Chapter 57 - Lantern Festival (10)

Translator: Kimmy

Proofreader: Sasha_00

⋅⋅⋅⋅•⋅⊰∙∘☽‌༓‌☾∘∙⊱⋅•⋅⋅⋅⋅

If Glenn, the head of the Information Bureau (aka the Intelligence Agency), heard Eva’s conclusion, he would have laughed his heart out. However, her conclusion did have some logic. 

The national intelligence agency of Lesa was something like a ghost, except that it actually existed. 

Especially during the reign of the previous emperor, the intelligence agency was always behind the sketchy events–killing someone secretly or exposing/hiding terrible truths. 

No one knew what kind of work they did, who worked there, and where even that bureau was located. 

Eva wrote about spies often in her novels as extras that assist the crown prince or as powerful side characters. 

And Eva had a hunch that Karl was a spy. 

If not why wouldn’t his identity be found and why would the chief of the police department take him away separately?!

Ah, I should have realized faster. Evangeline, you idiot! You failed to realize that and tormented a kind person like him!

Oh my, if he can’t hide his surprise this much, he must be terrible at work too!

Eva misjudged Karl greatly and started waving her hands frivolously. 

“Ah, no! It’s alright! I understand. You don’t have to tell me if you are not comfortable with it!”

When Eva started avoiding his eyes with an awkward expression, Karlos and Brigitta exchanged looks. 

Do you think she found out? I don’t think so. Wait, then did she misunderstand me? Whatever she misunderstood you as, I reckon it’s better than saying ‘Oh, I’m the emperor’ so just go with the flow alright? Okay. 

The two communicated with eye glances and nodded. 

I’m not sure but, I’ll just go with it! Yes, that’s my master!

“T, thank you for understanding.”

“N, no problem. Uh, everyone has their own unique situation, you know! Uh, well, let’s go!”

Karlos watched Eva march out the messenger bird center and let out a sigh of relief. 

Ah, that was dangerous. It’s a relief that this passed with no big issues.

Brigitta elbowed Karlos’s hips, creating a loud sound. 

It was a swordmaster’s attack but Karlos didn’t even flinch and only stared back at Brigitta. 

“Do better next time, Karl.”

“…I, I know…”

Karlos whimpered at Brigitta’s scolding. 

Her words evidently had more impact than her attack. 

Ah, this is sad. 

He was hurt by his subordinate’s cold glare. 

*.·:·.☽✧ ✦ ✧☾.·:·.*

An agent of the Intelligence Bureau! 

Eva couldn’t help but be bothered by the presence behind her. 

Oh my goodness, a spy!

She was screaming internally from the thrill. 

Thinking about it, it actually suited him quite well. 

He was tall, a little dark–I’m sorry Karl!–and a secretive, intimidating man. He was the ideal image of an agent of the intelligence agency!

Karl wasn’t obviously as malicious and sinister as the spies Eva portrayed in her novels–Brigitta begged to differ–but she had to admit that his appearance definitely suited the character. 

Eva looked behind her shoulders. 

A person covered in black was walking behind her. 

But the violet on his chest and his glowing amethyst eyes contrasted him from his clothes and the dark shadows. 

He had the strongest presence among the people Eva had ever met. 

A hostile voice inside her head started talking. 

The voice was talking in as skeptical a manner as it always did. 

«Is he really a spy? Isn’t he too noticeable for that? He isn’t even secretive. »

The skepticism she had growing up on the back streets started raising its voice. 

However, the normal novelist Evangeline was already living with a ‘swordmaster’ which was unbelievable in its own way. 

Plus, the swordmaster was breathtakingly handsome despite being a woman and was perfect in every way. Compared to this fact, finding out that a longtime fan has a special job wasn’t that much of a rarity. 

Eva ignored the skepticism in her head and looked at the clock on the clock tower. 

“Hm, the time is…”

It was still 6 in the evening so they mustn’t have been in the police department for that long. 

The sun was already descending over the horizon but the night market was just getting started. 

Which meant, it was around the time Eva and Brigitta planned to go to ‘the place’.

Mm, yes!

We had skewers already so let’s go to the dessert cafe in the shopping complex! After that we can go get a drink!

Her appetite wasn’t like a person that found a dead body just a few hours ago. 

Eva exclaimed.

“Then let’s go!”

“Where to, Eva?”

“To get coffee! To Madame Rubois’s, we go!”

“Oh, nice! Good choice Eva! Cake! Scone!”

“Strawberry tart! Pecan pie!”

Karlos watched the two women list out desserts. 

It was such an adorable situation for a 30 year old, timid man to join in. 

His cute and little author seemed to be anxious just a few minutes ago but now she was glowing vibrantly again. 

At least to Karlos, Eva looked like a dazzling flower.

Brigitta saw her dazzling smile and left Karlos to stick next to her. 

Et tu, Brigitta?

Karlos referenced the ancient epic poem and mumbled softly. 

“Macaroon! Eclair! Cheesecake! Strawberry smoothie! Blueberry scone!”

However, the two ladies were too busy listing out the desserts so they couldn’t hear him. 

Karlos drooped his shoulders and followed them and contemplated.

As a person who has been conscious of other people’s eyes his whole life, it was a reasonable contemplation. 

“Won’t I stand out too much in the dessert cafe?”

*.·:·.☽✧ ✦ ✧☾.·:·.*

“I mean look around, Amber. I’m too noticeable.”

Eric hunched his back ridiculously and stuffed himself in the small pink checkered chair. 

When Amber showed up behind the head captain, he almost screamed out loud. 

“So what, you like this stuff don’t you? Be more grateful for my grace, asshole.”

“I do like it… And what do you mean by grace? We are the same rank.”

Eric loved cute things, delicious food, and sweets. He also wasn’t afraid to go visit places for them all alone. 

However, he went to those places when there were fewer people or to special shops that are specialized for shy, introverted people like him. 

Eric was too shy to have the balls to enter a place full of people–women–and enjoy his personal hobbies. 

Amber scoffed as she perched on the chair. 

Why does she always act like a middle-aged man all the time when she has the face of a young noble lady?

Eric was sad. 

Somehow, whenever he looked at Amber, she reminded him of the blacksmith. 

He would never say this out loud to her though. 

“It’s just a place where people eat snacks, why do you worry so much about being looked at?”

“It’s a matter of my mentality. Why are you here anyway? You don’t even like sweets.”

Amber avoided his gentle eyes. 

Well, can’t tell you that I only brought you here because you like sweets. You are so dumb. 

Amber glanced at the most slow-witted and most hard-working knight she knew. 

In reality, Eric wasn’t as noticeable as he thought he was. 

He only looked like he was dragged here by his girlfriend–though Amber wished she was really his girlfriend. 

But Eric, who had strangely low self-esteem compared to his capabilities, would be thinking that he is disturbing the atmosphere of the place. 

Can’t this idiot just enjoy the moment now that he’s been dragged here at least?

Amber took a sip of the black coffee while Eric drank his hot cocoa with marshmallow. 

⋅⋅⋅⋅•⋅⊰∙∘☽‌༓‌☾∘∙⊱⋅•⋅⋅⋅⋅