Chapter 54

The next day.

Steiner reported on operations support as he entered the staff office at the General Staff Headquarters for work. There, he engaged in conversation with Colonel Ernst Bark, the Chief of Staff.

After finishing the formal report, Colonel Ernst smiled approvingly and informed Daniel that he could now conduct his duties from a personal office.

“There’s no need for someone of your competence to live among the staff,” was the reasoning behind it.

Daniel tried to refuse, but Ernst insisted stubbornly, even throwing in the word “order,” implying the decision had already been made higher up.

As a result, well into the afternoon, Daniel found himself working from his personal office.

Not too far away, Lucy Emilia was reviewing documents—just an added bonus.

Watching Lucy diligently working at her desk, Daniel leaned back in his chair, feeling tired.

“So I’ve returned to headquarters… but…”

Unfortunately, this wasn’t exactly what Daniel wanted. His recent achievements on the battlefield had earned him so much recognition that he was now caught in the succession struggle between the prince and princess.

Though temporarily patched up for now, there was no telling when their schemes would reach here.

“And His Majesty doesn’t seem to fully trust me either…”

From Daniel’s perspective, the Emperor’s attitude yesterday felt like he was testing him.

Whatever conclusion the Emperor drew during that process, it probably wasn’t favorable.

“Even the people in the General Staff are subtly avoiding me…”

When Daniel entered the staff office earlier for reporting, all he encountered was awkward silence.

He expected a warm welcome, but instead, the staff officers were acting nervous and watching him carefully.

A few did approach to greet him, but their manner was stiff.

“D-Daniel Captain! It’s truly fortunate you’ve returned safely!”

“If there’s anything you need, please don’t hesitate to ask!”

“The Golden Cross Medal… H-His Majesty personally awarded it to you, right?”

Their voices and expressions carried an unmistakable sense of fear.

“Did rumors spread? That I mercilessly threatened the enemy nation’s foreign minister to secure negotiations…”

It was clearly a misunderstanding, but Daniel couldn’t explain without putting himself in an awkward position. In trying to untangle one knot, he’d only tied several more.

With a quiet sigh, Daniel glanced at Lucy hopefully.

“Aide-de-Camp, do I seem scary to you?”

Lucy blinked a few times before answering.

“I’m not sure what you mean, but to me, Captain, you don’t seem frightening.”

“But wouldn’t it be better if you were just a little scared of me?” Daniel thought to himself but kept it hidden, nodding briefly before pretending to focus on his work.

Lucy turned her attention back to her documents, but Daniel, unable to concentrate, eventually put down his paperwork.

“I should visit the Officer’s Club after work today…”

At Daniel’s muttered words, Lucy perked up.

“The Officer’s Club?”

To Lucy’s knowledge, the Officer’s Club within the Imperial General Staff Headquarters was a social gathering place that served drinks and cocktails.

Seeing this as an opportunity, Lucy quietly formulated a plan while glancing at Daniel.

*

Without hesitation, Daniel headed straight for the Officer’s Club after work.

Witnessing this, Lucy waited around nearby for about an hour before entering the club herself.

She timed it so their meeting would appear coincidental.

“Alright, let’s get started.”

Upon entering, Lucy scanned the room.

Under elegant lighting, the club exuded a classic atmosphere with wooden panels and velvet sofas. Officers of various ranks mingled together, sharing drinks, making it a true social venue.

“Where is Daniel Steiner…”

Spotting him sitting alone at the bar table, Lucy took a deep breath to calm her nerves and sat beside him.

“Captain? There you are.”

There was no response from Daniel.

Glancing over, Lucy saw him gripping a glass with one hand, resting his forehead with the other, eyes closed, lost in thought.

Not knowing what he was pondering, Lucy decided not to disturb him and looked up at the bartender.

“Excuse me…”

“Hm? Ah, miss. What’ll it be?”

Lucy hesitated briefly before replying.

“I’d like the same as Captain Daniel.”

