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In the middle of the road stands an unidentified vehicle. A four-seater sedan, parked under the streetlight but obscured by trees, making the inside invisible. It’s just so dark.

I discreetly hid the knife I found among the piles of luggage in my left sleeve and peered out the window again.

First, there are no traffic lights on this road. Judging by the headlights being off, it might just be a vehicle that has been parked temporarily, but that spot isn’t one where you can park a car.

Moreover, this is a residential area for diplomats. Each official residence has its own garage, so who would park a vehicle there illegally?

As I slightly parted the curtains to observe the vehicle closely—

Suddenly, something wriggling from the passenger seat caught my eye.

“…….”

It’s too dark to see clearly, but the person sitting in the passenger seat is undeniably holding binoculars.

—

Episode 10 – Turn Northwest

—

In the dimly lit residential area of Kien Empire’s capital, suspicious characters are watching over my lodging. They even came equipped with binoculars.

They could be journalists on a stakeout looking for a story. Or perhaps they’re perverted peepers, trying to sneak a look through someone else’s window.

But realistically speaking, anyone could tell that they are clearly intelligence agents. If they were from the Empire, it wouldn’t be surprising if they started following me from day one.

What to do…

I decided to step outside and check for myself.

“…Ah, these scoundrels without a shred of decency.”

I threw on a winter coat I had casually left draped, fiddling with the knife hidden in my sleeve as I stepped out the front door. Luckily, since I was just resting in a suit for my early morning trip to the embassy, I didn’t have to change clothes.

Thanks to my tightly tied sneakers, my shoes wouldn’t slip off, and the belt I had habitually fastened kept my pants from falling.

As I exited and quickly rounded the corner, I found myself on the same street where the bright yellow streetlight stood. The very street I had seen from the window.

Just around that corner would be the Handler’s vehicle—

Vroom!

The sudden sound of an engine starting cut through the air.

Just as the rough roar of the engine made me hesitate for a moment, the car abruptly sped off, illuminating the exterior wall of my lodging with its headlights.

Then, about two seconds later—

The vehicle began to turn left, scraping against the asphalt.

Toward me.

“Wait, what…?”

As the blinding headlights flashed into my eyes, my vision narrowed for a split second.

Like a deer caught in headlights about to be hit at midnight, I froze in place in front of the vehicle.

One second,

Two seconds,

Three seconds.

Damn it. Just as that thought crossed my mind, a tremendous impact struck my body, and everything went dark.

The vehicle slammed into me.

Against a mass of metal, I was fortunate enough to survive. I was spared from being sucked under the car and turned into mush. Instead, I was left lying limply on the hood, directly exposed to the winter’s biting wind.

At that moment, the vehicle swerved to the left.

As I was precariously lying on the hood, I began to slide down, barely managing to grab onto a part of the vehicle. The illegally parked car’s side mirror brushed past my face. I propped myself up, pressing my torso against the hood, yet my legs were flung off onto the road.

Among the sound of the roaring wind and the rough engine noise, I heard something scraping against the asphalt. My leg—no, the sole of my shoe was being ground against the road. Reality hit me hard.

“Shit!”

I held on for dear life to the vehicle. I had no idea where they were from, but those lunatics were speeding down the road with me hanging onto the car.

At death’s door, my vision narrowed alarmingly. Surroundings became a blur; all I could see was my hand tightly gripping the vehicle.

While struggling to raise my legs, a fleeting thought crossed my mind: this is how a person can die.

If these maniacs decided to throw me off somewhere or jerk the steering wheel, I’d be crossing the River Jordan in no time.

The national cemetery flickered in my mind, and suddenly my body felt weightless—

“…Huh?”

An unexpected sensation of floating enveloped me.

The world began to slow down.

Perhaps it was the adrenaline or a trick of the imagination, but everything felt sluggish as if someone had pressed pause. My vision widened, sharing its bounty.

My body lifted off the ground.

The steering wheel, gripped so tightly that veins were popping.

The person tucked against the seat, gripping the assist grip.

