---

The cleanup was swift and tidy.

The driver, accompanied by the corpse, turned the wheel towards the dark ruins. Calm and composed, he was.

The Suit Men, seemingly done with their business, divided into parked vans and sedans, vanishing with only the heavy sound of their engines left behind.

One Security Committee Employee had been purged, but that matter hardly seemed important.

What truly mattered lay elsewhere.

“…….”

I passed through the door opened by the driver and settled into the back seat of the sedan.

The sedan traversed the darkness of Shizuya. From the ruins to the city center. To the heart of the capital.

Towards the distant buildings.

—

Episode 20 – Who Threatened with a Sword?

—

The interior design was a transformation that went beyond mere decoration of the space; it reflected functionality and personality.

The aesthetics of minimalism, vintage charm, neatness from lines, and the coziness of wooden furniture—it could be said that the modern yet traditional interior was bold to say the least.

Just one thing.

If it weren’t for the portraits of that woman and old man hanging on the wall.

“……”

The images of the two figures adorned a corner of the small office, measuring barely 5 pyeong.

The woman, possessing an oddly cold expression that was too lacking in warmth for a person, had a sorrowful air rather than a steel-like demeanor. The elderly man beamed with a serene and benevolent smile.

The woman in the photo, Priest of Al-Yabd, Jeynab Eskander, stared blankly into the distance.

And right next to her, Prime Minister of the Republic of Ashtistan, Mehrabshan ‘Menbashi’ Al-Wardi, cast his gaze in a different direction, smiling like a benevolent Buddha.

“……”

The portrait of the Prime Minister looked far younger than the photo I had seen around this time last year. It seemed to be an image taken around ten years ago.

I slowly surveyed the office.

As can be gleaned from the portraits of the two politicians representing a nation, this small office measuring about 5 pyeong was part of a government office.

The modernly decorated office was imbued with a drastically different atmosphere compared to the tradition-keeping Azadi Palace, and from the female secretary, wrapped in loose clothing, emanated a strange sense of foreignness that set her apart from the typical civil servants of Ashtistan.

– Scritch scritch…

The sound of writing utensils gently grazing the documents created a quiet noise.

The secretary, scrawling on paper, glanced at it while tapping on the keypad. As she inputted the details from the documents into the terminal, I waited while gazing at the deepening darkness of Shizuya.

With a click, the tightly sealed door swung open, and a man exited the office. He seemed more fitting as an accountant than a civil servant.

Holding onto the door he had just emerged from, he spoke.

“Please come in.”

Only after receiving permission could I finally step out of the cramped 5-pyeong office. I silently moved to the adjoining room, and Camila glanced at the accountant and timidly followed.

The inner office was significantly larger and cozier than the small one of about 5 pyeong.

The room situated towards the southeast was filled with glass on two sides, offering a sense of openness at a glance, and the hardwood furniture added an extra touch of luxury to the modern decor.

“I have brought you here.”

As the accountant opened his mouth, the owner of the office shifted his gaze. He glanced over at us from behind the desk.

Wearing a Persian-style shirt without a collar, sporting metal-framed glasses, and a neatly trimmed white beard…

Just as I was scanning him momentarily,

The middle-aged man gently removed his glasses and greeted us.

“Nice to meet you, everyone. I am Jandhar, Chairman of the Oversight Committee of the Security Committee.”

He placed his left hand between his collarbones, near his neck, and slightly lowered his chin.

It didn’t take long for me to realize that this was the traditional greeting of the Republic of Ashtistan. In Persian custom, when a foreign man meets a woman who is not a relative, a slight bow serves as a substitute for a handshake.

I placed my hand over my chest and returned the greeting.

“Peace be upon you as well (وعليكم السلام: wa-ʿalaykumu s-salāmu), I am Colonel Frederick Nostrim, serving in the Ministry of Defense of the Kingdom of Abas.”

In both Iran and Ashtistan, etiquette regarding greetings is strictly observed. Generally, the younger person greets the elder, the one standing greets the seated, and the guest greets the host first.

