Ch.634Episode 23 – The Spy Who Returned from the Cold Country

“His Imperial Highness the Crown Prince is entering!”

At the announcer’s call, the murmuring in Leyevsky Hall subsided instantly, like a water-soaked sponge.

The gentle music stopped, and the crowd gathered in the ballroom divided into two groups.

Those who bowed their heads respectfully, and those who stood at attention with perfect posture. Just by their stance alone, one could easily tell which country they were from.

Camilla and I, who had been exchanging greetings with foreign guests until moments ago, stopped alongside them.

Among the procession entering Leyevsky Hall through the large golden doors, the one who caught our attention was undoubtedly the man at the front.

“He’s finally here. I can see the Grand Duke over there as well.”

“That man is Valery…”

He had a somewhat cold impression.

A handsome face with thick eyebrows, slightly downturned red lips, and deep eyes that seemed to gaze into the distance.

There was no hint of a general’s commanding presence that would gallop across fields and rule the world. Though he resembled his father, the Crown Prince lacked the robustness of Nicholas VI.

Rather, his face reminded one of a scholarly gentleman residing in a thatched cottage.

But he couldn’t be taken lightly, for even the mastermind who split the world into several factions as the advisor to a mat merchant was originally just a scholar from Yungzhong.

I watched Crown Prince Valery with curious eyes while sipping my wine.

“Thank you all for attending my birthday celebration. Despite the countless pains and sorrows brought by the war five years ago, today marks the end of a harsh winter and the beginning of a new spring. I wish to set aside my heavy burdens and share joy with you all.”

The Crown Prince raised his glass lightly and began a concise toast with a benevolent smile, looking around at the gathering.

“To our friendship, eternal prosperity, and peace. Cheers.”

The crowd in Leyevsky Hall raised their glasses in unison.

Camilla quietly raised her glass, and I gently clinked mine against hers.

The formal banquet had begun.

Episode 23 – The Spy Who Returned from the Cold Country

The imperial ball, returning after 54 years, was held to celebrate Crown Prince Valery’s birthday.

As evident from its purpose, today’s banquet centered around Crown Prince Valery, and naturally, the first dance also went to him.

Typically, his dance partner should have been someone accompanying him, but the single Valery had no suitable spouse or children.

This posed no problem, however. He was the official successor appointed by Nicholas VI, and women eager to dance with him were not hard to find in Leyevsky Hall.

His chosen first dance partner was a noblewoman from a cadet branch of the imperial family.

According to diplomats, she wasn’t from a particularly powerful family.

However, having shared a personal friendship with the Crown Prince since childhood, she could comfortably request a dance. That was the kind of minor information I could gather.

“Even for a cadet branch, they must have some historical significance. I wonder why she didn’t bring a partner?”

“She’s known as a wallflower in social circles. Given her age and tendency to get nervous, rumors about her inability to keep rhythm have spread widely, making her generally avoided. The Crown Prince probably specially accommodated her for that reason.”

I exchanged glasses with nearby military attachés from other countries, gathering information bit by bit. Who exactly was the Crown Prince’s dance partner, was there a special reason for choosing her today, and so on.

After piecing together several bits of information, I concluded she wasn’t anyone particularly significant.

In other words, not someone worth expending energy to keep an eye on.

“I expected him to ask Count Lubov’s daughter to dance. This is surprising.”

“The Eastern Governor’s only daughter? I hadn’t heard the Governor was here.”

“The Governor didn’t come, but his wife and daughter did attend. He probably couldn’t leave the Eastern colony. Didn’t protests break out in the colony just last week over autonomy issues?”

“I doubt that’s the reason. Colonial protests aren’t anything new. I think he’s too busy dealing with neighboring naval forces threatening the Eastern Fleet.”

“If it’s a fishing rights dispute, that might be the case. By the way, it seems the Grand Duchess has no intention of mingling with others again today? While the Crown Prince and princesses are dancing, she remains alone.”

