How to Survive as a Genius Spy in the Game Chapter 298 - (Epilogue) Reunion

The news of Carl Schurtafen’s return spread on the first day. It was not surprising. After the Battle of Romanek Plain, Carl Schurtafen had become a hero.

He wasn’t just a hero of the Empire. There were soldiers from the west and south of the continent on that plain.

It wasn’t an unverifiable heroic tale, but a major event with witnesses spread across the continent. In other words, it was news of the return of a continental hero.

The Imperial Court also made efforts to spread the good news. This was the first such blessing since the Battle of Romanek Plain.

The day after the news was delivered, the area in front of the Imperial Palace was crowded with people. They had come to see Carl Schurtafen.

The cheers that erupted despite the large crowd and his non-appearance were unexpected, but it wasn’t difficult to make an appearance.

When Carlyn finally appeared before the people, cheers erupted that could be heard all the way to the outskirts of the capital, with a bit of exaggeration.

-Waaaaaah!

-Lord! Lord Carl Schurtafen!

-The Sword of the Empire has returned!

-He looks just like he used to!

Carlyn finished his brief greeting by smiling and waving his hand. No chaos ensued. He didn’t leave the palace after that.

It was Erendil’s order. The Emperor delegated most of her duties to Count Campbell and Grand Duchess Lyurik.

This was unusual. Even for a moment to forget her heartache, Erendil, as the final decision-maker, had been involved in all affairs until now.

However, she didn’t hand over everything completely. Erendil handled only the minimum amount of work and spent the rest of her time with Carlyn.

It was a time to heal the longing that had built up over the years and the deepened wounds of the heart. They weren’t doing anything particularly special.

Eating meals together, drinking tea, or strolling in the palace garden. But these seemingly insignificant things were immensely enjoyable for them.

“Schurtafen.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“I told you not to call me ‘Your Majesty.'”

“But still…”

“I don’t like it. It’s too formal.”

“I’ll try my best.”

“Good. I’ll give you more time.”

Erendil wanted to leave the palace and go somewhere right away, but she couldn’t. Of course, it was possible.

As the Emperor of the Empire, no one would stop her if she said so. But it was because she was a good emperor.

Even though she had delegated most of her duties, she couldn’t irresponsibly leave her post. There was another reason.

With Carlyn’s return, there were many things to be done in the Empire. Erendil wanted to manage these tasks herself.

“I’ve been thinking.”

“Please speak.”

“You’ve been gone for 5 years, haven’t you?”

“Yes.”

“That means I’m older than you now.”

“Does that bother you?”

“How could it?”

Erendil shook her head at Carlyn’s words.

“Rather, it feels not bad. You used to take care of me before, didn’t you? Now it feels like I’m taking care of you who has returned.”

It doesn’t particularly feel like I’m being taken care of, Carlyn thought, but he kept his mouth shut.

“And seeing you like this, I’ve realized that you have quite a lot of cute aspects.”

Cute? Carlyn felt embarrassed inwardly. Apart from that, Erendil’s words weren’t wrong. If they go by the age here, it had indeed reversed.

However, considering the connected experiences from Earth, it didn’t really matter.

Of course, he couldn’t say such things right away. Maybe after some more time had passed.

Anyway, while Erendil and Carlyn were enjoying their time together, the continent was very busy. It was because of Carlyn.

The Empire sent magic carriages primarily to their allies. Rather than allies, it was limited to those who had close relationships with Carlyn.

This included Denif, who had now become the Sword Master of Haisen, Casmak, who had become the ruler of the West, and Mondegreen, who had started wandering again after the battle at Romanek Plain.

Al Fahri from the Southwest and Terka, who had reached the level of Sword Master about a year ago, couldn’t be left out either.

Carlyn was very disappointed that Orhen was missing from that list. But it couldn’t be helped due to external relations.

On the surface, they were merely acquaintances, not close enough to be invited separately. However, that meeting wouldn’t be too far off.

Those invited by the Empire weren’t all. Carl Schurtafen’s return was an event worth celebrating as a festival for the Empire.

A grand welcoming ceremony was planned. After the Battle of Romanek Plain, an event was held to declare victory after driving away the Great Devil.

But that was closer to an event of sorrow and mourning than joy and jubilation. Many had died, and the death of the Great Devil wasn’t certain.

It focused on honoring the fallen Faorn and Carl Schurtafen who sacrificed himself to drive away the Great Devil.

Now, to celebrate what was mourned with sadness then, royalty and powerful nobles from across the continent were heading to the Empire.

‘It’s not something I’m looking forward to.’

It wasn’t something Carlyn would enjoy. In fact, it was closer to a political affair. Still, he was looking forward to the connections he would meet because of it.

Thanks to Erendil sending magic carriages to those he was close with, Carlyn was able to meet his connections before the event.

