A Dark Fantasy Spy

---

The employee quietly requested a conversation. I decided to step away for a moment, leaving Camila behind. Not knowing how long it would take, I told her to start eating first.

Stepping into the alley behind the tavern, we stood under the bright yellow streetlight.

“Would you like to smoke?”

“Sure.”

As I brought the cigarette to my lips, the lighter flicked on with a ting sound. A bright red ember flickered between my fingers, and the thick cigarette smoke intertwined with the stench of oil, rising in swirling clouds.

I let out a long sigh at the familiar taste I hadn’t felt in 28 years.

Under the yellow streetlight, two suit men stood in a quiet back alley, with insects buzzing above and a puddle at their feet.

“Did something happen at the office that suddenly brought you out? You still have two weeks of vacation left.”

“Oh, it’s not because I’m called in for work, senpai.”

The employee smiled awkwardly.

“Actually, I’m the chief’s assistant.”

“Assistant?”

The structure of the Military Intelligence Agency is simple. At the top is the director who commands it, followed by department heads overseeing various operational departments, then deputy directors and managers, with team leaders and junior staff below them. The specific titles vary from department to department.

In short, there are not many people called department heads in the Military Intelligence Agency. As a reference, I was an assistant to the Counterintelligence Chief until a few months ago, and Clevenz holds the official title of Counterintelligence Chief.

“If it’s the chief…”

“Yes, it’s Hendrick, the chief.”

That’s my successor.

“Oh my. I didn’t even know his face since I couldn’t do the handover back then… I had to rush to move my desk…”

“Not at all. Thanks to the manual you left, I was able to adapt easily. Haha.”

I shook hands and greeted the new assistant.

Honestly, I was unsure when I referred to him as senpai. His face looked so worn. He must have gone through a lot.

“Is the assistant job tough? There were many times I had to be called in after work and in the early morning.”

“I’m still in the adjustment period…. I guess I’ll get used to it soon.”

“You’re doing hard work. But what brings you here?”

“Oh, I came to drive. I was going to drop you off at home afterward….”

“Driving?”

The assistant scratched his head with an awkward smile.

“It’s a tavern… If you drink and then take the wheel, it would be troublesome if you got caught.”

“Is the chief around here now?”

“Yes.”

“Where?”

He pointed behind him with his finger. I stared in disbelief at the tavern the new assistant was indicating.

It was the very tavern I had just exited.

“That’s a lie…?”

Episode 9 – Old Fashioned

It was real.

“Huh?”

Following the new assistant upstairs. The interior of the establishment was clearly visible from above, but it was hard to see the corners from below.

In that brilliant spot sat a familiar old man.

“Why are you here, Major General…?”

“Huh. So it was true.”

The Counterintelligence Chief of the Military Intelligence Agency. Colonel who is on the verge of promotion to Major General looked at me with a welcoming expression.

Dressed in a suit, Clevenz held an Old Fashioned glass in one hand. He must have been enjoying a drink.

“What brings you here? It’s well past quitting time…”

“Oh, I came after work. I had an appointment.”

“An appointment?”

Clevenz nodded gently with a soft smile.

“I was waiting at the meeting point, and when I heard your voice, I looked down to see a familiar back of the head, you know? I was informed you’d be going for drinks. I didn’t expect to meet you here.”

“Heard? Who…?”

“From the report submitted by the Cheongpa Division. Didn’t we talk earlier?”

Cheongpa Division.

It’s a word referring to the military eavesdropping unit. What that means is the Military Intelligence Agency listened to the call between me and my sister Adela.

There used to be a division with the same name operating under the Defense Intelligence Command. The targets of eavesdropping included all communications, regardless of whether the other party was civilian or from another government agency, any communications passing through military units were definitely monitored.

How do I know this? Because I’ve experienced it firsthand.

Back when I was with the intelligence service, I made a few calls to the National Intelligence Service for work, and later I received a text asking who authorized the eavesdropping. I remember it clearly. The command center was in an uproar back then.

This is indeed legal. Military counterintelligence is an activity authorized by law. But legality doesn’t make it any less unpleasant; if this is discovered, it would cause absolute chaos.

Is that why?

Suddenly, those old memories came flooding back, making my mood sour.

