Chapter 422. Leader (3)
After a long discussion with Eval Sevaru, Chi-Woo immediately called for an all members meeting. He first began organizing the system by announcing the internal affairs of Seven Stars in front of every participant. He had already talked to Eval Sevaru to some extent, but Chi-Woo also asked the first team’s members for their thoughts about the creation of a main team just in case. Their responses were as expected.
Hawa replied, “Yes, I agree.”
As for Eshnunna, she said, “Haha, my cute ice…ah, yes. Of course, I will accept.”
And the same was true for Evelyn as well. “You’re finally calling for me? You don’t know how long I’ve been waiting~”
All three gave a positive response as if it were given. As Eval Sevaru said, they were forced to join the first team in the early days of Seven Stars due to the shortage of personnel. They all hoped to return to Chi-Woo’s side whenever the time came. Ru Amuh also easily accepted the change; judging by how he didn’t look very disappointed, everyone seemed to share the same thoughts. This clearly illustrated the problem with the first team that Eval Sevaru had pointed out.
Chi-Woo said, “Ru Amuh, you should recruit new people. Don’t worry and go for whoever you want.”
“Would it really be all right to pick the people I want?”
“Yeah, as long as you’re confident that you can manage them.”
“In that case, I’ll do as you say. Teacher, I’ll find heroes who fit the status of Seven Stars.”
Like this, Chi-Woo finished organizing the first team. However, it was far from over.
“And…” Chi-Woo shifted his gaze from Ru Amuh to the handsome black-haired young man sitting next to him. Emmanuel looked slightly nervous. “I heard from Eval Sevaru. You want to officially join the Seven Stars?”
“Yes, Teacher.” Emmanuel bowed. He had been treated as an external collaborator so far since he also led and operated an organization named after his family. However, after the war ended, Emmanuel expressed his desire to disband his organization and join Seven Stars.
Chi-Woo asked, “Can I ask why?”
“Through this war…no, it was way before that. Ever since I entered Liber, I’ve constantly felt my shortcomings.” Emmanuel smiled bitterly. He wasn’t lying, he truly felt that he was lacking in everything. The reason why he had entered Liber in the first place was out of a childish desire to be acknowledged by his family through accomplishing tasks and making achievements. The same was true for setting up his organization. He was able to gather a following and build a sizable force thanks to his reputation as a Celestial Light, and he only set up an organization because he saw Apoline do so, and he didn’t want to lose to her. Since that had been his mindset from the very beginning, problems were bound to arise.
“Should I say that I was immature… Yes, I am way too immature compared to you, Teacher.” Emmanuel continued with an embarrassed tone, “I had only been briefly entertaining the idea. It wasn’t until after the war a while ago that I made up my mind. I felt strongly that I should learn more about everything to leave a footprint worthy of the title of a hero in this world.” Emmanuel stared at Chi-Woo with fierce passion. “That’s why I became certain that I would be able to learn a lot if I’m next to you in the future.”
Listening quietly, Ru Amuh smiled as if he felt the same way as Emmanuel. His overzealous gaze made Chi-Woo feel somewhat burdened, but he didn’t show it. He had discussed this with Eval Sevaru in advance.
‘Eval said it wouldn’t be bad for Seven Stars if Emmanuel joined.’ Just the fact that a member of a top family of the Celestial Lights had joined them would greatly bolster Seven Stars’ prestige and status even further. If Emmanuel, who had great pride in his family name, found out this was the reason why they were accepting him, he might not be happy about it, but it couldn't be helped. Exchanges should be equal, and Chi-Woo should also get something in exchange for giving what Emmanuel wanted. From now on, Chi-Woo needed to learn to think like Eval Sevaru.
Chi-Wo asked, “Then what about your original organization?”
“I’ve already announced the news and told them that I’m going to disband the organization. I’m planning to only bring one or two of the most useful and trustworthy people among those who want to follow me and let go of the rest.”
“Already? That’s fast.” Chi-Woo couldn’t help but be awed inside his mind. What would Emmanuel do if Chi-Woo had refused to take him in? Of course, there was no point contemplating what hadn’t happened further. “All right, if it’s Eustitias, we’ll welcome you with open arms. I’ll give you one of the outer buildings and the position of the second team leader, so try to make a great team with your talent.”
Chi-Woo felt awkward while talking, and at the same, he could see why Eval Sevaru and his brother had urged him to speak informally. If he spoke formally with honorifics like usual, he would have said something like, ‘Welcome, I look forward to working with you.’ However, speaking informally in turn changed what he said, and it really felt like he was in a position of authority. He checked Emmanuel’s expression just in case, but Emmanuel didn’t look displeased or annoyed.
