Ch.643Episode 23 – The Spy Who Returned from the Cold Country

# The Twin-Headed Eagle with Spread Wings

The twin-headed eagle with spread wings was the national bird of the Kiyen Empire. It was also the symbol of the Smirnov imperial family, as well as the emblem of the Kiyen administration.

Of course, there were subtle differences between them.

For instance, there was the twin-headed eagle clutching laurel leaves against a purple background. Since ancient times, purple has symbolized nobility, making this the symbol of the imperial family—the most noble house in the empire. They were the object of reverence and respect that everyone looked up to.

However, the story changes when it comes to the twin-headed eagle clutching three arrows against a backdrop of swords and shields.

The Imperial Guard, which proclaimed itself the sword and shield of the empire, was a symbol of fear and submission.

“Mr. Frederick Nostrum.”

The man who showed his Imperial Guard badge said as he tucked his wallet back into his pocket.

“I’m arresting you on charges of conspiracy to overthrow the state, violations of Public Safety Guarantee Act Articles 5 and 6, and Criminal Code Article 122 for insulting the imperial family.”

“……”

I read through the consular access provision in my notebook once more, put it away, and quietly extended my hands.

With a clink, silver handcuffs wrapped around my wrists. Following the man’s instructions, two Imperial Guard agents approached from the left and right, hooking their arms under my armpits.

The radio near the cup holder emitted static-filled voices. The man quickly climbed into the passenger seat and muttered something while pressing the transmit button.

Just before boarding the transport vehicle, I looked up at the sky one last time.

The gray sky was thoroughly stained with a gloomy color.

In the distance, my eyes met with Camila’s, who was watching from a high floor.

I gave her a small smile before entering the Imperial Guard’s transport vehicle.

“…Phew.”

The real game was about to begin.

Episode 23 – The Spy Who Returned from the Cold Country

Once a train starts moving, no one can stop it, and no one can change the direction of water that has carved its own path.

Human affairs are the same.

“The series of disasters that have recently thrown our society into chaos were all carried out under the orders of Elizaveta Nikolayevna.”

“As a member of the imperial family who should rightfully be loyal to His Majesty the Emperor, prioritize the peace of the empire and the safety of its subjects, she conspired with bandits who follow her to usurp the throne. Not content with instigating the assassination of Princess Margarita, she even secretly contacted foreign powers to request external intervention for an imperial succession.”

Crown Prince Valery dropped a bombshell from the podium.

All of Elizaveta’s crimes were revealed in detail. He announced his half-sister’s crimes to everyone while simultaneously declaring them acts of treason.

“There are those who intend to violently disrupt the empire’s continuity and peace. There is someone who has abandoned her duties as a member of the imperial family to protect her political self-interest, inciting her followers to act irresponsibly and recklessly, putting our society and subjects at risk.”

“Even now, these people are trying to maintain their power by taking advantage of the political, economic, and social crises facing our empire. Despite everyone having to endure trials due to the conflict with Magyeong, despite everyone bearing equal sorrow and pain, they threaten the foundation of this empire by demanding submission through force.”

“We are once again facing those who try to enforce their will through fear and oppression.”

“And as the fate of the regent who usurped the throne from then-Crown Prince Nicholas VI shows, we understand more clearly than anyone that their efforts can never be realized, nor can they be tolerated.”

It might be difficult for people from other countries to understand, but the weight carried by the word “regent” in the Kiyen Empire was beyond imagination.

In terms of South Korea, it would be similar to the impact of the word “coup d’état.”

It could be considered a kind of taboo.

“As the Crown Prince who has received the trust of my father, His Majesty Emperor Nicholas VI, I hereby, as of this hour, declare Elizaveta Nikolayevna—who has murdered a member of the imperial family and plotted to overthrow the imperial family—and her followers as traitors.”

“I order the Prime Minister’s Office and the General Staff Headquarters to take all necessary measures to maintain order.”

With this, Crown Prince Valery officially declared:

All actions taken by Elizaveta and her followers were acts of treason.

