---

“Fatalities have increased. It’s 27 now.”

The apartment on the 21st floor of the Magic Tower, where Trinity is located.

The sparkling sea and the coastline stretched out before me, illuminated by the night view, while soft jazz flowed from a stylish turntable complementing the band.

I sat in a recliner, admiring the splendid scenery.

—’I heard. The two who were transported to the hospital also died?’

“They were being treated for smoke inhalation in a hyperbaric oxygen chamber, but I heard there was a malfunction in the pressure control technique, cutting off their oxygen supply.”

—’Quite a strange occurrence, isn’t it? Things like that usually don’t break down.’

“Well, isn’t that just how human affairs can turn out?”

As I continued my call, wrapped in the soothing jazz, the hallway light flickered on, and I noticed a shadow entering my field of vision.

“I’ll hang up. I’ll contact you first.”

—’Let’s talk face to face. Quietly.’

“Yes, ma’am.”

I placed the switched-off prepaid phone on the table.

Then, I pressed the button to stop the turntable, switched on the magic lamp beside me, and—

Click.

“……”

I adjusted my comfortable position and spoke to the homeowner.

“You’re here?”

“…Merlo?”

—

Episode 5 – Journalist, Diplomat, Soldier, Spy

I’ve known someone named Sophia for over five years, yet I still don’t know who she really is.

As is typical with most information agents, she mostly uses a pseudonym. She introduced herself as ‘Sophia,’ so that’s what I call her. Hence, I don’t truly know who she is.

However, I am certain of what kind of person Sophia is.

She was a spy.

Affiliated with the military intelligence agency. The precise name being the Integrated Intelligence Department under the Supreme Headquarters of the Republic of Patalia. It would correspond to the Information Command in South Korea or the Reconnaissance General Bureau in North Korea. I seem to recall her position being Sub Team Leader, which means she was a Deputy Operative.

Her active area was the Kien Empire.

Five years ago, we first met there.

“It’s been a while, Sophia.”

“Good to see you again, Merlo.”

I politely offered Sophia a seat.

“Please, sit here. Don’t just stand there.”

Sophia gave me a slightly incredulous look.

“Do you know this is my home?”

“Of course.”

I sat back in the recliner and took a look around the house.

The top floor of a five-story apartment. If I opened the window, I could see the sea, and stepping onto the terrace revealed the city stretched along the coastline.

There was one bedroom, one bathroom, a separate kitchen and living room, and even a distinct dining area.

In this neighborhood, land suitable for living was relatively scarce, and considering this was the layer where Trinity, the heart of the Magic Tower, was located, this apartment was quite luxurious.

Perhaps that’s why the furniture was suitably expensive as well.

A well-organized bookshelf, a polished wooden table with a shiny finish, a brand-new turntable from a famous brand, and a TV that could only be described as ‘plump’ in its latest model.

After a while of exploring the house, my conclusion was simple.

“You sure splurged here. Settled down well, huh?”

“Why so? Don’t be like that.”

While it was a good house to live in, it wasn’t ideal for an operative. Too expensive.

“Looks like you plan to live here for life, huh?”

“Well, since I’m on a business trip, I should enjoy it. I’m human too.”

Sophia replied with a smile that seemed to light up the room.

She casually approached the seating area and began to question me. There was no sign of discomfort in her movements or expression.

“What would you like to drink? Tea? Coffee? Or maybe some alcohol?”

“Why would I drink that at this hour?”

“Well, a friend is visiting, right?”

I chuckled slightly and said to her, “Surprised, aren’t you, to see me teasing?”

“Why would I be surprised? You didn’t even hide your address. So what would you like to drink?”

“I’m fine. Just stopped by for a moment.”

“Really?”

With a calm expression, Sophia prepared tea. As always, her lips bore a smile, while her eyes were focused on me.

She went to the kitchen and came back with a mug and some snacks.

Sophia settled onto the sofa opposite the TV, holding a glass and a bottle of whiskey.

She smoothly opened the bottle and poured herself a glass, while I scanned the furniture with my eyes and muttered,

“…You have a lot of furniture here?”

“Since this is now my home, it should look like a place where people live.”

“……”

Having filled her glass, Sophia set down the whiskey bottle and spoke to me.

“What brings you here?”

“I have something to ask.”

I ran my fingers over the scratches on the furniture, pondering the traces of time on these objects.

