Ch.639Episode 23 – The Spy Who Returned from the Cold Country

# Library of the Imperial Palace.

Yelizaveta was engrossed in a book, leaning against a small flame burning with magical energy as fuel.

“Is Margarita still unconscious?”

The princess’s voice, inquiring about her half-sister’s condition, sounded no different than usual.

While gracefully turning pages with her straight index finger, making soft rustling sounds, the attendant who was pouring tea into an empty cup suddenly spoke.

“Yes, Your Highness.”

Despite the attendant’s news, the princess did not take her eyes off the book.

As if confirming something she already knew.

She merely narrowed her elegant eyes and turned the page.

“How pathetic. After boasting in front of me about succeeding to the throne, to fall so ridiculously ill.”

A soliloquy tinged with feigned sympathy followed.

It was more of a lingering mockery directed at a competitor who had failed to meet expectations, rather than sorrow or concern for her collapsed sister.

As Yelizaveta set down her teacup, the attendant standing beside her opened his mouth again, as if he had something to report.

“I hear the Grand Duchess has requested assistance from the Church. She asked if they could urgently send Saint Lucia, who previously examined His Imperial Majesty’s condition, or at least Saint Veronica.”

“And?”

“For now, it seems they’ve politely declined the request… But as Your Highness knows, there are two people in the Grand Duchess’s circle who can influence the saints’ whereabouts.”

The red eyes that had been scanning the pages briefly shifted to empty space.

“You mean the Hero and the Knight.”

No sooner had the attendant nodded than the book was closed. Yelizaveta rose from her seat, and the attendant bowed his head, waiting for her next words.

“I have somewhere to go. Prepare for departure.”

“Are you going to the Grand Duchess’s residence?”

No.

The princess firmly shook her head.

“Those two have other uses. They should be employed for more important matters, not such trivial affairs.”

“…”

“Besides, why would I need to borrow someone else’s hands to finish what I started?”

As Yelizaveta moved toward the exit of the library, she suddenly caressed the doorpost and smiled softly.

“When I’ve already disposed of my meddlesome half-sister with these hands.”

Episode 23 – The Spy Who Returned from the Cold Country

While the investigation into the attempted assassination of the princess was getting on track.

The Smirnov Imperial Family continued to maintain their silence.

The imperial family seemed unwilling to let it be known that the princess had nearly been assassinated, or that imperial investigative agencies were secretly tracking down the mastermind. Strictly speaking, it was Prince Valery who didn’t want this information disclosed.

The investigation was currently being conducted confidentially under the prince’s orders.

Valery and other imperial family members resumed their official schedules from the afternoon following the incident, continuing their external activities under tighter security.

And Princess Margarita.

Officially reported to be recuperating from severe influenza, she was actually fighting for her life in a hospital bed.

“…”

In a white hospital room permeated with the distinctive smell of medications. Through the disheveled fabric, electrode pads attached to her skin were faintly visible. Only the intermittent sound of oxygen being inhaled and exhaled through nasal tubes continued.

Though it had been days since our last meeting, Princess Margarita didn’t move at all.

Like someone in a deep sleep. She simply lay on the hospital bed with her eyes closed.

“She was in good health until recently. It’s unfortunate.”

“No one can predict the path of life. I think we should be grateful she’s still alive.”

“Perhaps so.”

Looking at the comatose princess, I exchanged brief words with Camilla.

Immediately after the ball ended, Margarita’s exact whereabouts were kept secret.

The imperial government announced that she had contracted influenza and would be unable to appear in public for a while, but in reality, Margarita was receiving treatment from physicians at a hospital, not in the imperial palace.

A heavy silence hung between the imperial guards strictly guarding the entire ward and the medical staff monitoring the princess’s condition. Everyone seemed to be watching one person cautiously.

Camilla leaned against the wall in the tense atmosphere of the hospital room.

“We don’t know when Margarita will wake up, and the professor hasn’t touched food, waiting anxiously.”

“Are you worried?”

“Hmm, a little…?”

Though she said she was only a little worried, the anxiety that flashed in Camilla’s eyes spoke more than a hundred words. It was enough to guess how much she cared about the Grand Duchess’s condition.

I turned my gaze from Camilla, who was slowly nodding, toward the hospital room. And began to observe the back of the Grand Duchess, who was immersed in silence.

