Solo For Two

Three weeks before the end of the war.The Austro-Hungarian Imperial Army had already declared their surrender. However, as some countries in the alliance delayed their surrender to the very end, the Allied forces fiercely advanced into the demoralized Allied camps.Karel, stationed at the western front, was captured by the French forces who had advanced several kilometers overnight, mowing down scarecrows. From that moment until the end of the war, he had to endure harsh imprisonment.The retaliation against an enemy war hero who had inflicted numerous humiliations on the Allies was brutal. Karel clung to life with tenacity amid the relentless violence, solely to survive.Karel had chosen the military so that Sasha wouldn’t have to endure the summer of 1925 alone. He stained his hands with blood and overcame many brushes with death for the same reason: to survive. Even after learning that Sasha had left, Karel never forgot his initial goal amidst the despair, whether it was due to revenge, love-hate, or lingering attachment.Surviving was the only way to see him again.Without even knowing what he wanted to do upon meeting Sasha again, Karel focused on that thought alone.The brutal acts of the soldiers, who bore the grudges of their comrades who died in the war, never ceased. Karel endured the intermittent lynchings with his whole body, and one day, he saw three mastiffs nearby, drooling and barking madly.“Hey, we’re starving these dogs for you, so look forward to it.”The soldier threateningly loosened the leash on the mastiffs. The dogs, excited by Karel’s close scent of blood, had no intention of letting him go gently. The soldiers, preparing to have him torn apart alive by the mastiffs, awaited that day as if it were a festival.‘They said prisoners would be executed by firing squad…’In pain so intense that he wished for a swift death, Karel simply awaited his final day.However, news from the battlefield always arrived unexpectedly. The war ended before Karel’s execution day came.After the war, prisoners could no longer be arbitrarily killed according to military law. Thus, Karel was left alone for several days among soldiers freed from the war. It was Colonel Armand who came to Karel, still bound and awaiting his final day without any news. Armand was also the one who had turned a blind eye to the abuse and offered Karel as prey to his soldiers.‘If you were given a new life, what would you do?’‘…….’‘What do you want to achieve?’With his vision still blurred from a damaged eye that hadn’t fully healed, Karel struggled to open his blood-encrusted eyes. After spitting out blood-streaked saliva and clearing his throat several times, Karel finally managed to speak.‘I have nothing I want to achieve, nor anything I particularly want to do.’‘…….’‘I just want to go back alive.’The colonel was pleased with this answer—one that showed a strong desire for life without any purpose.‘You still want to live after all this humiliation?’‘Yes, I want to live…’When the ropes were untied, Karel collapsed to his knees in front of him. Pretending to be generous, the colonel patted Karel’s nape with a cold pistol.‘Live as a new person, leaving your past behind.’Time passed, and in the Hall of Mirrors at the Palace of Versailles, Colonel Armand, now with no shadow of his former imprisonment days visible, asked Karel, “When is the wedding planned?”“There is no exact schedule yet. I plan to think about it slowly.”“I see… Around Victory Day would be nice.”Victory Day for France was the same as the day of defeat for Austria.Colonel Armand could not have been unaware of this. Karel decided not to dwell on whether this was a provocation or a test. From the moment he discarded his past name, he had decided to forget everything related to his homeland: nationality, hometown, and past relationships.But if there was one thing he couldn’t let go of…“It’s still surprising. Even if your fiancée is remarrying, for someone like you to be engaged to Madame Rambouillet…”Colonel Armand’s words were full of condescension, but Karel didn’t mind much. Considering the days he had knelt at Armand’s feet, begging for his life with his bare hands, this was nothing.