Ch.183Episode 10 – Turn Your Course to the North-Northwest

# The History of Humanity is the History of War

If one were to name the most famous wars in the academic circles of this region, there would be about five.

The invasion of nomadic tribes and foreign races from the East,

The holy war against heretics and cultists,

The war between clergy and mages,

The war against monsters,

The war against demon-kind.

Throughout history, there have been countless wars and conflicts, some of which continue to this day.

Among them, the war against demon-kind is most recognized by the people of the continent, primarily because the Kiyen Empire, which directly borders the demon territories, is a superpower.

A land of unmelting snow. Desolate snowfields and treacherous mountain ranges. Flesh-cutting bitter cold. Ear-splitting battle cries and cannon fire. Screams and terror.

The demons inhabiting the “Frozen Land,”

And the knights fighting fiercely to not yield even an inch of territory.

This is the image of the conflict between the Kiyen Empire and the Demon Realm.

## Episode 10 – Turn Your Course to North-Northwest

Exactly one hundred years ago.

It was an era when mages were hunted down as devil worshippers or witches.

Emperors gathered clerics from religious orders and knights who could enhance their bodies with magical power to defend the borders. After the existence of mages came to light, they wholeheartedly supported the establishment of the Magic Tower and drove the demons back to the snowy mountains. Incidentally, this also curbed the Pope’s once unchecked influence.

For the past century, the Empire has enjoyed a golden age. Science and magic have developed brilliantly, and under the current Emperor Nikolai VI, the Empire is expanding beyond the continent to the world—whether in a positive or negative sense.

But the situation has changed.

“After returning from vacation, I received an analysis report from the company about the northern front.”

The demons of the Frozen Land have begun pouring into the north. Despite numerous soldiers, mages, and clerics being deployed to the north, the Empire’s situation continues to deteriorate.

“Officially, there have been 43 battles of various scales in the past two months. That’s essentially a fight every other day.”

A battle every other day. The previous conflicts were closer to localized skirmishes, but now they can hardly be called that anymore.

The Abas intelligence agency estimated the Imperial army’s casualties but couldn’t accurately determine civilian losses.

To be precise, they questioned (Empire-friendly) foreign journalists and volunteers who had access to the north, but they only had testimonies and photographs without concrete data, making it impossible to produce a meaningful report.

“It seems they’ve suffered considerable damage, but not enough to create holes in the front line or force the entire Northern Army to retreat.”

“What about civilian casualties?”

“We’re still assessing that as well. Since we can’t receive real-time information, there’s no way to know exactly how many casualties there are or what situation civilians in the northern region are facing. While the rear areas might be accessible, combat zones are off-limits to anyone except the military. Even this information was gathered with great difficulty.”

“…Can we trust the material produced by that company? The north is inaccessible, after all.”

Camilla tilted her head with a questioning voice.

“This comes directly from an intelligence officer at the embassy. It’s likely information leaked by Imperial military officials or government figures. Personally, I believe it’s sufficiently reliable.”

This is intelligence obtained by an official cover intelligence officer. Although the information network has collapsed, intelligence officers dispatched to the embassy are still active.

Since this information comes from a government official via an intelligence officer disguised as a diplomat, I consider both the source and the intelligence to be trustworthy.

“Above all, it’s difficult for a high-ranking official in a dictatorship to directly acknowledge their country’s losses. Since they’ve done this difficult thing, there are two possibilities.”

First, the situation is serious enough for high officials to acknowledge it.

Second, they’ve acknowledged it but downplayed the losses to save face.

“If it’s the former, that’s somewhat fortunate; if it’s the latter, things are completely chaotic. The situation at the front might be worse than we can imagine.”

I spent quite some time explaining the northern front situation. While Camilla probably has a general understanding of the northern region from her analysis homework, I judged that wasn’t enough.

After taking a sip of water, I concluded my explanation.

“Despite my long introduction, our task is simple. Due to circumstances, we’ll have detailed discussions after arriving in the Empire, but you don’t need to worry about that part.”

“So, what exactly is this task you mentioned?”

“Beating up monsters and saving people.”

I looked at Camilla.

Quick-witted, knows how to fight, has hunting experience, and has volunteered in conflict zones following her sister who belongs to Doctors Without Borders.

“Both are things you’re good at.”

Camilla smiled brightly.

“That’s not all I’m good at.”

“Just in case you’re wondering, don’t even dream about doing any espionage.”

“Tch.”

*

After finishing my conversation with Camilla.

I checked on the status of the other members.

The first place I visited was Lucia’s room.

