A Dark Fantasy Spy

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[Chancellor Stollipin held a press conference regarding the impending five-year anniversary of the Empire-Magic Realm conflict.]

[Today, the Abas Senate proposed the ‘Humanitarian Assistance Act,’ aimed at providing aid to countries suffering from conflict, civil war, and natural disasters.]

[During a meeting with journalists, a member of the Joint Defense Committee of the Abas Senate and House conveyed that this legislation was proposed not only to support the defense and security of the Kien Empire but also with hopes for peace and stability in the international community.]

[However, many interpret that the ongoing military confrontation and human rights abuses between the two nations will hinder support from the international community.]

[Some point out that the Empire’s Ministry of Defense is pushing through reckless military operations ahead of the planned Armed Forces Day event in March of next year.]

[Meanwhile, despite the significant diplomatic and political turning point, the royal family has shown little response. Speculation is rampant that something might have happened to the elderly Emperor, but experts lean towards the possibility that he is not in critical condition.]

[The demon kin have been monsters invading our homeland for hundreds, even thousands of years. I firmly believe our brave army will drive these cursed beasts beyond our borders.]

[We shall liberate the oppressed residents, and we will fight resolutely without a moment’s hesitation.]

[At any cost.]

—
Episode 11 – No Issues on the Northern Front

Amidst the bitter cold of winter engulfing the continent, the atmosphere within the international community was heating up.

This was due in part to Chancellor Stollipin’s speech in the Kien Empire and the ‘Humanitarian Assistance Bill’ proposed by the Abas Senate.

Although minimal, the Kien Empire was receiving support from the Cult, Magic Tower, and allied nations.

But suddenly, a developed nation, notorious for its conflicts with Abas, announced they would extend support to the Empire. They even claimed to be drafting a bill!

This sparked hope that the stagnant Empire-Magic Realm border dispute might finally come to an end.

As the fresh news broke, it stirred up renowned politicians, scholars, and journalists worldwide.

“It’s exciting news. It’s a signal that the Empire and the Kingdom might shake hands.”

The international community had recently been rife with issues like diplomatic expulsions and chaotic upheavals.

All we heard were gloomy stories: monsters breaching borders to set up human flesh buffets, military coups, and economic collapses demanding belt-tightening.

Yet here we had diplomatic news of countries cooperating? Between Abas and Kien, no less?

It was hard not to feel thrilled.

But not everyone painted a rosy future.

“Setting aside secondary issues like national interests and conflicts to join forces for the fate of humanity sounds plausible.”

“Isn’t it just a shiny facade?”

“Isn’t it all the same thing in the end?”

Francesca kicked off her shoes as she flopped onto the sofa.

She tossed aside the cape she wore for formality and lazily draped it over a chair, and she unbuttoned her fully-done-up Secretariat uniform.

Exchanging her uncomfortable formal attire for something a bit more comfortable, she removed her headpiece adorned with her family’s insignia and sank deeper into the sofa.

“The public opinion in the Empire isn’t entirely favorable.”

“Specifically, how is it not favorable?”

“Not many are keen on support from foreign governments, including Abas.”

And when she mentioned foreign governments, she referred to those countries where diplomatic relations with the Kien Empire were not so great.

People from various sectors in the Empire viewed support from the democratic government represented by Abas with skepticism.

Francesca relayed insights she gathered from notable figures in the Empire.

“I’d say it’s a matter of pride. No matter how dire the situation, accepting support from Abas is unacceptable.”

Abas and Kien had historically been rival states.

Much like the UK and Russia or Germany and France, Abas and Kien had been adversaries for ages, as evidenced by their shared history.

The identity shaped by history still affects societies today, including moments of national crisis.

I transcribed the views of key figures from the Kien political and military establishments shared by Francesca into my report.

“The military personnel I spoke with were predominantly negative about Abas’s support, and similarly so were the conservative government officials.”

“I recall that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs showed a positive response. Our ambassador recently asked if the Empire could receive supplies of medicines and foodstuffs for humanitarian reasons.”

“The military holds a contrary view, showing skepticism, while the Ministry of Foreign Affairs remains positive. But they have conservatives too, so one misstep could make it seem less like assistance and more like aid.”

“I understand what you mean.”

The Kien Empire is an absolute monarchy. Though termed a constitutional monarchy, it essentially functions as a dictatorship with power passed down through bloodlines.

Where does the power of such a dictatorial state come from? Right from the leader’s charisma.

No matter the adversities faced, if the people trust and follow the leader, they believe they can overcome, convinced that only the leader can resolve the issues.

That’s how dictators maintain power.

But imagine if a dictator were to accept support from a foreign government, especially from a country they’ve been at odds with for centuries. What would the people think?

“If we consider that the support from the Abas government might adversely affect the Empire’s political landscape, it sums up the meaning.”

“Exactly. The Empire’s elites believe they can overcome this crisis with their own strength.”

The Empire wishes to expel the demon kin from its borders and stabilize the frontlines.

They want to push the monsters beyond the borders, comfort the residents, and restore the damaged northern infrastructure.

To that end, the military planned extensive operations, intending to launch a massive offensive against the demon kin from spring onward.

That’s what I gathered over the week while engaging with military personnel from the Empire.

Herein lies the problem.

“I’m hearing rumors that the situation in the north is quite dire. Don’t the people of the Empire know this? Even if the common citizens are oblivious, surely some dignitaries are privy to it.”

“Well, I wouldn’t know that either. Whether they genuinely believe the situation is optimistic, or they’re just sticking to that belief… How would I know what those old geezers think?”

“I get it for now.”

It seems the military’s information suppression is holding tight. Even the dignitaries are seemingly clueless about how wrecked the north has become.

