A Dark Fantasy Spy

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The love story between Charles Nostrim and Grace Nostrim is quite the famous tale in the noble society of Abas. To be precise, it spread like wildfire among the aristocrats from the moment they were caught in a romantic escapade.

After all, it was only natural that they would be discovered; they were caught red-handed engaging in their affections in the royal palace, where the Crown Prince and his wife resided, right in front of the King and Queen!

The passionate romance between the Crown Princess’s maid and the official from the Ministry of Finance quickly became the talk of the town, and when the Count, enraged at the hindrance posed to his precious daughter’s marriage, petitioned the King for a duel, the situation escalated rapidly out of control.

Ultimately, the Queen intervened, uniting Charles, the officer from the Ministry of Finance, with Grace, then the Crown Princess’s maid, and unlike other noble families where infidelity was rampant, they ended up having a harmonious family with four children.

When I think about how this tale has been recounted for over thirty years, I can’t help but realize just how remarkable a love story it truly is. I find myself wondering how they managed to hold their heads high back in those days.

However, there’s one thing that people are unaware of:

“If it weren’t for the fact that the Crown Princess suddenly ushered His Majesty and Her Majesty into the garden, they likely wouldn’t have been caught. Of course, they wouldn’t have alerted the guards and court attendants, either. For heaven’s sake, the Crown Princess kept fretting over whether it was right to follow her or come here. I never imagined she would be such a worrywart.”

“…Um, Mom. Are you admitting that you used the royal elders to snag a guy?”

“Oh my! If someone hears this, they’ll think you’re blaspheming! Just tell anyone who asks that the Crown Princess was kind enough to grant some grace.”

So, it wasn’t a tale of two star-crossed lovers sneaking around in the bushes; in reality, it was Mother dragging Father like a hostage into the underbrush.

—

Episode 10 – Turn Northwest!

It felt like a sitcom among family members catching up after a long time. It took almost thirty minutes just for my parents to greet each other.

“…Father, I understand you’re happy, but shouldn’t we go inside now?”

“Jerry, why don’t you try talking some sense into them?”

Standing there in the biting winter wind, my sister and I beseeched older brother Jerry to do something about our parents’ display of affection.

Even as we all shivered, including the servants, Mother and Father showed no sign of wanting to part ways as if they hadn’t seen each other in decades. If left on their own, they might have spent over an hour just laughing and chatting.

Maybe Jerry was on the same wavelength; he squeezed through our parents’ affections, breaking into their bubble without hesitation.

“Dad, Mom. How about we head inside? The outside air is cold.”

“…Oh! What am I thinking? Sorry, kids. Let’s head home.”

With that, Father chuckled warmly and took off his hat alongside Mother.

Not caring about that, the four siblings ready to turn into popsicles ditched our parents and rolled toward the mansion with the servants. Jerry and Adela frowned as they touched their flushed cheeks and ears.

“Ugh, I’m freezing to death.”

“Hey, Fred. I’m going to warm up in my room and change. This outfit is too cold.”

“Make sure you hurry back.”

I sent Adela upstairs to freshen up, while Jerry headed to his room, saying he’d see us later.

Honestly, they probably weren’t running away from the cold but from the cringey display of affection from our parents. I thought about that as I busily scanned our bustling mansion, my gaze eventually meeting Ayla’s.

“What’s up?”

“…Aren’t you cold?”

She was wearing a cape she had since her days in the university’s magic department.

Unlike me, who had just braved the freezing winds outside, Ayla’s skin was not reddened or cold at all—it was still perfectly warm.

Playing with her cape, Ayla nodded.

“I’ve got a warmth enchantment on. It blocks the wind a bit too.”

“…Is that so?”

I pretended to contemplate deeply before reaching out toward Ayla.

“Lend it to me.”

I wanted to try it out too.

—

The finely crafted cape, woven thread by thread by a master from the Magic Tower, was nothing less than fantastic. The bone-chilling cold that had been drilling into my bones just moments ago vanished like snow.

It was exactly as expected from the Magic Tower’s handiwork. Not that I knew the price of the item since I didn’t buy it, but I figured it was expensive!

Of course, there were minor disputes over the ownership during the process of claiming it…

“Onii-chan. You’d be in trouble if that gets damaged.”

“Geez, when did I ever say I’d snatch it? I said I’d just borrow it for a bit.”

“Well, that’s technically true…”

“If you want it back, you’ll have to pay up.”

