Chapter: 37
As I swallowed the paper while stifling the disgusting texture, I felt the wide-eyed gaze of Manager 1 beside me.
“What? Do you have something to say?”
“Is it the Intelligence Department?”
The usually cheerful Manager 1 asked with a rare frown on her face. Ah, she’s had a few encounters with the Intelligence Department, hasn’t she?
The victims of this bizarre tradition are widespread. The Inspection Department is no exception. When the executives have dealings with the Intelligence Department, they try their best to go and visit, but when the situation isn’t favorable, an agent from the Intelligence Department comes knocking instead.
If an agent shows up before you make it to the Intelligence Department, well, you have no choice but to swallow the paper and eliminate the evidence like I just did. gulp!
“Yeah.”
“Ugh, why are they still doing that? Can’t they just use the communicator?”
“Don’t ask them outright. They seem to hate it even more than we do.”
Once, I found myself at my wits’ end and asked. The other person just stared at me with eyes that bore the weight of the world’s sorrows, and I quietly backed off. Anyone who’d dare protest after seeing such eyes is just soulless.
“We don’t have such a tradition; I have no clue why the Intelligence Department does that.”
“That’s because everyone who remembers our traditions has disappeared, right?”
A chuckle escaped me at Manager 1’s lament. The Ministry of Finance was turned upside down two years ago, causing most traditions to vanish. I heard there were quite a few bad habits before, but since no one remembers them anymore, it’s a non-issue.
At my words, Manager 1 visibly trembled, perhaps recalling that time. I totally get it; I shudder just thinking about it too. I swear I saw that noose flicker in front of me a few times. At my worst, I even carried poison just in case. Thankfully, I never had to actually use it. whoosh!
“You’re the only one going, right?”
“Do you want to join?”
Manager 1 shook her head vigorously. She really seems to dread meeting anyone from the Intelligence Department. If only she treated me half as kindly as she does those guys. Just a little respect would do wonders.
“They’re only obedient in front of the Executive Manager; they’re really strict with the rest of us.”
“Isn’t that a matter of respect?”
“Wow…”
The sight of Manager 1 silently turning away felt a bit irritating.
Now that the person from the Intelligence Department is the last guest, I had ample time to head to the main building. They probably came with that timing in mind.
“I’m stepping out for a moment.”
If I set off now, I’ll arrive precisely at the main building at the designated time. It’s better not to arrive too early and end up taking too long there since that could stir up suspicion.
“Hey? Older brother! Any trouble?”
Louise, who was busy preparing the dough, rushed over. For a moment, I almost thought about mentioning it to the principal or the vice-principal, but if I happened to get caught making things complicated, that would be just my luck.
“I’m just going out for some fresh air. Talking to so many people is tiring.”
“It definitely seems like a lot of people came to see you.”
At my words, Louise smiled brightly and nodded. Yep, you noticed it too, huh? It’s not every day you see so many trainers aiming for semi-legendary Pokémon.
“I’ll be right back. Don’t worry.”
“Take your time if you want!”
“I can’t just sit back when everyone’s working so hard. Oh, and do keep an eye on her.”
“Executive Manager, do you know about labor laws?”
“Hahaha…”
Watching Manager 1 grumble while Louise gave an awkward smile, I approached Villar. It would be impolite and awkward for me to leave without informing him.
“Please contact me immediately if anything happens while I’m gone. I will return as quickly as I can.”
“Understood. We’ll focus on keeping things in check until you get back.”
“Appreciate it.”
I nodded at Villar’s reply and turned away. That should be enough; now, off to the main building!
*
Villar stared at the departing Inspector’s back before shifting his gaze.
Looks like something’s about to happen.
The arrival of the Inspector’s subordinate, the subtle reactions of the Imperial nobles that followed, and finally, the Inspector’s abrupt departure—all signs indicating that an incident is imminent.
According to the Executive Manager, his subordinate was an academy graduate visiting to enjoy the fair. But naturally, it’s hard for him to believe that.
No high-ranking official able to treat the inspector so casually would simply come here on a whim. Definitely a no-no!
He’s probably telling us not to interfere.
They claimed her presence was just a coincidence, suggesting the three kingdoms shouldn’t concern themselves with the Empire. More bluntly, it could be framed as “Shut your mouths and don’t meddle in Empire affairs!” If they act so aggressively, there’s really nothing the three kingdoms can do.
Inside the Empire’s territory, within an Empire educational institution, even if some forces withdrew through negotiations, opposing the movements of the Empire in this peculiar situation comes with significant risks. One misstep, and BAM!—it could be seen as meddling in their domestic affairs.
