---

“Your father, who was called the section chief of the Sajo Industry, was an operative in the Information Command against the North.”

When I sometimes caught a glimpse of my father looking weary, he would always smile and say this.

“Crisis and opportunity.”

These two forces can drive even ordinary people into desperation.

—

Episode 15 – Life is Beautiful

—

It was an ordinary day.

Sitting in the office, wrestling with paperwork, getting scolded by my superior in the office during a report. After a hasty lunch and a little nap, I would finish the accounts, pack my things, and head home.

Having been in the intelligence unit for over a decade, the mundane routine had become a part of my life. Perhaps it was not just a part, but the entirety of it.

Maybe that’s why.

These days felt a bit off.

Sitting around a table with my subordinates munching on snacks didn’t excite me. Watching TV with family was just mediocre.

Nothing seemed amusing, and any food I ate lacked flavor, so having these thoughts felt rather natural.

“Life feels dull.”

As I muttered while clutching my mobile phone, Camila’s voice came through the receiver.

-‘I guess you reached out because you were bored.’

“Looks like you weren’t asleep yet.”

-‘Hmm. I had a feeling something important would come today.’

In this way, Camila and I would contact each other around evening time.

Despite the considerable temporal and spatial distance between the Kien Empire and the Kingdom of Abas, the highly developed magical engineering had transcended the limits of space and time to connect people.

Thanks to this, I could finish what might have been a boring day rather decently.

-‘I figured I shouldn’t sleep early.’

“Bragging about sleeping in, are we?”

-‘Come on, it’s not like it’s the first time! And there’s no one here to scold you for sleeping in.’

Camila’s light laughter brushed against my ears, carried by magical waves.

-‘The food is great, I sleep soundly! Ah, and studying magic is fun too. I’d want to live here forever!’

“Why are you so excited? Did something fun happen?”

-‘A professor from the Imperial Magic University let me ride a royal lizard yesterday. The professor warned me that it might fall, but honestly, it wasn’t dangerous at all!’

The professor was the title given to Duke Alexandra Petrovna.

When I asked why she referred to the duke, who wasn’t even an educator, as a professor, she replied that calling her ‘professor’ felt easier than ‘duke.’ Calling her ‘professor’ made it feel like I was truly learning magic, or something like that.

It seemed that the title Camila used for the duke had already been well established, as the duke didn’t seem to mind. I had previously asked Francesca about Duke Alexandra Petrovna’s whereabouts, and I heard that the duke actually preferred being called ‘professor’ by Camila.

Well, whether it was Camila or the duke, their tastes sure were…

-‘When you look it up, it looks terrifying in the guidebook, but in reality, it’s more cute than scary. Its temperament is gentle, so even when a person rides on its back, it remains calm.’

“Why did you ride it when you were warned not to?”

-‘Well… because it was fun?’

Anyway, she was incorrigible. I chuckled while holding the phone.

Despite the tough overseas life, her laughter remained unchanged. Compared to the mischievous Veronica, Camila was pure, but sometimes that innocence could catch people off guard.

The duke must be going through a lot. But what could be done? After all, she’s the one who chose her disciple. Just have to grit it out.

With her usual playful tone, Camila piqued my curiosity.

-‘By the way, are there any bad things happening lately?’

“Not really.”

-‘Then what’s the problem?’

After a moment of contemplation, I revealed my inner thoughts.

“Maybe it’s boredom or frustration? Lately, things haven’t been going my way.”

-‘Do tell me in detail.’

“Well…”

It took about three minutes to explain the events of today. From finding a new colleague to planning an overseas business trip and how that plan fell through due to Leoni’s intervention.

Once I finished, Camila, who had quietly listened, spoke up.

-‘Ah, so that’s the issue.’

She sounded as if she understood.

If she were in front of me, she would likely have crossed her arms and nodded. For just a moment, I thought that, and then Camila’s words began again.

-‘So the project you devised got rejected. Therefore, contacting me indicates you were feeling upset.’

“Is it really necessary to say I’m upset? Even the most promising project gets cut by higher-ups if it lacks vision.”

-‘Hmm… So you’re not angry then.’

