Chapter 400: Be Grateful For His Steadfastness (1)

If one were to take a handful of hot peppers, chew them to numb their tongue, and then pronounce “Mont-Saint-Martin” as if they were making the sound only through their nose, it would still sound the same.

Kang Chan woke up in a hotel in Mont-Saint-Martin, which was on the border of France and Luxembourg. He then went to a restaurant with Gérard.

He had slept well. The uneasiness still hadn’t subsided, but Gérard had refreshingly twisted Xairo’s neck, and they had collected a white-headed carp the day before.

Kang Chan had taken a bullet near his heart to shake the damned hypnosis out of him.

The pitiful look in Gérard’s eyes from his youth was gone, and Kang Chan had spoken to Kang Dae-Kyung on the phone yesterday, so he was in a good mood.

However, after sitting down at the restaurant, he narrowed his eyes and looked around.

Damn it!

He didn’t want to eat in his room, which was why they were here, but perhaps that was a mistake.

The hotel they were staying at wasn’t grand, but it was still mid-range. Nevertheless, only Kang Chan and Gérard were seated in the restaurant likely because the DGSE had blocked off the entire establishment.

Moreover, even though there were only two of them, at least ten people were standing around them.

Kang Chan hated uncomfortable things. How could he eat in peace in front of a dozen French agents? He had a natural dislike of such things, which was why he had gotten into the habit of eating with the agents in the first place.

Kang Chan turned around and looked at the agent closest to him.

The tall, pointy-nosed, stereotypical Frenchman with sunglasses approached him quietly.

“Have you had breakfast?”

“Pardon?”

“Have the agents here had breakfast?”

“We eat when we change shifts.”

A glance was enough to tell that ten agents were in the room. If so, then at least ten more agents had to be positioned somewhere Kang Chan couldn’t see.

“Sit down and eat with us.”

The agent looked at Kang Chan as if he couldn’t understand what he was saying.

“I’m not comfortable with this kind of security, so sit somewhere close by and eat with us. That shouldn’t cause any issues with security.”

The agent glanced behind him, then gazed back at Kang Chan. This seemed so unheard of that he looked as if he didn’t know what to do.

“Before the commander of the Foreign Legion’s special forces team, there is no risk to my safety, so let’s eat in peace. Otherwise, I’ll just head back to my room to eat.”

“Can you issue that as an order?”

Ha! These inflexible bastards.

“Fine. This is an order. All agents are to sit nearby and enjoy their breakfast.”

“Oui.”

The agent stepped back and gave the other agents instructions.

The agents sat down at the table in groups of two around Kang Chan and Gérard.

Now, with all these Frenchmen dressed in black suits, the two felt like they were at a funeral dinner.

Kang Chan smirked. If Oh Gwang-Taek, Seok Kang-Ho, and Choi Jong-Il’s party were dressed in black suits like them, it would’ve seemed like a gangster meeting.

“What is it?” Gérard asked, looking at him curiously.

“I’m just happy to be alive. Have you ordered yet?”

There wasn’t much to a French breakfast. It was usually a baguette, croissant, boiled eggs, cheese, yogurt, and depending on where one lived, some kind of cereal or fruit.

Kang Chan tore off a piece from a finger-length slice of baguette and began to eat it with sliced hard-boiled eggs and cheese.

“When are we going to make our move?”

“We’ll see in a day or two. I’m going to try and get more information first. They have submarines, missiles, and anti-aircraft guns, so we need to be careful. We also have no idea how many combatants they have.”

Gérard nodded. He tore off a piece of the baguette and ate it.

They finished eating in about half an hour. They talked about a few things, but nothing of particular importance.

When Kang Chan and Gérard ordered coffee, the other tables did as well.

“Can I smoke here?”

“I’ll open the windows,” the middle-aged manager replied sensibly, setting the coffee down.

Kang Chan lit up a cigarette and puffed on it.

Just then, a short man balding in the middle of his scalp entered the room. He looked at the agents curiously and walked straight to Kang Chan.

The man standing before Kang Chan had dark, double-lidded eyes, a large, round nose, slightly puffy cheeks, and a belly that looked like it could pop off his shirt buttons at any moment.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you. I’m Hugo.”

Kang Chan thought Hugo would look sharp and snappy. He wasn’t one to judge based on looks, but Hugo was too different from how he imagined him, which made him feel awkward.

“Nice to meet you. This is Gérard. Gérard, this is Hugo, my handle at the DGSE.”

“Gérard.”

“Nice to meet you. I’m Hugo from the DGSE.”

The two exchanged greetings and shook hands like they couldn’t be bothered.

“Take a seat. Coffee?”

“Thank you. I’ll order mine.”

“Want a cigarette?”

“I don’t smoke.”

Okay, then.

Hugo ordered coffee, then turned his attention back to Kang Chan.

“Uzman and Sherman have both sent requests to see you, sir.”

“You came all the way here to tell me that?”

Hugo glanced at ??Gérard.

“He can be trusted. If there’s anything you want to say to me, you can always deliver a message through Gérard.”