Binoculars, a radio, and a bag of bread bouncing off the windshield.

The yellow streetlight casting down on the road,

A homeless person, wide-eyed and covering their mouth in shock,

Cars lined up along the roadside.

And the steep downhill slope spreading out behind me.

It all felt like a scene from a cheap B-grade action film, almost too surreal to be real. I wished it were just a crazy dream.

So I closed my eyes.

When I opened them again, I hoped to find myself back in my bed.

But the world always betrays one’s expectations.

—

With the floating sensation fading away, a burning sensation struck my body hard.

And just like that, I was thrown into the cold, harsh reality.

—

In the end, I got my wish. I opened my eyes not on the asphalt road but in bed.

Only, the difference was that I woke up not in my lodging but in a hospital.

From what I heard, a resident living near the site of the collision witnessed the accident and called for an ambulance. They even added that, despite losing consciousness after the crash, I miraculously suffered no severe injuries.

“Lucky you. The gods must be watching over you.”

“……”

“But what will you do now?”

I went to work.

If I didn’t show up unscathed after being hit by a vehicle, my joints would break.

As I entered the Embassy of the Kingdom of Abas in the Kien Empire, the employees greeted me warmly.

According to regulations, I only had to report to the embassy by 9 AM, but with a major diplomatic event looming, many employees had come in early to work. Because the Military Intelligence Agency had conspired with the Foreign Affairs Ministry to keep my identity a secret, employees simply assumed a new attache had arrived.

With plenty of time before the military meeting scheduled three hours later, I briefly chatted with the ambassador and then began my work in the assigned office.

The terminal screen glowed with a bluish hue, and as I entered the assigned security code, the Military Intelligence Agency’s intranet opened.

Soon enough, I found the awaited documents in the internal network.

[83-5.7, Analysis Report.]

-Sent by: Military Intelligence Agency, Defense Ministry of Abas, Technical Information Division, Section 4.

-Received by: Defense Attaché Office, Embassy of Abas in Kien.

-This is an analysis of intercepted signals from around 02 AM today.

“Ah, this is already coming out.”

I had delegated the analysis of the communication that was intercepted in the early morning, and it had already arrived.

As I glanced at the screen, time had now passed 08 AM. Considering that the working hours for the Military Intelligence Agency start at 09 AM, it seemed the night shift had done the analysis.

I began to read slowly through the results produced by the science-oriented staff.

-This wireless communication is determined to be in cipher rather than plain text.

-It is presumed that a radio equipped with prioritized encryption function was used for interception and eavesdropping prevention, and attempts were made to decrypt the encrypted voice information using a cipher system in the database.

-Partial dialogue content was successfully decrypted. However, complete decryption is predicted to take some additional time.

-All three speakers were using the Kien language; hence, the original text, translated version, and voice file are attached in three different formats. We will contact you as soon as the additional decryption work is completed. End.

“…….”

-A (name and age unknown, presumed female): Um, senior. I’m waiting in front of the lodging right now. *Decryption failed* It looks like she went to bed since the lights are off.

-B (name and age unknown, presumed female): Has anyone entered the lodging?

-A (name and age unknown, presumed female): The *decryption failed* I escorted earlier is gone.

-B (name and age unknown, presumed female): Can you see inside right now?

-A (name and age unknown, presumed female): No, *yawn* Even with binoculars, I can’t see anything, huh?

-B (name and age unknown, presumed female): *Decryption failed* What’s happening?

-A (name and age unknown, presumed female): No, it seems like *decryption failed* something moved slightly. I think I might have misinterpreted *decryption failed*.

-B (name and age unknown, presumed female): *Decryption failed*

-C (name and age unknown, presumed male): Team Leader, I think we’ve been caught. Let’s *decryption failed* later.

*Communication terminated.*

—

I arrived at the Department of Defense building of the Kien Empire.

The reason why officials from the Defense Ministry and the Embassy of Abas are gathered is to hold a meeting regarding the northern conflict. You could think of it as a practical negotiation.

“…….”

