Chapter 16

Captain Daniel Steiner, having received interrogation clearance through Colonel Ernst Bark, headed to the Military Police station near headquarters after work.

Informing the administrative clerks of his clearance, Daniel entered the interrogation room, where an interrogator who had been puffing on a cigarette jumped up in surprise.

“Ah! I-Isn’t that Captain Daniel Steiner?! I’ve been waiting for you!”

Corporal Wendelin hastily stubbed out his cigarette and saluted sharply.

Though somewhat awkward in posture, Wendelin’s rigid stance made Daniel tilt his head curiously.

From Wendelin’s perspective, there was no way not to be nervous. After all, who was this Captain Daniel Steiner standing before him? A monster who’d already received two special promotions within half a year of commissioning.

Two special promotions from General Staff Headquarters were practically confirmation of eventual rank as a field officer. Thus, Corporal Wendelin was essentially showing loyalty to a future field officer.

But to Daniel, Wendelin’s stiff posture seemed almost excessive—like he was looking at a fresh recruit in boot camp. Daniel clicked his tongue.

“Relax, you can lower your hand.”

“Understood!”

With a crisp about-face, Wendelin stepped aside, signaling he’d relinquish the interrogator’s seat now that Daniel had arrived with proper clearance.

Daniel glanced over Wendelin briefly before focusing ahead. Through the one-way glass designed for security, a prisoner sat handcuffed at a table. This man, looking haggard with worn-out glasses, was Reginald Harrington, formerly of the United Nations (or Allied Nations). During his captaincy, he’d worked in intelligence—a real elite.

‘Which means…’

He must know ways to contact the Allied Nations from within the Empire.

Thus, Daniel’s plan unfolded:

1. Build rapport with Reginald Harrington to break down barriers.

2. Once trust is established, hint at wanting to defect to the Allied Nations.

3. Use Reginald’s contacts within the Empire to plot an escape route.

4. Escape together to the Allied Nations, receive appropriate treatment, and live happily ever after.

A perfect escape plan indeed.

Feeling confident, Daniel turned back to Wendelin.

“Corporal Wendelin, any progress?”

“Uh? Oh… He’s tight-lipped. No matter what we asked or tried to coax him with, he wouldn’t budge. It’s been tough.”

“I see. Mind if I try my hand at interrogating him?”

Wendelin nodded.

“Of course, since you have clearance, there’s no problem. Let me open the door for you.”

Pulling keys from his belt, Wendelin unlocked the steel door leading into the interrogation room. With a quick nod of thanks, Daniel stepped inside.

Once confirming Daniel’s entrance, Wendelin closed the door, prompting Reginald Harrington to slowly raise his head at the sound. Recognizing Daniel, his eyes widened dramatically.

“Y-you son of a…!”

Clang! Struggling against his handcuffs as if trying to break free, Reginald lunged forward, but Daniel remained calm, raising a finger to his lips in silence. Pulling out a chair, he sat across the table from Reginald. Aware that Corporal Wendelin was watching through the glass, Daniel retrieved a document folder from his briefcase.

The folder contained Reginald’s personal information provided by the intelligence department.

“Name: Reginald Harrington. Rank: Lieutenant Colonel. Commander of the 107th Assault Battalion of the Allied Liberation Front. From Eldreshia Kingdom, originally from the southern Nambaril region. Is that correct?”

Reginald glared but didn’t respond.

Shrugging, Daniel extended his hand.

“Alright then, let me handle things my way.”

Deliberately emphasizing “my way,” Daniel turned off the microphone mounted on the desk. Normally prohibited during interrogations, this move would reinforce the distinctiveness of his approach, ensuring Wendelin wouldn’t interrupt.

“Good. Now that the mic is off, our conversation won’t be overheard outside. You don’t need to worry about leaks. How about we talk more freely?”

“Freely? With these cuffs on? So this is how the Empire jokes, huh?”

