Empire of the Ring

Youngho was relieved to have arrived at Baku.

Enjoying the familiar scenery stretched before his eyes, he entered the gate of Zeynep Farm in a car driven by Kim Il-kwon. He was on his way back from the Serbian ranch where he just stored gold bars and important documents that had been stored in the Arirang Autonomous State.

"Boss, is the situation looking that bad?"

"I'm just saving for a rainy day. Didn't you say that you don't put all of your eggs in a single basket?"

Kim Il-kwon opened his mouth to say something but then he soon closed his mouth.

"What is it? Tell me if you have something to say."

"I was just reminded that there is no one to trust in this world."

"Well, nothing's come to the surface yet."

"What do you mean? You brought a whole lot of stuff as if you're moving in."

"Baku is where our fortified mansion is that I can call a second palace. We've kept important items here, and I know this is the safest place because Kim Il-kwon is holding out here."

Il-kwon was moved by Youngho's praise.

Until now, Youngho intentionally saved his praise for Kim Il-kwon. This was because Il-kwon hated such verbal praises that many westerners were culturally used to. It was mainly because he grew up in a communist country that was stingy with verbal compliments and praises. Since Youngho did not give him compliments often, he knew that what Youngho said was earnest.

"We should buy some more land around the farm and expand the runway and hangar too. I'm also thinking of building a gym at the Serbian ranch."

"Why are you suddenly trying to do so many projects at once? It's not like the autonomous state is going to be destroyed now."

"The great shelter and gym is a necessary facility here as well."

"Why are you building it at the Serbian ranch?"

"It's because there's a suitable site in the additional land we received recently."

"I see what you're doing. You're trying to make a fortress, not an indoor gym."

"…"

There was no answer, which was an agreement. He was preparing the ranch to become the last bastion for Youngho's people.

"Man, how can I beat your stubbornness? Do whatever you want."

He readily accepted Kim Il-kwon's request because it was something that should be prepared even if it was not an emergency. If a gym and shelter were built, it would be useful for the farm and ranching people.

Since Youngho was thinking about investing more in Baku's farm and ranch, he was happy to hear Kim Il-kwon's proposal. Azerbaijan was a funny country that the president and his family had been in power for generations, but it was more liberal and globalized than Kazakhstan.

Baku was also easy for Youngho because it was like his second home. This was a place where he built a vineyard. He started with a clothing business and a pottery business. He was grateful for this city that provided him with opportunities and luck. He spent a third of a year in Baku, so the mere mention of Baku made him feel warm. Although he had been neglectful about the city because he had been busily dealing with the Arirang Autonomous State in Kazakhstan, he was more comfortable in Baku.

"Boss, aren't you too hasty to judge? You don't even know what President Nazarbayev's intentions are yet."

"It's better than to be cautious now than to be flustered later after finding out. Jeez, didn't you just say that there's no one to trust?"

"Hahaha, if you say so. Don't worry about Baku. I'll keep my watch no matter what. Maybe it's better for the Archduchess and your children to stay in Baku for the time being."

"I think so, too. I won't be able to trust Kazakhstan until I know what the president is up to."

"Why don't you get an extra medium-sized jet? Also, a couple more carpets, too."

"Are you getting ready to flee?"

"You can use them for commercial use and turn them into evacuation transportation in case of an emergency."

"What on earth has gotten into you?"

"How many years have I served you, Boss? I know what you're thinking, just by looking at your face. Just tell everyone that I insisted."

"Phew! Alright, let's do it. I'd be lying if I say I have no worries."

"What do you think about teaching special training to the vigilante on the ranch?"

"You're going to make them go through the notorious North Korean spy training?"

"I'll select only about 30 young and swift guys and turn them into human weapons."

"I don't know if they'll follow you well, but you can try. It's important to prepare whatever we can."

It seemed that Il-kwon was determined to fortify Baku, so Youngho accepted all of his proposals.

***

When Youngho arrived at the mansion on Zeynep Farm, Jelyan and Leon ran to his arms with joy. Rena was not there because she went to Tskhinvali for vacation. The children were excited as their father came in unannounced. As Fatima and the children gave him a big welcome, he felt like he had gone for a long time.

"Why do you all welcome me so much?"

"Of course, they're happy to see their dad. But what brings you all of a sudden? Mr. Suh is not with you today?"

Fatima, who gave a light hug to Youngho, was happy but was a little worried about his sudden visit at the same time.

"Well, I had to come because I missed you and the kids so much, but I came empty-handed. The kids must be disappointed."

"Oppa! You don't ever carry your big luggage for trips these days. I'm sad that I don't get to rummage through it anymore."

Zeynep was the one who always ran to Youngho's luggage first when he came back from a business trip.

If he did not get a present from his business trip, he had to stop by an airport Duty Free shop for fear that Zeynep would be disappointed. He used to be happy to think about her happy smile while selecting the gift for her. Now, she was no longer that little child—who used to give him a big hug for a little gift—but a woman.

"They've been playing outside all day, haven't they?"

"They're not even cold. It was exceptionally cold today, but they played outside running around all day."

The kids' faces were flushed by the warmth of the house. It seemed that they had been outside all day. The innocent sight of children who were only devoted to their instincts regardless of what was going on in the world made Youngho's worries go away.

It had been a while since they had family time alone. So, Youngho suggested eating out.

"Daddy, where are we going? Leon and I want to go to Flame Towers."

