It's a country with many dogs.
There is a lot of room for misunderstanding, so I will try to elaborate.
St. Kitts is a paradise of human waste, where dogs who speak human language roll around like rocks. There are bad dogs, dogs who pretend to be humble, and just plain crazy dogs. A place where dogs of the same breed are ranked.
The surprising thing is that they were not born as beasts. Even common sense people with perfectly normal values can easily lose their humanity overnight.
Here too, there is a woman who has taken a step onto the path of the beast.
"Shoot, hoot! Swoop, hooah! I smell money…!"
"I knew this would happen. There's chaos as soon as you get here."
He grabbed Chelsea by the scruff of her neck as she was about to lose her mind and run to the casino.
"Let go of this. I can bite it off!"
The gaze that turns her head and glares at her is unusual. She seems to be oblivious to the gazes of her colleagues who look at her like she's a crazy woman.
'Did I bring you here for nothing…?'
Kim Yi-hyeon quickly regretted it. He may have made fun of the former gambling addict too much. But since spilled milk cannot be undone, he had no choice but to clean up the mess.
"Do it later, do it later. We need to find a place to stay."
"…Once you catch it, you can do it, right?"
"Go ahead."
"You really did it? Don't you regret it?"
"Why should I regret it? I'm spending my own money."
"Ehhhh," Chelsea laughed darkly.
"Because I'm going to get a daughter. I'm going to get a huge daughter! I'm going to trample on the common people and reign as the ruler of capitalism. I'm going to be freed from labor! From now on, you'll call me boss…!"
"Okay, then pay me. Aren't you embarrassed on the street?"
"Children of the common people…. They already recognize me and are trying to keep me in check…."
I feel like my intelligence has declined without me knowing it.
Kim Yi-hyeon shook his head, his face burning for no reason. At least he had calmed down. He took his eyes off Chelsea and looked around at the group.
"It's sparkling…."
"It's pretty, but I find it a little burdensome."
"I agree. There are just too many people."
The reaction was completely different from Chelsea's.
Arya was overwhelmed by the city's splendor. On the other hand, the two Pecatums were uncomfortable with the high population density. Not only Pecatum, but also Arya, who had animal ears growing on her head, was drawing attention.
And Tatalia
"Hmm…."
"Why, what feels uncomfortable?"
"Yes? No. More like, that."
She rolls her eyes vigorously with an expression that makes anyone look uncomfortable. It seems like she is blatantly looking around. When Kim Yi-hyun stares at her intently, she hesitates and opens her lips.
"Actually, I know someone here...."
Damn it.
It was a timing that made me wonder if they were intentionally aiming for it. Just like a scene from a movie, men in black suits appeared among the pedestrians.
Approaching Tatalia in a straight line.
"What are those?"
Chelsea's eyes, which had been blank, regained their intelligence. She stepped forward as if to protect Tatalia, showing her alertness. Even though she was currently unarmed, as she was not allowed to bring in firearms.
It is an act of giving for oneself.
Chelsea was usually a prickly person, but that was the kind of person she was. But the fact that she couldn't just be happy made Tatalia sullen.
The men in suits who had stopped a few steps ahead nodded their heads.
"Miss Tatalia. I have come to pick you up."
"Oh, really… Just pretend you don't know."
"I'm sorry, but I can't do that. If it's okay with you, I'd like to accommodate your group. Have you already decided on a place to stay during your stay?"
There were several sources of information to understand the situation.
For example, a polite attitude as if you were dealing with a superior. A fancy suit. A statement that suggests that you will gladly provide accommodations for your group.
The title of Miss was decisive.
"허."
Chelsea, who had finished making her decision, was shocked. Her eyes looking at Tatalia were filled with a sense of betrayal.
It turned out that the disciple was the ruler of capitalism.
* * *
The place we were guided to was a luxury hotel.
It wasn't an impression of a place that was filled with flashy decorations. It was an interior that was conscious of restrained beauty. That's why it was even harder to estimate its value. The paintings, the carpets, and even the lights and chairs.
Compared to the castle of Bastitera, it certainly felt more modern. After all, that place tended to pursue stale traditions and intuitive glamour.
They had something in common in that they spent money in a bizarre way.
"Hyeon, Hyeon."
"왜?"
"So you're saying this is Tatalia's?"
"It doesn't seem to be in my name… but at least I'm close to the actual owner."
As I was walking down the hallway, Asterike came and exclaimed in admiration.
"Now that I know, things look completely different."
"Really? People are so mean."
"...Are you telling me to listen to you, right now?"
"That's right. It's cold, so let's lighten our expressions a bit."
