The Forest Race Clonne

Chapter 47

“Oh? Isn’t this Akito Black Beer? This must be really expensive. Can I really open this?”

“Of course! I bought it for times like this, for special occasions. When else would we drink it? Besides, it’s an honor to serve it to such esteemed company.”

“Wow, the more I see you, the more I like you! What’s your name?”

“It’s Roil, sir!”

“Am I really your ‘sir’?”

“Why not! I call everyone I respect ‘sir’!”

“Is that so? You respect me?”

“Of course! Who doesn’t know Hamar Shasha from the Security Department? I really respect you, sir!”

“Haha! I am quite well-known, aren’t I? Alright, from now on, you’re my brother!”

“Wow! Thank you, sir!”

The lively conversation between the two, who were clearly in sync, wasn’t criticized by anyone this time. Everyone shared drinks with joyful faces.

“It’s amazing how things have turned out. At one point, I thought we were all goners.”

“Indeed. It was really fortunate that Sei had an extra dose of the solution. Thanks to that, we could prove the supplementary agent was harmless.”

Without revealing the entire truth, that’s how I explained it to my companions. I mentioned I had kept a spare dose of the agent, which was how the Emperor regained consciousness.

They were surprised I had hidden the medicine without mentioning it, but they understood it as an action befitting a Security Department officer. Considering the situation with potential internal leaks, they perceived it as prudent. No one had anticipated that there would be a Demonic Beast among the palace physicians.

“Speaking of which, Taron, wasn’t it? They still haven’t found that palace physician?”

I nodded at Lisa’s question. When the imperial guards were dispatched, he had already escaped. It seemed he had made his move after realizing I had gotten out of the dungeon.

“They found a large number of bodies in the basement of his mansion, preserved with magic. It’s truly horrifying, isn’t it?”

“Oh, I heard about that too. The soldiers who cleaned up the scene are suffering from severe aftereffects.”

“I’ve heard the Chief Physician who recommended Taron is playing dumb. But it will be hard for him to escape responsibility.”

“Especially since the incense burners were found with toxic substances. That alone makes it difficult for him to survive.”

Everyone’s faces grew heavy. Although this incident was resolved, fortunately, the fundamental issue remained unaddressed. As long as humans couldn’t distinguish Demonic Beasts, such chaos could arise again at any time.

“Let’s think about those headaches later. For now, let’s enjoy our toast.”

Hamar raised his glass to lighten the mood again, and the others followed suit with small chuckles.

“You’ve all worked hard.”

“The hardest work was done by you, Sei. No matter how I think about it, you’re impressive. How did you even think to keep an extra dose of the solution?”

“Indeed. To think you kept it a secret from even your own team. This guy is really suited to be a secret agent. Who put such talent in the Administrative Support Department?”

“Exactly my point, sir! He wasn’t meant to rot in the Administrative Support Department. Imagine how much frustration I’ve had over this.”

“Luckily, such days are over. The Crown Prince won’t let someone as capable as Officer Sei stay idle.”

Among the intoxicated chatter, the conversation took a light turn. It was about to be brushed off with laughter.

“That’s right, Sei will rise higher.”

Camille, who had just downed his beer in one go, set his glass down and made eye contact, smiling brightly.

“Sei will get promoted, change departments, and receive a title. He’ll become someone no one in the Empire can ignore. Even if he doesn’t want it, I’ll make sure it happens.”

“…Wait. Lord Camille?”

The sudden serious tone caught everyone off guard. Though I quickly intervened, Camille remained unfazed.

“So, don’t worry about anything, Sei. Just trust me.”

“…”

“What do other people’s opinions matter? Things can change. I can make it happen. I… your brother… will somehow protect you…”

With a sudden thud, Camille collapsed face-first. Though he had been sipping his drink slowly, he was now completely drunk. The room fell silent for a moment before the people, who had frozen in bewilderment, began to laugh heartily.

“Hahaha! Camille really cares about Sei. Maybe it’s because they’re the same age?”

“Well, Sei, looks like you’re in luck! Having the Rouster noble family’s support is a great advantage! Your success is practically guaranteed!”

Fortunately, everyone seemed to take it as drunken rambling. Only Roil, aware of the true relationship between Camille and me, watched with a slightly awkward smile.

With pats on my shoulder, I managed to force a smile as well. The remaining drink tasted bland, leaving a bitter taste in my mouth.

* * **

On the day we returned, a notice was posted on the Security Department’s internal bulletin board. It announced the promotions of agents who had achieved special accomplishments during the mission. The names of everyone who had participated in the expedition were listed.

We hereby inform you of the following personnel changes.