“…How long has it been since you changed positions?”

“Not sure? About a year?”

“…I see. What about the Magic Tower?”

“Not too long. I came straight from the desk.”

That meant she had recently arrived.

I withdrew my hand from the furniture and nodded. Then, I pressed the button on the turntable and waddled back to the recliner.

The fresh melody of saxophone blending with the band’s accompaniment filled the living room, and beyond the window, the twinkling night sea and dazzling city lights seeped into the dim room.

Right there before me was Sophia.

“……”

In the room filled with noise,

With the eavesdropping rendered useless,

I threw a question at Sophia.

“Where is she?”

“Who?”

“Giada Bianchi.”

—

Sophia seemed genuinely clueless, at least in expression.

“What do you mean by that?”

“I’m asking where Giada Bianchi is. Don’t play dumb with me.”

“Then why are you asking me? Merlo.”

She sure was being cute.

“…Geez.”

I stood up from my seat and strolled over to the bookshelf.

I took in the dust gathered on the books and the scratches made from everyday use, searching every nook of the shelf.

“Let’s not waste our energy. We both know the details. It’s not good for the elected officials if allies raise their voices at each other.”

I whipped back to see Sophia as I surveyed the bookshelf.

Then I asked,

“Where is she hidden?”

Sophia replied, “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

“Really?”

I sighed deeply, shoved my hands into my pockets, and leaned against the bookshelf.

I truly didn’t want to waste effort arguing over this, but it seemed I had no choice but to explain again.

Leaning against the shelf, I calmly chose my words.

“Umm. About Fabio Verati. Your former operative.”

“Yeah.”

“We have him detained on our side.”

“What?”

For the first time, shock registered on Sophia’s face. The similarity in her tone suggested her surprise was genuine.

“Why do you have him? We said we’d take responsibility.”

“Exactly.”

I feigned an innocent expression as I continued speaking.

“I don’t know the exact details. I heard he was out of the game, but looks like they pushed him from above.”

“Hey.”

Sophia spoke.

“Are you pulling my leg?”

“I really didn’t know. I’m sorry.”

“What are you trying to pull here? Are you joking with me?”

Sophia glared at me with a deadly expression, but I simply smiled and shook my head.

“Don’t look at me like that. I had no idea.”

“This isn’t something that can just be solved with a simple apology.”

“Is the Military Intelligence Agency kidnapping Fabio Verati?”

Sophia fell silent.

In truth, this could lead to a serious diplomatic issue. An intelligence agency kidnapping a foreign national. Especially one from an allied nation.

But.

“I don’t think only we will face the consequences.”

“What?”

Not now.

“You did kidnap an Abas citizen as well.”

“……”

“Is it possible to argue that he’s not being smuggled out?”

I returned to my seat, while Sophia across the room shot daggers at me. Her glare was deadly enough to end someone’s life.

“I’m not joking around, Merlo.”

“Jokes need to be tailored to the audience, Sophia.”

“Do I look like someone who would play along?”

My acquaintance threatened me.

Yet I, the acquaintance, didn’t cower under her murderous gaze. Instead, I smiled defiantly.

“So you think I’m just some fool who would play with you?”

“…What?”

“You.”

A soldier threatened a journalist.

“You lied to me.”

“No, what are you talking about—”

“Fabio Verati.”

A spy threatened a spy.

“He’s not a retired operative; he’s still one of yours.”

—

Fabio Verati is an intelligence agency veteran.

During his time in the National Security Agency, Fabio Verati worked as an operative in an area similar to the Middle East, called Mauritania, and he built his experience there, eventually becoming a manager in his early 40s.

After becoming a manager, Fabio Verati switched departments and briefly worked as an information officer at the Magic Tower. His official record ends at that point. At least according to the staffing materials of the National Security Agency.

Fabio Verati decided to retire. No one knows the reason. At least, there isn’t an official record of his withdrawal reason.

All intelligence agencies are state institutions, and thus, all retirees are entitled to severance pay. It’s not revealed publicly for security reasons, but those retiring can receive both a pension and severance pay, as they are public servants.

However, they can only receive it within the limits guaranteed by law. That’s because they’re public servants.

And like all retirees, an intelligence agency operative contemplating retirement tends to wrestle with grave dilemmas.

Should they take their pension all at once or receive it in installments?

