Everyone but Me Is a Spy - Chapter 49

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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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Chapter 49
Wherever these clockwork dolls kept emerging from was a mystery, but the fake family was starting to look like they’d seen a ghost—while Nina simply smiled, delighted as ever.
I heard from Jugger Number 3 that I’d already met Jugger Number 2, and I wondered what was going on. Turns out he’s been patrolling the ceiling, guarding the Townhouse. He’s really impressive.”
「To be recognized by the true master of the Townhouse. This Jugger Number 2 would gladly perish this very moment and hold no regrets.」
Exie, pressed flat against the hallway wall and peering into the room, furrowed his brow.
“Another one of those things. Now there’s a tin can with a weird way of talking.”
“Exie. I hate to say it, but that remark isn’t really yours to make.”
As Cheyson replied, Natalisha swept her gaze over Jugger Number 2 with a look of unease.
“So you’ve been watching the Townhouse from the ceiling all this time?”
「Yes, indeed. Every night I have cleaned this room and kept watch over all that happens in the Townhouse with these eyes.」
“That’s unsettling.”
At Exie’s muttered comment, Jugger Number 2’s head swiveled with a click.
“I like unsettling. That’s a compliment.”
The moment Exie’s eyes met Jugger Number 2’s red gaze, he hurried to add that correction.
The fact that he was a little frightened and gripping the poison bottle in his pocket tightly was something he’d keep to himself.
Meanwhile, Joel, who had already spotted the Film Projector’s location with his eyes, opened his tool box.
“Nina. Would it be all right if I examined the Film Projector more closely?”
Before Nina could even answer, Jugger Number 2 drew near and scrutinized Joel.
「Joel. You are currently serving as the sickly young gentleman from next door who is also a Film Projector repairman, correct? I heard this from Jugger Number 3.」
“Joel came to fix the Film Projector, but he’s not exactly a repairman.”
At Nina’s words, Jugger Number 2’s eyes whirred as though it were calculating something.
「Human relationships are truly difficult. Not even a single label in this room may be carried out through that door. Please note this, and call for Jugger whenever you have need.」
With that, it sprang up into the ceiling, vanishing from sight save for the light fixtures overhead.
“That’s incredible skill. I can’t even tell how he hid himself.”
“You shouldn’t try to understand a Magical Construct’s movements as if it were human.”
Joel passed by Exie, who was still marveling, and approached Nina’s side.
“Then I’ll begin.”
“Okay. I know how well you make Magical Constructs, but you’re not a professional who works with them, so don’t worry if you can’t fix it. Just examine it comfortably. If it doesn’t work out, I’ll call in an expert.”
“No. I will do this. I can do this.”
Joel, a professional who did work with Magical Constructs, took his position before the Film Projector with unwavering resolve.
He began examining the device with meticulous care, more thoroughly than he ever had before.
The fake family had filtered into the room as well, now browsing the shelves lined with films.
…….
As Nina watched Joel swap out the Magical Tools and tend to the Film Projector, she felt a subtle unease settling in her heart.
It bothered her to be showing Joel, who lived alone, what a warm family looked like.
How envious and sorry she had felt, watching the Count Sejack household—whom she had served as a maid—living in such harmony and affection before her very eyes.
‘Does Joel not have parents either?’
In all her comings and goings at Joel’s Townhouse, she had never seen anyone but his doctor.
If he had parents, they would never have left a sickly boy like him alone.
And yet, it seemed strange that a frail young gentleman without guardians could secure a Townhouse near the city and maintain a personal physician entirely on his own.
‘I don’t know much about house prices, but given that the wealthy grandmother lived here, Joel next door must be quite well-off.’
Wealth might bring ease and comfort, but money could not soothe a body that ached or a heart that was lonely.
Just then, Joel stepped back from the Film Projector he’d been tinkering with.
“The repair is complete.”
“Oh. Already?”
He must have only just figured out what was broken after entering here, yet he’d finished the repair so quickly.
‘How much must he have poured himself into Magical Constructs in that empty house…….’
Nina gazed at Joel with compassion, imagining how he must have soothed his loneliness through creating Magical Constructs.
“I’m glad you found Magical Engineering, your destiny.”
“……Is that so?”
“Yes! Thanks to you, I’ve gained a neighbor who can fix the Film Projector, and you look happy doing it. Really, you’re wonderful.”
“I……?”
“Hehe. You don’t realize it? Your eyes sparkle whenever you handle a Magical Construct. Anyone who sees that will think you’re amazing. You and Magical Engineering are, well…… like family!”
Thud!
In that instant, Joel suddenly struck his own chest with his fist.
“Ack! Joel?!”
“Ah, it’s nothing. My heart just felt strange for a moment, so I tapped it.”
“Your heart?!”
Terrified that Joel might collapse right then and there, Nina began bouncing on her heels anxiously.
“Was it because of me pushing you too hard? Should I take you home right now?”
“I’m perfectly fine, Nina. Please, calm yourself.”
Joel gently took both of her hands, trying to soothe her evident distress.
But feeling the warmth and delicate softness of her small hands, he found himself thumping his own chest once more.
“Hmm. I suppose I ought to have myself examined properly. But for now, I’m all right.”
“Are you really okay? Should we go home right now, or— call your doctor, or— even Jugger—”
“Nina. I know my own body better than anyone.”
“I suppose that’s true, but…”
Watching Nina fret and pace anxiously, Joel felt a peculiar warmth bloom in his chest.
The false family members who had been observing them with expressions like those who’d bitten into unripe fruit drew closer.
“Whatever your little game is, this is becoming unbearable. If the repairs are done, we should turn on the Film Projector and see what we have.”
At Exie’s words, Nina snapped to attention and examined the Film Projector.
“You’re right! If Joel’s condition is stable, should we try operating the projector?”
“There are quite a lot of films here. They’re numbered, but which one do we start with?”
As Natalisha surveyed the films lining the wall, Cheyson pointed toward a particular shelf.
“The first film was over there. The label said number one.”
“Then let’s start with number one.”
Nina retrieved the first film from the shelf Cheyson had indicated.
As she did, the label on the second film began to gleam and shimmer.
“That’s the Galvanic Reagent at work. Facilities storing important materials use it to prevent theft and loss.”
Nina marveled at Exie’s explanation.
“My goodness. You seem quite interested in chemistry—you must have studied hard. That’s impressive.”
“It’s just basic knowledge. Nothing worth praising.”
Even as he said this, Exie scratched his head sheepishly, his embarrassment plain to see.
As his smugness became entirely transparent, Natalisha rolled her eyes in disapproval.
Meanwhile, Joel took the film Nina had handed him, threaded it into the projector, and secured the locking pin.
Originally, he’d meant to stop there and leave the room.
After all, wasn’t watching inherited films with someone who wasn’t family a violation of something deeply personal?
Yet as the spies settled into their places behind the projector, Nina gazed at him expectantly, waiting only for him to turn on the image.
“…Nina, am I truly permitted to watch this with you?”
“Hmm?”
Her eyes widened—she’d never expected such a question.
Not for a moment did Nina entertain the thought of sending Joel out before they’d finished watching at least one film.
After going to such lengths as to bring him to the house, entrust him with the projector’s repairs, and show him this intimate portrait of her family, how could she possibly tell him to leave now?
‘To think such things. He’s been feeling isolated among strangers’ family all along.’
Nina’s heart ached, and she smiled sadly.
“Of course. You need to watch it operate and confirm the repairs were done properly.”
“That’s sound reasoning. Leave it to me. There’s no need to call in any other specialist.”
And so, with Joel’s confident declaration, the Film Projector whirred to life.

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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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