Chapter 360: I’ll Consider It

Chandler couldn’t answer my question right away.

Even if the Bush administration invaded Afghanistan for profit, their official stance was framed as a war on terror.

So it must be difficult for him to speak up here.

“I’m not retracting anything unless it’s an official decision. I’ve already made promises to Ahmad. Trust is everything for a businessman, and I’m sure even the higher-ups in Washington understand that.”

Manager Ma prepared a paper cup of instant coffee and set it down in front of Chandler.

“Give it a try. It’s Korean-style coffee.”

I held the paper cup and smiled, but Chandler continued to glare at it with a stiff expression.

“Whoever sent you, approaching me like this won’t yield any positive outcome…”

As I sipped my coffee, Chandler’s face turned pale.

He must have realized my intentions, having likely already gathered information about me.

In my previous life, American companies showed no inclination to invest in Afghanistan.

Slowly but surely, the economy that had collapsed due to the IT bubble burst and terrorism was beginning to recover. So it was only natural that nobody would want to invest in a war-torn Afghanistan.

It’s said that when a cousin buys land, one feels sick. The U.S. was trying to intimidate me.

I couldn’t shake off the feeling of being poked at unnecessarily. Should I provoke him a little more?

You mentioned the price of blood, but more blood has been spilled by the Northern Alliance than by the U.S. And yet you’re suggesting only the U.S. should collect the debt… Quite intriguing.

“It seems there’s been a misunderstanding.”

“A misunderstanding? Didn’t you say yourself that you can’t allow others to reap the ‘blood’ benefits spilled by the U.S.?”

Chandler, biting his lips, lifted the paper cup to take a sip of coffee.

“Wow! What kind of coffee is this?”

Chandler’s blatant attempt to change the subject made a smile creep onto my face.

It was a stark contrast to his earlier aggression.

He may not know who sent him, but it seemed he believed shifting the conversation would benefit him.

“It’s mix coffee like we drink in Korea.”

“It’s delicious.”

He didn’t say a word while drinking the coffee. However, his mind must have been racing nonstop.

What could be his true purpose? Was he just sent as a distraction? And who sent him here?

After a brief silence, Chandler spoke first.

“I heard there was an ambush and a skirmish yet you survived it.”

The moment I heard the word ‘skirmish,’ the sound of gunfire rang in my ears.

I crumpled the empty cup and nodded.

“They said it was the Taliban.”

“More specifically, it was the actions of an armed group led by Gulbuddin Hekmatyar. They maintain a collaborative relationship with the Taliban.”

He’d just claimed to know nothing, yet here he was changing his story. I stiffened my face and asked.

“Gulbuddin? Didn’t you just say you learned nothing earlier?”

“Haha…”

Seeing Chandler’s awkward laughter, I showed my discomfort. He must have something to hide, so he’d likely answer most questions now.

“Gulbuddin Hekmatyar. Who is he?”

“He’s someone entirely on the opposite side of Ahmad. An armed group that cooperates with the Taliban to fight against the U.S., although many may see him as part of the Taliban. However, from our understanding, he’s only allied with them rather than being one of their warlords.”

Chandler went on for a while about Gulbuddin. After hearing all his explanations, I finally asked my burning question.

“What was his reason for attacking me?”

“It’s presumed he was unaware of your existence. He only learned there was a businessman trying to meet Ahmad, and likely intended to eliminate a potential threat.”

“…”

“Gulbuddin sought to regain the support he had lost once by aligning with the Taliban for visibility. During the pursuit of him, that’s when we got wind of your incident.”

“So, you did know about it but didn’t inform me? Can I take it that way?”

When I said this seriously, Chandler quickly shook his head.

“We found out only after the attack. We had received intel prior, but we didn’t realize it was a terror act against Kim Mu-hyeok.”

It didn’t feel like an excuse, yet I could not trust all of Chandler’s words.

“The U.S. considers Kim Mu-hyeok a friend. If we hadknown of the attack beforehand, we would have tried to pass the information to you in some way.”

What a load of nonsense. I cursed inwardly but managed to keep my outer calm.

“If I had died, that information would have been buried underground with me. So why are you sharing this info with me now?”

“If Ahmad maintains a relationship with you, there’s a risk that terror acts against Kim Mu-hyeok will continue. We’r worried about that…”

I raised my hand, cutting him off.

“So the conclusion is your way of saying I should sever my relationship with Ahmad, isn’t it?”

Chandler hesitated before nodding. I pressed on without stopping.

“So it appears you’re keen on pushing someone you support to become the leader of Afghanistan, do you think that’s feasible?”

I already knew the CIA was promoting Hamid to leadership.

But Hamid was no match for Ahmad.

In my previous life, Hamid became president only after Ahmad’s death.

This time, as long as Ahmad is alive, there’s no chance for Hamid to take that position.

Yet the CIA seemed unwilling to let that hope go.

“Ahmad doesn’t listen to us. Or rather, he doesn’t trust the United States. If someone like him becomes the leader of Afghanistan, chaos will ensue again. Then, all the money you’ve invested will vanish into thin air.”

“Well, I’d say Ahmad’s rule would benefit me more than Hamid’s.”

“Do hold off and consider meeting Hamid. He will surely align with your views.”

I was familiar with Hamid. He was incompetent and power-hungry.

Hamid’s brother was notorious for drug trafficking and had earned the title of drug lord, and under his rule, Afghanistan was rife with corruption.

Ultimately, Hamid was significantly responsible for the Taliban’s resurgence.

The U.S. made foolish moves that had an impact, but wouldn’t the Taliban’s comeback have been unlikely if Hamid had been an effective leader?

“I won’t be meeting him. Even if I do, my decision won’t change.”

