My Calling Is Profiler [EN]: Chapter 399

The manpower isn’t there, and their training isn’t designed for ground operations in the first place.

“Even if they had missiles, they’d only be anti-ship missiles anyway.”

Even if they somehow managed to fire them at the ground, the range would be limited, and they’d only destroy a building or two. The 76mm guns have a short range and can’t effectively protect ground troops.

And could the troops disembarking from the ship even fight properly on land? They’re only equipped with rifles.

“Suitable for defending the country, but unsuitable for a coup. That’s the navy in a nutshell.”

In other words, equipping the military with Pohang-class corvettes is an opportunity to save on the defense budget and invest in the economy.

“And the Ministry of National Defense will be desperate to get their hands on them.”

“Are you saying they’re on our side?”

“Yes, that’s right. The Madagascar Ministry of National Defense.”

If they were given corvettes, which would significantly strengthen their military, would the Ministry of National Defense refuse? No Ministry of National Defense would refuse such an offer.

They’ll think, ‘it’ll work out somehow!’ regarding operating costs and everything else. The desire for the corvettes will outweigh the practical concerns.

“And if they do refuse, complaints will inevitably leak out.”

“I understand what you mean.”

The military’s dissatisfaction is not something the Madagascar government can afford to ignore. So, they need to appease them first.

“But they don’t have any money.”

In the end, the only card Madagascar can play in this situation is in-kind payment [payment made with goods or services instead of money].

Something that isn’t yet accounted for in the budget, so it doesn’t create a deficit, but rather maintains the current financial status.

“That’s nickel, isn’t it?”

“That’s right.”

The mine is operational, and materials are piling up, but no export contracts have been finalized yet.

“Huh.”

Yoon Tae-min felt a chill run down his spine. What if it had been him or another diplomat in charge?

There would have been endless political rhetoric and drawn-out negotiations. After a preliminary agreement, there would be a formal signing ceremony, and then the nickel negotiations would begin from scratch.

He thought so too, and his grandfather had advised him to act decisively.

‘And this is the result of one old decommissioned ship?’

This outcome stemmed from a ship that was destined for the scrapyard anyway. Park Do-joon smiled at Yoon Tae-min, who looked utterly dumbfounded.

“Let me give you one more piece of advice. It wouldn’t be a bad idea to donate the remaining two ships as well.”

“Why?”

“It’s similar to using a credit card. It’s money you have to pay back later, but it feels like free money when you’re using it.”

There are overhaul costs and missile costs to consider, but it’s still the most impactful way for the Madagascar military to boost their prestige.

“Moreover, the Pohang-class corvette is unlikely to be seen as a significant threat to neighboring countries, so there’s little risk of damaging relations with other nations.”

“Is that all?”

“It’s not just that. Even if we receive nickel in exchange for the overhaul and missile costs, the sheer volume of nickel coming out of Madagascar is enormous. Do you think China won’t be interested in that?”

Yoon Tae-min had to concede the point. They would definitely be interested. In fact, considering the market price of resources, the nickel Madagascar provides for overhaul and missile costs won’t be nearly enough. It’s barely enough to address Korea’s immediate needs.

“China will want to preempt that at all costs and prevent Korea from gaining a foothold in the battery market.”

And from Madagascar’s perspective, receiving weapons at a discounted price is far more advantageous than simply receiving dollars. From Korea’s perspective, establishing such a relationship reduces concerns about China’s market dominance.

“Well, if relations improve further in the future, we could even donate the KM900 armored vehicles that Korea used to use.”

“Really? But didn’t you say that the army is a risky proposition?”

“That’s right. So, we’d only donate a small number. And that can be surprisingly significant.”

The country needs to show signs of growth. The country needs to be developing as a whole. There needs to be visible progress so that the people can remain patient.

If the government constantly claims, ‘The country is developing,’ but the people see no tangible changes and struggle to make a living, they will eventually revolt.

“And the development of national power is often symbolized by the military.”

The Madagascar army is still using armored vehicles from World War II. Even small ones.

The Greyhound armored car, which Korea only briefly used during the Korean War, is still in active service.

“But Korea’s KM 900 looks perfectly fine on the outside.”

Of course, a closer inspection would reveal numerous issues, such as inadequate defense capabilities for modern warfare and severely limited driving performance due to its age. But from Madagascar’s perspective, it would appear to be in excellent condition.

“We can’t give them too many. But a few for parade purposes would be ideal.”

“I understand what you mean.”

Parade vehicles. If they can be showcased on broadcasts or at public events, the people will believe that the country is developing. Because they won’t be aware of the armored vehicle’s actual performance.

Of course, that will translate into support for the current regime, and the current regime will seek to maintain close ties with Korea.

“In Korea, when the Greyhound first arrived, people excitedly called it a tank.”

Technically, it was an armored vehicle with a cannon, but Korea, needing a symbol of strength, didn’t correct the public’s misconception. Of course, it proved ineffective as soon as it was deployed to the front lines.

“Now that the problem seems to be resolved, let’s head back.”

“Yes, it’s a problem that needs to be properly addressed once we return.”

The problem has been conceptually solved. Of course, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, not the profiler, needs to handle the donation process and establish a schedule.

‘Profiling…….’

Yoon Tae-min felt a strange sensation.

‘I should find ways to actively utilize profiling in similar situations in the future.’

He hadn’t realized that understanding the motivations of other groups could be so beneficial, and his thoughts were becoming more profound.

Park Do-joon, having returned to Korea, went to the police station at his leisure. But the atmosphere inside the team was still tense.

