Loid Forger/Synopsis

History
Twilight has discarded everything about his past in order to work for the country of Westalis in opposition to the country of Ostania. Hence, he has no real name and his current name is merely an alias. According to his falsified background as "Loid Forger", his wife passed away two years ago and he has been raising Anya as a single father since then.

Not much is known about his previous life, not even his real name or age. It is shown that he was a war orphan when he was a child and then eventually became the spy known as Twilight. He rarely remembers memories of his childhood, no longer being able to recall his mother's face.

An only child, Loid was raised in Luwen, Eastern Westalis. His father was strict with a pacifistic view on war, while his mother was very loving towards him and often sang him lullabies. Their conflicting views on parenting Loid resulted in them arguing frequently with each other, much to Loid's distress.

He was good friends with three other boys, who he frequently played games with in an old army storage depot he found, giving each other army-related nicknames such as "Major", "Corporal", and "General", while he was called "Advisor". He desired to join the army together with his friends when they became older, wanting to "kill all those awful monsters from the east". However, his father deeply disapproved of his ambition and activities, hitting him and berating his ignorance of Ostanians and approach towards conflict. Feeling left out due to all his friends having soldier uniforms and toy guns, he ended up lying to his father to get pocket money and buying the soldier set, despite his sense of guilt.

Later on, he changed his mind about playing with his friends from guilt and left their hideout. Shortly after this, the Ostanian Army crossed the border and began to attack the eastern provinces of Westalis, launching a bomb at the depot his friends used as a hideout. They continued to attack the rest of Luwen, destroying the town square. He is only saved from a piece of rock by his helmet, left with a deep gash. After evacuating his hometown with his mother, they stayed with her relatives in Kielberg. Despite this, they were inevitably attacked by another air raid, in which the boy lost his mother. He was then left to survive on his own amidst the chaos.

With nothing in his life left but a hatred towards Ostania, he joined the Westalis army under the identity of Roland Spoofy while lying about his age. From there he fought in the East-West conflict, using his skills as a tactician to win his battles, eventually earning the rank of sergeant after many officers were dying in combat. On one of his posts he encountered an Ostanian deserter who got caught in one of his traps. He spared the man out of pity and allowed him a cigarette, thinking about how the enemy managed to seem human. The man starts to tell him about an experiment in which people were shown something unpleasant while being unaware of a truth, but once a certain idea was placed in their heads they had a complete shift in opinion. When Loid does not understand what he is being told, the man explained that the whole war is pointless, having been caused by a diplomatic fiasco, with regular people being forced to fight each other.

Despite this, Loid strongly believes that Ostania started the war, but the man tells him that Ostania says otherwise. He then talks of rumors that started the war, including the bombing of Luwen, saying that it was a false flag operation. This triggered Loid, who angrily pointed his gun at the man, saying that it was all Ostanian propaganda and the bombings took all his friends, but the man retorts that soldiers like them wouldn't know anything and that he's in the same boat as him. Loid kicked down the man and prepared to shoot him dead. Before he can do so, he is shot in the head by Ostanian soldiers who were chasing after the deserter. As the deserter fled, Loid managed to escape the soldiers after he was slightly protected by his helmet.

Suffering a traumatic head injury along with other injuries in his getaway, Loid was sent off the front lines to recover. While recuperating, Loid was reunited with his three friends, who were revealed to have survived the bombing when they chased after him. Realizing they were still alive after all this time, Loid started to tear up, having blamed himself for their deaths. The friends now together again, an excited Loid invited them out to a restaurant, but they revealed that they were being deployed soon for a military campaign, but promised to hang out once they returned. However, Loid would then learn that the operation his friends were assigned to was ill-conceived and recklessly planned, and only their dog tags returned to him.

Loid began to reflect on what happened to his friends and realized that he truly knew nothing about the war and had been fighting his enemies with a blind rage the entire time. He came to the conclusion that "Ignorance isn't bliss. Ignorance is weakness. Ignorance is a sin." Some time after, he was approached by a man who knew his real name and was aware that he enlisted with a fake name and age. The man reveals himself to be from military intelligence, and has come to recruit Loid, stating that his skills are better suited for information, the strongest and essential weapon of all. The man says that Loid will be court-martialed if he doesn't join them and told him to pack his things and meet him at a station.

When Loid arrived at the station, the man took his belongings and threw them into a nearby fire, telling him that he needs to toss away his name and rank to become a shadow for his country. Loid says that he doesn't care as no one knows his real name anyway, adding that he doesn't care about his country or winning the war either. After asked what he really is here for, Loid quietly thinks about his new goal: to make a world where kids don't need to cry.

After joining WISE, he met Handler, who became his new commanding officer and turned him into a first-rate intelligence operative through the harshest means necessary. In between this and before the beginning of Operation Strix, he mentored Agent Nightfall.

Introduction Arc
Twilight disguises as Edgar and meets with his investigator to purchases photos and negatives, providing evidence that the foreign minister uses a toupee. After obtaining the evidence, he leaves right before the real Edgar shows up. That night, he breaks up with Karen, having no more use of her, after using her to get information on her father Edgar. Right after leaving, he burns the evidence. The next day, Twilight receives a new mission. He needs to get close to Donovan Desmond, but since he only goes at social gatherings at the private school his son attends, Twilight needs to get a wife and a child, and enroll the child at the same school. As the peace between the East and West may depend on the mission, Twilight accepts.

He forges his new identity of Loid Forger, a psychiatrist and buys an apartment. He then goes to a shady orphanage to look for a smart child that can pass the exam. He is recommended Anya, who impresses him by solving a crossword puzzle by herself. However, in reality she is a telepath and managed to trick him into adopting her. While on a shopping trip, he notices that Anya may not be that smart, but she starts to cry, not wanting to be abandoned. Causing a scene, Loid panics and offers to buy her peanuts to calm her down. Rattled by her irrational behavior, he borrows books on childrearing, to try and understand her better. He then says that after his mission is complete, he plans on sending Anya back to her orphanage, saying that there is no future for them.

The next day, he heads out to meet with Franky Franklin and wishes to leave Anya home, but she keeps following him. He ends up barricading the front door and trapping her inside. Meeting with Franky, he obtains an application, exam appointment and answers for the school. Franky also gives him all the info he could find on Anya, but it's only from the last year, where she was adopted and returned four times. Returning home, Loid notices the barricade was tempered with and finds an ambush inside. He takes out the men, but realizes Anya has been kidnapped.

Loid then disguises as one of the men and heads to their base. There he recovers Anya and takes her outside, telling her to get to the police. Recalling his dislike of children and his past, Loid remembers that he became a spy in order to create a world where children won't have to cry and returns into the building. After setting up traps and beating all men, he points his gun at Edgar and reveals he knows everything about his daughter Karen and if Edgar wishes for her to have a normal life, he must stop chasing Twilight.

Leaving the building, he is surprised to see Anya outside waiting for him, as she wishes to stay with him. Understanding her feelings, Loid accepts, but explains that they need to change houses. He helps her study for the exam and makes her memorize the answers. Anya then manages to pass the exam, which relaxes Loid for the first time in years; but the next day, he receives a letter informing him that phase two of the enrollment will be an interview which requires both parents in attendance, and he now needs to find a wife.

Loid tries to disguise Franky as the mother, but he and Anya see that Franky is physically unfit for the role. He then gets Franky to collect and copy all files of unmarried women from Berlint City Hall so he can look for a candidate to be the mother. He explains that most female agents have been captured in spy hunts, with the remaining unable to suffice. After Franky points out Anya's appearance not looking like someone of a high standard, Loid takes her to a tailor to get her measurements done. There he meets Yor Briar, who is able to slide past him and notice his gaze. He considers her to be a good candidate for the wife role, but changes his mind. But after Anya initiates a conversation between the two, he learns about Yor's situation, and why she needs a pretend boyfriend to bring to her co-worker's party. Loid decides to help her, under the condition that she help him with Anya's school interview by playing as her mother. Yor accepts and the two agree to meet up for the upcoming party.

However, Loid receives an urgent mission to recover stolen treasures from Westalis and take down the smuggling ring responsible. The mission just so happens to be on the same day as the party, so Loid brings Franky to help him complete the mission. Franky is hesitant, but Loid convinces him by offering to let him have one of the stolen items for himself. That said, they underestimate the size of the smuggling ring, barely escaping them in a chase which leads into a car crash. After Loid seemingly finishes off the group, he makes his way to the party. He shows up in a disoriented state and introduces himself as Yor's husband. A jealous Camilla tries to humiliate Yor by bringing up Yor's previous work of doing special "massages" for clients (which in truth, was actually Yor carrying out her assassinations). To everyone's surprise, Loid expresses his admiration for Yor's dedication to work so hard to provide for her younger brother, which moves the woman. Loid excuses the both of them and they leave the party together.

