Chapter 168
The employee quietly requested to speak. I decided to step away from Camila for a moment. Not knowing how long it would take, I told her to eat first.
We stepped into the alley behind the pub, standing beneath a bright yellow streetlight.
“Do you smoke?”
“Sure.”
As I subtly pulled out a cigarette, the lighter sparked with a
I let out a long sigh, relishing the familiar taste I hadn’t experienced in 28 years.
Under the bright yellow streetlight, in a quiet back alley with insects above and a puddle at our feet, two suit men stood facing each other.
“Did something suddenly come up at work? There are still two weeks left until vacation.”
“Oh, it’s not about work, senpai.”
The employee chuckled awkwardly.
“Actually, I’m the Manager’s assistant.”
“Assistant?”
The organization of the Military Intelligence Agency is quite simple. There’s the Director in charge of the agency, department heads overseeing various branches, and beneath them are deputy managers and section heads, with team leaders and entry-level employees following suit. The exact names differ by department, but that’s the gist of it.
In other words, there aren’t many people referred to as “manager” in the Military Intelligence Agency. By the way, I was the Counterintelligence Chief’s assistant a few months ago. Clevenz officially holds the title of Counterintelligence Chief.
“So if you’re a manager…”
“Yes, Hendrick is the manager.”
He’s my successor.
“Oh dear. I didn’t even get to hand over my responsibilities, so I didn’t recognize his face. Things were a bit rushed when I had to clear out my desk…”
“No worries. Thanks to the manual you left behind, I adapted easily. Haha.”
I shook hands with the new assistant as I greeted him.
Honestly, I hesitated to call him “senpai.” His face looked too haggard. Must have been through a lot.
“Being an assistant is tough, but are you okay? I often got called in late after work,” I asked.
“It’s still the adaptation period… I should be getting used to it soon.”
“Sounds rough. But what brings you here?”
“Oh, I came to drive. I thought I’d give you a ride home once it’s done…”
“Drive?”
The assistant scratched his head with an awkward smile.
“At a pub… if you have a drink and then grab the wheel, it could be troublesome if you get pulled over.”
“Is the manager nearby?”
“Yes.”
“Where?”
He pointed behind him with his finger. I froze with shock, looking at the pub the new assistant indicated.
It was the very pub we had just left.
“You’re kidding…?”
Episode 9 – Old Fashioned
It was real.
“Hm?”
Following the new assistant up to the second floor, the interior of the establishment was clearly visible below, but a corner spot that was hard to see from the ground was occupied by a familiar old man.
“Why is Brigadier General here…?”
“Oh, so it was true.”
The Counterintelligence Chief of the Military Intelligence Agency, Colonel about to be promoted to Brigadier General, flashed a delighted expression upon seeing me.
Colonel Clevenz, dressed in a suit, held an Old Fashioned glass in one hand. Looks like he was enjoying a drink.
“What brings you here? It’s way past quitting time…”
“Oh, I came here after work. I had an appointment.”
“An appointment?”
Clevenz nodded with a gentle smile.
“I was waiting at the meeting place when I heard your voice from downstairs. I didn’t see your familiar back, so I had no clue. I heard through the grapevine that you were going out for drinks, but I didn’t expect to meet you here.”
“Heard? Who…?”
“It was a report filed by the reconnaissance unit. Didn’t we just talk a bit ago?”
The reconnaissance unit.
That means the Military Intelligence Agency was listening in on the call between Adela and me.
I remembered back when the Defense Security Command ran a similarly named organization. All communication regarding the Defense Ministry, whether with civilians or other government agencies, would always be monitored, I recalled.
How do I know this? Because I experienced it firsthand.
While working in intelligence, I made a few calls to the National Intelligence Service for work, and later received a text asking who authorized the listening in on my personal phone call, which I clearly remember. The whole command was turned upside down at the time.
Legally, it’s a valid operation. Military counterintelligence is a legally sanctioned activity. But legally or not, if discovered, it would create major chaos.
Is that why I felt uncomfortable?
Suddenly, my old memories came flooding back, souring my mood.
