Chapter 570
Wandering aimlessly on the undulating waves, one suddenly realizes something.
Before I knew it, the water covering my feet and rising to my ankles was pitch black. The liquid, which melted coal, charcoal, oil, and filth, coated the entire world in a cruel and indifferent hue.
In the frozen city, snow began to fall.
Slushy snow quietly settled down into the cold darkness. The thick darkness became even more transparent.
The drain, devouring both transparency and cruelty, played a whirlpool-like melody.
The sharp cracking sound shattered the silence of the night like a ghost.
-Splash!!
A blue thread decorated the space.
The shot of magical energy tore through the darkness and shredded the bright yellow eyes flashing from the other side.
A shadow that was desperately trying to evade the cerulean strike and blue magic energy flew into the air.
As the bright moon shyly showed its face through the clouds, grotesque teeth began to gleam ominously in the darkness.
Bright yellow eyes, bright red teeth.
When the shadow’s figure was reflected on the green surface floating in the air.
A hand gesture that seemed to reel in the thread followed, and the blue threads stretched out in midair instantly cleaved the monster’s limbs.
-Groowww…!
The severed corpse of the monster plummeted onto the ruins. The woman with purple eyes took a step back and coldly looked down at the dying beast.
“….”
The old sign, precariously held up by a few iron wires, indicated that this place was one of the old downtown areas in southern Mauritania.
Additionally, the robe draped over the woman’s shoulders symbolized the authority of a magician and represented the strange lettering carved on the glorious relics left behind by the ancient era and ancestors.
Just as she finished putting her runic sword in order after slaying the fortieth monster, a magician descended from the sky beside her.
“I am here to report the progress of the expedition.”
The magician politely bowed his head toward the alchemist standing among the ruins.
“We have secured two additional locations besides the headquarters, allowing full operation. Once we set up additional bases at the old government office and bank building, we plan to cleanse the monsters and purify the contamination in the area.”
“Are there any casualties?”
“Some members of the patrol suffered losses. So far, a total of 35 injuries and 14 deaths have been confirmed, making a total of 49 casualties.”
The woman lightly nodded her head and spoke.
“As soon as the base camp stabilizes, ensure that the remains are recovered. Prioritize the potions already provided for the purification work, and if progress is deemed slow, request purification assistance from the Cult or Al-Yabd.”
“In that case, I will report to Commissioner Merlinus.”
“Do that.”
The magician bowed politely once more and departed on the broom he summoned.
The cloth that wiped the blade vanished into the wind like smoke.
Francesca, holding the now pristine runic sword, silently looked up at the pitch-black night sky.
“Ooh….”
Transparent snowflakes sparkled in the deep darkness.
—
Episode 21 – The Peace of Our Times
“Ranieri is currently in the Mauritania settlement.”
“Settlement area? You mean the one in the south?”
“Yeah.”
Sofia, who was nodding while flipping through the booklet, lightly confirmed.
“The place with the corpse of the ancient dragon. It was abandoned during the earthquake of 1946 and is now in the process of restoration.”
When speaking of the Mauritania southern settlement, I also recognized the region well.
It was a legendary site where a dragon that had rampaged since the early 11th century was slain.
The protagonist who defeated it is one of the legendary heroes, known as ‘Great Chieftain’ of the Great Plains, alongside the Duke of the Empire’s northern territories, the High Priest of the Cult, and the Priest of Al-Yabd.
I took a moment to think about the figure known as ‘Great Chieftain.’
Before he came to be known by that title, the Great Plains and all of the Mauritania continent had been under the control of dragons for centuries.
He earned fame by hunting down each of those dragons one by one, and ultimately became the ‘Great Chieftain’ after battling the last dragon in the final showdown near Parangasan, finally pacifying the Great Plains.
That tale was from the 18th century.
It’s a story that dates back at least 200 years, if not more than 300 years.
“Isn’t the dragon that was slain in the southern settlement over 300 years old?”
“To be exact, it’s 266 years. It was a dragon with golden scales, after all.”
266 years, wow.
