A Dark Fantasy Spy

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The hero rises through the ages.

There is no one who is born a hero. What creates a hero is not education or training, but the world itself.

A world full of chaos and disorder, where violence runs rampant.

From the midst of that hellish turmoil, those who survive and seize opportunities leave their names in history.

Legendary generals who lead wars to victory.

[…At the peak of the Naroda Mountains, the flag flutters on a mountain summit that hasn’t run dry of blood for the past five years! Commander Mikhail, the leader of the Northern Conflict, stands atop the waving flag and gazes at the frozen land of the north. Thus, the long-standing border dispute comes to an end, and an era of peace has arrived!]

Pioneers who peel back the veil of the unknown and venture down new paths.

[…Amid the stringent watch of the royal guards, a splendid carriage exits the main gate of the imperial palace. According to reports from the press, it has been confirmed that the owner of the carriage is none other than Duke Alexandra Smirnov of the North. A scoop report connects us to our journalist on the scene.]

Heroes who ignite the flame in the darkest of times.

[…On the 23rd local time, a medal award ceremony was held at the imperial palace. Many figures from the Ministry of Defense who participated in the Imperial-Magic Conflict were present. Among the commanding officers, the spotlight was on three individuals who participated in the Northern Conflict.]

[…The Kien Empire government awarded Colonel Frederick Nostrim with the Friendship Medal this morning. It is said that this medal, awarded for the purpose of enhancing diplomatic relations between the two countries, has never before been given to diplomats below an ambassadorial rank. In this regard, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the medal was awarded in recognition of Frederick’s efforts to resolve the conflict.]

A great leader who closed the curtain on a chaotic era.

[…The Holy See awarded the Holy Tomb Order to Saint Veronica and four others. The Holy Tomb Order is known to be the highest honor granted by the Holy See. It is reported that this marks Saint Veronica’s third receipt of this medal.]

[However, the fact that the list of laureates was not disclosed and the reasons for the award remain unknown has sparked ripples in the religious community. Some speculate that a significant issue may have occurred in the Empire regarding Saint Veronica’s involvement in the Northern Conflict—]

Clack.

The radio’s power shuts off, and sounds fade away. The heavy silence fills the empty audio, wherein even the sound of a pin dropping can be vividly heard.

As I brushed my heavy eyelids with my hand, I tossed down my passport inscribed with the Abas emblem onto the bed.

“…Yes. I just checked in. I managed to catch some sleep at the embassy. I’ll confirm the schedule as soon as breakfast ends and report back.”

Turning off the secure terminal and grabbing a coffee, I approached the window.

A foggy street. Sunlight piercing through the clouds tickles my skin. The sound of birds chirping briefly follows as white doves rise into the sky, breaking through the pale veil.

As the fog dissipates, the religious buildings densely packed along the street come into view.

While gazing at the sunlit cathedral, I took a sip of coffee and set my cup down.

Early morning. The street of the cult.

“…Hmm.”

It wasn’t such a bad view.

—

Episode 14 – One Religion, One Faith, Two Saints

—

Just as my two weeks with Camila had flown by, the last two days passed in a blur.

I had been shuttling between three countries: Abas, Kien, and the Magic Tower.

Though taking the Warp Gate significantly shortened travel time compared to airships or ships, participating in national events left me physically and mentally exhausted.

And now, on the morning of the third day, finally today, I could have a decent rest for the first time in three days.

“Good morning!”

As I opened the door and headed to the elevator, just as I turned the corner, someone suddenly jumped out and startled me.

It was Camila.

“Did you sleep well?”

With a bright smile, Camila greeted me, and I answered with my mouth wide open.

“Kaaah….”

“Oh, you scared me! Why are you making such strange sounds? You’ll frighten people.”

A weak murmur escaped from my dry throat.

“I feel like I’m going to die…”

Abas, Kien Empire, Magic Tower. Although I had summoned the power of magic, shuttling between three countries in just two days was no walk in the park.

Anyone who loves traveling abroad will understand that crossing borders is extremely tiring. From going through immigration checks to currency exchanges, accommodation assignments, and adjusting to time differences, it demands both mental and physical fatigue.

Moreover, looking after Camila, who I left behind in Abas, and picking up Francesca from the Magic Tower meant I crossed the border not just three times but several times. How exhausting could that be?

I sighed, brushing my darkened face.

“Here I am, at this age, climbing mountains in the Middle East, dealing with warlords, sailing from Europe to Africa, and then immediately switching flights to South America… but now in my late twenties, I can’t keep this up anymore.”

