Everyone but Me Is a Spy - Chapter 25

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Episode 25
“N-Nina!”
Natalisha released her grip on Cheyson’s collar in alarm.
“It seems you’re intent on destroying this entire house.”
Though she’d forced her emotions down, her voice trembled—a strong premonition that there was nowhere in this house to hide outside of Nina’s sight.
Exsi stepped back and spoke with confidence.
“We were having a family meeting.”
“A family meeting? About hoping that Uncle Cheyson would die by misfortune?”
“N-no, that’s a misunderstanding. Everyone didn’t mean it seriously. You wouldn’t know, but families do argue passionately sometimes.”
At Kathari’s words, Nina’s eyes glistened with tears as she hugged the Magic Gun like a stuffed bear.
“That’s not true. Uncle Cheyson hasn’t done anything wrong. You’re fighting because of me, aren’t you? You were all living in harmony and peace, and ever since I arrived, you’ve been tearing each other down.”
“Nina. No, that’s not it. Why would we fight because of you?”
Cheyson adjusted his tattered collar and answered with an awkward expression.
Nina, who had been near tears, spoke with difficulty, her eyes squeezed shut.
“It’s all because of the Inheritance I’m supposed to receive!”
……!
The spies’ hearts sank.
‘Could we have been exposed?’
‘How much does she know?’
‘So she really is Likita’s granddaughter……!’
‘It’s over.’
They racked their brains for words to deny what Nina had said.
But Nina continued first.
“I don’t need such an enormous Inheritance. Once the Succession Process is complete, I was planning to divide everything equally with my family!”
……?
The fake family members were confused by this unexpected turn.
Why would she do something so foolish as to share what she’d inherited equally with the other family members?
‘Did we escape detection?’
Natalisha observed Nina’s complexion and behavior keenly.
She was a sorrowful, innocent girl—except for the door hanging open behind her and the Magic Gun cradled in her arms.
Nina looked around at her family with affectionate eyes.
“I’ve wanted a family my whole life, but I can’t stand by and watch my family torn apart because of me!”
The fake family members were secretly shocked by the tone of such a great resolution.
‘What is she planning to do now?!’
* * *
Standing before Joel’s House, Nina looked back at the house where the family quarrel had finally subsided.
On the surface, it appeared to be nothing but a clean, beautifully maintained place brimming with familial happiness.
It probably had been, before she arrived.
‘So this is what family conflict is. I hope they never fight again.’
Nina approached the door, trying to ease her bitter feelings.
Just as she raised her hand to knock, the door clicked open and Joel appeared.
“Joel……!”
Nina found it remarkable that the door had opened before she could knock, as if Joel had been waiting and watching for her arrival all along.
Joel welcomed Nina through the wide-open door.
“Welcome, Nina.”
“You’re feeling well?”
“Yes. I’m in very good health. ……Though I am rather sickly.”
He didn’t forget to let out a few shallow coughs to stay true to his role.
Watching Joel with pity, Nina pulled out the Harpoon Gun she’d brought and displayed it with a flourish.
“I’ve brought the Harpoon Gun you were curious about, so cheer up.”
“I shall.”
Joel took the Harpoon Gun readily, then hesitated.
Nina’s complexion didn’t look good.
‘Her healthy cheeks and lips, which had held the same brightness as her eyes, have grown pale.’
Looking at Nina’s downcast gaze and her fingers that wouldn’t stay still, he became certain.
“Nina. Rather, it seems you’re the one who lacks energy.”
“Oh? Really? No, I’m fine.”
Nina denied it at once, embarrassed, and wiped her cheeks.
She was no fool of a servant to go around revealing the affairs of her household, so she could say nothing to Joel.
‘Though I’m no longer a maid—I’m Nina Bonds now.’
My heart tightened at the whispered thought that escaped my lips unbidden.
Thanks to my family and Joel, I’d found myself thinking this way—it had been a truly good time.
