Through the CCTV, I indirectly heard a death threat and went to my office to order Lucy to halt her duties.
After finishing lunch with Lucy, I informed her about the facilities available for officers at the General Staff Headquarters and returned to my office.
Most of the afternoon tasks were handled by me.
The reason is simple.
I thought if I piled more work on Lucy, she might actually die.
It’s unlikely, but if Lucy, overwhelmed by work, went berserk and pulled out the revolver from her waist holster and started shooting, that’d be bad news.
So, moving forward, I decided to conduct business in a way that wouldn’t unnecessarily provoke Lucy.
“Captain.”
When all the afternoon tasks were done, Lucy looked up after organizing some documents and glanced at me.
“It’s time to go home.”
Already? I glanced at the wall clock, and sure enough, it was 6 PM.
While I wanted to hum a tune as I left the General Staff Headquarters, leaving with Lucy was not an option. Who knows what could happen?
“Go ahead. I’ll stay back for additional reviews…”
“If you’re staying, then I’ll stay too and assist you, Captain.”
“…I had intended to say that, but I think it’s better if we head home. Let’s go.”
After clearing my throat, I stood up, draped my officer’s coat over my arm, and picked up my briefcase.
Lucy finished her preparations and stood up as well.
We stepped out into the corridor, and Lucy naturally fell into step beside me.
Carrying her briefcase like me, Lucy suddenly tilted her head in confusion.
“Captain? You don’t look well. Is something wrong?”
It’s because of you, you psycho!
…That comment almost slipped out, but I managed to suppress it with superhuman patience.
“Just feeling a little nauseous. Don’t worry about it.”
With that, I maintained silence and walked out of the General Staff Headquarters.
Walking toward the eaves, I stopped.
It was raining—a gentle drizzle rather than a downpour.
Seeing this, Lucy sighed in frustration.
“It’s raining. The meteorologists said it would be clear all day…”
“Pathetic.”
Even future meteorologists sometimes get it wrong, so relying on them without bringing an umbrella is foolish.
“The officers of the Empire must always be prepared for weather changes.”
From my briefcase, I pulled out a folding umbrella.
After a moment of deliberation, I extended the umbrella toward Lucy.
“Take it. I don’t want my direct subordinate to look foolish coming home drenched.”
“But sir…”
“Don’t make me repeat myself.”
Maintaining professional boundaries while extending appropriate kindness prolongs life.
Surprisingly, Lucy looked taken aback before accepting the umbrella with both hands.
“I’ll use it carefully. But are you sure? If I take it, you’ll have to walk home in the rain.”
“There’s a spare in the office. I’ll just go grab it.”
Actually, there isn’t any spare.
Still, I didn’t want to share an umbrella with someone who might be a spy, so I lied.
Lucy gave me a meaningful glance, nodded, and opened the umbrella.
“I’ll see you tomorrow.”
She bowed slightly and walked away.
Watching her leave, I let out a sigh of relief.
‘Survived.’
Sharing an office with a potential spy who might kill me anytime is mentally exhausting.
‘Anyway…’
Now stuck waiting for the rain to stop, I considered handling some of tomorrow’s work early.
At that moment, a vintage steam-engine vehicle with a long hood and sleek body pulled up.
It reminded me of the Dobl Model E—an outdated model from twenty years ago. Only old people or misers drove such vehicles these days.
And according to my knowledge, the owner of this car possessed both traits.
Screeeech—
The car parked neatly at the entrance.
Sure enough, Colonel Ernst Bark, my superior, was sitting in the driver’s seat. Spotting me, he smiled brightly.
“Oh! Captain Daniel! I was just looking for you—what a wonderful coincidence!”
“…You were looking for me?”
“Yes. Didn’t I mention I’d been talking to the royal family? They made an excellent proposal—one you’ll surely enjoy!”
I already felt uneasy.
Sweating cold sweat secretly, I asked,
“What kind of ‘excellent proposal’?”
“You’ve probably heard about the banquet the royal family is hosting to celebrate the victory of the Northern Direction Army? Well, they kindly sent invitations to both of us.”
