Chapter 41: Lagritte (1)

Chapter 41: Lagritte (1)

Theodore traveled with the Heide Mercenary Corps for a while. After arriving at the camp and finishing the maintenance of the caravan, he wanted an escort to his mansion.

Thanks to the incident we staged, we received not only the original payment but also a considerable amount of gold coins and gems.

It was quite a satisfying amount.

Theodore even promised that he would hire us if he ever needed help.

During this journey, I also built my relationships with the members of the mercenary corps and got closer to Cedric.

It wasnt that difficult, especially since I had already gained their favor during the fight inside the ruins.

They were truly impressed, and both Theodore and the slaves seemed to like me.

It was only natural to receive such a reaction when a 16-year-old defeated three mercenaries.

For now, I decided to leave Cedric alone. Although he possessed Mystics, there was no room for further intervention.

What mattered was that no matter when or where we met, I would become friendly with Cedric.

Even if I were exposed as a spy, it wouldnt change the fact that I saved him.

Afterward, I separated from the mercenary corps and moved with Phiri, completing two simple tasks: stealing documents and assassination.

I did both, while Phiri supervised on the side, satisfied with my calm and composed performance.

In the first place, these tasks werent that difficult.

Perhaps Phiri wanted to observe my methods of handling things from up close.

It was a shame that I hadnt heard about the change in our situation, which involved us substituting for the events in Tumak.

But I didnt ask about it separately.

If it was essential information to me, she would have told me.

Spies had intrinsic access to information that allowed them to assess their position.

The higher they climbed, the more information they obtained and the more responsibilities they took on.

It must have been a task that required my immediate attention, and I assumed it was proceeding well.

The Chief of Intelligence would probably see it as a good idea, and he must be preparing to expand the mercenary corps.

I couldnt be sure, but his evaluation of me must be favorable.

In any case, it was a very satisfying mission. I killed two birds with one stone, or rather, many birds.

I saved Cedric and increased the likelihood of him becoming an ally, and now we could also exert pressure on the devil worshipers in the north.

Since the duke had personally intervened, the leader of Haisens imperial intelligence unit wouldnt be able to take action unnecessarily.

He will be keeping an eye on me.

The same applied to the traits I obtained.

With just this one mission, I acquired two traits: Thorough Strategist and Brilliant Aspiring Spy.

Thorough Strategist granted additional experience when succeeding in Stratagem and decreased the chance of being doubted during Stratagem, making my arguments more persuasive.

Against an ordinary person, they might not even have half-hearted doubts about my grandiose claims.

Brilliant Aspiring Spy was solely a trait for growth.

There was no additional experience, but it helped in the process of observing, learning, and acquiring within a certain period.

It naturally triggered the desire in those around me to teach me something.

Indeed, the higher my Stratagem level goes, the better the traits become.

Compared to the small increase in experience in the past, it was truly a qualitative leap.

Come to think of it, when I first came here and chose Stratagem, I regretted it a lot.

Under the Chief of Intelligence, whom I coincidentally encountered, I was growing in ways that I couldnt even imagine when playing the game.

The same applied to my martial prowess as well.

In the game, Ive never had such a good start.

But now I was starting to wonder if it would have been best to choose the Stratagem values.

If I had chosen a different one, there might not have been limits to how I could use my information.

Id already utilized the information I know several times. If I established myself and rose even higher

It would mean that I could use that information to my advantage, no matter where or when multiple events occur.

What are you thinking?

I snapped out of my shallow contemplation at Phiris question.

Its nothing important.

Tsk. If it was the vice-leader who asked, you should answer.

I was just wondering why were going to Lagritte for a mission.

When we completed the two missions, Phiri simply told me to follow her without giving any further explanations.

It felt a bit strange.

She used to tell me where and what kind of mission we were going on, but this time, she said it was a secret.

I thought there must be something to it.

Hmm, what could it be?

Phiri playfully smiled, but I couldnt trust that face.

As the vice leader, she was at least a couple of levels above me in acting skills.