“Do you really need to eavesdrop while I’m having a conversation with my family…?”

“There’s been a lot of talk about security these days. The Empire’s people have gotten dangerously close, causing quite a ruckus.”

This was all to protect my family, he implied. I wondered if Clevenz genuinely worried about Adela and my family’s safety, but…

I crossed my arms and pondered.

“Hmm…”

Honestly, it’s not something I can’t understand at all.

During my time at the intelligence service, there was a day when my mother moved, and I got a call at work asking, “I heard your mother moved, did you know? Is there anything going on?” To civilians, this may seem like surveillance, but in this industry, it’s just routine security work.

So it was something I could understand quite well.

However, I was still puzzled about why Clevenz was here of all places. He looked like a collector coming to collect a debt.

Just as it seemed he shared a similar thought, he cleared his throat and started speaking.

“Um. I think there’s a misunderstanding. It’s not what you think, so don’t worry.”

“Coincidence, huh…?”

“Oh, am I here because I wanted to be? I was summoned over there.”

Clevenz responded firmly, sounding genuinely unbothered.

“Why are you suspicious of me? Am I that untrustworthy?”

Seeing an older man act like this made me a bit flustered.

It’s a habit. Doubting is fine, but rushing to conceive unnecessary worries and harboring suspicion against innocent people is problematic. I told my colleagues multiple times to consult a hospital about their paranoia, but it’s a deeply rooted habit that’s hard to change.

Having nothing to say, I buried my head like a stunned bird, feeling Clevenz click his tongue in exasperation.

“You really are something. Isn’t it exhausting living like that?”

“Well… as of now, it doesn’t hinder my work.”

“Tsk, tsk. Who asked about your work life? I mean, isn’t there usually no issue? Gosh. If the leaks start inside, they’ll certainly leak outside as well.”

“……”

“Surely you have never heard such things around you?”

“I rarely meet people outside of work…. I also didn’t really take vacations as an assistant from the beginning, remember?”

“……”

Clevenz’s mouth slightly parted in disbelief. His expression was one of sheer astonishment, like he wanted to say, ‘What sort of idiot exists?’. I flicked my gaze downwards.

“That’s quite the situation.”

“Ha ha….”

“Just have a drink. Since you’re on vacation, don’t remain holed up in a corner.”

Clevenz signaled the assistant to order drinks. The new guy who had been awkwardly sitting and sipping a soft drink dashed off to the first floor.

I watched the bewildered assistant’s retreating figure in silence and then asked Clevenz.

“But if you’re occupied with an appointment, why are you here alone? I feel like you came before me.”

“They haven’t arrived yet. We were supposed to meet here at least 30 minutes ago. I thought I had arrived 10 minutes late, but there was no one here.”

“Oh….”

“Since you have no contact, they seem to be quite delayed.”

So it seemed.

“Then are you just going to sit here alone?”

“Of course. I can’t let the driver be drinking.”

Clevenz clicked his tongue lightly. He didn’t want to drink alone, somehow. But since he mentioned a prior engagement, he couldn’t just sit idle either. I cautiously began to stand up, intending to return to Camila.

At that moment, Clevenz looked at me and said this.

“Oh, by the way, I didn’t see you there. Do you have a moment to spare?”

“Yes?”

“It’s dull here, so how about having a drink together?”

“Did I mishear?”

“I was asking if you’re going to drink.”

“…….”

For a moment, I contemplated briefly. Should I drink here? Would I be more comfortable drinking if I went down to the first floor?

But as Clevenz continued with his next words, those thoughts vanished entirely.

“I’ll pick up the tab. It’s been months since my last vacation.”

I sat back on the chair, my butt barely leaving the seat.

“What will you buy?”

“You choose. I’m not very savvy with drinks.”

“Sounds good.”

Two Weeks into Vacation

It was my first time in the capital in a while, and I ran into Clevenz at the tavern.

Under normal circumstances, I would have quietly left the spot and moved elsewhere, but today was an exception.

I was getting free drinks.

“Ah.”

Sweet bourbon, sugar cubes, rich bitter notes.

Maraschino cherry and orange slice spear on the cocktail pick. Bubbling soda water with chilly droplets forming. The juice from the cherry melded into the cocktail.

