Perfect World [EN]: Chapter 264

Inside a luxurious hotel restaurant, the sophisticated interior decorations spoke of opulence. Judging by the panoramic view of the city sprawling beneath, it was clearly located on a very high floor.

A spacious table sat beside the window. Two women were seated across from each other, enjoying a leisurely meal. Both had raven-black hair, and their similar features, combined with the youthful glow of their twenties, gave them the appearance of sisters barely out of adolescence.

“Well, Theresa. I ran into an Elf who used to be on my gladiator team not long ago, and she was having such a hard time because of her deadbeat owner. Feeling sorry for her, I gave her some spending money, like a charitable donation, you know?”

“Ah, yes.”

“And she was so grateful! She kept bowing and thanking me profusely. She said her owner was drowning in debt, and thanks to my little gift, they could finally breathe a sigh of relief. Hohoho.”

Theresa subtly clenched her hands, her gaze fixed on the chattering woman across from her. Spending money enough to pay off debt; she could roughly estimate the sum.

“How much did you give her, exactly?”

“Oh, it wasn’t much. About 2 million Krang [currency unit in this world].”

Theresa shot her a look of thinly veiled exasperation. Even though 2 million Krang wasn’t a fortune for them, it certainly wasn’t an amount one casually handed out to just anyone.

“No, you gave that away as *pocket money*?”

“What else could I do? We shared a bond from working together in the past. I couldn’t just turn a blind eye to her plight.”

Theresa sighed deeply, unconvinced. *As if that were the real reason*, she thought. She suspected her mother had generously opened her wallet to indulge her own vanity.

Her mother, Angela, was a former gladiator who had been active professionally until about 20 years ago. However, due to her limited talent, she had mostly languished in the Area League [lower tier of gladiator competition], leaving her with a deeply ingrained inferiority complex towards high-ranking gladiators.

It was likely the Elf with the struggling owner was a former teammate who had later been recruited into a higher league. Otherwise, Angela, who generally disliked Elves, would never have been so generous with her money.

*Sigh~ I can’t help it. The Angela Group exists today because of that vanity.*

Angela had inherited a vast fortune from her parents, but she possessed very little business acumen. She was terrible at managing finances and lacked common sense. If she had simply continued her parents’ business as it was, she would have likely gone bankrupt long ago. But her inferiority complex and vanity had inadvertently saved the family. Perhaps her ignorance was a form of bravery? Her envy of the upper leagues had driven her to liquidate her successful family business and plunge headfirst into the professional gladiator team management business. Management skills were essential in the sports business, but her inferiority complex more than compensated for her shortcomings. She spared no expense in investing to elevate her team into the upper leagues, garnering significant support from fans. Moreover, the fact that gladiatorial combat was the only thing she truly understood also played a crucial role.

*My mother’s vanity is truly astounding. Thanks to her, I’m even alive today.*

Angela’s vanity didn’t stop there. Feeling inadequate due to her perceived lack of intelligence, she was determined to ensure her children were brilliant enough to make her proud. She poured vast sums of money into bribing medical professionals and acquiring the genetic material of one of the era’s few geniuses.

Theresa might not even exist today if it weren’t for this particular obsession.

“Anyway, you did a good thing. If a former colleague is in a difficult situation, you should definitely help them out.”

“Hohoho. You think so too? Actually, your mother isn’t as thoughtless as she seems. You might think my actions are strange, but there’s always a good reason behind them.”

One of Angela’s biggest flaws was her own inferiority complex towards her daughter, Theresa. The trigger for this had occurred about eight years ago, when Theresa was graduating from school. At the time, Theresa had achieved a score in the top 100 worldwide and was eligible for free body modification surgery [advanced medical procedure to enhance physical and mental abilities] from the Ministry of Education. Angela, consumed by jealousy, had instead paid for her to undergo surgery at a private body modification clinic. As a result, Theresa had missed the opportunity to join the Black Society [powerful and influential organization] and had instead become affiliated with the Young Entrepreneurs Association.

But Angela’s excuse for this incident was utterly ridiculous. She claimed she had foreseen the trouble brewing within the current Black Society and had deliberately arranged for Theresa to undergo general body modification surgery instead. This was, of course, impossible, and every time Theresa heard this story, she felt a surge of annoyance. She was supposed to be gracefully mingling among the swans [elite members of society], but instead, she was stuck quacking with the ducks [less sophisticated social circles] because of her mother, and she couldn’t stand the sound. Moreover, those ducks didn’t know their place and were ignoring her subtle advances.

“Yes. Of course. Mother is wise and possesses a wealth of life experience, allowing her to understand the principles of the world that I don’t yet grasp.”

