Berlin – Before the Departure

You only see what you know.

Our perception is often limited by our own knowledge.

There is no use in giving treasure to those who don’t know its value, just as there is no point in putting a pearl necklace on a pig. Just like the scribbles on papers scattered across a table, for instance, those are actually the preliminary designs for the latest Stealth Aircraft* soon to be manufactured, but they are just useless scraps of paper to those who do not understand the content of the scribbles on them.

“But if someone can get in here, they should at least recognize the value of these things…….”

If they could steal all of these and sell them, they might have enough money to live a lavish life forever, even if they had to hide. These are undoubtedly top-secret documents.

Even though the sketches look like random scribbles and the handwriting seems like some kind of code, they definitely shouldn’t be left carelessly on the study desk like this.

“If someone has access to this place, even if they see our company’s fraudulent accounting books, there’s nothing to worry about.”

Kyle was taking down books from the shelf and carefully wiping each one. He glanced at the paper with the design that Jeong Taeui was holding, then returned to his cleaning with a calm smile.

Kyle meticulously stitched the leather cover that looked like it could tear at any moment, humming as he worked on the (beloved) book in his hands.

“Thank you for trusting me so much, but no matter what, leaving documents like this lying around is a bit……. What if a thief comes?”

“If someone can understand those designs, they probably wouldn’t be a thief.”

Kyle brushed off a small speck of dust from the corner of the leather cover and glanced at Jeong Taeui with a smile in his eyes.

“But you’re right. These are just preliminary designs, so they’re not something anyone can understand at a glance.”

“The RCS* is clearly written right next to it. If they don’t understand that…”

(*RCS – Radar Cross Section: Stealth aircraft.)

“Come to think of it” Kyle laughed and said: “You’re right”

His mood always seemed to be on cloud nine whenever he held a precious book in his hands, just like now. Jeong Taeui could now understand the look of disgust James gave whenever he glanced at the books in this room. If this study were to burn down, James would be the first suspect.

Jeong Taeui placed the paper back on the desk and sighed.

“I’ve worked so much at home helping Kyle that I feel like I could pilot an Aircraft Hawk* based on theory alone.”

(*Aircraft Hawk: a British single-engine, jet-powered advanced trainer aircraft. It is used in a training capacity and as a low-cost combat aircraft by various air forces and companies around the world)

Up until now, there seemed to be nothing Jeong Taeui hadn’t seen, from handguns, rifles, and cannons to armored vehicles and helicopters. Because their designs were always scattered all over the desk like this. 

When Jeong Taeui was at the (Korea) Military Academy, he learned the basics, but he never thought he would actually see the real structural diagrams like this. No, before that, when he was discharged and left the military, Jeong Taeui never thought he would touch ammunition or do anything related to weapons again.

Jeong Taeui just hoped to find a decent job, plant trees and flowers every day, and live a peaceful life. Now, at least, he had achieved two out of three of those things; sometimes he helped Peter water the garden and lived a peaceful life.

“Even so, there could be thieves hired to break in and steal these designs. At least put them in a drawer and lock it…….”

“Oh, I think no thief would be crazy enough to step foot in this house.”

“True, you’re right.”

Jeong Taeui nodded. Although there was a bot guard right at the main entrance, he still felt pity for any unfortunate thief who had to face the mad beast in human form roaming this house. Just thinking about it made his insides ache. But…

“Now that he’s not here…….”

Jeong Taeui stopped nodding and muttered.

The great beast living in this house had been absent for about two months.

A few days after the torrential rain, when Peter looked at the devastated yard with disappointment after the rain stopped, Ilay Riegrow had already left.

On the day Ilay left, he wore light clothing without carrying any luggage, so Jeong Taeui thought he would return after one or two, or at most, a few days as usual. But since then, he hasn’t received any news from him. He didn’t know what Ilay was doing, but it seemed like it would take quite a while. Thinking back, Jeong Taeui couldn’t help but wonder. What the hell was he doing?

Although it seemed like Ilay was doing something slightly illegal, Jeong Taeui didn’t know exactly what. That’s why…….——

“Being out of contact and not hearing anything……. makes me a bit uneasy.”

“Are you worried? Afraid something will happen to that kid?”

