A Dark Fantasy Spy

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An assassination incident occurred during an important event of the cult. An attempt using neurotoxin. It failed, but the impact was tremendous.

The cult and the Inquisition started to take a beating. Unofficially, letters demanding the resignation of Director Petrus piled up on the Pope’s desk. Consequently, the political base of Cardinal Raphael began to shake.

The Kien Empire expanded the state of emergency across the nation. While it was also to counter the fierce offensive of the demon race, given the political scandal rising to the surface, it seems the main purpose was a purge.

However, thanks to immediate measures, there were no fatalities and only one victim, so the incident wasn’t reported negatively. Instead, articles praising the swift response occasionally appeared.

I speculate that the Inquisition is censoring the media and a political agreement has been reached between foreign entities and the cult.

Of course, an assassination attempt is not something that can be quietly overlooked.

The Kingdom expelled several key personnel from the cult, and the Military Intelligence Agency brought several spies arrested within the kingdom to trial. The cult sent envoys to appease the kingdom, and the empire attempted contact through unofficial channels.

It’s a situation that’s hard to explain.

It feels as though forces are acting independently of us.

And I say,

“It’s a strange ceiling.”

Where on earth am I?

—

Episode 2 – Heroes of the Continent

When I came to, I was lying in bed.

It wasn’t a hospital room. It was more fitting to call it a hotel-like space.

Beside me was Camila Lowell, crying her eyes out. She held my hand tightly, sobbing.

Priestess Lucia returned to the room, leading people in white priest robes—healing priestesses and doctors.

I was examined all over as they guided me. Where the white light touched, the pain subsided. Amazing. I had seen something similar in a field hospital, but this healing method was truly astonishing.

As the pain faded, the doctor approached me with a syringe. Painkillers, he said. I gripped his wrist like I was about to break it, pushing him away.

If I got high on the medicine, I wouldn’t know what I might say. Security must be maintained. It was a sort of obsession, a habit of my profession.

The doctor, flinching at my strong resistance, agreed and left with a reminder to take complete rest.

With the pain gone and the tension eased, my body felt heavy.

Drowsiness washed over me.

I slowly closed my eyes.

—

Agents from the Information Agency moved me to the embassy.

After calling in a tight-lipped doctor for an examination, I received a diagnosis that I was completely healthy.

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

I came back to work about three days later, and had to deal with the mountain of overdue tasks.

I received a report on the investigation into the assassination, spread some sketches, issued wanted notices, read the psychological analysis report by Ekaterina, and ordered an investigation into the deceased operative before sending the report to the information office.

During that time, a good number of people came to see me.

Camila Lowell, the ambassador, Information Analyst, Priestess Lucia, Raul, Cardinal Raphael, and others. Among them were diplomats extending their condolences, journalists visiting for interviews, and officials from the Inquisition bringing investigative materials, bowing their heads in apology.

When one of them nearly banged their head on the floor, I was shocked and pulled them back up. I had to save that for later. I wouldn’t accept an apology just yet.

The Imperial Guard HQ’s Second Division delivered a bomb and shot a hidden dart; however, the bomb was received by a member of the cult. Nobody knows who detonated it. So, I’ll keep that tucked away in the cabinet for when I need to take out my tools.

I have no idea where Pippin and Jake have gone. When asked, they headed towards the cult headquarters, and I just hope nothing major happens.

As I filled my stomach with a tasteless hospital meal and gathered information through the news, a phone call came in.

“Yes, this is Major Frederick.”

– “Are you still alive?”

“I barely clung to life.”

It was the Colonel.

– “When I heard you were hit with neurotoxin, I thought you were a goner, but heaven must have helped you.”

“I apologize….”

– “It’s okay. What matters is that you’re alive.”

It’s common for people to die in the information agency. Especially in an era where human lives are worth less than a fly.

– “It’s similar to when the bomb went off in Mauritania.”

“Oh, the bomb was delivered to the embassy….”

– “To be precise, terrorists killed the guards and detonated the bomb.”

The world is a twisted place.

By the way, Mauritania is an alternative version of the Middle East positioned in the southern part of the continent. The game settings drew inspiration from the Middle East.

Dark fantasy’s Middle East—just imagining it is terrifying.

“By the way, why did you call me? Did something happen?”

– “Well… it’s somewhat similar. Saying I was late due to a meeting would be more appropriate.”

“There’s communication equipment in the Information Agency’s meeting room.”

– “It was a meeting of the Parliamentary Information Committee.”

“…The Information Committee meeting?”

The kingdom’s Parliament Information Committee. Similar to South Korea’s National Assembly Information Committee or the United States Senate Intelligence Committee.

What is a standing committee? It’s a group composed of members with specialized knowledge in the relevant field, functioning as a permanent institution.

Handling and managing the country’s organizations is the role of the king and the cabinet, but supervising and supporting that is the role of the Parliament.

There’s a separation of powers here too. The problems arise because the country is a mess.

And if the members called a meeting, it must be quite serious.

I straightened up and listened to the Colonel’s words.

– “I heard some interesting news at the Parliament.”

“What is it?”

– “Apparently, the head of the Imperial Guard HQ’s Second Division has died.”

—

The head of the department responsible for external operations of the Imperial Guard HQ has passed away.

The official cause is a heart attack. A natural death due to old age, they say.

Of course, whether it was a true natural death, suicide, or foul play, nobody knows. Only the Imperial Guard and the Emperor would have that knowledge.

In any case, the head of the Imperial Guard HQ’s Second Division is dead.

And the empire has spoken.

– “Through unofficial diplomatic channels, the empire conveyed its stance. This recent terror incident is unrelated to the royal family.”

“….”

