Chapter 22: Alliance

Lee Jun-hyuk carefully read through the documents.

They were official orders from the Republic of Cuba government.

They stated that from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. tomorrow, the farm must be completely vacated.

“A full inspection….”

Hyose approached.

“This is strange. They’ve been duplicating for several days already, and now suddenly there’s a full inspection.”

“It’s probably related to Escobar collapsing,” Lee Jun-hyuk said as he set the papers down.

“Someone must be taking advantage of the power vacuum.”

As he entered the office, Sanchez sat there with a grave expression.

“Have you heard?”

“Yes. They say Escobar collapsed.”

“I confirmed it thirty minutes ago. He was admitted to the hospital but is unconscious.”

Sanchez pulled out a cigarette.

His hand was trembling slightly.

“What happens now?”

“Chaos will begin.”

Lee Jun-hyuk sat down.

“His subordinates will all try to seize power, and outsiders like us will become easy prey during the process.”

“So that’s the context behind the Governor-General’s Office inspection.”

“Probably. Someone seems to be looking for something on our farm to use as leverage.”

Suddenly, hurried footsteps sounded outside.

The door opened, and Miguel came in, out of breath.

“Mister Lee! The Chinese have arrived!”

“The Chinese?”

“Zhen Hao and about twenty Chinese merchants.”

It was an unexpected visit.

When Lee Jun-hyuk stepped outside, sure enough, Zhen Hao stood there leading the merchants.

“Mister Lee, sorry for dropping by unannounced,” Zhen Hao greeted him.

“It’s urgent.”

“Please, come inside.”

They moved to the large window room.

Even with twenty people, there was still ample space.

Most of the Chinese merchants were middle-aged men, each wearing worried expressions.

“You’ve probably heard about Escobar’s collapse,” Zhen Hao began.

“But the problem is what happened next. His subordinates have already started moving.”

“How so?”

“They’re pressuring the Chinese shops, announcing they will double the protection fees.”

As expected, those looking to profit from chaos had appeared.

“So, we gathered to discuss countermeasures.”

Zhen Hao glanced around at the other merchants.

“And we reached one conclusion.”

“What is it?”

“We want to form a formal alliance with Mister Lee.”

It was an unexpected proposal.

“Not just a simple business relationship, but an alliance to protect and support each other.”

An older merchant stepped forward.

“I am Wang Xiaoming, Chairman of the Chinese Merchants’ Association. We have 300 members.”

“Then why ally with me…?”

“I’ve heard you have joined forces with Rockefeller,” Chairman Wang said bluntly.

“We also need a reliable backer, and you need a local network.”

It was a reasonable proposal.

Especially in this chaotic situation.

“What specific cooperation do you seek?”

“First, mutual protection. If anyone attacks one of us, all respond.”

“And second?”

“Information sharing. The Chinese Network spreads throughout Cuba. We can obtain useful information quickly.”

“Third…”

Zhen Hao continued.

“Business cooperation. Not just sugar, but other ventures together.”

Lee Jun-hyuk thought for a moment.

An alliance with the Chinese Merchants’ Association would certainly help.

But it would also increase his responsibilities.

“Very well.”

He made his decision.

“But there is one condition.”

“Please speak.”

“This alliance must remain purely economic. No political affiliations.”

“Of course.”

Chairman Wang nodded.

“We’re merchants. Politics is not our concern.”

After shaking hands, Chairman Wang pulled out a small box.

“This is the symbol of the alliance.”

Inside was a jade seal engraved with the characters for ‘Seal of Trust.’

“This seal is only given to formal members of the Chinese Merchants’ Association.”

“Thank you.”

Lee Jun-hyuk accepted the seal.

Its weight was substantial.

It was not just a trinket but a symbol of the trust of 300 people.

“But what about tomorrow’s Governor-General’s Office inspection?”

Zhen Hao asked with concern.

“There’s nothing to hide, so we’ll accept it as is.”

“But it might be a trap…”

“Could be an opportunity instead.”

Lee Jun-hyuk explained.

“Judge Mendoza himself will be present. The Governor-General’s Office will have difficulty acting illegally.”

“Judge Mendoza himself?”

Chairman Wang was surprised.

“If he’s involved, that’s reassuring.”

The Chinese merchants showed signs of relief.

They all knew the reputation of Judge Mendoza.

