Chapter 325: Let’s Meet at the Kremlin Palace

While Manager Ma’s subordinates were indeed providing security for me in Russia, most of the tasks were actually handled by Igor and his crew.

However, I was severely disappointed that they failed to prevent information leaks and couldn’t even get a grasp on the situation.

“Igor, I’ve entrusted my life to you. Not just anyone, but you, in Russia, of all places. The Russian mafia doesn’t just lack heavy weapons; they also pack anti-tank systems. How could you not know about the terror plot? Were you planning to pretend you didn’t know even after I was dead?”

“I’m sorry, Boss.”

The atmosphere in the reception room turned icy. Medvedev, clearly flustered, stepped forward, attempting to smooth things over.

“Mr. Kim, we only found out about this a little while ago. It took time to gather the intel and confirm its truth. We received confirmation just yesterday. By then, you were already on your way to Moscow, and there was no chance to inform Igor.”

“…Medvedev. This is a matter of my life on the line.”

Medvedev met my gaze calmly, as if he understood my feelings.

“I know. That’s why you’ve deployed armed police to keep an eye on me, isn’t it? Igor has been communicating well with us. Normally, your security would be coordinated with Igor. But an unexpected incident occurred, and we couldn’t contact him in time. So, try not to hold this against him too harshly—it would just make me feel worse.”

I decided to pause my criticism for now, given how far Medvedev had gone to explain.

His efforts made it pointless to show further anger. I let out a deep sigh, running a hand through my hair as I asked,

“Medvedev, who else is aware of this information?”

“Putin knows as well. That’s why he was furious. He can’t believe someone would dare attempt something like that in Russia.”

“Please share the information with Igor. We can’t rely on Russian police’s protection forever.”

Nodding, Medvedev took out his phone and dialed.

After a short conversation, he turned to Igor, who had been hanging his head.

“Igor, head of security.”

“Yes, Manager Medvedev.”

“I’ve informed the Interior Minister, so contact him to receive the intel.”

“Thank you.”

With that, Medvedev turned back to me.

“We will pass all the information we have to Igor.”

“Understood. Thank you, Manager Medvedev.”

I smiled at Medvedev before addressing the still subdued Igor.

Seeing the tension visibly etched on Igor’s face, perhaps he sensed the simmering anger in my voice.

“Igor, rework the entire security plan. When it’s ready, report to Manager Ma.”

“Understood.”

“You may leave now.”

“Yes, Boss.”

Igor exited the reception room, leaving a thick silence hanging in the air.

Medvedev broke it first.

“Mr. Kim, the Soviet soldiers value their pride above life. Please don’t push them too much.”

“It’s not just anything; this is a matter of life and death. If President Putin faces a terror attack during his schedule, who among us, including you, Manager Medvedev, will survive?”

“…”

At least he could take off his clothes without consequence. Drinking tainted black tea would surely land him in critical condition.

Otherwise, he might end up with a bullet hole in his forehead.

“Igor should understand well what it takes to resolve this matter. During my stay in Russia, Manager Ma won’t interfere with the security details. I believe I’ve shown Igor enough respect. This incident was undoubtedly his fault, regardless of how anyone feels about it. His complacency regarding information sharing at the FSB was to blame for not securing intel elsewhere. Let’s leave this behind now, as it’s already over.”

Medvedev nodded, and I threw ice cubes into my empty glass as I asked,

“I doubt many people know about my meeting with Mogilevich. How did that information get to Ivanov and Usov?”n?”

“We are investigating that. It hasn’t been definitively determined yet, but we suspect there may be an informant within the FSB or the police.”

His vague answer made me stop and look at Medvedev.

His expression turned sheepish, and he apologized in a low voice. Shaking his head, he said,

“There’s no need for you to apologize, Medvedev.”

“Still, information leaked on our end. It shows the mafia’s grip on the government is deep. I intend to use this opportunity to seriously crush the mafias that oppose the government.”

“Are you planning to reignite the war against the mafia?”

“While the mafia friendly to the government has mostly shifted to legitimate businesses, I can’t guarantee there won’t be more planning similar to this one.”

Though Putin proclaimed a war against the mafia, most large organizations friendly to the government managed to survive.

So even a war against the mafia merely looked like an operation to eradicate those tied to the oligarchs.

“Putin stated that we must shed the stigma of being a mafia state like in the Yeltsin era. It seems things are now starting with the police. The FSB was preparing for that when the intel about the terror plot against you came in. That should act as the catalyst for action.”

Hence, the heavy police presence at the airport. I smiled and raised my glass toward him.

“For now, understood. Thank you for your concern.”

“Haha, don’t mention it. Mr. Kim, you’re a friend of Russia, aren’t you?”

Medvedev chuckled heartily as he clinked his glass with mine.

After we both downed our drinks, the conversation resumed.

“Mr. Kim, is it impossible to cancel your meeting with Mogilevich?”

“…”

My smile faded instantly.

My face stiffened, but Medvedev continued without hesitation.

“The mafia doesn’t hesitate to commit acts of terror against government officials when their interests are at stake.”

“Medvedev, are you suggesting I hide like a frightened rat from the mafia’s threats?”

“That’s not what I meant…”

Medvedev stammered, but I cut his words short.

“As soon as I concede to the mafia’s threats, they’ll see me as an easy target. I will proceed with the meeting with Mogilevich, so please refrain from suggesting otherwise.”

“I worry about you, Mr. Kim.”

“If I didn’t know any better, perhaps I would hesitate, but now I’m fully aware what I’m getting into. Besides, I’m not a pushover, am I?”

Concern etched across Medvedev’s face.

