Chương 174: Chapter 174: No More Words To Say
"I think I'll need to delay my return to Korea a bit longer."
"I'll make sure to prepare accordingly."
Although he had planned to quickly return to Korea the day after the inauguration ceremony, he received a call from the Kremlin Palace.
They asked him to postpone his departure for a few days, suggesting he join Putin for a drink that night.
What had seemed like a casual invitation to continue their conversation turned into an unexpected night of drinking with Putin at the presidential villa in Odintsovo.
"No calls from Korea, right?"
"No, nothing out of the ordinary."
"Alright then. Don't schedule any external appointments. I'll just spend today exploring the area."
He had gone through the trouble of acquiring a mansion in Russia, but had yet to truly explore it.
If you push yourself too hard, you're bound to collapse.
With that in mind, he planned to take it easy for a day, enjoying a cup of coffee and some leisure time.
While he enjoyed his downtime, everyone else's attention was fixated on Putin's national address following the inauguration.
Gathering domestic and international reporters, Putin delivered his first official address to the nation as president.
— Good day, I am President Vladimir Putin. I will eradicate the numerous conflicts and ills that have allowed Russia to rot from within. Let's unite as a nation to rebuild Russia into a free, prosperous, civilized nation that earns the respect of others.
Taking office as president, Putin aimed to distance himself from the collapsed Soviet Union, declaring a free economy to rejuvenate the nation.
However, various issues, including civil wars with Chechnya, consistently emerged.
The most serious problem was the deteriorating state of national security.
There were whispers that organized crime had become another government, colluding with both the party and government officials.
The Russian populace was enraged that Yeltsin's faction had allowed the situation to unfold.
Yet, as soon as Putin assumed the presidency, he granted clemency to Yeltsin.
He kept his promise.
Despite public disappointment, he mitigated resentment by not offering the same favor to anyone else but Yeltsin.
— I promise to maintain a strong single federal state. To achieve this, I plan to centralize most powers granted to local governments back to the federal government. Additionally, I will consolidate 89 local governments into 7 federal districts, dispatching representatives to keep their excesses in check.
A presidential decree was issued to significantly reduce the powers granted to Russia's local governments and autonomous republics.
It was a firm commitment to strengthen both his and the federal government's power.
Unlike other countries, the president of Russia had such significant power that he was often referred to as a tsar.
However, Putin sought more, declaring his intention to reclaim the powers delegated to local governments.
It was a dangerous choice that could easily lead to civil war.
— I will reform a press that became a servant to politics and chaebols. I will investigate the tax evasion and embezzlement of corrupt politicians and businessmen.
He proposed the establishment of anti-corruption laws and reforms to tax legislation.
While Berezovsky may believe he will investigate Gusinsky, Putin's ultimate target was those close to Yeltsin, who had committed numerous corrupt acts.
— To revive the crumbled Russian economy, I will mobilize all available powers to ensure the prosperity of our citizens' lives.
He promised strict protection of private property and requested investments from both domestic entrepreneurs and foreign investors.
With domestic issues addressed, the discussion finally shifted to foreign affairs and security.
— To build a strong nation and foster economic development, I will pursue rational diplomacy with the U.S., Western Europe, and East Asian countries.
His strategy was a two-track approach: to keep suspicions toward the U.S. and Western European nations without shutting the door on dialogue.
— However, if you use money as a weapon to pressure Russia, I will not back down. Russia has been, is, and will be a superpower. We will never submit to threats.
It was a warning that he would resort to force at any time if dialogue failed.
Putin's face radiated confidence as he extended a hand of unity to Central Asia and East Asian nations while issuing threats to Western countries.
He showcased the image of the powerful leader the citizens yearned for and concluded his address.
"His rhetoric is stronger than I expected."
After finishing the speech, I turned off the TV, watching Putin stride confidently back inside.
This was a far cry from the softer tone he had in earlier speeches before my return.
Originally, Putin would extend gestures of reconciliation to the Western nations first, while nurturing his internal power and pushing off dealing with the oligarchs.