“I was lucky.”Armand squinted his eyes at Karel’s humble words, the cat-like gaze full of discontent.Perhaps he was frustrated by his inability to pry into Karel’s mind. Now that Karel had the backing of Rambouillet, Armand could no longer easily discard him.Colonel Armand secretly gritted his teeth at the prey slipping from his grasp.The news of Karel’s engagement surprised not only Colonel Armand but also Parisian high society. No one knew that Karel had a connection with Madame Rambouillet since her first marriage to a grand duke of the now-fallen Russian Empire. The elegant ladies, who even found his remaining scars attractive, lamented and wept over the engagement news, and even those skeptical of “Scar,” whose background and source of wealth were unknown, were taken aback.Publicly, the meeting between Rambouillet and Karel was being presented as a grand romance. It was said their first encounter was at a concert at the Trianon Palace, where Karel had caught Rambouillet as she nearly stumbled on the famous 99-step grand staircase. The image of Karel kneeling to put her shoe back on was even printed in newspapers by quick-witted journalists.It was all a planned media play. However, Rambouillet was innocently delighted, scrapbooking all the newspaper articles.For a moment, Karel recalled Sasha’s face, who would be shocked by the engagement news. But he forced the image away, not wanting to reveal any emotional weakness in front of the colonel.“Anyway, as I’ve always thought, your skills are quite remarkable.”“Skills, sir?”“The way you woo women.”Karel only quietly smiled. Colonel Armand, dissatisfied, squinted his eyes further.“If she knew that the wealth you hold now could crumble like a sandcastle overnight… that your identity, nationality, and past are all lies, would she still want to proceed with this marriage?”At the colonel’s sharp words, Karel thought to himself.‘Finally showing your true colors, huh.’Despite Colonel Armand’s blatant attempt to undermine him, Karel didn’t bat an eye. His nickname on the battlefield had been ‘Old Fox’. He was very skilled at manipulating people without revealing his true intentions. Karel, who had once faced him as an enemy and learned of his nickname, knew this fact all too well from personal experience.So, if the old fox was showing such signs of anxiety, it meant that Karel was the winner in this standoff.Without revealing his thoughts, Karel picked up his teacup. He responded calmly.“Colonel, you can tell her everything.”“……”“Even if I am penniless and have deceived her about my past, we would still choose each other. What else is needed for a marriage between a man and a woman besides love?”The colonel said nothing. He scrutinized Karel, trying to determine if his words were sincere or just an act.“Remember, after the war, you are entirely in the hands of the French government. Depending on our judgment, you could become an international economic criminal.”The colonel’s words were true. Although the marriage had provided some relief, it had not resolved everything. It had merely provided an escape route to keep him alive.‘I’ll gladly endure this moment’s threat, thinking it’s your last desperate struggle.’Feeling the colonel’s determination to crush him as he had before, Karel merely smiled with his eyes.The ‘activities’ of Scar that the colonel referred to were his espionage operations targeting the leaders of various governments.Shortly before the end of the war, Karel had been captured by the French army and offered a deal by Colonel Armand to work as a spy. Though framed as a choice, refusal meant death, so it was essentially a command.But Karel didn’t resent the colonel. In fact, he now felt a bit sorry for him, having been betrayed by Karel despite trying to act as a benefactor who had given him a new life while treating him like a mere pawn.They could discard Karel whenever they no longer saw him as a valuable asset. Instead of silently waiting for his usefulness to end, Karel had used every bit of luck and opportunity given to him and succeeded in turning the tables for the first time.But it was a very small success to rejoice over. Many problems still needed to be solved.“By the way, your fiancée seems very understanding.”Karel slowly looked up, sensing what the colonel was about to say.“To marry a woman who is giving you a new life, shouldn’t you at least clear up your previous relationships? That black-haired secretary, and recently, that… who was it again?”Karel lowered his gaze before Sasha’s name could be mentioned.“Right, the Russian dancer Sasha Sedrin. Your preference is quite clear, given that everyone you get involved with has black hair.”“Sasha Sedrin is merely someone I sponsor.”“You’re just sponsoring Sasha Sedrin? You’re not going to give me some lofty story about being taken by his talent, are you? He’s had numerous affairs with military officers since he arrived in Paris. You don’t need to be so reserved.”Karel clenched his hidden hand.Though his posture remained unmoved and his hand stayed steady on the wrinkle-free suit, it was difficult to endure the moment Sasha’s name came out of someone else’s mouth without showing any disturbance.“So, who’s the most satisfying in bed? Dancers have such strong muscles, it’s said that after one tumble, it’s hard to find pleasure with anyone else…”“……”Karel picked up his teacup. Slowly drinking the little remaining tea, he hid his trembling lips.