“Thank you, sir! I won’t let you down!” Rather, Emmanuel bowed with joy and showed his gratitude. And like this, the second team was now established. Chi-Woo moved on to the next group.
“I’ll join,” Yeriel said as soon as their eyes met. “Honestly, I moved here before that dumbo and well…” Yeriel was originally a guest at Emmanuel’s organization, but she was left with nowhere to go after Eustitia disbanded. “But I’d like to set a few conditions. First of all, there’s no need for me to form a team that focuses on external activities. You agree with that, right?”
“Yeah,” Chi-Woo easily agreed. In the recent war alone, Yeriel had shown her true value by creating weapons for combat rather than going out and fighting directly.
“Even so, I’d like to be given the position of team leader. I don’t plan to abuse or carelessly use my authority, but I don’t want to be pushed back in official settings.” In other words, she was saying that since Emmanuel had become a team leader, she also wanted to have the same status. Her words could be considered brash, but given her value, it was understandable. Eval Sevaru had also said that they must keep Yeriel at all costs even if he failed to recruit anyone else; Chi-Woo had no reason to refuse.
He had originally wanted only his stars to lead teams, but after accepting Asha as his third star, the plan went a bit awry. He couldn’t ask a jelly lump as big as his palm who couldn’t even speak properly to make and lead a team. Chi-Woo thought it would be perfectly fine if Yeriel filled the vacancy. She wasn’t a star, but this could be seen as a rather low price in exchange for a talent who was attracting attention as the alpha and omega in the weapon manufacturing industry.
“All right. Then you can use your current workshop as it is as your building, and I’ll give you the position of the third team leader. The third team is exempted from having to go out on missions.”
“That’s the spirit! Sounds great to me. I have no complaints.”
When Yeriel accepted it easily, Eval Sevaru slightly smiled. Originally, every single person here was a talent that ordinary people couldn’t even dream of recruiting. However, thanks to Chi-Woo, the recruitment process went on extremely smoothly. On the other hand, it was understandable as they had high expectations for Chi-Woo as part of the Choi family, and he had definitely proven himself in the recent war. Only a fool wouldn’t recognize the one who would go on to lead humanity in the future. There was no reason for them to not get on board unless they were wanderers by nature like Ismile Nahla. And like this, Chi-Woo successfully created the best situation in which the owner, manager, and players were all happy.
However, as even the most valuable treasure could have a flaw, not everyone was happy. There was one person who looked clearly unhappy. Shortly after Chi-Woo said he’d accept Yeriel as the third team leader, Eval Sevaru saw that Yunael’s expression had turned uncomfortable. When he subtly glanced at Chi-Woo sitting in the main seat, Chi-Woo immediately said, “Then that’s it for today’s meeting. Everyone is free to leave.”
Yunael’s eyes instantly sharpened and looked at him as if she was asking, ‘Really? What about me?’ Her bright, red face looked ready to explode at any moment.
“Ah, Ms. Yunael, please stay behind for a while.”
Her expression calmed down a little when her expectations were met, but she still seemed to be gritting her teeth in intense betrayal. When everyone but the three of them had left through the door, Chi-Woo addressed her. “You seem like you have something to say.”
“Come oooon!” Yunael shouted her complaints as if she had been waiting all along. “What the hell’s up with that? Wasn’t the position of the third team leader originally mine?”
“Well, it was a temporary position,” Eval Sevaru answered quickly on behalf of Chi-Woo.
“Yes! It was supposed to be a test! But what’s this!” Yunael shouted angrily. “Seriously! I won’t even complain if she’s at Ru Amuh’s level. Emmanuel was an external collaborator, but since he was appointed as a team leader way before me, I’ll admit that he should be second team leader. But this isn’t right, is it? Why that bitch of all people…!”
“She’s not a bitch, but Ms. Yeriel Lily Dula Mariaju, Ms. Yunael.” When Yunael crossed the line, Eval Sevaru corrected her in a stern voice. “And there’s no way the boss has any intentions to look down on you, Ms. Yunael. That’s just how it happened, and you’re still a team leader. You can take the fourth team.”
“But then that means I was pushed back by that bi—Yeriel!”
Eval replied, “Ms. Yunael, the number of the team that you’re in charge of is not that important. It’s just a number.”
