Chapter 88

Chapter 88

Lee Youngmun’s left eyebrow arched upward.

“What do you mean?”

“I’m talking about your son. The one with more greed than talent, who can’t stop sticking his nose where it doesn’t belong.”

I’d softened it as much as I could. Maybe my intent got through, because Lee Youngmun didn’t react further.

“You know who my son is, I assume.”

“……”

Lee Youngmun, Chairman of Shinseong Group.

The man who had turned a conglomerate into the nation’s top guild.

Born with a weak constitution and saddled with the risk of being the second son, he had nonetheless been chosen by the previous chairman. He’d lived up to that expectation, elevating Shinseong Group into South Korea’s premier conglomerate and guild.

Despite his small frame, he radiated an aura that only a transcendent-class could normally project—no doubt a product of everything he’d achieved.

His nickname was something like the Little Giant of the business world.

He had sharp instincts and quick judgment. If he had a flaw, it was how indifferent he was to his own family.

You could see it in how Lee Sehee was favored over Lee Sechan, the eldest son.

He ought to pay more attention to his family. Like me.

He had plenty of fancy titles to his name, but none of that impressed me.

“So I only need to keep Sechan in check?”

“Cut off his arms and legs so he can’t run his mouth. Ah—I don’t mean that literally.”

A lot of people had been misinterpreting my words lately, so I added that clarification out of kindness.

Though honestly, if the goal was really to keep him from causing trouble, that wasn’t a bad option either.

“And if you can’t keep him in check?”

“I’ll kill him.”

“No hesitation at all.”

“Why would I need to think about killing someone who needs to die?”

Coming all the way here had been for that purpose in the first place. If it couldn’t be achieved, I’d have to handle it myself.

And maybe it’d be better if this man disappeared too—the one who couldn’t even manage his own children. Wouldn’t it be better if Lee Sehee took control of Shinseong Group early?

As I thought that, killing intent rose from me naturally.

For an ordinary person, that would’ve been enough to make them wet themselves, but he held up well. Maybe a giant is a giant even without being Awakened.

“……”

Lee Youngmun said nothing and quietly watched me. He looked unbothered, but I saw his eyelid twitch for a split second.

“I’ll accept it.”

“A good decision.”

“A decision someone forced on me, no doubt.”

Anyone watching might think I was coercing him rather than persuading him.

Still, it was a quick decision.

While Lee Youngmun was alive, Shinseong Group had grown steadily every year. When you thought about it, Lee Sechan being pushed aside and Lee Sehee coming into her own was thanks to Lee Youngmun’s arrangements—so his leadership was exceptional too.

Was this situation intentional as well?

He was the type to think a little friction made for good stimulation, so this conflict might have been intentional too.

But that only went so far.

It grated on my nerves, and I didn’t want to put up with it any longer.

“Even if it’s just to save my son, I’ll have to step up. But as you can see, my health isn’t good.”

“Want me to get you an elixir?”

“You can get one?”

“But it’ll cost you plenty.”

Monster organs with well-refined Force made for excellent tonics.

There was even a time when monster genitalia became so scarce because of claims they boosted virility.

I obviously don’t eat that, but organs are fine.

They taste a bit off while eating, but if you close your eyes and enjoy it, there’s no finer delicacy.

It’s almost like I’ve become a monster myself.

Some have a subtle gaminess similar to soybean paste stew.

Just thinking about it after so long made my mouth water.

“I’m tempted, but I can’t eat it. My body’s in no state to handle even the medicine’s effects.”

“If you need it, just say the word.”

“Sehee chose her friend well. Getting all the way here couldn’t have been easy.”

It was easy, actually.

Anyway, I was glad we understood each other.

If I’d known it would go this well, I should’ve come sooner.

Shinseong Group’s internal turmoil only got complicated after I became the Blood Lord, so I didn’t know much about it.

From what I could see, this man seemed friendly toward Lee Sehee. Maybe it was because his head was too cold—no, maybe that was right, considering he showed no particular emotion when dealing with Lee Sechan.

