Chapter 2: Guidance
“Me, again?”
From the next day, he was released from kitchen duty, so Ichinose was still sleeping in his sleeping bag, when Kuze came to his tent and told about the mission.
“I’m sorry, I can’t find anybody more convenient than you.”
Kuze leaned on and smiled looking at Ichinose. He was half-serious, after all. Kuze already saw Ichinose’s sniping skills and ability to work in emergency cases in battles. However, despite it’s reassuring to have a veteran as a subordinate, this mission doesn’t completely fit Ichinose. Probably, this mission requires somebody who can react persistently and steadily. In this meaning, Ichinose is the best. Probably, that’s why company commander appointed him. At least, it’s not a mission for blockheads amongst those officers.
Kuze rose up. Probably, officers like him are the most caretakers in SDF.
“Okay, go on and have a meal now. We’re gathering in 30 minutes, at 0730. Any questions?”
“None…” – Ichinose gave a sleepy answer to his commander. Kuze left the sleeping Ichinose in his tent and went to make preparations.
At first, open a file with today’s plans.
The intelligence collecting units is comprised by two people. Walking distance is limited, so usage of an unremarkable car is allowed. There is no military necessity for arms, but due to unpredictable events, personal self-defense arms that are under strict control are allowed. Usage against commoners for intimidation purposes is strictly prohibited. Okay… Walk around the city and gather all available information.
“That’s nice, just walk around…”
Well, that’s all you can think up right now. Overall, it’s like do what you need, the reconnaissance in force. Well, that’s not so cool. Kuze finished the paperwork and went to the center of the park with the keys of the car. The weather was a little chilly and it was a pleasant morning.
“I don’t really like it…”
Actually, Kuze wanted to draw in one more person.
A water-drawing was placed near the church kitchen.
Kuze found that there was woman. Long sea-color hair, and white with dark-blue priest’s clothes. She was Ryumi, and she woke up first and was doing laundry.
She has a lot of provisions cans at her side. The cans have SDF’s light-pink marks. The rest of them were distributed yesterday. They were piled for return, but the duty of washing them was the duty of the SDFas well. Yet, Ryumi thought it’s rude and washed the cans alone.
She felt it’s wrong, because it was Ryumi who asked the SDF to engage with the church to help distributing provisions among the war victims. Of course, Ryumi was driven by goodwill and sense of responsibility. At first, the church strictly refused that, saying that it’s rude towards God to feed people by heretics’ food.
Archpriest heard it, too.
Archpriest Geroud is the person who oversees the parish of the royal capital. The fat-belly man spilled anger and humiliation towards the church clerks.
“That’s true we’re in trouble with provisions right after the battle, and we would be glad to receive that even from heretics. But the church doesn’t have money to give heretics! And we can’t even guess how much those stupid heretics require!”
Along with few nuns who believe in her, Ryumi prayed for him.
“Archpriest! That’s wrong, they told they don’t need money!”
“For free?! Are you saying they would save people of another country for free?! What else they want? Some treasures stored in the church? Papers? What do they want?”
“They only want peace for poor people! We know them! Please, leave this to us!”
In the end, they prevailed with the archpriest, and she reassured that her passion passed on to him. so she didn’t think that things would go in a strange direction after she let them go. Therefore, when she noticed that the people from the other world are being betrayed, she couldn’t do a thing.
Have they noticed already? What if they going here already, with weapons in their arms? Ryumi was anxious. She was in fear and self-reproach.
(My life was saved, but I…)
In that fight, she was saved by the warriors from another world. She saw the brave heroes who fought with that black dragon and defeated it. She thought she knows their spirit of standing beside the weak and fight together. Of course, she couldn’t know that SDF legal interpretation and that SDF just happened to be there.
SDF were able to do a move because they were equipped for humanitarian support in Africa and had proper commodities and arms, despite food distribution caused distrust of the church’s elite. Many various conditions inducted a current unhappy situation.
Her young heart was still pure enough to expect to a change with the Archpriest’s mistakes. Right now she is doing her best to express gratitude to SDF by washing the cans. She didn’t care if her thin fingers would rub away. It’s nothing in comparison with the men with sore faces who have been delivering provisions every day.
(Even if they believe in something else, I believe their heart has the same…)
Thinking about it, she felt pained in her heart. At that moment she felt somebody behind her.
