00029 - The Little Prince in the Ossuary
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#Negotiation, Camp Roberts (1)
The Black Society, or Triad, was the most powerful organization in the refugee area of Camp Roberts, but upon closer inspection, it was not a single entity. Numerous large and small organizations, like the Triad(三合會), Anliang Commercial Association, Henan Village(河南莊), Sun Huatuan(孫和團), Shaanxi Hall(山西堂), Direct Governance Hall(直隸堂), Joint Victory Hall(合勝當), and Jinan Clique(濟南閥), had banded together under one name to project power externally.
Among them, the Triad was the most powerful. Its leader also served as the head of the Black Society. It was a Triad official who came for negotiations with Gyeo-ul, but the appearance was far from what he had expected.
"It's an honor to meet you, Mr. Han. I've admired your name for some time. I am Li Ai-ling."
She was a remarkably young and beautiful woman, dressed in a sleeveless qipao with a fur coat draped over it—a vivid figure amid faded surroundings, the archetype of a Chinese beauty. People around her were visibly smitten, while the women showed clear signs of jealousy.
The fact that she could walk boldly through the midst of the Korean settlement in such a manner was evidence of the Black Society's formidable power. Five men, likely acting as 'sagu'(henchmen), escorted her.
One of them served as her interpreter. He was probably of Korean descent, as his speech was slightly awkward. However, Gyeo-ul had already acquired 「Chinese」.
Level 6. The maximum level for a proficient speaker. Native speakers might sense something was off, but it was sufficient for communication. Initially, he struggled with dialects, both in speaking and listening. Unsure, Gyeo-ul expended experience points. His 「Chinese」 skill increased to level 7, entering into the expert range. The boy responded in Chinese,
"It seems an interpreter may not be necessary, young lady. May I ask whom I have the honor of addressing?"
She smiled intriguingly.
"That's astonishing. I heard that you spoke Chinese, but I didn't expect such fluency. It's different from what my comrades told me."
Ai-ling dismissed the hesitant Korean interpreter with a wave.
"To answer your question, you're likely curious about my position. I'm an Incense Master(香主), which means I assist the elders. You need not doubt any negotiation that goes through me."
This revelation surprised Gyeo-ul. This meant that above her, there were only two people—the Dragon Head(Head Boss) and Irowonsu(Second Boss) a greater importance than her youth suggested. He had assumed she might be a Straw Sandal (草鞋:a liason or negotiator), but it was an unexpected heavyweight visiting him.
He realized he should adjust his manner of speaking.
"Are you by chance related to the boss or the second boss, teacher Li?"
Gyeo-ul adjusted how he addressed her. "Teacher" was typically a title for men, but could appropriately be used for a woman of high renown as a form of respect. He referred to a guideline in augmented reality for his response.
Ai-ling replied with an ambiguous expression.
"Are you asking because of my age?"
"Frankly, yes. I apologize if it offends you."
"No, it doesn't offend me. Indeed, the great Dragon Head is my father. But please don't misunderstand—I'm not in this position due solely to nepotism."
"If that were the case, I wouldn't assume a senior member would have sent you here. I have no reason to misunderstand."
Apparently pleased with Gyeo-ul's fluent words, Ai-ling smiled once more.
"I would prefer to be called young lady, as before. Being referred to as 'teacher' makes a woman feel somewhat uncomfortable—like we're getting old."
"Understood."
At that moment, Yura unexpectedly brought out tea and sweets. The tea set looked fairly prestigious. Gyeo-ul felt a bit unnerved inside. Where did this come from? He glanced around and saw assistant director Min Wan-gi mouthing and gesturing at himself with his thumb. His lips formed two words: prestige, modesty.
Understanding the intention, Gyeo-ul complied.
"I apologize for not being able to offer a more hospitable reception. Please forgive the inadequacies."
"We are all penniless nowadays, seeking understanding for such is unusual."
Her hand lifting the teacup had elegance—nothing like a woman from a crime syndicate. She continued with smooth rhetoric.
"Are you familiar with the art of tea?"
"I'm a complete novice."
"Allow me to tell you a little. The quality of tea doesn't rely solely on the tea leaves themselves. Even the finest leaves render nothing more than dirty water if gulped down hastily. Tea ceremony is etiquette."
She then took a sip, closed her eyes—silent downing—before continuing:
"And etiquette is what makes a person. Without it, aren't we all in pitiful states? With you treating me with courtesy and me returning the respect, it lends this meeting a sense of dignity."
Her mellifluous voice implied that what truly mattered was the spirit, not material possessions. Adept at navigating these conversations due to experience, Gyeo-ul knew what to reply when faced with the ceremonious language that Chinese people tended to enjoy.
"Listening to you, the tea feels much richer. I guess that's what you call propriety."
A moment of silence followed. In the meantime, Gyeo-ul dismissed several viewer quests suggesting he and Ai-ling engage intimately. He disregarded them, refusing to acknowledge the repeated proposals from various viewers and their increasing sums.
Once the tea was finished, the conversation resumed.
"Since you understand propriety, I'd like to discuss righteousness next."
Was this getting to the point? Gyeo-ul nodded.
"I'm listening."
She hesitated before speaking, likely calculating many factors. With hands gently clasped, she maintained a steady gaze before finally speaking:
"Join the 「Triad」, or kneel to the 「Black Society」. Choose one."
Gyeo-ul found it impressive.
"You're frank."
She too seemed impressed that he could immediately 'perceive' her meaning from just a few words.
"You struck me as someone worthy of it."
At a glance, it could seem like a threat. However, there was a reason why Gyeo-ul felt no resentment and simply found her candid.
