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“Even being a servant is better at a noble’s house according to old sayings.”

I truly like this saying. And I can wholeheartedly relate to it.

How wonderful it would be to live as a servant in the well-stocked house of Nolbu instead of the destitute Heungbu! Of course, that’s only if you were born a servant in the first place.

Anyway, a servant must be at a noble’s house.

And the same goes for being a spy. If you want to live as a spy, you must absolutely go to a developed country.

Why, you ask?

“Money.”

If you make a living as a spy in a developing country, you’ll end up entangled in ridiculous situations like this.

Episode 20 – Who Threatened with a Knife

It was an utterly mundane day without a trace of anything special.

The day I was dragged to Ashtistan by the Duke. Even though I clearly stated I was going to an enemy nation, the company was spouting nonsense, suggesting it was merely a short exotic trip, and my scattered group members hadn’t contacted me in ages.

At least the High Priest Lucia, whom I encountered on the train, promised to notify me the moment she knew anything, so I felt a bit fortunate.

If I had been any slower, I might’ve gone completely soul-searching, trying to contact my group members just before departing.

Still, well… the journey wasn’t anything extraordinary.

The Duke was awkward, but between us was Camila. With her along for the ride (even if it wasn’t really a ride, but rather an overseas dispatch), it wouldn’t be that boring.

Of course, it was unlikely to become the ‘exotic trip’ that the Military Intelligence Agency had claimed.

Perhaps that’s why.

Even in that sudden moment, I couldn’t find anything special.

“You’re from the Security Committee. Please present your passport.”

The Republic Security Committee of Ashtistan.

The identification thrust in front of me proved he was an Information Investigation Officer from the “Republic Security Committee,” commonly known as the “Ashtistan Security Committee,” acting as the counterintelligence agency and information investigation body of this country.

As in any other country, counterintelligence agencies are a source of fear. This tendency intensifies the heavier the atmosphere becomes.

Like Venezuela’s SEBIN (Servicio Bolivariano de Inteligencia Nacional), for example.

If you get caught, not only is imprisonment likely, but you could also come out as some kind of fool. They are strict with foreigners but exercise tyranny over their own citizens.

In Ashtistan, the image of the Security Committee was just that.

For reference, they were a quasi-military organization disguised as a counterintelligence agency. Hence, they were often referred to as “Security Forces.”

The problem is, despite being known as military and counterintelligence, they were much closer to a power agency that captures and harasses innocent people. No wonder international media have dubbed the Republic Security Committee and other counterintelligence agencies here as “nail salons.”

“Passport? Please wait a moment…”

Of course, that didn’t apply to me.

There was no resonance with the counterintelligence agency of a theocratic nation that specializes in torture, especially against an enemy like Abas.

I was just a simple traveler who had entered Shizuya as an associate of the Duke. I had nothing to fear, so to speak.

“Hmm…”

But what I hadn’t expected was.

“There’s a problem with your passport.”

“A problem? If it’s the entry stamp, it should be right there in the visa section.”

“Yes, I see it. However, it seems something was missed on the agency’s part.”

The Security Committee official, who had initially demanded my passport, suddenly threw out an unexpected remark.

He claimed there was some error in the entry process.

“…Oh, really?”

I wasn’t flustered.

I had anticipated there would be some trouble, so I understood that “they’re just fishing for trouble.”

I gazed at the problematic passport that had been handed over to the Security Committee officer. Suddenly, I tilted my head in confusion.

“That can’t be. The Immigration Office said there were no issues.”

“You are a citizen of the Kingdom of Abas. Per regulations, certain foreigners arriving in Ashtistan must complete training before entry is permitted. Did you receive any training immediately upon arrival?”

“No.”

There wasn’t even any guidance. Moreover, it was completely different from what I had been informed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

According to the ‘Republic Immigration Control Act,’ foreigners wishing to enter Ashtistan are only permitted entry after receiving simple training.

It’s nothing grand—just a 70-minute lecture informing you whether to turn left or right while driving or what actions are prohibited at Al-Yabd Temple.

However, this regulation can be waived for special reasons, including official duties (especially if invited by the Ashtistan government).

For reference, the reason I was here was that there had indeed been an official invitation. All those who were supposed to accompany her, including the Duke, received invitations, and I was one of them.

Moreover, training is conducted before obtaining a visa, not upon arriving at the Immigration Office.

