The Great Vampire General is a Girl! - Chapter 102

What does one need to prepare when becoming a spy? First, they must know that their lives were at stake for it. Then, when there is the slightest opportunity, they must be ready to execute it. But of all, the most important thing was to complete the mission cleanly, precisely and effectively.

Valerie lowering her head while walking elegantly on the street. It was the fortieth day of her training as a Florentia spy agent. She felt ready, but the occasional doubt pulled her reason back to earth. No, she might not be able to do this well. General Maxwell may be being careless this time.

Valerie was not ready to bear the burden let alone be the one who could thwart the ceasefire at any time. In her past life, she was one of the causes of Florentia’s great defeat. That’s what made her insist on making up for it all. But, by becoming a spy would she be able to change Florentia’s future for the better?

Maxwell says she has a knack for finding information. She was observant in seeing opportunities and quite good at making decisions. But Valerie didn’t feel that way. More than half of the decisions —that Florentia considers achievements she made — because she had memories of her past. They could say it was cheating.

Maxwell didn’t seem willing to change his plans. He placed Valerie as one of the main pawns. Claiming to be a time-traveler at General Avalon’s decision would not give her an advantage. Valerie could be considered dangerous, in coalition with the enemy and accused of being Avalon’s spy.

Or was she actually being used by Gregovich as a spy? Now, after undergoing spy training, it was hard to even believe in herself. All the theory, exams and practice that she did only made her even more doubtful. On the other hand, that doubt was also a good thing. An agent should not be overconfident or it would affect their judgment.

All the more confusing, because after weeks of self-doubt— Valerie passed and was deemed ready to start her spy career with near-perfect scores.

Valerie has adapted to Aetherna. Raphael decided to rent a cozy house close to the station for the past few weeks so he could live with Valerie. Because the work of the two of them does not seem to be over soon at headquarters. Raphael was busy with his new title and rank. While Valerie was getting ready for her first spy mission.

Continuing to live in a hostel was not comfortable, because they were a husband and wife couple. Valerie also wants to live in a comfortable home that she could manage herself. Her work had taken up her time and sanity. She wasn’t ready if she had to live outside of working hours in a dormitory which also had its own military rule.

Valerie was now wearing a simple civil dress, curled her hair and visited a flower shop. Valerie hummed while choosing the flowers she was going to buy. Casablanca aka the big white lily was her favourite. Red roses were flowers with her favorite fragrance.

“What about chrysanthemums? We have a variety of colors and they were all picked this morning,” an apron-wearing florist offered. She was a slightly chubby woman but seemed comfortable with herself.

“No, I think I’ll just take this with me,” Valerie replied elegantly.

Then, she stepped out of the shop with a smile and leisurely strolled down the red brick pavement. It was early in the morning, and she could breathe in the soft, soothing scent of the sea. The sound of seagulls flying over the pier occasionally distracts her. Valerie also watched her steps, worried that she might trip over a pebble. Today she was wearing flat heels which was not her style at all.

She was also like a woman preparing to devote her life to the monastery. Simple hairdos, no-makeup faces and polite classic dresses that may be a little outdated. She also dyed her hair black. Her current appearance was completely different. Because today she was not the confident and eye-catching Lady Valerie Chastain.

Today she was Celia Durant, an unobtrusive, aloof girl. Celia was a girl who would be easily overlooked at any party and preferred to be on a balcony or corner out of sight until the party was over. She was attractive yet simple. Even so, Celia was a good listener and tried not to disappoint anyone.

Celia was the second daughter of a mediocre Count. She wouldn’t be a threat to anyone but she wasn’t too pitiful either to be easy to control. She had a stand and was comfortable with her life. She didn’t talk much but was always willing to smile at someone. She seems approachable but never fully lets other people into her life.

Every afternoon, Celia would visit the square and feed the pigeons. Today she bought a bouquet of her favorite flowers because she was happy. Valerie had been playing the role of Celia for three days. When she and Raphael left for headquarters, Valerie would sneak away, change her make-up and clothes and then interact with the civilians in town.

She felt she had done well. Maxwell must have done a thorough investigation of her. He knew that Valerie had perfect scores in her acting class. Valerie had thought of becoming an actress but her father thought it was a profession that was not suitable for the daughter of a Duke. The actress was attached to Hedon’s life as well as endless gossip. They were worried that Valerie would run into men of a lower aristocratic class, or just be good at flirting. They didn’t want their family name to be involved in a scandal.

Valerie lifted her skirt slightly and sat down on a garden couch politely before pulling a bag of breadcrumbs from under her clothes. Valerie threw it on the ground and let the doves peck it.

“Can I sit here, Miss?” Someone spoke to him. Valerie was a little surprised, it was Edgar, a familiar knight. He was with several other knights who were also quite familiar.

Valerie nodded while keeping her face down. She then shifted and gave him a seat. The other knights also sat on the other park benches and started talking to one another. They were all in full uniform. Looks like they’re getting ready to go on a mission. Valerie knew that today a special event was happening in Aetherna. Several Dukes would meet to discuss human and vampire activities. It wasn’t something she should care about. Valerie has another mission there.

Valerie just sat quietly in her chair while feeding the pigeons as if she didn’t care. Then some knights left the park and seemed to be busy with their mission. Edgar was still in the park, he looked at his watch as if waiting for someone.

Valerie was about to break her disguise when she found out that what Edgar was waiting for was Raphael Chastain, her husband. Why was Raphael in town? Even though Valerie had seen him take the train to headquarters. Could it be that Raphael was about to catch her? Her job as a spy was a secret. Even only a few people in the intelligence division knew about it. Valerie told Raphael that she was helping Maxwell with administration and information gathering.

“You’re not late yet, Raph. But Duke Dubois is probably almost on the scene. There isn’t much of a chance for you to talk to him,” said Edgar a little worriedly.

“I’m his only son-in-law. I think he will be willing to meet even for a few minutes. I have to do a few things before coming here,” Raphael responded, he didn’t sit next to Edgar. A sign that he would leave immediately after this.

Valerie was interested in their conversation. Why did Raphael want to meet her father secretly? Usually, families would meet when there was a birthday, festival or religious event. Why would Raphael want to meet her father without taking her? It was not fair, Valerie also misses her father. Raphael should have taken her too. Except, maybe there was something he wanted to talk to his father about without involving Valerie.

Edgar and Raphael chatted while standing away from Valerie who was still pretending to be Celia. Valerie wanted to hear more clearly, but they were whispering a little and Valerie didn’t like seeing Raphael’s serious expression. Meeting his father should be a pleasant thing. Valerie wished they were just smoking tobacco together or chatting. But why did his face look gloomy? It was as if he had just swallowed a bitter pill. Why was meeting Duke Dubois such an unpleasant thing for Raphael?

“How do you think Duke Dubois will respond to it?” Edgar asked.

“I don’t know, I guess he’ll take it well. He’s a rational man,” Raphael said flatly.

They were now walking past Valerie while talking so that the beautiful woman could hear some of the things they were saying.

“I mean, you’re going to tell Duke Dubois that you’re leaving his daughter. I don’t think he’ll take it that easily, Raph,” said Edgar in a slightly nervous tone.

Valerie felt something pressing against her heart at this moment. She didn’t understand, what mistake did she make that Raphael would abandon her?