Sokolov leaned against the metal railings outside the FOB, the cold morning air biting at his skin.

Just then, his radio crackled to life, snapping him from his thoughts.

Kalina: Commander, Miss Helian wants you back in the operations room. She, uh, says there's someone you need to meet. Apparently, an old friend of hers.

Sokolov raised an eyebrow, pushing off the railing. A friend? That was new.

Sokolov: Copy that. I'm on my way.

He clipped the radio back to his belt, his boots crunching against the gravel as he made his way back toward the operations room. If Helian had a "friend" involved, it meant one of two things: this was either an escalation or another layer of mystery being dropped on his lap. Neither option particularly thrilled him.

As Sokolov stepped into the operations room, the hum of machinery and the soft glow of monitors filled the space. Helian's face appeared on the central screen, her usual calm, collected expression in place. But this time, there was a slight shift in her tone—something different from the usual cryptic orders.

Helian: Commander, I've brought you here because a friend of mine needs a favor. And given your recent track record, I've decided you're the best one to handle it.

Sokolov's irritation flared, though he masked it beneath a neutral expression. He had been following orders without complaint, even as the missions began to feel increasingly suspicious. But now, being roped into a favor for some unknown individual? It was testing his patience.

Sokolov: A favor? With all due respect, ma'am, my team's been running blind for weeks. I'd like to know who this friend is before we jump into another operation.

Helian didn't flinch at his tone. Instead, she offered a faint smile—one that didn't quite reach her eyes.

Helian: You'll meet her yourself. In fact... right now.

As she spoke, a second monitor flickered to life beside her. The screen revealed a woman in a lab coat, her distinctive cat ears twitching slightly as she adjusted her glasses. She exuded an air of sharp intelligence, mixed with a bit of mischief. Her gaze was focused, but there was something in her eyes that hinted she wasn't just another bureaucrat or scientist.

???: Ah, so this is the infamous Commander Sokolov. I've heard quite a bit about you.

Sokolov straightened slightly, narrowing his eyes at the unfamiliar face.

Sokolov: And you are?

The woman gave a small, amused smile before responding.

???: Persica. Head of R&D at 16Lab, specializing in T-Doll development. But I imagine you've heard of me already

Sokolov had heard the name in passing, though never directly linked to his operations. Still, the significance of her presence wasn't lost on him. 16Lab is the heart of technological advancements in Doll AI and functionality.

Sokolov: What do you need from me, Miss Persica?

Persica's gaze sharpened as she leaned forward slightly, her cat ears twitching again as she spoke.

Persica: I need you to retrieve a specific set of data from a Sangvis-controlled facility. It's buried deep within their systems, and I believe they've only recently gained access to it. You're going to get it back before they can use it.

Sokolov's expression didn't change, though his eyes narrowed slightly. There was always a catch with these kinds of missions.

Sokolov: And what exactly is this data about? If you want me risking my team for it, I need to know what we're walking into.

Persica's smile didn't fade, but her tone shifted slightly—firm, dismissive, and maybe even a little playful.

Persica: That's classified, Commander. You don't need to worry about what the data contains. Just focus on getting it and bringing it back. My team will handle the rest.

Sokolov clenched his jaw, wanting to argue. But there was no point—Persica clearly wasn't going to budge. He forced himself to stay calm and professional, though the lack of transparency gnawed at him.

Sokolov: Alright, where's this database?

Persica smiled, satisfied with his compliance. She tapped something off-screen and transferred the coordinates to his terminal.

Persica: The location is being sent to you now. Don't disappoint me, Commander.

Without waiting for a response, Persica leaned back and casually mentioned something about needing to make coffee. The screen flickered off before Sokolov could get another word in.

As the room fell silent, he turned to Kalina, who had already pulled up the coordinates on her terminal. A frown crossed her face as she studied the map.

Kalina: Commander, this location... It's really close to where we found those damaged Dolls a few weeks ago.

Sokolov's brows furrowed as he leaned over her shoulder to get a better look. She was right—the database was located almost directly within the same area they had been sweeping for weeks. The proximity wasn't just a coincidence; there had to be a connection.