As Nina held her silence, a sad smile playing at her lips, Joel stopped on the staircase and spoke softly.
“If you have any troubles on your mind, I would be glad to hear them. Your psychological state may well influence the research results, after all.”
“Troubles…….”
Hearing such a thing for the first time, Nina scratched her cheek as if uncertain.
It was the kind of remark that made her feel important, yet she couldn’t quite tell if what occupied her thoughts counted as troubles.
She had already sorted through her thoughts and come to a decision.
Still, the notion that she might influence Joel’s research spurred her to try drawing out something more reassuring.
“I don’t have any troubles. But—are you asking because you’re curious about me?”
“Of course. If it concerns you, I wish to know everything, down to the smallest detail. You are a person worthy of such inquiry.”
“……!”
A casual remark met with a grave reply.
Joel was reflected in Nina’s trembling eyes.
His expressionless face fixed upon her with relentless focus—speaking as though he were merely stating the obvious.
Nina felt tears threatening to spill at the sight of him.
“How kind of you.”
She held back the tears, reminding herself that her emotional state could affect the research.
Joel led Nina down to the Secondary Research Laboratory, continuing as he went.
“That is why I have asked for your help. To understand all there is to know of you through Analysis.”
“Everything?”
Nina’s eyes widened as she looked up at him.
Could it even be possible to know everything about another person?
‘I served my lady closely for years, yet there was still so much I did not know.’
It was surely an exaggeration, yet hearing such words from Joel’s lips made her wonder if perhaps it wasn’t impossible after all.
“This way, please.”
Following Joel’s guidance into the depths of the laboratory, Nina could not help but marvel aloud.
“Wow! There are so many strange devices here. Are these all Magical Artifacts? I suppose they must be. They all have these blue circuits.”
“This laboratory was prepared for you. It has a different character from the Magical Artifact workshop.”
“For… for me?”
Nina startled, looking around in bewilderment.
To think there could be a space made for her without a bed or wardrobe—that was something extraordinary.
Not as a laborer, not as a family member, but for her alone.
“Please, sit here.”
“All right.”
Nina settled into the large chair Joel indicated, resting her back against it.
“……?”
A faint surprise registered at once.
This was her first time sitting in a research laboratory chair, yet the unfamiliarity came with a vague, fleeting sense of comfort.
‘Strange. Why does this feel so familiar? When did I feel this way before?’
As Nina frowned and hunched her shoulders, Joel—who had been examining a metal drawer—approached her.
“Nina. Are you all right?”
“Oh, yes! I’m fine. The chair was just cold—I was surprised for a moment.”
“If there is any discomfort, please let me know at any time.”
He adjusted the chair’s height and brought over the items he’d retrieved from the drawer.
“Nina. May I take a blood sample first?”
“You need my blood?”
“Yes. For the Analysis.”
She had heard that much could be learned from human blood, but it was not a field she knew well.
Trusting in Joel’s expertise, she nodded in assent.
Then, as he picked up a Syringe, she flinched.
Joel noticed her reaction and asked gently.
“Is this your first time with a Syringe?”
“Yes. I’ve seen one used before, but this is my first time being the subject. It’s fascinating.”
Nina smiled softly and extended her arm.
She seemed to understand how blood was drawn.
“There will be a slight pinch.”
“All right.”
Joel wound a rubber band around Nina’s arm and moved the Syringe slowly.
“…….”
Nina watched the scene unfold, her stomach churning as the thin needle point drew closer to her skin.
A cold numbness spread through her throat as if ice had lodged itself at the root of her tongue, trickling down with each breath.
‘Is this how I’m supposed to feel?’
Nina’s heart began to race.
Just before the needle’s tip touched her arm.
Smack!
Nina, who had been sitting perfectly still, suddenly struck Joel’s hand away.
“…Nina?”
“…”
Nina stared down at her own hand in bewilderment, shocked at what she’d done without thinking.
“Good heavens. Why did I…?”

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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