"Kai Rayleigh. Are you free on Saturday?"
The words of Aria Leafsong hung in the air, as I could sense the piercing gaze from Wilhelm, misunderstanding something.
"...Why?", I asked in confusion.
"Well, as our first victory as a group, we are planning to celebrate by hanging around the main city. Also, as I am new here, I wanted to visit a few places too."
I see.
Aria Leafsong, presumably the princess of the elven race that was displaced in the recent monster outbreak.
They were given a place to live, by the Royal Family of Central Mars, just recently.
So, basically, she wants to know about this city, more.
I don't have a reason to refuse, because my shift at work is at night, but...
"Is Selena coming too?", I asked her.
I, absolutely, can't stand to see her face, in my free days as well.
"Fufu ~ How amusing. Selena also asked the same thing."
Aria smiled softly, her eyes glinting with a bit of amusement at my question.
"I would say this now, if she is coming, then count me out.", I said clearly.
"As I said, we are celebrating as a group, so, of course, I invited her. But she also said that if you were coming then she wouldn't. What a perfectly matching pair. But, you should think about it again, because I intend to invite group 2 members as well.", she told me, while looking at Wilhelm, as he was a group 2 member.
Ugh! Being compared to her makes me annoyed, but I can't lash out at a newly transferred student, a Royal noble at that.
Meanwhile Wilhelm whispered in my ear.
"The fuck are you doing man!? We get to see such beauties in normal clothes outside school! Why the hell are you turning her down!?"
Well, more or less, he was telling me to accept even if Selena's coming.
After a bit of thinking, I agreed to join, because there was something I had to confirm with.
"Alright then, I will add you 2 in our contacts' group, to share location and time."
As we exchanged contact information, I saw a weird smile on Wilhelm's face.
Usually, on my free days, I spend time with Medusa, but maybe, sometimes, these types of outings is not bad.
***
The office chamber exuded an air of disciplined elegance, its walls lined with accolades and framed photographs showcasing the rich history of the Magic Special Force.
The soft glow of magical orbs hovered above, casting a warm light across the polished wooden desk at the center.
The desk was meticulously organized, though a few stacks of reports and maps hinted at the recent influx of work.
In one corner, a large map of the region displayed strategic locations, marked with various symbols that indicated troop movements and potential threats.
An assortment of enchanted trinkets lay scattered among the paperwork, their subtle hum of magic filling the air with an energetic buzz.
Seated behind the desk was a striking woman in her early twenties, exuding confidence and authority.
Her long silver hair was pulled back into a sleek ponytail, accentuating her sharp jawline and high cheekbones.
Icy blue eyes, cold and calculating, flicked over the reports before her, revealing a mind always at work.
Beside her stood her assistant, a similarly dressed woman in her twenties named Lyra.
Her brow was furrowed with concern as she held a few concerning reports in her hands.
The tension in the room was palpable, a stark contrast to the otherwise elegant surroundings.
The nameplate, resting on the desk, read, Commander-in-Chief, 4th Platoon, Carmilla Aurelius.
"Commander, we have some concerning reports from the southern borders," Lyra began, her voice steady despite the gravity of the situation.
"There have been increased monster sightings near the newly established settlements. We may need to send a patrol team to investigate."
The commander leaned back in her chair, arms crossed thoughtfully as she absorbed the information.
"How many sightings have there been?"
"Five confirmed reports in the last week alone," Lyra replied, her expression serious.
"Most describe aggressive behavior, and the local authorities are worried. If we don't act quickly, someone could get hurt."
The commander's brow furrowed in concentration.
"We can't have that. The last thing we need is panic spreading through the settlements. Let's gather more information before we send anyone. Dispatch a reconnaissance team first."
After giving her command, Carmilla went back to her paperwork.
"Also, Commander, about the report, requested from the management committee, what should I do?"
"Which report are you talking about?", Carmilla directly looked Lyra, a deep frown on her face.
"About the location of Kai Rayleigh and his sister. They have been nagging me about it. They also threatened, that if our platoon doesn't give a proper report this time, they would hand over the power to 5th platoon."
"....Ah. There was that thing."
"So? What should I tell them?"
"...Lyra. You were with me during that monster outbreak incident 5 years ago, weren't you? What would you have done, if you were in my shoes?"
"....If I were to be frank, I would have used every thing in my power, so that they would have never found Kai Rayleigh or his sister."
"...Is that so? Then, prepare the report accordingly, understand?", she smiled at Lyra, as she understood the assignment.
"Also make sure to gather information about this organization which is gathering info on those two siblings. Make sure that no one from our side hurt both of them."