44 – Abakusa’s Unrequited Love (1)
“Who is the person?”
“I don’t know. But I know one thing. One of the battalions that gather female prisoners recently emerged, right? Those four barracks built on the edge of the Ascal Plateau.”
“The female soldiers…”
There had been recent rumors about them. But they died down quickly.
The battalion of women was kept separate from the commanders, so their living areas rarely overlapped. The reason they were placed on the edge was also because of that. It was a battalion that we hardly had any chance to see.
“Abacus seems interested in that place? It must be a forbidden zone.”
“I won’t be able to approach it anymore. That’s for sure.”
“…How did you even come here in the first place? Are you, by any chance, a man…”
I got hit.
“I am a criminal. Above all, I was a giant enough to call myself the boss’ bastard. Why? Curious?”
“Not really.”
“You’re stubborn.”
His crush on Abacus.
His lips curled up subtly.
“…Sigh.”
“How about it? Aren’t you curious?”
“I could tease you for three years.”
“Excellent. Very, very excellent. Euhahahaha.”
Blanca and I exchanged looks.
“Shall we go?”
“Let’s.”
We immediately descended into the Ascal Plateau. As we slid down, Tetis Rebra slipped in sneakily.
“Abacus’ crush?”
“I’m not sure if it is truly a crush, Captain.”
“The emotions of subordinates can also be a factor controlled by the commander.”
Despite that, he seemed oddly excited.
We went to the infirmary, claiming to have aches in our bodies, without attending the morning training, searching for Abacus. Of course, she wasn’t there.
“Abacus has never been here.”
It became certain.
Abacus. This jerk. He’s up to something.
Tetis Rebra murmured softly.
“The 9th Platoon of Women’s Battalion is stationed at the outskirts. But you can’t just enter there directly; there’s security. Abacus isn’t a guy who hides his big stature well.”
“You’re right, Captain. If it were me… I wouldn’t consider sneaking in. The risk is too high. But, that guy, he always has ideas.”
“True. Then he must be under surveillance, right?”
“Surveillance… It should be from a vantage point. But it won’t be visible with the naked eye as the distance increases.”
“If that’s the case, there’s a good chance that they borrowed something from the supply warehouse. Like a telescope.”
“It’s not an easily accessible supply warehouse where ordinary soldiers can simply borrow items…”
“It was definitely borrowed in my name.”
It seems like my brain only functions at moments like this.
Visited the supply warehouse. To my surprise, there was an item borrowed under the name of Tetis Libra.
“You mean a telescope? One soldier did borrow it, but… you must return it before the end of the day, Sergeant.”
“Of course. Thank you. And can I borrow one more thing, if possible?”
“Just make sure to return it on time.”
Got it.
Tetis Libra took out a map.
“If we add strategic elements, there are two places where we can overlook the barracks. These two locations… it feels like filthy peeping toms…”
“Disgusting. Seriously. It would be best to watch this hillside closely. To borrow a telescope and spy on the women’s quarters… what a despicable bastard…”
Despite swearing, a smile doesn’t fade from their lips.
“Let’s see who they are. The woman who made Avakusa fall head over heels for her, calling me old-fashioned.”
“Let’s see who the guy is that called me ‘sunny thighs’ every day and fell in love. “
Seems like revenge is the only thing on our minds.
We thoroughly searched the hill. We didn’t need to search for long; Avakusa was clearly visible in the distance.
“This disgusting peeping tom…!”
“Found them! Confirm the location! Drakan!”
“What is this…?”
We witnessed Avakusa, who was spying on someone else. To secure evidence, we calculated the field of view and marked it on the map.
“It’s over there.”
“There?”
Tetis Libra swiftly used the telescope. They sighed.
“…Ahem.”
“What’s with the ‘ahem’? I want to see too.”
Blanca snatched the telescope. They sighed.
“Ugh…”
What kind of reaction is that?
“Give it to me.”
“Ah, no. Drakan. Don’t look at me.”
“Yes, right. Don’t look. It’s not something you’d enjoy seeing. Why would a refined lady like her be in the resistance…?”
“She looks like a noblewoman… Why is she here?”
From Noble mtl dot com
“But that Avakusa guy… He seems to have a preference for older widows than I thought…”
Makes me more curious.
“Give it to me, Blanka.”
“…N-No, I don’t want to!”
“Why?”
