A Dark Fantasy Spy

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Happiness is temporary, and regret is eternal.

I filled my empty stomach with cigarette smoke, letting out continuous sighs.

“……”

No one can confidently predict how far this situation will affect us.

Francesca declared a gentle reprimand. No immediate problems arose, but if she were to hold a grudge and unleash her anger, everything would fall into ruin.

For now, Veronica took the lead to manage the aftermath, but even she didn’t have a clever solution on hand.

Was this why the seniors warned us to be careful with women?

Back in my rookie days, I had wondered why people ruined their careers over women. Now, here I am. Me.

“…Seriously.”

Suddenly, I thought as I rubbed the half-burnt cigarette butt into the ashtray.

My steps felt particularly heavy today.

I thrust my hands into my pockets and trudged home.

*

Episode 19 – HELLDIVERS

*

Since the incident had already occurred, I decided not to make excuses or try to clarify things. Such efforts wouldn’t work anyway.

I resolved to face the approaching storm head-on.

With my eyes wide open and my chin held high, I asked as if I had done nothing wrong, “Is there a problem?” in a proud and dignified manner.

While I was flaunting my innocence as if throwing my conscience into the Han River, Older Sister Adela began to look at me with a gaze filled with disappointment.

“Why are you acting so boldly after sneaking out?”

The foreign civil servant from Abas muttered, pausing while wiping a car parked in front of the residence. He sounded as if he had witnessed bizarre things before.

“Sneaking out isn’t a crime.”

“Is it innocent to come crawling in around lunchtime after promising to return early? That’s a life sentence.”

Her tone was certainly gruff, but I didn’t back down.

This wasn’t a struggle to defend my pathetic pride.

Probably.

“Oh dear. A blank check for someone who didn’t even rest processing serious matters. What a disaster.”

“Nonsense is abundant.”

Adela, squatting, squeezed the cleaning tool like it was worthless. I tried to jump in to argue, but she cut me off and brushed my words away.

“I’ve told you several times it’s a day for the family to come together and rest, yet you forget and spend the night outside? Oh, goodness….”

“I had things to do.”

“Of course, you did. All right. Hurry up and check if Ayla’s still sleeping.”

“And Jerry?”

“He’ll be in soon. Just finishing this.”

With a thud, Adela tossed the rag into the basket. Her gesture signaled me to leave.

After seeing that reaction, I sighed in relief internally.

Thank goodness. I thought I might be scolded for being out, but I won’t have to worry about being caught now.

“Are Mother and Father inside?”

“I don’t know. I didn’t see them this morning. They seemed to have gone out.”

Great.

Cheering internally, I rushed into the residence with a beaming smile. In the meantime, Adela was just spinning the window while keeping her back turned to me.

And shortly after.

“…What do you mean they’re not here? Adela you, stupid—”

“Fred! Are you coming here right now?!”

“Gaaah…!”

The moment a deadly scream shook the residence.

A cheerful tune escaped from Adela, who had been leisurely wiping the glass.

*

The innocent lamb who willingly walked into hell (not to be pitied) was thoroughly dismantled by the Great Demon (in the children’s expression, Mother), and at last, peace returned to the household.

The trouble caused by my son, which could rival the oil shock (the three daughter-in-law wave), made him pay the price for being the culprit of household ruin and discord.

“Where’s your mind wandering while causing ruckus abroad, huh?”

“Ah, no! This is all circumstances…!”

“What circumstances? You brought home three bride candidates that your older brother hasn’t even introduced before? Causing a coup abroad? Or is it just sneaking out? Where’s the reason here?”

Every time her swift hand struck my back, sparks flew in front of my eyes, and tears blurred my vision.

The sins of bringing home three brides simultaneously, of stirring a coup abroad, of leaving family events to sneak out—all of them were being punished thoroughly as Grace Nostrim hammered nails into her children’s hearts.