Chelsea's face became even more swollen when he pointed it out. It seemed like her stomach was in so much pain that she could die. Well, it must have been a little disappointing to learn that the reserve agent who had been following her as her instructor was actually a wealthy man who had hidden his power.
Tatalia, who had been walking ahead, slowed down and joined the conversation.
"You all were surprised. I'm really, really sorry…."
"What do you have to be sorry about? You should be grateful, since you're letting me stay for free."
"I don't really think about it either."
"Arya… Whaaam… The bed is nice…."
Arya, who should have been the loudest, was dozing off on Asterike's back. She was very honest about her needs. It was fortunate that she arrived late.
"Thank you for saying so. I'll explain the details later."
The environment is indeed important. Even in the way he speaks as if he has no shame, he feels like he is exuding the leisurely attitude that is characteristic of the upper class.
Business room on the 3rd floor.
I went inside the door opened by a man who I couldn't tell if he was a secretary or a bodyguard. A rectangular table was set up in the center of the room. A man in a neat black coat was sitting at the head of the table.
"You were faster than I expected. You said you wouldn't come back even if you starved to death."
A dignified, solemn low-mid range with dignity.
Gray eyes, not at all like Tatalia's green ones, scanned the group. Their gaze lingered on Edwin and Asterike's horns, then quickly dropped.
"You haven't changed at all, oppa. You're still unlucky."
"You are still immature."
"…Don't get the wrong idea. I didn't come here to ask you for help."
"Even if that's true, it doesn't change the fact that I noticed it."
Tatalia muttered something to herself. I think she said fuck.
"What do you mean you spread people out here and there and don't stand out?"
"Because it's necessary for work. If you look far and closely, you can get money that you can't get your hands on right away."
"Money, money! That damn money…!"
"Haven't I said it over and over again? As long as you live in society, money and people are inseparable. The reason you can hate money is because you've never experienced the absurdity of poverty."
"Isn't that something you should be saying?"
"I've seen a lot of them, though. St. Kitts is full of once-rich, now-penniless people."
He was properly refuted. Tatalia finally kept her mouth shut.
'Isn't that exactly right?'
To be honest, Kim Yi-hyun wanted to take her brother's side rather than her younger sister's. Although the golden rule has its limits in Polaris, where overwhelming violence exists, the mind itself agrees.
'Should I still put up a shield?'
Not a bad excuse to meddle.
"I think it's a bit scary for a conversation between siblings."
"It's a family matter. I'll call it unnecessary meddling."
"Then you should have told me separately. Instead of giving me a piece of paper in front of your coworkers."
The man closed his mouth and then nodded.
"Excuse me. Verita, bring me your business card."
A woman who had been standing behind him like a shadow approached and handed out business cards.
Asus Corporation CEO, Laonis McCain.
'I'm the CEO.'
A title that exists in reality, but sounds unrealistic to the common people. It was so unpleasant that it felt even more uncomfortable than the monsters that had been defeated so tiresomely.
"I should respond to you in person, but...."
Laonis grabbed the cane he had placed next to the chair and tapped my lower body.
"I am not very well-conditioned. I ask for your understanding."
"This is Kim Lee-Hyeon from Dustborne Corporation."
"Dustborne…? It's different from my brother's affiliation."
"You can think of it as a close partnership with Cellbrox Lab."
Even as I spoke, I felt awkward.
'How long has it been since I've had a proper introduction?'
I looked back on recent encounters. Sometimes it was a one-sided kidnapping. Sometimes it was threats with a gun. Sometimes it was interrogation using someone else's face...
'I feel like I've returned to being an intellectual.'
While Kim Yi-hyeon was secretly satisfied after exchanging business cards with his secretary, Laonis stroked his chin and pondered. Their first meeting. It was definitely their first time meeting, but the feeling of awkwardness was getting on his nerves.
"Kim Lee-hyun, Hyun…."
I was soon able to recall the identity of the feeling of discomfort.
"Ah, Hyun. I see, you."
"Do you know me?"
"I knew it. I never thought I would meet the hero of Bastitera like this."
This was unexpected even for Kim Lee-hyun.
"A bit of a hero."
"You could call him a benefactor. I don't think that's an exaggeration."
"I didn't realize I was such a celebrity."
"It's not that uncommon for someone to not know what they're doing. This tendency is especially evident in areas like public opinion."
It was a convincing story.
Kim Yi-hyeon has been active in Bastitera, revealing his face and name. No matter how closed off the land is, there are many eyes and ears of outsiders there. At least, they must know about the terrorism caused by Camellia.
In that case, it wouldn't be strange if someone witnessed Kim I-Hyeon wandering around Magnu. Maybe someone in the guards went around telling people about it.