What caught the military attachés’ attention wasn’t the Crown Prince or the noblewoman dancing with him, but Grand Duchess Alexandra Petrovna.

Unlike the imperial family members who announced the start of the ball by showcasing their dancing skills, the Grand Duchess, who positioned herself as the imperial family’s elder, didn’t descend to the floor.

Even though all three princesses were dancing.

Princess Elizaveta with her blonde hair and red eyes, Princess Margarita with her black hair and eyes exuding an exotic charm, and Princess Anastasia who closely resembled the Grand Duchess. Each was dancing with their respective partners.

But the mysterious silver-haired archmage simply sat in her chair, watching her grand-nieces and nephews without engaging or mingling with anyone.

Some praised the Grand Duchess, saying, “As expected of an archmage, she’s so dignified,” complimenting the aura she exuded.

Well…

“…Hmm.”

“That’s clearly an expression of annoyance, isn’t it?”

“She’s my professor, but she’s certainly consistent.”

From our perspective, she was clearly showing signs of “Why do I have to sit here?” and “I want to leave soon.”

Anyway.

As the imperial family’s dance ended, nobles gathered in groups began walking toward the center of Leyevsky Hall. Some danced with their partners to the music, while others quickly sought out imperial family members to make an impression.

Camilla and I belonged to neither group.

Our purpose here today was information gathering, not finding potential matches or connections.

However,

There was one essential procedure we needed to complete before taking action.

*

Blending naturally into the crowd, we circled the ballroom once.

“Do you see anyone suspicious?” Camilla asked quietly, arm in arm with me.

I looked around, pretending to switch the hand holding my glass, then answered in a low voice.

“There are many eyes watching us, but no one who appears to be a monitor.”

We naturally began the task of identifying informants as we circled Leyevsky Hall.

Whether it was someone unnaturally out of place at the ball, or someone suspiciously focused on our movements.

We carefully examined everyone and remained vigilant.

This was because the individuals we were looking for were none other than imperial intelligence agents stationed here.

“Given that today’s banquet is hosted by the imperial family, the Empire’s five major security agencies must have deployed monitors for the safety of the imperial family and security of the venue.”

“Aren’t the people guarding the venue already from the Imperial Guard? I heard from the professor that they deployed 10 people from each regiment.”

“Other agencies would have sent representatives too. High-ranking officials from the Protection Bureau are included in the attendee list, and there are many foreigners from various embassies as well.”

Everything I was about to do needed to be kept strictly confidential. The conversations I would have shouldn’t reach the wrong ears, and those I intended to meet shouldn’t attract unwanted attention.

Therefore, we continuously identified informants scattered throughout the venue.

“Male at the fourth seat of the northern card game table. Woman in a pink dress with a folding fan between the western velvet curtain and column. Confirmed?”

“I recognize them. The man is the First Secretary of the Latuan Republic. The woman is a policy officer from the Kien Ministry of Defense; I met her once at last year’s Kien-Abas military exchange reception.”

“Neither are company people?”

“No. I know their faces, but that’s about it.”

“Do you see the person touching their earlobe near the entrance? Seems like they’re adjusting an earpiece.”

“Clearly a rookie. Judging by how they haven’t looked our way once, they’re probably marking others, but it’s too obvious. They’ll get scolded by their supervisor later.”

“Forty-something man on the second-floor balcony stroking his chin. Yellow tie. Light blue vest. Cufflinks decorated with gold rims and blue gems.”

“I don’t recognize him. I should remember that.”

After observing Leyevsky Hall for quite some time.

Having confirmed there were no threatening monitors, we began to blend into the increasingly lively ballroom.

The band had already changed their music several times.

Groups entering and leaving the dance floor mixed and swirled, repeatedly sweating and cooling down.

Paired men and women showcased elaborate dance moves to the tunes played by the golden pipe organ hanging on the high wall. They exchanged places with those in front, behind, and beside them, and sometimes entire lines moved in unison.