– “Officially, the Second Division chief died of a heart attack, but considering the timing, it’s safe to assume a purge took place.”

It’s a familiar scenario.

Even in modern society, when incidents occur, it’s customary for someone to take the fall.

Here, that’s an everyday affair.

The internal situation of the Imperial Guard HQ is unknown to us. Despite extensive efforts, the information agency has only seen personnel die.

Thus, there’s no way to know whether it was really a heart attack or someone was made to take the blame.

One thing is certain: the official statement that the royal family has no ties to the assassination attempt has been made. Both the anti-corruption agency and the unofficial channels make that claim simultaneously.

The Emperor is not connected to the terror attack.

The Imperial Guard HQ and the Imperial Foreign Affairs Department would not casually mention the royal family. This is undoubtedly a statement reflecting the Emperor’s intentions. How can I know what the distant Emperor is thinking? I can only accept it as it is.

Of course, the empire isn’t just making hollow claims.

– “The Imperial Foreign Affairs Department offered to reduce tariffs and forgive debts. They plan to relax export restrictions and supply large quantities of daily necessities.”

The empire sent a gift. Essentially a hush money.

It’s a message not to raise issues further.

– “Our Ministry of Finance stated that once the empire’s gifts are received, the kingdom’s economy will recover. The Foreign Affairs Department said it could provide opportunities for our companies to enter the empire.”

Supporting the overseas activities of domestic companies falls within the duties of the information agency.

Lately, I’ve been studying economics with fervor, which I previously had no interest in.

– “The cult also proposed various benefits, but we’ll discuss that later.”

“….”

– “Major.”

“…Yes.”

– “Are you disappointed?”

“…No.”

Not at all.

I was well acquainted with the inner workings of the information agency and had keenly experienced them through two lives.

To pursue national interests by any means necessary.

If we cover up the bombing and the assassination attempt, it will surely create national benefits.

Food will flow into the country, companies will expand overseas, national debts will decrease, and trade will activate.

The job market would thrive. Countless jobs will be created, and with employment stabilized, people will find happiness. That’s how the nation’s economy flourishes.

At this moment, while I’m speaking with the Colonel, people are dying of hunger. I could save those people.

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

The reason the kingdom is trying to devour the heroes is clear. The reason the information agency appointed me as an operative is clear too.

It’s all about saving the country.

Undoubtedly, if I accept this proposal, the nation will grow a little more.

That’s a good thing.

Even though it’s not honorable, don’t those working in the agency do just the same?

If I wrap up this situation well, I might even be rewarded with a medal and get a promotion.

That’s a good thing. It’s good news.

Ultimately, all this is for the nation, and for the sake of my country and people.

Patriotism is a good thing. Camila Lowell said so.

– “Frederick.”

“Yes….”

– “What are your thoughts?”

My thoughts?

Ideally, I should accept.

Though I lack patriotic sentiment, I still have a minimal sense of conscience.

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

However, there’s something weighing on my mind.

Camila Lowell suffering from the terror.

Pippin and Jake, working late into the night.

Agents running around even now.

My responsibilities to those I oversee.

63 civilian casualties.

The dirty secrets I’ve buried.

My insignificant pride and sense of conscience.

I have to sacrifice all of this.

And so, I fell into contemplation.

Is it right to perform patriotism by trading the lives of 63 civilians and dirty secrets?

Is it just to disregard the struggles of civilians suffering from terrorism and the soldiers obeying orders?

Having come this far, should I back down just as we’re on the verge of catching the terrorists?

Originally, humans are emotional creatures.

I grappled with my petty pride and conscience.

I lost my way.

So I asked my superior.

“…What are your thoughts, Colonel?”

– “Haa.”

The Colonel let out a deep sigh.

It seemed he was frustrated with this situation as well—

– “The committee decided to continue the operation.”

“…What?”

– “Didn’t you hear? Continue the operation.”

“Oh, no! If so….”

The Colonel spoke nonchalantly.

– “That was the decision of the parliament and the cabinet.”

A command.

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

“Then… what about the economy?”

– “Why are you worried about the economy? You’re a soldier.”

“Oh….”

Through the phone, I heard the sound of him chuckling.

– “Haven’t I told you, thinking too much is your trouble?”

“…Are we really going ahead?”

– “Yes. Do you remember the order I gave you?”

From my mouth came the Colonel’s words.

“Stop the terror and find the culprits….”

– “Make sure of it.”

“Make sure….”

– “Yes, you remember.”

The Colonel spoke.

– “Is the kingdom a country that will collapse without help from the empire? No.”

“…”

– “If you didn’t trust me, would I have appointed you as an operative? Why all this self-doubt, tsk tsk….”

That’s right.

If they were going to make me a puppet, they could easily have just slotted in an operative instead.

It was Clevenz who promoted me from captain to major and appointed me as an operative.

– “The Imperial Guard HQ, and to hell with it, just carry out black operations.”

He’s even permitted somewhat illegal acts.

The Colonel said.

– “I will do what I need to do. So right now, go ahead and catch those bastards who planted the bomb and shot the dart.”

Just don’t bother with anything else and go kill the terrorists.

Colonel Clevenz Hendrick.

Future Director of the Military Intelligence Agency.

An elite soldier from a loyal family.

A slightly out-there guy.

He’s laid the groundwork for me this much; it would be foolish not to take it.

“…Understood.”

I guess I’ll have to dance the bloody dance as he wishes.

—

Breaking News! The Kingdom of Abas has charged the Kien Empire’s ambassador with espionage. The spokesman from the Military Intelligence Agency has stated that the Kien Empire ambassador is linked to anti-state organizations…

The gunshot of espionage echoes through the world of intelligence.