“In just a few dozen minutes, I feel like I’ve aged several decades……”

Jeong Taeui lay flat on the bed, muttering as if complaining.

Clearly, he couldn’t sit with those full of schemes. It was much easier to talk to those working with their hands. He wouldn’t have to think much about the hidden meanings of words or consider his own stance, and others wouldn’t have to speak politically.

“Why did they drag me to that place?”

Jeong Taeui squinted at Ilay, who was sitting on the bed next to him. Ilay had pulled up a table and was fiddling with the complicated wires in a large bag.

Ilay glanced at Jeong Taeui and then turned back.

“They wanted to.”

“Did they specifically say they wanted to meet someone named Jeong Taeui?”

“Precisely—‘I heard Mr. Jeong Jaeui’s younger brother is here.’”

“They already know everything, so there’s no hiding.”

Jeong Taeui licked his lips and turned slightly to lie on his side.

He now felt somewhat grateful to Christoph.

Thanks to him, the uncomfortable conversation ended, and he could come back here to rest. Otherwise, he might still be sitting in that chair full of needles, staring at a cup of tea.

/Flashback/

Right after applying the ointment near Richard’s eye, he stood up without hesitation. His eyes must have been burning so much he couldn’t open them, but he still smiled and said: “Sorry, I need to go for a bit.”

Richard didn’t run out immediately. Instead, he asked to take a break, to return to his room and rest a bit, and promised to meet again at dinner. Only after doing this did he leave.

When Richard left the living room, Christoph would often return to his room, declaring – “Today’s mission is over” – and followed Richard.

When Jeong Taeui asked where he was going, Christoph simply replied – “To watch” – and quickly left. It seemed he was determined to see Richard’s miserable state.

/End Flashback/

“Christoph really is……”

“He has a personality that invites hatred.”

Ilay’s brief response made Jeong Taeui frown: “Hmm.”

“What? Anyway, he’s kind of cute.”

“That’s true from an outsider’s perspective.”

Jeong Taeui sensed a deeper meaning in Ilay’s words. He remembered that Ilay had often gotten involved with Christoph because of work. Even if not directly, being in the same group meant inevitable clashes.

These two seemed to get along surprisingly well when working together, but once they had a conflict, it was hard to resolve.

“I heard you two used to chase and be chased, fight and run away.”

“That’s right.”

“Considering the family relationships and playing together as kids, isn’t it like you two are cousins or siblings? Why do you treat each other so badly?”

Right after saying this, Jeong Taeui realized he had asked the wrong question.

This man once pointed a gun at his own brother.

Moreover, in the present, Christoph and Richard, who were actually cousins, treated each other like lifelong enemies.

Ilay glanced at Jeong Taeui as if his question was silly. He didn’t answer but just smiled.

“I guess you’ve never had a serious fight with Jeong Jaeui. You two seem to get along very well.”

“Not really…… I think it’s rare to find a brotherly conflict as intense as here……”

Jeong Taeui shook his head vigorously. Then he turned and lay down straight, resting his head on his arm and looking at the ceiling.

“But the truth is, my brother and I rarely fought. There was no reason to, and I didn’t. Especially since my brother wasn’t a competitive or greedy person. Fighting with someone who has no ambition is hard.”

Thinking back, Taeui realized he didn’t have any memories of quarreling with Jeong Jaeui. They didn’t have many joyful memories together, but they never argued or conflicted.

“Still, it’s a pity that two harmonious brothers haven’t seen each other much in recent years.”

“Yeah…… I rarely call him.”

Jeong Taeui scratched his head.

They would only contact each other once a year on birthdays; otherwise, there were hardly any specific calls. He didn’t feel discomfort or loneliness, knowing that the other felt the same. However, if something serious happened to one of them, the other would be the first to know. So even without frequent contact, he wasn’t too worried. They were quite indifferent brothers in this regard.

“Jeong Jay…… He still receives many offers after joining UNHRDO” – Ilay muttered.