It was truly a spectacular sight. Even I, now quite accustomed to diplomatic events, couldn’t help but marvel at the sight of hundreds of couples moving like a single organism.

I carefully took Camilla’s hand and slowly moved along the hall.

She walked with remarkable skill, seemingly unhindered by her floor-length dress.

“Your dress today looks much heavier than the armor the Grand Duchess gave me. You walk quite well in it.”

“I’m used to it.”

As we crossed the red carpet, she suddenly asked me about the ambassador’s location.

With the hall crowded with people, even an exceptional mage like her seemed to have difficulty gauging exactly where the ambassador might be.

“The ambassador is likely finishing his conversation with the Crown Prince and greeting other high officials by now. The consul said he’d be observing foreign diplomats today, so he’s probably with that group. As for the military attaché…”

“He went upstairs earlier. I saw him going up with his aide, accompanied by imperial military generals.”

“He must have gone to the banquet hall.”

Like any diplomat would, the Abas ambassador and embassy staff were busy despite the late hour.

However, no one could focus comfortably on the banquet.

Given the current political climate. Even the ambassador, laughing and chatting with other ambassadors while enjoying sparkling wine, occasionally fell into deep thought with a clouded expression when conversations paused.

Eventually, we approached the ambassador, who was lost in thought, and offered some brief comfort.

“Why are you contemplating alone, Mr. Ambassador?”

“Ah. Major Nostrum and Hero Rowell.”

Perhaps pleased to see familiar faces, he greeted us with a rare bright smile.

After exchanging brief greetings with Camilla, the ambassador asked about her well-being with a kind expression.

“I was worried whether our major was accommodating the hero well, but this is perfect timing. Have you danced yet?”

“Unfortunately, we’ve been too busy talking with others to dance.”

“Oh my. You’ve come to the most formal Leyevsky Hall in Petrograd, yet haven’t enjoyed the ball at all. As ambassador, I must express regret at your partner’s thoughtless lack of consideration.”

“Ah, why are you saying that to me? You know the situation perfectly well…”

By convention, at a ball, men are supposed to ask women to dance.

Additionally, men and women with partners must dance with their own partners first before they can accept dance invitations from others. This was a matter of etiquette.

And Camilla was one of the most sought-after dance partners at today’s event, second only to the imperial family.

Who would miss this golden opportunity to propose (ask for a dance) to a hero and the archmage’s only disciple?

This applied to me as well to some extent. According to rumors passed around, quite a few attendees today were highly likely to ask me for a dance.

It was an undeniably troublesome situation.

Therefore, we had reached an implicit agreement before coming here. We would have our first dance toward the end of the ball.

Since all attendees knew the etiquette that the first and last dances should be with one’s partner.

This meant no one could casually propose to us since we hadn’t yet danced with our partners.

The ambassador knew this fact too. He was just teasing me despite knowing the circumstances.

“I know. It was just a joke, Major.”

“You’re quite mischievous. My face is burning with embarrassment.”

“Well, it’s not wrong! A man neglectful of his partner deserves to feel ashamed multiple times.”

“…Camilla, not you too.”

“Haha! The hero understands well.”

The good-natured diplomat and the playful mage continued to joke at my expense, matching each other’s rhythm.

Despite having just met, they seemed to enjoy their compatible humor, with the ambassador practically ignoring me to laugh and chat with Camilla. Seeing her skillfully engage with the ambassador, I could only shake my head as if to say I gave up.

As the lively conversation eventually wound down.

The ambassador, who had set aside his worries to chat with Camilla, suddenly leaned toward me and lowered his voice.

“According to the counselor’s report, among the attendees curious about you, there’s a man with a particularly distinctive appearance.”

A man.

This was unexpected information. I sipped my wine like those around me, casting a glance through my glass.

“Several individuals come to mind.”