Knowing how fearsome the Russian mafia is, it was entirely understandable for him to be worried about me.

“That may be true, but they are still a force to be reckoned with. They’re like an army. It’s embarrassing to say, but after the Soviet Union collapsed, much of the weaponry that the Soviet army possessed ended up in the hands of the mafia. Their firepower is on a different level compared to other national mafias.”

“Medvedev, have you forgotten who I removed in Moscow?”

The current power dynamic in Moscow had shifted from before, with the Siloviki and oligarchs loyal to Putin sharing it.

This change occurred when I took out Ivanov, who was practically the head of the Siloviki. With his removal, the Siloviki lost their momentum.

Putin was consolidating his power by pitting the Siloviki against the oligarchs in a contest of loyalties. This was also a result of my involvement.

“My mercenaries aren’t weak enough to be taken down by mere mafias. Especially since the Russian branch mainly consists of Russians, and most of them are elite special forces.”

No matter how organized the mafia became, they couldn’t match up against my largely private army.

“While I’m in Russia, I’d appreciate your assistance, even if it gets a little noisy.”

“…Phew. If you need help, feel free to let me know anytime. I’ll have armed police on standby. If anything happens, I’ll contact you right away.”

“Thank you. Now, can we discuss something else? How’s the economy in Russia doing? I’ve heard oil prices are rising somewhat, so maybe things are looking up?”

“It’s improving compared to before, but we still have a long way to go. We need to change our industries that overly rely on underground resources.”

With a direct change of subject, Medvedev no longer added anything to the topic.

After considering for a moment, he started speaking.

“For the time being, oil prices will continue to rise. You’re aware the U.S. is preparing for war with Iraq, right?”

“Of course. It’s causing us quite a headache. Just recently, there was intense debate at the UN regarding that issue. While everyone accepted the invasion of Afghanistan as a response to U.S. terrorism, going into Iraq crossed a line. That’s something we can’t condone…”

“Putin probably disagrees with that too, right?”

“Yes. Putin has stated that he absolutely doesn’t support this move.”

It seemed Putin indeed opposed the war in Iraq, just as expected.

I set my glass down and stroked my chin, deep in thought.

‘If Russia supports the U.S. in this upcoming war and a resolution passes in the Security Council…?’

Finishing my short contemplation, I spoke up. If a war was going to happen anyway, it made sense to seek benefits.

“Regardless, this war would likely serve Russia’s interests. Even if it doesn’t pass in the UN Security Council, the U.S. will undoubtedly lead its allies in the invasion.”

Medvedev nodded, his face stern.

Hearing that confirmation must have been quite distressing.

“Certainly. No one can stand against the U.S. at this time.”

“In that case, it might be a good approach for Russia to agree and take whatever benefits they can. I’ll talk to Putin about it.”

“Do you think the invasion of Iraq has justification?”

“No. But honestly, does it even matter? It’s all about the logic of power.”

His bitter smile indicated he understood what I meant, having been close to power.

“For now, I’ll discuss it in detail with Putin. Thank you for everything today, Medvedev. I’m grateful I learned about it in advance.”

“Haha, not at all.”

“I’d like to return the favor. What should I bring you…”

“No need. Just your goodwill is enough for me.”

“Is that so? I’ll prepare a gift for you to take before leaving Moscow. Look forward to it!”

He declined, but I knew it was clear that rejecting me twice wouldn’t bode well for him next time.

Sure enough, there was no such thing as a second refusal. With a broad smile, Medvedev stood up.

“Well then, I’ll be off now.”

I followed his lead, stood up, and extended my hand.

“Let’s meet at the Kremlin Palace.”

Medvedev, without hesitating, gripped my hand firmly in response.

After sending him off, when I returned to the mansion, the smile that had adorned my face had vanished completely.

“Igor.”

“Yes, Boss.”

“Don’t trust the Russian government too much. Just like today, they are withholding information from Igor to make themselves look good. Their claim of not having time is pure nonsense.”

If they had taken the time to contact Igor and pass on the information instead of relying solely on armed police for my protection, I wouldn’t have needed any help.

This was just a petty trick to put me in their debt.

Putin doesn’t involve himself in such intricate schemes. This must have been Medvedev’s doing.

“That’s why I scolded him so harshly earlier. My trust lies solely with the Black Bear mercenaries. Do you understand my point?”

“Yes, Boss.”

“Coordinate with Manager Ma to ensure my schedule runs smoothly tomorrow. I’ll head in now and get some rest.”

I patted Igor’s shoulder, who was bowing his head, and walked right into my bedroom.

The next day, I set out from the mansion to meet Mogilevich.

“How long will it take?”

“It should take about thirty minutes.”

“Really? I thought it was closer from here.”

“Yes. Normally, it would take ten minutes, but due to security concerns, an advance team is scouting the area as we go.”

Under those circumstances, I couldn’t complain. I nodded quietly.

“You mentioned it’s a hotel owned by Mogilevich?”

“Yes. It’s one of the most famous hotels in Moscow.”

“How’s the safety?”

“No issues there. No matter how daring the mafia gets, they wouldn’t act close to the Kremlin Palace. Still, to be careful, we’ve got the FSB’s clearance and snipers positioned around.”

A moment later, the car I was riding in stopped.

Igor and Manager Ma stepped out first, scanning the area before opening the car door.

“Boss, you can get out now.”

Only then did I step outside. The first thing that caught my eyes was the Kremlin Palace visible far in the distance.

“Is the mafia lord’s hotel positioned so that it has a clear view of the Kremlin Palace? Now there’s something interesting.”

It was quite symbolic.

I chuckled softly and then made my way into the hotel, rumored to house nuclear weapons.