Chapter 58

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Central Intelligence Department.

A special agency of Altain responsible for investigating foreign spies and operatives and defending against information operations, the organization’s members, with the exception of the director and a few high-ranking officers, remain shrouded in mystery.

Although the department is small, it possesses emergency investigative authority over the entire empire by imperial decree, making it a formidable entity that no one dares to treat lightly.

The department was established with the aim of weeding out spies and operatives that had infiltrated amid continuous friction with Sylvester.

Despite operating in the shadows without receiving honor or glory, the members of the Central Intelligence Department silently devoted themselves to protecting the empire out of a sense of duty.

However, that was all in the past. The current Central Intelligence Department was weaker than before.

With the growing power of the nobility and the weakening of the royal authority, being a royal affiliate was destined to be neglected.

Where once noble families would tremble in fear upon seeing gray uniforms, they now rudely complained and drove out Central Intelligence Department staff for trespassing.

There were even specific individuals that operatives couldn’t approach.

Their sole advantage of information-gathering was slipping away as various factions of nobility formed independent intelligence networks through guilds, merchant associations, and other organizations.

Nowadays, the department was seen merely as an incompetent group draining national resources, pretending to know something but ultimately useless.

Moreover, a catastrophe occurred when Sylvester operatives, discovered not by the intelligence department but by a young duke, exposed a series of central nobles and bureaucrats tied to them.

Desperate to survive, the Central Intelligence Department abandoned its principle of neutrality and aligned itself with a faction.

The department’s only remaining value as a bargaining chip was now being called into question.

Thus, the director of the Central Intelligence Department, Baron Max Kendler, and his staff worked desperately to ensure their survival.

Despite their dedication, Max couldn’t help but ponder why the Chamberlain had called for him.

“Could His Majesty have some new directive? Or worse… have we been discovered?”

He was certain their operations were perfectly covered.

The department’s survival is precarious without a doubt.

The once-mighty Central Intelligence Department is a shadow of its former self. Handling various types of information naturally meant getting deep into the secrets of many, meaning they had numerous enemies.

Anticipating the future requires planning multiple exit strategies, and while there are ways to secure safety in Altain, leaving the empire might provide an easier path to survival.

“I have many contingency plans. Escape wouldn’t be a problem.”

This might be considered betrayal, but survival takes precedence.

“No way the Chamberlain could have discovered our communication channels.”

He had managed them extremely thoroughly. If the Chamberlain suspected anything, he would have sent guards to detain Max, much like the time the traitor was caught.

Thus…

“Could this be… an announcement of the department’s dissolution?”

Max swallowed hard as he approached the door of the Small Conference Room.

No matter what, he had to hear what they had to say before making any moves.

Upon reaching, he checked his appearance, took a deep breath, and knocked.

“Baron Kendler. I will enter.”

Though the Central Intelligence Department was in decline, its director was a representative of a royal affiliate organization, answerable only to the Empress.

Currently, only the two duchies and the terrifying Macbilian Duke remained in such a prestigious position…

Max quickly opened the door.

Creak—

And he saw it. Five pairs of eyes from the round table focused on him.

“Damn…”

An aged old man representing Hweyue Palace who poses no threat wasn’t an issue.

And the strange gazes from Kierson and Barnel weren’t a problem either.

Although dangerous, as de facto allies in the current situation, Max was confident he could handle himself against their representatives.

The real problem was at the center of the circular table, at the room’s direct opposite: a black-haired man frowning at him—Macbilian.

“Macbilian…”

Locking eyes with Cain, the “noble mass executioner,” Max managed a composed salute.

“The lowest shadow bows to the empire’s moon.”

“Baron Kendler… no, calling you the Director would be more appropriate, wouldn’t it? Your calm demeanor is impressive. Come, take a seat.”

Max discreetly wiped his sweaty palms and moved towards the table.

His seat was directly opposite Cain. He sat soundlessly and lifted his head calmly.

A tea cup was placed before him as Cain began to speak.

***

“I called you in for some clarifications.”

“Command me. We’re ready.”

Max responded gravely, his controlled demeanor hiding the tension within.

Why is he so tense?

Ah, that’s it.

The small conference room was filled with the empire’s power brokers.

Even a shadow operator like the intelligence director would feel this much pressure. It’s not like I summoned him here to devour him raw. Let’s get things done quickly.

“We have a general grasp on the identities of spies operating within the empire, right?”

“Yes, that’s correct.”

“I’d like a copy of that list.”

The immediate rigidity in Max’s shoulders eased slightly, though a touch of unease remained. Then he responded.

“That… unfortunately, as it’s stored in the core of the department, I have no immediate access to it.”

Max then began subtly reading the room.

