719

 [Chapter 184]

[As the Heart Moves]

After monsters invaded Gangbuk.

People in political and business circles were asked to exercise self-restraint and moderation by the public.

Therefore, they had to minimize external activities while being mindful of public opinion.

In that sense─.

"─As expected of a networking event hosted by Luminous Group. Has there been a gathering of so many people since the Seoul invasion?"

"The Luminous name is living up to its value, with people who are usually hard to see attending well."

The networking event hosted by Luminous Group, ranked 4th in the business world, was splendid and grand, as much as it had been suppressed until now.

Luminous Group's party was a symbol that the economy was reviving, and a signal that people in political and business circles would start external activities again.

People in political and business circles who attended the networking event relieved their pent-up feelings and continued private exchanges while watching people gather in the grand banquet hall.

""""..."

Meanwhile, their interest was focused on one place.

Their gazes were directed at the Luminous Group direct lines currently.

The group's chairman Lee Jungin was chatting with the vice chairman of YH Group along with his wife.

And Lee Jungin's eldest son Lee Yucheon was in the middle of talking quietly with YH Group's direct line Choi Yejin.

"It seems the rumors that Luminous and YH joined hands were true. Looking at people who pretended not to know each other getting along so well like that."

"Did the YH Group chairman not come? Well, chairmen of other groups wouldn't come to a place like this. I guess the vice chairman coming shows consideration for Luminous Group."

"The YH Group chairman is old and quite ill, so it can't be helped. Anyway, the important one is that child. I don't see Lee Yujung."

"Choi Yejang isn't visible yet either."

"Are they coming in together?"

""""..."

A strange rumor spread in political and business circles recently.

They say Luminous Group and YH Group, who were competing while viewing each other as rivals due to overlapping business areas, reconciled and will monopolize the cultural industry.

In fact, it had some credibility as the direct lines of the two groups were seen getting close.

Luminous Group's precious daughter Lee Yujung recently met YH Group's direct line Choi Yejang.

Although Lee Yujung wasn't officially appearing in public activities, opportunities for exposure increased somewhat as she who had been confined to the mansion gradually showed herself outside.

She was discovered by people who were paying attention to Luminous Group's moves.

So such rumors circulated.

"It seems the engagement between Lee Yujung and Choi Yejang was really true."

"Looking at the YH Group vice chairman coming, they might officially announce it at this occasion today."

But the chairmen and vice chairmen of the two groups are talking so intimately like that.

The thoughts people were doubting were gradually becoming certainties.

As a result, they waited for the moment Lee Yujung and Choi Yejang would appear while relieving their pent-up feelings.

If the two appear together, then the rumors would become truth.

And if those rumors become truth, people with interests entangled with the two groups would have to establish new strategies accordingly.

At that moment─.

"─It's <Crimson Wing>. Did Pandora Clan come together?"

""""..."

A large crowd entered the grand banquet hall.

It was over 20 people.

The eyes of people chatting with each other turned towards them.

""""..."

The networking event was a place attended by people considered socially prominent.

So they could also be said to belong to that category.

No, it was insufficient to simply call them "prominent".

They were people now called heroes beyond just being celebrities.

"To think they would invite those people..."

"Anyone can invite. What's important is that those people accepted the invitation and all attended."

"I can see well that Pandora Clan has a special relationship with Luminous Group."

Pandora Clan.

Although receiving B+ rank by Mana Management Organization standards.

The people gathered here knew they couldn't evaluate them as B+ rank.

In some quarters, they were even evaluated as potential S rank.

That's how much attention Pandora Clan's full appearance received from people.

Among them, the person receiving the most attention was the one standing at the front.

""""..."

<Crimson Wing> Noh Eunha.

A hero who resolved last year's Seoul invasion and a player receiving the Fairy's favor.

Is that all?

When it came to talking about Noh Eunha, countless stories poured out to the point of making one's mouth hurt.

The nemesis of Twelve Seats <Yamma >.

Next Twelve Seats dealer.

Next strongest in Korea.

A close associate of Sirius Group.

And─.

"─Entering holding hands with Jeong Hayang and Han Seohyun means he'll treat them equally?"

"It's amazing he doesn't hurt the pride of both who would be direct lines of their groups."

"There's no need to worry about Han Seohyun. The person to worry about is Jeong Hayang... Huh, she doesn't seem to mind at all."

"Anyway, Noh Eunha is a scary guy. To think he'd form close relationships with two groups through political marriages."

A close associate of Alice Group.