The Executive Manager probably knows full well that we would be skeptical of his words. I’m sure he’s aware there’s not much we can do about it either. This back-and-forth is just for show, wink-wink.
As Villar recalled the Inspector’s words, his gaze drifted to the white-haired woman. Living his life as a knight, he had gained recognition for his skills and experience, which opened the doors to join the Royal Knight Division. That granted him a peculiar knack for gauging the abilities and vibes of those he encounters.
Terrifying…
Villar’s instincts screamed that this woman is dangerous. An overwhelming scent of blood seemed to waft through the air. Her red eyes, too, appeared like pools filled with blood. What kind of calamity is brewing with a person like that at the Academy?
…But I can’t say I’m particularly surprised.
Though on edge at the sight of this dangerous presence, it felt futile as he remembered the even more dangerous entities lurking around.
Villar’s gaze shifted in the direction where the Inspector had vanished. With someone more dangerous than anyone already residing in the Academy, maybe he was worrying about senseless things.
The overwhelming scent of blood? A pool of blood? That’s merely child’s play. The Inspector is far worse than that. He remembers how horrified he was upon first meeting him. It was practically an affront to the rules for someone that monstrous to come to an establishment like the Academy!
The only consolation is that he can carry on a normal conversation. Not to mention, he’s quite straightforward and honest. There’s nothing more catastrophic than a monster whose inner thoughts remain hidden.
The assassin of Kagan conceals his intentions.
He embodies a being that upholds the Empire’s mandate, standing atop heaps of corpses. If such a creature masked his true thoughts while toying with the three kingdoms, it would be utter disaster.
Letting out a small sigh, Villar shook off those thoughts. Thankfully, the current Inspector isn’t a monster of that caliber. That’s more than enough. At least his blade isn’t aimed at the three kingdoms.
*
Everyone must have gone off to enjoy the fair, as the main building was pretty deserted. By the time I made it to the second floor, I hadn’t run into anyone. The only likely place where people might still linger was even higher than the second floor, making it perfect for a discreet meeting.
As I quietly awaited in the designated spot, I noticed a middle-aged man walking toward me. He looked completely different from that young guy who handed me the paper.
Ah, he changed his appearance again!
But yes, it’s still the same person at his core. He’s someone who can shift his appearance at will, and so one hour is sufficient time for a complete transformation. Anyway, since the young guy’s look was also a disguise, it’s not very significant. I haven’t seen his true form either, though I wonder if the Executive Manager from the Intelligence Department has.
“Executive Manager, how have you been?”
“Sure. It’s been an hour. How about you, Senior Manager?”
Unlike the die-hard indoor type of the Intelligence Department Executive Manager, the Senior Manager is the ultimate outdoor enthusiast. He’s one of those civil servants making record-breaking, no-office-days.
“I’m always the same.”
The underlying meaning of that was “Always bad.”
Typically, the Senior Manager would assist the Executive Manager and coordinate the department, but due to his specialized skills in espionage, the Senior Manager roams around like a madman. It’s safe to say he hasn’t had a splendid time. I understood that and asked out of courtesy.
“You’re probably busy, so I’ll keep it short.”
“That would be nice. What’s going on?”
“At around 5 PM tomorrow, a corpse will appear.”
I nodded. Honestly, it was no surprise to hear that they would show up. However, there was something more significant at hand.
“What about support?”
“The Minister has dispatched the Masked Unit.”
“Oh.”
I involuntarily let out a short gasp. I had anticipated that after hearing the Special Service Agency was involved, but I honestly didn’t expect them to send the Masked Unit. It’s one of the more prestigious units within the Special Service Agency! Sending them here feels like such a waste, though.
“The Minister must have really taken it to heart.”
“Of course, the Masked Unit moving alongside you is perfect!”
“And they took them despite knowing?”
“Haha, my apologies. But you know how things change, right? We can’t refuse the Emperor’s orders.”
With a chuckle from the Senior Manager, I couldn’t help but smile. I knew that well; I had to send the Masked Unit to them because it was an imperial order.
“They’ll send a message to you first. Of course, you may go ahead and reach out to them as well. They’ll be thrilled to hear from you.”
“I’ll do that. Thanks for letting me know.”
“I’m just fulfilling my role as a messenger.”
But aren’t you doing way too many things to be just a messenger?
Regardless, after we exchanged our notes, the Intel Department Senior Manager vanished, and I turned to resume my walk toward the booth.
The Masked Unit…
With each step toward the booth, I felt a bit lighter. Naturally, I couldn’t help feeling uplifted at the thought of finally meeting them again.
The Masked Unit, part of the Special Service Agency, is basically the former Prosecutor’s Office 4th Division to put it in familiar terms.
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