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the operation will proceed as planned.”

The conversation continued as I felt a tension building in the air.

—

A house built of red bricks and a garden wall entwined with blooming vines lined the narrow path. Beyond a low wall that barely exposed the crown of a person’s head, the clear sky of Abas peeked through.

A luxury sedan parked in the narrow gap between the walls.

A man with heavily tinted windows lowered them, pulling the corners of his mouth upwards as he looked up at the bright sky.

“The sky of Abas has finally cleared up after such a long time. It’s a good omen, don’t you think?”

The man sitting in the back seat of the sedan glanced at the woman next to him and smiled. However, the woman merely waved her hand wearily, showing her fatigue.

The woman aboard the official vehicle registered at the Abas Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Leonie, the Chief of the Military Intelligence Agency’s Overseas Operations Division, began to speak in a languid voice.

“Let’s save the jokes for later, Consul.”

“It seems you’re not very pleased to be meeting me, Director. You scowl every time.”

“I didn’t sleep well last night.”

In truth, she hadn’t slept at all; she had been hiding on a clandestine vessel entering Abas from Patalia, but Leonie chose to keep that detail to herself.

The man referred to as the Consul, hailing from the Patalian Embassy, grinned widely.

“I can’t stress enough that overwork is harmful. Especially for an aging information officer like yourself. I’ve heard rumors that the lights in your office never turned off until dawn since your time at the Royal Intelligence Department.”

“It seems that the National Security Agency has also been investigating foreign agents.”

With a smile, the Abas branch chief of the National Security Agency spoke up.

“That’s merely a rumor. We haven’t conducted any investigations.”

That was clearly nonsense. If that were true, the Patalian Embassy would not dare to eavesdrop on the office of the Abas Minister of Defense, considered an ally.

Upon mentioning such matters, the intelligence officer, who had previously siphoned confidential information from the Ministry of Defense just a year ago, responded with an unfazed expression.

“That was a past issue. Our government received a complaint from the Abas government and issued an official apology. The President himself conveyed his regrets to the Prime Minister.”

“Let’s keep it brief and get to the point; we don’t have time to waste.”

“Of course.”

—

Episode 13 – A Country Without Magicians

—

“It has already been three months since our National Security Agency shared information with the Royal Intelligence Department. It feels like just yesterday when I was part of that department… How was it for you? Did you gain anything?”

The Consul, who had cleared his schedule to share information with allied agencies, initiated the conversation, glancing at the sedan’s front seat.

“I did indeed.”

The Chief of the Military Intelligence Agency’s Overseas Division chimed in.

“Thanks to the information from the National Security Agency, we’ve identified the terrorists involved and have managed to uncover several more linked to them. We are also investigating the details and the backing of the recent terror incident.”

“Thank heavens you’ve ascertained their identities. This has been in preparation since years ago, hasn’t it?”

Indeed. Ever since he transitioned from being the Branch Chief of the Military Intelligence Agency to the Director of the Royal Intelligence Department, and then back to the Chief of the Military Intelligence Agency, he had been piecing together this puzzle. The missing piece necessary for the operation had been provided by none other than the National Security Agency.

“Exactly. As an ally’s intelligence officer, I personally appreciate it.”

“It seems you know their whereabouts. Where exactly have they been hiding?”

“They weren’t hiding. They didn’t exactly show their faces either.”

The branch chief of the National Security Agency smiled. Unlike before, it was a rather conventional and bureaucratic smile.

“I didn’t come here for a game of Twenty Questions, Director.”

As Leonie stared at his oily grin, she thought to herself, These thieving scumbags. They’re just thieves without knives.

Coordinating among intelligence agencies is akin to making sausages. Everyone wants the result, but no one is curious about the process.

Worrying that these guys might be fooling around, and concerned that they would take advantage of the cooperation, Leonie didn’t trust the National Security Agency’s intelligence officers or their counterparts.

If the Consul wasn’t an ally’s intelligence officer, and if this wasn’t a formal procedure between both countries’ intelligence authorities, Leonie would’ve left right away. However, instead of exiting the vehicle, she chose to respond to the branch chief’s official inquiry.

“They’re located in the northern regions of the Kien Empire.”

“…The northern regions? That’s a conflict area.”

To the Consul, who asked with a somewhat suspicious expression, Leonie replied.

“Are you questioning the abilities of the Royal Intelligence Department and the Military Intelligence Agency?”

If you provided the information in the first place, then if it’s wrong, it’d be your fault. She presented her insinuation, causing the Consul’s expression to distort immediately.

“The information we shared was thoroughly vetted on our part. It was verified intelligence collected over a span of ten years through the most sensitive assets in the Magic Tower’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. That officer is the best in the National Security Agency.”

