Chapter 25 - Sweet Traces Part 25: How Petty He Is!

"Must you remain on Alpha?" Observing Filia's firm resolve, Luciano inquired with a deeper tone."Commander, I believe Alpha is wonderful; I do not wish to leave.""Then, would you consider coming to my side as the captain of the commander's guard?" As he posed this question, Luciano's voice softened considerably—it wasn't an order but rather a patient negotiation.Filia regarded him thoughtfully, for the first time hesitating about transferring units. Being near him would mean seeing him every day; yet, her aspirations lay on the battlefield—she yearned to be his sharp sword, not merely his shield.After some contemplation, Filia shook her head resolutely. "I'm sorry, Commander, I am unwilling."This response made Luciano furrow his brow, revealing his disappointment; nevertheless, it was her choice, and he respected it. "Very well, since that is your decision, I won't force you. However, there is one thing you must promise me.""Hmm? What is it, Commander?""Stay alive. At all times, do not allow yourself to die. Can you do that?""Um, well..." Filia laughed lightly. The battlefield was ever-changing, and in the face of life and death, who can truly control it? Nobody wishes to perish, but when the time comes to fight desperately, other matters seem trivial. Yet, his request..."I'll do my best.""No, not just your best; it must be a certainty. Alright, you may leave now.""Yes, sir." Filia stood, saluted Luciano, and turned to depart.Just as she approached the door, however, Luciano called her back."Wait a moment.""Is there anything else, Commander?" Filia turned, noticing Luciano had stepped close beside her, almost invading her personal space."Where's my candy?""Candy? What candy?""That bag of candy, the star candy. I entrusted it to you, remember? Return it to me." Luciano extended his hand expectantly.It was only then that Filia recalled the bag of candy. "Uh, I accidentally tossed it while cleaning up earlier.""Tossed it?""Yes, yes, it melted a bit and became uneatable.""You gave it to me; that means it belongs to me. I merely asked you to keep it safe! What does it matter if it melted?" Luciano's tone began to take on a hint of irritation—after all, that was the very first bag of candy she had given him."Commander, it's just a bag of candy! Should you be this upset with me? I can buy you another one!" Filia rolled her eyes and opened the door to leave.She had never realized how petty Luciano could be. Was it truly such a big deal over a bag of candy? He looked almost green with envy.Hmph!With a disgruntled huff, Filia hurried to leave the area, only to run into Cole by chance."Athena? You're awake!"Still annoyed, Filia did not glance at Cole but continued on her way.Cole, bewildered by her lack of acknowledgment, hurried to deliver a report to the commander and did not dwell on it further.Upon entering the commander's office, however, he was met with an even darker mood from Luciano."Report, Commander, here's the document from our last covert operation.""Cole, change your target," Luciano said curtly."Uh?" Cole appeared puzzled, failing to grasp the commander's words."I mean, Athena isn't suitable for you. Find another target; don't pursue her any further.""Not suitable for me? Commander, I don't understand. Why is she not suitable?""I said she's not suitable, so she isn't! No need for explanations. There are plenty of young women in the Joint Forces. You may pursue any of them, but Athena—not."Cole was completely bewildered. "??""Leave.""..."As Cole stepped out of the commander's office, he remained unable to comprehend why Luciano had said all this.Could it be? Had Athena once more angered the commander? Did he think Athena was unworthy of a soldier as exemplary as himself? Love, after all, isn't something to be dictated by others; no matter the commander's disapproval, he certainly wouldn't give up.With this thought in mind, Cole straightened his posture as he walked.A week later, the front lines achieved a significant victory. The stellar forces won several crucial battles across various key fronts, establishing a solid foundation for an early conclusion to the war.Interestingly, Alpha participated in several such campaigns—not just as a backup but as a primary force. Notably, the fifth unit led by Athena exhibited exceptional combat prowess.On the battlefield, the fifth unit acted like a pair of pincers, swiftly attacking wherever they needed to extract enemy forces with speed and precision.As victory loomed, to boost the morale of the Star Alliance troops, the Vice President personally brought a national-level song and dance troupe aboard the Zeus for a morale-boosting event. All commanding officers were invited to attend.The visiting troupe thoughtfully prepared gowns for the female officers. Filia received a long black dress with a daring slit that reached above her thigh.Gazing at the dress, Filia felt reluctant to wear it. Her primary desire was to avoid the reception entirely; however, she had no legitimate reason to refuse. Ultimately, she donned the dress, styled her hair into an elegant updo, and adorned her butterfly mask, exposing her fair neck.What should have been adorned with a beautiful necklace now displayed only as a military dog tag? Yet, out of respect for the occasion, Filia applied subtle makeup—dark red lipstick accentuating her regal demeanor, giving her an air of aloofness.Before heading out, Filia bought a bag of star candy from a vending machine. Finally, she had the chance to repay Luciano for the candy she had taken.As Filia walked into the banquet hall in her high heels, she instantaneously captivated the attention of numerous men.Athena had now become one of the top contenders on the alliance's strength rankings. Her signature butterfly mask ensured that she became the focal point the moment she appeared."Athena, you look truly beautiful today." Cole had been waiting at the entrance for her and rushed over upon spotting her.Filia barely acknowledged him, nodding once, murmuring, "Oh.""Athena, would you do me the honor of dancing with me? I..." Before Cole could complete his sentence, Filia had already skirted past him, purposefully weaving through the crowd toward Luciano, who was engaged in conversation with the Vice President.Upon noticing her approach, Luciano's expression shifted in surprise."Pardon my intrusion, Commander; here's your candy."