The next day.
Honestly, I didn’t want to go, but Ernst insisted that since we were invited by the Royal Family, it was only proper to dress up a little. There was no way out of it.
So after finishing work at the General Staff Headquarters, Ernst and I went straight to a hair salon.
I mean, come on, who even believes in something called a “Banquet Manor”?
It’s hard to imagine how absurdly rich you’d have to be to build an entire mansion just for banquets.
As we walked toward the grand entrance, the greeter waiting there spoke up.
“It’s a beautiful evening, gentlemen. If you don’t mind, could you please state your names?”
Before I could answer, Ernst jumped in.
“My name is Colonel Ernst Bark, and this handsome young man beside me…”
“Oh! Isn’t that Captain Daniel Steiner? How could I not know such a famous figure!”
“Famous figure…”
Ernst gave me a playful smile as he turned back to me.
It felt like he was saying, “You’re good enough to be here, so stop worrying.” But honestly, it just made me more nervous.
“Head of Operations Staff Colonel Ernst Bark and Operations Staff Captain Daniel Steiner. Verified. Enjoy your evening.”
The greeter stepped aside and bowed deeply.
“Thank you. Have a good evening.”
We entered the banquet hall, where bustling waiters moved around in the first-floor foyer.
“Let’s go inside.”
Walking up the red-carpeted staircase to the second floor, we arrived at the Great Hall.
This enormous hall, easily hundreds of square meters, was filled with countless people chatting away.
One thing stood out: most men were dressed in military uniforms like Ernst and me. Clearly, serving in the army during wartime is considered a great honor here, so everyone seems eager to show off their status.
On the other hand, some were dressed in formal suits or expensive silk robes—probably wealthy citizens or nobles funding the Imperial Army.
While scanning the crowd, a general approached Ernst. The man had a scarred face that left quite an impression.
He was none other than Brigadier General Heinrich Schmidt, Commander of the First Magic Mobile Army Operations Command. Someone I recognized from my past memories.
“Colonel Ernst! Good to see you’ve also received an invitation! And this gentleman beside you…”
Realizing he was a division commander and brigadier general, I snapped to attention and saluted sharply.
“It’s an honor to see you again, Commander. Captain Daniel Steiner reporting.”
“Ah! So you’ve been promoted since last we met? Well deserved, given your achievements. Isn’t that right, aide?”
Captain Philip, standing slightly behind Heinrich, nodded.
“That’s correct. Captain Daniel Steiner, I’m glad you serve in our Empire’s army. You’d be a tough opponent if we ever faced each other on opposite sides.”
“You flatter me.”
And seriously, it was flattery. Most of what I’ve accomplished has been accidental.
But Heinrich seemed pleased by my modesty, smiling approvingly.
“You’re an exceptional talent—I’d love to have you under my command someday. By the way, the Empire is planning a northern expansion for the upcoming war… though perhaps we should discuss this later. Colonel Ernst?”
What’s going on? Why did he cut himself off?
Ernst responded smoothly.
“Yes, sir. Please continue.”
“I think we need to discuss the future of the Empire with the deputy chief of staff, but before that, I’d like to hear your opinion. Would you mind joining me somewhere quieter?”
“Heh, if the commander insists, then I’ll gladly comply.”
They seemed to already have a friendly rapport, laughing together as they moved away.
Captain Philip paused briefly to glance back at me.
“Captain Daniel? It looks like this is your first time attending such an event. Just relax, mingle, and grab some snacks while you wait. The main event won’t start for a while, so try not to get bored.”
His concern genuinely touched me.
Is Captain Philip an angel? I nodded in agreement, and he smiled warmly before following Heinrich.
Now alone, I looked around.
‘First things first…’
Finding a seat at one of the many banquet tables seemed like a good idea. Everyone else was casually conversing, and standing awkwardly by myself would draw unwanted attention.
Too much attention is definitely not needed.
Deciding that, I slowly walked over to one of the tables.
