A certain corrupted saintess: "Haah, haah... ... N-no...! Why am I feeling this way, looking at such strong muscles...? Why would Snow White subject me to such a trial... Haah... Haah...!"
(Tl Notes: Damn...She THIRSTY.)
-----
Over the past few days, he had been experiencing an inexplicable shiver, similar to a chill.
During the checkup, Mary, the female doctor who had come to examine him in place of Neon, whom he had been protecting, inquired about his symptoms. He tried to explain the sensation, but...
"Hmm... there doesn't seem to be any specific abnormalities. If it bothers you, I can prescribe some medication?"
"No, it's fine. I don't want to rely on drugs anymore..."
It seemed there was no issue. Perhaps it was just his imagination, there's heightened sensitivity due to his recent recovery.
"Is that so? Well, since there are no signs of a cold, you can rest easy. Now, regarding your post-surgery progress... I can hardly believe it, but you're almost completely healed. Shall I remove the stitches?"
"Yes, please."
Despite only six days passing since the surgery, Mary confirmed that he was almost completely healed. Certainly, the lost skin and underlying tissues had been reconstructed using artificial dermis and artificial muscles, but it was unexpected for everything to heal so quickly.
He was gently urged to lie down on the sickbed. With his left flank exposed, Moore lay down, and Mary, rolling up the hem of his black short-sleeved shirt, used a tool called a stitch cutter to snip the sutures and remove them one by one.
"You can start taking showers from today if you'd like. As for exercise... well, it should be fine."
"That's good to hear... I was worried I might get sluggish..."
"Still, overexertion is not advisable."
His previous attending physician had also written in the medical records about his unusually rapid recovery. She couldn't help but doubt if he was truly human. Nonetheless, while observing the just-removed stitches, she gently pressed the area with her fingertips. There was no reaction.
"Does it hurt?"
"I'm fine."
He nodded back. Given the circumstances, she could confidently diagnose him as essentially fully recovered.
It was incredibly strange, though.
"Have you always healed quickly from injuries?"
"Always...?"
"Yes. For example, since you were a child."
"...Probably."
After a brief silence, he responded affirmatively. While it was intriguing, it didn't have much relevance to the current situation.
Having made that judgment, Mary finished removing the stitches. She then oversaw the removal of the medical bed and equipment that had been provided, along with the mass-produced Nikkes who had been waiting in an ambulance.
Once everything was loaded, she turned to him.
"Well then, please take care~."
"Thank you, doctor."
Following Mary, the mass-produced Nikkes working at the hospital bowed their heads. Soon, they boarded the ambulance and drove away.
Just after watching the departing vehicle, Moore caught sight of figures emerging one after another from the dormitory in the corner of his vision. They were the mass-produced Nikkes stationed at the forward base.
"Oh, Commander."
"Good work."
"Yeah... exercise?"
"Yes. We had some free time."
In that case, there was only one action he should take.
-----
.
.
.
.
Freedom, liberation—this feels amazing. Emotions he hadn't experienced in a long time began to sprout in his heart.
"One, two, one, two, one, two!!"
"Yes, sir!!"
Thanks to that, his spirits were soaring high. He spotted ten mass-produced Nikkes gathered in front of the dormitory in their training gear. Five minutes later, he was running alongside them, having joined their quick-paced jogging.
Among them, a Nikke named Eagle, who served as their leader, signaled to him and then requested a chant. As they jogged in two columns, Moore, in combat pants and a black short-sleeved shirt, ran beside them, still wearing his boots. He loudly chanted the lines he had memorized, and the ten Nikkes responded in unison.
"Today!"
" "Today!!" "
"It's a good day!"
" "It's a good day!!" "
"It's my!"
" "Your!?" "
"Injury!!"
" "Injury!?" "
"Completely healed!!"
" "Okay!!" "
"That's why!"
" "That's why!!" "
"Let's run!"
" "Let's run!!" "
"Are you ready?!"
