do-yoon's eyes changed ever so slightly.

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He didn't close the documents. Instead, he stared at the screen for a moment and let out a low breath.

"The meeting ends here. Everyone, please head home."

At the short command, the Chief of Staff began to organize the papers.

And Yang Do-yoon stood up from his seat.

There was no need to explain who he was going to see.