Ch.13Episode 2 – Heroes of the Continent

People don’t often realize this, but embassies host parties, both large and small, almost every day.

The atmosphere of these parties varies as much as the diverse cultures of each country. However, all embassies share the same purpose: to showcase their nation’s unique cuisine and beverages, introducing their taste and style to foreign ambassadors.

It’s about projecting their nation’s dignity on the world stage.

The quality and taste of the food, along with the ambiance of the venue, represent not just the embassy’s status but the dignity of the entire nation.

Diplomats from various countries navigate between tables, securing their interests and discussing national affairs. In a way, it’s only natural that we were invited to such a party. After all, the Hero is a talent coveted by every nation.

“Why would those Imperial bastards invite us?”

“How would I know?”

The problem is that we were invited by the Kiyen Empire’s embassy.

“Could they be targeting the Hero? The Empire has been fighting against the demon race lately…”

“So they need the Hero’s power…”

“…Hey, everyone, huddle up.”

The three spies put their heads together and began to deliberate.

The topic of discussion was singular: ‘Why were we invited?’

“Considering they invited the Hero, they must want to make some kind of request of her.”

Pippin argued that the Empire would make some sort of demand of the Hero.

“Since you’re also on the guest list, Major, I think they want to discuss something about the bombing incident.”

Jake speculated they would make a statement regarding the bombing.

After listening to both opinions, I pointed out that we were missing the real issue.

“Hey, that’s not what’s important right now.”

“Then what is important, sir?”

“All three of us have to attend the party. So who’s going to provide security?”

“Since it’s the Kiyen Empire’s embassy, naturally they’ll—”

“Oh…”

Pippin and Jake turned pale and shut their mouths.

For reference, in this world, embassy security and protection fall under the jurisdiction of each country’s intelligence agency.

In other words, we have to enter a place crawling with intelligence agents.

“Are we screwed…?”

“Yes.”

“Fuck.”

Episode 2 – Heroes of the Continent

Even with diplomatic status as a shield, encountering foreign agents is burdensome. Especially if those agents aren’t spies but counterintelligence officers.

No, let me correct myself. Every single person I meet at this party is a burden.

Just like now.

“Hahaha! So you’re the famous Major Fredrik Nostrum!”

An unfamiliar gentleman extended his thick hand for a handshake.

He’s probably some embassy spokesperson or something. Normally, I would try to remember his name, but compared to others at the party, he’s of lesser importance, so I erased him from my memory. I halfheartedly agreed with whatever the spokesperson said and hastily moved away.

Waving off approaching diplomats with gestures while maintaining a plausible smile on my face, I approached the Cardinal.

“Pleased to meet you, Your Eminence. I’m Major Fredrik Nostrum.”

“Ah! You’re the Hero’s companion! It’s an honor to meet you.”

“I’m a bit embarrassed to hear such words… Actually, I wanted to discuss something regarding the Hero’s schedule…”

I had many tasks to accomplish at this party.

Meeting with Cardinals to learn about internal church affairs and discussing the Hero’s schedule.

Casually gathering intelligence on the Imperial embassy by meeting with their ambassador.

Cornering Inquisition officials to extract information about the bombing and discussing the Hero’s safety.

Confirming the progress of the Holy Maiden candidate election through a bishop.

Being cornered by journalists with questions about the Hero, polishing up Lucia the priestess’s image.

Pushing away diplomats begging for a meeting with the Hero.

Exchanging intelligence about the terrorist attack with foreign agents I happened to encounter.

While navigating the party using my half-baked conversational skills learned thirty years ago and my ability to remain sober, I noticed Pippin and Jake signaling me from a corner of the venue.

“Are you two alright?”

“No, I feel like I’m dying…”

“My stomach feels bloated…”

Judging by their expressions, they had been harassed by people.

“Diplomats are scarier than agents…”

Pippin muttered weakly.

“I haven’t seen a single Imperial Guardian agent…”

“Of course they wouldn’t openly advertise being agents. Just stay alert, both of you.”

It was a cruel order for the two exhausted men, but Pippin and Jake didn’t complain.

That’s because they had witnessed their direct superior being tormented between the Imperial Ambassador and the Cardinal for over 50 minutes.

Of course, I didn’t complain either. There was someone even more pitiful than us.

That unfortunate person was Camilla Rowell.

“Wow… the Hero is still trapped over there?”

“It’s been over an hour now…”

True to her status as the focus of the entire continent’s attention, she remained unable to leave the center of the party.

Even from a distance, I could see her sweating nervously. Earlier, when I got up from my seat, she begged me to take her along. But less than a minute after I rescued her, she was sucked back into the crowd.

“Her red hair definitely makes her stand out.”

Pippin commented on her crimson hair.