“There was really no need to listen in on a family call…”
“Lately, due to security, there’s been a lot of talk. Especially since the Empire’s people are hiding so close, causing all that chaos.”
It was a plea to understand that all this was done for the sake of family. I didn’t know if he was genuinely worried about Adela and our family, but still.
I crossed my arms and pondered.
“Hm…”
Honestly, it’s not entirely unbelievable.
Back when I was deployed overseas, I received a call at work asking, “I heard your mother moved. Are you aware? Is something wrong?” when my mother relocated. It may seem like surveillance from a civilian perspective, but in my line of work, it was just standard security protocol.
So I could understand it enough.
But the real question was: why was Clevenz here of all places? He looked like a collector come to collect debts.
He seemed to have had a similar thought, clearing his throat before speaking.
“Um. I think there’s a misunderstanding. It’s not as you imagine, so don’t worry.”
“It’s just too coincidental…”
“Did I come here because I wanted to? I was summoned here by someone over there.”
Clevenz refuted earnestly.
“Why do you suspect me? Am I that untrustworthy?”
Seeing an old chap like him act this way made me flinch.
It’s a habit of mine. It’s fine to be suspicious, but I keep worrying about unnecessary things, putting doubts on people who don’t deserve it. My colleagues always tease me about being paranoid and suggest I see a doctor, but it’s a deeply ingrained habit that’s hard to break.
I had nothing to say, burying my head down like a frightened bird, and Clevenz clicked his tongue as if he couldn’t stand it.
“You’re really exhausting, you know. Isn’t it tiring to live like that?”
“No, well… it hasn’t interfered with work yet.”
“Tsk tsk. Who asked about work? I meant generally, no issues?”
“…….”
I hadn’t heard anything like that surrounding me.
“I don’t meet many people outside work… Besides, I rarely go on vacation when I’m an assistant. It’s just never been my thing.”
“…….”
Clevenz’s mouth hung slightly ajar. His expression was vacant. The look in his eyes seemed to ask, “What kind of idiot are you?” so I gazed downward.
“That’s quite a thing.”
“Ha ha…”
“Just drink. You’re on vacation, don’t just hide away in your room.”
Clevenz ordered drinks through the assistant he’d summoned. The clueless newbie who had been sipping on a beverage disappeared down to the first floor.
Watching the inexperienced assistant’s back, I turned back to Clevenz.
“But you mentioned you had an appointment. Why are you alone?”
“I haven’t arrived yet. We were supposed to meet here over thirty minutes ago. When I arrived ten minutes late, nobody was here.”
“Ah…”
“With no word of them, they must be running much later than expected.”
I see.
“So you’re just sitting alone?”
“Of course. I can’t let the driver drink.”
Clevenz lightly clicked his tongue. He clearly didn’t want to drink alone. Regardless, it made no sense for him to wait idly if he had plans. I cautiously stood up to return to Camila.
At that moment, Clevenz looked at me and said,
“Oh right, I forgot you were here. Do you have a moment?”
“Yes?”
“It’s a bit lonely here. What about grabbing a drink?”
“Excuse me?”
“I was asking if you wanted to drink.”
“…….”
For a moment, I pondered whether I should drink here or if I could have a relaxed drink on the first floor.
However, once Clevenz added,
“I’ll treat you. It’s been months since I had a proper vacation.”
I promptly glued my backside back to the chair.
“What will you buy?”
“You can choose. I’m not much of a drinker.”
“Sounds good.”
*
Two weeks into my vacation, I came back to the capital and ended up meeting Clevenz at the pub.
Under normal circumstances, I would have quietly slipped out and shifted to another location, but today was an exception.
I was getting free drinks, after all.
“Hmm.”
Sweet bourbon. Sugar cubes. Rich bitter aroma.
A maraschino cherry and orange slice skewered by a cocktail pick. Bubbling carbonation rising. Cold beads of water forming on the glass. The juice from the cherry mixed seamlessly into the cocktail.
Before me lay an artistic creation, crafted with the expertise gathered by the bartender over many decades. The luxurious sweetness filling my mouth made my eyelids flutter.