Clearly, immediate friendly dialogue wasn’t going to happen. Time for a direct approach.

“Reginald, I heard the Northern Direction Army of the Empire made several generous offers, all of which you refused. Still set on returning to the Allied Nations, are you?”

“Well, duh.”

“Fair enough. But I can help in various ways. If you cooperate, maybe you’ll get to see your wife and daughters back home.”

Cold sweat formed on Reginald’s forehead.

Daniel meant it as an olive branch, but from Reginald’s perspective, it felt like a threat against his family. Taking a deep breath, Reginald spoke shakily.

“…Do you know where my family is?”

Daniel nodded.

“Yes. Not only do we know where they live and what they do, we even know their dog’s name—it’s ‘Archie,’ right? A Golden Retriever.”

Reginald’s eyes widened further as Daniel recounted details from Imperial Intelligence.

“How could you possibly…”

“No reason to be shocked. Just as your side spies on us, we spy on yours.”

Thinking of something else, Daniel added casually:

“Oh, also, your eldest daughter Sophia has started piano lessons. Her dream is to become a pianist, isn’t it?”

Following Colonel Ernst’s example, Daniel figured talking about family might build rapport.

‘It’s working.’

Judging by Reginald’s softened demeanor, Daniel’s approach seemed effective. Smiling faintly, Daniel continued.

“From what I’ve gathered, you’re quite devoted to your family. I wish I had a father like that. As an orphan, I understand how hard life can be without one.”

Another bead of cold sweat trickled down Reginald’s temple. To him, Daniel’s seemingly casual comment sounded like, “Do you want your daughters to grow up fatherless?” And he said it so calmly, with a smile.

“I…I…”

Reginald pressed his fingers to his forehead, trying to steady his breathing. Swallowing hard, he finally spoke.

“Give me… Give me time to think. Please.”

Huh? Already? Daniel had hoped to build more rapport, but given Reginald’s likely prolonged stay, they’d have plenty of time to chat later. Rising from his seat, Daniel suggested:

“Alright. Next time, then. Is there anything you’d like to eat?”

Reginald shook his head.

Seeing this, Daniel shrugged and walked toward the door. The sound of Wendelin unlocking it echoed from outside. Pausing briefly, Daniel turned back to Reginald.

“Oh, Lieutenant Colonel Reginald? Speaking of which, your daughters take after their mother—they’re really beautiful.”

An innocent remark intended as goodwill, but to Reginald, it felt ominous.

‘What does he plan to do with my daughters?’

Daniel’s cryptic words sent Reginald’s heart racing in panic.

As tension and fear skyrocketed, Reginald’s heartbeat became erratic. Unaware of Reginald’s turmoil, Daniel waved goodbye with a smile.

“Well, until next time. Your cooperation will be appreciated then.”

Before Reginald could respond, the steel door opened. Watching Daniel leave powerlessly, Reginald soon began hyperventilating, trembling.

‘A demon…’

Tears silently streamed down Reginald’s face as he whispered in despair.

‘That man is undoubtedly a demon sent by Satan!’

—

The next day.

While enjoying breakfast with Colonel Ernst as usual, I froze mid-meal when Corporal Wendelin entered the dining room, scanning the area before heading straight toward me.

Wondering what business he had, I set down my utensils as Wendelin saluted.

“Thank you so much! Captain Daniel Steiner!”

Caught off guard by such gratitude, I blinked dumbfounded. Ernst seemed equally confused, merely staring intently at Wendelin.

Noticing the stares, Wendelin lowered his hand and explained.

“Right after Captain Daniel Steiner interrogated him, Reginald Harrington agreed to cooperate with the Imperial Army. He says he’ll reveal everything he knows!”

“Oh! Is that true?”

Ernst lit up, but I felt a strange numbness creep over me.

‘Wait… why?’

I distinctly remembered yesterday’s positive vibe. None of it made sense.