However, Chairman Jandhar had ignored the customs and greeted me first, especially to someone so remarkably younger than himself.

Looking at it positively, he may have been considerate towards a foreigner unfamiliar with the etiquette; negatively, it could be seen as showing leniency towards an ignorant commoner who didn’t respect his elders.

Regardless of which, from the perspective of the locals who knew nothing of the circumstances, I must have appeared as a “rude commoner who disrespects his elders.”

Thus, I disclosed my surname, Nostrim, and my position with as much politeness as possible. Revealing one’s surname and position holds significant importance in Ashtistan’s etiquette.

That was the reason.

When Jandhar introduced himself as the Chairman of the Oversight Committee of the Security Committee with a light smile.

“I am pleased to meet you as well, Colonel Frederick Nostrim.”

He continued in a calm tone, with the faintest hint of surprise.

“It seems you are familiar with the culture of Ashtistan. The greeting is something that foreign visitors often do not know.”

“Having served in the military, I am aware. Furthermore, I have someone around me who is quite strict about etiquette.”

“The strictness of Duke, ahem, is renowned enough to be likened to the scales of the righteous Earth God.”

The Oversight Committee, known as the “Oversight Body” within the Security Committee, boasts considerable power within the agency, as is typical of most information agencies.

However, unlike common oversight departments that might call an employee for questioning no matter the severity of their crime, they wouldn’t just shoot someone in the back of the head without cause.

“……”

I found myself deeply curious about why the head of this out-of-control company had summoned me.

But the other party was quicker on the draw.

“Would you like some tea?”

Chairman Jandhar gestured towards a magic-infused pot in a corner of the office, indicating his intention to offer us tea as a host.

“That’s alright.”

As I firmly rejected the offer, Jandhar’s expression subtly tightened. His response indicated displeasure at being turned down.

With a look of pride, he pointed out the types of tea leaves and again insisted on serving me.

“Please, give it a try. It’s our local specialty, Chai.”

“…Alright.”

Perhaps due to the deep-rooted customs of hospitality in the region, the Chairman of the Oversight Committee treated us lavishly even in the late hours.

Three cups of reddish tea. Accompanied by whatever one preferred—candy, cinnamon, saffron, lemon, lime, etc.

It was a lavish spread that one would almost expect to find only in a teahouse in Lahijan, renowned for tea cultivation. Even in tea-loving Ashtistan, it was rare for an individual to have such a large array of accompaniments prepared.

At this juncture, I could easily deduce that Jandhar truly enjoyed tea.

Camila, who had fetched sweets from a plate adorned with arabesques, took a bite and nodded, seemingly pleased by the unexpected taste.

I took a small sip, just enough to wet my lips, after Jandhar had personally brewed the selected tea leaves.

“What do you think?”

He inquired.

“It has a remarkable fragrance, true to its reputation.”

“You have a keen palate for good tea leaves. Thank you (شكرا).”

A compliment following a subtle threat. The atmosphere felt unusual from the start.

The purpose of Chairman Jandhar offering tea was obviously to treat guests who arrived late, but that was merely a superficial reason.

He was subtly using the custom of hospitality to apply pressure on me, and as a result, I accepted his offer, yielding to his influence.

In a sense, it was psychological warfare.

Subtle intimidation usually seeks to lower the other party’s morale, gaining control of the conversation. A normal person would feel completely robbed of confidence and dragged behind.

Unless one wasn’t a normal person.

“Let’s get straight to the point.”

Jandhar’s eyes twitched slightly. It seemed he hadn’t expected me to demand brevity regarding the matter at hand.

He smiled benignly, continuing in a calm voice. He was putting an end to this probing skirmish.

“Right, it is getting late anyway.”

I couldn’t help but sigh internally while observing him.

Honestly, watching older adults engage in these games is tiresome. I wonder if I joined the information agency just to partake in petty squabbles like this. It’s surprisingly difficult to survive as a tax thief.

“We have gathered here to discuss the issue you reported. This is a matter too significant to just overlook.”

“What do you mean by an issue?”

