章 560: Chapter 560: How’s Your Leg Feeling?
Already sensing the shift in Jang Seong-taek's tone, I raised an eyebrow.
They had secured Kim Jong-il's surrogate, but this was just the beginning.
And yet, he delivers news in this manner.
"Manager Jang Seong-taek, I heard you've been injured. How's your leg?"
― ······.
"The mercenaries can be brutal. They act solely for money, you see. I can't predict what might happen next. They could easily kill everyone on-site and vanish without a trace if things go awry."
Only a heavy silence flowed through the receiver.
I pressed on, refusing to pause.
"I've given the mercenary captain a stern warning. Sure, there are others who can replace you, but no one is more suited than you, Manager Jang Seong-taek. If he pulls another stunt like that without my permission, I'll make sure that captain will never see his family again."
I didn't outright threaten him; rather, I implied I had no shortage of alternatives while cursing Igor's prior actions.
I subtly hinted that you weren't the only option.
― Kim Mu-hyeok, no one else in this Republic can replace me. I'm the only one who can fulfill your needs, Chairman Kim Mu-hyeok.
Fortunately, Jang Seong-taek caught on quickly. A slight smile broke through his suddenly polite tone.
"Of course, I trust you, Manager Jang Seong-taek. No one loves the Republic more than you do."
― Yes, indeed. I'm prepared to sacrifice everything for the Republic's future.
I shook my head at Jang Seong-taek's cleverly disguised ambition.
"So, what are your next moves?"
― First, I've called in the Security Bureau forces. We must protect Chairman Kim Jong-il. The mercenaries alone won't suffice.
I couldn't help but wonder if this was truly for Kim Jong-il's protection.
Well, if that's what you want, so be it.
"Naturally. How will you handle Kim Jong-il's people in Pyongyang?"
― Their loyalty isn't what it once was. They know Kim Jong-il doesn't trust them.
"But you don't intend to let them live, do you? Surely you plan to spare them?"
― No. Even if they're submissive now, they'll eventually turn to seize power using Kim Jong-il. They could become a serious threat. They can't be spared.
Jang Seong-taek was right there beside Kim Jong-il when he first claimed power.
He understood better than anyone that one must be ruthless when seizing control.
The first order of business when Kim Jong-il rose to power? To eliminate Kim Il-sung's close aides from positions of influence.
Kim Il-sung's followers were long-time comrades who helped build the Republic.
They couldn't simply be murdered, but distancing them from power was achievable. Along with that, anyone who could be eliminated was swiftly dealt with.
― I will turn Kim Jong-il into a puppet and naturally take power for myself.
Ambition dripped from his resolute voice.
Had Jang Seong-taek been of Baekdu blood, they might have chosen him over Kim Jong-il.
But Jang Seong-taek was not of Baekdu descent. He married the daughter of Kim Il-sung, but he was merely a branch off the family tree.
"Hmm."
― I've already asked Kim Jong-il to write an order to detain his close aides.
"And what did he say?"
― I handed over the list and left to give him time to think.
"When Kim Jong-il sees that list, he will understand he's been stripped of his limbs."
Without a hint of hesitation, Jang Seong-taek replied firmly.
― Yes. I made it clear that if Chairman Kim Jong-il steps down, the Republic can be reborn. Everyone from the U.S., China, to Russia—all nations capable of waging power struggles between the Republic and South Korea agree on his removal.
If we can't detain every last one of Kim Jong-il's aides here, we'd be in serious trouble.
At best, we'd face a civil war. At worst, Jang Seong-taek would lose his head.
"Well done. You've just crossed a significant hurdle. Capturing Kim Jong-il was the toughest part. After this, I won't need to assist you. At least not immediately."
― I've already received enough assistance. Now I must handle things myself.
"What do you plan to do with Kim Jong-il once all this is over? You're sparing him for now because you need his name, but…"
Currently, I needed Kim Jong-il's name, but after seizing power, I would slowly need to erase his legacy.
His existence could become a burden…
I was curious about Jang Seong-taek's choice.
― I won't kill him.
"Really? Keeping Kim Jong-il alive might lead to regrets down the line."
― ······ Yes. I still intend to keep him alive.
"Well, that's your call, Manager Jang Seong-taek. How long do you think it will take to eliminate all of Kim Jong-il's aides and seize Pyongyang?"
― If everything goes according to plan, I think we can wrap it up in a week.
It'll be a bloody week. But that week could change North Korea's future.
― Thank you again for your help. With your assistance, I was able to capture Chairman Kim Jong-il. If I had relied on Security Bureau forces or the army, it wouldn't have gone this smoothly.
"That's why you hired mercenaries."
― I'll hang up now. If anything unusual arises, I'll contact you directly, or relay through the mercenaries.
"Sounds good. Let's talk again soon."
After finishing my call with Jang Seong-taek, I lifted the glass in front of me and drained it in one go.
Then, I rubbed my warm eyes, feeling the strain of fatigue, and released a deep sigh.
"Boss, you should get some rest now," Manager Ma said with concern, and I smiled while nodding.
"You're right. I'll have to place my trust in Manager Jang Seong-taek from here on out."
Setting aside Manager Ma's worries, I left the study and climbed to my bedroom, surrendering to sleep.
* * *
After ending the call with Kim Mu-hyeok, Jang Seong-taek narrowed his eyes.
Once all was said and done, I fully expected his bill would be anything but small.
Yet, without his help, attempting this wouldn't have been feasible.
"First things first; I need to get the job done before I can think about anything else."
He muttered as he set the satellite phone's receiver down.
At that moment, Igor approached closely.
"Have you finished your call?"
Jang Seong-taek nodded, meeting Igor's cold gaze, hidden behind a mask.
He then pondered over Kim Mu-hyeok's words.
