Though Miku's face remained a mask, her thoughts were practically an open book.
Amber truly didn't know what to say about her.
Judging by her actions over the past two years, she should have been the cautious type.
Yet today, first because of herself and Origami, she broke her usual modus operandi for the first time, and now, because of Dark Amber—or rather, Mobius—she was taking another reckless risk.
Amber didn't even need to guess what would happen next.
With Dark Amber's personality, she'd undoubtedly create the illusion that Miku had 'won big' right before getting her to sign her life away, only to double down and extract every last bit from her afterward.
One could say that the only two Waterloo moments in Miku's life were both because of lust.
Sigh... But then again, weren't these two crushing defeats also her only moments of true bravery?
Does lust really make people stronger?
Though she found the thought a bit peculiar, Amber had no intention of warning her.
After all... even if this version of Miku hadn't committed those despicable acts, stereotypes are hard to shake. Even though Miku hadn't done those things, Amber still felt a desire to teach her a lesson.
Even if Miku was a super beauty.
If this had been right after first crossing over, Amber might have softened.
Miku's face was truly stunning, and her earlier expression was quite effective at stirring a protective instinct in others. But now... Amber had seen plenty of beautiful girls, and her resistance had noticeably grown.
Silently offering a prayer for the ordeal Miku was about to face, Amber led her to the room next door—Rita's room.
Since Miku hadn't signed the documents yet, Amber couldn't just let her leave.
Moreover, Spirits were inherently dangerous, and Amber didn't exactly trust Miku. Keeping her close made supervision easier.
Miku, for her part, didn't mind. Now that she'd confirmed her safety, enduring a few more days to meet Mobius was nothing. She might as well treat it as a break.
Once inside Rita's room, Miku grew even more at ease.
Rita's room held several photos of her with Durandal.
There were pictures of a young Durandal, and others of her as a fifteen-year-old girl. Miku stared at the photos, her eyes practically glued to them.
'This Schicksal organization... not bad at all. Forget how strong the Valkyries are, is the quality of each one just this high?
That Tobiichi Origami from before, and now this Rita and Mobius... How are there so many beauties?'
Miku's earlier gloom had completely vanished, replaced by a budding anticipation for the days to come.
This quality of beauty was something she'd only ever dreamed of. The desire to see more Valkyries filled her mind, and she spoke up, "Durandal, where are the other Valkyries?"
"Training grounds."
Amber felt a wave of exasperation toward her, even beginning to doubt if the decision to keep her under watch was ill-considered.
But since she was already here, and with Amber keeping an eye on her, she probably wouldn't dare try anything.
Pushing down her annoyance, Amber explained, "When there are no sortie missions, Valkyries typically train at the training grounds."
"Is that classified information? Can I go take a look?"
Miku's eyes shone.
Training meant they'd sweat, right? So showers were a given.
"For you, it's not classified," Amber said. "You can observe. Today happens to be the Immortal Blades' simulation battles."
"If you join Schicksal, the Valkyries of the Immortal Blades will become part of the force protecting you."
Though her tone was calm, she secretly hoped to add some fuel to the fire, encouraging Miku to join Schicksal.
Amber genuinely hoped Dark Amber would hurry up and teach this entitled woman a lesson.
"The Immortal Blades? Does that include you?"
"Of course."
!!!
Driven by Miku's intense enthusiasm, the two left Rita's room and headed for the training area. But as they stepped out, they spotted a figure with long white hair emerging from Amber's room. It was Origami.
Amber: ??
"Origami? Why were you in my room?"
'I'm sure I locked the door. Where did you get a key?'
"I had important business seeking Lady Durandal," Origami replied, her expression showing neither shame nor hesitation, her tone steady and calm.
"But may I ask why Lady Durandal is emerging from Vice Commander Rita's room with a Spirit?"
'Wait... If I didn't know your character, I could almost suspect you of being a spy with behavior like that... How are you the one questioning me?...'
Amber suddenly felt weary. Being caught between Origami and Miku like this made her miss the times when Rita was by her side, acting as her external voice.
"Since Miku's subsequent arrangements haven't been finalized yet, I plan to have her stay here temporarily. Rita's room is right next to mine, so if anything happens, I can respond immediately," Amber explained.
"Then where will Vice Commander Rita sleep?"
"She'll stay in my room for now."
"In that case, why not assign the Spirit to my room instead?" Origami's words came rapidly.
"Uh..." Amber knew all too well the nonsense going on in Origami's head.
"That won't be necessary. Placing her in Rita's room is convenient for my supervision. Your room is a bit too far from mine."
"In that case, I will secure the room on the other side of Lady Durandal."
Being refused didn't change Origami's expression in the slightest.
"Secure it... how?"
"The top performer in the simulation battles earns the room closest to Lady Durandal," Origami stated.
"Last time, Vice Commander Rita and Senior Morlan won. I had just joined the Immortal Blades then, so I regrettably failed. But the outcome will be different this time."
Now that she mentioned it... today really is the simulation battle day...
"Vice Commander Rita has been busy with work lately. She must be in dire need of rest," Origami continued, her gaze sharpening as she saw Amber's thoughtful expression.
"I will achieve victory in the simulation battle and obtain the room next to Lady Durandal. Therefore, there is no need for Lady Durandal to share a room with Vice Commander Rita. The Spirit can stay in my room."
Though Amber was well aware that Origami's true motives were certainly not so selfless, she had to admit the logic sounded reasonable.
If Rita stayed in her room, she would undoubtedly resume her maid duties and formal attitude, which really wouldn't be conducive to proper rest.
"There is no need for concern, Second Captain Origami."
Just as Amber was pondering, a familiar voice sounded behind her.
The figure, dressed in formal attire with neatly styled ash-blonde short hair, stepped gracefully to a position half a step behind Amber.
Her smile was flawless, her tone gentle and elegant, yet carrying an undeniable authority.
"As Lady Durandal's adjutant, this level of fatigue is less taxing than the accumulation from a single training session. Moreover, sharing Lady Durandal's burdens is one of Rita's responsibilities. Is that not so, Lady Durandal?"
"Maintaining peak condition at all times is a fundamental principle of the Immortal Blades," Origami countered, unaffected by her imposing presence.
Her expression remained calm, but held a new seriousness.
"Even the slightest wear on a component can lead to failure. As the vice commander, you should lead by example and avoid straining yourself in non-essential situations. Is that not correct, Lady Durandal?"
Amber: ...Why does the atmosphere feel a little tense?
Miku: Wow... This is...
--+--
T/N: I have a Patreon! Webnovel will get 3 Chapters Every Day, and advanced chapters will be uploaded on Patreon.
It may not seem worth it now, but maybe in the future. Who knows!
[email protected]/AspenTL
If you guys wanna check it out.