Winning Her Favor
A lot has happened, but training with Bell continued without issue.
Maybe she's been thinking about herself lately. I don't see her rubbing people the wrong way as much as before.
That one phrase she used to toss around...
...They'll pay.
...Well, after a few laps around the field, she stopped saying it. At least not in front of me.
And today...
It seems like a little better... maybe?
Captain, about that last drill... I think I could do better if I tried it again.
Would you let me run it one more time?
Hmm?
M-my numbers are up compared to before!
And well, maybe... it's all thanks to...
...Having a brilliant Captain?
Uh-huh...?
Okay, no. Something's off.
Definitely off.
She looks pale, and she's sweating more than usual.
What's... going on with you?
N-nothing's going on! I've said it before!
Completing the Journey means a lot to me too.
A-a-and you were right. My attitude was kind of awful.
So I took some time to reflect.
Oh?
I looked back on myself. Tried thinking about things from your point of view.
And then I realized... m-my past self was really, um...
...
Embarrassing, I guess...?
Ooooh!
S-so I thought I should, um... try harder and do better and—
*Huff* *Pant Pant* Ngh...!
Your breathing's getting heavy.
Are you okay?
Y-yeah! I'm fine, I'm— *Huff...*
U-um... would it be okay if I just rested in the shade over there for a bit...?
Yes. Let's take a breather.
Th-thanks!
Hmm... Maybe she's not feeling well.
Sometimes when you're really motivated, you end up pushing yourself without realizing it.
Maybe that's what's happening with Bell!
*Huff Huff* *Gasp*!
...
This...
This way of talking is disgusting!!!
I-is this really the right idea?!
Even if I do manage to hear "I believe in you" this way...
...
...Will I even survive until then?!
Ugh...
If forcing the words out of him won't work, then I thought maybe I could pull it off with some good student mode...
But this is way harder than I thought...
That's such a high bar!
Saying something like, "Maybe it's all thanks to having a brilliant Captain?"...
Just kill me!!
And then, "I realized my past self was really embarrassing..."
What even IS that?! It's so cringey!
Oh no no... I'm seriously getting dizzy...
How... how do people just say stuff like that without dying inside?!
Bell? You okay?
C-Captain?
N-no! I-it's nothing... nothing at all...
Let's call it a day. I think you need rest.
No, wait! Wait! The plan was to keep pushing through!
I was going to ride the momentum and...!
No no no! There's no guarantee I'll be in this condition next time!
That's why it has to be now! We've come this far. Just let me finish!
Please! Captain!!!
Please!!!
Bell Rhys.
That's enough for today. Go get some rest.
Noooo!!
Dragged back to her quarters under the power of my command, Bell put up a fierce struggle. But no one can fight a command issued under the oath.
Nnghh!! Ngh-ugh!! Dammit! Captain!! CAPTAAAIN!!
If she really wanted to keep training...
Maybe that conversation at the cemetery meant more to her than I thought?
I'm not sure why, but we're getting closer sooner than I expected.
Maybe next time, I'll even throw in a compliment.
Listen to meeeee!!
CAAAAAAPTAAAAAIIIIIN!!!