A Dark Fantasy Spy

Chapter 542




Fortunately, the time of fear quickly ended as misunderstandings were resolved.

Thanks to the kind explanation from Alexandra Petrovna, the intellect of this era, everyone’s doubts were laid to rest.

“I forgot to mention, Iaina has had poor eyesight for quite some time.”

“…Are you saying the Priest of Al-Yabd has vision problems?”

“Indeed.”

It was a hard story to believe. That archmage, the sorceress who once dominated an era, couldn’t even maintain her eye health?

I had heard rumors of her suffering from diseases like glaucoma or cataracts while at the Magic Tower. As someone who had worked in the Magic Tower myself, I had come across such tales a few times.

Nevertheless, it was impossible to accept that a priest who had reached a level equal to that of the duke could suffer from a mere disease that affected her eyesight.

However, the archmage’s explanation was reasonable enough to dispel my doubts entirely.

“The mysteries she has dealt with since she was a girl have afflicted her eyes.”

Mysteries.

The moment I heard that word, everything became clear to me.

“…What are mysteries?”

Camila made a troubled expression at the term she had never heard before, and the duke gently patted his disciple’s head.

“My child, mysteries are the totality of the inexplicable, those which cannot be explained by science, magic, or faith.”

The archmage, an authority in the study of magic, claimed that mysteries were matters beyond comprehension.

“Throughout history, there have been things that humanity’s knowledge could neither understand nor interpret. Haven’t you seen it? The red sandstorm that lasted for seven weeks. The monsters that burned their lives even in front of the wisdom and virtue of the saints.”

The “Wrath of God” sandstorm that ruled the northern regions of the Mauritania Continent, and the “Demon” monsters encountered in the Kien Empire and Jamria.

Such things are called mysteries by the world.

“Typically, humans who deal with mysteries obtain a new power that is distinct from magic or divinity. We call them ‘mystic users.’ But sometimes that power can harm the user, just like a capricious wave capsizing a vessel.”

“So the power harms its master? What’s the reason behind it?”

“Who knows? All mysteries are in the realm of the inexplicable. You understand that the universe exists, but you don’t know the precise principles and moment of its initial creation, do you?”

As expected of an authority on magic; even a 7-year-old could understand that explanation.

“Ah-ha!”

At that, the 7-year-old (Camila) seemed so delighted with her newfound understanding, she let out a cheer.

With that, she began to speak nonsensically about how there was no one but the professor, how she was the best, and all sorts of embarrassing things.

And the duke, happily acknowledging it… was quite the sight.

“Now that you understand, let’s move on. Ahem, why so riled up?”

In any case, I understood. I knew why the priest had acted like a blind person. Knowing the reason eased my fears.

But questions still lingered.

“…”

To my knowledge, the priest had no connection to mysteries. At least according to the data collected by the Abas Information Agency.

Yet the duke claimed that the priest possessed mysteries. If true, no one had known about her owning such mysteries for the past few decades…

Is that even realistically possible?

I shot a sidelong glance at the duke’s face, as if hinting I wanted more explanation.

Did he perhaps sense my intent?

The sorceress’s longtime friend, with a casual demeanor, began to elaborate.

“Ah, the mystery of Iaina is of a kind that does not manifest outwardly. To be precise, it’s an ability known only to the user herself.”

“Is there really such a mystery? That’s news to me…”

“It is normal not to know.”

The archmage chuckled softly.

“The mouth of a seer is always heavy with truth.”

Episode 20 – Who Threatened with a Knife

“Seer, huh? You really say anything to your friend.”

“That’s what friends are for.”

The priest of Al-Yabd and the duke of Kien Empire conversed freely.

Their bond formed on the battlefield continued to this day, so it was no strange sight.

The red breath blossoms. Alexandra picked up a fig on the plate and playfully asked.

“Are you still holed up in this room?”

The priest, Jaina, inhaled a whiff of smoke from her pipe.

“This is my home.”

“Azadi Palace is indeed a nice place.”

The duke nodded, as if he couldn’t help but agree.

“But if you stay in the same place, wouldn’t you get bored? Isn’t it tiring?”

That was quite a reasonable question as a prelude.