Realizing that those people had just tried to run me over with their car were staff from the Empire’s intelligence agency, I was feeling rather uncomfortable, but I couldn’t show it.

After all, I’m a diplomat.

“Nice to meet you, Colonel Nostrim. It’s your first visit to Kien, right?”

“Yes, that’s right.”

“Welcome to the Empire.”

The Defense Ministry employees greeted us with surprisingly gentlemanly attitudes. Most, if not all, of them were from noble backgrounds.

Unlike Abas, where conversations about abolishing class systems take place within the institutional framework, the Kien Empire has a very firm class system in place. They abide by class distinctions more strictly than Abas does.

Just how strict? Class mobility is taboo, and relationships or marriages between those of different ranks are prohibited. Countless people face criticism from relatives for dating someone of a lower status.

However, most nobles have a government official from a lower class and many accept it as normal, portraying the noble class of the Empire as a truly dualistic group of humans.

Anyway.

The Kien Empire, known for its strained relations with the Kingdom of Abas. Here, the Defense Ministry staff, notorious for being hardliners, were smiling pleasantly in front of Abas’s military personnel. It seemed these folks were quite skilled at wearing masks.

Of course, the reason they were smiling and shaking hands was partly due to our status as diplomats but also because another guest was present in the conference room.

Glistening silver armor, naturally shining despite the overcast weather. Beautiful patterns flowing with a gentle divine light.

A cape shielded with magic, bouncing off even a fly. The magic forming flowing, elegant letters.

High-ranking representatives from the Cult and Magic Tower’s military units were present at the meeting.

I greeted them with a hospitable smile.

“Ah, pleased to meet you. I am Frederick Nostrim. You are Sir Pereyti of the Order of Saint Andrew, correct?”

A knight with a sharp jawline and an impression reminiscent of someone just freshly shaven. He was the knight I spoke to yesterday when exchanging pleasantries with Lucia.

Pulling my lips into a strained smile and nodding slightly, the Knight chuckled heartily.

“I’ve heard news about my juniors. Even in the midst of chaos, they tried to rush out to save a Hero. Truly commendable courage!”

“Haha…”

I had no words to say, so I simply laughed.

But why is he still in armor here? Is he a concept fanatic?

Pereyti seemed to want to talk a bit more with me, but I got pulled away by an imperial general who started chatting him up.

I also had to greet someone else, so I tried to step away, but—

“Are you Colonel Frederick Nostrim?”

The other party was quicker on the uptake.

A man, draped in a cape that revealed he was a magician, approached me with a smile. His slightly pale face resembled that of someone who had been unwell.

Once I recognized the wizard’s face, I smiled lightly and greeted him.

“It’s an honor to meet a seeker of knowledge and truth. You must be Sir Evangelos of the Lischidique family, correct?”

“Oh! You recognize me?”

“I passed you by at the banquet yesterday.”

“Oh dear. I should’ve greeted you then. My apologies.”

Evangelos placed his hand on his chest, showing his regret.

If Matteo Pereyti commands the knights in the North, then Evangelos commands the combat magicians in the North. They are, after all, the leaders of semi-military organizations of the cult and the magic tower.

Of course, while there are Inquisition Officers and Exorcist Priests in the North as well, they follow a different chain of command, so they are exceptions.

I made quick hellos with other knights and wizards, engaging in brief conversations. Since I had a bit of time before the meeting started, I planned to make the most of it.

“I’ve heard the news! You’ve accomplished tremendous things in the North over the past year. Truly, the blood of the Lischidique family hasn’t gone to waste!”

“Thank you. I’ve heard stories about you, Colonel. I hear you’ll soon head to the North?”

“Nothing is set in stone, but I suppose so.”

“Have you encountered any monsters?”

“I’ve seen quite a few at the front line when I served as a squad leader. I saw some during the barren land operations and crossed into No Man’s Land a few times as well.”

“The monsters in the North are on a whole different level. The vegetation makes all the difference. Only those adapted to the cold and hunger remain.”

