Militaris Synergy and the Eternal Rose
"…With an artificial island, it would create tremendous synergy across all my current businesses. First, installing the Min-young Prison on the island would make prisoner management far easier, and in emergencies, we could escape the mainland…(excerpted)…. "
I rattled off about ten A4 pages' worth from memory. All this to persuade my aunt. Why I needed the artificial island, what I'd do with it, the benefits of giving it to me, and so on. To deliver it all flawlessly without a single stutter in front of her, that's why I was practicing like this.
Of course, I didn't write this script myself. I mobilized every bit of manpower at my disposal. Im Sua, former police team leader now chief secretary at Prestige; Seo Eun-mi, the NIS spy who joined Prestige and can even hack the prosecutors' office; Seo Hyun-ju, team leader at a major media outlet and frequent promotion candidate; and Inaeun, the prosecutor whose job screams ultra-elite. I rounded up everyone with half a brain and made them draft this.
Naturally, I didn't just sit idle—I supervised the whole thing, throwing in some motivational dick-fucks here and there(?).
This covers my immediate goals and long-term vision in full, so I figure it'll convince her. It's basically her thinking, "Fine, but if I'm giving it away, at least put on a show." Should be okay….
'Her showing teeth because I've prepared so thoroughly is a bit worrying….'
I'll smother the unease with a gift. Once I cheer her up with something she'll love, then drop this presentation—outcome should be solid.
"But what to give her?"
That's the problem. No clue what Go Min-young likes.
Grandpa Go Yeong-man's into Go, publicly known—even featured in game company interviews. That's why I gifted him the master's Go board. But Min-young? Zero intel.
Should I get her a teddy bear, true to her name "Bear-young"…?
….Fuck if I know.
This is what they mean by Goryeo Group shrouded in mystery. So little public info, I have to rely on drugged-out Ko Mu-yeol's memories.
And this junkie fuckwit with no real parental memories? Even less on his aunts.
'Useless junkie prick.'
In the end, I called for help. From Go Min-ji, Go Min-young's daughter.
She picked up instantly—must've been free.
"Nyongya. What's up? You calling me?"
"How've you been—"
"Cut the bullshit, spit it out."
So prickly.
"Ahem, I'm heading to Militaris HQ this week."
"Oh? Time flies. Yeah, about due."
"Gonna upgrade Baekseol's custom gear and my sec… er, secretaries."
"That? Perfect timing—they're just finishing up. And?"
"Aunt said she'd give me the artificial island. Feels right to give her something back, but no idea what she'd like, so calling you, sis."
"Me?"
"Pardon?"
"Nothing for me…?"
"…."
What the—?
"You little shit, discriminating now?"
"N-no, of course I'll prep something for you too…."
"Don't need material stuff. Come vacation at my villa later. That thing I mentioned—I'm prepping it now."
That thing… don't tell me it's spreading girls across her villa, me raping them while she hunts deer or some absurd nightmare bullshit?
It blew my mind back then—beyond imagination—and now she's actually prepping it.
"…Sure. I'll visit sometime."
"You promised. No backing out."
"…."
I'll stall and go dead last.
"Mom, huh~. Hmm, what would she like…?"
"…."
"Never seen her into anything specific. Maybe 'cause we're not that close?"
"Don't you gift her on birthdays and such?"
"Gifts? Who gives a shit in our world. Just a courtesy call."
"…."
Not much help either.
"You just thought 'not helpful,' right?"
"Huh? What're you on about—"
"Cheeky fuck. Eyes too sharp."
"Wasn't thinking anything. Don't overread."
"Don't bring cheap crap. Stay healthy—that's the best gift for your aunt, seeing her nephew fit."
"…Bit irresponsible, no?"
"Why can't you trust me? Shake off more of that drug haze, show prime male vigor. She'll love it."
"…."
What kinda nonsense—.
No answers here.
"Got it. I'll keep that in mind."
"Half-assed. Fine, figure it out firsthand. Talk's cheap. Tsk."
In the end, no choice but that.
"You at HQ by any chance, sis?"
"Nah. Pacific~."
"Pacific?"
"Yeah. Taking real vacation, crossing the Pacific. Bought a ship—wanna see?"
She sent a pic. Selfie, arm fully extended—background ship looked insane. Vast flat deck, island bar tucked in a corner, wings-folded planes neatly lined up.
"That's not an aircraft carrier?"
"Yup."
"You bought that??"
"Yeah. Surplus, so I snagged it. Whatever."
-Gonna try piracy. Heh heh heh.
"…."
-Grab an island, kill the men, kill the women—fun, right?
"Uh, yeah…."
Aircraft carrier for piracy. Personally. No common ground.
-Oh? Found an uninhabited island. Off to work. Later.
She hung up.
Absurdity and futility washed over me.
"…No helping it. Time to fetch that."
Most reliable gift. Not extravagant, but women love it.
+++
October 28, Wednesday. Headed to Gangwon for a special gift for my aunt. Special flower from cliffside forest—East Coast variety works too. Flashy, mesmerizing exterior, zero utility…. Classic ornament, but killer with women.
In-game tooltip straight-up: "Pinnacle of ecstasy. Recipient woman guaranteed delight."
Pinnacle of ecstasy. The woman who receives it as a gift has no choice but to be delighted.
Cheat key for women. Perfect when clueless—like now.
"Whoa, first time in Gangwon."
"Me too."
Gangwon: stunning scenery. Unlike Incheon, you feel the "mountains like folding screens" vibe instantly.
But not here for views—straight to target.
"A gift for her here?"
"Yup."
"That haunted Go board before, and now…. Master knows weird shit."
"Weird? You'll fall head over heels too."
"That good?"
Chatting with Sua, climbing cliff. Steep, but no need for seaside rock climbing—just hike it.
Deeper in, dense forest—things get tricky from here, I recall.
"…Stick close."
Looped about two hours to target. Should've clear-cut the trees.
"Oh? That…."
Sua pointed, arm outstretched. Her sweat-drenched, fatigued face lit up.
"Whoa…. That's it, right?"
"Yeah."
Girls spot it fast.
"My lord, first time seeing one."
"Haunted Go board, now this…."
Approached, reached carefully.
"M-my lord! Dangerous—"
"Fine. Not hot."
Plucked blazing crimson rose, slipped into clear case.
Burning but not consumed. Staring steals your soul—not just fire-gazing cozy.
'Even more insane in person.'
This'll wow even her rugged ass. Few women hate flowers—let alone eternal live ones.
"Um…. Master."
"?"
"Giving that to aunt?"
"Yeah."
"…."
"What?"
"Isn't that a rose? Kinda…."
"So what if it's a rose."
Women's favorite flower.
"…Never mind. Nothing."
Why's Sua biting her tongue?
"Let's go. No time."