Chapter 88: Chapter 88

“…Having an artificial island would bring significant synergy to all my business ventures. First, installing a private prison on the island would make inmate management far more convenient and, in emergencies, allow it to be removed from the mainland… (continues)…”

I had memorized nearly ten full A4 pages of this. All for the purpose of convincing my aunt.

Why I need the island, what I plan to do with it, what benefits she would gain by giving it to me.

All of these things I’d practiced reciting without a single mistake to present before her.

Of course, I didn’t write this script alone. I used all the manpower I could.

There’s Lim Soo-ah, once a police team leader, now the manager at Prestige; Seo Eun-mi, a former National Intelligence Service spy now employed at Prestige, capable of hacking into the prosecutor’s office; Seo Hyun-joo, who leads a team at a well-known news agency and is often mentioned for promotion; and finally, Lee Na-eun, an elite prosecutor by profession.

I gathered everyone who seemed to have a knack for strategy and had them draft this. Naturally, I didn’t just sit back; I made sure to supervise, occasionally adding “motivation” to keep them encouraged.

I believe that with all my objectives and my envisioned future woven into this, I’ll be able to persuade my aunt. After all, this is like, “I’m not just giving it to you, so at least put on a bit of a show.” It should be fine…

“Though it does bother me that I’m showing off my thorough preparation…”

Any insecurities, I’ll cover with a gift. By giving her something she’ll love, I’ll lighten the mood before my presentation and ensure a favorable result.

“But… what should I give her?”

That’s the problem. I have no clue what my aunt likes.

With Chairman Go Yeong-man, it was well known that he loved the game of Go—even appearing in official interviews for a game company. So, I gave him a board crafted by a master.

But for Go Min-young? I have no idea. Should I just give her a teddy bear, considering her name…?

…

I really don’t know.

Koryo Group is wrapped in a bit of mystery, so I have no choice but to rely on Go Muyeol’s drug-hazed memories. And this brat, who barely remembers his own parents, naturally has no clear memories of his aunt either.

“This useless druggie…”

In the end, I asked for help.

I called Go Min-young’s daughter, Go Min-ji.

Apparently, she wasn’t busy, as she answered immediately.

“Oh my, what’s the occasion? You’re actually calling?”

“Good health, as always—”

“Skip the small talk and get to the point.”

How curt.

“Ahem, I’m scheduled to visit Military Headquarters this week.”

“Oh? Is it already that time? Yeah, I guess it’s about right.”

“Also, to deliver Aunt Baek Seol’s custom weapon and, uh, enhance my… assistants.”

“Ah, that? Makes sense. It’s about ready by now. So?”

“My aunt mentioned giving me an artificial island. I feel I should give her something in return, but I can’t figure out what she’d like, so I’m reaching out to you.”

“What about me?”

“Pardon?”

“Aren’t you getting me anything?”

“….”

What exactly did she do?

“Playing favorites, are you?”

“Oh… no. Of course, I’ll prepare something for you as well…”

“I don’t need anything physical. Just come to my villa sometime. I’ve been setting up that thing I told you about.”

That thing… could she mean that ridiculous plan she mentioned, with women gathered at a villa, me acting out scenes, and her hunting with a bow? It was such an outrageous and disturbing concept, I nearly fainted.

“…Alright. I’ll try to come by someday.”

“You promised. Don’t back out on me.”

“….”

I’ll try to hold off and visit as late as possible.

“My mother, huh? Hmm, what would she like?”

“….”

“Come to think of it, I’ve never seen her like anything in particular. Maybe we’re just not that close?”

“Wouldn’t you at least give her gifts on her birthday?”

“Gifts? Why would people like us bother with that? We just make a courtesy call.”

“….”

She’s not very helpful, either.

“You were just thinking that I’m not helpful, weren’t you?”

“Huh? I… don’t know what you mean.”

“You arrogant little—”

Why is she so quick to catch on?

“I wasn’t thinking anything. Don’t jump to conclusions.”

“Don’t bring any cheap nonsense. Just take care of yourself. Seeing her nephew in good health would be the best gift.”