“You have good taste in Scotch whisky then? Johnny Walker, especially. Light yet sophisticated. An excellent choice.”

The bartender prepared a clean glass, added a large ice cube, and poured the Johnny Walker.

“Here you go.”

Nodding her thanks, Lucy accepted the drink.

The amber hue of the whisky complemented the soft lighting beautifully.

Gently swirling the glass, which reflected her face, Lucy thought about alcohol.

Something she had avoided until now because it didn’t help with her espionage activities but was necessary if she wanted to connect with Daniel and ultimately “seduce” him.

Lifting the glass, Lucy closed her eyes and took a sip.

And immediately winced.

“Ugh…”

It felt like swallowing fire, and the alcohol scent lingering in her mouth was unpleasant.

Why does Daniel drink this stuff? Confused, Lucy glanced at him, only to find his posture unchanged.

“Could he…?”

Is he asleep? Lucy blinked in confusion and turned to the bartender.

“Excuse me, may I ask something?”

“What is it?”

“Has Captain Daniel consumed a lot of alcohol?”

At Lucy’s question, the bartender chuckled and shrugged.

“Yeah. He must’ve had a tough day. He’s had seven consecutive drinks. Something about life being endless suffering… Then he started mumbling philosophically, closed his eyes, and hasn’t moved since.”

This left Lucy speechless.

She had planned to pretend to be drunk to seduce Daniel, but he had passed out first.

Letting out a low sigh, Lucy stood up and bowed slightly to the bartender.

“I apologize on behalf of Captain Daniel for any inconvenience caused.”

“Oh no, not at all. Captain Daniel is actually very polite. If we had more customers like him, that’d be great.”

“Thank you for understanding. As for Captain Daniel…”

Looking down at Daniel, Lucy sighed resignedly.

“I’ll take him back to his quarters.”

Thus, Lucy unexpectedly found herself responsible for her superior’s welfare.

*

Arriving at Daniel’s quarters, Lucy unlocked the door and helped him onto the bed.

Once lying down, Daniel mumbled softly.

“Water…”

Exhausted from dragging Daniel back, Lucy’s forehead veins popped.

“Should I kill him?”

If an assassination mission had come through now, she might’ve pulled the trigger without hesitation.

Still, she walked to the kitchen and fetched a cup of water.

She figured she could at least offer him some water.

Returning with the cup, Lucy knelt by the bed and gently shook Daniel’s shoulder.

“Captain, I’ve brought water.”

She wanted him to sit up to avoid choking.

But Daniel, completely intoxicated, showed no intention of getting up.

Just as Lucy was about to shake him harder, Daniel suddenly grabbed her arm and pulled.

“Wha—!?”

Reacting instinctively, Lucy shut her eyes tightly, only to open them slowly and find herself staring at Daniel’s chest.

Realizing she was in his embrace, Lucy’s eyes widened in shock.

“No way!”

Before she could react, Daniel reached for the back of her head and pulled her closer.

“Don’t leave…”

A deep voice whispered in her ear.

At that moment, Lucy remembered what Prien had said.

“Men are basically wolves.”

True, even a cold-blooded man like Daniel Steiner was still a man in his prime.

“But still…”

She hadn’t expected to end up in his arms so suddenly.

Torn between pushing him away and staying due to her mission, Lucy tensed as Daniel spoke again.

“That side is muddy… The principal will scold you…”

Principal? Blinking several times, Lucy sighed softly.

“It’s sleep talking…”

Understanding the situation, Lucy gently disentangled herself from Daniel’s grip and stood up.

Looking down at Daniel sleeping soundly, Lucy gave him a peculiar look before shaking her head and rushing out of the quarters.

Bang.

Closing the door quickly behind her, Lucy exhaled deeply.

Trying to organize her chaotic thoughts, Lucy clenched her fists against the door.

“It was dangerous…”

Though she knew it was dangerous, Lucy couldn’t quite define why.

Unconsciously gripping her uniform skirt, Lucy’s face flushed.

For some reason, her heart refused to slow its pace.