“That’s right.”

A contemplative tone wafted through the phone, tickling my eardrums. Camila sighed deeply, as if lost in thought.

-‘You’re not upset, nor angry. But your heart feels troubled. I’ve heard enough of the circumstances, so I don’t think there’s a need to revisit them… Can I ask you one fundamental question?’

A fundamental question, huh.

I didn’t know what it would be, but it wouldn’t hurt to hear it. I readily agreed to that.

After deep contemplation, Camila finally spoke and tossed the question at me.

-‘What’s your reason for wanting to go overseas?’

—

“What’s the reason?”

Leoni questioned.

“Why are you suddenly asking such a favor? You want to send the major abroad?”

“Is there a reason needed when a junior asks for a senior’s favor? Supporting each other is just our culture.”

“Stop with the nonsense. Just tell me the real reason.”

“Ugh…”

Clevenz, looking visibly displeased, placed his hands on his knees. Crossing legs in front of a senior was strictly taboo in the class-conscious society of Abas, but no one reprimanded him.

After all, Clevenz was a major in the Military Intelligence Agency. And Leoni hated people without any backbone.

Thus, Leoni didn’t scold his junior. Though his audacious attitude was irritating, it was evident Clevenz had the skills to back it up.

“So, do you have a reason to send Frederick overseas?”

“Sure.”

“Then let me ask the opposite question. What’s the reason he shouldn’t be sent abroad?”

“Is that even a question?”

Leoni responded curtly.

“Do you really think someone who’s worked in the Counterintelligence Department wouldn’t know what would happen if an identified employee gets caught in the field?”

The operative interjected.

“If a diplomat gets caught doing fieldwork, it’s a diplomatic disaster. While another white agent can sweep things under the rug thanks to their immunity, he cannot.”

“Because he’s associated with the Hero?”

“Exactly.”

Leoni, leaning back against the sofa in the office, added his remarks. She was a successful operative who had risen through the ranks of the Military Intelligence Agency and the Royal Intelligence Department to command the intelligence unit.

“It’s the same even if you operate in the black. Is there a case where an employee working as an official disguise successfully switched to an unofficial disguise?”

Clevenz promptly negated this notion.

“There isn’t. Unless it’s the other way around.”

“The major has already switched to an official disguise. It’s not like he’s doing some sort of menial work at an embassy; he has been serving openly as a military officer. That’s why the other intelligence agencies are keeping an eye on him, you know?”

“That’s true.”

“Originally, you were the one who suggested moving the major’s residence to a government office. You also took responsibility for the family’s safety. So you must know better than I do, right?”

“…”

The domestic affairs head fell silent.

Seeing that, the overseas affairs head continued.

“One careless move and he’ll lose his head. I’m not exaggerating; he could really get shot somewhere and die. But sending him on a dangerous mission to build an intel network in a warzone? What kind of death wish is that?”

“…”

“Excess caution can lead to grave accidents, whether due to a small oversight or something major. Given the situation, how can we send him overseas? Especially to a sector heavily monitored by the Imperial Guard HQ. Huh?”

The reasoning put forth by the overseas affairs head was solid. It left no room for rebuttal.

Leoni smirked with an air of confidence. Although her smile was creased and had a stern impression layered on top, it wasn’t too fierce.

“Thus, we decided to place him in the government office. It was because we requested protection from the Ministry of Defense and the Ministry of Internal Affairs to safeguard a child who isn’t yet officially registered with the council. Does that answer your question?”

“I see you’re quite protective over Frederick.”

“Of course. Who else would be so magnanimous?”

Clevenz just smiled, not responding to Leoni’s words.

He raised his teacup to quench his thirst. He said nothing further.

The domestic affairs head emerged from deep thoughts only when the fingers resting on his knee began to move.

“I see why you denied the overseas dispatch. But did you know?”

“What?”

“That you and that major are quite similar.”

As the fingers tracing his chin settled on the desk, Leoni leaned forward with quite a peculiar posture.

Her hawkish eyebrows lifted slightly in a way that seemed to suggest she was questioning the validity of that statement without saying anything.