People were aware of the fact that Noh Eunha married Sirius Group's direct line Han Seohyun.

And they also knew he would marry Alice Group's direct line Jeong Hayang someday.

1st and 3rd in the business world.

People couldn't help but feel fear towards Noh Eunha who was becoming the son-in-law of two groups.

So in fact, they prayed that those three people would not get along well.

But their hopes were betrayed.

By entering the grand banquet hall holding hands with the two, Noh Eunha revealed his intention to treat them equally regardless of wife or concubine.

Moreover, although they couldn't know their true feelings, the expressions of the three were harmonious.

"Anyway, he's a scary guy. If Noh Eunha was just a simple hero, he wouldn't be this scary."

People's evaluations were almost similar.

Noh Eunha was someone to be wary of.

If he was just a simple hero, they could surely approach Noh Eunha with friendly faces and coax him.

Also, public opinion changes.

Someone who was a hero today could possibly become a criminal tomorrow.

Public sentiment is something that can't be ignored when gathered, but it sways like a reed this way and that.

It's that easy to handle and variable.

But he was receiving not only the Fairy's favor, but also the protection of the 1st and 3rd ranked business groups.

Even if public opinion worsened, his influence would still be powerful.

Moreover, looking at him marrying the direct lines of two groups─.

─He might not simply want to become a social hero.

It could mean he wants to invade our world and exert influence.

That guy isn't a simple hero.

He's ambitious.

Noh Eunha is coveting power.

He's trying to grasp not only public sentiment but also power in political and business circles.

It was the decisive reason why he couldn't be seen as a naive hero.

Therefore, people only looked at Noh Eunha from afar, unable to approach rashly.

Right at that moment─.

""""─..."

Parting the crowd.

There was someone approaching them.

Grasping that person's identity.

Everyone held their breath.

Soon Noh Eunha and those who followed him also seemed to grasp the person approaching them.

Eventually the man stood in front of them.

The man who looked to be in his late 20s soon raised the corners of his mouth.

He opened his mouth.

"─It's been a long time. Seohyun and Hayang have changed unrecognizably since I last saw you. And the Pandora Clan Lord too."

""""..."

Galaxy Group's direct line Choi Junghoon.

He greeted them.

☆

Luminous Hotel Myeongdong Branch.

As it was a networking event held in Gangbuk, this networking event also included the meaning that Gangbuk had been reconstructed.

There are a lot of people.

Is it because people ranked in the top 100 groups and those who made names for themselves socially are participating?

Han Seohyun on the right.

Jeong Hayang on the left.

Eunha who entered holding hands on both sides looked around.

It seemed other players besides Pandora Clan members were also attending the networking event.

Eunha briefly exchanged greetings with those who made eye contact with him.

Among them, he could also spot Shilla Clan Lord Kim Yujin.

There are quite a lot of Shilla Clan people.

Well, it makes sense since they receive sponsorship from Luminous Group. Looking at it, some clan members seem to be in charge of guarding the chairman.

The Shilla Clan Lord seems to be attending as a guest.

Soon Eunha frowned.

The clan receiving sponsorship from YH Group was Blaze Clan.

Eunha could see the Eight Jades too.

Eunha quickly turned his head.

Let's not get involved with those people.

Deciding to warn the clan members too.

Eunha walked around the banquet hall with Han Seohyun and Jeong Hayang.

Naturally, he ended up chatting with people who were acquainted with the two.

In the meantime─.

"─It's been a long time. Seohyun and Hayang have changed unrecognizably since I last saw you. And the Pandora Clan Lord too."

""""..."

Galaxy Group's Choi Junghoon spoke to Eunha.

No, on the surface, he just spoke to Jeong Hayang and Han Seohyun on either side of Eunha.

But Eunha knew his gaze was directed at himself.

Speaking to Seohyun and Hayang is just an excuse. The target is me.

Indeed, Choi Junghoon quickly finished greeting the two and turned his body.

He held out his hand.

To this, Eunha─.

"─Yes, it's been a long time."

"Your atmosphere has changed a lot since I saw you at the Academy then."

"The same goes for you."

""""..."

Choi Junghoon who had been in self-restraint for a long time.

Eunha shook hands with him.

The two looked at each other without avoiding gazes.

"Our positions have changed a lot. Back then you were an Academy student, but now you've become someone I can't even think of recruiting."

"That's right. The saying that you never know what will happen in the world fits perfectly. As for... Galaxy Drone President, it must be tough since you haven't been back for long. Are you busy with work these days?"

It was a conversation with barbs.