“Ha!” Yunael let out a hollow laugh as if she found that point ridiculous. As Eval had said, Chi-Woo wondered if the number was that important. However, Chi-Woo changed his mind when, contrary to what he said, Eval looked as if he could empathize with her. Chi-Woo understood a little bit then why his brother had told him to never underestimate a hero’s ego.
A moment of silence passed between them. Yunael crossed her arms, and her thumb twitched while she gritted her teeth with an angry expression.
“Fine. What can a humble and lowly Tania like me do when the great Mariaju wants something?” She spoke in a sarcastic tone and then suddenly lifted her chin. “Then please confirm my position as the third star. At this very moment!”
Eval Sevaru laughed in shock as Yunael spoke in an absolutely unyielding tone. He admitted that Yunael had made some significant achievements, and that the Tania name was great, but there should be a line. The only person among humanity who could dare to threaten Chi-Woo like this was the legend.
“Ms. Yunael, you act like it’s your given right.” Thus, Eval Sevaru put on a stern expression and said this with the intent to dampen her spirits a little.
“Yeah, no shit. It is my given right.”
“…What?” Eval Sevaru was taken aback by her unexpected answer.
“Hey, boss, you should say something too. You definitely told me back then. You promised me!”
Bewildered, Eval glanced at Chi-Woo. He had promised her? If that was the case, Eval couldn’t argue against her further.
“Well…haha. Let’s calm down first. Ms. Yunael, I think you’re misunderstanding….” Eval Sevaru stopped mid-sentence and closed his mouth when Chi-Woo raised his hand.
“Yunael.” Chi-Woo called out her name and said bluntly, “You can’t be the third star or the third team leader.”
Then Chi-Woo and Eval both heard Yunael’s sharp intake of breath. Her eyes widened as if she was a criminal sentenced to death. “W-What did you say?”
“The third team leader is Yeriel, and the third star of the Seven Stars has already been given to this little guy.” Chi-Woo pointed at Asha, who was playing on his shoulder.
“Then what about me!” Thud! Yunael slammed the desk and got up while dragging her chair roughly.
“You will be the fourth team leader and the fourth star.” Unlike her, Chi-Woo spoke with complete calmness as if he never intended to reverse this decision.
Yunael seemed to have caught the meaning behind his tone and looked speechless. “No…ha…” She gaped for a while and didn’t so much sit back down but collapse into the chair. “…Why?” she asked with a slightly hoarse voice. “What did I do wrong?” She looked at Chi-Woo with hollow and hazy eyes. “I know that there was some noise and commotion when I first joined Seven Stars, but that’s all in the past now. Ever since I joined, I haven’t acted recklessly even once and instead quietly followed orders. But why…”
She wasn’t wrong. Contrary to Aida’s concerns, Yunael remained faithful to her duty; Chi-Woo acknowledged this and said, “Yeah, that’s right.”
“Then at least tell me a good reason. So I can force myself to accept it.” Still, considering her words, it didn’t seem like Yunael wanted to leave Seven Stars either.
Chi-Woo smiled brightly. “That’s precisely why.”
Yunael immediately frowned.
“It’s not because you’re bad. It’s because you’re good. So I decided to switch you to the fourth star and fourth team leader.”
Yunael blinked; she couldn’t understand him at all. “What are you suddenly…saying?”
“Why do you think I named our organization Seven Stars?”
“That’s…” Yunael gaped. As someone whose personality was essentially defined by her simple-mindedness, she had never thought about such a thing.
“Do you know what each of the Seven Stars mean?” Chi-Woo asked one more time before continuing, “The first star is the vanguard. They have to be more perfect than anyone else since they stand at the very front. To the point where no one can find a single fault with them.”
“…”
“Then let me ask you, are you confident that you can become more perfect than Ru Amuh?”
Yunael quietly shook her head. She also knew how monstrous Ru Amuh was as a hero. “Then…what about the fourth star?” Although her attitude had softened a little bit, Yunael carefully asked for clarification.
Chi-Woo immediately replied, “It’s the center. The center of the stars.”
“The center?”
“Think about it. Where is 4 among 1 to 7?”
“That’s—” ‘1, 2, 3, …7, 6, 5….’ Yunael counted her fingers one by one and soon gasped in realization.
“Yeah, that’s right. It’s perfectly in the middle, right?” Chi-Woo raised his chin as if he was telling her ‘I told you so’. “The fourth star is the heart of the Seven Stars like a maestro commanding an orchestra at the center of the stage.”
