Chapter 329: Did You Try to Kill Me?

The Chechen Republic was a thorn in Russia's side.

While most Russians adhered to the Russian Orthodox Church, the Chechens, who practiced Islam, had always rebelled against Russia.

Their relationship had soured to the point of two wars.

Notably, the Second Chechen War significantly contributed to Putin's rise to the presidency of Russia.

If he hadn't emerged victorious in the Second Chechen War, the current version of Putin might not even exist.

However, even though the war had ended, terror and slaughter continued to plague the region.

For Russia, giving up Chechnya was not an option. They had no reason to abandon the resource-rich Caucasus, which not only had vital pipelines but also abundant underground resources.

Yet, international criticism and the terror from Chechen rebels had put Putin in a tough spot.

"This time, don't mind the international community and wipe them out decisively. Use Russia's military might to do it,"

Putin nodded, as if my words were the truth.

It seemed he also admired the U.S. for their uncompromising response to Afghanistan.

"America has declared a war on terror. And the terror from Chechen rebels against Russia is escalating. It's not at all surprising if a terrorist act occurs in Moscow. Putin, this is a golden opportunity to gain the complete endorsement of the international community for Chechnya's annexation."

Putin didn't respond, but his eyes were careful and contemplative.

I continued my persuasive efforts.

"If you leave them as an autonomous republic, they'll keep claiming independence. Even if the moderates currently hold power in Chechnya, they aren't friendly towards Russia, are they? If you show any weakness or instability, they'll surely seize the chance to incite conflict again and call for independence."

"So you suggest we simply drive all the Chechens out?"

Given time, Putin would surely fill the leadership of Chechnya with his pro-Russian allies.

However, if this opportunity were seized right, it could be expedited.

"Not at all. I merely suggest we eliminate their focal points. All factions—moderates and hardliners alike. And then install a Chechen leader who is completely loyal to Putin."

"Hmm."

"If America and Western nations lend their support, no one can criticize any actions taken."

The mention of Western countries made one of his eyebrows twitch slightly.

This was likely due to the previous Chechen ultimatum being withdrawn after facing international backlash from the U.S. and Europe.

Putin took a sip from the glass in front of him, shaking his head afterward.

"That's too weak."

"…"

It's about acquiring a justification for invading a country. In order for the U.S. to ignore Russia's invasion of Chechnya, a plausible reason was needed.

Even as a satellite state, Chechnya was a sovereign republic. It wasn't easy to provoke without cause.

Since Chechnya would be a pivotal player in the international Islamist terror landscape, it could be approached from that angle.

Putin's gaze held a serious depth as he examined my thought process, layered with a touch of desire.

That look made it clear he wasn't just focused on settling affairs with the Chechen Republic.

"Putin, what more do you seek?"

"Well, what else could I gain?"

He flashed a sardonic smile.

That smile revealed how resolute he had already become.

He wanted not just a justification but also black gold, the oil.

"Understood. Just leave it to me. I will negotiate to maximize benefits for Russian interests. Of course, also for Putin's interests."

"If you do, I'll appreciate it. But if the negotiations don't suit my taste, I won't accept them."

"That goes without saying."

Once I confidently replied, Putin nodded satisfactorily, silently extending his glass toward me.

"By the way, isn't the presidential election in Korea coming up soon?"

"Yes, it is."

I answered while clinking my glass with his.

"The Moderate Party's candidate is Yoon Chang-ho, right?"

"Yes. He's my political partner."

"I see."

He brought the glass to his lips and fell into thought, remaining silent for a while.

"I'll lend you my support."

"Putin? How exactly do you mean?"

"There's a general election at the end of this year, right? I'll send Medvedev as a special envoy to meet President Kim Hak-gwon and the candidate you support. That should make for good publicity, don't you think?"

Politics can shift unexpectedly.

A candidate with overwhelming public support can see their approval ratings plummet in an instant, and a candidate who hovers at the bottom can experience a rapid rise to victory.

That's why people say politics is alive.

Public sentiment can change direction unpredictably.

But despite the uncertainty, major currents are always present.

If the second-in-command of Russia, Medvedev, was only scheduled to meet Yoon Chang-ho and no one else besides President Kim Hak-gwon, the effect would be to fan the flames of popularity for him.

