I swallowed dryly and adjusted the position of my uniform tie.

‘For now...’

It’s best to act as naturally as possible.

Clearing my throat, I walked toward Lucy.

“I didn’t expect to meet someone here, so I was a bit surprised. More importantly, there’s blood on your coat. Did something happen here?”

Lucy hesitated for a moment before speaking nonchalantly.

“There was an incident.”
“...An incident, you say?”
“Yes. To explain, I work as an emergency medicine specialist and surgeon at the Central Hospital. While walking home after my shift, I encountered a citizen bleeding from a mugging and got blood on my coat while administering first aid.”

Her tone was calm and even, almost unnervingly so.

Not even thirty seconds had passed since we made eye contact and I asked my question, yet she rattled off a plausible explanation without hesitation. It was impressive—almost disturbingly so.

‘So this is what a spy looks like.’

As I admired her performance, Lucy turned the tables and asked me a question.

“May I ask why you’re here, Lieutenant?”

Unlike Lucy, I had no need to lie.

“It’s a bit embarrassing to admit, but I heard there’s a new dessert shop in the outskirts of the capital. I was taking a shortcut to get there and got lost.”
“...A dessert shop?”

Her skeptical response made me feel oddly ashamed.

Judging by her reaction, it seemed men visiting dessert shops alone wasn’t considered normal in this era.

But giving up what I liked because of other people’s opinions wasn’t an option.

“Is there a problem with that?”

Lucy hesitated for a moment before shaking her head.

“No. I was just surprised. I wouldn’t have expected Captain Daniel Steiner, the infamous man without blood or tears, to enjoy sweets fit for children.”

That stung a little.

“Watch your words. Desserts are not junk food.”
“...My apologies. In any case, if you’re lost, I can guide you.”

A guide, huh? It was a little unsettling, but if we were only walking together until we left the alley, it should be fine.

“It wouldn’t be proper for an officer to refuse a citizen’s goodwill. I’ll gladly accept your help. As you seem to already know, I’m Captain Daniel Steiner from the General Staff.”
“Dr. Myrin Seabrith, surgeon at the Central Hospital.”

Lucy and I exchanged a brief handshake before walking down the alley.

Following half a step behind, I stole another glance at her.

Perhaps she thought discarding her coat in front of me would be suspicious. She had turned it inside out to hide the bloodstains and slung it over her arm.

She carried a shoulder bag as well, and no matter how I looked at it, it seemed obvious that it held a pistol and other assassination tools.

‘...I can’t let her open that bag under any circumstances.’

I had no idea what kind of carnage would unfold if she did.

Lucy Emilia wasn’t just a spy—her combat abilities were downright monstrous.

She probably didn’t realize it herself, but if she went all out, she could wipe out a small battalion on her own.

That’s precisely why I’d tried to avoid running into her, but now she was not only my adjutant but also pretending to be a doctor right in front of me. It gave me a headache.

The only silver lining was that Lucy seemed just as uncomfortable being around me. Once we left the alley, we’d be able to part ways cleanly.

“This is it.”

As we emerged from the alley, the main street came into view with a streetcar rolling by.

The sun had set completely, and the streetlights had turned on.

The cool evening breeze mixed with the gentle murmur of pedestrians, creating a pleasant atmosphere.

I was about to bid Lucy farewell when I stopped short.

“Oh! Captain Daniel? Are you by any chance Captain Daniel Steiner?”

A man in a police uniform walking along the sidewalk had spotted me and was approaching with familiarity.

He scrutinized me closely before exclaiming in admiration.

“Ah! It really is you, Captain Steiner! My God! Who would’ve thought I’d run into the Empire’s hero on the street!”

I had considered the possibility of being recognized, but running into a cop while I was with Lucy in disguise didn’t feel like a good omen.

‘And to make matters worse...’

That navy-blue police uniform was one I recognized.

Only members of the Security Bureau were allowed to wear it.

The Security Bureau—commonly referred to as the ‘Secret Police’ or ‘Ideological Police’—existed solely for counterespionage.

Judging by Lucy’s slight shift in posture, she understood the situation as well.

Of course, the officer, oblivious to our circumstances, smiled and extended his hand.

“It’s an honor to meet you, Captain Steiner. I’m Senior Inspector Kartman Schultz from the Security Bureau.”

Ignoring him wasn’t an option, so I smiled back and shook his hand.

“Captain Daniel Steiner, General Staff. It’s not every day you meet someone from the Security Bureau on the street.”
“Haha. This area isn’t actually under my jurisdiction, but I made a reservation at a nearby restaurant. Since it coincided with the end of my shift, I came in uniform.”

Kartman, seemingly struck by an idea, snapped his fingers.

“It must be fate for us to meet like this! How about joining me for dinner? I’ll pay, of course. And if it’s alright with you, your companion is welcome to join us as well.”

