Sincerely, Vanessa [EN]: Chapter 59

To Teacher, From Vanessa 59

Vanessa returned to her desk in the Magic Department and started filling out the necessary paperwork and reports. It was her first time handling these tasks, so it took a while, but she managed to complete them relatively neatly.

Minister Telios frowned as he reviewed the documents Vanessa had prepared.

“You’re saying they seem to be involved in something bigger?”

“Yes. However, I made a promise, so I want to honor it. I will exile them and their child, but under different names. I don’t know who they are, but I want to prevent any potential future threats.”

Telios looked at Vanessa with a nonchalant expression. He steepled his fingers over his stomach and leaned back in his chair.

“I hope this isn’t just beginner’s enthusiasm. Also, since you uncovered this, you should see it through. It will involve a lot of work. These documents and reports will naturally go to the Special Task Force. Remember that you might have to work with them if they request it.”

“Pardon?”

Vanessa exclaimed in surprise, and Telios raised an eyebrow.

“I… I naturally assumed this would be discussed with the Ministry of Justice.”

“This isn’t about petty swindlers; it’s about an organization that creates chimeras [creatures made from the cells of two or more animals] out of magical creatures, so it naturally falls under the Special Task Force’s jurisdiction. They have priority in managing all matters related to magical creatures. Neither the joint council nor the Ministry of Justice can interfere.”

“I… I’m not close to the Special Task Force.”

“Oh? Then take this opportunity to get acquainted.”

He added, “And learn to set boundaries at work. Otherwise, you’ll burn out and have to take leave.”

Telios, speaking casually, glanced at the ticking clock and chuckled.

“Bringing up new work on your fifth day. You truly are a prodigy.”

Vanessa looked at Telios blankly. Seeing her expression, Telios smirked and gestured for her to leave.

“Of course, finish all your current work before you go. The Special Task Force is located in the Third Sector. I’ll take care of these deportation documents.”

Vanessa trudged out of the Minister’s office. Back at her desk on the third floor, she felt like tearing her hair out.

*I was running away because I was scared to meet Gideon, but now I’m going to face him head-on. What should I do!*

As Vanessa buried her head on her desk, Munia Tran and Danny Marlon peeked over and whispered to each other.

“Looks like she took on a big job?”

Everyone looked at the new recruit with pity, as she continued to bang her head on the desk.

In the end, Vanessa couldn’t leave on time that day. Many officials patted her on the back and offered words of comfort as they left.

She stalled until only a couple of people remained in the Magic Department, but no matter how much her hands trembled, the documents in front of her remained: documents to be delivered to the Special Task Force!

*N-n-n-no way. I should have just kept my head down.*

*But how could I stay silent! I saw something strange!*

Vanessa bit her lip tightly until it bled. But her course of action was clear, so she had no choice.

*Right, the Special Task Force Commander might not even be there. He doesn’t have to be there all the time. And he’s a Duke, so he must be incredibly busy.*

Vanessa stood up with a determined attitude.

Vanessa said goodbye to the remaining people and quickly left the Magic Department.

But as she descended the stairs, she paused, puzzled. *Do new recruits usually work this late?*

Vanessa tilted her head. If she asked Lina, she’d probably get an immediate scolding: “Are you crazy?” If she asked Chebati, he would tilt his head along with her.

*Should I ask Evan? Come to think of it, did Evan get attached to the Special Task Force? I need to contact him.*

Vanessa left the Magic Department with these worries.

And then she realized she didn’t know the way at all. *Where is the Third Sector?*

Vanessa grabbed a passing official and asked for directions to the Special Task Force.

“The Third Sector? Ah, they sometimes call the Special Task Force building that.”

“There’s a separate building. How do I get there?”

“Usually, people don’t know. There’s no reason to meet the Special Task Force. Just go straight along this road.”

The official clicked his tongue, commenting that it was tough for someone so young to be working so late, and hurried away. Vanessa started walking along the road he had indicated.

The sound of insects chirping grew louder. In the quiet of the late night, only Vanessa’s footsteps echoed softly.

Normally, she would have happily enjoyed the scent of the grass, but she was too preoccupied to notice.

After walking for a while, she spotted a small fortress wall on the opposite side. The building was more functional than extravagant, and its repetitive design gave off an atmosphere of suppression.

*Is that all used by the Special Task Force? It’s so big. The rumors of their power weren’t just rumors.*

Vanessa walked slowly on purpose, but before she knew it, the building was right in front of her.

Vanessa entered the large, gloomily open door.

The ceiling was high. A spiral staircase wound around the hall, and several dark brown wooden doors lined each floor.

But the inside of the large hall was very quiet. It seemed almost deserted.

*Which floor should I go to so I can deliver these documents without running into Gideon?*

As Vanessa was deep in thought, someone approached silently.

“Ta-da!”

“Ah!”

Vanessa screamed in surprise and turned around to see a rather welcome face.

Short bobbed hair, a still boyish and bright face, and protruding cheeks. Vanessa exclaimed in a welcoming voice.

“Lieutenant Hisop!”

“No, I’m a First Lieutenant now.”

Hisop proudly tapped his epaulettes. Vanessa, impressed, clapped her hands.

It was a very fast promotion. The ranks in the Special Task Force didn’t mean much, it was just to raise the salary, but considering his age, it was impressive.

