Chapter 546: Is It Really That Difficult?

I sat side by side with Myeong-su, while Powell and John Bolton took their places next to each other. Seated on the sofa, we exchanged glances.

"Manager, could you please prepare four cups of coffee?"

"Understood."

As Manager Ma went to fetch the coffee, an awkward silence lingered in the air.

Soon enough, Manager Ma returned and set down the coffee before leaving. With my cup in hand, I offered a gentle smile and spoke.

"Let's have a cup of coffee while we talk."

I sipped the coffee, hoping to shake off the slight buzz from earlier drinks.

No one else seemed in the mood for coffee; their cups remained untouched, but I bravely emptied mine. Setting my empty cup down, I broke the silence.

"So, has a conclusion been reached?"

"Not yet."

"Secretary Powell, is there any reason we're all sitting here facing each other?"

"The conclusion will depend on the discussions we have at this very moment."

They still believed they held the upper hand. I couldn't help but smirk with one corner of my mouth lifted in derision.

"Do you still see me as a fool? Are you trying to lie to me again with conditions attached? The trust has already shattered."

"…"

"Once trust is broken, it's hard to rebuild. And coming here empty-handed… Is there any conscience left? If you had something to offer, do you think it's something you could honor?"

Powell remained silent, simply listening.

"Immediately fulfill the original promise. That's the only way to swiftly restore broken trust."

At my firm statement, Powell let out a quiet sigh. I had no intention of being dragged around by them any longer.

"Is that the official stance of the Republic of Korea?"

Before Powell could respond, Bolton interjected with a stiff tone.

It felt like they were under some grand delusion.

"The Republic of Korea? Do I hold any government position representing Korea? Don't try to pressure me by linking me to Korea."

"You may not have an official title, but this matter is closely tied to the interests of the Korean government, isn't it? Thus, your stance must be accepted as Korea's stance."

It was clear they intended to pressure me by dragging Korea into this.

"Bolton, let me say this clearly. I have no connection to the Korean government. Well, there is one connection—I'm a citizen of Korea. Do you treat every promise made by a U.S. citizen as a formal stance of the U.S. government?"

"…"

"It looks like you think dragging Korea into this is a clever ploy… I don't mind if the U.S. breaks its alliance with Korea. Don't think you can pressure me with such tactics."

The U.S. breaking its alliance with Korea?

That was simply out of the question.

To maintain its influence in East Asia, the U.S. needed Korea.

This was not a one-sided relationship; it was an alliance built on mutual necessity.

Even if they declared the alliance broken, the Democratic Party holding half the seats in Congress would never approve it.

"Charlie, you're suggesting that the U.S. turn against itself. Do you understand the gravity of that statement?"

"What nonsense are you talking about? When did the Bush administration become synonymous with the U.S.? If Bush doesn't get re-elected in next year's election, it will only be a year left in office. Thinking of the U.S. and the Bush administration as one is arrogance itself. I intend to stop President Bush from getting re-elected. I fail to see how that translates into a declaration of hostility against the U.S."

As I poked at the sore spot, it seemed Bolton was angered; his neatly trimmed mustache twitched.

He narrowed his eyes and raised his voice.

"Charlie, you are incredibly arrogant!"

"Arrogance? It's not me being arrogant; your Neocons are the ones who are arrogant. Neoliberalism? Neoconservatism? You prioritize American values and resort to military might just to enforce your ideology. Isn't that the Iraq War you're currently fighting? Isn't it obvious to everyone here that the 'Axis of Evil' is merely political rhetoric for justifying an invasion?"

"Hey, Charlie."

Bolton's face flushed with anger.

"Why is it that you Neocons, who preach about freedom, democracy, and free markets, never say a word about the dictatorships in South America and Africa? Just because they are pro-U.S.?"

I pointed out the contradiction in Neocon policy, prompting a flicker of surprise from Bolton.

"As long as they're pro-U.S., does it matter if they're communist or dictatorial? Isn't that the essence of Neocon thinking?"

As time passed, the Neoliberalism and Neoconservatism they spoke of would just be ridiculed as reasons for war, something the Neocons failed to realize about themselves.

Their mustache and cheeks twitched with agitation, but I continued undeterred.

"I too believe in the Neoliberalism and free market the U.S. advocates, because it benefits me. The taxes I pay, as I earn, are substantial. Yet you claim I've turned against the U.S.?"

"…"

"So, don't try to attack me with your flimsy and useless ideology. It's akin to spitting on your own face. I have one demand: I kept my promise, and you must fulfill yours. Is that really so difficult?"

I spoke with a voice devoid of high or low tones, simply stating the truth.

I wasn't even angry; it was just all so petty.

"Alright, let's dial it back a bit."

At just the right moment, Powell intervened.

"Charlie, don't push too hard."

"Secretary Powell, you were the one I had faith in. I thought no matter how reckless the Neocons were, you would rein them in. Now, I'm honestly disappointed. Where did that proud soldier Powell go?"

"…"

Powell merely twitched his lips, unable to respond.