And as Crown Prince, he would spare no means or methods to suppress those who sought the Emperor’s throne by going against history.

It was a declaration that shook the entire nation.

The aftermath of this short but powerful speech was truly beyond imagination.

When the details of the assassination attempt revealed by the Crown Prince became known, the parliament immediately erupted into shouts and commotion.

Some stood from their seats and pointed fingers at Elizaveta, while others shouted questions through the uproar.

“Treason! How could anyone in their right mind repeat the atrocities committed by the regent! Do you really want to see the empire torn in two again?!”

“Your Highness! I’m a reporter from Petrograd1! Do you have evidence that Princess Elizaveta instigated Princess Margarita’s assassination?!”

“When you say followers, does that mean there are more traitors? Where is the head of the Imperial Guard? Surely the Guard isn’t following Princess Elizaveta.”

“Order! Everyone, please maintain order! I understand the confusion, but… for the safety of the chamber, please don’t stand up and return to your seats!”

“……”

Several members of parliament who had rushed near the platform raised their voices. They demanded explanations from Elizaveta, but those who suddenly approached the imperial family were all stopped by the guards.

The senior members of both ruling and opposition parties remained in their seats, but the atmosphere in the chamber refused to calm down. Confused floor leaders huddled in the back, questioning each other about the situation, while journalists continuously snapped photos, capturing the unsettled interior of the parliament.

Bang! Bang! Bang! As the speaker pounded the gavel, trying to send the members back to their seats, both the speaker pounding the gavel and the Senate speaker beside him repeatedly swallowing dry saliva wore dark expressions.

“……”

Amidst the voices directed at her echoing in her ears, Anastasia, who was sitting next to Elizaveta, spoke to her in a low voice.

“What’s wrong, sister?”

“……”

Elizaveta’s bloodshot eyes turned from Valery to Anastasia.

But Anastasia merely gazed straight ahead with a calm expression, not even glancing at Elizaveta.

Nevertheless.

The deep smile on Anastasia’s lips was clearly visible.

“You should smile. On this wonderful day.”

*

The chaos that arrived without warning began to sweep through the empire like a tsunami.

The crowd gathered in the square in front of the parliament was the first to become agitated, followed by citizens watching the broadcast at home and work.

The imperial government’s rare decision to broadcast live resulted in the Crown Prince’s parliamentary speech being reported without filtering. All foreign media simultaneously reported the situation in Kiyen as breaking news, and even the imperial news agencies, accustomed to controlled reporting, were no exception.

“…So it has come to this.”

“As we expected.”

Officials gathered at the Prime Minister’s residence in the Kingdom of Abbas gathered around the TV, each offering their own assessment.

Some gulped down cold water with tense faces, while others wiped away cold sweat with handkerchiefs. But none of those watching the live broadcast showed signs of being flustered.

And.

The Prime Minister of Abbas put down his teacup with a clink and looked around at the assembled officials.

From his chief of staff beside him, to the security advisor, the chairpersons of the foreign affairs and military committees of both houses, the intelligence committee chair, and finally the various cabinet ministers represented by the Foreign Minister.

As the Prime Minister’s gaze lingered, the Foreign Minister, who had been conversing with a secretary, cleared his throat to begin speaking.

“Ahem. According to a document just sent by the imperial embassy, one of our government officials has been arrested by the Imperial Guard in Petrograd.”

“What’s the reason?”

“Well…”

The Foreign Minister hesitated for a moment.

“They say he’s facing eight charges including espionage, treason, inciting rebellion and conspiracy, and leaking confidential information.”

The Prime Minister shifted his gaze from the Foreign Minister to another cabinet member.

At this, the Director of the Royal Intelligence Service, who had been quietly enjoying refreshments, smoothly took over from the Foreign Minister.

“Our representative in Petrograd has begun negotiations.”

“Good. I’ll trust the Royal Intelligence Service with that matter.”

The instructions ended there.

There were no questions about specific details or further directions.

As if he understood everything, the Prime Minister simply moistened his dry lips with coffee. His expression remained calm, and his voice didn’t change much either.

