With interrogation clearance secured through Ernst, Daniel headed to the nearby military police station after work.
Presenting his clearance to the front desk, he entered the interrogation wing, where a startled officer snapped to attention.
"A-Ah! Captain Daniel Steiner, sir! I've been expecting you!"
Sergeant Wendelin, the interrogator, hurriedly stubbed out his cigarette and saluted.
Despite the stiff posture, his entire frame seemed frozen with tension, prompting Daniel to raise an eyebrow.
"Why so nervous?"
For Wendelin, the tension was understandable.
Daniel Steiner was a monster. Two promotions in six months? Practically unheard of. Everyone in the General Staff knew what that meant—he was destined for greatness. As a lowly sergeant, Wendelin could only try not to breathe too loudly in his presence.
But to Daniel, it all felt a bit over the top.
"You look like a recruit on his first day," Daniel muttered, clicking his tongue.
"At ease, Sergeant."
"Yes, sir!"
Snapping to parade rest, Wendelin stepped aside to yield the interrogation room.
Daniel glanced briefly at the overly formal man, then turned his gaze to the one-way glass.
Inside the chamber sat the prisoner—Reginald Harrington. His messy hair, broken glasses, and gaunt face might fool someone else, but Daniel wasn't so easily misled.
This man was once an elite officer from the Allied Nations' intelligence division.
Which meant one thing:
He knew names, faces, and safehouses the Empire hadn't even sniffed out yet.
Daniel's plan was simple:
1. Gain Reginald's trust.
2. Leak hints about defecting.
3. Use the man's network to secure escape routes.
4. Flee to the Allied Nations and enjoy a cushy retirement.
A flawless plan.
All he needed now was execution.
"Any progress?" Daniel asked.
"No, sir. He won't budge. We tried both carrot and stick."
"I'll take it from here."
"Of course, sir!"
Wendelin fished out his key and opened the steel door.
As Daniel stepped in, Reginald slowly looked up. Recognition hit instantly.
"You… you bastard!"
Clank!
He jolted in his seat, straining against the cuffs.
Daniel, unfazed, raised a single finger to his lips.
Shh.
He dragged a chair opposite Reginald and casually sat down, pulling a folder from his briefcase.
"Name: Reginald Harrington. Rank: Major. 107th Assault Battalion. Formerly of Allied Intelligence. Born in Vembaryl, southern Eldresia. That all sound right?"
Reginald glared in silence.
Daniel shrugged and flipped the file closed.
"Suit yourself. I'll just use my method."
He reached over and flipped off the mic.
Wendelin would probably panic, but Daniel's earlier statement about "his method" should buy him a few minutes of uninterrupted time.
"There we go. No one's listening in now. Why don't we have a little heart-to-heart?"
"Heart-to-heart?" Reginald spat. "While I'm cuffed? Is this an Imperial joke?"
As expected, friendly chat wasn't working. Time for plan B.
"I heard the Northern Front offered you several deals. You rejected them all. That must mean you still want to go back home."
Reginald narrowed his eyes. "Obviously."
"Then maybe I can help you."
Daniel leaned in, lowering his voice.
"If you cooperate, I could arrange for you to see your wife and daughter again."
Sweat formed on Reginald's brow.
Daniel had meant it as a friendly gesture.
Reginald heard it as a threat.
"…Do you know where they are?" he asked, voice trembling.
"Of course. I know where they live. What they do. Even their dog's name. 'Archie,' right? Golden retriever?"
Reginald froze.
"How do you know that?!"
"Come on," Daniel replied. "You spy on us, we spy on you. It's fair play."
He tilted his head, feigning nonchalance.
"Oh, and your daughter—Sophia, right? She just started piano lessons. Wants to be a pianist someday."
Daniel smiled. "Cute dream."
That hit the mark.
Reginald's rage softened into wide-eyed horror.
Daniel decided to double down.
"I hear you're a great dad. I wouldn't know. I grew up without one. Guess that's why I admire fathers like you."
A bead of sweat slid down Reginald's temple.
To Daniel, it was small talk.
To Reginald, it was psychological warfare.
"I… I…" he stammered, wiping his brow.
Finally, he swallowed hard.
"Give me some time to think… please."
Daniel blinked. That was fast.
Still, no need to push it. There would be other sessions.
"Sure. Want anything to eat in the meantime?"
Reginald shook his head, still trembling.
Daniel turned to leave. Wendelin was already unlocking the door.
"Oh, one more thing," Daniel said, glancing back.
"Your daughters—beautiful girls. Look just like their mother."
Reginald went pale.
Daniel gave a warm smile.
"See you next time. Hope you'll be more cooperative."
The door shut behind him.
Inside, Reginald's breathing quickened. He trembled all over.
A demon…
Tears welled in his eyes.
That man… that man is the devil himself!
The Next Day
While having lunch with Ernst in the mess hall, I paused mid-bite.
Sergeant Wendelin came in, scanning the room, then marched straight toward me.
He saluted sharply.
"Thank you so much, Captain Daniel Steiner!"
I stared, confused.
Even Ernst looked surprised.
Wendelin lowered his hand and explained with bright eyes.
"After your interrogation, Reginald Harrington agreed to cooperate! He's going to spill everything!"
"What?!"
Ernst beamed.
Meanwhile, I sat in silence.
...What just happened?
I was sure we were just warming up yesterday.
How did it escalate so fast?