" "Yes!!" "
"Are you ready!!"
" "Yes!!" "
"Are you ready!!!"
" "Yes!!! " "
The whistle hanging from his neck sounded, and they started to sprint.
Moore dashed out among the slightly disarrayed columns of running Nikkes as soon as the sprint began—."
"Congratulations, Commander!"
"Congratulations on your recovery!!"
"Treat us juice please!"
"If you lose in Rock-Paper-Scissors, that is!!"
"──Yeah!!"
That scene was witnessed not only by Marian, who had just confirmed the test firing of the machine gun sent from Elysion at the shooting range, but also by three members of the squad who had accompanied her just to be sure.
"Um..."
Marian, with a garrison cap perched on her silver hair, pointed her trembling fingers toward the lively scene of mass-produced Nikkes jogging alongside Moore, who was raising his energetic voice.
Is this the scene they mentioned the other day? She silently questioned, and her companions, including Rapi, nodded in response.
"It seems the diagnosis is complete."
"It appears so."
"It does. I'm glad Master has recovered."
The squad members were bewildered and exasperated, but they didn't have an issue with the jogging itself. Marian even began to wonder if she was the one who was strange.
Nevertheless, Marian's perception was undoubtedly correct.
In any case, she had received a file labeled "Notes on Commander" and had been given an explanation and instructions on its contents a few days ago. Those memories resurfaced in her mind as she watched the scene. Marian had resolved to get used to this sight.
"It might take some time to get used to it."
It wasn't that she disliked it, but she felt like she wanted to say more than just one word regarding his way of commanding and the respect (something more) she involuntarily directed toward him. However, she knew she had to follow the orders of her seniors in this matter.
Marian sighed, and the other Nikkes took turns patting her on the back. It felt more like a silent welcome to the outpost than mere consolation.
They circled the outpost, and after finishing their jog, the mass-produced Nikkes and he gathered around a vending machine in the headquarters parking lot and started playing Rock-Paper-Scissors in a circle.
The loser had to treat everyone to drinks.
As expected, Moore, who was still terrible at Rock-Paper-Scissors, continued to lose.
During training, the mass-produced Nikke with a ponytail bundled instead of her usual long blonde twin-tails challenged Moore to a one-on-one match.
Both of them moved simultaneously, and cheers erupted from the mass-produced Nikkes who acknowledged the outcome. As the victorious girl struck a triumphant pose, Moore sighed and took out some credits from his pocket.
"Everyone only gets one, so here you go."
"Thank you!"
"Thanks a lot!"
Having to treat all ten of them, Moore had to slide his credits through the vending machine's card reader every time they chose their drinks.
After the electronic beep, the sound of drinks dropping resonated multiple times.
"Let's do it again, Commander!"
"Next time, it's your turn to treat me. Make sure to polish your credits."
"Thanksies~~"
"Hey, wait a minute."
As he exchanged thanks with the others, Moore watched the mass-produced Nikkes returning to their dorms. For some reason, Anis, with her bobbed sandy hair, was in line, trying to press the vending machine buttons. Moore wondered when she had joined the line.
Upon closer inspection, he noticed the members of the squad walking along the roadside and entering the parking lot.
"Anis didn't play Rock-Paper-Scissors, did she?"
"Huh~? What's the big deal? I'm Commander's cute subordinate, right? It's just one drink..."
"Huh? Master, are you treating us?"
"Ah, Neon is fine. She kept me company since the morning."
"Wait a minute! Why!?"
Neon pressed the button she chose happily. Then Moore slid his credits, and the drinks fell down.
Anis protested against the unfairness of the situation.
"...This is discrimination!"
"...Can't you refrain from saying such vulgar things?"
"Then, treat me! If you don't, I'll spill all the Commander's secrets!"
"...I have to ask, what kind of secrets are we talking about here?"
"The Commander watches abnormal videos every night—"
"I can pretty much imagine, so it's fine."