“Surely we need to resolve any misunderstandings, don’t you think?”

Chairman Jandhar made a subtle suggestion for a chat without specifying the details, but his strangely friendly demeanor revealed a few characteristics.

“Of course, we should.”

“It’s delightful to find common ground in understanding.”

I watched Chairman Jandhar with interest as he put down his teacup. Supporting his elbow with one hand, he began to speak.

“What brings you to the Republic of Ashtistan?”

“I came at the behest of Duke. How should I put it—sort of a trip.”

“Hmm, in that case, I am pleased. There are few sights as beautiful as Shizuya in the Kien Empire or the Republic of Patalia. That said, it pains my heart to hear that you nearly ruined your pleasant trip due to some ‘undesirable commotion.'”

‘Undesirable commotion’—what a peculiar phrase.

Chairman Jandhar firmly drew the line here. He outright stated that the demands for a bribe had nothing to do with the Security Committee. He knew it was not appropriate to say it so openly but meant to convey that it was unintentional.

This meant that the bribe solicitation was a personal transgression of an employee and that they were not in a position to offer any recompense.

Even if it might be an overinterpretation, that was the essence of it. Euphemisms aren’t exclusive to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The tongues of the high-ranking intelligence officers are remarkably long and smooth once they reach those levels.

Chairman Jandhar exhaled a sigh, feigning lamentation.

“To be candid, that public servant has already faced disciplinary action and was demoted. Yet, it is still embarrassing to learn that he approached you again, coercing you to leave the country.”

“Hmm…?”

I let out a sound of disbelief, my expression proclaiming my skepticism. Of course, my expression was, at best, thoughtful.

After all, I didn’t want any compensation. There was nothing I could demand from them, nor did the Security Committee really have anything they could offer me in return.

The moment the guy trying to take a bribe had a bullet lodged in his back, my negative relationship with the Security Committee was effectively settled.

That fact was something everyone present shared, even Camila, who was nibbling on dates nearby.

The issue lay in why the oversight department of the Security Committee, well aware of this, had summoned me all the way here.

“I appreciate your empathy towards my plight. But what do you mean by misunderstanding?”

“Regarding this letter. Did you write it yourself, Colonel Frederick?”

Chairman Jandhar unfolded the neatly folded envelope. It was the letter of complaint I had submitted to the Security Committee.

Upon seeing the letter, I immediately grasped what the committee was worried about.

“No, I did not write it myself. Had I known Ashtistani, I would have written it, but regrettably, I only know enough for simple greetings.”

“So then?”

“It was Camila who wrote it for me.”

“…Huh?”

Camila, who had been diligently munching on sweets, blinked her wide eyes between us, seemingly asking ‘Did you call for me?’

Chairman Jandhar directed his gaze toward Camila and then asked her in Ashtistani, not Kienese.

“Is the writer of this letter possibly Ms. Lowell?”

“Yes. That was me.”

“Oh, that explains the handwriting—it seemed quite feminine.”

He donned a subtly strained smile that felt a little forced.

It was a fleeting moment, but I could read that emotion on Jandhar’s face. And I realized.

The fact that Camila had noted the personal misdeeds of a Security Committee employee wasn’t exactly good news for the oversight committee either. It meant there was a witness.

If a normal Ashtistani resident had witnessed the incident, the oversight committee could have easily silenced the matter. After all, the power of the Security Committee was so formidable that even the workers in the outer palace of Azadi would tremble at their might.

But should a foreigner, especially one like Camila, who is the esteemed disciple of Alexandra Petrovna could meet with the Duke or the Priest, the narrative profoundly changed.

The Security Committee couldn’t easily control her, and silencing her was simply off the table.

I observed her intently. Perhaps sensing something from my gaze, Camila gulped down her tea and treats in one go and slightly raised her hand.

“Should I get out of the way?”

“If you wish, go ahead.”

It was as if Jandhar had been waiting for her to say that, and he brightly smiled. He even tasked one of his secretaries to escort Camila out of the office.

Immediately after Camila exited the room,

I found myself able to continue the conversation with Chairman Jandhar in a significantly more relaxed atmosphere.