Jeong Taeui thought this man probably knew more about his brother than he did and answered nonchalantly: “Really?”

“Among them are some quite dangerous people. Those who will cause him trouble if related, and won’t leave him alone if not.”

Ilay added: “Being a genius isn’t always good because people like that will always pester you” then turned back, Jeong Taeui scratching his cheek.

The idea that such people always pursue geniuses wasn’t new to Jeong Taeui. Ever since he was young, he had seen this.

Jeong Taeui had never worried about Jeong Jaeui. His brother was someone he could trust anywhere.

“He’ll be in Frankfurt soon.”

Jeong Taeui muttered, then suddenly looked at Ilay.

He remembered that this man had advised him not to go and to wait for the next meeting.

The day of Jeong Jaeui’s arrival wasn’t far off, perhaps just a few days away from the succession day.

“Shouldn’t go? I really want to meet him after a long time” – Jeong Taeui quietly said.

The immediate cold response echoed back.

“The timing is not good.”

“……”

Ilay was putting something like a headset on one ear, adjusting the device, and then glanced over as Jeong Taeui remained silent. After thinking for a while, Ilay frowned.

“Do you really want to go?”

“If possible, I want to, but it’s not a must. I’m just thinking about the bad timing.”

Jeong Taeui sighed, connecting his current events and Jeong Jaeui’s visit to Germany.

It was indeed true.

“I don’t intend to go if it means endangering myself and others. I’ll call, and after finishing the work in Dresden, we’ll quickly return to Berlin” – Jeong Taeui shook his head slightly.

If only he was at risk, it would be one thing, but endangering others was another matter. He had no intention of taking such risks.

Though it was regrettable.

He had hoped to meet his uncle and brother in one place.

Jeong Taeui shrugged and sighed: “Can’t be helped”, he muttered to himself.

“Hmm” – Ilay lightly tapped on the device for a moment and then looked back. His brows furrowed with a slight irritation.

“If you really want to meet, then wait. After finishing the work, I’ll take you back to Berlin.”

Jeong Taeui was clicking his tongue: “Huh?” Then he suddenly widened his eyes in surprise and sat up on the bed.

“After the forum in Frankfurt, will there be time?”

If so, Jeong Jaeui could visit Berlin instead of Jeong Taeui going to Frankfurt.

Usually, their schedules were tight, and after finishing the forum, they would leave immediately or not have time to go to Berlin.

“Yes, but if the forum ends, he can go to Berlin—”

“That’s hard. There’s a scheduled flight to New York on the night of the forum.”

Ilay added that the next day there was a research meeting at the headquarters in the U.S., which wiped the bright smile off Jeong Taeui’s face. He blinked foolishly and mumbled,

“Well, then taking me to Berlin means…… Ah, next time?”

Jeong Taeui convinced himself and nodded.

Still, there was no choice. Despite some regret.

“This time I’ll take you there. So stop making that face like you’re about to fall.”

“Huh?”

“Just block and catch them before they get to the airport after the forum.”

Jeong Taeui stared at Ilay, who was speaking calmly. The ‘about to fall’ expression disappeared. Instead, it looked like he was standing at the gates of hell.

This wasn’t a trip with just one or two bodyguards.

If they caught people before they reached the airport after the forum – especially the most important ones – this was certainly not the usual way.

“Don’t you think being wanted for terrorism is a very serious crime?” – Jeong Taeui asked seriously, and Ilay just laughed.

“No. Then let’s meet next time. A call would be better. Thanks for caring.”

Jeong Taeui hurriedly patted Ilay’s back. Otherwise, he might soon find himself in an unbelievable situation.

Then he peeked over Ilay’s shoulder, seeing his fingers toggling switches on the device.

“But what are you doing?”

Jeong Taeui sat behind him, placing his chin on Ilay’s shoulder and looking at the device Ilay was handling.

