Aena was on her way to the girls' dormitory alone.
It was the same dormitory where Iris and Aria were staying.
　Her room was on the top floor of the dormitory, where there was a vacant room. When she opened the door to the room, Aena called out to the visitor.

You're waiting for me in my room, is there any movement?
No, I was just tidying up the room. Master Aena, you haven't packed your things since you arrived, have you?

　The girl, Mercier Altina, answered Aena's words.
　She is not dressed in a maid's uniform, but in a military uniform like Aena.
When she was on duty, she was not working as a maid, but as a soldier. That is why she is now dressed in a military uniform.
　She was holding the school uniform that Aena was going to wear tomorrow.

I'm fine with it. I have no problem with that.
I'm not here just for fun. Aena-sama, as long as you act as a student of the school, you are not allowed to wear that uniform for a while. You're a conspicuous person, after all.
"Don't worry. I have nothing to be ashamed of.
That's not the point... Well, where were you headed?　I was expecting you back a little sooner.

　I thought you would be back sooner.
　Aena took off her hat and coat and lay down on the bed.

She had gone to Alta's room. I went to Arutha's room to have a little talk.
"I see, in Alta's room. So, I take it your request for help was successful?
Yes, we're on the right track. - Right track, but not very responsive, are we?
What do you mean?　What do you mean by thin?

　I'm not sure what you mean by that.

What's that 'is there something wrong? Thank you for speaking for me.
Thank you for speaking for me. That's exactly how I felt.
You have a way about you. ....... Look, I went to the room of a guy I was in love with. And I did it alone!　Isn't it normal to wonder what's going on?
Nothing happened, did it?
I ate the dinner he made.


　I ate his dinner. The expression on Mercier's face did not change at all, but rather looked as expected.
　Aena looked a little unhappy.

"It's ....... If you have something to say, say it.
"With all due respect, I thought that was typical of you, Miss Aena.
"Is that rude?　What's rude about it?
You didn't do anything in particular.

　Mercier tells Aena clearly.
　Aena looks puzzled and then smiles.

I don't see how anything can happen so suddenly. But to dine under the same roof with the man I love - this is a new experience for me. Isn't it wonderful?
"If that's what it takes to satisfy you--well, I'm getting off track. So you were able to enlist the help of Master Alta?
I didn't go off on a tangent. ...... Oh well. I got his help. In exchange, you'll give us all the information you have.
"All? You mean, like what the enemy is up to this time?
Of course. This is a matter that concerns not only the Empire, but also the Kingdom, and even all foreign countries. The issue is the position of the Empire, but now is not the time to think about it.
Just when you think you've taken care of one problem, another one comes along: ...... There's no time to rest, is there?
I told you. Why don't you enjoy school life for a change?
It's not about me, it's about you.

　Mercier said with a serious expression.
　Standing in front of Aena, he looked worried.

"Me?　I'm well rested. I'm well rested and not tired at all, even now.
That's not the point. ...... I'm very grateful for your help in dismantling the Shadow Apostle.
"You don't need to worry about that. In fact, thanks to you, I was able to move to hunt down the organization.

　The shadow apostle, the leader Kufilio Notoria, is dead, and the imperial army has overrun all the remaining related facilities in the empire.
　From there, several of the Imperial militants who were connected to him were taken into custody. The movement of those who planned to wage war between nations quieted down, and Aena's father, Lugar Baudel, solidified his power as the Marshal of the Imperial Army - ostensibly.
　As such, Rugal was responsible for everything, even the Empire's "bomb".
　Even now, the evil that has spread throughout the Empire is far from being swept away.



I will continue to work for you, Aena. I would like to stay by your side forever to repay your kindness. But ...... the enemy this time is too powerful. I can't go abroad without a large contingent of guards. I'm glad we were able to work together with Alta, but I'm still not sure we can really win.
"Mercier, you've got it all wrong.

　I'm not sure what to say, but I'm sure you'll understand.
　She patted the bed sheet and motioned for Mercier to sit down.
　When Mercier sat down, Aena pulled Mercier by the shoulders and pushed him down.

What are you doing?　What are you ...... doing?
I'm just doing 'what I want to do'. I am convinced that it will be good for the Falmer Empire. And I want to make the Empire a better country - I like to fight, but I don't want to start a war for nothing. Of course, I will stand on the battlefield if that is what is necessary. But if I can prevent it from happening, I will choose that path. If I can do it by fighting. So again, I'm just doing what I can.
I think I know that ....... But you're taking your life too lightly.
"Huh, you say. Is that what you call a woman who risked her life to protect her sister?
That's ...... true.
Then I'm only risking my life for the people of the Empire. An Imperial soldier has a duty to protect his people. I'm just doing it. And I do not take my life lightly. If I die, there may be no one left to protect my people.

　Aena assured her, but Mercier's expression was still a little dissatisfied.
　Aena lay down next to Mercier.

You are still not satisfied with my words?
No, ......, but I thought it was still 'you'. And my role is to protect you from that.
That's what makes you my trusted subordinate. The enemy is certainly strong, but ...... don't worry. I have a man on my side that I chose myself.
You can't just choose a man because you love him.
"No, I don't think so... no, that's what you're saying. ......

　It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for.
　I'm not sure if I'd be able to do that if I were you.
　The meeting of the military girls passed quietly like this.