(Could it be Phana?)
She turned back.
Her roommate Phana is working hard this time, so she can’t rely on her anymore. If she came to help, I should let her rest. However, her breath stopped in the moment she saw the man who came here. It was a young warrior from the other world.
“Good morning,” – he said with vigorous voice.
“Hya!” – screamed Ryumi and fell on her buttocks.
That’s because she remembered him. She was speaking to him, which resulted in the present situation. She couldn’t see anger on his face, but you never know what people from another world are thinking. She didn’t know why he came. People are afraid of the unknown.
“Are you alright? I’m sorry for coming this early.”
He approached Ryumi and stretched a hand to her. But she could grip that hand.
“W-why…”
“Eh?”
“I… I’ve betrayed you…”
Kuze scratched his head.
“We admit it was a painful mistake for us,” – he gave a bitter smile.
Ryumi just watching that smile.
“If I disapproved of every young girl like you who makes a mistake, I wouldn’t be able to work as an officer. Also, the country had promised to give us provisions, so it’s not just your fault, Ryumi-chan.”
Adults cannot just rely on the words of a teenage girl in a situation where immediate actions are required. In tense situations people tend to neglect the basic things. No SDF officer would ask a girl to answer for her words. SDF officers must be able to do self-examination. Hiding his shame, Kuze grabbed her hand and helped her stand up.
“A…!”
Ryumi noticed that she just broke a nun’s discipline.
“D-don’t!”
And she pulled back her hand.
“Wah!” – Kuze was surprised. It’s against the discipline for a nun to touch an unmarried man, especially such a young man.
“Sorry, I was surprised,” – he apologized again, and Ryumi was worried. Kuze said “I did it again…” so quietly she couldn’t hear that, put off his cap and bowed. It’s no good to scare young girls.
“It’s okay, I was wrong, too.”
“Really? Thank you.”
Her breath was taken by his kind smile. But how can she repent that broken law?
(It’s okay, it was with a good intent…)
It was also prohibited to reject other’s goodwill, she convinced herself. Well, he didn’t come here with anger, and that’s good for now…
(Then, why did he came here?)
Ryumi was looking at Kuze with a question on her face.
“I have a request for you.”
Kuze felt bitter for his behavior which had been unsuitable for a civil officer.
“A request?”
For some reason, he felt guilty towards the chaste girl’s face.
(I guess I won’t be responsible for the abduction of an underage person…)
This is what he worried about. Yet, it was impossible to fulfill the order of that devilish commander that suddenly became a nice civil officer.
A motor pool near billeting place. Kuze is speaking with his subordinate in front of Pajero in
“Olive Drab” painting.
“Ichinose, do you have a driver’s license?”
“For a motorcycle…”
Okay… Which means, I have to drive alone. Kuze was taken aback by his own mistake. He opened the drivers side door and turned to Ryumi.
“Okay, Ryumi-san, please get in.”
A priest girl standing in front of a military vehicle… What a fantasy picture. Ryumi is standing still beside the iron box.
“Ah, eh… How do I open it?”
Oh, that’s right. There are no cars in this world. She doesn’t know where is the driver’s seat, where is the driver assistant’s seat, where are rear seats, and she doesn’t even know how to get inside. Kuze felt apologetic for applying his knowledge as common knowledge. Ichinose courteously opened a rear door.
“Please, sit here.”
“Thank you, sir Ichinose.”
Ryumi met Ichinose in the castle, so she remembers him. It was a good choice of a person. But Ryumi is Ryumi, she’s happy to serve.
(I hate to request her, but… Ryumi, you seem to be the type of person who is easily used by evil people…)
Thinking about this, Kuse turned the keys. He saw her surprised face through the back mirror.
“Kya! It moved?!”
The car began to move backward, and she desperately looking around.
“I can’t see any horses or land birds!”
It seems she can’t accept the fact that the car is moving on its own.
“Let’s talk to the Inland Army inspection, for starters.”
Other from that she is an acquaintance, Kuze had one more reason to bring her. She was necessary to break through an Inland Army’s checkpoint, while he doesn’t know where he is heading to.
In Japan there was a period where it was full of checkpoints. In order to pass them, you had to be either a street performer or a church person. It seems that the church is quite strong in this country. Probably, with Ryumi…
“Stop!”
