Operation: Retake the Commander
I'd like to say that was pathetic! Far too soft! But...
You all fought reasonably well without a single commanding officer present.
I especially commend how carefully you looked after the wounded.
We thought the Deputy Commander might actually kill us otherwise...
I understand why you mobilized after receiving a report about terrorist maids.
Protecting the West is our duty, after all.
But why did you still attack after seeing Lydia and me?
Er, we were the ones getting beaten one-sidedly, Commander.
Ah. That's true. Then let me rephrase the question.
The Captain is a benefactor of the West.
Why did you misunderstand him despite that?
Because everyone says he's a bad man who's used to playing with women...
Who in the world started that rumor...?
One of my relatives is a follower of the Monolith Order.
They said a pink-haired Saintess they often see there told them.
It seemed I'd have plenty to discuss with Muriel when I got back.
Normally, I'd have to punish them under military law... Captain, do you want them disciplined?
No. It sounds like it was just a misunderstanding.
The Captain doesn't want them punished, and Lydia went too far herself. We'll settle this with confinement to quarters.
Everyone, return to base.
Yes, ma'am!
The Liberators helped the wounded to their feet in orderly fashion and began heading back to base.
Walking back like this... reminds me of the operation to destroy the Void Core.
Back then, I couldn't keep up with you either, Commander. I fell behind just like this...
You didn't fall behind. You completed your mission.
If even one of the people here had been absent...
I wouldn't have succeeded.
The same goes for those who never made it back.
..."If only I'd been a little stronger."
We're not doing that, remember?
...Haha. Right.
Our comrades who went before us would be proud too.
Former Commander Venera as well.
Ceres stopped dead, and Lydia shot the soldier a fierce glare.
You idiot!
I-I'm sorry!
Heh. Of course she would. I'm proud of it too.
Ceres struck a proud, commanding pose.
Lydia. I'm fine, so you don't need to stop people from talking about my sister.
And the rest of you don't need to avoid the subject either.
The operation to destroy the Void Core was a proud victory for us. Be proud of it.
After saying that, Ceres strode ahead and continued.
We didn't get any volunteer work done today, but at least I got plenty of exercise.
I think I'll sleep soundly again tonight! Let's head back.
Are you really all right, Commander?
Of course! How long am I supposed to remain trapped by my sister's death?
She won't be able to rest in peace if I keep this up.
...And I'm sure I'll be fine.
After all, I haven't dreamed of anything these past few days.
If anything, I'd almost like her to appear in my dreams again after so long. Haha.
It was a bold, confident answer, just like the Ceres we knew.
And that was exactly what made it painful to hear.
Right now, Ceres was the same Ceres who had once pushed herself relentlessly.
But her back seemed to be telling us not to ask any more, so we silently followed behind her.