FMRV | Chapter 12

“Commander, were you aware? That there’s someone in the Harnus family collaborating with the Kingdom of Memvern?”

The atmosphere in the courtroom shifted drastically at Luke’s words. The commanders widened their eyes in disbelief, even Theo, who rarely showed any expression. The only person unfazed by the revelation was Luke himself, the so-called criminal.

Luke’s interest in the Harnus family began when tensions between the Empire and Memvern started escalating into the possibility of war. The Marquisate of Harnus, a noble family of the Empire, was granted significant authority over maritime trade by the Imperial Palace. They were better informed about maritime affairs than anyone else in the Empire.

Luke had hoped to use their information network to gain intelligence on Memvern’s movements. Even the smallest piece of intelligence could be critical in the context of war. While battles were primarily contests of strength, understanding the enemy’s strategies and leveraging that knowledge was often the key to victory.

However, gaining access to such a prestigious family wasn’t easy. Even as a division commander—an integral part of the Imperial Army—Luke’s status as a commoner posed significant challenges.

But then, the opportunity came unexpectedly.

“Commander Luke, if you’re available, we’d like to invite you to dinner.”

The invitation came after Luke’s contributions in a surprise attack against Memvern became widely known. The Harnus family extended the invitation themselves.

The Marquis used the pretext of introducing Luke to his daughter, but Luke couldn’t have cared less. On the evening of the dinner, Luke subtly tried to steer the conversation toward extracting information. However, the Marquis didn’t take the bait. Luke’s gentle request to aid their homeland in its war effort was met with an unexpected lack of enthusiasm.

The Harnus family publicly proclaimed loyalty to the Empire, so their reluctance was puzzling. Luke initially dismissed it as excessive caution but later arranged a private meeting with the Marquis to make a more direct request.

“Marquis, could you use the Harnus family’s maritime network to gather intelligence on Memvern’s activities?”

At the time, Memvern had retreated after the Empire’s successful surprise operation in the eastern region. Many believed this would lead to a peace treaty between Memvern and Heinern. While such a conclusion seemed logical, Luke wanted certainty.

“Hm, Commander Luke. I understand your ambition to rise further within the ranks. With my resources, I could easily provide the information you seek. However, nothing comes for free. If you agree to the terms of a contract I propose, I’ll not only provide the intelligence but also help you climb to the position you desire.”

The Marquis’s proposal was suspicious. While he accurately assessed Luke’s drive and ambition, he clearly misjudged Luke’s deeper motives. Luke feigned consideration but ultimately declined and cut off all contact with the Harnus family. There was no way he would agree to such a shady deal. He figured he could find the necessary information through other means and planned to investigate the family’s dealings after the war with Memvern concluded.

Of course, he hadn’t anticipated the supply embezzlement incident that followed.

“Collaboration? What are you talking about all of a sudden?”

“The Harnus family holds significant influence in maritime trade. I began approaching them when relations between Memvern and the Empire started showing signs of strain.”

Of course, his intention had been to see if he could extract any useful intelligence from them.

“And that’s when I learned that the Harnus family has been collaborating with the Kingdom of Memvern.”

“You’re saying the Harnus family has been acting as spies for Memvern?” Theo asked, his expression grave. This revelation was news to everyone, and only Luke held the key.

“That’s right. Memvern has been gaining strength in the Notelli maritime region, and it seems the Harnus family has been bowing to them.”

“Do you have any evidence to back up your claim?”

Luke reached into his coat and pulled out a crystal orb, holding it up for Veil and the rest of the room to see. All eyes fixated on the object—an ordinary communication crystal commonly used by the Imperial Army.

“This crystal itself is the evidence.”

Luke’s calm declaration stirred the room into murmurs. The stolen supply from the case now being presented as evidence left many puzzled.

He began to channel his magic into the crystal. As the magical light radiated outward, his silver hair shimmered brilliantly, captivating everyone present.

Now, it was time for Luke to reveal the material evidence he had painstakingly gathered.

After taking the crystal from Fail and telling him to act as though nothing had happened, Luke didn’t return directly to headquarters.

“Well, look at this. Still alive, huh?”

In an alley a block away from where he had confronted Fail, a man sat on the ground, bound tightly with ropes. As Luke approached, the man began squirming.

“Mm! Mmmph!”

Though nothing covered his mouth, he seemed unable to speak.

“I was kind enough not to block your nose, wasn’t I?”

Luke crouched before him, snapping his fingers casually.

“Guh—! Haaah, haaah…”

The man gasped desperately, finally able to breathe freely.

“What’s the meaning of this? Do you even know who I work for? You—!”

“You’re a servant of the Harnus family, aren’t you? Your job is to handle transactions involving goods like this crystal.”

“Who the hell are you? What do you want?!”

“Yell again, and I’ll shut you up.”

The threat worked. The man flinched and bit his lip.

“Who am I? I’m your trading partner, obviously.”

Luke smiled slyly, tossing a bag he had been carrying over his shoulder onto the ground.

“Go on, check it. The crystal you were expecting is inside.”

Luke reached out, and with a flick of his hand, the ropes binding the man unraveled smoothly. Startled, the man hesitated before cautiously opening the bag. Inside, he found the expected goods.

“What is this? First, you kidnap me, and now you’re just giving me the goods?”

“Your task hasn’t changed. Return to the Harnus estate with this and report that you’ve successfully completed the transaction. But if you value your life, you’ll keep this meeting to yourself.”

The man gulped audibly, recognizing the seriousness in Luke’s tone. From the way Luke had subdued him to his effortless control over the situation, it was clear he wasn’t dealing with an ordinary soldier.

“And don’t worry; I’ll compensate you handsomely. Triple what you normally receive for this transaction.”

“Triple? Are you serious?”

The man’s eyes widened in disbelief.

“Of course. It’s a good deal, isn’t it? All you have to do is follow your usual routine and deliver the goods.”

Lured by greed, the man quickly changed his tune, swearing repeatedly that he’d handle everything as instructed. Slinging the bag over his shoulder, he left the alley with a newfound spring in his step.

Watching him go, Luke let out a long sigh. Using money to manipulate people left a bitter taste in his mouth, no matter how effective it was.

“Well, time to turn myself in.”

Luke massaged his stiff shoulders as he made his way back to headquarters. All that remained now was to hope that the crystal he handed over would fulfill its purpose undetected.