“How is it?”
“It’s good.”
I nodded as the bartender set the cocktail down. I was satisfied enough to nod on its own. The balance was excellent, and the flavor outstanding. It felt doubly delicious since it wasn’t coming out of my pocket.
Clink! The perfectly sized ice cubes rattled in the glass, moving pleasantly with my hand’s motions.
“Thank you.”
“Don’t mention it. Is one drink really worth all that fuss?”
Though he said that, Clevenz smiled as he lifted his drink. His glass had several small ice cubes inside, and when I asked why he added ice, he replied,
“I find that it’s easier to drink as the ice melts and it slightly dilutes the drink.”
“Oh, is that so?”
“I guess I’m aging too.”
“It’s just a matter of preference on how you drink.”
There’s no right way to enjoy a hobby. It’s simply about enjoying your favorite drink as you like.
In this classist society, the culture of drinking and social clubs has developed significantly. Even my older brother Jerry and sister Adela are members of clubs within the Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where they drink and play cards.
Yet, Clevenz was known for not drinking much and for not smoking either. That fact suddenly reminded me, prompting me to ask him,
“Speaking of which, I thought you didn’t drink. When did you start?”
“It just kind of happened.”
Clevenz answered vaguely. It was unclear whether he was reluctant to share the reason or if there just wasn’t any significant explanation.
A bus full of citizens rumbled loudly by, shaking the windows as it passed. Though the windows trembled, letting in the noise from outside, the atmosphere inside the pub felt tranquil.
I glanced at Camila alone on the first floor. I worried for a moment if something might occur, but she was vigorously enjoying her chicken by herself.
Perhaps my concerns were unfounded, as I was about to relish the moment when Clevenz set his glass down and broke the silence.
“These days, the world is truly chaotic. It feels like something big could happen at any moment.”
“Yeah?”
“Talking about terrorism. I was expecting a series of incidents, but nothing has happened.”
The sudden topic of terrorism made me tilt my head in confusion.
“Is there any news? I still believe the details on the terrorist activity haven’t been released.”
“This time, the attack is to be officially announced as an act of a stateless person from No Man’s Land.”
“A stateless person?”
Clevenz nodded affirmatively.
The terrorists definitely spoke Kien. Even if it were true that the terrorists had no nationality, it would be hard to deny their association with the Empire. Furthermore, the leader of the terrorist group was said to have even graduated from Sezhanov Medical University and worked as a doctor.
But now they were claiming they were stateless?
“What do you mean? They have no nationality. It’s clear that the initiator is…”
“Yosef Alexandrovich Kovinov. He’s from the Emergency Medicine Department of Sezhanov Medical University. He served for three years in the 3rd Mountain Brigade of the Northern Regions. His final rank was Captain, but he was detained after illegal union formation and strike actions. He also has a living wife and child, although he divorced long ago.”
“…….”
“I’m aware. The investigation team hasn’t been negligent.”
Clevenz continued, explaining further.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Empire has requested that all terrorists be announced as stateless. The information about the leader was passed along through the embassy at that time.”
“Is it unofficial or official?”
“Unquestionably unofficial.”
That meant it was delivered through channels that weren’t public.
“It looks like a real headache for them. On the day you woke up from your medical leave, the ambassador personally visited the Prime Minister’s Residence to explain. Some of the terrorists were indeed from the Empire, but they claimed to have no relation whatsoever with the Empire.”
The ambassador’s personal clarification was equivalent to the official stance of the Kien Empire’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Thinking a bit further, it also implied the position of the government and the royal family.
The words of ambassadors or consuls never bore lightly; after all, they represent their state. That’s just common sense in diplomacy.
The problem was,
“Can we trust them?”
The real concern was about trusting these people.
“Didn’t they say the same thing a few months back? They claimed the bombing had nothing to do with the Empire. But digging deeper revealed connections to the Imperial Guard HQ.”
To be precise, it was not an accident but an illicit command structure violated by a noble eager for money and internal factions, but that detail wasn’t the main point.
Given that precedent, I couldn’t simply take their words at face value. That was my opinion.
