Chapter 172: Chapter 172: Russia’s New Tsar
On my way to the Kremlin Palace, I received a report from Manager Ma about yesterday's instructions.
"The election campaign starts today, right? How's the mood in Korea?"
"Not much has changed. I heard Lee Myeong-su met with Yoon Chang-ho alone yesterday, but I have no idea what they talked about."
Lee Myeong-su, running for a district position rather than a proportional representative, must've been complaining.
I shrugged it off as obvious without needing to hear it.
"Well, I'm sure Yoon Chang-ho had his grievances. You've prepared a separate management team for Lee Myeong-su's district, right?"
"Yes, it's all set up."
We had already gathered information on the weaknesses of the opposing candidates.
In Gangnam and Jongno District, Lee Myeong-su and Yoon Chang-ho had the highest approval ratings.
But elections always come with their own set of variables.
If any issues arose, I planned to exploit the opponents' weaknesses immediately.
I instructed them to refrain from making defamatory remarks and instead focus on policy-driven electioneering.
Yoon Chang-ho needed to manage his dignified image since he was running for president, while Lee Myeong-su had to maintain his righteous image as a young politician.
"While you're in Russia, keep updating the expected number of seats and adapt to any changes."
"Understood."
While Russia was important, my base was in Korea. Thus, this general election was crucial.
As I wrapped up the reports on Korea, I found myself at the entrance of the Kremlin Palace.
Soldiers armed with machine guns had set up a perimeter from the entrance.
"Mr. Kim Mu-hyeok, we have confirmed our identity. Please, proceed inside."
I parked the car and walked towards the Kremlin Grand Palace where the inauguration ceremony was taking place.
Prominent figures from Russia were gathered inside the Andreevsky Hall of the Grand Palace.
"Charlie."
Hearing my name, I stopped and turned around.
Roman was approaching me with a welcoming smile.
"It's been a while, Charlie."
"Yes, Roman. It's been a year, hasn't it?"
After a light hug, we made our way to the ceremony together.
"How have you been, Charlie?"
"I'm always the same. You supported Putin this time, right?"
"That's right. After all, I'm called the avatar of Berezovsky, haha."
Roman chuckled, self-deprecatingly.
While it was true, he didn't seem to care about others' mocking tone.
I followed his hearty laugh with a small smile but didn't feel entirely at ease.
"You don't need to worry, Charlie. It's just the truth. Berezovsky raised me. I see terms like 'Berezovsky's dog' or 'avatar' as a badge of honor."
This was how Roman chose to live.
Berezovsky was the one who took notice of him and led him into the light from the smuggling shadows.
Since then, Roman had acted solely per Berezovsky's desires.
But when Putin sought to eliminate Berezovsky, he quickly pledged allegiance to Putin to survive.
"By the way, have you considered acquiring a soccer club? I'm thinking of a Premier League team right now."
Roman skillfully steered the conversation.
"Not yet. Which clubs are you considering, Roman?"
"I'm looking at either Chelsea or Leeds United. I'll soon be sending an agent to the UK; are you interested?"
Roman playfully elbowed me as if sharing a secret.
"What if we grow our clubs into rivals?"
"Chelsea and Leeds?"
"Yes, both teams are in poor financial condition."
Roman's smile was as genuine as it got when he discussed soccer.
"I'll think about it."
"Doesn't it sound like an exciting story? Two friends in business nurturing soccer clubs for good-hearted competition. It's bound to be a hit, right?"
Two businessmen completely unrelated to England growing soccer clubs.
It could indeed pique people's interest and create a sensation.
"I suppose so."
"Take this chance to seriously consider acquiring a club, Charlie."
Lost in soccer talk, we had arrived at the Andreevsky Hall.
To reach the main hall where the ceremony was taking place, we had to pass through an incredibly long corridor.
The guards stood at attention, rifles in hand, while solemn-faced individuals were lined up on both sides.
"Is that the minister?"
"It looks magnificent. Is Putin walking down this path?"
"The Russian presidential inauguration resembles that of an emperor. It's a truly splendid sight."
Hearing Roman's explanation, we walked for a long while before reaching the main hall.
In the center were ambassadors and officials who came to congratulate from various countries.
"Then, I'll see you at the party later, Charlie."
"Yes, see you then."
Roman, perhaps still not placed in the front row, moved to his seat in the third row.
In the front row sat representatives of oligarchs and foreign ministers from major powers like the U.S. and China.
"Oh! Boss Kim, come over here."
Berezovsky, seated in the front row, waved at me joyfully.
His loud voice caused everyone in the hall to turn and look at me.
Ignoring the torrent of curious glances, I approached Berezovsky.
"Chairman, it's been a while."
"Haha! Come in, come in."
As Berezovsky embraced me tightly and patted my back, whispers started among the onlookers.
I suppose it was surprising for an East Asian youth to be with Berezovsky.
'Everyone seems to think Berezovsky is manipulating Putin from behind the scenes. Just look at how confident he is.'
From the reactions around and Berezovsky's demeanor, I could guess the inner thoughts of those gathered.
After a brief hug, I smiled back.
"You look even better than before."
"Haha. I couldn't be better. Life doesn't get better than this."
Berezovsky radiated an air of someone who had it all as he spoke and acted.
His attitude was entirely different from when he had planned to sell off all his businesses and leave Russia.
Though he was confident back then, he used to be more cautious in public due to the numerous enemies he had.
But now, he seemed entirely unconcerned about that.
Standing at his designated spot, I observed the surroundings while we talked.
I noticed a group glaring at him across the hall.
'Are they the Siloviki?'
While engaged in casual chatter, the sounds of military music began to resonate.
Berezovsky halted our conversation and turned towards the hall's entrance.
