On My First Day Undercover, the Organization Collapsed - Chapter 429

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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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First Day of Infiltration, The Organization Was Destroyed — Episode 429
A Guest from the Eastern Region (1)
Locus had returned.
Today he came with Lena.
After returning to the Secret Arts Association and discussing the matter at length, a conclusion had been reached.
‘Comprehensive support for the Steelheart Territory, then…….’
They would give everything Locus wanted and temporarily borrow Ziel Steelheart to bring him in.
Rather than buying and selling people, they had arranged it as a personnel dispatch request, with the intention of eventually bringing Ziel Steelheart permanently into the Association.
“Will this suffice, Lena?”
“Yes. It should be enough. Teacher Ziel Steelheart—or rather, the Family Head—will certainly accept. He’s a man of principle, after all.”
It was curious, considering how many nobles wielded principle as a facade while quietly securing their justifications behind closed doors.
‘Though, he does have the power to back it up.’
In this Empire, those who possessed strength, skill, and renown found their actions became their own justification. Ziel Steelheart was a fitting example.
He was that even now.
Had even the renowned Secret Arts Association ever been so thoroughly manipulated by an outsider before? The Emperor himself could not treat its practitioners so cavalierly.
It was far different from how mages had been drawn into the Imperial Palace and were now, in effect, under its control.
“This should elevate your standing within the Association as well, Director.”
Lena maintained the title of Director from her Academy days to avoid suspicion of being a Secret Arts practitioner outside these walls.
“You’ve already secured a cooperative relationship with Family Head Ziel Steelheart, and if you bring Ziel in as well…….”
“Then I can find it. That book containing the secrets of my Secret Arts.”
“……You believe it’s within the Association?”
“It must be. We found nothing in the Siren Family.”
Locus, unaware that the book was now in Ziel’s possession, exhaled heavily.
“If it’s not in the Association either…… then I’ll have to think about what comes next.”
“Are you considering withdrawal?”
“Withdrawal? Once you enter, you cannot leave. That’s what the Association is.”
The Secret Arts.
This accursed thing.
The Secret Arts had ruled Locus’s entire life.
If not for the Secret Arts, perhaps he would have lived an ordinary life as a knight, just as his father wished, and by now would be preparing to inherit his family’s legacy.
Of course, that was only a fleeting regret.
Now he harbored no regret at all.
“In any case, the Steelheart Family will grow to become one of the most prominent in the entire Empire. Perhaps they already are. The influence of a single Family Head is enough for that.”
“I agree, Director. As for Family Head Ziel Steelheart…… it’s hard to say what will become of him in the future.”
“Are you thinking of Imperial restraint?”
“Perhaps. His Majesty the Current Emperor has been devoted to strengthening Imperial authority since early in his reign. The destruction of Black Sky was part of that effort. And recently, the Red Raven was also obliterated. Family Head Ziel Steelheart did most of the heavy lifting, though.”
“Hmm.”
Imperial restraint.
It was something anyone observing the current political situation could imagine.
But would the Emperor truly do such a thing?
“I see it differently.”
“How so?”
“His Majesty may have chosen symbiosis. Otherwise, there’s no reason he would grant such favor to an individual.”
Family restoration.
Bestowal of territory.
Countless other privileges besides.
“Or, perhaps, he cannot restrain him.”
“What do you mean by that?”
“He’s an Academy teacher. Family Head Ziel Steelheart is.”
“……Ah.”
For the Emperor to restrain a mere Academy teacher?
There was no greater absurdity.
“So he restored the family and granted territory instead. Then Ziel would leave his teaching position.”
“I see the logic in that.”
“By all common sense, one must attend to one’s territory, and continuing to teach at the Academy while doing so would be untenable.”
Within this plausible reasoning, the two returned to Steelheart Territory. Having been away briefly, they were somewhat surprised to see how much structure the place had begun to take shape.
“Halt! What brings you—oh.”
Ziel, recognizing him, wore a tepid expression.
From the armor he wore, it seemed his position had shifted in some way.
“Ziel Steelheart. Have you become the Security Captain?”
“How did you know?”
“……Really?”
“It’s true. Our Lord saw fit to extend mercy and granted me this position of Security Captain. And these friends here with me……they’re people who passed through that hellish selection trial.”
