"What a vast expanse..." Karen murmured as she walked cautiously step by step across the expansive flight deck of the "Nimitz". Colonel Harris, overhearing her, proudly began to expound upon the specifications of the vessel.

 

"Indeed. This ship boasts a length of 333 meters, a width of 41 meters, with a full load displacement of over 100,000 tons. Its maximum speed reaches 30 knots, accommodating approximately 6,000 crew members, including pilots. With a capacity for up to 90 aircraft, it stands as a grand vessel," Colonel Harris boasted.

 

Observing Karen and her companions frozen in astonishment at his explanation, Colonel Harris smiled as if to say he had expected this reaction, urging them forward eagerly to commence the tour of the "Nimitz" with delight.

 

However, as their tour concluded swiftly due to the packed schedule ahead, Kazuya and his companions departed from the "Nimitz" promptly.

 

"...Impressive," Karen breathed out involuntarily.

 

As Kazuya and the others left the "Nimitz" and approached Parabellum's mainland, they were greeted by the sight of a vast military port boasting an expansive ground area. Dozens of transport ships were docked at the pier, while workers swarmed around vessels in dry docks, fervently showering sparks as they conducted renovation works.

 

Passing over the military port, they entered Parabellum's urban area, where paved roads stretched out, flanked by modern buildings.

 

Karen, eyes gleaming with childlike wonder at the sights before her, joyfully gazed around, then turned to Kazuya with a question.

 

"Hey, Kazuya, I've seen quite a few of those massive buildings, but what are they?"

 

With her gaze still fixed outside, Karen inquired.

 

"Those? Ah, those are anti-aircraft gun turrets," Kazuya replied.

 

"Anti-aircraft gun turrets?"

 

"Indeed. Those are reinforced concrete structures with upper gun emplacements protruding from the sides, equipped with Auto-Melara 127mm guns. The turrets also house CIWS and RIM-116 RAM systems, serving as fortresses crucial to Parabellum's air defense network. Additionally, they serve as emergency shelters... although I suppose that's not very clear."

 

"Well, I understood that they're fortresses and can be used as shelters in emergencies, at least."

 

"My apologies for the poor explanation."

 

"Don't worry about it."

 

Amid Karen's rapid-fire questions, Kazuya struggled to provide answers that she could comprehend, until President Hawk unexpectedly landed on the helipad atop the command headquarters, Parabellum's central hub, with a helicopter.

 

"I have other matters to attend to, so I'll leave you here. Vice-Admiral Ibuki will guide you from now on," President Hawk announced as he disembarked.

 

"I see... understood," Karen replied with a somewhat forlorn expression upon hearing that they would part ways here. Kazuya bid farewell to Karen and accompanied by Chitose, entered the command headquarters.

 

While they worked through the accumulated tasks in the command headquarters' office alongside Chitose, Kazuya suddenly remembered something.

 

"Come to think of it, did Colt Zara make it to the capital safely?"

 

"Yes. According to the report, after the conclusion of the battle in the fortified city, she was escorted by about five guards and safely arrived in the capital. According to the guards who escorted her, Beretta cried tears of joy upon seeing her sister safe and sound."

 

"I see. That's good to hear."

 

Despite listening to the conversation, Kazuya continued writing without pausing, engaged in conversation with Chitose.

 

"...So, what's making you smile so happily, Chitose?" Kazuya inquired, noticing Chitose's joyful smile in the midst of their conversation.

 

"Oh, it's nothing, really," Chitose replied with a small smile, deflecting the question.

"How was your tour of Parabellum?" Karen inquired as she and Kazuya returned to the command headquarters after inspecting various facilities within Parabellum, seated together for a meal.

"In a word, it was astonishing. I was astounded by everything I saw," Kazuya replied as they dined.

Upon hearing Kazuya's thoughts on their homeland, Karen paused, her fork halting mid-air, as she reflected on each aspect of their visit.

"I'm glad you enjoyed it," she eventually responded.

"Yes, it was quite enjoyable. Come to think of it, the other nobles we brought along were so taken aback; some were practically left speechless," Karen added, reminiscing.