Listening to my story, Camila tilted her head.

“Isn’t it more like you’re in your thirties?”

“Shut your mouth, Camila.”

Anyway, after traveling through the three countries, we finally arrived at the cult. And many changes had occurred in those two days.

While it would take too long to explain everything, if I had to point out one thing, it would be the change in how the public viewed us.

Until now, Camila had been a veiled figure.

Though she had revealed herself to the world last summer, for nearly half a year, her abilities had remained shrouded in secrecy.

This was a protective measure to shield her from external threats, but not everyone viewed this protective action positively. Thus, during the past six months, numerous rumors circulated about Camila.

Some said she couldn’t use her power properly, claiming she had a disability, while others insisted she was being used by the Abas government…

Rumors surrounding Camila were as rampant as weeds in a military camp during the summer. No politician or celebrity could dare to match her.

As always with conspiracy theories, most were founded on baseless assumptions, but some contained kernels of truth. Like the rumor that she couldn’t control her abilities due to fainting episodes.

Of course, there were also baseless claims that she was being exploited by the Abas government. I didn’t know for sure, but anyway, let’s just say that was nonsense.

However, following the Northern Conflict, many of the doubts surrounding Camila began to dissipate.

Frontline imperial army public relations officers diligently reported her exploits to media outlets (which, while superficially private, were founded by retired military officials), allowing the world to witness Camila’s ability to incinerate more than half of the Naroda Mountains.

“…Hrumph.”

Just then, Camila coughed lightly and puffed up her chest.

At that moment, the large medal hanging near her chest caught the light, reflecting brightly.

“What’s that?”

“Can’t you see?”

“So what is it?”

“Ugh! It’s the medal!”

“Oh, the medal….”

I muttered with a deflated voice.

“Thought I was saying something else. Yes. Um. Congratulations…”

“Eek…!”

Camila’s face turned red. It was more a look of anger than modesty, like a terrifying statue placed in front of a temple.

However, I couldn’t care less. I dug my finger into my ear and blew softly into it.

“What’s the big deal about a medal? I have one too.”

The reason for visiting the Empire with Camila and Francesca was the medal award ceremony.

We received medals from the empire’s government alongside courageous individuals who had made notable stories during the Northern Conflict.

The 1st Class Knight Medal.

Otherwise known as the Kien Empire Hero Medal.

It’s the most prestigious highest-grade medal awarded by the Kien Empire in the name of the imperial family. Because it is bestowed in the name of the emperor, it comes with numerous benefits and carries extraordinary prestige.

Unlike other medals handed out as part of routine events to military officials, the 1st Class Knight Medal is rigorously awarded after a strict selection process.

And this ceremony only saw four recipients: Camila, Lucia, Francesca, and Commander Mikhail.

Camila then pointed at her 1st Class Knight Medal and raised her voice.

“I busted my ass to earn this, and that’s your reaction?”

“Who cares?”

I responded, completely nonchalant.

While our group received 1st Class Knight Medals at this ceremony, I did not. There had been much debate within the Empire about how inappropriate it would look to award a hero’s medal to an officer from an enemy nation.

Of course, the same applied to Abas.

Despite seeking to improve relations, the Kien Empire was still the biggest adversary.

I’d expected they’d at least give me a medal for diplomats, but they suddenly offered me the 1st Class Medal, putting Abas in quite a tricky position.

Ultimately, before the ceremony, I declined the 1st Class Knight Medal and negotiated to be awarded a Friendship Medal that would only be given to an ambassador from an allied nation.

“It’s useless to me anyway.”

Whether it’s 1st Class Knight Medal or whatever. The truth is, it wouldn’t serve any purpose for me to receive it. Would it give me a pension, or would it exempt me from taxes?

Plus, I’d already received two medals from the Abas government, so why would I need another?

“I received plenty of other awards!”

“What awards?”

“Um….”

Camila crossed her arms and fell deep in thought.

“They mentioned giving me a car, but I turned it down since I can’t drive, and instead, I received a couple of precious gifts. The only one that comes to mind is a watch though.”

“A watch? Oh, that watch.”

I immediately recalled the watch Camila had worn on her wrist just yesterday.

It was a luxury watch inscribed with the emblem of the Kien Empire. A gift received alongside the medal.

I wondered what was so special about it, yet she wore it proudly and grinned.

I replied with a bored expression.

“That? A watch? We have loads of those at my place. More than ten or so.”

