How to Survive as a Genius Spy in the Game Chapter 228 - Terka (3)

That concluded the greetings between the group. There wasn’t much they could do right away anyway.

I had to go to the imperial palace, and everyone in the group had settled in and had things to do.

Denif also needed rest. I told Terka to spend a few days sightseeing around the empire.

The scenario was that he would then have an interview at the mercenary office run by Namir.

I also gave him some warnings. I told him not to do anything that would draw the attention of the Imperial Intelligence Agency or others.

Knowing this guy’s nature, I told him to be careful about meeting women too, which surprised him quite a bit.

“Women? What are you talking about?”

He tried to make excuses, but just looking at his attitude towards Rina and Mary, it was clear he was already obsessed with women.

I made it clear that if he violated the conditions I mentioned earlier, we wouldn’t be able to travel together, and I warned him not to mess with Rina, Mary, or anyone related to the mercenary group.

He said he understood and pouted. Of course, I also warned Rina and Mary.

“That guy is obsessed with women, so don’t give him any attention no matter how handsome he is.”

“Gasp, what you said was true, sis.”

“See?”

“He really is incredibly handsome, but hearing even you say that, brother, it’s a real wake-up call.”

The truth is, most people would fall for him even if they knew Terka’s personality.

After all, that guy went around seducing many women even with the nickname “playboy”.

-It’s different from what’s commonly known! He was sincere!

Those were the words of women who fell for him even knowing what he was like. But Mary didn’t seem like she would be that way.

From the start, her relationship of trust with me was much deeper. Mary tilted her head at Rina’s words.

“Well, he is handsome, but isn’t Carlyn better?”

Mary pondered seriously.

“Hmm, I think they’re similar. Actually, if I hadn’t seen you often, brother, I might have fallen in love at first sight.”

I was glad if I had helped prevent that. Come to think of it, first love. I got sentimental at the unfamiliar phrase.

Now that I thought about it, Mary was at that age.

Afterwards, Rina begged Denif for a sparring match, but Denif said he was tired and went to sleep.

Namir returned to the mercenary group with Aron and Jofor, and I went to see Osten’s invention before heading home.

The sparring match with Terka was set for the day I recovered. I also needed to get Moonlight back.

In any case, the situation was better than ever before.

‘I never thought I’d be able to do this much when I first came to this world.’

The devil worshippers’ forces have been greatly weakened. As things stand now, there’s a high chance of victory.

Of course, I’m not letting my guard down. We’ll have to see what the devil in the east is up to.

It’s difficult for me to intervene in the east right away. I only have one body after all. I decided to put it out of my mind.

The importance of rest is naturally one of the things I learned as a spy.

It’s something I heard on Earth too. Humans are not machines. Even machines break down, let alone humans.

Something will probably happen. The devil wouldn’t have personally gone to the east for nothing.

It seemed I should focus on recovery and training for a while before the bigger storm hits.

***

The chaos in the empire has now been mostly sorted out. It was thanks to Minteron running around the empire in place of Rudehrn, who had returned.

Faorn, being older, tended to stay by Erendil’s side.

I was quite busy too. There was a lot I could do even while focusing on recovery. First, I sent letters to Casmak and Al Fahri.

Both responded positively. They said they were willing to cooperate if the empire recognized them.

There wasn’t much for Erendil to do. It was just about sanctioning their occupation of the western lands and strengthening trade.

I’m not sure what will happen in the future, but it was beneficial for us.

When I asked, Erendil said she had no intention of expanding the empire’s territory during her reign.

If so, it wasn’t a bad idea to hand over the chaotic west to the islanders and natives.

After all, they had been diligently building up their strength amidst the empire’s recent turmoil over the imperial throne.

Of course, it’s no match for the empire, but it’s better than leaving a danger behind as we face war with the devil.

‘The negotiations with Haisen went smoothly too.’

Erendil hadn’t forgotten that I belonged to Haisen. While resting, I connected the Chief of Intelligence and Erendil through Phiri.

It was decided to empower Haisen among the three southern kingdoms.

Of course, we also agreed to give some power to Altre, which Orhen belongs to. It would be too obvious if we only supported Haisen.

There was another benefit to hiding this while raising Orhen’s value within Altre.

Orhen had already gained considerable power in Altre, having built relationships since before Erendil became emperor.

This would probably make her one of the top five nobles in Altre.

Because of this, I heard she would be coming to the empire soon. I was planning to meet her along with Denif.

We had seen each other separately, but it had been years since the three of us met together after leaving the Chief of Intelligence, so I was quite looking forward to it.

Apart from this, Duke Brusek, the Chief of Intelligence of Haisen, expressed regret to me.

-I had intended to entrust Haisen to you. Now that you’ve become the emperor’s knight, it’s impossible. It’s bitterly disappointing.

I could read another intention in those words. It seemed to mean not to forget the connection with Haisen even under the emperor.

I’m not overthinking it. Duke Brusek is certainly the type of person who would do that.

Of course, the tone was closer to a request and plea. The relationship has changed a lot now.

To be honest, it’s impossible for Haisen to attack me now.

‘Maintaining the current relationship is the best option.’

One word from me and the empire’s support for Haisen would end. The Chief of Intelligence probably had this possibility in mind to some extent when he sent me to the empire with various tests.

Of course, I don’t intend to go that far. It’s better to leave well enough alone. There’s no benefit in being hostile to Haisen.

The most important thing is driving the devil out of this land. Other minor issues can be dealt with afterwards.

So, while recovering, I took care of everything I could do.

Adjusting relationships, making plans for the future, and considering possible scenarios.

‘Now the worst case would be a Great Devil appearing in the east.’

Erendil informed me that a considerable number of people had moved in the east.

We couldn’t figure out more than that.