“The information you just mentioned was also derived from our years of painstaking research based on our assets. Of course, we sent our best agents to the field as well.”

Leonie briefly added.

“All suspects are under surveillance by the agency.”

“They are not just suspects; they are terrorists.”

In a tone that seemed to correct a major mistake, the branch chief responded, but Leonie didn’t back down.

“A murderer before their trial is still a defendant, isn’t he? The principle of presumption of innocence is also written in Patalia’s constitution. It’d be inappropriate to label them as terrorists before a judgment has even been rendered, Consul.”

“It seems the heads of the Royal Intelligence Department and the Military Intelligence Agency disagree with you. They determined from our materials that they are definitely terrorists.”

“The one responsible for the operation has already been appointed. Both the heads personally endorsed it.”

“…So you believe they are not terrorists?”

“I’ll leave that open to imagination. I hear you enjoy a good joke.”

The Consul, feeling wearied by the unending circular discussion, ultimately surrendered with raised hands, returning to the original point.

“Alright. Since you say so, I won’t question the source and reliability of the intelligence. You’re someone who gets things done.”

“Thank you for your understanding.”

“However, let me ask one last thing. This isn’t a question from a diplomat of the Republic of Patalia, but rather from an intelligence officer of the National Security Agency, and furthermore, as someone responsible for the bloodshed in the Mauritania Continent on behalf of our personnel.”

“…Go ahead.”

The chief of the National Security Agency asked the Chief of the Military Intelligence Agency.

He looked very serious as he gazed into Leonie’s eyes. Then, in a firm tone, he opened his mouth.

“When will you kill the mages who assassinated our personnel in the Mauritania Continent?”

“……”

“It’s not just our company’s staff who have died.”

—

*

–“When did you leave?”

“Just the other day. About three days ago.”

Along the coastal cliff path created by beautiful nature. Starting from the villa and taking a larger loop around the entire cliff, I heard Veronica’s voice.

It had been a truly long time since I had heard that voice.

–“Three days? Wow— why didn’t you say anything to me before you left?”

“I don’t have the time to report to you.”

–“Even so, you could at least have given me a heads up. There’s so much to do in Patalia. If you’re going, you should have taken me with you!”

“Shut it….”

Nine days later, I was finally able to get in touch with Veronica, who was the same as ever. How could she ramble on so long without stopping? Unlike Lucia, who always speaks sparingly and softly, Veronica was anything but.

–“So, are you enjoying your vacation, Colonel?”

“Just alright.”

As I walked along the path, I conversed with Veronica. Using a secured line, she opened the topic by asking about my vacation experience, and when the atmosphere seemed to soften, she transitioned to another topic.

The first subject that popped up was, of course, the northern situation.

–“The imperial government is currently dealing with the issues that occurred in the north. They are treating patients who were exposed to the tainted energy with the assistance of the cult and the Magic Tower’s specialized medical equipment, and they are in the process of restoring buildings and infrastructure that were destroyed during the fighting.”

Left behind in the field to do personal investigation at my request, Veronica had gathered insights through conversations passed between the Military Government Headquarters and the Ministry of Defense, as well as statements from government officials involved in the recovery efforts, and various rumors circulating within the cult. The documentation was extensive.

There were some hopeful reports that there has been progress in treating patients exposed to demonic energy or that aid materials arriving from abroad were being appropriately distributed to residents.

However, considering the reality in the north, the amount of distressing information Veronica had collected far outweighed the hopeful tidings.

“Have casualty statistics been released?”

–“It’s really difficult to gather statistics right now.”

Veronica replied in a strangely worn-out tone.

–“Even though there are seven major cities affected, the number of deaths among both residents and military personnel is overwhelming. We don’t have the capacity to retrieve the corpses, and even a week later, bodies can frequently be seen in the streets.”

“It sounds much more serious than I anticipated.”

–“Right. But if you were to ask me if that’s the only problem…”

She implied there were various and diverse problems. Although she omitted the details, I understood roughly.

“Could you just give me a few of the most serious problems, Veronica?”

–“It’s hard to prioritize them, but… The most urgent issue is housing. While Lucia managed to discuss the shortage of medical supplies with the bishops, it remains critical.”

Diminished morale, chaos in the rear, losses in troops. There was also news that the Military Government Headquarters was shifting the timing of offensive operations for various reasons.

I stopped in my tracks on the path.

“If the military adjusts the operation date, what do we do? We had planned to advance in spring, but the three of us each have our tasks.”

Setting fire to the mountain range, minimizing the number of patients to alleviate the burden on medical facilities, and reinforcing transportation networks while guarding against rifts. The tasks assigned to Camila, Lucia, and Francesca were all scheduled to be completed before the imperial army launched their offensive.