“What kind of watch?”

“It’s an Absolute Watch. It’s widely known that the National Intelligence Service gives them as gifts to those who’ve reported diligently.”

The Absolute Watch. It was rumored to be handed out generously to those who’ve reported actively to the Agency.

With the emblem of the National Intelligence Service inscribed, it’s perfect for collectors, but I just kept it packed away at home after receiving it.

“Why did you take that?”

“I was dispatched to the Intelligence Service a few times, and they brought it as a gift. It’s a rare item on the internet, but they also sell them in souvenir shops, so I just kept it as a display piece.”

“……”

“Also, I think I received a Cheongwadae watch before. That was probably when I got the NSO Director’s commendation? Not sure where I put that. I think I might have given it to a colleague as a farewell gift when I transferred out….”

As I reminisced with a nonchalant expression, Camila’s white hand suddenly appeared in front of my face.

Her fingers curled naturally like she was holding a golf ball, and her index finger stood straight.

Having invented a universally recognized sign language, Camila wore a teary expression as she muttered.

“Take this….”

—

“…….”

“…….”

“…Colonel?”

“Yes, Saint.”

“Has the demon appeared again?”

“No, what kind of demons could there be in the heart of the cult….”

“Then why do you have a bump on the hero’s head?”

“…….”

As Veronica’s voice, tinged with confusion, filled the air, silence descended.

Camila quietly ate the breakfast provided by the hotel. The large bump on her head glowed red under the lights.

I was pressing my hot fist against a glass filled with ice when I shrugged my shoulders and maintained my silence.

As Veronica glanced between Camila and me, she seemed to sense something was off and cautiously spoke to Camila.

“…Ahem. Hero? May I borrow the Colonel for a moment?”

“…….”

“…Um….”

Camila, still nibbling her food, stared silently at Veronica. Though her angle was off, Veronica’s face quickly became her answer.

Receiving the intense gaze of Camila, Veronica visibly flinched, her startled expression evident as she swiftly grabbed me and hurried away.

“What’s this? I’m having my meal. Doesn’t anyone know not to disturb a person while they eat?”

“Why is the hero acting like that? That gaze is so deadly….”

“I don’t know.”

As casually as I could, I pulled out a cigarette and made my way to the smoking room.

Veronica joined me without suspicion, and I turned to her with a calm expression and asked.

“Why did you call?”

“About the canonization ceremony, upcoming schedules, and some information I need to share.”

Veronica, pulling out a mini cigar from her pocket, struck a match and lit it.

“As the Colonel knows, the canonization and enthronement ceremonies will be held sequentially with a slight interval.”

Lucia’s canonization and Raphael’s papal enthronement are scheduled three days apart.

The events surrounding the days of the canonization, followed by the enthronement, comprise three days of celebratory events, alongside a day of rest and preparation interspersed in between.

In total, over a week, the cult plans to host two national events and a festival to celebrate the birth of a new saint and a pope.

And while the schedules may vary by country, delegations consisting of the leaders and ministers from each nation will be staying at the cult for that week.

Veronica then passed me the list of attendees.

“Let’s see….”

As I read through the document prepared by the cult government in a quiet voice, I remarked.

“The Prime Minister and Minister of Finance from the Kingdom of Abas will be attending, the Lushan Federal Kingdom will send the King and his wife along with the Crown Prince couple, while from the Mauritania continent, several lower-ranked ministers will attend…. The Republic of Patalia isn’t sending the president but the vice president.”

“Their domestic schedules prevent them from sending the president. It’s the same reason we can’t know about the Mauritania continent guests, Colonel.”

“I know. They’re at odds with the cult, after all.”

With a few exceptions, the nations in the Mauritania continent that are religiously at odds have unanimously chosen to send lower-tier envoys.

Given that Mauritania is characterized by religious governance, it’s commonly assumed that the heads of state and government leaders would be unable to respond to invitations with religious leaders as powerful as the High Duke and the only surviving Archmage, the Priest.

Still, seeing as the Crown Prince or royalty will attend, it seems they’ve made some effort to maintain propriety.

Consequently, Veronica remarked.

“They’re handling this cleverly.”

“Well, that’s true.”

If you had a long-standing feud with a religious authority where the Archmage was the religious leader, then you would definitely avoid engaging in Lucia’s canonization or Raphael’s papal enthronement. There’s no benefit in provoking a monster that has existed for a century.

My hands had come to an abrupt stop. Feeling something was amiss, I looked at the document closely.

