Chapter 16: Chapter 16

The goal was simple: to get Theo off his surveillance duty as soon as possible. It was all about returning him to his original position. So, what action should he take to make that happen?

"Going out of headquarters for an outing?"

"Exactly. I’m going out to have some fun."

The plan was to bore Theo to death, exhaust him, and make him give up on his own. Luke always had a plan for everything.

"Don’t you know your current situation? A suspended officer going out for fun?"

"Why? Is there a rule that says I can’t?"

Theo paused for a moment, considering Luke’s pointed question. Technically speaking, being suspended didn’t restrict Luke from leaving the headquarters. All it did was temporarily strip him of his authority as a soldier. If Luke had been handed a harsher punishment, he might have been confined to the dormitory, but Veil hadn’t gone that far. Knowing Veil’s personality, imposing such restrictions probably didn’t sit well with him.

"There isn’t, is there?"

"…No, there isn’t."

In other words, there was no valid reason to stop Luke from leaving the headquarters.

"Theo."

Luke, who had been striding energetically toward the main gates of the headquarters after leaving the dormitory, suddenly stopped in his tracks and turned around.

"Stick close to me and keep a proper watch."

"…."

As Luke chuckled, Theo simply stared down at him, his expression unreadable, as if Luke’s excitement had rendered him unamused.

Luke knew exactly what kind of person Theo was. A soldier to his core, with a brain filled only with training, combat, and more of the same.

Theo was famous in the imperial army not only for his exceptional skills and character but also as someone for whom being a soldier was a calling. He didn’t enjoy drinking, had no interest in games or entertainment, and even when given leave, he would stay cooped up at his estate, fulfilling his responsibilities as acting head of the family.

In short, Theo was a stiff, boring guy who knew nothing but fighting and work. No matter how much his comrades invited him to join their outings, he would only hand them money and refuse outright. That was the kind of man Theo Redrick was.

But what if Luke dragged this rigid man outside and took him to one lively place after another?

‘He’ll definitely tire himself out and quit.’

Honestly, Luke would have preferred if Theo just gave up right now. Something like this:

‘What? Go out for fun? Sorry, but I’ll pass. I’ll talk to the higher-ups and have someone else assigned to monitor you.’

That would save Luke the effort of going through with his plan. Thinking of this possibility, Luke glanced sideways at Theo, his mind filled with hopeful scenarios.

"So? What exactly are you planning to do outside?"

Contrary to Luke’s expectations, Theo nodded once and matched his steps with Luke.

"What?"

"You said you were going out to have fun. I’m asking where you plan to go."

"Y-You’re seriously coming with me? Don’t you have anything else on your schedule?"

"No. My only task today is to monitor you. And didn’t you say it yourself?"

Theo leaned down slightly, meeting Luke’s eyes. A crisp early spring breeze brushed through Luke’s bangs for a fleeting moment.

"To stick close to you."

"Ah… yeah, I did."

Tch, so much for planning ahead. Left with no choice, Luke decided to go with the flow and left the headquarters with Theo by his side.

***

Rudrain Plaza was divided into five main streets. At its center stood the famous Limes Fountain, a structure built in the early days of the empire. From this central point, the streets branched out in various directions.

Also known as the “Stream of Beginnings,” the fountain was one of the empire’s most renowned landmarks and a must-visit destination for foreign tourists.

"So, is your grand plan to start by looking at this fountain?"

To put it simply, for citizens of the empire, it was just another ordinary structure they’d seen too many times to be impressed by anymore.

"Well... yeah! Isn’t this fountain practically the symbol of Heiner?"

Luke gave an awkward laugh. It was the first place that came to mind, so he’d come here without much thought. Even to himself, it felt like a poor choice.

"Do we really need to see this fountain that every imperial citizen is sick of?"

"Ugh, you’re so full of complaints. We’ve been stuck in headquarters so much that we rarely get a chance to come out and enjoy places like this."

It was a hastily made excuse, but it wasn’t entirely implausible. And, unfortunately, Luke didn’t have the luxury of seeing this fountain as often as Theo implied.

"Maybe you’ve seen it a million times, growing up here in the capital, but not me."

Luke had only come to the capital to attend the officer academy. He was from a small provincial town, so this famous fountain had been entirely new to him back then.

In the empire, there was an amusing way people distinguished between nobles and commoners: nobles claimed they’d seen the Stream of Beginnings since childhood, while commoners usually admitted they’d first seen it after moving to the capital.

"…So, when did you first see this fountain?"

"Hmm… it must’ve been the day of my officer academy entrance ceremony. I remember coming to look at it after the event was over."

That was probably the first time.

"And now you feel nothing every time you see it, right? It must be boring by now."

"Not exactly. There’s been one time when I didn’t find it boring."

"Oh, really? When was that?"

Theo rarely spoke about personal matters. He didn’t form close relationships within the imperial army and maintained a strictly professional demeanor. Likewise, Luke avoided unnecessary conversations to maintain their rivalry.

