Chapter 507: The Simple Reason I Help the U.S.

The U.S. couldn't start a new war, at least not with President Bush facing the upcoming election next year.

After more than a year of ongoing war, anti-war sentiments were finally emerging within the U.S.

Of course, this opposition was still much less than in historical instances.

The reason was simple: half of Black Bear's military was deployed in Afghanistan for stabilization efforts.

As Black Bear gradually brought some stability to the treacherous Afghanistan, the burden on the U.S. military certainly lightened.

However, there had still been plenty of suicide bombings and attacks on U.S. troops, with casualties consistently rising. Iraq was no different.

Despite capturing most of Hussein's key officials, including Hussein himself—who was currently imprisoned in the U.S.—sporadic battles continued.

It's so bad that they are strongly requesting combat troops from Korea.

But to start a war against North Korea right now? It's absolutely ridiculous.

There's just no way they could do that.

It's not that they lack the capacity; the U.S. military has more than enough strength.

But North Korea is a completely different country compared to Afghanistan and Iraq in the Middle East.

Since the Cold War era, it has served as a buffer zone between the free and communist worlds in East Asia.

Of course, that wasn't our wish—it was something forced upon us by great powers.

So, if the U.S. invades North Korea now that the Cold War is over, both China and Russia would inevitably join in, regardless of the reasons.

"The President calling me like this means you're looking to initiate behind-the-scenes negotiations with North Korea through me, right? On the surface, you'll impose sanctions via a UN resolution against North Korea."

Bush, who had been quietly observing me, nodded.

"You're right. I don't want any official records of negotiations with North Korea. We've been fighting wars in Iraq and Afghanistan under the banner of the War on Terror. We've even officially stated that we aren't negotiating with any terrorist groups, including Bin Laden. However, negotiating with North Korea would bring catastrophic consequences for both the U.S. and for me."

Bush's voice had grown heated.

"There's an election coming up next year. Yet these crazy bastards are conducting nuclear tests, and as if that weren't enough, they're launching ballistic missiles! I feel like I could just drop a nuclear bomb on Pyongyang right now…"

Bush, barely containing his anger, trailed off.

After the Al-Qaeda attacks on the U.S., Kim Jong-il had issued a statement supporting the War on Terror and showed a friendly attitude toward America.

However, the U.S. further tightened sanctions, labeling North Korea as part of the Axis of Evil.

I couldn't help but find it absurd how Bush pointed fingers at North Korea without reflecting on what had transpired.

"Kim Jong-il must have been at a loss too."

"But still, pursuing nuclear weapons is unacceptable."

"Then he should have kept his promises. The U.S. was supposed to support the light water reactors, but construction has stalled, and it's the U.S. that hasn't lifted economic sanctions. Now you just blame Kim Jong-il for everything?"

"Who exactly is Charlie in this?"

Bush looked at me with a frown. I met his gaze directly as I replied.

"As for whose side I'm on, I think you already know enough about what I have done for the U.S. so far. If you want it, I've helped even at a financial loss. Even with this instance, I just passed on information about the terrorist threat to the UN branch in Iraq."

"Uhmm…"

As if at a loss for words, Bush cleared his throat.

Politicians are all the same, aren't they? They're quick to threaten whenever their interests are at stake, forgetting everything they've gained.

"So, what do I need to do?"

"Make the UN resolution stronger than initially planned."

"…Do we know the contents of the resolution?"

The U.S. had already imposed sanctions regarding North Korea's nuclear tests in the past. So logically, of course, they knew.

I chuckled lightly, brushing it off.

"Even if we do, it would only entail prohibiting the trafficking of weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missiles, freezing related financial assets, banning luxury goods exports to North Korea, and inspecting cargo on ships going to and from North Korea."

"Charlie, have you planted informants in the White House?"

Bush asked, his face filled with surprise.

"No, I haven't."

"Well, you wouldn't have known about the resolution anyway, because it was just established right before you came here, and the people present have just been informed by Charlie. So how did you know?"