“Well then, we will take our leave.”

Chairman Wang stood.

“Once the inspection is over, we’ll be in touch. We’ll need to meet regularly going forward.”

“Yes, understood.”

After the merchants left, Lee Jun-hyuk returned to the office.

Sanchez and Jose were waiting.

“Did you form an alliance with the Chinese?”

Sanchez asked.

“Yes. It’s a necessary choice in times like this.”

“You’re wise. It’s hard to survive alone these days.”

Jose pulled out some documents.

“I prepared these in case of tomorrow’s inspection. Ledgers, contracts, all the paperwork is here.”

“Good work.”

Lee Jun-hyuk reviewed the documents.

They were neatly organized.

Nothing to hide, nothing problematic.

“Give the staff paid leave for tomorrow.”

“Understood.”

“And Sanchez…”

“Yes?”

“When the Governor-General’s Office, or rather the Republic of Cuba officials arrive tomorrow, please take charge of the reception. You know every corner of the farm.”

“Of course.”

Sanchez smiled bitterly.

“It’s ironic. I was once a representative of the Spanish landowners, and now I’m guarding a farm owned by an Asian.”

“Do you regret it?”

“No. Honestly, it feels even better now.”

Night deepened.

Lee Jun-hyuk sent everyone off and remained alone in the office.

Then, suddenly, he took out the pocket watch given by Katherine Lee.

It pointed to 11 o’clock.

“The one who controls time controls the future.”

Her message came back to him.

Tomorrow, many things would be decided.

The fate of the farm might hinge on the results of the government inspection.

But Lee Jun-hyuk was not worried.

It was the privilege of the one who knew the future.

The Sugar Price Surge of 1920 was less than six months away.

He just needed to endure until then.

Looking out the window, the stars twinkled brilliantly.

The Cuban night sky was clear and beautiful.

Beneath those stars, countless people moved, each harboring their own desires.

Suddenly, the phone rang.

Who could be calling at this late hour?

“Hello?”

“Mister Lee?”

It was Leonardo’s voice, urgent and anxious.

“What is it?”

“Escobar has regained consciousness.”

Unexpected news.

“And the first thing he said…”

Leonardo paused.

“He asked for you. Immediately.”

Lee Jun-hyuk was silent for a moment.

That Escobar called for him as soon as he woke was not a good sign.

“Should I come now?”

“It’s hard to refuse what he wants, especially in this situation…”

Leonardo’s voice was weary.

“Alright. Where should I go?”

“To San Cristobal Hospital. I’ll wait at the entrance.”

After hanging up, Lee Jun-hyuk hesitated.

Going alone into enemy territory at night was no easy task.

But refusing was impossible.

“Jose.”

Jose, waiting outside, came in.

“We have to go to the hospital. Escobar is calling.”

“It’s dangerous. I’ll come with you…”

“No. It’s better if you don’t.”

Lee Jun-hyuk put on his coat.

“I have one request.”

“Please tell me.”

“If I don’t return by 3 a.m., contact Judge Mendoza.”

Jose’s expression stiffened.

“Understood.”

***

The road to the hospital was quiet.

Only the gas lamps cast faint light on the night streets.

The sound of carriage wheels echoed through the empty roads.

San Cristobal Hospital was the largest hospital in Havana.

Built during the Spanish colonial period, its white exterior glowed pale under the moonlight.

“This way,”

Leonardo approached as Lee Jun-hyuk arrived.

Unlike his usual composed appearance, his shirt was wrinkled and his tie loosened.

“How is his condition?”

“Conscious but not good.”

The two walked down the hospital corridor.

The smell of disinfectant stung their noses.

Nurses hurried back and forth.

“Why did he call you?”

“I don’t know. As soon as he woke, he mentioned your name.”

They arrived at the private room on the third floor.

Guards stood outside.

Seeing Lee Jun-hyuk, they opened the way without hesitation.

Inside was a spacious room.

Escobar lay on the bed by the window.

A doctor and nurse stood nearby.

“Leave.”

Escobar weakly raised his hand.

The medical staff left, and Leonardo started to follow.

“Stay,”

Escobar said.

“Yes, sir.”

Only three remained in the room.

Unlike before, Escobar looked pale and frail.

But his gaze was still sharp.

“Come closer.”

Lee Jun-hyuk moved beside the bed.

