The moment Herick entered the room, he grimaced at the stifling air. Federico’s room was packed with executives of the Gostin Family. Herick limped forward.
Everyone looked visibly tense. Herick scanned the room searching for Michael. He was standing next to Federico. He must have heard the news about Choi, yet he’s somehow keeping still. Herick found it surprising. Is he really okay?
Federico was seated on the sofa. The IV drip attached to his body seemed to have increased since before. With his eyes barely open, he silently examined those standing before him.
“The atmosphere is chaotic, making it hard for everyone to work properly, isn’t that right?”
He finally spoke. His words had an edge to them. Herick lowered his head like the others. How annoying. It seems Jake reported everything immediately.
“I’m thinking of forming an alliance with the Cenaline soon, and we need to pull ourselves together in preparation for that.”
“…Yes, Father?”
“An alliance?”
“An alliance, Father?”
Everyone murmured among themselves. Though Federico spoke calmly, this was news to everyone. Herick was no exception.
It felt unsettling. There had been a similar situation six years ago. He spoke of an alliance, but it was like announcing the beginning of a war.
Six years ago, a week after Hunter had disappeared, Federico, for whatever reason, suddenly proposed an alliance to the Cenaline Family. They were surprised, and even the people of Gostin were shocked. To propose an alliance to the Cenaline Family of all organizations. The Gostin Family, no less.
This news spread like wildfire, reaching the ears of other organizations. Some groups that had been caught in the crossfire between Cenaline and Gostin during their cold war welcomed the news, while others who had been benefiting from the cold war quietly opposed it.
Some made a fuss, saying that peace was finally coming even among mafia organizations. At the time, Herick found that thought ridiculous. Could “mafia” and “peace” really coexist?
Above all, Federico’s state of mind was suspicious. How could someone so shrewd and cunning propose an alliance without any preparation? Herick wondered if he’d gone mad after being betrayed by Hunter.
Gostin had made the proposal, and everyone focused on the Cenaline Family’s choice. Would they accept or reject it? A meeting of mafia bosses took place in New York City to hear her decision. Federico also attended, of course.
The shootout that erupted there happened in an instant. To this day, no one knew who fired first. What mattered was that three mafia bosses died on the spot, and their common link was their close friendship with Hunter.
Enya Cenaline, the boss of Cenaline, was shot but managed to escape from there. Everyone suspected Federico. But suspicions alone weren’t enough. No, even with concrete evidence, they wouldn’t dare challenge the Gostin Family. They knew that even if they joined forces to attack, they couldn’t match even half the power Gostin possessed. Federico must have been aware of this.
While everyone could only lick their fingers without even dreaming of revenge, Cenaline ended up blowing up a factory in Detroit. It was one of the factories that the Gostin Family had been steadily funding and cherishing as they tried to expand into the automobile industry.
That’s how the war officially began. Many areas were reduced to wasteland, and the mass media falsely reported it as a terrorist incident with political motivations.
Due to the conflict between Cenaline and Gostin, smaller organizations allied with them had to cautiously watch before reluctantly participating in the war. Thus, what started as a dispute between Gostin and Cenaline escalated into a war among the mafias.
Are they going to do that again? Herick couldn’t hide his displeased expression. At this time, when Choi has disappeared?
“As death approaches, I find myself thinking a lot.”
But I still prefer happy endings, you know, Federico said. If misunderstandings have deepened emotional rifts, wouldn’t it be good for everyone if we cleared those misunderstandings and achieved peace?
That damn peace. Herick was incredulous. What wind is blowing to make him act like this again?
“But Father, won’t they think it’s sudden?”
“Yes. Just a few hours ago, we were still engaged in a psychological battle to secure a better deal than them.”
Several executives bravely tried to persuade him. They’ll surely misunderstand your deeper intentions again, Father.
“I didn’t call you here for a debate on pros and cons.”
Michael, who had been blankly staring at the floor, warned them coldly. They flinched and shut their mouths.
Herick suddenly turned to look at Michael. Ah. He just realized who had been manipulating Federico lately.
“Michael.”
As everyone was about to disperse after receiving Federico’s unilateral announcement, Herick stopped Michael.
“What are you plotting?”
How did you manipulate the boss again? Herick questioned accusingly.
“I just gave some advice.”
Because I had a dream. Michael said. His complexion was so dark it seemed as if it would sink beyond the deep sea.
A dream. Herick’s expression gradually softened. A dream, he said. That “dream” – the main reason the boss trusted Michael.
“Tell me about it too.”
“No.”
At Michael’s firm refusal, Herick looked as if he’d expected it.
“Then just tell me this. What benefit do you and the boss get from today’s decision?”
Michael thought for a moment.
“Father will find Hunter, and I’ll be able to meet Choi again.”
Herick was surprised. Hunter and Choi?
That was certainly a significant benefit. Federico was still obsessed with finding Hunter, and now they needed to find Choi. He had been wondering how to persuade Jake, who seemed unlikely to reveal Choi’s whereabouts. A slight smile crept onto Herick’s lips.
“But why do you look like that?”
Michael, who should be happier than anyone at the prospect of finding Hyungoh, still wore a dark expression.
“Because many things will change.”
With those final words, Michael turned and walked away. Herick was about to follow him but hesitated. Michael hadn’t told him what would change. Herick already knew that even if he asked, Michael wouldn’t tell him. He always dreamed alone, thought alone, and acted alone. He shouldered all the weight by himself as if it were only natural.
At first, Herick was enchanted by this aspect of him and tried to rely on him. But not anymore. If there was one thing he had learned from spending many years with Michael, it was that solitude suited him best.
Herick stood still, watching Michael’s retreating back. The melancholy surrounding him looked so dangerous.
Knowing truths that others don’t, he must have many things to hide. Someone so mysterious naturally attracts curiosity, and those who approach with casual interest end up enchanted. This is why Michael has so many fanatics who idolize him.
Herick, who could be considered Michael’s first devotee at one point, knew the end better than anyone. Eventually, Jake and the others would meet a miserable end. Because Michael despised those who idolized him.
No one could embrace Michael. He was destined to hurt everyone who approached claiming to love him. It was in this aspect that Herick first felt sympathy for Michael. Even if someone Michael truly loved approached him, he would end up hurting that person too.
As if sharp thorns were covering him.