“Do you have any idea who it might be? Even the counselor couldn’t identify him.”

“I don’t know yet. There are too many unfamiliar faces.”

That was inevitable. How could I possibly be acquainted with everyone attending?

The ambassador described the characteristics of the man who had been inquiring about me to Abas diplomats. He then instructed me to cautiously make contact with him.

“Is it safe to meet someone we don’t know?”

I asked with a slightly worried tone.

It was a concern about potentially getting entangled with the Protection Bureau or other intelligence agencies.

But the ambassador seemed firm in his decision, so I decided not to worry too much and proceed with action.

“You can trust the counselor’s instinct. He’s an agency person who’s worked under the consul for a long time.”

If it’s the instinct of a Royal Intelligence Bureau agent, it might be worth trusting.

After parting smoothly with the ambassador, I suggested to Camilla that we should move separately.

“Camilla, can you watch my back for a bit?”

“Until when?”

“It shouldn’t take long. You can slip away at an appropriate time and enjoy the banquet. You could even keep the lonely Grand Duchess company if you’d like.”

“Understood.”

*

Shortly after.

Now alone, I moved to a lounge far from Leyevsky Hall.

Camilla remained in the ballroom to observe the situation a bit longer, maintaining an appropriate distance while following me.

Whether it was a monitor or an employee, if anyone had been watching me closely and followed me out, she wouldn’t miss it and would remember to relay that information to me after I finished my business.

I entered the men’s lounge and began to take a short rest. Though called a lounge, it was essentially a smoking area with a faint tobacco smell lingering in the air, but I had no time to worry about such things now.

“……”

On my way to the lounge, I thought about the individuals I had encountered, even briefly.

A man who made eye contact with me while coming down as I was going up the stairs.

A couple who stopped their conversation when I appeared while walking from the outer garden.

An elderly man who had been in the lounge before me, looked at me as I sat down, then put out his cigarette and left, and so on.

Each had something suspicious about them, but the most memorable was undoubtedly that man.

The man on the second-floor balcony. The informant who persistently watched where we were while stroking his chin, and was eventually detected by Camilla’s radar.

According to her description, he was estimated to be in his early to mid-40s, wearing a yellow tie and light blue vest, with cufflinks decorated with prominent gold rims and blue gems. And coincidentally, the man who had been inquiring about me to the Royal Intelligence Bureau employee was also a middle-aged man in his mid-40s.

Could it be a coincidence?

Probably not.

“…Hmm.”

Sitting in a chair, I stepped out onto the terrace briefly. I thought I’d smoke a cigarette while waiting for the informant who might appear at any moment.

As I took out a cigarette and was about to search for my lighter.

-Swish.

Someone approached without a sound and offered me a lighter.

A classic lighter combining gold and brown wood. With a clear sound, the metal moved with a ‘ting,’ and flames rose from the wickless burner. I easily recognized the nature of the flame.

Elemental magic.

Not a common street magical tool. While there were many magical tools that produced flames, products that used expensive magic stones merely as fuel for lighting cigarettes barely existed in this world.

What kind of lunatic would burn money just to light cigarettes?

Not even Chow Yun-fat would do that.

“It’s a precious item gifted to me by a craftsman from the Ranieri family. Feel free to use it and return it.”

I accepted the lighter and lit the end of my cigarette.

“Even though magic stones are mined in the north, don’t you think this is a bit extravagant?”

Turning my head, what caught my eye was flowing black hair with a blue tint. Eyes darker and deeper than the shadows cast on her profile by the slanting moonlight.

Exhaling a pale smoke, I let out a quiet sigh.

“The powder room is at least two corridors away. Perhaps you’ve entered the wrong place, Your Highness.”

“No. I’ve come to the right place.”

The second princess of the Kien Empire,

A schemer from the west threatening Crown Prince Valery and Princess Elizaveta.

“Am I a bit late?”

Princess Margarita casually waved the golden lighter, playing innocent.