A Dark Fantasy Spy

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Black Market

It refers to a market where transactions occur outside the established systems and laws. More broadly, it can also be interpreted as the underground economy.

No matter where you go in the world, a black market exists. From Europe and the Americas to Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, there is no place without a black market.

Even in North Korea, a black market exists. People refer to it as the “Jangmadang.”

South Korea is no exception. Without having to look far, many second-hand trading websites engage in questionable transactions, akin to scalping.

In that sense, it can be seen as a type of black market. It’s not just a space where firearms, drugs, counterfeit money, and illegal pornography are traded.

Anyway,

Francesca has shared news that she obtained information about the northern black market. To be precise, she asked if I wasn’t interested in visiting the black market, but to my ears, it sounded like the same thing.

The way she obtained her information was quite simple.

“Laborers, you say?”

“Yes.”

Episode 11 – No Anomalies on the Northern Front

“…So.”

In the suburban area of Novonikolaevsk, the administrative capital of the Kien Empire’s north.

Francesca, clad in a drab brown cape, awaited me in this quiet area.

“You heard the workers talking about the black market, correct?”

“I got the story from some workers involved in railway maintenance.”

Francesca acquired information about the black market from laborers she met at the maintenance site. With her face partially hidden by the cape, she continued her explanation.

“There were people asking if anyone wanted to accompany them to buy some necessary items today.”

“What are they looking to buy?”

“They mentioned needing supplies for infants, like formula or diapers.”

“Um….”

A biting wind cut through the air, as a bright full moon looked down upon the land, and shooting stars adorned the night sky.

It was a dark, damp alley, but regardless of the grime surrounding it, Francesca appeared almost as if she belonged to another world.

Suddenly, a painting I had seen in an art gallery crossed my mind: a scholar and a woman walking along a wall in the moonlight, with the moon concealed by clouds. At first glance, the current situation bore some resemblance to that painting, yet it was far from reality.

For we were in a place under martial law.

Walking down the street at night without a permit could result in being shot by military police.

I cautiously surveyed the surroundings and asked Francesca, “Can you be more specific?”

According to what Francesca heard from the workers, there is indeed a black market up north. The laborers sell surplus items they received as rations in exchange for their work, using the black market to obtain items they need.

The primary commodities traded tend to be daily necessities.

“Essential goods for living are the most frequently traded, and occasionally valuable items like medicines or magical tools show up. Though rare, they aren’t impossible to find,” she explained.

“Is there actually someone buying those? They should be too busy just trying to get by.”

“Of course, the average person likely can’t afford them.”

Francesca added with a smirk, “But in the end, someone must be buying them for the black market to have them, right? A deal that doesn’t yield profit is not really a deal, after all.”

That’s true.

Ultimately, the black market is still a market. A market is a space where transactions occur, and merchants buy and sell valuable items.

However, ‘value’ is an extremely abstract concept. Whether it’s a diamond or gold, if people aren’t willing to pay for it, it’s nothing more than a useless rock.

In short, if items like medicines or magical tools are traded in the northern black market, it suggests there are people who can afford them. At least that’s what Francesca believed.

“I’m not very savvy about economics, but let’s agree on that. So, what do you want?”

“Hm?”

Francesca offered a strange smile that seemed unfamiliar to her. Curious eyes sparkled amid the darkness of the alley.

“You won our little bet. If you have a request, feel free to share.”

“Well…? For now, how about giving me some time to think…?”

“……”

What on earth are you planning to ask for that you need time to think about it? How much are you planning to milk me for just finding one black market?

I wished I could just brush it off with an offer to buy her a drink, but unfortunately, Francesca wasn’t the type to be easily satisfied with that.

Letting out a deep sigh, I replied, “Alright then. So, when do we set off?”

“Oh, before that.”

Under the cold moonlight, Francesca’s eyes shimmered with intrigue.

“I have someone to meet.”

*

Francesca, claiming she had someone to meet, temporarily left my side. I tightened my loosely draped coat, waiting for her in the alley.

A short while later.

“Uh….”

I stared in awe at the imposing figure that appeared before me.

“So, your name is…?”

“…Hmm!”

A man with a splendid beard burst into hearty laughter.

