How to Survive as a Genius Spy in the Game

We arrived in Chenarus at dawn. As we got closer, the density of the prince’s search parties increased, which is why we moved from early morning.

Before getting too close, I moved first to ascertain Duchess Lyurik’s position. This was to ensure a safer way to move her.

Finding her wasn’t difficult. She wasn’t hiding somewhere, but had set up camp on the plains in front of the capital.

I heard she had raised the pretext of protecting Erendil, who had disappeared while coming down from the north, rather than opposing the prince.

‘Honestly, I was a bit worried.’

When I heard the news in the city I stopped by before arriving, I thought it might be too naive even though she had raised a pretext.

The 1st prince could have easily attacked. In fact, it was surprising that he left her alone.

Even though Duchess Lyurik was said to be powerful within the empire and have many followers, it was a point that raised doubts.

There were a few reasons that came to mind.

Perhaps the capital wasn’t completely under control, or they expected Erendil to be caught in the north.

In fact, becoming emperor without shedding much blood would be ideal.

‘Or maybe they wanted to shake Erendil’s foundation further.’

When Erendil’s whereabouts became unknown, his supporting nobles wavered. They may have wanted to intensify that confusion.

Once verbal recruitment is completed, it’s not easy to betray again. Still, it was ambiguous.

Hmm. Or is it to win against Erendil? It was a sudden thought, but there was a possibility.

Erendil gained support because she made great contributions to winning the war against the West.

On the other hand, the prince showed inadequacy in terms of battle.

He may have wanted to gain victory in battle against Erendil based on the advantage of controlling the capital.

‘That would increase support for him.’

Did Duchess Lyurik foresee this far and choose this method? I couldn’t tell.

Still, I think it’s not a bad choice.

If the prince had really made up his mind, there would have been a battle even if Duchess Lyurik moved and hid.

In conclusion, this standoff situation itself seemed to be a mix of several reasons rather than just one.

“H-Her Highness the Princess has arrived!”

At 5:40 AM, when Erendil galloped across the plains leading 700 cavalry, Duchess Lyurik’s soldiers were startled.

Joy was visible on their faces that had been full of concern when I observed earlier.

The anxiety must have been great. If Erendil hadn’t returned, Duchess Lyurik and her soldiers wouldn’t have fared well.

The imperial palace side also started to become noisy. They probably didn’t expect Erendil to come at such an early hour.

“Your Highness! You must have had a hard time! Have you been well?”

In less than 20 seconds, Duchess Lyurik, looking like she had just woken up, rushed out to greet Erendil.

Erendil nodded with a tired expression. Her voice was very hoarse when she spoke.

“I’m fine. Thank you for coming. Has everything been alright?”

“I’ve been fine. I was just worried about Your Highness. I’ve had sleepless nights due to the busy activities of the nobles on the 1st prince’s side.”

“I received help.”

At this quiet whisper, Duchess Lyurik’s eyebrows raised.

“Could it be…?”

Erendil nodded. Duchess Lyurik nodded with a slightly stiffened expression.

The duchess seemed to know about me too.

Judging from Emmet’s reaction when I saved Erendil, he clearly didn’t know, but did she tell the duchess in advance?

Hmm. I don’t think so. She probably told her separately after that day.

“Let’s have you rest from your journey first. We can talk a bit later.”

It was the duchess’s suggestion. It wasn’t really telling her to rest in this busy situation. I could wash up since I was alone, but Erendil and the cavalry couldn’t.

They had only washed their faces briefly every few days. The food and water they had been saving had run out too.

Anyway, the main conversation seemed like it would take place a little later. I also felt relieved for a moment. Because we had safely arrived in Chenarus and met the duchess.

However, there was no time for me to rest. I turned my head. Now I need to examine the interior of Chenarus.

***

The most important thing now is one thing. Erendil’s entry into the capital. It’s not just about simply entering.

As soon as Erendil arrives at the city walls, the 1st prince will escort her to the imperial palace.

Of course, with a limited number of people who can come along. That would be like entering the tiger’s mouth.

But it would also be crazy to knock on Chenarus’s walls with 3,000 troops.

It’s physically impossible in the first place.

In other words, it means Erendil has to pass through the city gate leading Duchess Lyurik’s troops without casualties.

‘We just need to get in first.’

There’s clearly a difference in military strength. But even if a battle breaks out, it should break out inside the capital.

We can somewhat offset the numerical inferiority by using narrow passages.

It’s also a more convenient environment for me or Denif to play an active role. Of course, it’s also dangerous on the other hand.

The chances of being surrounded or driven are also higher.

But that was an unavoidable factor in a situation where we had to go to the imperial palace.

The option of waiting for the troops of supporting nobles was ruled out.

‘We’re at a disadvantage.’

Even now, there are many troops on the prince’s side that have entered the capital. That number will increase as time passes.

Our troops will gather too, but that will inevitably lead to a siege.

It’s a good option for the prince as time passes. I carefully infiltrated while examining the troop composition of Chenarus’s walls.

Passing through the streets with a sharp atmosphere, I headed straight to the group.

“Are you alright? You look twice as tired as usual.”

“Brother! You’ve come!”

Denif greeted me at the door, followed by Aron rushing out. Everyone was gathered despite the early hour, perhaps having heard the news and waiting.

I nodded and got to the point. There was no time to waste since leaving the north.

“How’s the situation?”

“It’s extremely strict. People don’t go out much either.”

Aron immediately answered my question, but Denif raised his hand to stop him.

“Aron, just a moment. We need to talk.”

“Ah, yes. I’m sorry.”