It’s like pure fantasy. I shook my head slightly in disbelief.
“Should I be amazed that a 300-year-old old man is still alive? Or should I be surprised that the body of a dragon slain 266 years ago is still polluting the area?”
“Well… I’m actually more surprised that sentient beings have created civilizations in other worlds.”
Sofia began to laugh lightly, as if it were no big deal.
“The Duke of the North has been alive for 120 years, and nobody knows how many centuries ago the High Priest lived. What does it matter how old the Great Chieftain is? I’d bet there are elders among the elves who are that age or older.”
“Fair enough.”
That was a valid point.
In any case, according to the National Security Agency’s information, Francesca is currently active in the Mauritania southern settlement. What’s important is that it’s a contaminated zone.
That area was a region where some of the remains of the dragon slain by the Great Chieftain 266 years ago began to emerge, causing pollution in the area. The cause was the great earthquake of 1936.
“It has been nearly 50 years since it was left unchecked.”
“Right. During that time, due to the lack of technology for purifying the contamination, it has remained a living hell, while also being a den for monsters. I’d say about 30% of the monsters in Mauritania likely come from there.”
“Then why are they only expanding to the south now?”
To my knowledge, discussions regarding the settlement in southern Mauritania had existed for quite some time.
This was not merely about eliminating indigenous monsters from the south.
Sofia said,
“Mauritania’s ability to sustain its population is significantly low. Food production is at a low, and monsters are swarming just across the border. However, the southern region, the site of the ancient dragon’s corpse, has long been known for its highly fertile soil, and the excellent crops and underground resources produced there were one of the cornerstones of the Mauritania economy in the early to mid-19th century. It’s all just old news now, though.”
Indeed.
As Sofia mentioned, the southern region of Mauritania was somewhat of an ‘El Dorado.’ A land flowing with milk and honey—a golden land with fertile fields and abundant underground resources.
Of course, the area was turned to ruins due to the earthquake of ’36, and since they couldn’t purify the contamination arising from the dragon’s remains, they had to leave it abandoned all that time…
“I suppose they think they can reclaim it now.”
Not anymore.
I discovered the answer in the information document from the National Security Agency that Sofia had handed over. The reason Francesca headed to the southern settlement and why discussions for its revival were beginning again.
“Recently, the Ivory Tower developed a new potion. You’ve heard that Francesca Ranieri developed a solution to melt only the monsters, right?”
“I saw it in person. I also witnessed how the defense ministries of Mauritania signed contracts with Francesca.”
“The alchemists from the Ivory Tower made a similar item. However, this one will be used for purification, not for capturing monsters—one small distinction.”
“Did Francesca get involved in that? I don’t think I’ve heard about her participating in any research projects from the Ivory Tower…”
“Nope.”
Sofia shook her head in denial.
“That’s not the case. It seems she just provided personal consultation on certain items from the outside.”
“Is her deployment to the south also personal assistance?”
“Perhaps? It seems the Ivory Tower made an informal request for support to the Magic Tower, and Ranieri was appointed as the person in charge. That’s how our company interprets it.”
She who took her hands out from her pockets walked between the bookshelves.
“Francesca is a companion of Camila, and since she is expanding her influence in Mauritania, she would be a perfect candidate. Moreover, whether now or later, it’s a region we were destined to go to…”
Since we stepped foot in northern Mauritania, whether it’s to the south, east, or west, where we need to go was practically predetermined.
In that sense, now that the northern region, including the Jamria Federation, had entered a stable state.
It would not be strange for the Ivory Tower to request cooperation from Francesca, and for her to have set out for the south first.
The issue is,
“…What do your superiors have to say?”
This course of action could draw the ire of the National Security Agency.
I nonchalantly threw the question while pretended to delve into a file. Upon hearing this, Sofia came over from the bookshelf, leaned against a nearby display case, and showed a troubled smile.
“It’s split.”
“Split? Like fried and seasoned?”
“Not like that. It means there are people in favor and people against Francesca’s activities in Mauritania.”
Ah.