Alexandra Petrovna stood in a corner of the room, staring at her niece who was in deep sleep.

Her outward expression didn’t seem much different from usual, but the imperial guards and medical staff were doing their best not to upset her.

It wasn’t just because she was a senior member of the imperial family and one of only two Grand Magicians in the world.

Who wouldn’t be concerned about someone who had remained in one place for three days and nights without eating or sleeping?

Even the most insensitive person would surely avoid her if they saw that sharp atmosphere.

Yet the Grand Magician’s reputation remained intact; despite not having eaten for nearly three days, Alexandra Petrovna showed no signs of strain. She had also adamantly refused to rest, insisting that there was no need to worry about her.

Of course, those around her were far from reassured just because she said she was fine.

Especially Camilla. She was inwardly worried that the Grand Duchess might collapse, and I somewhat sympathized with this concern.

Perhaps that’s why. Passing medical staff occasionally approached us with serious expressions as we looked worriedly at the Grand Duchess.

“The Grand Duchess is healthy. The hospital director was concerned and, with permission, examined Her Highness, but found no particular issues.”

“Is that so?”

“You needn’t worry too much, Hero. The High Priest of Al-Yabud is checking on Princess Margarita and also monitoring the Grand Duchess’s health.”

“…That’s a relief then.”

As I was conversing with the medical staff in sterilized clothing, the door to the room slid open. And as if by appointment, two familiar faces appeared before us.

Alexandra Petrovna and Zeinab Eskandar.

The two old friends were engaged in a casual argument as they left the room. More precisely, the High Priest was unilaterally scolding the Grand Duchess while pushing her back.

“See, Sasha? I told you. Everyone’s so worried, I said you should rest a bit.”

“I’m fine though.”

“Of course you would say that.”

The High Priest sighed deeply and muttered weakly.

“The problem is that only you’re fine.”

Zeinab Eskandar smiled comfortably, as if finally relieved. Conversely, Alexandra Petrovna, unable to resist her friend’s pressure, pouted, saying it was unnecessary worry.

But she seemed to feel some guilt when she saw Camilla. Though she had been grumbling despite her friend’s scolding, as soon as her eyes met her disciple’s, she averted her gaze and awkwardly rubbed the back of her neck.

“Child, how long have you been here?”

“It’s been a while since I arrived.”

“And you?”

“I came with Camilla.”

“I told you there was no need to look for this teacher.”

The Grand Magician, looking at us alternately, began to mutter in a small voice. Why so much worry, she said, and that it was the first time she’d seen people worrying about a Grand Magician.

To this, Camilla could only offer an awkward smile, as if she had nothing else to say. I felt the same.

What did it matter if we intellectually understood she was a Grand Magician? Watching someone go without water or food for three days would make anyone concerned about their health.

Perhaps that’s why.

Seeing Alexandra Petrovna pretending to be indifferent and responding gruffly, Zeinab Eskandar shook her head in disbelief and muttered.

“You could have at least shown your face earlier, Sasha, so they wouldn’t need to come looking for you.”

“…Tsk.”

It meant she should pay some attention to her disciple, even if she understood her feelings.

Alexandra Petrovna clicked her tongue as soon as the words ended, sounding dejected. Because there was nothing wrong with what Zeinab had said.

Facts delivered with a smiling face can be so bitter.

“Enough. Your legs must be tired, let’s sit down and have some tea.”

Finally, unable to overcome her friend’s pressure again, the Grand Duchess surrendered with both hands and feet raised.

She grabbed Camilla’s hand and quickly seized my shoulder with her other hand. Then she began to hurry away from the High Priest, pushing and pulling us.

“Whoa! Why are you suddenly grabbing my arm like that?”

“Because I feel like I’ll hear more nagging if I stay still, young one.”

“Ah, so Sasha took my words as nagging…? How sad…”

“…After hearing the same thing for three days, my ears are bleeding. Let’s go quickly. Before I hear another word.”

Zeinab Eskandar recited a soliloquy in a very sad voice. She even made sobbing sounds and wiped her eyes.

But even then, her mouth and eyes still contained traces of a smile.

As if not wanting to match her friend’s rhythm, Alexandra Petrovna hastened her steps with a blank expression. Camilla glanced at her teacher and then asked, half-jokingly, with a slightly expectant face.