Voilà, I had just skillfully handled the situation!

I successfully pressured Ayla into giving up her cape by exercising my rights as a creditor as set out by Abas law.

In other words, I intended to use the cape until she returned the money she borrowed. It was essentially collateral.

Feeling the warm embrace of the cape, I sat down and began spooning soup.

“How’s it taste, Jerry?”

“It’s good.”

“How about you, Adela, Fred, Ayla?”

“It’s fine. It’s delicious, Mom.”

Upon hearing her children’s responses, Mother smiled in satisfaction. The alluring scent of tempting dishes filled the air.

Jerry returned with some salad and sat down, while Adela and Ayla tore off pieces of warm bread and dipped them in olive oil.

No one except family occupied the dining room. The servants had long vacated, having left for Father’s wish to enjoy a meal with just the family after such a long time.

“How’s work at the Ministry of Finance? I’ve been worried you might have worn out the officials with how often they seem to tread the palace’s threshold.”

“Nothing much, Grace. In this day and age, what civil servant could honestly claim they’re not busy?”

“Still, I worry about your health.”

Father and Mother gazed at each other while holding hands over the table.

“I’ve heard from the officials from the Ministry of Agriculture who visited the palace. They said the food situation is better than in previous years.”

“Finally, the famine has ended.”

“But the unusual cold wave is causing quite a ruckus. The weather bureau has been submitting daily reports. They’ve never seen such climate changes before, and it’s concerning—they say anything might happen. They say people in Latuan are already freezing to death.”

“Don’t worry, Grace. I’m just as concerned; the Prime Minister’s residence is pressuring us to secure resources and manpower to prevent any deaths from cold this winter. But, of course, the costs for heating may skyrocket due to the supplies of magic stones…”

“That’s the problem. The Queen is worried about that too. The allied nations are collapsing from civil wars and monsters, the sea routes are blocked, making trade difficult, and the government is slashing budgets to find funds. At this rate, they might even cut civil servant pensions!”

“Well, if pensions are cut, you and I can spend our old age together in the mansion—if it comes down to it. Or we can renovate the townhouse and live there.”

“Are you saying that’s a joke?”

Although I wondered if we should really have such conversations at the dining table, I let it slide since I had witnessed this sort of scene since childhood.

As usual, the family atmosphere was not at all awkward. My parents, seemingly unbothered, began asking about each child’s life one by one, starting with the eldest son and daughter.

“Jerry. What’s your work at the Ministry of Finance these days?”

“You know I’m in charge of economic policy. I think I greeted you just last week at the office.”

“That was just a brief encounter; it wasn’t a proper greeting, was it? Anyway, I’m glad the policy department seems fitting for you. And how about you, Della?”

“Same as always for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Nothing much. Just the same paperwork over and over again.”

“A civil servant naturally has to familiarize themselves with paperwork. You can’t run a government just through word of mouth.”

My parents and older siblings shared trivial conversations. Given how often we traversed between the townhouse and the main residence, I figured we wouldn’t have much to chat about, but the talk continued longer than expected with a variety of topics.

Work life, friends and colleagues, restaurants nearby, fresh experiences, new hobbies, aspirations, grumbling, whining, and so on.

Of course, romance could not be left out either.

“Oh, by the way, aren’t you two dating?”

“Dad!”

Adela blushed deeply and shot back.

“Can’t you refrain from such talk?”

“Why not, Della? I’d rather see you out meeting people than lounging on your bed, looking like a dead mouse without even changing your clothes after getting off work on weekends.”

“Really!”

Mother gently wrapped her hand around Della’s, smiling kindly.

“Don’t be too harsh; it’s rare for us all to gather like this.”

“I think you spoil them too much, dear. That’s my thought.”

“They’re old enough. They can manage on their own without my guidance, right?”

Mother skillfully sided with us, while Father gave a slight glance, as if not fully trusting, yet his smirk suggested he loved his children very much.

After the rounds of questions to Jerry and Della were done, it was Ayla’s turn next.

“Ayla!”

Father called out with a silly grin, staring at his youngest daughter.

“I heard you got a job? I got the news from Jerry. It’s with a trading company, right?”

“Yes, that’s right. It’s a small company called Pax.”

The parents beamed at the news of their unemployed child finally landing a job. While Father was grinning, Mother was practically glowing with joy. Even back in the day, it seemed just seeing Ayla made them feel happier.

