The S-Classes That I Raised

Chapter 628: Heir

“Mister, was she someone you knew?”

“I do know her, but I only saw her for a moment… Yuhyun, you remember her too, right? That middle aged woman who visited as the representative of the British Hunter Association back then.”

Yuhyun tilted his head slightly.

“I remember her, but there wasn’t anything particularly special about her. She wasn’t hiding her mana. At the very least, I didn’t feel anything that made me stay on guard.”

“On the surface she looks like an ordinary person.”

Gray spoke. Well, I had a ton of special skills myself, but nobody could tell just by looking. The Transcendents like the Elder kept going on about how our existence value was different and all that, but still.

“…So they were planning to bring me here from the start?”

“I do not know the full story, but it would not have mattered either way.”

So no matter what choice I made, it was within their expectations. I felt goosebumps crawl up my forearms. Crescent Moon and Marisa were looking down at me, at us, from far above, spiderwebs strung tightly over every path.

“Either way, we’re not exactly on good terms. You people kidnapped someone who was perfectly fine, for starters. And I doubt what happened to us in Africa was completely unrelated.”

Cho Hwawoon’s group had been on the Prophet’s side, but they also tried to grab Isabella and Samir, who were basically unrelated to us. Those two were more connected to Seong Hyunjae’s wedding than to me, so it was probably a request from Crescent Moon, from Marisa’s side or something like that.

“And then there is the matter in China. When I think back on that, I feel like I could blow this mansion away and you really would have nothing to say.”

“I completely understand.”

Gray answered calmly, without a hint of agitation.

“So please do not put too much meaning into this. It is nothing more than a simple reception of guests.”

“…You say that, but it’s not exactly something I can ignore.”

“What is clear is that my master does not harm others for petty, personal reasons.”

“So I should just accept it because it’s for the sake of many people? Because it’s all to save the world?”

My voice rose without me meaning to. I couldn’t put the world, the majority, first. Even if that was what was generally considered the right thing.

“No. I am merely saying there is no way to make everyone in the world satisfied. Each person has their own desires, and a good number of those desires can only be satisfied by causing harm to others, directly or indirectly. Even in legal competition there will always be losers. In illegal dealings, the number of victims increases even more.”

Unless human desire itself was castrated, there was no way everyone could be satisfied. People just spent their entire lives suppressing themselves to keep society running and to hold a place inside it.

“Anyone who lives in society must always yield, endure, and give up to some extent. That is why my master acts as efficiently as possible, sacrificing a few instead of trying to save everyone. It is only natural that those who are sacrificed will be angry and grieve.”

He answered without even the intention to make excuses, and without the slightest hint of guilt. It suddenly reminded me of the old Newbie. Back when I used to prioritize the system for saving the world over my own feelings, unlike now.

“So in the end you’re saying you won’t consider our side at all.”

“Yes. At the same time, we will not parade our cause around either. If you ever come to share our objectives, please feel free to ask for cooperation. We might even be the ones to ask you first. Director Han Yujin, you are closer to the side that wants to save the world, so we have no reason to be your enemy.”

Gray said the situation had simply gotten more complicated.

“Even if we were hostile, that could change at any time depending on circumstances. That is how the world is.”

“I mean, you’re not wrong.”

No matter what anyone said.

“I put the people I care about first. I’m going to live my whole life as a small container, so I doubt I’ll get along with Ms. Marisa Moore.”

My container is small. I can’t hold the whole world; it’s just the right size to wrap around the people close to me. Whatever, let the big–container people hold the world. Honestly, to get to that level you’d have to break past your limits and smash the container completely, wouldn’t you? I couldn’t break mine even if I died.

“I’m fine as long as I have my hyung. If you’re happy, I’m happy too.”

–Gyeol just wanted to help Dad too.

On my shoulder, Gyeol whispered softly.

–Whatever Dad chooses, whatever Dad wants.

Whatever I want. Of course, you can’t just live however you want. Unless you live alone, you have to watch the people around you, follow laws and rules, and mind your morals. But at least for the really important decisions, shouldn’t you be allowed to do what you want? It’s your life, after all.

“I do think saving a lot of people is a good thing.”

Yerim looked back and forth between me and Ms. Gray as she spoke.

“But if it actually happened, wouldn’t I save the people I love first? …Honestly, I’m not sure. I feel like my body would just move on its own when the time came.”

“Whatever conclusion you come to, I’m on your side, Yerim.”

“I’m obviously on Mister’s side too!”