“Long time no see.”

“Ah, Detective Park! You’re back?”

Lee Ji-soo smiled awkwardly as Park Do-joon approached.

“Yeah, but what’s with this atmosphere?”

The business trip wasn’t particularly long, but it wasn’t short either. Even though it was the new year, the atmosphere was completely deflated.

“The team leader position still hasn’t been filled?”

Park Do-joon glanced at the empty seat and asked. If someone had been appointed, there would be personal belongings on the desk, but it was bare.

“Ah, well, someone was appointed and even showed up, but…”

“But?”

“They resigned almost immediately.”

“Tsk!”

He had a pretty good idea of what happened. They must have felt overwhelmed by the responsibilities and the potential challenges. Especially with someone like Park Do-joon, who tended to overshadow his superiors.

“So, it seems they’ve shifted their focus to internal promotion.”

“Really? Then why is everyone so glum?”

They should be happier if someone from within the team has a chance to become the team leader.

“Ah, that’s…….”

“Oh, my god.”

Park Do-joon seemed to understand even without Lee Ji-soo explicitly stating it. He was likely the cause. They were probably afraid of being outshone or undermined by him.

If they were on friendly terms, it would be different, but these were all people who had been trying to find fault with Park Do-joon since he joined the team.

Initially, it was due to Han Seong-gi’s manipulations, but the relationship had already soured. As a result, the team leader position had become a burden.

His abilities were intimidating, and he had connections to two powerful chaebol [large industrial conglomerate] families. So, it wasn’t just a matter of being outshone, but of potentially being targeted.

However, if they remained passive, they couldn’t be sure that their superiors would leave them alone. The higher-ups weren’t particularly fond of Park Do-joon either. More accurately, the higher-ups couldn’t directly touch him, so they would likely pressure the team leader to somehow manage or control him. It wasn’t a promotion, but a one-way ticket to hell.

‘Well, there’s no need to perpetuate this situation.’

Park Do-joon had no intention of retaliating against them. While the initial interactions were rocky, it wasn’t their fault but rather Han Seong-gi’s meddling. There was no reason to hold grudges against his colleagues.

Of course, if they resorted to Han Seong-gi’s tactics or crossed the line, he would take action. But that wasn’t the case. They were just ordinary police officers and breadwinners supporting their families with their salaries.

‘I should extend an olive branch in times like these.’

He might not have done that in the past. His life was so demanding that he didn’t even consider taking care of others. But after his regression [reincarnation/time travel], he viewed the world from a slightly different perspective. And he had a good excuse.

“Okay, everyone, you’ve all been working hard. Let’s have a company dinner.”

“Company dinner?”

“The team leader position is still vacant, though?”

“Well, do we need a team leader to have a company dinner?”

“That’s true, but…….”

“I’ll pay.”

“You’re paying?”

“Out of the blue?”

“The dividend payout was quite generous this time.”

It wasn’t a joke; the payout was substantial. Haneul Industries was still growing, and the dividend was enough to buy a villa in Seoul, if not an apartment. After all, Park Do-joon was one of the two largest shareholders of Haneul Industries.

“Ah, that lucky bastard. He was born with a silver spoon in his mouth.”

“I’m not quite at the gold spoon level yet. I’m just a gilded spoon.”

“We’re more like the sporks used in the military, let alone gilding.”

“Detective, they don’t use sporks in the military anymore.”

“The military has improved.”

“What’s a spork?”

“Huh?”

“Huh? I used one?”

“No, what is a spork?”

“I mean, it’s a utensil that’s both a fork and a spoon.”

“A spork? I used that in my unit.”

“You served later than me, why did you use that?”

The conversation suddenly shifted from the gold and silver spoon theory to the spork theory. Well, that’s the nature of small talk. This kind of casual conversation also helps to relieve tension.

“Maybe it varies from unit to unit. I only used a spoon in my unit.”

“Wow, damn it! I only had a spork until I was discharged as a sergeant.”

“Okay, okay, but you can’t eat tonight’s menu with a spork.”

Park Do-joon interjected into their conversation.

“What’s on the menu?”

“Korean beef.”

“Korean beef?”

“You mean *real* Korean beef?”

Everyone’s eyes widened at the mention of Korean beef.

Korean beef? This was an unexpected treat. Everyone had assumed it would be pork belly.

“I’m telling you, that gilded spoon is the real deal.”

Park Do-joon casually flashed his credit card.

“Ji-soo, make a reservation at an expensive place.”

“Yes? Where? Should I book Manga’s Butcher Shop like usual?”

That was a place they often frequented for company dinners. Of course, despite being called a butcher shop, they usually ate pork belly or pork ribs.

“Is that considered an expensive place?”

“They sell Korean beef there too.”

“Ahem! I said an *expensive* place!”

“Then…… Wooryeom’s?”

“Ex! Pen! Sive! Place!”

“Uh…….”

No matter how hard she thought, only one place came to mind when someone said “expensive place.”

“You’re not talking about Sanwoojung, are you?”

“That’s a good suggestion, Sanwoojung.”

“Detective Park, the price per serving there is…….”

It was a top-tier Korean beef restaurant where a single serving of Korean beef cost around 90,000 won [approximately $70 USD].

“Ahem!”

“Yes, I’ll make a reservation.”

And at this point, everyone understood. Because they were all profilers. Park Do-joon was extending an olive branch, offering reconciliation.

It was ironic that the individuals who had initially caused the trouble had been removed, but the remaining team members were still wary of each other.

The Job is Profiler