However, the answer that returned was disappointingly mundane.

“Is there any chance to get bored? There are so many interesting things in the world.”

“For example?”

The priest seemed to ponder for a moment, then spat out in a dull voice.

“…Watching TV?”

The archmage’s face colored with worry, and a deep sigh escaped her lips.

It was as if she were looking at a child who had holed up in their room.

Whether oblivious to that gaze or choosing to ignore it, the best sorceress born from the Mauritania Continent replied with a puzzled shake of her head.

“It’s better than before. Sasha, you know, until fifty years ago, Shizuya had no decent broadcasting station.”

“I know. The only entertainment was foreign broadcasts viewable through the magical crystal ball.”

“You remember. Ah… I can still recall the documentary I watched back then. Horses running across the plains, and the sound of hammers ringing in the underground forge.”

Jaina looked up at the pale smoke, reminiscing about the past.

“Everyone said, when there was a right time, we should go see them together. The prairies and the dwarven kingdom.”

“Indeed.”

“When you fell asleep from boredom, you complained about how the crystal ball was wasting reception fees while it was still on until noon.”

“I remember. When you woke up, didn’t you get mad seeing who had left the crystal ball on?”

“Yes. But the truth is, that was me.”

“What?”

“I watched it until the end but dozed off… You know. I am quite the sleepyhead.”

Alexandra let out a laugh, as if in disbelief.

“…You truly haven’t changed. Same as always.”

Jaina, too, seemed to smile knowingly.

“You seem to have changed less than before, Sasha. Oh, maybe you’ve reduced your gambling?”

“What nonsense…”

“What? You always stayed up all night playing Asnas (آس ناس: Traditional card game of the Persian region).”

“Stop!”

Cackling laughter filled the space. The priest clapped her hands and laughed, while the duke struggled to cover her mouth.

Watching all this, I…

“…….”

I was at a loss for words.

Is this how a hundred-year-old converses? Seriously?

“Unbelievable…”

What a bizarre comedy it was. There was a reason this town’s entertainment shows had crumbled.

In many ways, this situation was absurd.

Firstly, a conversation between a religious leader and a noble elder about nothing. Secondly, the priest of Al-Yabd and the leader of Ashtistan being a hermit in a corner. And lastly, the most crucial fact.

We, as guests, were cramped in a corner like a stuffed sack of barley.

“By the way, why are we here again?”

“I don’t know either…”

Camila and I, having followed the duke to Ashtistan, were unable to participate in the conversation.

Why?

Because those two centenarians were having their own vigorous discussion!

“I saw the vehicles on the road on the way here. That artifact still moves.”

“Peshehot? Since trade has been sanctioned, it’s all we can use. But it’s still in good condition.”

“The parts must be hard to get. It’s been discontinued, so hardly anyone in the Empire uses it.”

“Well, we have prior technology. We copy what we can and bring in technicians from Kien for anything we don’t understand… Ah, don’t get me wrong. They’re retirees.”

“I think the officials of the Protection Office will be quite lenient with that. But engineers? If they’re from the headquarters, they’ll also likely be from the defense industry. You didn’t, by chance, copy any weapons from the Imperial Army?”

“Hmm. Hard to say; it’s been too long.”

“Oh dear…”

The duke and the priest were having a jubilant back and forth.

As if on cue, their topics seemed to dart in all directions—going from A to D, then J to P.

“I recently met a celestial being.”

“Long time no hear that name. Is the high priest still lively?”

“She seemed full of energy, and her speaking style remains the same.”

“One must have flair to handle a divine beast like Aquila. I was thinking about raising animals myself…”

“Please don’t. Any animal raised here, in this dark, eerie place, will turn into a monster.”

“Ah, I almost forgot about sea purification.”

What a display, truly.

I felt like I was losing my mind. I had genuinely met all sorts of unique characters in weird places, but the duke-priest duo was in a league of their own.

This was approaching levels of Veronica.

I sighed.

“…Why am I even here?”

“I don’t know, but eat this. It’s a date.”

Regardless of the banter the old folks were having, Camila had seemingly transcended beyond boredom and reached a state of enjoyment.

She had turned her attention elsewhere after getting tired of practicing magic.

