A squad of soldiers surrounded an inn. A civilian official went inside with two officers, then stormed back out a short while later.
The soldiers began searching every room and every corner with a fine-toothed comb. Some even climbed onto the roof to check whether anyone was hiding in the chimneys.
In a noisy café less than thirty meters across the street from the inn, two men watched everything unfold through the window with keen interest.
"What a bunch of blockheads. They'd never guess in a million years that we're right under their noses, enjoying the show."
"As expected of you, Asim. You've got the nerve to think big and act on it."
"Of course! Who do you think I am?"
The young man couldn't help feeling rather pleased with himself.
Just then, a soft, eerie round of applause came from behind them.
"Very good. Our Austrian Empire needs clever, decisive officials like you."
Only then did the two young men notice that the street café, which should have been bustling with noise, had fallen completely silent. A squad of special police in black uniforms stood behind them.
Asim Stahl, born in Hanover, was a mathematician and economist who had loved adventure since he was young.
The two young men smiled awkwardly.
The special police officer leading the squad spoke.
"There's no need to be embarrassed. His Majesty the Emperor says that only those with absolute confidence in their own talents and abilities would want to see their masterpiece up close."
"..."
"Take them away."
The two young men were led out of the café like a pair of schoolchildren who had been caught misbehaving.
"Senior, looks like we're not safe either."
"Hmph. Every man for himself."
The burly man with a scar on his face sneered.
"But we've both