“I’m here on an official invitation. Please check the invitation sent by the Ashtistan government.”

I presented the invitation embossed with the government seal to them, but the Security Committee officials merely waved it off with half-hearted glances.

At the moment I caught sight of their disinterested stares as they glossed over the documents, a foreboding sense of something dirty about to happen crept over me.

And that foreboding proved to be spot on.

“Please follow us.”

The Security Committee official gave me a signal as if he had just checked the invitation with his own eyes.

The inevitable response was, without a doubt, “Don’t get lost in this nonsense.”

“Why should I follow you?”

“There are parts that need investigation.”

What a ridiculous statement.

What kind of investigation? It was painfully obvious they just wanted to haul in an innocent person.

“Do you have a warrant?”

“It would be in your best interest to comply. If you refuse to cooperate, you could be arrested.”

It was a warning that hinted at the immediate use of handcuffs.

“Wow, that’s just…”

I tossed my hair back and locked eyes with the Security Committee officer who was glaring at me. I was nearly at a loss for words, stunned by the absurdity of the situation.

The guides around us were long gone, seemingly startled by the sight of the Security Committee’s ID.

Seeing that, the Security Committee official stealthily approached me, preparing to escalate matters.

-Swoosh….

His hand casually brushed under the hem of his jacket toward his waist.

He was wearing a shirt of smooth Persian style neck with the collar removed. As it revealed the shirt beneath the jacket, a familiar outline began to make an appearance between his armpits.

A pistol grip. The Security Committee official intentionally revealed his gun holstered at his side.

Implying that if I didn’t comply, he might very well use this.

“……”

As my dull gaze skimmed over the Information Investigation Officer before me, my brain raced to analyze the situation more quickly than ever.

Why was this happening? What was their game?

Had information somehow leaked out?

Or was it a bluff? It certainly could have been.

Unless the Military Intelligence Agency’s security had been breached, the only reason for the country’s counterintelligence agency to suspect me was that I was affiliated with the Abas Ministry of Defense.

If that were the case, then being a bit strong wouldn’t hurt. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the Intelligence Agency, in any area, the Abas government had the advantage.

Moreover, even if I refused an unlicensed investigation, the Ashtistan government couldn’t hold me accountable.

With that understanding, I reached a decision.

Alright. I had ample excuses to use; first, it was vital to ascertain what these guys were really up to.

Calming myself, I prepared for the dialogue that was about to unfold. It was time to see how the Security Committee official would approach me and what they truly wanted.

“Money.”

A short, succinct word.

The instant that tiny syllable struck my eardrums, my brain, which had been flooded with a myriad of thoughts, went blank.

I momentarily doubted my ears but was sure I had heard correctly. The Security Committee member locked eyes with me and then nodded as if to signal something.

As I stared dumbfounded, I could only slap my palms against my face in sheer disbelief!

“…Oh, please.”

Damn it.

In my life, I never expected to encounter someone who would threaten me for a bribe like this.

*

What a ridiculous situation it was.

Absolutely ludicrous.

“Ohhh….”

I swallowed a sigh, raking my fingers through my hair in frustration.

Was it a curse or a lament? I felt an empty breath swell from deep within my stomach to my throat.

How on earth did I end up in this position?

“So, what you’re saying is, this is the kind of investigation you want from me?”

I wasn’t sure if I truly grasped the situation, and doubts gnawed at me.

Thus, I asked again, but their response was unwavering.

The Security Committee official nodded, and I barely suppressed the urge to unleash a string of curses.

“We have the authority to arrest foreigners. That means we can detain you at this very moment.”

My words were cut off. I had nothing to say.

Did I know they held such immense power? Not really.

Other intelligence investigation agencies also possessed the authority to detain foreigners. The Imperial Guard HQ did, the Inquisition did, and Zambia’s intelligence agency did the same.

It was simply the audacity of demanding a bribe that left me dumbfounded.

This absurd and ridiculous situation choked me.

“It’s not just the authority that matters. What’s important to you is simply the fact that you could be arrested. That’s all that matters.”

The Information Investigation Officer, who demanded a bribe from the counterintelligence agency, maintained a firm attitude throughout.

His tone exuded a confidence that was evident. Though I had no interest in the ridiculous words he was spouting.

My focus was solely on one thing.