"Do you know Frame Towers?"

Jelyan insisted on going to Frame Towers, the famous landmark of Baku.

"A friend from an international school who came to the reservoir today bragged about having French food with his family at the sky lounge of Frame Towers."

"I see. So you envied it?"

"Yes. I want to go with my mom and dad. Then my friends will be jealous of me."

Come to think of it, Youngho wondered when he had gone out to eat properly with his family.

It was a big pride for children to join hands with their parents and to eat out, but Youngho's kids could not do that very often.

Youngho felt sorry for not spending more time with the kids, especially for Jelyan. She was his adopted daughter who had been a war orphan. Because of her tragic past, she did not remember a thing about her past. That was why he cared a great deal about her. He thought that she was doing well without any worries, but it seemed like a father's absence was a big deal. She missed having family time. To Leon or Jelyan, the Archduchess or prince consort did not mean anything. They just needed their parents who would hold their hands and walk on the streets with them.

"Leon, do you want to go to Flame Towers, too?"

"Yes, I want to go."

"Fatima, do you mind going to a crowded place with them?"

"Well, only our driver will be busy. I hope there's a table left for us."

The family could not even eat out freely anymore because they were always guarded by security guards. However, Fatima did not seem to mind as she was humming to think of eating out together. She was just happy that Youngho was there tonight.

Everyone went up to the second floor in a hurry to change into a proper outfit. Youngho soon followed them upstairs with a pleasant smile on his face.

***

Upon entering the Main Police Department, Sevan the Commissioner-General, chief of staffs, and even officials, were waiting for Youngho to welcome him. Even though he repeatedly said it was a personal visit, Sevan had arranged a huge welcome. This was to show off that the Duke of the Arirang Autonomous State had come to visit him.

"Mr. Commissioner, why did you make a fuss? I just wanted to visit quietly as I used to."

"You may have been visiting comfortably before, but now that you've become the duke of the Arirang Autonomous State, I should give you a proper welcome or the president won't be happy."

"You're one of the president's most trusted people. He won't give you a disadvantage for that."

"Mr. President had been very satisfied with his visit to Denmark this time. I heard he was treated better than the Kazakh president."

"The two presidents were very competitive. I got stuck in the middle, so I sweated hard."

"He was very proud that the Archduchess and duke of the Arirang Autonomous State are the citizens of Azerbaijan."

"That's why I stopped by Baku to say hello. We're going to have dinner tomorrow at the Presidential Palace. You and your wife can join us, too."

"How could I and my wife join such event? It's an honor just to hear it."

"I asked the president already."

"Really? It's so sudden that I don't know what to say."

"You're not going to be attending as the head of the Main Police Department, but as a friend of our couple. So, you don't have to feel pressured."

"You really surprise me, duke. How dare can I be your friend?"

"I just got lucky to be a husband of the Archduchess and have an in-laws relationship with the Danish royal family, but I want to maintain the same relationships with my friends in Baku as I used to before. A social position doesn't matter in friendship, does it?"

"You came here determined to impress me."

Youngho did not know what would happen in Kazakhstan, but if an urgent situation took place, he and the autonomous state would be helpless. So he was slowly getting ready for that. The visit to Baku this time was intended to deepen relations with Azerbaijan.

The reason that he invited Sevan to the dinner at the Presidential Palace was also based on his plans to push Sevan to a higher position. Sevan was once a business partner with Youngho, and he was also Park Jong-il's distant brother-in-law, so he could be trusted enough. As long as Sevan stayed as a high official in Baku, it would be a safe place for Youngho and his people.

The dinner at the presidential palace would give Sevan some power because no matter how high-ranking government officials were, it was quite rare for them to get personally invited to a private dinner at the President Palace. The president's invitation itself proved that one was a powerful figure in the Azerbaijani officialdom. If one ate a meal with the president, his status would be changed the next day. Thus, Sevan's position would be elevated after the dinner, and he would be one step closer to becoming an influential figure in Baku, which meant that Youngho would have a strong ally.

"Mr. President. Thank you for inviting me."

"What do you mean? It's an honor that you and the Archduchess visit Azerbaijan so often."

"Of course, I should come to Baku since I have my house here. The Archduchess will continue to remain in Baku. My children also love to stay in Baku, so they'll go back to the international school here in the spring."

"What good news! Don't worry about the safety of the Archduchess and her children. Commissioner General Sevan will take care of it."

Sevan slipped in at this point.

"Your Excellency, we have security measures for the duke's family, which are comparable to those of a foreign head of state."

"It looks like Commissioner-General Sevan has prepared it well. You know Baku's security is world-class, don't you?"

"Of course, thank you for your attention even though I didn't do much for Azerbaijan."

"What do you mean, you're the greatest contributor to the rise of Azerbaijan? And you've been a big part of Baku's economy. We ask for continued investment in the future."

"I'd like to make some investment in the backward agricultural sector. I'd appreciate it if you could support me a little, sir."

"Oh! There's only a handful of businessmen who invests in agriculture, but you always take the lead. This is why I'm so fond of you, duke."

"I'm sorry to bother you every time."

"Well, thanks to you two, our nation's credibility is rising. Don't feel uncomfortable because I'm rather grateful for you. Help as much as you can."

"We're planning to expand our wine farm and renovate our wine factory to become a global brand."

"Wow, I should thank you for that. If you need anything, please ask. I'll give you whatever you want."