But that wasn’t any of my concern.

I’d just have to make sure he didn’t die pointlessly.

“I’ll keep Sechan in check myself. Will that do?”

“You’re a man of social standing, so I expect you to keep your word.”

Just as I was about to leave, my goal accomplished and nothing left to hold me back—

“I may not look it, but I’m the richest man in South Korea. Without trust, you can’t do business.”

So what?

If you’ve got that much money, how about giving me some and bragging about it then.

Maybe my feelings showed on my face, because Lee Youngmun gave a light cough.

“I assumed that someone who came all the way here would want more. For instance—”

“For instance?”

“Someone like Sehee.”

Lee Sehee? If I were being honest, I’d love to take her. Her abilities were the real deal.

But training her was kind of terrifying.

The more she’s cornered, the more she smiles that eerie smile of hers. That’s not normal.

“She’s a tempting talent, but Lee Sehee can only reach her full potential while she’s at Shinseong Group.”

“That’s not what I meant.”

“Then what did you mean?”

Lee Youngmun, who’d been staring at me, shook his head.

“We’ll talk about it later.”

Way to kill the mood.

I had nothing more to say either, so I quietly left.

* * *

“……”

Lee Youngmun watched the spot where Choi Junho had vanished without a trace, then let out a soft sigh.

He wasn’t Awakened, but Lee Youngmun had climbed to his position on the strength of his eye for people alone.

It was he who had scouted Baek Gunseo in his youth, and the executives in charge of the subsidiaries were all people he’d personally selected and groomed.

Without this eye, neither he nor Shinseong Group would have reached their current standing.

He’d heard of Choi Junho’s reputation, but the man was even more brazen and rude than the rumors suggested.

And his skill was even more certain.

His danger level far exceeded Lee Youngmun’s expectations. Miscalculate, and even Shinseong Group could be at risk.

In the past, he would have ordered the man cut off immediately.

But.

“When someone has the ability to back it up, even rudeness becomes charming.”

Lee Youngmun looked at the sweat pooled in his palm and let out a hollow laugh.

It had been a long time since he’d been this tense in front of someone.

He thought Lee Sehee had done remarkably well to keep that ferocious beast in check.

And Lee Sechan was out there provoking that beast’s temper.

“So I was a fool who neglected what was closest to me.”

He’d lived his whole life with a single-minded focus on making the family business succeed.

Yet he hadn’t managed to keep his own house in order, so he had no grounds to complain no matter what Choi Junho said to him.

Not that there was anyone around him to give him that kind of harsh advice in the first place.

Lee Youngmun immediately summoned his butler.

The butler, bewildered by the sudden call, was alarmed when he saw the state of the room.

“C-Chairman!”

“We had an intruder.”

“My deepest apologies! Please, kill me!”

The butler, ashen-faced, prostrated himself and trembled. An intruder in the home of South Korea’s richest conglomerate chairman.

What if the intruder had come with different intentions? It wouldn’t have been strange if his head had been sent rolling on the spot.

“I don’t intend to blame you. Re-examine the route the intruder used and rebuild the security system from scratch.”

“U-Understood.”

Watching the butler bow and leave, Lee Youngmun clicked his tongue lightly.

His only complaint was the lack of progress in his relationship with Lee Sehee.

“She’s not infertile, is she?”

Come on, surely not.

The next day, Lee Youngmun went to work at Shinseong Group headquarters.

* * *

Lee Youngmun’s emergence from his long seclusion threw Shinseong Group into a state of emergency.

His presence was so commanding that Lee Youngmun and Shinseong Group were practically synonymous.

Every eye in the headquarters and all the subsidiaries focused on Lee Youngmun.

When Baek Gunseo was summoned shortly after, the group’s executives realized the direct cause was the clash between Baek Gunseo and Lee Sehee.

“I’m disappointed.”

“……”

“If there was a problem, you should have told me.”