Why had she separated the Triad from the Black Society? It implied internal conflict—a disadvantageous truth. The fact that she laid it out openly allowed estimation of how she viewed Gyeo-ul from the short dialogue exchanged so far.
There wasn't a need for a temporary pause in the world view while relaying these to viewers. Using both telegraphy and broadcasting had become quite familiar for him.
Gyeo-ul tilted his head in thought.
"I'm Korean, and so are the people who follow me. Do you think we could do well if we joined the 「Triad」?"
"Even Koreans eventually became part of the Greater China. Above all, when considering the future, you don't really have a choice. The 「Black Society」 is strong."
The arrogance and provocation radiated from her, carrying the confidence of the powerful. Yet, there was a gap.
Reflect on this. Currently, Gyeo-ul held a stronger position. However, there was no urgency for the Chinese. They were aware that Gyeo-ul served as a billboard. An advertisement ultimately means offering goods; swearing allegiance to America tempts offering anyone similar privileges.
It would be difficult to control the Japanese or Chinese refugees through Gyeo-ul, a Korean. The figure America modeled Gyeo-ul after, colonel Young-Oak Kim, did lead Japanese-American troops, but the times and circumstances have changed significantly.
For managing Chinese and Japanese refugees, it would be better to erect new billboards among their own people.
Performers from these communities have begun to emerge. As they undertake perilous missions, their accomplishments rise—orchestrating the emergence of figures similar to Gyeo-ul among them will happen soon enough.
Thus, merely the fact of division among Chinese organizations is insufficient reason to attempt recruiting Gyeo-ul.
"There's a prominent candidate who isn't from the 「Triad」, isn't there?"
"Correct."
Ai-ling candidly acknowledged the astute observation.
This kind of attitude shouldn't always be taken at face value. Without superhuman 'insight', truth weaves among deception and lies.
In this particular case, it should be interpreted as sincerity in this conversation. Gyeo-ul decided to trust his senses.
"Maybe a pointless question... but who is it?"
"「Anliang Commercial Association」 and 「Direct Governance Hall」 are rivals. Three of our Red Poles(紅棍/Enforcer) and one White Paper Fan(白紙扇/Strategist) have met unfortunate ends within a week."
The Red Pole were leaders of action teams, while a White Paper Fan held a managerial role. The 「Triad」 seemed to have taken significant blows—by more than expected.
Verification was necessary.
"Are they behind this?"
"They're missing in action during operations."
Her voice sunk—calm fury. It seems one of the lost might have been a relative. Holding assumptions inwardly, keeping them hidden outwardly—it was an uncertain guess.
Her previous mention of 'righteousness' had been mere lip service. In essence, a plea for assistance in exchange for assured brotherhood without real particulars.
It was also intimidatory. Without accepting the offer, it suggested that the realigned Black Society would crush Korean and Japanese groups with unified strength.
"So, essentially, you want to recruit me, who's already recognized by the U. S. Army, as a counterbalance to them..."
Ultimately, their interest lay in Gyeo-ul's position—his rights to organize units and lead external operations. This would prevent them from being overshadowed by rival factions within the Black Society.
「Insight」—aided by augmented reality, numerous graphs, and fragmentary future predictions. But such systems don't always guide along a righteous path. Two prophets offer contradictory prophecies; both providing reasonable grounds leave the choice up to the boy.
Signposts of optimism and pessimism branched into future pathways—Gyeo-ul chose one to read.
"There's no guarantee I won't be used and discarded."
Ai-ling wore a sorrowful expression. She knew how to employ her charm, which, although ineffective on Gyeo-ul, did affect other watching eyes, something she likely considered.
When language skills peak, manipulating someone audibly and rhetorically becomes easier. Her voice remained surprisingly tender yet pitiful.
This could sway a player's 'insight', distorting information, further emphasizing why relying entirely on system assistance isn't advisable.
"We're bonded by oath. Betrayal always exacts a toll—invariably death. The 「Gyeo-ul Alliance」 will be a treasured subsidiary within the Black Society. Mr. Han would be granted the position of Vanguard. Our offer stands solely on righteousness and trust. Please, believe it."
A Vanguard may hold different job duties but would be on par with a Incense Master in rank. Naturally, it would likely be honorary, without influence over existing members—but an exceptional offer nonetheless.
A subsidiary association under the Triad—again, regarded highly. Setting up a sub-association required at least three years of allegiance and approval from the leader.
Despite this, it amounted to formality, lacking any tangible benefit.
"I'm sorry. But I just can't trust it."
"Why...?"
"Even if I concede and trust both you and the leader, I trust not the entirety of the 「Triad」. Chinese individuals hold great pride, don't they? Many disparaged Korea as a small country for so long, and it must be worse now. Would there truly be no prejudice or insults?"
"Once more, the regulations of the 「Triad」 hold significant weight:
'One must not sow discord or provoke allies. Violators will forfeit their lives.'
No one would dare provoke based on ethnicity among comrades. I vow that. Any violators will be punished by death."
Embedded in her gentle words is an immovable pride—her stare unwavering. Yet, Gyeo-ul contradicted her statement.
"Then how about this: I can't even trust my people."
Clacky's Corner:
I had a hard time working on this chapter. I decided to just leave the titles and provide the Triad's associated position instead.
사구(四九, 행동대원),Sagu/Foot Soldier,na
향주(香主),Incense Master/Branch Chief,na
용두(대두목),Dragon Head/Boss,
이로원수(부두목),Irowonsu/Second Boss,
초혜,negotiator/liason,na
홍곤,Red Pole/Enforcer,na
백지선 (白紙扇): White Paper Fan/Strategist,na
선봉(先鋒)