But this time felt different.
It seemed he intended to go after both Gusinsky and Berezovsky simultaneously.
Just as I was strolling through the garden, lost in thought,
"Boss."
Manager Ma, who had kept his distance with the bodyguards, approached.
"Someone's here to see you."
"Who is it?"
Since I hadn't scheduled any external appointments, it was odd for someone to come by.
"It's a person named Sergey Ivanov. Should I send him away if you're not interested in a meeting?"
"Ivanov, you say?"
"Yes, he's waiting outside the mansion."
Sergey Ivanov was a prominent figure representing the Siloviki.
Having trained with Putin in the KGB, he earned Putin's trust by acting as a bridge between those from the KGB and the military.
"Let him in for now. Also, prepare some black tea."
"Understood."
I returned to the mansion and awaited Ivanov in the reception room.
Before long, I was greeted by a well-dressed gentleman under Manager Ma's guidance.
"Nice to meet you, I am Kim Mu-hyeok."
"I apologize for dropping by unannounced. I am Sergey Ivanov."
"No problem. If it's you, Mr. Ivanov, you're always welcome here."
I noticed a glint of curiosity in Ivanov's eyes.
"…Do you know who I am?"
"A colleague of President Putin from the KGB, correct? Currently, you're the head of the Russian Security Council."
"You know quite a bit."
"Please, take a seat."
As I gestured for him to sit, Ivanov nodded and took a seat.
"I'd like to know why you stopped by today."
Though it felt like my relaxation was being interrupted, I decided Ivanov was worth making time for.
"You seem a bit uptight for someone I've heard so much about."
"Since you're from the KGB, I figured you preferred to get straight to the point."
"That's true."
Instead of speaking, Ivanov studied me while sipping his black tea.
Though his scrutinizing gaze was rather uncomfortable, I waited for him to bring up the reason for his visit.
"To be honest, I've been quite curious about you, Mr. Boss Kim. I've known Putin since our time in the KGB, and it's rare for him to compliment anyone."
"President Putin, you mean?"
Ivanov nodded slightly, taking another sip.
"Knowing Putin for a long time makes this praise intriguing. I must admit, I even suspected you might be a fraud."
His rude comment made me involuntarily raise an eyebrow.
I appreciated straightforwardness, but this crossed the line.
The way he continued to observe my face during our conversation screamed typical intelligence officer.
"Well, I did some digging."
"So you did background checks on me, huh?"
"If you're calling it a background check, then yes. Given your background, I assumed you would know what that entails."
Finally, a crack appeared in the composed facade I'd maintained.
I smirked slightly at one corner of my mouth.
"How amusing."
"It's fascinating. But it seems you've participated in some even more amusing affairs, including dealings with not only the U.S. but also China and, indeed, with North Korea, an adversary of South Korea."
Ivanov's voice grew cold as he set down his cup.
"Who are you really? The more I dig, the less I know about you."
It didn't make sense that intelligence agencies from superpowers like the U.S. and Russia wouldn't know who I was.
Putin had likely vetted me thoroughly before even considering our relationship.
Yet, I was intrigued by why Ivanov would come to me with such a statement.
"Ivanov, what's the point you want to make?"
"I simply want to know your intentions toward Putin."
What a ridiculous inquiry; I was taken aback.
"He was the former FSB director, yet no one expected him to become president. It's curious how you managed to win his trust before anyone else."
"Mr. Ivanov, who I meet or who Putin associates with is none of your business."
Despite my cold response, Ivanov pressed on.
"Putin is our hope. We've endured humiliation for a decade now."
Ivanov's eyes sparkled as he grit his teeth.
"We believe our time will come again. Yet, I find it troublesome that you, not us, are by Putin's side. This puts us in a difficult position."
The Soviet Union was a police state built on fear using the KGB and secret police, making the secret police extraordinarily powerful.
But after Gorbachev came to power in 1985, their era came to an end.