“Huh? Sure, it makes sense for you, but why invite me to the banquet?”
I genuinely wondered, but Ernst playfully nudged my side.
He seemed especially cheerful after receiving the royal invitation.
“This guy really has modesty ingrained in him, huh? Considering your numerous contributions, how could the royal family not invite you? So, don’t hesitate and come along.”
…Troublesome. Honestly, I didn’t want to attend.
Judging from my knowledge, there will definitely be a terrorist attack during the celebration banquet for the Northern Direction Army’s victory.
Although I’m unclear on the specifics—it was only briefly mentioned in the game history book.
Regardless, I wanted to avoid unknown dangers as much as possible.
But how could a mere captain reject a royal invitation?
Is there any way out? Desperately seeking a solution, I looked at Ernst with a last-ditch effort.
“Colonel, you may not believe me, but I suffer from royal allergy. Whenever I encounter noble and high-ranking individuals, my symptoms worsen. Therefore, could I possibly decline attendance…?”
Ernst frowned—a rare sight.
His gaze carried a hint of disdain, like a teenager encountering an old man’s joke for the first time.
“Captain Daniel.”
“Yes?”
“Please stop making ridiculous excuses.”
“…Yes.”
In this oppressive atmosphere, I realized further attempts to decline would be futile.
Thus, my attendance at the banquet was confirmed.
*
Elsewhere, at the Eisenkrone Palace of the Empire.
Royal Library, Second Floor.
“Her Highness the Princess.”
Selvia, who had been decoding ancient manuscripts while spreading several books across her desk, lifted her head.
There stood a seasoned veteran wearing a uniform adorned with golden wing insignia—Colonel Hartmann Edelstein, the head guard of the princess.
Recognizing the caller, Selvia lowered her head and turned the page of the ancient manuscript.
“Coldly put, what is it?”
Her tone was icy, indicating her deep focus on deciphering the ancient texts and a desire not to be disturbed.
However, even Hartmann couldn’t overlook this situation this time.
“The head of protocol requested my help. He says it’s difficult to prepare for tomorrow’s banquet since Your Highness shows no interest in attire and stays here in the library all the time.”
Selvia sighed softly.
“Then please inform the head of protocol that studying tactics and strategies is far more beneficial than worrying about appearance.”
“Your Highness.”
“Hartmann. I have absolutely no intention of becoming an object of admiration at the banquet. To begin with, celebrating our success in pushing back the Allied Nations in the North seems… unnecessary…”
Trailing off, Selvia shook her head disdainfully.
“If I were in charge, I’d allocate the funds for the banquet to national defense. What exactly is Father thinking?”
A smile tugged at the corner of Hartmann’s lips.
Such humility is hard to associate with someone born with leadership qualities.
However, his aversion to social events could bring long-term disadvantages.
“Your Highness, banquets serve as the foundation of networking, and networking is politics. A nation is essentially a gathering of groups. While excessive socializing can alienate the common people, complete avoidance might turn the nobles against you.”
Historically, those who only receive praise from one side tend not to last long.
“Balancing both factions under your control is the essence of being an emperor—the most powerful leader commanding the world’s strongest army. Do you understand what I’m saying?”
Though correct, it still didn’t sit well with her.
Selvia remained silent in defiance, prompting Hartmann to remember something and speak up.
“Ah, speaking of which, Captain Daniel Steiner will also be attending this banquet. Isn’t he someone you’ve met before, Your Highness?”
At the mention of Daniel Steiner, Selvia’s shoulders visibly twitched.
– “If my death allows you to survive, that is enough. Soldiers exist to protect their country’s citizens.”
His words still lingered in her mind.
He was someone worth having around. Ideally, she wanted him on her side.
Clearing her throat once, Selvia closed the ancient manuscript.
“…Fine. Send the head of protocol here. I suppose minor adjustments to my appearance won’t hurt.”
Though calm in tone, Hartmann noticed her ears turning slightly red.
‘Seems Her Highness isn’t very skilled at hiding her emotions.’
Could it be that this talented individual, Daniel Steiner, has captured her heart?
Hartmann smiled subtly and nodded.