The doors opened, revealing guards carrying the Russian flag and the presidential flag.
Following them were guards carrying a constitution and a necklace symbolizing the presidency.
Finally, Yeltsin walked in.
His face showed clear signs of illness, and his gait was unnatural, but he maintained his characteristic neutrality as he walked up to the podium.
"Yeltsin doesn't look well at all."
I whispered to Berezovsky, who was beside me.
"No wonder. He was just in the hospital until not long ago. He's only just discharged to attend the inauguration; his health is still quite poor."
"I see."
"Still, Putin has guaranteed immunity for him and his family; he had to come. If Zyuganov had been elected instead of Putin, he'd have spent his remaining days in prison."
Berezovsky informed me softly about Yeltsin's condition.
"His heart isn't great, but after resigning, he chose early resignation as a condition for Putin to protect him."
While Yeltsin had momentarily escaped various allegations thanks to Putin, public opinion was not favorable.
Knowing that if a communist like Zyuganov became president, he would most certainly be investigated, Yeltsin chose to resign early before his approval ratings affected Putin.
Meanwhile, the music played by the military band changed.
The atmosphere grew louder, signaling Putin's arrival.
Applause could be heard from afar.
It was an entirely different atmosphere compared to when Yeltsin walked through.
It felt like one era was ending, and a new one was beginning.
The applause grew nearer, and the guards opened the doors.
Putin confidently strode into the hall, his distinctive gait commanding attention.
As everyone in the main hall, including me, broke into applause, Putin made his way past Yeltsin and moved to the center.
"I hereby declare that Vladimir Putin has been elected president of Russia."
As the election commissioner spoke, Putin placed his hand on the constitution.
In a low but powerful voice, he recited the oath and took the presidential vow.
As soon as the vow ended, the military band played the Russian national anthem, and all Russians, except for foreigners, began to sing along.
Observing the numerous people singing with reverence, one could glimpse the future of Russia.
Putin's ensuing speech after the national anthem expressed his aspirations to establish a strong Russia.
"I, Putin, will create a strong Russia, a strong homeland. I will establish a nation that does not bow to the likes of the U.S. and Western European countries."
After giving a brief yet impactful speech, Putin walked over to Yeltsin, shaking hands and embracing him tightly.
Then, Putin and Yeltsin proceeded to the Kremlin Palace chapel to receive the President's honor guard.
I moved with Berezovsky towards the grand banquet hall where the party would be held.
"Boss Kim, how's business these days? How have you been?"
"Same as usual. James usually handles the bulk of it; how much work do I have left?"
"Such humility! Soon, Russian companies will be up for grabs; what do you think? Interested?"
"I'm always interested. Is there a promising company you'd recommend, Chairman?"
"Haha! There will be great deals, so just wait. I'll leave you a company you can manage, but have the money ready."
Instead of answering, I just smiled.
With a hearty laugh, Berezovsky casually remarked.
"Gusinsky will be eliminated soon. He's still oblivious while relentlessly attacking Putin on air, but there's no reason for us to leave him be. Agreed?"
"That's quicker than I expected."
"It's a nuisance to let him linger. I'm thinking of telling Putin today to start an investigation right away."
The way he dismissed Putin, now the President, revealed how Gusinsky was destined for removal.
Putin wouldn't allow anyone to challenge his authority.
I was aware of his fate but remained silent.
After all, he wouldn't heed anything I said.
Easily agreeing, I stepped into the party hall.
After the election, many gathered around Berezovsky, whose status had risen.
Leaving him to greet people, I entered the banquet hall.
Someone approached me first.
"Mr. Kim Mu-hyeok."
It was Kim Hyung-il, the Minister of Foreign Affairs.
"Oh, Minister! You came in person?"
"Haha, it's nice to see you here."
"Yes, nice to see you too."
Not just empty words; after speaking Russian all day, I was relieved to hear Korean.
"I heard you'll be visiting North Korea soon."
"It just happened to turn out that way."
After agonizing the Kim Hak-gwon government for a long while, I finally passed on my intention to join the North Korean delegation during the summit.
"That's a relief. I must mention that I've received orders to bring you back from the North. I'm not sure why, but the President and Secretary seem to know the reason."
It seemed Kim Hak-gwon didn't pass detailed information to the Foreign Minister, who was a professional diplomat.
It wasn't normal for the foreign minister to be unaware of diplomatic negotiations regarding North Korea.
I felt a bit sorry for him.
"Wait a moment, Minister. Please follow me."
I brought Kim Hyung-il over to where Berezovsky was.
"Chairman."
"Ah! Boss Kim, sorry. I'm swamped. Haha, please understand, but enjoy the party. I'll make an opportunity for us to talk later."
Whether he was genuinely busy or not, Berezovsky kept greeting others even while talking to me.
"Of course, I understand, Chairman. This is Minister Kim Hyung-il of the Republic of Korea's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. I brought him to introduce you."
Upon introducing Kim Hyung-il to Berezovsky, fluent Russian flowed from Kim Hyung-il's mouth.
"Nice to meet you. I'm Kim Hyung-il. I've heard of your name, Chairman."
"Oh! Minister Kim Hyung-il. It's an honor to meet you. Haha, come this way. I have plenty of people to introduce you to."
It seemed Berezovsky understood my intention behind introducing Kim Hyung-il, as he led him around.
Kim Hyung-il began to engage in conversations with various individuals along with Berezovsky.
Despite having met countless officials as a foreign minister, he likely had no connections with key Russian figures.
It was a small reward for Kim Hyung-il, a diplomat who dedicated his life to his country.
While observing Kim Hyung-il and Berezovsky's interactions, I was approached by others around me.
"Mr. Kim Mu-hyeok?"
At that moment, I heard someone call out.
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