[Vol. 7] Chapter 142: Too Rigid, Too Fragile
From the very start of the plan, Violet had already flown high into the air, using her [Chameleon Cloak] to hide her presence while activating the [Yin-Yang Eyes] inherited from the Spirit Fox Shrine Maiden. From above, she scanned the entire camp below.
The [Yin-Yang Eyes] were a unique ability that Dawn was born with, later fused with the [Reincarnation] divinity . This mysterious technique granted her the ability to perceive souls, observe hidden mystical forces, and see through emotions. While it wasn’t as extreme as mind-reading, when used correctly, it was almost just as effective.
The commotion in the camp, including the Dragonkin’s loud shouting, had all been deliberately staged. The goal was to spread the information far and wide, ensuring that every corner of the camp was affected.
Having been trapped in this place for over half a month, people’s emotions were already complicated and difficult to read. However, if a major event suddenly occurred, such as the discovery of a potential thief, normal reactions would include excitement, anger, or even fear. But no matter what, a normal person wouldn’t immediately fall into intense anxiety and panic.
Violet had created this false scenario because she understood one crucial fact: the Special Operations Division of the Imperial Intelligence Bureau was an exceptionally unique group. Their missions were always top-secret.
If they succeeded, no one could know, and if they failed, they were expected to take their own lives to protect classified information. To them, being discovered meant certain death. A concept deeply ingrained in every agent’s mind.
All living beings have an instinctive fear of death. No matter how intense their training, they could at most suppress their fear from showing on the surface. But they couldn't hide it from the [Yin-Yang Eyes], which could see into the essence of a soul.
The moment an agent realized they might be exposed, even if they showed no signs on the outside, the overwhelming fear and turmoil within their soul would shine like a bright lantern in the darkness. Something Violet simply couldn’t ignore, even if she tried.
And just as she expected, this spontaneous idea had worked perfectly.
It took almost no effort at all to pinpoint the Imperial Intelligence Bureau agent known as Marlon.
Of course, that name was most likely fake. To prevent tracking, it was common knowledge that the Bureau provided all its agents with false identities. But Violet didn’t really care what his real name was.
Holding the small, soft yet firm hand of the dragon girl, the black-haired young woman nodded toward Mia.
"Let's go. By now, Miss Claire and the others should be almost done handling things."
"Yes, Lady Violet."
Though still curious, the maid showed no dissatisfaction. She simply bowed respectfully, and the three of them headed toward the central command tent of the Dragonkin camp.
The Intelligence Bureau had stolen information regarding the Dragon God. A secret so vital that the Dragonkin would defend it with their very existence. Violet and her group, being outsiders, knew it was best to keep some distance. That was why she had intentionally lingered outside for a while before returning.
By the time they arrived back at their previous location, the area was even more heavily guarded than before. Dragonkin warriors now surrounded the tent in a tight formation. Just as Violet was about to greet them, Kurt, the Dragon Guard, lifted the tent flap and stepped out.
Seeing the three women, Kurt, whose face resembled that of a lizard, relaxed slightly, his grim expression softening into a friendly smile.
"You're just in time. Claire has successfully extracted and sealed the information again. But… sigh... You'll understand once you see for yourselves. It’s about what we expected, really."
He gestured behind him but didn’t return inside. Instead, after a quick nod of acknowledgment, he walked off, seemingly to discuss the next steps with the military officers in charge.
"......"
Violet watched him go for a moment before pushing aside the tent flap and stepping inside.
Inside the tent, several Dragon Priests were working diligently, channeling energy into a metallic cube, roughly the size of a rubik’s cube, covered in intricate magical runes and carvings. It was clear this device was their method for sealing the stolen information.
The only one standing idle was Claire. Her gaze was fixed on the corpse sprawled on the ground. A body with blood seeping from its eyes, ears, nose, and mouth. Even Lenka, her face tense with worry, clung to the hem of her robe, Claire remained silent, deep in thought.
"Miss Claire."
Noticing the black-haired girl and her companions approaching, the Dragon Priestess finally looked up. Her mature and dignified face softened with a gentle smile.
"Lady Violet, you're here. The problem has been resolved. Thanks to your help, the crucial information didn’t fall into Imperial hands. But unfortunately..."
"Hmm, just as expected."
Violet glanced at Marlon, who lay lifeless on the ground. A quick look was all it took for the priestess to assess the situation.
He was dead, poisoned.
"We checked him. There are traces of chemicals in his mouth. He must have hidden poison in his teeth, always ready to take his own life. Damn Imperial agents… They're insane."
Claire gritted her teeth in frustration, but the priestess remained indifferent.
"He had no other option. Special Operations agents have to die if they're discovered. Even if he had tried to surrender, the Intelligence Bureau wouldn’t have let a traitor live more than a day. Worse, they might have gone after anyone connected to him. In his position, this was the only choice he had."
"Even so, if we could have gotten solid proof that he was with the Imperial Intelligence Bureau, we could have dealt the Empire a heavy blow..."
"No, on that note, I suggest you don’t act recklessly."
The Dragon Priestess was briefly stunned.
"What do you mean, Lady Violet?"
The black-haired girl smiled slightly, watching as two priests carried away the sealed metal box along with Marlon’s body. Only then did she calmly explain.
"What I mean is, if you truly care about the survival and prosperity of the Dragonkin, then at this moment, you should avoid taking any drastic measures.
For example, if you use this captured spy as evidence to publicly accuse the Imperial Intelligence Bureau of violating agreements and stealing internal secrets, demanding massive compensation or even more autonomy, then you’re basically declaring that you’re ready to completely sever ties with the Austre Empire."
Claire's eyes widened in disbelief.
"The Empire is targeting the Dragon God, and you’re saying the Dragonkin shouldn’t retaliate? So what if we tear off all pretense, do you really think they’d dare to start a war!?"
Violet’s smile didn’t waver.
"Oh? And what makes you so sure... that the Austre Empire wouldn’t dare?"
The mature woman’s slitted pupils contracted sharply. She suddenly fell silent, and the other priests around them turned toward Violet, their expressions ranging from shock to deep contemplation.
Violet didn’t bother to lower her voice. She simply continued her analysis as if stating the obvious.
"The Dragonkin should be well aware of the current global situation. Right now, the world is being split into two clear factions, led by the Holy Empire and the Austre Empire, two colossal powers.”
“Whether a war will break out or not is uncertain, but the upcoming [World Academy Joint Exchange Conference] is already shaping up to be a major test. An opportunity for both sides to probe each other’s strengths and engage in covert struggles."
She paused, then continued,
"Your territory, Lannas Province, while not directly bordering the Holy Empire, is only a thousand kilometers away. More importantly, it’s dangerously close to the buffer zone."
"In other words, your region is caught between the Austre Empire and the Holy Empire. If war does break out, there’s a near 100% chance you’ll be dragged into the conflict.”
“And the Dragonkin, with their formidable military strength and autonomy, aren’t just another bystander. You have the potential to shift the balance of power. You could be a decisive force in the war, or worse, a dagger aimed at the Austre Empire’s back."
She turned her gaze back to Claire.
"Now, put yourself in the Austre Empire’s shoes.
If you were a ruler preparing to face a powerful enemy like never before, a foe that demands your full military focus, would you really allow an unstable, hostile force right on the border to act freely?
Would you be willing to take the risk... that when war breaks out, the Dragonkin won’t suddenly turn against you?
And to eliminate that risk, what would be the logical course of action before war even begins?"