Moving the operation back wasn’t a problem, but if it was advanced, it would surely disrupt everything.

“As far as I know, more than half of the mountains have been set ablaze, and the monsters hidden therein have been eradicated. However, the transportation network and the treatment of refugees have yet to be wrapped up.”

–“Even if the military is prepared to bear any losses, it will…”

“They’ve declared their intention to reclaim the occupied territories soon. Even if the reconstruction of railroads and roads isn’t finished, and we have a surplus of patients in the rear, it seems like they’re planning to send the army over the mountains to attack the demon race first.”

“So what are we supposed to do? We’ve just fought a major battle against demons, and now we have to face the demon race?”

-‘The generals want to resolve this situation with just the Imperial Army. After all, the ones who confronted the demon on the day it was slain were the Colonel, the Hero, and our siblings.’

So that’s it.

Originally, the plan was for the Imperial Army to charge through the paths we worked hard to lay down, drive out the demon race, and stick their flag in the reclaimed territory, shouting ‘We did it!’

But then, out pops a smelly demon from the desert, causing a ruckus and ruining everything.

If the Imperial Army was the main force in defeating that demon, they could at least come up with a good excuse. But the demon fell into our hands, and the Imperial Army was twiddling their thumbs the whole time. If this gets out to the public, it’ll be obvious that while foreigners were risking their lives fighting, the Imperial Army was doing nothing.

So they plan to redeem their lost face by launching an offensive operation with only their forces? Is that it?

“Did I get that right?”

-‘Exactly.’

“That’s insane….”

As I sighed while gazing out at the sea, feeling like I could explode with frustration, Veronica’s languid voice came through the secure line.

She spoke with a calm tone as if it were no big deal.

-‘But don’t think too negatively. There will be good news before Lucia’s canonization ceremony after spring.’

“…Good news?”

That good news was, quite literally, very good news.

Veronica conveyed that the Imperial government was planning to publicly award us a medal for our efforts in the north over the past month. Specifically, it came down from the royal family.

Just as I was curious about who had issued this order, an unexpected name popped out of Veronica’s mouth.

It was a familiar name.

Someone I knew well.

“Who ordered it…?”

-‘Alexandra Smirnov. The Duke of the North gave the order himself.’

Veronica added that aside from the ambassadors who occasionally receive honors as a formality, there haven’t been many cases of the Imperial government awarding medals to diplomats like Abas. She seemed genuinely pleased when she said it.

-‘Congratulations, Colonel. You might not receive a pension since you’re a foreigner, but it’s still an honor.’

“Uh, um. Thank you.”

-‘The National Affairs Council is also preparing for a medal award ceremony under the Pope’s directive, so take care of yourself for a while. You don’t want to show up with a bruise or a broken nose in that one-time photo opportunity, do you?’

The conversation afterwards was nothing special. Just the usual repertoire involving the Empire, the Cult, and the Magic Tower.

Of course, there was a bit of unusual information mixed in for today.

-‘Oh, right. The Inquisition contacted me; they’ve found traces of our other companions that were foretold by the oracle.’

“Really? Where are they?”

-‘Well, one was discovered on the Mauritania Continent, and the other was found on the Eastern Continent.’

The Mauritania Continent and the Eastern Continent. That likely refers to the barbarian warriors and elves.

Considering the precedents of Lucia and Francesca, the two companions were probably not of ordinary races. They might have some screws loose or be involved in serious incidents. Especially the elves; if they were your typical pale ones, nine out of ten would be eco-fascist rainforest guerrillas, so this guy must be a wackjob.

As soon as I thought about the turbulent future that awaited us, a headache hit me. I pressed on my temples as I continued the call.

“Please send me the specific materials as soon as they come in.”

-‘Sure thing. By the way, Colonel, it’s been a while since we talked; are you going to keep it all about work?’

“What else am I supposed to talk about?”

-‘Well, let’s start with you, Colonel. You mentioned you were on vacation in Patalia. Which area are you staying?’

“I’m in the city of Galbriah in the south.”

-‘Are you traveling alone?’

“No, I have company.”

I could hear a gasp on the other end of the line. Really, is it that shocking for me to travel with someone else?

Dumbfounded, I lowered the phone for a moment. But Veronica began to ask questions with increasing interest.

-‘Who is it? Who are you hanging out with?’

“Francesca.”

-‘Our sister?’

That was an unexpected reply; surprise was evident in Veronica’s voice. The nonchalant tone from just moments ago vanished, replaced by a flustered stammer.

-‘W-Why is she there?’

I explained the situation as it unfolded.

