Lanqi: Who Dares Kill Me?

The following evening. Central Manhott District, City of Brierda. Night had fallen thick and heavy. Lanqi and Talia strolled across the expansive Broadway Central Square, where the illuminated central fountain sparkled brightly. It was seven o'clock on the evening of November 5th. Passing leisurely moving carriages and crossing the intersection just as the signal lights changed— From here, it was only about a kilometer to either the Brierda Opera House or the Holworth Crossroads, where the Imperial Special Operations Department was headquartered. Yet Lanqi had not come here tonight for the opera house, nor on business for the department. Instead, it was an invitation his residence had received while he was away in the Shadow World. Captain Maguire wanted to treat him to dinner and have a chat. And so, Lanqi brought Talia along to this restaurant. With the Imperial Special Operations Department's eyes and ears everywhere right now, the more people who went out, the easier it was to make careless slips. For the remaining two-odd weeks before the decisive battle in Blood Moon City, keeping a low profile was best. Under Lanqi's persuasion, Talia and Sigrid had finally dropped their insistence that all three of them step out together. However, according to an inexplicable agreement struck between Talia and Sigrid, the next time an occasion arose requiring him to bring a fiancée along, it would be Sigrid's turn to accompany him. Tonight, he had brought Talia. Talia possessed an exceptional talent for seeing through lies. And most importantly, leaving her behind when food was involved felt a bit like elder abuse. "Hm?" Talia glanced sideways at Lanqi. "Tata, we're going to be late," Lanqi said solemn-faced, gazing toward a building in the distance. Hearing this, Talia nodded with slight hesitation and quickened her pace. The Eleven Madison Park Restaurant they were visiting tonight was run by Thomas Keller, a renowned chef of the empire. Located on the eleventh floor of the Vincy Liberty Memorial Building near Broadway Square, it offered refined modern imperial cuisine alongside first-class service, making it one of the most luxurious dining establishments in Brierda. The restaurant served seasonal nine-course traditional imperial menus and nine-course vegetarian menus, each patron's selection differing slightly to ensure a unique culinary experience. Expansive floor-to-ceiling windows offered panoramic night views of the open-air sky park and Brierda Circle. The two made their way into the building and took the elevator upstairs. The moment she stepped out of the lift and reached the entrance on the eleventh floor, Talia took a sniff and knew they had come to the right place. "Normally you have to book a month in advance here. Without a reservation, getting a table is supposedly next to impossible," Talia told Lanqi, sharing what she had read in the Brierda Gourmet Weekly. At this restaurant, gentlemen were expected to wear suits or formal evening attire, while ladies wore cocktail dresses or little black dresses; nearly everyone was dressed to the nines. Thus, Lanqi and Talia were dressed especially convincingly as newlyweds tonight. It shouldn't arouse any suspicion from Captain Maguire. Stepping through the automatic revolving glass doors, one was greeted by the restaurant's sleek, textured monochrome black interior, along with the sky garden and terrace outside the windows. As night fell, dots of starlight seemed reflected on the windowsills, lending patrons an ethereal, dreamlike beauty. "Honored guests, are you here to join Mr. Maguire?" A polite server immediately approached them, having deduced their party based on the reservation time and head count. "That's right," Lanqi said with a smiling nod. "Very well, please follow me." The server spoke with consummate professionalism, neither rushed nor sluggish, and as he led them toward their seats, he presented an exquisitely crafted guide bound in black pebbled calfskin. Talia opened it, clinging to Lanqi's arm as they walked forward while browsing through the booklet. Embossed lettering was stamped neatly across the black cover, opening into the menu—though Captain Maguire, who was hosting them tonight, had likely already placed their orders. The fragrance of fresh flowers mingled with the scent of truffles and black pepper hanging in the air. Waiters in crisp, tailored uniforms bustled or paused between tables, carefully pouring decanted red wine for guests amid the occasional crisp clinking of silverware. The two soon spotted the table indicated by the server's outstretched hand at the end of the aisle. Sitting on one side, Maguire had already raised a hand in greeting. Maguire was not wearing his leather jacket today; instead, dressed in formal suit and leather shoes, he had come to treat the Landry couple to dinner. "Captain Maguire, sorry to keep you waiting." Lanqi quickened his pace, leading Talia to the booth sofa across from Maguire. "Not at all, I just arrived myself," Maguire said with a shake of his head and a smile, watching the pair take their seats. "I took the liberty of ordering a few dishes, but please see if there's anything you'd like to add." He