The Little Prince in the Ossuary

00054

# Do whatever you want (3) #Camp Roberts

The Triad boss leaned in and spoke in a low voice. “I owe you for what you did in Atascadero. If it weren’t for you, the recovery of bodies would have been delayed for a few more days, perhaps even weeks. You made it possible for us to pay respect to our dead.”

Gyeo-ul graciously accepted Li Chinzen’s remarks. “Regardless of nationality and affiliation, it’s normal for a human being to feel sympathy toward others.”

Li Chinzen nodded at this. “We’re all humans… that’s also what the Triad stands for. Although you are not our brother, you are as qualified as any.”

“I’m ashamed by your high opinion. It’s just human duty, after all.”

“That’s something to be proud of. There are too many people who don’t understand that. The petty ones who take the trouble of others as their opportunity. They’re insidious.”

It was the sound of a criminal. Chinese crime syndicates, including the Triad, were notorious for devouring their compatriots abroad. It was just time for the Triad to be devoured.

“Well, it’s an affair if others do it,” Gyeo-ul said softly to himself. Then, louder, he added, “I hate people like that, too. But my ability was limited, so I had to watch for some other issues. It would be hard to protect just those close to you.”

While the boy repeatedly moderated his words modestly, the old man, who had only thrown metaphors so far, spoke out in a more straightforward manner.

“That’s good to hear. I also have a grudge against them. You and I are of the same mind, so if we get closer, we’ll be of great help to each other.”

After making this conclusion, he asked his daughter (and not Gyeo-ul), “Ai-ling, what do you think?”

A few steps away, she looked a little surprised her turn had come. However, she still managed to answer calmly. “Father is right. You won’t even have to do anything. Virtuous people, they say, rule others just by being present.”

Her words meant that the value of Gyeo-ul’s name was enough. If he were to just go in and out without reason, it would be enough to get the attention of other organizations. It also reflected the situation of the Triad, which wanted to prioritize self-preservation.

‘He wouldn’t have dragged her into this conversation for no reason.’

Wary of the intentions of the old man, Gyeo-ul raised a counterargument. “My opinion is a little different. You have to have some kind of incident to show off your relationship. We must show that the Triad and the Winter Alliance can, in fact, join forces for a common goal. Think about how many meaningless friendships there are in the world.”

He took a deep breath before continuing. “And another thing. Joint tasks are also needed for the people of the Triad and Winter Alliance. Koreans say this: the child’s fight becomes the parent’s fight. I may not be the parent of my allies, but the conflict between individuals can be a conflict between organizations anyway.”

This was a problem that Li Ai-ling had already pointed out when she first visited.

Gyeo-ul continued to organize his thoughts.

“In other words, in order for the Triad and the Winter Alliance to feel solidarity, we should give each other practical help.”

He meant to say, “Don’t aim for self-satisfaction, but give what you have to offer.”

Anyway, it was true that they needed the Triad. It could be a channel to influence the Chinese people. However, it was necessary to review it again at this rate from the beginning.

“That’s absolutely right.”

Li Chinzen was unexpectedly simple in his agreement. However, he wasn’t done. “But there’s another way.”

“Another way?”

“The most obvious way to encourage solidarity is to be a family.”

It was all finally coming out.

The situation was different from before. When Ai-ling had proposed, the subordination of the Winter Alliance was a condition. It would now be an equal alliance, and the Triad was more regretful.

Actually, it wasn’t a bad approach. Marriage was a very firm connection. If he weren’t an outsider, his influence on the Triad would prove to be more natural. However, that didn’t mean something didn’t feel off about it. The problem was, Gyeo-ul didn’t have much time to ponder over it.

“No, I can’t.”

Reflexively refusing, Gyeo-ul immediately took care of it.

“A lot of people died just a few days ago. That’s why you wanted to see me. The Triad is a blood-sharing brother. Can the good and bad accidents overlap in one family? I don’t think it’s enough to remember the dead.”

It was not a joke to be a blood-sharing brother. In the joining ceremony, the glass was filled with blood instead of alcohol.