“The role of the parliamentary foreign affairs committees will become important. As planned, our government must resolve this situation through diplomatic channels. Is the Foreign Ministry statement ready?”

“Yes. The spokesperson will hold an emergency briefing within 20 minutes.”

“Good. Even if it’s just a formality, it’s better to be thorough.”

Shortly after.

The Abbas Foreign Ministry issued a statement in the name of the government.

It stated that this incident had nothing to do with the Abbas government, and that they condemned any illegal actions attempting to trample constitutional order and democratic procedures by force in any situation.

“Our government’s position has always been the same. The Kiyen Empire has engaged in dialogue with relevant parties based on respect for historical facts and international law, and has actively supported efforts to restore responsible order and stability as a member of the international community.”

“To this end, the Abbas government hopes that the Kiyen Empire will achieve prosperity and stability, and agrees that the legitimate government officials of the Kiyen Empire will continue to play a key role based on mutual respect.”

Though expressed indirectly, it essentially meant that the Abbas government also expected Crown Prince Valery to ascend to the imperial throne.

It was truly a subtle statement, as diplomatic rhetoric often is.

The Abbas government neither openly praised the Crown Prince’s authority nor criticized the Princess’s rebellious actions.

Similar to how the South Korean government would typically respond to escalating war crises in places like the Middle East with statements like “we oppose all actions that create tension.”

But people’s words can mean different things depending on how they’re said.

And diplomatic statements reveal their true intentions only when one understands the full context.

Considering the context, the Abbas government’s statement could be interpreted as follows:

A situation had arisen in the Kiyen Empire where one imperial family member tried to usurp the throne by killing another.

Princess Elizaveta had instigated Princess Margarita’s assassination from behind the scenes, and internally gathered nobles and officials who followed her, while externally trying to seize the Emperor’s power with the support of the Abbas government.

Without going too far, this was clearly an act of rebellion even under Abbas Kingdom’s laws.

What country in the world would tolerate attempts to seize state power through violence and foreign intervention?

Elizaveta’s actions were comparable to Spain’s 2.23 coup, Russia’s August coup, or the constitutional crisis of ’93—clear crimes that could not be easily tolerated under any system.

Therefore, the meaning of “legitimate government officials who will achieve prosperity and stability” could be interpreted as saying that only the official successor designated by Nicholas VI was “a person who could form a legitimate government.”

Conversely, it meant that the Abbas government viewed Princess Elizaveta as “a person who tried to illegally seize power while completely ignoring both international and domestic law.”

This position became even more evident considering the events that unfolded after the Foreign Ministry’s statement.

“…Breaking news. The Abbas royal family has issued a statement supporting Crown Prince Valery. In a speech, the King clearly expressed his intention ‘not to tolerate those who try to obstruct constitutional procedures by force under any circumstances,’ which is interpreted as a direct condemnation of Princess Elizaveta’s treasonous acts exposed by Crown Prince Valery…”

“The parliamentary foreign affairs committees have issued a statement saying they are closely monitoring the situation in the empire and ‘hope that Abbas and Kiyen will work together to overcome this temporary difficulty.'”

The Abbas royal family and parliament came out in support of Crown Prince Valery.

Considering the unusual content in the earlier Foreign Ministry statement about “legitimate government officials” and “hoping for the empire’s prosperity and stability,” along with the royal family’s direct criticism of Elizaveta and parliament’s description of the current situation as a “temporary difficulty.”

It was fair to say that not only the Abbas cabinet but also the royal family and parliament had expressed their support for Crown Prince Valery.

“A spokesperson for the Fatalia Presidential Palace explained that President Juliano, as a citizen of a country that has experienced the pain of military coups, is closely watching the situation in the Kiyen Empire…”

“As the Rushan Federation royal family and the Prime Minister’s Office of the Republic of Ashtistan additionally expressed their support for Crown Prince Valery, news has emerged that Princess Elizaveta has been dragged out of the parliament by guards…”

While foreign royals and governments came out to support Valery.

The confrontation between the Crown Prince and the Princess officially began in the Kiyen Empire.