Yerim beamed and made a finger heart. Seeing that, the heaviness in my chest lightened a bit.

“Ah, but Chief Song might have a hard time with that.”

Sneaking a glance at Chief Song, Yerim spoke. He really was bad at looking after himself. Under our gaze, he fell silent for a moment, then slowly opened his mouth.

“I will simply do my best.”

His calm voice continued.

“Even if it is impossible to save everyone, I have no intention of abandoning the people I must protect from the start. I am not in a position to choose anything. I also do not have the right to pick and choose a few.”

Even if he carried the grand cause of saving the world. Yerim nudged me lightly with her elbow and whispered.

“I feel like Chief Song’s answer is the model one.”

Yeah, I thought so too. The problem was that Chief Song ground down his own body to do it. Ms. Gray dipped her head slightly toward him.

“You are an admirable man.”

“It’s just my job.”

If every public servant were like Chief Song, world peace might have already happened. Gray turned back to me.

“Neither side can be called wrong. If all gears were the same size and shape, they would only repeat simple movements. That is why I have no intention of asking for Director Han’s understanding.”

“Well, it’s easy to say that when you’re not the one getting hurt.”

He really did talk well, but I still didn’t feel like I matched with their side.

“Besides, if the gears’ size and shape are too different, they just creak and break apart.”

“Yes. We are not trying to force you either.”

I had plenty of complaints, but dragging the talk out any longer would just be running on a hamster wheel. It would almost be more comfortable if they were openly enemies. This vague politeness was more of a headache.

“What about that Prophet side or whatever?”

“That was a temporary contract out of necessity. The commission failed, so as of now, we have no connection to them.”

“And if the need arises, you’ll team up again.”

Yeah, I don’t like this. Put nicely, it’s “once an enemy doesn’t have to be an enemy forever,” but if you say it another way, it’s “we can stab you in the back any time.” I forced myself to press down the dislike showing on my face.

‘Either way, they’re deeply connected to Crescent Moon.’

Even if it twisted my insides, it would be easier to keep a reasonably decent relationship with them, if only to get information. …Stuff like this just isn’t my thing. If I dragged over Seok Gimyeong, I bet he’d handle it way better in my place.

Just then, there was a polite knock at the door. It opened, and a very familiar face slipped inside.

“…Team Leader Seok?”

It was Seok Gimyeong. With a bright face and a briefcase in hand, he greeted Yuhyun and me.

“Director Han Yujin! You’re looking absolutely radiant today!”

Wh–what the heck. Why was that Mister Seok suddenly acting like some pushy salesman who’d just found a mark? His expression looked like he was going to melt me with his eyes alone. His gaze was so fervent that Yuhyun subtly drew me closer and Peace actually bared his teeth, wary.

“This was originally supposed to be Team Leader Seo’s job, but he’s still not used to it, so I came in his place. You had a hard time in the States, right?”

…The States? Still grinning to an almost creepy degree, Seok set his briefcase on the table. Then he reached out to shake hands with Vantes and Gray.

“This is our first time meeting in person, it’s a pleasure. And this is Ms. Charlotte Gray? Thanks to you, the processing was much easier.”

Processing? What the heck did he do. Smiling ear to ear, Seok opened the case. A laptop and a stack of documents spread out on the table.

“I don’t know the detailed reason, but the heir of the late Mr. Chatterbox is none other than Director Han Yujin!”

“…Huh? Ah, that…”

Heir? I mean, I had heard something along those lines before. As the fact I’d temporarily forgotten came back to me, the corners of my mouth started creeping up too. Wait. So I’m legally, officially going to inherit his estate?

“First, a light list of real estate~.”

Looking excited, Seok turned on the laptop. When he clicked the mouse, a picture of the New York hotel we had stayed in appeared.

“A luxury hotel in Manhattan, New York!”

The picture changed.

“A penthouse in Manhattan as well! A luxury resort in New York! A luxury mansion in Los Angeles, a vacation house in Hawaii, and a penthouse in Paris, France…”

Hold up! What? I was thinking maybe items at best, why is this real estate pouring out non stop? How much is all that even worth, holy crap! What did that bastard Chatterbox buy this with… or was it the original owner of the body’s assets? Did he possess some chaebol heir or something?

“Just the real estate alone is expected to be worth about a billion dollars.”

“…Huh? How can houses cost that much…”

“Each penthouse alone goes for over ten million dollars, and the hotel and resort are especially expensive.”

“Wow… Mister, at this rate you might end up richer than Mister Seong.”

