Chapter 16

The goal was simple: to get Theo off this surveillance duty as quickly as possible. He had to get the man back to his original place. What actions could he take to make that happen?

“Going out of headquarters?”

“Exactly. Going out to have some fun.”

That was it; wear him down until he gave up from sheer exhaustion! Luke always had a plan for everything.

“Do you even realize your situation? On suspension and you’re going out for fun?”

“Why? Is there a rule against it?”

Theo paused, struck by Luke’s unexpected question. Technically, being on suspension didn’t limit one’s ability to go out. It merely meant that, as a soldier, he couldn’t exercise his powers temporarily. Of course, had Luke received a harsher punishment, he might have had to stay confined to the dormitory, but Veil didn’t do that. Likely, it wasn’t in his personality to restrict such freedoms.

“Right?”

“…Yeah, I guess so.”

In other words, there was no official reason to detain Luke if he left headquarters.

“Theo—”

Luke, striding energetically toward the headquarters gate, suddenly stopped and turned.

“Stick close to me and make sure you watch me properly.”

“…”

Luke giggled, and Theo simply looked down at him, observing his oddly excited expression.

Luke knew Theo’s personality very well. A soldier to the core, his mind was filled with training, combat, and nothing else.

Theo was famed within the imperial army not only for his exceptional skills and character, but also as someone who lived for the military. He didn’t drink, didn’t indulge in frivolous amusements, and even when given leave, stayed holed up in his mansion, fulfilling his temporary duties as head of his household.

A man who only knew battle and work; stiff, serious, and utterly unfun. Even if soldiers invited him to drink or play, he would hand over money and refuse sharply. Now, if Luke could drag him out and keep him moving around enthusiastically…

‘He’ll be exhausted and give up in no time.’

Ideally, Luke thought, Theo would refuse outright:

“Going out for fun? Sorry, I decline. I’ll report to headquarters and have another soldier assigned as your monitor.”

If that happened, Luke could achieve his goal effortlessly. Picturing this, he glanced sideways at Theo.

“So? What exactly are we doing out there?”

Contrary to Luke’s expectations, Theo merely nodded once and matched his pace.

“Huh?”

“You said we were going out. I’m asking where we’re going.”

“R-really following me? You don’t have other plans afterward?”

“Nope. My only task today is to monitor you. And didn’t you say—”

Theo bent slightly to meet Luke’s eye level. A fresh early spring breeze brushed across Luke’s bangs.

“ ‘Stick close to me.’ ”

“Right… yeah.”

Shit. Luke hadn’t thought of any plan. Well, whatever; he decided to go with the flow and left headquarters with Theo.

The Ludrein  Square was broadly divided into five streets. At its center stood the famed Rimes Fountain, constructed during the early days of the empire, from which streets radiated in multiple directions.

Called the “Waterway of Beginnings,” it was one of the empire’s famous landmarks, a must-see for foreign tourists.

“So, your plan starts with this fountain?”

To the empire’s citizens, it was just another ornamental structure; boring and unremarkable.

“Uh… yeah! What else would you associate with Heinen? This fountain, of course.”

Luke smiled awkwardly. He’d come here impulsively because it was the first place that came to mind, but even he felt it wasn’t ideal.

“If you’re an imperial citizen, you’ve seen this fountain a thousand times. Why bother?”

“Well, we’re stuck in headquarters most of the time. Opportunities to get out and see something like this are rare.”

It was a half-baked excuse, but convincing enough. In reality, Luke had hardly ever seen the fountain despite what Theo implied.

“And you may have grown up in the capital, seeing this fountain constantly, but I didn’t.”

Luke had come to the capital for the first time to enroll in the military academy, hailing from a small provincial town. Seeing the famous fountain for the first time was after the entrance ceremony.

The empire had a ridiculous saying distinguishing nobles and commoners:

“When did you first see the Waterway of Beginnings?”

Nobles claimed they saw it as children, while commoners said they saw it only after coming to the capital.

“…When did you first see this fountain?”

“Hmm… probably on the day of the military academy entrance ceremony. I remember coming here after the ceremony to look around.”

That had likely been the first time.

“Does it bore you every time you see it? You’ve seen it so many times.”

“Well… I think there was only one time it didn’t bore me.”

Theo rarely spoke about personal matters, keeping his distance even from fellow soldiers. Luke also avoided unnecessary conversation to maintain their rival dynamic.

