Her Two Faces
Emily's issues with memory loss were quite serious.
At her worst, she would forget things that had happened just minutes ago.
...Captain.
Could you refresh my memory?
Did I... say I needed to clean your office earlier?
That's the first I'm hearing of this!
Didn't I talk to you about this earlier?
Then who did I report to...?
I clearly remember telling someone...
But in combat, it was like she became someone else entirely.
Target located.
I'll reposition to cover your blind spot in case of a counterattack.
...There. Opening confirmed.
Captain, maintain your guard.
According to the intel we reviewed prior to the operation... there could still be an ambush—
Watch out!
Just as I expected.
You didn't even look. How'd you know?
I memorized the layout and bush count when we came here.
Several displayed suspicious movement.
Stand by, Captain.
If we push forward without confirming the target is down, we risk being flanked.
So, Captain.
Were my maneuvers satisfactory?
...It was perfect.
I wasn't just being polite.
There was nothing I needed to add. She had performed flawlessly.
I see.
It appears my hard-earned combat skills haven't dulled.
That felt more like a training exercise than an actual battle, but still...
It served as a suitable warm-up.
There wasn't a hint of forgetfulness in Emily during combat.
She processed and applied every piece of necessary intel in an instant.
But once the mission was over...
She slipped back into her usual state.
On our way back to Candle Square after finishing the job...
Um... Excuse me.
Captain?
Yes?
...It seems I left my sword at our rest stop.
Uh-huh...
...And I've somehow lost the rations bag too.
Where could I have dropped it...?
I shall discpline myself by skipping dinner.
No, you can't go skipping meals.
*Sigh* We returned later than scheduled.
Even though we stuck to the plan perfectly, our return time is significantly delayed.
I wonder why...
Now that I think about it, weren't there more enemies than indicated in the briefing?
That accounts for the delay.
We should consider filing a complaint when we collect the contract payout.
No...
That's not why we're late at all...!
It's because you left your sword behind at the rest stop!
You also lost our rations bag, so we had to stop at a restaurant to eat!
Did you already forget all that?!
Emily.
Yes?
Are you sure you haven't forgotten anything this time?
Hmm? Forgotten? What do you mean by that?
...Never mind. Go get some rest.
This... is bad.
Very bad.
At this rate, something has to be done—and soon.
That night, I dreamed of Emily sweeping away her lost memories... as if they were nothing more than dust.