“I have a feeling you shouldn’t see it. That’s the type of picture that could make any man fall for it…! We already have enough fools in our squad falling for women!”
“Give it to me.”
“Oh no! I can’t beat you with strength! Lieutenant!”
“Commander, help meee…! This monster brat!”
I used my binoculars. I could understand why they groaned.
The visible woman seemed to be a fairly mature lady. Except for some faint wrinkles, she exuded elegance.
Is she an elf? Judging by her pointy ears, it seemed plausible. The important thing is the grace in every single one of her actions.
Completely different from chatterbox Blanka and tough Tethys Libra. Truly a refined lady. Despite wearing military attire, there was a radiance beyond her somewhat dull blond hair.
She had self-care, but also etiquette ingrained in her being.
Her appearance was beautiful as well. It could be described as a portrait of an aging elf with grace.
“Hmm…”
“T-Those are eyes smitten with love, Blanka.”
“It couldn’t be helped… I couldn’t stop it!”
Well.
She’s not my type. After all, there’s a woman I haven’t forgotten.
“We captured the scene too. Let’s go taunt them.”
“Aren’t you smitten with love?”
“It’s not really my style.”
“Then what is your style?”
“Hmm…”
In short, maybe that’s it.
“I like someone who seems perfect but needs some subtle attention.”
Tetis Libra and Blanca stood tall.
. . .
The style I need to look after…
Is that me?
Tetis Libra groaned inwardly. Strangely, her heart skipped a beat.
This boy has been growing rapidly lately. Since their first encounter, when he was slightly smaller than her, has he now grown to the point where she has to look up to him completely?
The scent of a boy has disappeared, replaced by the fragrance of a mature young man. Moreover…
Lately, it keeps crossing her mind.
What happened at the mine.
…No. It’s all just fleeting emotions. Tetis Libra brushed off the thought of Drakan.
Endure. She must endure. As a capable commander, she cannot be swayed by trivial emotions.
He may be handsome, kind, and possess a perfect physique…
But that is a separate matter altogether.
She is the commander; he is a subordinate.
“…Ahem.”
She should not harbor any further emotions. As someone aspiring to be a competent soldier!
…However, even so, was she not bold enough? Drakan.
He singled her out so sharply. Ahem… ahahahahaha!!
“Y-Your superior is watching! Don’t forget!”
“…….? Yes, I understand.”
“On-officer matters only!”
“Yes?”
. . .
The style I need to look after…
That’s… me, isn’t it?
Blanca glanced sideways at Drakan. He is certainly different. These days, what can she say…
His height, his body, everything has grown… It’s as if the scent of a male is wafting in the air.
It feels entirely different from the men who used to fawn over her. Above all, during that time…
He, he didn’t lay a hand on me…
Though my life was saved a few times as well. There were moments when he protected me.
…Ha, but I don’t have any stronger emotions?! Really none?! Just enough to believe in!
Nevertheless, being this bold…!
Is it because of your age?! Are you bold because you’re young?! Geez…
“Just letting you know, we are fr…”
“What?”
“… Never mind.”
No, there’s no need for me to say it with my own mouth. If I draw a firm line, the child won’t get hurt.
Hmm.
If you think about it, it makes sense. That kid could act like that at that age.
It can’t be helped if he falls in love with an exceptional woman like me, right?
Oh, poor soul… It’s fine to have hope, but don’t hold on to too many high expectations.
There’s some fondness, but just to that extent. Seriously, just that extent!
A-about that, it’s embarrassing. Those sorts of things. I don’t fit with them…
Grumpily.
She lightly smacks him on the back.
“Die!”
“…You want me to die?”
“Don’t die!”
“What are you saying?”
“Don’t die, but die! Anyway, apologize by dying! You’ve caused me worries!”
“You’ve been drinking?”
“No, I haven’t?!”
. . .
After the unclear commotion passed, I finally reached Avakusa. His expression crumbled as he turned back sensing my presence.
“Why, why are you here…”
“Avakusaaa…”
I smirked.
“You have quite a lovely expression.”
“Oh no! No, this is, um…”
Abacus stumbled, but somehow, there was no sign of protection shooting.
Perhaps they had followed us because they wanted to play together. I glanced quickly at Blanca and Tetis Libra.
Until a moment ago, the two who giggled and laughed were now awkwardly throwing pebbles. One of them even twisted their hair at the end.
