Empire of the Ring

Baku in Azerbaijan was a city nicknamed the City of Winds in the Land of Fire.

It was the treasure of the Caspian Sea. The mere mention of Baku made Youngho excited as it was the city that enabled Youngho to come this far in the beginning.

Having had some time before the constitution was announced, he decided to go to Baku to meet President Aliyev.

Even though he arrived at Zeynep Farm’s simplified airport, not Baku Airport, the minister of foreign affairs of Azerbaijan was waiting to receive him. Since it was still before the coronation, Youngho was a little surprised.

“The Duke of Kazakhstan has arrived.”

“Welcome, Duke. Congratulations on leading a successful revolution in Kazakhstan.”

“The Coronation of the monarch has not even taken place yet. I don’t know how I should respond to such a big welcome.”

“It’s not enough. You’re the one who’s practically leading Kazakhstan.”

President Aliyev was being respectful than ever. It was quite awkward for Youngho. Now he would have to get used to being treated with such respect, but his heart was still only a businessman.

After finishing a big luncheon, he sat face to face with President Aliyev privately.

“How did you convince Putin?”

“I just asked him to get along.”

“You must’ve given him a nice gift.”

“I said I’d take Volgograd if he didn’t comply. He quickly bowed his head.”

“Hahaha…”

“I’m only kidding. I feel uncomfortable because you’re acting so formal.”

“I want to be as comfortable as I used to be, but I can’t anymore. All that matters is that we are still friends.”

“That’s why I chose Azerbaijan as my first unofficial destination.”

“Thanks to you. The leader of the revolutionary government came to see me first. It’s an honor.”

“Hahaha…”

“Baku is where our villa is located. Of course, I should come here first. Even if my body is far away, I’m always an Azerbaijani citizen inside.”

“You’re always welcome. The Kazakh royal family will always be honorary residents of Baku. Zeynep Farm and Serbian ranch will both be designated as royal palace grounds. Please visit us anytime.”

“That’s too much of a gift.”

“Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan are brothers. Can’t I give that much consideration to a brother?”

“Thank you for your consideration.”

They complimented each other for a while and then got to the point.

“Mr. President, I’m here to propose a railway project to the Persian Gulf.”

“You must be worried about the Russian canal. Isn’t there another route going through Turkey?”

“I should go through Georgia to get to the Turkish Strait to go to Europe, but if I want to make it to Asia, that’s a long way. I’d like to secure another way in case the Black Sea is blocked too.”

“Will you go to Asia too? Then please let us join your project. I can start a state-run shipping company right away.”

“Of course, we have Arirang Shipping’s headquarters in Baku. How can I mistreat Azerbaijan? Since we’re brotherly countries, we should work together.”

“What about the cost of railroading? Azerbaijan can provide loans if Kazakhstan needs funds.”

With its oil and gas revenues overflowing, Azerbaijan built its wealth. Moreover, since it was a country with a population of only nine million and a small land, the national budget was quite low.

“It’s not a government project, it’s a royal business, so it’s not a burden to come up with funds. So I think we can each pay half the construction cost. Wouldn’t it be easy to calculate shipping charges later that way?”

“You’re indeed a businessman. We should be able to collect construction costs and make profits within ten years.”

“I’m glad to hear that. And I’d like Azerbaijan to take control of the railroad construction.”

“That’s great. We get to be paid for the construction too.”

“I received so much from you, Mr. President. I hope I can give back your favor this time.”

The route that went through Iran to the Persian Gulf was agreed upon.

It was a project that was proposed by Russia first before but as Russia was not able to proceed with it since it was caught in the Crimean peninsula, now it became Youngho and Aliyev’s business. Russia would also use the railroad actively in the future, but it would have to pay high fees. Since Azerbaijan also wanted to get out of Russia’s shadow, Youngho and Aliyev were glad that they could start the business together.

Youngho’s visit to Baku this time had many meanings.

Both Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan spoke a Turkish dialect, and both were Islamic countries. Not only they had a lot of similarities but they also shared a common goal of getting out of the shadow of Russia. He wanted to reaffirm the fact that the two were brotherly countries and sought to explore the Asian market together by securing a pathway to the Indian Ocean.

Moreover, although it was unofficial, making Azerbaijan his first trip destination after the revolution was a move to strengthen his relationship with Azerbaijan. For Aliyev, a Kazakh leader who was pro-Azerbaijan was a strong supporter.

“If the new government is launched, would you please consider a military alliance with us?”

“What power does Kazakhstan have that you want to become our ally?”

“Kazakhstan is a leading country in Central Asia. Kazakhstan’s strength is absolutely necessary to stabilize the Caspian Sea. Also, Kazakh naval power is ahead of Russia in the Caspian Sea, am I right?”