Promotion to Rank 2. (No department change)

Operations Team, Imperial Security Office, Investigation Department

Hale Raydan

Operations Team, Imperial Security Office, National Defense Department

Edmil Frost

Operations Team, Policy Management Office, Planning Strategy Department

Hamar Shasha

Operations Team, Supernatural Abilities Management Office, Supernatural Abilities Research Department

Lisa Avil

Promotion to Rank 4. (Assigned to the Imperial Security Office, National Defense Department.)

Administrative Team, Administrative Management Office, Administrative Support Department

Camille Rouster

Promotion to Rank 4. (Assigned to the Imperial Security Office, National Defense Department.)

Administrative Team, Administrative Management Office, Administrative Support Department

Sei

Everyone received a special promotion by one rank. I never expected department transfers as well.

“Sei! You got promoted! Finally, you’re leaving this awful Administrative Team!”

Roil was ecstatic as he hugged me, but to be honest, I didn’t feel as excited. The promotion was already overwhelming, and now I was transferred to the Operations Team. Moreover, the National Defense Department was directly under the Crown Prince. I couldn’t understand what he was thinking with this decision, but to me, it felt like my situation had gotten more complicated.

And it wasn’t just a feeling.

“You’re probably the first agent in the history of the Imperial Court to submit a resignation letter immediately after a special promotion.”

“…”

I stared in disbelief at the envelope the Crown Prince handed me with a wry smile. The resignation letter I submitted to the HR Department that morning had been returned to me, cut cleanly in half.

‘Being summoned abruptly was already surprising enough.’

I hadn’t anticipated that the Crown Prince would personally return my resignation letter. I fought back the sigh that nearly escaped me.

“Is the basic training course that burdensome? I would have waived it if possible, but it’s mandatory. However, with good grades, you might be able to shorten the duration.”

“…It’s not about that. I’ll rewrite and submit my resignation again.”

“If that’s what you wish, proceed. But know that any resignation you submit will be rejected. It’s something you should be aware of.”

“Your Highness, I don’t understand why you’re doing this.”

“It’s because I don’t want to lose a valuable asset. Isn’t that natural?”

“But as I said earlier, I am not…”

“Human, I know. But I don’t see that as a reason for you to resign.”

“The laws state that those of mixed blood or different races cannot hold titles or public office.”

“…Sometimes laws need to be revised for a new era. I admit the Empire has acted too conservatively. I will change that law. In fact, if it had been known that one of the founding heroes was of a different race, the change would have happened much sooner.”

It was a statement directly challenging the silence of the past emperors. My heart sank.

“Your Highness.”

“Am I wrong?”

“There must be valid reasons why the truth has not been disclosed.”

“You’re correct about that. The Clonne King implored us not to reveal it, insisting on keeping their identity hidden. The emperors simply honored that promise. But ignoring a discriminatory system was indeed wrong.”

This time, I couldn’t suppress my sigh. Societies don’t always evolve in ideal ways. The Empire’s exclusion of other races was entangled with various societal sentiments and interests. Changing the law wasn’t a problem that could be solved by the Crown Prince alone. Hastily pushing for change could backfire and have the opposite effect. Considering the already numerous enemies he had, it was a needless risk.

“The Demonic Beasts are also of another race, Your Highness.”

The Crown Prince smiled wryly, understanding the implication of what I was trying to convey.

“I appreciate people who think ahead. That’s why I find you all the more invaluable.”

“…Please accept my resignation. If you continue to reject it, I will have no choice but to leave.”

“Honestly, I don’t understand. You’ve lived your entire life believing you are human. Your entire foundation is here. Is there really a need to discard all of that and leave?”

“As I said, I don’t want to live in hiding. Besides, it’s not something I can conceal forever.”

“Why not? It’s not obvious from the outside.”

“It’s only unnoticeable because I’m still young. Soon, there will be visible changes.”

“…You’re saying your appearance will change?”

“Yes, that’s correct.”

The changes would mostly be in hair and eye color, but changes are changes. No human’s hair color shifts dramatically with the seasons.

The Crown Prince’s previously relaxed expression turned serious. Even if the law were changed, realistically, I would still need to hide it for some time, and he seemed to realize that time was running out.

Seeing the opportunity, I pulled out the resignation letter I had kept in my inner pocket and handed it over. I had prepared an extra just in case. The Crown Prince stared at it silently, an incredulous look on his face, before finally taking it with a smile.

Then, with a rip—

The resignation letter was returned to me, torn in half once again.

“Let’s discuss this later.”

“…”

Watching his calm, smiling face, I sighed deeply. It seemed that leaving wouldn’t be easy this time either.