“I am Sir Pereyti of the Knights Order of Saint Andrew!”

The hulking figure that emerged from the alley was someone I was well acquainted with—someone I had met no more than a week ago, no less. It was Sir Pereyti, leader of the Knights Order of Saint Andrew, which was the first to be dispatched in the conflict between the Kien Empire and the Magic Tower.

He appeared completely out of the blue, and with a booming voice, he spoke.

“Long time no see, Colonel Frederick Nostrim!”

“Uh… um… yes. It’s been a while, Sir Pereyti.”

“Forget the ‘Sir’ part!”

His bright laugh echoed through the alley watched over by the cool moon.

“Now that we’re comrades fighting together, just call me Pereyti!”

“…I’ll refer to you as Sir Pereyti.”

“Eh?! That feels too stiff!”

“…….”

I stared blankly at the mercurial leader of the Knights Order. Why on earth had this fellow appeared here? It was incomprehensible.

Rubbing my throbbing temples, I scanned around me.

“…….”

Beside him stood Francesca wearing a mischievous smile, and behind her, someone with a hat pulled low, their head downcast.

I directed my question toward her, hiding behind the bulky figure of Pereyti.

“Excuse me. Haven’t I seen you somewhere before?”

“…Huh, um, I, I don’t know?”

The person with the low hat responded, sounding flustered. The dark environment made it hard to see, but the bright red hair that peeked out from beneath the brim was strikingly clear.

“…I’m certain I have.”

“…I really don’t think so?”

I yanked off the ridiculous hat that covered her face.

As the ludicrous design of the hat disappeared, tousled red hair tumbled out, revealing a bright blue-eyed expression filled with surprise. The familiar face that emerged was undeniably recognizable.

I murmured her name softly.

“Camila. What are you doing here?”

“……”

Her blue eyes widened as they darted around in a panic. When I leaned in slightly to meet her gaze, Camila averted her eyes.

Watching her flounder, I turned my gaze back to Francesca, urging her to explain this absurd situation with my eyes.

“…Hmm.”

Seeming to gather her thoughts, Francesca, perhaps aware of my gaze, cleared her throat and spoke.

“Colonel, this is Sir Pereyti who has come from the Order. And as you might know, he’s a hero.”

“I already knew that. But why are these people here?”

The one who answered my question was not Francesca.

“I’m here because we’re going to the black market!”

“……”

“……”

“Uh, was that not it?”

Pereyti, who had taken over Francisca’s place in the conversation, awkwardly scratched his head as he laughed shyly.

An odd silence fell over the alley. Slightly embarrassed, Pereyti rubbed his head but soon reverted back to his boisterous demeanor and began to explain.

“I was looking around to find what I needed, and the administrator here told me there’s a black market nearby. I thought perhaps I could find what I’m looking for there.”

“…What is it that you need?”

“That’s right!”

“What are you looking for that requires going to the black market?”

“Of course! What does a knight need? Cigarettes and alcohol!”

“……”

Are these guys for real?

I shot Pereyti a rather contemptuous glance, but he stared back at me with an unabashed expression.

What kind of knight are you? Even second-rate warriors in ancient martial arts novels wouldn’t behave like this!

“Cigarettes and alcohol… Am I hearing correctly?”

“Correct!”

“……”

This is why the order is in shambles. Now I understand why the Empire has been struggling against the demon armies. They sent these clowns as reinforcements!

I was such a fool for trusting these imbeciles. There’s no hope left.

“Ha…”

“…Ahem!”

Noticing the meaning behind my sigh, Pereyti wore a sheepish grin and averted his gaze. At least he seemed aware it was a bit embarrassing.

As he awkwardly attempted to meet my eyes, I couldn’t help but wonder how he had come to be in charge of such critical matters.

“No matter how much of a knight you are, you can’t just stroll into a den of lawlessness like that. It’s totally illegal.”

“Then I could always repent. The great god will forgive this child’s sins! Haha!”

“……”

Seriously? Is this guy really a knight?

At this point, I was starting to feel dizzy. Seeing him show up in armor at a banquet made me think he was mental, but this was just beyond ridiculous.

