While waiting for their meal, 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 some 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 statements, I came across a term that I'm not quite familiar with. Could you please explain to me what 'accrual accounting' means? I'm hoping you can shed some 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 method 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 methods that would still get the job done," Sam replied, feigning confidence.
As Daniel listened to Sam's explanation of accrual accounting, he inwardly confirmed 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 assessment, Daniel decided to excuse himself, stating, "If you'll excuse me, I need to visit the restroom briefly. I'll return shortly."
Daniel approached the ma?tre d', who was standing nearby, and inquired about the location of the restroom. The ma?tre d' graciously offered to personally guide him.
Once they were out of sight from the diners, Daniel and the ma?tre 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 assumed a different demeanor. With an air of authority, he addressed the ma?tre d'.
"Is Consigliere Mr. Luciano present in this establishment?" Daniel's voice carried a distinct aura, embodying his true identity as the Magitek—a formidable mage and benefactor of the Veneziale gang.
The ma?tre d', recognizing Daniel's statue, responded respectfully, "Yes, sir, Mr. Magitek. Mr. Luciano manages this establishment. 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 ma?tre 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 moment, Luciano descended from the second floor, which housed the establishment'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 welcome to Daniel and his group.
"Welcome, Mr. Emberweave and Mrs. Emberweave. It has been quite some time since we last had the pleasure of your company. Our new menu, curated by our esteemed five-star Michelin chef, is eagerly waiting to tantalize your taste buds," Luciano expressed his heartfelt welcome 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 establishment.
"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 remember me? 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 American football enthusiast.
Indeed, Sam's background involved a brief stint as a quarterback during his university days—a time 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 harassment, abruptly ending his promising future.
Although Sam didn't actually remember Luciano from their university days, the revelation that a successful businessman managing this establishment was an old fan of his American 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 name 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 me Mark if you prefer! Goddamn it! I'm just so thrilled to meet you here! It's beyond my wildest dreams..." Luciano feigned excitement, 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 demeanor. He bowed respectfully, offering an apology to Daniel.
"My apologies, Mr. Emberweave. Allow me to make amends 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 commitment to his role as the manager of the establishment. "No problem, Mr. Luciano. By the way, Mr. Sam, I noticed your eagerness to reminisce about old times 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 excitement 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 meeting 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 time 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 men 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 excitement, intrigued by this new and tasty-sounding treat.
Daniel nodded and turned to Koyuki, his wife.
"Koyuki, could you take Sylvana to try some 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 confirmed 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 men take care of it," reassured Daniel, his demeanor 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 mentioned when we first met? You said you would repay me. 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 me to do?" Daniel asked with a reassuring smile.
Upon hearing this, Mr. Sun hesitated for a moment, 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 name 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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