Aron stepped back with a gloomy face. I understand he’s glad to see me, but it can’t be helped.

The situation is serious. Denif is also someone who does what needs to be done. I also stated my request.

“Cutting to the chase, the important thing is. The princess needs to enter the castle.”

“The 1st prince subdued the 2nd prince, but the mood among people isn’t good. There are rumors it was quite a cruel method. Everyone seems wary of the prince.”

Rumors of a cruel method, huh. I wondered if it was due to the involvement of devil worshippers.

“You mean his control isn’t good?”

“Yeah. After observing for a few days, even the knights and soldiers have complaints. The 1st prince is trying to suppress that.”

It was good news. Well, the support for Erendil among knights and soldiers is beyond imagination after the war with the West.

On the other hand, the 1st prince is a defeated general who lost tens of thousands of soldiers by being deceived by the enemy. He wouldn’t like the situation.

“That’s why he’s scattered his own people here and there. He even replaced the captain of the royal guard.”

It meant he had placed people he could trust as commanders. It’s not a bad judgment.

However, from our perspective, it also meant we only needed to target those guys.

“It might be unexpectedly easy?”

I don’t think Denif’s reconnaissance is sloppy. Not only is he skilled, but he probably also received help from Haisen’s side.

Anyway, it’s important that the knights and soldiers are reluctant.

This meant that if there’s a focal point and the situation is right, we could draw them to our side.

One of the reasons I treated the soldiers well in the past was also to create people who would help Erendil in case of emergency.

Denif nodded as if he had the same thought as me.

“If we just deal with those guys in the confusion, they’ll easily scatter.”

My thoughts accelerate rapidly. After drawing various situations and several reviews, one option remains.

The key is speed.

Based on Denif’s words, it’s important to move quickly. People adapt to situations.

Even reluctant knights and soldiers will inevitably be influenced and follow orders as time passes.

I’m not sure if as many as I expect will side with Erendil if we move now.

But it’s clear that the longer it takes, the more people will not scatter and remain hostile.

We can’t let the prince further control the capital.

Denif, who had been waiting as if he read the decision from my expression, shrugged and asked.

“What are you thinking of doing?”

“It’s better to enter today.”

Denif nodded.

“You’ll open the gate, right?”

“Yes. Whether I launch an ambush or direct attack. We need to open it first.”

It’s not an easy task. It’s unlikely that just anyone would guard the gate on Duchess Lyurik’s side.

There will probably be at least a couple of strong ones.

But I’m confident.

Not only my skills, but also my winds. Anyway, those guys aren’t in a position to open the gate themselves.

The group was looking at me with surprised eyes. They seemed to find it hard to believe that I would open the gate alone without any support.

Of course, not Denif. He nodded casually and met my eyes.

“What should I do?”

“I have something separate for you to do.”

After listening to me for a moment, Denif nodded.

“Will it be okay?”

“No problem. Don’t worry.”

Denif grinned.

“Sounds fun. How many years has it been since we caused such a commotion?”

“Denif.”

“What?”

Cunning fellow. He asks with a clueless face while clearly knowing the reason.

I wonder if he’s really planning to cause a riot taking advantage of the confusion if I don’t say anything.

“Stay alert. Safely. Don’t do anything to reveal your identity…”

“I know, man. How many times have we done this together? I’ve been around the block too. I was just saying.”

Well. It’s the first time I’m working with Denif in earnest, so my old habits came out.

“Okay. I trust you.”

When I patted Denif’s shoulder, he lightly hit my shoulder with a mischievous face.

“Trust me already.”

After making the decision, I quickly headed to Duchess Lyurik’s camp. The sun was rising in the short interval.

I slipped out of Chenarus stealthily before the morning got brighter.

Just then, Erendil and Duchess Lyurik were having a quiet conversation. It seemed I came at a good timing.

“I couldn’t bring many soldiers because of the pretext, but the longer it takes, the more disadvantageous it becomes for us.”

“That’s right, since my brother is in the capital.”

“We need to get inside the walls somehow.”

Erendil bowed her head at Duchess Lyurik’s words. She seemed to be in deep thought.

I looked around and headed for the tent.

Before entering, I send a signal with my winds. Erendil noticed right away, but the duchess was startled and put her hand on her sword.

Perhaps because of my disguise, the duchess looked at me for a moment. It didn’t take long for her to realize who I was.

“Schurtafen?”

“Yes, it’s me.”

“…It’s been a while.”

Duchess Lyurik greeted me with a slightly uncomfortable expression. She also looked complicated.

“You don’t need to be wary.”

“I know of your innocence from Her Highness, but…”

“Is it because of the Devil’s Blood?”

The duchess answered with silence. It was also the reason I couldn’t openly help Erendil by revealing myself.

Even if I prove my innocence, my blood doesn’t go anywhere.

“Don’t worry. I wasn’t noticed by others.”

Well, that’s probably not what she’s worried about. She’s probably uneasy about having Devil’s Blood next to Erendil.

Because of killing the empress, I was introduced in the newspapers as an innately evil person who can’t be corrected, even more exaggerated than the truth.

That’s not important right now. I decided to get straight to the point. I meet Erendil’s eyes.

“Your Highness, we need to enter now.”

“Now?”

Erendil was surprised. The duchess was the same.

“I know it’s disadvantageous for us if it drags on, but do you have a separate method?”

“From what I just observed, public sentiment towards the prince inside Chenarus isn’t very good. The same goes for knights and soldiers.”

Duchess Lyurik nodded.

“If Your Highness just enters the capital, we can create potential allies at any time.”

“Aren’t you thinking too easily? Of course we need to enter, but the gate…”

“I will open the gate.”