Chapter 289: The Reason the Special Envoy Was Invited

Something was off.

I knew for certain that Director Griffin's private jet was supposed to land at Manila International Airport.

And yet our plane was flying over completely deserted, uninhabited terrain.

To clear up my confusion, I cautiously asked Director Griffin.

"We're planning to land at an Air Force base north of Manila."

"I see. I assume there's a good reason for that?"

"Our visit to the Philippines is unofficial."

Manila International Airport was extremely busy.

Apparently, he had decided to land at a military airfield to avoid attracting unnecessary public attention.

"I understand. What's the plan after we land?"

"You sound as though there's something in particular you're worried about."

"Vice Chairman Wei Chen is waiting for us at Manila International Airport."

Wei Chen was currently the de facto head of the Triad.

And the Philippines currently harbored an intense hatred toward the criminal syndicate because of its massive drug shipments.

So there was absolutely no need for President Gonzalez to learn his true identity.

Cha Jiham understood that perfectly well, yet he had still personally invited him to the Philippines.

Director Griffin directly asked what I had in mind.

"Vice Chairman Wei played a key role in sinking the Silver Crystal, the cargo ship carrying North Korean weapons. On top of that, we have the task of eliminating Vice Chairman Chen Zhihui, who's hiding on Mindanao."

"That's all true, but President Gonzalez hates the Triad with a passion."

"I already have a plan for that, so don't worry."

Director Griffin decided to cast aside his concerns.

There was ironclad confidence in Cha Jiham's voice.

"Understood. From the airfield, we'll head straight to the presidential palace to pay a courtesy visit to President Gonzalez."

"How long will it take to get from the Air Force base to the palace?"

"It depends on traffic, but roughly two hours."

"I see. Give me a moment."

I immediately called Vice Chairman Wei Chen.

The phone had barely begun ringing when his voice came through, as though he had been waiting for my call.

[Chief Cha, have you arrived in the Philippines?]

"Not yet. We're making our approach to an Air Force base north of Manila."

I briefly relayed my conversation with Director Griffin to Wei Chen.

"...President Gonzalez may react very negatively."

[If I follow your instructions exactly, the misunderstanding should be resolved, right?]

"I think so too, but we should be prepared for any unexpected developments."

[Understood. What time are you planning to meet the president?]

"Approximately 2:30 p.m., though that could change."

[Of course. I'll meet you at the entrance to the presidential palace.]

Click.

As soon as I hung up, a flight attendant announced that everything was ready for landing.

After four hours in the air, Director Griffin's private jet landed at a military base north of Manila.

When we descended the stairs onto the runway, we found Defense Minister Fernando and several other officials waiting to greet us.

After Director Griffin handled the greetings and introductions, we climbed into a limousine parked beside the runway.

It was even longer than a small bus, allowing our entire delegation to fit comfortably inside.

As soon as the driver set off, Defense Minister Fernando turned to me curiously.

"Chief Cha, you seem to be very fond of cats."

But then things took an unexpected turn, as NIS Director Om Giyeon answered before I could.

"The animal Chief Cha is holding isn't a cat, but a wild forest cat. His name is Saho, and he's an elite operative serving with the National Intelligence Service."

"An elite operative? A wild cat... You mean Saho is an actual spy?"

"That's exactly right, Minister."

"I'm extremely curious what he's capable of."

"Saho not only understands human speech perfectly, but he's also capable of acting just like a person."

"Come now, that can't be true!"

NIS Director Om Giyeon apparently decided that Defense Minister Fernando's skepticism needed to be dispelled.

"Saho has already successfully completed numerous extremely difficult operations that humans couldn't accomplish."

"Director Om is telling the absolute truth."

Director Griffin and the others enthusiastically backed up the NIS Director.

"If all of you insist that's true, I suppose I'll have to believe it. But what's the purpose of bringing him here?"

At that moment, everyone's gaze converged on me.

Understanding their silent appeal, I immediately spoke up.

"Saho has a unique specialization in deep reconnaissance behind enemy lines."

"Behind enemy lines?"

"I'm referring to the Islamic extremist group Abu Sayyaf, which is based on Mindanao."

"Is there a specific reason you mentioned those bandits?"

"I'll personally report the true situation to President Gonzalez. Please bear with your curiosity for a little longer."

"Then answer just one question. Can we take this as a positive development?"

"I believe so."

"Ha-ha-ha!"

Defense Minister Fernando's delighted laughter filled the limousine.

***

President Gonzalez was conversing with his advisors as he waited for the special envoys to arrive.

"Andres, were you able to find out what kind of person this Chief Cha Jiham is?"

"It's been confirmed that he's the CEO of KBH Investment."

"I see. And what kind of company is that?"

"It's a newly established company jointly founded by Hangang Group, Korea Investment, and Bongard Investment Group."

"Why would President Cho Seokchin send the head of a newly established company to our country as a special envoy?"

"Chief Cha is an enormously influential figure whom even President Douglas himself holds in awe."

President Gonzalez merely gave an ironic smile at such an absurd claim.

President Douglas was the acknowledged leader of the United States, the most powerful country in the world.

Why would he be afraid of some Cha Jiham, the head of an ordinary fledgling company?

He looked at Chief Secretary Andres, trying to understand what basis there was for such an extraordinary claim.

"Chief Cha was the one who caused President Douglas's approval ratings to soar. He's also on close and trusted terms with Chairman Bongard, President Douglas's principal sponsor."