addressed Professor Landry and his lady. "No need, no need at all. You're already being far too generous," Lanqi hastily demurred. If he let Talia eat to her heart's content, Maguire would surely be deeply offended and hold a grudge once the bill arrived. Talia instantly puffed up a bit, as if guessing what Lanqi was thinking. "Your other lady didn't come?" Maguire asked Lanqi after confirming the menu with the waiter. "Sulking at home. Don't even get me started," Lanqi sighed. "It isn't easy, is it, Professor Landry?" Maguire felt he understood. Having to manage the moods of two wives at once—Landry was certainly a capable man in his own right. "Professor, do you know what Director Dex's reaction was when he heard you brought two fiancées with you to Brierda?" Maguire raised his wineglass to toast Landry. "He must have been thoroughly disappointed in me," Lanqi replied, toasting Maguire back with water in place of wine. "No, you underestimate Director Dex," Maguire said, taking a sip of his wine. "How so?" Lanqi asked with earnest curiosity. "Director Dex isn't afraid of subordinates who are greedy or lustful. Men like that are easier to control." Maguire cast a glance around. There were no other eyes and ears from the Imperial Special Operations Department here; he had checked thoroughly beforehand, so they could speak freely. With Landry having two fiancées on his hands, Dex actually looked upon him with a touch more favor. A single fiancée might have made Dex suspect she was hired just to keep up appearances, but two definitely ruled that out—unless the whole thing was an amateur farce of comical proportions. The same applied to Maguire himself: Maguire was greedy, and Dex often turned a blind eye to Maguire's looting and underhanded tricks during missions. As for Kestrel Nikola, he had virtually no flaws, but because he was Duke Dex's prized protégé, Dex treated him with special care; Dex might harbor doubts about him, but would never casually display suspicion. That was why Maguire worried that Duke Dex would favor Nikola, finding ways to let Nikola earn merit at this critical juncture to overtake Maguire, leaving Maguire no choice but to swallow his grievance. "I see..." Before the main courses arrived, the two exchanged pleasantries. Talia remained mostly quiet, occasionally eyeing the dishes on neighboring tables and swallowing hard. In the Imperial Special Operations Department, because Professor Landry was constantly watched by Kestrel Nikola under the pretext of "protection"—and Director Dex had tacitly consented to having Nikola oversee the professor's schedule—Maguire and Professor Landry rarely had the chance to talk in private. Most of the time, they merely exchanged polite greetings when crossing paths at headquarters. Maguire didn't have a bad impression of Landry; Landry didn't get along with Nikola, yet he had always shown great respect toward Maguire. As such, Maguire had long wanted to win the professor over. Before long, dinner began. The waiter presented each guest with an appetizer: sweet corn puree paired with caviar and black truffle. The creamy-white corn puree formed a soft bed across the bottom of the bowl, topped in the center with a mound of caviar and garnished with delicate shavings of black truffle. Talia scooped a spoonful with her silver spoon. The sweetness of the corn, the savory brininess of the caviar, and the rich earthiness of the truffle melded in her mouth into a marvelous sensation. Next came the entrée. The waiter carried over a round white porcelain plate bearing foie gras mousse with figs. Tender pink foie gras mousse had been cut into neat cubes, coated in a caramelized honey glaze and finished with dots of fig compote. The richness of the foie gras, the crispness of the caramel, and the sweet tartness of the figs—Talia had no interest in listening to Lanqi and Maguire's conversation, pouring all her attention into savoring every bite. No sooner had she finished than the lobster confit with black pepper sauce was served. The translucent lobster meat glistened under a sheen of butter, firm yet tender, brimming with oceanic sweetness. Lights danced across the tiled floor, the crystalline shimmer of handcrafted ice, the gloss of wine bottles, the steam rising from freshly served dishes—everything refracted in the ambient glow. "Brother Landry, please don't take offense that it took me this long to invite you out for dinner. I never meant any slight; it's all that bastard Nikola's fault, constantly getting in the way to keep me from getting close to you," Maguire said over his wine, sounding as though he had finally met a kindred spirit. "With great power comes great responsibility; I completely understand," Lanqi replied with a polite smile, sighing softly. "Though indeed, whenever Duke Dex's intention to retire comes up, I get a headache. I really hope there won't be any upheavals right now. I just have a feeling something big is going to happen." With that, Lanqi muttered hesitantly, as if reminded of his own troubles. For a neutral figure in the capital like him, having no clear allegiances meant that any sudden gust of wind or reshuffling of power was bad news. He could only drift with the tide, at