Inside the large black metal suitcase were neatly arranged complex circuits. The bottom panel had small frequency markings, exceeding 400. Next to it was a Ham Radio* transceiver.

The headset was connected to the device by a thin wire, plugged into one of Ilay’s ears.

Jeong Taeui’s expression turned heavy and gloomy as he looked inside the suitcase.

“Wait…… This looks like……”

“Quiet for a moment. Someone just came out of the bathroom.”

“WHO?! WHO ARE YOU EAVESDROPPING ON?!”

Jeong Taeui panicked and screamed.

Initially, he knew this man was deeply involved with crimes – even wondering how many of his activities weren’t criminal – but seeing the live criminal equipment right in front of him still felt new.

Even though Jeong Taeui screamed with a pale face, Ilay continued pressing buttons on the control panel one or two more times and finally muttered with satisfaction – “Alright”

Next to him, Jeong Taeui glared at Ilay with an irritated look and sighed. After all, it wasn’t anything new. What more could be said?

Jeong Taeui sighed and turned away, intending to lie back down on the bed again. Ilay took out another set of headphones and put them on Jeong Taeui’s ears.

“……?!”

“Anyway, that guy already knows this device is installed. There are times when both know but pretend not to.”

“Who is it?”

Jeong Taeui frowned curiously, unable to resist the temptation of the crime. Taeui listened through the headphones.

[“Christoph. Are you trying to blind me?”]

Oh my god!

As soon as Jeong Taeui heard that voice, he recognized it. He looked at Ilay with a shocked expression.

He thought the device was installed in today’s guest’s room, but it turned out to be this person.

“Why install an eavesdropping device when those two are always together…… Would you be sad to be apart for a second?”

“Aha, I’ll remember that joke, Taei.”

“Oh my…… No, no, it’s just a joke. Just a joke.”

Jeong Taeui hurriedly waved his hands. It was terrifying if this man said he would remember something. Even after many years, thinking it was forgotten, he could unexpectedly appear and catch Jeong Taeui off guard.

From the sound coming from the headphones, it seemed like only Richard and Christoph were in Richard’s room.

It was understandable for Christoph to chase Richard to see him cry, but thinking of Christoph once considering Richard’s room a dreadful place made Jeong Taeui chuckle softly.

“Christoph is a bit cute, isn’t he?”

Jeong Taeui pointed to the headphones and said. Ilay only slightly frowned, seemingly disagreeing. Meanwhile, the sound continued from the headphones.

[“Now that I think about it, it’s hilarious. They say you never leave that guy’s room at night. Is it because a happy body equals a happy mood?”]

Richard’s unpleasant voice made Jeong Taeui tilt his head. Wait, this doesn’t seem good……?

[“Who is staying in whose room every night? Whose room?”]

Christoph’s tone was full of annoyance. Then came Richard’s response.

[“You. In Kim Youngs––…… Oh no, Jeong Tay’s room, to be exact.”]

“……”

Ilay’s dark eyes turned towards Jeong Taeui.

Immediately, Jeong Taeui almost jumped up, sitting upright and shaking his head wildly.

“No, no, no. You know why Christoph comes to my room! You saw the results today too, that smile!”

Even though Jeong Taeui hastily justified himself, Ilay only stared at him with narrowed eyes like bullets. Until Jeong Taeui’s face twisted as if about to cry from anxiety, Ilay smiled slightly and turned away.

“I don’t have enough imagination to think that idiot would drag you to bed every night.”

“……!! ARE YOU KIDDING ME!”

“Well, maybe just a little mischief as long as there’s no sensitive touch. I think you’re smart enough to handle that, Taei.”

Ilay glanced at him, and Jeong Taeui immediately shut his mouth and nodded frantically. Cold sweat broke out.

Recalling the recent past, Taeui felt a pang below. Not pleasure, but almost fear. When he did something wrong, Ilay could sometimes catch and devastate him mercilessly.

