Levin rose from his bed.
It was the day after the operation, and Aili was still resting in the infirmary. For Aili, the superficial wounds inflicted by Levin for the sake of concealment healed swiftly with the medicine, but the exhaustion from transforming into a werewolf required more time for recovery.
Naturally, Levin had transitioned from acting deputy captain to acting captain.
Fortunately, the headquarters swiftly sent over the necessary documents. Due to the accident caused by the task's excessive difficulty, the entire East Fourth Team would be compensated with two months' salary and half a month's vacation. During this period, their duties would be covered by other teams.
Thus, Levin's role as acting captain entailed little more than routine paperwork and drafting reports on the recent mission, allowing him to enjoy a leisurely pace.
"Hello, is this Deputy Captain Levin?" came a sweet voice from outside the office.
It was…
Levin looked up to see Frey, the receptionist he had encountered at the City Hall.
"Oh, Miss Frey, aren't you working today?" Levin greeted her with a smile.
"Yes, I'm off today. I heard from my colleagues that the East Fourth Team encountered an accident and that Captain Aili was injured. Is she alright?" Frey inquired with concern.
"Ah, Aili sustained minor injuries, but the main issue is her fatigue. She's not seriously harmed. Would you like to visit her?" Levin explained.
"I'm relieved to hear she's alright. I was so worried. Is she in the infirmary now?" Frey sighed in relief upon hearing that Aili was fine.
"Yes, she is. Let me take you to her." Levin tidied up the documents on his desk, locked the office door, and led Frey to the infirmary.
"Have you known Captain Aili for a long time, Miss Frey?" Levin asked as they walked.
"Yes, we've known each other since childhood," Frey replied with a smile, seemingly reminiscing about the past. "Back then, she had a big sister demeanor and looked out for all of us."
"She's still like that now, hasn't changed at all," Levin chuckled, recalling Aili's tender care for her team members, which warmed his heart.
"Though, she seems especially concerned about you, Mr. Levin," Frey said with a hint of a teasing smile. "Even someone like Aili, who cares for everyone, seems to pay particular attention to you. Is there a reason?"
"Perhaps… it's because we both come from orphan backgrounds," Levin reflected, thinking of his recent conversation with Aili.
"Is that so? I thought…" Frey began to say but quickly stopped herself. "No, never mind! Mr. Levin, is the infirmary just ahead?"
"Yes, Aili is resting in there," Levin confirmed, knocking lightly on the door.
"Come in," Aili's cool voice called from within.
"Sorry to intrude, Aili. I heard you were injured, so Miss Frey came by to visit you," Levin announced as he opened the door. Monica, the forensic expert, was sitting beside Aili, keeping watch over her.
Seeing Levin and Frey enter, Monica said with a blank expression, "Oh? Frey, I thought Deputy Captain Levin was so swamped with work that he came here seeking assistance for Aili."
"Don't be ridiculous, and who's yours?" Aili playfully swatted Monica before turning to Frey with a warm smile. "Good morning, Frey~"
Frey burst into tears and threw herself into Aili's embrace. "Aili! I heard from my colleagues that your team faced an accident, with two mid-tier extraordinary enemies, and you were injured. It scared me so much. I couldn't sleep all night. I'm so relieved you're okay."
Aili gently patted Frey's back, comforting her. "Oh, I'm fine here. No need to cry. Don't let Monica have a laugh at us."
Monica observed coldly, remaining silent.
"Aili, how severe are your injuries? Do you need to rest for a few days? Was the mission very dangerous?" Frey asked, lifting her head and wiping away her tears, bombarding Aili with questions.
"Hmm… it's not too bad. As you know, I'm somewhat of an extraordinary being, so it wasn't that dangerous for me…" Aili was interrupted by Frey.
"Not dangerous, you're injured!" Frey exclaimed.
"Well… even as an extraordinary being, tasks can be challenging. I'm used to it. It's no problem," Aili smiled and ruffled Frey's hair. "I'm nearly fully recovered now, and getting out of bed and moving around is no issue."
Monica interjected, "Actually, it's better to get up and walk around now, perhaps even go outside for some fresh air and sunlight."
Aili nodded, "Alright, we'll follow your advice, our esteemed forensic expert~"
Frey, excited, bounced with enthusiasm. "It's a rare chance for us to all be together. Let's go shopping!"