Sokolov: Of course it is...

He straightened up, his mind racing. The pieces were starting to come together, but without the full picture, it was impossible to know exactly what they were walking into. Still, orders were orders, and he wasn't about to back out now.

Sokolov: Prep the echelons. We're moving out as soon as they're ready.

Interested?

Chapter 4 "The Scientist" Of Girls Frontline Lingering Grudges is out now! Check It out in my profile! ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Eastern Gate, Italica

April 1, 2028, 17:02 (1st day of the Blood Moon 638)

Bozes sat atop her horse, shifting impatiently in the saddle as she surveyed the long line of merchants and peasants queuing at the Eastern Gate of Italica. The rhythmic clopping of hooves and the low murmur of voices filled the air, but her focus was elsewhere. The sun hung high in the sky, casting a glaring light that made her squint, yet the heat was the least of her concerns.

Irritation brewed within her as she gazed at the line of people bustling to enter the city. The wait felt interminable, and every passing moment only amplified her growing unease. They had captured the otherworlder—Itami—yet something about him lingered in her mind, refusing to be shaken off. Unlike the typical prisoners she had encountered, who wept and pleaded for their lives, Itami had displayed an unsettling calmness.

Bozes let out an exasperated huff, glancing to her side at one of the other knights, Beefeater, who was also waiting on horseback. The sunlight glinted off their armor, making it feel even more stifling in the the day's heat.

Bozes: Beefeater, what's taking so long?

Beefeater shrugged, her expression mirroring Bozes' irritation.

Beefeater: Probably because they're peasants. The guards always take forever when common folk are involved.

Her tone was sharp with frustration, her eyes fixed on the slow-moving line. The heat, combined with the sluggish pace, was testing her patience. Bozes couldn't help but nod in agreement, though her thoughts drifted elsewhere.

As she watched the peasants and merchants shuffle forward, a strange sense of unease settled over her. Why are so many people trying to get into Italica?

Bozes frowned, her unease deepening. Something isn't right.

Bozes: Why are they so eager to come into the city? Shouldn't they be trying to leave with the bandit attacks?

Beefeater's brow furrowed, clearly sharing the confusion.

Beefeater: You'd think they'd be running for their lives, but here they are, desperate to get in. Maybe they think Italica's the safest place around.

Bozes: Or maybe they know something we don't...

She glanced back toward Itami, still calm and collected despite his capture. The thought gnawed at her. He was far too calm.

As Bozes continued to watch, her gaze was drawn to a commotion further down the line. One of the merchants had started arguing with a guard, his voice rising in frustration. The guard stood firm, refusing entry, which only seemed to escalate the situation. Other peasants and travelers began to back away, wary of the brewing conflict.

Bozes tensed, ready to intervene, when something caught her eye. Moving with quiet authority, a figure in a black uniform approached the heated exchange. The figure carried a strange staff, sleek and unfamiliar in design—nothing like the weapons she was accustomed to seeing. The staff didn't appear ceremonial or seem like any weapon she recognized. Another otherworlder?

The figure stepped between the merchant and the guard, raising a hand to calm them both. Though Bozes couldn't hear the words, she could see the effect. The merchant, who had been red-faced with anger moments ago, seemed to deflate, backing down with a reluctant nod. The guard eased his stance, eventually allowing the merchant to proceed after a brief inspection of his goods.

Beefeater, noticing the same thing, leaned over.

Beefeater: Who in the world is that?

Bozes narrowed her eyes, trying to get a better look at the person in black.

Bozes: I don't know, but that's no ordinary person... and that staff? It's like nothing I've seen before.

As Bozes and Beefeater exchanged uneasy glances, another knight, Panache, rode up alongside them, her expression one of mild frustration as she observed the long, stagnant line.

Panache: Why are we even waiting here? Shouldn't we just skip the line and use our authority? We are knights, after all.

Bozes hesitated for a moment, her eyes briefly drifting toward the merchant who had just been allowed entry. The doubt lingered, but she quickly pushed it aside. They were knights of the Empire, after all—they didn't need to wait in line like commoners.