“The pantry of the Security Committee might be empty today.”

“Aha. The enjoyment of our guests brings our greatest happiness.”

He accepted my comment lightly, replying in a leisurely tone.

With no one else present in the room, we began to earnestly clear up any misunderstandings.

“I suppose you must be feeling quite disheartened regarding our public servant’s misconduct. As this is a personal act, there can be no punishment beyond confronting the employee for responsibility. Nevertheless, I would like to make a personal promise to offer some recompense to both you and Ms. Lowell if that’s alright?”

“You needn’t go out of your way….”

I responded as though I wouldn’t reject goodwill.

Chairman Jandhar beamed brightly, declaring it a most welcome sentiment.

With a polite demeanor, the Chairman of the Oversight Committee cautiously proposed, and I pondered his suggestion with humility. True to his word, it felt like a small token of consideration.

“I’ve heard that some other distinguished guests will be visiting Shizuya in a few days. While you are in Ashtistan, we will assure that there won’t be a repeat of today’s unfortunate disturbance for you and these upcoming guests.”

He was suggesting they would take it upon themselves to ensure no flies would be bothering my visit.

This meant the Security Committee would eliminate potential issues that could arise throughout the hosting and stay.

“I truly appreciate your kind offer.”

Jandhar smiled, indicating that there was no need for thanks.

“It’s simply a small token of gratitude. It is only right that a benevolent divine being looks after the just when they extend a hand to those in distress.”

I replied with a chuckle.

“I merely wanted to avoid ruining a peaceful journey.”

Chairman Jandhar nodded knowingly and responded accordingly.

“There is no one in this world who loves peace who is a bad person.”

He placed the letter envelope into a shredder. Then, with a bright smile and a calm voice, he said to me,

“May divine grace accompany your joyful journey.”

—

My conversation with Chairman Jandhar stretched into the early hours of the morning.

As I headed back to the hotel, I slowly considered the discussions we had.

Initially, Jandhar constructed a clear boundary and,

“This unfortunate incident was a personal deviation on the part of the employee, who has already been disciplined and demoted. Yet he still came bothering you…”

“Anyway, we don’t know anything about it. Hehe, sorry!”

Following that, personal compensation was promised.

“I think the employee might be quite troubled because of this incident. Soon, foreign guests will arrive, so I’ll make sure nothing like this happens again.”

“But I bet you were shocked. It’s a big deal if these issues arise again just as your group is coming, so we’ll take care of it. So, just let this incident slide.”

I replied that I understood, saying, “I truly appreciate that.”

“Just do it that way.”

Jandhar was visibly pleased.

“It’s a small reward, but please accept it.”

“Thanks to one troublesome idiot, I almost had a headache, but I could deal with it quietly because of you. Thanks for reporting it, and just be careful so no more issues arise.”

In response, I mentioned my trip.

“I didn’t want to spoil my mood while traveling.”

“Don’t worry about that. Just handle it properly.”

He also replied to enjoy the trip.

“May the Earth God accompany you on your joyful journey.”

I lay back on the hotel bed, gazing fixedly at the business card given to me by the Head of the Oversight Committee, with “Jandhar” written on it.

And I concluded.

“…Hmm. What a mess.”

It was a prosperous year.

*

“Did you say it was just a polite remark?”

“Yes.”

There were reasonable grounds for judging Jandhar’s claims as nonsense.

About three, to be precise.

“What made you think that way?”

“Various things, but the biggest reason is definitely that he’s affiliated with the Oversight Committee.”

The inspector who introduced himself as “Jandhar” was an Information Officer of the Republic of Ashtistan, belonging to the Oversight Committee.

“The Oversight Committee handles security and counter-espionage as a preliminary information agency. It means they’re a counterintelligence agency. Conversely, I’m a public servant from an enemy nation. Would a senior officer in the counterintelligence agency show kindness to a public officer of an opposing country? Common sense suggests that’s utter nonsense.”

Essentially, it’s commonplace for intelligence and counterintelligence agencies to stab each other in the back.

