---

The grandfather clock in the lobby struck eighteen times to announce dinner.

The wide hallway leading to the elevator appeared endlessly narrow, lined with doors casting shadows to the left and right. The firmly closed door was secured with three bolts, its lips pressed together in staunch defiance.

Zigmund leaned against the wall, surveying the room.

The impeccably arranged guest room was so clean that a cleaning staff from that floor might have commented, “Must be a family trip; they left everything in perfect order.”

Certainly, it wasn’t like he was overly concerned about the opinion of a hotel cleaner, but due to both profession and circumstance, tidiness was crucial for him.

“Have the family arrived?”

—”No, Mr. Dryman.”

“I’m sorry to trouble you again. I’m just so worried.”

—”Haha. I understand that concern. I’ll notify you as soon as the madam and her daughters enter the lobby.”

“…Thank you.”

The caution that had persisted since wartime remained even after all these years.

After the desk staff hung up the receiver, Zigmund gently set the room phone down, placing a finger at the corner of his lips.

“…….”

Helen and the two daughters had vanished. It happened while he was momentarily away to meet with the Imperial Guard HQ, and the cause was a shooting that erupted in the park.

When the first shot rang out, Zigmund was on high alert for an assassination.

The contact designated by the Guard HQ had been apprehended a week prior. Seven days might seem too short for the Information Agency to pinpoint his whereabouts, but it was more than enough time for the contact to have spilled the beans.

If the captured diplomat had revealed information earlier than expected, it would logically mean that the shot was aimed at Zigmund.

However, despite the Agency’s field agents hiding all around the park, he remained unharmed. Not even a single fluffy hair was out of place.

Was it an accident? Or was it terrorism?

Perhaps someone tailing him made an accidental blunder. But he knew better than anyone that such hypotheticals held no weight.

After sorting through the chaos in his mind, Zigmund began recalling the urgencies he had shared with Helen.

“Listen carefully. We’ll be leaving Abas tomorrow. Gather everything you can.”

“Why are you saying this all of a sudden?”

“I’ll explain later. Just remember that we’re going into exile. Memorize what’s written in this notebook. It’s mainly filled with things you’ll need. Don’t show it to anyone, and if someone tries to forcibly take it, throw it anywhere—into a fountain or a water bottle. The paper is designed to dissolve upon contact with water.”

“…Is this related to what you do?”

“Helen.”

“…….”

“Don’t worry. Even if we get separated along the way, I’ll find you and the kids. I swear.”

He had shared everything he could.

How to act if being followed, how to relay news if communication was cut off, and how to cautiously procure supplies and meals.

And now, several hours later, there had been no word from Helen.

“Ugh… What if she forgot?”

That was unlikely. Helen was the sharpest person he knew and hadn’t taken her eyes off the notebook during their journey to Shizuya. There was no way she would forget the important things he had stressed repeatedly.

*Ding dong!*

The doorbell suddenly shattered the silence.

—

**Episode 20 – Who Threatened with a Knife?**

The orange sun descending by the lakeshore tickled the back of my hand.

Once a thriving civilization with a rich history, the city was wilting like a fading petal. Fall was beautifully waning on the hills that had crumbled under the weight of glory and prosperity.

“Hello, Aunt.”

The woman leaning against the window spoke in a languid tone. Enraptured by the warm atmosphere, her voice was irresistibly soft.

—”It’s nice to hear your voice. How’s the weather today?”

“It’s clear.”

—”Really? That’s a relief.”

Like the savory aroma that permeated the kitchen, Aunt’s voice seemed to carry warmth and kindness.

“Is Uncle home?”

—”Yes. Should I pass you over?”

“Yes, please.”

—”Just a moment.”

Upon hearing the response from the other side of the receiver, the woman leaned back against the window.

A small sigh escaped her, and her previously hazy eyes suddenly sharpened with clarity after a blink.

As she returned to the heart of the hotel room, the woman began counting in her head. One second, two seconds, three seconds.

—”Oh, it’s already time.”

Just as a deep voice came through the receiver, confirming that the communication network was connected right on cue, the woman responded eagerly.

“Nice to meet you, Uncle.”

—”It’s been 12 hours, Ekaterina Andreyevna, Manager. Let’s start with the delayed reports.”

“Sure.”

