The Team's True Feelings
Okay... All set.
All right... Whew... Let's do this, Roberta...!
Oh, Captain! You're here!
Over here.
You got here early.
It's dinner plans with you. I didn't want to be late.
So, what should we order?
The usual.
Now you're talking like a regular, Captain! Fufufu!
Since it's a special occasion, we could've splurged somewhere fancier, you know.
Tonight's my treat, so don't worry about the bill.
Don't worry, I like this place a lot.
...Ngh?!
I-I didn't mean I disliked it or anything!
I just... wanted to express my gratitude.
...Honestly, I was scared back then.
I said I'd take full responsibility like it was nothing, but...
Like the Director said back then, there was no way I could have taken responsibility for the fallout.
If my judgment had been wrong...
It wouldn't have been just me. My whole team would've suffered for it.
That's why... without you, Captain, I probably would've backed down.
But you gave me courage.
You're the reason I didn't waver. You're the one who saved everyone.
Not me, we did. Together.
...Fufu! That's exactly something you'd say.
Anyway, tonight we celebrate! Let's relax, drink, and talk as much as we want!
I even finished all my paperwork ahead of time.
Now then, cheers!
Cheers!
Our glasses met with a light, cheerful clink.
So, everything at work wrapped up okay?
Well... I'd say it's been handled neatly enough.
With the evidence exposed, the Observation Director broke and admitted everything.
She confessed to falsifying the risk level in exchange for corporate favors.
While covering her tracks, she messed with other observation data too...
It created the mismatch we kept seeing.
Seriously, what kind of arrogance makes someone think that because nothing's gone wrong yet, it'll stay fine forever?
Whew... If we'd been even a little late, it would've been catastrophic.
The data was tampered with so cleverly that even the auditors missed it at first.
Only after everything blew up did they scramble to add preventive measures.
Tch! Yet, when I kept pointing out something was off, they just ignored me!
In the end, your instincts were right.
Like I've said, some instincts only come from fieldwork.
Anyway, Astra Energy is fully cooperating now...
So the ones responsible will get what they deserve.
Actually, I've been curious about something...
When I was on my way to Astra Energy... how did you manage to follow me?
I made sure not to draw attention, since I'm suspended and all.
You couldn't have known to tail me ahead of time.
I do have my suspicions... Was it him?
Yeah. Your Commander told me.
Said you wouldn't sit still, and asked me to keep an eye on you.
I thought so... I should go thank him later.
...He's a good person.
Even if I ended up causing trouble for him again.
...I wanted to be that kind of leader too. Someone who trusts their team and guides them.
Will I ever... be like that?
Even if the reassignment was cancelled... I still dragged them into my mess.
I think you already are that kind of leader.
Your team trusts you. They always have.
Ahaha, Captain. You really do know what to say!
I'm serious.
Ahaha, I hope so.
With the liquor settling in, Roberta's cheeks flushed with the mood.
After fidgeting awkwardly for a while, Roberta finally spoke.
...Ahem! So, um... Captain?
There's something I want to tell you... Will you hear me out.
What is it?
I mean, I know the final trial is coming up soon, but...
Sometimes, if you don't speak when the timing feels right...
You end up regretting it, right?!
I guess...?
So now... there's something I want to tell you.
I feel like all I've ever said to you is "thank you."
And I truly mean it. More than I can say.
When I'm struggling or frustrated, you quietly stay and listen...
And the way you reassure me afterward... It means so much.
Somewhere along the way... I realized I've been leaning on you a lot.
I've never done that with anyone else before, so that must mean...
That must mean I... I...
...
(Ngh... Why is it so hard to tell him...!)
I-I'll just have one more drink!
Ghh!!
Don't chug it!
Whew...! Anyway! What I wanted to say was—
I've been thinking about it a lot and I'm pretty sure I...!
I like you, Ca—
Ta-daaaa!!! According to my optimal interruption equation...
This is mathematically the perfect timing!
Surprise! You never saw this coming, right?!
Huh...?! W-w-what?! W-what are you all doing here?
Happy promotion anniversary, Ms. Roberta.
A-anniversary...?
Yes. We never had the chance to celebrate it properly because things were always hectic...
But with everything settled now, we thought we'd finally do it.
...
Bet you didn't see that coming! We've been plotting this for days!
I may be a once-in-a-century genius, but I'm still an unpolished gem!
So occasionally! I may fall short!
But thanks to your guidance, I'm growing at terrifying speed!
Thank you for everything, Ms. Roberta!
We know how much you do for us.
We may be lacking, but we'll always have your back. Please continue to guide us.
...
Huh? Ms. Roberta...? A-are you crying?
M-Ms. Roberta?! Are you feeling unwell?
That's not it, Ms. Lugh! Those are tears of joy! That's the whole point of a surprise party!
...Everyone, thank you...
Thank you...
I... really appreciate it, but...
Nnnnngh...!!
N-never mind!
I-I'm just happy, that's all...!
I'm so happy... you all think of me this way...
That's why...
That's— That's why...
As she took a bite of the cake her team prepared, tears streamed endlessly down her face.
Roberta, your team truly sees you as their leader.
I'm glad for you.
I'm sure Roberta's tears are from finally discovering how deeply she's valued...!