Chapter 365 - Each Person Has Their Own Agenda
Heidi and the other members of the Intelligence Bureau kept a close eye on the Young Master. They monitored him from a distance, sensed his mana, and planted magic items all over to ensure he would not vanish without a trace. They even followed him wherever he went, maintaining a constant surveillance.
The Young Master, being the son of the former Grand Master of the Anastasia Union and a potential candidate for the next Grand Master, was under scrutiny from many other factions. Despite their efforts to blend in, the surveillance by other groups often interfered with Heidi’s team's work.
"Still, the Young Master himself seems to have gotten used to the attention. He doesn’t really mind it, so the job isn’t too difficult," Heidi noted.
"From what you’ve seen, what’s your impression of the Young Master?" I asked, after receiving her usual reports on the rooftop during a class break.
"Well, he spends most of his time at the martial arts hall within the grounds, so I don’t see him much. When he does go out, he seems more lively and cheerful than the reckless reputation he has. He doesn’t really strike me as the type who plots and schemes."
Hmm, that’s not as bad as I expected.
"Has he had any contact with anyone like Badoo Lot?"
"Not at all. Whenever he goes out, it’s usually to blacksmiths or weapon shops, and no one of note is waiting for him there. All negotiations with other people or organizations are handled by his attendants, so he doesn’t have much opportunity to meet suspicious characters. The surveillance teams from the Berliza Intelligence Department and other organizations are a lot more suspicious, honestly."
I had imagined him as a bit of a playboy, but it seems he’s actually quite disciplined. At least, that’s what Heidi and her team have observed. He doesn’t drink, doesn’t chase women—just a serious guy focused on self-improvement.
Strangely, the more I investigate him, the less the negative impressions stick.
"...If he’s just acting under surveillance, he’s a damn good actor."
"He is. But there’s someone who’s caught my attention. I plan to focus on him in the future."
One of the Young Master’s attendants, apparently.
The Anastasia Union is a powerful organization in the great kingdom of Berliza, with a large number of members and various factions. With so many people, different perspectives and even betrayals are bound to arise.
“I might as well share this with the Berliza Intelligence Department. They might already be aware, though."
"They are. The Intelligence Department has a lot of personnel, and they’re monitoring other senior members as well."
"So, they haven’t caught him red-handed yet?"
"Probably not. We’ll keep an eye on him too, so we don’t get outdone."
It’s a good idea to show the big dogs of the Intelligence Department that we’re not to be underestimated. For Heidi, it’s a chance to prove herself.
"One more thing, though."
"What is it?"
"There’s a building on the grounds that’s heavily secured. It’s quite old and doesn’t seem to be well-maintained, but the fact that it blocks mana is what caught my attention."
Hmm. Our headquarters has a sealed room with dangerous magic potions I created during experiments. The Anastasia Union might have similar items they can’t just dispose of.
"It could just be a storage room for magic items. It’s a bit odd that it’s not well-maintained, but maybe it’s just filled with old, useless artifacts."
"Maybe. I just thought it was strange."
"If your sister knows something, you could ask her. If it really bothers you, that is. We have a good relationship with the current Grand Master, so we can’t just break in."
The smell of treasure might be tempting, but we can’t become thieves. With the kind of dangerous items the Anastasia Union might have, it’s best to leave well enough alone.
A few days passed quietly, and then I received a call from Moore of the Berliza Intelligence Department. He’s usually busy, so this must be important. Maybe they’ve caught Badoo Lot.
I finished my work at the academy and headed to our usual bar, a bit hopeful. As soon as I entered the dimly lit place, I noticed something was different. Moore hadn’t arrived yet.
I’ve met Moore a few times, and he’s always been prompt or a little late, but never this late. Usually, there are a few other Intelligence Department members in the bar, blending in and watching me. They’re not here today.
When something’s off, it’s a sign to be cautious.
Maybe he’s just running late. I’ll wait a bit.
Just as I finished my first drink, Moore finally showed up.
"You’re late."
"Sorry. Things have been tough."
He looks exhausted. From his tone, it’s more than just a busy day.
"What’s going on?"
"Nothing major... No, I can’t keep this to myself."
"Doesn’t sound good. If you don’t want to say, I won’t push."
"Listen. The Intelligence Department is under pressure from higher-ups, and it’s affecting our operations. We can’t move as freely as we need to."
Higher-ups? Moore, being from a noble family, must be dealing with some powerful figures.
"You mean the nobility? They don’t seem to understand the current situation, do they?"
"I know it sounds like someone else’s problem, but you’re not immune."
"Huh? How am I involved?"
You might be more involved than you think. The Berliza Intelligence Department and the nobility above them have their eyes on you.
"To put it simply, there are nobles who oppose our cooperation. They have numerous valid reasons, but the real reason is just that they don’t like you."
"So, there’s a noble who can influence the Intelligence Department and doesn’t like me? Do they not understand the current situation?"
I don’t mind if they don’t want to rely on me. After all, I’m just an outsider from Exembra.
I’d prefer not to get entangled in all this mess, but my cooperation with the Intelligence Department is temporary, tied to the Young Master’s involvement with foreign powers. If they want to end it, that’s fine. But interfering with our operations is a different matter.
"Talk to the daughter of the Cleados family."
"The Cleados daughter... Ruth Cleados, the Student Council President. Why?"
"More important than that, we’ve discovered that one of the Young Master’s attendants is from the Empire."
Interesting. The Medek-Legisamo Empire, a military nation that has been planning to invade the Kingdom of Brenark and is closely tied to the Legisamo Cartel, has been at odds with Berliza for years.
"Good work. Sending in spies from the Empire is a plausible move."
"Erasing someone’s past is not easy. There are always inconsistencies. We went through everything meticulously and finally caught a break."
