Episode 2 of the Overly Competent Villain

Magic Terror

The Bureau of Investigation turned over.

The series of torpedoes that hit the port of Lombardy were witnessed by all the city’s investigators, and they had a hunch that this was by no means a natural phenomenon.

There was no call order, but they hurriedly returned to the headquarters of the Investigation Agency, and Deputy Director Rickert Bergmann was the same.

“Magic terrorism? Are you sure?”

“According to the analyst, that’s for sure. There’s no way those kinds of torpedoes would fall in succession from the dry sky in the first place. Pinpoint, as if aiming only for a port.”

“Grunt…”

There was no reason to deny Chief Investigator Günther’s words.

Even from the window of a hotel rented as a temporary lodging, the lightning strike was not natural to anyone.

“But is that kind of thunder magic possible? As far as I know, magic isn’t easy on that scale.”

He is the deputy director of the Central Bureau of Investigation. Of course, he was aware of the data on all kinds of magic terrorism happening in Korea, and he was actually in charge of many cases.

When you become the deputy director of the Investigation Bureau, magazines tend to increase in cases like this. Even so, this kind of incident–

“There is one person. The only person who can do that.”

Everyone’s gaze goes to the center of the detention center. One word that Pietro brought out focused everyone’s doubts.

“Pietro, you bastard…! Do you know something!”

“That’s the deputy director. Couldn’t it be that the head is fat?”

To Deputy Director Rickert, who hadn’t grasped the truth yet, Jacques looked as if he really didn’t know.

“The Great Fire at Castro Harbor in 327. The electrocution of Governor Fiora in 328. The explosion at Okylkum Outpost in 333. Events known as ‘accidents’. Do you know what they have in common?”

At that moment, information from the past began to be listed furiously in the heads of the investigators. In particular, Deputy Director of the Bureau of Investigation, Rickert, had a blue complexion.

commonality of the three cases. that’s–

“thunderstroke?”

“That’s correct, Sir Elysia.”

“······But wasn’t that classified as a simple lightning accident?”

“That part is interesting. On that day, the magical power observation equipment definitely detected artificial magic operation.

“Damn it, Pietro! That’s confidential!”

Deputy Director Rickert cuts off Jacques’ words. However, through his luck and the actions of the deputy director, he realized the truth.

“Could it be that all of those incidents were magical terrorism?”

Deputy Director Rickert glared at an investigator who had mentioned the possibility, but he knew it was too late.

“So… you guys know who’s behind this terrorism? What kind of group are you?”

“It’s not a group. I told you. ‘One person’.”

“Nonsense! All of those incidents turned out to be the battle mages’ group magic. This is the opinion of experts.”

The deputy director is not an expert on magic. That’s why I trusted the judgment made by experts. Above all, even Pietro in front of him was a stranger to magic.

“Is it really so?”

However, when he encounters the eyes that filled Jacques composure, he wonders if he is right.

“According to our information——”

“‘Our information’? It’s not worth much. The truthful information is valuable. Like ‘my information’.”

Jacques expressed mischievous playfulness with generally relaxed behavior.

“Aburak Abdeslam. The wizard who terrorized the port is that man.”

“Aburak Abdeslam? Who is that?”

Deputy Director Rickert glanced at the name of the terrorist he did not know. And that goes for most investigators too. Except for one person.

“Aburak… Abdeslam?”

“Sir Elysia. Do you know the name?”

Günther asked Elysia’s reaction.

“Yes… 14 years ago, during the war with the Pasha Kingdom, my father defeated the Thunder Sorcerer. I’m sure… I heard he died.”

pasha kingdom.

It was one of the many pagan kingdoms invaded by the Empire, and it was a country that took some of the land and ruled it as a province.

It was only natural that the deputy director wouldn’t know if it was a battle mage from an enemy country who played an active part in the war 14 years ago.

“Hmm, that’s right. I know that too.”

“How does the deputy director know that?”

“······It appears in the Imperial War History part of the administrative exam.”

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Günther and Elysia look a little surprised at those words. It’s because he looks like an incompetent aristocrat and corrupt bureaucrat.

