Capítulo 678: Chapter 678: The Act of Disrespecting Me
The reason Black Bear can conduct its mercenary business worldwide is that it is based in the U.S., a private military company.
The U.S. places no restrictions on companies operating their businesses. It's no wonder that money from around the world flows into America.
If Black Bear had been based in Russia, it would have struggled to grow as much as it has.
When I pointed this out, Medvedev frowned and spoke up.
"…This is why I'm bringing this up."
Is he suggesting I create a PMC under their control?
"Are you really thinking about asking me to create that private military company? There's already a Black Bear branch in Russia. I don't intend to do the same work twice."
As I spoke firmly, Medvedev waved his hands dismissively.
"Of course not. As I mentioned, the government intends to take the lead in its creation. I merely brought this up to seek your advice, Boss Kim, since you founded Black Bear."
"Well, I'm not sure how much advice I can offer. Black Bear's growth has been due to the hard work of its excellent management. I only invest; I don't get involved in day-to-day management. I find the right people for the job and let them manage—it's how I invest."
Manager Ma refilled the vodka and slid the glass toward me and Medvedev.
I raised my glass and made eye contact with Medvedev.
"Let me clarify one thing: determine clearly whether you want forces to be deployed to various conflict zones in place of the Russian military, or if you're seriously considering nurturing a real private military company. That's an important distinction."
Wagner Group.
In my previous life, it was a private military company created by the Russian government… or rather, under the orders of the Russian president.
In reality, they acted more like the Russian government forces in disguise than an actual private military company.
They wielded influence in the Third World Wars by hiring private military companies when the Russian government couldn't officially send troops overseas.
"Black Bear can fight in conflict zones against both the U.S. and Russia. Our priority is to honor those who hire us; that's our credibility. PMCs operate on trust, and mercenaries without credibility are no different than armed robbers."
Medvedev's eyes widened as he listened gravely.
"Are you saying you could fight against the U.S. and Russia?"
The U.S. and Russia.
It would be strange not to be surprised by the notion of fighting against the two countries competing for the top military power.
"Of course, I think the likelihood of that actually happening is almost nonexistent. But let me give you an example. Suppose Black Bear is contracted by Japan and a dispute arises between Japan and Russia."
After taking a sip of vodka, I continued.
"No matter how friendly I might be with Russia and how unfriendly I am with Japan, I wouldn't break my contract with Japan just to work with Russia. If that were to happen, no one would trust Black Bear anymore. A mercenary who can easily be swayed to the other side? No one would want to hire them again."
Unlike regular armies, which are based on strict discipline and loyalty, PMCs survive on trust.
As a result, they uphold trust and commitments even more rigorously than regular militaries.
"It's just a guess, but the PMC that the Russian government intends to establish will likely function as the Russian government's black ops. Am I correct?"
"…That's right. Given the international opinion, it's tough for us to intervene in wars in other countries. The president wants to create this after seeing Black Bear hired by the U.S. and Korea to operate in Afghanistan and Iraq."
I felt a strange unease wash over me.
The reason they were trying to establish a private military company much earlier than I remembered was because of me.
Since the president of Russia knows better than anyone how I utilize Black Bear, it made sense he would think that way.
It was quite a challenge for a country's regular army to invade another by force.
But mercenaries were different; they could freely join conflict zones under the guise of being hired.
"I can't assist with that purpose."
The two men who established the PMC under the president's directive were at the center of various war crimes, leading to international warrants from Interpol.
There was no reason for me to wade into that mud and tarnish my image.
"Then at least send Igor to me."
At those words, the hand that was bringing the glass to my lips froze.
"You want me to send Igor?"
"Yes. I believe I can trust Igor with this task."
"Igor and I are bound by contract. But if he chooses to leave, I can't stop him. If that's the choice he made after careful thought, of course. Even if we're bound by contract, he's already a person within my boundaries. So, I wouldn't forcibly send him back to the Russian government. He's someone that was discarded once the Soviet Union collapsed."
"…I've already made a suggestion to Igor."
They've crossed the line quite a bit.
"Was that an order from the president or just your own idea? Or did someone else interfere? Approaching my people without my permission is an act of disrespect toward me."
I slammed the wine glass down noisily, the alcohol spilling and soaking my hand.
"I'm curious about the reason you approached my subordinate without my permission. If there's no valid reason…"
Medvedev shook his head anxiously, interrupting me.
"It's a misunderstanding. I just wanted to hear Igor's thoughts before asking you, Boss Kim."
"A misunderstanding? You think that approaching Igor and betraying me by going to Russia without my knowledge is just a misunderstanding?"
Igor was leading a team within Black Bear that was like my personal guard.
If he was approached without my knowledge, it felt deceitful.
"Medvedev, I sincerely respect both you and the president. However, if you don't respect me, I won't respect you in return."
"…That wasn't my intention, but I apologize if I offended you. The person in charge of the PMC establishment will be someone who was Igor's superior. He approached Igor and his team without our knowledge."
It seems Medvedev had his reasons for testing the waters. He wouldn't be able to push back too strongly since someone acting on the president's orders was acting independently.
"So, this was done by someone who was Igor's superior?"
