"Didn't I tell you not to give Ilhyeon so much backing?"

"When did you ever say such a thing?"

"Are you digging your heels in now because you don't want to admit a mistake?"

"Who is it that made a mistake?"

"Who else would it be?"

"Party Leader. Mind how you speak."

"If you didn't want to hear it, you should have done better. What is this? If we lose the general election to the Shinpyeong Party over this, you will have to answer for it."

At the talk from inside, Presidential Chief of Staff Jeong-do Mun's face twisted.

"That man…"

He wanted to rush in that instant and take Su-byeong Han by the collar, but with Seong-ho Kim beside him he pressed his anger down and knocked at the office door.

Knock, knock.

Having knocked, Jeong-do Mun opened the door and went in.

"Vice-Chairman Seong-ho Kim of the Ilhyeon Group has arrived."

"Oh, good. Show him in at once."

Min-gu Noh gave the order to admit Seong-ho Kim in a glad voice.

Unlike the pleased President Min-gu Noh, Mincheong Party Leader Su-byeong Han muttered to himself with a sour expression.

"What use is a scrap of a Vice-Chairman coming here…"

But it was not said quietly.

"Party Leader Han. What a thing to say—"

Just as President Min-gu Noh was about to address Su-byeong Han, Seong-ho Kim spoke first, smiling.

"I am sorry that it is I who have come, but do not be concerned. I come with full powers from the Chairman."

"You have been given full powers?"

Min-gu Noh threw Su-byeong Han a sidelong look and spoke as though glad of it.

Seong-ho Kim bowed his head to Min-gu Noh with a smile on his face.

"I cannot ask whether you have been well. I know you are suffering on our account."

"Not at all. Sit down first. Please, sit."

Min-gu Noh gestured to Seong-ho Kim.

Taking his seat, Seong-ho Kim smiled at Su-byeong Han, whose expression was still sour, and addressed him.

"Party Leader Han. Have you been well?"

"Do I look as though I have…