The manager served Hugo his coffee, briefly pausing their conversation.

Click.

Once the manager was out of earshot, Hugo said, “Sherman has sent word that he wishes to see you with the Star of David.”

Ziegfeld wants to meet me? In this situation?

Kang Chan’s expression prompted an explanation from Hugo.

“Never before has this generation’s Star of David requested such a meeting. It’s an offer that I wouldn’t have believed if Sherman didn’t offer to mediate.”

Was a meeting with Ziegfeld really that big of a deal?

“What’s the agenda?”

“They only informed us that Sherman requested to meet and that the Star of David would accompany him. If you accept, I’ll arrange a location and security and let you know.”

Kang Chan extinguished his cigarette and sighed.

“Tell him I’ll decide after they tell me about the location and the security they’d be bringing. And ask Sherman why he went through the DGSE when he has my number.”

“Considering there are reports that you’ve died, sir, he likely wants to make sure his request is clear through the DGSE. He probably also thinks that the DGSE’s credibility is riding on this meeting.”

That was understandable. Based on the way that Hugo was analyzing the situation and reporting it, Kang Chan could see Hugo wasn’t just some backroom agent.

“I see. In that case, forget about the question and just tell him about my demands. When and why does Uzman want to see me?”

“We weren’t given a reason. However, we suspect he has contacted you through the DGSE because he wishes to meet you without informing the Korean government. If you grant him a meeting, he will come over directly from Korea.”

Kang Chan gazed at Gérard, who just gave him a look that seemed to say, “You decide!”

“Pick a suitable place and time and let Uzman know.”

“Yes, sir. I believe he’s on his way already and should arrive sometime this evening.”

Hugo dropped three sugar cubes into his coffee cup.

“By the way, Hugo. I heard there’s an island in front of Hawk Bay, Bermuda that isn’t on the map.”

Hugo lifted his cup and looked at Kang Chan. Only then did Kang Chan realize that he hadn’t taken a proper sip of his coffee yet.

“Apparently, that’s where the Star of David is hiding. I was told there are two submarines, missiles, and anti-aircraft guns, but I’d like to know their exact weapons and numbers. If necessary, you may interrogate Parthal, the man I brought to the hotel.”

“Understood, sir,” Hugo replied. Somehow, it seemed like he knew something but was keeping his mouth shut.

There were too many suspicious people.

***

Beep, beep, beep.

Raphael politely took the ringing phone to Lanok.

Current Ambassador Pierre and DGSE Director Romain were sitting next to him at the bedside table.

“Mr. Kang Chan,” Lanok greeted. Pierre and Romain’s eyes quickly darted to the phone.

- Mr. Ambassador. How are you feeling?

“I feel better and better every time I hear from you.”

- Then I should call you more often.

A smile tugged at the corners of Lanok’s mouth. He listened in silence as Kang Chan described Hugo’s arrival this morning and their conversation.

“That was an excellent decision. However, I do have one piece of advice.”

- Yes, sir.

“Ziegfeld is a man that everyone in the intelligence community has had suspicions about. The fact that he’s been officially confirmed to be the head of the Star of David and that he requested a meeting is a first since the Star of David was created. They’ve always passed the title on to their successors as soon as they were exposed.”

Lanok looked at Romain meaningfully before speaking again.

“I didn’t expect you to get your hands on Parthal. Still, I suggest you play it a little safer from here on out. After all, France has managed to get our hands on the next Star of David and beat out the United States, the nation with the closest ties to their organization.”

Unlike Raphael, Romain sucked in his breath as he tried to hide his surprise.

- Wouldn’t Ziegfeld abandon Parthal then?

“You mustn’t think of it lightly. I’m sure you’ll be a better judge than anyone else, but I’d be more careful about the location of the meeting and the number of bodyguards.”

- I’ll keep that in mind, sir.

“Mr. Kang Chan,” Lanok softly said, “You have been delegated the authority of the DGSE director, and you’ve been given the chairmanship of the European Intelligence Committee from me. You don’t need to make calls like this anymore.”

Funnily enough, of the three people listening to the call, Raphael, who was standing on the foot of the bed, looked the most pleased.

- Mr. Ambassador, I plan to return to Korea after getting rid of Ziegfeld. After that, I’m going to beg you and Anne to teach me how to play golf. I would also like to introduce a girl to you.

Lanok burst out laughing but soon clutched his chest and frowned. Still, he couldn’t wipe the smile from his face.

Pierre looked surprised, while Romain looked flustered, having never seen Lanok laugh so loudly. Raphael lowered his head to hide his smile.

“I look forward to that day.”

- Me too, sir. I’ll call you again.

Once Lanok set the phone down, Pierre took it from him.

“Romain.”

“Yes, Commissioner.”

“Do you understand why I told you not to make any hasty moves upon hearing of his death?”

“I do now.”

Lanok sharply looked at Romain, making him seem like a completely different person from the one who had just laughed.

“If you had insisted on your ill judgment, you would have put France in irreparable danger. You should be grateful for his steadfastness, especially since in the world of intelligence, his influence has already surpassed mine.”

