Empire of the Ring

-The politicians in Washington D.C. were very interested in merging Kyrgyzstan.

“We adopted the federal system. Is there any politician who thinks Kyrgyzstan was forced to become a federal state?”

-Some have that view, but it is generally considered as the best option to keep China in check. It was a great decision.

“Chief, our Prime Minister is worried that I’m going there without any prior pre-arrangement.”

-What’s the use of pre-coordination between us? There’s a set agenda already.

“These days, there are rumors that the U.S. president is trying to sell weapons to allies, and the Prime Minister was afraid of that too.”

-You’re not even going to raise your eyebrow if I forced you to buy weapons. Our government officials are rather secretly concerned about your visit.

When Youngho decided to fly to the U.S. for a short period of time even though he was quite busy, he had a purpose.

Kazakhstan had already said to China that it would pay for the construction of One Belt One Road for the Kyrgyz and Kazakh sections, but the money would not just fall from the sky.

And also, Kazakhstan was helping Xinjiang Uyghur which was keeping China in check, so if the U.S. did not try to support Kazakhstan in any form, it would be quite disappointing. Since this was also related to the U.S. national interest, the U.S. government officials would have already tapped the calculator as well.

“I have a conscience, too. I wouldn’t want anything for free since we’ve received a lot from the U.S. too. However, the cost of arms purchases is too overwhelming for us because we spent a huge amount of money to stop China’s advance.”

-Man, I knew you’d be like this. I was wondering how easy it was to make you come to the U.S., so I expected you’d come up with a bill. But you’ll be shaking my position here.

“So why don’t you just quit and come to Kazakhstan? You should come and look at the beautiful scenery of Kyrgyzstan. We’re going to build a separate palace there, and I can build one that’s dedicated to you, Chief.”

This was a fabrication, but Youngho thought Michael could have one if he really decided to come.

-Really? You’re going to build my own private villa?

“Sure. You’ll see a more beautiful view than the Alps every day.”

-Oh! I was so excited that I made a slip of the tongue again. I’ll have to hang up now before I keep making mistakes.

“Keep in mind that no matter how powerful the director of CIA is, he’s talking to the Duke of Kazakhstan. It’s a diplomatic discourtesy to hang up first.”

-Oh, please! Okay, what else do you want?

“I just want to arrange things with you before I talk to the officials.”

-You’re telling me to coordinate in advance. Of course, what you want is a weapon, right?

“That’s why I like you, Chief.”

-We’re planning to add more U.S. Air Force to the Kyrgyz airbase, so that’s enough war deterrents. If you ask for more, both of us will be in trouble.

“It’s no big deal. I’d like to take over all the retired Air Force planes from the United States. Is that a difficult request?”

“Phew, alright. I’ll try my best to arrange that, but there will be no more favor, alright?”

***

“Do you know what was in the second daughter’s small safe?”

“Is there any jewelry?”

“Don’t be surprised. It’s a 30-year U.S. government bond. That’s as much as 11 billion dollars.”

“Whoa, she’s stolen a lot. That’s why she was on the Forbes list of rich people.”

“Now, did you collect most of President Nazarbayev’s slush funds?”

“I don’t know yet. He was in power for almost 30 years. You think that’s all he had?”

When they robbed the second daughter of President Nazarbayev, Youngho brought her heavy safe despite Park Jong-il’s nagging. It had been stored at the Serbian ranch until now since they could not open it before.

Youngho had brought all of the valuables stored in Batumi’s Arirang Hotel and the Serbian ranch to the Arirang royal territory this time. Moving all the gold bars and valuables to the royal territory meant that Kazakhstan was not in a stable situation now. Nevertheless, the gold bars produced in Baku’s Serbian ranch from now on would be stored there in case of a rainy day. It was to leave Baku as another secret weapon and the last bastion of the Kazakh royal family.

“A fifth of this money would give Kyrgyzstan and Almaty an all-over makeover.”

“Why don’t we also invest in the national defense? I’m so nervous that we haven’t secured the command of the air yet.”

“Why do you want to buy that with money?”

“Who’d give you a fighter for free?”

“You know, I’m thinking of haggling over decommissioning planes in the U.S.”

“Even old planes will be too expensive.”

“So I’ll have to try to negotiate it. I’m sure the U.S. is already prepared for that.”

“Can we deal with China’s newest aircraft with old planes?”

“A U.S. old plane can take down a few newest Chinese and Russian airplanes.”

The Swedish Gripen fighter jets that would be produced in Kazakhstan could surpass Russian or Chinese fighter jets. It would not be an overwhelming advantage to bring a generation-old model from the U.S., but it could also overpower if only pilots were competent.