“…Isn’t that a bit irresponsible?”

“Why not show a bit of healthy masculinity? She’ll appreciate it.”

“….”

What kind of nonsense…?

I doubt I’ll get any answers from her.

“Yes. I’ll keep that in mind.”

“So unenthusiastic. Well, you’ll understand once you see for yourself. What good is talking about it?”

Tch.

In the end, I suppose I’ll have to give her “that.”

“By the way, will you be at headquarters as well?”@@novelbin@@

“No, I’m in the Pacific~.”

“The Pacific?”

“Yeah. Took a real vacation and crossed the Pacific. I bought a boat recently. Wanna see?”

She sent me a photo. It was a selfie with her arm stretched out, and in the background was her “boat,” which looked anything but ordinary.

A large, flat deck, with an island tucked into a corner and aircraft with folded wings neatly gathered on the deck.

“Isn’t that… an aircraft carrier?”

“Yep.”

“You bought that?”

“Yeah. It was idle, so I bought it.”

What in the world…

“I’m planning to do a bit of piracy with it. Haha.”

“….”

“Wouldn’t it be fun to capture an island, kill the men, and spare the women?”

“Oh… yes.”

Buying an aircraft carrier just to play pirate. And personally, too.

I can’t even respond; she’s on such a different wavelength.

“Oh, hey, they spotted an inhabited island. Time for work. Take care.”

And with that, she hung up. I felt a mix of disbelief and exasperation wash over me.

“…I have no choice. I’ll have to go get that.”

In the end, I decided to go with the safest gift. Not extravagant, but something women truly enjoy.

Wednesday, October 28th.

I headed to Gangwon Province to find a special gift for my aunt.

It could only be found in a unique forest that formed on cliffsides, and there was one available on the East Coast.

Its appearance was dazzling and enchanting, though completely useless… A classic decorative item, but one that’s incredibly popular with women.

The in-game description even says, “The pinnacle of enchantment. Any woman who receives this gift can’t help but be delighted.” It’s practically a cheat code for gifts aimed at women.

When I’m totally at a loss, like now, this is the go-to gift. Of course, it only works for women.

“Wow, I’ve never been to Gangwon Province before.”

“Me neither.”

Gangwon Province was a place of scenic beauty. Unlike Incheon, where you hardly feel it, here you immediately understand the phrase “mountains stretching out like a backdrop.”

But I wasn’t here to admire the view, so I headed straight for my destination.

“Is there really a gift suitable for her here?”

“Yup.”

“You know a lot of peculiar things, Master. Like that haunted Go board…”

“What’s peculiar? You’ll fall for it once you see it.”

“Oh my, that much?”

Chatting with Soo-ah, I climbed the cliff. Although steep, it didn’t require any coastal rock climbing; it was just a regular mountain hike.

After going deeper in, we reached a dense forest of trees. This part was a bit tricky, as I recalled.

“…Stay close.”

We circled around for about two hours to reach the destination. I should probably cut down all these trees.

“Oh? That…”

Soo-ah pointed in one direction, her face lighting up despite the exhaustion and sweat.

“Wow… is that what you were talking about?”

“Yeah.”

I guess it’s true—women recognize it right away.

“Master, I’ve never seen anything like this.”

“From the haunted Go board to… this.”

I moved closer and reached out carefully.

“Master! That’s dangerous—”

“It’s fine. It’s not hot.”

I plucked the blazing red rose and gently placed it into the transparent storage case I’d brought.

The “Undying Enchantment.”

A rose that burns but never burns out. Just watching it, it feels like it captures your very soul.

“It’s even more stunning in person.”

With this, even my rough-around-the-edges aunt should be pleased. Hardly any woman dislikes flowers.

Especially a live flower that never wilts? No doubt about it.

“Um… but, Master.”

“?”

“Are you really giving that to your aunt?”

“Yes.”

“….”

“What?”

“It’s a rose, isn’t it? A bit…”

“What’s wrong with a rose?”

It’s the most popular flower among women.

“…Nothing, forget it.”

Soo-ah… why leave your sentence hanging?

“Let’s go. We don’t have much time.”