I told her how I ran into Francesca at the Warp Gate on the day of my arrival, how we went to dine with a professor from the Ivory Tower, attended an invited lecture, and then returned to the hotel, and how I ended up staying at Francesca’s villa.

That was as much as I could share with her. Despite the details, I hadn’t skipped over any significant points, so Veronica shouldn’t feel awkward hearing about it.

Just as I finished sharing, another gasp escaped Veronica’s lips.

-‘Wow, you’re staying at our sister’s villa?’

“Yeah, but why are you making such a fuss? Getting invited to a villa is no big deal.”

With a curious look, I asked, but the answer came quickly.

-‘That’s somewhere I haven’t been allowed into.’

Vexed or not, Veronica noticeably sulked, whining about how she couldn’t visit a villa she hadn’t seen.

I was completely taken aback by the saint’s sudden show of sorrow.

“Why haven’t you been able to go in? Weren’t you close with her?”

-‘My sister said that the villa looks similar to the one our mother lived in before. So whenever there’s an opportunity to go to that villa, sister always goes alone. With no one managing it, it seems like she takes care of it herself.’

“…….”

-‘It’s like a space of memories she wants to keep just for herself, something like that, I think?’

“…Well, that might be so.”

-‘You’re quite lucky, Colonel. Anyway, is our sister doing well?’

I had briefly been sidetracked by Francesca’s past, but I pulled myself together again.

“Actually, I was planning to contact you because of an issue related to Francesca.”

-‘What happened?’

“The public security is surveilling Francesca.”

It didn’t matter whether she claimed to be Francesca’s adoptive sister or godmother.

What truly mattered was that Veronica’s relationship with Francesca was deeper than I had thought. And she had the power to help Francesca.

I laid out everything that had happened to Francesca thus far.

Except for the part about Sophia. I told her how Francesca had been under constant surveillance by the National Security Agency since her time at the Magic Tower, and that every time she entered Patalia, she would be followed and eavesdropped upon.

If the Cult, which had been at the forefront of the suppression of mages, were to scrutinize the information management system of the Republic of Patalia, it would be just like how China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs dictates the South Korean government.

However, Francesca wasn’t just an associate of public security norms; she was Camila’s colleague. So I wondered if there might be a way to help her.

But the response I got back wasn’t as reassuring as I hoped.

-‘Hmm….’

With a peculiar tone, Veronica trailed off, deep in thought for a moment, before she suddenly spoke.

-‘Actually, I was already aware of the issues between the National Security Agency and the Laniere family. I’ve spent time with my sister, and it has been a well-known secret for ages that the National Security Agency keeps an eye on the Laniere family, even before I got acquainted with them.’

“So you didn’t help even though you knew?”

-‘Because she didn’t want to.’

The Saint of the Cult said, her tone laden with bitterness.

-‘The Republic of Patalia is a secular state, and the influence of the Cult doesn’t hold as much sway as you’d think. While there are many believers, a considerable number of citizens see religion as a secondary aspect of personal privacy.’

“But she was chosen by the oracle, right?”

-‘No matter how miraculous a religion may be, it’s a personal choice whether to believe in that or not, right? Even being a chosen companion of the oracle would be a matter of losing face for the Cult if it were to interfere in another nation’s internal affairs.’

“…….”

-‘Of course, aside from all that, it’s also because she doesn’t want my help.’

Francesca not wanting Veronica’s assistance? This was a first for me.

“Francesca not asking you for help means she wants to handle things on her own.”

-‘That’s right.’

“Do you know why?”

Veronica continued speaking.

I listened attentively to her reply.

The answer that came back was incredibly simple. Without needing any elaboration, I understood in one go.

-‘Revenge isn’t meaningful unless you finish it with your own hands.’

*

After ending the call, I strolled along the path and didn’t return to the villa until sunset.

My wounds had healed with military potions, but my body was fatigued, and my mind was exhausted.

I walked along the coastal cliffs for hours, trying to untangle the chaos in my thoughts. After some hesitation, I finally crossed the threshold of the villa.

Upon entering, I found myself in a spacious living room. The grandeur of the space was impressive enough not to fall short of what one would expect from a villa used by the descendants of an Archmage.

In that vast and tranquil living room, there was just one person seated.

With her silky hair brushed back, she was sitting sideways, resting her arm on the back of the sofa, and even though she sensed my presence, she didn’t turn around.

I walked past the sofa and stood in front of Francesca.

“…….”

With her eyes closed, sitting there in a meditative state, she opened her eyes slowly, almost like someone jerking up from a drunken stupor, and looked at me.

After a brief silence of awaiting words.

Francesca’s lips slowly parted.

“…Let’s talk.”

 

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