Ekaterina, the head of the Investigation Division of the Imperial Guard HQ, reported the progress she had neatly organized in documents to the Director.

“The recovery of the Domoboy is ongoing as scheduled. We completed the first contact at Timarsakh Park today at 1 PM and delivered the operational funds. While we haven’t secured the gift yet, we’ve provided the Domoboy with emergency contact lines, transport, and disguise IDs.”

About a week ago, on the orders of the Director, Ekaterina was deployed to Ashtistan along with her colleague, and today she had a meeting with Zigmund.

During the meeting, she and Zigmund roughly settled the upcoming schedule, response plans for emergencies, and post-exile strategies. Then a few hours ago, she returned to the hotel to submit her report to the Guard HQ.

With the help of fellow members, they had established a base in the center of Shizuya.

After reviewing the report, the Director began to pose more detailed questions.

—”Sounds like there was some disagreement between you and Domoboy. He refused to move the accommodations to our side?”

“I proposed it according to the prearranged plan, but Domoboy flatly rejected it. Despite my repeated attempts to persuade him, he remained stubborn.”

—”Is he still using the hotel he was originally staying in?”

“Currently, Domoboy is still at the hotel he contracted, but he will be relocating today. I just confirmed that he checked out over the internal phone.”

Director Ilya changed the subject in a laid-back manner, asking a seemingly trivial question.

—”Do you think this will be resolved easily?”

To this, Ekaterina shook her head as if there was no need for thought.

“Honestly, not at all.”

Zigmund, the Imperial Guard HQ’s double agent, was on the run due to his identity being exposed.

From the moment the contact person was apprehended by the Royal Intelligence Department, it was merely a matter of time before his status as a spy became known, and it was possible the Abas information agents had already figured everything out and were hunting Zigmund.

The most logical choice for Zigmund was to entrust everything to the Imperial Guard HQ.

The Guard HQ was the only agency that could protect him from the agents sent by the Royal Intelligence Department.

However, Zigmund had vehemently declined Ekaterina’s proposal. Instead of trusting his life and wealth to the Kien Empire right now, it seemed he was determined to risk everything, attempting the gamble of a lifetime just before the Abas Kingdom’s knife grazed his throat.

The reason was simple.

A lack of trust.

“Domoboy doesn’t trust us.”

—”Spies are naturally suspicious of everything. Those fleeing will be cautious of everyone approaching. So, how tightly packed do you think the innermost doubts of a fleeing double agent would be?”

Naturally, it made sense for Domoboy to suspect them, especially after the loss of the designated contact.

Even the analysts at the headquarters speculated that Domoboy could have concluded that he had been betrayed by the Guard HQ. The series of events, starting from the capture of the contact, leading to his flight to a third country, could easily raise suspicions of intentional design from the Guard HQ.

Unless they were crazy, there was no way the Information Agency would eliminate a functioning double agent. But when one looks into a mirror, the reflection often gazes back at the owner, doesn’t it?

Over the years, the Guard HQ had turned many spies from various countries. Ranging from the ordinary turncoats to legendary figures.

Yet among those, a significant number had their identities exposed. An official of the Guard HQ who defected to a foreign intelligence agency had handed over a list—the intelligence officer who defected to the enemy country had leaked the reports of the double agents.

This resulted from failures in internal controls and source protection, and the Guard HQ had lost countless double agents as a price.

And Zigmund was a double agent for the Guard HQ while also serving as the Chief of Intelligence for the Royal Intelligence Department.

Zigmund knew better than anyone that the Royal Intelligence Department didn’t let traitors off the hook.

Similarly, when his identity was revealed, he was acutely aware that even a minor mistake from the Guard HQ would result in a bloodbath of sharks drawn by the scent of blood.

Director Ilya stated,

—”Considering Domoboy’s unstable mental state, he must have witnessed how Abas handles traitors during his tenure as the Chief of Intelligence. Bringing his family adds pressure as well.”

“For now, I’ll attach a tracking label and observe. If I get too close, it might ruin the relationship entirely.”

—”When do you plan to start looking for the gift again?”

“It seems he’s already begun. There are indications he withdrew funds from an overseas account five days ago for operational expenses. For reference, the account was opened eight years ago by the Finance Department, but the specific details have been attached to the report.”

—”Good news then. Were there any other requests?”