After driving for a while, they ran into an inspection. Bloodthirsty warriors in uniforms that would rather fit medieval knights approached the car. The warriors that are stationed in the capital, like Karuda, are wearing a lighter uniform that corresponds to cultural patterns and more like the southern style, unlike the Inland Army, told Ryumi on the way. She said it’s because there are many non-mariisuans. By the way, Ryumi is also a non-mariisuan, she came here from the mainland. It was another reason why Kuze thought they would break through flawlessly with her.
“Good morning.”
“Wha..! Mistress Kobokyo priest! Why are you in this carriage?”
As expected, an officer-like faced man was confused. Ryumi calmly smiled to him.
“It’s my duty of guiding these men to their ship in the port.”
The Inland Army warriors didn’t have any information about the SDF providing medical treatment and provisions for the locals. So Kuze and Ryumi had colluded that they would use it against the Inland Army.
“Oh! Why would a pure maiden observe such men…”
“Not at all! That’s a priest’s duty.”
Ryumi was nervous inside, but she didn’t show that before the warrior. It was the first time she used her status.
“Let’s assign a man from the army! As a knight, we can’t allow a maiden to be amid such barbarians!”
They thought about possibility of using her trust, after all. Kuze thought it’s bad, but…
“I am one of the leftovers of the priest warriors who were in the castle during that battle. My fellow-warriors have left to Valhalla already. Do you have any doubt in my knight’s strength?” – said Ryumi with sharp eyes and tone of voice, that was never seen before.
The warriors’ faces were full of dismay. To put disgrace on a priest means to put disgrace on God. Even if the priest is a girl.
“No, not by any means!”
The soldiers quickly left and prostrated.
“You warriors must have your own duties. I do not require your help,” – said Ryumi coldly and signaled by eyes to Kuze.
(Now.)
Kuze estimated a moment when they were oppressed and pressed on the gas. The warriors with shield screamed and ran away from the Pajero.
“We managed somehow.”
Kuze and Ichinose relaxed.
“Ryumi-chan, you’re great! I can’t believe you’re younger than me!” – Ichinose looked from the assistant’s seat at the rear seat.
“Uu-aa! What did I just do?!..”
Ryumi’s eyes were rounded and her face is pale. She was a diligent girl.
“I’m sorry. If something were to happen, I’ll take all responsibilities!”
Kuze was disappointed by drawing in various people.
“Second lieutenant Kuze, you’re just taking responsibility for everything since recently.”
“Oh, shut up! My salary is not that big as yours, you idiot!!”
The car full of people who can’t calm down broke into the city of the other world.
“The reconnaissance team of second lieutenant Kuze has entered.”
Itai repeated the report of successfully entering the city that was received by radio from the headquarters, to Doi.
“You have excellent soldiers who managed to break through that encirclement.”
Doi sat, like a big bear, put on some glasses and read the documents. He didn’t look in her eyes when he asked her to sit down too.
“Also, in that battle inside the castle, he made the best choices in the worst possible situation.”
Itai thought that the man in front of her that is reading the documents is cute, and her opinion of him improved.
“As a person…”
Doi was reading the plan that Kuze made, but Doi was interested not in details, but in Kuze.
“In other words, it wasn’t the best choice as an SDF soldier?”
“Correct.”
“How do you see him, colonel Doi?” – asked Itai with testing voice.
Doi took off his glasses and looked straight at her face.
“I see the younglings strive for safe military life. I heard that he is a hard worker, so I think he is not that bad.”
Itai smiled with her rare simple smile.
“I thought this way too, in the beginning.”
“Am I wrong?”
She nodded, lowered her eyes and began to remember the past.
“I understood something, as I watched him during the NDA period.”
“What is it?”
“All his moves are based on hard conviction. I think he himself has not noticed that yet, though.”
Itai stopped that human-eating attitude and looking at Doi seriously.
“Even he hasn’t noticed that, but he has conviction allowing him to endanger own life for somebody. This is what he is.”
Doi frowned and put the papers on the desk.
“They say that he planned to refuse any appointment before he finished NDA.”
SDF is the closed world, so it’s hard to find the source of these rumors. Especially rumors about officers.
“Yes, that’s true.”