Bozes: You're right. We have more important matters to attend to than standing here with peasants.

Just as she gave the signal to move forward, Itami, still calm and unbothered despite his situation, spoke up from behind her.

Itami: You might want to rethink that. The guards won't like it if you skip the line. Could cause a bigger problem than you're expecting.

Bozes shot him a sharp look, her irritation spiking. She wasn't accustomed to being questioned by a prisoner, especially one as relaxed as Itami.

Bozes: They're just mere peasants and merchants. They'll fall in line, as they should.

Itami simply shrugged, offering no further argument. His calmness was unsettling, but Bozes ignored the nagging feeling in the back of her mind. What could possibly go wrong?

With that, Bozes gave a nod to her fellow knights, and together they pushed forward, bypassing the line entirely. As they passed the merchants and peasants, some murmurs of discontent rippled through the crowd, but no one dared to openly protest.

As they pushed past the line, heading straight for the city gates, they were abruptly stopped by a pair of guards. One of them, a burly man with a stern expression, stepped forward, blocking their path with his halberd.

Guard: Halt! State your business.

Bozes shot the guard an annoyed look, clearly unimpressed by his audacity to question them.

Bozes: We are knights of the Rose Order, here on official duty. We don't need to explain ourselves to you.

The guard, unfazed by Bozes' haughty tone, glanced up at the crests on their armor before returning his gaze to her.

Guard: Even so, the city's on high alert due to the recent bandit attacks. No one enters without permission from the command inside. You'll need to explain yourselves before I can let you through.

A flicker of anger crossed Bozes' face, but she forced herself to maintain an air of calm. She didn't want to cause more trouble than necessary, but she was not accustomed to being questioned like this.

Bozes: We've captured an important prisoner from the other world. We're presenting him to Her Majesty, Princess Pina.

As she finished speaking, the guard's eyes widened as they landed on Itami, now recognizing him. His expression shifted from stern professionalism to confusion.

Guard: Wait... that man, isn't he one of the—

He hesitated, clearly trying to make sense of what was happening.

Guard: Why is he tied up?

Bozes' patience, already thin, snapped. She leaned forward in her saddle, her voice sharp and filled with authority.

Bozes: That's none of your concern! We've told you already—step aside, or you'll be answering to the princess herself!

The tension in the air thickened as the guards exchanged uneasy glances, clearly uncomfortable but unsure how to proceed. The weight of Bozes' status and authority was bearing down on them, and though they looked hesitant, they seemed unsure of how far to push back.

But before the situation could escalate further, a calm voice called out from behind.

???: There's no need for threats. Stand down, all of you.

Bozes and the others turned to see two men approaching. They were dressed in black and grey fatigues, unlike anything else in the world. Blue armbands marked them as part of a distinct unit. Their movements were confident, and the air around them seemed to shift with an unspoken authority.

The lead man, partially shadowed under a cap, looked at the knights and the guards with a calm, assessing gaze.

Lead Man: We'll take it from here.

Bozes and Panache instinctively straightened, feeling the sudden shift in control of the situation. Panache: Who are you supposed to be?

Standing slightly behind the first, the second man glanced at Itami before looking back at Bozes with an unreadable expression.

Second Man: We're with Shadow Company. You've got something that belongs to us.

The second man gestured toward Itami, his eyes calm but unwavering.

Second Man: Him.

He pointed directly at Itami, who was still tied up in the cart, his expression unchanged, almost as if he had expected this. The knights didn't seem to care who these strange men were or what authority they claimed to have.

Bozes, ever defiant, glared at the two men in black and grey fatigues.

Bozes: I don't care who you think you are. Step aside, or we'll cut you down where you stand!

Her hand instinctively moved toward the hilt of her sword, the threat clear in her voice.

The lead man, instead of backing down, let out a low, amused laugh. His eyes sparkled with a mixture of bemusement and challenge.

Lead Man: Go ahead. Try it.

The calm confidence in his voice sent a shiver through Bozes, though she masked it well.