"Yes. He was the special forces commander when Igor served in the Russian Army. He was ordered by the president to establish a PMC and went to see Igor right after."
Why didn't Igor report this to me?
Did he simply dismiss it as a casual encounter with an old superior that wasn't worth mentioning?
"So, what did Igor say?"
"He was rejected outright when he tried to speak to him. That's why I'm asking you, Boss Kim. Igor and his team have work to do for their homeland."
His words sounded smooth. I was already well aware of how much Igor and his subordinates had struggled since the Soviet Union's collapse.
Igor wouldn't simply leave me to go join a PMC under the Russian government.
"I refuse. Igor is important to me as well."
"Boss Kim…"
"There are still plenty of former special forces in Russia. Find them and ask them to work for their country again. Then you'll understand how hard those soldiers who were loyal to their country but were abandoned by it are living. You'll also realize why Igor chose me instead of his homeland."
Medvedev could only grit his teeth without giving a rebuttal.
I lifted my glass while observing him.
"Medvedev, have a drink and rise. I'm not in the mood to drink with you today."
"Boss Kim."
"Hurry up."
When I urged him again, Medvedev lifted the glass.
He clinked glasses in the air and downed the vodka in one go.
As the warmth rushed down my throat, it set my insides on fire.
"You should leave now. Perhaps the long flight has made you tired."
"…"
"If we keep talking, we might end up ruining our moods. I prefer to maintain a good relationship with you, Medvedev."
Medvedev hesitated for a moment before standing up.
"The request to send Igor was…"
Medvedev seemed intent on making excuses, but I shut my eyes, not wanting to hear anymore.
I let out a small sigh, bidding farewell.
* * *
The next day, I called Igor, who was in Iraq.
—Ah, something did happen. The commander visited and I shared a drink with my team after a long time.
Starting from that, Igor explained everything that happened when he met with his former superior.
It took a while, but I listened quietly without cutting him off.
—Back then, I thought it was just passing comments. I told him I'm satisfied with my current life and my family is very supportive of what I'm doing now. But I never expected it to reach you directly.
Igor's voice, coming through the receiver, was tinged with embarrassment.
I asked carefully, making sure not to blame him.
"Why didn't you tell me?"
—I didn't think it was significant. I'm sorry.
"You have nothing to apologize for, Igor. If you decide to leave, I won't stop you. That's your choice. I was just unhappy that the matter of approaching my people without my permission reached me without my knowledge."
—I have no intention of leaving you, Boss.
Igor said it firmly. His earnestness made me smile involuntarily.
I trust Igor's loyalty.
"I understand. By the way, how are things progressing?"
—I wanted to update you on that. I plan to conduct the collection in five stages. I've already spoken with high-ranking officials in Syria and Greece. There won't be any issues.
Igor elaborated on the detailed operations for how to move the collection to an island in Greece.
"There won't be any problems, right?"
—Yes. I don't foresee any major variables. Just to be safe, I plan to divide the transfer into several stages instead of moving everything at once.
"That sounds good. Once everything is finished, come back to Korea."
—Yes, I will do that.
After finishing my call with Igor, I organized my thoughts.
I had to send a strong warning this time. I would never allow anyone to approach my people without my permission again.
Though I knew neither the president nor Medvedev directly issued the orders, I understood their tendencies very well.
Still, managing subordinates properly would prevent us from ruining each other's moods.
"Boss."
Just as I was lost in thought, Manager Ma handed me my phone.
"I received a call from the Kremlin."
This gentleman can't be courteous either. Nodding, I accepted the phone from Manager Ma.
As soon as I pressed call, as if he had been waiting, he called my name.
—Mu-hyeok.
It was the owner of the Kremlin.
"Yes, Mr. President."
—You can speak informally.
"No, this feels more comfortable."
His tone seemed to shift slightly, as if my formality bothered him. He didn't say anything for a while.
When he finally spoke again, it had a somewhat businesslike tone.
—I'll send someone over at night. I hope to meet and talk.
"Understood. I'll be waiting."
After finishing the brief call, I handed the phone back to Manager Ma.
"A guest will be coming tonight. Please inform the security team in advance, and prepare some eggs for them to take along."
"Yes, Boss. I'll get it ready."
As the sun set, as promised, someone came to visit. I got into the car with Manager Ma and we drove off.
After driving for a while in silence, we arrived at a villa deep in the mountains.
It was a new villa, not one I had been to before.
"You can enter alone. You will be alone inside."
I received the box of eggs from Manager Ma and walked into the villa by myself.
I saw the president watching the burning logs in the fireplace from the living room.
He turned his head upon sensing my presence.
"Welcome, Mu-hyeok."
I approached him as he waved his glass.
"It's been a while, Mr. President."
"Are you going to speak like that even after seeing my face? It seems I may have offended you quite a bit."
"Not at all."
"Sit down for now. I cleared my schedule for tomorrow just so we could drink together. It's been a long time since we shared drinks like this."
I nodded and took a seat.
"Since it's late, have a drink first."
The president offered me a glass filled to the brim with vodka.
I downed it in one go and put the glass down.
"You still drink well."
He smiled satisfactorily, emptying his own glass.
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