“He requested for his family’s safety to be prioritized. There are three individuals related to Domoboy, and their details are…”

While she continued reporting, Director Ilya abruptly interrupted her.

—”We’ll discuss that later. Anything else?”

“…….”

Ekaterina quickly grasped the Director’s intent. Ilya wasn’t concerned about Domoboy’s family. To put it directly, he was disinterested in bringing them to the Empire.

Of course, it could also be an overinterpretation. High-ranking intelligence officials like the Director valued their minutes and seconds and might prefer to focus on the double agent rather than civilians.

However, words ultimately come from people’s mouths. After all, intelligence agencies are made up of humans.

“The only request made during the first contact was for financial support. No other demands were made.”

Recognizing the hint, Ekaterina smoothly transitioned to the next topic.

—”Let’s talk about the incident. There was a shooting incident, correct?”

“There were about 13 shots fired during our meeting at Timarsakh Park. The local police suspect it was terrorism committed by extremists from the Al-Yadiv sect or anti-republic guerrillas.”

Ekaterina elaborated, holding the intelligence document.

“According to intelligence gathered with the assistance of the six domestic departments, there were no casualties. While the local security forces are firm in claiming it was terrorism, the Ashtistan Republic has found no concrete evidence to pinpoint the perpetrators. It seems like a fabricated press release intended to turn the tides of the politically shaking situation, following a string of incidents both domestically and internationally.”

—”Friends of Shizuya will have a predictable response. What do you think?”

The Director questioned.

—”Do you think it’s mere coincidence?”

Ekaterina answered promptly.

“It wouldn’t be a coincidence.”

Whether it was terrorism or an accident, it certainly didn’t seem coincidental. That thought lingered strongly.

The Director seemed to weigh in on her perspective.

—”You were the one who noticed the signs of the aide who defected to Abas last year, so I trust your judgment. But the key lies in context, not just in finding the correct answer.”

“…….”

—”The fact remains that both you and Domoboy were in Timarsakh Park. Our friends in the desert can sometimes be overly imaginative and might resort to absurd acts. So, you must remember not to give Shizuya any chance to interfere.”

This meant ensuring that the Ashtistan Republic remained oblivious to this operation. It also indicated the desire to keep Domoboy’s existence concealed.

This was entirely reasonable. Projects conducted in a third country require the approval of that nation. While allied countries are generally cooperative, there is still a price to be paid for that assistance.

If the Information Agency of the Ashtistan Republic caught wind of Domoboy’s existence, they would inevitably demand intelligence in return. They might ask for an opportunity to interrogate him before taking him to the Empire or request that useful information be shared…

The moment the proposal was rejected, the Ashtistan Information Agency would turn into bandits, driving Ekaterina away.

And Zigmund would end up dragged not to the Imperial Guard HQ, but to the interrogation room of the Law Enforcement Corps instead.

—”If they catch even a whiff of something they can exploit, they’ll pounce like there’s no tomorrow… Once again, they’ll try to take a tiny nibble out of what we’ve painstakingly prepared.”

A sigh came through the receiver. It was evident that the Director was tired of stating the obvious.

Time and again, he stressed that they must not give the Ashtistan Republic any opportunities to interfere. Since Ekaterina was equally unwilling to see the carefully laid feast snatched away by others, she confirmed her understanding.

—

The guest room, divided into bedroom, bathroom, and living room, was a space provided by a hotel owned by the Empire, aimed at business travelers visiting Shizuya.

Considering the local culture deeply rooted in the customs of hospitality, the living room could also serve as a small reception area, allowing for long meetings at the main table.

After finishing her report, Ekaterina swung open the door leading to the living room.

“Regular report complete.”

“Ah, good work, Ekaterina.”

An Ashtistani Kien person welcomed her casually. They were colleagues who had worked together since their time in the first department and training school.

“The Director wants you to come quietly. Kiril, put down whatever you’re doing and gather everyone.”

“Got it.”

Electronic and communication devices housed in hardware blinked, the neatly organized wires resembling vines trailing off.

The communication equipment occupying various places in the living room was connected by wires extending to the main table. The devices emitted cold lights, noise, and heat, while the temperature control device was working to simultaneously manage both humans and heat.

However, to the Kien people strolling around in short sleeves, a weather of around minus 30 degrees wasn’t cold at all.