Choi Junghoon mentioned 'that day' when Choi Gain died.

At the same time, 'that day' was also the occasion for Choi Junghoon to be placed under probation.

Yet Choi Junghoon unhesitatingly brought up what happened that day to Eunha.

Is he suspecting me?

No, that's not it. This guy probably knows I'll become an enemy.

A somewhat arrogant attitude.

And a tone as if self-deprecating.

Nevertheless, Eunha didn't miss the strange light hidden in Choi Junghoon's eyes.

He has some ulterior motive.

He must have approached to gauge his true intentions.

And also─.

"─It seems we'll see each other a lot in the future, so don't speak with distance and drop formalities. There's not much age difference between us."

"I will."

"You dropped them right away?"

"You told me to."

"Right, I did say that. Let's get along well from now on."

While trying to become acquainted with him, he's probably trying to check on him too.

Choi Junghoon put strength in his hand.

To this, Eunha also put more strength in the hand holding his hand.

Of course, Choi Junghoon who wasn't even a player couldn't win against Eunha's strength.

""..."

Although he didn't show it.

Choi Junghoon let go of his hand first.

Only then did Eunha release his hand.

The two looked at each other.

Choi Junghoon burst out laughing.

"You have quite a temper too? Your eyes remind me of my late grandfather. You're aiming for high places."

"So are you."

"Yes, that's right. So let's get along well. You and I aren't in a relationship where we have to compete, right? Gain's death is now a thing of the past too."

"..."

Choi Junghoon's expression softened.

Then he held out his hand again, requesting a handshake from Eunha.

An indirect gesture of reconciliation.

Eunha quietly looked at that.

It would be right to shake hands here.

Since we can't be openly hostile.

Both he and I will pretend to shake hands while aiming for each other's backs.

Many people were watching too.

There was no need to be openly hostile.

Eunha finished thinking to respond to Choi Junghoon's intention.

It was right then.

"─Oh my, Junghoon oppa. Why are you trying to steal our brother-in-law? Do you think brother-in-law will play with you if you do that? Sadly, brother-in-law will play with me. Right, brother-in-law?"

""""..."

"You're still the same as ever."

Sirius Group's direct line Han Seoyeon suddenly cut in between the two.

Then she swatted away Choi Junghoon's hand and snatched Eunha's arm.

Choi Junghoon wasn't flustered by Han Seoyeon's sudden action.

Rather, he just sighed as if used to it.

"You shouldn't try to steal brother-in-law like this just because I persuaded oppa's cousins. They're newlyweds who haven't even been married to Seohyun for 1 year yet, so leave them alone."

"You're such a hypocrite. It's not like I'm going to ruin the family like you, I'm just trying to get along well, so why do you have to block me like this?"

"Don't touch newlyweds. Don't bother brother-in-law who will spend this year lovey-dovey with Seohyun and next year lovey-dovey with Hayang."

"Fine. You're really selfish."

"Tsk, aren't you the same, oppa?"

Before they knew it, Han Seoyeon and Choi Junghoon started leading the conversation.

Eunha was left out.

Where did that noona pop out from?

And brother-in-law, it's unfamiliar.

Eunha was half dumbfounded.

Now Choi Junghoon was ignoring him and exchanging checks disguised as conversation with Han Seoyeon.

He had truly become like a sack of barley brought in.

"Let's go over there."

"Yeah, we should be able to go."

Then Han Seohyun pulled his hand.

Jeong Hayang agreed.

Thanks to Han Seoyeon blocking Choi Junghoon.

The three were able to leave the place that was actually just awkward.

But that was only for a moment.

"─Hello, Eunha. It's been so long. Are you spending your newlywed life passionately? Seohyun doesn't act coy in bed while being shy, does she?"

"You're really saying unnecessary things. Is it fun to say vulgar things in front of people?"

"What? Do others think you two don't do that kind of thing?"

When they distanced themselves from Choi Junghoon.

This time Samra Group's direct line Oh Haein approached.

As soon as she narrowed the distance, she immediately blurted out vulgar words, so.

Han Seohyun frowned with a displeased face.

After Choi Junghoon, it's Oh Haein?

 By the way, Seohyun and Haein don't seem to get along very well.

Eunha glanced at Han Seohyun while greeting Oh Haein after a long time.

The two were the same age.

Perhaps because of that, the two were treating each other without formality.

But listening to their conversation in detail, they didn't seem to get along very well.

Jeong Hayang seemed to have sensed it too.

She was smiling awkwardly.