No matter how much of a superpower the U.S. is, it can't help but heed the movements of the massive countries surrounding North Korea.

"I assumed that China and Russia would agree to such mild terms."

"That's accurate. Alarmingly so."

"However, that level of economic sanction won't be enough. We need stringent measures that could potentially collapse their economy."

Bush replied with a serious expression.

"That would be difficult to achieve with the consensus of China and Russia. They wouldn't want to see North Korea entirely collapse."

"I will manage that. Through unofficial negotiations."

Bush tapped the table with his index finger, lost in thought. Eventually, he shook his head.

"No, we can't do that. You never know what that lunatic Kim Jong-il might do. The level of military provocation could escalate quickly."

Of course, I was concerned about that too.

But only by completely isolating North Korea could we ensure that more high-ranking officials would support Jang Seong-taek's coup.

"We can't let this situation pass without taking such a gamble."

"So I called you here to ask you to go into North Korea and negotiate. Find out what Kim Jong-il truly wants."

"The U.S. stance is CVID, right?"

Bush nodded as if it were obvious.

"Yes, that's correct. Our position is that we will only negotiate after complete, verifiable, and irreversible denuclearization."

"They've already conducted nuclear tests. Do you think that's possible?"

The fundamental U.S. stance towards North Korea was CVID or PVID.

Though the terms differed, the meaning was the same: complete disarmament.

"Kim Jong-il wants one thing. Regime guarantees. He's asking the U.S. to officially guarantee that."

"…We are the United States that defends freedom. How could we guarantee a dictatorship? That's a demand we absolutely cannot meet."

"That's why Kim Jong-il is behaving this way."

Neither side was willing to yield an inch. The U.S. wanted denuclearization while North Korea sought assurances for its regime.

Of course, the U.S. claimed that they would engage in talks if North Korea abandoned its nuclear arms, but who would willingly relinquish their weapons for mere dialogue?

"So, I'm asking you to negotiate to some extent. You're the only one fit for this job. After all, didn't you already relay a personal letter from Kim Jong-il to me?"

"Mr. President, I no longer trust Kim Jong-il. I will not engage in any negotiations with him. I am a businessman and an investor. I will no longer deal with someone who has broken trust."

When I answered coolly, Bush seemed taken aback, wanting to rebut.

"Hey, Charlie, this is not about personal interest…"

"Then do you think a businessman prioritizes public interest over personal interest? What matters is whether it benefits my business or it doesn't. That is what is most important to me."

Taken aback, Bush stared at me blankly.

It was probably the first time someone said such words to him face-to-face since he became president, so it was a natural reaction.

"The reason I'm helping the U.S. is simple. It's how I protect my wealth. So don't think of me as someone who will do whatever you tell me."

I didn't bother hiding my discomfort. Bush also showed signs of displeasure.

An awkward silence hung in the air until it was finally Bush—facing an election in just over a year—who broke it.

"So what does Charlie think? What does he want that prompts such a strong response? The collapse of North Korea? You know that just economic sanctions aren't going to bring down North Korea."

His statement had merit. It would be tough to bring down North Korea with just economic sanctions.

"No, it's not going to collapse just from that. But just like other dictatorships, internal power struggles could arise."

"You think a coup could occur in North Korea? I don't think that's the case."

"I can't be 100% certain either. However, now is the right time. After the bloody purges, the economy is crumbling. If additional sanctions are imposed, defections among the elite will increase. Kim Jong-il's position will only narrow as that happens."

Repeating the word coup several times, Bush seemed to momentarily gather his thoughts.

After a bit of time, he once again spoke up.

"Charlie, it seems you believe that Jang Seong-taek could stage a coup?"

"Not just Jang Seong-taek, but I believe someone could attempt a coup. Whoever it is would likely be easier to negotiate with than Kim Jong-il. Then wouldn't dictatorship end? It's impossible to run a nation like a kingdom with the Kim family's claims of blood purity. Negotiations would then become simpler."

