I swallowed hard and adjusted my uniform tie.
'For now…'
It was best to act as naturally as possible.
Clearing my throat, I walked toward Lucy.
"I didn't expect to run into anyone here, so you caught me off guard. More importantly, there's blood on your coat. Did something happen?"
Lucy paused briefly before answering with complete nonchalance.
"There was an incident."
"...An incident?"
"Yes. I'm an emergency medicine specialist and surgeon at Central Hospital. On my way home after a shift, I came across someone bleeding from a mugging and got blood on me while performing first aid."
Her tone was calm and level—unnervingly so.
Barely thirty seconds had passed since we locked eyes and I spoke, yet she came up with a perfect explanation without missing a beat. It was... impressive. Almost disturbingly so.
'So this is what a spy looks like.'
As I silently admired her performance, Lucy flipped the script.
"May I ask why you're here, Lieutenant?"
Unlike Lucy, I didn't have to lie.
"It's a little embarrassing, but I heard about a new dessert shop out on the edge of the capital. I tried to take a shortcut and got lost."
"...A dessert shop?"
Her skeptical tone made me feel oddly ashamed.
Apparently, men going to dessert shops alone wasn't considered normal in this era.
But giving up things I liked just because of social expectations? That wasn't happening.
"Is there a problem with that?"
Lucy hesitated, then shook 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 meant for children."
That stung a bit.
"Watch your words. Desserts aren't junk food."
"...My apologies. In any case, if you're lost, I can guide you."
A guide, huh? A little suspicious, but if it was just until we got out of 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've already guessed, I'm Captain Daniel Steiner of the General Staff."
"Dr. Myrin Seabrith. Surgeon, Central Hospital."
We exchanged a quick handshake and began walking.
Lucy walked just ahead, her coat turned inside out to hide the bloodstains and draped over her arm. She also carried a shoulder bag that, no matter how I looked at it, clearly held a pistol and various assassination tools.
'...I can't let her open that bag no matter what.'
Who knew what kind of carnage she'd unleash if she did?
Lucy Emilia wasn't just a spy—her combat ability bordered on monstrous.
She probably didn't even realize it herself, but if she went all out, she could single-handedly take down a small battalion.
That's exactly why I'd done everything I could to avoid her. And now here she was, not just pretending to be a doctor, but assigned as my adjutant. My head was starting to ache.
The only saving grace was that she seemed just as uncomfortable around me.
Once we got out of this alley, we could go our separate ways.
"This is it."
As we exited the alley, the main street came into view. A streetcar rolled past under the glow of newly lit streetlights.
The sun had completely set. A cool evening breeze mixed with the low hum of pedestrians, giving the city a peaceful vibe.
I was just about to say goodbye when someone called out.
"Oh! Captain Daniel? Are you by any chance Captain Daniel Steiner?"
A man in a police uniform walking down the sidewalk spotted me and came over with a big smile.
He gave me a once-over, then beamed.
"Ah! It really is you! Captain Steiner, my goodness! Never thought I'd run into the Empire's hero just like this!"
I had mentally prepared for the chance of being recognized, but being stopped by a cop while Lucy was in disguise? Not ideal.
And to make things worse...
I recognized the navy-blue uniform.
Only members of the Security Bureau wore it.
The Security Bureau—often called the Secret Police or Ideological Police—was dedicated entirely to counter-espionage.
Judging by the slight shift in Lucy's posture, she knew that too.
The officer, completely unaware of the tension, extended his hand with a warm smile.
"It's an honor, Captain Steiner. I'm Senior Inspector Kartman Schultz, Security Bureau."
Refusing him wasn't an option, so I shook his hand with a polite smile.
"Captain Daniel Steiner, General Staff. It's not every day you bump into someone from the Security Bureau."
"Haha, well, this area isn't under my jurisdiction. I just made a dinner reservation nearby, and since it lined up with the end of my shift, I came in uniform."
Then, as if struck by inspiration, Kartman snapped his fingers.
"This must be fate! How about joining me for dinner? My treat, of course. And if it's alright, your companion is welcome to join as well."
Not good.
Should I pretend I didn't know Lucy?
No. That'd only make things worse. He'd ask why we were together in an alley.
Security Bureau agents lived for suspicion.
To avoid drawing more attention, I had to play along—and politely decline.
"I appreciate the offer, truly, but I got pretty lost on my way here and wandered a lot. I'm quite tired."
"Oh, don't worry about that! The restaurant's just around the corner. You see it?"
He pointed down the block. Sure enough, it was only a minute away.
Damn it.
There was no escaping now.
"If it's that close, then... I'll accept."
Lucy swallowed nervously beside me, but there was nothing we could do.
It was force majeure.