In response, Clevenz offered a kind smile.

“Let me ask you one thing, senior.”

“What are you up to now?”

He was basically inviting her to try and counter his words.

With Clevenz facing Leoni without losing his smile, he began to speak.

“Why did you join the intelligence unit?”

—

“Why do you want to go overseas?”

“Yes.”

Camila affirmed.

“To be precise, it’s a rather micro and personal question… I’m not asking why you want to go overseas; I want to know why you joined the intelligence agency.”

When the question with unclear intent was thrown at me, my first thought was confusion.

Asking why I entered the intelligence agency.

I stared outside the window, lost in thought.

-‘Was that too random of a question?’

“No, that’s not it…”

The reason I struggled to answer Camila’s inquiry was simple. I didn’t know why I had joined the intelligence agency myself.

“It was a question I was asked during my interview. Other than that, I haven’t been asked this in ages….”

I muttered, rubbing my cheek and chin with my hand. Then I pondered deeply.

What was my reason for choosing to become an intelligence officer?

To answer that question, I needed to revisit my life.

When I first opened my eyes in this neighborhood, I always aimed to survive, regardless of the circumstances.

To live a little safer, a little more comfortably. To maintain stability even in a chaotic society. If the state could no longer function, causing societal collapse, I wanted to ensure I could at least preserve my life.

So the path I chose was that of a soldier. The army is recognized as the most powerful force that a state can wield, and in times of chaos, authority naturally consolidates around those wielding weapons.

There was no particular reason.

I did spout some nonsense about patriotism during the military academy interview, but to be honest, I had no patriotic feelings whatsoever. The same goes for my entry into the Military Intelligence Agency.

There’s no law saying you can’t commit espionage twice. The experience I gained in the Information Command wasn’t too useful in private enterprises, but would definitely serve as a solid asset in the Military Intelligence Agency.

Fortunately, that decision didn’t turn out to be wrong.

The experience I gained from information warfare eclipsed that of mediocre new agents. The know-how accumulated over a decade became fairly useful during overseas deployments, leading to accolades and opportunities for promotion. Thanks to that, I could secure the position of advisor to Clevenz, pushing aside formidable counterintelligence staff.

Everything went smoothly.

Since I was assisting a colonel already slated for promotion to general, my military career felt akin to being set on autopilot. The moment Clevenz took office as director, I would transition to a staff role, and as I became a general in the Counterintelligence Department, I would come into an extraordinary amount of power, comparable to security officers during military rule.

Then did I join the intelligence agency for power?

“…….”

Logically, that was the correct answer, but no matter how much I thought about it, power just didn’t feel like a valid reason. If I truly craved power, I would have followed Clevenz when he first suggested I join the domestic department.

So what was I really doing overseas?

I gazed up at the night sky, falling into my thoughts.

After much contemplation, the answer that emerged was somewhat embarrassing to me.

“…Because I wanted to go overseas?”

A laugh burst forth from the other end of the phone.

-‘What’s that? You had such a humble dream?’

“Humility? How many people have never traveled abroad in their lives? This isn’t a place like Earth where you can just hop on a plane and have a vacation.”

-‘So, were you satisfied?’

“…….”

I gently shook my head.

The overseas experiences I had were of a different level than vacations or studies abroad. Many times, the trips were so harsh that one could argue that it might have been better not to go at all.

When I shared that, Camila scolded me, asking how someone who knew all that would still join the intelligence agency.

She spoke.

-‘I know too. I understand how tough overseas life can be. The food? I couldn’t adapt. The weather? It was scorching. Civil servants? Cold and indifferent no matter what you asked. And the accommodations? They were lousy. There was even one time, while volunteering in Sudan, I nearly died! The rebels blocked the car and started firing their guns in the air to intimidate us….’

“Why in the world did you go to such a place?”

-‘I went because I didn’t know! Or maybe I knew, but still went?’

As she rambled on, I found myself staring at the phone in disbelief. What was she even saying? Did she have more than one life?

But Camila continued undeterred. After all, with the distance between us, there was no way she would see my expression.