"Thank you for your consideration."

"It's just a little something. Personally, I'd prefer that the person you support becomes the president of Korea. There are many tasks for Korea and Russia to collaborate on."

"That's right. I want Russia to grow stronger, capable of countering the U.S. like it used to. No matter how much China rises, it will struggle to contending with America at the heights once reached by the Soviet Union. Their perspectives are just too narrow-minded."

"Haha! This is why I like Mu-hyeok. You speak as if you have read my mind."

Putin was not fond of China. In fact, he disliked it.

A man of Putin's stature could openly express such feelings.

"Just be cautious when you move. The movements of the European aristocrats are too quiet. They aren't the type to remain still after experiencing a setback like they did with you."

"Their influence in America has diminished rapidly since Bush took office. The neocons are antithetical to them, aren't they?"

"That may be so, but international relations are not driven by emotions."

Where else could I hear the concerns of the Russian tsar, Putin?

As his worries lingered, I simply nodded without adding much.

"I'll keep that in mind."

"I have more faith in your instincts than in my own, truth be told. But if anything were to happen to you, I'd be saddened. So take care of yourself."

"Thank you."

In response to his words, I broke into a bright smile. Putin's stern demeanor softened as he witnessed my reaction.

"When are you heading back to Korea?"

"President Bush is visiting Korea next week. I plan to meet him then and discuss negotiations."

"I hope for good results. Now let's stop talking business and just enjoy a drink. We should call Medvedev as well."

"Sounds good."

Soon, Putin called for Medvedev, and the three of us raised our glasses together after a long time.

"Ah… my head."

When I opened my eyes, my head was pounding. The white ceiling felt like it was swaying. Holding my throbbing head, I sat up.

After groping for the water beside me, I checked the time and realized lunch had long since passed.

When I pressed the bell beside me, Manager Ma entered.

"Are you awake?"

"Manager, when did I return home?"

"I left that place after daybreak."

"My head hurts… I can't even recall how much I drank last night."

"President Putin asked me to tell you he had a great time."

Thankfully, it seems I didn't make any major mistakes.

Shaking my head lightly, I spoke to Manager Ma.

"Please bring me a hangover remedy. I'd like to clear my head with a spicy soup… If you have any ramen, please boil up a bowl of that."

Feeling queasy, memories of the bean sprout soup Grandma used to make came to mind.

Since I couldn't get that here, I'd have to settle for ramen instead.

When I get back to Korea, I need to make time to visit Busan.

"I'll prepare it for you."

"Alright, I'll wash up and be out shortly, so please have it ready."

After Manager Ma left, I tossed aside the clothes I had been wearing and stepped into the shower.

I turned the cold water on purpose, letting it splatter across me. It woke me up instantly.

Thoughts of my conversation with Putin flickered through my mind.

'First, I'll eliminate Mogilevich. Then…'

After my cold shower, the headache had subsided a bit.

After changing clothes and stepping outside, Manager Ma handed me a hangover remedy.

As I poured the medicine into my mouth with water, I asked.

"What about Igor?"

"He left early in the morning, saying he was going to meet Ussoyan."

"Oh, really?"

I chuckled, finding it odd that he wasn't around. It seemed he was caught up in work.

"Yes, he said he received a call to meet."

"Thank goodness. I wanted to wrap everything up before heading back to Korea."

As I mumbled to myself and took a seat, Manager Ma brought over a bowl of ramen.

Not feeling great, I only sipped the broth before rising. When my insides warmed a bit, I felt a little better.

"I'm feeling better now. Let's head to the office."

I grabbed a cool cup of coffee and headed to the office with Manager Ma.

As soon as I sat down, I shared the conversation I had yesterday with Putin with Manager Ma.

While listening, Manager Ma's face stiffened at the part about one of Russia's nuclear weapons entering the North.

"As there are still no reports of Jang Seong-taek being reinstated, iit seems we should keep a close watch. If Jang Seong-taek comes back, we'll nneed to use him to bring down Kim Jong-il."

"I think so too, Boss."

"Anyway, the immediate concern is the Mogilevich situation. Igor needs to handle the negotiations well."

