Descent of The Demon Master [EN]: Chapter 791

‘It suits him incredibly well.’

It was an undeniable combination that anyone would have to admit was fantastic. A middle-aged man with pure white hair that felt more dandy than old—no, a flower-aged man—sat with his legs crossed, wearing a striped suit.

Kang Jin-ho, who had no interest or talent in fashion, knew for sure that the suit was something not just anyone could pull off. If an ordinary person wore that suit, they wouldn’t look stylish; they’d look like a dried squid with vertical stripes.

A coffee cup sat in front of the man who looked so good in the striped suit. The aroma of coffee wafted from the cup. If you just brought a camera, you could easily believe it was a movie set.

Kang Jin-ho’s gaze moved from the handsome man’s empty sleeve to his other hand. He was holding something in that hand.

“What’s that?”

“It’s a gift.”

Wiggins smiled gently and placed a small gift box in front of Kang Jin-ho.

“A gift? What’s the occasion?”

“Well, it seems my words were misunderstood. It’s not so much a gift as it is a bribe, a bribe.”

“A bribe?”

Kang Jin-ho looked at him, as if asking what he meant, and Wiggins shrugged.

“I heard rumors that the Lord is giving out positions in exchange for bribes, so I prepared one. I’m aiming for the vice-chairman position myself. Please consider my sincerity and give me a good position.”

Kang Jin-ho’s hand, which had been wandering, landed on his forehead. His head was throbbing.

“Where did that ridiculous rumor even come from?”

“It’s not so ridiculous, considering the results, is it?”

“Don’t worry, Lord. Of course, it’s not something to be proud of, but throughout history, it’s been common for those in power to give out positions for money, so it won’t tarnish your reputation. In fact, many people will like it. There were many who were worried about how to please you because you seemed so unapproachable.”

“No…”

“I suggest you set up a counter at the entrance and install a bribe reception desk. Then you won’t have to worry about backroom deals in the future.”

“Let’s not tease too much. My head already hurts.”

Wiggins smiled gently.

“I don’t think it’s a bad decision.”

His voice was soft. But anyone with a keen sense would notice the sternness hidden within that voice. It was like a parent gently scolding a child who had made a mistake.

“But it was too rushed. No matter the reason, I don’t think it’s good for someone in a leadership position to reverse a decision in such a short time. If that happens repeatedly, those who follow will start to doubt whether the orders they receive will change, and they’ll eventually develop a habit of waiting a bit.”

“That won’t happen again.”

“I believe so.”

Wiggins smiled, and Kang Jin-ho sighed.

“So, you came to scold me.”

“No. I have no intention of doing that. I think you made the right decision, Lord.”

“The right decision?”

“Yes.”

Wiggins nodded lightly.

“People often overlook the importance of money. Or rather, they know money is important, but they don’t think much of the people who handle it. But that’s a very wrong idea.”

“…”

“The accounting department should have a proper status. It’s essential for the unification and systematization of funds that have been managed haphazardly. I think you should give the accounting department even more power, Lord.”

“Even more?”

“Yes.”

Wiggins reached out and slowly took a sip of his coffee. Kang Jin-ho felt a sense of ease in that gesture that he himself lacked.

The work Wiggins was doing was no less than what Lee Hyun-soo or Kang Jin-ho were doing. Yet, Wiggins never seemed rushed. He always handled things as if they were nothing and moved with ease.

*I need to learn that composure.*

Wiggins put down his coffee cup and continued with his usual smile.

“A child who has had their candy taken away wants to get it back. Even if it wasn’t originally theirs. If they don’t get it back, they’ll become hostile to the person who took it.”

“To me?”

“They wouldn’t have the guts. Life is precious to everyone.”

The candy is money, and the child who had their candy taken away represents the existing power holders or departments who have lost their vested interests and funding. It means that those who are still stuck in the old ways of haphazard money management will resist the current system.

“Her existence is quite special. And useful. Her taking charge of accounting will be a huge benefit to the General Assembly. If you think about what it means for Lee Joong-gul’s granddaughter, who is practically a symbol of the old system, to be at the forefront of the reform, it’s like killing two birds with one stone.”

“…”

“But their loyalty is to Lee Joong-gul, not to Lee Hyun-joo. Soon, they will start to antagonize Lee Hyun-joo. At that time, it will be difficult for her to endure without strong backing.”

“That backing is me?”

“It’s also the position. You need both the position and the power. So, keep her closer.”

“…”

Kang Jin-ho nodded quietly.

“And if you keep her close, you’ll also achieve what you want, Lord.”

“…What I want?”

“Lee Hyun-soo, I mean.”

Kang Jin-ho stared at Wiggins.

“That guy has also gotten out of hand. You’ve allowed him too much, Lord. It’s a bit late, but it’s the right choice to keep him in check now.”