“……”

Baek Gunseo bowed his head quietly. Lee Youngmun stared at him without a word, then gave a shallow cough. Startled, Baek Gunseo looked up, and Lee Youngmun spoke.

“Gunseo.”

“Yes, Chairman.”

“Right now, I’m speaking as your brother.”

“Yes, hyungnim.”

“Do you really think of me as your brother?”

“I’m sorry.”

“There’s nothing to be sorry for. This happened because I was neglectful.”

“No, it’s not that.”

Watching Baek Gunseo bow his head once more, Lee Youngmun gasped for breath. When Baek Gunseo’s expression turned startled, Lee Youngmun raised a hand to stop him, saying it was just a brief shortness of breath.

The reason Baek Gunseo had clashed with Lee Sehee was his son. Baek Gunseo’s son, Baek Jinyong, who’d attached himself to Lee Sechan, was an immature troublemaker who’d committed several crimes. Lee Sechan had covered them up and, in exchange, asked Baek Gunseo to instigate a conflict with Lee Sehee.

Lee Sechan’s goal was no doubt the successor position.

But the Lee Sechan that Lee Youngmun saw was not successor material.

“Your son is my nephew. I’ll send Jinyong to study in the United States, where there are no Koreans at all. A few years of nothing but studying in an unfamiliar place should knock some sense into him. I won’t accept objections.”

“…Thank you, hyungnim.”

“If you still think of me as your brother, that’s enough. You cool your head too. You need to stay in good condition.”

“Yes.”

As Baek Gunseo left, Lee Youngmun clicked his tongue lightly.

This was the empire he had built. He’d only ever thought about placing it on a firm foundation during his own generation, and he’d been careless about what came after.

Perhaps it was because of the memories of competing with his own brother in his youth. Back then, the sibling rivalry had been harder than growing Shinseong Group to its current size.

Lee Youngmun thought of Choi Junho’s face—the man who had boldly infiltrated his residence and directed killing intent at him.

No matter how sturdy the fortress you build, a single person’s change of heart can bring it all down.

He knew what era they were living in, and he didn’t want to leave that kind of uncertainty unattended.

This was not an empire built to crumble because of one man.

“Summon General Operations Team Leader Lee Sehee.”

* * *

At her father’s summons, Lee Sehee felt her heart pound violently.

Her father had always been a difficult figure since childhood. To her, Lee Youngmun was both a father and a respected businessman—and a goal she absolutely wanted to surpass.

She’d achieved remarkable results as the General Operations Team Leader of the Shinseong Guild, but compared to her father, she was still far behind.

Still, somewhere deep in her heart, a desire to earn her father’s recognition was hidden away.

Her father, who’d been resting at home to recover his health, had come to the headquarters.

Instinctively, she knew it was because of the recent clash.

“Sehee.”

“Yes, Chairman.”

“Call me comfortably.”

“Yes, Dad.”

“I’ve spoken with Gunseo. He’ll come to apologize to you soon.”

Lee Sehee shook her head.

“I’ve already made up with Uncle.”

“But it wasn’t resolved officially. This matter could have been handled quietly—most of the blame lies with Gunseo for blowing it up. So Gunseo needs to bend once for it to end cleanly.”

In the process, Baek Gunseo’s pride would take a hit.

But with Lee Youngmun stepping in, there was nothing to worry about.

What she’d thought would be difficult, Lee Youngmun had resolved cleanly.

“……”

“And your achievements have brought honor to the Group.”

“R-Really?”

A faint smile tugged at the corner of Lee Youngmun’s mouth.

Lee Sehee knew. Countless employees had risked their lives working just to see that small smile. It was a sign of trust from Lee Youngmun.

“From now on, I’ll trust you with more work. Can you help me?”

“Yes! Of course!”

“Then there’s something you need to do first.”

“Just tell me!”

Lee Sehee answered confidently, but her expression turned surprised at what followed.

“Bring Choi Junho to me.”

“What?”