Itai didn’t hide Kuze’s indistinct past. She knows him well, she knows him too well. Therefore, she didn’t want to hide anything about him.
“He asked me, whether he would be able to protect somebody if he graduated.”
Some kind of a snicker was heard from Doi’s direction.
“So green…”
“Yes. That’s why I envied him.”
The smile disappeared from Doi’s face. Itai’s face, on the other hand, returned to her usual aloof expression, yet Doi thought she has something to regret about.
“Weren’t you green in the past too?”[1]
“I don’t know another man with such a strong will to protect somebody. In addition, I see SDF as an organization that protects Japan, not some person.”
Doi understood that she was watching Kuze with her own eyes, so Doi agreed with her, looking at her cold face and that appraisal. This woman is a pragmatist. She is not moved by emotions and feelings. An ideal SDF officer should look like her, in a sense.
“…That’s why he can be trusted,” – she added, and for a moment, her face was clouded by sadness.
“That’s good, I could say, but…” – Doi put away the documents and crossed his arms.
“Sense of mission and justice are better kept absent. Especially in SDF.”
“Is it your experience?”
“Yeah.”
Doi leaned on the pipe chair, and found in his chest pocket lighter and tobacco. He bought a really large amount of Japanese tobacco before departure, but now he’s worried about how much is left.
“Well, I got an idea of who that Kuze is. Do you smoking?”
Doi looked like he was thinking about something. Itai pushed out that ordinary officer Kuze, so it’s natural that Doi is interested now. Itai didn’t think long, she promptly shook her head with a bitter expression.
“No, thanks. By the way, smoking is prohibited here.”
Doi smiled kindly, saying he is understanding that and went towards the tent exit. As if he remembered something, Itai turned his face to Doi.
“Tell that Kuze that if anything happens I’ll wipe his ass clean this time. I have no choice because he’s such a damn valuable youngling. Let him do whatever he want. Tell him this,” – Doi told to her, holding the tobacco in his mouth.
Footnotes:
[1] (Crywolf: Just in case someone didn’t understand what they were talking about.
They basically said that they were too inexperienced. In game terms a Noob.)
(Arocks: Green = Greenhorn, basically a newbie who doesn’t know the workings of the world)
Chapter 2: Guidance
“Me, again?”
From the next day, he was released from kitchen duty, so Ichinose was still sleeping in his sleeping bag, when Kuze came to his tent and told about the mission.
“I’m sorry, I can’t find anybody more convenient than you.”
Kuze leaned on and smiled looking at Ichinose. He was half-serious, after all. Kuze already saw Ichinose’s sniping skills and ability to work in emergency cases in battles. However, despite it’s reassuring to have a veteran as a subordinate, this mission doesn’t completely fit Ichinose. Probably, this mission requires somebody who can react persistently and steadily. In this meaning, Ichinose is the best. Probably, that’s why company commander appointed him. At least, it’s not a mission for blockheads amongst those officers.
Kuze rose up. Probably, officers like him are the most caretakers in SDF.
“Okay, go on and have a meal now. We’re gathering in 30 minutes, at 0730. Any questions?”
“None…” – Ichinose gave a sleepy answer to his commander. Kuze left the sleeping Ichinose in his tent and went to make preparations.
At first, open a file with today’s plans.
The intelligence collecting units is comprised by two people. Walking distance is limited, so usage of an unremarkable car is allowed. There is no military necessity for arms, but due to unpredictable events, personal self-defense arms that are under strict control are allowed. Usage against commoners for intimidation purposes is strictly prohibited. Okay… Walk around the city and gather all available information.
“That’s nice, just walk around…”
Well, that’s all you can think up right now. Overall, it’s like do what you need, the reconnaissance in force. Well, that’s not so cool. Kuze finished the paperwork and went to the center of the park with the keys of the car. The weather was a little chilly and it was a pleasant morning.
“I don’t really like it…”
Actually, Kuze wanted to draw in one more person.
A water-drawing was placed near the church kitchen.
Kuze found that there was woman. Long sea-color hair, and white with dark-blue priest’s clothes. She was Ryumi, and she woke up first and was doing laundry.
She has a lot of provisions cans at her side. The cans have SDF’s light-pink marks. The rest of them were distributed yesterday. They were piled for return, but the duty of washing them was the duty of the SDFas well. Yet, Ryumi thought it’s rude and washed the cans alone.