Before me was a piece of art crafted from decades of the bartender’s expertise. The luxurious sweetness filling my mouth made my eyelids flutter.

“How is it?”

“Very good.”

I nodded as he placed my ordered cocktail down. I couldn’t help but nod due to the satisfaction. The balance was excellent, and the flavor was outstanding. It tasted even better since it wasn’t my money paying for it.

With a delightful clink, the perfectly fitting ice cubes danced around in the glass, making happy sounds.

“Thank you.”

“Don’t mention it. Not a big deal for a drink.”

Though he said that, Clevenz looked pleased, smiling as he tilted his drink. His glass had several small ice cubes inside, and when I asked why, he replied:

“I find it comfortable as the ice melts and dilutes it bit by bit.”

“Oh, is that so?”

“I guess I’m getting older.”

“How you drink is just a matter of preference.”

There’s no such thing as a standard in hobbies. Just drinking whatever you enjoy however you want.

Given that this area is a class society, drinking and social club cultures are quite developed. For instance, older brother Jerry and sister Adela are members of clubs within the Finance and Foreign Affairs Departments, where they drink and play cards.

Yet, Clevenz was famously not a drinker and did not smoke either. That sudden realization made me curious enough to ask him.

“Speaking of, I know you don’t drink. When did you start?”

“I just happened to fall into it.”

Clevenz gave a vague response. It was unclear whether he disliked answering or simply didn’t have a particular reason.

A city bus filled with commuters clattered past, rattling the window. Despite the trembling and noise outside, the tavern was astonishingly peaceful as he tilted his glass.

I glanced at Camila on the first floor. I hoped there wasn’t any trouble, but she was happily devouring her chicken alone.

Perhaps it had been a needless worry; while I acknowledged my concern, Clevenz lowered his glass and started speaking.

“These days, the world is quite chaotic, yet it’s surprisingly peaceful here. It seems like some great incident is about to unfold.”

“Huh?”

“A terrorist attack. I thought there would be back-to-back incidents. Yet, nothing has happened.”

Suddenly, jolted by the mention of terrorism, I tilted my head.

“Has anything come up? I don’t believe any details about terrorism have been released yet.”

“This time, it’s set to be officially declared a terrorist act committed by stateless individuals from the No Man’s Land.”

“Stateless?”

Clevenz nodded in affirmation.

The terrorists were surely speaking Kienese. Even if they proclaimed themselves stateless, it would be difficult to deny a connection to the Empire. Moreover, the leader of the terrorists reportedly even graduated from Sezonov Medical University and served as a military doctor.

But suddenly declaring them stateless?

“What do you mean? To say they have no nationality… The main perpetrator is…”

“Josef Alexandrovich Kovinov. He’s from the Emergency Medicine Department of Sezonov Medical University, having served for three years as a military physician in the Northern 3rd Guards Mountain Brigade. His final rank was captain, and he was arrested on-site for forming an unauthorized labor union and engaging in work stoppage. He has a living wife and children, although he has long been divorced.”

“…….”

“I know because the investigation team has not been negligent.”

Clevenz continued with his explanation.

“The Foreign Affairs Department of the Empire made a request. They asked that all terrorists be declared stateless. The information regarding the main perpetrator was passed through the embassy at that time.”

“Was it unofficial or official?”

“Of course, it’s unofficial.”

This meant it was communicated through undisclosed channels.

“They seem to have been quite troubled. The ambassador came directly to the Prime Minister’s Residence to explain it on the day you woke up from your hospital stay. There are a few terrorists that originated from the Empire, but it is a matter they claim is entirely unrelated to them.”

The fact that the ambassador personally explained meant it was the official stance from the Kien Empire’s Foreign Affairs Department.

If taken a step further, it meant the standpoint of the Empire’s government and the Imperial family.

Words from an ambassador or consulate are never trivial; they represent the nation. That’s common knowledge in diplomacy.

The problem is,

“Is that trustworthy?”

What it meant was, can these bastards be trusted?

“Just a few months ago, didn’t they say the same thing? That the bombing incident was unrelated to the Empire? But when we dug deeper, it turned out the Imperial Guard HQ was involved.”

To be accurate, it was a situation where a noble bad with a gambling addiction and internal factions disobeyed the command structure and caused an incident, but that’s not what’s important now.

