How to Survive as a Genius Spy in the Game

Chapter 26: Graduation Ceremony (3)

Lets hear that story a little later.

In that brief moment of silence, the duke interjected.

Amidst the attention focused on him, the duke raised the corners of his mouth and slowly surveyed the audience.

Wouldnt it be more fun to find out later?

Youre absolutely right.

Although it was said with a smile, there was somehow a weight to it. The leader and vice-leaders all nodded in unison.

In an instant, the playful atmosphere vanished.

Phiri, the only godchild, seemed a bit disappointed, but the hierarchy was clearly established.

Come to think of it, the duke was somewhat lenient towards us.

Especially when dealing with Marhan or Lena, he was strict.

It seemed more because we were a godchild rather than being younger. Phiris attitude confirmed it.

Does that mean he genuinely takes care of his own people?

Anyway, I thought of expressing my desire to go to the Empire.

There was no need to beat around the bush, and perhaps if I said it, Phiri would take better care of me.

Well, it didnt really matter either way.

From the dukes perspective, it was considerate of him to take care of me. It was a difficult moment as a subordinate.

As a gesture of gratitude, I locked eyes with the duke and he nodded slightly in response.

A faint smile crept across my face.

I wasnt too worried about Mohen, who had ruined the graduation ceremony, going to the Empire.

Yet, receiving this unexpected consideration made me feel much more at ease.

Marhan stood up from his seat.

The task for this graduation ceremony is

Marhan paused for a moment.

We all focused on Marhans words. Would it be another duel like last time?

It is to find the branch of the intelligence agency you aspire to.

Huh?

I was momentarily taken aback by the unexpected statement. Glancing at the others, they seemed equally surprised.

You just need to find the branch of the intelligence agency you want to join.

Marhan repeated his words.

I understood what he meant. It was just that it went beyond what I had anticipated.

Whether through duels or demonstrating our abilities, I thought something would happen here.

Suddenly, the dukes words from earlier came to mind. He had said that we would find out later, not here.

He gave us a hint in advance.

I had been preoccupied with past graduation ceremonies. I had only witnessed one ceremony, after all.

Why did the duke subtly teach us something?

Well, maybe I was overthinking it.

Regardless, I learned a lesson, so I should look at it positively.

Considering your evaluations so far, all the intelligence agencies expressed their desire to take you. They will give you clues, and you can choose where you want to go.

Suddenly, doubt arose. If that was the case, was it necessary for us to gather like this?

Intelligence agents value efficiency. Were these important figures gathering just for this reason?

If we think about it that way, the graduation ceremony itself may be meaningless

No, maybe the graduation ceremony itself wasnt the main purpose.

How often did the four major intelligence agencies meet? There were things that could be discussed in person that couldnt be conveyed in writing.

Perhaps this gathering was needed, so they added the graduation ceremony.

Anyway, it felt like a loosening of the tension that had been building.

At that moment, Denif suddenly spoke up.

Earlier, everyone said they would take care of Carlyn, but is there no one to take care of me?

Crazy bastard. A moment of silence ensued. It was quite a bold statement, so I also glanced around nervously.

However, both the leaders and vice-leaders burst into laughter simultaneously.

Looks like we have another Phiri.

I agree.

Oh, why? What did I do?

When Phiri protested, the laughter erupted again. Was Denif similar to Phiri?

Thinking back to when we first met, there was a slight resemblance, it seemed.

Earlier, we were only talking about that kid. Well take care of you just as well since everyone is outstanding.

I understand.

Denif bowed his head to Haisens leader in response, but his expression didnt seem entirely satisfied.

There was an indiscernible fervor on his face.

At first, I was slightly worried, but it seemed like he would be fine.

Even if he was targeted by those above, considering his talent and appearance, his evaluation would surely be reversed.

To change the subject and out of curiosity, I turned to Marhan and asked,

You mentioned finding a branch we want to join. Is it starting now, and what are the clues?

Youll depart in the evening. Thats when well give you the clues.

The duke stood up from his seat. From the atmosphere, it was evident that the end of the graduation ceremony was approaching.

Its been a while since the previous graduation ceremony.

Thats right. It had been three years since the last graduation ceremony.

It might have felt like a long or short time, but it felt like a distant memory.

Had the past me changed so much compared to the current me?

Youve worked hard during this time. It must not have been easy, but you followed along better than expected.

The duke smiled and made brief eye contact with each of us before speaking with a serious expression.

Of course, there will be more hardships in the future.

We chuckled softly at his playful remark that followed.

Please continue to do well. Keep track of the movements of anything that threatens Haisen and crush them. Lets wrap up the boring talk quickly.

The duke stood up and turned away. The leaders and vice-leaders followed suit.

The atmosphere became heavy for a moment.

Indeed, aside from the graduation ceremony, there must have been other matters to discuss. They had been discussing it even before the ceremony began.

Marhan nudged us.

Pack your belongings and wait. The duke and I will have a brief meeting, and then well depart.

* * *

Actually, since we roughly packed our belongings yesterday evening, it was essentially a waiting order.

After stopping by the cafeteria and grabbing some convenience food, we waited.

Before long, Marhan called each of us separately. It was a meeting with the duke.