Past the door guarded by two holy knights, a luxurious guest room came into view. The vast blue sky was visible through the wide-open curtains, and the room, adorned with fresh flowers and bright lighting, was filled with a subtle fragrance.

At the center of the somewhat busy room, Lucia was surrounded by nuns and priests attending to her.

The situation seemed inconvenient. I tried to approach and say something, but there was a barrier of nuns and priests.

Lucia sat in front of a mirror, unaware that I had entered, and even those attending to her didn’t recognize me.

After looking around for a while, I asked a holy knight who was waiting in the room.

“Is Saint Lucia very busy right now?”

“Ah, yes. The Saint is currently being groomed.”

As it turned out, Lucia was in the middle of having her makeup done.

I had never seen Lucia wearing makeup or dressing up before. While Lucia herself didn’t show much interest in grooming, the Order had sent specially selected people to ensure that she, as a high-ranking clergy member, wouldn’t appear “unpolished” (bare-faced) in public.

Looking at Lucia’s appearance and conduct, I wonder if makeup is really necessary.

“She seems fine without makeup, honestly.”

“Haha.”

The holy knight explained that even such grooming carried religious significance, but as a non-religious person, it didn’t particularly resonate with me.

Anyway, since it was an internal matter of the Order, it wasn’t something I should interfere with.

A holy knight who was adjusting the curtains to let in more sunlight suddenly turned to look at me.

“By the way, Officer, what brings you here…?”

“Ah, right. Meals will be prepared in the airship lounge in an hour. If it’s alright, could you please inform the Saint? I have other matters to attend to.”

“Yes, understood. Please take care.”

After briefly exchanging greetings with the holy knight, I left the room.

As this was an Imperial airship, the guest rooms of Camilla, Lucia, and Francesca were separated for convenience.

I went to find Camilla to tell her that meals would be ready in an hour, and confiscated the snacks provided by the Empire that she had been secretly eating.

“You were eating bread in that short time I was away. You’re really something.”

“I exercise regularly, you know. Just let it slide this once!”

“Exercise or not… control your food intake. This isn’t a white elephant—even an elephant would bulk up if it ate like you.”

“…What did you say?”

When I compared her to an elephant, Camilla became furious and started causing a commotion. It wasn’t metaphorical fire—it was real fire.

I had no choice but to offer the bread I was holding as a tribute and quickly grab my bag to escape.

*

After escaping Camilla’s fiery clutches, I headed to another guest room. It felt a bit like I was running away, but I absolutely did not flee because I was afraid of Camilla’s flames. Anyway, that’s that.

After catching my breath in the bathroom and washing my hands, I sat down across from the room’s occupant.

“I hope you’re finding everything comfortable, Administrator?”

“Fortunately, yes. Thank you for your concern.”

Francesca nodded in gratitude. With her nod, her amethyst-like purple hair flowed down past her shoulders.

The soft lighting seemed to deepen the color of her hair. She had apparently been trying to rest, as the ceiling light was off and only the lamp on the bedside table was lit.

However, the curtains were drawn, so the scenery outside wasn’t visible.

“……”

No matter how much surveillance she might be under from the Fatalia government, Francesca was no ordinary person.

She graduated from Fatalia’s private academy with excellent grades, entered a prestigious Magic Tower university, joined the Magic Tower Secretariat where only the most carefully selected talents could go, and rose to the position of Administrator at a young age.

Perhaps because of this, Francesca always exudes an indescribable air of refinement. Even without speaking, she radiates an unapproachable aura.

But today was different.

Francesca wore the Secretariat’s uniform with a cape bearing the emblem of the Elemental School. At her neck was a brooch engraved with the symbol of the Magic Tower, and her upswept hair was secured with a unique ornament.

“That’s the outfit you were wearing when I first met you at the Magic Tower.”

“You remember.”

“It suits you well.”

“Does it?”

Francesca, dressed formally for the official event, smiled gently.

During the era of active inquisitions, mages developed a will to inherit the legacy left by their masters and ancestors, which has evolved into the conservative tendency of magical society to preserve the old ways, even now that the Magic Tower has been established. This is also why the Secretariat insists on these uncomfortable uniforms rather than simple business attire.

“I hope it’s not rude to ask, but isn’t it uncomfortable?”

“What are you referring to?”

“Your neck.”

I tapped my finger on my neck area.

“You seem to have buttoned up too tightly.”

Francesca had buttoned her uniform all the way to the top. It looked uncomfortable even to me.

At my gentle request to please undo some buttons, Francesca smiled awkwardly.