What was the point of being so eager to get treated like this? Moore wondered. It wasn't like they were underpaid, so why the fuss? He let out a sigh.
"Anis, don't trouble the Commander."
"...It's not really a trouble, though..."
As the squad leader, Rapi scolded Anis. Moore felt it was foolish to cause a fuss over a simple drink. However, considering the situation and remembering how the whole squad had taken care of him during his recovery, Moore decided to treat them all one by one.
"Well, I thought about it... Since everyone took care of me during my recovery, including Anis, it might not be a sufficient way to show my gratitude, but let's have one drink each."
"But..."
Rapi and Marian hesitated, but Moore was about to slide his credits into the vending machine. Seeing his intention, Rapi walked up to the vending machine with a sigh.
"Alright, then. Thank you."
"Ah. Anis, you're next."
"Yay!"
After Rapi's drink dropped down, it was Anis' turn. She enthusiastically pressed the button and, as usual, chose a carbonated water. Opening the can, she eagerly gulped it down.
"Marian."
"But..."
"It's fine. Come on."
Encouraged, Marian approached the vending machine hesitantly. Worried about Moore's finances, she chose the cheapest drink available. Moore thought it wasn't necessary for her to worry that much, but at the same time, he found her consideration endearing and shrugged his shoulders.
"Thank you for the treat."
"Yeah."
He bought a sports drink and opened the bottle cap, starting to rehydrate after the run.
After quickly finishing the drink and tossing the empty bottle into the trash, Moore turned to Rapi.
-----
.
.
.
"...Rapi, did you submit the request for the new vehicles?"
"No. I don't remember doing so..."
Moore asked Rapi, who was tilting her own bottle. Two columns of vehicles were approaching the headquarters building.
The vehicles moving down the paved road were of the same type as the armored vehicle Humvee that had been abandoned during the recent battle, having been heavily damaged.
The vehicle column slid into the parking lot, and three people got out of the driver's and passenger's seats. They were individuals Moore had recently become acquainted with.
"...Huh? Why is Absolute here?"
"Oh, did they come here for picking a fight?"
Anis and Neon whispered to each other, not bothering to hide their displeasure, while pointing at Eunhwa, a woman with long black hair.
"...Welcome to the forward base. We didn't hear you were coming, but we welcome you."
"...We don't need your welcome. Tch... Why am I..."
"Eunhwa~? It's part of the job, you know?"
Beside the leader who still clicked her tongue, Vesti lowered her head, and Moore responded with a slight nod as if to comply.
"...It's a delivery from Ingrid."
Eunhwa, as if to say she wanted to finish this business quickly, pointed her thumb behind her at the armored vehicle she had driven.
"Your car got wrecked during the total war, right? Ingrid thought it might be troublesome for you if that happened, so she sent this. It's like a present, you know~."
"...But there's no ribbon on it for a gift."
"D-Did you think we should've put one on?"
"...No, I was just joking."
Ema explained in Eunhwa's place, who was not good with words. However, Moore tilted his head in confusion. Judging by the condition of the vehicle, it looked brand new. The vehicle he had been using before was already second-hand when he received it, so this news surprised him.
However, he wondered why Ingrid suddenly sent him such a thing. The true intention behind this gesture was unclear. Was it merely an act of goodwill, or were there other reasons behind it?
"...I hope she doesn't intend to burden us with more troublesome tasks."
Moore's mind replayed the mission where he encountered the talkative Chatterbox he had defeated himself. During that mission, he experienced emotions akin to those of a love-struck girl.
Suddenly, deep vertical lines appeared on his forehead as he pulled out a soft pack he had stored in his combat pants pocket. Taking out a cigarette, he bit the tip and cast a dubious glance at the armored vehicle before him.
"...Do you really think Ingrid would stoop to such petty things? Moreover, just for a single car?"
"...I don't have that close of a relationship with the president. I don't understand her true intentions."
