Descent of The Demon Master [EN]: Chapter 1064

“W-well, of course, but…”

Wiggins’ face hardened as he considered what Kang Jin-ho was implying.

“C-Councilman, eliminating him is impossible. A clumsy attempt could lead to a terrible situation.”

Eliminating Seok Dong-soo might be one option, but it was definitely not a good one.

If they were to eliminate Seok Dong-soo by staging an accident, a new minister would take his place, and the problem itself might be easily resolved.

However, such a solution would raise the government’s guard.

How could they cooperate with an organization that kills a country’s minister just because they don’t like him?

It might work in the short term, but in the long run, it could lead to a breakdown in the relationship between the government and the Assembly.

“I’m not that thoughtless.”

Fortunately, it seemed Kang Jin-ho wasn’t considering that option either.

“Then?”

“Let’s sort it out.”

“Yes.”

Kang Jin-ho frowned and said,

“Ultimately, isn’t it Chaikechang who’s pulling the strings in the political world right now?”

“That’s highly likely.”

“But even if he can influence the Chinese political world, it’s impossible for him to directly pressure Korea. So, he’s using those connected to Korea to hinder us. Is that right?”

“Yes.”

Wiggins thought that Koreans tended to underestimate themselves.

Perhaps it was because they were sandwiched between powerful nations, but from Wiggins’ perspective as a foreigner, Korea was a strong nation that had every right to be proud.

No matter how much China might try, it couldn’t directly interfere in Korea’s internal affairs. Even if it tried, Korea had no reason to accept such interference.

“To exert influence in the political world, you need a pivot. And Minister Seok Dong-soo is probably that pivot right now.”

“Hmm.”

“Right now, he’s just opposing us, but they wouldn’t use a card like that just once and throw it away. In the future, Seok Dong-soo will represent the pro-China faction.”

“Really?”

“Yes. The support China offered to Seok Dong-soo was probably along those lines. As I mentioned, elections are dominated by money and image. With China’s capital and influence, changing the outcome of an election wouldn’t be that difficult. If he moves beyond an appointed position to an elected one, he could aim for the presidency in the next election.”

Bang Jin-hoon burst out,

“What the hell! How can a guy supported by those damn Chinese even think about the presidency!”

“I’m just saying it’s realistically possible.”

“Don’t talk nonsense. Do you think the people will just stand by if they find out?”

“How would they find out?”

“Huh?”

“I mean it literally. How would the people know that China is supporting him from behind?”

“Oh?”

“In the political world, if there’s no evidence, it’s like it never happened. And China isn’t foolish enough to leave evidence behind. So, from Seok Dong-soo’s perspective, it’s a gamble worth taking. He can aim for the presidency in exchange for opposing the current administration. If China supports him, it’s not that difficult.”

Just as the disgruntled Bang Jin-hoon was about to speak, Kang Jin-ho spoke first.

“Lastly…”

“Yes, Lord.”

“From the perspective of the nation and the government, is it a good thing for us to become a corporation?”

“I can say with certainty that it’s absolutely a good thing.”

“Are you sure?”

“Lord, the world revolves around money.”

Wiggins said firmly.

“The most important thing for running a country isn’t will or vision. It’s money. The so-called powerful and advanced nations align pretty well when ranked by their national budgets. No matter how good a vision is, it’s meaningless if there’s no budget to implement it.”

“Mmm…”

“They have no reason to dislike us for formalizing and legalizing our underground businesses and paying taxes. It’s a benefit to the nation, beyond any political considerations.”

Lee Hyun-soo chimed in, supporting Wiggins.

“And it’s not just about the financial aspect. Turning the Assembly into a corporation means we’re entering the system. Naturally, we’ll have to cooperate with the government more than we do now. From a national perspective, they can strengthen their control over the uncontrolled realm.”

Wiggins nodded in agreement.

“In fact, it’s a win-win situation for the country. We’re offering to do something they’re desperate for. But…”

“That’s enough.”

Kang Jin-ho cut off Lee Hyun-soo, thinking he was talking too much.

“Then…”

Kang Jin-ho seemed to ponder for a moment before speaking.

“Is Minister Seok aware of all this and still trying to hinder us?”

“That’s correct.”

Kang Jin-ho turned his head towards Lee Hyun-soo.

“What do you think?”

Lee Hyun-soo hesitated for a moment before speaking.

“When we first came to negotiate, I got the feeling that he wasn’t happy with us, but he didn’t seem to be rejecting the negotiation itself. But after receiving a phone call in the middle, his expression changed.”

Kang Jin-ho nodded.

“It seems like he finished his calculations at that time. He must have thought it was better to strengthen his position, even if it meant giving up national benefits. In fact… the position of minister seems grand, but there’s nothing beyond that. Most ministers stop at being ministers and don’t run for elected office. Those who do become big figures.”

“I see.”

Kang Jin-ho took out a cigarette and put it in his mouth.

The situation seemed to be roughly sorted out. Now, what he had to do was very clear.

“I’ll take care of that.”

Lee Hyun-soo looked at Kang Jin-ho with a slightly uneasy expression.