“Ah! Are you perhaps going to treat us to something delicious?”

“Just drinks today.”

“Why? It’s almost lunchtime.”

“No. I’m afraid you might get even heavier here.”

“…”

“It was a joke, so please don’t look at me like that.”

*

To appease her thoroughly angered disciple, the teacher had to offer more tribute than planned.

Blini, kish, medovik, ptichye moloko, and even Sachertorte, renowned for its rich chocolate. It was like gathering all the masterpieces from the most famous dessert shops in Petrograd.

“…Child. Your teacher went to great lengths to get these, can’t you forgive me now?”

“…”

“I’m sorry for the interruption. Do as you please…”

Under her disciple’s sharp gaze, shot like a laser, Alexandra Petrovna had no choice but to retreat without even recouping her losses.

Camilla stared at her teacher while chewing on desserts. As if the cake were her mortal enemy.

Zeinab Eskandar looked at the young magician as if finding her utterly adorable.

“It seems Sasha’s disciple is quite upset. Are you feeling bad?”

I took my mouth off the coffee I was drinking and replied nonchalantly.

“High Priest. The person in the direction you’re looking is not Camilla. Please turn your head to the opposite side.”

“…Oh my.”

I made a mistake.

The High Priest smiled awkwardly as if she was in trouble and turned her gaze, but my eyes looking at her had already grown cold.

Even if she couldn’t see properly. How could a sorceress, and one who had lived for over 100 years, confuse left and right?

I could only stare at her profile for a while, dumbfounded.

“…By the way, why were you in the hospital room, High Priest?”

“I’m Sasha’s friend, of course. How could I stay still when my friend needs help?”

Zeinab Eskandar answered as if it were obvious, then fumbled around the table and picked up a teacup placed on it.

“Despite appearances, I am a priest of Al-Yabud. I have some skill in healing, though not as much as the Church’s saints.”

“I see. Above all, you’re also an outstanding sorceress.”

“Thank you for the compliment.”

Though widely known by the alias Grand Sorceress, Zeinab Eskandar was fundamentally a High Priest of Al-Yabud.

And Al-Yabud was renowned for having healing arts that did not lag behind the Church.

With uncertainty about whether Veronica and Lucia could come to the Kiyen Empire to treat Margarita, the High Priest was essentially the best healer the Grand Duchess could call upon.

“Of course, the saints might be a step above me in the art of healing people… but I once cared for many patients, so I could help to some extent.”

“It seems you have experience dealing with patients in the past.”

“Yes. During the war.”

Zeinab Eskandar briefly affirmed my question.

She meant she had treated countless comrades during the Church-Magic Tower War.

I paused mid-sip of my coffee and let my words trail off.

“But if it was during the war, that’s over 100 years ago. Trying to treat a patient with just experience from 100 years ago would present many challenges…”

“…”

“Ah, perhaps you’ve had experience caring for patients recently? If so, it makes sense why the Grand Duchess would summon you.”

“…”

“…You do have experience, right?”

“I… suppose so…?”

The High Priest nodded vaguely, letting her words trail off.

What kind of answer is “I suppose so”? This means you haven’t treated anyone for 100 years.

She was nothing but a quack. This was even more brazen than Veronica and Lucia, who practiced medicine without licenses.

As I was utterly dumbfounded.

Alexandra Petrovna, who had been feeding desserts to her disciple as if offering tribute to the Raven Lord, suddenly joined the conversation.

“Don’t worry. I know Zeinab’s skills better than anyone, and she came to the hospital room to assist someone else.”

“Assist? But for a High Priest to assist someone…”

“There is one. The fortune-teller who roams the north.”

“…The High Priest?”

“Yes.”

The Grand Duchess of the North mentioned the High Priest with an indifferent face.

Right. Now that I think about it, Veronica told me before. That Alexandra Petrovna had secretly summoned the High Priest to the empire.

Apparently, she personally requested an investigation because of the “ghouls” reported from the north.

If it involved demons and devils, the High Priest would be the most suitable person.

He was the Vatican’s finest inquisitor and exorcist, and even Veronica, who treated the Pope as an old fogey when she felt like it, consistently used honorifics when referring to him. I heard he also had considerable talent in healing arts?