Eunhwa threw a bewildered look at him for not appreciating it so nonchalantly, even though it was decent enough. Moore, however, kept his gaze on the vehicle, lost in thought.
"Well, I'm happy it's a new car, but..."
"Hmph. Then accept it graciously. Now hurry up and sign for it."
Eunhwa pushed the tablet towards him. Taking it, he—while emanating an aura of annoyance for various reasons—used the stylus pen to sign the acknowledgment. Once he returned the tablet to her, Eunhwa recognized his name written in cursive.
"I've confirmed it... Anyway, why are you up? Injured people should be resting."
"Injured person?"
He tilted his head, appearing as if he had no idea whom she was talking about, still holding the unlit cigarette. Was she implying something he wasn't aware of? Eunhwa clicked her tongue at his response.
"I mean you. Honestly... Can't you even manage yourself properly?"
"I've recovered, you know?"
"...What?"
"I'm healed. Ema, Vesti, do you want something to drink?"
"Oh, are you sure~?"
"Yes, please...!"
Without giving Eunhwa, who seemed unusually taken aback, a second glance, Moore invited the seemingly bewildered Ema and Vesti to join him as he headed toward the vending machine. He pressed the buttons for the drinks they requested and handed the cans and bottles that fell out, one by one, to the two of them.
"Wait a minute..."
"Eunhwa, do you want something too? Feel free to choose whatever you like."
"....No, it's not that."
She approached, hands in her coat pockets, seemingly intending to ask a question. However, he seemed to have misunderstood, thinking she also wanted a drink. That wasn't the reason she called out to him.
"Healed? You're healed? What do you mean by that?"
For goodness' sake, could he make sense while speaking? She looked up at Moore, who was significantly taller than her. In the past, Eunhwa had graduated from the officer academy and served as a commander herself.
Considering her former human sensibilities—or even applying common sense—how could someone who had sustained such severe internal injuries recover in just six days? Eunhwa threw a perfectly rational question at Moore, but...
"...Even if you say that... I can't help it if I've healed."
"Just now... Was it about 10 kilometers? He was jogging with the mass-produced Nikke staff. Here, Commander."
"Ah, thank you."
"...Hahhhh?"
Instead of lighting the cigarette, Moore extended the turbo lighter, grasped by Rapi, towards him. He accepted it, thanked her, and then used his hands to shield the lighter's flame while she lit it. Soon, a blue flame flickered.
While emitting a purplish smoke, Moore captured Eunhwa's gaze. She wore an expression that could only be described as disbelief.
"...I wish you wouldn't doubt me."
As proof, he pulled up the hem of his short-sleeved shirt, which was tucked into his combat pants, revealing the skin on his left side. The area where he had undergone surgery was discernible due to the slight difference in color between the artificial skin and his own. Indeed, the wound seemed to have closed.
"...You. Are you really human?"
"...No matter how you look at it, I'm human."
How impolite. Eunhwa, not aware that she was his senior at the officer academy, narrowed her eyes slightly as she looked at her, releasing a puff of purple smoke.
"Uh, um... everyone from Absolute."
"Oh, it's you..."
Ema, who had been sipping the juice she was treated to, was addressed. When she looked in the direction of the voice, she saw Marian approaching, her crimson eyes slightly lowered, clutching a bottle of mineral water.
"...I... um... may have caused you some trouble the other day..."
"It's fine~. I'm just glad you're back~."
"...Wel, welcome back...?"
"...Thank you..."
They must have heard about their skirmish during the brief confinement at M.M.R.
Marian attempted to apologize to them, but Ema reassured her in a roundabout way that it was not a problem. Vesti nodded in agreement.
"...There won't be a next time."
"Don't worry. Marian won't be taken over. I'm not foolish enough to let my precious subordinate be taken away twice."
Since there was no specific request, Moore chose Eunhwa's drink for her. He purchased a bottle from the vending machine and tossed it to her.
While Moore responded to them, Eunhwa snorted softly and opened the seal that was closed with a cap.
