"Look, it's Captain Gavel."
"He's dignified, noble, serious, and good at his job."
"Ah, he's really amazing."
Several years have passed since the end of the World War.
After overcoming the pandemic of the Chaim Flu, Austin's reconstruction was slowly progressing.
"I heard he subdued a mafia group entrenched in the outskirts of Winn with just one company."
"People who are truly capable are just on another level."
Post-war, the Austin military was overwhelmed with the task of "restoring and rebuilding public order."
With national authority diminished, the outskirts had become strongholds for mafia organizations.
These criminal groups had already gained power by engaging in illegal drug and arms trades during the war.
"Oh, Captain Gavel. Maybe I should try inviting him out for a meal sometime."
"Don't be ridiculous. There's no way someone like him would give you the time of day."
The Austin military carried out repeated expeditions to maintain order.
Since the mafia were armed, rooting them out was no easy task.
Despite repeated expeditions, completely eliminating them remained a daunting challenge.
"I heard he's an elite among elites, and he doesn't even indulge in frivolous relationships."
"Yeah, that sounds about right."
Gavel was achieving remarkable success in suppressing these outlaws.
Under his command, two organizations had already been dismantled, significantly improving security around Winn.
As such, Gavel is now regarded as the most promising young officer.
The Gavel Battalion he leads is made up of the surviving soldiers who served as my guard unit.
These elite soldiers had fought alongside me on the frontlines during decisive battles.
Gavel took over the command after I retired from the military.
Their skill and discipline were exceptional, and they were said to emerge victorious in every battle.
I once asked Gavel about the secret to his success.
He just laughed and said, "I'm just imitating you."
It appears he analyzed the command techniques I had been using intuitively while supplementing them with tactical theory and then putting them to use.
Gavel's operational theories are highly regarded, and he's been scouted by the General Staff.
As expected from the esteemed Renvel family, a renowned military lineage that has produced many dedicated and talented officers.
Now, Gavel has risen to be an ace commander.
"…Um, excuse me."
"Oh, a visitor? Do you need something?"
Gavel is currently an extremely popular young officer.
Marriage proposals keep coming one after another, and he's getting quite overwhelmed by all the attention from women.
To be honest, I hadn't realized just how popular he'd become since I'd been away in the Sabbath for a while.
I had stopped by the barracks to share some information I'd gathered during my travels abroad, but…
"My name is Touri Lowe. I'd like to request an appointment with Captain Gavel."
"Hmm? And what is your business with him?"
"Oh, uh, I brought some souvenirs and was hoping to have a quick chat."
"…What?"
The lady at the reception desk glared at me with a very intimidating look.
"Captain Gavel is a very busy man. If you have no pressing business, I'll have to decline your request for an appointment."
"Uh, well… I thought that if you mentioned my name, I might be able to get through…"
"I must decline. I cannot allow Captain Gavel to waste his valuable time."
It's been three years since I left the military.
Maybe that's why the receptionist at the barracks is someone I don't know.
In the past, it would've been something like, 'Ah, Iris-sama! It's been a while!' and they would have let me through without a problem.
But there's no way I could expect that kind of treatment from someone who doesn't know me.
"Are you even a member of the military?"
"No, I'm not…"
"The barracks are filled with state secrets. We do not want to let anyone who is not a registered military member through."
"I-I guess so."
Unfortunately, the name "Touri Lowe" isn't particularly well-known.
Most of the achievements I was credited with were reported under the name "Iris Valou."
And as a diplomat, I hold no authority over the military.
If the receptionist tells me I can't go in, there's nothing I can do about it.
"…"
"…"
And what she's saying is entirely reasonable.
No matter how close Gavel and I might be, asking for an appointment just because "I want to talk" is way too casual.
I wouldn't have had a rebuttal if she'd told me to make the appointment at his home instead of his workplace.
…But they'll almost certainly throw a "small" welcome party for me if I go to his house.
While I appreciate the gesture, the extravagant hospitality every time can be a bit much.
"…Then I will make a personal appointment at a later date."
"Thank you for understanding. Now, please leave."
Having been told as much, I had no choice but to relent.
Feeling a little disappointed, I decided to withdraw and try again later.
I'll pay a visit to Gavel's family and arrange for an appointment there.
"Though, I'm not sure someone like you is worth Captain Gavel's time."
"Ahaha…"
The receptionist's tone was so harsh that I couldn't help but chuckle wryly.
She must think I'm just another nuisance clinging to Gavel.
Come to think of it, he once warned me not to talk to Verdi so casually.
Now Gavel is the one being shielded from excessive attention.
I can't help but feel a sense of pride at how far he's come.
"…Come on now, no need to be so harsh with her."