Fabio Verati chose the former. Although he could have opted for a pension after more than 15 years of service, he simply withdrew his entire payout at once. About 600 million won, give or take.

The problem was that he had five family members to support.

Could a man in his 40s, who just left his job, raise four kids who hadn’t even entered college with 600 million won? That was impossible no matter where one looked. The burden on the head of a family is similar everywhere. It’s hard to find someone willing to gamble their family’s lives on a single bet.

Still, Fabio Verati decided to retire. He had backing.

The Magic Tower’s representative office.

He took a brief rest before moving to the Magic Tower’s representative office, specifically to the Human Resources Development Institute under the Magic Tower. It’s the department that develops human resources through financial means. While it’s called ‘human resources,’ in reality, it creates ‘scholarship students.’ And its duties closely resemble those of intelligence operations.

Fabio Verati, hired as an experienced worker, supported his wife and four kids. It was obvious that if the National Security Agency found out, they’d come after him immediately, but he couldn’t refuse the Magic Tower’s offer because he needed the money.

As a result, Fabio Verati’s family lived a life of abundance in a house with a swimming pool. Of his four kids, three had already entered university, and the youngest daughter had gone to a famous academy at the Magic Tower.

However, Fabio Verati was being tracked by the Military Intelligence Agency.

He had been kidnapped by agents dispatched to the Magic Tower and was being interrogated in a hidden facility.

These were the facts that were outwardly visible.

What I’m curious about is this.

The Magic Tower’s representative office is a public institution, and all employees there are public servants.

So how,

Is Fabio Verati’s family living lavishly in a house with a swimming pool?

—

“Logically, no public servant’s salary could afford a house like that. Maybe for a senior public servant, but for the family of a mere 3rd class deputy director, that’s impossible.”

So that leaves three possibilities.

First, embezzlement.

“If they dipped into the operational funds, it’s possible. Depending on the scale, there can be hundreds of millions in operational funds. There are indeed those who break the rules conventionally. But if they do that, they’ll get caught during audits.”

Second, investment.

“Sometimes employees play the market with insider information. Stocks, real estate, bonds, futures, options… But this carries huge risks. Investment is far from being as easy as it seems. Admittedly, agency personnel investing is illegal.”

Third, business.

“Perhaps they sold information. That seems most plausible. It’s discreet. If one is cautious, the risk of getting caught is very low. Plus, the earnings can be substantial. Finding buyers isn’t hard either. There’s plenty of demand, but the supply is rare, so everyone is on the lookout.”

Selling information is the most realistic way to earn money.

In reality, people often surface who sell classified data out of desperation. Among retirees, there seems to be a particularly high incidence.

And Fabio Verati was a retiree.

So, what I’m trying to say is,

“Fabio Verati sold you information. Not leaking Patalian secrets abroad, but transferring Magic Tower secrets to Patalia. For money.”

It means a former operative of the National Security Agency, now working at the Magic Tower representative office, sold information on his previous workplace. For cash.

To which the current investigator of the National Security Agency responded, “Good story you’re spinning.”

“Right? Maybe when I retire, I could write novels like Le Carré.”

I tried to brush it off as a joke, but Sophia didn’t take the bait.

She crossed her legs.

“Selling information, huh? It sounds plausible…”

“……”

“Do you have any evidence?”

“…No.”

I didn’t have tangible proof for my claims.

How could I catch a former employee of another agency selling intel? Forget the time needed, that was never my responsibility. My mission was to track down the higher-ups who dispatched the spies.

But the questions remained. It was impossible for Fabio Verati’s family to live well. How could a non-drug dealer buy a house with a swimming pool? In a world where land is scarce.

Doubt lingered, yet I had no proof.

I changed the subject.

“Okay. It’s true that the Military Intelligence Agency has Fabio Verati. If we go to the representative office, send an emergency report, and make a few calls, we might be able to release him. After all, he’s one of your retirees. But here’s the thing.”

“……”

“The upper echelons still haven’t found out where Giada Bianchi is. If you let her go, I could possibly arrange something favorable for you.”

I proposed a deal, but Sophia flatly refused.

“No need to bother. We can find her ourselves.”

“They won’t just give her up.”

“Well, if you want to create a bright diplomatic issue, feel free.”

Sophia really looked ready to storm the Abas representative office and stood up from her seat.

I grabbed her wrist firmly.