However, the judgment of an ordinary civil servant and that of a government official differ greatly.
The Government of Abas decided to trust the Empire’s Foreign Affairs Department.
“The Foreign Affairs Department sees this incident as a terrorism unrelated to the Empire. This is also agreed upon by the Ministry of the Interior and the Ministry of Justice. The same goes for the Ministry of Defense’s stance.”
“Why is that?”
“It wouldn’t be wise to make rash accusations unless there’s a clear mastermind involved. Plus, it wouldn’t be good to escalate tensions right before a major issue.”
“And what actions have been taken?”
“For now, they’re investigating centered around the Ministry of the Interior, the Ministry of Justice, and the Magic Department. Even if it’s terrorism, if it involves dark magic, it can’t just be handled by the Ministry of Defense or the Intelligence Division alone. Of course, they’re also getting help from the Inquisition and the Imperial Police along with the Magic Department.”
People may not realize, but intelligence agencies sometimes cooperate internationally, especially when it comes to terrorism-related matters.
Even Russia and China, often at odds with Europe-centered alliances led by the US, UK, and France, tend to cooperate minimally on counter-terrorism matters. Bombs and bullets do not discriminate by nationality or race.
Naturally, this is common sense in this region as well.
To be precise, when it comes to issues involving dark magic, demons, or monsters, there’s usually a degree of assistance provided. In practice, it’s something they do only when it suits their interests.
Nonetheless, seeing that the Empire is cooperating with the investigation indicates that this really is a terrorism unrelated to the Empire.
“…….”
Perhaps it was the alcohol, but my head wasn’t functioning properly.
I scratched my head irritably before asking,
“So, um, about the cargo. Have the items the terrorists brought in been identified?”
“Referring to the contraption linked to dark magic?”
“Yes.”
“The investigation revealed it to be a device that separates specific areas both physically and non-physically. It prevents both organic and inorganic matter from passing through, including signals and magic.”
It effectively blocks everything—people, objects, communications—everything. It sounded almost like science fiction, and as someone who couldn’t use magic, it was hard to comprehend, but Clevenz added that it’s similar to shielding magic or spells.
“Shielding magic would generally be part of the high-magic protection equipment, wouldn’t it? I saw something during the Empire’s propaganda about introducing equipment to block artillery shells…”
“Yeah, it’s likely true. Since I’m not a magician, I can’t fully confirm, but according to the researchers’ explanations, it’s similar to shielding magic or spells.”
Shielding magic and spells are difficult fields to study.
As with all magic, the funding is exorbitant…
To conduct the research, government permission is absolutely necessary. Most personnel capable of studying such magic are already under surveillance. Moreover, there are so few that it becomes meaningless.
Where on earth did they get such an item?
“I heard it was obtained from the demon clan.”
“Huh?”
“Exorcist priests from the Inquisition confirmed it.”
Exorcist priests. The very word made the alcohol drain from my system.
An exorcist refers, quite literally, to a priest who expels demons. In simpler terms, an exorcist, like Constantine.
Of course, this might be unknown in a world that doesn’t believe in superstitions. However, here, lightning can emerge from people’s fingers, and corpses can burst from their coffins to suck blood, thus the role of religion is extremely significant. Exorcist priests specialize in solving problems related to demons, the demon clan, and dark magic.
In fact, when incidents occur involving the undead or demon clans, the Magic Department formally requests an exorcist priest. The duties of the Inquisition officer and the knight slightly overlap, but I still don’t quite understand the difference. I’m not knowledgeable about such things.
But an exorcist priest coming directly from the Inquisition confirmed it? This means it’s almost certain.
“After securing the site and the materials you left behind, we formally requested help from the Inquisition. The diocese explained that it could take several years for an exorcist priest to arrive, but after showing them the device, they got here in four days.”
“Is it that serious?”
“It seems so.”
“Damn….”
I thought it was just a regular terrorist act, but suddenly a demon clan and an exorcist priest are involved. I have no idea how things escalated this way.
Even while drowning my frustration in alcohol, Clevenz continued his explanation.
