Chapter 64: Chapter 64

+++

“Master, about the person you mentioned, Jeon Seong-hyun.”

“Yes?”

“It’s a bit complicated, so please listen carefully.”

Do I really need to listen carefully about some side character? But, alright, I’ll listen.

“First, among the women associated with the current Chairman, there’s a woman with the last name Min. She has a fourth daughter, and Jeon Seong-hyun is the third son of that daughter’s husband’s older sister.”

“What?”

Something doesn’t add up.

“The third son of the older sister of the husband of the Min lady’s fourth daughter.”

“…Wait, doesn’t that mean there’s no blood relation?”

While the fourth daughter of Lady Min does have the Chairman’s blood, Jeon Seong-hyun isn’t even her child, but the son of her husband’s sister. He’s just connected by marriage.

“To be precise, yes. But in our country, marriage is often seen as a union between families, so Prestige loosely acknowledges such connections as ‘extended family,’ treating them as if they’re ‘distant relatives.’”

“What nonsense… If you include such connections, you’d have about three thousand extended family members.”

“Actually, Prestige records 4,516 people registered as ‘extended family.’ Among them, only about seventy have actual blood ties.”

“Wow.”

No wonder there’s such a strong hierarchy. If “extended family” includes everyone loosely related by marriage, the average “purity” of blood must be low, which explains why they aren’t treated like real family.

Perhaps it’s the other way around—they broaden the definition of “extended family” intentionally to justify treating them like outsiders.

The fewer the numbers, the stronger the privileges. The larger the group, the weaker the benefits become. That’s true in any organization.

The real blood relatives must be furious about this arrangement.

These genuine relatives, with actual blood ties, are being devalued by being lumped in with random outsiders. It must be infuriating.

“So, he’s technically ‘extended family’?”

“Yes.”

A guy with no blood relation to the family, acting as if he’s “extended family” and daring to interfere in my business… he’s just doubled his offense.

“Then, I guess it’s time to send him a warning. What would be the best approach?”

“Is it necessary, really?”

“Hm?”

“You’ve already directed orders straight to the Chief Prosecutor, and the special investigation is continuing. Not to mention the article you published. Any competent person would know your intentions by now, Master.”

“You’re right. Now that you mention it, it does seem that way.”

Though I didn’t personally inform Jeon Seong-hyun, if he doesn’t get the message, then too bad for him.

“Let’s wait and see, then. As long as the investigation continues, we’ll keep an eye on any further interference.”

“Yes, Master.”

+++

The next day.

From the early morning, the status of Prosecutor Lee Na-eun’s special investigation had transformed entirely. All of a sudden, overwhelming support arrived from the Chief Prosecutor.

The special investigation team received full access to medical implants, travel expenses, personnel support, medical AV support, and far more than they’d ever had before.

Just yesterday, they were facing the threat of dissolution; now, they were not only continuing but getting unprecedented support. Anyone capable of thinking would naturally conclude that something was going on.

“…What on earth is happening? We were in such a different situation yesterday.”

“….”

In response to her colleague’s surprise, reporter Yoon Ha-young faintly smiled.

“Maybe the special investigation has some big sponsors.”

“What? W-what are you saying about the Prosecutor?!”

“Just kidding.”

“That’s an awful joke! Don’t you think you’ve been acting strangely lately, reporter Yoon? Isn’t it too much?”

“Oh, please. We’re just doing this for ‘justice.’”

As she glanced at the stacks of support documents and supplies, her eyes looked almost lifeless.

“Maybe Prosecutor Lee Na-eun has some powerful connections?”

“You think? She did seem confident yesterday, saying the investigation wouldn’t be shut down.”

“But wasn’t the pressure to dissolve the investigation coming from high above? If she overturned that, then…”

“It doesn’t seem like a simple sponsor.”

“Doesn’t seem her style to have a sponsor anyway. Haven’t you worked with her long enough to know?”

“How can anyone really know someone after a few days? You all know that well enough.”

Even among the prosecutors, there was intense chatter about the sudden reversal of the special investigation’s standing and the attention on Lee Na-eun.

“Interesting times these days.”

Lee Na-eun allowed herself a small smile. Not long ago, she was dismissed as a nobody, excluded from the ranks. Now, seeing everyone eyeing her with newfound interest brought a slight thrill.

This was new to her. She had never felt emotions this vividly before. In the past, her monotonous routine barely allowed her to feel anything unless she practically drained herself dry.

But now, every day brought new sensations. While it wasn’t overwhelming, compared to feeling nothing at all, it was worlds apart.

“Ahh… I pledge my loyalty to you, my Master.”

With that thought, she once again swore allegiance to Go Muyeol, feeling that as long as she stayed by his side, her days would continue to be filled with excitement.

Ding.

Just then…

“…?”

Lee Na-eun received a summons from the Incheon District Prosecutor’s Office.

+++

Five minutes before Lee Na-eun was summoned to the Incheon District Prosecutor’s Office.