-‘Anyway! I get that the reason you went overseas stemmed from a very humble dream. But why did you join the intelligence agency?’

Camila tossed the question back at me.

-‘You didn’t join the agency just to go abroad, right? If you truly wanted to experience other countries, wouldn’t you have pursued studying abroad or gone for a role in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs? Nobody joins the intelligence agency just because they want to travel overseas.’

“True.”

-‘So then, why did you join?’

It was a repetitive conversation. The indirect queries circled back to the original question.

Only then could I ponder deeply. And after careful consideration, another answer popped up.

“To catch Reds.”

The reason I joined the intelligence agency was nothing else. I aimed to deal with some Reds.

That’s why I applied to the Information Command. My uncle, who was a subordinate of my father, had recommended me.

Of course, there were interviewers who opposed my admission due to the overly emotional motive potentially leading to problems, but their objections couldn’t impede my entrance into the Information Command.

Even though that answer took thoughtful consideration, Camila still seemed unsatisfied. She sighed and expressed her frustration.

-‘Hmm…! That’s not a bad answer, but that’s related to why you joined the Information Command, not the Military Intelligence Agency, right?’

“…Hmm.”

Reflecting on it, she was correct.

I had the desire to deal with Reds when I applied to the Information Command, but that didn’t account for why I targeted the Military Intelligence Agency.

Then what was it?

Speculating led to more speculation. However, no clear answer arose.

It felt like playing a game of twenty questions where the answers eluded me. Feeling frustrated, I put a cigarette in my mouth, and it seemed Camila was feeling the same way as she abruptly changed the topic.

-‘Oh, my head… Let’s drop this topic for now. If we keep this up, the sun will rise. Let’s get back on track.’

After recalibrating the conversation, Camila asked a simple question.

The reason I applied for an overseas trip.

She inquired what that reason was.

“It’s dangerous over there.”

It was a much more straightforward and easier question to answer.

“I’m heading into a chaotic area. If I’m going to be sent without any information, I should at least go first to grasp the local situation myself.”

-‘But it’s a dangerous neighborhood, right?’

“Exactly, that’s why I need to go. Aren’t you worried?”

-‘Worried? Of course!’

Camila raised her voice.

“Why are you asking something so obvious?” I felt at ease hearing that voice.

At least they’re worried about something, I thought.

-‘Of course I’m worried. It’s a dangerous place. But do you know what’s strange?’

“What do you mean?”

-‘You said you would go alone. To the Mauritania Continent.’

“And so?”

Camila let out a soft sigh and spoke.

-‘Normally, people don’t just volunteer to go to such a dangerous place alone, you know?’

*

“What does that mean?”

“Why are you pretending you don’t understand? Are you getting deaf as you age?”

“The Major said I resemble him. What kind of nonsense is that?”

“I mean there are similar aspects.”

Clevens replied lazily.

“I don’t know why you came here, but you know what kind of person I am. It’s been nearly 20 years since we shared company meals together.”

Having spent almost 20 years together in the Military Intelligence Agency, and nearly as long since we started hanging out, I couldn’t help but know exactly what kind of person he was.

“Don’t you think you’re a bit of an oddball?”

“You clueless fool… How dare you call your esteemed senior an oddball?”

Clevens burst into a hearty laugh.

“Then you think I’m not? Oh ho. People are truly something.”

Forgetting all semblance of dignity, he spread his fingers and counted off, murmuring Leoni’s experiences as if recalling numbers in his mind.

“You started as an unofficial disguise in the Kien Empire for 5 years, then spent 3 years in the nearby Latuan Republic and its vassal states when it was an imperial colony, returned to the Empire and served as the chief for 4 years, and then spent 2 years as the branch head in the Lushan Federal Kingdom… If you include those short business trips, haven’t you been abroad for roughly 15 years? Exactly how many countries have you visited, senior?”

“About 80, counting the places I’ve stayed for just a few days. I lost count after that.”

“You’ve certainly been around a lot.”

Including the countries forgotten in Leoni’s memory, she may have visited more than 100 countries during her lifetime.

Leoni propped her chin on her hand as she began to speak slowly.