We were stuffed into this corner like a sack of barley, but as guests, Azadi Palace had prepared a reception for us, and what caught Camila’s eye was none other than food.

Not a grand meal but primarily snacks. Yet the snacks and desserts in Ashtistan’s food culture primarily consisted of sweet, sugary delights.

Unfortunately for me, sweet foods were tailor-made for Camila’s taste.

“Yum—”

From traditional sweets beautifully adorned with nuts and pistachios to Pashmak, which melted in the mouth like cotton candy, honey-soaked dates, delicious fruits, and Persian-style cakes.

“Hehe.”

Surrounded by desserts, Camila bore the happiest expression I had seen in recent memory.

It was amusing to see. But how could she indulge in all that and not gain an ounce? Could she too be a mystic user? A mystery that burns calories? I genuinely feared that could be real.

I watched her with a dispassionate face and threw the question.

“Camila.”

“Yes?”

“Do you remember what the priest said earlier? She was curious when we would arrive and is glad we finally came.”

“When we met?”

Camila, lost in her sweet world, let out an ‘um’ as she tried to recall.

Momentarily, after a brief recollection, she nodded with a serious expression.

“Yes. I’m sure she did.”

“I’ve been thinking…”

I leaned forward, cupping my hands to my lips and chin.

“Isn’t something strange?”

“What part?”

“The duke said she’s a mystic user who holds the ability to foresee the future.”

But think about it.

“When we met, didn’t the priest first say, ‘I was wondering when you would arrive?'”

If the priest, as claimed by the duke, was a mystic user capable of reading the future, then…

“It means that the one who can foresee the future didn’t know about our arrival.”

The claims of the duke and the priest are at odds.

One side asserts that Jaina Esckander is a ‘mystic user who can see the future,’ while the other says, ‘I was curious when you would come and glad you finally arrived.’

“Words and expressions hint at many things. The intent that cannot be hidden is expressed openly.”

I compared their claims and words, identifying inconsistencies.

It was naturally the moment a hypothesis was formed.

“Future foresight…”

“Sounds like something out of a fantasy novel. Similar to Greek and Roman myths or the Bible?”

“What do you mean the Bible is a novel? It’s a scripture.”

Camila shrugged, responding casually.

“It’s been a bestseller for thousands of years.”

“That much is true.”

In any case, the crux was this.

The priest of Al-Yabd possesses future foresight. To be precise, this information came from the duke of the Kien Empire.

On the other hand, the priest’s words and actions bore suspicious aspects for a prophet.

“He didn’t know when we’d arrive. That of all things, for a prophet…”

“She might not have had an accurate prediction for the future. Timing is a crucial factor, and omitting that is lacking.”

Indeed, as Camila said, timing is highly significant.

For example, if someone claiming to come from the future left a message for a person in 2010 saying ‘Bitcoin will soar to 20 million won before crashing!’ they’d have obtained the information about Bitcoin, 20 million won, and the crash, but they wouldn’t know precisely when the crash occurs.

Would it drop at 20 million, 25 hundred, or 29 hundred as the bottom line?

A misstep could mean a loss. Specific and timely information is exceedingly crucial.

“What omitting future foresight would mean?”

Camila responded.

“There’s a possibility your professor may have misunderstood for some reason. But if so, why wouldn’t the priest correct the misunderstanding?”

“……”

I crossed my arms, lost in thought.

There are analytical techniques commonly used in situations lacking abundant information, but specific grounds for analyzing the hypothesis of ‘duke’s misunderstanding’ still felt insufficient.

Consider the relationship between the duke and the priest, the possible reasons the priest wouldn’t correct the misunderstanding, and so on.

“That part remains unverified. Unless she has derived benefit from her future foresight, it is…”

I was also hearing of her being a mystic user for the first time today.

That no respective information agency, nor any of the information departments in Kien Empire or the Abas information agencies knew about it? It practically means that all these information agencies were in the dark.

Given that the high priest Petrus of the Inquisition, notorious for its use of the fanatic group HUMINT, belongs to information agencies, doesn’t it say a lot?

“I’m putting this aside for now.”

We swiftly dismissed the ‘duke’s misunderstanding’ hypothesis and returned to our prior hypothesis.