It seemed Sofia was contemplating how much she could disclose. I asked her for more details.
“Well, for now, the upper ups don’t seem inclined to interfere with Francesca’s individual activities. But that’s as long as she operates solely in the capacity of an alchemist or a hero’s companion. Beyond that, the consensus is that they need to prevent her from overstepping.”
“Is it because she belongs to the Ranieri family?”
“Exactly.”
The National Security Agency agent, who nodded, displayed a resigned smile.
“That she’s a Ranieri, too.”
It is a well-known fact that the Patalia Intelligence Department is extremely wary of the Ranieri family.
The family had a history of collaborating with the dictatorial regime.
To draw a parallel, the Ranieri family would be like collaborators with the Nazis or the East German Communist Party in Germany. Given that intelligence agencies in the Federal Republic of Germany and former West Germany have had knee-jerk reactions to the words ‘Nazi’ or ‘East Germany’ even up to the 2020s.
The Patalia National Security Agency’s position of keeping a close watch on Francesca is indeed understandable in that context.
After all, she was one of the members of a family that had sold the country to a dictatorial regime.
Not to mention that her grandfather and father had both been accused of collaboration. Specifically, their illicitly acquired properties had been confiscated.
Anyway.
“Let’s set aside the headache and talk about the saints.”
I pushed aside the files regarding Francesca. Then, placing my hands in my pockets, I opened another information document and began to speak.
“It seems the Inquisition is still running rampant these days? The sections on the Inquisition are much less than those on Francesca.”
“It’s not as severe as before. The Lateran has softened its savage nature from the past. But that basically means it has improved compared to before… they still remain bastards.”
But what could they do, Sofia snickered and shrugged her shoulders.
The National Security Agency agent initiated a lighter conversation. The subject she chose was the recent dynamics of the Inquisition.
“There’s intel stating that Director Petrus will soon finish his term and pass on the director position to his successor. It’s odd that he stayed longer than initially expected, given that it coincides with the appointment of a new pope… Regardless of the reason, movements indicating that he’ll hand over the position to his successor have been spotted.”
Among the candidates in the running for the next Inquisition Director, there were several names mentioned.
However, Sofia explained that among the many candidates, only one stood out as the most likely to become the next director.
I asked.
“Who is it?”
“Bernard. His baptismal name is Bernardo.”
“…Bernard?”
“Do you know him?”
It felt like I had heard that name somewhere.
I pondered as I stroked the corner of my lips and suddenly recalled someone from my memories.
…Bernard. Director Bernard?
Could it be the same person I met at the Inquisition Headquarters during the bombing incident?
“Huh….”
I fell into thought as I reminisced about the first encounter with Bernard, the emerging Inquisition Director.
I vaguely recalled that Director Petrus mentioned in passing how one day, he might become his successor… was that not an empty jest?
“I met him once a long time ago. He seemed pretty stiff.”
“Famous for wearing an iron mask in Lateran too. You could say he is all business; sometimes, he even has this vibe of floating outside the organization.”
“From our side, we considered Archbishop Theodosius a strong candidate. The Archbishop currently manages the northern parish of the Kien Empire.”
“Archbishop Theodosius? Wasn’t that guy the principal of the Central Theological Academy?”
“I think he was a professor. I also heard he worked briefly for the Inquisition.”
Sofia, perched on her display case, nodded her head while keeping her lips pursed, making a peculiar sound.
“Archbishop of the northern Kien Empire… It’s a well-known secret that the Holy See has utilized ordinary priests and monks as potential intelligence agents for centuries. Given the current state of affairs, such a person might become essential.”
The National Security Agency agent calmly began contemplating the possibility of someone other than Director Petrus taking over the position.
Incidentally, the ‘current state of affairs’ she referred to pertained to conspiracy theories surrounding the palace and Emperor Nikolai VI.
Information that the Emperor had been afflicted with dementia was known only to the Abas Information Agency and the Inquisition, but the fact that “the Emperor is critically ill due to some reason” was virtually an agenda shared among all intelligence agencies.