“Why don’t you just keep him as your mistress?”“That wouldn’t be proper.”“Right? It was rude of me to mention a mistress when you’re about to be newlywed.”Karel swallowed hard.‘Is he suggesting Sasha become my mistress now?’Sasha’s hurt voice pained him. Karel pushed away the thought and changed the subject.“I plan to visit Austria briefly next week.”“Suddenly? For what purpose?”“You know that good wine comes from the town of Pfalz near Vienna. I plan to import a large quantity directly.”“Hm…”“I’ll bring you a gift when I return. You’ll get to taste it yourself, Colonel.”The colonel nodded, narrowing his eyes. There was no way France would let a spy return to his home country without concern. Karel anticipated being watched but offered a slight smokescreen anyway.“I’ll stay for three days. I’ll provide the details of my departure and arrival times and itinerary through my secretary.”“Very well.”The colonel seemed slightly less suspicious upon hearing Karel’s detailed plans.Soon, Colonel Armand called a waiting soldier and had him bring something in. It was a metal case.“Open it.”Inside the case was high-quality cigars.“This isn’t much, but it’s an engagement gift. Soldiers, tired of the nicotine they received in the military, can’t resist good tobacco. Isn’t that right?”“You’re absolutely right.”Karel immediately opened the gift case, took out a cigar, and offered it to the colonel. Although the colonel invited Karel to smoke one as well, he declined.He smoked the cigar leisurely. The smoke he exhaled wafted directly onto Karel’s face. However, Karel did not show any discomfort. There wasn’t much time left for the colonel to act so imperiously.After finishing the cigar, the colonel concluded their meeting for the day.“See you when you return from Austria.”“Yes.”“Make sure you return without any incidents. Don’t forget where your loyalties currently lie.”Feeling the implicit threat in the colonel’s words, Karel looked back and responded calmly.“I am well aware.”＊ ＊ ＊After finishing his schedule for the day, Karel entered his quiet mansion late at night. As he crossed the first floor of the house, where even the baby was deeply asleep, he stopped in his tracks.Sasha was asleep on the sofa.Seeing him asleep with his head resting on the armrest like a child, Karel’s expression softened. Karel approached Sasha quietly. The thought that Sasha had fallen asleep waiting for him made him feel affectionate.Kneeling beside Sasha, Karel carefully slid his arms under his neck and knees to lift him up. Despite his efforts to move gently, Sasha’s eyes fluttered open.“Karel?”“Go back to sleep.”“Mmm…”After carrying Sasha to the bedroom and laying him on the bed, Karel stared at his face endlessly, forgetting to change his clothes. Just being able to look at Sasha’s sleeping face again made Karel feel endless gratitude towards the god he had once abandoned.“Sasha, do you love me?”Karel chuckled bitterly. There was no need to ask; the current Sasha expressed and craved love with his whole being. Even if it was just for the moment, how could Karel let go of such a beloved former lover?Karel believed that Sasha must have been driven by the false news of his death and his feigned coldness. Indeed, Sasha had only begun to regret the past after learning of Karel’s supposed death. Sasha was impulsive with his emotions, making him easy to manipulate. That was why Karel thought the love he had gained from Sasha was both genuine and not genuine at the same time.The problem was that the naive Sasha had walked right into the trap Karel had set for him. Much quicker than Karel had anticipated…‘For your sake…’Karel kissed the ringed hand of the sleeping Sasha.‘I should let you go even now.’For Sasha’s sake, Karel knew he should have acted more coldly and resolutely pushed him away even if he clung while crying. After everything was settled, he should have brought Sasha to a safe haven. Karel knew this clearly.“Karel.”Sasha opened his eyes. Seeing Karel in front of him, his relieved face quickly turned somber.“…Why did you come back so late? What time is it?”“Sorry, I had a lot of work.”“I smell women’s perfume…”“There was an evening party at the exhibition.”“Did you escort someone?”Unable to resist the jealousy in Sasha’s question, Karel kissed him deeply.In his precarious situation, barely holding his life together, wanting to enjoy Sasha’s love, confession, and jealousy was purely selfish. However, Karel, who had never had such an eager Sasha before, could not let go of him now.