“Wait a moment, but there are no names on the Kien Empire side. What’s going on here?”

“It’s normal for there to be no guests from the Empire.”

“What do you mean by that?”

“I don’t have that information.”

The mini cigar in her mouth, Veronica grinned and raised her empty hands.

“The list of participants from the Empire is managed not by the clergy of the Holy See, but separately by the Pope.”

“Pope John XVI? Why would that old man manage that? Has this happened before?”

Veronica shook her head casually.

“They never gave the Empire any special treatment. However, curiously, this time it seems the Pope personally will handle the guest list for those attending the canonization and enthronement ceremonies.”

That the Pope would handle the list directly. And specifically for the Kien Empire.

I had no idea as to why. If a saint like Veronica does not know, then there’s practically no one that does.

As I exhaled a plume of smoke, I muttered lightly while brushing off the ash.

“What, is the emperor coming or something?”

“The emperor? That old man doesn’t have the courage to show up here.”

“Why not? Is there someone at the cult who dislikes the emperor?”

“Of course, it’s because of me.”

Veronica thrust her fierce expression at me and clenched her fist.

“That old wrinkly bastard will get smashed the moment he shows his face. He’s ruined my life, so it’s only right I get to settle the score.”

“Goodness….”

I took a step back in shock.

Suddenly, her face came too close for comfort.

“Anyway!”

Now at a point where distinguishing between a saint and a gangster became difficult, Veronica exhaled a sigh mixed with smoke as she reined in her emotions.

“The emperor surely won’t show up for the canonization or enthronement. At best, maybe the crown prince or princesses will attend.”

If a native intelligence agent from the Empire said so, it must be true.

I burned the document with the list of attendees, and wrote a report saying to gather the missing information through the Empire’s local branch.

—

When I finally roused myself from my slumber, the clock indicated it was already 10 AM.

I had missed breakfast.

Resigned, I headed outside to find a meal and ran into Francesca, who was sitting in the lobby on the first floor.

“Francesca. What are you doing here?”

“I was just taking a break.”

In the luxurious hotel lobby, Francesca was reading a book.

It was a magic book, with peculiar symbols and markings on the pages that piqued my interest. Whenever her eyes reached the end of a page, the paper naturally flipped to the next.

After glancing around, I inquired about my suspicion.

“Have you seen any suspicious individuals?”

“I’m not sure what your standards for suspicious individuals mean, Colonel. If the individual you’re looking for is someone I know, then I can only tell you that they’ve gotten busy and left early.”

It seemed she was talking about Veronica returning to the Holy See.

With the canonization ceremony approaching, it appeared there was an unimaginable amount of preparation. It seemed that Veronica was putting forth various efforts for her beloved younger sibling’s only canonization.

“That playful lady is working, huh? I wonder if the sun will rise from the west tomorrow.”

Just then, in the newspaper laid out on the table, an article featuring Veronica caught my eye. Its headline read, “A Young Girl Who Heard the Voice of an Angel.” I couldn’t tell if it was a literary metaphor or factual; I figured I would ask her later.

As I settled in across from Francesca, who was turning pages in her book, she waved her hand, and the book floated perfectly onto the table.

Had she ordered a drink? A staff member approached her with a cup of coffee. When they asked if she needed anything else, I declined, shaking my head.

As the fragrant aroma of coffee drifted through the air, I casually turned to Francesca and asked.

“Are you really okay with this?”

“What are you referring to?”

“Attending the canonization ceremony. Is there no one from the Magic Tower complaining?”

Francesca took a sip of her coffee and replied firmly.

“There’s none.”

“…….”

“If you’re worrying that someone might gossip behind my back for attending the ceremony, I should inform you to put those anxieties to rest. Such people have never existed up until now, and there won’t be in the future either.”

“I hope that’s just a baseless concern.”

As I mumbled that quietly, I heard the sound of her cup clinking against mine.

Francesca carefully placed her cup down, crossed her legs, and rested her chin in her hand while gazing intently at me.

Then, in a gentle tone, she began to speak about something unknown.

“I think you should be more worried about Saint Lucia than I am.”

“What do you mean by that?”

“Earlier, a suspicious individual told me something. They said that Saint Lucia went into seclusion right after meeting the Pope.”

“…What?”

Saint Lucia went into seclusion?

“Can you explain in detail? Why has Lucia locked herself away?”

“I’m not sure. I only heard this in passing… but it seems there might have been some disagreement between her and the Pope.”