"Tell me, what else did President Bush ask of me? But before that, unless you fulfill your promises, I will not do anything for President Bush from now on."

I crossed my arms, waiting for a response.

Powell let out a deep sigh before asking.

"Well, let me just ask one thing."

"Go ahead."

"Why are you going to such lengths?"

That was the pivotal question underlying everything.

"Hmm."

I paused, contemplating my answer.

But my deliberation was brief, for I had one clear thing to say.

"Until now, I have engaged in business across the U.S., China, and even Russia, negotiating with each country's government. Even the dictatorial nations like Russia and China honored their promises. Yet uniquely, the U.S. disregarded my commitments like they were nothing."

"…"

"So, I must show what happens to someone who breaks a promise made to me. Even if the outcome is bankruptcy, I will fight. That's my policy; I don't shy away from a fight that comes my way."

Powell lowered his gaze, seemingly at a loss for an excuse.

"If you can't keep promises, then don't make them. But once you make a promise, you must adhere to it. That's my principle, Kim Mu-hyeok's belief, both in the past and future."

Powell and Bolton exchanged serious glances.

Bolton nodded while Powell maintained his composure.

"Could you please wait a bit longer? After the election…"

It was repeating what he already said, and I raised my hand to interrupt him.

"The presidential election is still about a year away. Are you saying a year isn't significant? Your government is in trouble, but the Korean government will also face issues. Moreover, it will set a precedent for China and Russia to break their promises to me. I refuse to allow that to happen."

"Understood. For now, I will ensure that the agenda is passed at the meeting between President Bush and President Yoon Chang-ho tomorrow. But the results won't appear in the joint statement."

They intended to fulfill the promise quietly, wanting it to pass unnoticed.

I turned my gaze to Myeong-su. Now it was his turn to speak.

Upon catching my eye, Myeong-su nodded and leaned forward.

"So, you want to pass it but keep it hidden? That won't do. We need to publicize bringing them to trial in Korea. This is essential to pacify the anti-American sentiment rampant in Korea and to create a justification for sending combat troops to Iraq on behalf of our government."

While Myeong-su and Powell conducted negotiations, I observed Bolton's expression.

He looked unsatisfied, though he hesitated to press the issue.

At that moment, sensing eyes on him, Bolton turned my way.

As our gazes collided in the air, I smirked with one corner of my mouth raised.

Though Bolton quickly scowled, I maintained my smile.

I didn't care if I became enemies with the Neocons.

Given the checks and balances between the Republican and Democratic parties in the U.S., siding against one meant aligning with the other.

"Then let's settle on that approach."

"Let's do that. In tomorrow's summit, we'll negotiate along these lines."

Myeong-su and Powell completed the draft of the agreement. Myeong-su wore a satisfied smile.

In contrast, Powell seemed drained, massaging his temples while looking towards me.

"Are we done? Are you satisfied now?"

"Yes. If this was how it was going to be from the start, we wouldn't have had to argue and raise our voices."

"…"

Powell stood up without uttering a word. Following him, Bolton also rose from his seat.

With a sharp glare, Bolton addressed me.

"There will be no next time. This time, I'm letting it slide simply because we made a promise, but if you confront us like this again, you'd best be ready."

I shrugged and responded.

"Well, I'll decide based on how you act."

As Bolton's anger bubbled, he opened his mouth to retort when Powell gently tapped his shoulder, shaking his head.

Bolton bit his lip in frustration and turned away.

"I'll take my leave now. Next time, I hope we can talk while smiling."

After Powell and Bolton left, Myeong-su finally let out a sigh of relief and sank into the sofa.

"Ugh, I'm exhausted. Hey! Mu-hyeok."

I gazed at Myeong-su, smiling.

"What is it?"

"I get Secretary Powell but why is that John Bolton acting like that? It was as if lasers were shooting from his eyes."

"The Neocons are unhappy with this negotiation. They still believe in invading North Korea."

Myeong-su tilted his head. I'd have to explain the complex international situation more thoroughly when we returned to Korea.

"Isn't President Bush also a Neocon?"

"No, President Bush is more moderate conservative. He's just being manipulated by Neocons in response to Al-Qaeda's terrorism."

"Even then, he seems to be the first to threaten when things don't go as planned. Ugh, I don't understand what's going on."

I chuckled softly at Myeong-su's lament.

"I poked at President Bush's sore spot, so it's no surprise he reacted this way. He needs to stay in office longer than his father. While his father was a one-term president, he thinks if he gets re-elected, he can escape from his shadow. No matter the Neocons' pressure, if they interfere with his re-election campaign, he'll let go of their hand."

"So, President Bush is afraid of the weapons you have?"

"He fears what he doesn't know because it's terrifying."

As long as Bush didn't know what cards I might reveal to the Democrats, he had to consider the worst-case scenarios. That led to such choices.

"Are you really okay with this? If Bush gets re-elected, how will he treat you afterward?"

Myeong-su expressed his worry, and I raised a corner of my mouth in response.

"The most useless thing in the world is worrying about me. So stop worrying and let's just wrap things up now."