“Monsters are one thing, but the Demons….”

“Demons!?”

Someone shouted from behind. I turned in surprise to see Pereyti striding towards us from a conversation with the imperial officers.

“Who just mentioned demons?”

“Uh… that would be me.”

“Have you ever seen one?”

“Uh, no?”

“Haha! There’s nothing to fear!”

The knight patted my shoulder, as if to say that demons were no big deal, that a single blow could just separate the upper and lower halves of them.

Of course, to slice a demon in half, one would need to encase the blade in Divinity, which would be an easy task for a knight, but not for me.

I couldn’t even use magical power, let alone Divinity.

Regardless, the suddenly appearing Pereyti began to bombard me with questions.

“Colonel! Do you happen to have a religion?”

“…Religion? Why are you asking that all of a sudden?”

“Don’t have one?”

Pereyti squinted at me, looked me up and down, then burst out into a hearty laugh.

“Don’t worry! Whether you believe in God or follow another religion, I don’t care! We’re not waging a holy war, so surely, I won’t behead you just for being a non-believer?”

“……”

Wait, is he saying that if you don’t believe in their religion, he’ll chop off my head? I couldn’t possibly believe he was saying this to a diplomat. Surely, the Crusaders were more reasonable than him.

Looking at Pereyti with a baffled expression, someone approached to inform us that the meeting was about to start. The officer, who was also serving as an interpreter, was named Senior Lyudmila or something.

In any case, to avoid getting entangled with the crazy knight, I chose a seat as far away as possible. I hope I won’t run into him again when I go to the North.

“Ahem.”

An Imperial Ministry of Defense staff member cleared his throat and addressed everyone.

“Now that all attendees are seated, we will begin the meeting.”

*

The meeting wrapped up successfully after about two hours. Since it was a session for exchanging opinions, there were no loud disputes.

Today’s suggestions would be closely reviewed by the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Defense.

They would accept what could be accepted and reject what couldn’t be, notifying us of this at tomorrow’s meeting, after which there would be further amendments to the agenda.

So for the next week, I must attend meetings almost every day until heading to the North.

“Ha…”

Exiting the Ministry of Defense building, I let out a long-held sigh. Others would probably say it was undignified, but it didn’t matter when I was alone.

Who was it that said it’s better not to know how diplomacy and sausages are made? Looking back, that feels pretty accurate. I’d rather work comfortably at headquarters than be in a position like a colonel.

Of course, that’s not going to happen, so I just sighed and silently cursed the office while avoiding anyone hearing me.

“Uh, um, Senior Lyudmila? Let’s head to that place I mentioned earlier.”

“Yes, Colonel.”

The officer, Senior Lyudmila, who also served as an interpreter, led me around the back of the building. After quite a detour, we arrived at a secluded smoking area behind the Imperial Ministry of Defense building.

Even though the area was known for being lenient with smoking, smoking itself doesn’t make for a pleasant sight, so the smoking area was located beyond a fence. Beyond that fence, large trees surrounded the building, creating a peculiar sight.

It used to be difficult to see into the building because of those trees blocking the view.

Recalling the days I was active in Unofficial Disguise, I wet my lips.

“Do you smoke?”

“No, I don’t smoke.”

Senior Lyudmila refused the offer, declaring she was a non-smoker.

She stood at a distance, pinching her nose, when suddenly she exclaimed, “Ah!” and mentioned something she’d left behind, heading back into the building.

I wandered around trying to find a quiet spot, as inconspicuous as possible.

However.

“What are you doing?”

“…What are you doing here?”

Camila popped out from behind some bushes.

She was covered in snow and held a broom in both hands.

I was too baffled to take out a cigarette and just stared at Camila.

With a sheepish grin, she pointed upwards with her finger.

“I saw a cat in the tree as I was passing by….”

Looking up, I indeed saw a cat perched on the tree. It was among the trees that lined the Ministry, quite high up, and it looked a bit precarious.

“I figured it might get hurt if it fell, so I was going to help it down.”

“How exactly?”

