Sasaki smiled quietly.
"Jake, you're far too secretive," King Edgar remarked with a light laugh. "Women aren't going to like that about you."
Jake offered a subtle nod and a faint, unreadable smile.
"So, Commander Sasaki, did you travel to Canada alone?" the King asked, taking a sip from his glass.
Sasaki shook his head. "No, I brought Hayato along. Though he seems vastly more interested in the catering section."
King Edgar let out a rich giggle. "Just like his father."
"He must be fully grown by now," Jake observed smoothly after a quiet nod.
Sasaki glanced across the grand hall, tracking Hayato's location. The young man was currently seated amidst a circle of high-society women, chatting casually while his eyes repeatedly drifted toward the nearby buffet tables.
That fool has no idea he's casually conversing with the Second Princess and her inner circle, Sasaki thought, shaking his head.
"Commander Sasaki, 'Big Brother' Jake—I must return to my station," King Edgar said, standing up from the table. "A sea of diplomats is waiting for me."
"Of course, Your Majesty," Sasaki said, inclining his head.
As the King stepped back into the sea of guests, Sasaki turned his sharp gaze back to Jake.
"So, what actually happened?" Sasaki asked, lowering his voice. "I heard a rumor that someone in the underground has been using your name."
Jake nodded once.
"Why, and where are they operating?"
"Right here. In Ottawa," Jake replied calmly.
Sasaki's eyes widened slightly in surprise before settling back into a grim expression. "I see. That explains why you personally showed up tonight."
"They're as good as dead," Sasaki noted.
"Don't be so certain, Mr. Sasaki," Jake said quietly, leaning back in his seat.
Sasaki chuckled, giving an appreciative nod.
"If you'll excuse me," Jake said, standing up. "I'll be back shortly."
Meanwhile, Ethan sat by himself at a nearby lounge table, quietly watching Madison and Princess Victoria share another round of giggles. He sighed, turning his head away and sinking deep into his own thoughts.
Princess Victoria glanced over at Madison, a mischievous spark in her eye. "Madison, your boyfriend over there looks like he misses you."
"He isn't my boyfriend," Madison corrected immediately, "He's just my classmate."
She looked over at Ethan, seeing him completely lost in thought, before turning back to Victoria.
"Look, Madison—your brother is back," Victoria noted softly.
Madison turned just in time to see Jake step up behind Ethan, placing a heavy hand on his shoulder. Ethan flinched, startled out of his trance. Madison let out a soft giggle at his reaction.
"Damn it, you scared me," Ethan muttered, rubbing his neck.
Jake slid into the chair beside him, his eyes scanning Ethan's face. "Deep in thought? What's on your mind?"
Ethan hesitated for a second before keeping his voice quiet. "It's about Loop's Second Branch."
Jake nodded silently, listening.
"Uncle Beast and Mr. Henry told me it's located near an ancient, site," Ethan continued. "When I researched it online, the history behind that city was unnerving, to say the least."
Jake stared at him, his expression unreadable.
Ethan leaned in slightly. "Have you ever heard of someone called... The White Reaper?"
"The White Reaper..." Jake repeated slowly.
Ethan watched Jake's face intently, searching for even a microscopic flicker of recognition. But Jake remained entirely calm, his features as blank and indecipherable as stone.
"Enjoy the party, Ethan," Jake said smoothly, standing back up.
"Wait, where are you going?" Ethan asked, looking up.
"Keep your phone active. I'll text you when it's time to leave," Jake replied, turning and fading effortlessly into the heavy crowd.
Ethan sat back, his brow furrowing in frustration. I forgot... this guy practically speaks entirely in riddles.
"Ethan," Madison called out softly.
Ethan turned around to see Madison and Princess Victoria walking over. He immediately stood up.
"What did Jake say?" Madison asked.
"Just told me to keep my phone on," Ethan replied. "He'll text us when we're heading out."
Madison nodded. "Alright."
Ethan excused himself, stepping toward a quiet, dimly lit corridor along the side of the grand hall. Pulling out his phone, he opened his browser and typed in the alias again:
Ethan spent several minutes digging through secure forums and archived search engines about White Reaper, but came up empty. Nothing of substance existed under that handle.
Frustrated, he pulled up the old archived article about Heronics he had read back at home. He scrolled down to the bottom stamp and froze.
The original publication date listed on the article was nearly thirty years ago.
Ethan's eyes widened. This wasn't written recently... this entry is decades old.
He quickly tried searching for explicit mentions of Loop's Second Branch location, but firewall blocks and encrypted dead ends immediately shut him down.
Ethan let out a quiet sigh, locking his phone screen and sliding it back into his jacket pocket.
On the other side of the grand hall near the opulent buffet tables, Hayato was engaged in an conversation with Princess Helena—the King's second daughter—and her inner circle of aristocratic friends.
"I represent the Yamamoto Clan from Japan," Hayato stated in surprisingly clean English, though maintaining his distinct accent.
"The Yamamoto's," Princess Helena repeated, raising an eyebrow in interest. "I've heard quite a lot about your family's history."
Hayato nodded proudly. "My uncle, Commander Sasaki, and Takashi Yamamoto actually fought alongside your father back when the King was still a rooki-, I mean Prince."
Princess Helena looked genuinely surprised. "Is that so? That is incredible to learn." Her high-society friends listened in silent fascination.
"There was another man with them back then too," Hayato added, leaning against the marble pillar.
"Who?" Helena asked.
"Well, there were many legendary figures, but one in particular... he was a once-in-a-lifetime," Hayato recalled, his voice taking on a rare tone of nostalgia. "I met him once when I was just a little kid. I barely remember what he looked like—just a silhouette, and a... name."
Princess Helena offered a warm, understanding nod.
Hayato paused, his eyes darting hungrily toward the roasted meats and delicacies spread across the long tables. "Pardon me... but when does the formal feast officially begin?"
Helena let out a soft laugh. "You're free to eat right now. The catering is open."
Hayato's eyes lit up. He bowed slightly, navigating the unfamiliar British etiquette as best he could. "Please excuse me for a big hour... maybe more. Don't bother waiting for me!"
Without another word, Hayato turned around and practically marched toward the buffet lines.
Princess Helena couldn't help but smile as she watched him go.
She thought, Such a strange guy...,
"Who was that guy?" one of her noble friends asked, giggling behind her fan.
"I'm not entirely sure," Princess Helena replied softly. "He's from Japan... someone connected to my father."
"He is a funny person," another friend remarked.
"Yes," Helena chuckled. "I saw him lurking around this area earlier and thought he was lost in this new environment, so I came over to help. Turns out he was just waiting for the food to be served."