Chapter 74: Chapter 74

00074 --- The Little Prince in the Ossuary----=

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# After the Rain, Camp Roberts (4)

By now, they should have grown accustomed to it. In most cases, the difference in temperature between the two people stemmed from the boundary of principles and practicality. Yun-cheol, whose sense of mission directly translated into enthusiasm, tried to approach discussions with Min Wan-gi from a more pragmatic perspective.

"Why is that? I believe trust is our greatest strength. Isn't the faith that 'the KorMericanAlliance never turns its back on the weak and always walks the right path' what keeps this large organization running smoothly? Doesn't everyone believe that?"

In front of the paradox of the young executive, the former scholar smiled through his glasses.

"Well... I agree on that point. Despite the rapid increase in members in such a short time, the alliance runs smoothly without significant friction because everyone believes in the alliance. They believe it is fair, clean, and just. Thus, the weak don't have to worry about being robbed, and the strong think twice before taking away from others. Humans are animals that change according to their stage and role. Yes, this is the invisible asset of the community. It's easy to downplay because it's invisible, but it's invaluable."

"That's exactly it! That's what I wanted to convey. Do you remember what the little leader said when we first formed the alliance? He said he didn't want to reject people just because they came from another country, dislike them because of a different skin color, or ignore them because their language was unfamiliar. And he said we wanted to live as humans."

Gyeo-ul was a little surprised here. The boy remembered saying that. It was, after all, based on some previous preparation, so it would be strange not to remember.

Nonetheless, it was unexpected that Yun-cheol recited it word for word. Yun-cheol was no genius. It could only be seen as something he deliberately memorized.

Yun-cheol glanced carefully. Gyeo-ul slightly lifted the corners of his mouth. Relieved, the young executive painted a more profound confidence in his argument.

"This could be a great opportunity to confirm that promise was true, don't you think? And won't other people from different countries perceive the 'KorMericanAlliance' anew, realizing it isn't just a place for Koreans? Many more will come to support the little leader."

They call it a promise. Internally, Gyeo-ul nodded his head. Indeed, all words should be promises. Lightly spoken words can easily become someone else's scars.

Most importantly, the boy was the representative of the alliance. Official source ıs novèlfire.net

As a representative, Gyeo-ul evaluated Yun-cheol's opinion.

"Yes, I agree. People of different nationalities find it too easy to hate each other. Even though we're all refugees, all human beings... We need to tell people this shouldn't happen before the emotional rift deepens and becomes irreversible. Someone has to do it since no one else is."

Yun-cheol nodded with a thoughtful expression.

Min Wan-gi pointed out.

"Still, we must always be mindful of realistic limitations. The world we live in is harshly raw. Sometimes, one must walk a path they dislike."

Yun-cheol visibly showed disappointment. Gyeo-ul diverted his eyes.

"Are you still opposing, deputy Director Min? May I hear the reason?"

Though he asked, Gyeo-ul could anticipate the issues Min Wan-gi was going to raise. At least three. However, it wouldn't look good to speak ahead. Providing a chance to speak was also important, both to speaking Min Wan-gi and witnessing Yun-cheol.

"I have a few points; may I?"

As expected. Gyeo-ul permitted it.

"First, if we accept those people, what becomes of the 「Triad」?"

The short groan belonged to Yun-cheol. Min Wan-gi continued calmly, showing no sign of having heard.

"Their power is already on the brink, isn't it? They're merely maintaining face through cooperation with us. Personally, I don't care whether those hooligans crumble or not, but it would discomfort you or Director Jang, correct?"

"Would any other organization dare to challenge us when we're protecting them?"

"I did mention they're barely maintaining face. If a gangster boss loses face, that's it, right? The letter also mentioned that they claimed not everyone wants Li Qin-jen as their boss. Until now, the 「Triad」 was the largest force, offering many benefits, which helped preserve them, but not anymore. They'll likely end up fighting and killing each other."

"Would our alliance, and would the little leader, be able to prevent that? No, would they even accept our help? They'd probably rather accuse us of betrayal than accept aid."

For Yun-cheol, it was a bitter 'insight'.

Even the real history of the Triad was filled with internal divisions and conflicts. As Unknown Bai Zhisen testified through the letter, their internal factions don't get along to the point of using different organizational names.

The senior executive called for the representative's testimony.

"What do you feel, having communicated with them directly, Captain?"

"I feel the same as Deputy Director Min."

"I thought you might."

Min Wan-gi gave a faint smile before moving on to the next point.

"Now, the second is, if we were to provide a direct catalyst for the collapse of the 「Triad」, would the 「Triad」 alone be enough to call us traitors? How would other Chinese organizations view us?"

"They'd call us backstabbers who betray their own."

"Blunt, aren't you? Anyhow, the 'KorMericanAlliance' might find it difficult to exert influence over the Chinese population, and it'd complicate efforts to assist those among them who are struggling."

This was valid. From the start, Gyeo-ul had hoped that the 「Triad」 would become a channel for influencing the Chinese settlement. Accepting Unknown Bai Zhisen's request might garner only a few Chinese, but choosing to maintain the status quo allows for engagement with far more Chinese.

However, saving people cannot simply be compared by numbers, according to Gyeo-ul's philosophy.

'We had a conflict over that matter with Jin-seok in Paso Robles too.'

Min Wan-gi's continuing words didn't stray far from expectations. He understood Gyeo-ul's orientation well.

