I Will Serve
Captain.
Captain, please wake up.
It's morning.
But today's a day off...
That's correct. It's a day off.
...
...?
Once you've washed up, breakfast will be ready for you.
Please go ahead, Captain.
...Am I dreaming?
Even a splash of cold water couldn't shake me from what felt like a dream. And there was Lugh, waiting in the living room.
I heard at Candle Square that you're busy from the morning, Captain.
So I've prepared something simple.
The table was covered in water jellies and chocolate bars.
Eating all of this in one sitting seems a bit...
It's fine. This is for two. I'll be eating too.
Huh? You still think it's too much?
...I thought it wasn't enough.
You eat this much in one meal...?
...I understand.
You eat lightly, Captain.
...Do I?
It's already nine o'clock.
Captain, let's eat breakfast on the move.
Eating water jellies, I walked alongside Lugh.
So what's going on this morning?
Service.
...A familiar silence settled in.
Could you explain a bit more...?
I see I was unclear. Very well.
Do you remember what I said I'd been thinking about last time?
I've given it more thought.
I realized the reason I'd been feeling aimless was because the Journey left me with nothing to do.
So I concluded I should find something to do within the Journey.
And I've decided I will assist and serve you.
Isn't that a bit of a leap in logic?
No. In fact, I should have been doing this from the start.
It's the Journey Captain's role to take care of his Journey member.
So it's the Journey member's role to take care of the Journey Captain.
...By the way, how did you get into my room?
When I told the maid I intended to serve you, she gave me the spare key.
Her face turned red...
Perhaps she's caught a cold. It must be the change of seasons.
You'd better explain everything to her later!
And so, with Lugh assisting me, we went about the city.
Puddle ahead.
It's unlikely, but splashing could occur. I recommend a wide detour.
The road's to the right, sidewalk to the left. Let's go left.
S-sure...
Limited-time dessert from Cafe Strega! We're having a free tasting event!
How about a soft, sweet bite? It's delicious!
Well, a bite won't hurt...
Hold on, Captain.
There could be poison in this.
What? What are you talking about...?
The remnants of the NOA Plaza Faction are still active.
They could resort to anything to get their message across.
As the Journey Captain, you should expect at least this level of security.
I'll taste it first.
Mm...
W-what do you think? Isn't it good?
...I can't say for sure.
I'll have to eat more to determine that.
Ma'am?! You can't eat that much!
I'm confident in my cleaning skills. Please leave it to me.
For example, the bed.
Dust easily gathers under beds. If you reach under—hmm?
This is...
Ah...!
...If you plan to appreciate this today, I'll place it on your desk.
What would you like me to do with it?
Just put it back where it was...
Lastly, I've prepared dinner.
Please, eat.
Just like breakfast, the table was piled high with water jellies and chocolate bars.
Um...
Yes?
Are you planning to assist me again tomorrow?
Yes. Unless something comes up, that was my intention.
...
Was it inconvenient for you?
I appreciate it. But honestly, it's a bit too much...
Too much...
...No need to feel bad. You've done nothing wrong.
It just means tomorrow I'll have nothing to do again...
...
...Creepy.
...I've realized something else.
Captain, I'm different from other people.
I don't have likes or dislikes. I don't have wants.
The Journey was the same. I accepted the invitation simply because I had no reason to refuse.
Unlike others, I'm missing something fundamental.
Even if I pass the Journey... even if I gain great power...
I could never become a hero like the Star Savior...
You said you liked Stellar Rangers, didn't you?
...Stellar Rangers?
I don't like it. I'm merely interested.
Joining the Journey.
Being interested in Stellar Ranger.
...
Couldn't it all be for the same reason?
The same reason...?
I suppose... It's true there are rumors Stellar Rangers was modeled after the Star Savior...
Do you have a lead? If you know something, please tell me...!
...I should find the answer myself?
An answer given by someone else is false.
The one you find yourself is the correct one.
An answer I find myself...
The reason I'm drawn to Stellar Rangers... the reason I joined the Journey...
The same reason...
Lost in thought, Lugh began unwrapping chocolate bars and eating them one by one.
Before long, the piles of water jellies and chocolate bars had vanished without a trace.