Monica adjusted her glasses, "I'll pass; I have work to…"
Aili immediately called out, "No excuses. When I told you not to come to care for me and to focus on your work, you said everything was arranged and you'd be free today."
"But shopping…" Monica hesitated, instinctively taking a step back.
Frey grabbed Monica's arm, "Ah~ It's such a rare opportunity to catch you, Little Mo. Don't let us off so easily. Come shopping with us~ It's incredibly rare for all three of us to have a day off!"
Monica reluctantly agreed, "Alright, alright… you've convinced me…"
Frey turned to the only man in their group, "Deputy Captain Levin, why don't you join us too?"
Levin was about to decline but was promptly instructed by Aili, "Come on, help us with the bags."
"...Understood, Captain."
The four of them strolled through the streets of Weimar City. Frey chattered animatedly, Aili smiled and agreed, while Monica rubbed her temples in exasperation. Levin dutifully carried the bags for the three ladies.
Frey indulged in a variety of snacks and four caramel puddings that Aili had bought for her all at once.
Aili, meanwhile, was dragged by Frey to shop for numerous clothes, and even Monica was persuaded by Frey to consider several small accessories.
"These will absolutely enhance your charm~" Frey insisted.
"Ah, that's…" Levin's attention was suddenly drawn to a familiar figure in a nearby apothecary.
"Oh? It's you," said the red-haired girl, emerging from beneath her hood, acknowledging Levin with a cold nod.
"Vera? Why are you out in broad daylight… is everything alright?" Levin asked, glancing at the glaring sun with a hint of surprise.
"What else can I do? The apothecary is closed at night," Vera replied indifferently. "Oh? Are you worried about my 'condition'? Don't worry, exposure to sunlight won't kill me."
Is it really not dangerous…
"Is that Vera, the shopkeeper?" Aili, noticing Levin's pause, inquired about his acquaintance.
"Oh, are you two on a date? I'm sorry to intrude. I'll head back to the shop," Vera glanced at Aili, then at Levin, a look of sudden realization crossing her face as she turned to leave.
"Hey! Don't jump to conclusions! I'm just accompanying three people! It's not what you think!" Levin quickly attempted to salvage his reputation.
"Three… three?" Vera gasped, "The conduct of your guards… I… find it hard to accept. May I be excused? Or do you intend to make me the fourth?"
"Stop making it sound so misleading!" Levin's forehead twitched with frustration.
…
After some explanation, Vera finally understood that Levin was merely a bag carrier and, after expressing polite sympathy, bid farewell to Levin and his party.
"That Vera, we've only met once, yet she seems unusually familiar with us," Aili remarked, furrowing her brow. "Is there something I'm unaware of?"
Captain, you're too perceptive… Levin broke into a cold sweat.
Maybe it's better to be honest with the captain about Vera.
Wait, why should I feel so guilty about involving an informant?
Levin felt a subtle shift in his mindset and quickly regained his composure.
"Hm? What's the matter with you? You've straightened up at the mention of Vera… Is there something going on?" Aili scrutinized Levin with keen eyes.
"Eh? How could there be anything with another woman when we have someone as exceptional as our Aili here?" Frey looked at Levin in shock.
Monica: "...Scoundrel."
Aili, blushing with indignation, smacked Frey lightly. "Don't speak nonsense! Levin's interactions with other women have nothing to do with me! We're merely… colleagues, yes, just colleagues."
Frey hastily defended, "But Aili, you're of an age where you should consider marriage. I heard you're especially attentive to Mr. Levin. I thought you were finally coming to your senses."
Seeing the situation grow awkward, Levin quickly joined the fray to clarify, "Miss Frey, don't misunderstand. Aili is correct; our relationship is strictly professional, we…"
Frey, seizing what she perceived as a flaw, pointed out, "Ha! You see, even the captain and deputy captain are on first-name terms now. Would ordinary colleagues behave like this?"
Is your perception always this sharp? Should I take off my deputy captain's hat and let you take over?
With the situation becoming increasingly convoluted, Levin decided to retreat strategically, "Alright… we're not just ordinary colleagues, but we are close friends. However, things are definitely not as you imagine."
Monica glared at Levin, "A scoundrel, intending to string along Aili while courting other women, like that Vera. She's quite an attractive lady."
Forensic expert, don't jump to conclusions without hesitation! What evidence do you have!
Aili, seeing the discussion devolve further, interjected firmly, "Enough! Let's put an end to this. Don't harass Levin any further. It's nearly lunchtime; let's go eat."