Four days after the joint investigative team made a formal request, an exorcist priest arrived by sea. The exorcist priest inspected the department store where the terror occurred, met with the civilians who were taken hostage, and sprinkled holy water on the device while confirming details before requesting assistance from the Inquisition.
That’s when the Inquisition officers and knights rushed in. Understanding that we needed to head to the No Man’s Land, the government assigned military personnel to guide us, alongside the investigative team, sending a force that vastly exceeded the size of a squad to the village where the terrorists were said to have come from to conduct weeks of investigations.
“We’ve secured testimony that they purchased the device from a merchant often in contact with the villagers. Apparently, he spoke Kien with a Mauritania accent.”
“No, how did you find out where that village is?”
“We interrogated the captured terrorists.”
They dug it out through interrogation. I don’t know whether they tortured or threatened them, but Clevenz didn’t seem keen to discuss that part.
He dismissed all my speculations.
“Although the investigation is still ongoing and precise details are scarce, what’s somewhat certain is that the device used in the terror came from the demon clan and is linked to the Mauritania continent.”
“Yes. I heard that an employee from the Royal Intelligence Department investigating magical tools released on the black market in Mauritania got into an accident…. Any other information?”
“Nothing unusual. The merchant was said to have purchased herbs and hunting spoils from the villagers and sold them food and medicines that helped their survival, along with potions…. Oh, I heard he took someone away.”
“Took someone?”
“He allegedly took the children from the village to teach them at a school. There are letters and photos from those kids, and he occasionally returned to the village to stay for a few days before leaving again.”
They left their children with that merchant? And they believed he would teach them?
It was such an outrageous story that it left me stunned, but it seemed Clevenz thought differently.
“It’s said the village had been trading with that merchant for at least 50 years. Just so you know, it’s the same individual.”
“You mean to say they’ve been trading with the same person for 50 years?”
“Yes. The elder who remained in the village said the merchant visited since he was a child, and he hasn’t aged much.”
“….”
An eternally youthful existence. I may be a non-believer and ignorant of magic, but even I found that suspicious.
Though the villagers had some inkling something was off, they’d kept quiet since there had been no problems for 50 years and it had actually provided great help to their village, Clevenz added.
I sighed heavily, rubbing my face.
“What a coincidence to get caught up with the Inquisition….”
“That’s not a concern for you. The Military Intelligence Agency is the same. Since it’s been transferred from the Inquisition, don’t worry about it. That’s better for your mental health.”
“It doesn’t make sense for a child born in a No Man’s Land to go to school…. Did they forge their identity or something?”
“That’s hard to say.”
Clevenz continued to elaborate on the terrorist investigation: the structure and principles of the device, its origin, information acquired from the Inquisition, and information sent from the Empire….
By the way, the institution investigating the device used in the terror was quite familiar to me.
“Advanced Military Magic Research Institute? They’re overseeing the investigation?”
“They’re collaborating with the Royal Magic Research Institute. They mainly assist in reviewing documentation.”
“What’s the status on that? Are they still investigating the spy case?”
“Industrial spy? Oh, that case is already resolved. It concluded that all personnel involved had no blame, and only the captured spy was prosecuted before the investigation was closed.”
“Thank goodness….”
I sighed in relief, brushing my chest. I had barely survived a few weeks there; if there were any more spies, I might end up sick from worry.
Fortunately, it seems there were no other issues aside from the spy we captured. I tilted my glass pleasantly, smiling.
“Good to hear. What about the Magic Tower? Isn’t the Royal Intelligence Department engaging in some projects there? I’ve heard a company is involved as well.”
I was curious about the secret operations taking place in the Magic Tower. The struggle I endured at the research institute had, in a way, also originated from the industrial spy sent from the Magic Tower since I had been involved there.
However, Clevenz flatly refused to answer.
“I can’t divulge operations currently underway at the Magic Tower. Though I can tell you it’s a long-term project that has been in preparation for some time.”
His adamant refusal left me slightly annoyed. It’s about security, yet I, who was involved in the operation, wouldn’t hear anything? It felt somewhat off.