"Mr. President, Chief Cha is also an honorary operative of the NIS, CIA, and FBI," added Santiago, head of the Philippine National Bureau of Investigation.

"But isn't that nothing more than an honorary status?"

"Chief Cha has the authority to issue orders to all operatives except the directors of the NIS, CIA, and FBI."

"Hmm, is that so?"

"Even Director Griffin and Director Nevers can't help but feel somewhat intimidated around him."

"If President Douglas himself is wary of him, then that's hardly surprising."

"President Cho Seokchin must have entrusted him with a mission of exceptional importance."

"I understand. But why are representatives from North Korea included in the delegation?"

"I was curious about that myself, but Director Griffin said he would explain everything personally once he arrived."

Knock, knock, knock.

At that moment, a quiet knock sounded at the door. A secretary entered the office and handed President Gonzalez a note.

After unfolding it and reading it, he nodded in understanding.

"The delegation will arrive in five minutes. Andres, go and meet them."

***

"Director Griffin, it's a sincere pleasure to welcome you to the Philippines."

Chief Secretary Andres approached Director Griffin as he stepped out of the limousine and shook his hand.

"Mr. Andres, thank you for the warm welcome."

"President Gonzalez is already waiting for you. Please, come inside."

Following Andres into the reception hall, we found President Gonzalez waiting for us with a broad smile.

Director Griffin immediately introduced our entire group to him.

Everything went smoothly as he introduced the members of the group and Vice Chairman Wei Chen.

However, when it came to my turn, there was a slight hitch.

The reason was the president's excessively respectful and markedly courteous tone.

"It's a tremendous honor to meet such a famous person, Chief Cha Jiham."

"I don't quite..."

I deliberately paused, pretending not to fully understand the compliment.

"I've heard a great deal about what an extraordinary man you are. Since we've been fortunate enough to meet, let's shake hands."

"Yes, gladly."

President Gonzalez had initially believed the rumors about Cha Jiham were greatly exaggerated.

But the moment they shook hands, that thought vanished.

His voice and bearing radiated absolute confidence.

There wasn't the slightest trace of nervousness or timidity in his firm handshake.

After releasing my hand, the president continued with admiration.

"I have very high expectations of you, Chief Cha."

"To be honest, I'm not quite sure what you mean, Mr. President."

"Think about why President Cho Seokchin chose you specifically as his special envoy."

"Ah, now I understand what you mean."

"Well then, shall we sit down and talk?"

As soon as we settled onto the sofas, the secretaries served drinks and refreshments.

President Gonzalez took a sip and curiously asked Director Griffin,

"Where did you meet Chief Cha?"

"We flew here together aboard my private jet."

"You mean you made a detour to Korea to pick up his team?"

"That's exactly right, Mr. President."

"Was there a particular reason for that?"

The real reason for stopping in Korea had been to pick up Saho.

But realizing that admitting this might not sound particularly dignified, Director Griffin gave a completely different explanation.

"I received direct instructions from President Douglas to take Chief Cha's team aboard."

At that point, Defense Minister Fernando asked to speak, indicating that he had something to add.

"Mr. President, Director Om Giyeon brought an animal spy named Saho with him."

"An animal spy?"

Defense Minister Fernando turned his head toward the NIS Director.

Immediately understanding the cue, NIS Director Om Giyeon spoke calmly.

"Saho is a wild forest cat. He's intelligent enough to understand human speech and incredibly agile. I brought him along to conduct reconnaissance on Abu Sayyaf's forces."

"What connection do those bandits have with Korea?"

"It's not as close as their connection with North Korea or China, but we can't say there's no connection at all."

"Could you tell me exactly how they're connected to the North and China?"

"I'd be happy to explain, but it's quite a long story."

In other words, he was implying that he would save that discussion for later.

It would have been the height of tactlessness to keep pressing when the other party had made it clear he wasn't ready to continue yet.

"Well, then I suppose it can't be helped. Minister Fernando?"

Defense Minister Fernando immediately understood the meaning behind President Gonzalez's words.

He was asking him to explain why the Philippines had requested that Korea and the United States send special envoys.

After briefly considering where to begin, Fernando spoke in an even tone.

"The Philippines is engaged in a fierce territorial dispute with China in the West Philippine Sea. As you know, our country is at an overwhelming disadvantage. To counter China's expansion, we desperately need high-quality weaponry."

"You want to purchase weapons from the United States and Korea?"

"Exactly, Director Griffin. However, our country temporarily lacks sufficient funds to purchase such expensive weaponry. While we secure financing, we would like to receive warships and submarines scheduled for decommissioning free of charge."

"Hmm..."

Director Griffin gave an ambiguous hum and fell into thought.

The Philippine delegation, led by President Gonzalez, waited nervously.

After some time, he finally spoke, having reached a decision.

"We fully understand the difficult position the Philippines is in, but the situation in our own country isn't particularly good either."

"The United States is having difficulties?"

"China is currently churning out warships and submarines like hotcakes. Meanwhile, our own naval shipbuilding capacity has deteriorated to an extremely troubling level. We're barely managing to contain China's rapidly expanding naval power."

"I see... And what does Korea have to say?"

NIS Director Om Giyeon turned his gaze toward me, signaling that I should answer.

I nodded and responded to Defense Minister Fernando's question.

"If luck is on our side, the Philippines could receive three 1,830-ton submarines completely free of charge."

At that moment, every eye in the room turned toward me.