A certain corrupted saintess: "Haah, haah... ... N-no...! Why am I feeling this way, looking at such strong muscles...? Why would Snow White subject me to such a trial... Haah... Haah...!"
(Tl Notes: Damn...She THIRSTY.)
-----
Over the past few days, he had been experiencing an inexplicable shiver, similar to a chill.
During the checkup, Mary, the female doctor who had come to examine him in place of Neon, whom he had been protecting, inquired about his symptoms. He tried to explain the sensation, but...
"Hmm... there doesn't seem to be any specific abnormalities. If it bothers you, I can prescribe some medication?"
"No, it's fine. I don't want to rely on drugs anymore..."
It seemed there was no issue. Perhaps it was just his imagination, there's heightened sensitivity due to his recent recovery.
"Is that so? Well, since there are no signs of a cold, you can rest easy. Now, regarding your post-surgery progress... I can hardly believe it, but you're almost completely healed. Shall I remove the stitches?"
"Yes, please."
Despite only six days passing since the surgery, Mary confirmed that he was almost completely healed. Certainly, the lost skin and underlying tissues had been reconstructed using artificial dermis and artificial muscles, but it was unexpected for everything to heal so quickly.
He was gently urged to lie down on the sickbed. With his left flank exposed, Moore lay down, and Mary, rolling up the hem of his black short-sleeved shirt, used a tool called a stitch cutter to snip the sutures and remove them one by one.
"You can start taking showers from today if you'd like. As for exercise... well, it should be fine."
"That's good to hear... I was worried I might get sluggish..."
"Still, overexertion is not advisable."
His previous attending physician had also written in the medical records about his unusually rapid recovery. She couldn't help but doubt if he was truly human. Nonetheless, while observing the just-removed stitches, she gently pressed the area with her fingertips. There was no reaction.
"Does it hurt?"
"I'm fine."
He nodded back. Given the circumstances, she could confidently diagnose him as essentially fully recovered.
It was incredibly strange, though.
"Have you always healed quickly from injuries?"
"Always...?"
"Yes. For example, since you were a child."
"...Probably."
After a brief silence, he responded affirmatively. While it was intriguing, it didn't have much relevance to the current situation.
Having made that judgment, Mary finished removing the stitches. She then oversaw the removal of the medical bed and equipment that had been provided, along with the mass-produced Nikkes who had been waiting in an ambulance.
Once everything was loaded, she turned to him.
"Well then, please take care~."
"Thank you, doctor."
Following Mary, the mass-produced Nikkes working at the hospital bowed their heads. Soon, they boarded the ambulance and drove away.
Just after watching the departing vehicle, Moore caught sight of figures emerging one after another from the dormitory in the corner of his vision. They were the mass-produced Nikkes stationed at the forward base.
"Oh, Commander."
"Good work."
"Yeah... exercise?"
"Yes. We had some free time."
In that case, there was only one action he should take.
-----
.
.
.
.
Freedom, liberation—this feels amazing. Emotions he hadn't experienced in a long time began to sprout in his heart.
"One, two, one, two, one, two!!"
"Yes, sir!!"
Thanks to that, his spirits were soaring high. He spotted ten mass-produced Nikkes gathered in front of the dormitory in their training gear. Five minutes later, he was running alongside them, having joined their quick-paced jogging.
Among them, a Nikke named Eagle, who served as their leader, signaled to him and then requested a chant. As they jogged in two columns, Moore, in combat pants and a black short-sleeved shirt, ran beside them, still wearing his boots. He loudly chanted the lines he had memorized, and the ten Nikkes responded in unison.
"Today!"
" "Today!!" "
"It's a good day!"
" "It's a good day!!" "
"It's my!"
" "Your!?" "
"Injury!!"
" "Injury!?" "
"Completely healed!!"
" "Okay!!" "
"That's why!"
" "That's why!!" "
"Let's run!"
" "Let's run!!" "
"Are you ready?!"