“Everyone, let’s focus.”

The staff, gathered around the main table tapping on their devices, turned their attention to Ekaterina. Counting her, there were five in total.

There were herself from the first department, Kiril responsible for communications and translations, and the other three were staff members from the sixth department handling support work. Communication, security, logistics, finance, and intelligence, among others. For reference, they were all individuals who had originally worked overseas.

“Let’s conduct a mid-term assessment. First, Domoboy’s status.”

Ekaterina sat down in front of the communication device, hands tucked into her pockets, and met the gaze of the sixth department support officer.

“He hasn’t moved from the hotel. The final signal was caught there.”

The sixth department support officer rolled up his shirt sleeves to his wrists, pointing at the device screen.

“Fifteen minutes ago, he spoke with the desk staff using the hotel phone, and about nine minutes ago, he made a reservation at the spa.”

“Weren’t they supposed to check out today? Why the sudden spa reservation?”

“It seems the duration of stay has been extended until tomorrow. It looks like he’s not relocating yet, given the unclear whereabouts of his family.”

The sixth department staff member handling information and communication had a unique first impression (he had once overheated while riding his motorcycle), but he certainly had the skills, despite appearing somewhat out of it.

As soon as they figured out his accommodation, they had arranged for a listening device to be placed in the hotel phone.

Having worked for the Royal Intelligence Department, Zigmund would be conscious of the fact that he was under surveillance.

In practice, he rarely used the hotel phone. He only employed it to order necessities for the room.

However, even if Zigmund was careful not to disclose sensitive information while being aware of the eavesdropping, it didn’t change the fact that the sixth department’s staff were eavesdropping on all his calls.

And it was Zigmund himself who was cautious of eavesdropping, not the hotel staff, right?

“We can confirm that there have been 51 instances of contact via the internal line, tightening the net around Domoboy over the past week. While the hotel staff isn’t aware of the specific destinations, he has requested taxis verbally several times. Including the spa reservation.”

“The staff must have discussed that over the internal phone.”

Zigmund had some idea of where he had gone by taxi. Presumably, he was going to meet his own information agents, considering he had mentioned that he was looking for the gift.

Ekaterina considered the taxi drivers who had ferried Zigmund around, along with the hotel…

Shizuya slowly filled the situation board with the paths leading into every corner.

“Other than the guest room phone, there’s been no communication, right?”

“So far, that’s the case. At least from what we’ve found out, the Domoboy hasn’t used wireless communications since those are easy to eavesdrop on.”

Wireless communication is already insecure on its own, but more crucially, this is Ashtistan.

There are two telecommunications companies in the Republic of Ashtistan, both of which are state-owned and actively cooperate with various local security agencies for interceptions and eavesdropping activities.

Thus, after arriving in Shizuya, Zigmund first borrowed a landline to arrange a meetup with the Imperial Guard HQ.

Restaurants, vegetable shops, supermarkets, subways, public phone booths, etc.

“Public phones can be eavesdropped on if someone really wanted to, you know. Back home, we would tap every public phone and set up relays to intercept them, but here in Shizuya, that’s a fairy tale. We’re short on manpower, let alone the budget to maintain eavesdropping equipment… Realistically, constant monitoring isn’t feasible.”

Even if the face was unfamiliar, just slipping a bit of cash would get you a phone.

Especially in a place like Ashtistan, where people are struggling to make ends meet, it’s even more so true for someone like the information officer who deals with people regularly.

Zigmund exploited that loophole.

While he drummed his fingers monotonously on the keyboard lamenting about the realities of the Ashtistan security agencies, Ekaterina, looking at the support staff from the 6th Department, continued.

“What’s the chance that the Domoboy will use a mobile phone?”

“Um… it’s not completely impossible, but highly unlikely. He could find a burner phone or a prepaid phone on the market. But those have no encryption, so that’s a problem, problem. The police would catch him with those.”

“So if, by any chance, the Domoboy starts using a mobile phone, is there a way for us to eavesdrop without local authorities’ help?”

“There are plenty of ways. The cleanest would be a cloned phone?”

Ekaterina suggested making a cloned phone. Just in case Zigmund ends up using a mobile phone later.

Then the 6th Department staff member said,

“Are you kidding me…?”

Are you out of your mind, Investigator?

