"Cocytus -Ballerina Under the Moonlight" Episode 14

　"Cocytus. A river in the underworld of Greek mythology. A frozen hell that spares no traitors."

The numbers of the other paintings have been officially verified, but the number of the Beatrice painting submitted by Shunka is the only one that cannot be matched.

Moreover, the series of letters hastily written on the oil painting was indeed in ballpoint pen, and it was highly likely that it had been written relatively recently.

The password can only be verified three times, and since August has already tried it twice, there is no room for error now.

Shindo announced the password, and Leonardo entered it into the laptop. Finally, it was about to open—

“It was some really big data,”

Shindo said.

Nathan nodded, maintaining his composure.

“So, what did you find?”

“As a result of the analysis, we found plenty of evidence linking the Clan Gelo to various crimes. It seems we were able to identify some Japanese names as well. We’re heading out to make arrests now.”

“Understood. And what about Ms. Aono and her surroundings?”

“We’ve arranged an apartment for her here, and she’s living there. Local police are taking care of her family, friends, and workplace. Miss Ohara has been cooperative, but it seems he caught a summer cold after the tension eased.”

"It's not every day that you get caught up in an incident like this."

Additionally, there was a change in superiors. As a result of this incident, the former superior—Tanaka—was demoted, and Takanashi took charge of Nathan and the others.

“Yes. But there’s one thing I’m concerned about.”

“What is it?”

“Livia… her real name is Caterina. She has gone missing. Such a pity.”

“......Yeah”

“You’re not surprised?”

“There’s only one place she could have escaped to. …Leonardo is on her trail.”

“Is that so? So, you’re heading there?”

“Yeah.”

—Livia had arrived in Italy.

She was there to meet August. She was welcomed by everyone as she entered the Rocca di Luce.

Dressed in a black hoodie and cargo pants, looking like a street dancer, she was greeted by August.

“I was so close to getting the password. But your henchman got in the way.”

She started off with a lie. Across the cold marble table, August responded with a blank expression.

“How do you know about that?”

Livia’s expression froze.

She hadn’t attended the meeting here and shouldn’t know anything about Matteo’s laptop.

August dismissed Nathan and the others, leaving the two of them in the great hall. As Nathan was leaving, he discreetly planted a listening device. He could hear their conversation.

"I was trying to cover for your mistake."

"As a result, the situation has only worsened. You've done nothing but complicate things. If it weren't for you, taking down that rabbit would have been easy!"

"I need to get the painting. If I kill her, that won't be possible. And you, who panicked and made a mistake, think you're blameless?"

"If you're going to boast about it, make sure you've completed it perfectly first."

A loud bang echoed, followed by Livia's groan.

"Hey, Livia, I know. I knew it all along, but I let it slide. You always intended to betray me, didn't you? And that girl? Caterina—your real name. The one who gave you that name. The double agent who fed you information."

Ragged breaths came from Livinia, as if she was being choked by Augusto.

Augusto couldn't tolerate betrayal. If left unchecked, Livinia could end up dead. In that case, he would likely be the one to do it himself. With other women, it might be different, but not with Livia.

The next moment, the sound of a zipper being pulled down and the tearing of fabric reached his ears.

"...! Stop, Please, stop!"

"Why betray me? I rescued you from solitary confinement and helped you make a fortune. I even gave you a store. Ah, that's right. Should I give you one last thing you've always wanted?"

"No...!"

"No? I often say, you drowned in pleasure while calling my name on the other side of the screen. I'll give you what you wanted. This is the end of it. At the very least, it's a gift."

Augusto's heavy breathing and Livia's crying voice. It's almost a scream.

Nathan felt really bad and clicked his tongue, but he couldn't do anything about it.

Eventually, Augusto's muffled voice and Livia's sobs gave way. There was a stirring sound of water, and the dialogue continued.

"You're so wet that you don't want to. Isn't this what you wanted? Drink it all,."

"Don't do it anymore...... Don't do it...... I'm not going to betray you......"

"So what do you say?"

"Hey, don't you think it's weird ...... me and your assassin were interrupted at that time......

The sound stopped.

Livia was breathing heavily, but she kept going.

"In the organization...... There are real traitors...... Hey, Caterina and I...... I just wanted to have more fun with you...... There's no way I'm going to betray you......"

"…… What else are there real traitors?"

"Yes, you know that there is a surveillance camera in my house that shows where you are...... You'll know it when you see ......."