The specific details of the north remain beyond the reach of the Abas Information Agency, but gathering the intel coming in suggests the Imperial forces are struggling. Notably, they even considered conscripting very young children as magicians.

I pondered how to conclude my report while I sipped the tea I brewed.

“Thank you for the insightful conversation, Administrator.”

“Not at all, Colonel.”

—

The ‘Humanitarian Assistance Act’ proposed in the Abas Senate passed rapidly. Once the bill clears the House, it will take effect the moment the Prime Minister signs it, pending the King’s formal approval.

The ‘Humanitarian Assistance Act’ contains provisions for the Abas government to urgently provide aid to countries afflicted by conflict, civil war, and natural disasters, but it was common knowledge that this aid would be directed towards the Kien Empire.

Of course, the supplies entering the Empire through the ‘Humanitarian Assistance Act’ will strictly be limited to relief items: essential items like medicines and food. They had no intention of providing military supplies, nor did the Empire wish to receive them.

The crucial detail is that the countries eligible for relief from the Abas government are not limited to the Empire.

Right now, plenty of desperate nations in this area are eager for aid.

—

In the Abas embassy in Kien, a voice from the superior’s side of the secure line comes over.

“Requests are coming from foreign governments. They want to know if there’s any way they can receive support too.”

“So, what did you say?”

“Our Ministry of Foreign Affairs replied they would consider it.”

The Abas government brushed aside the hands reaching out for help.

What they termed consideration was, in reality, a veiled refusal.

To outsiders, it might appear as if they lack compassion or shirk their responsibilities as a developed nation, but the Abas government finds itself in a bind without a sharp solution.

With elections approaching, after all.

“In the case of the Empire, it’s understandable, given the demon kin’s invasion, but doesn’t the situation look a bit different for other countries? It’s already been rumored that if we provide aid, it’ll spread gossip that we’re just funneling money overseas, and taking such a risk now wouldn’t be wise.”

“True enough.”

The Abas, acting as a leader among democratic nations, was supporting governments worldwide. The Kien Empire was doing the same, sending aid to countries wanting to maintain or improve relations with the Empire.

However, Abas, grappling with economic issues, significantly cut back on overseas aid while Kien found itself in a position forced to seek support due to conflicts in the Magic Realm.

Some countries that had recently been cut off from aid from both Abas and Kien found themselves at a crossroads.

Either they try to manage their struggling nation and face a coup or seek out new governments seeking aid.

As luck would have it, a country just announced it intended to do just that.

“It seems the Cult is promising significant support to countries in the Mauritania Continent. A few countries from the East are also included.”

Due to religious matters, the Cult had strained relations with countries on the Mauritania Continent.

The differences in religious views had caused ongoing friction with the native religions on the Mauritania Continent for nearly thousands of years.

Yet local governments seemed to have prioritized their stability over the backlash from religious leaders.

Countries on the Mauritania Continent decided to grasp the hand the Cult extended. Countries that had previously tightened regulations barring entry to the Cult’s clerics, applying rather strict rules, are now gradually opening their borders to clerics visiting for medical or relief work.

And from the standpoint of Abas and Kien, this was shocking news.

“If relations with the governments on the Mauritania Continent sour, things will get complicated. After all, why do you think we’ve been able to import vast resources emerging from the rift? The Empire is in a similar situation.”

“Oh… So is that why General Leoni hasn’t responded…?”

“Exactly. He’s in a meeting with officials from the Royal Intelligence Department and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.”

Clevenz briefly mentioned Leoni’s schedule and moved on. It seemed he was listening to my report in place of Leoni and some officials who were absent.

“But, can companies or competitors resolve that issue? It seems more like a diplomatic matter to me…”

“Who knows? A coup could suddenly happen, and a few governments might flip upside down. You never can predict what people will do.”

This meant that the Military Intelligence Agency or Royal Intelligence Department could potentially get involved in the issues surrounding the Mauritania Continent.

Of course, Clevenz and I weren’t privy to the details.

It’s possible that armed thugs could storm the presidential palace of states that have grown distant from relations with Abas and that generals could seize tanks to occupy the parliament. But Clevenz and I are completely oblivious to that.

In any case, we don’t know.

“Well, let’s leave it at that. I appreciate the news regarding the lukewarm reaction from the Empire. I’ll report this to the Prime Minister’s residence. By the way, you’re heading north soon, right?”

“Yes, I plan to enter the north shortly. I’m currently coordinating with the Military Government Headquarters.”

“Any concerns? The situation over there isn’t looking too good.”

“I don’t anticipate any issues.”

“Good. Take care of yourself.”

Clevenz’s voice traveled through the device. Having observed him for several years, I assumed he was nodding as he responded, sitting in front of his desk.

“Be cautious, as the Northern Region is a hotbed for counterintelligence operations due to the Grand Espionage Operation. And as you know, it’s not only the counterintelligence division active up there.”

“Oh, I understand what you mean.”

Currently, it’s not just the Counterintelligence Command operating in the North. The Reconnaissance Command is also active.

The aide who recently escaped with his family also provided intel that the Imperial intelligence agencies were monitoring civilian magicians who formed vigilante organizations in the North. I witnessed this firsthand when I entered the interrogation room at the Colonel’s office. I had filed the report, too.

But it seems Clevenz wasn’t concerned about that aspect.

“Given the heightened tensions, just be careful not to get swept up in incidents.”

“Okay?”

“Hm?”

The moment I uttered a muddled reply, Clevenz chimed in, his tone taking on a secretive note.

“Oh, it seems you’re still in the dark.”

“What do you mean?”

“Never mind. Don’t worry about it.”

Clevenz added in a cryptic tone.

“You’ll find out soon enough.”