Descent of the Demon Master-Chapter 1072. Taking Action (2)

“Y-yes, that’s true, but...!”

Wiggins’ expression stiffened after he realized what Kang Jin-Ho’s intentions could be.

“M-my lord, eliminating that politician is out of the question! Needlessly killing him can lead to a horrifying catastrophe.” freewёbnoνel.com

Eliminating Seok Dong-Su from the picture was certainly an option. But it'd be a terrible option, all things considered!

The Martial Assembly could engineer an “accident” of some kind to get rid of Seok Dong-Su, and that would allow a replacement to take over his position. That should take care of this problem quite quickly.

However, such a solution would inevitably cause the government to become vigilant toward the Martial Assembly.

After all, no self-respecting government would want to cooperate with an organization that summarily executed a government minister it didn't like!

Killing Seok Dong-Su might work in the short term but it would most likely cause the relationship between the Martial Assembly and the government to eventually break down.

Kang Jin-Ho dismissively waved his hand. “I’m not that thoughtless, you know.”

Thankfully, it seemed he wasn’t interested in shedding more blood this time.

“Then... what do you have in mind, my lord?”

“Before that, let’s summarize the situation first.”

“Of course.”

Kang Jin-Ho furrowed his brow. “So, in short... Cai Kechang is behind the weird situation in our political scene.”

“Yes, the odds of that being true are uncomfortably high, my lord.”

“Even though he can mobilize the Chinese government, directly pressuring Koreans is still impossible. So, he resorted to using his connections to various politicians to hinder us. Am I right so far?”

“Yes.”

Wiggins couldn't help but think that Koreans had a tendency to greatly undervalue themselves. It might be because Korea was geographically sandwiched between two global powerhouses.

However, in the eyes of an outsider like him, South Korea was a powerhouse nation in its own right. Its citizens should be more proud of themselves.

Even if the Chinese government was on top of the world right now, it still couldn't directly interfere with Korea's internal affairs. It could certainly try, but the Korean government wouldn't just take that lying down.

“My lord. To exert their influence on us, Cai Kechang and his goons will need a central axis within the Korean political scene. And Minister Seok Dong-Su must be that axis in their eyes.”

“Hmm...” Kang Jin-Ho rubbed his chin.

“For now, it's nothing more than the pro-China faction opposing us. However, Cai Kechang will never throw away a convenient pawn after only one use. I'd wager that Seok Dong-Su will soon become the unofficial representative of the pro-China faction in Korea.”

“You think so?”

Wiggins weightily nodded. “Yes, my lord. I'm sure that was the offer they made to Seok Dong-Su. As I've mentioned before, money and the public's perception ultimately determine who wins elections. Considering China's deep pockets and ever-present influence, manipulating an election's result to their liking shouldn't be too difficult for them.

“Once his term in the ministerial position ends, and he moves on to an elective post next... becoming the next President will realistically be within Seok Dong-Su's reach!”

Bang Jin-Hun roared in anger. “What the f*ck!? How dare a son of a b*tch leeching off the Chinese money think about becoming our next President!”

Wiggins groaned. “Mister Bang, I’m simply saying it’s a possibility.”

“Please say something that makes sense, Mister Wiggins! You think the public will sit still if they hear about this?”

Wiggins tutted. “And how will they hear about it?”

“Sorry?”

“Think about it. How will the public learn about the Chinese government secretly financing Seok Dong-Su's political career?”

Bang Jin-Hun blinked in stupefaction. “...Eh?”

“Without any proof, you can deny everything, Mister Bang. That's how politics work. Besides, do you think the Chinese government is sloppy enough to leave traces behind that could implicate it? Of course it wouldn’t.”

Wiggins slowly shook his head.

“That's why, in Seok Dong-Su’s view... this must be a gamble worth taking. Opposing the current ruling party now means he might become the next President. He must know that that goal is within reach with China's assistance.”

Just before Bang Jin-Hun could voice his displeasure, Kang Jin-Ho spoke first. “Lastly...”

“Yes, my lord?”

“Us becoming a legitimate entity. Is it a good thing for the nation? And for the government?”

Wiggins firmly nodded. “I can say for certain that, yes, it’ll be a wonderful result.”

“You sure?”

“My lord, money makes this world go around.”

“...”

Wiggins’ expression hardened. “What matters the most when trying to govern a country isn’t the ruler's will or the vision of the future. No, it's money, my lord.

“If you rank every global powerhouse nation and first-world country according to their annual budget, you will roughly get an unsurprising result.

