"Lieutenant Touri. May I have a moment of your time?"
"Yes, what is it?"
Without being informed of what was happening on the front lines, we, the Touri Guerrilla Company, were busy training every day.
"I have something confidential to discuss. Could we talk somewhere private?"
"Alright. Please come to my personal tent."
"Roger that."
Our soldiers aligned with Renvel continued to maintain the Mining Front as usual.
Those aligned with Colonel Henri, led by Bern, advanced deep into the Flamel.
This was the situation reported to the soldiers.
"Here should be fine. So, what is it that you wanted to discuss?"
"Actually, it's about a certain matter…"
The Mining Front was peaceful.
There were small skirmishes, but no major battles and a standoff continued.
Even if the enemy manages to secure trenches halfway, it would simply be wiped out by gas.
They won't make a move unless they can take measures against the gas.
But we are likely to suffer heavy damage if we try to advance into the mines.
With our allies now invading the mainland, we cannot afford to take any risky actions.
We were both stuck in a situation resembling a stalemate.
"Lieutenant Touri…"
"Yes?"
A protracted war is not desirable for Austin.
Flamel would be at an advantage as it has abundant land and receives aid from Aerys.
If we clung to the Mining Front, the standoff would have continued indefinitely.
Thus, Bern Valou decided to invade the mainland.
We leave the fate of our country to Bern Valou and must defend the Mining Front.
We are outsiders to the decisive battle.
And perhaps it's because of this situation…
"I have feelings for you. Please, be my lover!"
"…Eh?"
It seemed that a rosy atmosphere had started to develop around me.
***
Aside from receiving that twisted confession from Rodri, this is the first time I've been confessed to.
"Oh, umm… I don't recall us having spoken that much. Why are you bringing up this topic?"
"You treated me after I was injured during training with Instructor Maeve. I fell in love at first sight, or rather, my heart was deeply moved."
The soldier's face was a little stiff, but he was looking straight at me with sincerity.
It didn't seem like the kind of confession someone would make as a punishment game.
"Then I'll answer."
"Yes."
"I have recently lost my husband."
"I've heard about it."
"So, umm… I'm sorry."
Though I was a bit shaken, I had to decline the soldier's confession.
I intend to be faithful to Rodri for a while.
And even though this is a training unit, as a company commander and as a lieutenant, I cannot have a relationship with my subordinate.
"I see…"
The soldier looked extremely dejected.
I feel a little guilty, but I can't imagine myself dating anyone right now.
"There are many wonderful women out there far better than me. Please cheer up."
"Yes, thank you."
The atmosphere became somewhat awkward, but I managed to put on a smile and sent the soldier off.
I see. Now that I think of it, my seniors used to say that medics are very popular.
Many soldiers apparently fall for female medics after receiving treatment.
Is this what they call the suspension bridge effect?
"Well then, I will take my leave, Lieutenant Touri. If you ever feel like it, please let me know."
"Y-yes."
"…Hahh."
The soldier let out a small sigh and gave me a bow.
"Excuse me."
With that, he walked away from the tent.
***
"Lieutenant Touri. I will absolutely, absolutely make you happy!"
"Umm…"
Following that soldier, I was soon receiving confessions one after another.
In fact, within a week, I was confessed to by four soldiers.
It was about once every two days.
"I-I'm sorry. I can't return those feelings."
"No way!"
There's a rumor that everyone experiences a period of being popular a few times in their life…
Is this what they call a popular phase?
"Is it absolutely impossible?"
"…"
"…I understand, I'll step back for now. But I won't give up."
"Y-Yes."
Still, why did I suddenly become so popular?
It's true that I often hear that female medics are popular.
But I've never been approached like this before.
What is different now compared to before?
Have I somehow started to look more mature without realizing it?
"Well then, I'll take my leave."
"Yes, um, alright."
It's true that I'm already 17 years old, which is the age considered appropriate for marriage in this world.
The difference between being 15 and 17 might be significant.
Next year, I'll be old enough to drink alcohol.
I'm still inexperienced and think of myself as a child, but before I knew it, I've somehow become a mature woman.
***
"No, that happens to every woman in a company."
"Really?"
Having been troubled by the constant confessions, I decided to consult with Sergeant Gavel.
I've been really popular lately and I can't help it. What should I do?
"I didn't get confessed to like this when I was in the medical department."
"Things are more urgent in a field hospital. The excruciating pain that continues for hours, the fear that you might die, that's all patients there can think about."
"I see."
"Plus, everyone in the medical department have bloodshot eyes and are scary. It's not the kind of atmosphere where you can invite them over for tea when you have some free time."
"That's true…"
Now that he mentioned it, I would be quite annoyed if I received an invitation like that when working in the medical department.
Who has time to have tea when the next patient is waiting in line?
"When you join a company, you basically spend all your time together. Rather than having a partner you can only see on rare days off, you'd rather have a lover within the same unit."
"I see."
"So in this case, the only options for this company are you and that 'puku puku' woman."
Well, that's true.
I oversee the training of the company, so I have many opportunities to talk with them.
I see, so it's because there are fewer options for women in their vicinity?
"Let's say you're a man. Which would you choose: a woman you can communicate with or one you can't?"
"Ah…"
"If 'puku puku' woman acted normally, the popularity would be divided. But right now, you're the only choice for who want a proper relationship."
Indeed. No matter how beautiful she is, I wouldn't want to date someone like Argie.