“What are you doing? Let go.”

“How long has it been since you came here?”

“What?”

“I’m asking how long it’s been since you came to the Magic Tower.”

Sophia looked down at me, puzzled, while I held onto her wrist, closing my eyes briefly to let my thoughts wander.

“You know, when we first met at the Magic Tower.”

I recalled the life scratches on the furniture and the date her team arrived. I also reflected on the move-in date I heard from the real estate office, along with the information Sophia had let slip earlier and my own experiences. Gathering together the minute details and drawing some conjectures.

I wondered—how long has an agent been hiding and doing undercover work?

If so, how easy would it be to find a double agent who knows the ins and outs of an intelligence agency?

“You clearly said that Fabio Verati wouldn’t sell state secrets. Am I right?”

“Correct.”

Puzzle pieces began to fall into place.

“But, how do you know?”

Finally, I succeeded in piecing the puzzle together.

“You couldn’t even monitor him closely enough to know what he was up to or why the Military Intelligence Agency was after him. You guys are just figuring it out now.”

“……”

“In that short a time, how could you claim whether he was a double agent or not? How could verification happen so quickly?”

But if Fabio Verati was a ‘loyal person’ planted by the National Security Agency in the Magic Tower,

Then everything makes sense.

Just like Petrus.

“Doesn’t that seem a bit strange to you?”

“……”

“If you’re going to lie, at least make it believable.”

I slowly opened my eyes and looked up at Sophia’s face.

The usual smile on her face had vanished.

As I gazed at her, I couldn’t help but chuckle lightly.

“What now?”

“……”

“Go and check it out.”

—

The National Security Agency’s response was immediate.

Less than an hour after Sophia entered the Patalian representative office, an unofficial letter from the Patalian Foreign Ministry arrived at the Abas representative office.

[Patalia has respected the actions of the Abas Kingdom for the past 70 years. However, unfortunately,

I cannot help but express my regret over the unfortunate incident at the Magic Tower. This matter could have a significant impact on the diplomatic relations between Patalia and Abas, and the Patalian government is taking a stern stance…

Although it was officially under the Patalian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in reality, it was a formal communication sent by the National Security Agency to the Abas Information Agency.

It resembled a typical diplomatic document coated in diplomatic language and euphemisms, but if we summarize it roughly—

[Hey, when did we ever offend you? We’re still allies, so this isn’t how you show respect, you know? How can you kidnap our citizens at the Magic Tower? This isn’t even behavior expected from thugs. We understand your position well enough, so let’s meet and talk it over, okay?]

… this was the interpretation it could evoke.

Given that an official stance emerged within three hours, it seemed they were well-prepared for when Fabio Verati’s identity was exposed. They didn’t just send a letter; they even dispatched personnel.

“First, let me extend my regrets. Although there was a misunderstanding that led to this unfortunate incident, our National Security Agency is inclined to resolve the situation amicably, considering the relationship between our two countries.”

In the industry, the rule of the game dictated that matters arising in the shadows should be settled in the shadows. The National Security Agency aimed to resolve the situation without jeopardizing diplomatic relations or upsetting the President.

But not the Military Intelligence Agency.

“How could allies send spies to collect military secrets?! Yes!?”

“Colonel, please calm down…”

“I will lodge a formal complaint! This is betrayal!”

The Military Intelligence Agency was frothing at the mouth in outrage.

The National Security Agency argued that “discrepancies arose between the two governments regarding the activities of Patalian nationals within the Magic Tower, which constitutes a clear misunderstanding,” but the Military Intelligence Agency retorted, “How can you say that when our citizens have gone missing and military secrets were stolen?” engaging in a rampage.

At this point, you would expect the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to intervene, but they preferred to sit back and watch the situation, not wishing to bear the political burden.

In the end, the talks collapsed into chaos, resulting in a tense standoff between the Military Intelligence Agency and the National Security Agency. The relationship between the two intelligence agencies soured, and rumors began circulating that something was amiss in the diplomatic realm. An ominous atmosphere started to brew within the foreign ministries of both countries.

If things continued this way, there was a significant risk of a diplomatic breakdown. Someone had to step in and resolve the situation before it escalated further.

Just then, a group volunteered to be the troubleshooters.

The Royal Intelligence Department.

