A few days had passed since arriving in England. Thanks to the warning I had given, the days had been quiet.
“Boss, we’ve set up a eting with the chairman of The Sun.”
A eting with The Sun’s chairman. Strange that the man who was said to be difficult to sway would suddenly be the one to request a eting.
I put down my coffee cup at Philip’s report and asked,
“Any idea why he suddenly changed his mind?”
“I don’t know. He contacted us yesterday, asking if we could et tonight.”
“Do you think they’ve noticed we’re digging into the executives’ backgrounds?”
“I don’t think so. To catch wind of our movents, it would take sothing like MI6 being involved.”
At Philip’s confident reply, I gave a small smile and picked up a piece of toast, taking a bite.
After finishing a simple breakfast, I moved with Philip to the office.
“Tonight, huh. What kind of etiquette is it to give notice like that only the day before? Is that the English way?”
“Not at all. I think they just believe they hold the upper hand.”
“The upper hand, is it...”
Repeating Philip’s words, I tapped my fingers against the table.
After a long mont of drumming the table, I organized my thoughts and spoke.
“You’ve already gathered everything about The Sun’s chairman’s surroundings, right?”
“Yes, everything is ready.”
“Good. Then inform Manager Ma of tonight’s eting place. As for the other rcenaries, order them to wait around the chairman’s family.”
“Boss, that’s...!”
I raised my hand to cut Philip off. I knew exactly what he was worried about.
“This is a precaution. I don’t want to take reckless risks either. But if they’re going to approach us like this, I see no reason to treat them gentlemanly. If you don’t like it, say so. I’ll just assign soone else.”
A few days ago, I had been quite impressed with the way a man nad Alex handled things.
If Philip disliked it that much, I could simply replace the one in charge.
Philip understood the aning of my words and quickly bowed his head, replying,
“No, sir. I’ll do as you say.”
“Philip. I know your warnings co from concern for . But if I intended to let myself be swayed by them, I wouldn’t have co to London personally. Keep that in mind. When my order cos, send a team that will execute it as is.”
“...Understood.”
“Good. Then set up the appointnt and let know the place.”
Philip bowed and left the room. Even as he went out, his expression wasn’t good. I thought of him and murmured,
“That man is too much of a safety-first type.”
“Well, he’s spent most of his career in managent. We recruited him to manage the branch, but for this kind of job, he’s not really suitable,” Manager Ma answered.
I nodded, tapping my fingers against the table again.
In the quiet office, only the tapping sound echoed.
‘Alex seed perfect for this sort of thing.’
Stopping my fingers, I said,
“Call Alex in.”
“Yes, Boss.”
After a short while, Alex entered the office, bowing politely.
“You called for , Boss.”
“Sit.”
As he sat down to my left, I handed him a cup filled with black tea.
“Have a cup.”
“Thank you.”
I studied Alex as he slowly sipped the tea.
Quite a friendly impression, unlike the cold face he had shown that day.
“Alex, may I ask why you left MI6 to join Black Bear?”
“Ah...”
At my question, Alex hastily put the cup down with an awkward smile. He hesitated a little, as if embarrassed to answer.
“I rembered you once ntioned you had even worked as an instructor training agents. I was curious why soone like that would throw himself into a private military company.”
“To be honest... in the end, it was money.”
“Money?”
“Yes. Black Bear offered a high salary, and said it was the true value of my abilities. Of course, there were other reasons, but that was the biggest.”
At his frank answer, I laughed for a while. In the end, money.
“Of course. In the end, money is always the purpose.”
“...”
“Good. Then I’ll make sure you’re treated even better. Do you know much about Philip?”
“You an the branch chief?”
“Yes. Did you et him through Black Bear, or did you know him before?”
I waited while Alex collected his thoughts. Soon he answered.
“I knew of him, but I only really got to know him after joining Black Bear. I was a field agent, and Philip was in headquarters giving the orders. So we didn’t cross paths much. We also joined at different tis. Still, he was known among the field agents as one of the more respected HQ staff.”
“Hm...”
If Philip had been incompetent, Eric would never have appointed him head of the UK branch, which was as important as the U.S.
But this ti called for a commander familiar with the field, not managent.
“This ti might involve sothing risky. If I give the order, even if Philip hesitates, can you carry it out imdiately?”
“...Are you telling to ignore the chain of command?”
“That’s for you to decide, Alex.”
I shrugged. Alex’s face hardened, but he quickly steadied himself and answered firmly,
“If it’s an order, I’ll do it.”
The hesitation was short, the reply even shorter.
“Good. I like your decisiveness. Manager Ma will explain the details. You can go.”
Alex stood, bowed, and left the room.
“Manager, call Eric.”
“Yes, Boss.”
Manager Ma pulled out his phone and dialed. Soon a voice ca through.
“Boss, I’ve got him.”
Taking the phone, I greeted warmly,
“Eric, how have you been?”
— Ha ha, busy as ever. Our rcenary teams are deeply engaged in the Afghanistan war. The U.S. military even entrusted us with their supply lines.
Black Bear’s success had beco the signal flare for the rise of other PMCs.
Though big ones were appearing in England and France, in both numbers and quality of soldiers, none could yet compare to Black Bear.
And with its U.S. base, the Arican military left most of the work to Black Bear.
“You’re doing well.”
— Thank you. It’s only now that results are showing worthy of the trust you placed in , Boss.
“I’ve always trusted you, Eric. But don’t overdo it. This war won’t end quickly.”