“How are you going to negotiate that?”

“There are tons of reasons. There is no country that keeps China in check like us. The U.S. officials would be applauding inside.”

The U.S. CIA had also been funding Uyghur independent organizations, but it had not been so active as to send in some direct commandos. This was because it could turn into an international issue if caught because Xinjiang Uyghur was not an independent state but an autonomous province in China.

In terms of interference in domestic affairs, China also had the power to shake the U.S. as much as possible with U.S. government bonds.

China’s foreign exchange reserves were 3.3 trillion dollars, of which U.S. government bonds alone were worth 1.2 trillion dollars. And if China sold it to the market, the interest rate on government bonds would bottom out, and the dollar value would go down as well.

China would also lose money by selling its national bond, but the U.S. economy would also be covered by a thick dark cloud. So, powerful countries were keeping each other in check with their economic relationships. However, Kazakhstan could do anything since it was free from such things now.

***

A Kazakh royal plane gently landed on the runway at Dulles International Airport in Washington D.C.

Hudson, the plane captain, announced the arrival inside the plane.

-Captain Hudson, here. It’s been a long flight. We have just arrived in the United States.

Welcome to America, Your Majesty. Enjoy your trip.

“He must still have bad feelings for me. He doesn’t even mention me but you.”

“Hahaha… So, why did you force him to get married? You pushed it with a ridiculous reason.”

“But they’re living a happy life than anyone else now. Isn’t it proof that he invited his families from the U.S. to live in the royal territory?”

Youngho had put on a show to make pilots and mechanics dispatched from Cessna in the U.S. before. Hudson was one of them who had to marry a Serbian girl hurriedly because of a strict marriage tradition that Youngho pushed on him. He was now doing well in the state of Arirang. He was now hired by the royal family.

-You can now unfasten your seat belt. Hope you have a good trip, Your Highness.

“It’s better not to be mentioned. He’s discriminating, or why would he say my name a while after?”

“Hahaha… Stop complaining now and get off. People are waiting outside.”

Michael, the director of CIA, and several politicians whose faces were known were waiting for Youngho. Even though it was an unofficial visit, not a state visit, the U.S. was paying respect to Youngho and Fatima. There was a red carpet under the trap.

The U.S. State Department’s assistant secretary for European affairs came out as an official protocol officer, welcoming Fatima and Youngho.

“I sincerely welcome your Majesty and Highness’ visit to the United States.”

“It’s not an official visit but thank you for being so considerate. Please say thank you to the president, too.”

“There were instructions for the highest courtesy, even though it’s not an official visit. Let me introduce other politicians who came out to see you first.”

Youngho’s party was honored as if they were on an official visit.

The fact that the assistant secretary for European affairs came out in person was proof that the U.S. government cared for the Kazakh royal family. The assistant secretary was an orthodox official in the best position for a working-level official. Since he was an expert in European affairs, Youngho thought that he should keep his eye on him for the future.

After greeting Michael and other politicians, Youngho’s group headed to the guest house at the State Department’s Kazakhstan bureau.

In the case of a state visit or an official visit, Blair House—which was located opposite the White House, was offered as lodging usually for only two nights. The reason for allowing only two nights was that there were so many foreign heads of state visiting the U.S.

Youngho and Fatima were guided to Blair House, even though they were unofficial guests. In addition, they would be staying for five nights instead of the two-night rule.

Michael, who followed them from the airport to the guest house—had been quiet the whole time, but as soon as they entered a private room, he quickly started bragging about arranging Blair House.

“Do you know how much I’ve worked to get Blair House? You and the Queen are treated very well here.”

“I guess Kazakhstan is very precious to the United States.”

“That’s because I’ve made it that way. If it wasn’t for me, who’d be there to promote you like this?”

“If you weren’t there, the U.S. government wouldn’t be able to have Kazakhstan as an ally. But I guess you don’t have much to offer since you’re bragging about the guesthouse.”

“You are fast-witted. Now that we have shown such high courtesy, it is our government’s position to reach a compromise on a reasonable basis. The economy isn’t very good these days.”

“Isn’t it natural to provide the Kazakh royal family with a guesthouse? So you’re telling me that we should buy weapons from the U.S.?”

“Oh, I’m not saying that, but it’s hard to persuade politicians, so you have to make some concessions.”

“Kazakh’s armament is good for U.S. interests, and if anyone is against it, he’s taken over by the enemy’s lobbyist.”

“In the United States, contact with politicians’ lobbyists is legal. Don’t look at it in a weird way.”

“I can’t take it any other way, regardless of the complicated relationship. The politician is our enemy. Who the hell is he?”