A Dark Fantasy Spy

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Veronica came to visit.

This time, it was an official visit, not an unofficial one, which meant that there had already been agreements made between the governments regarding who was visiting and what the schedule entailed.

Yet when I looked at the list of visitors consisting of a total of 81 people, Veronica’s name was nowhere to be found.

But she showed up.

“Why are you here?”

“Is it not allowed?”

“…….”

This is driving me insane.

Episode 4 – Why Are You Only Messing with Me

“Why is it not allowed to come here?”

“Yes.”

“…I’m seriously losing it. Are you really asking that right now?”

I led Veronica to hide among the crowd. Although a foreigner was dragging a saint in a nun’s attire, the accompanying nuns didn’t even give a glance.

I had a hunch. All these nuns must either be Inquisition Officers or Knights. Both belong to the Inquisition, so maybe Senior Petrus is involved…

Ah, damn. That’s not what’s important right now.

“…Sigh.”

There are quite a few problems currently.

To calm myself, I pressed my throbbing temples and lowered my voice.

“What are you thinking, just showing up here without saying a word? Huh?”

First of all, the fact that two saints had escaped from the cult was a problem in itself.

With the whole continent already in chaos due to a massive spy incident, we were witnessing the birth of two saints for the first time in history. No one could possibly predict how the internal political landscape of the cult and the international political climate would change.

What do you think the cult embargoed for?

Prominent newspapers would eagerly scrutinize the cult’s future moves and each government’s interests, all while utilizing the two saints for their fame. Meanwhile, tabloids would sell all sorts of conspiracy theories and scandals involving the two saints. And it was evident that politicians and various social figures would eagerly appear in the media under the names of ‘informed sources,’ ‘high-ranking officials,’ and ‘authorities’ to speculate mindlessly.

I know well. I’ve experienced it first-hand.

I walked around in front of paparazzi with Lucia for several minutes, acting under the orders of the higher-ups to save Lucia, who was suffering from black propaganda. That sight made the tabloids go wild, spreading scandalous rumors about us dating.

The tabloids sold like hotcakes because of that, and even reputable newspapers misunderstood it as a close signal between governments, speculating if Abas was backing Lucia.

…Yeah. I honestly admit it. I manipulated public opinion.

In our terms, it counts as propaganda and political maneuvering, and to put it bluntly, it’s pure public opinion manipulation. I somewhat succeeded in defending Lucia by manipulating public opinion, but after everything was over, the rumors still lingered, causing me a headache. That’s how dangerous the media’s power can be, like a double-edged sword.

So this time, I tried some press control and threw a fit, but suddenly both saints decided to show up here? In the same place?

I can do without the newspapers for a while.

I can fully anticipate what nonsense they’ll come up with.

But that wasn’t the “real” problem.

“Are you out of your mind? The Imperial Guard is here looking for you with their eyes all aflame, and you come here like it’s a stroll in the park!”

In the past, the Imperial Guard had worked hard to cover up the scandal that they couldn’t control their agents. At first, they dispatched Counterintelligence and Intelligence Departments to quietly resolve the incident and, when that failed, crawled to the negotiation table after being beaten like dogs by various information agencies, admitting their blunders.

As a result, the Imperial Guard lost numerous businesses they had infiltrated into the cult and significant parts of the intelligence network they had planted throughout the continent, including Abas.

The problems that arose were resolved with a minor gesture (a prisoner exchange), but losing the intelligence network was monumental enough to obstruct the Imperial Guard’s foreign operations for the next ten years.

Ten years might seem like a lot, but it could easily extend to twenty or even thirty years. Even analysts from the Military Intelligence Agency couldn’t provide a precise analysis yet, and no one could predict just how far the repercussions would go—except for the Imperial Guard.

And the one who skillfully dealt the Imperial Guard the most delicious blow was neither Clevenz nor Petrus, but Veronica herself.

She had shared information about the Imperial Guard’s overseas operations with me. Clevenz made use of that information as a weapon.

That is the issue.

“Saint, are you completely out of your mind? If you’re crazy, just say so; I’ll look for a mental hospital for you.”

Intelligence agencies never leave betrayers alone. Failed agents might get kicked out, but those who betray the country do whatever it takes to seek revenge, going to the ends of the Earth. So, the Guard purged runaway agents with the help of the Inquisition and Military Intelligence.

Unless the Guard has gone insane, they can’t do anything to Veronica right now, but one can never predict what might happen.