Though I wanted to protest, I decided that talking to him further would just lead to more frustration. Instead, I turned my attention to Camila standing behind Pereyti.

“Camila.”

“…Yes?”

“You’re not here to go to the black market, are you?”

“…….”

Camila seemed to mumble something, her lips barely moving as she avoided my gaze.

“I… I know it’s dangerous…”

“……”

“But honestly, I’m curious… hehehe.”

The moment I heard her response, I couldn’t help but clutch my nape.

What could I do? I couldn’t very well slap her either.

This is madness.

“Are you kidding me….”

As I held my neck, Pereyti caught me and steadied me.

“Are you alright?”

“Thank you. My blood pressure just spiked suddenly…”

“Haha! Colonel, you’re weaker than you look!”

“……”

Weak? Me?

No matter how I thought about it, it made no sense. I had never been said to be lacking in endurance, not during special forces or UDT training, nor even in military intelligence roles. How could I be weak?

“……”

Suddenly, I noticed how much taller and more robust Pereyti was than most. The dark surroundings hadn’t revealed it before, but he was notably muscular.

He was easily two meters tall. Even thick winter coats couldn’t hide the physique developed over a lifetime of sword training. It’s only natural.

Even a knight who only uses magic to strengthen himself would have a physique stronger than that of guys from special forces, let alone the Knights who still continue their lineage unlike the fallen nobles.

It’s clear they would naturally be more muscular than your average citizen.

That means, essentially, Pereyti and I are not in the same league. Who in their right mind would even think to compare an orc with a human’s physique? The real oddity here is that this man fails to recognize his own strengths, referring to me as weak instead.

“Okay, everyone please calm down. Let’s all settle down now.”

“Thank you, administrator!”

Pereyti expressed his gratitude towards Francesca, who gently mediated the situation. Camila, who was peeking out from behind, swiftly hid when our eyes met, but no one was paying her any mind at the moment.

I cast a sidelong glance at Pereyti, who urged me to bulk up, then sighed and posed my question.

“…You said you were looking for something?”

“Um, yes.”

“What item could possibly require you to go to a black market?”

After a moment of think about it, Pereyti grinned widely as he answered.

“Of course! It’s items needed for the Knights Order! Haha!”

Now that’s what I was asking about.

“If it’s for the Knights Order, can’t you just request supplies through official channels? Is it that your supplies have already run out?”

“Not at all! The great clerics and bishops of the National Affairs Council watch over our Order, our provisions are never lacking.”

Pereyti added, “But a person can’t just live off bread and nothing else!”

“What is it you need that you can’t request through the proper channels?”

“What does a knight need? Cigarettes and alcohol!”

“……”

Is that really what knights need?

I looked at Pereyti with a slight air of disdain, but he returned my stare without shame.

How is this a knight? Even the so-called monks in cheesy martial arts novels wouldn’t act like this!

“Cigarettes and alcohol… Is that what I actually heard?”

“That’s right!”

“……”

The Order is doomed. Now I see why the Empire is struggling in the face of the demon armies. They’ve sent these fools as reinforcements!

It was my foolishness to trust them; all hope is lost now.

“Ha…”

“…Cough!”

Noticing how heavy my sigh sounded, Pereyti forced an awkward smile while averting his gaze. He appeared somewhat embarrassed.

“Even if you’re a knight, you still can’t just wander into a den of vice like that. It’s completely illegal.”

“Repent, then! The Great One will forgive this wretched soul for his sins! Haha!”

“……”

Is this guy for real?

Watching him having a moment of madness made me feel dizzy. I thought he was just a weirdo for showing up in armor at a banquet, but this was a new level of insanity!

I wanted to let my thoughts out, but I feared a conversation with him would only tire me further. I chose instead to focus on Camila, who was quietly standing behind Pereyti.

“Camila.”

“…Yes?”

“You’re not planning to go to the black market, are you?”

“……”

Camila stammered and looked away, clearly avoiding my question.

“I know it’s dangerous, but…”

“……”

“Honestly, I’m just curious… Heh heh.”

The moment I heard her response, I couldn’t hold back a groan.

What can I do? I can’t very well smack her.

This is lunacy.

“Seriously….”

