◈ Episode 198

Silence fell upon the room.

It was only a single word, but it took some time to understand. Anima's face, which had been tense, became blank, and Irene, who had been shaking like a puppy that needed to poop, opened her mouth wide.

Ainoa was no exception. She was present as a mediator and Dustborn's windbreaker. However, she had not been informed of the ominous news of the terrorist attack in advance.

'I thought at best they would just extort some money… .'

I never dreamed that things would turn out like this from the beginning.

However, the person who made the bombshell announcement was extremely calm.

"Why are your expressions like that? It can't have been a complicated story."

"Isn't this a complicated problem?"

Anima asked to confirm.

"Are you serious?"

"This is not the place to say things you don't mean."

Anima sighed as the answer came back. Instead of saying the words that came to his mind, he was lost in thought. He quickly deduced the situation of Lab and Dustbone.

As a result, some questions were resolved.

On the other hand, there were also questions that kept piling up.

"I heard the news. You've already done something in Shiran."

"What? You didn't tell me… Okay, I'll keep quiet."

As soon as she received Anima's gaze, Irene stopped talking and shut her mouth. Normally, she would respect the captain's dignity, but this time, the responsibility was very clear.

"There was a terrorist attack in Shiran a while ago. You took out the director of the CellbroLogics Lab, who was a key witness in the disaster. You did it by violent means."

"You know the details even though it happened recently."

"Because even albatrosses have their own connections."

He began to calmly state his views.

"I have no intention of dwelling on the past. Personally, I believe that most of the allegations against the director of the institute are true. However, Shiran's side is also full of suspicious aspects."

It is an agenda that cannot be hastily judged as good or evil. Above all, the scale is enormous. The strongest nation on the continent and the culprit of the great disaster. It is too burdensome for a single independent knight to get involved.

"But the future is clearly visible."

Anima was certain that Kim Ihyeon would fail.

"Shiran is strong. Next time, it won't be like before. Since he was bitten once, he will be sharpening his sword properly, so it won't be easy to approach the palace, let alone commit terrorism."

It's like hitting a rock with an egg.

No matter how powerful the spells are, they are still humans. Even if all the members of the Lab were combined, they would be nothing more than puppies compared to Shiran.

And that's not all.

"Furthermore, Mr. Hyun has already made a fatal mistake."

"That's a mistake. What are you talking about?"

"You didn't leak it to an outsider before you even executed it?"

Anima's gaze became sharp.

"I'm sorry, but Albatross and Dustborn don't have a very strong relationship. I can't help you unconditionally without considering the practicality. On the contrary, it might be more advantageous for you to stick with Shiran."

This was the biggest question.

Kim Lee-hyun has been successful all along, even though he may seem reckless on the outside. There is something special about his actions that cannot be hidden. These are feats that cannot be achieved by mere luck.

The Kim Hyun Anima saw was a man who seemed cautious but also bold. She had personally witnessed his 'specialness' in Howland. She must have known how unrealistic his plans were.

Why take more risk here?

"Well, let me explain it step by step."

Kim Lee-hyun opened his mouth with his usual calm demeanor.

"In fact, it's no longer a question of possibility. We've crossed the river of no return. Even if Dustborne now strikes down Cellbrox Labs, Shiran will not grant them an indulgence."

It was like that even before the terror attack. He had been out of favor with Shiran since he was known as an ally of the rappers. The attack in Cilicia is the clearest proof.

The choices are limited.

'There is no choice but to break it or be broken.'

If it breaks, the continent will be finished.

If Leila falls into the hands of the Emperor, the continent will not be destroyed, but the era of Shiran will come. It will become a hell of a different meaning than it is now.

Of course, this is not something I do out of a sense of mission alone.

"And you said it was a mistake, but it wasn't really like that."

"Are you sure I won't come into contact with Shiran?"

"No. Do whatever you want."

Kim Lee-hyun shrugged.

"Even if it becomes known, it means that there will be no problem with the plan."

It's not impossible to conquer.

If it wasn't possible, I would have made a separate way to live a long time ago. If I use the cards in my hand appropriately, it's definitely possible. I'm actually predicting that it'll be simpler than I thought.

"I will now state my demands. I do not particularly expect cooperation. Why would Albatross trust us and go against Shiran? We can discuss this after the work is done."

"next…?"

"There are two stances you can take at that point."

first.

"Will Shiran become our enemy even if he is not Chojin?"

And the second one.

"Or should I just go with the flow?"

It was time for all the insurance policies I had taken out to shine.

* * *

Immediately after the negotiations were concluded.

"I'm truly sorry about what happened."

"No, that's what we were talking about just now."

"Because in private it's a different story."

I received a sincere apology from Anima. Although there had been some sort of argument a little while ago, it was only as one of the representatives of Albatross. As an individual, it seemed like he was feeling a variety of emotions.

"After checking the footage, it seems like it wouldn't have been strange if they had killed him. We wouldn't have been able to express any complaints. I thank you for having mercy in your hands."