“Aburak Abdeslam was famous as a genius thunderer of Pasha. There was even a reputation that he stopped the advance of the imperial army alone. So, the imperial family sent elite knights to punish him.”

And the dispatched knights at that time were the Imperial Knights led by Janssen von Wittenberg.

“No matter how much he was a war hero for Pasha, he couldn’t face Count Wittenberg, who was a sword master. Cutting him down is a fact that has been proven after cross-examination.”

“So? Then why was the dead Abdeslam working at a massage parlor outside Lombardy?”

The deputy director’s eyes narrowed. He immediately dispatched an investigator to the massage parlor where Zach testified, and soon found out about Abdeslam’s disfigurement.

“Damn it, it’s real! Even the scars on your face are the same as the cuts from the Count of Wittenberg!”

The enemy country’s war hero, who was thought to be dead, was alive and infiltrated the empire.

Even the culprit behind a terrorist incident whose culprits were unknown until now?

“No, but I can’t explain it. The scale of the terrorism is too great. It’s likely that he’s not alone.”

“That’s prejudice, Deputy Director. There are many strong people in the world you can’t even imagine. Just look at Cromwell, the beast of the North, and you know it.”

“That, that guy is an exception! There’s no way there’s another monster like that!”

“Let’s put our deputy director’s feeble imagination aside and look at the facts. Abdeslam’s involvement in this.”

“Why did he attack the port?”

Deputy Director Rickert suddenly had this idea. Why is he, the deputy director of the Central Bureau of Investigation, listening to the opinion of a big criminal who has been caught?

Of course, the ‘deal’ offered by Jacques Pietro was very attractive, but it was hard to shake off the feeling of being involved in Jacques.

“My friends, looking back at the results reveals the process and reveals the cause.”

“What do you mean?”

“Port Castro, Governor Fiora. Okillcum Outpost. What do they have in common?”

I could hear the brains of the investigators from the Bureau of Investigation spinning furiously. They struggled to recall events from at least a few years, and at most 10 years ago.

“Castro Port is a port that transports the Empire’s military supplies. It is adjacent to the Pasha Kingdom.”

When Günter took over, Elysia took over.

“Governor Fiora was the governor of the province occupied by Pasha Kingdom.”

“The Okilkum advance base was also a provincial soldier base built in Pasha province.”

In other words, everyone has a close relationship with the pasha kingdom.

Zach laughed and summarized their story.

“Aburak Abdeslam lost his wife and child in an Imperial invasion 14 years ago. The kingdom was defeated by the Empire and had to cede some of its lands, and he has been faking death ever since.”

A war hero who lost his family and his country. The country gave up resistance to the empire, but not this man.

“A patriot, he is made up of hatred for the Empire. Why would he terrorize the port?”

You need to know why. Jacques’ conclusion was simple.

“Okay, let’s investigate Lombardy Harbor first.”

Thanks to that, the strand was caught. Deputy Director Rickert immediately issued an order to investigate the port of Lombardy, which was hit by magic terrorism, but Zach shook his head.

“It won’t be easy.”

“What do you mean by that?”

“Lombardy Port was a key port on the Red Sea leading trade with pagan kingdoms. But after the Great Kaiser issued a ban on trade with pagan kingdoms, it became a hotbed of smuggling.”

It was natural. After the invasion of the pasha kingdom, the empire became the exploits of all pagan kingdoms.

They put pressure and embargo on the empire, and the empire responded.

Even if the port cities of the southern peninsula, which lived on trade with them, withdrew.

Plunging economic power soon creates slums. Lombardy, a city that was hit directly by the blow, naturally became a hotbed of smuggling.

“All sorts of interests and secrets must be concentrated in that port, so do you think you would let outsiders touch it?

Zach’s words came true like a prophecy.

* * * *

“Who is doing the investigation here?”

As the investigators proceed with the investigation, police officers from the National Security Agency stop him. Günther and Elysia showed them the Investigation Bureau badges, but to no avail.

“Magic terrorism? No, it was concluded that this was a simple lightning phenomenon. Don’t go around feeling sore for nothing.”

“We need to restore the port, so please back down.”

Officers recklessly obstructing the investigation of the Bureau of Investigation. Rickert, the deputy director, went directly to the chief of the Public Security Agency.