The two are soon pursued by remnants of the smuggling ring, and Loid leads them to an old factory, taking out a few of them during the chase. Yor questions Loid on the situation, but he convinces her that their pursuers are patients suffering from hysteria and that he is treating them with the latest method of "concussive therapy". He also thanks her after she helps take out some of their pursuers. While running away, Yor proposes to Loid, which surprises him so much that he freezes up and trips over. Yor clarifies that she wants an extension of their agreement, and that being married will be a good camouflage to keep her away from suspicion. Loid agrees and tries to find a diamond ring he took from the treasures to propose to her with, but discovers that it has been lost. He notices a grenade near an unconscious smuggler and grabs it before ducking behind a generator. Loid pulls the pin and hurls the grenade at the smugglers while using the pin as a makeshift engagement ring, blowing up the smugglers as Loid says his vows to Yor.

Admissions Interview Arc
After becoming legally married, Loid helps Yor move into the new Forger residence and tells her that he back-dated their marriage certificate by a year, not wanting to gain suspicion from Eden Academy. After Yor settles in, Loid holds a mock interview with disappointing responses from Yor and Anya. He concludes that it may have been too soon for an interview and decides that the family must experience the culture and knowledge of the upper class by taking the family on an outing. Loid starts by bringing them to an opera hall in order to become more refined, but the experience simply leaves Yor confused and Anya dozing off.

Next, the family goes to an art museum to become accustomed to fine art, but Loid is taken aback by both Anya and Yor's behavior. The family continue onto a political campaign held by the Nationalist Party that aims for reconciliation with Westalis, but the negative backlash from the crowd overwhelms Anya, so they leave. Anya then says she is hungry, so they have a meal at an upper-class restaurant to rest up, as Loid despairs at their lack of table manners. Loid tries to come up with a back-up plan to avoid relying on Yor and Anya, but gets visibly upset at being unable to do so. Yor worries for him and suggests they get some fresh air.

Yor brings the family to a rooftop park to admire the view of Berlint and the people, Yor explaining that she frequents the park when to remind herself that her work helps people. Loid notices a man snatching an old lady's purse and comments indifferently that the old woman should have been more cautious. However, Yor immediately jumps down in an impressive athletic display to chase after the thief, surprising Loid and causing him to also pursue the thief. Loid loses sight of the thief at a busy street in a crowd until Anya points out a cake shop, where the thief is walking by and Loid recognizes the disguised thief by his gait. Loid hands Anya to Yor and pursues the thief, jumping onto him and slamming his head into the pavement. Recalling his spy training calls for him to not draw attention to himself, he realizes his actions drew in a crowd but briefly explains the situation and runs off.

They return the purse to the old lady, and although Loid gives credit to Yor, he shows appreciation towards the woman's gratitude. He thanks Yor for helping in his motivation to do his work, and after Anya asks if the two of them will kiss, they both deny it in embarrassment. Once they return home, Loid retries the mock interview with better results, at least until Anya remembers Loid jumping the thief as a response, which embarrasses him as Anya and Yor compliment him. After remembering being seen as a wonderful family by the old woman, Loid decides to be optimistic about the two.

On the day of the interview, Loid prepares Yor and Anya as they make their way to Eden Academy. As they make their way to the school, he immediately senses that they are being watched. He concludes that the observers are from the faculty evaluating their every move, with the selection process already underway. He alerts the family to do as they practiced, walking with elegance and saluting the statue of the academy's founder. The family encounter a plump Eden Academy student stuck in a gutter crying out for help. Deducing it as another test, Loid decides to take it head on, motioning Anya to help the boy. When the student pretends to struggle, splashing the sewage water, Loid puts his foot in the gutter and pulls the boy free through the air, splashing himself and Anya in the water in the process. After the boy apologizes, the family reveal that they had prepared a change of clothes, and Loid makes an excuse to spares the boy's feelings.

Suddenly, all the animals from the school farmhouse escape and rush through the crowd of applicants. Believing the scene to be another test, Loid orders the family to handle the animals with grace, and saves a boy from being attacked by a cow, returning him to his father. He identifies one of the cows as the leader of stampede, but is hesitant to bring out his gun in public. To his surprise, Yor disables the cow by attacking its pressure points. Loid then tells Anya to stay away from the fallen cow and grabs her after the animals leave peacefully. Afterwards, Henry Henderson reveals himself to the family, thanking Loid for his help in the crisis and tells the family to tidy their appearance and return to the assembly hall, as they have shown their abilities to contend for a place at the school. Loid shows gratitude for the Housemaster's consideration but reassures him with yet another change of clothes, scaring the man.

As the interviews begin, Loid admits to feeling nervous about the interview. The Forgers are called into the interview room and come face to face with their interviewers. Housemaster Walter Evans starts by asking Loid how he met Yor, and he gives him an exaggerated story of how they first met at the tailor's shop. Having planted a listening device beforehand and eavesdropping on the previous interviews, Loid notes on Murdoch Swan's callousness in his questions and decides to avoid provoking his resentment. The interview continues as Loid is asked why he decided to apply to Eden Academy and he responds with praises for the quality of the school's teaching staff. The next question focuses on Anya from the perspective of her parents, asking about her strengths and weaknesses. Loid responds with Anya's curiosity, wisdom, and intuition, and her weakness being her pickiness about food.

After Yor gives her response, she is asked what kinds of meals she cooks, and Loid interjects by revealing that he does most of the cooking. Murdoch Swan embarrasses Yor on this and Loid defends her, pointing out her skills in housekeeping and her care for Anya. He almost starts an argument with Swan until Yor calms him down. He tells himself not to get worked up as Yor isn't even his real wife. When asked what she wants to do at Eden Academy, Anya suddenly says she wants to "expose the secrets of the boss of the organization", shocking Loid. He immediately covers for Anya's answer by telling the interviewers that she is extremely ambitious and is curious about the lives and habits of those who achieved leadership positions.

Anya is asked what her father does for a living, and she almost says that Loid is a spy, but quickly corrects herself by saying that Loid is a "spychiatrist". When Walter asks Anya what score she would give her parents, Loid and Yor are touched after she says that they are a perfect 100 points and wants to be with them forever. A spiteful Murdoch Swan asks Anya which mother she likes best, which causes the girl to burst into tears as she calls for her mother. Yor tries to console Anya as Loid sits back, restraining himself as Swan slanders the family. After Swan mocks Yor, Loid snaps at him, smashing the table between them. He apologizes for his behavior, using a mosquito he had crushed on the table as an excuse for his actions. He then excuses the family out of the room, telling the interviewers that if belittling the feelings of children is part of Eden's educational philosophy, then he chose the wrong school.

After returning home, Loid thinks to himself that they will surely be rejected from the school and berates himself for being so emotional during the mission. Anya apologizes to Loid for doing bad in the interview; Loid says that she doesn't need to apologize and that she probably didn't want to go to Eden anyways, but Anya tells him that she has to go there. As Yor brings them tea, Loid admits that their situation is not looking good, but she and Anya assure him that they still have a chance, saying that Walter Evans and Henry Henderson are both good men and will put in a good word for them. Loid reminds himself that spies only rely on themselves and always plan for the worst. Despite this, he decides to have some faith in his family and celebrate their hard work by making a toast to their future. As they make their toast, one of their family photos fall off the wall, signifying the worst has yet to come.

As Eden Academy announces their admissions, Loid and the family are shocked to see that Anya's number is nowhere to be found on the list. Loid and Yor are in disbelief over the rejection and prepare to go home, before they are stopped by Henry Henderson. He pulls the Forgers aside to show them that Anya is actually on the top of the waiting list, explaining that if a student declines their spot, Anya is guaranteed to be offered theirs. Loid wonders how this is possible after what he did at the interview; he is told that he saved Murdoch Swan's life from the mosquito, and Henry scored him high for that. Loid comments on the farce, but Henderson reassures him that his family are indeed fit for Eden Academy. Loid gives his thanks to Henry as the man reveals that he himself defended Eden's honor by knocking out Swan and that he will receive proper punishment for his actions. Loid offers any assistance, Henry thanks him but just tells them to wait for the call.

Three days later, at the Forger residence, Loid picks up a call from Eden Academy. After hanging up, he quietly turns to Yor and Anya and blasts open a party popper, announcing that Anya got in. Franky shows up soon after, having heard the news and suggests that they celebrate. After enjoying the dinner and drinks, a drunken Franky blurts out that he stole the answers for the exams and Loid is relieved to see that Yor is too drunk to listen. Franky points out Loid's sobriety, and he reveals that he has been trained to drink without getting intoxicated. When Franky urges Anya to ask Loid for a reward, she tells him that she wants to be saved in a castle, the same way Bondman saved Princess Honey in the show Spy Wars, and Loid refuses. Loid relents after Anya starts to cry and Franky suggests renting Newston Castle in Münk for 50,000 dalc.