She felt it’s wrong, because it was Ryumi who asked the SDF to engage with the church to help distributing provisions among the war victims. Of course, Ryumi was driven by goodwill and sense of responsibility. At first, the church strictly refused that, saying that it’s rude towards God to feed people by heretics’ food.
Archpriest heard it, too.
Archpriest Geroud is the person who oversees the parish of the royal capital. The fat-belly man spilled anger and humiliation towards the church clerks.
“That’s true we’re in trouble with provisions right after the battle, and we would be glad to receive that even from heretics. But the church doesn’t have money to give heretics! And we can’t even guess how much those stupid heretics require!”
Along with few nuns who believe in her, Ryumi prayed for him.
“Archpriest! That’s wrong, they told they don’t need money!”
“For free?! Are you saying they would save people of another country for free?! What else they want? Some treasures stored in the church? Papers? What do they want?”
“They only want peace for poor people! We know them! Please, leave this to us!”
In the end, they prevailed with the archpriest, and she reassured that her passion passed on to him. so she didn’t think that things would go in a strange direction after she let them go. Therefore, when she noticed that the people from the other world are being betrayed, she couldn’t do a thing.
Have they noticed already? What if they going here already, with weapons in their arms? Ryumi was anxious. She was in fear and self-reproach.
(My life was saved, but I…)
In that fight, she was saved by the warriors from another world. She saw the brave heroes who fought with that black dragon and defeated it. She thought she knows their spirit of standing beside the weak and fight together. Of course, she couldn’t know that SDF legal interpretation and that SDF just happened to be there.
SDF were able to do a move because they were equipped for humanitarian support in Africa and had proper commodities and arms, despite food distribution caused distrust of the church’s elite. Many various conditions inducted a current unhappy situation.
Her young heart was still pure enough to expect to a change with the Archpriest’s mistakes. Right now she is doing her best to express gratitude to SDF by washing the cans. She didn’t care if her thin fingers would rub away. It’s nothing in comparison with the men with sore faces who have been delivering provisions every day.
(Even if they believe in something else, I believe their heart has the same…)
Thinking about it, she felt pained in her heart. At that moment she felt somebody behind her.
(Could it be Phana?)
She turned back.
Her roommate Phana is working hard this time, so she can’t rely on her anymore. If she came to help, I should let her rest. However, her breath stopped in the moment she saw the man who came here. It was a young warrior from the other world.
“Good morning,” – he said with vigorous voice.
“Hya!” – screamed Ryumi and fell on her buttocks.
That’s because she remembered him. She was speaking to him, which resulted in the present situation. She couldn’t see anger on his face, but you never know what people from another world are thinking. She didn’t know why he came. People are afraid of the unknown.
“Are you alright? I’m sorry for coming this early.”
He approached Ryumi and stretched a hand to her. But she could grip that hand.
“W-why…”
“Eh?”
“I… I’ve betrayed you…”
Kuze scratched his head.
“We admit it was a painful mistake for us,” – he gave a bitter smile.
Ryumi just watching that smile.
“If I disapproved of every young girl like you who makes a mistake, I wouldn’t be able to work as an officer. Also, the country had promised to give us provisions, so it’s not just your fault, Ryumi-chan.”
Adults cannot just rely on the words of a teenage girl in a situation where immediate actions are required. In tense situations people tend to neglect the basic things. No SDF officer would ask a girl to answer for her words. SDF officers must be able to do self-examination. Hiding his shame, Kuze grabbed her hand and helped her stand up.
“A…!”
Ryumi noticed that she just broke a nun’s discipline.
“D-don’t!”
And she pulled back her hand.
“Wah!” – Kuze was surprised. It’s against the discipline for a nun to touch an unmarried man, especially such a young man.
“Sorry, I was surprised,” – he apologized again, and Ryumi was worried. Kuze said “I did it again…” so quietly she couldn’t hear that, put off his cap and bowed. It’s no good to scare young girls.
“It’s okay, I was wrong, too.”
“Really? Thank you.”
Her breath was taken by his kind smile. But how can she repent that broken law?
(It’s okay, it was with a good intent…)
It was also prohibited to reject other’s goodwill, she convinced herself. Well, he didn’t come here with anger, and that’s good for now…
(Then, why did he came here?)
