Free Web NovelThe inspection group that had departed from Pyongyang crossed the division line by land. Then, under the escort of the Korean military, they entered Seoul.
After road traffic was controlled, the group arrived at the Blue House without obstruction, where they were welcomed by President Kim Hakgwon and the ministers.
“Welcome.”
President Kim Hakgwon greeted them with a broad smile.
“Thank you for the warm reception, Mr. President.”
Representing the inspection group, Park Namgi shook hands with President Kim Hakgwon.
“Come, come. Let’s go inside.”
President Kim Hakgwon led the group into the banquet hall inside the Blue House. This scene was being broadcast live on TV.
I turned off the TV after watching the inspection group enter the Blue House.
Han Kyungyeong, who had been watching with me, turned his head first.
“How’s the oil side?”
“It’s starting to react slowly.”
“This hasn’t even started yet. They’ll begin with Afghanistan and then invade Iraq.”
“Iraq too? Even for America, waging wars with multiple countries at once would be burdensome, wouldn’t it? They haven’t even finished the war with Afghanistan yet.”
With powerful air support and mobilized rebel guerrillas, the U.S. had succeeded in occupying the capital without heavy casualties of its own soldiers. Rumors were already circulating within America that they would soon declare victory.
But they had overlooked one thing.
They ignored how much national power the Soviet Union had consumed during its war with Afghanistan, to the extent there were even rumors that the Soviet Union collapsed because of that war. They underestimated the Taliban’s tenacity.
The Taliban chose to burrow underground, into the mountains, and harass America persistently.
“Well, they’ll probably declare victory soon. After that, they’ll choose Iraq as their next prey.”
“True. That rumor’s been floating around Wall Street too. No one moves faster on such rumors than those people.”
Han Kyungyeong, who harbored deep resentment toward Wall Street, spoke with a sneer.
“Indeed. By the way, did you look into that matter?”
“Yes. But they really cut the tail cleanly. The last connected man is already dead...”
As Dick Cheney had said, if someone had made a fortune out of this incident, it was proof that some power had been involved behind the terror.
Having once used a spiderweb of shell companies to launder funds, Han Kyungyeong had been instructed by me to investigate who was behind it.
“I didn’t expect much anyway. Even the CIA dug in with everything they had, but apparently the traces vanished into thin air somewhere, like a ghost.”
“Still, I intend to keep looking. The more I dig, the more interesting it gets. I’m curious who dared such a bold move.”
Seeming to find excitement in the chase, Han Kyungyeong hinted that he wanted to continue investigating.
“Fine. Just don’t overdo it.”
“Got it. By the way, Eva seems really busy too. When’s she coming?”
That evening, there was scheduled to be a meeting between Korean businessmen and the economic inspection group.
Eva, Han Kyungyeong, and I had all been invited. To go together, I had also called Eva to the Myeongdong office.
While Han Kyungyeong and I were talking, Eva opened the door and entered.
“Boss! James is here too.”
“You’re here? Come sit down.”
Nodding, Eva smiled and sat facing Han Kyungyeong.
Her expression was bright, as if things were going well.
“How did Joongwoo Group go?”
I asked her right away as she sat down.
“We’ve already received all the blueprints from Ilseong Electronics. Next month NEC will also begin acquisition procedures. Japan kept its promise this time.”
“Really? That’s good.”
Though she had gone through hardship, Eva had managed to complete this matter safely.
Recalling that time, she shrugged her shoulders, then asked me with a face full of doubt.
“But how did Koizumi seize power? No matter how I think about it, I can’t grasp it. Boss, you must know something, right?”
“Well, probably his own ability. Still, thanks to that, everything flowed smoothly, didn’t it?”
After the meeting with Koizumi, we stopped our attack on Japan and quickly withdrew, even at great loss.
On the other hand, other foreign exchange dealers did not stop attacking Japan, but with fewer spoils to take, their momentum gradually dwindled.