" "Yes!!" "
"Are you ready!!"
" "Yes!!" "
"Are you ready!!!"
" "Yes!!! " "
The whistle hanging from his neck sounded, and they started to sprint.
Moore dashed out among the slightly disarrayed columns of running Nikkes as soon as the sprint began—."
"Congratulations, Commander!"
"Congratulations on your recovery!!"
"Treat us juice please!"
"If you lose in Rock-Paper-Scissors, that is!!"
"──Yeah!!"
That scene was witnessed not only by Marian, who had just confirmed the test firing of the machine gun sent from Elysion at the shooting range, but also by three members of the squad who had accompanied her just to be sure.
"Um..."
Marian, with a garrison cap perched on her silver hair, pointed her trembling fingers toward the lively scene of mass-produced Nikkes jogging alongside Moore, who was raising his energetic voice.
Is this the scene they mentioned the other day? She silently questioned, and her companions, including Rapi, nodded in response.
"It seems the diagnosis is complete."
"It appears so."
"It does. I'm glad Master has recovered."
The squad members were bewildered and exasperated, but they didn't have an issue with the jogging itself. Marian even began to wonder if she was the one who was strange.
Nevertheless, Marian's perception was undoubtedly correct.
In any case, she had received a file labeled "Notes on Commander" and had been given an explanation and instructions on its contents a few days ago. Those memories resurfaced in her mind as she watched the scene. Marian had resolved to get used to this sight.
"It might take some time to get used to it."
It wasn't that she disliked it, but she felt like she wanted to say more than just one word regarding his way of commanding and the respect (something more) she involuntarily directed toward him. However, she knew she had to follow the orders of her seniors in this matter.
Marian sighed, and the other Nikkes took turns patting her on the back. It felt more like a silent welcome to the outpost than mere consolation.
They circled the outpost, and after finishing their jog, the mass-produced Nikkes and he gathered around a vending machine in the headquarters parking lot and started playing Rock-Paper-Scissors in a circle.
The loser had to treat everyone to drinks.
As expected, Moore, who was still terrible at Rock-Paper-Scissors, continued to lose.
During training, the mass-produced Nikke with a ponytail bundled instead of her usual long blonde twin-tails challenged Moore to a one-on-one match.
Both of them moved simultaneously, and cheers erupted from the mass-produced Nikkes who acknowledged the outcome. As the victorious girl struck a triumphant pose, Moore sighed and took out some credits from his pocket.
"Everyone only gets one, so here you go."
"Thank you!"
"Thanks a lot!"
Having to treat all ten of them, Moore had to slide his credits through the vending machine's card reader every time they chose their drinks.
After the electronic beep, the sound of drinks dropping resonated multiple times.
"Let's do it again, Commander!"
"Next time, it's your turn to treat me. Make sure to polish your credits."
"Thanksies~~"
"Hey, wait a minute."
As he exchanged thanks with the others, Moore watched the mass-produced Nikkes returning to their dorms. For some reason, Anis, with her bobbed sandy hair, was in line, trying to press the vending machine buttons. Moore wondered when she had joined the line.
Upon closer inspection, he noticed the members of the squad walking along the roadside and entering the parking lot.
"Anis didn't play Rock-Paper-Scissors, did she?"
"Huh~? What's the big deal? I'm Commander's cute subordinate, right? It's just one drink..."
"Huh? Master, are you treating us?"
"Ah, Neon is fine. She kept me company since the morning."
"Wait a minute! Why!?"
Neon pressed the button she chose happily. Then Moore slid his credits, and the drinks fell down.
Anis protested against the unfairness of the situation.
"...This is discrimination!"
"...Can't you refrain from saying such vulgar things?"
"Then, treat me! If you don't, I'll spill all the Commander's secrets!"
"...I have to ask, what kind of secrets are we talking about here?"
"The Commander watches abnormal videos every night—"
"I can pretty much imagine, so it's fine."