“No matter how great and noble your vision of the future is, none of it will matter if you don’t have the money to turn it into reality.”

“Mm...!”

“We're trying to turn our shady organization into a legitimate entity and even pay appropriate taxes. Why would the Korean government say no to that, my lord? Our goal will definitely benefit not just the government but the nation as a whole.”

Lee Hyeon-Su came to Wiggins' assistance.

“And the benefits extend beyond financial aspects, sir. Legalizing the Martial Assembly signifies our intentions to formally enter the government’s sphere of influence. Undoubtedly, we will have to cooperate with the government more often from now on. The government knows it can strengthen its control over the martial society, something they couldn’t do until now.”

Wiggins nodded to express his agreement.

“In my honest opinion, sir?” Lee Hyeon-Su passionately spoke, “This deal has no drawback for the government. We’re willingly trying to do something they’ve been dreaming about for so long. But now...”

“Okay, I've heard enough,” Kang Jin-Ho raised his hand and cut Lee Hyeon-Su's speech off. He figured this explanation had gone on long enough.

After rubbing his chin in silent contemplation, Kang Jin-Ho muttered quietly, “Minister Seok knew all this yet still chose to get in the way. Is that right...?”

“Yes, sir.”

Kang Jin-Ho glanced at Lee Hyeon-Su. “What do you think happened?”

Lee Hyeon-Su combed his memories for a bit before shaking his head. “The initial impression I got was that Minister Seok wasn't averse to the idea of the negotiation itself, even if he didn't view us in the most favorable light. However, he received a phone call in the middle of the negotiation, and that's when things changed.”

Kang Jin-Ho slowly nodded.

“That must be when he made up his mind, sir. He probably thought that strengthening his position must come first, even if it meant the country would be worse off. The truth is...”

Lee Hyeon-Su groaned deeply.

“A ministerial position might sound like a dream job, but it’s actually a dead-end post, sir. Most ministers see their political careers end after serving out their term. Not many can move on to an elective post afterward. And those who do go on to become big fish in the country.”

“I see,” Kang Jin-Ho muttered while mouthing a cigarette.

He got a good grasp of the situation now. Which helped him figure out what he should do from now on, too.

Kang Jin-Ho lit the cigarette, then glanced at the directors in the office. “I’ll take care of this situation.”

Lee Hyeon-Su stared worriedly at Kang Jin-Ho.

This situation was definitely not simple or easy to resolve. The main strengths of the Martial Assembly, its combat power and the capacity to unleash violence, didn't help much against the politicians since they couldn't be harmed carelessly.

Lee Hyeon-Su sighed inwardly.

‘Let's not forget, our opponents should not be underestimated, either.’

It felt like he got hit in the blind spot.

It could have been easier to find a solution had the enemy tried to pressure them simultaneously through various avenues. However, the enemy attack was channeled through one individual, Minister Seok Dong-Su.

That man held the key to unlocking the doorway the Martial Assembly had been trying to open.

Unfortunately, the Assembly couldn't do anything after someone like that had been won over by the enemy.

It was also unrealistic to expect the government to proactively respond to this development. After all, the government needed to play the tricky balancing game of being friends with both the United States and China.

Replacing a minister right after he expressed pro-China sentiments would put the government in a rather difficult position.

That was the situation, so for Kang Jin-Ho to say he’d take care of it...

‘No, hang on...!’

Lee Hyeon-Su’s head abruptly snapped up.

‘What am I even thinking about here?’

A hollow chuckle leaked out of his lips. He was too focused on the situation and briefly forgot about who or what Kang Jin-Ho was.

The Assembly Master wasn't the type to say impossible things were actually doable.

Whenever he said he'd make the impossible happen for real, it always came true in the end!

How many times did Lee Hyeon-Su watch Kang Jin-Ho's antics in sheer flabbergast and disbelief before going along with them? He should know by now that his boss had a knack for exceeding his expectations.

This time should be no different.

Lee Hyeon-Su might not see a way forward, but Kang Jin-Ho said there was a way. In that case, it must be true.

“Sir, do you mind if I ask you a question?”

“Sure, go ahead.”

Lee Hyeon-Su cautiously asked. “Is it really possible to win over Minister Seok to our side?”

“Yeah, it is.”

“Mm!” Lee Hyeon-Su nodded weightily at that straightforward response. “Then, there shouldn't be an issue. Because they got us good this time, our enemies probably haven't thought of preparing another trap.”

Wiggins sighed deeply while shaking his head. “Still, it doesn’t change the fact that they got us.”

“Yes, that. I agree.”

Lee Hyeon-Su grimaced while clenching his fists.