Even if they forgive her and let her go, it would at least be polite for her to stay low for half a year. After all, even celebrities who cause trouble usually take a year off to reflect.

So I think she is either half out of her mind or a being so utterly insane that it’s hard to believe.

I’ve always thought she was a crazy woman, but I never imagined she’d be this out of it.

Yet somehow, her reaction was just too calm.

“So?”

She smiled and asked me back.

“What are they going to do? They’re about to become idiots themselves.”

“Eh…?”

I stared at Veronica, confused by what she meant, but all she did was smile without offering any further information.

“Don’t worry about it! And it looks like Lucia and the Hero are wrapping up their conversation, so you should get going quickly. It’d be better to leave now—who knows how strange they might think.”

The saint waved her hand.

“I’ll see you later!”

*

Who exactly is going to become an idiot? Is she talking about the Imperial Guard or the nobles who were backing the Second Country?

No matter how hard I twisted my brain, no answers came out.

For now, it seemed that the information Veronica dropped was substantial. But I still wasn’t convinced I wanted to buy that information.

To be precise, I lacked certainty. Normally, information agents manipulate their own value first through the misrepresentation, falsification, or exaggeration of information. Of course, I hadn’t seen someone of Veronica’s ‘caliber’ engaging in such antics, but still, I had to check if the goods were legitimate or a scam before making a deal.

Well, I could think about this later.

I had to carry out the scheduled tasks first.

Since this visit was equivalent to a state visit, there were more than five official events planned.

From a welcome ceremony with high-ranking officials from the government and royal family to laying flowers at the memorial for patriotic martyrs, visiting the cult’s church in the capital, promoting the cultural industry through cultural performances in front of VIPs and foreign press, and official dinners, etc.

Saint Lucia (the real one) and her entourage smoothly carried out all these events. While Bernard the Safety Director might not have been comfortable, Lucia, surprisingly, appeared not to show any signs of discomfort and handled all the official schedules quite well.

To be honest, Camila Lowell and Lucia didn’t have much to do. There were many journalists and politicians wanting to talk to them, but the bodyguards assigned kept them all at bay. At least they weren’t tormented by the political animals roaming the broadcast channels or the scoop-seeking vultures.

It was the same for me. Neither journalists nor politicians were interested in me, so there were relatively fewer people bothering me. I had been avoiding getting caught in the camera as much as possible.

Of course, there were a few nuisances around, but most of them were deterred by the bodyguards disguised as Information Police.

As I dutifully carried out one scheduled event after another, before long, the last event began.

“…I am very honored to have the opportunity to discuss the enhancement of friendly relations with Saint Lucia from the cult in today’s meeting. Additionally, I feel nostalgic that we could establish a memorandum of understanding between the Cult National Affairs Council and our government here today.”

“I would like to propose a toast for the harmony between our two countries and the future of our heroes. To Saint Lucia, Ms. Camila Lowell, Cardinal Bernard, and esteemed guests present here! For the continued peace and prosperity of our era ahead, and for the impending successes to come!”

The Prime Minister announced the start of the banquet with a booming voice.

The faces of the king and queen, the Prime Minister, Camila Lowell, Lucia, government ministers, the entourage from the cult, ambassadors from various countries, politicians, business people, and more filled the banquet hall.

They were people who could truly be called the upper echelon of society, raising their glasses and enjoying the feast. There were people seated at many tables, and sumptuous dishes laid out on every one of them.

Considering that just over a hundred people were present, this was quite a waste of money. But it seemed that the government spared no expense for a diplomatic event, as it would appear too shabby and unappealing if they did.

Especially with foreign reporters in attendance. And it’s not like the country was bankrupt to the point that spending money at an event like this would break the bank.

However, I felt incredibly, incredibly uncomfortable at this gathering.

“…I wonder if our Hero and Saint will find the banquet to their liking. Particularly the Hero!”

“It’s fine. This is a wonderfully excellent banquet, Prime Minister.”

“Haha! I’m glad to hear that. It pleases me that it suits the taste of someone from another world.”

The Prime Minister offered wine to Camila and Lucia, who sat next to me.

“Would you care for a drink, Major? I know it’s work, but I think it would be alright to have a drink at an event like this. Right, Minister of Defense?”

“Yes, Prime Minister.”

“That’s good then!”

“…It’s an honor.”

Let’s omit the reasoning behind that.

Eating with the Prime Minister, saint, hero, and cardinal was uncomfortable enough, but the bodyguards glaring from various corners of the venue made it feel like torture.