Ai-ling’s complexion got a little worse, and then she relaxed her facial expression.

“You’re right. Father, I think you’d better postpone this discussion to the next time.”

However, Li Chinzen still had some other causes he wanted to discuss.

“Zhuzhi said the memorial service was dedicated to the living. The ritual to honor the dead is actually an event to encourage rest. Death can’t beat life. Sir, we’re leading every day at a time when everything’s changing. Regardless of form, think about what the people really need.”

It was an unexpected argument.

Then the Triad boss unfolded his remaining words. “The dead brothers were righteous men. That means there must be a sacrifice for them, a true sacrifice for both the living and the dead. If we get a brother like you, they can leave with relief.”

Even though he was the head of a criminal organization, he didn’t intend to waste his life. Gyeo-ul adjusted his evaluation of the Triad. Not in a good way, but in that he shouldn’t underestimate them.

However, there was time for Gyeo-ul, too. It was now time to grab at a vague idea. Now Gyeo-ul knew the reason he had rejected the idea of marriage.

“People are not goods.”

“Hmm?”

Gyeo-ul spoke calmly to the curious Li Chinzen. “Don’t sell your daughter. Children are not their parents’ property, nor are they materials needed to run an organization. Marriage is a matter of lifelong happiness. Marriage to satisfy others is ridiculous.”

“Mister, that’s just a roundabout way to say that you don’t like marriage without love.”

“No, it’s different. You see it as just an individual problem, and I see it as a person’s… more universal… I’m talking about universal rights.”

“I see what you mean.” Li Chinzen laughed. “I can feel your youth again. You’re absolutely right. But life doesn’t always go the way you want it to. Compromising with reality is not a choice, but a necessity. Marriage is just an example of that.”

He was being treated like a child.

Gyeo-ul again made his point. “No, you can’t, even for the sake of your future children. A family without love is a child’s hell.”

“Maybe that’s your experience.”

For the old man who could not waste his time, that was an [Insight] from life.

“I apologize. I was careless. And… I feel like I’m getting a little more comfortable with you.”

“Thank you for your understanding.”

Gyeo-ul’s awareness had now been raised. That could mean it would be useful soon. Among unbelievers, it was said that you should be warier of praise than blame. It was hard to forget that this fine-looking old man was the head of the Triad.

“If that’s the case, I have no choice. Let’s discuss another way.”

From that point on, the conversation was completely different from the beginning, which had been full of metaphors and suggestions. For the sake of maintaining grace, there was a constant conversation to the limit.

“The external mission led by Mr. Han is well-known for its high success rate and safety. When Grumble appeared, he took the risk of saving the U.S. troops, and in his encounter with the Trickster, he saw the trap before anyone else.”

The request was clear. They wanted him to protect the Triad’s U.S. military volunteers and help the noncommissioned officers or officers get out.

“You know it has never gone my way. I don’t have the authority to organize operations. But I could make a suggestion.”

“Good, good. That’s enough. Leave the rest to the Triad; we have our own way. I will make you realize in various ways what cooperation with the Triad means.”

Well, Gyeo-ul could understand that. If nearly a hundred people had been sent to Atascadero alone, it meant that there was a line to ask for favors from the camp leadership.

“Perhaps Bravo Company…”

Even if the loss of troops exceeded ten percent, it was normal to undergo rearrangement. Bravo’s side would have difficulty running outside operations for the time being. Still, it would be able to exert its influence on the side of the administration. Perhaps the Triad was at the top of everything.

Even if it was at stake now, there was nothing strange in it because he had once been the leader of the “Black Society.”

“Most important of all, you can submit a training plan. I know that the Winter Alliance combat team is coming back from San Miguel. Miguel. No other organization would do that. I think the camp command also gives you permission because they trust you. With a little bit of flexibility, you can train my brothers too.”

“Okay. But the Winter Alliance comes first. We’re in the process of expanding, so it’s hard to give you a lot of quotas. There is a limited number of troops I can lead. I ask for your kind understanding.”

“I understand. Unfortunately, Mr. Han has only one body.”