“Erm, well, I have listened to both of your perspectives. If we take our time to continue this conversation, I’m sure we can find a compromise that addresses both sides’ concerns. First, let me clarify the stance of our Royal Intelligence Department…”

The Royal Intelligence Department, which had their hands in their pockets while observing the situation, intervened in the dispute between the Military Intelligence Agency and the National Security Agency. They arranged a negotiation table at the Magic Tower, aiming for a peaceful resolution.

Although it was a dereliction of duty for the Royal Intelligence Department to step in so late, on second thought, it was indeed a negotiation strategy of sorts.

While the Military Intelligence Agency made unreasonable demands and dragged their feet with talks against the National Security Agency, the Royal Intelligence Department received intelligence from the Foreign Affairs Ministry and the Military Intelligence Agency, pondering what proposal to present. Specifically, they gauged how far the National Security Agency was willing to compromise.

“Well then, do you think this part is feasible?”

“Yes, but we need to consider the information about the Kien Empire’s Mauritania operations.”

“Understood.”

Once the Royal Intelligence Department took on the role of mediator, signs of a resolution began to appear swiftly.

The Royal Intelligence Department proposed “release compensation” to the National Security Agency, who in turn expressed their position to provide compensation of “equal value” to Fabio Verati, while I approached Fabio Verati to ensure his silence.

“Congratulations. You will soon be repatriated for humanitarian reasons.”

“……”

“As you are well aware, just forget about what happened here. You understand what I’m saying, right?”

“…Where is my youngest daughter?”

“If you keep your promise, compensation will follow. Rest assured we are searching for her.”

I needed to ensure that the fact I was an operative didn’t leak out. With only fragmentary information, they wouldn’t be able to piece together that I was an operative, but at the very least, I had to hide my involvement in this incident, even if it concerned an ally’s intelligence agency.

Fortunately, Fabio Verati kept his mouth shut. Given that his family was under the Military Intelligence Agency’s surveillance and his youngest daughter’s fate was still uncertain, he had no choice but to remain silent.

Meanwhile, the talks continued, and the operations persisted as well.

[Another explosion occurred three days later. The Public Order Protection Director classified the series of explosions as terrorism. In the meantime, the anarchist extremist group “Cabal of Black Flame” issued a statement claiming responsibility for the attacks throughout the city.]

With the remaining liquid explosives, we managed to assassinate most of the targets.

Sending packages became too recognizable, so we had to hide bombs along the targets’ routes and detonate them remotely.

I disguised the mastermind of all this terrorism as the work of an anarchist terror group. I found a relatively large group with a previous record of planning attacks in the materials held by the external police and crafted a plausible statement to spread under the cover of night in less populated areas.

People would now assume that a terrorist group was behind the terror. As the Magic Tower Police and counterintelligence agencies suspected the Empire Information Agency, they would need to verify if this was true, giving the Military Intelligence Agency operatives enough time to destroy evidence.

“…Is it normally this prone to terrorism here?”

“It has been particularly severe lately. It didn’t use to be like this.”

“Hmm…”

“Both of you should refrain from going out for a while. Besides the terrorism, it looks like protests will intensify. Especially concerning Lucia.”

“…Are you talking about that one?”

“Don’t go rushing to the hospital to rescue civilians. It’s not safe there either.”

For the record, terrorist groups in the Middle East and Africa usually attack targets with firearms after a bombing, waiting for some time before doing so.

While there aren’t yet skilled terrorist groups doing that in this neighborhood, you can never tell what will happen in the future, so it wouldn’t be bad to stay vigilant.

“…Thanks for the advice.”

Lucia gazed with a slightly distressed expression at the devastation streaming from the TV, while Camila fidgeted with a bottle of drink, observing my face with a vague look for quite some time.

“Why are you looking? Have I got something on my face?”

“Umm…No!”

“……?”

Even as I met with Camila and Lucia, the covert operations continued along with the talks.

Spies made contact from safe houses, underground lobbyists exchanged information, and a tug-of-war over interest and justification ensued.

Dozens of meetings were held, and the atmosphere turned increasingly grim over time.

Ultimately, the National Security Agency came clean.

– “The National Security Agency confirmed that 51 identified them as their operative. They were listed in the retiree roster, but in reality, they infiltrated the Magic Tower as a disguised spy.”

The National Security Agency acknowledged that Fabio Verati was their operative.

“Is that all? What about the classified information?”