Just as I gave the receptionist a wry smile and was about to leave, a tall male soldier stepped in front of the exit, blocking my way.
"Are you an acquaintance of Captain Gavel?"
"Yes, we're old friends."
"I see. Hey, receptionist, let her in. I'll accompany her. After all, other officers bring women along sometimes, don't they?"
The man placed a hand on my shoulder and winked before clasping his hands together as if pleading with the receptionist.
"But Captain Gavel has never brought a woman in before…"
"That's exactly why it's so rare and worth making an exception."
I don't recognize the male soldier.
He spoke with a light, casual tone as he tried to persuade the receptionist.
…His rank insignia indicates that he's a second lieutenant.
"Um, who are you?"
"Ah, sorry for the late introduction. I'm Second Lieutenant Aluven."
He gave me a big smile when I asked him his name.
"I'm Captain Gavel's cousin."
He added, boasting proudly.
***
"I see, you're also Colonel Renvel's grandson."
"Yeah, that's right. I'm currently serving as a company commander in Gavel Battalion."
This Aluven guy is a young soldier in his early twenties.
He's Captain Gavel's cousin, and he has risen to the rank of second lieutenant through his connections.
"I may look this way, but I was at the top of my class at the military academy. I'm what you'd call an elite soldier."
"Wow, that's impressive."
"Are you interested in me? Maybe we could go out for a meal sometime?"
"Oh my, you're hitting on an older woman like me?"
"Older woman?"
The receptionist couldn't go against a second lieutenant. With a glare from her, I was allowed to enter the barracks.
"I thought you were much younger. How old are you?"
"It's rude to ask a woman her age, Second Lieutenant Aluven."
"True enough."
Lieutenant Aluven gives the impression of being the frivolous type.
Since military life is often transient, many soldiers tend to be more proactive when it comes to approaching women.
"But you're still charming no matter how old you are."
"Thank you, Lieutenant Aluven."
Such a straightforward invitation feels rather nice.
…The diplomatic world is full of people with hidden motives, and when someone says, "How about dinner, just the two of us?" it's often a veiled invitation for "a secret negotiation."
I might end up becoming a little cynical myself if I continue working in diplomacy.
"So, where is Captain Gavel?"
"He's probably on the training grounds right now. Your name is Touri, right?"
"Yes, that's right."
"Okay, wait here. I'll go tell my cousin that Touri's here."
Even after hearing about my age, he kept his cheerful smile without breaking it.
He kindly went to tell Gavel I'm here.
"Ah, don't move from here. I'll have to shoot you if you try anything strange."
"Alright. I'll stay right here."
Since it was hot on the training grounds, I was instructed to wait in a shady spot at the edge.
…Isn't it a bit careless to leave a stranger like me all alone?
Even if I'm shot with a gun, I can still bullets bounce back. …It seems there are still some vulnerabilities.
"…Training again today?"
On the grounds, I could see Gavel overseeing the training of new recruits.
He's known to be an officer who places great emphasis on training.
Training is what increases your survival rate, and it is the greatest reward for a soldier. That's also my belief.
I'd be very happy if Gavel now values training because of my influence.
"Oh?"
I waved my hand in acknowledgment as Gavel turned to look my way.
He looked startled while I smiled brightly as I waved.
He then rushed towards me in a panic.
"Hey! What are you doing here all of the sudden?"
"It's been a while, Captain Gavel."
After seeing him for the first time in a while, he has a better physique and is more muscular.
He must have been consistently training over the past three years.
Behind him, many new soldiers were following in a line.
"I came to the barracks because I wanted to make an appointment. Lieutenant Aluven said he'd arrange it right away, so I took him up on the offer."
"Haa… You, that's so sudden."
"I went on a trip abroad and wanted to talk about the souvenirs I brought back."
"Huh?"
I walked up to Gavel, who had rushed over to me.
Then, I quietly leaned in towards his ear and whispered:
"There are suspicious movements in the Aerys Colonies. I'll give you the details later."
"Mm…"
I whispered quietly.
"I understand. Come to my house tonight."
"Got it. See you tonight."
During my trip abroad, I learned that Aerys is steadily sending soldiers into their colonies.
Though it's still a covert operation, it would be best to inform Gavel.
The military must be prepared for emergencies.
"Ah, Captain Gavel invited a woman to his house!"
"Whoa, what a historic moment!"
However, perhaps it's the way he phrased it, or maybe it's the fact that he called me to his house in public…
When the recruits heard Gavel's reply, they became excited and started making a huge fuss.
"So it's true, Captain Gavel has a woman! That's why he turned down all the marriage proposals!"
"Where did you meet such a cute girl?"
"Isn't she a little too young?! Is this what you're into, Captain?"
I was surprised by their cheering.