As a result, the Japanese economy, which had seemed to calm down, was shaken again when the massive bomb called the U.S. terror incident exploded.
In the end, with his political standing endangered, the Japanese Prime Minister played his last card by exercising his right to dissolve the National Assembly.
He had mobilized even the final measure just to regain power, but that ended up giving Koizumi an opportunity to seize internal party power.
“For now, they won’t be able to do anything reckless. Eva, all the people involved in your assault have faced the judgment of the law, so you can rest assured.”
“Thank you, Boss.”
I answered Eva’s words with a smile.
Japan had kept its promise to let them face judgment under the law instead of handing them over to us.
Although the verdicts hadn’t been finalized yet, the Japanese government had no reason to protect them, so it was clear they’d be given heavy sentences.
“Once the amendment for financial separation and the law banning circular shareholding pass the National Assembly, Ilseong Group will suffer a huge blow. That’s when it begins.”
“Understood. I’ll make thorough preparations so that it proceeds without any problems.”
While talking with Eva, noise erupted outside the office.
It grew so loud that conversation became difficult, making me frown, when suddenly one of Chief Ma’s subordinates rushed in.
“What’s going on outside?”
“Sorry, Boss. Someone came without an appointment... We tried to send him away, but he insisted on seeing you, so there was a clash with the staff.”
Judging from his disheveled clothes, the report of a scuffle was true.
“No one was supposed to come today.”
“Yes, we thought so too, so we tried to send him away. But a few staff were knocked down at once, and now Chief Ma and the others are facing off with him.”
I frowned. The bodyguards protecting the Myeongdong office were the elite of the elite.
Even if no weapons were used, for several of them to be knocked down meant this was no ordinary man.
Thinking to check who it was myself, I rose from my seat.
“Boss, it’s dangerous.”
“If I’m in danger here, in my own office in Myeongdong, then what are you all here for?”
“...”
Ignoring the subordinate trying to block me, I went outside.
The noise was even louder outside. The guards were struggling against a single man.
I couldn’t see his face clearly, so I went closer to confirm.
“What’s going on?”
Chief Ma turned his head, saw me, and quickly bowed.
“My apologies.”
“No need for apologies. If even you have to step in, he’s no ordinary man.”
At Chief Ma’s feet, two of his men lay fallen. I remembered them as strong ones, yet here they were, collapsed.
I frowned and asked Chief Ma.
“So who is it? Let me see his face.”
“He refuses to reveal his identity.”
“But he said he came to see me.” ƒreewebηoveℓ.com
At that moment, the man surrounded by guards raised his voice to call me.
“President Kim Muhyuk!”
That voice sounded familiar. Unable to recall clearly, I waved my hand lightly.
“Step aside. Let me see his face.”
At my gesture, the guards moved away at once. Inside was an unexpected figure.
Seeing his face, I was momentarily speechless.
“What, why are you... Baek...”
“President, I’d like to speak with you alone.”
It was Baek Cheolsu, cutting me off before I could say his name.
He shook his head slightly, signaling me not to say it. Sensing the meaning, I pointed toward the office.
“Come inside for now. No wonder the guards were knocked down.” freēwēbnovel.com
For the intruder to be Baek Cheolsu... even with handpicked bodyguards, it was natural they had been taken out instantly.
Other than Chief Ma, no one could stop Baek Cheolsu.
To think of blocking the man who personally guarded Kim Jongil—impossible.
I should rather be thankful he hadn’t killed my guards.
“Only the Chief comes in. Send those two to the hospital. Consider it fortunate they’re alive.”
“Uh... yes, understood.”
Though curious, Chief Ma didn’t question my order.
“You and Eva go ahead to the banquet hall first. I’ll talk with this man and follow right after.”
I sent Han Kyungyeong and Eva off first, then brought Baek Cheolsu into the office.
“Please sit. I didn’t expect to see Senior Captain Baek in the heart of Seoul.”