'Interest isn't always pleasant.'
There is a saying that fame is a virtue. Fame can sometimes be poisonous. This is especially true in a world where it is not uncommon for famous and powerful people to suddenly die.
"Also, my ears are particularly sharp."
The attitude of showing off oneself so casually is typical of upper-class people.
Anyway, it's time to slowly wrap up the introduction.
"Coincidentally, I have also heard about Lady Laonis."
"Oh, really? I hope it wasn't a negative review."
"You have a very broad perspective. I heard that it would not be an exaggeration to say that Asus General Trading Company deals with everything in the world."
As is the case with most major companies in Polaris, there are malicious rumors floating around. Like illegal drugs. Like people being among the products they deal with. Like they even sell weapons to terrorist groups.
The truth is always better.
"I've got this precious opportunity, so I'm going to grab it."
Kim I-hyeon pulled up a chair and sat down. Tatalia gave him a look that said she didn't understand English, but the rest of the group didn't.
The sudden actions were not something that happened just a day or two ago. Even Edwin, who had recently joined, had become accustomed to it.
"Have you ever considered increasing your business partners?"
"Are you talking about the Dustborne Corporation?"
"No. Our company is a small business after all. I don't think we will make any profit."
Dustborne doesn't necessarily need it. If an urgent problem arises, you can just ask the lab to resolve it. The two companies are building a healthy mutually cooperative relationship.
'Rap's connections are my connections.'
On the surface, it may seem like he is giving everything to the rap, but the reality is quite different. Kim Lee-hyun is working freely with the rap's full support without any material or human damage to Dustborne.
'What's yours is mine, and what's mine is mine.'
That's exactly what it sounds like.
"I get the point. It's about the deal with Cellbrox Labs."
Laonis muttered calmly.
"I'm not very impressed. You just said that there is no benefit to headquarters in dealing with Dustborn. Is Cellbrox Labs any different? I don't see it that way."
Compared to Asus General Trading Company, Lab is also a small business. It is only a difference in whether or not a small partner company is created. It is difficult to have a big meaning…
That is nonsense.
"Did I hear that wrong?"
"예?"
"Didn't Laonis-sama say that you have good hearing?"
"Yes, but. That?"
"Then that's strange. You know my insignificant name, but you don't know the situation on the continent?"
There is no need to explain at length.
Bastet. The incident there alone proves the danger of the Legion. War between nations may be business, but there is not much room for money in the massacre of madmen.
"The Cellbrox Lab can suppress the Legion. I'm sure you know that this is no exaggeration."
To paraphrase, it means, 'Ma, your rap looks like shit.'
"...."
Laonis lowered his gaze, placing his index finger under his lips. In reality, he was busy observing the turbulent situation. Recently, a strange trend was also detected in the Shiran Empire.
Legion and Cellbrox Labs were definitely the eye of the storm.
And one more thing, personal curiosity.
Kim Yi-hyeon's appearance was once again captured in his gray eyes. He was calm and thorough. He was not a businessman or a politician. He was different from a soldier armed with discipline and rules. He was not rough like a mercenary.
Laonis knew very well what people like him were called in rap.
'Agent.'
This time, I saw my immature younger brother. When I compared him with his stupid face, the difference was clear. As you can see just by looking at my younger brother, not all the agents in the lab are like Kim Yi-hyun.
But what if there are ten, or even five?
'That wouldn't be bad.'
The scales are balanced. It's worth the effort.
But Laonis was not the type of person to accept things like this. He was always the type of person who could take it easy in business situations.
"I'll set a condition. I'll have to see what you're capable of."
"I hope this ends quickly. I'm actually on vacation."
"It won't be too much of a hassle."
Laonis received the tablet from his secretary. After manipulating it for a moment, he returned it, and the secretary handed the tablet to Kim I-hyeon.
A picture of a building appeared on the screen, with a detailed address written below.
"St. Kitts is often visited by thugs, and nine out of ten of them do not understand the rules of the place."
"Where did the nature of the gangsters go?"
"That's right. Recently, a group called the Black Society, which operates in the East, has made a nest here. Unfortunately, they are not the top 10% of common sense people."
Kim Lee-hyun nodded.
"I have some expertise in education. How long?"
"One day from now."
"Noise…."
He grabbed the tail of the horse.
"Do you think you'll need more?"
"No. More like that."
It's a shame to end it here.
"How about a bet while you're at it?"
"A bet? What?"
He smiled faintly at the question.
"24 hours is a bit long, so let's subtract 22 hours from that."
"...I understand what you are saying."
"2 hour cut, no."
Since we're in the city of gambling, let's change the expression.
"You're betting on 2 hours over. I'll bet on under."