---

An assassination incident occurred during an important event of the cult. It was an assassination attempt using neurotoxin. Although it ended in failure, its impact was tremendous.

The cult and the Inquisition began to face the backlash. Unofficial letters demanding the resignation of Director Petrus piled up on the pope’s desk. Additionally, Cardinal Raphael’s political foundation began to shake.

The Kien Empire expanded its state of emergency nationwide. While it aimed to block the fierce offensive from the demon race, with political scandals resurfacing, it seemed the primary goal was a purge.

However, thanks to immediate responses, there were no casualties, and with only one victim, the incident was not reported negatively. In fact, articles praising the quick intervention occasionally appeared.

I suspect that the Inquisition is censoring the press, and that a political agreement has been reached between foreign entities and the cult.

Of course, the assassination attempt was not something that could be easily dismissed.

The kingdom expelled several members of the cult, and the Military Intelligence Agency brought several captured spies to trial domestically. The cult sent envoys to soothe the kingdom, while the empire attempted contact through unofficial channels.

To put it simply, it’s a difficult situation to explain.

I have the feeling that factions are moving independently of us.

And I say,

“That’s a foreign ceiling.”

Just where am I?

—

Episode 2 – Heroes of the Continent

When I regained consciousness, I found myself lying in bed.

It wasn’t a hospital; it was more like a hotel room.

Next to me stood Camila Lowell, who was crying. She was holding my hand tightly and weeping sorrowfully.

Priest Lucia returned to the room leading a group of people. In white priest robes and doctor’s jackets, they were healing priests and doctors.

They guided me through an examination of my body. As the white light touched the areas identified by the doctor, the pain subsided. Amazing. I had seen this treatment a few times in a field hospital, but it was quite a fascinating method.

Once the pain vanished, the doctor brought out a syringe. It was pain relief. I grabbed the doctor’s wrist as if ready to break it and pushed it away.

If I got high on medication, I wouldn’t know what I’d say. Security had to be maintained. It was a kind of obsession and a professional hazard.

The doctor, understanding my firm resolve, gently stroked his wrist and left the room, telling me to rest completely.

As the pain faded and tensions eased, my body felt lethargic.

Drowsiness washed over me.

I slowly closed my eyes.

—

Agents from the Information Agency moved me to the embassy.

After summoning a tight-lipped doctor for examination, I received a diagnosis of no health issues.

They said to rest a bit and come back to work once I felt better, but that was impossible. I simply received a prescription for painkillers and returned to duty.

About three days later, I was back at work, and I needed to clear a backlog from my three-day absence.

I reported on the investigation into the assassination, spread a composite sketch, issued a manhunt order, read Ekaterina’s psychological analysis report, and commanded an inquiry into the deceased operative, sending the report back to the Information Agency.

During this time, many people visited me.

Camila Lowell, the ambassador, the Information Analyst, Priest Lucia, Raul, Cardinal Raphael, and many more. Among them were diplomats offering condolences and journalists who had come for interviews, along with officials of the Inquisition bearing investigative materials, all of them apologizing profusely.

When someone seemed really about to bang their head against the floor, I was startled and helped them up. This was something I had to keep in reserve; I couldn’t accept an apology just yet.

The Imperial Guard HQ Division 2 had delivered bombs and fired poison darts, but the ones who received the bomb were the cult members. In this situation, it was unknown who detonated the bomb. So, I decided to keep this well stored in the cabinet, to bring it out when the time came.

I have no idea where Pippin and Jake went. When I asked, they said they were headed to the cult headquarters, and I just hoped nothing would happen.

Filling my stomach on the tasteless patient diet while gathering information through the news, a phone call came in.

“Yes, this is Major Frederick.”

-‘Are you still alive?’

“I barely survived.”

It was the Colonel.

-‘When I heard you were hit with neurotoxin, I thought you were dead; it seems the heavens have helped you.’

“I’m sorry….”

-‘It’s fine. The important thing is that you’re alive.’

Deaths among the agents of the Information Agency are commonplace. Especially in an era where human lives are deemed less than those of flies.

-‘It’s similar to when the bomb went off in Mauritania.’

“Ah, I heard there was a bomb delivered to the embassy….”