Rob’s body trembled slightly at the mere mention of the selection trial.
“Captain, to be honest, the training that came after was even more hellish.”
“Don’t remind me. Just thinking about it makes my teeth chatter.”
Locus asked, bewildered.
“So you really became Security Captain?”
“What, you think I’m faking? Of course I really became Security Captain. I earned it with my life on the line.”
Rob glanced back at the other visitors behind him before asking.
“You came to meet the Lord, didn’t you?”
“……Yes.”
“Fine. You may pass. And when you go in, don’t be surprised by anything you see. It’s all deserved.”
“……?”
Unable to make sense of what was happening, Locus nonetheless stepped into the territory.
Certainly, much had changed.
Roads that barely existed before were being laid down, essential facilities were in their final stages of completion, and the population had grown considerably.
“The transformation is remarkable. It’s not easy for a single territory to change this rapidly.”
“Various families sent us all manner of support while we were working. I think that’s largely responsible. Well, anyway…….”
Locus kept turning to look back.
The territory’s development wasn’t really his concern.
Today’s purpose was to bring Rob O’Connor back.
But given this situation…….
“Locus Abue, Personnel Director. Welcome back.”
“Ziel Steelheart, Family Head.”
At last, he encountered Ziel.
And he learned shocking news.
“Our Association……people, you say?”
“Yes.”
“…….”
“Investigation revealed they attempted to kidnap Rob O’Connor and take him away.”
Locus glanced around nervously.
“……What are you looking for, Director?”
“A mouse hole.”
He wanted to die of shame.
‘What on earth is this……’
This happened during the brief time he was away?
He couldn’t believe it.
“Is it truly so……Teacher Ziel?”
Forgetting to use the title “Family Head,” Locus asked blankly, and Ziel answered curtly.
“Yes.”
“Ah…….”
A sigh and groan escaped unbidden.
‘Why would they do something so foolish……’
“According to Territory Law, any individual who attacks a territory inhabitant or servant of this domain without legitimate cause shall face execution.”
“E, execution?”
“Yes. Execution.”
Locus snapped to attention, trying to grasp what was truly being said.
‘Execution, really? That can’t be…… Surely this is being used as leverage……’
“The execution will take place one week from now.”
“…….”
It was really execution?
“Teacher Ziel—no, Ziel Steelheart, Family Head. Execution? I beg you to reconsider this.”
“The law is clear.”
“But……this could truly become a grave matter. Ziel Steelheart, Family Head, this is no threat. War could break out between the Association and you.”
“I will prevail.”
“Even if you do prevail, the territory would suffer casualties……”
“I will fight alone. I will still prevail.”
Before he could respond to this completely unexpected answer, Ziel continued.
“But I also find myself troubled by the matter of taking a human life.”
“Yes, that’s right, isn’t it?”
Lena found herself thinking, even in that urgent moment.
‘Has the Personnel Director ever looked this panicked before?’
An expression far more flustered than when they’d discovered nothing during the Siren crisis!
“That’s why I’ve decided.”
A long breath escaped him.
“The Secret Arts practitioners will work here from now on. Two of them as laborers for the entire territory, and three assigned to the Security Guard.”
“Pardon? What do you—what exactly do you mean?”
“They’ll work for life. Here. That’s the condition for sparing them from execution.”
Words failed her.
So he’d sentenced the Secret Arts practitioners to death and then spared them on the condition they labor here for the rest of their lives?
“…Do I understand correctly?”
“Yes. Precisely correct.”
“Is there some intention I’m missing, sir?”
“Our territory is being rebuilt. We need manpower.”
Everything from the Security Guard to various other duties.
Ziel explained that with the territory’s inhabitants chronically short in numbers, they simply needed people to work.
“So… you mean our Secret Arts practitioners, sir.”
“Yes. Since they possess the ability in Secret Arts, I judged them qualified.”
Locus let out a long sigh.
“Teacher Ziel, the Association will pay compensation or whatever else you require. Please, I ask that you release those who are detained.”
“I cannot do that.”
“This isn’t selling people! In any case, it’s simply a bond—”
“Once they’ve committed a crime and been imprisoned, they belong to the Lord. Whether I execute them or find alternative use for them—that is my will.”