They both set down their utensils and leaned in, giving Ayla their undivided attention. This was just typical foolish doting behavior. Their expressions screamed, “I don’t even need to eat to feel full right now.”

“What company is it?”

“It’s a trading firm. We buy products from Abas and sell them overseas. Conversely, we also distribute goods imported from abroad into Abas. We’re even working on developing magical products to enter the international market. Surely, you and Jerry would know more about that.”

“Then are you responsible for development there?”

“I’m in sales, so I don’t develop products, but as you know, magicians don’t just stick to one thing, right?”

“Exactly.”

“If they ever need an extra hand, I’d probably be able to help out with some tasks, don’t you think?”

Father’s and Mother’s smiles widened at Ayla’s response; they seemed overjoyed that their youngest girl had confidently found a job.

Father clapped his hands together in delight.

“Good job! Well done! You can pursue whatever you want to do.”

“Thank you, Dad.”

“I wished you’d become a civil servant, but if that’s what suits you, then I’m fine with it. Just do what you love.”

Though Father seemed a tad regretful at that notion, he accepted it nonetheless. The Nostrim Family had a long legacy of producing civil servants, but there was no law saying they must all be forced down that path.

While my parents chattered with Ayla, I spread butter on my bread, tossing a playful remark.

“Hey, Ayla. Why do you sound so rehearsed in your responses?”

“Uh, what?”

Flustered, Ayla stumbled over her words.

“Are you memorizing your lines or something?”

“…Why would I ever carry something like that around?”

I waved a dismissive hand, signaling her to disregard it.

“No, I just thought it sounded too stiff to be off-the-cuff.”

Having heard that she got a job at a trading company from Jerry and Della, I knew she was doing fine, but I was only teasing because she were coming off like a robot.

It seemed she was nervous since it was her first job. My siblings consoled her, and my parents encouraged her, assuring her she’d be alright.

After a lengthy portion of questioning Ayla about her new job, it was finally my turn to speak.

While father casually munched on the main course and wine, he smiled broadly and opened the floor to me.

“It’s been a while, Fred. Has it been three years?”

“Yes.”

“How have you been all this time?”

—

Dinner wound down, the table cleared of appetizers and main courses, making way for desserts and after-dinner drinks.

Ayla and Adela had excused themselves, claiming they were feeling unwell, while Jerry exited to escort them back.

With the siblings gone, it happened to leave just me, Father, and Mother behind.

I warmed my cognac slowly, wrapping my palm around the glass, clearing my throat to speak.

“I’ve been doing well.”

“Is that so?”

After the divine revelations, the Military Intelligence Agency had focused on identifying every possible risk factor surrounding me. In a sense, I’d undergone an extensive background check.

They would assess if there were any criminals among the family, if any relatives had become involved in intelligence offenses, if there was any potential for infiltration by foreign agencies, and what reasons such infiltrators might have.

Through that process, the Military Intelligence Agency compiled a list of individuals who were familiar with my identity. Those who specifically recognized me as an information officer. Everyone at the Ministry of Defense was managed by the Military Intelligence Agency, while people working in private sectors or other government agencies were handed over to other intelligence agencies. Most likely the Cabinet Security Office.

That said, while Jerry’s and Adela’s names made it to that list, Charles and Grace Nostrim’s names were conspicuously absent.

Clevenz had instructed my parents not to reveal our identities as much as possible. More precisely, he suggested keeping it under wraps until conditions stabilized.

Once again, I spun a convincing tale to deflect suspicion.

“I’m currently working overseas as a defense attaché. I’ve been with the Cult and the Magic Tower.”

“A defense attaché…”

The high-ranking official from the Ministry of Finance posed his question nonchalantly.

“You mean a military diplomat? Assisting the ambassador and participating in Defense Ministry events?”

“Yes.”

“Della is a diplomat too now, and now you’ve become one, Fred. How amusing.”

Father, who had been smiling fondly, suddenly exploded.

“Fred, a friend of mine works at the Ministry of Defense, and he brought up your name at a recent gathering. He said you’re adapting well to life at the embassy.”

But then…

“On the day he checked your name in the Ministry of Defense’s database, someone from the counterintelligence unit came around to visit.”

“Who came to see me?”

“Was it the Counterintelligence Department? That’s the name I remember.”

The mention of the counterintelligence department made Mother, who worked at the royal court, gasp in surprise, swallowing hard.

“The Counterintelligence Department? Fred, are you alright?”

I waved my hand to soothe her, casually dismissing the concern.

