Empire of the Ring

There was no immediate development of the project because of an agreement between leaders. Specifically, only the expansion of the canal project and the Siberian project were agreed upon while the remaining economic cooperation was only a declarative agreement.

Related officials should clarify what projects Russia wanted to collaborate on.

Since the royal family decided to cooperate with Putin, there was no reason to wait until Russia contacted it first. Waiting for news from Russia and being dragged passively would also hurt Youngho's pride.

So Youngho immediately formed and sent a team of officials to Moscow. It was to materialize the expansion work of the Volga-Don Canal. The Kazakh royal family's involvement in the canal expansion project was exciting news for Russia since its economy was failing. The royal family's swift move was also immediately responded to by Moscow.

The Volga-Don Canal construction had been set at five years and the royal family would be contributing 35 percent of the construction costs.

"I'm sorry to bother the construction minister who is busy with the royal family's affairs."

"Your Highness, the royal affairs are the work of Kazakhstan. You don't need to be sorry. All people know that the royal family is struggling on behalf of the government. I'm rather grateful that you called me."

The minister was the one who received much praise from Youngho for the construction of the refugee camp. The mere fact that Youngho called him to the palace personally would raise his shoulders.

There was a sense of relief on his face. This was because officials in Kazakhstan believed that they could keep their positions only when they were favored by their superiors, rather than working according to their convictions.

It was a sad thing that the Kazakh officials still could not shake off their old beliefs. Officials were supposed to work autonomously with their convictions, but working to please their bosses was not a plausible phenomenon.

"It's all thanks to your hard work. Since you're busy, I'll get to the point first. Did you get the area estimate for the canal expansion work that I asked for?"

"I've got the drawings and construction details here. The total cost of the construction is about three billion dollars but what you're going to pay is one billion dollars."

The Volga-Don Canal, which connected the Caspian and Black Seas, was completed in 1952 as a canal connecting the Volga and Don Rivers. It became the first water route to carry the grain and resources of Central Asia.

The Volga-Don Canal was 101 kilometers long and had 13 dams, artificial lakes, and rivers.

There were 13 floodgates, and 55 percent of the expansion works dedicated to floodgates or artificial canal ways.

"Minister, please direct the whole construction portion of the Kazakh side."

"Thank you for trusting my ability for this huge work. I'll do my best."

"Please consider this business as Kazakhstan's business, not as royal family's only."

"I've involved in our inland canal when I was younger. It's a short experience, but I won't disappoint you."

"That's great. With that experience, I'm sure you are the right person for this job. While you oversee the canal work, you should also get involved in the Siberian development project at the government level. Although the royal family owns the project, it is directly related to the national interests of Kazakhstan."

The construction minister who was entrusted with two major tasks, could not hide his excitement.

The fact that Youngho made him in charge of two Russian projects meant that he was recognized for his skills. People were bound to be loyal to those who recognized their abilities. Given the nature of Youngho who trusted people until the end, he would not have to think about losing his position until the canal project was over.

Youngho had a reason for putting Kazakh officials into the canal project or the Siberian project.

It was to let them gain experience by participating in international projects. There had been numerous large-scale projects in Kazakhstan in the past, but they had never been involved in any cross-country projects. In order for Kazakhstan to step up to the global level, an experience like this was necessary.

***

Sergey visited the Arirang royal territory.

When Youngho visited Volgograd, he was absent due to something else, so he rushed to see Youngho for a follow-up.

"Brother, it's hard to see you these days. If I had time, I would've stayed in Volgograd for a few more days to see you, but it didn't work out."

"I'm honored to hear that your Highness has wanted to see me."

"It's just two of us here. Please feel free to get comfortable. We said we'll be brothers. Are you going back to your words now that I became the Duke?"

"There are only two of us, but it's an official visit. I'm comfortable like this, please don't push me."

"Phew! You're so particular. Then I'll have to call in Park Jong-il for vodka. This is so awkward that I can't talk at this point."

"Are you kidding now? My heart has shrunk because of this. I heard Putin almost forced you to participate in the project."

"I mean, Mr. Yaniv cut to the conclusion without giving you the details again. Would you have forced the Duke of Kazakhstan if you need economic cooperation from him?"

"And I also heard that Putin wants to be called Tsar in the future?"

"That's so misleading. Putin said that he dreams of Great Eurasia. If he achieves that he would be like Czar Peter the Great."

