Spy Classroom - Volume 3 - Chapter 1.5

Interlude

Missing  

“…and that’s about it.”

With that, Klaus finished telling his story.

Now everyone was up to speed on what he had seen the chosen members do, how they had trained before they went up against Corpse, and finally, how Lily’s room ended up getting destroyed.

““““………””””

His audience of four didn’t quite know what to make of that.

“They’re somethin’, all right.” Sybilla scratched her head. “Something crazy, sure, but somethin’…”

Sara nodded. “They all have really strong personalities. It must have been a challenge, getting them to work together…”

“They were a bit of a handful, yes.” Klaus crossed his arms and sighed.

Although Thea was technically the one who had united the four girls, Klaus’s work had been cut out for him anyway. Due to Thea’s incessant breakdowns, she had needed just as much hand-holding as the others.

“All that aside, though, their skills are no joke. We finished the mission itself without a hitch.”

“Yeah, well, if they’re really that talented, they wouldn’t have blown up my room!” After ranting and raving for a little while, Lily cleared her throat. “Someone’s gonna pay for that later, but for now… We still don’t know why they haven’t called, huh?”

The other girls nodded.

Even after laying out all the facts, they still weren’t any closer toward solving their missing persons case.

Why hadn’t the others returned to Heat Haze Palace yet?

Why hadn’t they at least given Klaus a call?

Mysteries abounded.

Klaus gave the order. “We’re going looking for them. You all, go on ahead. I have another mission I need to finish, but I’ll follow along after I’m done.”

He stood up from the sofa and made for his room. Even in circumstances like theirs, he couldn’t just up and leave at a moment’s notice. Being the strongest spy in the country was a role that carried heavy responsibilities.

However, one of his pupils didn’t agree. “I don’t think that’s wise…” Grete gave her calm, reasoned argument in a moderate tone. “For all we know, every second might matter. I think you should join the search immediately, Boss.”

Klaus shook his head. “I would if I could, but this mission has civilian lives on the line. I can’t put it off.”

“Then let me take it on for you so you can go to Thea and the others.”

This time, Grete’s voice rang with pride. After all, they’d finished their last mission without needing his help.

Even so, there was no way he could have her assume the mission alone…

Sybilla and Sara rose to their feet to back Grete up.

“I’ll stay, too,” Sybilla said. “My wound’s all better. You go on and make sure the others are okay.”

“I—I don’t know how much help I’ll be, but I’ll do what I can here, too,” agreed Sara.

Having secured her teammates’ assistance, Grete gave Klaus a small smile. “You needn’t worry, Boss. Even without you, we were still able to best Corpse’s disciple, and if we think we’re in any danger, we’ll back out immediately.”

“…You’ve grown.”

A month ago, they had caused him nothing but worry. He would never have even dreamed of letting girls that inexperienced take on a mission solo.

Now, though, he could make that decision without a moment’s hesitation.

“Magnificent. Very well, then. The mission is yours.”

If that wasn’t praiseworthy, he didn’t know what was.

“Thank you… Just as I expected.”

Seeing her teammates’ determination threw Lily for a loop for a moment. The words got caught in her throat. “Ah, erm, I…”

“Lily, you’re with me,” Klaus declared. “The two of us will be following our teammates’ tracks.”

“Y-yes, sir!”

Understanding how much she cared about her team, Klaus knew she wanted to rush to their side as soon as possible.

It made more sense to take her along than to leave her behind.

“It’s time for an emergency mission. Our job is to find the others and bring them back alive.”

And with that, Klaus and Lily left Heat Haze Palace.