"They were that surprised?" Kazuya inquired.

"Yes, indeed. Utterly taken aback," Karen affirmed.

After a leisurely meal and some banter, as they relaxed on the sofa with post-dinner tea, Karen set her cup down on the table and adjusted her posture before broaching a more serious topic.

"May I speak frankly?"

"Of course," Kazuya agreed.

"…Would you mind having the room cleared before we proceed?" Karen requested politely.

"Ah, I see," Kazuya acknowledged.

Following Karen's request, Kazuya glanced at his subordinates attending to their duties and signaled for them to leave the room, which they promptly did, save for one figure who remained standing behind Kazuya.

"…Vice President Chitose. Would you mind stepping out as well?"

"You want me to leave you two alone, don't you? I cannot leave my master's side unless instructed otherwise," Vice President Chitose responded firmly.

"Even you must leave us alone at times! Even I have been too busy to be constantly by my master's side recently!" Karen retorted, sensing an ominous tension building.

Sweat formed on Kazuya's brow as he detected the escalating tension between the two.

Why are sparks flying between them?

"…Kazuya, could you also ask him to leave?" Karen insisted.

"Hmm… Is it really necessary to ask Chitose to leave? He's like a part of me…" Kazuya hesitated.

Upon being referred to as a part of Kazuya, Chitose trembled with delight, overwhelmed by the compliment.

"…Yes! Because it's something important, I want to talk 'alone' with you!" Karen stressed, met with a smug smile and condescending gaze from Chitose.

"Understood. Chitose, please wait outside," Kazuya instructed, to which Chitose obediently saluted before making his way to the door. However, even as Chitose exited the room, a silent conversation ensued between him and Karen, conveyed solely through their exchanged glances, brimming with intensity.

(Hmph! If you had just left from the beginning, you wouldn't be here now. You stubborn wench!)

(Hah! Your words mean nothing to me! After all, my master has acknowledged me as part of himself. How does that feel? You fox!)

(Grr… Just leave already!)

(I don't need to be told. I'll leave according to my master's orders.)

With a soft click as the door closed behind Chitose, Karen roughly finished her tea, setting the cup down with a clatter on the table.

"…Is something the matter?" Kazuya cautiously inquired, observing Karen's demeanor.

"It's nothing! Don't worry about it," Karen hastily dismissed, attempting to regain her composure.

"I see…" Kazuya responded, startled by her sudden change in tone.

After letting out a loud sigh, Karen spoke calmly, as if trying to make amends for her outburst.

"Let's get straight to the point. Regarding Parabellum… Kazuya, what are your intentions moving forward?"

"Well, moving forward… Firstly, I plan to visit the Kingdom of Canaria—"

"That's not what I meant. I'm talking about your future plans. It's a sorry state of affairs, but currently, the Kingdom of Canaria is holding off the Empire's invasion thanks to your army. If you withdraw your forces, the Empire will attack again. If that happens, we're done for. We'll be trampled by the Empire, left to die miserably. Even if we commit the entire Canarian army, we might last a year… no, perhaps half a year, at best… But the ultimate outcome remains unchanged."

"Well, the difference in military strength is considerable. It's bound to end up that way," Kazuya acknowledged.

"And… it's you, isn't it? Who eradicated the abnormal breeding grounds of monsters."

"…I wonder what you're talking about."

"Hehe, let's just leave it at that," Karen replied with a smile, brushing off Kazuya's feigned ignorance.

"Returning to the topic at hand, Kazuya… will you lend us your assistance in the Kingdom of Canaria?"

"I haven't made a definitive decision yet, but I do intend to lend a hand. However, when it comes to war with the Empire, we'll stick to a defensive stance and provide rear support. Of course, if mercenaries come into play, that's a different story."

"I see. Just knowing that you'll lend a hand already puts my mind at ease, for now."

Though it wasn't set in stone, Karen felt relieved knowing that Parabellum's assistance was likely. At the same time, she made a certain determination.

"…Then, we must ensure that Kazuya's decision to assist the Kingdom of Canaria is solidified."