If the duke’s claim is true and the priest truly is a mystic user who can foresee the future, it was time to verify that.

“Future foresight… Honestly, it may not be entirely impossible. There have been individuals called ‘prophets’ in the church or Al-Yabd.”

“Religion.”

That’s right.

The priest foreseeing the future? Being a religious figure, it could be possible. There must be some prophets, especially with oracles existing.

However, even if one has confirmation of foresight, questions remain.

The duke’s claim and the priest’s response contradict one another.

Camila interpreted this as ‘incomplete foresight’.

“Could it be like the Oracle of Delphi where the prophecy is rather vague? Like the story where Croesus attacked the Persian Empire based on the oracle that ‘the strongest empire will fall’?”

“The legend of Lydia attacking Persia, right?”

Yes. Camila nodded affirmatively.

That’s a famous tale, and it’s well known among many. That is a representative case showcasing the characteristic ‘vagueness’ of the Oracle of Delphi, from which the term ‘Delphic analysis’ derives.

I recalled it clearly, having used it a few times even when analyzing policies during my active days. I had even learned about it from an elder who held a bachelor’s degree and later got a doctorate in public administration.

I nodded in agreement.

“Certainly not like a Cassandra style.”

The second hypothesis posits ‘indirect revelation’, based on the religion of this area.

“Apothegms and oracles in this region tend to present causes, timing, and results. Among them, there were instances where timing or causes were unclear, resembling indirect warnings or hints.”

“Is there credibility in that? It feels a bit cultish.”

“Your companions had an unclear oracle as well.”

“Ah….”

These indirect revelations exist not just in the church but also in Al-Yabd.

Of course, most of those revelations originated thousands of years ago, leading historians to argue that they are exaggerated religious authority or hallucinogenic experiences, but…

In any case, if we sift through the facts we know, we can conclude:

“It seems they were aware we were coming. Saying, ‘you finally arrived’ implies they had some kind of assurance.”

“But they couldn’t know the timing.”

“Exactly.”

Hmm. Camila pondered, resting her chin on her palm.

“What could have been the motivation behind their assurance? Other than divine omens or examples, what more rational motivation could there be?”

Rational motivation.

I interpreted that as a scientific basis.

“The most plausible motivation would be that they obtained information beforehand. Knowledge that we were to come to Ashtistan, and that the duke was bringing us along.”

The diplomatic relationship between Kien Empire and the Republic of Ashtistan is intimate. The bond cultivated since the kingdom era through the wars between the Magic Tower and the church has solidified, particularly after the coup (referred to here as ‘revolution’ officially) as the priest and revolutionaries took power.

Since Alexandra Petrovna from the Smirnov dynasty was a comrade and close friend of Jaina Esckander, there were various political, social, economic, and military motivations, making it essential for Nikolai VI to show kindness towards his aunt.

The duke of Novo-Nikolaevsk certainly deserved that kind of reception.

The crux of this hypothesis lies here.

“Since the two countries have established embassies at the ambassador level, reciprocal embassies are situated in their capitals. Kien established its embassy in Shizuya, while Ashtistan has its embassy in Petrogard.”

“Due to frequent exchanges, the diplomats must have transferred information?”

“Perhaps.”

Indeed, there was something the duke had once said to the officials in the outer palace, demanding them to wear Lussari. Why hadn’t they informed him through the Foreign Affairs Ministry or the embassies ahead of time?

This served as clear evidence reinforcing the prior contacts of the Kien-Ashtistan foreign ministries obtained by the Abas Foreign Ministry.

“When someone of your superior’s stature travels, they receive head-of-state treatment anywhere they go, especially for allies or allies. To avoid mistakes, prior arrangements are essential, and information would have gone to the priest through that channel.”

However, if this hypothesis were accurate, saying they didn’t know the timing fails to explain things.

From the very moment we entered the country, the priest would have known that Camila and I had arrived in Ashtistan.

Camila added with a serious tone.

“Have you considered that she might have said it just to say it?”

“I have.”

“And?”

“I still don’t think it was just a shot in the dark.”

This was something hard to express, but having worked with people, a sort of intuition develops.

