"You okay?"

  Sibonen jolted awake at the voice—and immediately winced as pain shot through his chest.

  Isrin quickly supported him, easing him back down onto her knee.

  "They’re a little rough, huh?" she said with a soft smile.

  Sibonen flushed with embarrassment.

  Great. Acting like a fool in front of my superior.

  "...I’m sorry."

  "It’s fine," Isrin said, ughing lightly.

  "They’re just like that. Dish members roughhouse to get closer to each other.

  Actually, Jensen said he was impressed with your guts."

  It wasn’t exactly a compliment Sibonen wanted,

  but lying against Isrin’s knee didn’t feel so bad, so he decided to rest there a little longer.

  "I’ll get up soon. Just... my head’s pounding a bit."

  "Take your time," Isrin said kindly.

  As Sibonen y there, a shadow loomed over him—and Jensen’s grinning face appeared.

  "You hit harder than you look, kid. Not bad," Jensen said.

  Flushing again, Sibonen pushed himself up despite the pain.

  "Your punch felt like getting hit by a stone," he muttered.

  Jensen ughed and spped him on the back.

  "All part of being a proper fighter!"

  He helped Sibonen to his feet.

  "Come on, newbie. Isrin’s about to start the mission briefing.“

  Ignoring the throbbing in his chest, Sibonen walked over to the table where the others were gathering.

  Isrin stood before them, composed and professional.

  "Senior Secretary Izi has dispatched envoys to negotiate at the Man border," she expined.

  "If negotiations succeed, our journey will take six to seven days."

  She paused, her expression turning a little grim.

  "But... it’s unlikely.

  In that case, we'll be crossing through the Western Frontier to reach the Kingdom of Logras instead.

  That route will take anywhere from fifteen to twenty days."

  Everyone murmured in surprise at the mention of the Western Frontier,

  but quickly nodded, accepting the reality.

  "Any questions?" Isrin asked.

  One of the female operatives who had earlier stopped the scuffle raised her hand.

  "The original documents listed thirteen members. Will that number change?"

  "Good question," Isrin said, pointing at her.

  "Yes, it’s still uncertain.

  If we end up using the Western route, Senior Secretary Izi pns to reinforce our team, including more Code C operatives."

  Jensen raised his hand next.

  "What about backup forces if things go south?"

  Isrin shook her head.

  "Only Izi can confirm that.

  But given the circumstances, I’m sure backup pns are in motion."

  There were no further questions.

  The briefing ended, and Sibonen followed the others out of the Dish Division office.

  "You’re a fun one, newbie," Jensen said, ughing. "See you on the mission!"

  Despite getting thoroughly beaten earlier, Sibonen didn’t feel any resentment.

  The Dish members didn't seem to mean any harm.

  As they walked back, Isrin spoke warmly.

  "Sibonen, just remember: If the Dish members mess with you again, try not to take it personally.

  They're rough, but if you react too seriously, you’ll only wear yourself down."

  Sibonen smiled genuinely at her kindness.

  "Thank you, Isrin. I’ll keep that in mind."

  Back at the Field Division office, only Riche was there.

  "Everyone’s busy these days, huh?" Isrin said lightly.

  Riche stretched and grinned.

  "Yeah, we’ve got constant dispatches.

  Honestly, even with just me here, the division runs fine."

  She walked over to Sibonen and pced a hand on his shoulder.

  "Maybe things will improve once you’re fully trained."

  Though surprised, Sibonen stayed still, not wanting to embarrass her.

  "I’ll do my best to learn quickly and contribute."

  "Good kid," Riche said with a wink.

  "Anyway, if you’re done for today, you two should head out.

  I’ve got a meeting soon."

  She practically shooed them out of the office.

  As they left, Isrin gnced at Sibonen.

  "Got time?"

  "Yes, ma’am," Sibonen answered, curious.

  Isrin smiled brightly.

  "Want to come with me to the market?“

  The two headed toward the commercial district.

  "Walking around the market like this... doesn’t it feel like we’re on a date?" Isrin teased suddenly.

  Sibonen froze, his face heating up.

  "Uh, well... I suppose it could look that way."

  Isrin ughed.

  "Just kidding.

  I know you’ve been under a lot of pressure tely, Sibonen."

  As they browsed various shops and recorded prices,

  Sibonen stole a gnce at her.

  Her sleek burgundy hair caught the sunlight,

  her slender jawline and clear, luminous skin glowing softly.

  She seemed unaware of his gaze.

  ...She really is beautiful.

  He wondered if her earlier teasing hinted at genuine affection—but quickly shook the thought away.

  After finishing their survey, they headed back.

  "You did great today, Sibonen," Isrin said warmly.

  "Tomorrow should be a little easier. Try to rex a bit."

  They parted ways near the edge of the district,

  and Sibonen returned to the inn.

  Though part of him felt a strange sense of regret,

  he knew he needed rest to face another early morning.

  "I’ll think about it tomorrow.“

  The following days passed in a blur of early mornings and endless paperwork.

  Sibonen spent most of his time helping Riche in the office.

  "This is more detailed than anything back at the Grand Duchy."

  Compared to his former monotonous court life,

  he found a forgotten sense of joy in his work.

  One day, Senior Secretary Izi visited the Field Division.

  Riche immediately stood up, startled.

  "What brings you here, ma’am?"

  Izi ignored her and looked straight at Isrin.

  "Isrin."

  "Yes, ma’am?"

  Izi gnced briefly at Sibonen, then spoke.

  "The Man border guards refused our passage.

  There was even a minor skirmish involving some of our people.

  We’ll proceed through the Western Frontier."

  She added, hands on her hips,

  "Departure in three days. Prepare accordingly.

  I’ll leave the updated reports here—adjust your personnel lists and send revisions today."

  She turned to Riche.

  "If you need more clerical support, request it through Whisper Division."

  And with that, she swept out of the office.

  "...Weird woman," Riche muttered.

  Sibonen silently agreed but only smiled awkwardly.

  Isrin handed Sibonen the updated report.

  "The team’s expanded.

  We’re up to twenty-four members now, with another Code C operative joining us."

  Though Sibonen didn't fully grasp all the changes,

  he understood one thing clearly:

  this mission was going to be much bigger than before.

  "Also, since you’re coming with us, we’ll register you officially."

  Isrin scribbled a few notes.

  Sibonen couldn’t help but feel a nervous excitement.

  "Oh, and newbie," Riche added casually.

  "Take a communication orb. If anything happens out there, you’ll need it."

  Isrin cpped her hands.

  "Good point. Let’s grab one from the vault."

  Sibonen was secretly curious about the magic storage.

  As they approached the vault, Isrin smiled.

  "You’ll need to hold my hand.

  Unauthorized entry triggers arms otherwise."

  Blushing slightly, Sibonen took her hand.

  Her touch was warm and soft.

  Isrin pced her other hand on the vault door and spoke the password.

  "Six eight red tea leaves, fifth drawer."

  The door creaked open, revealing a rush of cold air.

  "Don't worry," she said.

  "The storage is underground. That's why it feels like this."

  Inside, racks of magical artifacts lined the walls,

  and various enchanted items littered the floor.

  "Since we might encounter combat, let’s pick up a few things," Isrin said cheerfully.

  "Only Field and Whisper agents are allowed to take gear from here."