"…Hmm?"

As Karen stood up and gracefully took a seat beside Kazuya, exuding a seductive allure, Kazuya found himself perplexed by her words and actions.

"You said it yourself, didn't you? 'I haven't made a definitive decision yet, but I do intend to lend a hand,'" Karen reminded him.

"Ah… Indeed, I did say that."

"To avoid being told at the last moment that you won't lend a hand, I'll offer myself to you as a down payment for your assistance," Karen declared.

"…Pardon?"

Without awaiting Kazuya's response, Karen slowly shed her gothic lolita dress to the floor. Revealing her alluring figure adorned in black-themed, sheer lingerie, Karen exposed herself before Kazuya's eyes.

Captivated by Karen's seductive lingerie, designed to incite a man's desire, Kazuya's gaze unwittingly fixated on her enticing form, causing Karen to blush with a mixture of delight and embarrassment.

Silence permeated the room, thick with unspoken tension.

"......"

"......"

"......Could you say something, please?"

"Ah... It's beautiful."

Finally snapped out of his reverie by Karen's voice, Kazuya's lips parted, words slipping out almost inadvertently.

"Ah~!!"

Karen blushed deeply at Kazuya's heartfelt words.

"...No way! ...What are you saying, Karen!? Hurry up and put your clothes on—oh!"

As Kazuya finally began to gather his wits, Karen seized the opportunity, pushing him onto the sofa.

"Hush! And accept it quietly since I'm offering you my first time!"

"B-but I want to do that kind of thing with someone I love!"

"...Do you seriously think I'm offering myself to you for the sake of the Canary Kingdom?"

"Huh? I thought otherwise?"

Seeing Kazuya's bewildered expression, Karen sighed deeply.

"Sigh... You really are dense and clueless. It was impossible to expect you to understand my feelings. Fine. I'll make it clear once and for all!! I... like you! I love you! Do you understand!?"

"...What!?"

Straddling Kazuya, Karen grabbed his collar, their noses nearly touching as she realized the urgency of the situation—uncertain of when the next opportunity would arise. Despite the chaotic thoughts in her head due to the circumstances of her first love, she resorted to bold measures to convey her feelings to Kazuya.

"Eh!? Uh, um, what, umm! Oh, I, I—"

As Kazuya comprehended Karen's words, his face gradually turned crimson. Stammering, he attempted to speak.

Knock, knock

Tremble!

The sound of knocking at the door startled both Kazuya and Karen.

"Master, it's time."

A faint voice echoed from beyond the thick door, and Kazuya, glancing at the clock, realized it was already past midnight.

"...We're being interrupted. Let's continue 'next time.' I'll hear your answer then. (Argh! We were so close!!)"

"Ah, umm..."

Both of them blushing furiously, they exchanged words and adjusted their disheveled clothes.

"Then, I'll take my leave."

"Ah, see you tomorrow."

After exchanging farewell greetings, Karen moved to leave the room, but then, as if struck by a thought, she returned to Kazuya's side.

"W-what's wrong? Did you forget something?"

"...Someone like you might not believe my confession just through words alone, so I'll demonstrate it directly."

"Huh? Mmm!"

With those words, Karen gently placed her hand on Kazuya's cheek, drawing him close, and shared a deep kiss.

"Mmm... chu."

With a soft sound, Karen reluctantly pulled away from Kazuya, leaving a bridge of silvery saliva between them.

"Thank you for the meal. See you tomorrow."

Licking her lips, still coated with Kazuya's and her own saliva, Karen left the room.

"..."

As if his soul had been sucked out by Karen's kiss, Kazuya remained in a dreamlike daze.

"Master, are you all right? Your face is red..."

Karen's replacement, Chitose, entered the room, her face flushed, and observed Kazuya, who stood there dazed.

"Ah! N-nothing. I think I'll go to bed now."

Regaining his senses at Chitose's voice, Kazuya hurriedly replied.

"Ah! W-wait, Master!"

Observing Kazuya's behavior, Chitose's suspicions deepened, but seeing Kazuya heading towards the bedroom, she hastily followed after him.