Just then, Manager Ma's suit pocket rang.

He turned slightly and answered the phone.

"Yes, I received the call. Igor?"

The caller was Igor. A brief conversation passed through the receiver before Manager Ma handed the phone to me.

— Boss, it's Igor.

"Igor, how did the negotiations go?"

"— He wants to meet you in person. I'm bringing him now; is that alright?"

"That's fine. Bring him in."

— Understood. It should take about an hour.

"I'll be waiting."

After ending the call, I returned the phone to Manager Ma.

To Manager Ma, who was awaiting my response, I briefly explained the situation.

"He's bringing Ussoyan."

"It seems the negotiations went well."

"That could be, or perhaps he's considering whether to meet me directly. The person who intended to carry out the terror plot is now offering a deal. Either way, things will likely move swiftly from here."

An hour later, Igor arrived with a robust man.

I stood up and approached Ussoyan.

"Nice to meet you. I'm Kim Mu-hyeok."

"… I'm Ussoyan."

Surprised by my youth, Ussoyan's response came a beat late.

Recognizing this, I offered a gentle smile and gestured.

"Let's sit down first."

Igor and Ussoyan took their seats. Once Ussoyan settled in, I opened my mouth.

"Did you try to kill me?"

My voice was cold, though I wore a smile on my face.

Ussoyan answered slowly, his face rigid.

"… Yes, that is correct."

"Why? Were you afraid I would ally with Mogilevich?"

"That's correct. Mogilevich already holds significant sway, and if you allied with him, it would undoubtedly grow stronger. Even now, the majority of the organizations are aligning under him."

That said, Ussoyan's power was no small feat when it came to controlling Mogilevich.

Finding it strange that he would resort to terror against me for such a reason, I inquired further.

"As far as I know, your relationship with Mogilevich isn't exactly poor, is it?"

"On the surface, perhaps there is no choice."

"So you maintain only a facade of goodwill?"

"… The plot to kill you was a mistake on our part. I apologize."

"Well, you wouldn't have faced death either. I don't worry about things that haven't happened. Let's forget the past and speak about the future."

As I dismissed it lightly, surprise appeared on Ussoyan's face.

"Why? Did you think I would act petty over something so trivial?"

He seemed to hesitate for a moment, as though he were concerned about me thinking that way.

Yet, for him to come seeking me directly showed he had quite the fortitude.

"Yes. It's just unexpected that you would let it slide that easily… In our Russian culture, if someone attempts to take one's life, there is a vendetta until one of the two is dead."

"It's nothing serious, so I'm letting it go. After all, if it's to the level of being discovered and failing, there's no chance that it could have been executed. Right?"

"…"

It was an insulting remark, but it was also true. Ussoyan bit his lip tightly.

"However, this will be the last time I let this slide. If such an event occurs again, then one of us will truly have to die to resolve it."

As I spoke firmly to erase the smile from my face, Ussoyan swallowed hard.

To dissipate the tension, I picked up the teapot and poured tea for the three of us.

I slid one glass over to Ussoyan and spoke.

"Do you like tea? Give this a try. It's good Darjeeling. A tea grown in the highlands of India; I find it superior to the Keemun from China."

Once I raised my glass, Ussoyan, still stiff, followed suit and lifted his glass.

Cautiously sniffing the aroma, he took a sip of the tea and exclaimed.

"This is truly delicious. I also enjoy black tea, and this has an excellent fragrance and flavor."

"I'll make sure to gift you some when you leave."

With a single cup of tea, the once frosty air began to thaw.

Ussoyan's previously tense expression started to ease.

"Thank you. I should refuse, but I can't turn this down. Good tea is hard to find."

I smiled gently at the sight of him relishing the tea.

We then engaged in light conversation, cultivating an atmosphere conducive to deeper dialogues.

With the tone sufficiently warmed, it was finally time to discuss the main topic.

"Let's stop with the chit-chat and get down to the real topic. Ussoyan, let's join forces to remove Mogilevich. What do you say?"

When I proposed the idea of teaming up to get rid of Mogilevich, Ussoyan was so startled that he dropped the glass in his hand.

The sound of the teacup shattering filled the quiet office.