Though said in a laughing, joking tone, Eric’s words carried sincerity.
I [N O V E L I G H T] answered him sincerely as well, even as I worried.
If most of Black Bear’s personnel were tied up in long deploynts, the organization’s strength could weaken.
— We’ve already taken the capital and most regions. Washington circles are openly saying a declaration of victory is coming soon.
“Don’t underestimate the Taliban. They won’t fall easily. They’re not an opponent bound by common sense.”
— Hm... understood.
Eric didn’t sound entirely convinced. The U.S. had devastated Afghanistan with overwhelming firepower. Confidence was natural.
“Don’t grow careless, Eric. Enough of that. Let’s get to the point. I’m calling about Philip.”
— Branch Chief Philip? Did he make a mistake with you?
Philip was too cautious to make a mistake. I let out a small laugh.
“No, nothing like that. It’s just that he isn’t suited to this England schedule. He’s too stability-oriented.”
— ...I see.
“Yes. So I’d like Alex, a field agent, to take charge of this matter.”
— Alex? He’s perfect for the field, but he’s known for being too extre.
Eric knew the temperant of the n he had recruited with care.
At his worried tone, I added,
“That’s exactly the kind of man we need this ti. I’m not saying to strip Philip of his position, only that for this matter, the authority should be given to Alex. You understand?”
— Understood. If that’s your decision, I’ll make it happen. I’ll inform Philip myself.
“Have the command authority handed to Alex before lunch. Tell Philip to stay in the back and just provide support.”
— Yes, Boss.
After hearing Eric’s reply, I ended the call and handed the phone back to Manager Ma. Standing, I said,
“Alex will be in full command for this job. Tonight we et The Sun’s chairman and decide our course.”
“Yes, I’ll pass it on.”
Leaving the office, I stepped into the living room where Han Kyungyeong waved a coffee cup at with a grin.
“What’s got you so busy since morning? Coffee break?”
At his cheeky act, I couldn’t help but smile and headed to the sofa.
As I sat, Han poured a warm cup and I asked,
“You look cheerful. Negotiations going well?”
“Today’s the final round. Chairman Son will probably co. I’ve heard of him, but this will be my first ti eting him. I’m looking forward to it.”
“Don’t underestimate Chairman Masayoshi. For a Korean immigrant to rise that high in Japan ans his ability is exceptional.”
Han nodded at my words.
“True. I’m Korean-Arican, and Chairman Son is Korean-Japanese. I felt a kind of kinship and wanted to et him even more.”
“Ah, so that’s why you’re in such a good mood.”
It was natural Han felt a bond. Different countries—Japan and the U.S.—but both had succeeded abroad rather than in Korea.
Even before my regression, Han had succeeded without my help. His sharp economic eye and drive made the two n oddly resemble each other.
“In the end, it cos down to who spends more. And we won’t lose there. I’ve got you as my rock-solid backer, so what’s there to worry about?”
At his confidence, I raised my cup with a laugh.
“Backer, is it? That stings. Still, don’t get complacent, hyung.”
“Yes, Boss. But tell , why this company? You’re already a major Intel shareholder. Why bother acquiring such a no-na firm?”
Without knowledge of the future, it would indeed seem strange. Instead of explaining, I t his gaze.
“The world’s changing fast. Technology equals money now. If Chairman Son’s eyeing it, that ans it’ll be profitable. Maybe not now, but soon.”
“I don’t get it. But you’ve never been wrong.”
Han shrugged.
Of course he couldn’t yet know how important this technology would beco.
Then a strange thought ca to . I rembered Masayoshi Son only got interested in ARM after 2010. Why jump into the bidding now?
“Did you find out why Chairman Son suddenly joined the acquisition race?”
“They say it was a sudden decision. His company is top-down—he makes all the calls himself. Advisors might suggest things, but every final decision is his. Still, it’s odd. No one saw this coming. He just flew to England and entered the race. Only he knows why.”
I sipped my coffee, sinking into thought. Two possibilities, but one was too far-fetched to consider.
‘Then has he been monitoring Kyungyeong’s moves?’
Maybe soone had tipped Son off about Han’s activity.
Either way, it wasn’t good. I’d need to look into it without Han knowing.
I set down my cup and shifted the subject.
“For the football club acquisition, you’ll be the owner. Of course, I’ll handle the negotiations as overall lead.”
“Of course. The English barely know anything about you.”
“After eting The Sun’s chairman, I’ve scheduled a eting with Leeds United’s owner. Let’s go together then.”
“Okay. By then, I’ll have signed the acquisition contract too.”
I got up from the sofa first. It was going to be a busy day.
“See you tonight.”
“Yeah, later.”
Leaving Han behind, I returned to the office.
Ti passed as I prepared for the eting with The Sun’s chairman.
The dreary London night felt especially cold under the overcast sky.
By the ti I arrived at the hotel, the drizzle had turned into a downpour.
Manager Ma held up an umbrella as he opened my door.
But when I went to et The Sun’s chairman, I encountered an unexpected figure.
“Hello, Mr. Kim. I’ve heard much about you.”
“Ah... I didn’t expect to et you here. Co to think of it, The Sun was yours, wasn’t it?”
“Ha ha, it ended up that way.”
With a hearty laugh, he extended his hand. I took it firmly.
“To et the emperor of dia himself—it’s an honor, Chairman Murdoch.”
The man extending his hand was Rupert Murdoch, chairman of News Corporation, the dia giant spanning the entire English-speaking world.
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