However, I couldn’t express my frustration openly, so I could only sulk silently.
But I couldn’t deceive Clevenz, who had over 20 years of experience as an investigator. Despite his tipsy state, he seemed to see through my feelings.
“What’s the matter? Are you upset that I won’t tell you?”
“No, it’s just… I was surprised you made Ranieer a senior position at the Secretariat instead of directly making her an Oracle.”
Clevenz simply smiled back, silently.
“I can’t possibly tell you if I plan to make Ranieer a genuine Oracle Committee member…”
“That’s obviously something you can’t disclose.”
“Ah, come on.”
“Cough…!”
Clevenz seemed to have choked on his drink, then burst out laughing. Seriously, what a troublesome old man….
“I understand, I understand. I’ll tell you just this much.”
Clevenz wiped his mouth with a few tissues and slowly began to unravel the story.
“There are nine Oracle Committee members in total. Currently, the largest faction represented is the Elemental School. But you already know where those members hail from, right?”
“I believe they’re from the Empire.”
The Oracles governing the Magic Tower consist of nine members, including the Tower Master, who also doubles as chairperson. Just nine individuals dominate the entire magical society.
“Then you must understand the influence the Empire can exert on the Magic Tower.”
“….”
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Royal Intelligence Department have analyzed various conditions—including diplomatic relations with the Empire, geography, culture, economy, politics, industry, population ratio, language, and education—and they project that the Empire will secure at least three to a maximum of five seats within ten years.”
The characteristic of the Magic Tower Oracles is that if just one-third of the current members agree, they can toss all proposals into the trash. It’s a mechanism to prevent dictatorship.
Will the Empire keep inserting their own candidates into such an Oracle system? An awful future looms.
The Oracles can easily discard most proposals with just one-third agreeing. What would happen if the Empire secured a majority?
I can’t even bear to imagine.
I took another long drink, repulsed by the Empire’s meddling.
“Just making Ranieer an Oracle Committee member won’t be enough. What kind of plans do you have…?”
“That’s classified. If you are that curious, go get a classified clearance. Then you can read it as much as you want.”
“What level?”
“Level 1.”
“…….”
What? You mean I shouldn’t even think about reading it?
Asking for a level 1 clearance that I could never dream of receiving momentarily left me dazed. Is that a joke or serious? But Clevenz’s expression told me it was probably serious.
“Don’t worry too much, you’ll know soon enough.”
“What do you mean by that…?”
“Think about it.”
Clevenz crumbled some tissues, pushed them aside, and tapped the table.
“The merchant who sold the device used in the terror spoke Kien, and he took the children somewhere to teach them. It’s uncertain whether it was purely for educational purposes or if there were ulterior motives, but where would they take tiny children to teach them? They can’t go very far, right?”
“That’s right. It seems they would have taken them to a neighboring country.”
“The sorcerer proposed to the Oracle Committee is an aristocrat from the Empire. Two other wizards, one who is about to retire and another who is still on the Committee, are also of Imperial origin. The hero is likely to head towards the Empire soon; do you think they’ll only stay in the Magic Tower?”
“Probably not?”
The merchant spoke Kien and took the children away. It’s highly likely he took them to the Empire since it’s the closest geography-wise.
There are four wizards connected to the Empire in relation to the Magic Tower Oracles. If Camila heads into the Empire, there’s a strong possibility that she’ll be brought there, willingly or unwillingly, whether through an invitation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or an order from the Royal Family.
Coincidentally, both entities are in the Empire.
“Are you starting to get the picture?”
“…….”
“While there are no certainties, something is definitely happening in the Empire. The demons are moving south, issues revolve around the Magic Tower, dark magic, and everything else.”
“Uh, do you have any evidence to back that up…?”
“Just a hunch.”
“Oh, come on….”
The way he spoke as if something was there caught my attention, but he insisted it was merely speculation. Faced with the frustration, I pressed my forehead with my palm, but Clevenz dismissed my defensiveness, slapping my arm aside and continuing.
“Have you always operated based on concrete evidence?”
“Well… no.”