Discontented with the long dark period, their alliance with the military failed when they attempted a coup against Yeltsin and were met with opposition from the public.
During the time they had been quietly waiting for an opportunity, suddenly Putin emerged as the likely successor to Yeltsin.
For the Siloviki, this was an opportunity, and they put all their resources into supporting Putin from behind the scenes.
"I know this may seem impolite, but we speak sincerely."
A chill lingered in Ivanov's gaze.
I could only laugh. Watching him try to keep me in check told me all I needed to know.
They were just a pack of hyenas, scheming to seize power and wealth through Putin.
I couldn't tell if this represented all of the Siloviki's thoughts or just Ivanov's perspective, but I had no intention of letting it slide.
"Please leave. I have nothing more to discuss."
"Mr. Kim, don't involve yourself in Russian affairs any further. I don't know what your intentions are, but Russia belongs to the Russians."
"I said get out. Igor!"
Igor, who had been waiting outside, walked in.
"You called for me, Boss?"
"See our guest out, will you?"
Igor seemed to know Ivanov.
He shot a quick glance at Ivanov before bowing his head towards me.
"I'll see him out. Please, follow me."
"It's astonishing to see an honorable Russian soldier bowing to a dog from the East. How did we get to this point?"
In response to Ivanov's mocking remark, Igor replied in a stiff tone.
"Will you leave on your own, or should I help you out?"
"You've really fallen, haven't you?"
Ivanov, refusing to yield, brushed himself off and stood up.
"This won't end with just a warning next time, Mr. Kim."
He certainly was intent on getting the last word.
Wanting to say nothing more, I simply glared at him as he left the reception room.
"Hmph. That weird guy put me in a bad mood."
"Are you alright?"
Seeing my crumpled expression, Manager Ma asked, but I chose not to respond, afraid of venting my frustration.
Silence filled the reception room.
Shortly after, Igor returned from seeing off Ivanov.
"Boss, I've sent him on his way."
"Did you know Ivanov before, Igor?"
"I've exchanged a few operations with him during my military service."
"What's he like?"
The Ivanov I remembered was a refined gentleman.
At least, that was how he appeared in the media.
"A typical KGB operative. He has a good political sense. He and President Putin trained together, but I believe he climbed the ranks much faster than Putin did."
"Is that so?"
"…Boss, may I say something?"
Igor was a typical soldier, faithfully carrying out commands and rarely expressing his opinions, so it was unusual for him to speak out.
I was surprised when he decided to step up.
After choosing his words carefully, Igor spoke heavily.
"It's dangerous to get involved with Ivanov. He's a person used to advancing by stepping on the corpses of others. He could easily betray even his own family for self-preservation."
To reassure Igor, I nodded lightly, attempting to ease the tension.
"Seems I don't have the kind of relationship where we could become friends. I'd like to be alone until dinner, so please let me know before we head out."
"Yes, understood."
I retreated to my bedroom to gather my thoughts.
It was shocking that the Siloviki were already trying to keep me in check.
I'd need to properly back Medvedev now.
Confronted with the situation sooner than expected, my head filled with chaos.
* * *
"Mr. Kim, welcome."
"Yes, Mr. President."
Putin greeted me with a bright smile.
The administrative staff set out vodka and snacks and promptly left the villa.
The large villa fell silent in an instant.
"I requested you postpone your return so we could enjoy some drinks and talk."
"I was a bit disappointed, but this works out perfectly."
As I made small talk, a smile crept onto Putin's face.
"Haha, did you happen to catch my inaugural address?"
"Of course. I watched it on TV from home."
"What did you think?"
"Just like at your inauguration, your ambitions were clearly displayed, Mr. President."
I observed Putin nodding in satisfaction while I pondered my next words.
I had no intention of letting anyone disregard me.
"Mr. President, a man named Sergey Ivanov visited me today."
"Ivanov, you say?"
"Yes. He warned me to distance myself from you. Is this your sentiment, Mr. President?"
The smile from Putin's face vanished in an instant.
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