It’s about having an instinctive sense of whether someone is lying, saying something insincere, or genuinely speaking from the heart. Though I’m human and can easily make mistakes too.

Taking that into account, the priest’s tone, her choice of words, and non-verbal actions bore a distinctly suspicious quality.

Fortunately, Camila seemed to trust my assertion. That’s why the conversation continued to flow.

“Hmm… If not a diplomatic channel, where else could the information have leaked from?”

“There could be many sources. Media, the Magic Tower or the Ivory Tower, companies dealing with magic crystals, or those handling magical tools, among others. There are many who show interest towards the duke, aren’t there?”

“…Companies too?”

Did that include information agencies?

That was a rather straightforward question.

“Of course.”

There were plenty of dubious organizations, but none could provide conclusive answers. The same applied to foreign ministries and information agencies.

It couldn’t have been mere faith in reports; the certainty held by the priest appeared more solid than that.

While I could imagine her understanding her friend’s character, there was clearly an element of belief as opposed to mere conjecture or judgment.

Where could such a belief have originated from? Even for Camila, it wouldn’t be certain I, as a citizen of the enemy nation, would undoubtedly come to Ashtistan.

“……”

Just as I found myself deep in thought, Camila murmured.

“That’s strange.”

She appeared genuinely puzzled as if she had encountered a riddle made by extraterrestrials.

“How can one develop such faith without having seen it firsthand? I’m curious how a prophecy might manifest concretely. I’d love to see it once.”

“…Camila.”

“Yes?”

“Just a question with no ill intent—you’re not planning on devouring the prophecy, are you?”

“……”

The lengthy discussion led us to no concrete conclusions.

In the midst of it, an annoyed Camila caused quite a stir with a “KWAANG!” dragon-breath display.

Of course, that uproar was quickly quelled.

“My child. Are you starting again?”

The archmage, Alexandra Petrovna, the authority in magical studies and the creator of the elemental school, personally intervened.

The process was simple.

She easily struck and grasped the back of Camila’s neck, who was unleashing her fire (even though dinosaurs surely didn’t breathe fire; that’s a fact proven by Goryeo’s watermelons), lifting her effortlessly and subduing her within seconds.

In what felt like a blink, like a kitten caught by its mother, Camila dangled helplessly from the duke’s grip, her legs swinging.

“You started it first!”

Camila protested, claiming her behavior was justified as a rightful act of anger (using unauthorized magic in a security area is a significant threat to national security).

“Quiet, you brat!”

“GYAAAAAK….”

“How did you get so rowdy like a wild foal?”

Surrounded by a green aura, Alexandra magically sealed her disciple’s mouth with her fingers, scolding her in a stern voice, as if to threaten, ‘Did you think today was your funeral?’

Though that fury soon lessened.

In the backdrop was the intervention of many years of friendship.

“How cute.”

The priest of Al-Yabd, Jaina Esckander, gazed upon Camila with a refreshing smile.

Her eyes were filled with a curious glint.

“Such energy. Magic emitted through the mouth… Did you learn sorcery?”

“Awuuuhhhh…?”

Receiving a sudden query, Camila could not respond properly. To describe it precisely, her expression suggested bewilderment over why such a question was being asked.

Adding on, the duke said.

“You know that among the three major schools of the Magic Tower—elemental, sorcery, and astrology—a magic user of sorcery is defined as a ‘shaman.’ Remember the characteristics of sorcery?”

“Um…”

Provoked by the sudden second question, she squeezed out an answer.

“Unlike elemental magic, which can be cast from a distance, sorcery can only activate from within a certain vicinity—the user’s surroundings or a designated place, hence it must be fought up close?”

“Next?”

“Sorcery is conditional upon beastmen and incantations, if necessary, you’ll…. GYAAAAAK…! Professor!”

The archmage shook her head, exasperated. Darn it. I should have taught her based on practical skills, not just theoretical knowledge!

“My child, have I not taught you? The core components of sorcery are the beastmen and the incantations, and the mouth uttering the incantations is the shaman’s greatest weapon. Thus, those who create sorcery using just their mouth, without forming a contract with a beastman, are called masters.”

Did you forget? Should I make you remember?