Even for the empire, there were very few who were well-versed in the east. The accent and culture were too different.

If a Great Devil appeared with the sacrifices they took and the Devil’s Blood they secretly obtained, it would be quite troublesome.

Of course, even so, this is better than any time I experienced in the game, but it’s true that I’m worried.

I thought about going east when I fully recovered, but it seemed pointless. It felt like we were already one step behind, and it’s difficult to change anything by going alone where the devil is.

“I think you don’t need to come anymore.”

“You’ve worked hard.”

“It’s nothing. Your recovery ability is so outstanding that I hardly did anything.”

The recovery speed exceeded my expectations. It was thanks to complete rest. Moreover, wasn’t an imperial doctor looking after me?

Upon hearing the news that my injuries had fully healed, I immediately headed to Erendil.

It was because Erendil had told me to come to her as soon as my injuries were healed. At 5 o’clock, Rudehrn and Faorn were in front of Erendil’s quarters.

We exchanged light greetings as we had seen each other quite often recently.

“Your Majesty, Schurtafen has come.”

“Ah, wait a moment!”

Erendil’s urgent voice was heard from inside the door. The wait didn’t last more than 10 seconds.

“Let him in.”

As I entered through the door opened by Rudehrn, I saw Erendil sitting in a chair by the window.

As I greeted her, I noticed a book on the desk.

[The Art of War]

It was a book I had read too.

But Erendil’s breathing was heavy. It was a sign that she had moved hurriedly in those 10 seconds or so.

Hmm. Is there anything to move urgently about while reading a book? My gaze naturally turned to the interior of the room.

It was my habit to survey the interior when entering any place.

I could see the corner of a book under the display case. Due to the shadow, I couldn’t tell what book it was.

“Schurtafen!”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

Erendil hastily diverted my attention, perhaps reading my gaze. When our eyes met, her pupils shook and her cheeks were slightly flushed.

She just called out when I looked at the book, it didn’t seem like she had anything to say. I wonder what book it was to make her act like that. I was curious, to be honest.

“Wh-what brings you here?”

“My body has fully recovered.”

“That’s good.”

“But why did you tell me to come when I was healed?”

Erendil was at a loss for words for a moment. She seemed like she wanted to say something but couldn’t get the words out.

Then she hurriedly continued.

“I just wanted to know your condition. There was no big reason.”

“Is that so?”

“Yes.”

Erendil nodded and continued.

“Have you had dinner?”

“Not yet.”

“I see. Since you’re here, let’s have dinner together. It’s almost evening, isn’t it?”

“Yes. I’ll do that.”

“Sit for a moment, I’ll have it prepared soon.”

I sat down across from Erendil without declining. In fact, I had finished all the external preparations I could make.

I had connected Haisen, the archipelago, the southwest, and the empire. Nevertheless, managing Erendil was an indispensable task.

I think I know Erendil. But people change. Position often shapes a person.

Of course, I don’t think Erendil will change easily, but you never know.

Since the Erendil in the game had never become emperor, the current Erendil also needed to be observed.

The possibility is really low, but Erendil might suddenly fall into some strange ideology.

“By the way, Your Majesty, what is that book?”

I asked, looking at the bottom of the display case. Erendil hurriedly shook her head.

“It’s nothing.”

“Is it something I shouldn’t know about?”

“It’s not that, but it really is nothing.”

I looked into Erendil’s eyes for a moment. Then I slowly nodded.

“I understand.”

Erendil seemed to take my words differently and slightly leaned her upper body forward.

I had intentionally made it appear as if I was slightly disappointed.

“Even if I say it’s really nothing.”

“I didn’t say anything.”

Rather, Erendil looked embarrassed. Hmm. With this reaction, there was a high possibility it wasn’t a strange book.

Everyone has unexpected aspects.

Just as Erendil secretly ate sweet snacks in her days as an imperial princess, she might like novels or something, as noble young ladies often do.

She was at that age too. Maybe she hid it because it didn’t seem fitting for an emperor.

“Sigh.”

Erendil let out a deep sigh, then got up and went to the display case. Then she took out the book from underneath and brought it over.

[10 Truths About Love]

I furrowed my brow. It was a book I hadn’t expected at all. Should I say it doesn’t suit her?

“I accidentally brought a book that Merna asked for. I hid it because I was worried it might look strange.”

Merna was Erendil’s maid. It’s not unusual for maids to ask for books. I nodded.

“I see.”

“It’s true.”

“Yes.”

“It really is.”

Erendil spoke in a rapid tone.

“Yes.”

“Schurtafen.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“It’s true.”

“Yes. I believe Your Majesty’s words.”

Seeing her act like this even though I hadn’t denied anything, I could guess the truth. I had suspected it before, but still.

Erendil, who had been looking into my eyes, seemed to realize something and let out a deep sigh. I maintained my expression.

I don’t particularly think badly of it. I didn’t say much, and Erendil turned her gaze to the window.

In the slightly uncomfortable silence, Erendil hesitated before opening her mouth.

“…There’s somewhere I want to go with you soon. Now that you’re fully healed, it should be fine, right?”

“Of course. It would have been fine even when I was injured. Where are you thinking of going?”

“I’ll let you know when the time comes.”

The sunset was coming through the window. Erendil’s golden hair seemed to shine beautifully and flow down.

Her cheeks were red too. It was hard to tell if it was due to embarrassment or the sunset. The silence was broken by Faorn outside the door.

“Your Majesty, the dwarf craftsman Farock has arrived. He says Schurtafen’s sword is completed.”

Moonlight is completed? For a moment, I almost jumped up. I couldn’t do that in front of Erendil, though.

Erendil had said we should have dinner, but Moonlight took priority. Erendil looked at me, smirked, and nodded.

“I guess we’ll have dinner after seeing your sword.”