Are they acting on their own or have they received orders?

If the Ashtistan counterintelligence agency was suspicious of me for some reason, then they might have sent someone to probe my reaction via unreasonable demands.

Such tactics are often employed by authoritarian or dictatorial intelligence agencies.

If this was part of that procedure, I needed to maintain the persona of an ‘ordinary public official’ before them.

But if they were acting independently? There would be no need for pretense.

Their interest was solely fixated on my crumbs.

I’m not going to care whether I’m a military information officer, a defense attaché, or just a civilian out for a friend’s fun.

“……”

First, I had to figure out what these guys were approaching for.

I started to piece together all the elements and circumstances surrounding me.

First up was timing.

The Security Committee made their approach when Camila and Duke Alexandra Petrovna were away. That was the exact moment I was with the guides.

Whether they needed information or money, their top priority was to separate the Duke and me.

So, two possibilities arose.

First, they might have been watching me from somewhere and snuck up.

Second, the very demand for Camila and the Duke to wear the Rousari could have been a setup from these guys.

Next up, the guides.

The Security Committee officials threatened me in front of the guides. They claimed they wanted to take me away for questioning, but when that failed, they quickly threw around their authority.

If they had prepared the Rousari, this bit would be somewhat strange. They could have set up a plausible procedure to divert me to another location with the guides.

If their objective was bribery, the guides wouldn’t have to worry at all. The moment the Security Committee’s name came into play, they’d likely panic and not have the guts to intervene.

Finally, the attitude.

In a country with authoritarian, dictatorial tendencies, counterintelligence agencies might engage in somewhat illegal investigative activities.

I had experienced this firsthand when I went overseas—the information investigation officers of the MSS (Ministry of State Security) and the FSB (Federal Security Service) would tap my phone and tail me just for being a ‘suspicious foreigner,’ without any warrants.

They even shoved cameras into the hotel rooms of Japanese foreign journalists, and similar levels of surveillance occurred when they infiltrated as businessmen or tourists.

In the Middle East? South America? Southeast Asia? It wasn’t as severe as the MSS and FSB, but it was nothing to scoff at.

I was harassed by two agents on a 250cc Suzuki off-road bike hanging around near my lodgings, and they mistakenly nabbed innocent civilians thinking they were my informants.

However, not once did I ever experience any intelligence agency—at least none that I knew—coming at me with a pistol and overt threats like this.

And crucially,

“…It would be wise to hurry. For both you and us. There’s no reason for either of us to embarrass ourselves, is there?”

It doesn’t make sense for those who pulled out guns to be fidgeting like a puppy needing to pee.

If this were a legitimate investigation, there wouldn’t be any reason to feel nervous. No, the information investigation officers moving on orders wouldn’t have to resort to such antics.

I would have preferred covert surveillance or tapping rather than this blatant display; after all, it just screams, ‘Hey, you’re being watched!’

In short,

These guys are truly idiots burning with a desire to collect bribes.

*

“…Ha.”

A hollow laugh escaped me.

I had heard tales in the military intelligence about how intelligence agencies in developing countries engage in bribery, but I never thought it would happen to me.

“Acting so high and mighty while not even able to distinguish between shit and piss…”

Just as I unleashed that raw sarcasm, the face of the Security Committee official contorted in anger.

“What did you just say?”

I replied with a nonchalant expression.

“Who do you think would open their wallet just because you tossed around words like regulations and laws and showed your badge? Be reasonable for once.”

What kind of drug were they on to come up with such a ridiculous thought? Their way of thinking was utterly incomprehensible.

His face turned bright red. The Security Committee official’s cheeks weren’t enough, and his forehead, chin, and even his crown turned beet red.

Thanks to his baldness and bushy beard, he looked a lot like an octopus.

“You—”

The guy started to lose it, pointing a finger in anger.

Of course, my tongue was quicker.

“If you’re just a filthy loser accepting bribes, you should at least have some sense. What makes you think you can strut around like you’re someone important when you don’t even know where to lay down? Huh?”

My voice rose. It was absurd, and more than anything, there were ears to listen.

Thanks to that, I didn’t bother to be discreet. Of course, I would have shouted even if there weren’t anyone listening.

“Shut that mouth…”

“No. And if you’re going to pull a gun, you might as well draw it out. If you’re too scared to show it, why the heck are you hauling it around?”