Of course, the Grand Magician still disparaged the renowned priest, saying “one fortune-teller is much like another.”

“Come on, he’s over 100 years old too, would it hurt to speak more kindly about him? He’s your contemporary.”

“What does it matter if that fellow has lived a century more than us?”

“Honestly… Anyway, it’s fortunate that he’s coming to help.”

Although even the Grand Duchess didn’t know exactly where in the north the High Priest was staying.

She had already received confirmation that he would help, and his familiar was carrying letters back and forth between the capital and the north, so there wouldn’t be any major issues.

For me too, this was a most fortunate answer.

“That’s good news, Professor.”

Having eaten ice tea and feeling somewhat better, Camilla joined the conversation, moving her straw around in the ice.

“Margarita’s health isn’t deteriorating further, right?”

“Yes. She just needs to regain consciousness.”

“That’s a relief to hear. Now we just need to catch the mastermind and there’s nothing to worry about.”

“…”

At Camilla’s sudden remark, the Grand Duchess’s complexion visibly darkened.

Camilla added nonchalantly, chewing on ice.

“Don’t worry. I’ll definitely catch them.”

To this, Alexandra Petrovna murmured to herself with a somewhat ambiguous expression, slowly nodding.

“…Yes. They must be caught.”

After muttering this, the Grand Duchess remained silent for a while. And shortly after, she quietly left her seat.

We, who had been engaged in conventional conversation, exchanged glances while watching the Grand Duchess’s retreating figure.

“She seemed to know something, didn’t she?”

“Probably.”

Camilla crossed her arms slightly and leaned back in her chair, lowering her gaze.

“The professor must also suspect that the mastermind is within the imperial family. Otherwise, such a reaction wouldn’t have occurred.”

“She didn’t seem simply troubled?”

“Her eye muscles twitched subtly twice. Once at ‘mastermind,’ and again when I said I would catch them.”

Tap tap. She raised her fingernail to touch the corner of her eye.

“It’s an involuntary reflex that comes naturally to humans. One could hide it with training, but this is something even spies have difficulty concealing.”

“Without consciously hiding it, it’s bound to show, I suppose.”

I belatedly responded to Camilla’s words, but we had already observed the Grand Duchess’s reaction sufficiently.

Rather, her reflexive physical response earlier, the awkward silence, the deep breath taken just before responding. Thanks to countless accumulated pieces of evidence, we could be confident without much effort.

Camilla said, stirring the remaining ice and ice tea with her straw.

“Unlike the professor, Yelizaveta completely shut her mouth, but the professor actually responded to us.”

“I guess she didn’t think we’d notice.”

Well, for someone who remained silent, Yelizaveta also managed her expression quite clumsily.

As we huddled together whispering, an oblivious old woman cut our conversation short.

“Children… No matter what, you shouldn’t speak like this in front of me. Have you forgotten that Sasha is my friend?”

“Ah, yes. I suppose so.”

“She’s also my professor?”

“…”

The High Priest, holding her teacup with both hands, fidgeted with her lips, looking quite troubled. With an expression that seemed to say, “Fine… what’s the point of talking to you two?”

After a moment, I suddenly turned my gaze toward the High Priest, as if I had a good idea.

“Come to think of it, do you know anything, High Priest?”

“About what?”

“I was wondering if you might have seen who tried to kill Princess Margarita.”

I had a feeling that the High Priest might know something, even if other magicians or sorcerers didn’t. Her eyes possessed a unique quality that approached the mystical.

In fact, this was the very reason Camilla and I had made time to come here today…

“…Well?”

The High Priest tilted her head slightly and smiled enigmatically.

“As much as I’d like to, I can’t tell you everything. But I can say this one thing clearly.”

“What is it?”

“The blueprint that Princess Yelizaveta proposed to me earlier. The interesting idea of using Ashtistan to check Abas, I’ve already rejected it.”

I was drinking coffee and asked directly.

“Does that mean you’ve interfered with Yelizaveta’s plans?”

“Hmm… ‘Interfered’ sounds too sad. I simply found the young lady’s proposal unattractive. I just let her know that.”

The High Priest answered with a gentle smile, raising both hands.

The plan to withdraw troops from Moritani, overtly support Ashtistan, and then pit Ashtistan against Abas was a key part of Yelizaveta’s strategy toward the throne.