“Hohoho. That’s right. Even though I might not look it, I’m the leader who built the Angela faction. If there’s a result, there’s a reason behind it. Do you understand what I mean?”

Theresa found her mother pathetic, but she carefully concealed her true feelings. She knew from experience that she always had to appear inferior to Angela. She understood all too well that if she showed off her abilities, she would end up like a Nakdong River duck egg [Korean idiom for someone out of place or rejected], triggering jealousy born from vanity. Although she had given birth to Theresa to boast about her intelligent child, she secretly resented her daughter being superior to her.

And Theresa wasn’t the only potential successor to the group. Angela couldn’t resist the allure of attractive men, and she was constantly having children with numerous gigolos [male escorts]. If Theresa made even a single misstep, she could be immediately pushed out of the line of succession.

“Yes. I know very well. How could the Angela Group have ever been created if it weren’t for Mother? That’s why I always respect you, Mother.”

Angela beamed, her smile so wide she could barely contain it with both hands. She was particularly vulnerable to Theresa’s flattery, more so than anyone else. Her intelligent daughter’s praise was the most effective way to make herself feel important.

“Hohoho. Of course. You’re finally starting to understand something? Well, when you reach your age, you slowly begin to perceive the underlying principles of the world.”

“No. It’s because I’m constantly watching and learning from Mother’s example.”

Angela, her mouth stretched even wider in a delighted grin, gazed at Theresa with loving eyes.

“Our Theresa has matured so much. When she was younger and more immature, she really worried me. Thanks to you, I can finally relax now.”

“Mother, please don’t talk about the past. It’s embarrassing. My face still burns with shame when I think about it.”

“Hohoho. Yes. Let’s not dwell on painful old stories anymore.”

Just then, a call came through on Theresa’s pocket device. She took out her electronic notebook, checked the sender’s name, and her expression immediately stiffened. It was someone her mother should never know about.

“Mother. I have an important call to take, so I’ll step away for a moment.”

“Why? Can’t you just answer it here?”

“How could I rudely answer the phone in front of Mother while she’s enjoying her meal? I’ll be right back, so please excuse me for a moment.”

“Alright. But come back quickly.”

“Yes. I understand.”

Theresa rose from her seat and hurried out of the restaurant. She found a nearby lounge where she was alone and brought up the screen.

Soon, she smiled at the welcoming face that appeared.

“Father.”

The person who appeared on the screen was unexpectedly Chairman Lucas. He gave Theresa a warm smile.

– Theresa. How have you been?

“Yes. How have you been, Father?”

– I’m doing well.

“Ah. But what brings you here?”

– Hmm. I was just wondering how this matter is progressing.

Lucas stared at her with a serious expression. The task Theresa was currently undertaking was a crucial stepping stone for the Black Society’s entry into the gladiator world. Moreover, since a rather troublesome opponent was involved, it was essential to carefully monitor and verify the progress of the work. Carelessness could lead to a painful setback, like last time.

Theresa glanced around the lounge before speaking quietly.

“Father. I’m currently having dinner with Mother, so I can’t talk for long. I hope you understand.”

– Is that so? Then I won’t keep you. Just give me a brief update.”

“Yes. According to the person I bribed, Vice Chairman Lewis and a man named Bumseok are pointing fingers at the Young Entrepreneurs Association and the Economic Organizations as the masterminds behind this situation. And they believe Gilliam is their frontman.”

– Our Black Society’s involvement hasn’t been exposed, has it?

“Of course not. It hasn’t been revealed at all. No, it can *never* be revealed. I’m the only one who knows the full extent of the connections, and I would never do anything that could harm Father.”

Lucas’s face broke into a satisfied smile. He was proud of his daughter, who was handling the operation flawlessly.

In reality, Gilliam, who was at the center of the incident, was completely unaware of the plan, let alone the entity that was secretly backing him. He was merely a pawn, lured into participating by the promise of money and an appearance on TNGL Broadcasting [popular entertainment program]. Since he was destined to be eliminated as soon as he successfully stirred up animosity towards the Economic Organizations of Vice Chairman Lewis, there was no reason to reveal the Black Society’s involvement.

And the individual who would actually seize Sheila [likely a person or asset] was a close aide of Vice Chairman Lewis, whom Theresa had recently bribed. He was poised to become Vice Chairman Lewis’s successor as soon as this was over, and he had promised to fully comply with Theresa’s requests in the future. But even *he* knew nothing about the Black Society’s involvement. In other words, as long as Theresa kept her mouth shut, the Black Society would remain safe, regardless of how badly things might escalate.

– Theresa, you’ve done an excellent job. But are you encountering any particular difficulties?

“Not at all. It’s actually so easy it’s almost boring. I can’t believe they’re suspecting the Economic Organizations simply because they saw Thomas Lee and our team’s Elf meet.”