It was clear that they were acting on their own.

Even though my reasoning was based solely on circumstantial evidence, it was already sufficient. Those who had been blabbering just a moment ago had gone dead silent.

Seeing that gave me certainty. These guys truly came looking to bribe me.

“What’s all this noise?”

A chilly voice suddenly shattered the silence.

As the idiot from the Security Committee inhaled the odor of some random tobacco, he scanned the direction of the voice.

Then, with a hasty movement, he adjusted his attire, raising his hand to his chest in a respectful gesture.

“Your Grace, the Duke.”

Duke Alexandra Petrovna accepted the greeting with a slight nod.

Having returned, she appeared with a Rousari wrapped around her head.

Taking into account that the Duke rarely wore hats and had never been seen donning anything publicly, the sight of Alexandra Petrovna covering her head with a scarf was indeed a rare occurrence.

She shoved her hands into her pockets and glanced at the Security Committee employees.

“Who are you? You seem like new faces.”

“We come from the Security Committee of the Republic of Ashtistan.”

“Security Committee?”

Security Committee, Security Committee. She mulled over the name for a while.

Then suddenly, as if she remembered something, a small exclamation escaped her.

“…Ah. You’re from ‘Rabari.’ I remember seeing you a few times in Petrogard.”

Rabari. Nahri and Rabzadi. It’s an area in Shizuya. It boasts historical sites and traditional markets, particularly around the old town, which is where the headquarters of the Security Committee was located.

“You mean you saw us…?”

“I heard there was a mutual visit. I was worried that the unusually bustling area around the Imperial Guard HQ was due to a major incident. I heard the officials from the Security Committee visited the Imperial Guard HQ. It’s been over two years and a half since then.”

“Oh, thank you for remembering. I happened to be there too.”

The Security Committee official rushed to ingratiate himself. A ridiculous attempt at flattery.

Of course, I couldn’t tell if this moron was actually a high-ranking official who could attend such exchanges or if he was just clumsily fabricating a story to butter my Duke up.

But it truly seemed like it leaned toward the latter.

As she nodded to the Security Committee’s gratitude, she then murmured in a dry tone,

“Do the Rabari have any business with my disciple’s companion?”

She didn’t seem particularly curious—it was more like she didn’t want to hear anything at all. It was clear she wanted them to vanish from her sight pronto.

“……”

Having understood that sentiment, the Security Committee officials didn’t breathe a word.

With blank expressions, they bowed their heads, looking like a bunch of fledglings.

“If there’s nothing, I shall take my leave.”

“Your Grace, that is…”

The voice of the Archmage cut through the interruption.

“You should all be busy with official duties; you can’t waste time here.”

Her face wore a gentle smile, and her tone was endlessly kind.

But her eyes weren’t the slightest bit friendly.

The Duke, who playfully posed a question with a smiling mouth, seemed quite displeased. Especially as she watched the guides around her shrink back in fear.

Camila, who stood behind the Duke, began mouthing something from an angle where others couldn’t see.

“Ear. Ear.”

With her fingers tapping her ears, and mouthing those words, I came to understand the source of the Duke’s discomfort.

And boy, those ears are sharp.

Of course, she intended for them to hear her loud and clear.

“Do I need to repeat myself?”

The Duke gazed at the hesitating officials of the Security Committee. Her tone remained nice, but her eyes surely did not.

She averted her gaze from the ones contemplating how to resolve the situation.

Taking a deep breath, she lamented softly.

“Even though you came conducting private matters and have been away for an extended period, such treatment toward my one and only friend who hasn’t shown his face for thirteen years won’t do… Tsk.”

The subject was left unspoken, yet anyone could tell who Alexandra Petrovna was speaking about.

The Duke’s only companion was none other than Ashtistan’s leader, the Priest.

Of course, there are always oblivious individuals everywhere.

“If you haven’t seen each other in thirteen years, can you really call that a friend…?”

At the moment when the soft murmur of the disciple shattered the silence, a vein bulged on the master’s forehead.

*

The government officials and legal scholars of Ashtistan gathered in front of the palace, and that day, they heard an eerie sound.

The source of that sound remains unclear.

However, in a later interview, a prominent legal scholar who spoke with foreign correspondents testified that, “It was a sound you would expect to hear in a slaughterhouse.”

 

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