Ashtistan, a traditional ally of Kiyen. Furthermore, if she could gain Zeinab Eskandar’s support, Yelizaveta would have no shortage of legitimacy to claim the emperor’s position.

Saying she had ruined that was essentially the same as saying the High Priest had disrupted the princess’s plans.

It was fair to say she had implicitly drawn a line, indicating she would not support Yelizaveta.

“So you’ve judged that she’s not suitable to ascend to the emperor’s position?”

“I’ll leave that to your imagination, as revealing the answer would spoil the fun.”

The High Priest refrained from speaking, saying she would leave room for imagination.

But from our perspective, it was clear that she and Yelizaveta had parted ways long ago.

What could be done? She was a High Priest who had removed the commander of the Law Enforcement Corps with her own hands.

She had no intention whatsoever of engaging in a systemic competition with Abas. If she had, she wouldn’t have used me to strip Commander Dariush Ismaelzahi of his uniform in the first place.

It was a response that could have been fully anticipated.

After confirming the High Priest’s intentions, I spoke as if not particularly surprised.

“I suppose so. But when exactly did you receive the proposal from the princess?”

“Just before she went to meet you. She came to see me first while I was resting at the Grand Duchess’s residence. I rejected her proposal outright.”

What?

So she was rejected by the High Priest and then made empty promises to the Abas government? What an unscrupulous person.

It’s fortunate I wrote in my report not to immediately accept Yelizaveta’s proposal and to observe the situation further.

I almost fell victim to a blatant scam.

“Wow…”

Camilla exclaimed in genuine surprise, covering her mouth.

“That’s bold. How could she try to deceive a foreign government?”

“She probably never intended an equal negotiation. Unless she planned to deceive and use them until the end.”

“Life doesn’t always go as planned, does it? That’s what makes it more interesting.”

Anyway.

The High Priest, with a faint smile spread across her face, swept her hair to one side and tilted her smiling face.

Then she reached out. And placed her hand over someone else’s hand on the table.

“So be good to Sasha. Who knows? On the day everything is settled, my friend might give you a generous gift.”

“Like when she gave me Birbara before?”

“Yes. Sasha never overlooks kindness shown to her.”

“…”

I seemed to understand what she meant.

I nodded, finished the rest of my coffee, and replied.

“High Priest.”

“Yes?”

“I didn’t mention this earlier, but the direction you’re looking at now is where Camilla is, not me.”

“…Then this is…”

“Camilla.”

Camilla, who had inadvertently ended up holding hands with the High Priest, smiled awkwardly and said, “Hehe, you caught me.”

And the High Priest, with an embarrassed face, unnecessarily adjusted her attire.

“Ahem. I thought the hand was too delicate for a man…”

“Sigh.”

Only now she notices.

How remarkably quick-witted.

*

After visiting Margarita at the hospital.

We traversed Petrograd, collecting information on the movements of the imperial government and the imperial family.

“The crown prince and the other princesses have resumed their official schedules. Except for the increased security and some changes in their movement routes, they seem to be carrying out their planned schedules intact.”

Valery, Yelizaveta, and Anastasia were steadily completing their remaining schedules.

However, it was confirmed that several of the closest aides to the three imperial family members had not attended events.

Camilla and I interpreted this situation as follows:

“The reasons for not attending may be ordinary, but it’s suspicious to leave one’s post at a time like this. No superior would appreciate subordinates acting independently during politically sensitive times.”

“We should first identify officials with many gaps in their schedules.”

Although information about the attempted assassination of a royal family member was not disclosed to the public, people as close as the royal family’s inner circle might not be affected by information control.

Beyond that, in the current situation where the most suitable candidate for the next emperor was being determined, it was nonsensical that people sensitive to power, especially those in the inner circle, would suddenly distance themselves from the royal family.

Why did they have to skip official events?

There must have been a compelling reason for that.

We separately classified those among the absentees whose schedules had significant gaps.

“People who cleared their schedules without explanation to family or acquaintances. Especially those with erratic schedules who didn’t return to their homes or workplaces even after official events ended. Let’s identify these suspects. They must be hiding something.”

“People without alibis? This isn’t much different from finding collaborators who met with terrorists.”

That’s right.