But today felt like an exception. They weren’t at headquarters, and, technically, Luke wasn’t even an active soldier right now.

"You don’t need to know."

Theo gently pushed the curious Luke aside and turned away. Unbothered, Luke stepped closer to the fountain and began rummaging through his pockets. Not hearing Theo’s footsteps, he glanced to see the man naturally following him.

"What are you doing?"

"Huh? Do you have a coin?"

Theo handed over a silver coin without hesitation. Luke adjusted his posture, then flicked the coin toward the fountain. A small indentation at the center of the fountain was said to grant wishes if you managed to land a coin there.

"Ah, too bad."

Unfortunately, the coin hit part of the fountain’s structure and bounced off, landing nearby. It was notoriously difficult to land a coin in the fountain’s center.

Then, suddenly, another coin flew past Luke and landed perfectly in the middle of the fountain. A few people nearby clapped in appreciation.

"It’s not that hard."

Luke glared at Theo, who had made it look effortless, with a face full of annoyance.

"Yeah, yeah, just make your wish already."

"You didn’t even succeed."

"Shut up." Luke ignored Theo’s remark and closed his eyes.

Please, let Theo get promoted to Commander-in-Chief as soon as possible, and let this miserable surveillance duty end.

While Luke earnestly repeated his wish about ten times, Theo didn’t even look at the fountain. Instead, he watched Luke closely, observing him mutter with his eyes shut.

"Done."

Only after finishing his silent prayer did Luke open his eyes and start walking again.

The streets of Rudrain Plaza each had their own distinct character. Fifth Street was popular among commoners, featuring shops tailored to their needs. First Street was filled with salons, boutiques, and upscale establishments frequented by nobles. Second Street hosted grocery stores and restaurants, while Fourth Street was home to jewelers and accessory shops.

And then there was Third Street, the most famous of all. Lined with dessert shops and cafés, it offered everything from chocolate and macarons to cakes and schneeballen. Naturally, it was always bustling with people.

"I didn’t think you’d be interested in a place like this," Theo remarked.

"Well… neither did I."

In truth, Luke had only come because it was the most popular street. He hadn’t expected the overwhelming crowd or the sweet aroma that filled the air.

As the two walked in, the throng of people didn’t pose as much of a problem as Luke had anticipated. Why?

"Look, Mom! It’s an imperial soldier!"

"Shush, watch your words."

Regardless of age or gender, ordinary citizens stepped back hesitantly when they saw Theo. While Luke wore casual clothes, Theo was in full uniform. His imposing stature and striking appearance made him impossible to ignore.

"It’s quite orderly here, despite the crowd."

"Yeah, all thanks to you."

It was then that a boy dashed past them, only to trip and fall with a loud thud.

"Oh no."

Luke knelt down immediately and helped the boy up.

"Hey, little guy, are you okay?"

"I-I’m fine… sniff…"@@novelbin@@

The boy tried to act tough, but the pain of falling and the crowd’s attention seemed to overwhelm him. His eyes welled up, and he looked ready to cry. Luke realized instantly that if the boy started crying, things would get complicated.

"Hey, don’t cry. Want me to show you something cool?"

"S-Something cool?"

"Look at this big guy next to me. He’s a really high-ranking soldier."

That seemed to work. The boy’s tearful eyes widened in awe.

"Wow… so cool…"

"Right?"

At that moment, a woman who appeared to be the boy’s mother rushed over. After bowing repeatedly to Luke in thanks, she took the now-cheerful boy and left. Luke waved back at the boy, who was waving at him with newfound confidence.

"Let’s go," Luke said, getting back on his feet.

"You’re a ‘hyung,’ but I’m an ‘ajusshi’?"

"Why are you being so petty?"

"So, what’s your next destination?"

"Uh…"

He didn’t have one. Luke quickly scanned his surroundings, his eyes landing on a shop sign a block ahead.

[100-Year Tradition: Free Tasting of Pave Chocolate! Indulge in the sweetness awarded the most Silver Flags by the Imperial Palace!]

"There… maybe?"

Luke pointed awkwardly and made a beeline for the tasting booth. Theo followed at a more leisurely pace.

"Welcome! Would you like to try some?"

The shop attendant handed them two pieces of pave chocolate with a bright smile.

"Here."

Luke handed one to Theo and popped the other into his mouth. The chocolate melted in his mouth, filling it with a bittersweet flavor. Theo, observing him, also took a bite.

"…"

But it seemed the sweetness was too much for Theo, who rarely ate sweets. His face contorted comically as he covered his mouth with his hand.

"My tongue feels numb. Do you actually enjoy this?"

Luke burst into laughter at Theo’s exaggerated reaction.

"What’s with that face? I think it’s the first time I’ve seen you look like that."

"…"

Theo silently lowered his hand and gazed at Luke, whose laughter echoed through the street. His sharp eyes softened with his smile, giving him an unexpectedly gentle look.

"Hey, Theo? Luke?"

A familiar figure approached them from a distance.