risk of being suppressed out of nowhere or ending up as a casualty of power struggles. "If Brother Landry has any thoughts, please don't hesitate to share them with me," Maguire told Lanqi. Lanqi pondered. "All I know is that if Nikola prospers, my days certainly won't be easy," Lanqi said, glancing back toward the hallway as if traumatized by Kestrel Nikola, replying to Captain Maguire only after making sure no one was nearby. "..." Maguire stared into Landry's azure eyes. It was a sincere, heartfelt gaze; the man seemed genuinely hopeful that Maguire, the operations captain, would become the new director of the Imperial Special Operations Department. "It seems great minds think alike," Maguire slowly nodded in agreement. When he thought about it, Landry's willingness to meet him here today meant the man clearly understood what Maguire was after. Although their interests did not completely align, Nikola was an obstacle standing in both of their ways no matter what. Even leaving aside Landry's current standing and potential in the imperial military-industrial sector, Maguire was certain that befriending Landry was the right move. After all, this brief conversation alone had greatly increased his favor toward Landry. The professor had none of that arrogant, insufferable temperament typical of magic engineering geniuses, nor did he act like his fame entitled him to disregard other people's feelings. Now was not the time to pry into sensitive matters; the more crucial the intelligence, the more likely it was to provoke vigilance. "Your lady is remarkably quiet. She hasn't said a single word since you arrived," Maguire suddenly changed the subject, glancing across at Tata. She was still eating. Like someone fresh out of a dungeon. "..." Chewing on lobster meat, Talia looked up, regarding the two with confusion. Had she been suspected by the operations captain because she wasn't convincing enough as a fiancée? "Ah, her. There was a time in the past when she never got anything good to eat, went hungry all day, and even had to compete with a cat for food," Lanqi said with an amused chuckle. "Tsk. You were the one who tricked me, telling me to feed the cat and that I could have whatever was left," Talia grumbled, annoyed at the memory. "It sounds like how you two met was quite fascinating," Maguire remarked, observing their utterly authentic interaction. He hadn't really suspected Madame Landry either; she was simply taking her food far too seriously. This noble yet rustic country girl vibe—part princess, part village lass—was impossible to fake. "Just enjoy your meal in peace. No pressure. Captain Maguire and I will carry on our chat," Lanqi patted Talia's forearm and told her. Being full of flaws was equivalent to having no flaws at all. Tata didn't need to act in the first place. Talia nodded and returned to her meal. The presence of Lanqi and Maguire made no difference to her; she had come here strictly to feast. The ambiance in the restaurant remained tranquil, like a black jewel box illuminated only by flickering little lights. Silverware and glassware rested quietly upon black tablecloths, each table set with a compact menu, while most dining patrons were either silent or spoke in subdued tones. Outside the window, the night lights of Brierda streaked across the dark like shooting stars, and the air was rich with the mingled aromas of imperial delicacies. Time ticked by. "The Creti Empire is in the midst of unprecedented transformation. Ever since the nationalist populist faction gained dominance, countless things have changed drastically, including this war," Maguire mused. "First, in the cultural sphere, the imperial family has aggressively promoted nationalism and heroism, rekindling the pride of the Creti people and suppressing the dominance the aristocracy once held prior to the 'Day of Cleansing,' allowing the common populace to balance against them. "As for social life, the policies Emperor Saint Bardo implemented to mold the Creti identity... well, they've led to commoners whose ancestors migrated from various northern kingdoms, such as the Ests and the Rom, facing increasing marginalization within the central city-states, fracturing the tension between nobles and commoners into new lines." Maguire and Lanqi conversed about the empire's recent situation and commerce. "Right now, aggressively developing military industry has boosted employment, making the Creti Empire stronger than ever on the Southern Continent. Although we live in turbulent times, under the banner of imperial rejuvenation, internal friction within the Creti nation is being diverted outward. In the short term, it will undoubtedly look vigorous and flourishing. What do you think we ought to do at a time like this?" He posed the question to Lanqi, seeking to test him. "Serve the empire?" Lanqi asked with apparent uncertainty. "Ah, Brother Landry, you really are too honest," Maguire waved a hand dismissively. "At a time like this, we should be lining our pockets! If you don't build up a solid fortune now, when will you? Our current life, our current status, our current comfort—weren't they all fought for and won by our own hands?" Maguire tapped the table with his other hand. His