“Right. This is no different. That’s why your role is significant.”
The 20-year veteran investigator and Chief of the Military Intelligence Agency’s Counterintelligence Division pointed a finger at me.
“There are many people stationed in the Empire, but none are as knowledgeable as you about its affairs, and no one has connections to both the cult and the Magic Tower like you do. Besides, you’re the only one who has the credentials to resolve issues connected to the hero directly.”
It may have sounded like the drunken ramblings of an old man, but since it came from Clevenz, it somehow seemed plausible. He wasn’t someone who spouted empty words without conviction…
Is there really something in the Empire?
I found myself lost in thought for a moment.
“…….”
Let’s entertain the idea that he is right; that there really is something in the Empire.
According to the orders of the Military Intelligence Agency, I would soon need to head to the Empire, and I had major figures from the cult and the Magic Tower with me, with whom I had established rapport. Moreover, for better or worse, I would inevitably be involved with the terrorist events or the Oracles. As I would be associated with Camila and Lucia, becoming a target for the terrorist organization was unavoidable. Above all, Francesca is my information source! Now that she’s tied to the Magic Tower’s Secretariat, it would be hard to imagine Merging with the Oracle Committee wouldn’t happen.
Leaving all those factors aside.
If the company assigned me to track down the merchant who sold items to the terrorists or to recruit an Oracle Committee member, I would undoubtedly have to comply. Besides, I had firsthand experience with the terror—that alone provided me with ample justification.
“…Hmph.”
At this point, it seems the heavens have a hand in this. Maybe the god, if one exists, is nudging me to act as a spy.
Is this why I always end up buried in work?
But why is my salary still stagnant?
I posed a question to Clevenz, mulling over these thoughts.
“So… if I join the newly established department, will I be handling such tasks? The ones related to the terror investigation or government affairs with the Magic Tower?”
“That could be the case. Of course, those won’t be the only two responsibilities. The issue regarding the hero will also need addressing.”
“Oh, right.”
What a dreadful prospect.
If that were merely a figment of my imagination, I would’ve gladly welcomed it; sadly, Clevenz hammered a nail right into the coffin.
“So take a lot of rest now. You never know when there will be another chance to rest.”
“You’re not even giving me an option. Where do you keep your conscience?”
“Then just resign.”
“If I submit my resignation now, will you accept it?”
“I’m not the one who has authority over hiring, but bring it to me anyway. I’m curious to see what happens. How about this: I’ll bet 500 silings that they won’t accept your resignation.”
“…….”
Clevenz chuckled with a flushed face. Superior or not, I wanted to strike him.
While I rubbed my temples, pained by the mingling effects of alcohol, I sought to change the subject. I needed to wrap things up and drink with Camila.
“When is the department going to be created?”
“The personnel are ready. Once your position is decided, they’ll assemble quickly.”
“Then who will be my superior? Will the Colonel… no, will it be the Brigadier General overseeing the department?”
“Umm…?”
Clevenz, with a playful grin, asked me.
“Why would I oversee international affairs? I’ve spent my whole life working domestically. You’ll have a different superior. You’ll recognize him when you see his face.”
“Excuse me?”
Just then, footsteps could be heard approaching from behind.
“Looks like he’s coming right now.”
As Clevenz pointed behind me, I naturally turned my head.
From the stairs leading up from the second floor, the sound of creaking wood announced someone’s arrival, and a new assistant hurried over, trying to greet him while sipping on a drink through a straw.
The unexpected guest, accompanied by several Suit Men, glanced at the newbie, patted his shoulders a couple of times, and then began walking toward us.
With sharp eyes and an intense glare. Despite the passing years, his face remained vibrant with mischief.
The head of the Military Intelligence Agency and the Chief of the Royal Intelligence Department.
“Seems like a familiar face.”
“You’re quite late.”
“Traffic was awful on my way back.”
Leoni smiled slyly while extending her hand toward me.
“Is this the first time we’re seeing each other since the committee meeting? Looks like I kept you waiting.”
“…….”
“It’s been a while, Major. Let’s do well like old times.”
She’s back.