These were the criteria used by counterintelligence or intelligence agencies to identify suspects as informants for spies, industrial spies, or members of terrorist organizations.

People with much to hide often disappear without telling anyone their destination.

Even if they manage to create alibis, they’re often flimsy excuses by intelligence agency standards, so unless they prepare thoroughly, they easily get caught in surveillance networks.

We tracked suspicious individuals based on the list of absentees Camilla had obtained (stolen) and basic information gathered through the embassy.

As a result, we successfully acquired several interesting pieces of information.

“One of Princess Yelizaveta’s close aides contacted a high-ranking official from the security police at a hotel restaurant. They ate for about two hours and then went up to a room, with both the restaurant and room reserved under false names.”

“Several more security officials have been confirmed. It seems Yelizaveta’s person distributed something in the hotel room. But I couldn’t tell what the contents were.”

“I sent a cooperation document to the communications department, and an interesting record came up. The security department’s intelligence section chief, who was called to the hotel, immediately made calls to others from the lobby as soon as he left the room. And the recipients were all political and social reporters from newspapers. All from government-friendly newspapers.”

“What about the content of the calls?”

“They say it’s still being confirmed.”

No particularly suspicious movements were detected from people associated with Crown Prince Valery or Princess Anastasia.

At most, someone went to the countryside, and thinking they might be meeting someone important, the Royal Intelligence Department assigned surveillance. But it turned out to be no secret contact; they were just visiting a lover, which briefly raised suspicion.

(For reference, the subject under surveillance was a man. The intelligence officers simply collected evidence photos and withdrew to protect the individual’s secret preferences.)

The issue was with Yelizaveta’s closest aide.

We thought they had gone to handle urgent business with a suitable excuse like others, but this person was unexpectedly meeting with security officials.

And not openly contacting them like others, but secretly, even using aliases.

It didn’t look like an ordinary meeting by any means. Even the embassy provided support, saying something smelled fishy.

“…Hmm.”

The time was already 11 PM.

As I was tailing the close aide by car with Camilla, I turned the steering wheel after confirming they had returned home.

“I wonder what instructions they’re acting on. It seems Yelizaveta is secretly moving behind the scenes.”

“I wonder too.”

Examining the photos taken at the hotel one by one, she frowned as if something was strange.

“One high-ranking official from the security police. Multiple operational staff from investigation and intelligence divisions. I don’t understand the purpose of meeting so many people.”

“What did the materials provided by the embassy say?”

“They said these people are related to the investigation of the recent assassination attempt.”

“…”

That’s strange.

Could it be that Yelizaveta secretly sent her closest aide to encourage the security officials out of concern for Margarita?

That probably wasn’t the case. Judging by how secretively the close aide met with the officials, there must be some suspicious reason.

I started tapping the steering wheel while waiting for a signal.

“Why don’t we think about it after the communication interception results come in? You must be tired today, wouldn’t it be better to rest at this point?”

“Are you worried about me right now?”

“Well, not really…”

Camilla, who had been examining the photos, suddenly burst into laughter. As if it was a completely unexpected response.

“Thanks for worrying, but I’m still fine.”

Fluttering the photos onto the glove box, she moved around in the passenger seat and put her arms behind her to make an arm pillow.

Then, supporting the back of her head with both hands, she began to mumble with a languid smile on her lips.

It was a look that suggested she had something to say.

But she just mumbled with her lips for a while, then let out a sigh of unclear meaning and reached for the radio.

“Sigh… I should listen to the radio.”

“What do you want to listen to?”

“Music.”

I burst into laughter at her answer.

“Even though you don’t know any songs from this area.”

“How many people actually listen while understanding the lyrics? Any song will do.”

Before I could say anything, the radio was turned on.

There was a click sound. After a brief noise of searching for a frequency.

Suddenly, an announcer’s voice filled the car.

-‘…It has been revealed that there was an assassin who attempted to kill Princess Margarita at the recent imperial ball and was shot dead.’

-‘The Imperial Police Security Department has identified Angelica Zubov, the only daughter of Count Zubov, as the mastermind behind the assassination attempt on the royal family member. They are currently attempting to arrest Angelica Zubov. Reporter Klavdiya reports exclusively from the scene.’

At that moment, Camilla’s and my gazes locked in mid-air.

What on earth is this nonsense?