Nevertheless, she didn't just stand by and took Han Seohyun's side.

"Hey, Haein unni. Even if you're happy to see each other after a long time, you shouldn't do that in front of people."

"Tsk, so you're taking Seohyun's side now that you're becoming one family? I don't have anyone on my side... Fine, I won't do it. Is that okay?"

Oh Haein naturally had to back down when Jeong Hayang stepped in too.

She sighed as if feeling hurt.

Then she changed the topic.

"By the way, Junghoon oppa has changed so much he's unrecognizable. Before, I thought he was showing off excessively because confidence was overflowing from his face, but looking at him today, that's not the case. He's become quite sexy. Maybe it's because he gives off a gloomy atmosphere, but he's decadent."

"I'm not interested."

"Hm? Is that so? I don't know well either. We're not very close..."

"These two are really putting on airs in pairs because Eunha is next to them."

Unfortunately, the two showed no interest in the topic she brought up.

Saying they've achieved max level in putting on airs.

Oh Haein openly clicked her tongue.

☆

After the Seoul invasion, Samra Group's name was deeply imprinted on people's minds.

This was because Samra Group was the representative group that moved the relief supplies prepared by business groups.

As a result, Oh Haein was able to secure a stable position as a direct line of the 10th ranked business group, they say.

"So she pounced on me. Now that she's escaped from having to be mindful of me and Hayang."

After Oh Haein's storm of chatter.

Han Seohyun explained the situation to Eunha as soon as she disappeared into the distance.

Eunha nodded.

Samra Group's influence seems to have gotten quite strong.

While business groups suffered a lot of economic damage due to the Seoul invasion, Samra Group rather benefited, it seems.

At the same time, they gained fame too.

Eunha could now understand why Oh Haein didn't grovel like before earlier.

I'll need to be careful, he thought.

Eunha organized his thoughts.

"I see Dojun over there too. How about going to Dojun this time?"

"Okay, go ahead."

"Geonwoong is over there too! It's nice to meet Academy classmates after a long time."

After that, he met Yoo Dojun, or caught up with KK Group's direct line Kim Geonwoong after a long time.

He also exchanged words with Donghae Group's direct line Jeong Geumjeon.

And as time passed─.

""""─..."

Two people entered the banquet hall.

Luminous Group's direct line Lee Yujung.

YH Group's direct line Choi Yejang.

The two wearing a dress and tuxedo were holding hands.

"So that rumor was really true."

"A marriage alliance between Luminous Group and YH Group..."

""""..."

Receiving everyone's gazes.

Lee Yujung who seemed somewhat shrunk was entering the banquet hall supported by Choi Yejang.

They finally put a period of truth on the rumors that had been circulating occasionally.

And Eunha─.

─Crunch

Glaring at Choi Yejang walking while embracing Lee Yujung's shoulders.

Eunha gritted his teeth.

☆

Rewinding time, one week ago.

Eunha visited Byeok Haesoo's workshop.

"Hyung, can you make something for me?"

"Huh? Did you come to ask me to make an artifact or something?"

"No, not an artifact."

Byeok Haesoo was in the middle of work.

Eunha quietly waited in his seat until Byeok Haesoo finished his work.

Eventually, Byeok Haesoo who finished work sat across from Eunha and asked.

"So what did you want to request?"

"Can you make some accessories?"

"Accessories? You said you won't use it for artifacts... Ah, you want me to make it as a gift?"

"Yeah, that's right. Make it pretty."

"What should I make?"

"A ring."

"A ring? To give to your sister-in-law? Which sister-in-law are you giving it to?"

As if it wasn't a big deal.

Byeok Haesoo shrugged.

Soon he showed curiosity.

Eunha smiled bitterly.

"─To give as an engagement congratulatory gift for a friend."

"..."

"A friend precious to me. So please make it really pretty."

"Ugh... Okay, I got it."

Engagement congratulations.

Eunha spoke with a feeling of tightly squeezing his heart.

Seeing the trembling fist.

Byeok Haesoo agreed without saying anything.

"Ah, but..."

"What now?"

"Make it so it can't be taken easily."

"What?"

"Install a trap or something in the ring box. Make it explode when opened."

"...Are you really asking me to make it to congratulate?"

When Eunha spoke after a pause.

Byeok Haesoo was dumbfounded.

Eunha raised the corners of his mouth.

"When someone's trying to take my friend, shouldn't I check whether he's a man I can acknowledge or not?"

Is that really just a friend?

Byeok Haesoo was at a loss for words.