What's Hidden Behind the Mask
When I arrived at the training grounds on time, Carmen was nowhere to be seen.
She was always the first one here, warming up before me, so it felt strange for her to be late.
She eventually rushed in, breathless, quickly setting her gear aside to stretch.
You're late. That's not like you.
I'm sorry. When I opened my eyes, it was already much later than I expected.
Are you feeling all right? You look pale.
I'm fine. Just a bit worn out.
Haha. A little stretching should take care of it.
I promise, it will not affect the training schedule.
Of course. I understand that.
"Adequate rest is essential for effective training."
I made sure that line made it into the revised Monastir Knights training manual.
There's no way I would forget something like that. Haha.
Let's get to training.
But even as she smiled, something about her seemed off.
Even light running left her breathless, with cold sweat on her forehead.
She tried to act like everything was fine...
But the body doesn't lie.
Mid-swing of her shield, Carmen lost her balance and stumbled.
The shield slipped from her hand and tumbled across the dirt.
Ngh...!
Are you okay? That was dangerous.
...I'm fine. I just got distracted for a moment.
I'll be more careful next time.
Carmen.
Yes, Captain?
Sometimes... you need to be honest with yourself, too.
...Haha. You have nothing to worry about, Captain.
I've always been honest with myself and you.
Right now, you look like someone being chased.
...
Oh my, what could you mean by that?
I'm the Deputy Master of the Monastir Knights, you know?
And you think someone like me is being chased by something?
Do I truly look so unreliable to you, Captain?
No matter what happens, I always keep my composure—
You already know what I mean.
...
The one chasing you... is none other than you yourself.
Carmen confines herself to the image of a stalwart shield who remains composed in any situation.
That's why she refuses to show any signs of weakness to anyone.
She believes that she must always be seen as a protector of the people.
She keeps pushing herself, even hypnotizing her own mind into believing it.
If this continues, she'll break before she ever becomes the person she wants to be.
Captain...
That's not true composure. It's just a mask for your anxiety.
...
...Haha. You're right.
I suppose... I've been pushing myself too hard.
As Deputy Master of the Knights...
I thought I had to maintain my composure and rise up to every task.
So everyone could stay calm, and have faith in me to lead them.
No one ever caught on before... until now.
I suppose I can't fool your eyes, Captain
Haha. I wonder why. That never used to happen before.
I'll... rest for today.
Carmen turned away with an expression I'd never seen on her before.
If she found something through this... I hope it stays with her.