“I’m afraid he will cause some trouble.”

Jeong Taeui thought he knew Ilay well enough to understand that he was someone who would make others suffer to death rather than worry about himself getting hurt or into trouble.

Instead, whenever he heard news about terrorism or massacres from the media, unease crept in.

Jeong Taeui hoped that the person behind those terrorist attacks wasn’t Ilay. If he was still wandering around with the international terrorist charges hanging over his head, feeling like having one or two more charges didn’t matter, it would be a headache.

Jeong Taeui mumbled with a worried expression, and Kyle smiled as if he understood.

“What’s there to worry about? Nothing could be bigger than what he’s done in the past.”

“……. That’s true.”

Jeong Taeui nodded, recalling the series of crimes Ilay had committed. He wondered if anything could be more serious than that.

In reality, from Jeong Taeui’s perspective, it could be said that he was more comfortable without Ilay around. It’s not that Ilay mistreated or cursed at him. It’s just that sometimes, on the days Ilay was in heat and wanted to satisfy his sexual desires, Jeong Taeui’s body would be exhausted.

How long had it been since he felt this relaxed?

“But this is the first time he’s been gone for so long……. When will he be back?”

“He’ll be back in about a month.”

Kyle replied while checking if the books had been thoroughly cleaned and placing them back on the shelf. Suddenly, he turned to Jeong Taeui as if he had just remembered something.

“Oh, by the way. Changin will be here tonight.”

“Huh? My uncle?”

“Yeah, he’s already in Frankfurt. He also said he would be going to the UNHRDO branch in Berlin for work and would return to Hong Kong tomorrow morning, so he can only stay tonight. It’s been a while since you two met, hasn’t it?”

“Yeah.”

/Flashback/

It had been two and a half years since they last met, just a few months short of three years. Time flew by so quickly, but he wasn’t unfamiliar with that feeling anymore. Still, he was in a good mood knowing he would see his uncle again.

Jeong Taeui helped Kyle put all the books back on the shelf. Among them was a book published over 100 years ago, but it still gleamed and didn’t look old at all because it had been preserved exceptionally well.

Perhaps because he was so used to Kyle’s demeanor, Jeong Taeui saw him more as a neighborhood uncle than the head of a leading corporation in the world. This neighborhood uncle always harbored the dream of opening a library of old books after he could retire early.

Jeong Taeui didn’t know when that day would come, but he was envious because it was clearly something he also wanted to do in the future.

Looking at Kyle with a satisfied smile on his face, just from looking at the books, Jeong Taeui had thought for a long time and wondered what he wanted to do in the future.

Previously, after hearing about Kyle’s dream of opening a library of old books, Jeong Taeui had asked those around him.

“Rita, what do you want to do in the future?”

“Doing the job I’m doing now.”

Rita replied curtly, her eyes downcast as she cleaned. Jeong Taeui thought, ‘Ah, right.’ After all, Rita had been working in this house and taking pride in caring for the family for a long time, so even in the future, the old lady would still be happy with her current job.

“Peter, what do you want to do in the future?”

“Hmm…….? In the future…….? Let’s see…….. When I’m older, I think being a quiet forest ranger would be great.”

Peter mumbled as he pulled out a small flower that had grown between the bricks in the large yard and planted it elsewhere. Peter becoming a forest ranger sounded fitting.

He would become the happiest forest keeper if one day he didn’t encounter a madman who suddenly barged into the forest, poured gasoline, and burned it down.

“James, what do you want to do……. oh, never mind.”

Jeong Taeui was about to ask James but stopped when he slowly turned to glare at him like a ghost. James was busy preparing many gifts to apologize and attend a party on behalf of Kyle, who had broken a promise and immediately flew to France upon hearing about an antique book exhibition.

“I think I’d be the happiest person in the world if I could write my resignation letter right now.”

He said gloomily before quickly running off.

After such a journey of exploration, Jeong Taeui finally met Ilay. Jeong Taeui sat on a chair watching him swim in the pool, wondering what Ilay Riegrow’s future dream was. He couldn’t imagine it. He even wondered if he could really ask such a thing in front of him.

