Chapter 34: Bell’s Burden and a Hidden Hand

“Teacher, what is the current state of the underground resistance movement?”

Fran composed himself, settling upright before Alina as he inquired about her and the organization’s current affairs.

In truth, Fran knew next to nothing about the organization he belonged to, save for its name: the Lorraine Party.

Previously, Alina had deliberately kept Fran uninformed about the organization’s inner workings, instead directing him to concentrate solely on infiltrating Yuli’s mansion. The organization itself was a secondary concern.

Had Fran’s infiltration of the mansion failed, there would have been no need for him to know more.

But now, he had succeeded.

This profound responsibility, it seemed, would now fall to him.

Alina straightened her collar, then stood at solemn attention, radiating dignity. Fran, still somewhat bewildered by his teacher’s sudden formality, followed suit and rose to his feet.

“Fran, congratulations. You have successfully completed the preparatory phase of this long-term infiltration mission. Now, I shall outline your next steps.”

“Henceforth, I am your handler. All crucial intelligence from the Teuton Army Intelligence’s Purburg station must be reported directly to me. I am Alina, codenamed Firefly, and I am the second-in-command of the Lorraine National Salvation Alliance’s intelligence organization stationed in Purburg.”

“Teacher, you’ve risen to become the second-in-command?” Fran exclaimed, a look of astonishment on his face. Alina simply nodded, her expression serene.

‘My teacher, it seems, truly has hidden depths…’

“You need not know too much. Simply remember that I am your direct superior. Fran, from this moment forward, your codename shall be ‘Bell.’ You are a vital chess piece our organization has placed within the Purburg station, and your standing is exceptionally high.”

“Beyond myself, only the highest echelons of the Lorraine Party will be privy to your existence. A mere handful will know your codename, while the vast majority will remain entirely unaware of you.”

“Our organization has now consolidated nearly all of Purburg’s underground resistance forces, operating directly under the command of General Gaowen, who leads the Francian exiled government in the Kingdom of Brittany.”

“Remember, Fran, from this very moment, you are to become the Republic’s pride—a warrior concealed in the shadows, waging a silent war. I eagerly await your triumphs.”

She slid open a drawer, her hand rummaging through its contents. Beside her, Fran was already overwhelmed by a surge of emotions.

‘Bell.’

‘My codename.’

Just like a bell that tolls ceaselessly in the darkness, answering the cries of its compatriots, he, too, would now become a warrior.

He drew two deep breaths, feeling the oppressive weight settle upon his shoulders.

This was a new path, a future where he could no longer afford to be as weak as he felt today.

After a prolonged search, Alina finally retrieved the item she intended for Fran. She produced a golden crucifix and extended it to him.

A cluster of crimson roses was embossed upon the crucifix. Alina pointed to it as she gave Fran his instructions.

“Should you ever encounter a crucifix of this specific design, regardless of where, immediately cease all current actions. It signifies that you are in grave danger. Discontinue any tasks at hand without delay and prioritize your own safety.”

“And another thing!” Alina then presented Fran with a map, pointing to a specific location on it as she continued her counsel.

“This location, not far from Yuli’s mansion, has a mailbox. You are to check it daily for newspapers. If the ‘Science Fiction Literature Newspaper’ is delivered, come here to contact me at your earliest convenience. This remains our designated liaison point. Beyond such specific instructions, do not contact the liaison point without prior authorization, except in genuine emergencies, to avoid compromising our operations.”

Having finally relayed all the instructions, she let out a quiet sigh of relief. Glimpsing the bewildered young man before her, she offered a helpless smile, then spoke with profound earnestness.

“Have you committed all of this to memory? You must engrave every detail firmly within your mind.”

“I understand,” Fran affirmed with a nod, having already exerted immense effort to commit everything to memory.

After a prolonged silence, Alina regarded him, a gratified smile gracing her lips. She nodded gently.

“My Fran has truly grown up. You’re no longer that little one who resembled a young girl.”

“Oh? Was I ever?”

Fran lowered his head, and the atmosphere between them abruptly softened into a serene quiet. After the tense exchange and instruction, Fran found himself momentarily unaccustomed to such a warm, almost familial intimacy.

Alina offered a wry smile, playfully ruffled his hair, and teased.

“Of course! You’re quite handsome now, my little charmer. Keep up the good work. You’re a boy, so rest assured, Yuli won’t bully you. You need to thoroughly captivate that silly woman, make her utterly devoted to you. That’s the proper way to handle things.”

“I…” Fran’s head drooped in shame. He felt utterly incapable of accomplishing what his teacher suggested. Yuli had been raised as a soldier from childhood, but he?

‘Oh, dear…’

“Fool, why are you sighing?” Alina declared with unwavering confidence.

“I believe in you, Fran. You possess your own unique methods for handling that foolish woman, don’t you? Offer her minor concessions when appropriate, but refuse to pander when you shouldn’t. Be temperamental, but never excessively so. Like a cunning raccoon charming humans, you’ll utterly captivate her.”

“But… what purpose would her fascination serve?” Fran asked, genuinely puzzled.

“Hmph, you still don’t grasp it? Fran, in our profession, sentiment is the gravest taboo. Emotions will cloud your judgment, erode your resolve, and ultimately render you foolish.”

“Therefore, in the days ahead, never invest genuine emotion. Let them become utterly lost in this elaborate charade. One day, we shall truly astonish them!”

“Yes…”

Fran nodded, silently committing her words to memory.

‘Never, ever…’

****

Lyon, having worked all day, stretched his limbs and rubbed his weary eyes, lamenting that his energy reserves seemed to be dwindling.

Still, a significant amount of work awaited him. He glanced at the final stack of files piled beside his arm, shaking his head with a bitter smile.

‘And this, still…’

He picked up Fran’s file, letting out a helpless sigh.

‘Never mind. Since Sister Yuli forbade further investigation, then so be it. After all, that fellow named Fran genuinely seems quite guileless.’

Yet, Yuli’s insistent refusal to let him pursue the matter truly grated on him.

He picked up the file and headed towards the archives, intending merely to store it away and consider the task complete.

However, en route, who could have foreseen that he would round a corner and collide with Quidar, the captain of the Special Operations Team?

Lyon and Quidar came face-to-face. Despite their mutual reservations, both men exchanged polite greetings.

“Oh, Deputy Station Chief Lyon, finished with your work already? And where might you be off to?”

“Oh, Captain Quidar, just Lyon is fine. Nothing major, I’m simply heading to the confidential archives to store a file.”

He gestured towards the archives with a feigned smile. Quidar turned, a thoughtful expression crossing his face. “Oh, um… what sort of file is it? I happen to be going there myself. Perhaps I could just take it for you?”

“Well…” Lyon initially hesitated, given the confidential nature of such documents. But then, his eyes flickered, and his demeanor abruptly shifted. He handed the file to Quidar, expressing his gratitude.

“Oh, it’s nothing much, just the profile of the Station Chief’s secretary, Fran. I’d be much obliged, old friend. I’ve still got matters to attend to.”

“Very well, very well. You go on, then…”

Quidar accepted the file, watched Lyon depart, then swiftly made his way into the archives.