Marvel Magic Case Files

Chapter 1457 The Spy's Mercy (First Update)

Researchers from other countries were restricted in their movements. Their landing ports, research areas, and living quarters were completely isolated from the space station's military forces. They could only see the increasing density of small landing craft traveling between Earth and Mars, and heavy landing craft carrying large equipment often docking for extended periods at the other side of the port. No one mentioned what cargo those heavy landing craft were carrying. Whenever they tried to find out more, Countess Katarina Karkov from Sikaria would host dinners and academic salons to keep their lives on the space station from becoming too boring. Everyone knew Countess Katarina Karkov was a captivating figure, with an elegant, slender neck and cold, arrogant green eyes, yet she wasn't unpleasant; her haughty demeanor actually attracted many. Even researchers truly focused on their studies were often completely captivated by Countess Katarina Karkov's vast knowledge, her effortless use of flowery language, and her manipulative tactics.

In this social setting far removed from Earth, Countess Katarina Karkov was undoubtedly the central figure in the academic salon. She heard the researchers' new ideas, discoveries, and questions, while also taking notice of some less pleasant individuals. "I'm not your subordinate, Agent Romanov," Countess Katarina Karkov said through gritted teeth, emphasizing the word "agent." She angrily tore a page from her notebook and slammed it into Agent Romanov's hand. "They're all weirdos. If you can, just take the visitor list."

“I’m not your superior, Countess. You can abandon this task if you don’t wish to,” Natasha Romanov said casually. She glanced through the list provided by Countess Katarina Karkov and the words spoken by the people on it, then handed the paper back. “No one is forcing you to work, is there?”

Countess Katarina Karkov's face was extremely grim. "You know how intelligence work is done, so you'd better give me some information. I saw the heavy landing craft docked in the harbor for a long time, and everyone is wondering if this means the Emperor's next move."

"The moon, that's all I know, ma'am."

Natasha Romanov turned to look at the room's furnishings. As one of the few others on the space station with a luxurious private room, she didn't appreciate Countess Katarina Karkov's decor and furnishings, but the latter seemed quite enthusiastic about showing her room to others, flaunting her status through pointless waste of payload, electricity, water, and food. Nobles always found a way to distinguish themselves, and thus Countess Katarina Karkov's academic salons were often held here.

"The moon? Does He intend to colonize the moon?" Countess Katarina Karkov feigned a glance around. Since arriving at the space station, she had largely abandoned casual wear; her custom-made gowns had been transported from Earth and were neatly arranged in her wardrobe. Whenever she was in public, she always flaunted herself in a form-fitting evening gown. "I heard it from those strange people. They claim they are now fully capable of colonizing the moon, establishing colony bases and mining operations there."

"Perhaps." Natasha Romanoff casually fiddled with the Newton's pentagon on the unused desk. "In the coming period, the movement of personnel on the space station will be extremely frequent, more frequent than ever before. Every resource mobilization signifies a major event, and this one far surpasses the recent Peruvian rainforest earthquake."

"I smell a conspiracy," Countess Katarina Karkov said. "You want to get more information."

"There are conspiracies happening here every moment, Countess. Your master is secretive, and my intelligence is limited."

"I'm curious who your master is, spy."

"I am free, and this job is a responsibility I should take on."

"We all have owners; no one is free."

Natasha Romanov tilted her head curiously, her red hair tied up tightly in a bun at the back of her head. She was used to dressing as a professional woman, and sometimes when she was awakened by holographic projections of morning scenes at French country wineries, for a moment she would think she was an ordinary office worker.

"I've seen your file. He took away your power, your wealth, your freedom, even your dignity. Now you're kneeling on his throne, begging for mercy. You should hate him to the core. Or are you suffering from Stockholm Syndrome? I saw Nicole Kidman's look in the opening scene of 'Eyes Wide Shut,' and you look no different now. Is that why you wear form-fitting evening gowns every day, but nothing underneath?"

Countess Katarina Karkov glanced at her, a wicked smile playing on her lips.

"And what are you doing here, spy? You don't need to tell me the details. I can guess that the top-floor suite with the observatory is yours. I can guess His trust in you, and I can guess what you gave in exchange for that trust. Ancient men had two swords: one to kill enemies, and the other to conquer women. Women could only gain power by relying on the latter sword of men, but those men didn't realize that a sword loses its power when sheathed. It was women who conquered men, not men who conquered women." The Countess confidently declared her beliefs. "But you failed, Natasha Romanoff. You gave so much yet still know so little, allowing that Asgardian to seize power. Was it because you haven't carried out a mission in so long that you've forgotten your old tricks, or was it because your hypocrisy and feigned modesty displeased Him?"

"Would you laugh if your skull slammed onto a table?"

Countess Katarina Karkov chuckled.

“My God, you should know I’m the most skilled female swordsman in Europe, shouldn’t you?” She rose gracefully, meeting Natasha Romanov’s gaze. She pointed to a shield hanging on the wall, bearing the coat of arms of the Karkov family, but the two crossed swords in the design were real. “I never work with fools who can’t see their own limitations, Natasha Romanov. That Asgardian woman is far smarter than you. She made a wish while our master still had humanity, and now that wish is being fulfilled, while you never know what you want. Perhaps I have the ability to teach that disloyal little pet a lesson and then seize that opportunity for myself? You choose your weapon first, how about it?”

"I've already made my wish." Natasha Romanov wasn't so easily fooled. In fact, she felt a pang of pity for Countess Katarina Karkov, who had painstakingly built her power from a young age, maneuvering and connecting various factions, only to be overthrown by an even more powerful rival with irresistible force when she finally reached for the throne of Sikaria. Anyone could be driven to extremes. "I must go to work, madam. If you may, even if no one visits, please get dressed in your room."

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(End of this chapter)