Particularly, even after the Kien-Magic War ended, the Emperor’s absence from official occasions has led to speculation not just among information agencies but also within the empire.
Kien’s Intelligence Department is doing everything they can to track down the source of these rumors, but ironically, that only reinforces the assumption regarding Emperor Nikolai VI’s condition. The Imperial Guard HQ, the Imperial Counterintelligence Agency, and the Imperial Police are essentially organizations that exist for the Emperor’s sake.
The fact that they have been showing such hyper-sensitive reactions surely implies there’s a significant reason behind it, as history has proven over the past several decades.
And that’s why a somewhat irreverent rumor has begun to circulate among the citizens of Kien.
“…”
Whether it’s a veteran in counterintelligence, security, investigation, or counter-terrorism.
Or perhaps an imperial insider with information networks developed from years spent in a bishopric.
I recited the Pope’s position in a dry tone.
“The Mediusa Cathedral will have a lot on its plate.”
“Isn’t that the nature of the papacy?” Sofia stated. “Anyway, as far as we know, the saints returned to Lateran eight days ago. A big event was to take place in the cathedral.”
The event Sofia mentioned was well-known to me too. Strictly speaking, it was news I heard from Older Sister Adela.
“Oh, the discussions on claims for reparations?”
“Exactly.”
The formal name ‘Remembrance for Peace and Reconciliation,’ commonly refers to discussions regarding the Church’s historical wrongs and resolution of the past.
It’s a hot topic shaking the religious community both inside and outside today. It could be said that this collective known as the cult is, in a way, the root of all evils in world history here, so it’s not something to be taken lightly. It was a task that would eventually have to be addressed, but the question was who would dare to tackle such a difficult issue…
But then a figure appeared who achieved what was considered impossible.
Sofia continued with a disbelieving smile.
“What’s likely is that the information from Lateran will be far better understood by your company than ours. Regardless, just to summarize, know that the Church has split into two factions, centered around Saint Veronica and Saint Lucia, and is engaged in conflict. To explain the details, one would need to delve deep into history, religious factions, politics, diplomacy, and economics… The materials I provided should only serve as supplementary references for you.”
“Understood. Anything else?”
“First, the church has split into two factions centering around those two saints. And this discussion of historical issues may spark a massive schism in the church beyond just reparation issues. This including the relationship between the two saints.”
“….”
Though the tone was light, the content was anything but.
What’s going on with everyone?
“Let’s return to Francesca.”
I wrapped up the information that the National Security Agency had gathered regarding Veronica, Lucia, the Inquisition, and the Church, and returned to the main topic.
As Sofia said, gathering information from Lateran seemed to be a strong suit of the Abas Information Agency rather than the National Security Agency.
However, when it came to information regarding Francesca or the Ranieri family’s movements, even the Royal Intelligence Department often couldn’t keep up with the data collected by the National Security Agency.
The very reason I was in touch with Sofia was tied to that.
Although it was a short period, we exchanged a lot of information.
Sofia shared the intelligence the National Security Agency had collected within Patalia, and I shared with her the information I gleaned while being close to Francesca.
“There’s no sign of Francesca having individual contacts with the Ranieri family. Was it last year? When she briefly returned to Patalia, she did send a servant from the family, but you might have already picked that up.”
“Yes. They sent Francesca’s nanny, but apparently the atmosphere was quite unpleasant, regardless of their relationship. It seems the Ranieri family may have inadvertently piqued Francesca’s displeasure regarding some matter.”
“What about the Ranieri family? Since then, Francesca has gained quite a bit of fame. Any notable movements?”
“Not really? The only thing worth mentioning is that they’re currently engaging with influential families in the magical community.”
Sofia informed me that the Ranieri family was finally re-emerging in the magical community after a long retreat.
This was happening since Francesca became a celebrated figure due to her development of a new weapon.
“Until recently, it was nearly impossible for them to show their faces in the social scene due to the scrutiny of the authorities and public sentiment, which frowned upon news about the Ranieri family. But since Francesca has become a prominent figure…”
“They could no longer remain hidden?”
