🔊 TTS Settings
Chapter 40
In the navy, soldiers are issued two main types of personal weapons: firearms and swords.
When given the choice, nine times out of ten, they pick the gun. A few do choose the sword, but in most cases, it’s just for show.
In the end, even they rely on the gun as their main weapon.
But Noah was the complete opposite.
She made the sword her primary weapon, and the gun only a backup.
And that choice had never been wrong.
“Your swordsmanship is the pride and treasure of the navy, Captain.”
The year Noah was assigned to headquarters, it was well known that the naval swordsmanship manual had been rewritten based on her techniques.
“You’re also the only person who can spar with the Vice Admiral.”
But even for Noah, it was impossible to beat Leto with a chipped blade.
“Then why did you ask about it?”
“No reason…”
Confirming that his memory hadn’t failed him and that his judgment back then had been correct, Leto let it go.
Mas and Femina…
Spoils taken from the Sisto Empire after their defeat in the Battle of Adlabor.
Two old swords, treasures of the Pieta family—nobles of the Empire whose name was famous even in the kingdom.
Each blade was said to belong to Count Pieta and his spouse, earning them the name “the married blades.”
And they carried a legend.
Those who can wield these swords are said to be able to create aura.
Though magic existed in this world, aura was considered something out of old tomes and children’s fairy tales.
The last recorded “aura user” was said to have lived before the Great Mage Tower Explosion.
Which meant, in the past hundred years, none had ever appeared.
Historians assumed “aura user” was simply an honorary title for someone who had reached the peak of mastery with a certain weapon.
It isn’t strange for Noah to know about the blades.
The Pieta family was well known across the kingdom.
An upright and incorruptible martial family, admired by nobles for their dignity and by commoners for their honor.
Though that was also why they were destroyed…
After sparing a brief thought for the family long gone, Leto recalled Noah’s reaction to the swords.
“Give me the swords first.”
That unusual, almost obsessive request.
“I love you. And tell me honestly why you blocked my promotion. Ah, but of course you must give me the swords too.”
She had mentioned the blades again and again, whenever the chance arose.
“…Did you cry?”
“My eyes are swollen from fatigue, that’s all.”
And this morning, Leto had seen her red, puffy eyes.
It wasn’t just casual knowledge.
There was some connection between Noah and those two blades.
What made him most suspicious was that little Clara had spoken their names so naturally.
And even As had looked oddly uneasy when the swords were mentioned.
“…”
Leto’s fingers laced together unconsciously. They rubbed slowly against each other.
So this is how it felt…
For the first time, he realized what Noah must have thought of his frustrating silences.
Noah had clearly known he was worried. She had noticed his gaze linger on her swollen eyes that morning.
But she hadn’t said a word.
She had only smiled faintly, silently asking him to let it go for now.
And because of that, Leto hadn’t been able to press her.
This hurts more than I thought.
His red eyes sank with heavy feelings.
Was this what Noah felt when he kept his silence?
He was only experiencing it once, yet Noah had endured it over and over again. The thought made him ache with guilt.
So he couldn’t bring himself to ask.
Even though she might have told him if he did, he felt too selfish to bare his curiosity.
“Ah.”
Just then, Warrant Officer Feast spoke up to him.
“Today the Vice Admiral and the Captain are both on night duty.”
And of all days, he would have to spend the night with Noah on duty.
“It’s going to be an electrifying night.”
“That’s the kind of thing that will get you scolded if the Captain hears.”
“Ha-ha.”
Leto babbled as usual, trying to act nonchalant.
Though there had been a grueling event the day before, the navy’s defense continued seamlessly.
On duty, Noah and Leto took their personal vessels and headed to the base shore for night patrol.
“Remember?”
“Remember what, sir?”
“The day my lovely Captain went out without orders and turned the traitors into mincemeat.”
“If you mean the day you almost got dumped, sir, then I recall it very clearly.”
Their military jeep halted in front of the beach.
“Hm? Strange…”
Gathering up his personal craft from the trunk, Leto tilted his head like a puzzled child.
“Which Captain was it that cried, begging me to say ‘I love you’?”
“Already cheating? Which unit’s Captain is she?”
“Come now, Captain Velo. If you lie, Guragura will drag you away.”
“Lord Guragura, please take me instead. In two days, I have to marry this lunatic. Please help me.”
