Ainoa was completely free from the eyes of surveillance. She was given a private room and was even allowed to eat in public places. There were no instructions to hide her identity.
"Can you just leave me like this?"
"Are you saying that you want me to pay more attention to you?"
"That's not what I meant… I might run away."
"If I run away, what will I do?"
I was speechless at the remark that wasn't a question.
It was as Kim Yi-hyeon said. Not only was there no way to return to Bastitera on one's own, but even if one were to miraculously arrive, they would simply die a dog's death.
"You were the one who asked for my help in the first place. That's when our relationship changed. You probably don't think of me as just a kidnapper anymore, right?"
"...That's right."
Ironically, the person closest to Ainoa at the moment was Kim Yi-hyeon. Asterike, who was no longer a guard, did not try to get involved at first. Chelsea is also staying in the training room.
I knew it wasn't the time to be feeling lonely, but I couldn't help but think about it.
"At least we see you as an ally. You will play a key role in preventing a civil war. If possible, we intend to move before it starts in earnest."
"Can I do it?"
"What can I do? If I can't do it, I'll just die."
She glanced at Kim Ihyeon.
"Hey, are you trying to scare me on purpose?"
"What did you expect from me?"
I didn't even break even. I didn't mean to coax or appease you, but I wanted at least a word of advice.
I guess I got used to it so I didn't even feel hurt. I could somewhat predict Kim Yi-hyun's reaction. I thought I had a deep understanding of the world, but now I know nothing about it.
"Well, of course I intend to help as much as I can. Being here right now is also part of our cooperation."
"Do you know who these people are?"
"Well, I've never met him either."
Small conference room on the 6th basement floor.
The two sat side by side in front of a long table, waiting for someone. It wasn't a lie, but Kim I-hyeon had a rough idea of who would come.
'It's obvious who the people sending from Redwood are.'
Redwood Corporation.
In short, it is a problem solver. A mercenary company that carries out a wide range of tasks from logistics transport to key personnel protection, suppression of terrorism, and espionage. It is more similar to Dustborne than to CellbroLogics Lab.
It is set that they have a past relationship with Lab and have been cooperating with each other for several years. It is a rare case where they operate conscientiously, so there are few cases of friction with Lab during work.
This time, the veterans came to lend a hand at Kushan's request. It seems that they have already arrived and are talking to Kushan about the deposit.
I will soon be meeting Kim Lee Hyun.
"You look like you're in a good mood."
"I?"
"Just a little bit. So I thought maybe it was an acquaintance of yours. Did I see things wrong?"
Kim Yi-hyeon tried to keep her expression straight as if trying to be evasive. She was a woman who was quick to notice strange things.
I'm actually excited. It's not as exciting as it was the first time, but I still have some anticipation. I owe it to the Redwood agents when I was a rookie.
'Now that I think about it, I wonder who my love interest was.'
I can't leave out Astrid, but he's not that unique. There are a few characters that I like similarly. It's a shame that I haven't met them yet.
It's been a really long time since I've had a gamer-like thought.
Beep, beep.
The door to the conference room opened as the lock was released. I turned my head and saw familiar faces entering the room.
There are four people. Two men and two women.
It is a rare combination in the PMC industry, where most of the players are male. It is unusual, but considering that it is a collection game originally oriented towards male players, even this is a risk taken by the developers.
"Nice to meet you, Mr. Hyun. My name is Carmen from Redwood. This time, I will be assisting you as the leader of the Counter-Terrorism Team."
The woman in the lead greeted us first.
Height: approximately 170cm. Short-haired, dark blue that looked like it had been dyed with hair dye. On the outside, he wore a tactical vest with pockets all over it.
Even though he was dressed like a typical mercenary, he exuded an air of nobility that could not be hidden. To be exact, it was obvious that he had taken care of himself. With delicate hair and smooth, blemish-free skin… … .
6-star agent Carmen.
Unlike his appearance, he is a character who uses blunt weapons and shields. He is a tank with fairly good attack ability. Although his high score is somewhat low, he is a reliable agent who is often used.
"Please leave me out. It's a bit odd to hear."
I didn't feel awkward at all about being called Hyun. Everyone I met felt uncomfortable pronouncing Kim Lee Hyun, so I just registered him as Hyun in the rap's personnel file.
"If that's the case, please feel free to call me too."
"Okay."
The calm tone was very comfortable to listen to. When I answered appropriately, Carmen tilted her head as if she was puzzled.
"It's a bit different from what I heard from the director…?"
"Is there a problem?"
"No, that's it. I heard he's a bit unusual."
"Is that the only one who can do it?"
"That's true too."
He smiled faintly and turned his attention. The moment their eyes met, Ainoa let out a surprised voice.
"Aren't you the second daughter of the Marquis of Mobile? How could you be in a place like this…."
"It's been a while since I've greeted you, Ainoa."
The two were acquainted with each other.
It was hard to see it as a coincidence. The agent's side story is often related to the past. Even if it's not a flashback, like Ast, they go looking for something they lost a long time ago.
Carmen was no different. She was originally a young lady from a noble family. She was born into a prestigious family in Bastitera, but she ran away from her family and entered the mercenary industry.
In other words, Carmen was the right person.
She is well-suited to escort Ainoa, as she is well-informed of the circumstances of Bastitera. Whether she volunteered or was pushed, she was definitely a great choice.
'The other three are also definitely skilled.'
A young man with a boyish face waves his hand. A man wearing a mask gives him an inquisitive look, and a woman nods awkwardly. They are all agents who have been there before.