– “We retrieved everything. They claimed they had no intention of detecting military secrets. We must view this as an accident.”

No one knew for sure if the National Security Agency had accidentally collected military secrets from Abas, except for Fabio Verati himself.

“Still, the information has already been compromised.”

– “We concluded that what should be discarded will be destroyed, while what should be preserved will be kept. There may be more that we discard, but it’s not as if there were no gains.”

Regardless, the National Security Agency acknowledged the operative’s existence and proposed repatriation, offering to share information they possessed as a condition for the humanitarian repatriation of Fabio Verati.

The National Security Agency decided to share information about the Empire Information Agency’s overseas operatives, the internal conflict trends in Mauritania, the secrets various countries concealed that Fabio Verati pilfered from the Magic Tower, significant operations of the Demon and Inquisition, and information about the Magic Tower’s intelligence agency, among other things.

Additionally, the National Security Agency delivered information on Giada Bianchi, who had been missing for several years, back to Abas.

– “We intended to repatriate her as soon as we were informed, but it was kept confidential because repatriating Giada Bianchi might expose the identity of the operative.”

“Where was she?”

– “In Patalia.”

Giada Bianchi was given a new identity by the National Security Agency and was living her second life.

Initially viewed as a citizen of an allied country, she was meant to be repatriated through the embassy. However, since the incident at the Magic Tower reached the ears of the Abas Information Agency, there was concern that Fabio Verati’s identity could be tracked, and she was taken to Patalia.

Still, being a civilian caught up in operations, they offered her some degree of hospitality, but from what Colonel Clevenz had said, it appeared she was living an undesired life of exile.

Anyway, an employee of the Royal Intelligence Department stationed at the Patalian Embassy visited her to ask about her intention to return, and without much thought, Giada Bianchi expressed her desire to return to Abas.

Thus, the exchange was realized.

The Military Intelligence Agency sent Fabio Verati packed in a diplomatic pouch to the Abas Embassy in Patalia, while the National Security Agency left Giada Bianchi at the Warp Gate leading to Abas, and Fabio Verati’s youngest daughter made her way to Patalia by switching vessels to evade surveillance.

The National Security Agency, having retrieved the operative, presented the promised release compensation, and the Military Intelligence Agency and the Royal Intelligence Department shared the information handed over by the National Security Agency.

Additionally,

“Now that all is settled, I hope we won’t have any more red-faced incidents, right, Sophia?”

“…Yeah.”

“Don’t go saying something strange elsewhere. I hope you uphold your promises well, as I don’t want to have to deal with any more trouble.”

The National Security Agency pledged not to interfere with the activities of the Abas Information Agency for the time being. Although it was limited to the Magic Tower, that was enough.

Just like what happened with the Cult, everyone managed to wrangle a bit of advantage after giving way a little.

The National Security Agency concealed the operation they conducted at the Magic Tower while ensuring the safety of their operative, and the Military Intelligence Agency received quality information while mitigating the shock from the covert operation.

The Royal Intelligence Department, having posed as mediators, showcased their informational prowess and influence. Of course, they didn’t forget to receive shared information from Military Intelligence Agency’s handover. The shrewd Royal Intelligence Department emerged as the ultimate victor.

And then,

“Thank you for your hard work, Priest Rebecca. Please accept this as a token for the events of the past.”

“What is this?”

“It is the recently obtained data regarding the Magic Tower’s intelligence agency.”

I shared some pieces of information with the Inquisition.

“It must be quite tough for you to construct an intelligence network these days. Though small, I hope this will be of assistance.”

“You’re not providing the source, I see.”

“That’s something I can’t disclose either. Just know that these materials have been verified.”

“Thank you.”

Having received assistance from the Inquisition while tracking the talent development center at the Magic Tower, passing this favor could be construed as returning the gesture.

This action was entirely carried out under the thorough permission of the Military Intelligence Agency. The Director approved it, and analysts sifted through suitable materials and handed them over to me.

The overseas division of the Military Intelligence Agency suggested not simply sharing information and taking without giving back, but after convincing them that this bribe was essential for cultivating a friendly relationship with the Inquisition, it was approved.

Thanks to this, the Inquisition was now obtaining the information they had long desired about the Magic Tower’s intelligence agency.

Of course, I was gaining something as well through this bribe.

“By the way, how is the intelligence network construction going?”

