“I really am sorry, Kuon-kun…”
As the headmaster’s door closed, Hanabi was in full Maiden Mode, her shoulders drooping. “It’s my fault we got punished, but you ended up taking on my share…”
“It’s fine, Senpai. I’m used to it!” Kuon tried thumping his chest but couldn’t raise his arms.
The number of Gates over the Imperial mainland remained in double digits. Some were no longer active, while some were still going strong. It would be bad if they didn’t close them fast, but lack of resources meant they were forced to ignore them.
Three days had passed since they’d eliminated the Gate over Aohime Island. Hanabi spent those days at weapons development organizing new weapon data and adjusting her frame, and this was the first appearance she’d put in at school. Kuon himself had been busy with his own military duties, so even though they were a couple and attended the same school, being summoned to the headmaster’s office was the first time they’d seen each other since that fight. Such were the times they lived in, but still…
Perhaps having a girlfriend for the first time in thirty years (counting both his lives together) had robbed Kuon of his mental tranquility. Suzuka Hachishiki had built armor around his heart out of hatred for the Jave and a desire for revenge, but now that armor had been pried away, exposing the weaknesses within and leaving him unstable. It came as a shock to find he was feeling lonely. Even realizing this fact came as a blow.
After the battle for the Capital, they’d returned to school, and on one occasion the two of them had gone shopping together, but that was as close to a date as they’d managed. This was also partially because they’d both become rather famous. Everywhere they went, people recognized them and caused a commotion. Their date only lasted two hours.
Kuon wanted the two of them to at least spend some time together today. With that thought in mind, he began, “Um, Hanabi-senp—”
“Okegawa-sensei! We’ve come to meet you!!” A number of burly men ran up to him, all wearing Air Force uniforms.
“Oh…thanks…” Kuon said listlessly.
The men weren’t just soldiers with the Air Force but also Kuon’s students. Okegawa Kuon had been ordered to serve as the Air Force Machine Fencing instructor. Men two or three times his age were calling him “Okegawa-sensei” or “assistant instructor”. Understandably, a group opposed to the idea of a thirteen-year-old teacher had proposed a mock battle, and as a result, he’d cut through scores of veteran Cavalleria. Since they were all close-quarter battles, he hadn’t even used Nine-Count Strike. Okegawa Kuon had proven beyond all doubt that he was the Air Force’s best swordsman.
“Oh, is that Suzuka Hanabi-dono with you?”
“The legendary Bushi Hime! Your beauty is even greater than they say. You’re the jewel of the Air Force!”
Such obvious platitudes. Coming to meet me was clearly just an excuse to see her in the flesh, Kuon thought.
Hanabi activated Warrior Mode and put her hand on her chest, saluting the Cavalleria. “Well met, Air Force Senpai. I hear you’ve been very helpful to my partner.”
“Not at all—he’s the one helping us!”
“Sorry to snatch him away from you.”
Everyone sounded perfectly polite, but they were clearly letting this get to their heads.
Kuon was just a little bit put out. He stepped in front of Hanabi, pointing to the exit. “Men! Go on ahead! I’ll be right behind.”
“Yes, sir!” They saluted, grinning. They were perhaps all too aware of their young instructor’s fit of jealousy. They’d all survived their share of rough situations and had plenty of life experience.
Kuon sighed and turned back to Hanabi. “Sorry, Hanabi-senpai. I’ve got to get back to my duties.”
“Yes… I’m still working on adjustments to the Kiryu. I suppose this is goodbye.”
“Also, sorry about my students. I told them not to come gawk at you, but…”
“I don’t mind. Getting treated like a hero with you isn’t the worst thing. Although I think only you really deserve the honor. You’re the Cavalleria who deserves to follow in Suzuka Hachishiki’s footsteps.”
“Er, no—”
“But that doesn’t mean I’m giving up! I want to be a hero just as much as you do.”
The smile Hanabi gave him caused a sizzling pain in Kuon’s heart. She didn’t seem to be aware of it, but whenever Hanabi talked about Suzuka Hachishiki, a look of intense pride and joy swept over her. She really admired him. Her goal was to be like the man who’d saved her life.
Kuon hadn’t told Hanabi that he’d been her hero in his previous life. His master had forbidden it. But even if she hadn’t…
That look on her face… I really can’t tell her.
He’d changed so much. He wasn’t her hero anymore. He was just a cocky little kid five years younger than her, demoted from a Division 5 to a Division 1. He was scared that it would shatter her image of him if he told her. More than anything, he was scared she wouldn’t love him anymore.
So he couldn’t tell her.
He felt guilty about it, but he didn’t think he had a choice.