[TIDK] 129 – Spy Amongst Naval Ranks

May 27

With the war looming, Viktor knew he had to make contact with Vestina before dealing with the spies. Soon after Scarlett's departure, he made his way to the garden where the spies were being held. Gazing down at the kneeling spies on the snowy ground, Viktor inquired, "Who can I negotiate with?" One of the three spies said confidently, "You can negotiate with me."

"Bring him to the drawing room," Viktor ordered, leading the way.

A short while later, the navy brought in the captured spy. It was a peculiar sight to see him wearing Salantier's military uniform while being dragged in by the navy in their own uniform. Viktor motioned for the spy to come closer and sat him down, their faces mere inches apart. The spy was a young, promising blonde man.

Viktor asked directly, "How prepared are you for the impending war?" The spy responded with a smile instead of answering, prompting Viktor to press further.

"Why are you loyal to a country that does not give due treatment to those deserving of it?" the spy challenged.

Viktor chuckled. "Oh, my," he remarked, unfazed by the spy's remark.

Undeterred, the spy continued, "Vestina is a place where soldiers are given preferential treatment. Even their technicians are highly skilled."

"I'm curious to hear more from a spy with such a big mouth," Viktor replied, his tone laced with a hint of amusement. He motioned for the spy to continue speaking, eager to hear his persuasion tactics.

The spy went on, asserting that if Viktor were to go to Vestina, the country would become the master of the world. He claimed that if Viktor were to join Vestina, it would convince Salantier to lose hope and surrender without further bloodshed, leading to a peaceful resolution.

The navy members present in the room displayed a mixture of emotions as they listened to the spy's words.

Viktor, who had chosen a life at sea and risked his life to protect Salantier, had developed a disdain for war over time. The spy seemed to be well aware of Viktor's sentiments, proposing a contradictory suggestion to abandon Salantier and achieve peace without any bloodshed.

While Viktor contemplated the spy's words, Blythe, his loyal aide, entered the drawing room and announced the arrival of Crown Prince Adam Irène. Viktor nodded in acknowledgement, and Bright opened the door wider to allow Adam to enter.

Adam, who had only ever seen Viktor within the confines of the palace, felt the weight of the situation upon entering the room. He witnessed the bound spy, the commanding figure of Viktor Dumfelt, and the navy members who stood respectfully, their eyes fixed on the royal family.

Viktor rose to his feet, straightening his jacket. "Allow me a moment to confer," he requested, addressing both the spy and Adam.

As Adam Irène observed the disciplined navies bowing to him, he couldn't help but notice their lack of regard for his authority as the formal head of the navy. He felt a pang of unease, realising that these soldiers seemed more loyal to Viktor Dumfelt than to him.

Adam, with a nervous expression, began to deliver the troubling news. "In the northern part of Salantier, aircraft scattered leaflets and disappeared."

Viktor interrupted; his tone filled with urgency. "How long has this been happening? How long has Vestina's aircraft been crossing the Salantic border?"

Adam, caught off guard by Viktor's reaction, questioned the significance of the timeframe. But Viktor insisted on the importance of understanding the extent of Vestina's technological infiltration in the current situation.

Adam fell silent, his mouth tightly shut, contemplating the implications of Viktor's words. Soon after, Viktor motioned for the spy to be taken away, and as the room settled, he addressed Adam.

"Why have you come to me?" Viktor asked, his voice carrying a hint of curiosity.

With a lowered voice, Adam responded, "The appearance of the aircraft and the silence within the royal family... It seems there may be a mole within our ranks."

Viktor acknowledged Adam's words with a solemn nod. "I see. It appears we have a traitor within the royal family."

"It's not just spies within the royal family, but traitors and apostates," Viktor stated firmly.

Adam, taken aback by the revelation, questioned Viktor's claim. "Are you suggesting that there are apostates within the royal family?"

Viktor maintained his composure and advised Adam to strengthen his personal security. "If you haven't been aware, enhancing your escort and being cautious would be wise. There are those who have turned their backs on their allegiance."