“Why, why are there so many pebbles! We should clear this area later!”
“Uhh, my hair is a bit messy… It will look even prettier if I tidy it up later…”
“…….?”
Abacus asked me with a trembling voice.
“Did you all drink together or something?”
“No.”
Disappointment filled them. I sat down next to Abacus.
“Who’s been watching us?”
“Umm…”
“It seems to be your type. A well-behaved girl. It suits your refined taste. I wonder why you joined the resistance.”
“H-how?!?”
“We borrowed binoculars too.”
“Ugh…”
Abacus groaned and pulled something out of their pocket.
“I-I was just looking for an opportunity. I received something. A handkerchief. I got it when I was training. I happened to pass by the dormitory, and at that moment, I fell. I got up embarrassed and she was there.”
“So what?”
“I received the handkerchief. I offered to return it, but she refused. And since then, I never saw her again. That’s the end of it.”
“Secret love, huh?”
Protection shooting came flying late.
Blanca chuckled.
“Our little calf. hahahaha! Still got a bit of a boyish side, huh?”
“Noisy. You damn woman. Anyway, I just wanted to return it. But it seems like we won’t meet anytime soon…”
“I don’t think there are many peeping perverts who claim they don’t have a chance to meet.”
“Noisy! It’s an action derived from good intentions!”
“Isn’t that all there is to it?”
“…Ugh.”
Avacusa twitched. Tetis Libra coughed emptily.
“The headquarters could pass on the message… But then we won’t achieve our goal.”
“W-What are you saying…”
“No need to be awkward. It’s the duty of a capable commander to support their subordinates’ love affairs. The headquarters will assist. “
“Heh heh. Me too. Me too!”
“Not having a four-year plan is what’s helping!”
“Don’t act tough, little calf. Do you think this is what being a pro in love looks like?”
“How many times have you tried?”
“Numbers are just numbers.”
“It’s the same thing, obviously!”
I intervened and stopped them. Avacusa muttered to me.
“You, you brat… Dracon… That’s right! You would understand me…!”
“First, you need to come up with a confession plan. Sergeant.”
“Go to hell!!!”
I dodged the incoming fist.
Other people’s love stories?
I can’t stand it.
Moreover, if they’re my friends, I should tease them to my heart’s content.
“Don’t worry, Avacusa. I’ll help you with all my might.”
“What am I supposed to receive from a inexperienced brat like you?”
“It’s better to have nothing.”
“Nothing is better!”
“Don’t worry! Avacusa! This love genius Blancqua and capable commander Tetis Libra will help.”
Avacusa’s expression crumbled.
“It’s the first time my hope fades before it even began.”
“When the three of us combine our strength, little calf, it’s three times your age. And our love experience is triple yours.”
“Just multiplying by three in zero won’t make it three…”
:
“Just isn’t that all there is to it?”
“…Urgh.”
Avacusa flinched. Tetis Libra coughed in vain.
“The headquarters could pass it on… But then we won’t be able to achieve our goal.”
“W-What are you talking about…”
“No need to feel awkward. Supporting your subordinates’ love interests is also the task of a capable commander. The headquarters will help.”
“Heh heh. Me too. Me too!”
“Not having a four-year plan is what’s helping!”
“Don’t act tough, young calf. Do you think this is what a love pro looks like?”
“How many times have you tried?”
“Numbers are just numbers.”
“It’s the same thing obviously!”
I intervened and stopped them. Avacusa sobbed to me.
“You, you brat… Dracon… That’s right! You would understand me…!”
“First and foremost, you need to make a confession plan, Sergeant.”
“Go to hell!!!”
I dodged the incoming punch.
Other people’s love stories?
I can’t stand them.
Moreover, if they’re my friends, shouldn’t I tease them to my heart’s content?
“Don’t worry, Avacusa. I’ll help you with all my dedication.”
“What am I supposed to receive from an inexperienced brat like you?”
“It’s better to have nothing.”
“Nothing is better!”
“Don’t worry! Avacusa! This love genius Blancqua and the capable commander Tetis Libra will assist.”
Avacusa’s expression broke down.
“It’s the first time hope fades before it even starts.”
“When the three of us join forces, little calf, it’s equivalent to three times your age. And our love experience is triple yours.”
“Just multiplying by three in zero won’t make it three…”