Ziel spoke plainly, but to Locus’s ears it sounded more resolute than any other words could have.
“And when the break period ends, I intend to resume my life returning to the Academy. So I need people to work here even when I’m away.”
“…?”
So he wasn’t quitting his position as a Teacher at the Academy?
* * *
The executions of the Secret Arts practitioners were commuted one by one.
Conditionally.
There were two conditions.
They would work here for life.
And they would obey every word of Butler Gibson.
The price for escaping death was remarkably cheap—though only because the one demanding it was Ziel.
If it had been anyone else, they might have thought it a cruel pretext, but because it was Ziel, it felt like true salvation snatched from the very brink of death.
‘Just like the Boss! To devour five Secret Arts practitioners whole like that, with no effort!’
Gilbert marveled at Ziel’s scheme.
This time it was only half a misunderstanding.
Ziel had intended to follow the law.
Because Territory Law demanded it.
But he’d considered what would happen when he was away.
And he’d recalled Butler Gibson’s words.
‘Master, a Lord must sometimes think flexibly for the greater good.’
Kelvin hadn’t been injured or killed, and most importantly, Ziel had known of this beforehand and prepared accordingly.
So Ziel had spared those five from execution on the condition they labor here in the territory for life.
But should they flee or resist…
“This will help the territory advance even further.”
Ziel was quite satisfied.
Every vacant position was being filled, one by one.
The territory’s inhabitants would grow happier, and the territory itself would flourish with greater prosperity.
As for Locus—whether he’d come to accept it was unclear, but he couldn’t even broach his original proposal and had no choice but to leave.
Five Secret Arts practitioners now belonged to Steelheart Territory for life.
Not just anyone—Secret Arts practitioners!
In any case, Ziel’s goal was singular.
That the people living here need never worry about going hungry.
And that everything would run smoothly even when he himself was away.
It seemed there would be no major problems now.
Or so he thought.
“Master! A letter has arrived.”
“A letter, then.”
“Yes, sir. Though the courier was delayed on the road after encountering a magical beast. Fortunately, the courier survived, and we’ve given him a proper meal and rest according to our territory’s custom.”
“Well done.”
Ziel examined the letter Gibson had handed him.
The recipient was, naturally, Ziel.
The sender was…….
Aimerus Kundel, the Family Head of the Kundel Family.
Rip.
The contents of the letter, once opened, read as follows:
Congratulations on the restoration of the territory; he himself would visit the Western Region in person to deliver congratulatory gifts and dispatch support personnel.
There seemed to be nothing amiss.
It was a gracious letter.
Only somewhat late in arriving.
“It’s taken about a month to reach us.”
“Indeed, sir. By now, it appears…… he should be arriving. Shall I prepare a reception?”
“Do so.”
But in that moment, a name surfaced in Ziel’s mind.
‘Surely not.’
A Knight Order member of the Kundel Family.
After his brainwashing was lifted, a terrifying presence who had given Ziel fear for the first time!
That talkative one’s name was none other than…….
“Hahahaha! Teacher Ziel Steelheart! How long has it been! No wait, goodness me. Now you’re the Lord of the territory, aren’t you! May I dare speak to you, or rather, should I first request permission to inquire whether I’m allowed to address you, and then seek approval for…….”
Just as feared.
Nothing had changed.
Ziel glanced backward.
Gilbert was nowhere to be seen.
‘He’s abandoned me.’
He’d been right there just moments ago!
“Goodness, the territory has developed this rapidly? As far as I know, the Steelheart Territory was illegally occupied by the Rim Family and subjected to unlawful taxation! Naturally, I thought it would be completely ruined, with no hope of development whatsoever, but truly, the power of Lord Ziel Steelheart, the Family Head, the Lord, the Teacher is extraordinary! And on my way here, I even saw a place called a ‘Consultation Pavilion’—would I be able to visit there and share my troubles? Now then, you see, my lover has been saying my words have grown fewer lately and asking if something is troubling me. It’s true my speech has been more sparse than usual…….”
A dull throb spread across Ziel’s temples.
Ziel posed a question to Aimerus.
“How many days, precisely, will you be staying with us?”
With the utmost earnestness.

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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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