At the castle, Anya sees that the castle is empty and is sad again. Loid summons all agents stationed in Ostania to the castle and dress up as part of an "emergency operation". Anya makes herself the princess and Loid the spy that will save her from Franky, the "League of Evil" boss. Franky gets into character as Loid stiffly asks for the princess to be returned, embarrassed about having to roleplay in front of his agency. Franky introduces an intoxicated Yor as 'Yorticia' the world's deadliest witch, to defeat Loid. Loid barely manages to dodge Yor's swift kick, which grazes his cheek. Yor continues to attack Loid with rapid kicks but a heel on her shoe snaps, causing her to fall backwards and she falls asleep. Loid smacks Franky away and approaches Anya, sheepishly announcing that he is here to save her. Anya runs out to hug Loid as the agents cheer on, Loid questioning the absurdity of the situation. Anya thanks her father and tells him that she will work hard from now on. Loid gives his congratulations to Anya as they look at a shooting star from the balcony.

Eden Beginnings Arc
The Forgers go to the tailor shop to get Anya's measurements for her uniform. The shop owner warns Loid about discrimination from Eden alumni families, friction between dorm and commuter students, and rumors of kidnapping students, which scares Anya. The family decide to eat at a restaurant, where Loid receives a coded cipher in his meal, informing him to attend his next briefing at Safe House D in five days. Loid acknowledges this while expressing his dislike towards the ridiculous method of communication.

On the day of the briefing, Loid gets a call from the tailor telling him that Anya's uniform is ready, which he asks Yor to handle. Loid heads to a photo booth, which is a secret elevator that lowers him to the underground safe house. There, Handler is there to greet him and immediately chastises him for the wild expense reports on the rental of the castle and furniture from the Royal Palace. Loid responds by giving more expense reports from Anya's uniform and school supplies, citing them as essential to the mission. Handler moves on to brief Twilight for Phase Two of Operation Strix: to develop Anya into an Imperial Scholar, a student group part of the school's honor program. She informs him that Desmond's social circle is open only to Imperial Scholars and their parents. Handler tells Twilight that to become an Imperial Scholar, the student must earn 8 merits called Stella Stars, and warns him of Tonitrus Bolts, which are demerits given for things like poor grades and behavior. As the briefing continues, Twilight becomes uneasy at Anya's capability to become an Imperial Scholar. Loid returns home and is confused to see Yor and Anya practicing punching, remaining uneasy.

At Eden Academy's student orientation day, Loid recaps his plans for Phase Two of Operation Strix. He had decided to mostly abandon the plan to make Anya an Imperial Scholar and reveals that he managed to put Anya in the same class of Damian Desmond, the son of Donovan Desmond, who Loid has been keeping an eye on. Calling it the "Friendship Scheme", Loid developed this Plan B in case the initial plan fails. He assumes that if Damian and Anya get along, he will eventually invite her to play at his house, which will allow Loid to make contact with Donovan and fulfill the mission. Loid recognizes that the other children present belong to high-class families, and seeing Anya's class as a treasure trove of intel, he urges Anya to make lots of friends as Yor giggles at his intensity. Loid sees that Henry Henderson is in charge of Anya's class and thinks how odd that the housemaster was put in charge of first-year students. As Loid passes the torch to Anya, he sees Anya get called out by Henry and says he feels queasy while Yor reassures him. The two head to the Hall C Lounge for a meet-and-greet with the students' guardians.

At the lounge, Loid notices that Damian's parents are nowhere to be seen, as he expected. He reminds himself that there is no need to rush, because now that he has made it into Eden, he has all the time as he needs and notes on having made new contacts. A faculty member announces that the student orientation is now over, and they will have a group photo in the courtyard. Loid notices that Anya is nowhere to be seen and is pulled aside by Henderson, who tells him that Anya punched Damian and earned one Tonitrus Bolt. Loid is despondent over Anya already endangering both Plan A and B. As the photo is being taken, the Forgers are unable to hide their distressed faces.

The morning after Anya's orientation, Loid greets Yor with breakfast as he wonders if Anya is still asleep. He notices her peering around the corner and wonders if what happened yesterday was still bothering her. Loid tells Anya that he's not mad at her and to have her breakfast. At the table, Anya and Yor apologize for yesterday's incident. He tells them what's done is done, telling Anya to be more careful about getting into fights and to cheer up as today is her first day at school. Loid thinks if Anya ends up hating Eden and doesn't want to go there, it would jeopardize Operation Strix, so he concludes that he must make her school life go as smoothly as possible. After Anya boards her school bus, Loid tells her to apologize to Damian. As the bus leaves, Loid thinks to himself that world peace could depend on her apology.

At school, Becky prevents Anya from apologizing to Damian and Loid, who followed Anya in and was watching her actions from the rooftop, curses and thinks to himself that Becky shouldn't interfere. Since friendship groups start forming by the first day, Loid sees it imperative that Anya makes up with Damian by the end of the day. He continues to shadow Anya, now disguised as a janitor. After overhearing Becky tell Anya to forget about Damian, Loid silently rebukes this, and determines to find a way to get Anya to apologize. In science class, Loid goes on top of the school roof and uses a mirror to reflect light and show Anya a message that today is a good day to apologize. In literature class, Loid alters Anya's book, where the character John apologizes to his friends instead of not forgiving them.

At lunchtime, Loid puts a note on a student's back saying "Apologize!" for Anya to see. He then disguises himself as a waiter and writes "Sorry" on her omurice. As Becky continues to insist that Anya should not apologize, Loid goes to the speaker system to summon Becky elsewhere, leaving Anya alone to apologize to Damian. Loid is satisfied as he watches Anya make a tearful apology to the boy, but is shocked to see Damian completely reject her and he drops to the floor, seeing that Plan B has failed.

At home, Loid decides to proceed with the original plan and improve Anya's academics. He gives her a math problem and tells her she won't watch her favorite show if she doesn't solve it. A frustrated Anya runs off to her room, yelling that she hates studying while Loid orders her to come back. Yor intervenes, telling him that he shouldn't force the studies on her. Loid contends that if she doesn't study, she'll never become an honors student. Yor asks him if that is what Anya wants and a silent Loid thinks to himself that it is what his mission requires. Yor tells Loid that she wants their daughter to enjoy her school life, while studying enough to keep her from flunking out. Loid agrees, noting that Anya is young and probably doesn't worry about grades. Yor frets, saying that she shouldn't be telling him how to raise his daughter, but Loid expresses gratitude for her words, telling her that it's sometimes hard to keep a level head when dealing with children. They decide to take break for some tea and make Anya some hot cocoa.

They call for Anya to have her drink, but are met with silence. Yor says that this situation reminds her of her brother, and Loid says that he must be intelligent as he works at the Foreign Ministry of Affairs. The two talk about Yuri's education and Loid realizes that his motivation was likely earning Yor's praise and she wonders if they can do the same with Anya. Loid doesn't think he has been acting as ideal father, but Yor reminds him that Anya thinks otherwise. When Yor apologizes for butting in as a stranger, he tells Yor that she is now the mother and he would love if she can help out with the homework too. She agrees, saying that all of them can do it together, slow and steady.

Loid keeps those last few words in mind, reminding himself that if he wanted Desmond dead, he could easily do it, but it would not be a true solution. As a spy, he needs to know and understand his target. But before that, he must Anya first. Loid decides to have a talk with Anya. At her door, he tells her that her spy cartoon is about to start, apologizing for earlier and tells her that they can try working after she watches her show. When met with silence again, he enters to find her fast asleep after studying on her own, mumbling to herself that she has to ace the test for him. Loid smiles and carries Anya to bed, deciding to record her show for her. As he exits her room, Loid wonders how he would feel if this was a real family.

Secret Police Arc
Outside a café, Twilight and Handler have met up and she is asks if they can expect his daughter's grades to improve, since HQ is planning around eight Stellas in four months. A visibly tired Twilight smirks and says it won't be a problem, and Handler comments on how bad he's become at lying recently as he thinks to himself that Anya could easily get eight Tontrituses within half of that time. She then tells Twilight that their informant in City Hall was taken by State Security Service and warns him to be careful as they now have less knowledge on where the enemy could be watching them.

At home, Loid observes Anya as she watches Spy Wars, wishing she could pay that much attention when they're studying. He is surprised when Anya correctly say that Bondman's gun has two-eighths of ammunition and notes to himself that she learns better with realistic scenarios. Yor bursts in, announcing that her brother is coming over to visit tonight. She asks Loid what to do and he replies that this is what he prepared the "Lovey-Dovey Marriage Kit" set for, decorating the house with stereotypical objects a couple would have, including a shared bed. Loid and Yor quietly stare at each other as Anya says that they are going to kiss, but the two say that they are not with flushed faces. The family wait for Yuri to arrive; Loid and Anya reading Spy Wars comics together. Anya asks Loid when Yor's brother will show up, Loid telling her that he's her uncle and that she should go to bed soon. Anya falls asleep and Loid brings her to her room. He asks Yor if it has been a while since the siblings have last met and Yor confirms it, telling him that she is excited to see her brother again.

While Loid and Yor prepare for their guest, Loid thinks about the fact that the closer Yuri is, the more likely he will see through the deception, and he will not let the family he has worked so hard to build come apart in one night. Yuri arrives and the couple welcome him while Loid hides his dark glare.