Given the past context, you can’t trust these bastards blindly. That’s my opinion.

Yet, the judgment of a mere civil servant differs from that of the government.

The Abas government decided to trust the Empire’s Foreign Affairs Department.

“The Foreign Affairs Department believes this incident to be a terrorist act unrelated to the Empire’s government. Moreover, this sentiment is shared by the Interior Ministry and the Justice Ministry. The Defense Ministry shares the same stance.”

“Why?”

“It’s troublesome to jump straight to suspicion, especially when there’s no clear evidence of backing. Plus, it wouldn’t be wise to be hostile with each other on the brink of an important situation.”

“And what have you proceeded with?”

“Currently, investigations are mainly led by the Interior Ministry, Justice Ministry, and the Magic Department. Even though it was a terrorist incident, if it involves dark magic, it can’t solely be investigated by the Defense Ministry or Intelligence Agency. Of course, assistance has been received from the Inquisition and the Imperial Police and also from the Magic Department.”

Most people might not know this, but at times intelligence agencies collaborate internationally. Especially for matters involving terrorism, cooperation is aligned with the international community’s stance.

Even Russia or China, often at odds with Europe, which is primarily united under the US, UK, and France, tend to align during anti-terrorism efforts. Bombs and bullets don’t differentiate between nationality or ethnicity.

Naturally, that mindset exists here too.

To be precise, for issues related to dark magic, demons, or monsters, there’s often some collaboration to be had. While it’s somewhat of a lending-hand at convenience, this is the reality.

At any rate, given the cooperation from the Empire in the investigation, it does seem that the incident is truly unrelated to it.

“…….”

Perhaps it was the alcohol starting to take effect; my head felt clouded.

I scratched my head nervously as I asked,

“The cargo, that the terrorists brought in, has that been identified?”

“Are you referring to the device related to dark magic?”

“Yes.”

“Investigations conclude it’s a device meant to physically and non-physically separate specific areas. It appears to block not only organic and inorganic substances but also signals and magical energy.”

In other words, it prevents anything—people, objects, communications—from getting through. It felt quite sci-fi, and since I couldn’t wield magic, it was hard to understand, but Clevenz further added that it was similar to defensive magic or sorcery principles.

“Defensive magic? That’s something used in major magical defense equipment, isn’t it? I recall that during the Empire’s propaganda about introducing equipment to block projectiles back then….”

“That seems a fair conclusion. I’m no magician, so I can’t say much, but the explanation from the researchers has indicated it’s similar to defensive magic or sorcery.”

Defensive magic and sorcery are challenging fields to study.

As with every form of magic, it demands incredible funding. Moreover, to systematically study such magic, one must seek governmental approval. The personnel capable of such research are often targets of monitoring. Though their numbers are low to begin with, it’s rendered meaningless.

Where on earth did they manage to obtain such a device? I wondered about the source.

“It was obtained from demons.”

“Excuse me?”

“Confirmed by the exorcist priests from the Inquisition.”

The term exorcist sent the alcohol-fueled buzz right away.

Exorcist priests, quite plainly, are priests who expel demons. In other words, exorcists, like Constantine.

Of course, in a world that doesn’t adhere to superstitions, this might seem strange. But in a world where people can produce lightning from their fingers and corpses burst from coffins to suck blood, the role of religion is significant. Exorcist priests are specialists in resolving matters involving demons, dark magic, and similar issues.

They are sometimes formally requested when undead or demons are involved in incidents, while the scope of their duties slightly overlaps with that of Inquisition officers and holy knights. But I don’t fully understand the differences. I’m not religious.

But for an exorcist priest from the Inquisition to verify this? That would be almost certain.

“After stabilizing the area and securing the materials you left behind, I formally requested assistance from the Inquisition. The diocese explained that it can take years for an exorcist priest to arrive, but once they showed the device, the priest arrived in four days.”

“Is it really that serious?”

“Looks to be so.”

“Dammit….”

I thought this was just some typical act of terrorism, but suddenly demons and exorcists popped up. I had no clue where things could go from here.

Even as I poured another drink and tried to process that frustration, Clevenz’s explanation went on.