That aligns with what Heidi reported. This seems to confirm it.
"But what about the Young Master’s intentions? Is he trying to bring in the Empire or other foreign powers?"
"Based on what I’ve seen, I don’t think so. He’s only interested in his martial training and Sigurdnaught Granzo."
"He seems obsessed with your sister, but he doesn’t seem to make any moves."
"We’ve confirmed he’s written several letters, but they haven’t been delivered. Someone must be intercepting them."
Taking love letters? Some people are really low.
"Wait, you’re not thinking I’m intercepting them? If I’m cursed, I’ll be in trouble."
"You have plenty of reasons to be cursed. A new concern is the assassination of Sigurdnaught Granzo."
"Why would they target my sister?"
"To manipulate the Young Master and the Anastasia Union. If they claim it’s our country’s doing, the naive Young Master might lash out without checking the facts. Or they might frame you and use it to their advantage. Either way, it benefits the Empire and other foreign powers."
What a messed-up situation.
The Empire’s plots, foreign interference, and internal power struggles within Berliza. I thought I could stay out of it, but I’m right in the middle.
And now, a noble who can influence the Intelligence Department has their own agenda. Being popular isn’t always a good thing.
"Damn... What about Badoo Lot?"
"No progress. We’re hamstrung by the interference."
"Then I’ll look into it. I don’t want any more troublemakers. I’ll take care of them if I can."
"Secretly, if possible. We’re in a bind and can’t provide much support."
I thought the Intelligence Department could handle Badoo Lot. They’re not much help.
If this were the Kingdom of Brenark, I could eliminate troublesome nobles with Rosmerta’s backing. We don’t have those connections or trust here. If we can resolve this mess, we might earn some backing.
The Kikyo Society has a track record of striking a blow against the Empire and a close relationship with the sister of the Grand Master of the Anastasia Union. On a positive note, we could build a good relationship with Berliza.
Despite the challenges, it’s worth the effort for future benefits.
"...I understand the situation. For now, our interests are aligned. But if someone tries to sabotage us out of spite or jealousy, I’ll take them down, no matter who they are. If there’s someone I shouldn’t mess with, speak up before it’s too late. The Intelligence Department can still operate, so I expect them to keep the troublemakers in check."
"Of course. We won’t stay in this position indefinitely."
"Good."
Complicated times often bring power struggles. Even if we’re just temporary allies, I’m an outsider. They won’t reveal everything.
After confirming our situations, I left the bar more cautious. The next day, I had a meeting with Ruth Cleados, the Student Council President.
Moore mentioned that there were nobles who opposed my cooperation with the Intelligence Department and suggested I talk to Ruth.
Why would a student know such intricate details?
Curious, but if he thinks I should ask, I will.
"Ruth Cleados, Student Council President, can I have a moment? It’s urgent."
"Of course, I’m free."
I caught her before she headed to the Student Council Building after classes. She readily agreed to come to a private room, as if she expected this.
"You knew why I wanted to talk to you?"
"I had a good guess. My father told me to answer any questions from Ms. Evilbanshee, so go ahead."
"Interesting. Your father, the Count Cleados? Well, if it clears things up, that’s fine. To start, do you know what I’m up to?"
"I’ve heard you have a temporary alliance with the Intelligence Department."
Impressive, coming from a noble’s daughter. She probably knows more than I expected, including my true identity. A regular academy instructor wouldn’t do these things.
"There’s someone interfering with our alliance. Who and why?"
"There are several nobles who don’t like you. Especially the noble maidens who have feelings for Prince Maximilian."
"Prince Maximilian? I’ve heard that name somewhere..."
A prince, so he’s royalty. I’m still not sure what’s going on.
"You might not realize it, but Prince Maximilian cares about you. It’s not surprising that some women are jealous."
Of course it’s surprising. We’re in a near-war situation, and worrying about a prince’s affections is absurd.
"A woman’s jealousy? That’s the dumbest reason ever. If someone tries to mess with me over something like that, I’ll show them hell. Besides, I’ve never even met Prince Maximilian."
"The jealousy of a woman in love can be terrifying. It’s not just women; there are also nobles who don’t want political involvement. Some want to use you, while others want to eliminate you."
I understand that the Kikyo Society, as an organization, isn’t universally accepted. This is expected. But undermining allies during a crisis is the work of out-of-touch nobles.
"What about your father, the Count Cleados? Where does he stand?"
"My father is supportive of Ms. Evilbanshee. He doesn’t seem to mind the interference I caused."
Your father and I have a history. I dismantled a scheme where he and his daughter were exploiting students for political leverage. Despite that, he doesn’t seem to hold a grudge.
"Interesting. If he’s supportive, I’d like him to put a stop to the troublemakers. We’re working for mutual benefit. Interfering with me goes against national interests. Your father, with his position, can do that."
"My father is already taking action. He doesn’t like the Anastasia Union and sees the Kikyo Society as a potential counterbalance."
The Anastasia Union and Berliza have a long-standing, deep relationship, which some nobles, especially those in the military, find problematic. However, openly opposing the Anastasia Union could lead to civil war. If another force can balance them, it’s a win.
The Kikyo Society is one of the few forces that can challenge the Anastasia Union’s martial prowess.
Even if they don’t fully support us, they might want to use us for their own ends. It’s natural for nobles to want to take credit for our work.
Understood. If it’s about mutual benefit, I can trust them.
"Mr. Evilbanshee?"
"Tell your father I understand his position."
We speak the same language. This will do.
Regardless, the nobles will handle their own factional issues. I’ll keep my expectations for the Count Cleados moderate, but I’ll trust him to an extent.
---
The seeds sown by various factions are about to sprout and the movements will begin.
Stay tuned for the next chapter: "The First Step of a King, the New Magic Doll Club."