The Imperial Guard, acting on Valery’s orders, moved to secure Elizaveta. However, realizing that the encirclement had reached her doorstep, Elizaveta attempted to escape.

“Escort Her Highness the Princess, quickly!”

Magic fell upon the guards who were escorting her with great tension.

“Enemy! Stand your ground and fight!”

“Don’t let them reach Crown Prince Valery!”

A clash erupted between armed intruders who suddenly entered the scene and the Imperial Guard forces.

-Ratatatatata!

-Bang! Bang!

The ambushed guards drew their weapons and magic wands to engage in fierce combat, and when heavily armed security teams waiting outside joined in, the tide of battle tilted to one side.

There was some bloodshed.

The guards, stepping over the bodies of their fallen comrades, shot and killed the armed intruders with pistols and rifles. Several intruders wielding magic wands and elemental spells were hit by bullets and collapsed, and beyond them was Elizaveta, being supported as she fled.

At this point,

A report reached Crown Prince Valery that Elizaveta had disappeared with the intruders. Realizing the failure to arrest the traitor, he immediately mobilized the military.

“The Petrograd Defense Command shall set up checkpoints on all roads and deploy troops. Ensure that Elizaveta cannot escape.”

“However, Your Highness, without the Emperor’s order to direct military operations…”

“I will take all responsibility, so you must do your utmost to arrest the imperial traitor.”

It was clearly an overreach of authority under the law, but no general could reprimand him.

The one with justification was not them but Crown Prince Valery.

Thus, he successfully gained the authority to command all military operations in the Kiyen Empire.

“I shall establish a command post here to monitor all situations.”

“It’s dangerous. The rebel faction has attacked the Imperial Guard with force. There’s a bunker under the Defense Ministry prepared for wartime—perhaps for safety’s sake, you should consider moving there?”

“If I go there, who will protect the imperial parliamentarians and the subjects here? I will be fine, so do not worry about me.”

Declaring that he would command all operations from the imperial parliament until the situation was resolved, Valery immediately took control of the chaotic atmosphere in the chamber disrupted by the armed conflict.

Needless to say, this decision wasn’t made solely out of concern for the safety of the parliamentarians and subjects. The category of “traitors” he mentioned included many officials who had been serving Princess Elizaveta until now, and some members of parliament gathered there were no exception.

What did it mean that he had summoned the Imperial Guard and military forces for safety? No one failed to grasp the implication. If someone were that obtuse, they wouldn’t have dared participate in a plot to overthrow the Crown Prince in the first place.

The important thing was that all of these scenes were broadcast live without filtering.

Thus, he succeeded in seizing the moral high ground and justification.

And not long after.

With Prime Minister Stolypin, the eternal chancellor of the Kiyen Empire, issuing an order to all administrative authorities and the military to prioritize Crown Prince Valery’s commands.

He seized all practical power in the empire through the chancellor’s endorsement.

Though not officially.

It was a moment that implied to the world that he had succeeded Nicholas VI to ascend the imperial throne.

*

At the same time.

I was sitting in an interrogation room somewhere in Petrograd, examining a freshly printed special edition newspaper.

“…Hmm.”

So this is how it all played out in the end.

Well, I expected it, but Crown Prince Valery must be quite the gambler.

After carefully folding the newspaper and tossing it onto the interrogation room desk, I stretched my stiff body and began to let out a strange cry.

“Yaaaawn- *smack*… By the way, Consul, when are we going to eat? I came in at lunch and it’s already dinner time.”

“Indeed.”

The Abbas consul to the Kiyen Empire paused from smoking his cigarette and casually asked.

So when would dinner be? He was saying he was hungry too.

To this, an Imperial Guard agent who was typing up a list of desired foods while embezzling his salary answered.

“We’re ordering delivery too. Is there anything you’d like to eat?”

“Chicken.”

“Alright, let’s go with that.”

Seven hours after being brought to the Imperial Guard headquarters.

I had been chatting with the consul and the Guard staff for several hours already.

This was nothing less than the scene of salary theft that all office workers in the world love.