I wondered. Sofia shrugged briefly.
It seemed she too didn’t know what exactly was going on.
“They might have been dragged out by the insistence of other archmage families and notable figures in the magical community, or perhaps they are taking this as an opportunity to brazenly show their faces. In any case, the Ranieri family has resurfaced in the magical community, and quite flamboyantly at that. There’s no denying this fact.”
The National Security Agency seemed ready to keep watch for now.
Before they figured out what the Ranieri family’s intentions were in resurfacing, they would remain still.
“Please be sure to throw me any leads as they uncover them.”
“I’ll do that. Oh, and one more thing.”
Sofia grabbed my arm. I looked at her and Sofia lowered her voice slightly.
“This is about Francesca… has she ever shown interest in finances?”
“Finances? Why are you suddenly asking about that?”
“Recently, there have been significant trades of stocks and bonds happening through Francesca’s personal account. A lot, in fact.”
Is it unusual for someone with considerable assets to make some investments?
I asked back, wondering what the issue was.
“But? Mustn’t it be a problem? Since it’s her personal account, she must be paying her taxes.”
“If there was an issue with tax processing, it would be the National Tax Agency’s concern, not ours.”
It meant she wasn’t bringing it up because of issues relating to that.
Sofia scanned the surroundings momentarily and then stepped closer to me.
“The source of the funds is suspicious.”
“…You mean it’s unclear where she’s gotten all that money?”
With a short nod, the National Security Agency agent confirmed that.
“It just doesn’t add up. If it were the stocks or bonds of regular companies, I wouldn’t be concerned. However, the companies Francesca is buying into are anything but ordinary.”
“Which ones? Are we talking about the finance sector you mentioned earlier?”
“Yes. Exactly. Banks, securities, credit, exchanges… Originally, she traded shares of ordinary private companies, but for some reason, she started focusing primarily on small to medium financial institutions. In essence, she’s been moving aggressively as if she’s looking at acquiring them.”
“….”
“The average cost of acquiring a small regional bank amounts to several hundred million. Even if we assume she’s selecting only those on the brink of bankruptcy and managed to fund it with secret assistance, that would still be challenging. Yet, Francesca is doing just that.”
I opened a file provided by an acquaintance. It contained copies of acquisition contracts the National Security Agency had obtained, detailing the bank’s assets and loan statuses meticulously.
Sofia said,
“Not every acquisition has been successful. Francesca has obtained a few failed regional banks and several investment firms that went under for quite cheap. Even we think that’s a pretty successful transaction. But the origin of the acquisition funds remains unclear.”
“The funds were stated to have been raised by purchasing bonds nearing maturity at a 50% discounted price and then disposing of them through their described legal firm. The representatives of the law firm that Francesca privately hired have stated as such, and the supporting materials have been submitted to the relevant authorities.”
“But you know? The interesting fact here is that the bonds she bought were all deemed worthless by the finance sector. No one would consider that a good investment. Francesca acquired those bombs at half price and sold them at face value, and among them were dubious foreign bonds that one might question whether the issuer ever intended to pay back.”
“…So, the conclusion is.”
“If Francesca Ranieri is gradually swallowing the financial institutions with the Oracle’s slush funds, then ‘we’ must do whatever it takes to stop it. It’s an issue directly linked to industry and economic security.”
“Is that to worry about market disruptions?”
“Broadly speaking, yes. Francesca might enter into far-reaching loans through the banks she has recently acquired and seize the companies in our country, bringing them back to the Magic Tower, or perhaps even trying to reclaim the old glory of the Ranieri family based on that…”
However, the outcome would be the same.
Regardless of whether companies moved their headquarters to the Magic Tower under the guise of overseas expansion or if the Ranieri family rose again over the wealth, the Patalia Republic would suffer devastating losses and face a severe security crisis.
The National Security Agency naturally would not allow either outcome.
After all, ensuring safety is the first principle of all intelligence agencies.
Understandably, individuals cannot be excluded from that rule.
“…….”