“Congratulations, First Lieutenant.”

“Just call me Hisop. Anyway, it’s all thanks to Captain Anna and Lieutenant Grain causing trouble. It’s really nice to see you, Vanessa!”

The two grabbed each other’s hands and shook them enthusiastically.

Vanessa had to rush back to the academy at the end of her Special Task Force internship, so they had parted without a proper farewell.

“How have you been? Wow, the Magic Department! You went straight in without resting?”

“Yes. I have to pay rent.”

Vanessa smiled shyly, and Hisop nodded enthusiastically.

“The Püdom [a fictional currency] rent is really expensive. I thought Vanessa would apply to the Special Task Force, so I’m disappointed.”

“I graduated without fully understanding the conditions. I’m not physically exceptional, so it’s a bit much to join the Special Task Force without knowing all the details.”

“What are you talking about? Vanessa’s internship scores were very high.”

Vanessa was so distracted by the joy of seeing him that she forgot her purpose. Hisop smiled and led her to the second floor.

“Actually, most of the Special Task Force members are out on assignment, so there aren’t many people here. We take turns doing paperwork, which is a pain. This is where I’m working now.”

Hisop gave Vanessa herbal tea and simple snacks. The two chatted comfortably.

Vanessa was talking about other things for more than ten minutes before she came to her senses. The sun had completely set, and darkness had fallen.

“Ah, no. There was a reason I came here.”

“Really? I thought you came to visit.”

Vanessa laughed in disbelief at Hisop’s innocent words.

“How could I? I’m not in the Special Task Force.”

“Why not? Come visit often. Did you know that Evan and Dalloise applied to the Special Task Force? Even though they haven’t even announced recruitment yet! Everyone was so dumbfounded that they laughed a lot.”

“I heard about Dalloise… No, no! This first. I have to go home.”

Vanessa finally handed over the documents. Hisop quickly scanned them.

“Hmm.”

“I’m just going to hand this over and leave! As you know, this isn’t my field, and it’s not my job… It’s just a matter that needs to be reported…”

Vanessa quickly began to draw the line, as Telios had advised. Hisop glanced at Vanessa and grinned.

“You’ve already learned something useful. Job separation must be thorough.”

“Thank you.”

“But, you know…”

Hisop tilted his head. He also hated having more work.

“This-”

Before he could finish speaking, the door burst open.

“Lieutenant.”

As soon as Vanessa heard the emotionless voice, she knew who it was and despaired.

*Why do I keep running into him so often! I can’t even get a chance to sort out my feelings.*

Gideon saw Vanessa, who was covering her face opposite Hisop, and was silent for a moment.

“…Go home early. There’s a lot of work tomorrow.”

“Yes, Commander. But would you like to take a look at this?”

Hisop got up and handed the documents to Gideon, who quickly checked the contents.

Of course, he also checked the reporter’s name at the bottom: Vanessa Rose.

“It’s the statement from the illegally immigrated magician handed over by the Ministry of Justice.”

He scanned the documents a few more times without saying anything. Then he spoke.

“Vanessa Rose.”

“Yes?”

Vanessa, her voice strangely high-pitched, answered anxiously. Gideon looked down at Vanessa with a firm gaze.

“Follow me.”

Telios’s voice echoed in her head like an auditory hallucination.

*’Keep in mind that you may have to work with the Special Task Force.’*

*Ah, damn it.*

Hisop giggled behind her and waved at Vanessa.

Vanessa glared at him, but Hisop remained cheerful. He mouthed the words:

*’I hope we can work together!’*

Vanessa walked very slowly behind Gideon. Gideon noticed Vanessa lagging far behind and sighed.

Eventually, he stopped and waited for her to catch up, and Vanessa became even more depressed. She glanced up and admired his profile, which was still perfect.

Her heart began to tighten again.

“Vanessa.”

“Yes…”

Vanessa answered gloomily.

“Is this all? ‘A group approached the magician and obtained materials used to create chimeras.’ Did you hear anything else?”

Vanessa blinked. Gideon stopped walking and made eye contact.

Vanessa suppressed her trembling and organized her thoughts. He was the head of the Special Task Force, so there was no point in hiding anything.

“In that cave… You told me about the magic circle of Bam Vandalu [likely a proper noun, referring to a person or place].”

“That’s right. It’s unexpected that you’re mentioning the cave first. I thought you had lost your memory, considering you ignored all my attempts to contact you.”

Vanessa pretended not to notice his barbed words.

“Bam Vandalu put a giant magical creature to sleep and protected Friva [likely a proper noun, referring to a person or place].”

Gideon started walking again. Vanessa followed him. He opened a splendid door at the end of the hallway, revealing a huge office.

“And despite the activities of the Special Task Force, magical creatures continue to thrive.”

“That’s right.”

“The magician’s name in that report is Tara.”

Following Gideon’s guidance, Vanessa sat down. The office was very neat, reflecting its owner’s personality.

“Tara didn’t say anything else after that. Just…”

“When the sleeping magical creature wakes up, a new world will open. Is that right?”

“Yes.”

Gideon sat on the opposite side and silently looked at Vanessa.

He seemed to be contemplating something. The inexplicable ferocity from their encounter in the garden earlier had vanished, and his gaze was calm and affectionate.