It took four days for the exorcist priest to arrive after the joint investigation team’s request had gone through. The exorcist priest examined the scene of the terrorist attack at the department store, met the civilians who had been hostages, and sprinkled holy water on the device to ascertain it before requesting assistance from the Inquisition.

At that point, Inquisition officers and holy knights flooded in to secure the area. Based on the diocese’s instructions, the government had assigned military units and follow-up investigation personnel to guide the way, dispatching a force far exceeding a company to the village where the terrorists were said to have come from to conduct inquiries for several weeks.

“Testimonies were secured, confirming they purchased the device from a merchant frequently contacted by villagers. He spoke Kienese with an accent from the Mauritania continent.”

“And how did you find out about that village?”

“Through interrogating the captured terrorists.”

That sounded like they squeezed out the answers. I couldn’t tell if they tortured, threatened, or persuaded them, but Clevenz seemed reluctant to delve into that subject, quickly dismissing my assumptions.

He waved off my conjectures.

“Details are sparse, as the investigations are still ongoing. However, what is certain is that the device used in the terrorist act originated from the demons and connects back to the Mauritania continent.”

“Ah. I heard there’s one employee from the Royal Intelligence Department who got involved while investigating magical tools that had been circulating in the black market…. Any further information?”

“Nothing particularly unusual. The merchant frequently purchased herbs and hunting game collected by villagers and sold them food, medicine, and potions to aid in their survival… Oh, and he reportedly took some people.”

“People?”

“It was mentioned that he took children from the village under the pretense of teaching them schooling. They even had letters and pictures from those children, and he came back to stay in the village for a few days before leaving again.”

He took the kids under the guise of teaching them? And they believed it?

It was such an absurd tale that I was left speechless, but Clevenz seemed to think otherwise.

“It seems the village has been trading with that merchant for at least 50 years. By the way, it’s the same individual.”

“You mean to say that they’ve traded with the same person for 50 years?”

“That’s right. The elder remaining in the village claimed he was visiting since their childhood, and it’s said he hasn’t aged at all.”

“…….”

Eternal youth, huh. I’m not a believer and have zero knowledge of magic, but that sounded highly suspicious.

While the villagers seemed vaguely aware something was off, they had kept it hush-hush since nothing had gone wrong for fifty years, and the merchant had provided great help to the village during that time, as Clevenz added.

I sighed deeply, rubbing my face.

“Of all times, why would this come to the attention of the Inquisition….”

“This isn’t something you’d need to worry about. The Military Intelligence Agency feels the same, since the Inquisition already took it over. So don’t fret; that would be good for your mental health.”

“A child born in the No Man’s Land going to school makes no sense…. Could it be a case of false identity?”

“That’s anyone’s guess.”

Clevenz elaborated on the ongoing investigation of the terrorist act. The structure and principles of the device, information gleaned from the Inquisition, and data received from the Empire…

However, the agency investigating the device used in the terrorist incident was a place I was quite familiar with.

“Is the Advanced Military Magic Research Institute involved in the investigation?”

“Yes, they’re collaborating with the Royal Magic Research Institute. The latter is mainly focused on reviewing the texts.”

“What’s going on with that? Are they still investigating spies?”

“Industrial espionage? Oh, that’s resolved. All involved parties were concluded to have no charges against them. The only spy apprehended was indicted, and the investigation has closed.”

“Thank goodness….”

I sighed in relief. I had been working there for weeks. If there had been another spy, I would have been close to losing my mind.

Fortunately, it seemed that other than the spy we captured, there were no further issues. I felt good enough to smile as I sipped my drink.

“This is nice. So how’s the Magic Tower doing? The Royal Intelligence Department is running some project there, right? I heard my company is involved.”

I became curious about the secret operations at the Magic Tower. After all, my tough times at the research institute partly stemmed from the industrial spies sent by the Magic Tower, and I had also been intertwined with that place.

However, Clevenz flatly rejected my inquiry.

“I can’t disclose the operations ongoing at the Magic Tower. However, I can say it’s a long-term plan they’ve been preparing for a long time.”

His overly firm tone left me feeling slightly miffed. While he cited security reasons, it felt odd knowing that despite being involved in the operation, I couldn’t hear about it.

But without having the guts to complain outright, I was left with no choice but to sulk internally.