They were capable of killing everyone and vanishing at a moment's notice.
"Your call is done, right? Manager Jang Seong-taek?"
Igor asked again. After a brief silence, Jang Seong-taek stood and nodded.
"It's over."
"Was there anything else?"
"No. He said to inform him of anything special that arises."
Igor nodded.
"When will the Security Bureau forces arrive?"
"They'll be here within an hour. But… are you planning to stay here all along?"
Igor grinned, baring his teeth under Jang Seong-taek's unwelcoming glare.
"Until everything is finished, we will be the ones protecting Kim Jong-il. The Security Bureau forces can't enter this building."
"What? What do you mean by that?"
"Literally. We will guard Kim Jong-il until this is all over. So, while they handle outside security, we'll take care of the building."
Jang Seong-taek gulped at Igor's firm stance.
"That's unacceptable. We must secure Chairman Kim Jong-il now."
"As for you, Manager Jang Seong-taek, I can't fully trust the other Security Bureau individuals. We will detain him until everything wraps up."
Jang Seong-taek hesitated at Igor's unwavering gaze.
"You proceed with your plans, Manager. We'll handle our part."
"Huh…"
Defeated, Jang Seong-taek released a heavy sigh.
"Fine. I understand."
Jang Seong-taek shook his head and walked back to the bedroom where Kim Jong-il was, opening the door.
Jang Seong-taek entered the smoke-filled room, narrowing his eyes.
In such a short time, Kim Jong-il's face was already flushed, whether from drinking or something else.
"Chairman Kim Jong-il, have you made your decision?"
"Decision? Ha ha ha. Do you think I have the luxury of deciding? If I refuse, will you kill me?"
― ······ Please don't be stubborn.
"You little bastard. Did you think with just one order, you could apprehend them all?"
"That would provide me with justification. Many comrades already share my sentiments."
"Perhaps. Otherwise, Jang Seong-taek wouldn't be acting."
After downing his drink in one gulp, Kim Jong-il spoke.
"Jang Seong-taek."
"Yes, Chairman Kim Jong-il?"
"I will help you."
Jang Seong-taek's face lit up instantly.
"But promise me one thing: you must ensure the safety of my family at all costs. If you fail to do that, I won't do anything for you."
"Of course."
"Can I trust you?"
"Yes, please trust me."
As Kim Jong-il stared intently at Jang Seong-taek, seeking assurances, he finally nodded.
"News of this incident must have already reached Pyongyang."
"Yes. But in the name of Chairman Kim Jong-il, I've managed to control all military movements."
"Good job. Yet, time is against us. If I don't appear soon, others will start thinking differently."
"That's why I need the order."
"Is there any command stronger than my own voice? Get me the phone."
Was it wise to grant him external connections now? Jang Seong-taek hesitated.
"Are you worried I'll say something else? Don't worry; I am not that foolish."
Jang Seong-taek understood the power Kim Jong-il's voice wielded more than anyone else.
However, knowing that power could easily turn against his own neck filled him with an unsettling dread.
Seemingly sensing his distress, Kim Jong-il chuckled, tapping the table.
"Jang Seong-taek. Can you lead the Republic with that much fear? I told you, if you spare me and my family, I'd aid you."
Could Kim Jong-il easily relinquish power like this? It was only natural for Jang Seong-taek to feel suspicions.
But Kim Jong-il continued without a hint of hesitation.
"Seeing your troubled expression, I can guess what your plan is. You intend to apprehend them through that order. However, by now, news of Room 72's development has likely spread in Pyongyang. Do you think they'll willingly comply?"
"······."
"I don't know what kind of scoundrels you're collaborating with, but I assure you that only a few hold real power. Am I wrong?"
Kim Jong-il was correct. After contemplating, Jang Seong-taek carried the phone and set it up.
"What will you do now?"
"One by one, I will call them here."
"Will they come?"
"Disobeying my orders would be considered treason. They are bound to comply with my direct order, not merely a scrap of paper."
Pointing at the top name on the list given to him by Jang Seong-taek, Kim Jong-il said, "We'll start with Jo Myung-rok. Connect me."
Jang Seong-taek dialed the General Political Bureau and passed the receiver to Kim Jong-il.
"This is Kim Jong-il. Connect me with Jo Myung-rok."
― Yes?
"Get Jo Myung-rok on the line."
― Is this really you, General? Is that you? I can hardly believe it.
"Don't repeat yourself. Is there anyone daring enough to impersonate me in the Republic?"
― Please, hold on for a moment.
Kim Jong-il waited as he placed a cigarette in his mouth. Jang Seong-taek, almost reflexively, moved to light it for him.
"Stop that nonsense."
― ······ I understand.
As Kim Jong-il took a deep drag from his cigarette, a panicked voice roared from the receiver.
― Chairman, is that you? Are you safe? There are rumors flying around Pyongyang.
"Rumors? I hear I might be dead, huh?"
― ······.
"Jang Seong-taek has betrayed me!"
― Manager? What do you mean?
"He's treasonous! There's a great opportunity here!"
― You really don't mean that!?
"Exactly! We'll initiate a purge, starting with the disloyal ones. I am alive, but don't let my current situation known to anyone else."
"― Are you planning a new purge?"
"There are numerous anti-party elements among the military. They'll be executed without mercy. I need you to be here immediately!"
― I shall leave straightaway.
Kim Jong-il whispered urgently to the panic-stricken Jo Myung-rok.
"Director of the General Political Bureau, can I trust you?"
― Yes, please trust me! I am hurrying there now!
"Just keep your mouth shut and come alone."
― Of course, I won't breathe a word to anyone. I'm on my way now.
Kim Jong-il began summoning the others on the list after starting with Jo Myung-rok.
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