…No way. But seriously, wow. For real. This is…

‘…Should I set up an ancestral table for Chatterbox too?’

I had already planned to take care of Ru Ga Pheya. As for that annoying Chatterbox bastard, I’d just stick a spoon in a bowl of plain rice and leave it out in the yard.

“And Channel Chatterbox itself is estimated to be worth several hundred million dollars as well.”

“…Sorry?”

“It would be difficult for you to run it yourself, Director Han, so I recommend selling it. There are already several parties interested in buying. Right now it’s the Hunter specialty channel with the best image and the most viewers.”

Seok added that it would be better to sell before its buzz died down, and that as soon as I signed, the auction would proceed.

“We haven’t been able to confirm all of Mr. Chatterbox’s items. The value of the S rank and above items should surpass the real estate and channel, but unfortunately, you will have to distribute a portion to the party participants.”

“Ah, yeah. Most of that will end up with me and my people anyway.”

“Yes. The vault where most of the items are presumed to be stored only allows the owner to enter. Please visit once yourself, Director Han.”

Saying I just needed to sign these documents, Seok lined up sheet after sheet. Even with a translation, a lot of it was hard to understand.

“…It’s really okay for me to sign all this, right?”

“As if I would ever do anything that would harm Director Han’s assets.”

Well, even if he tried to skim something, he’s the type who would skim it toward Haeyeon, not for himself. Seok even filmed me signing with a video camera. Why is there so much. Not that I’m complaining.

“Even after inheritance tax, you’ll have more than a billion dollars left. Hunter items still have some wiggle room in the tax code, so we’ll minimize your tax burden as much as possible. Sell Channel Chatterbox first and use that to pay the taxes, then take your time organizing the real estate. Unlike the channel, which is at peak value right now, there’s nothing to gain from a fire sale on the properties. The hotel needs renovations anyway, so you could use it in the future as a guild or Breeding Facility branch for the American Hunter scene.”

So he wants to set up a Haeyeon Guild American branch. And it’s a building right in the middle of Manhattan. A huge property that’s hard to buy even if you have the money just rolled into their lap; of course he’d be thrilled. Well, the properties would be handy later as a base for Yerim when she expands overseas too.

After I finished signing, Seok carefully gathered the documents like they were treasure. He looked like he could float out of the room. I felt a bit dazed myself, but I was in a good mood. That Chatterbox punk, he really did earn a lot. Thanks, man. I was expecting maybe some items, but he left this much behind. Just giving him plain rice would be rude; I’ll at least add a side dish or two.

“Then I’ll head back to New York. Guild Leader, is there anything you need?”

Yuhyun glanced at my face, then gave a short shake of his head.

“Please take good care of my hyung’s business.”

“Yes! Leave everything to me without worry!”

A very happy Seok left the room. He seemed more excited than I was. Half of it was a foundation for overseas expansion, and the other half was the items, I bet.

‘Will there be a lot of SS rank items too?’

I wanted to follow him to New York. First I’d wrap up the Cho Hwawoon group here and then hurry over to crack open that vault. …Seong Hyunjae has a pretty big stake too, so I can just call him over naturally then.

“Once you count the items, Mister, you really might be the richest one of all!”

“The items are for you guys. What am I going to do, just let them gather dust?”

“I’d feel bad taking them for free. I make money too, you know!”

“You did a ton in that raid. It’s your rightful reward. Same for you, Chief Song! I’ll pick out something that suits you perfectly.”

“That’s not re–”

“Legally, I have to give them to you! The law!”

Man, money really is nice. Even if the world ends and it all turns into scrap paper, good things are still good. As I stood up, saying we should head out, I quietly asked Vantes in a low voice.

“Even Sesung doesn’t have that many SS rank items, right?”

It’s not like I’d really end up richer than Seong Hyunjae on a personal level… right? With gentle eyes, Vantes looked at me and answered just as quietly.

“Yes. Of course. Since you seem curious, I will tell you this much, just for you, Director Han – our Guild Leader is the largest shareholder of Demasong Corporation.”

…Demasong? That was that massive Hunter conglomerate that was one of the early players in mana stone energy and Hunter item trading, wasn’t it. As if it were obvious I’d been wondering about Seong Hyunjae’s assets, Vantes continued his explanation.

“He does not interfere with management, but he made a very large investment in the early days. And of course, that is only a portion of his holdings.”

…Ah. Yeah. Of course he’s amazing. A billion dollars really is pocket change for him, huh. Hearing that, he annoyed me and put me at ease at the same time. That man will eat well and live well wherever he goes, seriously.