Nevertheless, after over twenty years as an investigator, Clevenz seemed to read my expression perfectly, not letting a little alcohol dull his instincts.

He immediately picked up on my disappointment.

“Why? Feeling a bit discontented that I won’t share?”

“No. I simply… figured you would make Ranielli an Oracle member right away but made her a senior position at the Secretariat, which I found a bit unusual.”

Clevenz merely smiled in silence.

“Surely you wouldn’t actually make Ranielli an actual Oracle committee member, would you…?”

“Of course, I can’t reveal that.”

“Oh, for real.”

Clevenz seemed to choke and started laughing after coughing delicately. Truly, what an infuriatingly mischievous old man…

“Alright, alright. I’ll tell you this much.”

Pulling out a few tissues to wipe his mouth, Clevenz slowly opened up.

“There are a total of nine Oracle committee members. The one currently holding the largest number of seats is the elemental faction. Of course, you know where those members hail from, right?”

“I believe they’re from the Empire.”

The Oracle governing the Magic Tower consists of nine members, including the head of the tower serving as chairperson. Essentially, nine members dominate the entire magic society.

“Then you agree that the Empire can have a profound influence on the Magic Tower.”

“……”

“The Foreign Affairs and Royal Intelligence Departments have conducted analyses regarding the Magic Tower and the Empire’s diplomatic relations, geography, culture, economy, politics, industry, population ratios, language, education, etc. They predict that within ten years, the Empire will secure at least three to a maximum of five seats.”

The characteristic of the Magic Tower Oracle is that if one-third of the present members agree, any measure can be dismissed outright. It’s a mechanism intended to prevent dictatorship.

The abominable future is that the Empire continues to install their people in the Magic Tower’s operational structure?

If the Empire were to secure one-third, what might happen to proposals?

The thought was intolerable.

Today I was feeling nauseous regarding the Empire’s meddling, downing more drinks.

“Just making Ranielli an Oracle member won’t suffice. Just what sort of picture are you drawing…?”

“That’s classified. If you’re really curious, just fetch a first-class clearance. Then you could peruse it freely.”

“First-class?”

“……”

What’s this? Is it a hint not to read?

The mere thought of obtaining a first-class clearance, something I could never dream of, left me temporarily speechless. I couldn’t tell if he was joking or serious—but given Clevenz’s expression, it seemed genuine.

“Don’t worry too much; you’ll find out soon enough.”

“What do you mean by that…?”

“Just think about it.”

Clevenz crumpled the tissue and slid it aside, tapping the desk lightly.

“The merchant selling the device used in the terrorist act spoke Kienese and took children under the guise of teaching them. Whether it was purely for educational purposes or had ulterior motives is uncertain; but where would he take those little ones for ‘education’ if not nearby?”

“Right. They would likely be taken to a neighboring country.”

“The magician slated to be the operational Oracle member comes from the Empire. Soon, retirements among the head of the tower and two current committee members—who are also from the Empire—are due; the Hero will head toward the Empire, and it seems probable they won’t remain confined to just the Magic Tower.”

“No, that can’t be…?”

The merchant speaks Kienese; he took the children away under the premises of teaching, which likely indicates the Empire. The geographically closest place is indeed the Empire.

Including Camila, who could head toward the Empire, the chances of all these parties coming together were growing.

Four figures from the Empire who are tied to the Magic Tower Oracle. If Camila goes to the Empire, whether from an invitation from the Foreign Affairs Department or a command from the Imperial family, or simply choosing to go herself, it would happen.

Coincidentally, both individuals point to the Empire.

“Are you starting to get an inkling?”

“…….”

“What’s certain is that events are stirring in the Empire. The demonic incursion, the issues with the Magic Tower, dark magic, and everything else connected thereto.”

“Um, do you have any evidence to substantiate that…?”

“Just my intuitions.”

“Oh, come on….”

It sounded as if he had something substantial to say, then said it was just a hunch. Frustrated, I pressed my forehead, only for Clevenz to brush off my dismay and continue his thoughts.

“Did you ever have to work on tangible proof every time?”

“That would be negative.”

“Then this isn’t all that different. That’s why your role is crucial here.”