Suddenly, Beefeater noticed the second man whispering something into a small box attached to his chest. The words were foreign to her ears, something she had never heard before.

Second Man: Ну що, ви готові? Застреліть коня цієї суки. (Well, are you ready? Shoot this bitch's horse.)

Before anyone could react, a sharp crack rang out, echoing across the open air. In an instant, Bozes' horse let out a terrible scream before collapsing beneath her, its body hitting the ground with a sickening thud.

Bozes, thrown off balance, barely managed to roll out of the way before she hit the dirt. Stunned, she stared in shock at her fallen mount, blood trickling from a precise, almost invisible wound near the horse's neck.

Lead Man: That was a warning.

With that, the lead man calmly walked past the knights, ignoring their bewildered expressions, and approached Itami. The knights froze, confusion evident on their faces as they processed the unfolding chaos.

The second man scoffed and spoke again to the tiny box on his chest with the same language.

Second Man: Falcon, ти не використовував глушник на своїй гвинтівці? (Falcon, did you not use a suppressor on your rifle?)

The voice crackled back through, dripping with sarcasm.

???: О, я забув його надіти. Вибач. (Oh, I forgot to put it on. My bad.)

Another voice chimed in, clearly annoyed.

???: Так, це дуже смішно. Ти просто налякав половину цивільних у районі. (Yeah, because that's real funny. You just scared half the civilians in the area.)

The second man rolled his eyes, still focused on the scene unfolding before him. Meanwhile, the lead man knelt before Itami, swiftly cutting his bindings with an efficient flick of his wrist. The knights remained tense, still unsure of how to react as the situation spiraled beyond their control.

Itami blinked as the lead man cut his bindings, the tension in his shoulders easing slightly. Before he could fully process the situation, he felt himself being lifted off the ground, carried effortlessly by the lead man. Just as he began to gather his bearings, Bozes caught sight of Hamilton sprinting toward them, her expression frantic.

Hamilton: I'm sorry! I'm sorry! I heard a loud sound and ran over here!

As she approached, her eyes widened at the sight of Itami, bruised and battered. She rushed forward, concern etched on her face.

Hamilton: Sir Itami! I'm so sorry! How could you be treated like this?

Itami glanced between Hamilton and the knights, noting the confusion etched on Bozes' and Beefeater's faces.

Bozes: What is wrong with you? He's our enemy!

Beefeater: Yeah, why are you acting like this? He's not one of us.

Hamilton shot them a glare, her frustration boiling over.

Hamilton: Are you both stupid? You just started a war with an entire world!

Before tensions could escalate further, the lead man stepped forward, his calm demeanor cutting through the rising discord.

Lead Man: Alright, that's enough. Listen up—I just received orders from my boss to bring Mr. Itami to the castle. Princess Pina will also be there, and that's where we'll sort out this mess.

The mention of Princess Pina's name caused the knights to exchange hesitant glances. Despite their confusion and lingering frustration, they recognized the gravity of the situation. Bozes, still flustered, shifted in her saddle and straightened her posture.

Bozes: Fine... we'll come with you. But don't think for a second that we'll just let this slide.



Formal Family Castle, Italica

April 1, 2028, 17:48 (1st day of the Blood Moon 638)

Princess Pina stood from her throne, her face flushed with anger. Without warning, she strode toward Bozes and, with a sharp crack, slapped her across the face. Bozes, stunned, staggered back, clutching her cheek as she tried to comprehend what had just happened.

Pina: What were you thinking, Bozes?

Her voice shook with fury, each word cutting like a blade.

Pina: You've doomed us all! Do you have any idea what capturing this man could mean?

Bozes, still reeling, looked up in shock. She had expected Pina to be proud of her for apprehending the otherworlder, not furious.

Bozes: But... Your Highness, we captured one of the enemy. Isn't that what you wanted?

Her confusion was genuine, her voice laced with disbelief.

Pina, clearly exhausted by the weight of the situation, slumped back onto her throne, covering her face with her hands. Myui, sitting nearby, sighed heavily, rubbing her temples as if trying to stave off a headache.