“Nothing major, Mother. Just someone inquiring about why a stranger is checking my identity.”

“Is it normal for a defense attaché to get investigated by the counterintelligence department?”

“Beats me. This is my first time finding out about defense attaches, after all.”

Lying. Everyone who has served in the intelligence agency knows about defense attaches.

Not every position for defense attaches comes from the intelligence service; they’re also selected from the general military, but most defense attaché roles are essentially positions for the intelligence department’s staff.

But it’s likely very few civil servants—even within the Ministry of Defense—are acquainted with these realities.

Which is precisely why such a fib could pass through undetected.

“Wouldn’t it be because of my status?”

“Is that so?”

“I’m still in the dark about a lot, so I can’t tell you much, but I’m not really working hard at anything.”

“If that’s the case, I’m relieved.”

While Mother beamed with contentment, Father interrupted out of the blue with his usual bluntness.

“Grace. But this is an issue, isn’t it?”

“What now?”

“Isn’t it odd that a perfectly healthy child working in the capital suddenly leaves for abroad, and I see it on the news?”

Father’s brow furrowed as his tone took a sharper edge.

“And what? Hero companion? Are you messing with me?”

“Honey.”

“Are you seriously going to tell me there isn’t some sudden terror attack? Why can’t there ever be a peaceful situation wherever you go?”

“Don’t be too harsh. It’s not the child’s fault.”

Truthfully, nine out of ten troubles I’d found myself wrapped up in were indeed my fault.

But voicing that would only earn me a lecture on security violations, so I chose to just stay silent.

As I remained seated, Father and Mother continued to raise their voices in argument.

“And like those heroes you read about in history books, does it mean you have to go out fighting monsters like Hydras or Salamanders? Fred can use magic like Della, or can he empower himself with magic? He can’t even handle divine magic! All he knows to do is sit at a desk and shuffle papers. You saw him nearly run afoul of a wolf the size of a small car, didn’t you?”

Father’s slip-up heavily rocked me to my core. He was recalling the time when I couldn’t even use magic and was clumsy around a wolf the size of a compact car. I assumed he was talking about the time I had wandered with Camila through No Man’s Land.

But come on, is it really my fault for not being able to use magic…?

Suddenly pondering whether I should use my prior debts against Ayla as a meatshield, Mother began to chide Father, her tone serious.

“We’re not heading out to catch anything right this minute.”

“Still, he’ll be going out at some point.”

“That may be true, but he won’t go alone.”

“You know Frederick’s character, Grace. He’s been a loner, even when encouraged to join in. I suspect he’d rather not get involved. Just a tiny cut will have him crying and making a fuss! What good would he be if he just dies? Even if you throw all the money in the world at a priest, what can they do if he twists a bone?”

“The Saint is quite capable, don’t you think? They say she healed over 150 people in just her first day at the Magic Tower.”

“I don’t believe that story holds any weight. The renowned priests can only treat about 50 people in a day; 150 is simply an exaggeration.”

My parents argued for a long time, both using me as the focus of their dispute. I was completely bewildered as to how the conversation spiraled to this point.

To be honest, although their words arose from concern, I found the entire situation rather frustrating.

What on earth are we grown adults doing?

“I get it. I get it.”

Finally, I interjected, stepping between them to mediate the contentious situation.

“I’m just a diplomat currently serving at the embassy, and just like you mentioned, I have no plans to go off trying to slay monsters. Civil servants don’t embark on adventures, after all! Taking time off is hard enough.”

“Really?”

“Yes. While several unforeseen issues have arisen during my time here, I doubt anything worse will happen moving forward. So please, let’s save the old tales about monsters and the heavy book smells for another time.”

—

Even after the argument, my parents kept me close, sternly urging me not to become entangled in dangerous matters. After what felt like an eternity, a late-night finally arrived.

I stepped into the garden drenched in moonlight.

The night air was cold and dry. Snow continued to fall softly, accumulating gradually. A familiar scent of tobacco hung heavily in the atmosphere.

I gazed up at the sky and let out a long sigh.

The drifting smoke seemed to have the power to obscure the bright moon, but it swiftly disbanded, mingling into the night sky. I stared vacantly into the dissipating smoke.

“……”

While standing still on the blanket of snow, looking up at the heavens, I heard soft, shadowy footsteps approaching, along with a voice that carried a tad more weight.

“What are you doing here?”

“Oh, Jerry.”

It was older brother Jerry.

