A Villain's Will to Survive

Knock, knock—

The Intelligence Agency was combative at first, but then became peaceful.

“Professor, please open the door,” said the Intelligence Agency agent, who approached politely and knocked, a rather respectful gesture after having completely crushed the vehicle’s chassis.

I rolled down the window of the vehicle, and the agent beyond it scanned Yulie and me.

“What is the matter?” I replied.

“Are you Knight Yurie from Freyden?” the agent asked, directing his question to Yulie, leaving my own unanswered.

Yulie looked at me without a word, as if asking how she should respond to that request.

“Indeed,” I replied on behalf of Yulie.

“You have escaped from the painting prison. Welcome. We request your attendance as a witness,” the agent said, nodding as he took an official letter from his inner pocket, a document bearing the signatures of Empire ministers and various departments.

Then the agent continued, “This is a request for cooperation from the Ministry of Justice, Ministry of National Defense, Ministry of Public Safety, and all other departments of the Empire. Knight Yurie, you are nothing less than a key that can solve the continent’s major matters—”

“I refuse,” I replied, glancing at the agent.

Then, the agent pressed his lips together and his eyebrows twitched.