Elite agents are returning one by one in the lab. The main episode that the professor and his party are currently working on will also be wrapped up soon. It is being prepared much earlier than in the game.
There were some twists and turns, but it wasn't a bad start.
'It starts now.'
The beacon fire was already lit.
Now it's time to really get into it.
'I'll make it even more of a mess.'
* * *
Prince Adrian rested his chin on his hand, his elbows on the table. He scanned the room with his dull eyes. The scene he had seen so many times was being repeated even at this moment.
"That damn war, that war…! What on earth is the justification for this!"
"The captured Shiran Empire spy committed suicide. That means there's something fishy going on. Even if we don't link him to Lady Ainoa, there's no proof that he's up to something."
"As the Count said. How long must we endure their atrocities! Or, do you have another intention?"
"What, that's a different meaning? What kind of nonsense is that…."
"The Count's intentions in pushing ahead without thinking are even more suspicious!"
They are just nitpicking without any logic. There are already countless nobles who have been witch-hunted and have fallen from power. The factional strife is getting fiercer day by day, and there are even nobles who are secretly expanding the size of their private armies.
Adrian clicked his tongue inwardly.
'I'd rather have pig's blood cleaner than theirs.'
It is supposed to be the most noble place in the land of warriors, but there are no warriors here. Even the death of a royal family is a topic of gossip, and demagogues who pass off falsehoods as truth run rampant.
It is a cancer of the country that must be eradicated.
He lowered his eyes and fell into thought. Ainoa's disappearance. No clues have been found even now. From the beginning, no one has seriously tried to uncover the truth.
'I would do the same.'
If he finds out something, he will do everything he can to cover it up, even if it means getting blood on his hands. Maybe some noble has already found it and killed it.
'You've been of no help to me my whole life, but you're giving me a gift at the end.'
To Adrian, the current situation was desirable. The nobles were revealing their true colors day by day. Mosquitoes that were sucking blood in a dirty way that was not recorded in the ledger.
You must show more and more gaps and accumulate sins. You must fatten them up so that they cannot escape. That is the day when you can finally draw your sword. Until the time comes, not even a corpse should be revealed.
Since no one has a justification, they can be accused of treason.
"Your Majesty Adrian, what are Your Majesty's thoughts?"
"...."
"Your Highness Adrian?"
"Oh, I'm sorry. I guess I was momentarily distracted by your enthusiasm."
He made a plausible remark, but his expression was not changed. Even if he tried to please them, they would only look down on him. Adrian had never once thought of the cunning civil servants as his subjects.
"His Majesty has cherished Ainoa since long ago. He wishes for the princess's safe return as soon as possible. I feel the same way."
"It was supposed to be a grand coming of age ceremony, but how could it be like this…."
"I only believe that Mithra will look after me."
The nobles were silent. Even this was a prearranged procedure. Without any intention of sharing the results, they were wasting time, anxious about what they might say.
Yeah, it didn't mean anything.
They know that the king is sick. Sometimes he wakes up, but he talks nonsense and then falls back to sleep as if he were dead. It is an open secret in the palace.
'… … A moment of patience.'
In the near future, Bastet will change for the better. If only the empty seats are filled with people of their own, the factional play will end. It will also be easier to inherit the throne.
That is the most ideal future for this nation. Adrian had no doubts about his belief. He will reign over the warriors as a rightful king.
'If I could get my hands on Ainoa's corpse, it would be perfect... ... .'
Well, the sound of iron scraping could be heard outside the door.
"Excuse me."
Suddenly, a knight opened the door to the hall and came in. He was one of Adrian's entourage. Even as the nobles hurled words at each other, his steps did not stop.
"What rudeness is this, Sir Gillian."
Knights are not allowed to enter the hall where the meeting is taking place, because even nobles or royalty who are escorted are warriors. It is not prohibited by law, but it is an old custom.
"I am sorry, Your Majesty, but this is not the time to be doing this. You must look outside immediately."
"outside?"
Her heightened hearing picked up the noise coming from beyond the door. The voices of servants and soldiers. The sound of footsteps running hurriedly. The castle had never been quiet recently, but it was more chaotic than usual.
"I guess I should go out for a bit."
"Your Majesty! The meeting is not over yet!"
"You figure it out."
Adrian immediately began to leave. Anxiety struck his chest. If he delayed, he felt that a disaster worse than the nobles' criticism would strike.
"Gillian! Explain. What the hell is going on…!"
Adrian, who was striding briskly across the hallway, suddenly stopped.
A window overlooking the square. His vision was bright enough to distinguish a single dot in the distance.
The crowd that had gathered was all looking up at the sky. Adrian followed their gaze and looked at the sky. There was a dot there too.
As the dot gradually grew larger, the sound of a propeller rumbling could be heard.
"...Helicopter?"
My mouth fell open.
Currently, there is no air raid countermeasure called Bastet. In modern times, there are few countries that operate aircraft, and above all, military use itself is strictly regulated.
To begin with, the level of civilization here is still in the modern era. There is no way there would be radar or anti-aircraft missiles that are always functioning. At best, there are musketeers stationed here to deal with flying monsters.
"What the hell are those guards doing!"
That's when Adrian screamed in horror.
A person fell from a helicopter. It was a chilling sight. I couldn't help but sigh in relief when the parachute opened.
Then I noticed something. The color of the flowing hair was very familiar. Silver hair, lighter in pigment than Adrian's, typical of royalty.
"Only?"
The only Salviati.
The missing princess was descending on a parachute.