The situation was definitely not easy.

They were not people who could be dealt with by the Assembly’s strength, which was its forte. No matter how much the Assembly was at the pinnacle of violence, politicians were not people who could be dealt with by force.

‘Those guys are no joke.’

It felt like a vital point had been struck.

It would have been easier to find a solution if there had been an all-out attack. But Minister Seok Dong-soo was a key figure who could resolve what the Assembly was trying to do.

If they were to win him over, there was nothing they could do.

It was also unreasonable to expect an active response from the government.

Given the government’s position of having to balance diplomacy between the US and China, it would be extremely burdensome to immediately dismiss a minister who openly supported China.

But in this situation, a solution….

‘No, that’s not right.’

Lee Hyun-soo suddenly raised his head.

‘What am I thinking?’

He let out a hollow laugh.

He had been so focused on the situation that he had forgotten what kind of person Kang Jin-ho was. Kang Jin-ho was not someone who said impossible things were possible. Everything he had said was possible had come true.

How many times had he been dumbfounded by the things Kang Jin-ho did? But Kang Jin-ho had always produced results that exceeded Lee Hyun-soo’s expectations.

It was the same this time.

He couldn’t see a way now, but if Kang Jin-ho said it was possible, then it was possible.

“Councilman, may I ask you something?”

“Go ahead.”

“Is it possible to win over Minister Seok Dong-soo?”

“It’s possible.”

“…”

Lee Hyun-soo nodded his head vigorously at Kang Jin-ho’s answer.

“Then there won’t be a problem. Since they landed a solid blow, they probably haven’t set any other traps.”

Wiggins sighed.

“But the fact that we took a big hit this time remains unchanged.”

“I admit it.”

Lee Hyun-soo clenched his fist.

‘Damn bastards.’

He thought they wouldn’t be able to focus on other things since they were busy with their schemes in Japan, but Chaikechang’s abilities were beyond Lee Hyun-soo’s expectations.

He never imagined they would prepare a direct attack while also trying to hinder them.

“Then…”

“Ah, ah.”

Bator, who had been silent until now, waved his hand, cutting off Lee Hyun-soo’s words.

“You guys talk too much.”

“If the master says he’ll handle it, then he’ll handle it. What would you incompetent fools know even if you listened? You can’t even do the things you confidently say you can do!”

Lee Hyun-soo’s face flushed red.

Even Wiggins’ face was turning red. In fact, they couldn’t deny their mistakes in this matter.

Kang Jin-ho chuckled and opened his mouth.

“Don’t blame yourselves too much. I didn’t expect China to get involved in this either.”

“Those guys are there to think of things the master can’t and assist him. The master is too lenient at times like this!”

“If the master could only do the things he can think of and prepare for, then why would we need those useless eaters!”

‘He’s got something to pick on.’

‘He’s having fun, he’s having fun.’

Wiggins and Lee Hyun-soo became dejected. They couldn’t argue back because they were guilty. Bator seemed to know this and was attacking them with glee.

“From the start, the master is too lenient with those guys. How many mistakes have they made?”

“I think the mistakes you’ve made aren’t that few either?”

“That’s a misunderstanding. I’ve never done that!”

“…Okay, let’s say that’s true.”

Kang Jin-ho sighed and got up from his seat.

“Well, should we move right away?”

“There’s no point in dragging it out.”

Kang Jin-ho looked at Lee Hyun-soo and opened his mouth.

“Lee Hyun-soo.”

“Yes, Councilman.”

“Tell them in advance that Seok Dong-soo’s position will change tomorrow morning. So they won’t be caught off guard.”

“Yes. I will do that.”

“Okay. Let’s talk again after I finish this.”

Kang Jin-ho turned and went outside.

The remaining people stood up and bowed deeply. As Kang Jin-ho closed the door and left, those who had sat back down sighed.

“Nothing ever goes smoothly.”

“Isn’t that always the case? But the Councilman will take care of it.”

“But how is he going to solve it?”

Bator snorted.

“It’s obvious. He’ll grab him and twist his neck.”

“…That could cause a big problem.”

“It’s skill that prevents big problems from happening, you unskilled fools.”

Just as Wiggins and Lee Hyun-soo were about to have a fit, the door burst open.

“…Councilman?”

“No, why are you back…”

Kang Jin-ho, standing in the doorway, opened his mouth with an awkward expression.

“By the way…”

“Yes?”

“Where does Seok Dong-soo live?”

Wiggins, who had been staring blankly at Kang Jin-ho, opened his mouth.

“Chief Lee.”

“Yes.”

“Quickly gather Seok Dong-soo’s photo and related information and give it to the Councilman.”

“Yes. I will do it right away.”

Wiggins smiled brightly.

“It will take some time to gather, so how about a cup of coffee in the meantime, Councilman?”

“…Should I?”

Kang Jin-ho awkwardly came back into the room and sat on the sofa. Watching him, Bator let out a deep sigh.

“Can we really trust him…”

Kang Jin-ho, unable to find a suitable excuse, just smoked his cigarette.