After tucking away the National Security Agency documents concealed behind a book titled ‘The Age of Madness,’ I returned it to the stack of ‘Best Sellers of the Month.’
I then double-checked the eavesdropping prevention devices and asked Sofia.
“Shall I look into it?”
“If I can be of assistance.”
The National Security Agency’s agent replied with a picturesque smile.
“We’re allies. Friends, too.”
Without hesitation, I answered that I would let her know if I came across anything. Having said that, the meeting came to an end.
“What’s the contact method?”
“Don’t worry about that.”
Wearing her newsboy cap, Sofia waved her palm and left.
“I’ll come looking when the time is right.”
—
After finishing the meeting, I headed toward the opposite side of the exit where Sofia had left.
I stepped onto the main road and slowly walked along the sidewalk, looking at the glass display windows of the first-floor shops before standing idly at a crosswalk.
The slow traffic signals of Abas, more lethargic than the public servants of Europe, showed absolutely no consideration for pedestrians. Shivering in the cold, I trembled and fidgeted, cursing the stubborn red light that showed no sign of turning green.
Eventually, exasperated, I walked to the corner of the block and hailed a taxi.
My destination was a park. More specifically, a café near the park.
Creek…!
After finding a seat in the cozy café, I briefly thawed my frozen body with a latte and a cigarette.
Goddamn, is coffee expensive everywhere? I was taken aback to see that a single latte cost as much as three packs of cigarettes. It was the first time I felt nostalgic for the 4000-won cigarettes that reeked.
When my latte neared the bottom, I ventured back outside and aimlessly browsed the stands.
Suddenly, reminding of Older Sister Adela’s words to pick up groceries, I stopped by a supermarket and also visited the library I had frequented since my academy days.
“…….”
Wandering between the shelves and observing my surroundings, I cautiously made my way to an inconspicuous corner where a worn magical tool used for copying and transmission documents was placed.
I opened the cover and put in the documents.
After entering the designated 16-digit number, I inserted a coin and pressed the transmission button.
-Whirring, whirring…
Once I transmitted the document spanning 15 pages, I took out a thick book and gradually tucked the previously sent 15 pages and the remaining document into it.
I needed a book that was wide and thick enough to cover the sheets, and since I grabbed it without much care, the cover now displayed an odd character wearing a gas mask. What even is that?
Naturally, I borrowed the book and made my way back home.
As soon as I crossed the threshold, Older Sister Adela’s curt voice greeted me, leading to the usual silly evening at Nostrim.
“Hey, foreign currency outflow criminal. Where have you been wandering until now?”
“What’s this, calling me a foreign currency outflow criminal? I’m not a criminal.”
“You are a criminal! Your everyday actions are criminal.”
The remarks of someone who alleges to be an official that earns money overseas (though we should also listen to the diplomats’ side) echoed.
Older Sister Adela dashed out on tiptoes and promptly snatched the shopping basket I was holding. It resembled a scene I once saw in Berlin, seeing a young gypsy (a pickpocket) swiftly swipe.
I couldn’t help but raise my eyebrows in disbelief.
“Seriously, I went through the trouble of getting the groceries, and instead of giving me allowance, I’m already facing this humiliation?”
In response, Older Sister Adela narrowed her eyes and lifted her hands to her waist, glaring at me.
“From today on, you’re responsible for dinner.”
“I love you, big sister. You know my feelings, right?”
“Have this for dinner, little brother.”
As she disappeared into the kitchen with a slight flinch of her shoulders, I peered curiously, thinking ‘who’s going to take that one…’ before making my way up to the top floor.
I placed the book I brought from the library on the table and neatly organized the documents I had pulled out.
Though it had been passed on by Sofia, this was still a classified document from the National Security Agency, and it needed to be stored separately and securely.
Of course, I had already leaked this document. To its main character, Francesca—the subject of the information compiled by the National Security Agency.
If it were known that I passed a report titled ‘Target of Surveillance’ produced by an allied intelligence agency to the subject in question, the military court of Abas would immediately try me for treason. Yet, the Military Intelligence Agency and the Royal Intelligence Department would not issue any sanctions regarding the leak.