implication was clear as day. When the time came and he became Director of the Imperial Special Operations Department while Landry took the helm of the Creti New Energy Organizing Committee, the two of them would have boundless business to conduct together. "But... my fundamental reason for wanting to lead the Creti New Energy Organizing Committee is still to serve the empire. When it comes to personal gain, even if there were ways, I wouldn't dare dabble," Lanqi said hesitantly, casting a look at his wife blissfully dining beside him, appearing somewhat troubled in conscience. "Brother," Maguire let out a chuckle. He could see Landry wavering. Supporting a wife like this must cost a pretty penny; naturally, Landry wanted to give her the luxurious life of a wealthy lady, yet he couldn't let go of his imperial devotion. "Those big shots in the empire preach nothing but noble ideals, while their minds are filled with nothing but business. Every last one of those parasites does far worse than people like us who actually get things done for the empire! If anyone should feel guilty, it certainly isn't you," Maguire whispered in a rapid tone. "..." Lanqi froze, his gaze slowly lifting to meet Maguire's. That fixed stare looked as if some deep-seated greed had just been unlocked. "Is that so, Mr. Maguire..." Lanqi set down his utensils and murmured. His voice sounded raspy, as if a desire long dormant in the depths of his heart had been pried open beyond restraint. "That's exactly how it is." Maguire raised his glass. Lanqi seemed to snap out of it, raising his glass to clink against Maguire's, draining it in one go. A long while passed. The two continued chatting idly, taking light bites of their dinner. "Landry, if you have any leads you could share with me, feel free to speak at any time. I know you don't trust that kid Nikola, but I'll definitely give you my full backing," Maguire said, pressing lightly against the table and leaning closer to Landry once he saw they were mostly finished with their food and small talk. He was growing more and more certain that an Allied mole had infiltrated the Imperial Special Operations Department. Though he wished most of all that the spy was Nikola, he knew deep down that was unlikely. Nikola was a native Brierda aristocrat through and through; Maguire had competed against him for so long that he knew Kestrel Nikola inside and out. As for others, he had few leads to pursue for the time being, because on Director Dex's instructions, Kestrel Nikola was always able to reach Landry first. In a way, it was also because Nikola was too clean, earning more of Dex's trust. "What about Connor, head of the Confidential Office, and Atticus, head of the Laboratory? Both of them have access to my research findings," Lanqi pondered for a moment, glancing left and right before replying hesitantly. "They are indeed somewhat suspicious," Maguire deliberated to himself. Yet doubts lingered in Maguire's mind. If the mole were either of those two, there was no reason they could have stolen his credentials. After all, neither Connor nor Atticus would come anywhere near the Operations Team, nor could they have bypassed numerous team members undetected to search his office. Maguire looked up and studied Landry. Landry's answer seemed more like an evasion. From Landry's expression, there was a hint of unease alongside a lingering hesitation, as if he were agonizing over whether to disclose something. "Brother Landry, say whatever needs to be said. You've surely heard plenty about me; the Allied spy definitely isn't me," Maguire said, drawing a portable soundproofing barrier magic artifact from his pocket and deploying a small boundary so that Landry could only hear their table. Another stretch of prolonged silence followed. Landry said nothing more. He merely sat in contemplation. "Captain Maguire, you haven't had any private contact with the Allied forces, have you?" Lanqi took a deep breath, his expression turning far graver as he asked. "Of course not," Maguire answered patiently, without taking offense. It was only natural for Landry to suspect anyone, but bringing it up so openly was a sign that he was gradually letting down his guard toward him. "And you have no ties to the Silver Moon Restoration Society, I presume?" Lanqi probed further. "Naturally none either, otherwise Nikola would never let me off the hook." The bluntness of the question made Maguire chuckle. An ordinary person wouldn't ask so directly even if they harbored doubts. Professor Landry, however, seemed far too naive—seeking a sense of security from Maguire before exposing a crucial piece of intelligence. One could tell Landry was terrified and uneasy. Maguire couldn't help but wonder what Landry actually knew. "Pardon my bluntness, Maguire, but can you swear that you are loyal to the empire?" Lanqi asked again. From that grave tone, it was evidently the final test. "Naturally," Maguire nodded without hesitation. "..." Lanqi stared at Maguire for a moment, then nodded as well. Beside him, Talia had already raised her water glass and taken a light sip. Before they arrived, Lanqi had instructed her on what to do. Doing nothing signified truth. Taking a drink signified