“I don’t think there’s anyone in the entire company who works as hard as you do. Not just in the Abas Information Agency, but probably throughout the whole continent.”

“Spare me the flattery.”

“Tsk tsk… Why have you lived like this?”

When the junior asked, the senior answered.

“Is there any reason to do country work? Since when did we ever work without reason?”

“Did you do as you were told?”

When the investigator asked, the senior replied.

“If they tell me to do it, I do it. That’s just how we operate, isn’t it?”

“Oh, that’s understandable. It’s just common sense…”

The domestic department head trailed off, rubbing his chin. Clevens, who was rubbing his scraggly beard with his fingers, chuckled softly.

“Typically, no matter how dedicated someone is to their job, they wouldn’t go so far, you know?”

Although an intelligence agency always emphasizes dedication and passion, it doesn’t force it on everything.

Ultimately, the intelligence agency is just a workplace with people, and information officers are civil servants receiving salaries.

When daily life repeats itself, people fall into a rut. That’s why fresh recruits with dreams turn into bloated bureaucrats eyeing their pensions.

The intelligence agency was no exception to this.

But occasionally, these oddballs appear from somewhere to keep the agency running.

“Others avoid going abroad, yet you felt the need to go so desperately?”

“Someone has to go, right?”

Leoni raised her eyebrow.

“But is there a reason I shouldn’t go?”

“Then what’s the reason you haven’t stepped back from the field? Everyone else is desperate to move to behind-the-scenes desk jobs once they hit their 30s, but you’ve stayed on-site even when asked to come up.”

“I feel better handling everything directly.”

“So when you were reshuffling the Magic Tower Secretariat, you were on-site, and when eliminating the dark magician in Patalia, you were also on-location? People are really strange.”

“Isn’t that the same for you? While others were retreating to desks, you were the one charging out to deal with spies.”

“…….”

Seeing Clevens smile silently, Leoni couldn’t help but chuckle.

“I can’t say anything in front of you, senior. Anyway, I need you to acknowledge one odd thing.”

“What about others?”

“Anyway, what I want to say is that you and Frederick share some similarities. You both go out to stir things up without being asked, just like your old self.”

“Shut up.”

*

Lost in thought, I slowly opened my mouth.

“You’re saying I should go because it’s a dangerous place.”

-‘Did you think an accident would happen there? You should’ve talked to us instead.’

“How could I take you with me?”

I reassured Camila over the phone, even as I scolded her for her concern.

“It’s a dangerous place, so I intended to go alone. How would I bring you along?”

-‘Ah, so you were worried about us, huh?’

Does it sound like that?

Anyway,

I kept speaking to reassure Camila, without even moistening my mouth on the phone.

“When I arrive, there will be other staff on-site too. Just because I’m leaving does not mean I’m operating the mission solo.”

-‘Does that make sense?’

But Camila was not someone to back down easily.

-‘You reported that and they denied your request. I don’t understand that. If they refused, there must be a reason.’

“That’s true. But please, just listen to me…”

-‘No! Then you shouldn’t go! If the plan was set to have multiple people move but now it’s been rejected, then whether you go alone or with others, it shows that it’s still dangerous according to the higher-ups. Am I wrong?’

“Ah, no. Just a moment…”

I adjusted the phone while flustered.

Honestly, everything I just said to Camila was a lie. It was true that there was a Military Intelligence Agency outpost there, but there was no plan to cooperate with the personnel at that outpost.

The goal was to carry out the operation ‘silently,’ so of course, it had to be done solo by me, right?

If I said as much, Camila would probably chase me all the way to Abas with a broom, so I had to keep spinning lies. After all, Camila wouldn’t know about the dealings within the Military Intelligence Agency.

But she caught on.

-‘Your words don’t match!’

In the end, as I tried to remove a thorn, I ended up adding another. I had to exert all my effort to calm Camila down. After some back and forth, she sternly warned me.

-‘Don’t think foolish thoughts. How can you go to a place like that alone?’

“Alright, I get it…”

-‘I appreciate your concern for us, but please think and speak logically. Is a civil war zone a tourist destination? You’re making it sound like a backpacking trip…’

While I managed to calm Camila down, the problem remained unresolved.