As Loid and Yuri shake hands, Loid intends to find out if Yuri will be a threat to the family. He offers to put Yuri's belongings away and says he will make some food for them, heading to the kitchen while the siblings catch up. When Yuri tells Yor that she needs to have a good answer as to why she did not tell him about her marriage for a year, Loid quietly agrees, and thinks back to an earlier discussion with Yor on how to explain themselves to Yuri. Yor says she has the perfect excuse and tells Loid to follow her lead as she knows Yuri best. With Loid counting on her, Yor tells her brother that she forgot to tell him. A dumbfounded Loid watches on as Yuri asks why she didn't tell him she was married during an earlier phone call. Yor replies saying she forgot that she forgot to tell him, Loid maintaining the same expression. Loid is shocked when Yuri accepts her response and he wonders if this is normal in the Briar family.

Loid returns with the food, and Yuri reveals a bottle of wine that he brought, offering Loid to drink with him. Loid agrees, but whispers to Yor that she shouldn't drink if they don't want a repeat of last time. Yuri asks the couple how they first met, and they explain their meeting at the tailor's. Yor says that Loid was staring at her, with him saying that he could not help but look. Loid starts to think that this topic is dangerous territory and needs to change it. They tell Yuri that after a series of dinners together they eventually hit it off. When Yuri starts asking specific questions about their relationship, Loid starts to feel that this has turned into an interrogation. Loid is asked what he calls Yor, and he replies with just "Yor". Yuri then asks Yor what she calls Loid, suggesting nicknames like "Loidy" or "Loi-Loi". Yor is too embarrassed to speak and Yuri assumes it is true, picking up the wine glass as he starts to drink away.

Loid asks Yuri if he's okay and brings him water. After seeing Yuri drink away in anger, Loid starts wondering if all Briars are bad drunks. Loid changes the topic, asking Yuri about his career, telling him how much Yor boasts about him. Yuri explains that he went to Hugaria for a work trip, and tells Yor about the city and a café there rumored to be the Empress's favorite back in the day. This catches Loid's attention, and he asks Yuri if the café was in the capital city of Obda, saying he went there when he was a medical student. They talk about a restaurant called "Kalpatia" which is run by an old man. Loid brings up the wine, asking if it was also from Hugaria. Yuri tells him that he found it on a shop on Hedger Street. Loid worries about the price and Yuri says that it cost around 200 dalc.

Loid reveals that the responses Yuri said were a cover story verbatim from an Ostanian manual for intelligence agents, meaning that Yuri's trip was a lie. He also reveals that the details in the manual are now outdated, poking holes in Yuri's story. Loid has been wary of Yuri ever since he heard that he worked at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, saying that foreign service is one step away from espionage. Asking Franky to look into his records, Loid found that he was working at the Ministry until about a year ago, which he predicts is when Yuri was recruited by an intelligence agency. Using other information he received, he deduced that the agency is involved in domestic counter-intelligence, which is none other than the State Security Service, WISE's greatest enemy.

Loid thinks that there are benefits in being on friendly terms with an SSS agent: as long as he isn't suspected as Twilight and can keep outmaneuvering Yuri, he could serve as a valuable intel source about the enemy. He notes that Yuri is also hiding his real job from Yor and considers it as leverage against him. When Yor asks if Yuri is happy to have such a wonderful brother-in-law, Yuri gets up and reminds them that he does not recognize the marriage or Loid as a brother-in-law. He explains how Yor's raising of him motivated him to become a successful man who could protect her and asks Loid if he can understand having the most important person in your life being taken away by some stranger. He says that he always wanted Yor to settle down with someone who could protect her more than him, and asks "Loi-Loi" if he can do that.

Loid uses his skills as a master liar, telling Yuri that he loves Yor as much as he does, and whether from knives, bullets, or even a nuclear bomb, he will stop at nothing to shield her from harm. A drunk Yuri starts accusing Loid of being a liar and spills a drink on the table. Yor and Loid both reach out to clean up the spill and accidentally touch hands. The two awkwardly back away, much to Yuri's suspicion. When their relationship is questioned, the two try to convince him that they are in love, but Yuri tells them to prove it, demanding that the two kiss or he will go to city hall to have their marriage annulled.

Twilight panics on how the situation has gone out of control, but calms down in 0.1 seconds, reminding himself that his is Westalis's greatest spy and has faked many relationships with women before, so a kiss or two should be nothing for the sake of the mission. He agrees to kiss, telling Yor that it will be just like what they do every day, and closes in on a blushing Yor.

Loid asks if Yor is ready, but she tells him to wait and immediately downs the wine bottle, much to his shock, and a now intoxicated Yor says she is ready. Loid whispers that they can find another way if she doesn't want to do this, but Yor insists that she can. Yor then pushes Loid down onto the couch and moves in to kiss him. Loid sees Yuri lunge towards them and quickly dodges Yor's slap that hits Yuri, who crashes around the room. A bloody Yuri emerges as he declares Loid the victor of his sister's lips, only to be struck down immediately after by her. Loid is concerned for Yuri's injuries and wonders if this is normal in the Briar family. Loid watches the drunk siblings try to help each other stand up and holds them after they start staggering. Loid smiles and says he admires what wonderful siblings they are. He thanks Yuri for all the work he has done to protect Yor and assures him that he'll do everything he can to support her as well. Yuri pushes Loid away and announces his departure, and Loid tells him that he's welcome to come visit anytime and should meet their daughter Anya. Yuri makes it clear that he will be back to find proof that Loid duped Yor into marrying him, and warns Loid that if he makes Yor cry he will have him executed, but cuts himself off at the executed part, leaving Loid to think about Yuri's threat.

After Yuri leaves, Loid and Yor clean up the house, Loid checking for any listening devices Yuri may have planted. Loid is relieved to find none, but knows he must remain careful as the SSS are capable of anything, especially with Yuri. Yor thanks Loid for tonight and how he was willing to accept Yuri as family. Loid comments how he envies the two of them as someone who doesn't have any other family apart from Anya. Most of all though, he was just glad that Yuri didn't find out that their marriage is a sham. Yor agrees and suggests that they go to bed, but remember the shared bed and say that they'll sleep separately.

While Yor and Anya are asleep in their rooms, Loid sits down to read an issue of Spy Wars. He thinks about the Briar siblings and wonders when was the last time he felt envious of others, just before deciding to head to sleep. He thinks about how tomorrow he'll have more quality time with before pausing and then thinking about his mission.

The following morning, Loid tells a drowsy Anya to wash her face to wake herself up. When Yor brings up Yuri, Loid mentions how eventful last night was, while reflecting on the knowledge that Yuri is a member of the SSS. Loid is surprised when Anya gets upset about not seeing her uncle, asking if it meant that much to her and mentions that she was asleep that night. He tells Anya to have her breakfast before heading to school. He is relieved that he can now focus on Anya's studies, but wonders if he really is safe. He shifts his focus to Yor, recalling her clean background and reasons for entering a fake marriage with him. His intuition agrees that she is clear, but assumptions can be deadly, and starts suspecting that Yor is actually aware of his true identity as a spy and used a pretext to get close to him. As he tells himself to take nothing for granted, Anya gets his attention and says that Yor is a really bad cook, which confuses him a little.

Loid keeps a distance from Yor for the rest of the morning. Before heading out, Loid holds a small listening device in his hand, planning to plant it on Yor. He hesitates, wondering if he's going too far, but reasons that for the sake of the mission, he needs to prove Yor's innocence. He approaches Yor, telling her that she has gunk on her collar and pretends to take it off while slipping the device under her collar. At the bus stop, Anya stops and stares at her parents, and telling them to get along, and Loid tells her that they are not fighting and to get along with her classmates as she boards her bus. After Anya's bus leaves, Loid thinks about how intuitive children can be sometimes and should be cautious of that, and tells Yor that they should get going as well.

Loid shadows Yor to her work, eavesdropping on her conversations while on the City Hall roof. Having investigated Yor's past associations beforehand led him to wonder if she had any previous relationships at all, but confirms otherwise as he listens to Yor say that this is her first relationship. When he hears Yor cry about being a bad cook, he realizes that Anya's comment cut deep. Listening to her discussion with her co-workers, he muses if Yor is trying to be a better wife for both their sakes or in order to deceive him. After hearing the jabs Yor's co-workers make towards her, he notices that her relationship with them is rather toxic. He concludes that he will not get a decisive answer unless he questions her directly.

Loid disguises himself as a SSS lieutenant and disguises Franky as well to assist him. They confront Yor under a script that the letter she sent has a coded message for Westalis. They claim that a woman was taken in for questioning had a family member in the SSS and was let go. Loid aims to corner Yor to see if she knows Yuri is in the SSS. When Yor resists arrest, Loid tells her that there will be consequences that could affect her family and she tells him that her husband and brother are good men, and if they intend to harm them she will not hold back. Seeing that Yor is being genuine, he and Franky tell Yor that they incorrectly decoded the letter and apologize for the misunderstanding, excusing her. After she leaves, Franky asks Loid if he's feeling guilty for doubting her, reminding him that they need to hide their emotions and cannot trust anyone. In response, Loid tears off Franky's mask, saying he won't be lectured by that face. Franky complains as he was going to get some girls with the mask and Loid ironically tells him that pursuing women with deception is wrong.