– But you must be cautious of that guy named Bumseok. I was caught off guard for a moment and suffered greatly. If you relax your guard, even for a second, you could find yourself in serious trouble.

“Don’t worry. I won’t be in any danger. I’ve made perfect preparations to cut off the tail [eliminate evidence and escape consequences] if any problems arise.”

Lucas nodded, looking somewhat relieved. He might be using her now, but he genuinely cared for Theresa. She was the only one among his blood relatives who truly resembled him. The fact that she had been selected as a candidate for body modification surgery by the Ministry of Education was proof of that.

However, it was a pity that he couldn’t raise her himself, but it didn’t matter. Theresa was sincerely loyal to him.

It had all started when he had helped her during a period when she was suffering from Angela’s jealousy. At the time, Theresa had come to him, her father, and tearfully complained, and Lucas had helped her overcome the crisis by providing her with various forms of material support and advice. Because of this, she always held him in high regard and treated him with more respect than his own children.

– Yes. You never know how things will unfold in this world, so you must always be vigilant.

“Yes. I understand.”

– Oh, by the way. Are you running short on funds? I checked, and it seems like a significant amount of money has been withdrawn from the bank vault.

Theresa nodded. She had plenty of money in her personal account, but she couldn’t use her own funds for such a risky undertaking.

“Yes. I think I’m a little short.”

– Alright. I’ll replenish the bank vault with funds soon, so feel free to take what you need.

“Yes. Thank you, Father.”

– Hehe. You’re welcome. It’s all money being used for my benefit and the Black Society’s. I should be the one who’s grateful.

“No. It’s nothing compared to the help you’ve given me, Father. Thanks to you, I was able to maintain my position as the successor of the Angela Group.”

Lucas smiled contentedly and said.

– Hehe. I’m so proud as a father that you feel that way. If you ever encounter any difficulties, don’t hesitate to ask for my help.

“Yes. Father.”

– And when the conflict between the Black Society and the Economic Organizations is resolved, come and take management lessons from me from time to time.

“Management lessons from Father?”

– Yes. You have to follow in my footsteps, so it’s a natural progression.

Theresa’s eyes widened in surprise.

“A-Are you going to give me the Windhouse Group [another powerful organization]?”

– Yes. I’m considering making you my successor.

“B-But Father. Shouldn’t Windhouse be passed on to my other half-brothers?”

– Hmph. To those damn guys? They’re hopeless from the start. They only think about enjoying luxury under their father’s prestige, and they never strive to improve themselves through fierce competition. And perhaps it’s because they resemble their mothers, but they’re so stupid that I get a headache just looking at them. If I entrusted the family business to them, they’d ruin it all in no time. But you’re different. You earned your place in the Black Society through your achievements in school, and you’ve risen to the position of group successor by skillfully manipulating your jealous mother. And you’ve flawlessly handled all the tasks I’ve assigned you so far. Seeing all this, I believe you’re the only one capable of inheriting Windhouse, which I’ve dedicated my entire youth to building.”

Theresa couldn’t conceal her joy at those words. It wasn’t just about inheriting the giant corporation, Windhouse; she was even more thrilled by the fact that Lucas had finally recognized her abilities. She truly respected her father.

“T-Thank you, Father.”

– What are you thanking me for? It’s all possible because you’re my true daughter. So be proud of yourself.

“Yes. Father.”

– Alright. Let’s hang up now. Your mother will be waiting, and it’s not good to talk for too long.

“Yes. Goodbye, then.”

– Yes. See you later.”

As the screen went dark, Theresa headed back to the restaurant with a spring in her step. She was ecstatic at the prospect of inheriting both her mother’s Angela Group and her father’s Windhouse. If she combined these two family businesses, she could become the head of a giant conglomerate that ranked among the top 100 in the world.

But her excited and radiant expression turned cold before she even entered the restaurant. She saw her mother, Angela, hooking arms with a black-haired man wearing sunglasses and boarding the elevator. She was annoyed at the thought that yet another gigolo had arrived from somewhere.

*Tsk. Another sibling is probably on the way. And who is that guy?*

Theresa shook her head and entered the restaurant. One of Angela’s biggest pet peeves was her interfering with her romantic relationships. If she complained without a valid reason, she would be immediately reprimanded for being arrogant. In this situation, it was best to ignore it and pretend she hadn’t seen anything.

============================ Author’s Notes ============================

Today, I watched a movie for the first time in a long time. The title is “Returned Power Rangers Miracle Force.” ㅠㅠ. These nephews of mine! To make their uncle watch such a movie. ㅠㅠ. But, as I watched it, it was a little fun. Hahaha.

Then, everyone have a good day. I’ll see you all again tomorrow.