Soon, I had to enter the Mauritania Continent with my party, yet we had no intelligence network, and I couldn’t even identify the risk factors.

Frustrated, I vented to Camila, wondering if there was a good solution.

Of course, I didn’t expect her, a civilian, to offer me any help.

But surprisingly, Camila listened seriously to my troubles.

-‘Hmm… Let’s summarize. The purpose of going on a foreign dispatch is valid, and the plan is prepared in advance. But the company isn’t giving permission. Why is that?’

“The region is unstable.”

-‘Specifically, what parts are unstable? Is it simply because it’s a conflict area where law and order are not guaranteed?’

I shook my head.

“Not that. It’s because of the other companies operating there.”

-‘Ah ha.’

Just like Syria has become a playground for intelligence agencies worldwide, the Mauritania Continent is a playground for intelligence agencies in this area. This means it’s a place where various countries’ intelligence agencies fight over control and interests in Mauritania.

The primary goal is, of course, those interests. Examples include the canal running through the Mauritania Continent, abundant natural resources, and magical stones.

That’s why all sorts of unwanted entities are gathering. The Imperial Guard, Inquisition, National Security Agency, and Central Intelligence Agency…. Of course, the Royal Intelligence Department is involved as well.

The problem lies with the Imperial Guard and the Inquisition.

The Kien Empire maintains close ties with the dictatorial government of Mauritania, while the Kingdom of Abas boasts strong connections with the local democratic government and has been continuously on guard. But as the Empire’s strength dipped due to the northern conflicts, the cults began to move in and create chaos. So what do you think happened?

The branch of the Imperial Guard in the Mauritania Continent would now be like a rattlesnake with its tail stomped on.

Though we couldn’t be sure of their internal matters, it was widely analyzed that the imperial intelligence agencies, united under the banner of the Imperial Guard, would shake up the Mauritania Continent again now that the northern issue had been resolved. Of course, this was merely speculation.

As I spoke about this, Camila, who was deep in thought, finally spoke.

-‘Then can’t we just remove the cause?’

“The cause?”

-‘The reason they’re refusing the dispatch is because of the threat from other intelligence agencies, right? So, if we eliminate that threat, wouldn’t it resolve the issue?’

“Are you even serious? How could that ever be realistically possible?”

-‘We don’t necessarily have to eliminate the actual threat. What matters is the perception of those above. They probably think they can’t send you there due to the existence of that threat. It’s likely they’re worried you’ll run into issues if you go there.’

“…….”

-‘Or you might need a compelling reason to go to the Mauritania Continent. A reason that would require taking action even if it means risking danger.’

I took the phone away and pondered for a moment.

*

Leoni slouched back into her chair, weary. It wasn’t so much fatigue from age, but more that the conversation was gradually hinting at a conclusion.

Thus, she had no choice but to say,

“I’ll say it again, we can’t send her abroad. It’s already been decided by the committee.”

With a firm expression of refusal, the overseas department head watched to see how the internal department head would respond.

One moment, the internal department head simply smiled mysteriously and replied.

“You still don’t know people well, do you? How about a little bet with me?”

“A bet? I hate gambling.”

“Gambling, my foot… It’s just for fun.”

Clevens packed up his things and stood up. He clasped his hands behind his back and smiled benevolently.

“I bet Frederick will come looking for you soon.”

“Asking for approval for an overseas dispatch? Isn’t it already been rejected? No way he’s coming back for it.”

“Well, who knows? Whether he comes or not, it’s a mystery. However, if he does come again, then you won’t be able to refuse so easily.”

Leoni shot a sharp glance at Clevens’ face.

“Did you hear something interesting? Why don’t you share it with the senior?”

“I didn’t hear anything. I don’t know anything. Isn’t it a bit silly to propose a bet when I already know the cards?”

“Isn’t it more fun to bet when you know the opponent’s cards first?”

“That’s just cheating, isn’t it?”

“I found it quite entertaining betting against intelligence agents.”

“You truly have a bad personality.”

As Clevens finished preparing to leave, he pulled at his dress shirt sleeves, straightening them.