Kang Jin-ho took out a cigarette and put it in his mouth. Then, he snapped his fingers and lit it.

“You’ve gone too far.”

“Aren’t you?”

“No.”

Kang Jin-ho shook his head firmly.

“Of course, if you say you’re not, then you’re not.”

“You misunderstand. It’s really not that. It’s not about keeping him in check.”

“Yes?”

“It’s not keeping him in check, it’s encouragement. Or more accurately, it’s a stimulus.”

“A stimulus…”

Wiggins nodded as if he understood now.

“You mean putting someone below him will be a stimulus. And it’ll create some synergy?”

“People become more meticulous when they’re being watched. Especially if there’s a capable person below them, the person above will feel the pressure.”

“Well, how should I put it… Your intention has become a bit more benevolent, but your inner thoughts seem a bit darker? It might be better for him to be kept in check.”

“Is that so?”

Kang Jin-ho smiled lightly.

Wiggins also smiled back at Kang Jin-ho.

“But thanks to that, a question has arisen.”

“A question?”

“Why aren’t you keeping Lee Hyun-soo in check?”

Wiggins’ voice became a bit colder.

“If that was your intention, Lord, it would have ended quite warmly. But fundamentally, nothing has changed. Lee Hyun-soo is now acting beyond the authority you’ve granted him. It’s harmful to the organization. So, I want to ask what your intention is in leaving him alone.”

Kang Jin-ho slowly exhaled cigarette smoke, looking a bit languid.

“Is that not allowed?”

“…Yes?”

“Does it mean that if I give someone authority up to a certain point, they should only move within that limit?”

“That’s how it is in an organization…”

“Then, every time that person’s abilities increase, do I have to readjust their authority one by one? Every single thing?”

“…”

Wiggins couldn’t answer. It was a question worth considering.

“In the field that Lee Hyun-soo is in charge of, he’s better than me. So, it’s right for him to have full authority. That’s why I just gave it to him. Is there any reason to think about anything else?”

“Power is not something to be shared, even between parents and children.”

“Why not?”

“That’s…”

Wiggins closed his mouth again.

It wasn’t because he couldn’t answer. It was because the explanation would be too long.

Where should he start? How should he explain it? It was too fundamental of a question.

“I failed once in my previous life.”

“Do you know why you failed?”

“I don’t.”

“It’s because I tried to do it alone.”

“…”

Wiggins nodded.

He seemed to understand what Kang Jin-ho was trying to say.

“But Lord, humans don’t always reciprocate the trust they’re given. Trust might just be another form of neglect. That’s why humans have established systems to monitor each other. Laws and norms, authority and responsibility, all of it is to monitor humans.”

“If I get backstabbed, that’s just how it is.”

Kang Jin-ho said calmly.

“Then my judgment was wrong. It’s my fault, so I should take responsibility.”

“Do you trust Lee Hyun-soo?”

“Trust is a bit strange. It’s a subtle feeling, not quite trust. To be precise, um…”

Kang Jin-ho pondered for a moment before opening his mouth.

“I just like him, I guess.”

“…Yes?”

“I just like the guy, so I want to laugh it off even if he’s a bit cheeky. There’s no grand calculation behind it, really.”

Wiggins laughed, looking dumbfounded.

“Is that your answer?”

“What can I do if that’s the truth? He doesn’t seem like the type to do anything wrong, and he seems like a good guy, so I’m just leaving him alone.”

“What if he crosses the line?”

“Then I’ll just kick his ass, won’t I? This is too much.”

Wiggins burst out laughing.

It was a ridiculous answer. He felt foolish for having been so serious until now.

But, somehow…

“That’s the worst answer.”

“Sorry.”

“But it’s also the answer I wanted to hear the most. He would have liked it if he had heard it.”

It was an answer only Kang Jin-ho could give. And it was an answer that was convincing because Kang Jin-ho said it. That’s why he could follow such a person.

“I understand your intentions, Lord. However, I have also dedicated myself to the development of the General Assembly. If he goes too far, please allow me to restrain him.”

“Do as you see fit. I like you too.”

“…This is an honor.”

“More than that…”

Kang Jin-ho said, looking at Wiggins.

“I asked you to teach me magic before, right?”

“I remember. However, I wonder if it will be of great help to you, Lord. Anyway, when you have time.”

“I have a question.”

“Yes?”

“That magic thing.”

“Yes.”

“Is it like an illusion?”

“…You could say it is, and you could say it isn’t. But if you get down to the root of it, I have to say it’s similar. After all, magic started from cheating.”

“I see.”

“But why are you suddenly asking about that?”

“Just wondering…”

“Yes.”

Kang Jin-ho curled up the corners of his mouth.

“Have you ever heard of illusion magic?”

“…Illusion magic?”

Wiggins’ eyes flickered slightly.