The sight of her striking with intent was indeed an expression suitable for the phrase “picking a date.” I was literally battered like a dog getting beaten on a hot day.

“Are you going to get into more trouble or not!”

“Live quietly—Aack!”

“Not quietly, but decently!”

In the end, I could barely escape this hell after swearing not to cause trouble again, promising twice over.

For a grown man to get reprimanded by his mother (especially in front of siblings) was nothing short of ridiculous, but for a son being hit by his mother, there was nothing more humiliating.

How could I be getting a beating at my age?

What a life I’ve led.

“Guhuh….”

“Does it hurt?”

“…It does.”

My body and heart both hurt.

Older Brother Jerry shook his head in disbelief while looking at me, who kept nodding. Adela, who had leaked deceptive information to me, was laughing at the ridiculousness.

For this sin, that sin, and others, our mother, Ms. Grace, mercilessly scolded the child who had spoiled the family peace, her tongue clicking in disappointment watching her childish siblings.

“Do you enjoy watching your siblings get scolded?”

“Mom. I was just sitting still…?”

“Be quiet.”

“Yes.”

Older Brother Jerry’s tongue was sealed up in an instant, and he shrank back into a corner.

Perhaps woken by the commotion, Ayla opened the door and let out a big yawn.

With a mouth agape so wide that you’d think a bug could fly in and hands scratching her throat, the youngest tiredly ambled to the refrigerator, taking a sip of cold water while looking around in a daze.

“…What’s everyone doing here?”

“Your brother came.”

“He just arrived? I thought he’d run away.”

Ayla’s offhand comment seemed to sting Grace Nostrim’s eyes, as sparks flew in her gaze.

I hid my sore back, trying to mask it, and shot a resentful glare at Ayla.

Regardless, Ayla placed her cup down with a tired expression and trudged toward the sofa, then flopped down and mumbled to me.

“Just let me sleep for 30 more minutes… wake me up later.”

At that moment, when I had my finger ready to jab her forehead like a cockroach,

Mrs. Grace Nostrim slapped her youngest daughter’s rear.

“…Ack!”

“Do you think it makes sense to still be sleeping in broad daylight? Your brother has come. Get up already. You need to eat something.”

“What does his arrival have to do with me…?”

Ayla mumbled nonchalantly.

That one remark surely rubbed me the wrong way.

Just like Jesus helped the paralyzed stand and gave sight to the blind, I kicked the sofa hard, forcing Ayla to wake up and open her eyes wide.

And of course.

I immediately received a slap for the crime of assaulting my sister.

*

Society isn’t a sterile room.

No matter how careful you are, accidents are bound to happen somewhere.

In this never-ending cycle, there’s nearly nothing humans can do. Similarly, at this moment, I couldn’t do much.

My best option was to soothe Francesca to prevent her from getting angry.

After getting scolded for hitting Ayla, I tried every means to reconcile with Francesca, but she finally cut off contact.

I decided to reach out to Lucia to discuss the matter.

– ‘It would be best to refrain from contacting her for a while. She will need her own time to organize her thoughts.’

“Is that so?”

– ‘Yes… It seems so.’

Even with Lucia and Veronica stepping up to help, Francesca continued to avoid all contact. While I wasn’t a mind reader, I clearly understood she was deliberately avoiding us.

Is the saying, “Time heals all wounds” really true? They say there are no false old sayings, and I hope that holds true this time.

After leaving a message requesting a reply when she had time, I returned to my daily routine with family.

Strictly speaking, it was closer to a break than a daily routine, yet I couldn’t possibly relax with a troubled mind.

I grumbled as I tightened my autumn coat.

“Do we really need to go out just to eat lunch?”

While shaking in the chilly late autumn wind, my father, Charles Nostrim, adjusted his rimmed glasses and smiled.

“When everyone is gathered together, shouldn’t we eat at a nice place?”

“Since I’ve been living abroad, I’ve eaten out so much….”