Jeong Taeui sat on the long chair by the pool, staring blankly at Ilay. He didn’t know how many laps he had swum, but he didn’t seem tired at all when he got out of the pool. As Ilay approached, Jeong Taeui thought about when this man would stop the habit of jumping into the pool naked. He brushed his short hair back as Ilay came closer.

“Aren’t you coming in? It’s comfortable.”

“Um……. no, maybe later.”

Jeong Taeui vaguely declined, thinking about how many people could happily get into the water when someone else was swimming naked. The weight of Ilay sitting next to him transferred through the long chair. Ilay grabbed the towel on the armrest and casually wiped the water dripping from his body.

“Alright. What do you want to ask that makes you look so hesitant?”

Ilay seemed to read the thoughts in Jeong Taeui’s eyes, speaking while roughly drying his hair. Jeong Taeui, startled, pretended to be calm and glanced at the man sitting next to him. Sometimes he wondered if Ilay was a ghost or a human.

“It’s nothing. I just wanted to ask what you want to do in the future. I want to know a bit about everyone’s future plans.”

“Future plans?”

Jeong Taeui heard a sarcastic laugh, realizing he had asked something pointless.

“Well, what did they say?”

“What do you think they would say?”

“Hmmm…….. My brother wants to open a library with his old books, Rita probably wants to continue living her current life, Peter wants to become a gardener or open a farm… or be a forest ranger if he can. James is still struggling with the present and hasn’t had time to think about the future……. Did you ask anyone else?”

Indeed, this devil…

Perhaps reading Jeong Taeui’s thoughts from his expression, Ilay laughed again.

However, Ilay didn’t seem to want to hide it either. While drying his hair, he thought for a moment before speaking.

“As for me, let’s see……. if I’m still alive by then, I’ll think about it.”

Only then did Jeong Taeui turn his head to glance at Ilay. Whether he noticed or not, Ilay’s glassy eyes turned to him. ‘What’s wrong?’ Ilay added with a shrug and a questioning look.

‘If I’m still alive by then…….’

Jeong Taeui was slightly surprised, not expecting this man to be so aware of his own relationships with the outside world and even more surprised that he didn’t seem determined to survive and face those bad relationships.

But upon hearing those words, Jeong Taeui simply frowned and muttered to himself.

“That doesn’t sound very pleasant.”

Beside him, Ilay raised an eyebrow and looked at him with a mix of curiosity and surprise, but Jeong Taeui steadfastly pretended not to notice.

“Why?”

His voice sounded a bit amused. Indeed, this man hadn’t been humanized yet. He seemed to enjoy Jeong Taeui’s reaction. Jeong Taeui wanted to yell at him, grab his collar, and shake him while explaining what humanity was. But in the end, he decided to remain silent and explain humanity to this man.

“People often misunderstand this, but a person’s life doesn’t completely belong to themselves. Their life is also the responsibility of those close to them…”

Jeong Taeui paused abruptly. He had just realized a frightening truth.

He wasn’t sure if he was included among the close people of this man, but he still felt incredibly burdened by the thought of bearing a part of his life.

“…Anyway, hearing someone speak as if they would easily give up their life is a bit uncomfortable.”

As Jeong Taeui grumbled, Ilay raised his eyebrows slightly and smiled subtly.

“I don’t really care when I die. But I don’t know when someone who can take my breath away will appear.”

After hearing that, Jeong Taeui thought again about his plan to humanize this man; it seemed quite challenging. But he couldn’t refute those words, so he just kept quiet.

Even though there was nothing funny, Ilay laughed while throwing the towel at his feet and asked Jeong Taeui.

“So, is there something you want to do?”

“Well… My goal is to try to survive as long as possible.”

Jeong Taeui responded sulkily, but he regretted it, wondering if his answer was too childish. However, in an instant, the voice beside him burst into laughter. The regret disappeared immediately.

Indeed, he was wrong from the beginning to ask this man about his hopes for the future.

“……..”

/End Flashback/

Jeong Taeui unconsciously scratched his head, reflecting on his past actions. He heard Kyle’s voice beside him.

“There’s a missing book, what is it… Ah, Gustaf Benescho. Taeil, did you take it?”

“Huh? Oh? – Oh, Gustav Benesch. It’s in my room, I’ll bring it to you now.”