Myui: This is a disaster...

Bozes, looking helplessly at her fellow knights for support, glanced over at the two men who had escorted them. The lead and second man stood off to the side, talking quietly to another man who exuded an air of authority. Lead man: So? What now boss? ???: No worries, I've contacted Adam and the others. They'll be here to pick him up.

The second man glanced toward their "boss," his brow furrowed in concern.

Second Man: What should we do in the meantime?

The "boss" looked at the two men, his calm demeanor unwavering despite the tense atmosphere.

Boss: Get some rest. You've done your part for now. Oxide Team will be taking over from here. Let them handle the next steps.

The lead man nodded, though a hint of exhaustion was starting to show. The day's events had taken a toll, but they were professionals, trained to handle stress. He glanced over at Bozes and the knights, who were still reeling from Pina's outburst and the confusion of the situation.

Lead Man: Understood, boss. We'll stand down for now.

As the men prepared to leave their posts, Bozes' eyes lingered on them. She still couldn't understand what was happening.

Myui, still massaging her temples, glanced over at Kaine, who stood quietly by the side of the room. She straightened in her chair, taking a moment to compose herself despite the whirlwind of events unfolding around her.

Myui: Kaine, please have Itami escorted to one of the guest rooms. Ensure he receives proper treatment for his injuries and is given time to rest. As for you, Princess, I'll be heading to my study.

Kaine gave a respectful curtsy and swiftly moved to carry out the orders. The atmosphere in the room remained tense as Bozes, Beefeater, and Panache exchanged confused looks, uncertain about what was to come next.

Bozes finally spoke up, her voice hesitant.

Bozes: Princess... shouldn't we be questioning him? He's an otherworlder, after all.

Pina, still emotionally drained from her earlier outburst, gave a defeated sigh.

Pina: You mongrels, we just signed a treaty with those people and now you idiots ruined it.

Beefeater, clearly confused, took a step forward, her brow furrowed.

Beefeater: Princess, with all due respect, we couldn't have known about this "treaty" you mention.

Bozes and the other knights nodded in agreement, equally baffled by Pina's sudden shift in tone. Pina, still slumped on her throne, rubbed her forehead in frustration. Just as she began to lose hope, a calm voice broke through the haze.

Grey: Princess, calm yourself.

The knight stepped forward, his tone steady and reassuring. He had seen countless battles and survived wars far more chaotic than this, and his presence was a grounding force.

Grey: The otherworlders are not irrational. They won't throw away everything over a misunderstanding, especially if it was unintentional. They're more pragmatic than that.

Pina glanced at him, her chest heaving. She wanted to believe him, but the fear of the unknown still gnawed at her.

Pina: But what if they do? What if we've broken their trust?

Grey: Then we fix it.

Pina: How?

Her voice wavered with frustration, fear creeping back into her tone. She clenched her fists, feeling the weight of responsibility pressing down on her. An apology seemed too small, too insignificant, to repair the damage that had been done.

Grey: We apologize.

His answer was simple, spoken with the calm conviction of someone who had navigated countless crises before.

Pina: An apology?

She gave him a look of disbelief, shaking her head as if the idea itself was absurd.

Pina: You think they'll accept that? We captured their commander and treated him like a criminal! They're not just going to let that go because we say we're sorry!

Grey remained steady, his gaze unwavering as he responded.

Grey: You'd be surprised, Princess. These otherworlders seem to value practicality over pride.

He paused for a moment, letting his words sink in.

Grey: But more than that, Itami's colleagues are on their way here as we speak.

Pina's eyes widened.

Pina: What?

Grey gave her a small nod.

Grey: One of the otherworlder's men informed us that sir Itami's team is coming to Italica. You can smooth things over with them, talk directly to the people who matter. If we act quickly, we can make amends before this situation escalates.

Pina felt her heart racing again, but this time it wasn't just fear—there was a glimmer of hope. Maybe Grey was right. Maybe the otherworlders weren't as unforgiving as she feared. And if she could speak to Itami's colleagues, perhaps they would see reason.