‘If I miss this moment…’Sasha would end up relying on someone else. Just like he quickly had a child with a woman who offered comfort in Karel’s absence.Karel resented himself for not being able to let go of the man in his arms, even for a moment. The pretense of coldness lasted only briefly; once he expressed his love, it was like a dam breaking. Everything being resolved later? There was no guarantee that Sasha would love him as he did now. Tormented by anxiety, Karel held Sasha tightly.He wanted to keep making Sasha’s eyes darken and cling to him by alternately holding and releasing his heart.＊ ＊ ＊After the war, once his health had recovered, Karel visited the opera house.He hadn’t gone expecting to see Sasha. He simply wanted to confirm with his own eyes that his long-imagined lover was indeed a real person. However, dressed in a plain shirt and jacket without a tie, Karel was turned away at the entrance.Having no choice, Karel waited for Sasha behind the theater. After the performance, a crowd gathered to see the principal dancer up close, and Karel was pushed back by the throng.When the stage door opened and Sasha appeared, Karel momentarily couldn’t close his mouth.The familiar build, the beloved frame, and the shine of his black hair that scattered light as he moved all vividly showed that Sasha was indeed real. Karel pushed through the crowd. He wanted to immediately embrace him, bury his nose in his neck, inhale his scent, and kiss deeply with his hot tongue. Karel still remembered the warmth of his unrequited love he had once held. And that memory left him craving more, almost wishing he hadn’t known it.“Sasha!”Pushing through the crowd, Karel got a fleeting, close look at Sasha’s side profile as he bowed his head and climbed into a carriage.But Sasha only allowed that brief moment. As soon as he got into the carriage and firmly closed the door, the carriage moved, cutting through the crowd that tried to block its way.“Sasha…!”Karel’s shout was drowned in the crowd. Everyone was shouting Sasha’s name. It gave Karel a peculiar feeling. The Sasha who had once been his alone now felt so distant, and Karel returned home feeling melancholic.That day, Karel stood in front of the mirror, lost in thought. Four years of war had left him with significant physical aftereffects. His unkempt hair and the unsightly scars on his face were stark reminders. The security guard who encountered him in the lobby, seeing the scars on Karel’s hands, had mistaken him for a criminal and, thoroughly frightened, called for his colleagues to escort Karel out. Thrown out of the luxurious theater, Karel casually dusted the dirt off his trousers.Karel was acutely aware of his position.After the war ended, the colonel prepared several new identities for Karel as a spy, allowing him to choose his own role. There were positions in the postal service, where he could monitor telegrams and letters, and in the diplomatic corps, where he could interact directly with politicians. However, Karel ultimately chose the guise of a noble businessman.＊ ＊ ＊“To fit your shoulders and back, we’ll need enough wool for two regular suits. How about adding front darts? And how should we cut the front?”“A straight cut would be good.”“Should we go with two pleats on the front of the trousers, or just one?”“No pleats, please. And keep the side vents as short as possible.”Several apprentices of the tailor busily took Karel’s measurements and noted his preferences.He already knew the tailoring techniques that suited him best and the names of the imported fabrics he preferred. His tall frame, well above average height, looked distinguished in a crisp white dress shirt. Not only that, but his table manners and conversational skills were impeccable, to the point where he needed no additional training as a spy.Colonel Armand regarded the former enemy officer with keen interest. Choosing the role of a noble businessman, the job he could perform most convincingly, was not just for show.And Karel, dressed in a suit rather than a uniform for the first time in a long while, looked at his reflection in the mirror.With luxurious fabric covering his scarred body and well-fitted leather gloves on his hands, the traces of war were nearly completely hidden. When the barber, who had arrived in the meantime, combed back Karel’s blond hair to reveal his forehead, the face in the mirror looked even more convincing. Even the scar running across Karel’s cheek only added to his character.“If you need anything more for your new identity, let me know. Perhaps an old schoolmate from a prestigious private school… Nobles tend to be quite attached to their school connections.”“That’s unnecessary.”The barber finished shaving Karel cleanly. Inspecting his freshly shaved chin up close in the mirror, Karel spoke.“I graduated from Eton myself.”Colonel Armand was inwardly surprised, now certain he had chosen the right person as a spy. No one would have guessed that such a young man had been lurking in the cradle of blood and mud.