There is something sweet in Livia's voice. Eventually, it turned into a beastly moan that revealed unbearable lust.

Nathan immediately contacts Leonardo.

"It's Livia's house, they're going to check the surveillance cameras."

Then there's Caterina, who is a double agent.

Vittorio said she was a tall, smart woman with blonde hair. Of course, Nathan knows her.

But where are they?

I haven't seen Caterina in a while.

In a luxurious apartment in Monaco, Augusto saw a bald man dancing while cleaning, seemingly unaware of the camera. Just after the man roughly wiped the camera and its surroundings with a towel, the room was empty.

"Right..."

A voice escaped him involuntarily, and he felt his cheek twitch.

"Isn't it clear now?"

Livia said, reaching her hand from Augusto's shoulder to his chest. Delicate fingers caressed his body.

"That man was called Vittorio, wasn't he? Come to think of it, I haven't seen him recently..."

"He's the traitor. But could he come up with all this on his own?"

"When a fight broke out at the casino bar, he protected me... If that was all an act..."

"There must be accomplices."

Livia's fingers traced his neck to his jaw.

The password... what comes next after stealing it? Without that laptop, the password becomes useless. Augusto powered on the laptop he had brought... and an immediate response appeared, showing a yellow toy popping out of a jack-in-the-box.

"Damm it!"

In the underground parking lot of the Hotel Paradiso, Nathan was on a call with Leonardo.

"I've confirmed the two of them and will continue to monitor."

Leonardo reported that the team had noticed something unusual regarding the laptop theft.

"Keep a close watch on his movements. There's nothing more unpredictable than a wounded boar. Did Shindo send you the map of Rocca di Luce?"

"Yes."

A party at the hotel. An unexpected event invited by a consulting client. There hadn’t been a chance like that before.

At that time, Nathan handed Shindo the list of Clan Gelo and the map of the ancient Rocca di Luce. Such documents couldn't be written on a computer that left a trace; they were handed over in handwritten form.

However, opportunity can also be a risk; he couldn't leave Shunka alone. He had to find a way to lure her to the hotel.

Leonardo continued, "Rocca di Luce, huh? It was like a maze. But we need it for the investigation."

"Augusto is a meticulous man. He won't be easy to handle... I’m sorry, but I can’t confirm if there are any traps."

"I understand. But according to his criminal history, he seems to handle explosives too. I'll bring the bomb squad."

"Stay safe."

"Yeah. Same to you."

After the call with Leonardo ended, it was Shindo next. However, the voice was not his but a softer one.

"Hello, nice to meet you. This is Takanashi."

"...So you're Mr. Takanashi."

"I'm sorry for the way we meet, but thank you for your hard work. We've arrested the man involved in arms trafficking and the mastermind of the terrorism this morning."

"That's good to hear..."

That was why Nathan had been undercover for three years. The scale of arms trafficking was significant, and it was said that a terrorist attack might be planned.

"Yes. Therefore, You're role is finished. I can grant you return permission. Now that the laptop is secured, you can leave it to us."

"..."

Return?

Nathan had completely forgotten that the purpose of the undercover operation had been achieved.

But...

"No, not yet..."

"However, it has been three years. A prolonged undercover operation must have been a considerable burden. It was a brilliant idea to involve Matteo and turn him against them. Unfortunately, he met a sad end, but thanks to that, the investigation progressed. You've contributed as well, right? Miss. Aono is aware of the situation and is waiting for you."

"About her..."

"I understand. You didn't use her, right? No repercussions for that."

A feeling of relief washed over him.

Yes, it was already over. No one would blame Nathan for returning home.

Except for Nathan himself.

"Mr. Takanashi..."

"...What is it?"

"I... can't return yet. No, I won't go back until I see this through..."

Augusto. He realized that the one who understood his thoughts and psyche the best was probably himself.

This might be an abuse of power, or perhaps personal feelings were involved, but Nathan knew he was the only one who could pursue him.

Takanashi fell into a long silence before speaking.

"I had a feeling you would say that."

"As for her..."

"I understand. We will provide as much backup as we can from our side."

"Thank you."

"Well, I thought as much..."

"Probing?"

As Nathan laughed involuntarily, Takanashi chuckled too.

"To be continued"→ "Cocytus -Ballerina Under the Moonlight" Episode 15

Additionally, those who have obtained the password can also access the special page from here →Thank you! Please enjoy the special content.