Empire of the Ring

"What? They told you to run Kazakhstan? Aren't they crazy? Tell me the details!"

"It's to prevent Kazakhstan from being trampled on by the great powers. He said he will help us in exchange for underground resources."

"How can you possibly run Kazakhstan?"

Youngho's friends were all dumbfounded to hear such a huge story. Knowing that they would react like this, Youngho summoned Park Young-sun and Old Kim Sung-chan to the Grand Palace since they were likely to calmly come up with constructive opinions on the current situation.

"It's not like the President is going to die right now. And who knows? The next president could be in favor of our state."

"Now listen to what I'm going to say carefully and judge for yourself."

As Youngho was explaining the whole story, Kim Sung-chan and Park Young-sun entered the office.

"Did prince consort seek this old man?"

"I haven't even been able to say hello because I've been away from the state lately. I called you two to have a cup of tea."

"You don't have to worry about us if you're busy. I'm not so bored these days because I'm so into the fun of taking the train."

Youngho had heard that old, retired people in the state were spending their free time traveling on the train during the day. It seemed that old Kim Sung-chan was also involved in it. For the elderly, who were unable to get anywhere in the cold weather, traveling to and from the train station was also the only exercise time. It was only a short trip, but they liked it since being on the train refreshed their minds.

"Dr. Park, you always seem so busy. Why don't you take a break? It's winter."

"Oh, there's a lot of work for me to do. There are soft grounds where the train track will be on. So, I've been busy doing a geological survey on it."

"Do you have a lot of problems?"

"For some sections, we're thinking about whether to build a ground-reinforcement construction or to change the course. We also found underground water in some sections."

"Isn't it good news for us if we found water? Money doesn't matter. If you can, please find a way to bypass the water reserves even if the railroad is extended."

"I'll look for the best way. By the way, why did you call us?"

With the advent of the two men, the story began all over again. The two men who listened to Youngho looked in contrast to Youngho's peers. Old Kim Sung-chan was excited to hear the story, saying that it was not impossible if Koryoins all over Central Asia joined forces. What strength would the state have in its bid to take over Kazakhstan, but political moves could lead to public support. He was hopeful that the new dynasty established by the multiethnic people was not a dream. He was fully supportive of Youngho's political involvement.

"People who visit our state are envious of our dynamic movements. Many are sorry that they can't migrate to our state. Advise the President to get rid of such restrictions first. Now, Kazakhstan's system is like a socialist system, and it's not giving people hope. It'll be a way to earn public support if we could make our state widely known as a good place to live in."

This was Park Young-sun's opinion, followed by Kim Sung-chan's comment.

"We don't have too much political ground. The only power is the president, and you don't know exactly what he's thinking."

"I haven't told you in detail what I've talked to President Nazarbayev many times, but he sees the future of Kazakhstan negatively and considers the state the only alternative."

Until now, private conversations with the President had not been opened as much as possible. However, Youngho thought that it was time to share it with the core members of the state.

"That's a relief. Then, you need to be aggressive. Shouldn't the president seek another option if you dawdle?"

"So I'd like to meet the President. He may have said that to test me, but the only way I'll find out the truth is to confront him."

"If he even said that he only wants the state to survive, it's proof that he's had a lot of anxiety about the future of the country. If so, don't hesitate to respond to the president. Ask him to add more surrounding territory to the state."

When the two people actively agreed, others began supporting it. It was because their words were convincing enough.

***

"Oppa, what's the matter with you?"

"Do I look like I'm troubled? "

"You look like you have a lot in your mind."

Youngho, who was unconsciously moving his fork, quickly came to his senses.

Fatima was busy preparing for Leon's meal, and it was only now visible that Rena and Jelyan were eating with their noses stuck in their plate.

Youngho was thinking about meeting the president to discuss Kazakhstan's future, so he was not focusing on eating. More than half of the food on the plate was remaining.

"It's no big deal."

"You have a face full of concerns…"

"It's nothing."