“Magic terrorism! We have obtained the existence of an extremely dangerous terrorist and can prove that it was his crime!”

“Yeah, well… I’ve seen it well. But I’m just doing what I’m told from above.”

“So! Yesterday’s lightning phenomenon was a sorcery attack by terrorists!”

“In any case, the Bureau of Investigation has no authority to intervene in the unfortunate accident at the port of Lombardy. If in any doubt, seek permission from the Attorney General.”

Of course, both of them knew that there was no option for a day or two to get that permit.

“You don’t understand the language! You’re like Southerners!”

Deputy Director Rickettre returned to the Bureau of Investigation, wiping away the sweat. He found Jacques graciously eating a prisoner’s snack in the cell.

“How come jjambab doesn’t develop. It’s all because there are a lot of thieves.”

“·······.”

Jacques said, enjoying the eyes of the investigators who returned after making a fuss.

“Did I tell you? It’s because people don’t have this much trust.”

Zach holds out his handcuffed wrists and smiles brazenly.

“If the official investigation doesn’t work, we will proceed with an informal investigation. Leave it to us.

The Bureau of Investigation had no choice.

* * * *

“Pietro.”

“Why is that, Ellie?”

“······Do not shorten my name arbitrarily.”

“I’ll think about it if you call me Zach.”

Elysia kept her mouth shut. She stared at Zach with a sullen expression, then averted his gaze as if trying to stop him.

When you make eye contact with this man, you feel like you’re being dragged into a negotiation where you really have to pay for anything.

“Is this really helpful for the investigation? Didn’t you even have access to the port where the terror occurred?”

Today, the two explored downtown Lombardy. Of course, with investigators watching them from afar.

but no results The only places Jacques went out were clubs, back alleys, and watching the harbor from a good view.

“Well, you can’t be full on the first spoonful. By the way, do you know that restaurant over there? That sensible restaurant with a rowan wood entrance.”

At the end Zach pointed to, there was a restaurant. It is an upscale restaurant with lots of lighting.

“I am not interested.”

“At least I’m interested. It’s evening and I’m hungry.”

Do you have any activity money left? When asked, Elysia put on an openly contemptuous expression.

“It’s national money.”

“It’s called blind money.”

“That can’t be the case. The official activity expenses of the Bureau of Investigation are covered by the taxes of the citizens of the Empire. The less activity expenses, the better.”

“Every time you say something like that, I fall in love. Make me feel like a high-ranking person wasting a little tax money.”

Are you saying that, this man?

Elysia did not want to be played any more by this big criminal’s conscienceless bullsh*t.

“Let’s go back now. We have to go back and report to the deputy director.”

“Okay, I got it. Then I’ll solve it with my money, not the activity fee.”

“······Your wallet must have been confiscated?”

“Even if you don’t have money, you can fill your stomach.”

As we headed to the restaurant with Elysia, who was snooping around, the person who looked like the manager smiled brightly.

“welcome.”

“Mister, I have a sudden request, would you please?”

“Yes? What do you mean?”

To the bewildered manager, Zach smirked and put his hand on his shoulder.

“I wanted to wrap up a nice date with this lady here, but a pickpocket took my wallet. It was really quick.”

“I see… Lombardi is beautiful, but there are also bad quality ones.”

“So, I’d like to put today’s meal on credit. You can’t end the date without a meal, can you?”

Elysia widened her eyes. It’s all a foreigner on the invitation page? Elysia was unimaginably shameless.

Elysia thought she would be kicked out immediately or politely rejected. However, the manager’s reaction was unexpected.

“Of course, sir. It must have been a disaster. Have a seat.”

“I want it to be a place where you can see the window. I think it would be just right to have a clear view of the city at night.”

“hahahaha, the view from our restaurant is highly evaluated. Of course, the cooking too.”

While being bewildered by the manager’s unexpected hospitality, Elysia was able to sit at the window seat with Zach. It was the best seat in the restaurant.

Zach, who was staring at her expression, proudly raised his chin.

“I’m rich.”

“Yes? No, I didn’t ask. Rather than that, you don’t have any money right now, do you?”