Ryumi was looking at Kuze with a question on her face.
“I have a request for you.”
Kuze felt bitter for his behavior which had been unsuitable for a civil officer.
“A request?”
For some reason, he felt guilty towards the chaste girl’s face.
(I guess I won’t be responsible for the abduction of an underage person…)
This is what he worried about. Yet, it was impossible to fulfill the order of that devilish commander that suddenly became a nice civil officer.
A motor pool near billeting place. Kuze is speaking with his subordinate in front of Pajero in
“Olive Drab” painting.
“Ichinose, do you have a driver’s license?”
“For a motorcycle…”
Okay… Which means, I have to drive alone. Kuze was taken aback by his own mistake. He opened the drivers side door and turned to Ryumi.
“Okay, Ryumi-san, please get in.”
A priest girl standing in front of a military vehicle… What a fantasy picture. Ryumi is standing still beside the iron box.
“Ah, eh… How do I open it?”
Oh, that’s right. There are no cars in this world. She doesn’t know where is the driver’s seat, where is the driver assistant’s seat, where are rear seats, and she doesn’t even know how to get inside. Kuze felt apologetic for applying his knowledge as common knowledge. Ichinose courteously opened a rear door.
“Please, sit here.”
“Thank you, sir Ichinose.”
Ryumi met Ichinose in the castle, so she remembers him. It was a good choice of a person. But Ryumi is Ryumi, she’s happy to serve.
(I hate to request her, but… Ryumi, you seem to be the type of person who is easily used by evil people…)
Thinking about this, Kuse turned the keys. He saw her surprised face through the back mirror.
“Kya! It moved?!”
The car began to move backward, and she desperately looking around.
“I can’t see any horses or land birds!”
It seems she can’t accept the fact that the car is moving on its own.
“Let’s talk to the Inland Army inspection, for starters.”
Other from that she is an acquaintance, Kuze had one more reason to bring her. She was necessary to break through an Inland Army’s checkpoint, while he doesn’t know where he is heading to.
In Japan there was a period where it was full of checkpoints. In order to pass them, you had to be either a street performer or a church person. It seems that the church is quite strong in this country. Probably, with Ryumi…
“Stop!”
After driving for a while, they ran into an inspection. Bloodthirsty warriors in uniforms that would rather fit medieval knights approached the car. The warriors that are stationed in the capital, like Karuda, are wearing a lighter uniform that corresponds to cultural patterns and more like the southern style, unlike the Inland Army, told Ryumi on the way. She said it’s because there are many non-mariisuans. By the way, Ryumi is also a non-mariisuan, she came here from the mainland. It was another reason why Kuze thought they would break through flawlessly with her.
“Good morning.”
“Wha..! Mistress Kobokyo priest! Why are you in this carriage?”
As expected, an officer-like faced man was confused. Ryumi calmly smiled to him.
“It’s my duty of guiding these men to their ship in the port.”
The Inland Army warriors didn’t have any information about the SDF providing medical treatment and provisions for the locals. So Kuze and Ryumi had colluded that they would use it against the Inland Army.
“Oh! Why would a pure maiden observe such men…”
“Not at all! That’s a priest’s duty.”
Ryumi was nervous inside, but she didn’t show that before the warrior. It was the first time she used her status.
“Let’s assign a man from the army! As a knight, we can’t allow a maiden to be amid such barbarians!”
They thought about possibility of using her trust, after all. Kuze thought it’s bad, but…
“I am one of the leftovers of the priest warriors who were in the castle during that battle. My fellow-warriors have left to Valhalla already. Do you have any doubt in my knight’s strength?” – said Ryumi with sharp eyes and tone of voice, that was never seen before.
The warriors’ faces were full of dismay. To put disgrace on a priest means to put disgrace on God. Even if the priest is a girl.
“No, not by any means!”
The soldiers quickly left and prostrated.
“You warriors must have your own duties. I do not require your help,” – said Ryumi coldly and signaled by eyes to Kuze.
(Now.)
Kuze estimated a moment when they were oppressed and pressed on the gas. The warriors with shield screamed and ran away from the Pajero.
“We managed somehow.”
Kuze and Ichinose relaxed.
“Ryumi-chan, you’re great! I can’t believe you’re younger than me!” – Ichinose looked from the assistant’s seat at the rear seat.