I was doing it all under the aegis of consent.
The approval came from Leoni.
“…Yes, Director. We’ve docked. I’ll verify the cargo list as soon as it’s confirmed and report back. Yes, please enter.”
After reporting through the line that I had delivered the documents, I added that I would let them know as soon as I received feedback from Francesca.
Leoni instructed me to prepare for a face-to-face report once the reply came in, and then the transmission was cut off.
Silently, I stared at the black landline phone with a bitter expression.
“…….”
The truth is, the relationship between Francesca and myself was far from being termed as ‘good,’ even on a polite basis.
Whether in a public or private sense, the current relationship between her and me was practically in a state of semi-war.
Even when I reached out to ask how she was doing, I received no reply, and I could only hear fragmented news about her through Kamila, who served as an intermediary between us.
Aside from communications related to work, Francesca had not responded to any of my messages. Thus, the entire situation could be deemed nearly as hopeless as being cut off entirely.
Even the cause lies solely with me.
This is undeniably my oversight.
“Ugh….”
After half-sighing to the point of the earth cracking beneath me, I opened a bottle of whiskey I bought from the supermarket.
I thought it best to just drink this and sleep it off.
“Oh, right, a cup.”
Suddenly realizing the absence of a cup, I returned once more to the kitchen on the first floor.
“Sister, I need a cup.”
“Why don’t you just grab it with your hands?”
“Come on….”
“Who’s complaining? Hmm?”
Older Sister Adela pouted her lips in protest, as if to claim, ‘I have a knife!’ The hysteria of an unmarried woman (publicly acknowledged by our parents) was terrifying.
Truthfully, I wanted to tease her a bit or torment my wonderful sister, but unfortunately, today, Ayla could not be present. She was currently abroad.
Nonetheless, annoying Older Sister Adela would be an act of madness.
What if I really received a knife jab for making fun of someone wielding a knife? If my tongue slipped, the origin of tonight’s dinner could suddenly change.
“What’s for dinner?”
“It’s something I like.”
“Me?”
“No, it’s something ‘I’ like.”
“…That’s absurd.”
While Older Sister Adela continued cutting carrots on the cutting board, the rhythm of her chopping would noticeably thump as she playfully posed at me.
What was this? Did she really want to fight?
“Well carrots are the worst… Can we leave out the carrots?”
“At your age, do you still think it’s acceptable to be picky with food? Wait a second, where did you get that alcohol?”
Just at that moment, Older Sister Adela shot a fierce glare at the whiskey bottle I was holding.
At that moment, the scent of rice cooking turned into the stench of sulfur from hell in an instant, and the knife she was using to chop the carrots transformed into executioner’s blade poised to dance over a condemned criminal’s neck.
A terrifying presence of unspeakable evil appeared in the kitchen.
At least, that’s how it appeared to me.
“You-”
“…!”
Just as the flustered face of my older sister turned crimson, and she began to threaten me about putting down the whiskey bottle…
I quickly yanked open a cupboard and grabbed a cup, then bolted out towards the townhouse.
At this point, there was no answer but to escape. First, I will flee to the mansion and endure there.
“You shouldn’t drink so much-” I could hear her yelling from behind.
The moment I ran away with only my shoes, I unexpectedly had a vehicle parked illegally in front of my house blare its horn.
“…?”
“What the heck?”
Both Older Sister Adela, who was chasing after me and grabbing at my clothes, and I, who was getting smacked on the back, halted at the sound.
Stupefied, we exchanged glances as the car that honked slowly approached us, and the driver gently rolled down the window, offering a greeting.
“Hello there, long time no see. Your sister?”
“…Oh.”
Older Sister Adela let out a confused sound and froze on the spot, similarly mirrored in my own demeanor.
I gazed at the familiar figure in the driver’s seat with disbelief.
What in the world was that person doing here?
“And you, Colonel.”
Regardless, Veronica just winked at us alluringly and greeted.
It was truly a familiar face after ages.