Camila tapped the snow piled on the ground with her broom.

“…by flying?”

At that, I couldn’t help but let out a sigh.

“Who uses flying magic unauthorized in the middle of the city? Didn’t I tell you before? You shouldn’t use flying magic without permission.”

“Well, yes, but… still.”

She said it was to save the cat, so couldn’t I just let it slide? I pointed in the direction I’d come from.

“This is the Ministry of Defense of the Kien Empire. What do you think would happen if you used flying magic without permission near a National Security Facility?”

“…….”

“I see you’ve already used magic. Be grateful you didn’t get shot. If you got caught by the guards, you’d probably be in a body bag by now.”

Of course, her actions weren’t really fatal.

Flying around near a military base is illegal, but unless you’re a spy or a terrorist, it usually ends with just being escorted by the police or counterintelligence officers for questioning. It’s not uncommon for careless Academy magic students or lost wizards to get caught flying over military bases.

Even so, this wasn’t something to applaud, so she deserved a scolding.

After reprimanding Camila, I reached for my cigarette again and stepped closer.

“Are you hurt anywhere?”

“No, thankfully not.”

“Then why were you rolling around in the snow?”

“My broom got stuck in a branch and I fell.”

“Geez, you klutz… .”

I handed her a handkerchief to help her brush off the snow stuck to her clothes and hair. While she was brushing off the snow, the cat that had been looking down from the tree finally descended.

“Wow~ a cat!”

Camila picked up the cat in her arms. It hadn’t been obvious from afar, but now that I got closer, I could see the cat’s features clearly.

It had glossy white fur and sapphire-like blue eyes. I couldn’t tell whether it was male or female, but it was quite big.

Holding the cat expertly, Camila gently shook it, her eyes sparkling.

“It’s so calm. It looks like a stray cat, but it doesn’t seem scared of people.”

“Isn’t it a cat with an owner? It has something hanging from its neck.”

“That’s true?”

The cat had a collar around its neck, shining like a gem.

Wondering if there was a contact number for the owner written on the tag, just as I was about to take a peek at the back of the collar, the cat slipped from Camila’s grasp and plopped down onto a nearby rock.

“Meow… I think it doesn’t like me.”

“Fine, just get that fur off your clothes. I have a fur allergy.”

Now with a forlorn expression, Camila nodded.

After she pulled the cat hair off her clothes, she began to shiver, probably feeling cold. Now that I thought about it, her outfit seemed rather thin for the weather.

“What are you going to do about the cold?”

“Just grit my teeth and bear it.”

I replied as I tightly wrapped my coat around myself.

Some might have taken off their outer coat to lend it, but I too hate the cold. I’d rather be hot than cold.

As I tightened my coat, Camila seemed incredulous, finally making an exasperated face.

“What? If it’s really cold, you could at least start a fire.”

“…Seriously.”

Camila shook her head and then conjured a fire.

With her eyes closed, she concentrated, and warm flames flickered from her hands. A glowing warmth that was created with magic, resistant even in the wind.

Since she was using magic anyway, I considered trying it out myself, but Camila refused.

“Why? I’m just trying to warm my hands.”

“You have gloves, don’t you?”

“I mean, it wouldn’t wear them out….”

As I tried to bring my hands closer, Camila quickly pulled them away. She acted like a child who didn’t want to lose her toy, throwing every excuse she could think of.

At that moment, when Camila and I were arguing over borrowing fire, a woman’s voice suddenly interjected.

“That’s not how you handle fire.”

“…….”

“You might get hurt.”

Camila’s eyes turned towards me.

Blink. Blink. Blink.

“…Were you talking to me just now?”

“…It wasn’t me.”

We looked at each other with confused expressions.

Camila began to glance around, wondering if someone else was nearby, while I wondered if Senior Lyudmila had called my name.

Just then, a voice came from behind.

“Right here.”

“……”

“Right here.”

There was nobody around.

Except for one.

The cat sitting on the rock.

“What?”

“…….”

“Is this your first time seeing a talking cat, little ones?”

 

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