Orhen went first, followed by Denif.

I didnt know what they discussed, but when they returned, everyones expressions had become serious.

As if a sense of responsibility and determination had arisen.

And I was the last one.

Even though I never used to address him as father, now it had become quite familiar when it was just the two of us.

The duke smiled and gestured for me to sit.

Do you still have no change of heart about going to the Empire?

No.

Why specifically the Empire? Now seems like a good time to tell me.

It was a question I had heard before. I shrugged my shoulders.

As I mentioned before, theres no big reason. I want to learn more in a challenging place, and its just a personal desire.

Youre not remembering the past?

The duke casually blurted out, but his gaze was anything but casual. His cold eyes felt like needles.

Even though I hadnt done anything wrong, it felt like an unnecessary prick, if I had to describe it.

I dont know what you mean.

Of course, I had a feeling there was more information that was pricking at him, but I managed to maintain my expression.

The duke suddenly changed the topic.

Do you know where Orhen wants to go?

I heard its Altrea.

And the reason?

Im not entirely sure, but I speculate it might be because Orhen is of noble birth and seeking revenge.

On what basis?

Based on her usual demeanor and discussions about her childhood.

Its a reasonable inference. Accurate.

The duke nodded his head.

However, do not mention that I gave you a definite answer to Orhen.nove(l)bi(n.)com

Yes.

I mean it. I gave you an answer because youre Carlyn.

Ill keep it in mind.

If the person in question were Denif, I might not have told the truth either.

As I smiled at his playful remark, the duke poked at my intention.

So, do you have memories from before coming here?

No.

I responded promptly, and the duke glanced at me for a moment.

After bringing you here, I conducted an investigation. I couldnt simply believe that your talent was just that of a commoners child. I interviewed nobles who had disappeared or been silenced when you were young.

I had a suspicion.

I had also worried about who my parents were, fearing that it might cause problems later on.

I thought it was only natural for there to be an investigation about me.

But I couldnt find anything. Haisen doesnt have enough influence to comprehend the entire continent.

I already sensed what the duke was trying to say. I remained silent.

I did consider the possibility that you might truly be a commoner. Although I thought the likelihood of noble birth was higher.

The duke was expressing the same thoughts I had when I looked at Orhen.

In a different situation, I would probably have done the same if I were the Duke.

I see. So you thought there was a reason for me to go to the Empire.

Youre clever, even if you had memories from when you were young, it wouldnt be strange.

The duke looked at me silently, indicating that he was waiting for my words. Well, someday I would have to talk about Empire-related matters with him.

But not now. Not like this.

Without any foundation or information to support my words, it was difficult for them to sound convincing and trustworthy. I quickly racked my brain.

Well, Father, I will honestly tell you.

The duke remained silent, but his pupils slightly dilated.

Its not for the reason you might think. Its because I dont have any memories from the past.

The reason I mentioned earlier is not a lie either. To explain the unspoken reason, its because of the princess.

The princess?

His response seemed a bit taken aback as if my words came out of the blue.

Dont they say shes a beauty who can rival anyone on the continent, even within the Empire? I thought I might get a chance to see her if I were in the Empire.

Considering the short amount of time I had to think, it was a decent excuse.

I could have simply said that I had no reason at all, but it was better to deploy a camouflage tactic rather than leave any suspicion behind.

Given the age of a boy like me, it was somewhat plausible.

I apologize for needlessly troubling you with such a trivial reason. However, the main reason was merely curiosity and the desire to learn more in a challenging place.

As I spoke, shifting my gaze a little stylishly, the duke couldnt help but chuckle.

Well, that could be true.

However, his gaze was serious. Although I maintained a composed exterior, inside, cold sweat was trickling down.

He was the Chief of Intelligence of a nation. It could be possible that he had noticed something odd in my atmosphere.

Nevertheless, be cautious as you said. Reason can cloud judgment.

Yes. Glory to Haisen. I will always remember that Haisen takes precedence.

I didnt believe that he wholeheartedly accepted my words. He probably just decided to let it slide since it made sense.

If I were Denif, he might have disclosed the truth.

From now on, when I go to the Empire, I should be more careful with my actions. Duke tapped his desk lightly.

I have one request for you.

Im listening.

If you feel that any problems might arise during your mission, always prioritize your own life.

Excuse me?

It was a different statement than what I had learned so far. We were taught that completing the mission should take precedence over the life of an agent.

You are an important asset to me. I know everyone under my command prioritizes Haisen, but you should not die so easily.

It wasnt an incorrect statement considering that I also had a mystic power and the duke personally raised me. Howeverit was a rather cold and calculated statement.

I will keep that in mind.

Thats all for the meeting. Take care of yourself. Farewell.

Yes. Take care of yourself too, Father.

I left the dukes room and walked for a while before finally being able to take a deep breath.

Chief of Intelligence, huh? Was this what it felt like when someone stepped out of their own domain and intrudes on yours? It caught me off guard.

Perhaps I had become a little too complacent, treating him well and expecting the same in return.

Well, Ill have to earn his trust from now on.

There was still a considerable amount of time until the main story unfolded. The time for growth had come to an end.

From now on, my actions would have a significant impact on future events.