Pina: But how do we convince them?

Grey: Start by showing them respect. Explain what happened, admit your mistake, and offer reparations if needed. They'll understand.

Pina took a deep breath, steadying herself. She had to handle this delicately, or everything they had worked for could crumble.

Pina: Alright... I'll do it. I'll speak to them when they arrive. But this had better work, Grey. If we can't salvage this...

She let the unspoken threat linger in the air, her voice trailing off.

Grey placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder.

Grey: It will work, Princess. Trust in that.

The sun had long set, leaving the sky in deep shades of indigo as the clock approached 7 in the evening. Soft torchlight flickered against the stone walls of Italica's grand hall as Itami's team arrived. A palpable tension filled the room, the knights still on edge from the day's events, watching warily as the otherworlders entered. With them was another man, unfamiliar yet exuding the calm authority of someone accustomed to command.

Man: I am Captain Josiah Caldwell, US Army. I've come to collect Lieutenant Itami.

Pina, already drained from the day's emotional upheaval, took a deep breath. She stepped forward, her voice sincere but filled with tension.

Pina: Captain Caldwell, I deeply apologize for the misunderstanding. My knights were not informed about the treaty we had made with your people. The way they treated Lieutenant Itami... it was wrong, and I take full responsibility.

Caldwell's eyes narrowed slightly, though his expression remained calm. He gave a slow nod, acknowledging her words.

Caldwell: I appreciate the apology, Princess. I understand that communication was an issue, but what's done is done. Now, I'd like to check on Lieutenant Itami's condition.

Pina hesitated for only a moment, then nodded quickly in agreement.

Pina: Of course. Please, you and your team may go to him. He's being looked after in one of the guest rooms.

Caldwell turned to his team, his expression shifting from formal diplomacy to professional focus.

Caldwell: Adam, take your team and check on Itami. Bring him back here once he's stable.

Adam nodded firmly in response to Caldwell's orders, his expression serious as he turned to his team.

Adam: Alright, ladies and gents let's go.

As they made their way through the halls of the castle, a palpable sense of concern hung in the air among the members of the 3rd Recon team.

Kurata: I know the Lieutenants a Ranger and all... But is he really going to be okay?

Kuribayashi chuckled softly, trying to lighten the mood despite the lingering worry.

Kuribayashi: I'm more worried about the maids treating him! You know how he gets around pretty girls—he won't be able to "control" himself!

A few members of the team laughed lightly at her comment, their tension easing just a bit. Adam rolled his eyes but couldn't help a small smile.

Adam sighed as they reached Itami's room, running a hand through his hair as Kuribayashi kept teasing.

Adam: Look, even though the lieutenant's an otaku, he can handle himself. I'm sure—

He pushed open the door mid-sentence and froze. There, lying in a luxurious bed, was Itami. A group of maids were attentively caring for him—one feeding him small spoonfuls of soup, the other adjusting his pillows and patting his arm in comfort.

Adam's mood shifted instantly from casual confidence to complete disappointment.

Adam: You've got to be kidding me...

Itami, noticing his team's shocked faces, immediately sat up, waving his hands frantically.

Itami: Wait, wait, wait! This isn't what it looks like! I swear!

Before Adam could say anything further, the older-looking maid approached with a calm and dignified air. Adam recognized her immediately—it was Kaine, Lady Myui's headmaid. She gave a polite nod as she greeted them.

Kaine: Welcome. We've been taking good care of Sir Itami. He seems to be recovering well.

Adam cleared his throat, trying to maintain his composure despite the awkwardness of the situation.

Adam: Yeah, we're just here to check up on his condition. Looks like he's... being taken care of.

Kuribayashi stifled a laugh behind Adam as she looked around the room, while Itami continued to sit there sheepishly, still waving off their suspicions.

Itami: Seriously, I didn't ask for all this... They just insisted!

Kaine smiled warmly and gestured to the maids, who stepped back respectfully.

Kaine: It's no trouble. We're just ensuring his comfort. He's under the protection of Lady Myui, after all.