It was an open fact that Kazakhstan had invested heavily in the Navy and the Maritime Police over the past several years. Since Azerbaijan also had an intelligence service, Aliyev already knew about that.

“We are bringing in ten more missile ships this time. We’ll take care of the sea of Azerbaijan too.”

“Shouldn’t we have a military alliance so you can get into Baku’s offshore oil fields? These days, the Russian navy frequently shows up around here. I can’t stand it.”

Since Azerbaijan did not have the power to fight against the Russian Navy, Aliyev was trying to draw the Kazakh Navy. Youngho had to keep his face still since he was too excited to hear that. It was not something to refuse, but something Youngho wanted to ask for because Aliyev was now offering the coast of Baku to Kazakhstan.

***

After meeting the president, Youngho met Kim Il-kwon who had been staying in Baku taking care of Zeynep Farm.

“Boss, what about things on the Serbian ranch? Now that the Arirang Autonomous State has become a royal residence, why don’t we move them? There’s a problem with keeping it in another country, right?”

“So far, this place is safer than Kazakhstan. Let’s just keep the royal property here.”

“The problem is that we’ve got too much property here.”

“Kazakhstan is said to be a golden country since long time ago. If we start collecting gold this year, the Arirang Autonomous State will be filled with gold in a few years just like the Serbian ranch in Baku.”

“Then I’ll reinforce the Serbian ranch.”

“It’s already impregnable. There’s no need.”

“The Serbian knights want to move to the Arirang state and live near the Queen.”

“What do you mean? We won’t be staying in Kazakhstan the whole time. Fatima and the children will spend the summer at the ranch.”

“People are shaken that the new kingdom is set in Kazakhstan. I think you should talk to the knights.”

They were the descendants of knights who had been enslaved for hundreds of years, so they were eager to be with their monarch, Fatima. But the Serbian ranch was like the last bastion for Youngho, so it had to be protected by the descendants of the Serbian Kingdom.

This was because no country was more geopolitically important than Azerbaijan. The ranch was where two tons of gold bars were produced every year. He was never going to give up such a place.

“Jeez, I should have Niksic come back here.”

“He might be able to convince people’s hearts. They don’t know that this is the royal family’s last bastion.”

Even if Kazakhstan would be swayed by foreign powers, it would not collapse so easily, but there was no guarantee that it would continue in the future. The Serbian ranch was a safe haven for future generations, so it should be guarded by the descendants of the knights. He decided to invest in the railway project because he had no intention of giving up Baku.

Azerbaijan was an emergency exit. Russia would someday use the Volga River Canal as a weapon.

Securing the way to the Persian Gulf was a stepping stone for the occasion. There was a way to get to the Persian Gulf through China, but Azerbaijan was a safer bet. For that reason, Azerbaijan was absolutely necessary for Kazakhstan. Thus, he could not leave such a place empty.

***

Although it was an unofficial visit, some people would be disappointed that Youngho did not visit them in Baku after his visit to the president.

One of them was Sevan, the Commissioner-General of the Main Police Department of Azerbaijan.

When Youngho called, he rushed to Zeynep Farm.

“Duke, congratulations on the successful revolution.”

“There’s still a long way to go before being congratulated.”

“It was so nerve-racking to watch the elections on the news.”

“We finished the elections well because of many supporters, but the real deal is going to be from now on.”

“But you still got overwhelming support from the Kazakh people. It feels like the bright future of Kazakhstan is at hand.”

“I know you’re busy, but please come to Astana for the coronation ceremony.”

“What? Am I allowed to come?”

“I’m asking you as a friend. Besides, you’re an in-law with Park Jong-il. Of course, you are more than qualified to come.”

“It’s such an honor. How dare me be your friend? You’ll be the Duke of Kazakhstan Kingdom soon.”

“I’m inviting you in advance, so please attend.”

Sevan was moved by Youngho’s invitation. The fact that he was close to the Duke of Kazakhstan itself was a huge backdrop, and if he attended the coronation ceremony because of a personal connection, his career path would be wide open.

President Aliyev would not treat Sevan lightly for the sake of amicable relations with Kazakhstan.

“I can’t believe you invited me to such a great event. It’s an honor to my family.”

“Oh, it’s nothing. I might not be able to visit Baku that often from now on, but Baku is still my home. We’re going to stay in the Serbian ranch in the summer.”

“Did you decide to keep the villa?”

“Mr. President said he would designate Zeynep Farm and the Serbian ranch as the royal palace grounds.”

“Good for you. I’ll keep the areas safe.”

“Oh, there’s no need. I’m afraid local people will experience inconvenience because of increased restrictions if you do. Besides, who’s going to try to sneak into the villa?”

“It’s just a matter of my pride.”

To Sevan, Youngho was like a savior. Of course, he was overly motivated to keep the royal villa safe.