What was the point of being so eager to get treated like this? Moore wondered. It wasn't like they were underpaid, so why the fuss? He let out a sigh.
"Anis, don't trouble the Commander."
"...It's not really a trouble, though..."
As the squad leader, Rapi scolded Anis. Moore felt it was foolish to cause a fuss over a simple drink. However, considering the situation and remembering how the whole squad had taken care of him during his recovery, Moore decided to treat them all one by one.
"Well, I thought about it... Since everyone took care of me during my recovery, including Anis, it might not be a sufficient way to show my gratitude, but let's have one drink each."
"But..."
Rapi and Marian hesitated, but Moore was about to slide his credits into the vending machine. Seeing his intention, Rapi walked up to the vending machine with a sigh.
"Alright, then. Thank you."
"Ah. Anis, you're next."
"Yay!"
After Rapi's drink dropped down, it was Anis' turn. She enthusiastically pressed the button and, as usual, chose a carbonated water. Opening the can, she eagerly gulped it down.
"Marian."
"But..."
"It's fine. Come on."
Encouraged, Marian approached the vending machine hesitantly. Worried about Moore's finances, she chose the cheapest drink available. Moore thought it wasn't necessary for her to worry that much, but at the same time, he found her consideration endearing and shrugged his shoulders.
"Thank you for the treat."
"Yeah."
He bought a sports drink and opened the bottle cap, starting to rehydrate after the run.
After quickly finishing the drink and tossing the empty bottle into the trash, Moore turned to Rapi.
-----
.
.
.
"...Rapi, did you submit the request for the new vehicles?"
"No. I don't remember doing so..."
Moore asked Rapi, who was tilting her own bottle. Two columns of vehicles were approaching the headquarters building.
The vehicles moving down the paved road were of the same type as the armored vehicle Humvee that had been abandoned during the recent battle, having been heavily damaged.
The vehicle column slid into the parking lot, and three people got out of the driver's and passenger's seats. They were individuals Moore had recently become acquainted with.
"...Huh? Why is Absolute here?"
"Oh, did they come here for picking a fight?"
Anis and Neon whispered to each other, not bothering to hide their displeasure, while pointing at Eunhwa, a woman with long black hair.
"...Welcome to the forward base. We didn't hear you were coming, but we welcome you."
"...We don't need your welcome. Tch... Why am I..."
"Eunhwa~? It's part of the job, you know?"
Beside the leader who still clicked her tongue, Vesti lowered her head, and Moore responded with a slight nod as if to comply.
"...It's a delivery from Ingrid."
Eunhwa, as if to say she wanted to finish this business quickly, pointed her thumb behind her at the armored vehicle she had driven.
"Your car got wrecked during the total war, right? Ingrid thought it might be troublesome for you if that happened, so she sent this. It's like a present, you know~."
"...But there's no ribbon on it for a gift."
"D-Did you think we should've put one on?"
"...No, I was just joking."
Ema explained in Eunhwa's place, who was not good with words. However, Moore tilted his head in confusion. Judging by the condition of the vehicle, it looked brand new. The vehicle he had been using before was already second-hand when he received it, so this news surprised him.
However, he wondered why Ingrid suddenly sent him such a thing. The true intention behind this gesture was unclear. Was it merely an act of goodwill, or were there other reasons behind it?
"...I hope she doesn't intend to burden us with more troublesome tasks."
Moore's mind replayed the mission where he encountered the talkative Chatterbox he had defeated himself. During that mission, he experienced emotions akin to those of a love-struck girl.
Suddenly, deep vertical lines appeared on his forehead as he pulled out a soft pack he had stored in his combat pants pocket. Taking out a cigarette, he bit the tip and cast a dubious glance at the armored vehicle before him.
"...Do you really think Ingrid would stoop to such petty things? Moreover, just for a single car?"
"...I don't have that close of a relationship with the president. I don't understand her true intentions."
