Chapter 45: A Token of Loyalty

Three days have passed since the release of Vladimir. During this time, aside from his routine duties and assigned patrols outside the city, Levin has done nothing. No one from the Vakilis Church has reached out to him, as if the events of three days prior had never occurred. However, this tranquility came to an end today. 

While on duty, Levin discreetly received a letter and three magical scrolls. 

"Your codename is 'Parrot.' Eliminate Harrington Friedman and clear the obstacles for the Master."

Undoubtedly, this was a message from the Vakilis Church. Harrington Friedman, a name not particularly renowned within the city, was nonetheless familiar, as he was a member of the Council of Sages—not among the highest ranks, but one of the most formidable within the mid-tier.

To have him assassinated… Levin squinted as he ignited the letter with a candle flame.

The three magical scrolls included two high-level Invisibility spells and one advanced Phantasmal Assassin spell. The Phantasmal Assassin is an illusion-based spell that conjures the most terrifying fears of the target to attack them. If the target fails to perceive the flaw in the illusion, what should be a mere phantom assault transforms into a real threat, capable of inflicting harm or even death.

The higher-level Invisibility spells require no elaboration; their purpose is evident from the name alone.

While Phantasmal Assassin can be cast at mid-tier, this scroll was clearly crafted by a high-level mage, enhanced to increase its potency. It could likely kill Harrington Friedman without much difficulty.

In other words, the Vakilis Church has handed Levin an exceptionally sharp dagger, and his task is to plunge this blade into Harrington Friedman's chest.

To possess high-level magical scrolls…

A chill coursed through Levin as he examined the scroll. If it were a high-level Fireball or Meteor Swarm spell, unleashed on the battlefield, it would inflict devastating damage upon the Guards. 

However, as far as Levin knew, the Vakilis Church did not have high-level mages; their advanced power primarily stemmed from warriors who transformed into werewolves upon reaching mid-tier.

Thus, their magical scrolls were likely provided by an external entity.

Who could that be? Levin furrowed his brow, utterly at a loss to determine which faction might have motives to support a secretive religious organization like the Vakilis Church. 

What could they possibly want?

Moreover, Levin was unclear on why the Vakilis Church sought to assassinate Senator Harrington. As far as he recalled, Harrington had not been in conflict with the church; his primary focus was promoting cultural, economic, and political exchanges between Weima City and the Hain Empire, where he was dubbed "Weima's friend from the Hain Empire."

Why would they want to kill him? This made no sense.

Though Levin intended to infiltrate the Vakilis Church, he had no desire to become their accomplice. He could exaggerate the situation, feigning incompetence if he failed to carry out the assassination, allowing himself to seem involved without truly committing.

In his previous life, Levin excelled at this sort of subterfuge with his superiors. Furthermore, given his irreplaceability in this leader's eyes (due to his identity as a Guardsman), he would have ample room to maneuver.

Resolved to act as a slacker this time, Levin decided to take a leisurely stroll on his day off.

"Chief Levin!" Just as he was about to leave, he ran into Kristia, who was arriving for work.

"Oh, good morning! Coming to work?" Levin greeted her casually, waving.

"Yes, Chief Levin. Are you on leave today?" Kristia inquired, noticing Levin's civilian attire.

"Indeed, I thought I'd attend the senator's speech today," Levin replied, sharing his plans.

He aimed to listen to Senator Harrington's address, gauge what sort of person he was, and gather public opinion about him. Then he would devise a way to warn him; he would simply go through the motions while Harrington took the matter seriously, providing the Vakilis Church with some plausible deniability.

"Eh!? You're so interested in politics, Mr. Levin?" For some reason, Kristia blushed upon hearing Levin mention attending the senator's speech.

"Ah, not particularly. I'm just thinking ahead, that's all. Well, enough about that; you should get to work. I'll be off," Levin said, wishing to avoid discussions on political matters. The idea of a good youth raised under a red banner attending speeches by the exploiting class was truly uncomfortable.

