Chapter 83

### Chapter 82, Section 4: How to Woo a Hero (2)

* * *

Most heroes are affiliated with the government.

The country grants them the status of "civil servants" to try and legally bind them, and employs every means possible to maintain their hero status.

In response to the government's efforts, other forces also spare no effort to bring these individuals to their side.

For example, in the business world.

Taking "Haegeul" as an example, they try to recruit these individuals with money.

They pay substantial signing bonuses and fees to the individuals themselves and provide enormous financial support to their families to make them agents of Haegeul.

Unlike government-affiliated heroes, privately operating heroes through agencies cannot be treated arbitrarily by the state.

Instead of the government's backing, they have the support of large corporations, which the government cannot openly challenge.

At most, the government can apply pressure through tax audits or searches and seizures.

From the government's perspective, they might want to say, "How dare a company challenge the state," but in reality, companies want to maximize their profits without being constrained by the government.

This competition is now centered on securing these individuals.

The government offers all the benefits it can.

Companies, on the other hand, attract these individuals with more support in areas the government cannot provide.

Imaemang is closer to the latter.

As a multinational and supranational corporation, it seeks to recruit these individuals through economic support in various fields.

In other words, Imaemang is a company bound by capital.

Apart from the CEO, board members, and myself, most people are tied to money.

However, if there is one thing everyone shares beyond the financial aspect, it is the belief that the "one world" Imaemang is creating will be more stable and less conflict-ridden than the current world.

They work for Imaemang because they genuinely believe in the vision created by the CEO and trust that the CEO and his successors will lead the world in the right direction.

That is the vision of those who have joined Imaemang.

So, how should I bring Ymir into Imaemang?

I suggested the "pretty boy" approach, and the CEO supported it enthusiastically.

The meeting was over.

But the conversation with the CEO was not.

"Chairman, if my idea is wrong, please let me know immediately. I will look for another method."

[No, I was sincere.]

I called the CEO separately to check on his condition.

[You're not the type to say, 'I'm not angry' when you are. And neither is Director Do. If you don't like it, you would stop and look for another way.]

"Of course."

It's only natural.

If the CEO doesn't like it, I would even give up my life as a librarian.

[Director Do suggested seducing them because it's an effective method, right?]

"It's more like the situation has led to this."

[You'll casually offer your help, give advice, and meet frequently. Eventually, you'll end up eating together, having a drink, and maybe even breakfast together the next morning.]

"...I haven't woken up with Ymir in the morning yet."

With Ymir.

[What about Baek Seul-hee?]

"Regarding her..."

I pulled out a meme I had found online.

"I created an image of a slightly promiscuous and free-spirited man."

It's nothing special.

I just posted a random story about [a couple buying two boxes of national betrayal items at a convenience store] and the comments.

The couple, of course, was me and Jumo.

During the treasure hunt, I stayed at Jumo's house to establish an alibi, and the fact that the Taeguk Watch was always at Jumo's house made the alibi perfect.

No one has investigated me yet, but if someone does in the future, they might think:

­"This woman was at the goblin's house for four days during the goblin's appearance? ...They must have been intimate. Is this the goblin? Ah, maybe she was using a goblin club to pound rice."

­"Still, to stay at a woman's house for three days. What a remarkable person."

­"What? There's no evidence that they were always inside the house? Hey! Look at the data. They bought a movie and paused it halfway through. What, were they plotting something evil together?"

I created the situation to make them think that.

[You bought two boxes of national betrayal items at a convenience store. You've also created a charming image, haven't you?]

"It's the truth."

[I know that best. About Director Do's physique.]

I didn't respond to the CEO's comment.

[Why are you silent?]

"If there's one person I can't handle, it's you, Chairman."

[Thank you for the compliment. But since I'm nerfed and can't respond, please show off your physique to others.]

The CEO's voice was full of laughter.

[Thanks to Director Do, the executives have become more united, and Imaemang has a completely different atmosphere than six months ago. Instead of wolves eyeing the chairman's position, they are now true comrades working towards a shared future.]

"Not just colleagues or comrades?"

[Yes, colleagues. Anyway, since your method has been proven effective, go ahead and use it on the S-rankers and potential S-rankers. I'm fine with it.]

"Since you've already given me permission, I will proceed, but..."

[Is there something you're hesitant about?]

"What if they ask to see your wife in person later?"

[...Hmm. Then use my photo.]

"Your photo is well-known. Do Jihwan, the librarian, can't just approach you without causing misunderstanding."

[Use my real appearance.]

"...What?"

No.

Wait.

"Are you trying to make someone a sex offender?"

[Since they're already a villain, drawing a red line won't change anything, right?]

"Still, you can't just casually leak your real appearance. The executives only found out during last year's Christmas party."

[It doesn't matter. People will only see my public image, and only our 'family' will know my real appearance.]

"...Do you consider them part of the family?"

[Seeing how you've chosen to have relationships with only those two among so many women, I think it's fine to allow them to become part of the family after confirming their mindset. They are S-rankers, after all.]

The CEO is a meritocrat.

I am favored because of my abilities, and in the original story, the protagonist gained the CEO's attention because of his incredible abilities.

"Do you think Baek Seul-hei and Ymir will be of great help to your plans?"

[It's not a big deal if they don't, but they would be useful. They could be quite troublesome if they become enemies.]

"So you want me to recruit them."

[If you're not going to kill them, you should recruit them.]

The CEO has set the policy.

[It's not just because they are S-rankers. I trust Director Do's judgment, senses, and choices.]

Trusting me infinitely.

[Baek Seul-hei, Ymir. Try to bring them to our side as much as possible. I hope we can eventually share watermelons in the valley and spend a night together. Haha. You should exercise a lot until Christmas, considering how many you might have to deal with.]

"Wait, what do you mean by that?"

[Right now, there are five, plus Baek Seul-hei and Ymir, two more. And if more are added, it will increase. Eventually, you might need to use a goblin's cloning technique, right?]

"That's not proper. Treating people with clones."

Clones are just fakes.

If the other person is sincere, treating them with a fake is deceptive.

[...Director Do, it does sound a bit strange, but I trust you. If you need the guild's help, contact me anytime.]

"Of course. But, Chairman."

I asked cautiously.

"Can I talk about the 'seal' you placed on me?"

[......]

The CEO was silent.

[That... hmm.]

I heard the sound of clothes being rubbed.

[When we meet at the next Christmas, I'll remove it. Until then, handle it as you see fit. You can lie, make excuses, or tell the truth.]

"Chairman, that's—"

[If you tell the truth and they still want to have an affair, it will be a big deal. Okay, let's do it that way. Director Do, that's an order.]

The CEO gave me a low laugh and commanded.

[Before the next Christmas, enjoy yourself without any restrictions. After that, you won't be able to go anywhere even if you want to.]

* * *