This wasn’t good. Should I deny knowing Lucy?

No. That would only prompt him to ask why we were coming out of the alley together.

Security Bureau officers were naturally suspicious of everything—it came with the job.

To avoid complications, I needed to play along and politely decline his invitation.

I opened my mouth, searching for a natural excuse.

“I truly appreciate the invitation, but I got lost on the way here and wandered quite a bit. I’m feeling rather tired.”
“Oh, no need to worry about that. The restaurant I’m heading to is just around the corner. Do you see it?”

Kartman pointed, and sure enough, the restaurant was only a block away.

Realizing I couldn’t refuse any further, I nodded.

“If you’re going that far, then I won’t decline. Let’s go.”

I noticed Lucy nervously swallowing, but there was nothing we could do.

It was force majeure.

*****

The restaurant we entered with Kartman was a high-end establishment frequented by the upper class.

The luxurious tableware, elegant interior design, and impeccably dressed waiters were enough to feast the eyes.

We were guided by a waiter to a window-side table overlooking the city. After placing a simple order, Kartman gave me a soft, friendly smile.

“It’s truly fascinating no matter how many times I think about it. Seeing a hero I’ve only read about in newspapers and seen on TV right in front of me feels almost surreal.”
“A hero? That’s far too much praise.”
“No need to be modest. In fact, many people in our Security Bureau are fans of yours. Myself included. Haha. I’ll be bragging about this meeting for generations to come.”

As Kartman continued the pleasant chatter, he turned his gaze toward Lucy, who was seated beside me.

His expression hinted at curiosity—something didn’t quite add up.

“...But your companion hasn’t removed her sunglasses. It’s an indoor setting; there’s no need to keep them on.”

He wasn’t wrong. But if Lucy took off her sunglasses, her red eyes would be exposed.

And once her identity was compromised, there was no telling what kind of chaos she might unleash.

“Not to mention,” Kartman added, “she hasn’t said a single word. Surely she knows that remaining silent in such a setting could be considered rude. If her hands are occupied, I could help remove the sunglasses—”

Kartman reached toward Lucy’s face.

Sensing that she couldn’t deceive both the Security Bureau officer and me simultaneously, Lucy began to move her hand under the table toward her shoulder bag.

It was a powder keg waiting to explode.

Breaking into a cold sweat, I hurriedly grabbed Kartman’s wrist.

“...Captain?”

Kartman looked at me, surprised, and I forced an awkward smile.

“Oh dear, I completely forgot to make introductions. This woman here served as a military doctor on the Eastern Front. Unfortunately, she sustained an eye injury from enemy forces... I’m sure you understand.”

Kartman’s eyes widened, and he let out a sympathetic sigh.

“My God. I had no idea something so terrible had happened. My apologies. I nearly committed a grave offense by asking her to remove her sunglasses. But her silence...”

As expected of a Security Bureau officer—he didn’t lower his guard so easily.

Quickly running through my options, I spoke in a somber tone.

“She developed aphasia due to the trauma. She wants to speak, but she physically cannot.”

Kartman pulled back his hand, fidgeting with his fingers as guilt washed over his face.

“...Hearing that, I realize I’ve been terribly rude. My sincerest apologies. I suppose it’s my job to be suspicious of others... Hm. I think I’ll step away to the restroom to clear my head.”

Kartman pushed back his chair and stood, offering Lucy a formal bow before heading toward the restroom.

The moment he was out of sight, Lucy turned to me.

She looked rattled—more so than usual.

I cleared my throat and leaned slightly toward her, whispering just loud enough for her to hear.

“I know. I know you’re innocent, Doctor. But we’re dealing with a Security Bureau officer here. You’ve heard of special arrest authority, haven’t you? They can detain you based on nothing more than suspicion.”

The priority was to dispel Lucy’s suspicions that I might know her real identity.

“If he’s already risen to the rank of Senior Inspector, you can bet he’s thrown plenty of innocent people in prison. That’s why there’s a saying—‘Even an innocent man leaves the Security Bureau as a convicted spy.’”

I shrugged.

“I’m just trying to keep you out of trouble, Doctor... uh, what was it again? Myrin Sea—something?”

Lucy said nothing, simply glaring at me.

She seemed pissed.

Seeing that, I snapped my fingers like I’d figured something out.

“That’s right. You’re Myrin Seabrith. And you’ve got aphasia. A perfect attitude, really. Until we’re safely away from the Security Bureau officer, you need to stick with this role. Understood?”

Lucy remained silent. Her lack of response irritated me, so I pressed her further.

“Answer me. With actions, if not words.”

Clearly frustrated, Lucy turned her head away, biting down on her lower lip.

This wasn’t good. I needed a clear confirmation, so I tapped the table lightly.

“Answer.”

Finally, Lucy let out a low sigh and gave a small nod.

She’d decided—for now—that following my lead was the safest option.