"No, there's something. You have been like this ever since you were back from the business trip."

"Do you also read my mind or something?"

"You mean there's someone else who can also read your mind. Who is this person?"

"There's this smart man, and he says I look greedy."

"Who says you're greedy? You spend your own money to help people in need."

"I have a lot of greed for land."

Youngho wanted to see Zeynep's reaction. She often had great ideas and new insights that were helpful for Youngho.

"Everyone in the world knows that you have extreme greed for land. Our farm and ranch are incredibly large."

"It's small compared to the autonomous state. But I heard that I have too much greed for the land because I'm trying to increase its size by a few times."

"The autonomous state is like a country, so the wider it is the better. It's too small for a country. I think expanding the territory is the right decision."

"We are just a member of Kazakhstan, and if we put it that way, others will misunderstand us."

"Oh! What's the misunderstanding? Isn't our state going to be a kingdom later? What about Leon if you don't have a kingdom to pass down?"

"What does that have to do with Leon?"

"If he's not getting his own kingdom, why do you work so hard to please Kazakhstan? Just give it up already and focus on business so that you can pass it down to him."

It seemed that young Zeynep also believed that the state would be independent one day. If that happened and the future Kazakh government would take away the independence of the state, the residents would not allow it. Then, it would be a battleground between the government that wanted to have the state and the residents who did not want to lose it.

The economic level of the autonomous state now was at the same level as Western European countries. The gap between Kazakhstan and the autonomous state would grow wider and wider over time. The residents of the state would not want to be stripped of the privilege to live in the advanced state.

***

"You're going to increase the size of the autonomous state? And even receive Kazakhs as residents?"

"I'd like to selectively accept only the nomadic people who live in difficulty. There are a lot of complaints about accepting only Serbians and Koryoins."

"What are you talking about? Some of Kazakh sailors are also living in it."

"The Navy was not registered as residents. They're just temporarily living here for their convenience."

"Oh, they just want to move to the Arirang state because of the privileges. You can ignore such public opinion."

"I'm just trying to follow your advice to make the state the final bastion of Kazakhstan."

"Hmm?"

"You told me to become the secret weapon of Kazakhstan, but I can't do anything because of a shortage of people."

"Hahaha… I have a rough idea of what you're going to say next."

As people said that the old ginger was spicy, and the president was indeed quick-witted to read Youngho's mind. There was no point in hiding his mind now.

"Mr. President, if you'd live forever, I won't have to be interested in increasing the autonomous state's population."

"You're worried about who my replacement will be?"

"Yes, I am."

"Don't worry. I have a friend whom I've been watching. He has a very useful talent."

"If you say so, he must be a great person."

"Of course, he is. It's safe to say he's an unprecedented figure. If he'd be my successor, the future of Kazakhstan would be solid."

"Then I would like to help him actively."

"He has a good reputation in the Western world, too. Don't be too concerned because he's a reasonable friend."

"He must be already involved in politics."

"He hasn't entered the political world yet, but I think he'll be on the scene soon. Look forward to it."

"Mr. President, can you introduce me to him, too?"

"Sure. In fact, it's possible right now."

"Is he at the Presidential Palace?"

"Here he is. He's the one sitting right in front of me."

"What?"

"You."

"Sir!"

"Hahahahaha… "

After a long laugh, President Nazarbayev tapped Youngho on the back and continued talking.

"Please take care of Kazakhstan."

"Your Excellency, your jokes are going too far."

"You don't think I know what made you come to see me at the Presidential Palace? I've been through all sorts of things before. I see your eyes full of greed. I like those greedy eyes. Not just for your own sake, but for the future of the autonomous state and Kazakhstan."

"…"

"Very well, now tell me your plans. I have a lot of time tonight."

There was nothing to hide from the person who looked through Youngho's heart.

Youngho started by talking about the story of meeting a broker of the Information Agency. As Youngho's talk continued, Nazarbayev even clapped his hands in excitement as he listened carefully.