“Now, let’s hear your plans.”The colonel leaned back comfortably on the leather sofa, reminding Karel of the purpose of today’s meeting. Karel sat across from him, lit a cigarette, and began to speak without haste.“From now on, all the countries in Europe will focus on gathering mobile forces, as much as their resources allow.”“Why do you think so?”“After experiencing four years of advancing just 10 or 20 meters a day, only to retreat several kilometers, anyone would think that way. They will now concentrate on developing high-performance tanks and ships, and will want to establish contacts with factories capable of mass-producing these vehicles and vessels.”“You seem convinced that another war will break out.”“Isn’t that so?”Karel quietly lifted his head and met the colonel’s gaze.It was a challenging question, implying that France, too, was preparing for a second war. The colonel averted his gaze, pretending to sip his drink. Even if it was a foregone conclusion, he was reluctant to disclose the internal atmosphere of France to a spy who would be used as a pawn on the front lines.“You don’t need to answer. It will happen. It doesn’t matter who declares war. The fact that the country that unleashes the most firepower at that moment will seize victory is undeniable.”The man who had endured fierce battles on the front lines for four years was certain. Armand reconsidered his thoughts in light of Karel’s perceptive eyes.‘He’s too valuable to be used as a mere pawn on the chessboard. If only he had been a French officer…’Most French officers, of noble descent, rarely ventured to the front lines. They stayed at headquarters far from the front, taking frequent leaves to visit the capital. Shows and clubs for soldiers had thrived to such an extent during the war that those working in the entertainment districts almost regretted the war’s end.The young officers, who had grown complacent, tended to think of the recently ended war as if it were the last chapter of a history book. Karel’s attitude, however, was entirely different. He did not naively hope for peace like other young officers his age.He seemed to believe that ‘the war to end all wars’ was actually the prelude to disaster.And Armand knew that, bleak as it might be, Karel’s words were close to the truth. Even the victorious Allied powers were reinforcing their armies to become the dominant force in the next century.Karel flicked his cigarette ash into the ashtray and spoke.“At first, I considered the shipbuilding industry, where the biggest money moves, but… I think the steel industry would be better.”The colonel agreed with Karel’s thinking. The plan was to involve himself in industries handling steel, from tanks to ships to aircraft. It was bold yet the quickest way.“And then I’ll move straight into weapons manufacturing.”“……”“With just one properly functioning factory, we can contact every government in Europe. Any country will come running if they can buy weapons.”Karel’s tone was matter-of-fact, as if simply stating the obvious. While describing a grand scheme, he displayed neither unnecessary bravado nor rash ambition. Nor did he show a hint of fear.At that moment, Colonel Armand realized that Karel was pursuing something beyond merely ‘surviving.’ He maintained a seemingly humble demeanor, but Armand was keen to understand Karel’s true intentions, which he didn’t openly reveal.The initially skeptical colonel had provided Karel with a small room in a military dormitory, some contacts in the steel industry, and a bit of operational funds.However, Karel soon began to demonstrate his business acumen, surpassing his role as a spy. Rather than hiding in the shadows to gather information, he boldly engaged in high-profile activities. Although this involved significant risk, the quality and quantity of information he obtained were incomparable. When he secured a private investment equivalent to a government budget within three months, Armand realized he couldn’t fully control Karel.The blood-soaked prisoner had undoubtedly been secretly honing his skills, readying himself for a greater purpose.As the name “Scar” gradually became known to the public, not only the French military leadership but also key political figures sought to meet him for advice. Scar adeptly disseminated information to both enemies and allies, steadily solidifying his own foundation. Even within the French secret intelligence agency, which primarily operated in cells, only a handful knew Scar’s true identity, a fact that worked to Karel’s advantage. As Karel rapidly expanded his influence under these circumstances, it would become increasingly difficult to publicly challenge him.People were often surprised by the scars on Scar’s face and his younger-than-expected appearance. His attractive exterior made it easy for Karel to infiltrate French high society.Scar, a non-existent figure in reality, thus created his own domain. Yet, Armand never discovered what Karel truly desired.