“Are you saying you will go against us?”

“Not meeting Hamid means I’m going against the U.S.? I’m just an investor. I believe Ahmad will help stabilize Afghanistan more. Naturally, I would focus on those who can ensure the stability of Afghanistan since I need to extract returns on my investments. I can’t risk my interests by aligning with just anyone.”

Chandler, unable to argue against my logical points, stammered something.

“…Hamid is a recognized figure in the international community.”

“But he isn’t recognized in Afghanistan. Ahmad isn’t an unsuitable candidate for the international community either; he’s the leader of the Northern Alliance and even served as a minister. He could get 70% support in today’s votes. Why waste time meeting Hamid instead?”

I firmly drew the line.

While it wouldn’t be bad to connect with Hamid, I had a good card called Ahmad, and there was no need to let anyone else lead me around.

“Kim Mu-hyeok. Isn’t it better tohave a good relationship? Just meet with him.”

“Is that an official directive from Langley?”

Chandler fell silent and stared at me intently. Seemed he was pretty persistent.

If it really was an order straight from CIA HQ, I wouldn’t have a choice. Continuing to resist would only indicate I was opposed to his suggestion.

“I’ll think about it. But you should know this: if Hamid becomes president through your manipulations, this country will fall into chaos.”

“Why do you think so?”

“While Hamid appeals to the international community, Ahmad and the Northern Alliance bled and fought. Didn’t you mention that it’s unacceptable for another party to benefit from the ‘blood’ spilled?”

“Does that mean Hamid’s presidency would be resisted by the Northern Alliance?”

“Well, that’s hard to say. But if Hamid becomes the top leader, it’s certain that many concessions must be made to the Northern Alliance.”

Chandler nodded with a grave expression.

“Well, Langley must be aware of that. Anyway, I’ll consider it. But not for now. It wouldn’t be fair to Ahmad.”

“I’ll communicate that.”

“It was a pleasure meeting you.”

I stood up and extended my hand, signaling it was time for me to leave.

He seemed to catch on, standing up as well to shake my hand.

“Oh, and one more thing. There’s unrest within the Northern Alliance. They are resentful that Black Bear’s mercenaries are providing security for Ahmad.”

“Oh? Thanks for the tip-off.”

“I hope we can meet on good terms next time.”

Chandler turned and exited the room, and Manager Ma and Igor entered together.

I gestured for the two to take a seat as I settled back down. Once I saw them seated, I began to speak.

“Igor.”

“Yes, Boss?”

“I heard there’s some discontent within the Northern Alliance regarding mercenaries securing Ahmad’s safety.”

“There has indeed been some trouble.”

As I swallowed my emotions, Igor added.

“I can understand them; they likely feel they’re being shown distrust.”

“What do you think Ahmad’s reasoning is for trusting us with his security?”

“Perhaps he doesn’t trust anyone else? During the bomb attack, neither his subordinates nor CIA agents were aware of it.”

“Still, if this continues, it will undoubtedly lead to problems later.”

It was my intel that had allowed Black Bear to save him. So, Ahmad should trust Black Bear.

But if he continues relying on me for protection as the Northern Alliance head, resentment might build among his ranks.

This would need to be addressed later.

I sipped a glass of cool water before shifting the topic.

“Igor, how much damage have we sustained?”

Our mercenaries had suffered substantial losses in yesterday’s skirmish.

“Five dead and twelve wounded.”

“Five dead?”

Sadness flashed across Igor’s face as he nodded.

“The bodies have been recovered, right?”

“Yes, we will send them back to Russia tomorrow.”

I exchanged a glance with Manager Ma, who produced a bankbook and placed it in front of Igor.

“This bankbook has a million dollars in it. You can withdraw it directly from a Russian bank, so please divide it among the families of the deceased, twenty thousand dollars each. While it won’t ease the pain, I feel sorry that this is all I can do for the mercenaries who died protecting me.”

“Boss, the company will also provide compensation separately. You really don’t have to do this. ”

“I know. But I want to help, so please accept it.”

Finally, Igor pocketed the bankbook into his inside pocket.

“Thank you. I will definitely pass it on.”

I patted Igor’s shoulder. The reason Igor and his team remain loyal to me stemmed from more than just duty.

They understood I cared for their welfare and took responsibility for them. I needed to reciprocate that trust.

“The CIA claims those who attacked us are part of the armed group led by Gulbuddin, who collaborates with the Taliban.”

I relayed the information I had just obtained from Chandler to Igor.

Igor appeared to already know about Gulbuddin.

“Oh, that guy. I’m aware of him too.”

“Really?”

“He’s among the priority targets. A rather slippery character. He fled to the U.S. when the Taliban was in power, and now that the U.S. has invaded, he’s back to taking advantage of the situation to expand his influence. In reality, he’s likely just a branch head of the Taliban…”

Listening to Igor’s explanation, I nodded. There could be undisclosed information beyond what was publicly known.

“Starting today, Black Bear will activate all info networks to trace his whereabouts.”

“Is this for revenge?”

“Those who spill blood must pay with death. Since he was the one who provoked me first, I’ll ensure to cut his lifeline.”

I wasn’t sure how he got my intel, but those who assaulted me needed to be made to pay.

“If we manage to pinpoint his location, may I take action myself?”

Igor’s eyes burned with fierce intensity. Having lost five trusted team members, he certainly had a thirst for revenge.

“Of course. I initially intended to leave this task in your hands.”

“Thank you.”

Igor stood up and deeply bowed his head.

At that moment, a knock resounded on the door.

“Is someone coming?”

“No, no one is here.”

Igor opened the door. The face that appeared through the gap was Ahmad.