a lie. "Captain Maguire..." After a thoughtful pause, Lanqi seemed to finally muster the courage to voice what was on his mind. "Think about it. Aside from me, and ruling out the heads of the Confidential Office and the Laboratory, is there anyone else who could access firsthand documents..." Lanqi dropped his voice, as if afraid to go any further. If he continued, then whether this speculation was true or false, it would be the head of a petty Professor Landry on the chopping block. "..." Maguire thought for a moment, his brow furrowing. Then his eyes went wide as brass bells. Wild and unprecedented though the possibility seemed, it matched up perfectly with his recent frustrations. How had it never crossed his mind before— Could Director Dex fucking be the Allied spy?! If he managed to pin this on Dex, it wouldn't just be a promotion to director. As long as he could secure irrefutable proof and take it to First War God Hyacinthus, Hyacinthus would surely bring Duke Dex down. Even if it meant an open clash with the Emperor, First War God Hyacinthus would never spare an Allied spy! What was more, Hyacinthus and Dex's interests had long been in conflict, and Emperor Saint Bardo was about to covertly support the aristocratic faction led by Duke Dex to suppress First War God Hyacinthus, whose popularity among the common folk was soaring. "I understand, brother. I'll look into it thoroughly. I have to head back to the department first," Maguire said, rising to his feet and patting Lanqi on the shoulder as he walked past, unable to conceal his urgency. "Captain Maguire, I didn't say anything! Please don't overthink this," Lanqi added with apparent distress. "Don't worry, we never met today," Maguire tossed out, waving his hand as he went to pay the bill and departed. Lanqi watched Maguire exit the Eleven Madison Park Restaurant. Talia was dumbfounded. She seemed to understand Lanqi's subtle ploy now. Based on Lanqi's three questions, Maguire was neither an Allied operative nor an undercover member of the Silver Moon Restoration Society, yet he was disloyal to the empire; his true nature was abundantly clear. Lanqi had let Maguire loose the arrow first, then painted the target for him. As long as Maguire harbored suspicion toward Director Dex, Lanqi would have countless ways to engineer clues within the department to confirm Maguire's theory. "Lanlan, you..." Talia swallowed a bite of chocolate lava cake topped with vanilla ice cream and looked at Lanqi. "I didn't say anything," Lanqi held up both hands as if issuing a disclaimer. Whatever Maguire concocted in his head had nothing to do with him. "You truly are a venomous mastermind." Talia knew Lanqi all too well. She believed Maguire would soon fall headlong into his own instincts—driven by Lanqi's further setups and wedge-driving until he became convinced that the Allied spy was none other than Director Dex. When someone was baffled by an intractable puzzle, and suddenly had a revelation of a slight possibility that subsequently received endless corroborating signs, they would believe it beyond a shadow of a doubt. Yet if Maguire dared investigate Dex, he was doomed, because Dex was currently investigating who the Allied spy was as well. "Eat at your leisure; it's all over," Lanqi called the server over to order more food for Talia. He would pay out of pocket for the rest as a small celebration. "Alright, then I won't hold back." Talia felt that having Lanqi as a boyfriend really wasn't bad at all; raising her own disciple truly paid off when it came to reaping the benefits. She relaxed considerably as well. There shouldn't be any more trouble for Lanqi from the Imperial Special Operations Department now. A scapegoat had been found, and both Kestrel Nikola and Duke Dex would be satisfied and stop keeping their eyes glued to Lanqi. Professor Landry could now peacefully focus on preparing his own research. Everyone had their own tasks; everyone was busy. Though Nikola was annoying, he was still better than a treacherous scoundrel like Maguire. "Still, aren't you worried that the Allied forces might try to assassinate you next?" Talia leaned against the back of the sofa, thought for a moment, and turned to ask Lanqi. She figured that if things went on like this, Maguire would be framed as the "Allied spy," while Professor Landry would rest easy on high pillows and smoothly assume the leadership of the Creti New Energy Organizing Committee as desired. The Allied forces might start thinking Landry was slipping out of control. Not only would they lose their leverage over him, but assassinating Landry would also become increasingly difficult. If they didn't kill him now, they might never get another chance. "Ha. In broad daylight and under a bright sky, could someone really break into my home in the middle of the night to kill me?" Lanqi chuckled, feeling that Talia vastly underestimated Brierda's public security. Besides, his residence currently housed three formidable powerhouses: Talia, Sigrid, plus Iphatia. Whoever dared challenge him, the three of them would surely bring the enemy's life to an end. "True enough." Seeing Lanqi's swaggering aura of "Who dares kill me?", Talia felt reassured as well.