Eval Sevaru tilted his head and frowned. He had been wondering how Chi-Woo was going to handle this incident but… What? 4 was between 123 and 567, so it was the center? ‘With all due respect, it was complete hogwash,’ he thought. If Chi-Woo hadn’t been the one who made the argument, Eval would’ve snorted and asked what kind of gibberish he was talking about.
Yunael replied, “Then…it’s all because you expected me to play a central role in Seven Stars…”
Eval Sevaru couldn’t believe what he was hearing.
Chi-Woo replied, “Yeah, if there’s a vanguard, there needs to be someone at the center and the rear, and I want you to take center stage as the backbone of the Seven Stars.”
Yunael’s eyes twirled around and around. “Uh…” How should she describe it? She was hit by a myriad of emotions, including a sudden sense of pressure, as well as the joy and relief that Chi-Woo trusted her this much. Several conflicting emotions coexisted at the same time. “If you say that so suddenly…”
“Suddenly? No, that’s not the case. When we went back to the past, as well as during the recent war, I felt assured thinking you would be the fourth star.”
At that moment, Yunael had an eureka moment. She hadn’t been sure because it was so out of the blue, but after hearing what he said, she became certain. It seemed that Chi-Woo’s trust in her had grown significantly after these two events, and thus he wanted her to take on a heavy responsibility. If she thought of it like this, everything made sense. “That’s true, but…no way. That was on purpose…?” Only then did Yunael understand why Chi-Woo had purposely changed her team leader order, and her mouth slightly dropped open.
“…” Eval Sevaru also gaped as this fool squirmed. What, seriously, this worked? For real?
“Yeah. Actually, the third star’s role is simply to support the first and second stars, but considering the abilities and accomplishments you’ve shown so far, I don’t think you fit the role of support.” Chi-Woo nodded with great gravity and had a serious expression on his face, but he was actually laughing inside. “I think you fully deserve the spotlight too, and you’ve shown the ability to do that.”
“Well, Ye…s. That’s right.”
After doubting his ears, Eval Sevaru began doubting his eyes when Yunael furiously nodded. Being persuaded by such groundless words went beyond a lack of common sense and entered the realm of an innate intelligence problem. It was to the extent that Eval Sevaru became sad for her as a fellow hero. ‘No, there’s no way. It can’t be.’ She didn’t get persuaded by this, right? It must be an act, right?
“Do you understand now?” While Eval Sevaru had a hard time believing that Yunael was not acting, Chi-Woo asked in an infinitely caring and kind tone.
“…S-Sorry. But you should have told me earlier. I didn’t even know that and thought…” Yunael tended to be led by her emotions; she lost her temper easily, but she was also easily moved. After hearing his explanation, she became convinced that Chi-Woo had purposely changed her position in consideration of her, yet she had failed to understand the meaning behind his actions and gotten angry.
Chi-Woo smiled internally when he saw her avoiding his eyes because she felt apologetic.
‘Good. She’s falling for it.’ Then Chi-Woo continued, “While I reorganized Seven Stars this time, I decided on a policy.”
“What is it?”
“Reward good behavior and punish bad conduct,” Chi-Woo said clearly. “I’m going to give prizes to those who did well, and punish those who didn’t do well. It’s simple, right?”
“Yeah, that’s simple.”
“This criteria will be thoroughly evaluated only based on the process and the results. This means that the criteria won’t change from person to person. Do you understand what I mean?”
“Yes, I understand for sure.” Without even realizing it, Yunael became a rattle who nodded to Chi-Woo’s every word.
“In that sense, you did well, Yunael.” Chi-Woo’s smooth words flowed out effortlessly from his mouth. “I mean it. You really did well.”
“No, well…I just did what I was told to do…”
“So I should reward you, not just with words.” Chi-Woo stared at Yunael, who had her hands clasped and was at a loss of what to do. “I’ll say it again.” Then he asked, “Will you be my fourth star?”
Yunael gulped visibly.
“Yunael, I think you’re the only one who fits the position of the fourth star among the Seven Stars.”
Eval Sevaru was still having a hard time believing that all this was real. Yunael’s ears and neck weren’t as red as before, but they were still red enough that Eval expected her to get angry at any moment, yelling at Chi-Woo if it was fun to pretend to comfort her and tease people like this. And she would have been completely justified in her actions. He thought their boss had gone too far this time, but Eval Sevaru was mistaken.
“…Yes…” The lioness who had roared violently just a few minutes ago disappeared without a trace. “All right…” Yunael buried her face in her hands and softly murmured , “I will…be your fourth star…” Instead, it was replaced by a shy bride before her first night of marriage.
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