“Even after being together for a few days, I find it unpleasant to be apart even for a moment. I guess we’ve been separated for too long.”

Erendil quietly complained to Carlyn as he was leaving to meet his friends. Of course, she wasn’t serious.

She knew that just as the Emperor had waited for her knight, those friends had also waited for Carlyn.

***

The first to arrive was Casmak. It was surprising how quickly he came, but there was a reason. He didn’t come by magic carriage.

He had been near the border between the West and the Empire due to his schedule. He said he came running without rest as soon as he saw the news in the newspaper.

-So you were alive after all.

-Did you think I was alive?

-Of course. I didn’t think you’d die.

-Is that so?

-Yes.

-You seem to have come in quite a hurry for someone who thought that.

-Hmm. Do you remember the promise?

-We said we’d drink together.

-It’s best not to think too much today.

To be honest, my friendship with Casmak wasn’t as deep as with others. But he was definitely someone I could trust.

And he was also a person overflowing with charm. It was the same in the game. He was a rare handsome man.

Even before, I thought Casmak was a good person. After our first meeting, he treated me sincerely like an old friend.

When I visited the archipelago, and when we met later. There wasn’t much conversation during my meetings with Casmak. We drank a lot.

But it was an enjoyable time. How should I put it? It felt like we had really become friends now, even though we didn’t exchange many words?

‘My thoughts seem to have changed a bit too.’

Whether it was because I came back from a world with nothing, or because the future threat had disappeared, or because I decided to live in this world.

I couldn’t tell which was the correct answer, but I felt that my inner distance from Casmak had significantly decreased.

The next to arrive was Denif. Osten, along with Rina, Jofor, Aron, Mary, and Namir joined Denif’s meeting.

Of course, I had already met them once. Even though Erendil had delegated all her work, she hadn’t completely neglected it.

When I had time, I sought out those I had connections with in Chenarus. Of course, Osten, Aron, Namir, Jofor, and Mary were first.

Next, I wanted to see Phiri, but I couldn’t meet her. I didn’t even try to find her. There was a reason.

In the 5 years I was gone, Phiri had become the Chief of Intelligence of Haisen.

-Boss, it’s been a while. You’ve been through a lot.

-Brother! Wow, I can’t believe I’m seeing you again!

Anyway, during my absence, Osten had become quite a famous magician on the continent. Perhaps because he had gained fame, he seemed much calmer than before.

Back then, he really seemed like someone cooped up in a room, but now he had the appearance of a proper businessman or nobleman.

Aron, who teared up as soon as he saw me, had grown into a fine young man. Along with Namir and Jofor, they had grown the mercenary group I had created into one of the Empire’s top three mercenary groups.

Namir seemed the same, but Jofor felt a bit more mature. You could say he had become more serious as a person. Mary also showed a few tears.

-I really… thought I’d never be able to repay your kindness in my lifetime.

Those were Mary’s words. It seems that my help in the past had left a deep impression on her heart. I told her not to worry about it. Just live your life diligently, I said.

I heard that Mary had started working in the Imperial Palace, recognized for her abilities. She hadn’t risen very high yet.

Since she entered through Osten’s introduction, she wouldn’t face unfair treatment. She would probably advance steadily.

“You bastard…!”

Anyway, Denif cursed as soon as he faced me. His eyes were hot as he stood still, looking at me. He didn’t shed tears.

But I realized that sometimes, the moistness in bloodshot eyes can express more emotions than a hundred words or streaming tears.

To be honest, the depth of my emotions wasn’t the same as others. For me, it was closer to waking up from sleep.

But I wasn’t unable to feel the emotions that Erendil or Denif showed. I greeted Denif with a bright smile.

“You should have come earlier.”

“I wanted to, but I was a bit delayed.”

Denif, who had walked up steadily, hugged me tightly. I did the same. He was a friend I was meeting after 5 years.

“Welcome back.”

We hugged briefly but tightly, then separated. I turned my gaze to Rina, who had come with Denif.

“Carlyn, I’m glad you’re back.”

“Thank you. Belated congratulations. I heard you got married two years ago.”

The surprising news I had heard when I first met the group was Denif and Rina’s marriage. I had asked because Rina wasn’t there.

I heard she had left Chenarus, following Denif who had become the Sword Master of Haisen.

I knew that Rina liked Denif, but it was quite shocking to hear that they had gotten married.

“We should have postponed it for 2 years. Then you could have come too.”

Rina frowned deeply at Denif’s words. It was good, but saying they should have postponed it for 2 years was a bit much.

“Denif.”

“Ah, Rina. That’s not what I meant…”

Denif stammered. Their relationship seemed to have changed quite a bit since I last saw them. I was quite curious about that process.

