NOVPUBAfter Nikola’s concise and forceful interrogation, the head of the Empire’s Special Operations Department seemed to temporarily set aside his suspicions of Lanci.
He gestured to Colonel Burke that this blue-eyed, black-haired noble youth could leave the train carriage.
"Mr. Landry, thank you for your cooperation."
Red Falcon Nikola nodded to Lanci,
"As an important witness to this incident, we from the Empire’s Special Operations Department might need to inquire more from you later. However, time is pressing at the moment, and the task of tracking down Allied Forces spies is even more important, so we won’t detain you any longer." 𝘯𝘰𝘷𝘱𝘶𝑏.𝑐𝘰𝑚
After all, he was an Imperial Noble, and it would be improper to continue holding him.
"It’s my duty to provide clues for the investigation. Should you have any further need, I will surely give my full support."
Lanci replied humbly.
"Then, Mr. Landry, please leave your information and contact details."
Red Falcon Nikola said crisply, an essential part of concluding an investigation.
"I’ve just arrived in Brilda, and my residence in the Capital should be arranged by my workplace. If you need to find me, going through Saint Kray Monastery should enable you to reach me through official channels."
Lanci answered.
...
Colonel Burke looked at Lanci with suspicion.
"Saint Kray Monastery? Mr. Landry, do you work there?"
Colonel Burke, who had been silent until now, couldn’t help but ask.
"Yes, we were just about to discuss it on the train when the station arrived, and then Mr. Nikola came."
Lanci explained succinctly, taking out a letter of appointment from his briefcase and handing it to the two officers to preclude further questioning from Red Falcon Nikola.
Colonel Burke glanced briefly at the document bearing the seal of Saint Kray Monastery, then passed it to Red Falcon Nikola for a detailed perusal.
"Landry Washington, the newly appointed professor at Saint Kray Monastery, reporting for his appointment, with the scheduled arrival at the school being September 30th..."
Red Falcon Nikola murmured as he read the letter of appointment.
A mention of Saint Kray Monastery and the surrounding Constitutional Army soldiers immediately began to regard Lanci with solemn respect.
Red Falcon Nikola pondered in silence, his expression revealing nothing.
"So, that’s how it is..."
Colonel Burke seemed to have a favorable impression of Lanci, but he hadn’t expected him to be so accomplished. He looked at Lanci with surprise and admiration,
"No wonder you had the strength to resolve the train incident so effortlessly. It is fortunate that we have such outstanding Imperial talent on board, preventing the perpetrators from running rampant."
He showed a smile of surprise and admiration.
Originally, Burke had wondered why such a capable man from the Northern Border was coming to the Capital, but now assured that he was the newly appointed professor at Saint Kray Monastery, everything made sense.
"It was nothing major, it’s all part of my responsibilities and duties."
Lanci spoke every word with gravity.
"I apologize for the earlier oversight, Professor Landry,"
Colonel Burke said.
"No problem."
Lanci made light conversation with Colonel Burke while waiting for Red Falcon Nikola to verify the information.
The capital’s garrison soldiers standing nearby could hardly hide their curiosity and admiration, seemingly eager to ask the professor something, but it was clearly inappropriate to interrupt their superior’s conversation.
At this moment, this young man with black hair and blue eyes had already become a mysterious hero with hidden achievements and honors in their eyes.
...
Talia watched as Lanci spoke freely with the Constitutional Army officers, feeling that by now, Lanci had completely assumed the persona of Landry Washington.
He might even seem more like the real Landry than Landry himself.
The reputation of Saint Kray Monastery was indeed extraordinary; even the Empire’s military and police held it in high esteem.
Of course, this was within expectations.
After all, in Talia’s knowledge, Saint Kray Monastery was a prestigious and the most secretive institution in the South Continent, unequaled even by the Kingdom Joint Council alliance, with very scant intelligence available.
Being appointed as a professor at such a young age, naturally, he was held in great awe.
In that brief moment, Nikola had already returned the official letter to Lanci.
"My earlier near-offense was a lapse in manners, Professor Landry."
Red Falcon Nikola said,
"I had heard that Saint Kray Monastery recently had a recruitment plan. I did not expect the appointee to be before my eyes."
He looked at Lanci.
Ordinarily, if manpower wasn’t tight, the school would provide a certain level of protection for such precious talents specially hired by Saint Kray Monastery, but the current situation made it impracticable to go so far to the northwest border to escort this professor.
Or rather, the professor himself had such capabilities that he didn’t need anyone to specifically protect him.
Maintaining confidentiality about his information and allowing him to arrive discreetly in the Capital was the safest way, as sending an escort could bring him more danger.
"I understand, so long as it serves the Empire’s interests, I couldn’t possibly have any complaints."
Lanci knew Nikola was referring to the earlier moment when he almost laid a hand on his forehead.
Nikola nodded with a hint of a smile, then changed the subject.
"By the way, since we’re both heading to the station hall, why not go together? As we walk, perhaps I could hear more of your insights into this incident."
He proposed.
"Of course, that would be perfect."
Lanci inwardly sighed, but outwardly remained calm, readily agreeing.
Just as trust doesn’t require reasons, for the head of the Empire’s Special Operations Department, suspicion also did not need reasons.