Jeong Taeui gloomily changed the subject.

“Surely, you have to adjust the frequency accurately to hear clearly…… When did you install this device?”

The excellent performance of the device, capturing the smallest sounds and movements in detail, surprised Taeui.

“The day before I officially came here.”

“…….Truly talented……”

Jeong Taeui mumbled halfway, losing his spirit. Then his eyes suddenly became sharp.

“Is there one hidden in my room too?!”

Ilay turned his head away after glancing at Jeong Taeui.

Seeing Ilay not answering, Jeong Taeui widened his eyes and shouted – “Hey, hey!” – but no reply came.

Damn it, maybe he should use a detector as soon as he gets back to his room.

Jeong Taeui cursed inwardly, thinking about where a microphone could be hidden in his own room.

[“There is still the final negotiation, but you can guess what the final condition will be. Right, Christoph…… If they ask for our people, what will you do?”]

Richard’s voice echoed in his ears.

Jeong Taeui could easily guess who ‘they’ and ‘them’ were in the story. And he quickly realized this was what Ilay wanted to hear.

The fact that the eavesdropping device was installed on the other side was clear, so there were no high expectations. But sometimes, small clues could be grasped from non-verbal things.

They wouldn’t hear anything from here, but Jeong Taeui still held his breath.

No answer from Christoph was heard. He seemed silent.

If the Saudi side demanded Jeong Taeui or Ilay.

What would Christoph do?

The image of Christoph’s indifferent face not answering appeared in Taeui’s mind. He could guess Christoph’s current expression.

Finally, Richard’s voice continued.

[So you can’t be too close to Jeong Taeui……………… It’s a pity, Christoph. The first person you could approach directly.]

A vague cruel tone.

Jeong Taeui frowned.

“Is this a personality issue or a problem in their relationship?”

“What do you think?”

“Both.”

“You understand well.”

Jeong Taeui sighed and clicked his tongue.

Anyway, he had heard that Christoph was helping Richard these days. Taeui thought that despite the conflicts, they could temporarily live together. But hearing this, he saw no signs of emotional attachment from their time together.

“Have these two ever worked together before?”

Jeong Taeui asked casually, not expecting much. But Ilay nodded.

“Ah, long ago, they did a project together. Before Christoph gave up his inheritance rights as part of the candidate training process to test cooperative skills.”

Ilay added that because it was to test cooperative ability, they couldn’t work alone, which made Jeong Taeui widen his eyes in surprise.

“Really? What was the result?”

“Failure. A clear unprecedented failure.”

“…….”

“It was a typical example of how, no matter how good individual skills are. If there are cooperation problems, the entire plan collapses.”

“That’s true” – Jeong Taeui mumbled, then fell silent. He scratched his cheek and tilted his head, thinking.

“If Christoph is like that, it’s not surprising, but Richard completing tasks perfectly is remarkable.”

“Yes, that’s right. Richard did well, but Christoph ruined everything by refusing Richard’s help.”

“……. Christoph…….”

Jeong Taeui had met many people who clearly distinguished between liking and disliking others. He was one of them, but he had never seen anyone as clear-cut as Christoph.

“Richard must be grinding his teeth.”

Jeong Taeui sighed and muttered, Ilay smiled faintly. The smile implied it was so obvious it didn’t need to be said.

Jeong Taeui licked his lips and focused back on the headphones.

If the Saudi side demanded their people – this topic was clearly uncomfortable to eavesdrop on but couldn’t be ignored because it was too important.

Christoph’s voice suddenly rang out after a silence.

[“Give them Rick. He was the one who carried out the bombing anyway.”]

“…………”

So, this is how it is. He has enemies everywhere.

Jeong Taeui glanced at Ilay. Ilay listened to the statement with an indifferent, unbothered face.

For Tarten, the situation wasn’t easy either.

If they had to give someone as requested – although the specific request wasn’t yet known – the centuries-old relationship between the two families would crack.

