The Villainess Takes the Cockpit

Already a full week had passed since the three members of the special-forces unit had begun their stay in Seldia.

"My win, I believe!"

Adelina's triumphant, ringing laughter echoed through the Vigilante Corps' simulator room.

"Nuaaah--! I lost again~!"

Steshia, climbing out of her pod, clutched her head and cried out in frustration.

"...Even with all four of us ganging up on her, it's no good, huh~..."

Retta could only manage a wry, half-resigned smile at this point.

"She's seriously strong... homeland soldiers aren't just for show."

Rajel let out a sigh too, half exasperated, half impressed.

"This isn't even about the difference in machine specs anymore. Adelina's genuinely strong."

Herta said this in praise, though a trace of frustration she couldn't quite hide showed through.

"But you're all incredibly strong too! Honestly, I'm the one who ends up surprised every single time."

Adelina said this with the ease of a winner, yet in a tone so genuinely sincere it carried not a trace of condescension, and brought the juice in her hand to her lips.

"Lucky. I want a personal machine of my own too, like Adelina's."

Herta murmured this enviously, and Rajel cut in, eyes wide.

"Herta, seriously... she's a sergeant from the homeland military, you know? I'm impressed you can just talk to her so casually."

Rajel said this, not with his usual teasing needle, but with what sounded like genuine, heartfelt admiration.

"I'm the one who told her, 'let's just talk casually with each other'! Mr. Rajel, Mr. Retta, you two should feel free to speak more casually with me too."

At Adelina's invitation, Rajel and Retta exchanged a look.

"Ah, well... doing that with an active-duty soldier is a bit much, isn't it... right?"

Retta shrugged, looking troubled.

"Come on, you're so stiff about it. You really don't need to worry."

Adelina pouted her lips, looking dissatisfied, but laughed all the same, clearly enjoying herself.

Amid all this, Herta suddenly turned her gaze to Steshia.

"Come to think of it, you're piloting the cutting-edge Rasta, of all things -- you shouldn't be the first one shot down. And yet you were the very first one to go, weren't you."

"But, but...! Next time, I'll beat Miss Adelina one-on-one too! I'll definitely win, you'll see!"

At Steshia's spirited declaration, which could have passed for either determination or an excuse, everyone burst into laughter at once.

"By the way, is Mr. Ethan off duty today?"

At Adelina's question, Retta answered as though he'd just remembered.

"The Vice-Captain's on perimeter-sector patrol duty all day today."

"Ehh, again...?"

Adelina made an openly disappointed face.

"Adelina, you've been asking the Vice-Captain for a rematch over and over this whole week, but he keeps slipping away from you somehow, doesn't he."

At Herta's observation, Adelina nodded deeply.

"That's right~! And I'm definitely going to win next time~!"

Herta laughed softly. "Somehow, that sounds just like Steshia."

At Herta's remark, Rajel and Retta laughed, while Steshia wore a look of open dissatisfaction.

◆◆◆

In stark contrast to the lively simulator room, the Seldia Administration Bureau's conference room sat wrapped in quiet.

"How are things? Have you settled into life in Seldia?"

At Grain's question, Priscilla and Ranses, seated across from him, smiled gently.

"Yes, it's a wonderful, easy place to live. Miss Milea and Syn-Fibra's technology is truly impressive as well. Our machines are being kept in perfect condition at all times."

"They've even been sourcing compatible parts for our specialized weapons, which has been a huge help. The Vigilante Corps' facilities are well-equipped too, and being allowed to use them freely is genuinely appreciated."

Ranses nodded, looking satisfied as well.

"I'm glad to hear it. As far as I'm concerned, Coroshe matters aside, you're welcome to stay as long as you like."

Grain paused there for a moment, his expression tightening slightly, and let out a breath.

"...Word's come in from the homeland, hasn't it?"

At those words, Priscilla narrowed her eyes and nodded quietly.