…Could it be that Argie acts like that to avoid men?
In that case, it makes a lot of sense.
"I think Grandpa recommended a marriage arrangement to you because he knew this would happen."
"I'm planning on buying a ring to show that I'm married."
"In your case, rumors of you being the 'Lucky Carry' have spread. It's pretty well known that you lost your partner."
"I see…"
So, it's a well-known fact that my husband Rodri is deceased.
That's why everyone knows I'm free.
"You look like you're in trouble."
"Yes, I really am."
…If I get confessed to like this every day, it's bound to be exhausting.
To be honest, it's a bit of a worry.
"Well then, How about I ask Grandpa to bring back the previous marriage proposal?"
"…"
"Are you not keen on that idea either?"
"Yes."
That being said, I'm not keen on getting engaged to someone I don't know very well.
It's not that I dislike becoming a relative of Renvel, but…
"I want to remain faithful to him for a while longer."
"…I see."
"And I don't want to advance a marriage proposal just because being confessed to is troublesome. It would be disrespectful to the other party."
It's a bit of stubbornness on my part…
This is like a matter of pride.
"Ah, that's true. At least I don't mind. Arranging marriages is part of the job, and I don't think anyone in the family would get upset about it."
"Even so…"
"I get it."
Sergeant Gavel looked a little disappointed at my firm stance.
"Well, it looks like you have no choice but to accept it. No one can say not to pursue a single woman."
"Is that so?"
"Or you could declare in front of everyone that you have no intention of finding a partner."
"Yes, that's true. I'll consider that."
After saying this, Sergeant Gavel turned away with a hint of annoyance.
"What a carefree worry, honestly."
He muttered a slight complaint as he left.
***
It's certainly a light-hearted problem.
Austin is in the midst of a battle for survival.
I guess discussing a problem like "being troubled by popularity" might be a bit inappropriate.
However, it is a significant issue for someone with little romantic experience like me.
Is there no way to gently and tactfully turn down these advances without hurting anyone?
I never expected to be so troubled by matters of romance.
At times like these, I would usually ask Reitalyu for advice, but…
She is following the Southern Army led by Bern and is not here.
Our current medical department is managed by Mr. Dollman.
I feel a bit hesitant to ask Mr. Dollman for advice, as I'm sure he's very busy now with the reduced staff.
"Pukupuku…"
"…"
I feel it might be wrong to consult Argie even though she is older.
This might be a bit rude, but I can't envision receiving useful advice from her.
I suspect that talking to her would only result in "puku" noises.
"Puk?"
"No, it's nothing."
"Puku?"
I gave a wry smile to a puzzled Argie and sighed.
***
"Good evening, everyone."
"Oh, Lieutenant!"
For now, I should let everyone know that I am not looking for a partner.
This would save the soldiers unnecessary trouble.
With this in mind, I went to talk to some soldiers who had just finished training and were having their meal.
"It's rare for you to show up around here. What's the matter?"
"Yes, I have a little something to discuss with you."
"Certainly, please tell me. Please feel free to tell me anything you want."
I first spoke to Corporal Nauman, the central figure among the soldiers.
Although he is quite a veteran, he is a friendly and kind person.
Like Maeve, he is taking on the role of instructor, making use of his wealth of experience.
"Actually…"
***
"I see?"
I conveyed my earlier concern while eating rations with Nauman.
I am not interested in having a lover but am troubled by the numerous confessions from soldiers.
I asked him to subtly spread the word that I'm not seeking a partner.
"Haha, I see. You're very cute, Lieutenant. It's no wonder you're popular."
"…I appreciate the compliment, but I am really troubled."
"Hahaha."
Nauman laughed heartily when he heard my story.
When I tilted my head in confusion about what was so amusing…
"Please forgive them, Lieutenant. The soldiers are serious."
"Serious?"
"Yes, serious. Let me give you a little example."
Nauman began speaking to me with a face as if explaining something important.
"Let's say you have a crush on someone, Lieutenant. That person doesn't seem interested in dating anyone. So, you keep your feelings hidden and don't confess."
"Right."
"And then, you're ambushed by the enemy and received a fatal wound. You collapse to the ground, waiting for death. At that moment, the face of the person you had a crush on suddenly appears in your mind."
"…"
"If that happened, wouldn't you regret it? Wouldn't you wish you had confessed even if it didn't work out?"
"That…"
Nauman continued to smile and gently patted my head.
"Being an infantryman is a tough job. You don't want to have regrets since you can die at any moment."
"…"
"I know it may be difficult for you, Lieutenant, but could you please face the soldier's sincere feelings and properly reject them? Just that alone would make a huge difference in how they feel at the end."
Hearing this, I thought that it might be true.
If I hadn't been able to see Rodri during his last moments and exchange words with him… I'm sure I would have regretted it.
"You're right, Nauman. I will handle it that way."
"I will give them a warning if they're too persistent, so please let me know."
"Thank you."
Nauman nodded in satisfaction at my response.
As expected from a veteran, his opinions were very helpful.
"As an old man, I'd rather not see you dating anyone since you remind me of my daughter. Ah, I wonder if she'll be married already when I return from the battlefield."
"Let's celebrate if she's married."
"No, no, I'd rather she stay a daddy's girl for a while longer. To think my daughter… Anna… getting married… Wow!"
After that, Nauman began bragging about his family and imagining his daughter's wedding, becoming quite emotional.
As always, he is a delightful person.