“No, what’s he, some academy student? If he rings his phone and adds some magic to it, sticking shiny stickers all over like he’s taking care of a holy relic? If he realizes he’s being eavesdropped on, he’ll just grab a can or make multiple phones in advance to switch around. That’s obvious!”

“We could just make several, right?”

“And you need to extract the serial number to clone a phone, which requires simultaneous calls. Otherwise, there’d be a record that might give us away. To do this without people, we’d have to bring equipment from HQ, but until then, we’ll need to pick up calls one by one by hand.”

“Then wouldn’t it be fine?”

“Am I supposed to be excused from that?”

“That’s impossible, right?”

“Ah.”

So, if that’s impossible, perhaps they should reconsider their lack of efforts. The secret of how ancient humans built the pyramids was finally revealed like this.

As his soul seemed to ascend from his gaping mouth, Kiril, Ekaterina’s colleague, lightly massaged the shoulder of the 6th Department support officer while throwing in a casual line.

“Oh, you must be having a tough time.”

Whether his colleague was half out of his mind or not, the other 6th Department staff members across the way stifled their laughter while organizing materials.

“Sandor. Didn’t you know a lot of people in the telecommunications company? Aren’t you friends with the security officer?”

“Yeah, that’s true, but….”

“Then hurry and ask! Treat it like you’re getting back the money you lent him last time.”

“Really, do I have to see that guy again…?”

Sandor, the 6th Department support officer, let out a long sigh and left the room.

“I’ll be back.”

“Remember to note down the translations and send them back to HQ. See you later, Kiril.”

Kiril, the 1st Department translator, set out for the field alongside the 6th Department’s Sandor.

If Zigmund ends up calling family, informants, or foreigners, Sandor, who works for the state-owned telecom company, would be a helpful ally.

Of course, the reverse would be equally true.

“The areas the Domoboy has called a taxi to include bookstores, libraries, tea houses, sports clubs, restaurants, and so on.”

The 6th Department support officer printed out the list he had typed and handed it over.

The murderous sun (everyone was wearing coats because it was cold) was throwing Sandor from the 6th Department outside, where his colleagues were teasing him.

Was it Giorgi?

“First, investigate the people he contacted here. Kiril and Sandor are off working on communications, so start with the others.”

“I can’t stick to his tail, though. I don’t know how to do shadow clones….”

Giorgi, with a strong southern accent, had no overlap with Sandor, who was also from the 6th Department. Aside from both being from the 6th Department, they differed completely in specialization and area of responsibility.

His assigned task was information support.

“I’ll gather some errand runners. If I offer them some cash, they’ll come crawling out.”

While Sandor handled tasks regarding communications and security, Giorgi provided information needed by Ekaterina.

Considering that informants dispatched overseas by the 2nd Department relied on the information network set up by the 6th Department, the information network Giorgi prepared could be trusted.

But he also said he didn’t know how well his informants would fare against Zigmund.

Ekaterina looked at the situation board, pondering for a while.

“I guess we’ll have to monitor the Domoboy directly. If it were family, that might be different.”

“Ah. Speaking of relatives, that shooting incident you mentioned. According to the report submitted to the Law Enforcement Corps, patrol members spotted a suspect in the park. A white woman. Someone speaking Kien, it seems?”

Ekaterina, pulling her gaze from the situation board, posed a question.

“How many imperials are currently residing in Ashtistan?”

“About 1,900. Excluding tourists and those who came for leisure, that should be the number of mid-to-long-term residents.”

“What about mixed-race individuals?”

“According to official statistics, around 7,000? But statistics mean nothing. Millions of Ashtistanis fled abroad when the revolution hit, and Kien isn’t even the first foreign language, right?”

Identifying people solely with Kien would be impossible.

Muttering internally, she requested Giorgi to “dig a few more holes.”

That means expanding the information network.

“Forgive me, but don’t you think focusing on the Domoboy is more prudent than terrorism?”

“Orders have come from above. Prevent Shizuya from getting involved.”

“Oh, if that’s the case, you should have mentioned it earlier.”

Giorgi smacked his forehead and nodded vigorously.

“It doesn’t matter if it’s the military, police, or judiciary. There are methods, right?”

“Of course. You might not believe it, but I have my fingers everywhere in Shizuya.”