“Uu-aa! What did I just do?!..”
Ryumi’s eyes were rounded and her face is pale. She was a diligent girl.
“I’m sorry. If something were to happen, I’ll take all responsibilities!”
Kuze was disappointed by drawing in various people.
“Second lieutenant Kuze, you’re just taking responsibility for everything since recently.”
“Oh, shut up! My salary is not that big as yours, you idiot!!”
The car full of people who can’t calm down broke into the city of the other world.
“The reconnaissance team of second lieutenant Kuze has entered.”
Itai repeated the report of successfully entering the city that was received by radio from the headquarters, to Doi.
“You have excellent soldiers who managed to break through that encirclement.”
Doi sat, like a big bear, put on some glasses and read the documents. He didn’t look in her eyes when he asked her to sit down too.
“Also, in that battle inside the castle, he made the best choices in the worst possible situation.”
Itai thought that the man in front of her that is reading the documents is cute, and her opinion of him improved.
“As a person…”
Doi was reading the plan that Kuze made, but Doi was interested not in details, but in Kuze.
“In other words, it wasn’t the best choice as an SDF soldier?”
“Correct.”
“How do you see him, colonel Doi?” – asked Itai with testing voice.
Doi took off his glasses and looked straight at her face.
“I see the younglings strive for safe military life. I heard that he is a hard worker, so I think he is not that bad.”
Itai smiled with her rare simple smile.
“I thought this way too, in the beginning.”
“Am I wrong?”
She nodded, lowered her eyes and began to remember the past.
“I understood something, as I watched him during the NDA period.”
“What is it?”
“All his moves are based on hard conviction. I think he himself has not noticed that yet, though.”
Itai stopped that human-eating attitude and looking at Doi seriously.
“Even he hasn’t noticed that, but he has conviction allowing him to endanger own life for somebody. This is what he is.”
Doi frowned and put the papers on the desk.
“They say that he planned to refuse any appointment before he finished NDA.”
SDF is the closed world, so it’s hard to find the source of these rumors. Especially rumors about officers.
“Yes, that’s true.”
Itai didn’t hide Kuze’s indistinct past. She knows him well, she knows him too well. Therefore, she didn’t want to hide anything about him.
“He asked me, whether he would be able to protect somebody if he graduated.”
Some kind of a snicker was heard from Doi’s direction.
“So green…”
“Yes. That’s why I envied him.”
The smile disappeared from Doi’s face. Itai’s face, on the other hand, returned to her usual aloof expression, yet Doi thought she has something to regret about.
“Weren’t you green in the past too?”[1]
“I don’t know another man with such a strong will to protect somebody. In addition, I see SDF as an organization that protects Japan, not some person.”
Doi understood that she was watching Kuze with her own eyes, so Doi agreed with her, looking at her cold face and that appraisal. This woman is a pragmatist. She is not moved by emotions and feelings. An ideal SDF officer should look like her, in a sense.
“…That’s why he can be trusted,” – she added, and for a moment, her face was clouded by sadness.
“That’s good, I could say, but…” – Doi put away the documents and crossed his arms.
“Sense of mission and justice are better kept absent. Especially in SDF.”
“Is it your experience?”
“Yeah.”
Doi leaned on the pipe chair, and found in his chest pocket lighter and tobacco. He bought a really large amount of Japanese tobacco before departure, but now he’s worried about how much is left.
“Well, I got an idea of who that Kuze is. Do you smoking?”
Doi looked like he was thinking about something. Itai pushed out that ordinary officer Kuze, so it’s natural that Doi is interested now. Itai didn’t think long, she promptly shook her head with a bitter expression.
“No, thanks. By the way, smoking is prohibited here.”
Doi smiled kindly, saying he is understanding that and went towards the tent exit. As if he remembered something, Itai turned his face to Doi.
“Tell that Kuze that if anything happens I’ll wipe his ass clean this time. I have no choice because he’s such a damn valuable youngling. Let him do whatever he want. Tell him this,” – Doi told to her, holding the tobacco in his mouth.
Footnotes:
[1] (Crywolf: Just in case someone didn’t understand what they were talking about.
They basically said that they were too inexperienced. In game terms a Noob.)
(Arocks: Green = Greenhorn, basically a newbie who doesn’t know the workings of the world)