But today felt different. This wasn’t headquarters, and Luke wasn’t currently acting as a soldier.

“Guess you’ll never know.”

Theo gently nudged Luke, eyes glinting with curiosity, and turned. Luke, indifferent, moved closer to the fountain. He rummaged through his pockets, searching for something. Seeing Luke stopped, Theo naturally moved beside him.

“Looking for something?”

“Uh… got a coin?”

Theo casually handed him a silver coin. Luke tapped it lightly on the ground to steady himself and tossed it into the fountain; a common custom. If the coin landed in the small central groove, the wish would come true.

“Too bad.”

Luke’s coin bounced off the fountain structure, landing nearby. The fountain was notoriously difficult for this.

Suddenly, another coin flew from the side, landing perfectly in the center. [Read on RanaTranslations🌸] Nearby people applauded.

“Not that hard,” Theo said casually. Luke glared at him, annoyed at his success.

“Let’s make a wish already.”

“You failed, though.”

“Shut up.” Luke ignored Theo, closing his eyes.

‘Please let Theo become Supreme Commander soon, and end this cursed duty.’

While Luke prayed quietly, Theo didn’t make a wish, nor even look at the fountain. He simply watched Luke, who muttered to himself with eyes closed, as if observing a private ritual.

“Done.”

After repeating it mentally about ten times, Luke opened his eyes and moved forward.

The Ludrein  streets each had distinct characteristics. Fifth Street was filled with shops for commoners, First Street had salons, boutiques, and upscale shops for nobles, Second Street held grocery stores and eateries, and Fourth Street had jewelers.

And the most famous street, Third Street, was lined with dessert shops: chocolate, macarons, cakes, Schniwalen, and more. Naturally, it was packed with people.

“I didn’t know you were interested in this stuff.”

“Well… I didn’t either.”

Luke had only come because it was the most famous street. He hadn’t expected the crowd or the sweet smells.

They walked slowly into the street. Crowds didn’t hinder them, because:

“C-c, a soldier! Mother, it’s the Imperial Army!”

“Watch your words, kid.”

Citizens, young and old, hesitated at the sight of Theo. Luke dressed casually, but Theo wore his uniform. His imposing physique and striking appearance made him stand out anywhere.

“The crowd is surprisingly orderly.”

“Yes, thanks to you.”

At that moment, a young boy ran excitedly past them and tripped, falling loudly.

“Oh no.”

Luke knelt immediately, lifting the boy.

“You okay, little guy?”

“I’m… okay…”

The boy tried to appear brave, but the fall and stares had made him embarrassed; tears welled in his eyes. Luke sensed that if he cried, it would cause trouble.

“Don’t cry. Want big brother to show you something cool?”

“C-cool?”

“Look at this huge man beside me. He’s a super tall soldier.”

The boy’s eyes widened with excitement.

“W-wow… amazing…”

“Right?”

“Mom!”

A woman, presumably his mother, ran over, thanked Luke, and took her now-brave child away. Luke waved back to the boy, and Theo watched the scene quietly.

“Let’s go.”

“You’re the older brother, why am I the man?”

“Why split hairs over that?”

“But where’s our next destination?”

“Huh?”

Luke had no plan. He glanced around, flustered, and noticed a shop a block ahead:

[100-Year-Old Pavé Chocolate Tasting Event! Taste the sweetness honored with the Most Silver Flags Awarded by the Royal Palace!]

“Th-there?”

Luke awkwardly raised a finger and hurried toward the tasting table. [Read on RanaTranslations🌸] Theo followed slowly.

“Welcome! Would you like to try some?”

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

“Here.”

Luke handed one to Theo and popped one into his mouth. Sweet, slightly bitter; the taste spread across his tongue. Theo, watching Luke, did the same.

“Ugh…”

Perhaps too sweet for him. Unaccustomed to sugary foods, he frowned comically, covering his mouth.

“My tongue feels numb. You actually like this?”

Watching Theo’s expression, Luke suddenly laughed loudly.

“What’s that face? I don’t think I’ve ever seen you like that.”

“….”

A pleasant laugh echoed down the street. The sharpness in Theo’s eyes seemed softened by it. He lowered his hand from his mouth and met Luke’s smile.

“Huh? Theo? Luke?”

From afar, a figure approached the two slowly.