That son of a b*tch, Cai Kechang! Since that bastard was busy extending his slimy tendrils into Japan, Lee Hyeon-Su assumed his counterpart in the Crimson King's faction wouldn't have had enough time to pay attention in other areas.

Unfortunately, Cai Kechang’s capabilities surpassed Lee Hyeon-Su’s anticipation.

To think he’d use such methods to hinder the Assembly while preparing for a war, too!

“Then, sir...”

“Ah, ah. Enough.”

Vator, who had been sitting still in utter silence until now, suddenly waved his hand dismissively and cut Lee Hyeon-Su off.

“You lot talk too much.”

“...”

“My master said he’ll take care of it, didn’t he? In that case, he will take care of it. You incompetent fools won’t get it no matter how many times you ask, so stop. Remember, you couldn’t even do the one thing you said was a done deal!”

Lee Hyeon-Su’s face flushed in shame. He wasn’t the only one, though.

Even Wiggins was getting redder in the face, too. Both men knew they couldn’t defend themselves this time.

Kang Jin-Ho chuckled softly while glancing at Vator. “Don’t be too hard on them. I also didn’t anticipate the Chinese interfering in this matter, after all.”

“Master, these fools are here to assist you on things you might miss or overlook. I’m telling you, you’re too soft in things like this!”

“...”

“If you do all the thinking, and these idiots are only good for following your orders, why do you keep these... these freeloaders around, master!”

‘He’s found his opening, hasn’t he?’

‘Yup, he’s definitely having fun right now.’

Wiggins and Lee Hyeon-Su grew dejected as they listened. Unfortunately, their guilt prevented them from retorting back to the big man.

Vator seemed to understand this as his enthusiastic verbal attack continued unabated. “Master, you’ve been way too generous with these two! Do not forget that they have committed many mistakes up until now!”

Kang Jin-Ho cocked an eyebrow. “Haven't you also made several mistakes?”

Vator pounded his chest confidently. “That’s a misunderstanding! I never make mistakes!”

“...Sure, whatever. Let’s say that’s true.”

Kang Jin-Ho sighed while shaking his head, then got up.

Vator tilted his head. “Mm? Are you thinking of doing it now?”

“Yeah. I see no reason to drag it out,” said Kang Jin-Ho, then glanced at Lee Hyeon-Su. “Chief Lee.”

“Yes, sir?"

“Inform our contacts in the government that Seok Dong-Su will change his mind by tomorrow morning. Try not to alarm them, though.”

“Understood, sir.”

“Okay. We’ll resume this discussion once I’m finished.” Kang Jin-Ho briefly nodded, then headed to the office’s exit.

The directors hurriedly got up and bowed. After Kang Jin-Ho left the office, they plopped down and sighed deeply.

Wiggins rubbed his forehead. “It feels like we keep encountering one hurdle after another.”

Lee Hyeon-Su helplessly chuckled. “But that’s life, isn’t it, sir? At least the Assembly Master is on the case, so...”

“By the way, what do you think he will do?”

Vator sneered at Wiggins. “You're asking the obvious. My master will hunt that politician down and wring his neck till he comes around to our cause!”

Wiggins grimaced. “That could lead to a serious problem later down the line. You know that, don’t you?”

“Making sure that doesn’t happen takes skill, which my master has in spades, you unskilled fools.”

Before Wiggins and Lee Hyeon-Su could retort, the office door suddenly flung open wide. Everyone in the office hurriedly looked back, only to find Kang Jin-Ho standing awkwardly by the doorway.

“...Sir?”

“What brings you back here so soon...?”

Kang Jin-Ho sheepishly avoided meeting the directors’ gazes. “Before I leave...”

“Yes, sir?”

“Can anyone tell me where Seok Dong-Su’s home is?”

“...” Wiggins dazedly stared at Kang Jin-Ho before glancing at Lee Hyeon-Su. “Chief Lee?”

“Yes, sir?”

“Please compile a report on Seok Dong-Su, including his photos, as quickly as possible. I think our Assembly Master needs it.”

“Understood. I’ll get on it right away.”

Wiggins smiled brightly at Kang Jin-Ho next. “My lord! It might take some time for Chief Lee to finish this task, so how about a cup of coffee while you wait?”

“That sounds good.” Kang Jin-Ho sheepishly shuffled back inside the office and quietly settled down on his couch.

Vator spat out a lengthy groan at this sight. “Can we really trust you, master...?”

“...”

After failing to find an excuse, Kang Jin-Ho decided that he’d rather puff away at his cigarette in silence instead.