＊＊＊Two months after beginning his work as a spy for France, Karel recognized a familiar face among the candidates for a secretary position. The man, dressed smartly and slightly tense, was unmistakably Lieutenant Georg. His former subordinate from the Eastern Front now stood before Karel, having shed his soldierly demeanor for that of a cold aristocrat.“Nice to meet you. I am Georg Anton.”Karel, eyeing him skeptically, dismissed everyone else from the room. Only when he believed no one could overhear did Georg finally address him as “Captain.”“After you went to the Western Front, no one from our unit knew your whereabouts. Everyone said you must have been executed there… but since no remains were ever found, I kept hoping. Hearing rumors of an aristocrat in Paris with a severe facial scar, I came to find you.”“……”“I kept wondering, what if it’s really you? What if it’s not? It is a true honor to see you again.”“Georg.”“Yes, Captain.”He reflexively saluted. However, Karel, whose cold demeanor did not permit Georg to be moved by the reunion, spoke sternly.“At this point… your loyalty isn’t particularly welcome.”Georg looked bewildered as if struck by lightning. Karel sighed inaudibly in front of him.“Get to the point. Why have you approached me?”“Captain…”“I am no longer a captain in the Austrian army.”“Why did you abandon our country?”At this, Karel smiled sardonically. He had never seen it as a matter of abandoning or defending anything. For Karel, the only thing that mattered was whether it was a new opportunity.When Karel suddenly held out his hand, Georg hesitated before pulling an envelope from his coat.“It’s a secret message from the Austrian National Security Office.”Karel had expected this. Without hesitation, he read the letter Georg handed over and promptly burned it in an oil lamp. Georg, sensing he might not complete his mission, turned pale.‘A double agent.’Austria, having identified Karel’s identity, was appealing to his patriotism, proposing he become a double agent.Was accepting this offer beneficial or detrimental? Karel deliberated briefly. If he refused, what would be his justification, and how would he handle the aftermath? Could he avoid the colonel’s ever-watchful eyes? Unbuttoning his stifling tie, Karel sat silently in contemplation.Georg, seeming to steady his nerves, began speaking calmly.“It’s fine. I’ll return and report that you didn’t see the letter’s contents.”“What happens if you leave without my answer?”At first, Georg hesitated to answer. But Karel already knew the fate of messengers who failed their mission. After reporting, Georg would eventually be assassinated. Karel was well aware of Austria’s notorious Security Office’s brutality, especially post-war.Karel quietly observed Georg, who had never lost his composure even on the battlefield. Now, witnessing his former superior’s cold demeanor, Georg seemed still in shock.“Why did they send you, a lieutenant, instead of a regular soldier?”“I just… wanted to see with my own eyes that you were alive.”Georg’s voice held no deceit. Whatever “comradeship” meant, it was enough to change the heart of an aristocrat who had once gone to war with a camping spirit. But that couldn’t be the only reason. The Security Office’s desire to use Karel had aligned with Georg’s wish to serve his respected superior again. They had likely thought Georg’s presence would compel Karel to accept the proposal.“Georg, you’re risking your life to blackmail me.”“Please, don’t worry about me.”Despite his words, Georg’s face remained pale.Karel sighed lightly.With his new identity, having any connections from his past nearby was a significant risk. However, under constant surveillance from the French side, Karel had recently felt the need to retain at least one ally. In that context, Georg’s excessive loyalty might be quite useful.Moreover, Karel had no intention of being loyal to France or Colonel Armand, who had given him this new life.‘The only entity deserving my second life is…’After carefully considering his next moves, Karel sent another secret letter through Georg, accepting the double agent proposal. Once decided, acting was swift and straightforward.Georg, after sorting out his affairs, returned to Paris as Scar’s secretary.Meanwhile, Karel addressed some minor issues. To dispel any suspicions about keeping a secretary from his homeland close by, he deliberately spread rumors of a sexual relationship with the dark-haired secretary. Unlike in France, homosexuality in Austria was punishable by imprisonment. People often interpreted their relationship as a love that overcame all odds. Colonel Armand, disturbed by the shocking rumor, refrained from questioning the secretary’s origins further.