Chapter 41: Lagrite (1)

For a while, I moved alongside the Head Mercenary Corps.

After arriving at Vildacha and completing the necessary repairs, Theod wanted to be escorted to his mansion.

Thanks to the incident we staged, we received a considerable amount of gold coins and jewels in addition to our usual payment.

It was a rather satisfying amount.

Theod also promised that if anything came up, he would definitely hire us again.

During this journey, I also built camaraderie with the mercenary corps and grew closer to Cedric.

It wasn't a particularly difficult task.

‘They were already quite fond of me from the start.’

The fight in the stone chamber seemed to have left a deep impression as intended.

Theod and the slaves genuinely praised me, as a 16-year-old defeating three mercenaries was a natural reaction.

Cedric decided to leave me alone for now. Though he is mysterious, there was no need to delve deeper.

No matter when or where we met, the important thing was that I became friendly with Cedric.

‘Even if it’s discovered that I’m a spy, the fact that I saved him won’t change.’

After parting ways with the mercenary corps, I moved with Phiri and completed two simple tasks.

One was to steal documents, and the other was an assassination.

I did both, and Phiri supervised from the side. Her evaluation was simply that it was satisfactory.

It wasn’t a particularly difficult task, so I thought she might have wanted to observe how I handled things.

One regret was that I didn’t hear about any changes resulting from our actions at the inn.

I didn’t ask separately.

‘If it was information I needed, she would have told me.’

A spy’s position is fundamentally confirmed by their access to information.

The higher one rises, the more information they obtain and the more responsibilities they have.

If it was something I needed to know, she would have told me. Still, I thought everything was going well.

The spy chief would have thought it was a good idea, and they might be preparing to expand the mercenary corps.

I’m not sure, but my evaluation might have been positive.

In any case, it was a very satisfying mission. I caught two, no, several rabbits.

I saved Cedric and increased the possibility of making him an ally, and I gained the ability to monitor the demon worshippers in the north.

With the duke personally involved, the head of the Hysen Empire’s spy corps wouldn’t dare act rashly.

‘They’ll be cautious.’

The same goes for my traits.

I gained two traits from this mission: Thorough Strategist and Shining Spy Prospect.

Thorough Strategist grants additional experience points when a stratagem succeeds, reduces the probability of being suspected during a stratagem, and enhances persuasiveness.

If the opponent is an ordinary person, they might not even doubt me if I say something far-fetched.

Shining Spy Prospect is solely about growth.

There are no additional experience points, but it aids the process of learning and acquiring new skills over a certain period.

An added benefit is that it makes people around me want to teach me things.

‘Indeed, with my stratagem level rising, the traits are beyond my imagination.’

Compared to the small experience gain I used to get, it feels like a different era.

Thinking back, when I first arrived here, I deeply regretted choosing stratagem.

Under the guidance of the spy chief, I’ve grown in ways I never imagined during the game.

My physical strength has also improved.

‘I’ve never had such a good start in the game.’

Reflecting now, I wonder if choosing the stratagem value system was the best decision.

If I had chosen a different value system, would I have been limited in how I used my information?

I’ve already used information I knew several times. If I establish myself and rise higher...

It means I can use that information as I see fit, even if multiple events occur in different places at the same time.

“What are you thinking about?”

Phiri’s question pulled me out of my light reverie.

“Nothing much.”

“Tsk. If it was the deputy chief asking, you’d have to answer.”

“I was thinking about what mission we have in Lagrite.”

When we completed the two tasks, Phiri only told me to follow her without saying anything else.

I found it a bit odd.

Previously, she would tell me where we were going and what task we had, but this time she said it was a secret.

I thought there must be something going on.

“Hmm, what could it be?”

Phiri gave a playful, mysterious smile, but I shouldn’t trust that face.

She’s the deputy chief, a person with acting skills far superior to mine.

‘Maybe the spy chief has figured out the relationship between the chief and the demon worshippers?’

I had that thought at first, but the possibility was low.

It’s impossible to uncover the connection between the chief and the demon worshippers in such a short time.

The opponents aren’t that sloppy.

All I know is the destination confirmed by the poison detection spell.

Lagrite.

A medium to large city with a dormant volcano, famous for its hot springs and serving as a vacation spot for nobles.

“Are we here to capture a noble?”

That was the only thing that came to mind after learning the destination.

But Phiri only smiled.

“Maybe.”

* * *

I’ve seen Lagrite in the game, and it is quite beautiful.

The low buildings harmonize with the mountains, giving a wide-open view.

The streets are clean, and looking around, there are more nobles and rich people than commoners.

Phiri tidied her hair with a dagger in a side alley near the central square.

Her long hair, which reached below her shoulder blades, was quickly cut into a short style.

Since she dyed her hair after the last mission, it would be hard for others to recognize her as the same person.

It’s something spies often do. I also slightly changed my hairstyle.

“Shouldn’t you tell me why we’re here now?”

Phiri, who was smoking and stretching leisurely, grinned.

“Why, are you very curious?”

“Hmm, not that much...”

“Just say you are. You always make it sound so boring.”

“Yes, I’m very curious.”

I answered in a soulless voice, and Phiri sighed, shaking her head.

To be honest, it was a bit confusing.

She bursts into laughter at things I say without much thought, always finding amusement in strange places.