“I’m sorry. It’s become such a habit that I didn’t even realize…”

“I understand.”

As someone with professional habits myself, I could fully empathize with her explanation.

Francesca undid about two buttons. As she slightly parted the collar with her fingers, her snow-white neck was clearly visible.

Feeling more comfortable now that the constriction was gone, Francesca even removed the ornament securing her hair.

“Are you sure it’s alright to remove that? It seems like your hair was carefully arranged.”

“It’s not that complicated—I can fix it again with magic.”

“……”

…Is it appropriate to use magic for something like that?

Francesca casually tossed the removed ornament onto the table. While I was surprised at how carelessly she treated what appeared to be an expensive ornament, my attention was soon drawn to the emblem engraved on it.

The symbol of House Ranieri. It was an ornament bearing the family seal.

Typically, nobles treat items symbolizing their family with great care, but it seemed that such ornaments weren’t particularly precious to Francesca. Whether it was the ornament itself or House Ranieri that wasn’t important to her, I couldn’t tell.

Taking my eyes off the ornament, Francesca suggested having a cup of coffee.

I nodded in agreement, and soon two cups of warm coffee were placed on the table. While savoring the fragrant aroma, I took out a cigarette from my pocket and began.

“About the Imperial dignitaries we’re scheduled to meet with the Oracle Committee.”

“……”

Francesca gave a gentle smile. Between her slightly slanted eyes, a pair of violet irises looked at me.

With a cigarette between my fingers, I gestured with my chin toward the bag I had brought.

“This equipment blocks eavesdropping. Real-time listening, recording, filming—all of it.”

Only then did Francesca breathe a sigh of relief and grumble slightly.

“You should have mentioned that earlier. You startled me, Officer.”

Despite her words, she didn’t seem particularly startled. I responded with a simple shrug of my shoulders.

“What about the dignitaries?”

“Looking through the list, I noticed some familiar names.”

Taking a drag from my cigarette, I pulled out a paper from my pocket and placed it on the desk. It was a list with names, ages, occupations, and residences, with certain names highlighted in red pen.

“Could you let me know before you make contact with the people marked here? Actually, just come find me directly.”

“You want me to come to you?”

“Why not? We’re colleagues, after all.”

Officially, Francesca and I are Camilla’s colleagues, and we’ll be working together for years, perhaps decades. The same goes for Lucia and the others.

Unofficially, Francesca and I have an informant-handler relationship, but officially, we’re colleagues.

In other words, there would be no issue if she came to my room at 2 AM claiming an urgent matter. At least on the surface.

After thinking while sipping her coffee, Francesca spoke.

“You’re curious about what conversations we might have.”

“Whether diplomat or intelligence officer, our professions make us sensitive to information.”

“How specifically can I help you?”

“Just tell me what topics you discussed, who attended the meeting. If there’s nothing particular to talk about, even trivial details like what they ate, what hobbies they have, or what fields they show interest in would be helpful.”

“And if I tell you this, what happens to these dignitaries?”

That’s for the intelligence agency to handle.

From that point on, it’s not Francesca’s concern. Even I don’t need to worry about it unless it’s a special case—I just report.

Of course, I couldn’t bluntly say it’s none of her business, so I just smiled.

“Will you eavesdrop if necessary?”

“I might record or film depending on the situation. Strictly speaking, it’s more recording than eavesdropping, but I’ll refrain if I’m concerned about the Administrator’s safety.”

Francesca’s eyes closed gently.

As if lost in thought, she remained silent for a while, sitting still.

-Tap.

-Tap.

“Refrain…”

“……”

Francesca’s eyes narrowed as she tapped her teacup with her finger.

“That’s not the same as saying you won’t do it…?”

“……”

“So, you might push ahead even if I’m in danger…?”

I smiled gently.

“I’ll make judgments based on the situation. Of course, your safety will be my highest priority.”

‘I’ will create plans considering the situation and Francesca’s safety, but

If ‘those above’ don’t consider Francesca’s safety, there’s nothing I can do.

If something goes wrong, whether intentionally or by mistake, I can deflect responsibility. Of course, Francesca wouldn’t know whether it was ‘those above’ or ‘those below’ who didn’t consider her safety.

“I will never put you in danger. If we cooperate well, everyone will remain safe.”

In the room with blackout curtains drawn, not a single ray of light entered.

I smoked my cigarette in front of Francesca, who was looking at me with narrowed eyes. Time had already passed the one-hour mark.

“Ah, dinner should be ready by now.”

“……”

“Shall we go together?”