Eunhwa threw a bewildered look at him for not appreciating it so nonchalantly, even though it was decent enough. Moore, however, kept his gaze on the vehicle, lost in thought.
"Well, I'm happy it's a new car, but..."
"Hmph. Then accept it graciously. Now hurry up and sign for it."
Eunhwa pushed the tablet towards him. Taking it, he—while emanating an aura of annoyance for various reasons—used the stylus pen to sign the acknowledgment. Once he returned the tablet to her, Eunhwa recognized his name written in cursive.
"I've confirmed it... Anyway, why are you up? Injured people should be resting."
"Injured person?"
He tilted his head, appearing as if he had no idea whom she was talking about, still holding the unlit cigarette. Was she implying something he wasn't aware of? Eunhwa clicked her tongue at his response.
"I mean you. Honestly... Can't you even manage yourself properly?"
"I've recovered, you know?"
"...What?"
"I'm healed. Ema, Vesti, do you want something to drink?"
"Oh, are you sure~?"
"Yes, please...!"
Without giving Eunhwa, who seemed unusually taken aback, a second glance, Moore invited the seemingly bewildered Ema and Vesti to join him as he headed toward the vending machine. He pressed the buttons for the drinks they requested and handed the cans and bottles that fell out, one by one, to the two of them.
"Wait a minute..."
"Eunhwa, do you want something too? Feel free to choose whatever you like."
"....No, it's not that."
She approached, hands in her coat pockets, seemingly intending to ask a question. However, he seemed to have misunderstood, thinking she also wanted a drink. That wasn't the reason she called out to him.
"Healed? You're healed? What do you mean by that?"
For goodness' sake, could he make sense while speaking? She looked up at Moore, who was significantly taller than her. In the past, Eunhwa had graduated from the officer academy and served as a commander herself.
Considering her former human sensibilities—or even applying common sense—how could someone who had sustained such severe internal injuries recover in just six days? Eunhwa threw a perfectly rational question at Moore, but...
"...Even if you say that... I can't help it if I've healed."
"Just now... Was it about 10 kilometers? He was jogging with the mass-produced Nikke staff. Here, Commander."
"Ah, thank you."
"...Hahhhh?"
Instead of lighting the cigarette, Moore extended the turbo lighter, grasped by Rapi, towards him. He accepted it, thanked her, and then used his hands to shield the lighter's flame while she lit it. Soon, a blue flame flickered.
While emitting a purplish smoke, Moore captured Eunhwa's gaze. She wore an expression that could only be described as disbelief.
"...I wish you wouldn't doubt me."
As proof, he pulled up the hem of his short-sleeved shirt, which was tucked into his combat pants, revealing the skin on his left side. The area where he had undergone surgery was discernible due to the slight difference in color between the artificial skin and his own. Indeed, the wound seemed to have closed.
"...You. Are you really human?"
"...No matter how you look at it, I'm human."
How impolite. Eunhwa, not aware that she was his senior at the officer academy, narrowed her eyes slightly as she looked at her, releasing a puff of purple smoke.
"Uh, um... everyone from Absolute."
"Oh, it's you..."
Ema, who had been sipping the juice she was treated to, was addressed. When she looked in the direction of the voice, she saw Marian approaching, her crimson eyes slightly lowered, clutching a bottle of mineral water.
"...I... um... may have caused you some trouble the other day..."
"It's fine~. I'm just glad you're back~."
"...Wel, welcome back...?"
"...Thank you..."
They must have heard about their skirmish during the brief confinement at M.M.R.
Marian attempted to apologize to them, but Ema reassured her in a roundabout way that it was not a problem. Vesti nodded in agreement.
"...There won't be a next time."
"Don't worry. Marian won't be taken over. I'm not foolish enough to let my precious subordinate be taken away twice."
Since there was no specific request, Moore chose Eunhwa's drink for her. He purchased a bottle from the vending machine and tossed it to her.
While Moore responded to them, Eunhwa snorted softly and opened the seal that was closed with a cap.