"Simpler?"

"To guarantee regime security in exchange for complete nuclear disarmament? No need for anything like that if we lift all sanctions imposed on North Korea and permit investment. That's all it takes. From then on, it becomes the businesses' responsibility."

Finally realizing the meaning behind my words, Bush broke into a smile.

"So that was your goal all along. Investment in North Korea. That's why you're putting in so much effort here?"

"Yes. I genuinely wish to invest in North Korea. That's also why I've been trying to maintain good relations with Kim Jong-il."

Bush nodded, seemingly understanding.

Even though the current situation doesn't permit investment in North Korea, it's only natural for a businessman to eye a place with unlimited potential. Bush seemed to share the same sentiment.

"Oh, by the way, this isn't directly related to this matter… I brought a present for the President."

"A present?"

Bush responded with a puzzled face. Technically, it wasn't a present but rather my trump card.

"Yes. Dream High has successfully acquired Yugansk, a subsidiary of Yukos. Oil prices should stabilize to some extent."

"Is that true?"

A bright expression crossed over Bush's face. He must have been suffering due to the fluctuating oil prices, so the mention itself brought him joy.

"Yes. We're just about to sign the acquisition contract. Kremlin approval has been received, so the acquisition won't fall through."

"Now that's a pleasant surprise. Stabilizing oil prices is wonderful news. Let's discuss that later, as it's not the priority at the moment."

Feeling the initiative shift toward my side, I simply nodded.

"Right. The business I wish to pursue through North Korea is also related to this acquisition."

"If it's related to Yukos… then it can't be?"

"Yes, that's correct. I plan to construct oil and gas pipelines running from Russia through North Korea into South Korea. This is likely to become a large-scale project."

Bush frowned, appearing dissatisfied with my proposal.

"That will effectively hand South Korea's energy sovereignty over to Russia for short-term profits. Did you see what happened when Russia turned off the pipelines to Europe… Oh, right, that was also related to you, wasn't it?"

"Well, I can't say I know anything about that."

As I spoke slyly, Bush clicked his tongue.

"Well, fine. So, you're actively dealing with North Korea not just for investment but you've already made all the plans too."

"Yes. As I mentioned earlier, I cannot trust Kim Jong-il. With him in power, I'll not reinvest in North Korea."

His expression darkened. It seemed my firm stance conveyed more than I intended.

"Charlie, you genuinely believe a coup will transpire."

"The main reason that many dictators fall is due to their economies. When the people struggle to make ends meet, those closest to the dictator are the first to turn against him. I plan to provoke their greed."

I figured by now he'd understand. I hadn't revealed everything, but I had disclosed enough.

"Through Jang Seong-taek? Or do you have another candidate in mind?"

"I don't know yet."

"You're a frightening person, Charlie. To casually talk of overthrowing a government like that."

"Isn't that what the U.S. has done all along?"

"What? Hah, true that. But I didn't think you'd be so upfront about it."

Bush laughed loudly, trying to hide his surprise.

How ridiculous. I laughed along nonchalantly.

"So, I conclude that I must enforce strong economic sanctions until North Korea incorporates complete collapse."

"That's correct."

"But what benefit does that provide me? No, what benefits does that bring to the U.S.?"

"Aren't you in a rush? I could just let it all go if you want…"

"Huh. It's tough to find the right words, isn't it?"

Bush waved his hands in a hurry. The very fact that he sought this private meeting showed how eager he was.

He must be feeling rushed with the reelection coming up next year.

"Dream High will remain a strong supporter of the President in the coming elections as well."

"Understood. Let's call in the staff and continue our discussions. Anything else you'd like to add?"

I paused at Bush's question, considering what I wanted to say. He too gazed at me with curiosity.

First, it was crucial to know whether he was associated with 'them.'

As I studied Bush's face, I inquired.

"Mr. President, are you aware of a group called Valtiche?"