“How long will you need?”

“A day. Considering my seniors have starts with the bureaucrats, I expect to find out quickly. We’ll work on the judiciary first.”

Sitting before the terminal, Giorgi quickly searched for officials he could recruit as informants.

The list of contacts the 6th Department had was long and detailed. Including records of loan defaults, credit ratings, and property holdings. It contained information rivaling that of ordinary banks.

Watching him, Ekaterina asked what list he was looking at.

Without taking his eyes off the screen, the 6th Department support officer pointed to his colleague from the other side.

“He made it. He’s apparently dug deep into the financial institutions.”

“A bank?”

“Hahaha….”

As Ekaterina’s gaze landed on him, the 6th Department support officer awkwardly smiled while scratching his cheek.

“It’s not just banks. There are differences among industries, but I know a few people in each sector. Lending, insurance, securities….”

As Ekaterina looked at the embarrassed 6th Department support officer, a thought suddenly crept into her mind from her colleague.

She was told there was a trainee assigned to the 6th Department who was expected to come from the Economic Department.

They had good grades and there weren’t many women in the Economic Department, so she’d definitely pass if she applied. Since they were both juniors from the same business department, she was fluttering with excitement over how she would be treated nicely once she arrived.

“Oksana.”

“Y-yes?”

The 6th Department support officer, Oksana, looked at her with a hopeful expression, wondering if she was about to assign her something.

“Research on the Ashtistan civil servants. How far can you go?”

“If it’s just looking inside their wallets, I can definitely manage with local financial institutions… But for back pockets, we won’t be able to check here. Especially for high-ranking officials working in the Law Enforcement Corps and military.”

That meant they’d have to go abroad.

It was somewhat expected. The rumors about high-ranking officials in the Law Enforcement Corps and Ashtistan’s military getting into money games have been circulating for 30 years.

The problem was that whether the money games happen overseas or domestically, as long as the funds aren’t washed clean, they’ll eventually be investigated by the Ashtistan financial authorities.

Thus, the military and the Law Enforcement Corps transferred all useful funds abroad—a tax haven. Only after these funds have passed the boundaries of legality and freshness, were they able to reinvest them back into Ashtistan.

“Of course, it’s difficult to ignore the cost aspect. You know how cash laundering isn’t free. It’s best to choose places where the tax rules are ridiculously lax, right? Preferably areas with fewer delivery mishaps.”

Ekaterina asked if she could investigate those funds too. The answer she received was “possible.”

Accessing the company network, Oksana displayed the banks and businesses primarily used by the military and Law Enforcement Corps officials from the Republic of Ashtistan.

“These are the places identified by foreign financial companies where the officials’ back pockets are located. The 1st Department’s Economic Counterintelligence Unit and 2nd Department’s Financial Information seniors have examined these under cover, and there are even companies operated directly from HQ.”

“Or they might be operated through one or two layers of proxies.”

“Huh? You knew?”

“I have an acquaintance in the Economic Division. I’ve supported missions there a few times.”

Moreover, plenty of financial companies run by foreign intelligence agencies operated within the Empire. These are firms established for the purpose of illegal transactions or providing operational funds.

While looking over the file Oksana showed her, intriguing names caught Ekaterina’s eye.

“Looks like there are also banks linked to the Kingdom of Abas here. There’s even a full-fledged company in the Abas territory?”

“Ah, that’s because the corporate tax rate there is incredibly low. Many large and small enterprises have ventured into those regions, making it easy to disguise.”

“But they’d all probably be just paper companies, right?”

“Gathering tiny bits can lead to a massive pile….”

That meant they’d need to save money to properly accumulate. It seemed illogical to pay taxes to an enemy country, but then again, the very act of laundering state money was already a sign of madness.

In any case…

No matter how much the generals of the Republic of Ashtistan had embezzled, it was something Ekaterina didn’t have to worry about. In fact, the more they embezzled, the better off she would be.

Off-the-books funds always serve as excellent leverage.

Especially when sourced from illegal channels.

“But do you think the officials will be swayed with this kind of intimidation?”

Oksana tilted her head with a puzzled expression.

In response, while examining the list, Ekaterina replied.

“If they don’t comply, we’ll have to freeze their accounts. After all, it’s clearly illegal. Fortunately, there are a few countries imposing sanctions against Ashtistan.”

