Us
*Huff* *Huff*
Besta, last one!
...Haaah!
With a loud shout, Besta sent the punching machine flying into the far wall.
After the festival, Besta learned to better control her fantasies.
Now, she was capable of wielding the Void Force with impressive skill. But...
...Don't worry, Captain.
About what?
I can tell just by your expression.
You're worried the Void Force is taking over my body, aren't you?
I'm fine. I'm keeping it under control.
Besides, I made a promise.
We still need to go to the festival again next year, don't we, Captain?
...Right!
Ms. Besta? Captain! *Huff* *Huff*
Th-there you are...!
...Mm.
Thank you again for today.
*Huff* *Huff* Wait, what..? Are you having another nosebleed?!
What's going on?
Well, *Huff* Ms. Lydia of the Western Liberators...
She... *Huff* came here in person...! *Huff*
...Hmm!
...Let's wipe that nosebleed first.
Inside the reception room, Lydia was already waiting for us.
Oh my? You're here already?
And before Candle Square's tea even arrived.
Ms. Lydia? What brings you here?
Did something happen to Commander Ceres or the Western Liberators?
No, nothing like that.
I came to apologize.
...Hmm?
...Apologize?
Remember when I told you your fantasies were because of the Void Force?
Yes, I remember.
That was all a lie!
...The Void Force being the cause of my fantasies...
It was all a lie?!
Yup! A big fat lie!
But Commander Ceres somehow found out and chewed me out hard.
Get to NOA and apologize. If I see you before then, you're done for.
I've never seen her that mad before!
Why did you lie in the first place?
Because of you, of course.
Me?
I told you, that look you always give us when the Commander and I are together.
Even if Ceres didn't notice, I definitely did. It was a lot to handle.
So I tried to bluff, saying the fantasies were caused by the Void Force.
And that it might kill you if you didn't stop.
I tried laying the groundwork for a fantasy deterrent. Not that it helped.
Looking back, maybe I was the real victim here?
Seriously...?
You may have a point.
...Oh?
Say what now?
Ms. Lydia, because of that lie, I was able to grow stronger.
I learned to control my fantasies, and gained mastery over the Void Force.
The strength I have now is thanks to you, Ms. Lydia.
...H-hmm?
Wasn't expecting that reaction...
And I have one more question.
And what might that be...?
When Commander Ceres scolded you, was it just words? Or did anything else happen?
Did she spank you...? Or tickle you somewhere... specific?
...*Sigh* Here you go again.
Anyway, I'm done here. I said my apology, I'm leaving.
The Western Liberators is missing one person on the Journey and I'm swamped.
Oh, right! Since I'm in NOA, I need to grab some mint cereal ice cream.
Captain, would you show me the way?
If it's directions you need, I can—
Lydia winked at me from behind Besta's back.
It's okay, I'll take her.
Can you clean up the training grounds, Besta?
Hmm... What a shame...
If I had more time, I'd love to tour NOA's food spots too.
Oh! Captain, do you have any must-try local recommendations?
Something famous and delicious like from Cafe Strega, Street Bakers, or Angel's Breath?
You still have more to say, don't you?
...Besta once told me no one can fool you, Captain.
I guess she wasn't exaggerating. But you're right.
Captain.
The part about the Void Force causing her fantasies was a lie.
But her body is being overtaken by the Void Force.
It's one of the rarest cases on the continent. An actual human who can use the Void Force.
That's assuming her will and body stay intact, of course.
...
In truth, we don't know what might happen next.
The Void Force might spiral out of control, or cause mutations.
So here, Captain. This is for you.
Lydia pulled out a small pouch from her coat.
What's this?
A suppressant for the Void Force.
Besta might be okay now, but we don't know what will happen later.
So I'm entrusting it to you.
...Why didn't I tell Ms. Besta just now?
Because if I did, she'd say, "I'll gladly offer up my body to reclaim the West."
And then something like "Offering my body... Haa, haa...!" would come next.
So you take it, Captain.
And you decide when to give it to her.
...Huh?
You'll take it, but let her decide whether to use it?
But what if she refuses...?
I trust Besta.
...What?
So I'll respect her decision.
Hmm...
Fine. Do whatever you want.
Just remember. I warned you something could happen.
Even if something happens—
A strong breeze swept through, carrying away both our words and a few fallen leaves.
...Oh my.
Whoa, whoa, whoa! Wait, seriously?
I mean, I don't really care how things go between you two, but still...
I think I get why Ms. Besta trusts you so much.
Well, do what you want. I'm out of here!
*Huff* *Huff* Captain, you're back?
...You're asking why I'm panting? Whew...!
It's nothing...! *Huff* I just cleaned really aggressively... *Sniff*
Anyway, it's done. Let's head back. I'll buy dinner.
...Captain.
Until the very end of the Journey.
We should give it our all.
...Hmm?
Is something wrong?
Wait...
Did you overhear what I said?
...I'm feeling peckish! Captain, lead the way.
Or...
Were you trying to catch a whiff of me from behind?
I was NOT!!
Another comrade joins the fold. I'm delighted.
I'll go on ahead. Inhale all you like, Captain!
Wait! That's not what I meant!!
I ran after Besta at full speed.
Even if something happens—
Besta and I, we will face it together.
...Ugh. If this goes south, I'm the one who'll have to deal with it.
Trust? "We"? What kind of nonsense is that?
It's all just delusion anyway.
...Anyway, Captain. You didn't realize Besta was right behind you, did you?
I've never seen her face that red before...
If only I'd gotten a photo, I could've used it as groundwork too. What a shame.
Mmm...! This mint cereal ice cream is delicious!
Haha... Hahaha!
Besta, stop! You passed the restaurant!