‘Oh.’
Perfect timing—there was an empty seat directly across from someone already eating.
*
Alistair, a spy working for the Eldreshia Kingdom, pretended to eat while subtly scanning the room.
Given that this was a royal banquet, the place was packed with high-ranking officials.
Alistair’s job was simple: relay the actual list of attendees to fellow agents outside. This information would help them execute smoother assassinations when they eventually raid the venue.
While keeping an eye out, Alistair noticed approaching footsteps.
Clack, clack—
The sound of boots grew closer until it stopped abruptly.
Swallowing nervously, Alistair glanced up to find a dark-haired, dark-eyed man staring down at him.
‘Captain Daniel Steiner…’
The infamous interrogator who broke Reginald, known for his tight-lipped demeanor, within a single day.
Why is he here? Did I get caught?
As Alistair secretly sweated bullets, Daniel smiled politely and spoke.
“Mind if I join you? It seems you’re alone.”
Rejecting him now would only raise suspicion, so Alistair reluctantly nodded.
“Yes, please sit if you wish.”
“Thank you. My legs were starting to hurt anyway.”
With casual ease, Daniel pulled out a chair and sat down, placing his military cap on the table.
Leaning back, he let out a relaxed sigh.
“Oh, I forgot to introduce myself. My name is…”
“I know who you are, Captain Daniel Steiner.”
Daniel feigned surprise, widening his eyes.
“You recognize me?”
“Of course. Who in the district doesn’t know about you? Unless they’re spies.”
“Ah, well… fame wasn’t exactly what I aimed for…”
Sighing dramatically, Daniel noticed the food Alistair was eating and exclaimed.
“That’s spaetzle, isn’t it? And schnitzel too! So you’re from the southern region?”
“Yes. In my hometown, spaetzle is a staple.”
“Ah, so you’re from the Bettargen Baronetcy area, then? And specifically…”
Interrupting himself, Daniel raised a hand to stop Alistair.
“Let me guess. Among the spaetzle-eating regions of Bettargen, the Balzach district stands out, doesn’t it? Am I right?”
After a brief pause, Alistair nodded.
Denying it might make things awkward.
“Incredible! Not only are you from the south, but you’re from the Balzach district too! Coincidentally, I’m from there as well. Do you know the village of Pianmari?”
Daniel, genuinely excited to meet a fellow townsman, grinned.
“Ah, yes! There’s a famous restaurant nearby, isn’t there?”
“Yes. Jack’s Restaurant.”
“Exactly! Though it looked run-down from the outside, it was incredibly popular. I used to visit often when I lived there—it’s full of fond memories.”
Snapping his fingers, Daniel added enthusiastically.
“If you know Jack’s Restaurant, then you must have visited! Honestly, it’d be strange for someone from Balzach not to have eaten there.”
“Certainly.”
“What was your favorite dish there?”
Feeling increasingly cornered, Alistair quickly recalled common foods from the southern empire.
“The apple strudel was my favorite. I visited last year, and its flavor still lingers in my memory.”
“Aha! Apple strudel!”
Daniel clapped his hands and chuckled.
“So delicious! The sweetness and softness are unforgettable. Pairing it with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream makes it even better.”
Relieved, Alistair realized mentioning a widely known dessert saved him.
Now that they’d shared some pleasant conversation, it seemed safe to excuse himself soon.
“Hmm… but there’s something odd here…”
Odd? Confused, Alistair stayed silent as Daniel rubbed his chin thoughtfully.
Then, turning his head slowly, Daniel locked eyes with Alistair.
“As far as I know, Jack’s Restaurant stopped serving apple strudel three years ago due to an incident involving a customer having an allergic reaction to apples.”
Curious, Daniel leaned forward earnestly.
His pitch-black eyes blinked steadily.
“But you mentioned eating apple strudel there last year, didn’t you?”
In that moment, Alistair felt a wave of terror as if all the blood drained from his body.
