Chapter 38

Chapter 37

The Singing Fair - 4

As I swallowed the paper, trying to endure its revolting texture, I felt Section Chief 1’s gaze from the side, his eyes blinking as he watched me.

“Why, do you have something to say?”

“Is it the Intelligence Department?”

The usually cheerful guy, for once, frowned as he asked. Ah, he’s had some dealings with the Intelligence Department too.

This bizarre tradition has victims spread across various fields. The Inspection Department is no exception, so when department heads have to meet with the Intelligence Department, they try their hardest to go there, but if the situation doesn’t allow it, an Intelligence Department agent comes to them.

If an agent comes before you go to the Intelligence Department, you have to swallow the paper and get rid of the evidence, just like I did.

“Yeah.”

“Ugh, why are they still like that? They could just use the communication system.”

“Don’t ask them directly. They seem to dislike it even more than we do.”

I once couldn’t bear it and asked, but they just looked at me silently with eyes full of all the world’s sorrows, so I quietly left. Anyone who protests after seeing such eyes must have no heart.

“We don’t have such a tradition, but I don’t know why the Intelligence Department does.”

“All the people who remember the tradition are gone.”

A chuckle escaped me at Section Chief 1’s complaint. The Ministry of Finance, including the Inspection Department, was completely overturned two years ago, and most of the traditions disappeared. I’ve heard there were quite a few bad practices, but since no one remembers them, it doesn’t matter.

At my words, Section Chief 1 shuddered, perhaps remembering that time. I understand; just thinking about it makes me shudder. I saw the rope in front of my eyes so many times. At the worst, I even carried a vial of poison, but fortunately, I never had to use it.

“Only the Chief needs to go, right?”

“Do you want to go too?”

Section Chief 1 shook his head violently, clearly reluctant to meet with the Intelligence Department. If he treated the Chief with the same level of respect he shows the Intelligence Department, it would be great. Even half of it would be nice.

“They only behave well in front of the Chief, but they’re very strict with us.”

“Is that a difference in favoritism?”

“Wow…”

The sight of Section Chief 1 quietly turning away was quite annoying.

Since the person from the Intelligence Department was the last guest, there was plenty of time to go to the main building. They probably came at this time on purpose.

“I’ll be away for a moment.”

If I leave now, I’ll arrive at the main building right on time. If I go too early and stay there for a long time, it might raise suspicion, so it’s better to arrive on time.

“Eh? Big brother, is something wrong?”

Louise, who was kneading new dough, came running over. For a moment, I thought about selling the principal or the vice-principal, but it would be troublesome if I got caught after not coordinating with them.

“I just want to get some fresh air. It’s tiring to keep greeting people.”

“Indeed, a lot of people seem to come to see you.”

Louise nodded with a smile at my words. Even you noticed there were a lot, right? There are so many trainers targeting legendary Pokémon.

“I’ll be back soon. Don’t worry.”

“You can take your time.”

“Everyone is working hard, so I can’t just rest. Ah, keep an eye on him.”

“Chief, do you know about labor laws?”

“Ahahaha…”

After watching the grumbling Section Chief 1 and the awkwardly smiling Louise, I approached Villar. It would be rude and embarrassing if I left without a word after calling him.

“If anything happens while I’m gone, please contact me immediately. I’ll return as soon as possible.”

“Understood. We will focus on the preparations while you’re away.”

“Thank you.”

I nodded at Villar’s response and turned to leave. This is enough; now I can go to the main building.

***

Villar watched the departing inspector’s back and then turned his gaze.

‘Something is about to happen.’

The appearance of the inspector’s subordinate, the subtle reactions of the imperial nobles afterward, and the inspector’s sudden departure—all these situations suggest that something is about to happen.

According to the inspector, the subordinate is an academy graduate who came to enjoy the fair, but that’s obviously not a believable story. A high-ranking official who can freely interact with the inspector, the head of the Inspection Department, just came to the academy for fun? That’s absurd.

‘They’re telling me to mind my own business.’

In any case, since they came to the academy by chance, it means they don’t need to pay attention to the Three Kingdoms. More bluntly, it means ‘shut up and mind your own business with the empire.’ What can be done if the empire acts this way? Nothing.

With the empire’s nobles gathered in the empire’s territory and educational institution, even though some of the empire’s forces have withdrawn from the academy due to negotiations with the Three Kingdoms, raising objections to the empire’s actions in such a special situation is risky. It could be seen as interference in internal affairs.

The inspector must know that the Three Kingdoms don’t believe his words. He also knows that there’s not much they can do even if they don’t believe him. It’s just a conversation to build a facade for each other.

