A Dark Fantasy Spy

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The prevention was successfully concluded.

The meeting ended on a warm note, and the journalists transformed today’s event into a heartwarming story.

Of course, there were minor protests from those who couldn’t accept it, but no coverage was made of that.

Thanks to the Magic Tower’s consideration, I returned to the hotel without crossing paths with the journalists. Camila and Lucia were with me as well.

Once back at the hotel, while Camila and Lucia went to rest, I prepared the items I had set aside and changed into a neatly pressed suit.

The act of being the Defense Attaché was finally over.

“Manager, everything is ready. And Subject 51 has arrived.”

“Tell them to come right away.”

It was time to return as an Operative.

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Episode 5 – Journalist, Diplomat, Soldier, Spy

Fabio Verati.

Formerly, Information Officer of the Foreign Counterintelligence Division of the Patalia National Security Agency.

Currently, Manager at the Talent Development Office of the Magic Tower’s representative office.

A man in his 50s. Both parents are alive, and he is a family man with a wife and four children.

He does not drink or smoke, and has no criminal record.

A veteran with 20 years of service in the Mauritania region, he quickly achieved results and became a section chief in his early 40s as an elite information officer. His future seemed bright, but he submitted his resignation just two years after becoming a manager, with the reasons for his departure unknown. Neither his colleagues in the operational departments nor those in the staff departments are privy to the details.

In appearance, he’s someone you could easily find on the street. If I had to describe him, I’d say he has a kindly look.

As for personality, according to his colleagues at the National Security Agency, he’s described as an unremarkable yet affable person, liked by many.

From what I gathered about Fabio Verati, he seemed like a perfectly average human being. A person who has made countless efforts to appear so, and ultimately succeeded in transforming himself into such a person.

Especially considering he worked in the incredibly dangerous Mauritania region and became a manager in his early 40s, it’s easy to gauge how tough a character Fabio Verati is.

My overall assessment indicates that he’s not someone to be dealt with lightly.

Although, I didn’t realize this from the photos the analysis team had compiled.

“……”

When I met him at a café in the downtown area, he looked terribly haggard.

“…Nice to meet you. I’m Fabio Verati, working at the representative office.”

Fabio Verati handed me a business card with a frail face.

It’s uncommon for people in intelligence agencies to carry around business cards, yet he had one with his name and affiliation on it.

I examined the card he handed over, then paused briefly before responding.

“I am Colonel Frederick Nostrim, serving as the Defense Attaché at the Abas representative office. I’m afraid I don’t have a card to give you yet.”

“That’s alright.”

Fabio Verati and I exchanged the usual pleasantries. The atmosphere wasn’t conducive to a friendly exchange, especially with so many prying eyes watching us.

Outside the café stood a Suit Man guarding the door, and at the next table was another Suit Man feigning to sip coffee while sneaking glances at me.

They were probably not agents from counterintelligence.

As I stared blankly at them, the haggard-looking Fabio Verati spoke up.

“…They are my colleagues. Please don’t misunderstand; they are just worried and followed me here.”

“I see.”

I couldn’t tell if they were genuinely concerned or just keeping an eye on him. What was clear was that he was under surveillance.

Since this was somewhat expected, I didn’t think much of it and got straight to the point.

“I received news from the police regarding your daughter. I understand she’s involved in the incident I witnessed.”

“…That’s correct. If you don’t mind…”

“Of course, I must help.”

I calmly agreed, and Fabio Verati gently bowed his head in thanks.

“I’m sorry. I should have found her sooner, but delays in my schedule have set me back.”

“…No, there’s no need for the Attaché to apologize. I am grateful that you’re offering to help.”

I lightly smiled and nodded my head in acknowledgment.

“Before I explain the details, would it be alright if we moved to another location? This seems to be a rather inappropriate setting for such a heavy discussion.”

“…Ah, I’m fine. Please feel free to lead.”

“Then, if you excuse me for a moment.”

I courteously sought the understanding of Fabio Verati and his colleagues and relocated to the hotel.

The reason for the change of location was that it felt too inappropriate to discuss something so burdensome here, but the fact that the person who had kidnapped his daughter was me made it all seem like a comedy itself.