Chapter 24 - Sweet Traces Part 24: Darling, Anything to Share with Me?

After a long slumber lasting three days, Filia was visited several times by doctors concerned about her extended rest. Despite worries of potential brain trauma leading to her prolonged sleep, the medical conclusion was simply that she was catching up on rest.Upon finally opening her eyes on the third day, a rush of memories flooded Filia's mind."Master? You're awake?""Hmm?" Filia turned, gazing outside the cabin window at the vast expanse of stars. "Where am I?""You're on the Zeus, have you been sleepwalking?""Oh, right, the Zeus. Little System, I had a dream. I dreamed that my husband turned into a large white wolf, and I rode on his back, leaping over a super wide chasm, racing through, it was exhilarating!""...""Master, that wasn't a dream, it was real. You've been asleep for three days, I couldn't wake you.""What?" One moment, Filia was groggy, but the next, she sprang out of bed. "Three days? I've been asleep for three days?"This awakening jogged her memory of the events on Planet 4-28."Oh no, I've been out of contact with Lucho for three days!"At this time, Filia had not yet become the strongest warrior, nor had she eliminated her enemies. She couldn't reveal her identity. In a rush, she opened a portal back home.As soon as she entered her bedroom, Filia untangled her hair, changed clothes, and took a quick shower. Ten minutes later, she descended the stairs properly dressed.At home, the butlers and maids were present, and upon seeing her, the head butler promptly approached."Madam, you're awake? Would you like to have a meal? Also, this morning, the young master called and mentioned he ordered some A-grade blood plasma for you, it's already been delivered.""A-grade blood plasma? What's that?" Filia had tried many brands and flavors but never an A-grade one."It's the military district's specially provided plasma, very high in purity.""Bring me a bottle to taste.""Of course."Moments later, Filia indulged in the finest artificial blood plasma the Star Alliance had to offer. As expected, the taste was superb.While savoring the drink, Filia strolled into the garden, finding a spot surrounded by roses, she video called Luciano.The video call connected swiftly. At that moment, Luciano was in his office, clad in pristine military attire, his hair slightly shorter, exuding a more sharp and energetic vibe.Upon seeing him safe and sound, Filia's anxieties finally eased."Honey, are you busy?"With a coy smile, Filia set the blood plasma aside, trying her best to appear nonchalant as she lazily leaned back in her chair."Not really. How about you? I called you yesterday, why didn't you pick up?" Luciano peered at Filia with a half-smile, his eyes seemingly holding a deep sea of sincerity."Well, these past few days I haven't been feeling well, so I slept a little longer. Sorry for missing your call. Oh, and this A-grade plasma is really good, thank you, dear." Filia swiftly changed the topic, avoiding mentioning her days-long sleep."As long as you like it." Luciano didn't inquire further about her extended rest.Smiling briefly, Luciano inclined his face towards the camera. With the video being a holographic projection, Filia felt as if he were right in front of her."Darling, anything you want to discuss with me?""Discuss? Discuss what?"Despite the vast expanse of space between them, Luciano's imposing presence vis-a-vis Filia caused her to instinctively lean back."Anything at all? Nothing on your mind?""Oh, haha! Yes, I just want you to come back soon. I really miss you," Filia said, her gaze conveying sincerity.While Luciano seemed to ponder a reply for a moment, in the end, he remained silent."Alright, I miss you too. I have a few things to attend to, I'll contact you later."Finally hearing these words, Filia nodded eagerly."Okay, I won't disturb you anymore. Goodbye, dear.""Goodbye."The call ended.Suddenly, Filia found herself covered in sweat, inexplicably nervous. Had Luciano already recognized her?No, that couldn't be. If he had recognized Athena as Filia, he would have exposed her on Planet 4-28.Moreover, knowing Luciano's character, he wouldn't engage in such theatrics with her.Thus, analyzing the situation, Filia's identity as Athena should still be safe.Upon completion of her mission after the battle, she would confess and apologize to Luciano. Given that she had saved him, he probably wouldn't harm her.With this realization, the palpitations of unease dissipated.After having a meal in the kitchen, Filia returned to her room upstairs. Once she changed her clothes, fixed her hair, and donned her mask, she returned to Zeus. In his office, Luciano ended his contemplation, glancing at his wedding ring before pressing the communicator on the table."David, inform Athena to come see me.""Athena? Commander, she's still not awake, is she?""It's been three days, it's time. Go inform her.""Understood."Upon receiving the order, David immediately contacted Brook. Just as Brook received the message, Filia emerged from her own quarters.Without having the chance to inquire about Athena's condition, and following the orders, Filia nervously ascended to the top floor, Luciano's office.Without knocking, the door opened for Filia, courtesy of David.Though they had spoken over the phone half an hour ago, their roles had since changed. With caution, Filia entered and stood before Luciano's desk."Commander, you wanted to see me?""Yes, have a seat."With a stern expression, Luciano set aside his documents and met Filia's gaze."How do you feel? Three days of sleep, any better?"As Filia sat down, she had to meet Luciano's gaze directly."I'm fine now, completely recovered after waking up.""Good." Luciano nodded. "Athena, although you saved me this time, this is a classified mission, so immediate commendation isn't possible. However, you can now negotiate terms with me, and consider a transfer or a promotion. Do you have any thoughts?""I don't. I don't want to transfer or get a promotion."