Loid catches Yor on her way home from work and retrieves the listening device, using the same excuse as before. Yor apologizes to Loid for being such a bad wife, and seeing her dejection, he tries to comfort her by telling her that there's no correct way for a wife to act. Trying to live up to an ideal is admirable but they can constrict you from being who you are and utilizing your true strengths. He tells her that many of his patients struggle with that problem because having to perform all the time is exhausting. He tells her he just wants her to be who she is and how it would make Anya happy to see her smile. Yor expresses her gratitude for marrying Loid, which stirs him. He thinks back to Franky asking if he feels guilty for doubting Yor, and crushes the listening device, throwing it in a nearby trash can. Loid tells Yor that they should buy a cake for their fake one-year anniversary, and she agrees. Loid and Yor welcome Anya home from school, and Loid tells her they weren't fighting when she says they're getting along again. When Anya starts to jump around after hearing that they bought cake, Loid tells her to stop as she'll upset their neighbors.

Stella Star Arc
Three days before Anya's dodgeball match, Loid is told by Anya of a rumor from Becky Blackbell that there is a chance to earn a Stella Star by being the MVP of an interclass dodgeball match in P.E. class. After hearing how the information was passed down, Loid is skeptical of it.

After seeing Anya's failing grades, Loid tries to talk to Anya, who avoids him by saying that she is busy watching cartoons. Loid walks over to pick her up, reminding her that they promised to study at five o'clock and is visibly stressed when Anya starts calling him a meanie. While Anya studies, Loid thinks about how he could easily change her scores to A-pluses in the school records, but reasons that the sudden changes would draw in suspicions which could lead to problems at school and Anya quitting is the last thing Loid wants. After noticing Anya's gloomy demeanor, he surmises that he may be pushing Anya too hard in her studies and sees it unlikely to expect any significant results if he keeps forcing her to study.

He says that variety is important for motivation, and there are plenty of ways to earn Stella. Loid tries to see if Anya excels in drawing, music, or sports, but to no avail. Twilight reminds himself to calm down, remembering that he shouldn't rush Anya so early, and should pay attention to find out what exactly Anya is naturally excels at. He knows that Donovan Desmond will not make a move immediately, as it takes a long time to plan a war, but recalls his goal to achieve eight Stella Stars in four months and wonders if he really has time to spare. Anya, who has been attempting to use a jumping rope gets tangled in it and falls to the floor; but tells her father that she will work hard with a determined look on her face, which touches him.

The next day, Loid brings Anya to the city hospital, revealing that community service is another way to earn Stella. Loid mentions that Stella have been awarded for long-term volunteer activities, saving lives, and even assisting law enforcement. He thinks that even if volunteering doesn't pay off anytime soon, he can still foster a social conscience in Anya. Loid and Anya are given several assignments, but Anya underperforms in all of them. When Anya tries to run off on her own, both she and Loid are excused from service, much to their shock. Anya apologizes to Loid, but Loid tells her that everyone makes mistakes and decide to go home. While Loid reconsiders his options, Anya suddenly runs off to the rehabilitation pool, saying she will practice to get a Stella from swimming. Loid is confused, unaware that Anya heard Ken drowning in the pool with her telepathy and ran off to rescue him. Before Anya herself almost drowned, Loid jumped in and grabbed both children to the surface, bringing them out of the pool. Loid explains to the swimmers that children barely make any sound when drowning and cautions them to always watch over them. Loid says they were lucky that Anya noticed, despite her recklessness and the adults thank her for her deed.

After Anya is awarded her first Stella Star, Loid thinks about how he never expected Anya to earn a Stella Star that way, but was an ideal outcome for the mission. Loid thinks it strange that he cannot help but think of the time he foiled a terrorist attack, and feels that same pride today. He pats Anya's head and congratulates her for her work and his daughter smiles brightly.

A disguised Handler and Twilight meet up in a train car and discuss Anya's recently-earned Stella Star. Handler offers to have her agents manufacture more incidents for Anya to gain more Stella, but Twilight tells her that it would attract unwanted attention and risk exposing the small amount of agents she has left. Twilight asks if HQ is getting impatient and Handler says that is not the case, but mentions that several businesses linked to Donovan Desmond have made suspicious financial transactions recently. She tells Twilight to quickly find a way to get close to Desmond, as the signs don't look good.

At home, Anya tells Loid and Yor that she wants a dog as her reward. He tells Anya that he will give it some thought, and thinks about how a well-trained dog could improve the security of the home, while envisioning a big, muscular pit bull. Anya says that she wants a small, cute dog and Loid considers calling WISE to get them one. Loid decides that they should go to a pet shop over the weekend to see what's available. Somewhere else a large, fluffy white dog's ears perk up as it gets a vision of the Forgers happily smiling at the dog.

Doggy Crisis Arc
Loid takes the family on an outing to the pet shop to find Anya a dog. The shop, which is affiliated with WISE, deals in military dogs and the family are presented with big and intimidating dogs. Loid, who wanted a guard dog, asks Anya if she likes the dogs, but is shocked when given a look of complete and utter rejection from her. The worker mentions that there is an adoption fair at the animal shelter and Loid decides to check that out. Before he can leave, he sees a WISE agent signal to him new orders. Loid tells Yor that he is having bowel problems and needs to find a restroom, saying that she and Anya can go on ahead. Anya backs up his play, but not before embarrassing him.

On the road, Twilight is surprised that they are going to HQ and tells the agent that his family will get suspicious. The agent explains that this is an emergency summons and there is an assassination plot against Foreign Minister Brantz. WISE suspects the plotters, a group of isolationist college students from Berlint University, are planning to strike during a summit that night. He tells Twilight that they caught one of them loitering around the embassy and are failing to get information from him, which is why they need Twilight. The agent says that it must be tough balancing his mission and parenthood, and Twilight says that parenthood is part of the mission. Twilight comments that it must be a sign of the times if those kids are becoming terrorists.

At the interrogation room, Handler tells the captured student that they have caught Keith, the terrorist leader. When the young men see each other, Keith feigns innocence to the agents, making the student believe that he is being framed as the leader. The student finally speaks up and reveals the terrorist's plot to Handler. It is then revealed that Twilight, after watching a few minutes of Keith's old home videos, managed to craft a decent impression of him to trick the student. Twilight is offered to return to his family, but he stays and learns of the plot to kill the foreign minister by strapping bombs to a dozen or so dogs and sending them after him. Twilight points out that combat training for a dog costs as much as a small missile, and surmises that a third party might be backing them. The agents discuss their plans to stop the attack. Twilight asks Handler if they can cancel the summit, but Handler tells him that cancelling would be a major embarrassment to Ostania's ruling party, and they would be playing right into Ostania's hands. Handler gives out orders and tells Twilight that they will need his help for a little longer, telling him that if the public ever found out that there was a failed assassination attempt, it could break the peace between the East and West, so they must stop the plan at whatever cost.

Twilight is sent to investigate one of the hideouts mentioned by the captured student, and finds two vans under the name "Kevin Knowles", and reports his findings to Handler, informing her of the license plate numbers. Handler tells Twilight that they found a solid lead on the source of the dogs, which Twilight is familiar with: Project Apple. They predict that the former test subjects ended up on the black market, which is how the terrorists got them. Handler tells Twilight to be careful as the dogs could still be highly trained or possess enhanced intelligence.

Anya reads the white dog's mind to see his future vision of her family, but the vision changes with Loid missing and the family distraught by it. The vision changes again to show a bomb go off in the city and Anya witnessing Loid's death in the aftermath.

Two hours before the conference begins, Twilight is with Handler interrogating the college students captured by WISE. After learning of the potential locations of all four bombs, Handler orders Twilight and other agents to locate them. Some time before this, Handler tells Twilight to stop the terrorists at whatever cost, and he says he will, but not before agreeing with her viewpoint on war, stating that he is done with it.

Twilight and other agents arrive at an old building, one of the bomb's location. The agents are then confused to see a message drawn in ketchup on the door across them, unable to understand what it means. Twilight sees no one else around and suggests that they should take it slowly regardless. A WISE agent says they have no time and rushes to open the door, but Twilight stops him before he can open it, feeling wary of the message. Outside, Anya reads the dog's mind to see that his future vision has reverted to have Loid back in it. Twilight peers through a nearby window and uses a glass shard to find a wired bomb on the other side of the door, set to explode when opened. Twilight looks outside to see SSS agents approaching the building and opts to let them handle the bomb, but not before leaving them written message. Twilight decides that they cannot look for Keith with SSS agents around, and head to where Minister Brantz is, predicting that now Keith's plans are ruined, he might try to attack the minister directly.