It is certain that Zach is penniless. This is because when he was caught, both his wallet and weapons were confiscated by the Bureau of Investigation.

Since he was a criminal who escaped from Alcatraz, his belongings were confiscated.

“At least I look rich, Ellie.”

“What is that…”

“This suit. It’s a custom made Kamachia suit. This fedora and set. 220,000 Gulick.”

“No water——poof!”

Elysia reacted loudly while drinking water. Her wide-eyed gaze contained the meaning of ‘A piece of clothing is more expensive than my annual salary?’

Zach didn’t stop and showed the watch on his wrist.

“This Owllab 200 year limited edition gothic watch. It’s probably a little over 6 million gulicks. This restaurant tidying up mess leaves me with change.”

“······!”

Elysia trembled at the fact that the watch she confiscated and investigated was such an expensive item. I snatched something I almost dropped by mistake, but how many buildings almost cost me money?

“Dae, why are you bragging about money like that? It’s all money earned through crime!”

“Because they seem curious that the manager was willing to credit us.”

ah. Only then did Elysia know the reason for the manager’s favorable attitude.

Even if you look at it, there is no way you can’t pay the price because it’s a sign that wears a watch in a luxurious suit.

“And the sign will remember the clerk who was kind to him in an awkward situation. By now he’ll be grinning in anticipation of a hefty tip.”

“······Is that so?”

“What I’m trying to say is, people put a lot of importance on appearance. And that goes for you too.”

Zach glanced at Elysia’s waist and said.

“A 38-caliber public revolver. A knife in there. What do people see there?”

“······article.”

“Yes, because knights are paid with guns and swords. The same goes for the swordsmen of mafia gangs, but you have a gentle impression to be a mafia.”

In the end, it was about the impression that the appearance shows. Why is he suddenly saying this?

“The knight-slayer was the leader of the Porgore family. And he came to me with his men. Now, then, the question.”

You and I have been running around town, what are they doing now?

“·······!?”

Elysia followed the tingling sensation that ran up her spine and the gaze she felt from all directions.

I thought it was the eyes of the investigators following and watching, but that wasn’t the only thing.

“Could it be you!”

“The real faction that manages the port of this city is the Luciano family of the Triad Circle.

Sipping a glass of water, Zach said. It is said that he is a current criminal who stalks a government official.

“Chit…!”

should be informed But how now, under surveillance by the Triad Circle as well as the Investigation Agency?

-Pajijik!

It was the moment when Elysia was devising an autograph to send to the Investigation Bureau so that it would not be noticed. Some kind of electricity flowed through the lights that were brightly illuminating the dining room–

– Goong!

All lights in the dining room were turned off.

“What, all of a sudden?”

“Is it a power outage?”

When the lights in the restaurant went out all at once, the customers in the restaurant murmured. It was the same with Elysia.

“What the hell…!”

“Looks like this is your chance, Ellie. When they can’t see you.”

“I can’t leave you behind…!”

“There’s an investigation agency around, so what am I going to do? I’ll stay here quietly, so hurry up and do something.”

“Kuh…!”

Beyond the darkness, Elysia gritted her teeth. I must have felt like I was being dragged into him again.

But Elysia has no choice but to make a decision.

“Stay calm here!”

After saying that, Elysia left the cluttered restaurant and headed to catch the triad circle gang that was watching over the two of them.

It would be easy to get out of this situation by using ＜The Villain’s Illusion＞, but that was not Zach’s purpose.

He came here to meet someone else.

[You should move slowly.]

“Yeah, even if I catch it enough, it’s about 3 minutes.”

Seeing the incident, other investigators from the Bureau of Investigation will also storm into the restaurant. Zach takes the wine bottle and glass from the seat next to him and heads inside the restaurant.

A room for groups inside the restaurant. Among them, rooms 4 and 5. Each of them entered and sat in number 4 of the rooms reserved under separate pseudonyms.

“It was just the right timing.”

Muttered to myself in the absence of anyone. Those were not the words addressed to the person in room 4.

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“You did a good job getting out of the clutches of the Bureau of Investigation.”

Room 5 in the back. The thunder magician who shorted the restaurant’s electricity responded.