But refusing a debt repayment request couldn’t be rejected.

In fact, for Tarten, if everything could be resolved by giving Jeong Taeui, it would be much better. They wouldn’t lose friendship and could keep the contractual promises.

Richard surely hoped for that, but Christoph said. Just give them Rick.

Jeong Taeui could picture Christoph’s face when he said that. He smiled and sighed.

It seemed Richard wasn’t satisfied with that answer. His voice lowered a bit.

[“Do you intend to interfere? A glass heart is not like a normal person of yours being swayed and enchanted to the point of absurdity. Don’t delude yourself by getting unnecessarily excited and live true to yourself. You don’t really like that person anyway. You don’t know how to.”]

Feeling like his heart was heavy, Jeong Taeui remembered Christoph’s painful words.

“I feel empty. Since birth or maybe before that……. From the root, I had nothing. Empty and unable to be filled.”

Jeong Taeui recalled Christoph touching his chest and head, wondering what part of himself was missing. He tilted his head, thinking.

[“Who says I don’t genuinely like Taei? I like him.”]

Christoph’s voice continued. His voice trembled slightly.

Jeong Taeui suddenly felt all eyes on him. Ilay was tilting his head, looking at him. Jeong Taeui shook his head frantically with a bitter face.

He knew well the limits of what he could do.

[“So you intend to interfere?”]

Richard’s slow voice continued. His tone changed to an oddly low one.

[“If you keep trying to interfere. I’ll make sure you can’t.”]

Immediately.

A heavy thud was heard. The sound of rolling. Loud and murky sounds transmitted through the headphones.

“―……!”

Jeong Taeui instinctively looked at Ilay. Ilay, sensing Taeui’s gaze, also glanced over. Their eyes met.

“It seems they’re fighting again.”

Ilay said calmly.

As Ilay said. Short curses, screams, and heavy sounds all indicated a scuffle.

“Should we stop them?”

Jeong Taeui frowned and muttered. Ilay laughed lightly: “Haha.”

“Wonderful. You mean: ‘I heard you fighting, so I came to stop it.’ Is that what you intend to say?”

Jeong Taeui suddenly fell silent.

Not just a coincidence of passing by…… Taeui mumbled but then stopped. It felt too obvious.

“Oh, anyway, these guys fighting isn’t new.”

The problem was that every time they fought, it was like they were ready to see death. But if it happened within the family compound, it was safer. At least, they wouldn’t have to call the police, and handling emergencies would be easier.

“Both are still not fully recovered, so their fight should be limited.”

Jeong Taeui added, waiting for the fight sounds from the headphones to calm down.

He thought listening to this was like hearing a fighting game. Jeong Taeui suddenly looked around.

This was the first time Taeui had really entered Ilay’s room. Before, he only did some minor tasks but never entered deeply and sat comfortably on the bed like now.

“Even though they say it’s a VIP guest room at The East Wing, it’s so different from my room at The West Wing.”

Jeong Taeui pretended to be sad and grumbled.

“Then stay here from today” – Ilay replied without hesitation.

Jeong Taeui was startled and immediately withdrew. He almost dug his own grave.

“No, there are many elders here, and it wouldn’t be good to disturb them. I still prefer The West Wing. Yes.”

Jeong Taeui quickly shook his head. Ilay slightly raised an eyebrow and smiled faintly.

“People are lining up to get into The East Wing. You have strange preferences.”

“Huh?” – Jeong Taeui mumbled, looking around the room again.

Indeed, this room was fantastic. Not sure if other rooms at The East Wing were like this. The furnishings and layout were perfect. Not too flashy but with a hidden sophisticated charm.

Living here wouldn’t be bad, but there were many beautiful houses outside like this room. People were lining up to get in……

Jeong Taeui quickly found the answer to his curiosity.

“Only those with the Tarten surname, direct descendants and at the center of Tarten’s power can live in The East Wing.”

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

*Ham Radio: