While waiting for their al, Daniel initiated a conversation with Sam, seizing the opportunity to seek his assistance.
"Sam, as the accountant specifically hired by Mr. Sun to aid him, I could really use your help with a financial matter I'm currently facing in my business. Would you mind offering so advice?" Daniel began, his tone filled with earnestness.
Sam, eager to impress the noble and wealthy Englishman, responded with a smile, "Of course, Daniel! What can I assist you with?"
Daniel wore a concerned expression as he delved into his request. "You see, Sam, as I've been reviewing our financial statents, I ca across a term that I'm not quite familiar with. Could you please explain to what 'accrual accounting' ans? I'm hoping you can shed so light on it."
Upon hearing this, Sam's confidence wavered. He possessed only superficial knowledge of accounting, lacking practical experience. However, he chose to push through, hoping to deceive Daniel by assuming he wouldn't be well-versed in the subject.
"Hmm, accrual accounting? It's simply a thod of recording transactions, you know, tracking the flow of money in and out. It's not overly significant, to be honest. We could use other, simpler thods that would still get the job done," Sam replied, feigning confidence.
As Daniel listened to Sam's explanation of accrual accounting, he inwardly confird what he already knew. He was well aware that Sam was not a genuine accountant but rather an imposter. This conversation was a test, and Sam had failed.
"I see," Daniel replied, masking his true knowledge with a composed expression. "Thank you for your explanation, Sam. I appreciate your attempt to clarify the concept."
Feeling assured of his assessnt, Daniel decided to excuse himself, stating, "If you'll excuse , I need to visit the restroom briefly. I'll return shortly."
Daniel approached the maître d', who was standing nearby, and inquired about the location of the restroom. The maître d' graciously offered to personally guide him.
Once they were out of sight from the diners, Daniel and the maître d' found themselves in a corridor that connected the restroom, the kitchen, and the staff-only area. It was in this secluded space that Daniel halted and assud a different deanor. With an air of authority, he addressed the maître d'.
"Is Consigliere Mr. Luciano present in this establishnt?" Daniel's voice carried a distinct aura, embodying his true identity as the Magitek—a formidable mage and benefactor of the Veneziale gang.
The maître d', recognizing Daniel's statue, responded respectfully, "Yes, sir, Mr. Magitek. Mr. Luciano manages this establishnt. Shall I inform him of your presence?"
"There's no need to call him. Simply inform Mr. Luciano that I require his assistance in a certain matter," Daniel instructed the maître d', conveying the specific nature of his request and acknowledging Luciano's role as both the manager and Consigliere of the Veneziale gang.
With the task assigned, Daniel returned to his seat after his brief visit to the restroom, feeling a sense of relief. Shortly thereafter, the attentive waitstaff served a delectable soup and a fresh salad at the table. Sylvana delightedly savored the truffle soup, while Koyuki gently reminded her daughter about the importance of maintaining proper table etiquette.
After a brief mont, Luciano descended from the second floor, which housed the establishnt's office. He made his way towards Daniel's table, stopping at a suitable distance that struck a balance between closeness and respect. With a graceful and gentlemanly bow, Luciano extended a warm welco to Daniel and his group.
"Welco, Mr. Emberweave and Mrs. Emberweave. It has been quite so ti since we last had the pleasure of your company. Our new nu, curated by our esteed five-star Michelin chef, is eagerly waiting to tantalize your taste buds," Luciano expressed his heartfelt welco to Daniel's group, his words filled with genuine warmth. He then glanced to the side and noticed Sam enjoying a drink served at the establishnt.
"Oh? Are you Sam? Sam Miller? From Edstone University?" Luciano feigned surprise upon seeing Sam. In truth, Luciano had already investigated Sam's background and was aware of the university he attended—a third-rate institution in the Tessia Kingdom known for granting degrees to those who could afford it.
"Don't you rember ? I'm your fan! You were a football player—a quarterback, if I recall correctly—back in our university days!" Luciano removed his glasses and attempted to mimic the excited expression of an ardent Arican football enthusiast.
Indeed, Sam's background involved a brief stint as a quarterback during his university days—a ti that marked the peak of his life. He possessed the skills and potential to excel as a quarterback even in a professional league. However, his dreams were shattered prematurely due to severe bullying and sexual harassnt, abruptly ending his promising future.
Although Sam didn't actually rember Luciano from their university days, the revelation that a successful businessman managing this establishnt was an old fan of his Arican football prowess filled him with elation. It was as if he had returned to his golden days. This was his chance to ascend the social ladder.