Twilight approaches Minister Brantz at his room and takes his clothes, using them for his disguises as the minister. He exits the building, where Yuri Briar offers to escort him to the conference. Twilight refuses the offer, getting into the driver's seat of the car and leaves, saying that he will drive himself there. Keith follows him, using a bomb dog to sniff out the minister's scent from his clothes. Twilight changes routes to lure Keith into the agents' sight as they attempt to intercept him, but they fail. Twilight abandons the car to escape on foot and Keith sends the dog after him. He tries to shoot at the dog but cannot accurately hit it, and decides to keep running by using parkour to get on top of a building, shocking Keith. The dog continues pursuing Twilight and they end up in an alleyway where he pulls out his gun and removes his disguise. He states that it's time to end this before firing a shot off at the dog.

Twilight fires his gun at the dog, breaking the strap holding the bomb to the dog, causing it to fall off. The dog then attacks Loid and bites his arm causing him to fall to the ground. Keith sees this and decides to detonate the bomb. However, Twilight had already thrown the bomb into the river behind him so the bomb exploded without harming him. Twilight then proceeds to pull the dog up on his arm and throws it into the dumpster next to him. Keith, believing he was following Minister Brantz the entire time, is surprised by all this but realizes that the intimidating man in the smoke was not Brantz. Keith realizes that his plan is in trouble and drives away, only to be stopped by Yor shortly after.

Twilight reconvenes with the agents at the pet shop as they reflect on the failed assassination attempt. Twilight leaves, telling the agents that he has to return to his family. Outside the shop, he runs into Yor, Anya, and the dog with her. Anya and Yor both make excuses to Loid about why they weren't at the adoption fair before Loid asks about the dog. Yor explains what happened while he was gone and Loid realizes that they got caught up with the terrorists. He apologizes for being in the restroom for so long and reprimands Anya for running off by herself, but asks for her safety and Anya tells him that the dog protected her. Loid recognizes the dog as one of Project Apple's test subjects, and looks in Handler's direction, both knowing that they cannot let him run free. Loid then pets the dog, thanking him for protecting Anya.

Handler approaches the family disguised as an SSS agent, and after questioning them, says that they need to take in the dog. Anya refuses the idea, telling them that she wants the dog who saved her. Loid attempts to convince her otherwise but Anya tells him that if she can't keep the dog she'll never go to school again, which shocks Loid and Handler. Handler relents and orders him to keep the dog under control in his supervision. On their way home, Yor and Anya proudly think to themselves about how they saved the day but Loid just painfully sighs about narrowly saving the day, mentioning how his stomach aches. The day after, the dog is delivered to the Forger home as Loid stands with Yor and Anya as they greet him home with a smile.

Loid tells Anya that she cannot get a Stella Star for helping stop the terrorist attack, saying that she has to keep it a secret for East-West relations, and the police could take her away if she talks about it at school. After Anya returns from school, Loid suggests that they take their new dog for a walk, and the family go out to take him to the dog park. Loid explains to her that a dog needs constant discipline and that she has a responsibility to care for him for its whole life. He questions whether Anya has picked out a name yet to which she says she hasn't. He tells her that dogs prefer plosives like "B", "P", and "T" for their name.

While watching Anya play with the dog, Loid thinks back to his comment about taking care of the dog for its whole life and realizes that he's not one to talk about such things. Once he completes his mission, he will abandon the Forger Family and let WISE take care of them instead. He reminds himself that the "peace" between East and West is very thin, using the recent crisis as proof. He tells himself that he needs to end this cold war, which is the best possible future for everyone. Loid calls out to Anya telling her it's time to go, but she realizes that her gloves are missing. After their dog gets them back, Anya tells Loid that she now has a name for him.

At home, Anya introduces her parents to Bond Forger, named after the TV character Bondman. When Anya watches cartoons with Bond, Loid tells her that they will be studying after he is out of the bath and gets annoyed when they start making noise while playing. After he finishes his bath, Yor eagerly beckons to look around the corner to which he sees Anya and Bond curled up against each other on the floor sleeping. Yor giggles and Loid decides to give her a pass from studying for the night.

Midterm Exams Arc
In the evening, Loid notes how Yor has been coming home late the past few days. He is concerned for her, but decides not to pry considering the nature of their relationship. When Yor eventually arrives, Loid notices her grim expression and hands covered in cuts and bandages. Loid asks her if she'd like dinner, but she declines and tells him and Anya to eat by themselves as she's not hungry. As she walks away, Loid wonders what is going on with her.

The following night, Loid is training Bond and thinks about how bright he is and should get security-dog training. Anya tells Loid that she's hungry and he realizes how late it is. Yor arrives with groceries and proclaims that she will be making dinner tonight, which shocks Loid and Anya. As she cooks her stew, she explains that she has been taking cooking lessons with Camilla and apologizes for hiding it from them. She serves them the stew and Loid thinks about how it doesn't smell toxic before taking a bite To his surprise, the food is actually good, which he tells Yor, saying that there's something very comforting about it. Yor starts to cry and Loid asks her what's wrong, but she tells him that she's just relieved that they like it. Loid tells Yor that he can't wait to see what she makes next, and she gives him and Anya her "Yor Forger original" dish. They both excitedly eat the dish before collapsing to the ground.

As Anya's midterms approach, Loid opts to help his daughter with her studies. Knowing that she could get all eight Tonitrus Bolts if she failed her midterms and final exams, Loid has to keep her from getting expelled from the school to continue his mission. However, Anya keeps trying to read his mind and as a result cannot focus on her work. Loid is frustrated at this, and Yor decides to call Yuri to come over to tutor her. After Yuri and Anya introduce themselves, everyone sits at the living room where Loid asks Yuri how things are at the ministry of foreign affairs after the peace talks, hoping to prod some intel from him. After Twilight impersonated Minister Brantz, he is aware that the SSS most likely knows that they were duped and he must be careful around Yuri. After the two finish their conversation, Loid leaves to do some errands, an excuse to work on his other missions.

Loid returns with groceries, and Yor tells him how hard Anya has been studying. After picking up one of Anya's workbook that she worked on, he discovers it to be foreign languages a subject that is not one of her midterm subjects. Dumbfounded, Loid chuckles to himself as he thinks that Operation Strix may very well be doomed.

After the midterm exams have been completed, Twilight is up on the roofs of Eden Academy, worried that Anya has failed her exams. His new objective is to alter Anya's answers before they start grading the tests to prevent her from getting Tonitruses. Jumping down to the school grounds, he disguises himself as Mr. Viehmann, an Eden Academy professor. On his way to the school vault storing the tests, he spots a strange man heading the same direction. Twilight is baffled by the man's unorthodox methods as he makes his way to the vault, and ends up having to cover up his sloppy tracks to avoid suspicion. The man makes his way to the door to the vault, which is watched by a security guard. After failing to show an I.D., the guard tells the man that he will be calling the police. Not wanting to complicate things further, Twilight gives the man the fake I.D. of Mr. Brown, an Information Sciences professor. While doing so, Twilight is bewildered to see that he wrote down his mission details on his hand and sees that it says to change the test answers of the Desmond brothers and concludes that this man is also a spy. After handing the security guard both of their fake I.D.s, they gain access to the vault and head in. The spy attempts to enter into the vault but is unable to enter. He pretends to need to go to the bathroom and lets Twilight enter the passcode in his stead.

Twilight enters the passcode and immediately knocked to the ground by the spy. Believing that Twilight is unconscious, he brings him inside and heads over to the box with the midterms in them. From there he alters Damian and Demetrius's test scores and then decides that he wants to gain exposure by signing his name on the tests. Surprised by this, Twilight jumps up shouting how spies are supposed to not leave a trace. Realizing he had revealed his consciousness and has potentially endangered the real Mr. Viehmann's life, tries to cover it up by saying he saw nothing and wonders if he has to kill the spy. However, the spy, wanting to gain exposure, reveals himself as Daybreak and insists that "Viehmann" tell everyone about him without telling anyone about what he did. After Daybreak rolls away from the vault, Twilight checks Damian and Demetrius's tests and sees that Daybreak changed them to give them failing scores. Knowing that he needs their success for his mission to continue, he reverts their test answers back to the way they were. After fixing their tests, he checks Anya's tests and is surprised by what he sees.

Five days later, Loid asks Anya how can she be so proud herself when she nearly failed every single subject, revealing that he didn't change her scores after all. He decides that he has to be stricter with her in advance of her final exams, but is surprised that did not fail a single test, considering it impressive by her standards. After he thinks that Anya barely managed to keep Operation Strix alive, she gives him a big grin. In response, he tells her that she should be thinking about her grades and asks if she'll still be smirking after their study session tonight, much to her shock.

After returning home, Anya tells her parents about George Glooman's story and what happened at school, and Loid does not understand how Glooman Pharmaceuticals being bought out is the same as them going bankrupt.