"I understand, of course. Potentially saving more people in the future won't be more valuable than saving a few people immediately now. People are not objects. It's hard to declare outright which is more valuable. We need to consider other variables in this decision."

"Are you referring to the circumstances of our alliance as this variable?"

Yun-cheol's words, almost a sigh, came forth. Min Wan-gi affirmed.

"Yes, I mean the alliance's interests. Let's pass this off as a difference in perspective between Director Jang and me."

"Eating too much at once gives you a stomach ache. There are exceptions. Recently, those introduced by the disabled were fortunately verified as trustworthy. Watching over them is a bit exhausting, though."

The former scholar's voice got smaller towards the end.

"Watching over them? What do you mean?"

"I don't completely trust the disabled either. What if they intentionally approached Director Jang to enter the alliance, only to bring in a prearranged spy next?"

Yun-cheol's jaw dropped.

Min Wan-gi knew what needed to be done before Gyeo-ul spoke. He was someone who sought out his own tasks. Yun-cheol was similar but had a different focus.

Because of a speechless old man in the same tent, director Jang Yun-cheol also complained in a low voice.

"They've been discriminated against all their lives. They shouldn't be discriminated against here too."

"Director Jang, beware of underdogma. The belief that the weak must inherently be good is baseless."

"I know that much. I'm no fool either. But why would they do something like that? What's there for them to gain by siding with other organizations? In fact, the disabled have found the most welcoming community in our 'KorMericanAlliance'. Besides, the little leader is now an essential figure to everyone. No one can replace him, and that's our alliance's position, isn't it?"

"Well, if it seemed like I was belittling you, I apologize. I was merely proposing to prepare for rare occurrences."

Gyeo-ul sided with him.

"I agree with him on this matter. Deputy Director Min is doing necessary work. Please overlook it for my sake, even if it's hard to accept."

Although Yun-cheol appeared aggrieved, he refrained from further comments.

"Ahem. Let's return to the main subject, then."

With an awkward cough, Min Wan-gi reclaimed his turn.

"The issue is the lack of thoroughly trustworthy people. It means management capability isn't keeping pace with growth. Perhaps many mid-level managers remain unverified. Introducing gangsters in this state is overly burdensome."

Unverified personnel. The boy recalled the man whose hands were always warm.

Yun-cheol wasn't ignorant of this issue either. The young executive groaned softly, mulling over the letter's content imparted by Gyeo-ul.

"That Bai Zhisen or whoever, didn't he say if they couldn't be accepted into the alliance, he at least wanted the captain to lead them? But if that means you becoming their boss as well... No, that's not feasible."

His reluctance was not merely due to objections about Gyeo-ul becoming a gang leader. Yun-cheol rubbed his head as if it ached, flushing when dandruff fell.

To ease his embarrassment, Gyeo-ul asked knowingly.

"Why wouldn't that be feasible?"

"Uh, well, because you're too busy, Captain. You already delegate most of the back to Deputy Director Min and me. Managing them properly would be difficult. Besides, they're inherently divided, aren't they? Between the Huashenghua and the Shubangbang. If not managed, problems will inevitably arise. Regardless of the situation, they are inherently criminals, and this sort of aligns with the nature of the Chinese."

"Your last statement is unexpected. It's not like you, director Jang..."

Smiling at his words, the boy made Yun-cheol's face flush even more.

"Anyway, I can't allow the little leader's name to be sullied. So it's a no."

The discussion ended there. Yun-cheol cautiously asked.

"What will you do? Should we investigate their circumstances further?"

"Yes. Both of you, please make more efforts. There's no need for hasty decisions. Those at a disadvantage will wait. Plus, we have things to take care of beforehand."

"I mentioned it before, didn't I? Bringing in the police to wipe out drug dealers."

"Ah... it was recent, yes, I remember."

"I believe now is an ideal time. The camp commander has changed, capston has been promoted to battalion commander, and with the newly arrived troops and refugees, current relations are likely unsettled."

Regardless of the decision, there will be another encounter with Li Qin-jen. It would be advantageous to demonstrate initiative beforehand.

Gyeo-ul changed the topic.

"This is a different matter, but do either of you know someone named Baek San-ho?"

Min Wan-gi raised his hand.

"I do. He's a recently recruited administrator, but has there been an issue?"

"He doesn't seem like a good person. Replace him when you find someone suitable."

No immediate response came. The former scholar bore a slightly ambiguous expression. It didn't reflect affirmation or denial. Min Wan-gi wasn't someone who'd shield someone through personal contacts, educational ties, or solicitations. There must be a reasonable purpose and reason. What could it be? What did he intend to use such a person for?

Gyeo-ul shook his head shortly after.

"A lesson isn't necessary."

"Isn't that the outcome of his own free choices and actions?"

"Still, it shouldn't be."

With regret, Min Wan-gi gave up his lingering reluctance. Blinking, Yun-cheol was unable to grasp the context.

Surely, Min Wan-gi intended to intentionally overlook Baek San-ho's behavior. An easy way to demonstrate organizational reliability, allowing his misconduct to grow until it burst.

The boy couldn't endorse such a plan.

---------------------------Postscript---------------------------

1. The Q&A in the last issue seems to have been the author's mistake. Comments about the novel's content are almost non-existent...orz

2. Now I get to sleep for three hours and prepare to go to a meeting with the publisher. Hehe, this is exciting...

3. I was working with a friend who's a manga artist, but I'm done now; my friend, however, seems far from finished.

... This is genuinely thrilling.