While a company doesn’t stab its own employees in the back, scamming foreigners is everyday business.

But a high-ranking officer in a hostile country’s counterintelligence agency is giving me a break with just a troublesome incident?

I would much rather believe Joaquin’s declaration of “I’m quitting marijuana starting today!” or Veronica’s announcement of “I quit smoking!” thousands of times over.

“If a drug addict quits drugs, that’s one thing, but the likelihood that counterintelligence officers would show favor to me or ensure my convenience is 0.01%.”

Camila, sitting on the sofa, turned around with a puzzled expression.

“So you’re saying they’ve deceived Frederick? That would mean it’s active counterintelligence?”

“Probably.”

I began listing the reasons why Jandhar’s claims were nonsense.

“The counterintelligence agency deals with both allies and foes indiscriminately. Just look at how the FBI or SS (officially MI5) follows and taps the intelligence officers of allied nations working in Washington and London.”

“I’ve heard from a senior colleague in MI5 that French and Israeli intelligence agencies are often wary. Though that’s a side note which refers to the Cold War period.”

“Those Tel Aviv folks are still getting scoped out. America, the UK, France, Germany, Norway… they’re all just friends who get scammed.”

And Abas-Ashtistan is a hostile state comparable to the US-Iran situation.

“Even allies get into conflicts with one another, so what do you think happens with enemy nations? Have you ever heard of the Revolutionary Guard not keeping an eye on CIA or Mossad agents?”

Camila shook her head, resting her cheeks on the back of the sofa.

“I’ve seen articles saying that they’ve executed Mossad agents working in Isfahan, but I’ve never heard of such news.”

“The Oversight Committee is no different. They have no reason to overlook Defense Attaché Abas.”

Of course, that wasn’t the only thing.

I had additional logical grounds.

“Camila. Do you remember what we heard from the Head of the Oversight Committee?”

“About our conversation? Yes, I still haven’t forgotten.”

“Did you find anything odd during that time?”

“Odd, you say… oh!”

After some contemplation, Camila let out a small gasp.

“Now that you mention it, the employee who requested a bribe at Azadi Palace was said to have already received discipline. He was demoted….”

Right.

The Head of the Oversight Committee said that the money-grubbing employee had already faced discipline.

He wasn’t shot by an inspector when things got out of hand; in fact, even from when he came to demand my departure, he had already been demoted.

What does this mean?

“The oversight was already aware. They knew that guy had requested a bribe from me.”

“Were you aware?”

“About as much as one could guess.”

“Since when?”

“Since he was ranting about my departure. I wondered if the oversight got involved, and that’s why he was throwing a fit at me.”

When he yelled at me to get lost from Ashtistan, I was immediately suspicious about the Oversight Committee’s counterintelligence activities and the employee’s misconduct.

However, demanding an immediate departure seemed too clumsy for a counterintelligence operation at the Oversight Committee. Most of all, his hostile attitude toward me raised my suspicions.

Thus, I thought he was taking his frustrations out on me after facing some kind of disciplinary action.

Thereafter, when the bullet found its way into the back of his head, and the explanation flowed from the Head of the Oversight Committee’s mouth, I became assured—twice over—that my speculation was correct.

“A significant disciplinary action like demotion cannot be enacted by just a department head or a lower commander. It requires obvious evidence of severe misconduct by the oversight for it to be decided by a disciplinary committee or to have an order from the agency head.”

“…So, that means the oversight investigation is already over? Since a disciplinary action has already happened.”

“Yes. Our internal matter must have concluded well before we met that person again.”

“Hmm…!”

At this point, Camila began to wear a serious expression.

The Oversight Committee was aware of the employee’s misconduct. They knew BEFORE the second incident and the reports came in.

“They were aware even before reporting it. That’s why they demoted him, and with this second incident, they cleaned house. Since when were they aware of this, I wonder? What was the timing?”

Well, I can’t say for sure, but I suspect it was on the day I entered Ashtistan.

When the security officer threatened me, there were plenty of people looking on.