"Oh! It's you! My apologies, but I didn't catch your na back then!" Sam genuinely expressed his surprise and delight at encountering one of his fans today.
"I'm Marco! Marco Luciano! But you can call Mark if you prefer! Goddamn it! I'm just so thrilled to et you here! It's beyond my wildest dreams..." Luciano feigned excitent, channeling his inner Oscar-worthy actor.
"Ahem! Mr. Luciano," Daniel interjected, faking a stern tone while giving Luciano a playful wink to indicate that it was still business hours.
Luciano swiftly composed himself, returning to his usual gentlemanly deanor. He bowed respectfully, offering an apology to Daniel.
"My apologies, Mr. Emberweave. Allow to make ands by presenting you with a dish of Canard à l'Orange Grand Marnier as a gesture of apology," Luciano said politely.
Daniel chuckled, appreciating Luciano's commitnt to his role as the manager of the establishnt. "No problem, Mr. Luciano. By the way, Mr. Sam, I noticed your eagerness to reminisce about old tis with Mr. Luciano. Why don't you take a seat and have a chat over there?"
Daniel gestured towards another VIP booth nearby.
"I'll take care of the bill for both you and Mr. Luciano. How does that sound?"
Upon hearing Daniel's suggestion, Sam's excitent soared, and Luciano's performance of genuine enthusiasm only heightened the anticipation. If Daniel didn't know any better, he would have believed that Luciano was truly thrilled at the prospect of eting his idol.
Luciano guided Sam to the nearby VIP booth, engaging him in lively conversation about the highlights of Sam's football career during his university days. The atmosphere was filled with nostalgia and shared admiration. However, as ti passed, the conversation gradually quieted, and Luciano discreetly drugged Sam's drink. It was part of his instructions to discreetly remove Sam from the premises and gather valuable information about his affiliations and other pertinent details through interrogation.
"Huh? Why did that man suddenly get so sleepy?" Sylvana asked innocently, noticing Sam being taken away by the Veneziale n towards the 'Staff Only' area.
"He must be really tired, sweetie. It's important to get enough rest and not stay up too late," Daniel replied, trying to keep the explanation simple and age-appropriate for his young daughter.
Daniel's attention then turned to a nearby gelato ice cream shop, catching his interest.
"Have you ever tried gelato, my little adventurer?" he asked Sylvana with a playful smile, knowing she would be curious about it.
"What's gelato? Is it yummy?" Sylvana's eyes lit up with excitent, intrigued by this new and tasty-sounding treat.
Daniel nodded and turned to Koyuki, his wife.
"Koyuki, could you take Sylvana to try so gelato? I need to have a quick chat with Mr. Sun here," he requested.
Koyuki stood up and gently picked up Sylvana, seeking confirmation from Daniel. "Of course. Should we get the dark chocolate flavor?"
"Um... yes, dark chocolate," Daniel confird with a nod.
Koyuki smiled and nodded, ready to take their little explorer on a delightful gelato adventure while Daniel attended to his conversation with Mr. Sun.
After his wife and daughter went to the gelato shop outside, Daniel shifted his attention towards Mr. Sun.
"Mr. Sun, please rest assured that the individual who was monitoring you will never return. I will personally ensure that the Veneziale's n take care of it," reassured Daniel, his deanor transforming from that of a caring father to that of a domineering mage who supported the largest Mafia in Sector Alpha City.
"Thank you, Mr. Emberweave," expressed Mr. Sun gratefully. Lately, he had been under surveillance by higher-ups who sought to find fault with him and illegally arrest him. His possession of valuable knowledge about the inner workings and political corruption within the Tessia Kingdom, along with his connection to the recent events, made him a target.
"Mr. Emberweave, may I ask about the favor you ntioned when we first t? You said you would repay . Is that offer still available?" Mr. Sun asked fearfully. He had no knowledge of Daniel's true identity or why the largest Italian Mafia in the city held him in high regard.
However, he was certain that Daniel, the one who had a quarrel with the Tessia royal family and even outlived King Victor Justius, possessed significant power. Mr. Sun wondered if Daniel might have played a role in the early demise of the king.
"Of course, Mr. Sun. The offer still stands. What would you like to do?" Daniel asked with a reassuring smile.
Upon hearing this, Mr. Sun hesitated for a mont, but after much consideration, he realized that he couldn't find anyone else who could help him in this matter. With a sense of desperation, he finally spoke up.
"Mr. Emberweave, can you... help my daughter? Her na is Elina Sun. She has been wrongly accused of terrorism," Mr. Sun pleaded, his face reflecting his despair. It was a matter he had been unable to find assistance with, and he placed his hopes in Daniel's hands.
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