Chapter 57

"......I see."

If I report what I talked about with my sister yesterday to the homeroom teacher as it is, she must have started thinking about something, perhaps something that she could relate to.

The fact that she didn't laugh it off means that my thoughts are not entirely baseless.

If we think about it normally, the homeroom teacher should be aware of what we are thinking. However, we cannot assume this and neglect reporting, communication, and consultation.

By conveying this, we can also ensure that if the other party was unaware, it serves as insurance. More importantly, by conveying that 'we are worried about this' at this point, we can also prompt them to take action and request a progress report.

Moreover, such a move would be even better.

"I have no intention of leaving unresolved issues that could affect not only me but also my sister."

"Given your position, that's to be expected. But rest assured, we have no intention of going along with the plans of the coexistence faction."

"That's a relief."

No, really. If they said something like 'we don't get involved in civilian matters' like some police force, I would seriously consider defecting.

"However,"

"However?"

"As you said, this is a matter involving diplomacy. We can't take such a hard line."

"Yeah, that's true."

Since the other party has followed the proper procedures, it's not that easy to handle. Depending on the position, they might even have diplomatic privileges.

"The immediate issue for us is the existence of those who agreed to send a person with obvious ulterior motives to the class where your sister is. We need to crack down on them first."

"That's true."

Yuna's middle school is within walking distance from the dormitory where we live. In other words, it's in Oume City. For a foreign noble to come here? That's odd from the start.

If they want to gain military knowledge for the future, they could go to the area near Ichigaya. If they are interested in aircraft, they could directly enter the military school in Oume City.

So why are they entering a middle school in Oume? If they don't notice my existence, they are incompetent. If they notice and still enroll, it means there are ulterior motives.

Furthermore, this operation cannot be done alone. It means there are collaborators in at least the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the National Defense Force.

If it's just a matter of money or connections, that's still better. In the worst case, there's a possibility that they cooperated with the coexistence faction knowing their intentions.

The homeroom teacher must have judged that the same thing will happen again unless these people are removed. I completely agree with that. Rather, I want to know why they didn't act sooner.

"......We can't just arrest people based on ideology."

"Is that so?"

Was it showing on my face? Oh well.

"But thanks to your actions this time, we've caught their tail. All we need to do now is let them swim and gather decisive evidence."

Huh? Let them swim?

"......Use my sister as bait?"

I'll kill you.

"......Of course not. Protecting civilians is our duty."

"Well, that's good to hear."

I didn't like the hesitation, but thinking about it, she doesn't have the final say. It's good to get a verbal commitment that they won't use her as bait... Ah, no, that's not good enough.

"Is it possible to arrange for guards through your connections, Lieutenant?"

This person is apparently from a noble family. I think he has connections outside the military.

"It's not impossible, but it will cost money."

"Ah..."

That's right. If military personnel are assigned as guards, it's part of their duty, but if it's a personal request, it will cost money. I don't intend to skimp on money to ensure my sister's safety, but I don't know the going rate. Guards with connections to a noble family can't be cheap...

"Haha. Just kidding."

"Eh?"

I had a vision of all the money I saved from training with the Izu Valley people flying away, but there was salvation here.

"If a subordinate's family is targeted, protecting them is the organization's duty. Especially since this is Tokyo, the base of the First Division. We have no intention of letting outsiders, especially those who have come from overseas, get away with such insolence."

"I see."

That makes sense. There are cases where family members are taken hostage and information leaks, and in my case, the data that could leak is significant. Of course, they would protect us.

Also, I forgot about the First Division's territory. I really feel bad about it, but just feeling bad won't change anything.

If it doesn't cost anything, I can just ask. Wow, just bowing and getting guards is the best!

---

(Yes!)

After confirming that Keita had thoroughly understood her explanation, Shizuka was inwardly giving a thumbs up.

This was because the concerns Keita had were also issues that the First Division had been aware of, and they had already planned to assign guards to Keita and his surroundings.

However, if Keita and his sister were to dislike having guards around, it would be meaningless, or even counterproductive.

Keita is naturally a suspicious person. The more beneficial something is to him, the more he is convinced that there is a hidden agenda and tends to be suspicious.

(As a soldier, it's a rare quality.)

While this is a good trait, it makes it very difficult to try to do him a favor.

(But this time, it shouldn't be a problem.)

While thinking about how to send guards to Keita without making him suspicious, he offered to do it himself. By emphasizing that it was free, the First Division could assign guards in a way that felt like they were doing him a favor, rather than imposing them.

It was impossible not to be happy that a task that was thought to be difficult was accomplished more easily than expected.

(Being targeted with killing intent is not good... but I'll let it slide this time.)

While it's a misunderstanding, there are few people who wouldn't get angry if they were accused of using their family as bait. Moreover, Keita only expressed dissatisfaction with the policy and didn't take any action.

Depending on the situation, he might even voice his dissatisfaction. However, unless it's something extreme, he won't be punished. Even though the military is an organization that values top-down orders, it is not so rigid that it cannot tolerate subordinates' dissatisfaction, and Keita is a student. It's part of an adult's tolerance to allow some indulgence.

(Also, there's something I need to tell the lieutenant.)

Originally, this matter was just a consultation from Keita, and the work assigned to Shizuka had not even started, let alone finished.

"Since the guard issue is settled, I have something to tell you as well."

Therefore, Shizuka decided to inform Keita of what she originally intended to convey, now that his concerns were resolved and he seemed relieved.

"......What is it?"

Keita, who had no idea what it could be, looked puzzled.

"It's about your duties at the cultural festival."

"Oh, right. I forgot about that."

The mention of the cultural festival made Keita realize, 'Oh, that's right, there's that too,' and Shizuka also thought it was not the right time to bring it up after the talk about the coexistence faction, but as mentioned earlier, the cultural festival at the military school is not just a festival. It is a legitimate part of the 'public relations mission.'

Regardless of what it is, a good soldier takes their mission seriously.

And Shizuka is a recognized excellent soldier. Therefore, slacking off at the cultural festival is out of the question, and she intends to make Keita, who is both a student and a subordinate, take it seriously as well.

"I heard you won't be appearing in public?"

"That's right. Considering the current situation, it's probably best not to appear in public."

Keita is a figure who can be used for publicity, but for that very reason, he is at high risk of being targeted. The First Division decided not to have Keita appear in public and to use a stand-in instead.

Of course, there will be guests who know Keita's face, but they have been contacted in advance and have agreed, so they won't make a fuss about 'Keita being a fake.'

—It is important to note that this is not because Keita's appearance is unsuitable for a 'hero' or lacks an aura, which is why a stand-in was used.

Leaving aside the evaluation of Keita's appearance.

Therefore, Keita is not required to attend ceremonies or other events. However, he is instructed to participate in events designed to entertain guests through a simulator—so that he can respond immediately if an emergency call is made—and to be on standby in the garage during the cultural festival.

Thus, what Shizuka is informing Keita about is the details of the events he will participate in.

"First, regarding the mecha battle... you will be riding a mass-produced model."

"Hmm. A mass-produced model. That's fine, but will there be any holding back?"

"No need."

"......Is that okay?"

"I said it's fine."

"I apologize."

"Ah."

(What a cheeky one. But I can't say that. The difference in skill and experience is too great. For the students, it's like a disaster, but they will have to accept it as part of the battlefield.)

Shizuka, looking at Keita, who, in the presence of the audience, confirmed the absence of holding back when instructed to ride a mass-produced model, which is essentially a command to 'not go all out,' felt pity for the students who will be fighting Keita at the cultural festival.

Reporting, communication, and consultation are important. It's written on the posters in various workplaces.

Thank you for reading.