“Guragura is unavailable. Your call will be transferred to voicemail. After the beep, charges will apply…”
Joking as they went, they donned their personal vessels and set out to sea.
Past midnight, the ocean grew rough, a stark contrast to the calm waves where dolphins had swum the day before.
“This is incredible…!”
Noah gasped as they sped across the surging waves.
“The sea changes so much in a single day. Did you already know, is that why you set sail yesterday?”
“Dolphins are superior to humans. Besides, what other creature evolves as slowly as us?”
After a thorough patrol, they returned to shore.
As Leto was stowing the vessel and loading gear back into the jeep, he heard her call.
“Leto.”
He turned, startled.
“Want to sneak off for a bit?”
“W-what…?”
Leto covered his mouth shyly with his hand, clutching himself in mock modesty.
“So suddenly, without even letting me prepare my heart? Tempting me like this—what are you planning, you pervert? Besides, I don’t even have protection with me—”
“Lord Guragura, never mind me—please take this man instead…”
Ignoring his antics, Noah pulled out a basket she had stashed in the back seat.
Leto peeked inside.
“…Wine?”
Even the unflappable Leto looked shocked.
“You’re not suggesting we drink, are you?”
“Not drink—just pour a glass.”
She took his hand and led him.
They ended up at a small headland behind the training pool—the very spot where Sir Delat and Sir Ferata had once tried to steal a craft and flee.
Sitting near the edge, Leto offered, “Shall I spread a handkerchief?”
Instead of answering, Noah deliberately sat right on the ground.
Looking awkward, Leto sat beside her.
“You’re embarrassing me.”
“For a soldier, a handkerchief is a luxury.”
“Before a soldier, you’re my woman. I want to treat you with care.”
“Hard to believe when your mouth was running off just a moment ago.”
Still, she smiled faintly and closed her eyes.
Taking the hint, Leto pressed his lips gently against hers.
Under a night sky strewn like shattered glass, the bright moonlight shyly bathed the two lovers.
Waves crashed against the low cliff beneath the headland, pounding as fast as their hearts.
“…Not a bad atmosphere, after all.”
Their lips parted from the sweet background rhythm.
Resting his forehead lightly against hers, Leto whispered.
His hand cupped her cheek, feeling the heat of her skin.
Her expression, once flustered, slowly calmed as she gazed into his eyes.
But her lips, still wet, glistened even in the dark.
“Like stars.”
“So are you.”
They kissed once more, then reluctantly pulled apart.
“Ahh, it’s times like this I hate being a soldier…!”
“Anyone listening would think you’ve been deprived of so much because of it.”
Noah pulled out a handkerchief and dabbed at both their lips. Leto touched his clean lips again with his thumb, almost regretfully.
“So what’s the wine for?”
Instead of answering, Noah smoothly popped the cork.
With a crisp pop, a rich, tangy aroma spilled out.
“Evangelium?”
Leto’s eyes widened at the label.
“That’s Imperial. Must be expensive.”
“A 70-year vintage, no less.”
“Whoa, that’s…”
Before he could say something even nobles can’t easily get, Noah tipped the bottle and poured it out into the sea.
“It’s for my parents.”
Watching the dark red wine vanish into the ocean, she spoke quietly.
“Their remains are still in the Empire.”
“…”
“I just… wanted to tell them I’m getting married. You can’t see it, but beyond this sea lies Imperial land.”
When she was done, Noah returned and sealed the empty bottle, tucking it back in the basket. She didn’t look as if she wanted to cry, nor did she seem weighed down.
“…”
So Leto couldn’t bring himself to say anything either.
“You can ask.”
Noah smiled faintly, sensing his hesitation.
“I told you, if you ask, I’ll answer.”
“Can I?”
“You’re overthinking again.”
Chiding him with a light tap on the nose, her face showed no darkness at all.
Encouraged, Leto asked:
“…Are you okay?”
Of all the questions burning in him, he asked first about her heart.
“Your eyes were red underneath, I couldn’t stop worrying.”
“Knew you wouldn’t believe me.”
She laughed softly, then turned toward the black sea.
“Those swords… they’re a clue to finding my parents’ remains.”
“…Your parents’ remains?”
“The place where they’re buried.”
And calmly, Noah began to speak of her late parents.