-‘Actually, it was terrorists who killed the guards and detonated the bomb.’

The world is a twisted place.

By the way, Mauritania is the otherworldly version of a Middle Eastern country located in the southern part of the continent. The game setting is inspired by the Middle East.

A dark fantasy version of the Middle East is horrifying to even imagine.

“By the way, what’s the reason for this call? Is something wrong?”

-‘Well… It’s similar. It would be apt to say I was late due to a meeting.’

“Doesn’t the Information Agency have communication equipment in the conference room?”

-‘It was a meeting of the Parliamentary Intelligence Committee.’

“…The Intelligence Committee?”

The kingdom’s Parliamentary Intelligence Committee is akin to the South Korean National Assembly’s Intelligence Committee or the U.S. Senate Intelligence Committee.

What is a standing committee? It consists of members with professional knowledge in the relevant field and is a permanent institution.

It’s a discussion body that reviews matters based on knowledge and law before presenting them to the plenary session. While running and handling the state organization is the role of the king and the cabinet, oversight and assistance are the responsibilities of the parliament.

There is indeed a separation of powers here. However, the problems arise from the chaos in the country.

If the legislators are calling a meeting, it seems that the matter is quite serious.

I corrected my posture and listened attentively to the Colonel’s words.

-‘I heard quite an interesting piece of news at the parliament.’

“What is it?”

-‘The head of Division 2 of the Imperial Guard HQ has died.’

—

The head of the external operations department of the Imperial Guard HQ has died.

The official cause is cardiac arrest. It is said to be a natural death due to old age.

Of course, whether it’s truly a natural death, a suicide, or if he was murdered, no one knows. Only the Imperial Guard HQ and the Emperor would know.

Anyway, the head of Division 2 of the Imperial Guard HQ has passed away.

And then the empire made a statement.

-‘Through unofficial diplomatic channels, the position of the empire has been conveyed. They claim this terror incident is unrelated to the royal family.’

“…”

-‘Officially, the head of Division 2 died of cardiac arrest, but considering the timing, it’s fair to view it as a purge.’

It’s a familiar scenario.

Even in modern society, when incidents occur, it is customary for someone to take the blame and be sacrificed.

Here, that’s just everyday life.

The internal situation of the Imperial Guard HQ is unknown to us. The Information Agency has put countless efforts into uncovering that, but only bodies have turned up.

Therefore, we have no way of knowing if he died from cardiac arrest or was killed for taking responsibility.

One thing is certain: the claim that the royal family is unrelated to the assassination attempt has surfaced. It is being asserted by both the counterintelligence and the unofficial diplomatic lines.

The Emperor is not involved in the terrorism.

The Imperial Guard HQ and the Imperial Foreign Affairs Department won’t carelessly mention the royal family. This is undoubtedly a statement reflecting the Emperor’s intentions. I know nothing of what the Emperor of a distant land is thinking. I can only accept that it is what it is.

Of course, the empire doesn’t just make empty claims.

-‘The Imperial Foreign Affairs Department has proposed a reduction in tariffs and the cancellation of debts, stating that they will ease export restrictions and supply essential goods in bulk.’

The empire sent gifts. Essentially, it’s a buy-silence cost.

It’s a message to stop raising issues after accepting this.

-‘Our Ministry of Finance has stated that accepting the empire’s gifts will restore the kingdom’s economy. The Foreign Affairs Department also said it could pave the way for our businesses to enter the empire.’

Supporting domestic enterprises going abroad is part of the duties of the Information Agency.

I’ve also been studying economics, which I had no interest in, and running around like a headless chicken for that very reason.

-‘The cult has also proposed various benefits, but we’ll talk about that later.’

“…”

-‘Major.’

“…Yes.”

-‘Are you disappointed?’

“…No.”

Not at all.

I was someone well-acquainted with the principles of the Information Agency, and I had felt it desperately through two lifetimes.

To seize the nation’s benefits by any means necessary.

If we cover up the bomb terror and the assassination attempts, certainly, there will be a benefit for the nation.

Food will flow into the country, businesses will venture abroad, national debt will decrease, and trade will flourish.