After talking and enjoying drinks with the group, I went outside with Denif for a moment. It was a brief time spent between friends.

“How did it happen?”

“What?”

“I mean Rina. You didn’t seem to like her that much before.”

Denif rubbed his nose with his hand.

“It was tough after you disappeared.”

“I heard.”

Jofor had told me. He said Denif didn’t smile for almost a year, just drinking silently. Of course, he didn’t show it outwardly.

After all, Denif had become the Sword Master of Haisen from being a spy. But he was like that even when he was with close friends occasionally.

“Rina helped a lot. She followed me to Haisen for over 2 years.”

Denif’s words were brief, but I could glimpse a bit of their story hidden within them.

Denif’s face and voice were full of affection as he talked about Rina.

“I’m glad it worked out well.”

“Yes, it’s fortunate.”

“Is Orhen doing well?”

“Of course. She’s doing great.”

I had heard about her recent situation, but I could only get detailed information through Denif, so I asked. There seemed to be no need to worry. Denif nodded as if to say don’t worry.

“When you disappeared, Orhen had a hard time too.”

“I’m sure she did.”

She was a strong child, but also a delicate one. No matter how much training she received, how could that essence change? Moreover, the bond between me, Denif, and Orhen was unshakeable even if we didn’t see each other often.

“But it’s good that you’re back. She must have been overjoyed, right? She probably can’t wait to come to Chenarus.”

“I want to see her too.”

My return was certainly a joyous event. For me and for others. Nevertheless, the mood became a bit down.

Perhaps the painful emotions after my disappearance resurfaced. I could only guess.

It wasn’t my fault, but I felt a little sorry for not being able to gauge their emotions during my absence.

“By the way, you…”

“What?”

“Looking at you today, you seem to be below me.”

“…”

Denif quickly changed the subject. I silently glared at him. Just like the exercise idiot he is, he always turns the conversation to this kind of talk. But it wasn’t bad.

“I don’t think I’m below you.”

To be honest, I had noticed it too. This guy had gotten quite strong during the 5 years I was gone. It’s only natural. While I was standing still, Denif spent 5 years as a Sword Master.

The aura itself was different when we met. Of course, that doesn’t mean I’m below him as Denif said. We’re probably on par. I have winds too.

“Hmm. I don’t think so? I seem to be above you. Are you too weak to notice?”

Denif provoked me.

“Want to try it out?”

“Now? I’m fine with that.”

“Not now. Hey, I was trapped in a world with nothing for 5 years.”

I hadn’t even touched a sword because I was spending time with Erendil. I need at least some time to polish my skills.

“Alright, let’s make time for it next time.”

Denif unexpectedly backed down easily. Is it because he’s gotten older? Denif’s competitive spirit didn’t seem the same as before. That appearance was unfamiliar and not to my liking.

“By the way, you too…”

“Huh?”

“Never mind. You’ll know soon.”

What is it? Is there something? I tilted my head and asked back.

“What is it?”

“Nothing. But what are you going to do from now on?”

It was an abrupt question from Denif.

“Why are you asking that all of a sudden?”

“Just curious. We’ve left the intelligence agency, you know. Actually, you had done that before, but you suffered because of those devil worshipper guys.”

Pure curiosity was evident in Denif’s question.

“Seeing your face, it seems you’ve had such worries too.”

“Yeah. The Emperor of the Empire said not to cause conflicts between countries. Even as the Sword Master of Haisen, it’s boring.”

I didn’t know that Erendil had said that. I hadn’t yet grasped all that had happened in the past 5 years. I had been busy spending time with Erendil.

“Even without such words, there probably wouldn’t have been conflicts after fighting the Great Devil, but I’m just curious. Haven’t you thought about it yet?”

“No. I’m thinking of becoming a Sword Lord.”

“Sword Lord?”

Denif was surprised.

“Isn’t it natural? Having become a Sword Master at this age, I can aim for the realm of Sword Lord too.”

I shrugged my shoulders, looking at Denif.

“Why? Did you think you couldn’t become a Sword Lord?”

“No.”

Denif hurriedly denied it, but it seemed he had set limits for himself. I frowned. The points I disliked were increasing.

“You’ve changed a lot? After getting married and settling down, your passion seems to have died quite a bit.”

“What nonsense are you talking about.”

Sorry to Rina, but I had no intention of leaving Denif like this. In the past, I had thought about challenging for the position of Sword Lord after everything was over if I remained here.

I couldn’t let Denif, who was supposed to help me with that for a very long time, give up like this.

Rather, I felt a bit worried that I might have to take Denif’s old position. Denif hurriedly stood up from his seat.

“This won’t do. Let’s go have a match.”

Seeing that behavior, I couldn’t help but laugh as old memories came flooding back. Hmm, it seemed like I didn’t need to worry unnecessarily.