"Thinking ahead…" Kristia mumbled, somewhat dazed, as she entered the office.

"Kristia, you're here! Hmm? Why do you look so pale? Are you feeling unwell?" Aili asked curiously, noticing Kristia's distracted demeanor.

"Chief Aili… Chief Levin said he's going to listen to the senator's speech…" Kristia replied, her tone ethereal.

"Ah, what's the matter? Oh, right! I remember; your father has a speech today, doesn't he? Is that why Levin is going?" Aili suddenly recalled that Kristia's father had an engagement that day.

"Yes, he was preparing when I left this morning," Kristia's face grew even redder. "I'm not sure if Levin is attending my father's speech. He said he's thinking ahead; what does he mean, Aili?"

"Planning for the future?" Aili furrowed her brow, recalling some recent rumors she had overheard at the camp, her grip tightening instinctively around the feather quill in her hand.

…

Levin arrived at the Second Theater of Weima City, the venue for Senator Harrington's speech. Due to the event, a detachment of the Guards was stationed here, overseeing the outer security checks, a detail Levin noted quietly.

Once past the security, Levin observed the theme of Harrington's speech emblazoned on the wall: the impact of magical technology on Weima City. Indeed, it was a trending topic, sure to spark discussions among the citizens, Levin mused.

Seated in the theater, he surveyed his surroundings. Most of the audience consisted of middle-aged men in their thirties and above, dressed in polished attire, all appearing quite respectable. 

Before the speech began, Levin struck up a conversation with a balding man to his left. "Hey there, are you a follower of Senator Harrington?"

"Indeed, aren't you?" the man replied, eyeing Levin with curiosity. "It's not often that someone your age shows such interest in politics here in Weima City."

Fortuitously, he had encountered someone who enjoyed chatting. 

"To be honest, I just noticed the theater was hosting a speech today, and I thought I'd drop by. I'm not very familiar with Senator Harrington; perhaps you could enlighten me?" Levin adopted an attentive demeanor, which pleased the balding gentleman greatly.

"Ah, you've come to the right person! I've supported Harrington's views since he was just an ordinary mage. He has certainly lived up to my expectations, becoming a member of the Council of Sages, and is now contributing even more to Weima City! What would you like to know about him? If I can't answer, no one can!"

Really? I was hoping you could tell me about Harrington's security arrangements. Levin thought, internally rolling his eyes.

"What is Harrington's demeanor typically like?" Levin posed his most pressing inquiry.

"Senator Harrington's conduct is among the finest in the Council!" The man gave a thumbs-up, clearly approving of Harrington's manner. "In his years as a senator, there has never been a whisper of him accepting bribes or favoring anyone. He treats everyone—whether constituents or not—with respect and humility, never flaunting his position. He's leagues above some arrogant senators…"

Listening to the man's effusive praise, Levin couldn't help but marvel at the power of the idolizing filter; if this continued, it would go on indefinitely. He hastily interjected, "What contributions has Senator Harrington made to Weima City?"

"Oh, where do I even begin? Let me list them for you! First, he spearheaded the fourth amendment to the Magical Industry Safety Act. Then, leveraging his connections, he negotiated substantial government contracts for Weima City's magical industry…" The man continued to elaborate, while Levin nodded along, discreetly taking mental notes.

Overall, Senator Harrington's contributions primarily centered around advancing the magical industry and fostering trade relations between the Empire and Weima City.

After some time, the speech finally commenced. An elderly gentleman, meticulously groomed with both hair and beard, clad in the latest tailored suit, ascended the podium, waving to the audience. This was Senator Harrington.

"Citizens, thank you for taking the time to listen to this old man's humble opinions."

Such a down-to-earth opening drew laughter from the crowd, clearly indicating Harrington's affection among his followers.

"Today's topic is the impact of magical technology on our daily lives…"

From the very start, Levin found himself recalling the sensation of listening to his principal address the entire student body at school, a wave of drowsiness washing over him. He quickly steeled himself, redirecting his focus from the speech to the speaker and the surrounding security personnel.