Campbelldon Tennis Arc
Anya asks Loid to bring her to his work for a job investigation and he agrees. Two days later, he brings his daughter to the Berlint General Hospital, where he works in the psychiatry department. As it the the capital's most prominent hospital, Twilight decided to work here as many major figures in politics, industry, and military use it, providing many opportunities to steal intel and forge connections. After putting on a lab coat, he takes Anya around the hospital and asks what she wanted to know about his work. Anya asks why Loid became a psychiatrist, and he tells her that everyone catches sicknesses like colds, even in the mind, and he thought it would be good to help those kinds of people, thinking about those who may still be suffering after the war ended. His real reason was that he could potentially approach Donovan if he ever got sick, even if it was a long shot.

After asked what his workplace is like, Loid runs into his co-workers, who start doting on Anya and give her candy, much to her pleasure. Anya asks his co-workers what he's like at work and they tell her that Loid is a polite and humble man, and is very popular around the hospital, even being invited to play golf with the hospital's director. Loid says that it's important to get along, while his true intentions are to maintain a diverse collection of contacts and become the sort of person that people would not suspect to be a spy. Anya asks him what's the hardest part about his job, and he tells her that he has the difficult task of treating wounds that cannot be seen, saying that doctors are not wizards and cannot read minds. Loid tries to continue on the importance of building a relationship of trust with patients but Anya is distracted by eating the candy given by the staff and the staff continue to indulge Anya, causing Loid to angrily state that the interview is over.

One of the staff wishes that they could put Loid in a clinical setting where could put his skills to use and Loid tells him that he's always busy with research, while thinking that the most hardest part of his job is keeping it secondary to his mission. After the staff leave to continue with their work, Anya tells Loid that she wants to see him work, but he tells her that it would be a violation of medical ethics and is unable to show his research to the public, instead taking her to a currently unused consultation room. Anya starts to fiddle with the bookshelf in boredom and Loid quickly stops her, revealing an emergency escape route for when he goes on missions in the bookshelf through his thoughts. Someone knocks on the door of the consultation room, Loid recognizes it as a WISE colleague and asks Anya if she wants him to have Yor pick her up. Anya says she'll wait for him to be done with work, so Loid provides Anya a sand table to play with while she waits, warning her not to touch anything else and leaves.

Outside the consultation room, Fiona Frost gives Loid some documents, disguising another mission for Loid. Loid explains that WISE has placed a number of assets in the hospital to support his cover story. Fiona asks if the little girl is Anya Forger and comments that they seem close. Loid sighs, saying Anya's unpredictability annoys him and Fiona is surprised that someone can get the better of him.

Loid returns to the room and analyzes the sand tray which is used to observe the subconscious mind, but is shocked by Anya's sand tray being utter chaos. Loid believes Anya is subconsciously stressed by her recent adoption, blaming himself for failing as a parent and a spy and decides she needs immediate care. Loid suggests they buy the new Spy Wars issue on their way home and offers to work on the report together. He then picks up her notebook to read it, only to find it completely unintelligible. Anya tells her father that she'll work on the report herself and Loid praises her. When they return home, Yor asks if Anya managed to see Loid perform his concussive therapy, describing the way he punches, kicks and leg sweeps his patients and Loid desperately tries to explain to Yor that it's only for extreme circumstances.

On the day of Anya's report, Loid is summoned to the school after Anya gave a very grim description of him and his job, but he managed to talk his way out with his equivocation skills.

Loid returns home with Anya after taking Bond out for a walk and is surprised to see Fiona Frost, fellow agent Nightfall, inside talking with Yor. He asks Fiona what she's doing here and Yor tells him that she came to return Anya's magnifying glass which was left behind at the hospital. Loid thinks that something urgent must have happened and explains that they returned early as it looked like it was about to rain. As Loid and Fiona hold a conversation, they mouth different words to communicate secretly. Fiona states that she's here to assess the state of Operation Strix. Fiona asks Loid if walking Bond is an essential part of Operation Strix and why it wasn't Yor doing the errands instead. Seeing his talents being wasted on playing house, she suggests they review his operational tactics but Loid tells her it isn't her place to do so. As it starts to rain, the two agents sit down to continue their conversation and Yor brings Loid his coffee with some milk. As he thanks Yor and takes his drink, he hopes that the milk will lessen the damage to his stomach and considers asking Yor to switch him to decaf.

After Anya clings onto Yor and calls her the best mother in the whole world for wiping up her cocoa, a touched Yor tells Loid that she's going to try harder for the family. Loid smiles, and assures Yor that she works hard enough as Anya cares a lot about her, reminding her that she is already a great wife. Fiona then excuses herself and leaves shortly after. Loid notes that she forgot her umbrella and decides to walk her to the station. Twilight runs after Nightfall, and she tells him that she's been assigned to partner with him on the next mission. Twilight asks how could she forget something so important, and is surprised after she turns to him with a sad expression on her face. Nightfall says that she will contact him with the details at the hospital before walking away, telling Twilight that playing house has made him soft and not to drag him down in their joint mission.

At the hospital, Fiona details their new mission to Loid. For the mission, they are to acquire the painting "Lady In The Sun", which is worth roughly one million Dalc. The painting was previously owned by the late Colonel Erik Zacharis, who is believed to have possessed secrets which could reignite the flames of war in a collection documents known as the Zacharis Dossier. Said documents are rumored to contain information about inhumane actions from both the East and the West. The painting is rumored to hold the key to finding the dossier. Not wanting to risk the Eastern government finding the dossier before they do, they must retrieve it from Cavi Campbell, a world renowned art collector. As the painting is being kept beneath Campbell's mansion with tight security, Twilight asks if Nightfall has a plan and she confirms this.

In an underground tennis court, Twilight and Nightfall show up in disguises with tennis rackets in hand. Twilight asks Nightfall if this was the best option and she says she believes it to be the most promising one. Campbell and his underground tennis club run this competition, which is known as "Campbelldon". While the competitors are usually very skilled, the winner of the tournament gets to take an item of their choice from Campbell's collection. It also gets rid of any risks of having to try and steal the painting.

The agents are called to play as Twain and Nafalia Foney, the names which Nightfall registered them under, as well as getting introduced as a married couple. Their opponents are Walson and Bobble, a famous duo that dominated the Grand Slam Circuit a decade ago. Twilight says that he hasn't played much tennis and Nightfall tells him he just needs to stay in the corner and out of her way. Twilight thinks about a WISE agent telling him how Nightfall seems to be in a crazy rush to make a name for herself, and he thinks how he hates this mission already. The bets are against them as two men announce to Twilight and Nightfall that they've been working hard towards perfection and will win this match. Twilight wishes them a good game to which they respond that it will be a slaughter.

The game begins with Twilight serving, and he immediately slams the ball down onto the far edge of their opponent's court leaving a burn mark on the ground and slamming into the fence. They earn their first set of points and Twilight continues to earn these points without letting the other team get any until they win the game. Walson and Bobble are shocked at their loss, but decide in the next game to aim for Nightfall since they haven't seen her play yet. Like Twilight, she destroys them and wins the game without letting up any points. Afterwards, their next opponents are the Bolic Brothers, who use the new drug "Oso-R" to go from scrawny men to large, muscular men. Twilight, after seeing them, questions whether this was really risk-free and Nightfall simply responds by telling him they just need to do their best.

Twilight questions Nightfall on the physical change of the Bolic Brothers, and she tells him that anything from modified rackets, special gear, drugs, and unsportsmanlike conduct is allowed in this tournament. After the brothers mock Twilight, Nightfall ruthlessly beats them in a 2-0 match and he asks if she had to hit them with every single smash.

As the tournament continued, Team Foney steadily made their way to the final match. Twilight and Nightfall are then escorted to a waiting room, where they discuss their next opponents: Carrol and Kim Campbell, Cavi's son and daughter. Twilight mentions that despite them being high-schoolers, they have been training in tennis since early childhood and there may be attempts to tip the scales in their favor. Nightfall is confident in their victory but Twilight tells her to control herself, pointing out her bruised hand. When Nightfall tells him that this will be easy and they don't have time to waste, Twilight tells her that he's heard the same thing from a lot a dead comrades, reminding her that when a spy loses their cool, they also end up losing their life. Nightfall listens and gives him a fiery glare, leading him to believe that she looks down on his methods.

Suddenly, both agents feel a tingling sensation and Twilight tells Nightfall to hold her breath and close her eyes, as a non-lethal chemical agent spreads around the room. The two of them continue their discussion in Morse Code, realizing that their opponents are trying to impair their abilities before the match. Twilight tries to open the door, only to find it locked from the outside. Knowing that they're posing as normal people, they need to play the part and pretend they got caught in the trap.

As the championship match begins, Twilight and Nightfall are still feeling the impairing effects from the gas. As the first set of the match begins, the Campbell siblings use their modified rackets to help them win the set. In the second set, the spies make their comeback with 3 consecutive wins. As Nightfall makes a return, one of the panels on the floor drops, causing her return to go out-of-bounds. The spies notice this and realize that they may have more tricks. However, Twilight is determined to not lose to such gimmicks and asks Nightfall to watch his back, and she tells him that they will crush their opponents together.