Did the Chief of Intelligence perhaps discover a connection between the leader and the devil worshipers?Ñ00v€l--ß1n hosted the premiere release of this chapter.

I had that thought at first, but the possibility was slim.

Finding the link between the leader, and the devil worshipers in such a short time was impossible.

They were not that careless.

Me? Thats impossible.

It seemed like I showed some emotion. I tried to deny it, but Phiri burst out laughing.

Then what reward do I get?

Youll skip the probation period and be promoted directly to an Inquisitor!

Yes?

Why? Not happy about it?

N-no. Im just surprised. Im grateful.

Though the term Inquisitor was used to mean a heretical interrogator, in Haisens intelligence agency, it referred to agents directly under the Chief of Intelligence.

These were a select few, granting them considerable authority.

When assigned to a mission, they were usually designated as the ones in charge, but if not, they became secret evaluators.

If they felt that the mission was going awry, they could assume the role of the ones in charge.

Agents knew about the existence of Inquisitors, but they didnt know who the actual Inquisitors were.

Father was very impressed with this operation. Normally, even if youre a regular agent, it takes at least three years after the probation period.

Is that so?

Thats right. I was the first to be promoted to Inquisitor in just three years. Congratulations. You broke the record as the youngest Inquisitor, and it hasnt even been two months.

I had a hunch that I had scored well, but I didnt expect it to be that good, so I was genuinely surprised.

Well, even from my perspective, it was quite remarkable. Just when our influence was fading in the north, you turned the tide.

Phiri leaned forward, raising her face in front of me.

Dont tell anyone about this. Not even your friends.

Denif and Orhen, you mean?

Thats right. Them too.

Its hard to meet them anyway, so why bother.

If Denif heard this, he would have been so envious that he might have spontaneously combusted. I stifled a laugh inwardly.

Anyway, you wont be put in charge right away.

Thats right. I suppose its because of my age.

But youre still an Inquisitor.

Phiri grinned meaningfully.

And being an Inquisitor comes with rewards.

What are those rewards? Like a badge or something?

Go and find out for yourself. Were here now, after all.

Phiri said that and came to a stop. Before us was a jewelry shop, displaying processed gemstones, brooches, and accessories.

Through the glass, I could see noblewomen browsing inside.

Anyway, this place seemed to be related to our intelligence agency as well.

Hmm, its probably not a gem they will give me.

I wondered if it might be proof of being an Inquisitor, but I wasnt sure. I had never heard of such a thing before.

Now that I thought about it, how did they recognize an Inquisitor at the scene of an operation?

Have a relaxing time.

I wanted to ask, but the guard opened the door for us first. Ding a small piece of paper hanging on the door shook gently.

The gazes inside the shop momentarily lingered on us and then averted. A slightly displeased atmosphere lingered around us as if they were trying not to underestimate each other.

I was aware of the subtle competition that took place in such places among noblewomen, trying not to be looked down upon by others.

Furthermore, Phiri was quite attractive. She whispered to me.

You already know youre good-looking. Everyone seems to notice you.

I think they saw you, Vice-leader.

With an obvious flattery, Phiri smirked and walked forward.

A staff member standing at the counter approached us slightly.

How may I assist you?

Were here to see the owner.

Oh, youre the ones they mentioned. Please come inside.

We entered through the back door behind the counter. As we descended the stairs, a workshop in the basement appeared.

There was no one there.

Phiri walked as if she was familiar with the place and pressed a hidden button on the table.

After a short moment, the floor suddenly shook slightly, and dust flew up as a hidden door in the floor opened upwards.

Vice-leader, you came sooner than expected.

Well, Im diligent, you know. Wheres Lesmi? Did she go somewhere, leaving you alone down here?

Im not sure. She didnt say anything. I thought she called for you.

This girl, she can be quite unreliable.

As they exchanged banter, I still couldnt hide my astonishment.

But I couldnt help it. A dwarf, something rarely seen even in the game, was right in front of my eyes.

The dwarf looked at me, their eyes glimmering.

This is the one? The one you said needs custom gear?