“Hmm…”

I thought as the head of central intelligence, important documents would be at your immediate disposal. Maybe my request was a bit too much. Asking for the info later might cause awkwardness, so why don’t I hear it out verbally first.

While pondering how to phrase the next question, Barnel, glancing sidelong at Max, asked,

“My Lord, are we dealing with operatives hidden within the empire?”

Indeed, his understanding was quick, being the faction’s leader.

To his puzzled question, I plainly answered:

“Yes, we are. Isn’t rooting out spies mainly the Central Intelligence Department’s function?”

“This is too sudden. It’s a serious matter. Moreover, we’re on the cusp of a major festival…”

As Barnel and I exchanged light conversation, Kierson interjected,

“Disturbing spies suddenly is similar to summer insects. They’ll quickly retreat into deeper hiding and scatter the moment they sense anything fishy.”

Sipping his tea lightly, he continued,

“As long as we closely monitor them, that’s enough. There’s no need to stir the beehive.”

Controlled distribution of information, giving what needs to be given and blocking what should be blocked. A deliberate way to mislead.

Kierson’s strategy of handling every spy within control was indeed the most efficient way.

But only because we have more than one target.

“There are too many spies right now within the empire. Even through my own investigations, there were hundreds.”

Scanning the conference room, I continued,

“It’s time to reduce their numbers. How can we take it lightly when foreign spies wander freely within the empire? Some have even infiltrated the Imperial Palace.”

With someone probably covering their backs.

Concluding my speech, I lifted my teacup.

“Besides us six, there is no one else in this room.”

This room is an airtight chamber where the contents remain confidential.

So, let’s release bits of the empire’s secrets while keeping the deception intact.

Barnel, intrigued by my words, responded,

“Are we going to cast bait and hunt those who bite?”

“Exactly. Moreover, we aim higher than just the operatives themselves.”

Collecting information is secondary; what matters more is the one coordinating and sending it.

“These individuals have taken their time infiltrating Altain. They’re not fools; they’ll avoid situations where they’d get caught, wouldn’t they?”

It’s a simple though challenging plan due to practical difficulties.

“We track the fish when it returns to its nest. Then we catch those awaiting its intel.”

“Meaning we capture the minds behind the spies.”

Nodding as Max silently listened, Kierson responded,

“However, as His Excellency pointed out, these minds aren’t fools. They may not fall for such straightforward deception.”

Kierson remained skeptical.

Being the Minister of Finance, monitoring the financial flow through gathered information, he likely deemed maintaining the existing structure more beneficial than dismantling it.

But isn’t certainty preferable to ambiguity?

“From this moment on, the Central Intelligence Department discontinues all external missions and focuses entirely on tracking and surveilling spies within the empire.”

Cross-referencing the list secured by the Black Falcon with Central Intelligence Department’s data, I’ll then prioritize those marked as high-risk.

With that, we will pretend to chase only those targets, loosening security to make other spies feel safe. Once they act under the festival’s relaxed atmosphere, we’ll ambush them.

“The moment is when the festival excitement peaks, and everyone’s guard is down.”

Tracing the spies gathering crucial secrets, we’ll capture their information coordinators.

“We’ll target three Sylvester operatives first. We must pretend to be obsessed with chasing them, thereby creating a smokescreen.”

“Essentially, to make it seem like we’re fixated on Sylvester, allowing other spies to move quietly.”

“Exactly. Setting traps within traps.”

Affirming both dukes’ suggestions, I stood to conclude the meeting.

“To be honest, I don’t have a clear understanding of how the Central Intelligence Department is faring lately. This opportunity should enlighten me.”

Placing my hand on Max, seated and looking up,

“I expect good results. Director Kendler. I will create an opportunity for the Central Intelligence Department to shine. Use it well.”

Before leaving the room, I turned to the tense attendees,

“Aren’t festivals meant to be enjoyed by everyone?”

We must assist the shadows of this world to partake in this fitting festival as well.

“I will convey further instructions after a discussion with Her Majesty. For now, the meeting is concluded.”

As I reached the door, I looked back,

“Director of Intelligence.”

“Command me.”

“Bring the list you have to the Audience Chamber later after evening. Is that sufficient?”

“Yes, no issue at all.”

I nodded at his confirmation and stepped out.

“Once the wedding is over, things will tidy themselves up.”

When the Royal Knights also fully regain their functions, the capital will transform into an impenetrable fortress.

Then and only then will I turn my eyes outward. More leisure will follow.

No matter what, the lynchpin of this operation lies in the Central Intelligence Department. The harder they work, the cleaner the empire will be. By cleaning the spies, we may as well be purging and reorganizing the department itself. A win-win situation, wouldn’t you agree?

After exiting, I gave a brief nod to the following Alberto and Charles who silently shadowed me, and leisurely continued my way.

***