Countries that impose sanctions against the Republic of Ashtistan would immediately investigate the banks with a little tip-off. For disregarding the government’s orders and defying economic sanctions, the law enforcement agencies would surely take action.

Governments that do not comply with sanctions might avoid getting their hands dirty directly, but as soon as international organizations start applying pressure, they’ll pretend they have no choice and freeze the accounts.

It was precisely this way.

The sanctions against the Republic of Ashtistan had generally gone through this procedure thus far.

How effective cutting off funding can be has been personally validated by the government of the Republic of Ashtistan over the last several decades. When the Empire’s Foreign Ministry pressed, even the generals had no choice but to comply.

“Alright! I’ve just secured an appointment!”

Giorgi, who had risen from the table, stretched luxuriously.

This was with the report that he had arranged a meeting with officials from the Ashtistan judiciary.

He muttered while rolling his shoulders.

“If I want to meet them all before today, I have to head out quickly.”

“Do you need anything?”

“Funding! Even with the 6th Department’s budget, it’s tight to buy everyone off….”

Sure, once a request for funding is made and approved, the money would eventually come through. The catch is that this process usually takes ages.

Giorgi informed Ekaterina that they were short on immediate funds to bring in the individuals she requested.

In response, Ekaterina handed Oksana a paper bag she had brought along.

“Use this to cover expenses. Show the undercover passport to the Republic’s bank, and they’ll give you the deposit.”

Inside the bag were deposits from banks in the Republic of Ashtistan along with fake identification documents. Oksana reviewed her fake passport and confirmed the locations of the banks and the amounts deposited.

Zero, one, two, three, four, five…

“…Eek?”

Oksana’s eyes widened as she began to tremble with disbelief.

It was a ridiculously large sum. As a support officer for the 6th Department handling financial operations and providing countless activity funds for the Imperial Guard HQ staff, she had never seen this much budget allocated for a short-term operation.

The problem was that the responsibility of sorting through this enormous budget, which likely covered more than ten accounts, fell on her shoulders.

“Are you seriously expecting me to handle all of this…?”

“Withdraw it.”

Thinking about dealing with the notoriously slow ‘Ashtistan banks’, Oksana already felt a sense of dread loom ahead.

When would she even finish this? Even just withdrawing would take forever, and then she’d have to move funds around to pay informants….

“…Am I doomed?”

“Yep.”

“…Shut it, Giorgi.”

While the 6th Department support officers were laughing and joking around, Ekaterina compiled the information and sent it to the Imperial Guard HQ headquarters.

Based on the information gathered through the taxi company, they would eavesdrop on Zigmund himself and on foreign citizens who had been in contact with him over the past week. For this task, Kiril from the 1st Department and Sandor from the 6th Department were headed off to meet with the security officer from the state-owned telecom company.

Based on the previously prepared list and information collected from financial institutions, they would recruit government officials from the Republic of Ashtistan. Giorgi from the 6th Department would carry out this operation with the help of Oksana.

The recruited government officials would monitor the movements of Ashtistan’s security agencies.

Whether they had caught on to Zigmund’s presence, and if so, which agency had realized it and how, etc.

If luck was on their side, they might even receive news about Abas’ information agents.

“…….”

After placing her cup down, Ekaterina gathered her outerwear after sending off the report.

“When Kiril returns, please have them send the reply to me.”

“Yes.”

Oksana jotted down her instructions in her notepad. Meanwhile, Giorgi tilted his head in confusion as he watched Ekaterina cover herself with a scarf.

“But where are you going? It’s night right now?”

“I’m going to see the Domoboy.”

No matter how much of a double agent she was, she couldn’t just leave him unattended like that.

“Keep following the Domoboy for a while. And if you notice anything suspicious at all….”

Ekaterina finished covering her face.

And she quietly added,

“According to the director’s orders, we’re halting operations and just focusing on bringing him back.”

*

Ding-dong, the doorbell abruptly broke the silence.

Zigmund, sipping barley tea from the kettle, tucked one hand behind his back as he stepped into the corridor.

“…Henya? Lucy? Is that you?”

His small query echoed hollowly, becoming a mere whisper to the void.

Zigmund glanced around the empty space for a while before spotting the unattended items left at the door.

A telephone.

And a small box.

 

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