"That is the same as Tsar. He can't even resolve the economic difficulties now, but dreaming of taking Asia and the Pacific is insane."

Sergey, who had a Ph.D. in business administration could never understand Putin's idea of the Great Eurasia which ignored the reality of the nation. He also criticized the president for being delusional, saying that Russia would only be torn apart for his impossible dream.

"But isn't it a fresh idea? If China's One Belt One Road business is its own business, then Putin's Great Eurasia project is going to encompass Europe and Asia."

"I don't think you've been charmed by Putin's magic in that short time, but I don't understand why you're so willingly involving in this project."

"This is for Kazakhstan's well-being. If you have a strong dictator who thinks his dream is great, then sympathizing with him is the way to survive. But it's not a losing business for us either."

"After hearing that, I understand a little, but I feel like we're walking on a tightrope. Putin's crazy greed will one day shake the world again."

"Seeing you upset like this proves that you love Russia from the bottom of your heart."

"If Russians don't love Russia, who would? Putin may have claimed he had saved Russia, but he is mistaken. Russia would've survived on its own without him. He only delayed democratization for Russians."

"As a patriot, you must've felt upset since I said that I'd use Russia to make money."

"Russia will prosper only if many foreign companies invest in Russia. The canal project and the Siberian development project are essential to Russia. The problem is Putin, he will use all the money that's collected for his vain dream."

"You don't have to be so upset about something that did not happen. By the way, how much does Mr. Yaniv plan to invest in the canal project?"

"I heard that the royal family would invest 35 percent of the whole cost. We will invest about 20 percent."

"Mr. Yaniv is also very good at mobilizing cash."

"Where on earth did you get such a huge amount of funds?"

"I guess you don't believe me since I told you that it's the legacy of the Serbian Kingdom multiple times before."

"You want me to believe that much money has been kept by the descendants for hundreds of years?"

Youngho also knew that his story was ridiculous, but there was no other excuse.

To Sergey, who was well aware of Youngho's businesses and financial ability, the most appropriate reason was to describe it as a legacy.

"That's how I became the son-in-law of the Serbian Kingdom's heir and founded a dynasty in Kazakhstan."

"What a mystery."

"Don't be curious about other people's wealth, but please tell me how much Mr. Yaniv can afford to invest, brother."

"All right. We've got some to spare."

"Well, then. Would you like to buy a shipping company? The Arctic shipping route is about to open, but I think we'll have a synergy effect if we did a joint venture."

"Is that in line with Putin's idea?"

"Of course there's a connection since it's about opening up the Arctic route. But it's our own business anyway."

"Since the Duke wants us to invest, we will have to trust him. Wouldn't the Kazakh royal family take care of us if it goes wrong?"

"Hahaha, that's great to hear. Now, let's have some vodka and talk about it in detail."

"Let's call Park Jong-il."

"He comes running at the sound of opening a bottle. I'm sure he's already prepared snacks to drink since he knows that you're coming."

"Awesome! Let's drink all night long, it's been a long time."

***

Most people in the Kazakh royal family knew Sergey since he had been doing business with Youngho for a long time.

Most of the people who attended the drinking party tonight had a close relationship with him. Kim Chun, who had been supplying products of the Arirang residents, such as carpets, high-end hunting guns, and wolf skin products was also a good friend to Sergey.

As he joined the party, it became boisterous.

"Mr. Sergey, we're not going to be able to supply wolf skin products this year."

"No way, you've received our orders already. What are you talking about, Commissioner?"

"Please protest against His Highness. He has made a law that prevents us from hunting too many wolves. We can't catch wolves unless they come down to our residence."

"What? Moderate hunting is directly related to nomadic people's lives. Why did you make such a law?"

"He can't stand the pressure of the animal rights groups."

"I'm sure the shepherds will soon arise to protest against it."

"That's why I'm going to incite cattle ranchers. This is for our residents who live off from making wolf skin products. If his Highness kicks me out of here for that, would you take me in Volgograd?

"If it's for Commissioner Kim, you'll always be welcomed."

The two chatted in a jokingly manner.

Everyone laughed at Kim Chun's exaggerative talk. People were having a great time together since a friend that they knew well was visiting.

Park Jong-il got so excited that he took the microphone and started singing.

Youngho also had fun casually laying down his position as the Duke of Kazakhstan in a long time. The long winter night at the Arirang royal territory was deepening.