Chapter 246.1

Chapter 246.1

In the office of the Director of the Second Bureau of External Intelligence.

As she opened the door engraved with golden letters and stepped inside, she saw a window overlooking the city of Seoul.

A black monitor, keyboard, and mouse. And even a single sheet of white paper perfectly arranged on the desk. It was a dry space where only the ticking of the second hand of clock on the wall could be heard.

“Reserve Agent 15, Joo Seoryeong is married.”

“Yes, that’s correct.”

The only noticeable thing was a wilted potted plant sitting on a cabinet in the corner. Orchids adorned with a ribbon that said “Congratulations on Your Promotion.” However, they all seemed to have dried up, as if they hadn’t been watered even once. The yellowed and shriveled leaves mirrored the atmosphere of the room.

Moreover, he didn’t even offer her a seat out of courtesy.

“Actually, married individuals are not often accepted as new recruits. Moreover, the fact that Joo Seoryeong was brought in as a special recruit was due to a recommendation from Na Wonchang, who works in the Cybersecurity Team. Na Wonchang originally belonged to the Department of Overseas National Interests.”

“….”

Seoryeong involuntarily tensed up.

“I wanted to know more about the relationship between the two of you, but I don’t have access rights. If the director is denied access due to the confidentiality level, it seems that Na Wonchang is no ordinary person.”

She clenched her fists behind her back. It was even more so because she couldn’t discern Tae Mu-kyung’s intentions.

“Well, did he back you up as a high-profile agent?”

“…..”

A faint smile, which could be described as a grin, suddenly appeared on the lips of the man who had shown no change in expression throughout. A strange premonition brushed down her spine. As Seoryeong’s gaze sharpened, Director Tae waved his hand dismissively.

“There’s no need to be overly cautious. I’m also a former black agent who operated underground. I know better than anyone that prying into agents’ pasts and being curious about them is impolite. So, relax your eyes a bit, Reserve Agent 15.”

“….”

“The reason I called you today is that I’m curious about your husband.”

Seoryeong held her breath. She did not want to move her eyelids.

“Is your husband, Mr. Lee, who runs a study abroad agency, dull and foolish enough to be deceived by Joo Seoryeong’s lies? Since training is about to end, I thought I should check at least once.”

“I don’t understand, what do you mean?”

“If there are no issues with the remaining document review, I will be bringing Joo Seoryeong with me.”

“….”

The Director of the Second Bureau of External Intelligence. The nameplate flashed in her eyes. Below it, the name Tae Mu-kyung glimmered coldly.

“The reason married women are rare in our organization is that it’s quite difficult to deceive a close spouse. You’ll be going on assignments that last anywhere from a month to over six months. What do you plan to tell your husband?”

“….”

Seoryeong was momentarily at a loss for words. Deceiving Lee Wooshin was pointless anyway. She simply intended to get his permission and exchange goodbyes.

“Surely you don’t plan to spill every detail, do you, Agent Joo?”

The ends of his eyebrows moved subtly.

“I’ve seen many colleagues end up in divorce. There are many cases of bereavement, but actually, divorces are more common. Those ex-spouses have sought revenge by exposing our agents’ identities. There have been quite a few instances where they bragged about it during drinking sessions and got exposed.”

“…..”

“Do you think ordinary husbands can endure if torture or threats are inflicted?”

Lee Wooshin would endure. Of course, I wouldn’t let it happen. Seoryeong lifted her chin.

“My husband supports me in any situation. He’s not foolish, but he’s someone who would willingly be deceived for my sake. He’s that remarkable of a man.”

Her voice was firm. There was not a hint of wavering in her gaze.

“You’re mistaken.”

A resolute voice responded.

“That’s arrogance and a common error that new recruits often fall into. Unfortunately, it seems to be the case here as well.”

Tae Mu-kyung seemed uncomfortable as he held his chin and cracked his knuckles.

“If Agent Joo had to live as my fake spouse, would you still say that?”

The Director’s words pierced one side of her heart.

“Are you so sure that your marital relationship wouldn’t break apart?”

It felt like a poisoned arrow.

‘That’s an unhealthy way of thinking.’