If one of them tipped off the oversight, then the bribe-seeker, his minions trailing after him, and the foreign palace officials who witnessed it all would have likely been investigated by the Oversight Committee.

“Getting the investigation wrapped up and disciplinary actions taken in a day or two is a bit surprising, but the guy probably came for revenge since he was infuriated by that matter. A bit more investigation might be required, but… for now, I think this hypothesis is the most plausible.”

After reviewing the hypothesis, Camila presented a new argument.

“What if the Oversight was setting a trap as part of active counterintelligence?”

I shook my head, categorically denying it.

“There’s no way they’d take out a staff member’s back because they’re unsure whether or not someone is a foreign spy. Even the North Koreans wouldn’t do that.”

“Maybe I’ve watched too many movies. Then how about this? While the employee’s corruption was his own doing, they could have used that as an opportunity to monitor you, Frederick.”

“That one is at least plausible.”

The screw-up of an employee who couldn’t keep their head on straight was discarded, and the oversight was looking for a chance to spy on me at the same time.

That argument was very convincing.

In fact, it was quite similar to what I was thinking.

I pulled the terminal closer and opened my mouth.

“The counterintelligence agencies in Ashtistan, including the Oversight Committee and the Law Enforcement Corps, are not very eager about active counterintelligence. That’s the kind of stuff they do in imperial intelligence agencies like the Imperial Guard HQ. They wouldn’t even dream of it in Shizuya.”

“What do you mean by that?”

“It means the counterintelligence agency here can’t implant moles in the enemy intelligence sector, luring spies with reasonable bait and misdirecting them with false information.”

To be precise, it was closer to saying they ‘couldn’t do that.’

Active counterintelligence requires excellent intelligence capabilities, strategic agency planning, and the expertise of veteran investigators.

Those sorts of actions are typically carried out by advanced counterintelligence agencies like the Imperial Guard HQ or the Inquisition.

Instead,

“But Ashtistan’s counterintelligence agencies perform traditional counterintelligence activities well. They might not mingle with foreign agencies overseas, but they’re good at catching spies that creep in from outside.”

“Passive counterintelligence?”

“Exactly. Passive counterintelligence.”

That’s what it came down to.

I displayed a document I retrieved from the database on the screen.

“Look at this.”

“What is it?”

“Jandhar’s personnel record card.”

As Camila scrutinized the data closely, she tilted her head in confusion.

“His face looks the same, but… the name says otherwise?”

“That’s because it’s an alias. His real name is not Jandhar, but ‘Ali Rashid.'”

I pointed at the inspector in the document, ‘Ali Rashid,’ who had used the alias ‘Jandhar.’

Every time I scrolled down, countless faces appeared, starting with ‘Jandhar’ to the ‘Accountant’ and ‘Driver’ and so on.

Camila studied the documents with a serious look as she turned her gaze to me.

“So, his self-introduction was filled with lies.”

“Well, in domestic affairs, there are many cases where fake identities are used.”

I flicked the disguise business card marked with ‘Jandhar’ with my finger.

The paper piece, which spun round and round, soon began to descend helplessly. Leaving the crumpled card on the floor behind, I propped my head with my hands on the desk.

“Those folks, I bet they will definitely start monitoring me today or tomorrow.”

So far, there hadn’t been any issues.

Maybe it was because the identity of a Duke’s companion was a stumbling block, but I hadn’t detected any surveillance, tailing, or tapping. Just before my departure, the equipment I packed for counter-surveillance seemed like a waste of my time.

However, those days were now over.

“The ‘reward’ that these guys mentioned, we’ll see whether it’s protection or surveillance.”

“…Did you approve, knowing that?”

I shrugged my shoulders dismissively.

Camila shook her head and sighed deeply.

“You really are something.”

“It’s slander.”

“Typically, the insane think they are normal.”

“At least that’s better than someone who eats like an elephant but firmly believes they’re of normal weight.”

“Shut it, Frederick.”

At that prickly reply, I couldn’t help but smirk and mutter.

“By the way, I’m a bit curious about this.”

