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People may not know this, but there are big and small parties held at the embassy almost every day.

The atmosphere of the parties varies as much as the diverse cultures of each country. However, the purpose of every embassy remains the same: to showcase their unique foods and drinks to foreign diplomats.

It’s all about presenting their country’s dignity on the world stage.

The quality and taste of the food, along with the atmosphere of the party venue, reflect not only the embassy’s status but also the prestige of the nation itself.

Diplomats from various countries navigate between tables, discussing their interests and national affairs. It’s only natural that we get invited to these parties; after all, the hero is a coveted asset for every nation.

“Why are those Empire folks inviting us?”

“How am I supposed to know?”

The issue is that the invitation came from the Kien Empire embassy.

“Perhaps they invited the hero with some ulterior motives? The Empire has been fighting against the demon tribes lately…”

“Do they need the hero’s power…?”

“…Hey, stick close together.”

The three spies put their heads together and began discussing.

There was only one topic for the meeting: “Why did they invite us?”

“Seeing that they invited the hero, it seems like they want something from him.”

Pippin argued that the Empire would indeed have some demands for the hero.

“Considering Colonel Nostrim is also on the guest list, it seems like they want to say something regarding the bomb terror.”

Jake speculated that they would make a statement about the bomb terror.

Listening to two opinions, I declared that the current issue wasn’t any of that.

“Hey, that’s not what’s important right now.”

“Then what is important?”

“All three of us need to attend the party. But who’s going to handle the security?”

“Since it’s the Kien Empire embassy, naturally…”

“Ah…”

Pippin and Jake closed their mouths, looking pale.

For context, in this world, embassy security and protective duties are under the jurisdiction of each country’s information agency.

In other words, it means we have to walk into a den full of intelligence agents.

“Are we screwed…?”

“Yep.”

“Shit.”

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Episode 2 – Heroes of the Continent

Even though being a diplomat acts as a shield, encountering foreign agents is still daunting. Especially if those agents are counter-intelligence operatives, it becomes even more burdensome.

No, let’s correct that. Meeting anyone at this party is stressful.

Just like right now.

“Oh ho ho! You’re the famous Colonel Frederick Nostrim!”

A stranger with a hefty hand reached out for a handshake.

He must be some spokesperson from an embassy. Normally, I would try to remember his name, but in comparison to the others in the party, he wasn’t particularly noteworthy, so I brushed him off and hurriedly left.

Waving aside approaching diplomats with a plausible smile, I made my way to the cardinal.

“Nice to meet you, Your Eminence. I’m Colonel Frederick Nostrim.”

“Oh! You’re that hero’s companion! What an honor to meet you!”

Hearing that made me a bit bashful. There was something I wanted to discuss regarding the hero’s schedule…

There truly was a lot for me to do at this party.

Meeting with cardinals to glean information about the inner workings of the cult, discussing the hero’s schedule.

Meeting with the Empire’s ambassador to subtly gauge the situation at the Kien embassy.

Catching an Inquisition officer to pry for information about the bomb terror and discussing the hero’s safety.

Checking how the saint candidate election was progressing through the bishop.

Being grabbed by a journalist for questions about the hero, and putting a bit of makeup on Priest Lucia.

Trying to create a space to talk with the hero while pushing away the pleading diplomats.

Exchanging terror-related intelligence with unintentional encounters with foreign agents.

While weaving through the party with skills I had picked up over thirty years, a mix of improvised conversational tricks and the ability to avoid intoxication, I approached Pippin and Jake, who were signaling me from a corner.

“Are you guys okay?”

“No, I think I’m going to die…”

“I feel nauseous…”

Their expressions showed they had been harassed by people.

“Diplomats are scarier than agents…”

Pippin muttered weakly.

“The Imperial Guard agents aren’t even showing themselves…”

“Well, of course, they wouldn’t announce they are agents. Just keep your guard up.”

It was a harsh command for two exhausted souls, but neither Pippin nor Jake showed complaints.

After all, they had seen our direct superior being tormented between the Empire’s ambassador and the cardinal for over fifty minutes.

Naturally, I remained silent about my grievances, as someone else was far more unfortunate.

That unfortunate soul was Camila Lowell.

