Chapter 90

Continuing our journey, the three of us entered the capital of the Randor Kingdom.

The last time we visited with Lord Magrath and his son, it was a leisurely trip. We did reunite with Lancome, but no blood was shed.

But this time, it's a matter of life and death.

"Let's observe the situation at Matilda's underground gambling den when it gets dark."

"Right. I'll go into the tavern. I'll check the security, focusing on the bodyguards."

Then Mills interjected.

"Well, I was told I don't have to do anything, but I feel bad just sitting around, so I'll observe the tavern's patrons, focusing on whether there are any special agents."

"Understood. Let's first go and check out the situation during the day."

According to Red Robin's information, Matilda's underground gambling den is on the second floor, with the tavern on the first floor serving as the entrance. The second floor is chosen because they can select customers as they go up the stairs and can jump down to escape if necessary.

Unfortunately, the tavern isn't open yet.

"You must be hungry, right? Let's go to that restaurant over there."

I pointed to a cozy restaurant with seating from the first to the third floor. The male waiter said, "Please choose any seat you like," and we immediately chose a window seat on the third floor.

"Don't order everything at once. Order the next dish after you finish eating. We want to stay as long as possible."

"Ah, got it."

"Understood. Still, it's a bit embarrassing to be dining with you two..."

"Don't worry. If His Majesty says anything, I'll back you up."

"That's true. If Jeff backs you up, even the most absurd excuses will work."

"Wow, that's both reassuring and scary."

Mills chuckled at Jeff's complete lack of fear of the king.

We each ordered one dish and sipped fruit water while looking at the opposite third-floor window.

The window had curtains, but that was expected. We didn't expect to see Matilda's face so easily, given that we have no deadline.

"Don't focus your gaze too intensely."

I gave an unnecessary warning the moment the curtains started to move, but the two professionals, Jeff and Mills, simply nodded in understanding.

The person who opened the curtains was a middle-aged man, not the same person as Silas, whom I had previously played as a lover.

"That man isn't Silas."

"Right."

"Then he's probably a bodyguard?"

"Probably. Ah, there he is."

Hearing my words, the two men casually glanced at the window. I had already confirmed, so I shifted my gaze to the food and spoke.

"I've confirmed the woman."

"The brown-haired woman in the back is Mary, as expected. She was my former colleague. She was supposed to marry Chief Lancome, but she must have made a significant mistake and fled the organization to avoid being dealt with, or... the marriage might have been called off."

With the confirmation, I started eating my food seriously, focusing on the meat.

"Anna, we'll go to the tavern tonight, right?"

"Yes. Since my face is known, I'll go in disguise. Jeff and Mills, who aren't recognized, should go separately. If possible, go all the way to the underground gambling den. I'll observe the people in the tavern. Don't rush on the first day."

"Got it. Let's do that."

"Understood."

"Sorry, I seem to be acting like the leader."

When I said this with a wry smile, the two men looked puzzled.

"That's only natural, right?"

"Of course. The ace should be the leader. I'll learn from you."

Mills knows that I was Hagle's ace agent. I wonder how much information about me has been shared with the Third Knight Regiment.

We left the restaurant and returned to the hotel. Mills, as usual, was in the room next to ours. I drew the building's layout and the surrounding map on a piece of paper and confirmed the escape route with the three of us in case we needed to flee after the job.

Jeff led the discussion on what to do if combat broke out. The meeting was efficient because we understood each other well, and a brief explanation was enough.

When we ordered tea from room service, Jeff ordered tea for three and two sweet buns, and he brought the buns and tea to Mills' room as a treat.

"Are you doting on Mills?"

"He's cute. Besides, at his age, he can eat a lot and still get hungry quickly."

"That's why you're so beloved by your subordinates."

"Anyone would do the same."

"No, not everyone. You're a man who is loved by men. Oh, I mean, you were also very popular with women. On our first night out together, I was glared at by so many young ladies."

"You're bringing up old stories again."

It's rare for Jeff and me to talk about the past.

Previously, our conversations were mostly about "What will we do tomorrow?" or "What will we do in the future?" It was a happy time to be able to make plans for the future.

Now, we might be talking about the past because this could be our last conversation.

After finishing our tea, we took a bath. We relaxed, feeling warm and cozy.

"Hey, Jeff. Mills looks like a playboy, but he's quite skilled, you know."

"Yeah, I noticed that when we worked together. He might be using his playboy image to his advantage. He moved naturally, so as not to get in my way, no matter when I moved."

"He does the same with me. Despite seeming so close, he always keeps a distance where my dagger can't reach him."

Jeff, who had been lying on his back with his hands behind his head, turned to look at me.

"Knights and soldiers usually work in groups and cooperate even during battles. But you and Mills work alone, don't you? Watching you two has made me realize that."

"Is that so? I've been doing it since I was eight, so I don't even think about it."

"I see, it's unconscious."

"My first job was at fifteen, but I was made to assist an agent when I was ten."

"Really? You're willing to share stories from your childhood?"

Jeff seemed unusually delighted.

To change the mood, I told him about my training days. This might be the last time I get to talk so much, so I shared nostalgic stories.

"When I was ten, a senior female agent was assigned to contact a weapons merchant in the Randor Kingdom. She worked in a restaurant frequented by men and needed to get close to one of them. The man had a ten-year-old daughter he left in the countryside, and the agent set up a sympathetic backstory of raising her alone."

"Interesting. What was ten-year-old you like?"

"I was a plain, quiet child who didn't stand out. But I was good at making expressions."

"I see."

"My role was to enter the restaurant a while after the man came in, saying, 'Mom! My tummy hurts.'"

It was a long time ago, but I remember it vividly.

The man genuinely worried about me as I acted out the lines and expressions I was given.

He carried me on his back, saying I couldn't walk because of my stomachache, and took me to the room the agent had rented. As I was carried, I thought of my father fondly.

"I never found out what happened to the senior agent's mission, but as a child, I felt a mix of fear for doing something sinful and pride for being praised by my instructor for doing a good job."

Jeff looked at me silently.

"Maybe I've been living with the fear that I'll be punished someday. Perhaps involving you in this dangerous situation is my punishment."

I chuckled, and Jeff reached out to pat my head.

My hair became messier as he patted it.

"Don't worry. I'm very mentally tough. Even the organization's doctor vouches for it."

"Is that so?"

Jeff came closer, picked me up, and sat on the sofa, placing me on his lap and hugging me from behind.

"My wife is the purest and most lovely person in the world."

"That's just because you're in love."

Jeff, still hugging me, whispered in my ear.

"I'll take care of anyone who tries to hurt my lovely wife and get home quickly."

"Your actions and words don't match at all."

"They don't have to. That's my true feeling."

"Nonna is waiting. Let's finish quickly and go home."

"Right."

We lay down on the beds that were pushed together and held hands as we fell asleep.

I dreamed of Nonna running at a furious speed, her golden hair streaming behind her.