“Mister Lee. I heard you allied with Rockefeller.”

“Yes.”

“You’ll be hunted.”

Escobar wheezed.

“Do you really think Rockefeller, so far away in New York, can protect you?”

“That…”

“That doesn’t matter.”

Escobar stared intently at Lee Jun-hyuk.

“I called you for another reason.”

“What is it?”

Escobar struggled to sit up.

Leonardo quickly approached and supported his pillow.

“Become my successor.”

It was a shocking proposal.

Not only Lee Jun-hyuk, but Leonardo’s expression betrayed surprise.

“You want me to be your successor?”

“Yes. I have no sons. And…”

Escobar gave a bitter smile.

“This ordeal made me realize. Even the empire I built could collapse overnight without me.”

A heavy silence filled the room.

Lee Jun-hyuk didn’t know how to respond to Escobar’s proposal.

Leonardo’s expression was equally complex.

“Why me?”

Lee Jun-hyuk asked cautiously.

“There must be many capable subordinates.”

“A subordinate is forever just a subordinate.”

Escobar glanced at Leonardo.

“They don’t have the qualities of a master. But you’re different.”

“What makes me different?”

“You’re of the same kind as me. Starting with nothing but the ambition to build an empire.”

Escobar took a sip of water.

His hands trembled, barely gripping the cup.

“And most importantly…”

He looked sharply at Lee Jun-hyuk.

“You’re someone who can see the future. When the war ended and everyone sold their farms, why did only you expand yours? As if you knew what was coming.”

Lee Jun-hyuk tried to hide his expression, but Escobar’s eyes saw through him.

“Don’t worry. I’m not interrogating.”

Escobar smiled faintly.

“All great businessmen have secrets. What matters is how you use them.”

“So, you want me as your successor?”

“Yes. To inherit my empire. Sixty percent of Cuba’s sugar banks shares, real estate, everything.”

It was an enormous offer.

A chance to become the richest man in Cuba in an instant.

“Of course, there are conditions.”

“Smart.”

Escobar nodded.

“First, you must take my name. Become Roberto Escobar.”

“And second?”

“Cut ties with Rockefeller. They’re imperialists trying to exploit Cuba.”

“And third?”

“Marry my niece, Isabella.”

Leonardo breathed in sharply.

Isabella was Escobar’s only heir.

This marriage wasn’t just a union—it was a complete absorption.

“Please give me some time to think.”

“No time.”

Escobar shook his head.

“The doctor says at most one month. You must decide now.”

“Right now?”

“Yes. If you accept, training begins tomorrow. If you refuse…”

Escobar’s eyes turned cold.

“You become my enemy. No middle ground.”

Lee Jun-hyuk took a deep breath.

Even as a division chief in his previous life, moments like this required immediate decisions.

But this time was different.

An entire life was at stake.

So, paradoxically, the choice was easy.

“I refuse.”

After a brief silence, Lee Jun-hyuk spoke.

“You’ll regret it.”

“No, I won’t.”

Lee Jun-hyuk looked Escobar straight in the eyes.

“I want to walk my own path. Not under someone’s shadow but with my own name.”

“You have a strong sense of pride.”

“If you see it that way, thank you.”

Escobar stared at Lee Jun-hyuk for a long moment before waving his hand.

“Leave. I have no more business with you.”

Lee Jun-hyuk bowed and turned away.

As Leonardo tried to follow, Escobar stopped him.

“You stay. We have things to discuss.”

Lee Jun-hyuk left the room and quickly exited the hospital.

The dawn air was cold.

The eastern sky was beginning to brighten faintly.

… He refused.

He had declined the successor proposal from Cuba’s most powerful man.

The real war was about to begin.

But there would be no regrets.

Becoming Escobar’s successor would have been another kind of cage.

He wanted freedom—to reshape the future on his own terms.

***

Back at the farm, Jose was waiting.

“Glad you’re safe.”

“Thank you. Now I’ll rest a bit and prepare for tomorrow.”

“Yes, rest well.”

Lee Jun-hyuk entered the office and sat.

He took out his pocket watch.

It was 2:30 a.m.

In a few hours, the Republic of Cuba’s inspection would begin.

And the full-scale confrontation with Escobar.

But he was ready.

It was the privilege of one who knew the future.

And with the steadfast support of Rockefeller.