Though she didn’t say the latter part, one could read that from her expression.

Camila must have caught on, as she seemed to have a lightbulb moment.

“…Ah!”

Realizing this late, she hastily began to recall the special techniques taught to her by her teacher.

That is, the secret unique to great shamans!

“I got it! If I mess it up, I learned to pull out my tongue—”

“Is this girl serious?”

The archmage began to scold her unruly disciple. Did she truly have no sense of what could or couldn’t be said before a shaman?

Of course, Camila didn’t possess that knowledge. Had the duke compunctioned her otherwise, she might have heeded that warning well enough.

“If only you had advised against saying things like, ‘I’ll rip out my tongue or chop off my fingers in front of shamans.’ Or more directly, something along the lines of ‘If you utter such disgraceful statements before a goblin, it’s on par with asking a traffic cop whether your car is stolen or not.'”

However…

This was due to her inclination towards a hands-on approach to learning, while her master was too preoccupied with her disciple navigating harsh environments to impart manners or the theoretical aspects.

Thus, the dismissal of textbooks had come back to haunt them.

Or perhaps it was due to her aging professor’s declining memory.

Though the shaman herself paid no mind to it.

“It’s rather unusual to see a mage casting magic from the mouth. You’re not a shaman, are you?”

The greatest shaman born on the Mauritania Continent, Jaina Esckander, looked intrigued, as though witnessing an exceptionally interesting spectacle.

“Is she your disciple?”

“Yes.”

“Is she your favorite?”

Alexandra Petrovna nodded her head with a drained expression. It seemed she was reluctantly acknowledging a disciple she was slightly ashamed of.

The duke’s response seemed to amuse the priest.

“That’s unexpected. Didn’t you say you’d stopped being a teacher because it didn’t suit you?”

“Time changes mountains and rivers, and people change, don’t you think?”

“You really have changed, Sasha.”

“Yes. Just a little.”

The priest nodded with a smile, as if to convey her relief.

Perhaps she was just glad to have witnessed something amusing, for she kept engaging Camila in conversation, discussing various topics related to magic and the duke.

“Has Sasha kept you too occupied?”

“Yes!”

“What a girl.”

“…What are you guys talking about?”

Both friends and young sorcerers bantered endlessly, and the priest showed not just interest but fascination and a hint of apology toward Camila.

Perhaps she felt apologetic for being so wrapped up in conversation with the duke.

“You’re a fascinating sorceress. Your name is Camila, right?”

“That’s right.”

“I’m truly sorry for earlier. It’s been ages since I’ve seen my only remaining friend.”

At this, Camila beamed, understanding her feelings.

“Of course! It’s great to meet you. Please do visit again tomorrow. You’re welcome to stop by anytime.”

The priest concluded the conversation gently. Though short, it left an immensely strong impression on Camila.

And now, it was my turn.

“It’s you, isn’t it? I’ve heard much about you—of the Nostrim family of the Kingdom of Abas, the third son… Wasn’t it?”

Third son was correct, but I corrected that to the fact I was the second son. It wasn’t really important, though.

With the duke and Camila stepping back, the priest called me to sit in front.

Honestly, I felt this meeting was not significant. To be frank, I was someone rather distant from the Republic of Ashtistan and the magical community.

Moreover, the priest of Al-Yabd was not someone involved in military, diplomacy, or intelligence either.

That’s why…

“I wanted to meet you.”

“You mean me?”

“Yes. You.”

I was somewhat surprised when the priest of Al-Yabd said something so peculiar.

“Since you departed from the Defense Attaché of the Jamria Federation… What’s your position now?”

Position.

After being dismissed from the defense attaché role, I technically held no official position. At least, not officially.

Unofficially, I was dispatched to the Royal Intelligence Department, but that could not be revealed. I was in Ashtistan, the adversary nation of Abas.

So I spoke diplomatically about what I might classify as unemployment under the circumstances.

“I see. So, you are no longer an attaché.”

The queries of Jaina Esckander, still biting her pipe, exhaled a puff of smoke.

Then with half-closed eyes, she stared softly into the air.

Her words came, echoing like a whisper.

“I thought an operative from Abas had sent you.”


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