“Right now, we are starting by recruiting lower-level intelligence agents.”

“Can we actually find candidates? There shouldn’t be much info about it.”

“There’s enough human intelligence.”

“What do you— oh, medical aid.”

Disguised as Lucia’s aide, the Inquisition was conducting medical services to establish their intelligence network. According to Priest Rebecca, they were identifying potential candidates with solid motives among those receiving treatment and aid supplies.

Thus, the Royal Intelligence Department, the Inquisition, the Military Intelligence Agency, and the National Security Agency gradually took bites of the pie, each securing their own spoils.

The Royal Intelligence Department and the Inquisition obtained information about the Magic Tower’s intelligence agency, while the National Security Agency ensured the safety of their operative, concealing the fact that they collected national secrets through Fabio Verati. The Military Intelligence Agency received substantial information while quietly managing the repercussions of the covert operation.

The real fools in all this were the Magic Tower, oblivious to the events transpiring within their own jurisdiction.

The Magic Tower, with 31 intelligence operatives assassinated, could neither intervene in the incidents nor keep their mouths shut.

Consequently, the dispute between the Abas and Patalian intelligence agencies concluded without much noise.

It felt as though peace had returned to the continent once again.

However.

“We eliminated 31 and accounted for a total of 27 casualties, including civilian victims.”

– “Are there any targets among the surviving wounded?”

“Yes. It’s the last one noted in the report.”

– “Take care of it.”

As always, matters afoot in the shadows seldom revealed themselves in the light.

“While the National Security Agency appears to have resolved its issues, how is the Magic Tower’s problem faring?”

– “The Prime Minister is currently deliberating. No conclusion yet from the Cabinet meeting. The approval from His Majesty the King remains pending.”

“The bombing terror has been disguised as an act of violent struggle by an anarchist group.”

Beneath the seemingly calm surface of this ice lake, the snakes were beginning to awaken.

*

[Today, an event celebrating the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations was held at the Abas Embassy in Patalia. Former Presidents, the Patalian Foreign Minister, and the representative of the opposition party attended the event. The Ambassador of Abas to Patalia stated at the 70th anniversary event that they would not spare efforts to promote friendly relations between the two countries…]

The television broadcasted news about the 70th anniversary celebration between Abas and Patalia.

Just the day before yesterday, they were shouting about severing ties and retaliating, yet now the Foreign Minister and the Ambassador were clasping hands and smiling brightly, which felt quite odd to me.

I chuckled and remarked.

“Politics is indeed a mystery.”

The person sitting next to me responded.

“Does that seem like a political matter?”

“Well, next month is the general election in Patalia, is it not?”

“When an election is right around the corner, everything becomes a political issue.”

Swish!

With the sound of the newspaper folding, a pair of lively eyes gazed directly at me.

I glanced at the screen and quipped.

“So, stepping in as a mediator to exert influence and obtaining info— did you think this all the way from the moment you handed over your business card?”

“Business card? What do you mean? I know nothing of that.”

“…Let’s just say that’s what happened.”

Leoni, nonchalantly weaving lies, tossed the newspaper into the empty space beneath the screen and slouched in her chair.

“Are you heading back now? The conference has concluded.”

“I’m planning to stay here for a bit longer before returning. I took some leave.”

Leave, huh.

“Ah, how enviable.”

I glanced at my watch, hastily gathered my overcoat, and turned the door handle.

As I was about to leave, Leoni said casually.

“Great job. You managed things well.”

I smiled faintly and returned her compliment.

“Hard work? It shouldn’t be hard to do one’s job.”

“Still not considering a career change?”

Carefully descending the narrow metal stairs, I answered the old superior’s question before closing the door.

“Enjoy your vacation. Director.”

Thud.

The door of the Royal Intelligence Department’s disguise vehicle shut.

The breeze fluttered the ends of my coat. A brisk autumn wind swept through. I buttoned up my flapping overcoat and approached familiar faces through the crowd.

“Did I keep you waiting?”

“Ah, you’re here.”

“I hope you didn’t find it boring without me.”

I exchanged a light jest with Camila and Lucia as I tidied up my outfit.

Then, I extended a handshake to the woman standing before me.

“Good to see you again, Administrator.”

“Likewise.”

“I would like to formally introduce myself. I am—”

Episode 5 – Journalist, Diplomat, Soldier, Spy – END –

 

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