He’d apparently changed into comfortable clothes and draped his cape over his shoulders to get ready for bed while scolding me for holding on to the cigarette I was smoking.

“Why are you doing that? We don’t have any smokers in the family, you know.”

“True that.”

Not wanting him to worry, I just smiled and waved it off.

With a light chuckle, he stood beside me with his hands tucked into his pockets. Didn’t like the smell of cigarettes, it seemed, since he kept a distance close enough to see my face clearly yet far enough not to feel uncomfortable.

“Where did you learn that?”

“At work.”

“…….”

Considering I was in the intelligence agency, he nodded knowingly, signaling he wouldn’t pry.

“Is it tough? The job?”

“Nothing easy in this world.”

“Well, in today’s world, it’s filled with hardships everywhere.”

Jerry stepped closer, querying me further.

“How long do you plan to stay at home?”

“I’m not sure. Maybe a week?”

The vacation I had was slowly dwindling down. What had been a one-month break felt like it evaporated in a blink.

Realistically, I wouldn’t have even a full week left in the estate, needing to prepare for deployment, get ready for the operations Leoni instructed, and check on Camila as well as get treated by Lucia.

Still, perhaps I’d have a chance to enjoy a bit more time?

Jerry raised his eyebrows, considering things, and murmured.

“Hmmm. That should be enough time, I think?”

“Really?”

“Where are you off to next?”

“Most likely the Kien Empire.”

My next assignment would send me to the Kien Empire. In just a week’s time, I would take up my post as the defense attaché at the Embassy of Abas in the Kien Empire.

Jerry gave a soft nod, though his smile carried an air of awkwardness as he became pensive.

“Do your parents know where you’ll be working?”

“No.”

“Why didn’t you tell them?”

Do I even have to explain that?

I hesitated, trying to find a way to brush off my evasion, but he pressed on.

He turned his gaze towards the vast night sky, where the moon shone endearingly amid the darkness.

“To be honest, I thought you’d tell them you work at the Military Intelligence Agency today.”

“Why would you think that?”

“I assumed you’d at least mention something before leaving, considering we don’t know when you’ll return home again. No?”

“Come on, it’s not like I’m being dispatched on an actual mission. I’m just going for a posting abroad, there’s no need for all that.”

I chuckled lightly, trying to keep things light while Jerry observed me with a serious expression.

He let his face soften for a moment, gazing down, but quickly returned to seriousness.

“If that’s how you feel, then fine.”

He gave me a few fits of light punches on the shoulder as a sign of encouragement.

“I believe there will be tough times ahead, but I know you’ll manage just fine. You’ve always been perceptive and handled things on your own since you were little.”

“Wow, flattery, huh?”

“I’m just wishing you well, you know.”

With a light slap across my back, social awkwardness fell in place like an apple.

“Enjoy your remaining vacation and rest well. Who knows when you’ll get another chance to take a break? Remember to reach out, too. Don’t only call when you need something. Our parents have been waiting for news from you for months.”

“…Alright, I will keep in touch more often.”

“And quit the smoking.”

“Are you my father now?”

“What a brat!”

With eyes wide, Jerry laughed heartily as he delivered a playful punch to my gut. I exaggeratedly staggered back, allowing him to chuckle before he resumed walking away.

“The night air is cold, so wrap it up and come in. You don’t want to catch a cold.”

“I’m fine. I borrowed Ayla’s cape.”

“…You’re borrowing your little sister’s clothes now?”

“It’s a temporary measure.”

“How shameless.”

As Jerry stated that last remark, he disappeared into the mansion.

I watched his retreating figure, before shifting my gaze back up at the starry night sky.

This was such a beautiful night, with the moon glowing with splendor.

—

Happy moments feel fleeting, while unhappy ones seem to stretch to eternity. Happiness slips away as if it’s merely grains of sand flowing through your fingers, no matter how tightly you try to grasp it.

My vacation passed faster than I could blink. It was all gone in a flash.

“Sigh….”

“Are you feeling down that your vacation has ended?”

“Of course, I am.”

Camila giggled while handing me a travel bag emblazoned with the word “Embassy.”

As I took it, I checked its contents and quickly secured it shut.

We made our way out through the long tunnel and into the daylight.

The sun beamed warmly on that clear blue sky.

I took a moment to soak in the dazzling sunlight, before sliding on my sunglasses and starting to pull the bag along.

… Yes, this was the day.

The day had finally come.

I was going to the Kien Empire at last.