Romain was about to say something but stopped himself.

“If you’re going to use his being given the DGSE director’s authority as an excuse, then you are not worthy of the position. One glance from him, and the United States, Russia, China, Israel, Germany, and Britain will be fighting for his hand. The oil-producing nations of the Middle East will work together to cling to him, too.”

“I’ll be more careful, sir.”

Lanok glanced briefly at Pierre, then gazed at Romain.

“The DGSE is where the lowest, ugliest things are done for the glory of France. If you want to stroke your little ego, find a job that suits you.”

Romain swallowed dryly as he waited for Lanok to continue. Lanok’s fierce and sharp expression demanded all his attention.

“Lastly, if you ever oppose him again, I will eliminate you for the honor of France. Do not forget that he is now beyond your power.”

“I will keep that in mind.”’

Lanok watched him for a moment before turning to Raphael.

“Will you prepare some black tea? I think I’ll enjoy a cigar today,” he gently requested.

“Yes, sir,” Raphael politely replied.

***

Ring, ring, ring.

Vasili looked at the phone. He then pressed a button instead of picking it up from the table.

“Vasili speaking.”

- Kang Chan speaking.

Yang Bum burst out laughing in disbelief.

‘Are these two serious?’

“I never knew I’d get to speak with the dead in this lifetime.”

Kang Chan chuckled in response.

“Yang Bum is listening next to me.”

“It’s good to hear your voice again, Mr. Kang Chan. Are you alright?” Yang Bum asked.

- I’m sorry I wasn’t able to contact you right away.

“Since you’re alive, and you’ve disappointed me, I hope you have good news. I’m sick of being stuck in this base,” Vasili coldly interjected, seemingly hoping that Kang Chan didn’t just call to exchange pleasantries.

Another chuckle came through the line. Afterward, Kang Chan repeated to Vasili what he had told Lanok.

“You’re not so simple-minded to believe Sherman and Ziegfeld’s promises, are you?”

- I’ll call you when I’ve gotten a location and how many bodyguards they’ll be bringing.

“The Bermuda territory is under strict US control. The few times we tried to get in, they fought us tooth and nail. However, we turned a blind eye because they weren’t doing us any particular damage, not because we were scared of them.”

Vasili glanced at Yang Bum before adding, “At the very least, negotiations with the US would be a prerequisite to attacking Bermuda. If not, you might have to prepare for an actual war. Imagine the trouble the US will be in if it’s revealed that they covered up the events that occurred in that area.”

- I’ll keep that in mind. How are you feeling?

“Did you think I would die from such an injury?”

Kang Chan snorted. Yang Bum saw the smile flash by Vasili’s lips.

- Take care of yourself, Mr. Yang Bum. I’ll leave the base in Mongolia to you.

“You should say that to the person who brought you missiles here!”

- Thanks, Vasili.

“Mr. Kang Chan, I’ll see you once everything’s wrapped up,” Yang Bum said.

Vasili pressed the end call button afterward. Seeing Yang Bum grin, he turned his gaze toward the wilderness in the distance.

“What a scary man. He’s managed to drag Ziegfeld out and even has Parthal.”

“Did you already know about the two?”

Vasili nodded.

“The Star of David hands over the title once their identity is revealed, so there’s no point in taking them out. If they’re hiding, there’s no way to find them either. I had a strong suspicion they were in Bermuda, but for the reasons I mentioned earlier, it had been difficult to search the area.”

“So it’s not a coincidence that civilian airplanes or ships kept getting lost there.”

Vasili glanced at Yang Bum and looked back away.

“The head of an intelligence bureau shouldn’t be so simple-minded. Many of the civilian aircraft that passed by in that area had agents on board. They were trying to photograph the area below with specialized equipment due to suspicions that the Star of David could be hiding there.”

“China has a lot to learn.”

Vasili spoke without even looking at him.

“Are you not a lion that has just awakened from its slumber? It’s a blessing for China and a misfortune for other countries to have a man like you at the head of the Chinese intelligence bureau.”

Yang Bum followed Vasili’s gaze on the wilderness.

“Monsieur Kang,” Vasili muttered to himself as he shook his head. “When Lanok first suggested this, I thought he was mad.”

“Are you talking about supporting Mr. Kang Chan?”

"No. What he first proposed was unconditional cooperation between the intelligence bureaus. When I first heard about it, I found it ridiculous because it was the exact opposite of the physiology of intelligence bureaus, which were created to serve their own interests."

"So that's why the European Intelligence Committee was created."

Vasili nodded.

“I never thought I’d meet a man I’d approve of. That vexing man! My life would have been so much richer if he had died.” Vasili turned to Yang Bum. “It

is

thanks to him that I’m sitting here with the head of China’s intelligence bureau, though.”

Since the look in his eyes wasn’t unkind, Yang Bum responded with a quiet laugh. However, Vasili’s next words, which sounded genuine, quickly put a stop to his joy.

“If it wasn’t for Monsieur Kang, someone with your potential for advancement in the world of intelligence would have already been eliminated.”