“Wow… Is the hero still stuck over there?”

“It seems like it’s been over an hour…”

As expected, being the center of attention on the continent, she was unable to leave the very middle of the party venue.

Even from a distance, it was clear she was sweating and fidgeting. Earlier, when she got up, she had asked to take her along. But it only took a minute for her to be swallowed back into the crowd.

“Her crimson hair certainly makes her stand out.”

Pippin pointed out her bright red hair.

It was pronounced already, but standing amidst bald-headed individuals made her even more noticeable. With the splendid lighting, it seemed like she radiated a subtle halo.

“I wonder what kind of conversation she’s having?”

“It’s obvious. She’s probably being asked to attend their events later.”

“Is the hero resuming external schedules?”

“I received word from the Inquisition that they would be assigning dedicated protective personnel for the hero, along with a healing priestess. It seems she will be active again in the near future.”

As the explanation went on, Pippin and Jake’s jaws dropped in awe.

“Wow… A protective team and a healing priestess? I don’t think even the cardinal would receive such treatment.”

“According to them, only the Pope receives a dedicated healing priestess.”

“The hero is being treated on par with the Pope…”

The two looked as if it was their own good fortune, clearly excited by the outrageous offer from the Inquisition.

With knights, inquisitors, and a healing priestess on standby, it was an unprecedented decision. It seemed the higher-ups in the cult desperately hoped for the hero to exit the embassy soon.

“Don’t celebrate too soon. The terrorists are still at large.”

“With the inquisitors accompanying us, will any terror actually occur?”

“What if the terrorists go crazy and rush in with bombs? Don’t underestimate those guys.”

“Hey, why say such negative things? By the way, what did the Empire’s ambassador say?”

“Just expressed regret. They claim they have nothing to do with the terror.”

“Then who detonated the bomb?”

As we were briefly discussing the possibility of who’s behind the bomb terror, Camila Lowell finally broke free from the crowd and walked toward us slowly.

Looks like she finally managed to escape.

“Phew! So you all gathered here, huh?”

With her neatly tied crimson hair, she smiled brightly. Pippin and Jake welcomed the hero, while I approached her with an expression void of emotion.

“Congratulations, hero. You are finally free.”

“Colonel, why did you leave me behind?”

“Left behind? I distinctly helped you out, but you were pulled back in within a minute. That was your own doing, Camila Lowell.”

“I reached out for you! But you just left!”

“Reached out?”

Huh…

Let me think about that again; it does seem like she reached for me as she got dragged away.

“Is that so? That’s unfortunate.”

“Oh, really…! How could you do this to me, Colonel!”

Camila Lowell grumbled with words, but her face was filled with a playful expression.

Seeing her this way makes it seem like she has a playful side to her. Maybe she just hasn’t had the mental space to joke around during all this chaos. Then again, it’s quite strange to feel mentally relaxed when suddenly dropped into another world.

While I was lost in thought, Pippin suddenly threw a question at her.

“…Hero, have you been drinking?”

“Yes!”

Camila Lowell answered with a beaming smile.

So she was just tipsy.

“Camila Lowell, you seem drunk. Why don’t you step outside for some fresh air?”

“Eh hey! No, I’m fine!”

She shook her flushed cheeks in denial. By looks alone, she was obviously inebriated.

“Pippin, you take the hero out for a bit. Jake, get her a glass of cold water…”

Just as I was about to set Pippin and Jake in motion to prevent Camila Lowell’s embarrassing chaos…

Someone called me from behind.

“Colonel Frederick Nostrim?”

Hearing that voice, I halted and turned around. The bald ambassador of the Empire was calling me, accompanied by a Suit Man.

“…Ah, Ambassador.”

“Ahaha! I’m sorry to interrupt your conversation. The thing is, this gentleman wishes to meet with you…”

“Nice to meet you, Colonel Frederick Nostrim.”

An ordinary-looking Suit Man interrupted the ambassador and extended his hand for a handshake.

If he can interject like that, one of two things is true: either he’s incredibly arrogant and overstepping due to his position, or…

“I’m the security officer for this party.”

“…”

“Could we have a quick chat?”

He could potentially wield as much power as the ambassador.

 

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