“That restaurant is incomparable. I’ve reserved a famous place that your mother and I often visited, so you can look forward to it.”

The restaurant he mentioned was one of Abas’ renowned establishments where he often dated his wife back in the day.

It was run by a businessman who bought and remodeled the birthplace of a queen who lived in the royal palace hundreds of years ago. The restaurant maintained both history and fundamental excellence.

The food that captivated the taste buds of local foreigners was so remarkable that well-known critics praised it. The cellar, equipped with thousands of wines, also received accolades from connoisseurs searching for wines from various regions.

The restaurant was suitable as a dating spot for couples and as a tourist attraction for visitors.

Nestled in the heart of a quiet old town, it held an ancient tradition and reputation.

“Wow.”

As the evening sun set in the western sky, after passing through the forest of elegant buildings, Jerry and Adela exclaimed upon arriving at the restaurant.

The picturesque garden with beautiful scenery and the tantalizing smells from the kitchen made for the perfect feast for the senses.

While our parents engaged in conversation with the staff, us kids were engrossed in the beauty of our surroundings.

“Luna en el mar, Château rêve vintage 1984, Quinta da espaço….”

Jerry was practically drawn into the display while examining various wines.

When I tapped his shoulder, he stumbled forward.

“Get a grip, you alcohol addict!”

“Not an addict… Ah, this place is corkage fee-free.”

After wondering what he meant, I realized he meant it was a restaurant where you could bring your own wine. Of course, it wasn’t free.

Claiming he’s not an alcoholic—what a ridiculous assertion.

“…So this is the place. It’s amazing.”

Adela strolled around exploring with her Magic Imaging Equipment, taking pictures of picturesque scenery instead of people.

“Have you never been here before?”

“No. But I’ve heard a lot about it. My colleagues come here often.”

That meant extracurriculars among officials who miss the local dining experiences they had while working abroad.

“Really?”

I replied ambiguously, trailing off.

Adela shot me a raised eyebrow as if to say she wondered what I was about to conclude.

“What? Is it pitiful that someone who brought home three brides can’t bring her sister to a place like this?”

“Hey… what nonsense are you spouting all of a sudden?”

I turned Adela’s words back at her.

“You said the diplomats often come here, right? They say this place reproduces foreign food closest to the local flavors.”

“And?”

“Then wouldn’t foreign diplomats share the same sentiment?”

The implication being that foreign diplomats had also patronized the establishment.

Although I phrased it indirectly, Adela wasn’t so oblivious as to miss my underlying meaning. Diplomatic euphemism symbolized the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Ministry and the Information Agency were closely related.

Adela subtly scanned the surroundings before lowering her voice.

“There were no foreigners on the reservation list for today. At least, during our time here.”

Meaning the minimum security was guaranteed since it was all locals.

I began to brainstorm rapidly.

Even if information officers don’t enter the restaurants, there are many ways to monitor the interior. From neighboring buildings point-blank to set up eavesdropping equipment or bribing the staff could work.

Or simply waiting until they leave the restaurant, stalking them from behind.

Determining whether to tail them had already been evaluated on the way here, but the safest bet was that I operated alone.

Moving with my family could hinder sightings for the watchers.

So, I offered an excuse of stepping out for a smoke and wandered around the area, yet, fortunately or unfortunately, even after numerous turns, I couldn’t even find a neighborhood cat.

“…Tsk.”

As I extinguished the cigarette in my mouth, I returned to the restaurant.

Just then, Adela and Jerry were waiting for me, their expressions serious as though they had exchanged comments.

“Put on a better face. I just went out to smoke.”

“Are you sure you’re okay?”

“Sure.”

Nodding my head made Jerry sigh in relief. Adela crossed her arms and gazed off in the distance, leaning against the wall.

“What a pain it is to suffer when you’re out on leave… The move to the residence was because of work too, right? How do you manage to live regularly?”

“Well.”