As I watched them tease him, I couldn't help but think, "Ah, this brings back memories."
It's going to be troublesome if this turns into a rumor, but it's still amusing to watch the soldiers making noise.
"Hey, listen up, you all."
"What is it?"
Gavel showed no sign of panic at all.
He spoke in a calm voice to the new recruits who were starting to get noisy.
"What do you think? Isn't she cute? She's also quiet and kind."
"Whoo-hoo! Are you bragging, Captain?"
"I'm just stating the facts."
"Oh, thank you."
Even though the new recruits teased Gavel, he didn't blush or get defensive.
In fact, he complimented my appearance as if to say, "What do you think?"
"How long have you two been together, Captain?"
"No, unfortunately, we're not in that kind of relationship."
"Then it's unrequited love!"
"If she's single, can I flirt with her?"
If it were him from a few years ago, he would have surely panicked and screamed.
Before I knew it, Gavel has really matured─
"This woman is a gorilla and stronger than anyone here. Even including me."
"Eh?"
"And she's scarier than anyone I know. The moment you let your guard down, a bullet hole will appear in your forehead."
What is he suddenly talking about?
"…Uhm, Gavel?"
It's already been three years since I left the frontlines.
My strength must have diminished, and I'm probably weaker than anyone here now.
"This woman here is the very Iris Valou-sama I've been telling you about."
""Gyaaaaaaaaaah!!!?""
The new recruits screamed as soon as they heard that, and the ground erupted into chaos.
"The 'Blood-soaked Iris' who laughs joyfully even in the face of absolute despair!?"
"The one who went into ecstasy after smearing the flesh and blood of her dead allies all over herself…"
"Isn't she famous for slicing bullets?!"
"She really exists?!"
Despite all the noise, they clearly weren't joking around.
Their faces turned pale and their breathing became heavy.
It looks like they're seriously scared…
"Um, Lieutenant Aluven?"
"H-Hiiiiii! I-I'm so sorry."
"Uhm…"
What is this?
Why are they so terrified of someone they've never seen or met?
Or rather, what kind of beings have these people been told they are?
"Captain Gavel, what's going on here?"
"Well, they asked me what kind of person the hero Iris-sama is."
"And?"
"I told them honestly, and this is what happened."
"What exactly did you say, Captain Gavel?!"
Despite seeing the new recruits' reaction, Gavel didn't look guilty at all.
He just nonchalantly whistled as if enjoying the situation.
I bet he's been spreading exaggerated rumors for fun.
"Everyone, listen up. I am indeed Iris Valou, but I'm not the terrifying person that Gavel described—"
"Iris-sama is a monster who currently has the highest military achievements in the Austin Army. She's a charge-crazy madwoman who thinks she can win by charging into any situation. You should all be like that too."
"Captain Gavel!!!"
I frantically tried to correct the damage to my reputation, but Gavel wouldn't let me explain.
I got angry and tried to complain, but…
"Gavel! Why would you say such things!"
"It creates tension and improves the training when I talk about you. I haven't lied about anything."
"If you haven't lied, then why are they so scared of me?"
"Probably because I didn't lie."
Gavel is using my stories to scare the new recruits as part of their training.
"You guys, look at her face carefully. This is what a war ace looks like."
"O-Oh…"
"Don't ever let your guard down even if the enemy looks weak. Iris-sama may look like this, but she's slaughtered many ace-level enemies. She's a monster."
"Th-This is Iris Valou-sama…"
"Indeed, you'd probably let your guard down if you didn't know…"
Even now, Gavel is still using my young appearance to teach the recruits the lesson of not being careless.
…He's become quite clever without me realizing it.
"Honestly, using me in such a way."
"I didn't use your real name, Touri Lowe. You don't want that name to be tainted, right?"
"Well, yeah."
"Your anecdotes are quite inspiring and easy for the new recruits to listen to."
I can't exactly argue when I hear that it's good for educating new recruits.
At least he hasn't used the name Touri Lowe.
"Now you guys should understand. I didn't call her to my house for some weird reason."
"Then it wasn't for anything like that after all?"
"Yeah, I doubt it's for anything romance-related."
"She's too scary for me to think of her as a woman…"
Though, I was a little annoyed at being used like that, so…
I thought I might get a little revenge.
"Well then, Captain Gavel, see you in the evening."
"Yeah, take care."
"But before I leave, I just want to say a few words to the new recruits."
I smiled brightly and turned toward the recruits in training.
I then glanced at Gavel and smiled meaningfully.
"Actually, Captain Gavel confessed his feelings to me—"
"Get out! Go home!"
I tried to talk about his so-called "confession" in Argalia, but I was quickly kicked out of the ground.
…In the end, the recruits were still making noise on the training ground.