“I don’t know anything either. Frederick may not come looking for you, but, again, it’s just for fun to suggest a bet. I bet you’ll approve his overseas dispatch.”

“When did I say I would bet?”

“Feel free to decline.”

“If you lose, you buy me a drink.”

“And if you lose, you buy me a drink, senior.”

Leoni let out a soft laugh and waved her hand dismissively as if to say ‘get lost.’

With that drop of the guest summons, there was no longer any reason for them to linger. As Clevens turned his body and started to walk away.

Just as he reached the door, the senior, who had been sprawled on the sofa, called out to the junior.

“Hey. Who do you think will win in this bet?”

“Of course, it will be me.”

“Do you think I’ll lose?”

Clevens shrugged his shoulders.

“Ah, I can’t say. But I know the Major better than you, don’t I? After all, I was his subordinate for three years.”

“…….”

“And who knows what else might happen.”

With a click, he opened the doorknob and stepped out of the office, adding quietly.

“Who knows what kind of trouble might unfold this time.”

*

In the two minutes of silence, Camila, who had been rolling around on her bed, suddenly lifted her head.

Avoiding the magical books and encyclopedias scattered across the bed, she settled into a position. She looked much like a Sphinx, plundered by the French and handed over to the British.

“Hello?”

-‘…Oh. Sorry. I was just thinking for a moment.’

“There’s no rush; take your time if you need to think more.”

I was curious as to what could possibly take her so long. Camila couldn’t suppress her curiosity and tilted her head.

Then she flicked the crystal sitting on the table with her finger.

“Hmm…”

The displaced crystal slid away as if it were a sled gliding across an ice rink without any resistance. It was a magical tool gifted to her by the Imperial Ministry of Magic as thanks for resolving the northern issues.

This magical tool was made from processed magical stones. Its origin was the northern part of the Kien Empire. Coincidentally, the magical stones were mined from the very rift where she had defended against a monster.

The official from the Ministry of Magic who brought it said they had used the purest magical stones mined from the mining site, which had just resumed operations this year. When asked what it was used for, they said it had the quality of levitating no matter where it was placed, seemingly floating in the air.

There was no other purpose for it. In simpler terms, it was just for ornamental display.

Of course, the market value of a magical stone the size of a pinky nail was astonishing, so to describe how precious a magical tool made from a stone slightly smaller than Camila’s fist would require much explanation. Moreover, they had claimed it was made using the purest magical stones. Simply as a display piece, the value of these magical stones could not be compared with any other gem.

Even the Duke involved had pointed out that she could sell the magical stone for immediate funds should she ever need it. He’d added that there was no need to be concerned about it, as he could always supply more magical stone whenever necessary. After all, the entirety of the north fell under the Duke’s jurisdiction, which made that statement possible.

Though there had been an incident where the color drained from the vice-minister’s face due to worry about a mass leak of magical stones abroad, that was entirely inconsequential. Turning a decision from a Grand Mage would be an impossible task, even for the Tower Master or the head of the Ministry of Magic.

Fortunately for her, Camila had no desire to sell the magical stone even a little bit. She had no wish to turn to selling such a gemstone that seemed to belong in a movie like Avatar.

As she idly tapped at the floating magical stone, watching it dance around, a voice came through over the phone.

-‘Camila.’

It was a voice waiting at the other end of the line.

“Yes?”

-‘I have a good idea for you.’

*

On a Sunday morning past midnight, Leoni received a call from her secretary while reviewing documents in her office.

-‘I’m sorry, Director. I have an urgent matter to report.’

“What’s going on?”

The source of the information was the embassy of the Kien Empire. It was a telegram from the newly appointed ambassador there.

The content of the telegram was simple.

“…Who just left where?”

-‘Yes, a hero has just departed for the Mauritania Continent…’

“…….”

-‘I’ve contacted the departments for now. What should we do, Director?’

“Wake the department heads and gather them in the 5th floor conference room.”

That day dawned.

To someone resting at home, a crisis had come, while to someone waiting in the office, an opportunity had presented itself.

It was truly a curious twist of fate.

 

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