Chapter 381 - Firm Resolve

Lee Seol-ah.

From her childhood, she was extraordinary—the current chairwoman of Yu-seong Group and the true power behind the Republic of Korea.

Yu-seong Group, one of the nation's leading conglomerates.

Born as the only daughter in this corporate family founded by her grandfather, Lee Seol-ah was groomed to be merely a figurehead after awakening her abilities at a young age.

Her conservative grandfather had no intention of passing the company to her.

More precisely, he hadn't even passed it to Seol-ah's father.

Seol-ah was meant to be nothing more than a pawn for the group—as Icicle, an A-rank hero.

However, he didn't realize.

Seol-ah was far more extraordinary and frightening than he had imagined.

"Miss, what on earth are you..."

"If you become my person, I'll help you achieve that long-held ambition that brought you to this company. What do you think?"

From childhood, Seol-ah knew she hadn't been chosen.

But that was hardly a problem for her.

She understood that if something couldn't be received, it could be taken.

From a young age, she began drawing people from the group to her side one by one, gradually expanding her influence.

With a terrifying trajectory unbelievable for a girl her age.

By the time she had just become an adult, she had already quietly taken over the company.

By the time her grandfather realized what was happening, it was already too late.

...And so Lee Seol-ah became the de facto ruler of Yu-seong Group.

But she was never satisfied with just that.

Her dream was to aim higher—to take control of the entire Republic of Korea.

Therefore.

In that process, she used any means necessary.

"Hello, Ms. Lee Seol-ah. I'm Egostic. Pleased to meet you."

"Ms. Lee Seol-ah. Would you consider forming a partnership with me?"

Even if it meant joining hands with a villain who was causing a stir throughout the Republic of Korea.

"Yes. I don't see why we couldn't work together."

And that choice proved successful.

She had already known he was closer to an anti-hero.

...In fact, as they continued their exchanges and she learned his true nature, they grew surprisingly close.

With the support of Egostic, who had suspiciously extensive information, her expansionist actions accelerated.

After completely taking over Yu-seong Group, she began reaching toward Korean politics in earnest.

While the president was stumbling amid the "Republic of Korea Government Capital Nuclear Missile Launch Controversy," she had already won over the legislature and political forces to become the power behind the new government.

...After finally acquiring all private companies through mergers and acquisitions, and even taking control of the media...

Lee Seol-ah.

She became the complete, de facto ruler of the Republic of Korea.

...Although after achieving this, the world fell into chaos, and rather than enjoying her position, she had to struggle to stabilize the country... nevertheless.

In the end, she rose from being her family's mascot to becoming the shadow ruler of the Republic of Korea through her own power.

And now, this Lee Seol-ah.

...Was experiencing another of life's greatest crises.

"Lee Seol-ah. What exactly is your relationship with Egostic?"

Shin Ha-ru, with her golden hair flowing down and blue eyes staring quietly with a sharp expression.

Feeling the tingling sensation throughout her body, Seol-ah steeled herself.

...After all, she had always known this moment would come.

She had prepared for this situation from the beginning.

In the end, she was the one who had connected Egostic and Stardus, who seemed impossible to bring together.

'...In the end, all of this was for Ha-ru.'

With that thought, Seol-ah prepared to speak.

Having risen to her current position through exceptional situational judgment and persuasive speaking skills.

She was confident.

...Even though the atmosphere suggested that one wrong word could end her life.

And so.

Hiding her pounding heart, Lee Seol-ah maintained a relaxed expression. As if she had never done anything wrong, with a light smile.

"Ha-ru? I think you're misunderstanding something. Listen..."

She began her persuasion in earnest.

***

Lee Seol-ah and Shin Ha-ru.

...They had known each other for 10 years now.

For Seol-ah especially, Ha-ru was practically her only friend, making their relationship particularly special.

As such, Seol-ah knew a lot about Shin Ha-ru.

From her personality to her likes, characteristics, and even her thought processes.

And so.

...After meticulously calculated words and persuasion...

"...Fine. I understand. I'll believe you. For now."

She finally succeeded in calming Ha-ru down.