Adam gave her a curt nod, then glanced back at Itami.

Adam: Comfort, huh? Yeah, I can see that... Well then, Lieutenant, we're heading out—just as long as you can walk. So, can you?

Itami, still lounging in bed with an exaggerated groan, rubbed his shoulders dramatically.

Itami: Ugh, my muscles are so sore after all that walking... I was forced to march for miles!

Adam and the rest of the team exchanged incredulous looks, clearly unimpressed by Itami's theatrics. Adam raised an eyebrow, his voice dripping with sarcasm as he turned to Perez.

Adam: Hey, Perez, remind me—how long are Rangers trained to ruck march?

Perez grinned, playing along as he answered.

Perez: Oh, I don't know... about 12 miles with a 60-pound pack, sir. No big deal.

Adam, still not letting Itami off the hook, turned to Kuwahara with a smirk.

Adam: Kuwahara, out of curiosity, how far did we travel to get here?

Kuwahara, always the calm and collected one, did a quick mental calculation.

Kuwahara: About 5 miles sir, give or take.

Adam turned back to Itami, giving him a pointed look.

Adam: You hear that, Lieutenant? I think you can handle standing up after a little stroll.

Without giving Itami a chance to protest, Adam grabbed his arm and pulled him to his feet, ignoring Itami's exaggerated wince.

Itami: Okay, okay! I'm up!

As Itami was hauled to his feet by Adam, Kurata chuckled from the back of the room, nudging Perez with a grin.

Kurata: Now I get why you called Adam a strict dad.

Perez smirked, crossing his arms as he leaned against the doorframe.

Perez: Told you, man. You mess up, and he'll whip you back into shape. No mercy. Just like my Padre.

Adam, overhearing their banter, shot them both a look.

Adam: Keep it up, and I'll have you two Idiotas doing laps around the castle.

Kurata quickly straightened up.

Kurata: Yes, sir!

As they made their way back down the corridor, the maids trailing behind with a few final touches of comfort, they spotted Captain Caldwell waiting outside the door.

Caldwell's face broke into a relieved smile as he saw Itami standing on his own.

Caldwell: Glad to see you're up and about, Lieutenant. Ready to head back?

Just then, Princess Pina appeared, her expression eager but anxious.

Pina: Wait! Before you go, I'd like to invite you all to dinner. We can discuss everything over a proper meal.

Caldwell, ever the diplomat, smiled politely but shook his head.

Caldwell: Thank you, Princess, but we need to get moving. Itami and Adam here will be testifying at a joint Japanese-American Senate Judiciary session.

Adam's mood soured instantly at the mention of the upcoming session, his expression darkening.

Adam: Great, just what I wanted... standing in front of a bunch of cake eaters...

Caldwell chuckled lightly, trying to lift Adam's spirits.

Caldwell: Look on the bright side. This could be the chance to finally get that Japanese "vacation" y'all were excited about.

Meanwhile, Pina's mind raced as she processed the implications of Itami testifying in front of their Senate. The thought of him potentially convincing them to declare war sent a wave of panic through her. She needed to act quickly.

Pina: Captain! Please, Let me accompany your troop to Alnus!

Caldwell and Adam exchanged bewildered glances, taken aback by Pina's sudden insistence.

Caldwell: Princess, I really don't think that's necessary—

Pina interrupted him, her voice firm.

Pina: No, I want to accompany you to Alnus! I need to explain our situation directly to your government.

Caldwell tried to dissuade her, knowing how urgent their timeline was.

Caldwell: Look, there isn't enough time for you to prepare. You could just bring one other person along if you feel it's essential.

Without hesitation, Pina turned to Bozes, who had been standing a few paces back, still absorbing the chaotic turn of events.

Pina: Bozes! You're coming with me! Consider this atonement for your mistakes!

Adam raised an eyebrow, still uncertain about the whole situation.

Adam: Is this really gonna be okay?

Caldwell simply shrugged, his patience wearing thin.

Caldwell: Look, I really don't want to deal with this shit right now. just... make extra space yeah?