The twenty-year veteran investigator, the head of counterintelligence at the Military Intelligence Agency, pointed a finger at me.

“While there may be plenty of people in the Empire branch, you are the only one familiar with their conditions, maintaining ties with both the cult and the Magic Tower. Furthermore, you’re the only one who can take direct action regarding the concerns related to the Hero.”

It sounded like drunken ramblings from an old man, but somehow, with Clevenz’s aura, those words resonated pleasantly in my mind. After all, he wasn’t the kind of person to prattle without conviction…

Was there something stirring in the Empire after all?

I fell into deep thought for a moment.

“……”

Let’s just consider that Clevenz’s words ring true. Perhaps there truly is something unfolding within the Empire.

Following the orders of the Military Intelligence Agency, I would soon be heading for the Empire, accompanied by significant officers from the cult and the Magic Tower; I had personal bonds with them.

Above all, considering the issues of being directly related to the terrorist act and the Oracle, it’s unavoidable.

While tagging along with Camila and Lucia, avoiding becoming the target of a terrorist organization is next to impossible.

And foremost, Francesca is my informant. Being associated with the Magic Tower Secretariat, should Francesca have contact with the Oracle committee, it must happen.

Apart from all that being said,

Regardless of anything else, if the office sends me to trace the merchant selling commodities to the terrorists, or to enlist the Oracle member, I must do it. I have considerable grounds, especially after personally experiencing terrorism.

“…hm.”

It seems the heavens have a hand in this. If a god exists, they’re truly nudging me to be a spy.

Is that why I constantly find myself drowning in additional assignments?

But why, then, is my salary stagnant?

As I pondered these various thoughts, I turned to Clevenz once more.

“So, if I join the newly established department, will I be tasked with those matters? Investigating terrorism or dealing with the government’s insights on the Magic Tower?”

“That could likely be the case. Of course, it wouldn’t be limited to just those two. The Hero-related matters may come into play as well.”

“Oh, right.”

That’s quite a tangled web, isn’t it?

If only these were merely my delusions, but disappointingly, Clevenz seemed to firmly nail the coffin shut on that idea.

“So, make sure to rest thoroughly now. You never know when you’ll have your next opportunity to do so.”

“That’s not fair. Where do you keep your conscience?”

“Then go ahead and submit your resignation.”

“If I bring it right now, will you accept it?”

“Although I’m not the one who has authority over that, bring it along anyway. I’m curious to see how it would play out. How about a bet? I’ll put down 500 schillings that you won’t have your resignation accepted.”

“…….”

Clevenz laughed heartily, his flushed face beaming. I wouldn’t mind knocking him on the bridge of his nose, superior or not.

As the alcohol coursed through me, the throbbing pain in my temples reminded me to change the subject. I wanted to finish this and go drink with Camila.

“When is this department going to be established?”

“The personnel are prepared. It should gather quickly as soon as your placement is decided.”

“So who will my superior be? Is it Colonel… no, would you be the head of this department?”

“Hmm…?”

Clevenz grinned playfully, as if something funny had occurred to him.

“Why would I oversee overseas operations? I’ve only spent my whole life domestically. You’ll have a superior to answer to above you. Once you see them, you’ll recognize immediately.”

“Yes?”

At that moment, I heard footsteps ascending from behind.

“Looks like they’re just arriving.”

As Clevenz gestured behind him, my head instinctively turned.

From the stairs leading up to the second floor, the sound of creaking wood announced someone’s presence. The new assistant, who had been sipping on a drink, hurried over to greet them.

The uninvited guest, flanked by multiple suit men, gave the new assistant a quick once-over, patting him on the shoulder before coming this way.

With round, prominent eyes and a piercing gaze. Despite the time that had passed, the same spirited mischievous face could be seen.

The Director of the Royal Intelligence Department, who served as both the chief officer of Military Intelligence and the branch manager.

“I see very familiar faces.”

“You’re late.”

“I got stuck in traffic on my way home.”

Leoni smiled as she extended her hand toward me.

“Is this the first time since seeing you at the committee meeting? I said we’d meet soon, but I seemed to have kept you waiting.”

“…….”

“It’s been a while, Major. Let’s do well, as we did in the past.”

She had returned.

END OF Episode 9 – Old Fashioned