As cooperation became more concrete, the atmosphere subtly softened. The frequency of shouting, “Good,” “Good,” also increased.

At this point, Gyeo-ul asked for an introduction to the people who would be involved in the training. Considering the Triad’s situation, it was highly likely that they would move together in practice. Therefore, it was necessary to distinguish people before starting.

“Your top, take it off.”

The men who had been called looked embarrassed. However, when Li Chinzen winked, they showed their chests and backs as if they could not help themselves.

Gyeo-ul asked about the criminal history engraved on their skin.

“What does this symbol mean?”

Their answers were usually dishonest. The truth was usually identified by [Insight] and [Detection] that reached the general human limit.

The negotiations, which had almost been settled, were now on the verge of being broken. As Gyeo-ul continued to reject people, Li Chinzen eventually lost his temper.

“Those you have rejected are the Triad’s best warriors. What kind of power are you going to get by abandoning them? This is not sincere cooperation!”

“Sir, I think I have to be clear,” Gyeo-ul said, so quietly that only they could hear it. “If you want to continue working with the Winter Alliance for a long time, don’t pursue any more unfair gains. You may be reluctant to do so because your situation has gotten worse, but from now on, you should not do it. You said so, too. Justice is the spirit of the Triad.”

“Umm…”

At this, Li Chinzen calmed his anger. Both of them knew that it was meaningless to speak of justice. However, it still worked. It was a characteristic of Chinese people who valued grace.

Of course, this could leave an unfair grudge. To prevent this, Gyeo-ul bowed sincerely.

“I’m not trying to fool you. In the Winter Alliance, I chose my first combat group like this. People who were physically lacking but had the right mind. You already knew that, didn’t you?”

“…I knew.”

“It’s my way, and it’s the best I can do.”

In front of Gyeo-ul, who had lowered his head again, the boss kept his mouth shut. This was the right choice because his subordinates had been looking.

Organization was indeed a tool for people to live by. When Gyeo-ul had been chosen, and the people raised by Gyeo-ul had gained influence, the atmosphere would change a lot.

There was someone who embarrassed Gyeo-ul when the inspection was underway.

“Should I take off my top, too?”

“No…”

It was Li Ai-ling.

Gyeo-ul asked the boss, “Are you seriously going to let your daughter go?”

He didn’t care about the family, but he wondered why Li Ai-ling seemed to get treated like a typical administrative official. A competent administrator was an important human resource. It was like Gyeo-ul was putting importance on two managers.

“We need to set an example.”

From Li Chinzen’s nonchalant answer, Gyro-ul sensed a hint of reluctance. It meant that the boss had no other choice.

The boss then deemed to add something. “Please train them well. She’s not going to be an obstacle—she has learned Taeguk-kwon. And if you like her, take her.”

“I’ll consider it,” Gyeo-ul answered roughly and accepted Ai-ling’s application.

The last thing to do was to ask to share information.

“You were the head of the Black Society. I think you probably have the information I need.”

“I can’t give it to you for free, though…”

“We can’t have problems with the Winter Alliance, not for a while anyway.”

“Then let’s make it what you owe me.”

There was no need to ask specifically. The boss already knew what Gyeo-ul wanted. While Ai-ling compiled the necessary information and put it into a booklet, Li Chinzen spoke to Gyeo-ul.

“Be wary of the [Gospel Church]. I didn’t know what was going on inside. I didn’t care because it turned out to be a Korean resident anyway, but now I’m in the same boat as the Winter Alliance, so this is a new and ominous situation.”

“I’m being careful.”

“I believe you.”

After a while, the completed booklet was given to Gyeo-ul. He confirmed that one of the [Damul Promotion Association] drug supply routes led to the Chinese-based organization [Annyang Society]. It was one of the organizations on the opposite side from the Triad.

The boy recalled some information from [Sumiyoshikai]. The names of some of the Korean contractors matched.

‘I think it’s best to suppress the producer.’

It would also be a strong warning to the Triad’s opposition.

Captain Markert protected the force, so if one could hit it properly, they would make more profit than loss.

‘What should I do…?’

Gyeo-ul soon lost himself in thought.