“Huh? No, no. I just asked because I didn’t see it. You can give it to me whenever you’re done reading it.”

“No, I finished reading it before bed last night. I’ll bring it right now, wait a moment.”

Jeong Taeui waved his hand and left Kyle’s office.

He walked down the creaky wooden stairs and sighed. Now, the man who still underestimated his own life was somewhere in those deadly places. Although he often wondered if there was anyone who could take this man’s breath away as he said, after all…

“I don’t know where you’re stuck, but…… Take care of yourself……”

Jeong Taeui stood alone in the middle of the grand staircase, sighed, and whispered.

*******************

A black hat, black gloves, and a shiny silver badge on the collar. The color of every button to the overall pocket was a basic black, but it gave a distinctive sophistication to the outfit.

The feeling was refreshing, but that outfit looked fitting on the uncle lounging on the sofa in a lazy posture that didn’t match the neat demeanor of the outfit. He began to remove his hat and gloves.

If it were in the past, during his time at the organization, Jeong Taeui would be sick of that outfit and couldn’t think positively as he did now – perhaps because he still vividly remembered never hearing any good news from his uncle when he wore that suit…

“Uncle, it looks like a beautiful swallow that will attract wealthy guests with crazy tastes.”

His uncle’s hand, which was removing his gloves, paused momentarily at Jeong Taeui’s somewhat humorous words.

“Is that a compliment?”

“Of course it is. Maybe because it’s been a long time since I’ve seen that uniform, it looks striking. Even that extremely uncomfortable button suits you.”

As Jeong Taeui carelessly expressed his impression, his uncle smiled and unbuttoned the top three or four buttons.

Clearly, this beautiful uniform suited his uncle, but if worn outside of work, even the viewer would feel stifled. Jeong Taeui exhaled and spoke as if he was the one who got to unbutton those top buttons.

“For such a long journey, you should wear something more comfortable. Why did you wear a suit here?”

“If I don’t wear something like this to affirm my identity, who would pay for first-class tickets, high-end hotel room keys, transportation, and other business trip expenses?”

This time, Jeong Taeui burst into laughter.

Although it had been a few years since they last met, his uncle was still the same. Time had passed, but everyone remained as they were, and sometimes that brought comfort to the soul.

“Besides, I just came straight from the Berlin branch. I also have to visit other branches for general work, so I can’t go around in casual clothes.”

“It seems like UNHRDO still has a lot of work to do.”

“Ah, there will be a joint training session with the European branch soon. This time, there was a change in the drawing lots, so I went there to discuss it.”

Jeong Taeui raised his eyebrows slightly and nodded.

“Joint training with the European branch… It must be tiring. Is the atmosphere between the two branches still the same?”

“Anyway, the relationship between the two sides is traditional. But after losing an uncontrollable maniac, things have become much more comfortable.”

Those aren’t words you should say in front of someone who lives with that maniac, Uncle. Jeong Taeui intended to retort but decided to keep quiet. That’s because Kyle – the blood relative of that maniac – was approaching with a tray of tea.

“What is it? What were you two talking about that suddenly made you go quiet?”

Kyle smiled and placed the tray down, sitting across from his uncle.

Kyle was the epitome of an excellent older brother. Even if someone shouted at him that ‘Your brother is a lunatic’ he would still smile and respond, ‘Oh, his personality is a bit unique’ without batting an eye. However, Jeong Taeui wasn’t so inhumane as to berate someone in front of their family without a specific reason.

“I was just asking about the family. By the way, I haven’t seen Rick around.”

“Oh, he’s out on business. He won’t be back until the end of next month.”

“Really?”

His uncle looked at Jeong Taeui warmly and took the cup of tea Kyle handed him. Oh, all three cups were milk tea. But since Rita’s milk tea was excellent, there was no reason to switch it for coffee.

“That takes quite a bit of time… Oh.”

His uncle, who was muttering normally, suddenly looked at the calendar on the table and paused. His eyes scanned the numbers on the calendar.

“Come to think of it, Tarten will be decided soon.”

His uncle nodded a few times as if he had just remembered something he had forgotten, then looked up at Kyle.

