"Thank you, I'm finished eating," I asserted, feeling utterly spent. Despite my exhaustion, I couldn't risk triggering the 'Overfeeding' alarm, so I quickly placed the sensor on my arm to monitor my consumption.
This meal, unfortunately, ranked as one of the worst I had ever endured. Even my mother's birthday celebrations paled in comparison; the intensity of eating under my father's murderous gaze, while simultaneously witnessing the fear etched on my sisters' faces, felt more bearable than this current ordeal with the insane Commander.
"I can't even imagine living like this, being monitored down to every single step and bite I take. It's beyond comprehension," the Commander declared. She continued feeling my body, even resting on my lap as if I were a mere chair. Exhausted and merely wanting to eat, I stoically tolerated her behavior. There was little I could do to resist her anyway. The stark power imbalance between us was painfully evident, especially after the events of yesterday. Despite her crazed demeanor, it was clear that she deserved her position as a commander.
The Commander, now comfortably ensconced on my lap, mentioned to me something intriguing: "You know, there are records within the Empire that speak of something that can cure you, transforming you into a normal human."
"You're referring to the lake inside the Mother Tree, I assume?"
"Ah, you've heard of it, I see. Of course, since you're a part of this race, this information must surely be invaluable to you. So, what are your thoughts on that?"
"Not interested," I nonchalantly replied.
"Huh? Do you even understand what you're saying?" The Commander shot back, annoyed.
"Yes, but it's just a theory. It's not worth the effort," I responded, stifled by a yawn. Lack of sleep was taking its toll on me, and after eating, all I longed for was rest.
"Even if it's just a theory, it's worth trying," she insisted. I couldn't comprehend how she remained so lively after our sleepless night. Those darn conjurers indeed possessed extraordinary energy.
"Can we discuss this at a later time? I'm incredibly tired now, Commander," I asserted.
"Hmph, fine, but you can't escape this topic the next time we meet," she responded before planting a gentle kiss and making her way to the elevator to return to work.
Finally, she's gone!
Exhausted, I collapsed onto the floor, amidst the remnants of the used tissues. At that moment, I didn't care a single bit. My exhaustion was so profound that I didn't even have the energy to mind.
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Bera POV :
How can he be so nonchalant and indifferent, claiming he's not interested? Surely, he doesn't want to live under continuous scrutiny forever. How do we even start a family and raise healthy children when he's trapped like this?..... I'm getting ahead of myself. We're still in the early stages of our relationship. We'll talk about our future and our five children together later. For now, that fool should at least be excited about the prospect of finding a cure for himself.
Inside the elevator, I realized my breathing had grown labored, and I hadn't even noticed it. It was surreal; I couldn't believe I had finally found a husband at the age of 32. All the previous men in my life had scurried away at the first opportunity, but 'my darling' hadstood his ground and remained steadfast by my side, wordlessly enduring whatever came his way. I knew deep down that all the effort I put into winning him over had been worthwhile.
As the elevator reached the fourth floor below my apartment, I donned my serious work face before the doors opened. There was a considerable stack of reports waiting for me to read and sign. This Trash Division, a unit I had recently inherited following the death of its former commander, was still in a dismal state. I had been given this responsibility a few months ago, and its condition hadn't improved an inch.
Conjurers, the strongest soldiers of humanity, were nowhere to be found in my division. They had all perished alongside their commander in the Fifth region. It was an admirable and heroic act, but it made my work here considerably more challenging. The Eighth division was in disarray, populated solely by the remnants of the army comprised of humans who had yet to uncover their imaginary weapons.
Furthermore, the army detested me and regarded me as an opportunistic princess from the Second region who was attempting to capitalize on their struggles. In their eyes, I was their foe, not their division commander. Fulfilling any request took an eternity and often required my intervention to ensure it was carried out. Unfortunately, this disdain wasn't restricted to the army; the entire Eighth region harbored resentment toward me and earnestly wished I would abdicate my position.
Once someone in my division discovers their imaginary weapon, I will have to bid farewell to this position and assume the role of a regular soldier within the Eighth Division. I refuse to leave my 'dear' here and return to the Second Region. You know what, this situation might even be advantageous. The morons from the Eighth Region can deal with their own region without my assistance, which frees up more time for my darling and me to get better acquainted.
Alas, it's all just wishful thinking. These fools are still in a state of shock, and I've been thrust into the unenviable role of having to look after them before they turn against me and cast me aside.
"Ah, Commander, finally graced us with your presence," someone quipped sarcastically the moment I entered my office.
"Here I am," I replied nonchalantly. Aaron, as always, was here, eagerly awaiting my arrival. He couldn't even feign disinterest in usurping my position.
"Where's the report?" I inquired, though I didn't really need him to answer. As soon as I sat down at my desk, a yellow file had conveniently appeared before me.
I kept my gaze down, unwilling to spare a glance at the annoying individual, as I wasn't in the mood for his typically sardonic gaze. The report detailed the events in the Seventh region and the number of soldiers we had lost. It was information I was already aware of, but protocol demanded that I review it and update the records. Fortunately, we had only lost thirteen soldiers. This was a favorable outcome compared to the Seventh Division's losses, which included dozens of soldiers, plus three conjurers. I believed Commander Khato must be grieving greatly over the magnitude of these casualties.
"How's the condition of the smudged man?" Aaron inquired abruptly.
"He's in stable condition," I responded curtly, unwilling to discuss my man with you, so keep your distance, Aaron.
"Should I send some soldiers to move him to his own accommodations?" he persisted. "I don't think a person like him has any business staying here." It appeared he had already summoned soldiers, ready to force my dear out of the building and erase any trace of his presence there.
"Are you suggesting, my esteemed Assistant Commander, that you intend to enter my private residence with a group of strangers?" I had long tolerated your trivialities, but this time you've crossed the line.
There was a visible shift in Aarons demeanor as he noticed the seriousness in my eyes. "I don't mean that, Commander..." he hastily clarified. "I merely meant that you're so busy, so I decided to assist you by getting rid of him myself." The mocking tone in his voice had subsided, and now there was a hint of fear present.
A coward like you will never amount to a leader. You'll never awaken your imaginary weapon, and you'll remain a mere assistant. First to me, and then to whomever succeeds me, Aaron.
"There's no need, Assistant Commander. I'll handle it myself," I affirmed.
"But for him to continue residing here...it's just wrong," he protested.
Ah, yes. This building wasn't just mine. It was where all the division commander from the past had resided. I could easily imagine him spreading rumors among his friends, insinuating that It is a wrong for me to reside here as well. However, he could merely mention my 'darling' here.
"Allow me to remind you, Assistant Commander Aaron, that this building was given to me by the Emperor upon assuming the position of Command of the Eighth Division. Until I'm relieved of my duties, I possess complete authority over this dwelling. Is there any objection?"
The mixture of hesitation and anger on his face was evident, but fear trumped all other emotions. "I apologize for my earlier remarks, Commander, and I beg your forgiveness if I have been misunderstood. This building is indeed yours, and you're free to do as you please. With your permission, I'll take my leave now, Commander."
Aaron slipped out of my office silently, finally granting me a moment of solitude. The peace was short-lived, however, as the telephone rang.