“You don’t have to be so sensitive. We’re not here for a mission; we’re here to relax.”

“Huh?”

“Are you deaf? I said we’re here to relax. Don’t you know what a vacation is?”

“Is there such a thing?”

In my experience, spies don’t have vacations. They take breaks as needed.

It’s impossible during a mission.

They use the free time before or after a mission.

But it’s usually difficult to do so.

“You need to rest after a tough job, don’t you?”

“No, as far as I know, agents don’t have separate vacations.”

“That’s for the lower ranks. They take breaks on their own, so what’s the problem?”

She sounded so confident, leaving me speechless. Given the hierarchical structure, it makes sense.

Phiri asked confidently.

“Do you ever see me take a break?”

“No.”

I’ve never seen her do that. When we move, she calculates the distance and moves precisely.

She doesn’t waste time on unnecessary things.

At most, she buys snacks, but even then, it’s just a quick purchase.

Phiri, who had been looking at me, suddenly winked.

“Actually, it’s a reward. You did a big job this time.”

“Oh, the mercenary corps mission?”

“Yeah, your father said to take a break.”

If that’s the case.

I didn’t expect it to be a vacation. We’ve been traveling for almost a week.

I thought it would have been better to rest during that time.

I don’t like unnecessary travel due to the physical strain.

“Don’t overthink it. Just relax. The hot springs here are great. Perfect for a tired body.”

I was curious about the hot springs in Lagrite. I had never been to a hot spring on Earth.

I only went to public baths.

Moreover, in the game, soaking in the Lagrite hot springs grants a buff.

There must be something to it.

“And this vacation isn’t just a reward for me.”

“What do you mean? I’m coming with you, so I’ll rest too.”

“No, that’s not what I mean.”

Huh? She was saying I would receive a reward other than the vacation.

“What is it?”

“Your eyes light up when something falls into my mouth, don’t they?”

“Me? No way.”

I must have shown some emotion. I denied it, but Phiri laughed.

“So, what’s the reward for me?”

“Skipping the probationary period and directly advancing to Inquisitor!”

“Huh?”

“Why? Not happy?”

“No, I’m just surprised. It’s good.”

Inquisitor is a term used for an inquisitor but in the Hysen spy agency, it refers to a direct subordinate of the spy chief.

They are a select few chosen by the spy chief, with considerable authority.

When assigned to a mission, they are usually appointed as the leader, and if not, they act as a secret evaluator.

They can take over the leader’s role if they think the process is going wrong.

Agents know that Inquisitors exist, but they don’t know who they are.

“Your father was very pleased with this mission. Even if you were a regular agent, you’d have to go through a probationary period, which usually takes at least three years.”

“Is that so?”

“Yes. I was the first to complete it in three years. Congratulations. You’ve broken the youngest record, in less than two months.”

I had expected to score points, but I didn’t think it would be this much, so I was genuinely surprised.

“Well, I thought it was impressive too. You turned around the weakening influence in the north just as it was about to disappear.”

Phiri leaned in close to me.

“Don’t tell anyone. Your friends, anyone?”

“Denif and Orhen.”

“Yeah, them too.”

“It’s hard to meet them, anyway.”

If Denif had heard, he would have been fired up, I thought with a smile.

“Anyway, you won’t be appointed as a leader right away.”

“That makes sense. I’m still young.”

“But you’re still an Inquisitor.”

Phiri smiled meaningfully.

“And there’s something that comes with being an Inquisitor.”

“What is it? Some kind of emblem?”

“You’ll see when you get there. We’re here.”

Phiri stopped walking. In front of us was a jewelry workshop.

A place that processes gems, makes brooches and jewelry. I could see noblewomen inside the glass windows.

This place seemed to be related to our spy corps.

‘Hmm, they’re not giving me a gem, are they?’

I thought it might be an emblem to prove I’m an Inquisitor, but I wasn’t sure.

I’ve never heard of such a thing.

Thinking about it, I wondered how Inquisitors are identified in the field.

“Have a pleasant time.”

I wanted to ask, but the guard opened the door first. The bell on the door jingled.

The gazes inside the shop briefly lingered on us and then moved away, leaving a slight unpleasant feeling.

I knew about the subtle competition among noblewomen to avoid looking down on each other.

Especially since Phiri is quite beautiful. Phiri whispered to me.

“I know I’m handsome. They’re all looking at you.”

“It looks like they’re looking at you, Deputy Chief.”

Phiri smiled at the obvious flattery and walked forward.

The employee at the counter stepped forward slightly.

“Can I help you with something?”

“I’ve come to see the owner.”

“Oh, you’re the ones who were expected. Please come in.”

We entered through the back door of the counter. Going down the stairs, we arrived at a workshop in the basement.

There was no one there.

Phiri walked confidently and pressed a bell on the desk.

Soon, the floor shook slightly. Dust rose, and a hidden door in the floor opened.

“Deputy Chief, you’re here earlier than expected.”

“I’m just diligent. Where’s Lezmi? Are you alone in the basement?”

“I’m not sure. I thought Lezmi called you.”

“This kid is hopeless.”

While they exchanged jokes, I was still in shock.

It couldn’t be helped. A dwarf, which is rare even in the game, was standing in front of me.

The dwarf looked at me with bright eyes.

“This is the kid? The one who’s getting custom equipment?”