Kim Yi-hyun glanced at Irene. As if it was Anima's order, Irene was also bowing her head to Ainoa. In fact, it was to the point where Ainoa was starting to feel uncomfortable.

"I guess this isn't something that happens often."

"It did show a tendency to become a bit unstable in areas with high levels of pollution. But it was still able to control itself sufficiently, so what on earth is going on…."

I cut out the scenes related to the cracks in the video. If it's Albatross's activity, you'll discover it on your own sooner or later. There's no need to reveal Leila's abilities now.

"From now on, I have to hold on to the reins tightly."

"You must be working very hard."

"Haha, I can't say no. Even so, he is quite loved by the members. He is basically friendly and treats everyone with sincerity, without discrimination."

"Are you different, Vice-Chief?"

"There are times when work takes priority over the feelings of subordinates."

Does that mean that the difficulties of organizational management are all taken care of by Anima?

'I don't think I'm in a position to talk about it.'

But isn't she doing it better than Irene? Of the two who are responsible for the workload, Echidna is a voluntary workaholic. I feel sorry for Bryce.

While I was thinking about something else, Anima asked.

"When will you give me the answer?"

The outcome of the negotiations was on hold.

This is a problem related to Albatross' ideology. What would happen if Kim I-Hyun committed mass murder of civilians in Shiran? Naturally, they would not be able to turn a blind eye to it.

If he made a rash promise, the very foundation of the organization might be shaken. Kim Yi-hyeon couldn't force an unreasonable demand. He had a debt from Howland, so he could be considerate to that extent.

"Isn't this a matter for which a deadline can be set in advance?"

"If that's the case?"

"The time will come."

The continent will shake. Then it will reach the ears of the Albatross. Depending on how they receive it, it will be decided whether they will become enemies or allies next time.

"...Let's keep our ears open."

The conversation ended here.

The two apologized to the search team and the royal family of Bastitera at the time and left Bastitera. Anima had come prepared to suffer losses, but instead, it seemed like she only ended up getting into trouble.

Ainoa, who had learned part of the plan, was the same. However, she was busy stabilizing the country. Although it was not a crack, abnormal phenomena that caused the pollution index to soar frequently occurred.

As the days passed, Shiran's spies began to be arrested one by one.

'There must be someone who succeeded in infiltrating.'

Even if you maintain strict security, you can't completely block it. Instead of going out to search for it himself, Kim Yi-hyeon waited for a report from the palace. If he were to be followed by a spy, he would be in trouble.

'If you look for clues about the prince in Shiran, things will get complicated.'

It was a battle against time and required deep patience.

About three weeks had passed since the search began.

"You said it was sent by Team 4?"

"Yes. I have kept the report that Rosetta wrote."

One royal member from each team returned as a messenger. Kim Yi-hyeon read the paper he had received. Contrary to his rough personality, the sentences were neatly written.

The content itself was simple.

'Found it.'

Red-faced, young man, Minos.

It matched the information that had been provided to the team leaders in advance.

* * *

Kim Lee-hyeon set off leading the same number of people as last time.

They were extremely careful in their movements. They deliberately chose complex terrain to avoid being followed or ambushed by spies, and they stopped at cities along the way to change vehicles.

It took three whole days to reach our destination.

"You're here. I thought my neck was going to fall off while I was waiting."

"Sorry. It took a while because I took a detour."

"Detour? For what?"

"It looks like there are rats running around."

"Aha. Anyway, you gloomy kids."

Rosetta clicked her tongue openly. She was clearly showing her displeasure with Shiran. It seemed like she had a bad impression when the bailiffs barged in.

"Anyway, please confirm first. Is this the right person?"

Rosetta held out three Polaroid photos. Each was taken from a different angle, but from a distance. Kim Yi-hyun looked at the man in the photos and nodded.

"I'm sure."

"Well, that's good. But who is it?"

"Maximilian Zelldorf."

"Hey, man. How would I know if you said that? What?"

Rosetta's eyes widened.

Rosetta is quite knowledgeable, despite her bad attitude and ignorant fighting style. Just looking at the sentences she uses in her reports and her usual dining etiquette, you can tell she is of noble birth.

It feels like she was raised as a young lady of the inner quarters, despite being a bit of a bum by nature.

"The first prince of Shiran? This rascal?"

"It may be a beggar's appearance, but it is certain."

At Kim Yi-hyeon's assertion, Rosetta turned her head toward the window of the dormitory. It seemed that Maximilian was staying somewhere nearby. It seemed that things would get easier.

"...So what are you going to do? Kidnap me or something?"

"No way. How can you imagine such evil things?"

The gaze shooting from one side was stinging, but I ignored it.

This time I really plan to be kind.

"It's completely the opposite. Instead, we should save him."

"I don't understand a single word you're talking about."

"So, to put it simply."

Kim Yi-hyeon said, staring intently at Rosetta.

"I'm saving you from a crazy chainsaw murderer wearing a mask."

"Huh? Where can you find someone like that…."

Rosetta's face crumpled as if she had just realized something.

"me?"

As expected, he understands quickly.