At the entrance of the charity hospital where the Mirae chairman's funeral was held, countless condolence wreaths stood in rows.

From President Dae-sang Kim to the Prime Minister and the ministers of each department, the condolence wreaths — along with those of countless politicians and figures from the business world — covered the wall so thoroughly you couldn't see it.

The faces of those who came to pay their respects were splendid as well.

A former president appeared at the funeral hall leaning on a cane, and ambassadors came in place of their respective heads of state. The US and China even sent special envoys to express their condolences.

This was nothing extraordinary. Because the Mirae Group had once contended with Ilhyeon for the position of Korea's top company — its influence extended beyond Korea to the whole world.

And the most special person of all stood before the memorial portrait of the Mirae Group chairman.

"Brother. Thank you for coming."

"Of course I had to come."

The youngest brother of the Mirae Group chairman offered thanks to Tak-hyeon.

"I'd heard he was unwell… I feel so guilty for not having visited him once while he was in the hospital."

"Not at all. Just your coming here will please him."

"Yes. Is there anything I can help with?"

Having gazed at the Mirae chairman's photograph for a good while, Tak-hyeon turned to face the chairman's youngest brother and asked.

"No. Your coming is thanks enough."

"If there's ever any difficulty, do tell me. If there's something I can help with, I'll help."

"Your words alone are thanks enough."

He bowed his head in thanks to Tak-hyeon.

Tak-hyeon patted his bowed shoulder and turned his head to look toward where his children were.

Mun-jong and the others were talking with the Mirae Group's children.

"Brother. Your grief must be great."

"It was something I already knew was coming, so… still, my chest does feel heavy."

Hyeon-u Bang — the Mirae Group chairman's eldest son and Mirae Group vice-chairman — wore a rueful expression at Mun-jong's consolation.

Hyeon-u Bang looked around at…