“The debt repayment deadline is approaching. Did they repay the last installment?”

“Yes. This is the final repayment. Tarten will soon be out of debt.”

“The creditor hasn’t changed?”

“No.”

Jeong Taeui sat quietly, obediently listening to a conversation that was hard to grasp. All he could hear was the intermittent sound of tea being sipped in silence.

Jeong Taeui scratched his head, wondering when would be the right time to interrupt this conversation. Beside him, Kyle put down his cup of tea.

“It seems the decision has been made. As far as I know, there isn’t anyone stronger than Richard.”

“Oh. If it’s him, others will have to be cautious.”

“Who is that?”

Jeong Taeui slightly poked his head out, wondering if this was the right time to interrupt. His uncle responded.

“Richard Tarten.”

“……”

Jeong Taeui waited a bit longer but no further explanation came. What he needed, of course, wasn’t just the full name of this character. He frowned.

Richard Tarten—How was he supposed to know who that was? It wasn’t like he was a famous artist… Or maybe he was. With Kyle, it wouldn’t be surprising if he was acquainted with top celebrities.

“Is he an artist? …oh…”

Jeong Taeui asked without thinking but suddenly remembered something.

Richard Tarten……. Tarten. Tarten & Riegrow.

That was the name standing next to Riegrow in T&R.

Jeong Taeui took another sip of his milk tea, then put down the empty cup in confusion. Thinking about it, if that name was on par with Riegrow, there must be a deep connection between the two sides. But in the time he had helped with Kyle’s work and heard news about the company, that name had never come up.

“Tarten. Now that I think about it, I’ve never heard that name before. Aren’t both sides investors?”

“Huh, initially, yes. But during later operations, Tarten withdrew. Although they remain a major shareholder in T&R, the family has been running their own business. Anyway, by that time, the company had grown, so we agreed to keep the current name.”

Kyle kindly explained to Jeong Taeui’s surprised expression.

“Is that so.” Jeong Taeui asked again, “Tarten… I haven’t heard much about them. What do they do?”

“Information business.”

“Huh?”

“They are a private intelligence agency. From trivial information to top-secret secrets that, if leaked, wouldn’t end with just one or two deaths.”

Jeong Taeui responded with an “Oh” and nodded absentmindedly. However, just hearing that didn’t give him any special feeling.

“If that company were widely known, it would be more inconvenient for operations. Moreover, they primarily cooperate with agencies, and few private intelligence companies cooperate solely with state agencies… Oh, Gable also belonged to that place (N.I.S*) before moving to the Pentagon (U.S. Department of Defense headquarters), but only for a short time.”

(*N.I.S: National Intelligence Service of Korea, is the chief intelligence agency of South Korea, to supervise and coordinate both international and domestic intelligence activities and criminal investigations by all government intelligence agencies, including that of the military)

Hearing the familiar name, Jeong Taeui nodded again, “Ah, I see.” Clearly, Gable was the first to get a lead on his brother’s whereabouts. Jeong Taeui believed that any organization nurturing such talents must be equally competent…

“So, are they completely separated from T&R now?”

“In terms of business. But even though they have separated, the relationship between the two families hasn’t been cut off. After all, this relationship has lasted for over 150 years.”

Jeong Taeui marveled at the 150 years Kyle mentioned so casually. 150 years didn’t seem long, but maintaining a continuous friendly relationship for that time wasn’t easy if it was one-sided. Yet, that relationship had lasted 150 years.

“That’s amazing. But what debt does Tarten have?”

It definitely wasn’t a simple debt. If Jeong Taeui hadn’t misunderstood the terminology, his uncle had mentioned it as a loan. Even private loans needed government guarantees, so clearly, the nature and amount were unusual.

From the T&R financial records he accidentally saw and the secret structural diagrams, T&R was a very stable company. Its debt ratio was very healthy compared to other companies. But Tarten was in a position to borrow a significant amount.

When Jeong Taeui asked unconsciously, Kyle made a troubled face. His uncle silently watched Kyle.

“Ah……. that’s a state secret, so let’s talk about it later when there’s an opportunity.”

“Oh, okay.”

Jeong Taeui obediently nodded politely.

*********************

*Stealth Aircraft