However, it didn't seem like they could bring themselves to believe me, regardless of what I said. Julieta muttered confusedly, But I think the captain likes you.

That's absolutely not the case. I even got his confirmation.

Then does that mean you were dumped?

Certainly, most women liked Mayer, and I wasn't exactly a match for him, but still getting dumped was another matter. Feeling a prick at my pride, I snapped, No, how did you reach that conclusion? I don't even like the captain romantically in the first place.

Really? Sevi exclaimed with a flushed face, then pulled at my arm and continued in a buoyant voice, Then will you go out with me when I grow up later?

I'll think about it, Sevi. Depending on how tall you get.

Really? The boy leaped for joy, grinning broadly. It was still talk of the far future, yet he ran circles around the training grounds as if I had already given the okay. How cute. I bet he'd want to take back his words when he grew older.

While I was laughing at young Sevi's sudden confession, Nova had a serious expression on the whole time. After a long time of thought, he said quietly, Vice-captain. There's still me even if Sevi doesn't grow so don't worry too much.

I'm not worried, I replied disinterestedly. Did these kids think that I wouldn't be able to get a man? I had no idea why they were going at it in turns as if they were rescuing me.

At that moment, Sevi somehow managed to hear our conversation. He stopped running in the distance and raced over. What nonsense are you spouting, Nova? You know I'm going to be taller than you, right?

I think that would be a bit difficult Julieta interjected cautiously from the side. I thought the same as her. Sevi got angry at that, though. My big brother, dad, and even my big sister were tall! Just you see.

I'm sure your father, big brother, and big sister didn't live on jerky and dry food when they were growing up.

Realizing the truth, the boy's eyes turned round.

While the three kids were arguing, Robur had come into the training room without us knowing. She came over and hollered, How long are you all going to rest for!

Apologies!

We'll start training right now!

Vice-captain, you can't forget you promised to date me!

The raucous bunch disappeared like an ebbing tide. After ordering the children to train, Robur came to my side, and I greeted her with a smile. You look like you're quite enjoying yourself.

I didn't even know myself, but turns out I'm pretty suited to teaching, she replied, shrugging. In the first playthrough, Robur began training her juniors only after losing her arm. This time around, she had volunteered to teach the special unit even though her arm was intact. According to her, she saw potential in the kids during the dragon-slaying.

That wasn't the only unexpected thing, however. I had naturally thought that Robur would show interest in Nova, but she was eyeing Julieta more. Well, it was a welcome matter for me either way. It wasn't easy to come by the opportunity of having someone of her skills to teach them, after all. Moreover, thanks to her taking over their training, I could take a breather in the middle of my busy schedule.

Robur leaned over and whispered, I heard the kids chatting, Jun. You're not in a relationship with His Excellency?