At the unexpected words, Lee Sehee’s eyes went wide.

* * *

Lee Youngmun, back from his long seclusion, made bold moves.

On his first day back, he not only cleanly resolved the conflict between Baek Gunseo and Lee Sehee, but also ousted twelve executives who’d been aligned with Lee Sechan.

Some saw this as Lee Sehee being marked as the successor.

He didn’t stop there—after visiting the Blue House, he announced large-scale investments, washing away the ominous atmosphere surrounding Shinseong Group in one stroke.

Judging by the news articles and the mood at the Blue House, it was clear this man could throw his weight around quite a bit.

And articles poured out saying he would strengthen cooperation with me.

Anyone reading would think Lee Youngmun and I were incredibly close.

And right now, I was attending a VIP party at the Shinseong Guild.

“Thank you for coming.”

Lee Sehee greeted me with a slightly flushed face.

I looked over the crowd filling the party hall and muttered.

“I came because I got an invitation, but I didn’t know it’d be this kind of event.”

“So many people wanted to meet the Chairman. Even this is heavily filtered down. Anyway, how do I look?”

With a swish, Lee Sehee turned in a circle and asked.

She was wearing a black long evening dress that emphasized her bodyline. A necklace, earrings, and bracelets added plenty of glamour, and a jeweled waist belt accentuated her narrow waist.

The leg line revealed by the dress’s side slit and her pale arms caught the eye.

Is she the type who can’t build muscle easily? Should I work her harder?

Still, from an aesthetic standpoint, she was beautiful.

“It suits you.”

“That’s a relief.”

Why does my opinion matter so much that she’d be that relieved?

Regardless, it was clear she’d gone all out with the styling.

Though I wasn’t sure she could breathe in that.

“Are you okay in the stomach?”

“Yes, I can breathe.”

“You’re not showing?”

“…That remark just now was worth minus a million points.”

So I’d just dropped to minus a million in favorability.

She’d made a similar face when I brought up Anna Christine’s age.

Anyway, I’d come to the party, but as expected, this kind of event doesn’t suit me.

The attention pouring in from all around clearly came from people wanting something from me. The thing was, I wanted nothing from them.

Maybe Lee Sehee noticed I had no intention of mingling, because she stayed by my side the whole time.

That was when Baek Gunseo approached me.

“Choi Junho.”

“Yes.”

“I caused sparks to fly your way over an internal matter. I apologize.”

Don’t transcendents have pride as high as the heavens? Was it really this easy to resolve?

He was offering to end things amicably, so I accepted in kind.

“I’m fine. I’ll make sure not to get in the way of the hunt.”

“In the way? If anything, we should be learning from you.”

“Then I’ll learn the Shinseong Guild’s methods as well.”

“I’ll be counting on you that day.”

With Baek Gunseo’s apology, the conversation ended on a relatively friendly note.

In the old days, one of us would have had to die. This was a satisfying enough outcome.

I looked at Lee Sehee and asked.

“How are the hunt preparations coming along?”

“Preparations are coming along smoothly. All that’s left is for Soye to show up, really.”

“Things are going well, then.”

Not that I had to do anything. I could just watch quietly from the back.

There’s a reason people say the Shinseong name is synonymous with ‘preparation.’

Just then, the murmuring grew louder. I turned my head toward the commotion, and there was Lee Youngmun walking toward me.

He still didn’t look well. Maybe I really should get him an elixir.

“Let me convey my thanks for coming.”

“I wouldn’t have come if it weren’t for Team Leader Lee’s invitation.”

“Right, you dislike gatherings like this. I’d like for you to get used to them, but a transcendent shouldn’t have to accommodate us. Next time, I’ll arrange something different.”

Was there really any need to go that far?

Unaware of what I was thinking, Lee Youngmun gave Lee Sehee a look.

“Please take good care of Sehee. Sehee, you look after Transcendent Choi Junho as well.”

“…Yes.”

For some reason, Lee Sehee was blushing.