Villar’s gaze turned to the white-haired woman as he recalled the inspector’s words. As a knight who has lived his life and been recognized for his abilities and experience, he has the talent to gauge the capabilities and atmosphere of others.

‘Terrifying.’

And Villar’s senses were warning him that the woman, who is the inspector’s subordinate, is a dangerous presence. It felt like a strong smell of blood. Her red eyes looked like pools of blood. For such a person to come to the academy, how much more terrible must be about to happen?

‘...Not particularly surprising, though.’

Just as he was about to be on guard against the dangerous presence, thinking of an even more dangerous superior presence made it seem futile.

Villar’s gaze turned to the direction where the inspector had disappeared. With a more dangerous presence staying at the academy, it seems like an unnecessary worry.

A strong smell of blood? Pools of blood? That’s just a formality. The inspector is a more terrifying presence. The first time I met the inspector, I was so shocked. I wanted to protest that having such a monster come to the academy is unfair.

Fortunately, it’s a relief that I can have a normal conversation with him. Especially since he’s straightforward and honest. There’s nothing more disastrous than a monster who hides its true intentions.

‘If the kagan killer hides his true intentions.’

A monster who has protected the empire’s mandate and is described as a blood pool, not just a blood puddle. If such a monster hides its true intentions and plays with the Three Kingdoms, it would be a disaster.

Villar sighed softly and shook off his thoughts. Fortunately, the current inspector is not such a monster. That’s enough. At least his blade won’t be directed at the Three Kingdoms.

***

The main building was quite empty, as everyone had gone to enjoy the fair. I didn’t encounter anyone on my way up to the second floor. The only place where people might still be is above the second floor, making it perfect for a secret meeting.

As I waited quietly at the agreed location on the second floor, I saw a middle-aged man approaching from a distance. He looked completely different from the young man who had given me the paper.

‘He changed his appearance quickly.’

But it’s the same person. He can change his appearance in an hour, so it’s not surprising. After all, the young man’s appearance was also a disguise. I’ve never seen his true form. Has the head of the Intelligence Department ever seen it?

“Inspector Chief. How have you been?”

“Yeah. I’m seeing you again in an hour. Has the Deputy Chief of the Intelligence Department been well?”

Unlike the extreme indoor person, the head of the Intelligence Department, the Deputy Chief is an extreme outdoor person. He and the head of the Intelligence Department often set new records for not taking a day off.

“I’m always the same.”

That means ‘I’m always not well.’

Usually, the Deputy Chief assists the head and manages the department, but the Deputy Chief of the Intelligence Department, due to his specialized espionage skills, is a wanderer who constantly roams outside. Of course, he couldn’t have been well. I knew it but asked out of courtesy.

“I’ll be brief since you’re busy.”

“Sure. What’s up?”

“Tomorrow around 5 PM, a body will appear.”

I nodded. It’s not surprising since they were expected to come. There’s something more important, though.

“Support?”

“The Minister has dispatched the Mokkwang Team.”

“Oh.”

I couldn’t help but let out a short exclamation. I had expected it after hearing that the Minister of Special Affairs carefully selects them, but I didn’t think they would send the Mokkwang Team. They are one of the top teams in the Special Affairs Department, and it seems a bit wasteful to send them for this.

“The Minister has paid a lot of attention.”

“Of course, the Mokkwang Team is perfect for working with the Chief.”

“Did you know they would take them from the Special Affairs Department?”

“Ha ha, I’m sorry. But wasn’t the reorganization decided that way? We can’t refuse the royal order.”

I chuckled at the Deputy Chief’s joke. I know that too. I had to send the Mokkwang Team to the Special Affairs Department because of the royal order.

“The Mokkwang Team will contact you first. Of course, you can contact them first. They will be happy to receive your call.”

“I’ll do that. Thanks for letting me know.”

“That’s my job, after all.”

Well, it’s a bit much to call it just a messenger’s job.

In any case, the Deputy Chief said his goodbyes and disappeared, and I moved to return to the booth.

‘The Mokkwang Team.’

My steps toward the booth became lighter. It’s hard not to feel happy when I think about seeing familiar faces.

The Mokkwang Team, one of the teams in the Special Affairs Department, is familiar to me. To put it another way, they are the former 4th Division of the Inspection Department.

Author's Note

The first day of May has arrived. I hope you all have a warm and enjoyable May.

Tomorrow is also the day when the main selection works are announced. I’m looking forward to seeing which works are selected.

Thank you for reading this chapter!

Thank you for the recommendation, thinknaejeochun! And thank you for the support!