As I lamented my fate, I felt Pereyti press down on me to ensure I was steady.

“Are you alright?”

“Thanks, just a sudden spike in blood pressure…”

“Ha! Colonel, you’re much weaker than you appear!”

“……”

Weaker? Me?

How could that make sense? I had never received remarks about lacking stamina in any of my military assignments or intelligence roles. Why would I be weak?

“……”

In an instant, I noticed Pereyti, his imposing form standing before me. The broadness of his frame was now all the more obvious in the dark setting.

He was clearly at least two meters tall and built like a battering ram. His powerful physique was no doubt the result of a life spent honing his craft with a sword—not only was it to be expected.

A knight who can enhance their body with magic, got to have the physique of the special forces; how much less would those who adhere to tradition be less strict about their training?

So comparing myself to Pereyti would be pointless. Who in their right mind would think of comparing an orc with a human frame? The bizarre part is that this man seems to think it’s a negative trait not to recognize he is in a league of his own.

“Please, everyone, calm down. Let’s reach a consensus.”

“Thank you, Administrator!”

Francesca interjected smoothly, offering mediation once again. Camila, peeking from behind her, hurriedly hid when our eyes met, but nobody was focusing on her now.

I glanced sideways at Pereyti, who insisted I bulk up, sighed, and decided to voice my inquiries.

“…You’re actually looking for something?”

“Um, yes.”

“What item could possibly require you to visit the black market?”

After thinking briefly, Pereyti donned a wide smile as he responded.

“Of course it’s items required by the knights! Haha!”

What exactly does that mean?

“If it’s for the Order, you could simply request supplies from the Ministry of Defense, couldn’t you? Or are there already shortages in your supplies?”

“Not at all! The great god and the bishops from the National Affairs Council look after our Order, so we never face shortages.”

Pereyti chimed in, “However, a person can’t survive on bread alone!”

“What specific items are needed that would warrant going to the black market?”

“What do knights require? Cigarettes and booze!”

“……”

Wait, this can’t be right.

I cast a look of contempt at Pereyti, who merely offered an unapologetic grin in return.

What kind of knights are these? Even the chaps from cheesy martial arts novels wouldn’t act this absurd!

“Cigarettes and alcohol… Is that really what I heard just now?”

“Yes!”

“……”

The Order truly is in shambles.

Now it dawns on me precisely why the Empire seems overwhelmed by the demon invasion. Its reinforcements appear to be making it worse!

I had been foolish enough to put faith in these characters. There’s no hope left to cling to.

“Ha…”

“…Erhm!”

Realizing the weight carried in my sigh, Pereyti’s face morphed into a goofy smile, and he feigned ignorance of the situation.

“Even as knights, it’s understood that we have cravings. So I’m not completely ignorant of how the world works.”

“Of all the things to say at a moment like this!”

“If caught, it’s illegal! If not caught, it’s legal! It’s the way of things! But do not tell the knighthood that we visited the black market! If Director Petrus finds out, he’ll be furious!”

As laughter erupted merrily amidst our conversation, I allowed my mind to drift.

The Inquisition Director, Petrus.

People perceive him as a pious and devout believer, yet he is also an agent of the Military Intelligence Agency—more precisely, a high-ranking spy.

His devout faith, extensive theological knowledge, and high divine suitability lead people to think he would have pursued a path as a priest, yet he cast all that aside and joined the Military Intelligence Agency.

Had he opted for the life of a clergy, he might have become a bishop by now. An Inquisition Director’s seat is usually occupied only by those with the utmost capacities and convictions.

However, he chose the path of a spy instead. He opted to infiltrate the Church while leaving his long-standing wife behind, never returning to Abas until the moment she passed away.

More importantly, in that moment he could only pass a necklace back to a pupil long after their paths diverged.

He abandoned family, rank, and identity.

So, nobody knows who he is.

Only the name Director Petrus of the Inquisition remains.

“……”

As I raised my head, the full moon was visible overhead. The clouds covered the moon, making it reveal little about its form.

But, the night sky adorned with stars was clearly shining.

“Here we are.”

I turned toward the voice of Pereyti calling out next to my ear.

“This is the northern black market.”