Moreover, the Minister of Defense, who had been glancing over at me from across the table, seemed to have an issue with me.

“…….”

I wanted to get out of this feast, quickly.

But the banquet still had over an hour to go, and due to security issues, I couldn’t just leave the banquet hall recklessly.

Looking around, no one else seemed to feel uncomfortable in this setting. Not even Camila and Lucia.

Eventually, as I was tormented by people I thought I would never have to see again, I finally became free when all the official schedules came to an end, and I escorted Lucia and her entourage to the hotel.

“…….”

“Are you alright?”

“…Yes. Please go in and rest, Camila.”

“Are you not coming in? Lucia’s here too.”

“You two enjoy yourselves….”

“Alright, I understand. Call if you need anything!”

Camila went inside the hotel room with Lucia. Thanks to the government booking their hotel together, this was all possible.

After confirming that they had entered their room, I conveyed all necessary information to Cardinal Bernard, our security officer, and the hotel manager before finally finishing all of my official duties.

Today’s mission had concluded like that.

“…Phew.”

A sigh escaped me involuntarily. It was not because I felt relieved that I had made it through the day unscathed.

Because the job was still not finished.

I made a call.

-‘Hello?’

“Can we meet for a moment, Saint?”

*

The three things I was most curious about right now were simple.

First, why did Veronica come here?

Second, why did she not come on an official visit but an unofficial one?

Third, what did her previous statement mean?

“Regardless of anything else, I need to find out about the first and second ones right now.”

“Geez, why are you digging so much, man? That’s not charming at all.”

“Cut the nonsense, Saint.”

I had to get an answer. Veronica was a valuable source of information for me, and if anything were to happen to her, I needed to know what it was, whatever it was.

“Well, I appreciate the intention to help, but I’m not someone who needs to rely on others, you know?”

“Is that why you went out with a listening device to meet someone?”

“Okay, that’s enough.”

Veronica looked as if she recalled an embarrassing memory and waved her hand, pressing her temples.

“Darling, let’s not discuss such matters from now on. We aren’t just casual acquaintances or anything….”

“Don’t use that kind of nickname. So why on earth did you come here?”

“Wait a minute. Before we talk business, can I ask you one thing?”

“I’d rather not.”

“Do you have no mood at all, Major?”

What kind of nonsense is this?

I shot her a cold glare about her shameless behavior, and she grumbled, pointing around us.

“No! Why on earth do we meet in front of the elevator instead of getting a room?!”

She screamed while pointing at the corridor where we were standing. I shrugged, puzzled.

“What’s wrong? Is there a problem?”

“How can a guy call a girl out into a hallway instead of a room?!”

“Here I am.”

“…….”

Veronica looked utterly defeated as if she felt she had met a lunatic.

Letting out a deep sigh, I explained calmly.

“Honestly, it’s safer to meet here. It’s certainly more secure than a room that might have a listening device in it.”

“The Inquisition and the Kingdom’s intelligence agency would have searched everywhere, so where would a listening device even come from?”

“I don’t know.”

Listening devices can easily be installed if someone genuinely desires to do so.

They could either bribe hotel staff to place it or have a cleaner hide it among clothes or furniture. If all else fails, the agents could even go inside and set one up themselves.

To be honest, placing a listening device isn’t tough at all. Monitoring it afterwards is the more challenging task. Unlike installation, surveillance cannot simply be resolved with money; it takes dedicated personnel and time.

Thus, it’s common to place listening devices in rooms rather than hallways. Hallways typically have less foot traffic.

After explaining this background, the former intelligence agent of the Imperial Guard, Veronica, expressed her impressions.

“Major.”

“Yes?”

“Do you have a mental illness? I’m serious. How can you live like that? Isn’t that the definition of paranoia….”

“I know because I’ve experienced it. Anyway, quickly tell me why you’re here.”

I gestured for her to hurry, and as if drained, Veronica chuckled hollowly and began to share her news.

“I came to deliver information. Remember last time? I mentioned something would happen at the Magic Tower?”

“Yes, I remember.”

I nodded.

Thank goodness she didn’t seem to be in any trouble. At least I didn’t have to part ways with her here.

So I listened comfortably as Veronica conveyed the information.

“Our magicians are planning something…”

“They’re declaring independence.”

“Excuse me? Who’s declaring independence?”

“The Magic Tower.”

“The Magic Tower? Independence?”

“Yes.”

“…Damn.”

This is a complete disaster.