Her red hair was already eye-catching, but standing in the middle of a crowd of bald men made her even more noticeable. With the elegant lighting, she seemed to be surrounded by a faint halo.

“What do you think they’re talking about?”

“It’s obvious. They’re asking her to attend their events later.”

“Is the Hero resuming her external schedule?”

“The Inquisition contacted us saying they’ll assign special security personnel for the Hero. Plus a healing priest. She’ll probably resume activities soon.”

As I continued explaining, Pippin and Jake’s jaws dropped.

“Wow… security personnel and a healing priest? I don’t think even a Cardinal gets that kind of treatment.”

“They said only the Pope gets a dedicated healing priest.”

“So the Hero receives the same treatment as the Pope…”

The two were delighted as if it were their own achievement. The Inquisition’s offer was indeed extraordinary.

Holy Knights, Inquisitors, and a healing priest on standby at all times.

It was an unprecedented decision. The high-ranking church officials seemed desperate for the Hero to leave the embassy as soon as possible.

“Don’t get too excited. The bomber hasn’t been caught yet.”

“With Inquisitors accompanying her, would terrorists really dare to attack?”

“What if the bomber is crazy enough to strap on explosives and charge at her? Don’t assume they’re rational.”

“Hey, don’t jinx it with such negative talk. By the way, what did the Imperial Ambassador say?”

“Just expressed regret. Basically saying they had nothing to do with the bombing.”

“Then who set off the bomb?”

While we were discussing the bombing’s perpetrators, Camilla Rowell emerged from the crowd and slowly walked toward us.

She finally escaped, it seems.

“Phew! So this is where everyone was!”

She smiled brightly, her crimson hair neatly tied back. Pippin and Jake welcomed the Hero, while I addressed her with an expressionless face.

“Congratulations, Hero. You’re finally free.”

“Major, why did you abandon me?”

“Abandon you? I clearly rescued you, but you got dragged back in. That’s on you, Miss Camilla Rowell.”

“I reached out my hand to you, but you just left!”

“Hand?”

Uh…

Hmm…

Come to think of it, she might have reached out to me while being dragged away.

“Is that so? That’s unfortunate.”

“Seriously…! That was cruel, Major!”

Though Camilla Rowell grumbled, her face was full of mischief.

Looking at her now, she seems to have a playful personality.

Perhaps she was too overwhelmed before to show this side of herself. Then again, it would be strange to be relaxed after being stranded alone in another world.

Lost in thought, I was interrupted by Pippin’s sudden question to the Hero.

“…Hero, have you been drinking?”

“Yes!”

Camilla Rowell answered with a beaming smile.

So she was just drunk.

“Miss Camilla Rowell, you seem intoxicated. Let’s get some fresh air before coming back inside.”

“Hehe! No, I’m perfectly fine!”

She denied it while swaying her flushed cheeks. Even at a glance, she was clearly quite drunk.

“Pippin, take the Hero outside for some air. Jake, bring a glass of cold water and…”

Just as I was about to mobilize Pippin and Jake to prevent the Hero’s embarrassment, someone called me from behind.

“Major Fredrik Nostrum?”

I stopped gesturing and turned around. The bald Imperial Ambassador was calling me, accompanied by a gentleman in a suit.

“…Ah, Ambassador.”

“Hahaha! I apologize for interrupting your conversation. This gentleman wanted to meet you…”

“Pleased to meet you, Major Fredrik Nostrum.”

The ordinary-looking man in the suit cut off the Ambassador’s words and offered his hand.

For someone to interrupt the host country’s ambassador so casually, he must be one of two things: either an arrogant person abusing his position, or…

“I’m in charge of security for this party.”

“…”

“Would you mind having a brief chat with me?”

…someone with power equal to the Ambassador’s.

*

The party was held in a hall located in the annex of the Kiyen Empire’s embassy.

The suited man who introduced himself as the security manager led me to the second floor, which overlooked the entire party venue.

“Would you like a drink?”

“No, thank you.”

After I declined the glass he offered, he nodded and picked up one of the glasses on the table.

The ordinary-looking man in the suit leaned forward with an air of composure and began to speak.

“I’m from the Counter-Espionage Division of the Guardian Office, assigned to the embassy.”

It was a bold introduction from the start. Openly introducing himself as someone who catches spies to a spy—was he impulsive or just confident?

“Major Fredrik Nostrum, I’m not good at beating around the bush. Can we speak frankly?”

“Please, speak as you wish.”

“Good. Since there’s no barrier to our conversation, let’s skip the detours and go straight to the point.”

He leaned to one side and delivered his main point.

“I’ve brought you here to convey the Empire’s position regarding the recent bombing.”

It wasn’t just getting to the point—it was a bombshell.