Having lost a round to Team Foney, the Campbells try to manipulate the height of the net, which the spies recognize and adapt to. Several other tricks and gimmicks were used against them, but they only amount to being slight annoyances. After winning the second set, Twilight praises Nightfall's abilities, much to her happiness. As the next set starts, Twilight notices Carrol make a signal with his tongue and is quick to notices the sniper hiding in the ducts behind them. Realizing that they are aiming for Nightfall, he quickly grabs her and is shot in the shoulder, knocking both of them to the ground, to the surprise of everyone, including Nightfall. He explains the situation to her, showing her the rubber bullet that shot him and reveals that he expected this might happen, so he wore a bulletproof vest. They then opt to try and work around their shooters, and Twilight tells the line judge that he is suffering from a hangover.

As the game continues, the spies manage to dodge all shots by reading Carrol's signals. The ball boys are then brought in to interfere, but their shots are quickly spotted and parried by Twilight. Twilight and Nightfall take the lead while dodging all the bullets fired at them, appearing to move bizarrely in front of the spectators. Twilight ends up parrying a bullet into Carrol's stomach, leaving the Campbells at a disadvantage. In the final round, Twilight makes a powerful smash that bounces under Carrol's legs, winning the championship match. Twilight is approached by Carrol, who realized that despite being aware of their tricks, the Foneys were able to beat them. The boy starts to cry, confessing that this is the first time he's disappointed in himself, and Twilight gives him words of encouragement, telling Carrol that he's still young and after working hard and honing his skills, can become a great player one day. Twilight then notices a man approach Cavi and whisper something in his ear.

After the game, the agents go to collect their prize from Cavi's collection. When they request the "Lady in the Sun", Cavi arrives to personally tell them that they cannot pick that one due to circumstances beyond his control. Twilight deduces that Cavi received a call from the SSS and are probably on their way to retrieve it. Nightfall requests to view the collection in person, while Twilight leaves with the excuse that "He needed to sleep off his hangover". The SSS agents arrive and leave just as quickly after taking the painting and one of Cavi's men escorts Nightfall out. The man is revealed to be Twilight in disguise, who states that he's had enough of tennis for a while. Nightfall shows him the prizes she picked, deciding to gift one of them to Handler as a souvenir.

On the drive home, Twilight is exhausted, admitting that he panicked a little when Cavi refused to give them the painting, but reveals that they successfully obtained it. Having planned ahead, Twilight brought a forgery of the painting and while disguised as one of Cavi's men, swapped it with the original. With this, the SSS will be left to scour a forgery for a secret code that doesn't exist. Seeing the secret code on the painting, the agents decide to bring it to HQ for analysis and high-five each other, having successfully completed the mission.

Nearing the Forger residence, Twilight asks to be dropped off, but Nightfall offers to drive him all the way home. Twilight removes his mask while reminding her that he is Loid Forger, a happily married man, and doesn't want neighbors to get the wrong idea if they see him leaving a young lady's car, mentioning that people get reported to the Secret Police for infidelity. Nightfall drops him off at the park and before Twilight can say goodbye, he hears Yor call for Anya and Bond to go home. He sees that they were playing tennis and is then surprised to see Nightfall exit her car and approach Yor. Loid greets Yor, explaining that he got a ride from Fiona, while she decided to stop by and say hello. Suddenly, Fiona challenges Yor to a game of tennis. Twilight questions her and Nightfall secretly tells him that she wants to see if Yor is prepared for the physical rigors of Operation Strix.

Loid tells Yor that she doesn't have to do anything, but Yor accepts the challenge. As the game starts, Loid warns Fiona to not do this but is told to step back. Loid and Anya watch on as Yor's serve breaks through Fiona's racket, completely and utterly beating her. Fiona declares Yor the victor for now but will one day challenge her to a revenge match before driving off. Yor wonders if she upset Fiona somehow and Loid suggests that she's really passionate about tennis. Loid hopes Fiona didn't give Yor the wrong idea, but because it's a paper marriage, can't imagine that Yor would be affected by her. His thoughts are interrupted by Yor, who enthusiastically exclaims that she beat Fiona. After Yor struts away, Loid starts feeling exhausted.

A week after completing the mission, Twilight meets with Handler, who briefs him on their findings. The secret code in the painting was deciphered to reveal a set of coordinates to a secret storage site which Handler sent several agents to recover the contents. Handler then hands Twilight the "Zacharis Dossier", in the form of Zacharis' diary. Reading the diary, Twilight learns that the great threat Zacharis was hiding were his collection of starlet photos. Having been a fan of theater, Zacharis liked to support young actresses' careers by buying a souvenir or two. This hobby eventually came between him and his wife, who told him to get rid of his postcards. Zacharis couldn't bear to part with them, forcing him to watch his musicals in secret and lock away his collection, lest it reignite the flames of strife between him and his wife.

Astounded at the revelation, Twilight asks how the dossier rumors started. A WISE Agent tells him that before the war's end, Zacharis hosted some Western diplomats at a musical performance and made them swear to secrecy so his wife wouldn't find out. Over the years, the story he told was embellished into the current rumor. Realizing that he went through all of that for some postcards, Twilight assumes that there must be a greater mystery behind this, but Handler assures him that there was no bombshell to reignite the war and considers it a victory. Twilight agrees, then sees a picture of Zacharis smiling with his wife and daughter and contemplates the notion that any lie is justified in the name of peace.

On his way home, Loid goes to a bakery and orders an apple tart and a slice of caramel nutcake with Yor and Anya in mind.

Loid returns home to overhear his neighbors gossiping about him being a cheater that should be reported to the Secret Police. Loid worries about this, fearing that Yor might tell Yuri about Fiona which could lead to him being caught and killed by the SSS. Looking to resolve the situation with Yor, Loid invites her out after work and has Franky come over to watch over Anya and Bond. Franky expresses his irritation at having to babysit Anya every time Loid goes out, but Loid explains that he has to clear up the misunderstanding about his relationship with Nightfall to Yor and can't discuss it in front of Anya. Loid decides to pay Franky for his help and Franky quickly changes his tune.

Loid takes Yor out to a bar for some drinks. There, he makes a toast with Yor for her hard work. He starts to bring up Fiona and Yor suddenly flinches and shouts. Yor tries to tell him something but can't bring herself to say it, so she downs her drink as well as some of Loid's scotch, to his shock. A drunken Yor then asks Loid if he's in love with Fiona. Loid tries to explain that Fiona is nothing more than a work associate and they have a strictly professional relationship, but Yor doesn't listen to him and instead talks about how she's a bad wife, isn't as pretty as Fiona, and that Loid must be bored with her. Hearing this, Loid realizes that Yor was actually jealous and has romantic feelings for him. Although initially surprised, it takes him 0.1 seconds to enter "Twilight Mode" and he immediately tries to use a honey trap on Yor. He clasps her hands, telling her to trust him and asks if she hates him. He tries to ask her to be his real wife but before he can finish, is kicked clean in the chin by an embarrassed Yor and is sent flying. While midair, Twilight flips and lands on his feet, seemingly unaffected. However, he starts to wobble and reads Yor's powerful kick as a rejection rather than bashfulness, concluding that she didn't have romantic feelings for him after all. Disorientated, Twilight suspects if that was a high-level reverse trap designed to provoke a honey trap from him but realizes how absurd that is. He then questions how he botched an emotional analysis that badly and wonders if being with Yor has thrown him off-balance as he loses consciousness.

While asleep, Twilight hears a lullaby that his mother always sang to him when he was younger. He wakes up and finds himself resting his head on Yor's lap, who was singing the lullaby. A flustered Twilight gets up and asks what happened. Yor explains that they were kicked out of the bar for causing a commotion, so she brought him to a nearby park while Loid rested for about five minutes. Twilight recalls that he hasn't been knocked unconscious since his training days and wonders how he got so sloppy. Yor then apologizes to him, saying that all she has is brute strength and assumes that he is ready to move on. Twilight tells Yor about his mother, how even if he doesn't remember what she looked life, he felt safe around her because she was strong. He relates this to how Anya feels safe around Yor, telling her that she is strong.

He tells Yor that she is already an incredible mother and he doesn't intend to replace her with Fiona as Anya's guardian. He continues to say that her skills are second to none and should have more faith in herself, which is why he hopes she will continue being Anya's mother and his wife. The two return home with Loid having swelled his chin which Anya and Franky tease him for. The next morning, Loid is shocked that Yor has forgotten everything that happened yesterday and they end up having the same conversation all over again.

Imperial Scholars Mixer Arc
Before Becky Blackbell arrived at the Forger home to pick up Anya for shopping, Loid left for a work emergency, but not before giving Anya spending money, believing that forging a positive relationship with the Blackbells could have serious benefits. After Anya returned home, she showed a stunned Loid the sheep keychain she bought that cost 300 dalc (about $950).