...Though she still sat there looking somewhat sulky, it was better than nothing.

'...That was a close call.'

Looking at Ha-ru drinking her tea, Seol-ah smiled outwardly while inwardly sweating profusely.

How long it had taken to explain that Egostic had approached her purely for business reasons, with no personal feelings involved.

A persuasion barely successful through the power of friendship, like walking a tightrope in the sky.

...Still, her life had been extended a bit.

Just as Seol-ah was feeling relieved...

"...So, Seol-ah. What did you say earlier? That the Egostream people are targeting Egostic?"

"Hm? Oh, yes, that's right."

Seol-ah responded to Stardus's question.

Creating a common enemy to escape the situation while building up for the future, Seol-ah had informed her that Egostream was collectively plotting against Egostic.

At those words, Ha-ru's eyes deadened again as she coldly muttered to herself.

"...I knew it. I need to eliminate all the Egostream villains..."

"No! No...! That's not it, Ha-ru."

Seol-ah hurriedly stopped Ha-ru, who had started muttering in a frightening, emotionless tone.

"...Then what? Let them take him away?"

Looking at Ha-ru responding with those cold words.

Seol-ah swallowed quietly and thought to herself.

This is it.

The beginning of the grand plan Lee Seol-ah had designed to resolve Egostic's romantic troubles.

The reason she had connected Stardus and Egostic all this time.

'...It's hard to join Egostream once they're connected among themselves.'

The bonds within Egostream were already no joke. So tight there was no room to squeeze in. They had already talked about all connecting with each other.

So if Egostream connected with Egostic first? It would be very difficult for Lee Seol-ah to join. Even if she did, she would be treated as an outsider.

'That's why having him connect with Stardus first is the best strategy.'

Stardus. The only person Egostic could open his heart to... and her friend.

Having Ha-ru connect first would be advantageous for her to join later.

Though even that wouldn't be easy...

'Egostream is the biggest problem.'

If they found out Egostic was dating Stardus, would they give up?

No. That's impossible.

They would either kidnap Egostic or imprison him. Whatever happened, it wouldn't be good—not for her, not for Egostic.

Especially if a fight broke out between Egostream and Stardus...

'Ugh...'

...That would truly be the day of the Republic of Korea's destruction.

That must be prevented at all costs.

So in the end, for everyone to be happy.

'Egostic needs to accept everyone under Stardus's lead.'

That was Lee Seol-ah's conclusion.

Since Stardus had made the first move, Egostream would be satisfied just by being connected... and the same would go for others. For Seol-ah herself, it would be good to naturally join as a mediator between Stardus and Egostream.

'...As for the law, well. I can change that.'

In other words.

Now she just needed to persuade Stardus.

This was the only solution where everyone could be happy.

And so Lee Seol-ah, bearing this great mission alone.

Began to speak earnestly to Stardus.

"But Ha-ru. These Egostream people truly won't give up on Egostic."

"What...?"

"They might kidnap him... or even protest with their lives to get close to Egostic. Since they've lived together for so long, the sentimental Egostic would be in a difficult position too."

At Seol-ah's words, Ha-ru's gaze grew even colder.

"I knew it... I should throw them all in prison..."

"No... that would make Egostic sad, wouldn't it? He might resent you. Imagine Egostic looking at you with resentful eyes. Could you handle that?"

Ha-ru flinched at those words. She seemed to tremble slightly.

'I'm disappointed in you, Ms. Stardus.'

Perhaps she was imagining Egostic saying such words with a disgusted expression.

Anyway, now was the opportunity.

"Hmm. Ha-ru. ...So, I have a good solution. A way to keep Egostream in check while ensuring you have the strongest connection with Egostic."

"...What is it?"

Ha-ru looked intrigued by her words.

Looking at Ha-ru, Seol-ah spoke in a calm voice.

"Ha-ru. Have you ever heard of a 'primary wife'?"

Lee Seol-ah.

She prepared to speak in earnest, drawing on the expertise she had built up over years as a corporate CEO.

With the firm determination that the fate of the world rested on her shoulders.