“That’s just nonsense.”

Adela’s voice rang out as she complained about the smell of cigarettes, and just then, the staff opened the door to say, “It’s ready.”

We stepped in, heading for a private room inside the restaurant. Our parents were already blooming smiles, waiting.

“You all made it! Come, take a seat.”

“Ah— I’m starving.”

“Adela, didn’t you have a sandwich before you set out? Are you trying to eat again?”

“Shut it, Jerry.”

“Children, stop fighting.”

As Jerry and Adela bickered playfully, I scanned for a good spot to sit.

Where would be good?

“Hmm….”

Although the room was like a private chamber with a separate space, I couldn’t help but find a safe spot out of habit.

While vaguely glancing around the room, one ideal spot caught my eye. The right side was against the wall, with the nearby window and entrance conveniently leading directly to the street outside.

There couldn’t have been a better spot.

“Look at this. It’s a gift Ayla brought back from her business trip.”

“Gift? Is this an herbal wine sold only in the Principality of Ratouan? Wow— When did she buy this?”

“Ayla went to Ratouan for her business trip?”

“Yep, I’ve heard she has traveled around several countries. She must have been quite busy.”

Leaving behind the family chatting excitedly about the souvenir the youngest brought, I set off towards my sought-after spot.

But then—

“…Huh?”

Upon arrival at my chosen spot, lo and behold! A bag was sitting there occupying the space!

“Whose is this?”

“Mine.”

Muttering while shaking the bag, I heard Ayla’s voice as she entered the room.

She snatched the bag quickly and plopped down right on the seat as if announcing that it was her space.

In an instant, I was dumbfounded at having my prime spot robbed (no accusation here), but upon closer inspection, that seat Ayla claimed was right next to our Mrs. Grace!

What the heck. At this age, she’s still clinging to Mom!

“Why are you looking at me like that?”

“…It’s nothing, really.”

My brother looked at me with disdain for not acting my age. Whether it mattered to her or not, Ayla snuggled up to Mom, flipping through the menu.

As I shook my head in annoyance and began to look for another place, Ayla pulled her chair, and the precariously balanced bag fell, spilling its contents onto the floor.

“ACK!”

Startled, Ayla screamed, rushing to grab her cosmetics, wallet, and water bottle, but it was futile. Two hands couldn’t handle the countless items cascading down.

In the end, all her belongings ended up strewn all over the floor.

“Oh dear, you klutz.”

I squatted down, beginning to pick up Ayla’s disheveled items. She also kneeled down in haste, fretting over her belongings to ensure none were damaged.

Thus, siblings started picking up the scattered items together.

“Oh, my powder….”

Most of the items were intact, but a few were in unrecognizable condition. The cosmetics were particularly mishandled.

Watching my little sister tear up over her ruined products, I couldn’t help but chuckle, while Jerry joined in helping her gather her things, guaranteeing her words of consolation.

“Don’t worry, Ayla. We’ll go to the department store and buy replacements later.”

“That was something I got from abroad. I hardly used it….”

“Oh, um…. Well….”

Jerry’s expression turned awkward as his voice trailed off. If they were imported goods, it would be one thing, but being exclusive to abroad, they’d be impossible to find.

To make matters worse, even Adela, a foreign diplomat, chimed in, claiming to have never heard of the product. It was the worst-case scenario.

As Ayla acted as if the sky was falling, Jerry looked toward me with a troubled expression, searching for help.

“Fred, can you catch me some items that aren’t imported?”

“……”

“Fred?”

Jerry looked puzzled, gazing at his younger sibling.

However, Ayla’s eyes were fixed elsewhere.

While gathering her scattered belongings, she seemed transfixed on one particular item, staring at it as if it were nailed in place.

“……”

Frédéric carefully checked his surroundings and slowly parted his tightly closed lips.

“Hey, Ayla.”

He added briefly,

“Come, let’s talk for a moment.”