The job market will become vibrant. Numerous jobs will be created, and as employment stabilizes, people will find happiness. Thus, the economy of the nation will revive.

Even at this very moment while I’m talking to the Colonel, people are starving to death. We can save those people.

As a diplomat and a soldier, I must always think of the nation first.

What’s the reason the kingdom seeks to dine with heroes? Why did the Information Agency appoint me as an operative?

This is all for the sake of saving the nation.

Surely, if I accept this proposal, the country will grow a little more.

That’s a good thing.

Even if it’s not a righteous act, isn’t being an agent just the same?

If I finish this job well, I can earn recognition and perhaps even a medal or promotion.

That’s a good thing. A piece of good news.

Ultimately, all of this is for the nation and for the homeland and people.

Patriotism is a good thing. Camila Lowell said so.

-‘Frederick.’

“Yes….”

-‘What are your thoughts?’

My thoughts?

Ideally, I should accept.

Although I have no patriotism, I at least have a minimum sense of conscience.

I’m not a utilitarian, but saving lives comes first.

However, there’s something that weighs on my mind.

Camila Lowell, who is suffering from terrorism.

Pippin and Jake, working tirelessly while sacrificing their sleep.

The agents running around at this very moment.

The people I am responsible for and the duties I owe.

Sixty-three civilian casualties.

The filthy secrets I’ve covered up.

The paltry pride and conscience.

I must give all this up.

So, I fell into deep contemplation.

Is it right to engage in patriotism at the cost of sixty-three civilian casualties and filthy secrets?

Is it just to ignore the efforts of civilians suffering from terrorism and soldiers obeying orders?

Having come this far, and with the possibility of catching the terrorists soon, should I back down now?

Humans are, after all, emotional creatures.

I pondered between my paltry pride and my conscience.

I lost my way.

So, I asked my superior.

“…What do you think, Colonel?”

-‘Hah.’

The Colonel let out a deep sigh.

He too seemed to find this situation frustrating—

-‘The Intelligence Committee has decided to continue with the operation.’

“…Pardon?”

-‘Didn’t you hear? Continue with the operation.’

“Oh, no! If that’s the case….”

The Colonel spoke casually as though it were of no concern.

-‘It’s a decision made by the parliament and the cabinet.’

It was an order.

Meaning the legislative and executive branches had joined forces. Naturally, it must have received the King’s approval.

“Then, the economy…?”

-‘Why are you worried about the economy, you fool? You’re a soldier.’

“Oh….”

From the other end of the call, I could hear a chuckle.

-‘Haven’t I told you repeatedly that overthinking is your flaw?’

“…Are we really going through with this?”

-‘Yes. Do you remember the order I gave you?’

The words the Colonel had spoken flowed from my mouth.

“To stop the terrorism and find the mastermind….”

-‘Absolutely.’

“Absolutely….”

-‘Right. You remember.’

The Colonel spoke.

-‘Is the kingdom going to fall apart without help from the empire? No way.’

“…”

-‘If I hadn’t trusted you, would I have appointed you as an operative? Why do you lack confidence so much, tsk tsk….’

That’s right.

If they wanted a puppet leader, they could easily have just appointed any operative.

Promoting the Captain to Major and appointing me as an operative was Colonel Clevenz’s doing.

-‘Imperial Guard or whatever, just chew on it; I’ve granted you the authority to lead this black operation.’

Even some illegal actions have been permitted.

The Colonel said.

-‘I will do what I need to do. So, go out there now and capture the bastards who detonated the bomb and fired poison darts.’

Focus only on taking down the terrorists, not worrying about anything else.

Colonel Clevenz Hendrick.

Future Director of the Military Intelligence Agency.

An elite military man from a loyalist family.

A bit of a quirky character.

Given that he has laid out the groundwork this much, it would be foolish not to take advantage of it.

“…Understood.”

It seems I’ll have to dance to their tune as they wanted.

—

‘Breaking news! The Kingdom of Abas has indicted the Kien Empire ambassador on charges of espionage. The spokesperson for the Military Intelligence Agency stated that the Kien Empire ambassador is linked to an anti-state organization…’

The gunshots of Sarajevo echoed through the world of espionage.

 

---