Clink.

“Hm~. Not bad. Guess someone of your rank would use high-quality beans.”

“….”

A young man sat leisurely in the Chief Prosecutor’s office at Incheon District, reclining comfortably in the head chair, his legs crossed. He swirled the coffee the Chief Prosecutor’s assistant had served him and took a casual sip.

The Chief Prosecutor, now demoted to a lower position in his own office, suppressed his discomfort and spoke,

“Young Master, may I ask why you’ve come unannounced—”

“You know exactly why. Are you really asking because you don’t?”

“Ahem.”

The Chief Prosecutor averted his gaze, clearing his throat.

“The continuation of the special investigation reflects the will of the people of Incheon, and, by extension, the people of Korea. The prosecution is obligated to uphold that will in the pursuit of justice.”

“Is that so? I wasn’t aware our prosecution had such a democratic touch. Doesn’t democracy entering the judiciary mean the judiciary is over? That’s what I’ve been taught.”

The young man leaned forward, set the coffee down, and reclined back on the sofa.

Watching this youth spread out in the highest seat, reserved for the Chief Prosecutor, was galling for a man nearing sixty. But he had no choice—staying on the good side of Go-Ryeo Group was essential for his survival in Korea.

“Let’s cut the pleasantries. It’s clear that our Chief Prosecutor is keeping the investigation open for Go-Ryeo Entertainment’s sake, isn’t it?”

“Well—”

“Oh, enough. We have to keep it going. If those at the top say investigate, then we have to investigate. I’m not unreasonable.”

“….”

“In return, I’d just like a brief meeting with Prosecutor Lee Na-eun.”

“With… Prosecutor Lee Na-eun?”

“It must be tough work. I’d like to encourage her a bit, have a little chat. You know?”

“….”

The Chief Prosecutor quickly understood his intent.

“Young Master, meddling with others’ possessions isn’t wise, especially when it involves one of our own.”

“What?”

“This is sincere advice.”

“What are you saying?! Whose ‘possession’ are you talking about?!”

Losing his patience, he raised his voice. The Chief Prosecutor, calm as ever, held his composure.

“As you know, the investigation continues because of Go-Ryeo Entertainment. The reason Go-Ryeo Entertainment wants the special investigation to continue… you know that, don’t you?”

“What reason? They just read an article and got scared. Go-Ryeo Entertainment isn’t concerned. It was just an advertisement, that’s all.”

“Excuse me?”

What was this nonsense?

It seemed their conversation was diverging.

“Oh, never mind. Keep the investigation going. Do whatever you want. If there’s resistance, fine, keep going. But just bring me Prosecutor Lee Na-eun, alright? I’ll handle the rest myself!”

“….”

The Chief Prosecutor sensed the strangeness of the request but saw no need to correct him.

This insolent brat… let him face the consequences.

He nodded reluctantly.

“…Understood. I’ll summon Prosecutor Lee Na-eun.”

Thus, Prosecutor Lee Na-eun was called to the Incheon District Prosecutor’s Office.

“Incheon District Prosecutor’s Office, Criminal Division 3, Lee Na-eun reporting.”

“Oh, yes, yes. Welcome, Prosecutor Lee Na-eun. This here is—”

“I’m Jeon Seong-hyun of Go-Ryeo Group. It’s better if you don’t know too much. Just think of me as someone immensely important.”

“….”@@novelbin@@

She had expected a meeting with the Chief Prosecutor, but instead found herself facing a slimy man, with the same name as the individual she’d been investigating.

Is this a surprise or simply familiar?

The situation became clear. Jeon Seong-hyun, infamous for his appetite for women, had clearly set his sights on her after seeing her.

Most men, when overwhelmed by desire, abandon all caution and recklessly pursue their target like moths to a flame.

“Wow… you look even better in person. This is our first time meeting, isn’t it? Have a seat. We’ve got plenty of—”

“Excuse me, I need to use the restroom.”

“What? Hey, hold on—”

She immediately stormed out of the Chief Prosecutor’s office, brushing past a bewildered secretary at the desk. Ignoring Jeon Seong-hyun’s shouts behind her, she headed straight for the restroom on the floor below.

Once inside, she called Go Muyeol.

“Oh. Any issues with the investigation?”

“The investigation is ongoing, and we’ve got ample support. But I’m facing a critical, life-threatening crisis.”

“A life-threatening crisis? What are you talking about?”

“Master… your precious girl might just end up with someone else.”

“…What?”

The atmosphere on the other end of the line turned dark. She could sense his possessiveness flaring up, which sent a thrill through her as she continued,

“I was summoned to the Prosecutor’s Office and found Jeon Seong-hyun waiting in the Chief Prosecutor’s office. He was looking at me… very lecherously. If this keeps up, I might end up with someone else’s, um, ‘attention.’”

Click.

The call cut off. She had the feeling he was already on his way.

““Awww. You're such a master.””