But instead of sitting, Baek Cheolsu eyed Chief Ma warily.
“President Kim, I wish to speak with you alone.”
“If Kim Jongil has you by his side, then I have this man by mine. You can speak freely.”
To ease his caution, I turned and introduced him to Chief Ma.
“Chief, this is Senior Captain Baek Cheolsu. He guards Kim Jongil. Now you understand why I said it was fortunate he didn’t kill those two.”
At the words “Kim Jongil’s guard,” Chief Ma’s expression shifted slightly.
Hesitant, Baek Cheolsu stepped forward first and extended his hand.
“My apologies earlier. Security is crucial, and I acted rudely. It’s better if as few people as possible know I’m here.”
“It’s fine.”
Though their words were simple, as they clasped hands they exchanged a cold gaze.
Seeing their guarded stance, I chuckled lightly and called to them.
“That’s enough introductions. Both of you, sit.”
At my words, they released their grip and sat. Even as they sat, they continued to watch each other warily.
“Then let’s first hear why a man who should be at Chairman Kim Jongil’s side is in Seoul right now. What on earth is going on?”
“I came down with the inspection group for this visit to Seoul. At the General’s request to President Kim Hakgwon, I was allowed to slip away separately.”
Well, well. At his words, one corner of my mouth lifted.
Even if it was at Kim Jongil’s request, to allow a North Korean soldier to roam freely in Seoul?
If this came to light later, how would Kim Hakgwon handle the fallout? Even with the atmosphere of reconciliation, this was clearly over the line.
Seeing my expression, Baek Cheolsu added an ~Nоvеl𝕚ght~ explanation.
“In exchange for allowing me freedom of movement, he promised to withdraw troops from Kaesong. It was a major concession from the Republic’s side.”
I couldn’t help but laugh inwardly.
They were going to withdraw troops from Kaesong anyway because of the Kaesong Industrial Complex, and yet they used it as a bargaining chip.
Kim Jongil was a sly fox indeed. Hiding my thoughts, I asked Baek Cheolsu.
“You mean he made such an unreasonable request just to have you meet me?”
“...There is another purpose.”
“And what is that?”
“That I cannot say.”
Of course, whatever Baek Cheolsu did in Seoul had nothing to do with me.
Still, since he had come into Myeongdong, my territory, I didn’t feel right letting it pass.
“If it’s classified, I won’t press. But don’t go killing anyone. Even if it’s under Chairman Kim Jongil’s orders.”
“I’ve received no such orders.”
“Then that’s fine. Now, tell me the reason you came looking for me.”
Baek Cheolsu straightened his posture as if bracing himself.
“The General told me to deliver this: Do not tell anyone about the North–U.S. peace treaty during this Seoul visit.”
So he went as far as striking a deal with Kim Hakgwon just to send Baek Cheolsu here to deliver that?
What kind of scheme was this? Suspicion rose naturally.
“Would I go telling others about it? I didn’t even mention it to President Kim Hakgwon.”
“Yes, the General wasn’t overly worried about that part. But he also told me to add this: Do not trust any North Korean figure.”
“Don’t trust anyone? Have you still not found the ones behind the attempt on the Chairman’s life?”
The assassination attempt immediately came to mind. Kim Jongil himself had mentioned it when I visited North Korea.
In Pyongyang, in his own lodging, he had been attacked by soldiers assigned to guard him. And yet they still hadn’t found the mastermind?
“...Not even a tail to grasp. Even those captured refused to confess despite torture. And since they came from families with impeccable backgrounds, the General is hesitant to arrest everyone related to them.”
“I see. I understand. Rest assured, I won’t tell anyone.”
After thanking me, Baek Cheolsu left me with one final, ominous remark.
“Whoever approaches you to extract information is absolutely of no help in this matter. Whether it is Director Jang Songthaek or Commander Park Namgi. Remember this.”