“What is it?”

“The people who will be monitoring me.”

I stared intently at the intelligence documents compiled by the Military Intelligence Agency, adding,

“Will the Oversight Committee mark me? Or…?”

Names.

– Ali Rashid.

Gender.

– Male.

Age.

– 48 years old.

Affiliation and Position.

– Head of Oversight, Oversight Committee’s investigative unit, Republic of Ashtistan.

Family Relation.

– Single.

Work Experience.

– 11 years with the Law Enforcement Corps as a Major, retired (Investigation Unit Leader of Information Security Agency / Special Operations Team Leader for Indra-Indra / Company Commander of the 41st Tariq Division etc.)

Special Notes.

– Awarded the Military Medal twice during his service as a Company Commander in the Zurban region.

– While Team Leader of Special Operations of the Law Enforcement Corps, commanded pro-Ashtistan militia overseas.

– Planned and initiated SVBIED (vehicle-borne suicide attacks), shootings, and sorcery terrorism against Western embassies in Abas, Patalia, and Lushan.

– Served as the Investigation Unit Leader for riot and protest suppression, after which he moved to the Oversight Committee.

*

As expected, the surveillance by Ashtistan’s counterintelligence agencies began immediately.

After a brief outing and returning, I found listening devices installed all around my hotel room, a suspicious mustached man lounging in the lobby, and even discovered tapping devices sewn into my tailored suit that I had given for laundry.

“Ah, these guys are really something. I can’t believe they’ve opened up my precious jacket like this….”

The nefarious clerks of the wicked desert seemed to have eagerly anticipated this moment and launched ruthless surveillance.

Of course, having gone through experiences with China and Russia, for me, this felt like a light joke. Nevertheless, seeing my beloved suit (custom-made, mind you) entirely torn apart made my temper boil.

Camila felt similarly.

She gazed at me as I tenderly touched my suit, as if she found it absurd.

“Is the ruined suit really that big of a deal? The listening devices are a bigger issue.”

“No, if you’re going to do it, at least do it right! The stitching on the left sleeve and the right sleeve is different! How am I supposed to wear this!”

“…This is unbelievable.”

Aaaah! I began to wail dramatically, clutching the ruined suit as I sprawled on the bed.

Look at what these jerks did to my clothes. They sewed them up unevenly!

This was an atrocious crime against humanity. I swear to the heavens, I have never witnessed such a heinous act in my life.

“I should’ve seen it coming from the moment I sold my soul. Damn it….”

“Stop saying weird things! Please just think about how you’re going to deal with this!”

Camila snapped as she yanked the ruined suit away from me, shouting.

With an even more glum expression, I slumped down and replied.

“What can I do? Even if I get rid of the listening devices, they’ll just re-install them.”

“Are you really just going to live like this? Seriously?”

“Feigning ignorance is one approach.”

If I start acting against the surveillance, the counterintelligence agency will definitely pick up on it. If listening devices suddenly disappear one day, they’ll know “Oh, he caught on to the surveillance.”

So it was crucial to assess how closely the counterintelligence was keeping watch over me and what extent they were monitoring me.

In other words,

“I could deliberately leak incorrect information or intentionally disperse worthless information within the scope of their surveillance. Given that, we might be able to lure them in the direction we want.”

It means risking being bait to lead the Ashtistan information agency by the nose.

Thus, I reached an agreement with Camila.

“So for now, it’s best for us to be cautious. We should only converse in secured locations where counter-surveillance measures are in place, and try to keep our conversations to a minimum in unsafe locations.”

“Sure. Should I look for other secure places?”

“If you can, do that. Just be careful not to draw too much attention.”

“Okay.”

With that, we became anglers trying to hook the fish that was Ashtistan.

However, what we hadn’t anticipated was that.

“…Oh ho.”

An old man, who came with a friend for recuperation, had a sharper sense than we expected.

“Looks like they had some fun pranking the hotel.”

On the 5th day of entering Ashtistan, the situation began to flow in an unexpected direction for both us and the information agency of the Republic of Ashtistan.

 

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