Lee Youngmun, unwell as he was, left a short remark telling us to enjoy the party, then excused himself.

The moment he left, the atmosphere in the room noticeably lightened. Even though he wasn’t an Awakened and was small in build, the charisma of a group Chairman was something else.

I found a spot and ate some food. It was good, but for my tastes, nothing beats Guillermo’s Mexican-style soybean paste stew poured over rice.

Made with the Mediterranean mussel base broth from the recipe that James Reed taught me, it turns into something divine. Later, I should try adding Owl Bear head to it too.

I ate and exchanged greetings with a few of the distinguished guests who approached me. With Lee Sehee helping at my side, I got through it without any trouble.

“Bored?”

“Can I slip out soon?”

“I’ll cover the rest.”

“Alright.”

I was about to take Lee Sehee up on her offer and leave when—

“Choi Junho!”

Lee Sechan had entered the party hall.

His face was twisted in fury as he stormed toward me.

“Choi Junho, you son of a bitch—you think you’ll get away with this?”

He opened with an insult.

So he got chewed out by Lee Youngmun and now he’s taking it out on me.

His loud voice drew everyone’s attention.

See, this is why it never ends well for him. A fool really does make foolish choices.

“I’ll get away with it better than you will.”

“You think I’ll just let this go? I know your little sister’s in the Shinseong Guild. You might be safe, but your sister…”

Crack!

“Gwaaagh!”

My foot connected with Lee Sechan’s shin, bending his leg in a direction it was never meant to go.

Lee Sechan screamed and writhed on the floor. I’d held back because of Lee Youngmun’s request, but I had no intention of forgiving someone who’d crossed the line.

I kicked him lightly, over and over, breaking his knees and arms. Then I grabbed him by the hair and forced his eyes to meet mine.

A face gripped by fear stared back at me.

He’s weaker than me—so why does he keep picking fights?

Even if you hate someone, if you lack the strength, you keep it suppressed.

Or else become stronger than them.

“Say that again.”

“Ugh, you…”

“Did you think I’d let it go because you’re Sehee’s brother? You two aren’t even close.”

Time to finish this.

My hand was about to cover his face when—

“Junho!”

Lee Sehee threw herself between us, trying to pull Lee Sechan away.

I pushed her aside with my hand. I needed to end this.

That was when I heard Lee Youngmun’s voice—a voice that hadn’t been in the room.

“Transcendent Choi Junho.”

I turned my head. Lee Youngmun stood there, gasping for breath. Beside him, Baek Gunseo was supporting him with a worried expression.

Baek Gunseo looked ready to lunge at any moment. His own son had been used, yet his loyalty was unmistakable. But if he tried anything here, I’d kill him too.

Lee Youngmun steadied his breathing and spoke to me.

“I apologize for my son’s rudeness.”

“There’s no need for the Chairman to apologize.”

I knew he was a different man from this brat.

“I’ll make sure he’s never seen in your presence again. Can you let him live?”

“Do you still have attachment to your son?”

“I don’t. But if I let my son die like this, it would be bad for both Transcendent Choi Junho and for me.”

“Then I’ll leave it to you.”

I let go of the hair in my grip and pulled a recovery potion from my coat, sprinkling it on him. With a hiss, his limbs returned to their original shape. But Lee Sechan couldn’t even scream—he just twitched.

“You have my gratitude for your mercy. Take him out.”

At Lee Youngmun’s word, bodyguards rushed in and helped Lee Sechan up.

I hadn’t intended to kill him from the start anyway.

No matter how much of a brat he was, he was Lee Youngmun’s son and Lee Sehee’s brother.

But the moment he mentioned Yunhee, he crossed the line. And for that, I’d make him wish he were dead.

Lee Sehee came up to me. Her face was a mess with tears.

“Junho, thank you. Thank you so much.”

“It’s nothing worth thanking me for.”

I hadn’t left any loose ends.

As Lee Sechan was dragged out, his eyes were glazed and unfocused.