Still in the later hours of the night after the intense clash at the gate, the group made their way back to the base, mostly covered in dust and small bruises.
Thanks to Elira's meticulous bandaging, no one had suffered anything severe, though the exhaustion clung to them like a second skin.
"God, I'm exhausted," Hiro groaned.Even though he hadn't fought, just watching the chaos unfold and keeping track of everyone's movements had left his mind frayed.
"My hair is filled with static electricity," Daisy complained, tugging at strands that sparked faint arcs of lightning when they brushed against her fingers.
"My eye hurts," Elira said as she walked with both eyes closed even though she only used her one eye during the fight.
Marian mirrored her expression. "Same here. Let me—"
"We have to file the paperwork," Bailey interrupted sharply, her tone slicing through their exhaustion like a whip.
"Paperwork?!" they all shouted in unison, a chorus of collective dread.
"But wait… even the Army does paperwork?" Hiro asked.
"How do you think we function so perfectly across the thirteen Regions?" Bailey countered, her voice carrying the weight of experience.
"But still… it sucks," Marian moped, dragging her boots across the dusty floor.
"But it still has to be done." The calm, authoritative voice echoed from the living room,
Everyone froze, a shiver running through them, before sprinting toward the sound.
Only one person could have that voice, Hiro thought, his heart pounding in anticipation.
When they finally reached the living room, they found Yurei sitting casually on the couch, wearing a crop top and baggy pants, relaxing like she owned the place.
But the moment the girls saw her, they snapped to attention immediately, saluting, while Hiro instinctively dropped to one knee.
"Good evening, Captain!" they chorused, the words trembling slightly with relief and respect.
Uniform or not, Yurei's presence radiated a quiet strength. She was a living pillar of resilience and authority, carrying the invisible weight that had shaped the so-called "weakest Royal Unit" into a force to be reckoned with.
"At ease, girls," Yurei said with a small smile.
"You too, Hiro,"she added, her crimson eyes briefly softening as they met his, though the moment of warmth quickly gave way to the familiar steeliness of command.
"Bailey. Battle report."
The girls including Hiro stood in a line while Bailey stepped forward and began explaining the entire procedure they used to close the gate,her words precise, measured and direct.
When she finished, Yurei spoke again.
"But why did you allow Hiro to accompany you when you know he hasn't been trained yet?"Yurei's crimson eyes bored into Bailey like drills.
"I thought Hiro needed the experience and a chance to witness our blessings, since we will be working with him in the future," Bailey answered immediately.
Yurei considered this for a moment.
"A good point. But next time, inform me before making such decisions."
"Yes, Captain."Bailey answered crisply.
"Good. Then dismissed."
The room went silent for a few seconds.
Then, Daisy leapt onto the couch, wrapping Yurei in a sudden, tight hug.
"Big sis, we missed you!" Daisy's voice was nearly childish, soft and warm, a stark contrast to her usual sharp-tongued demeanor.
Hiro's eyes widened, disbelief etched across his face. Wait… is this the little devil who keeps calling me an idiot? he thought, silently panicking.
"Yes, it's good to be back, Daisy," Yurei replied with a warm smile.
"How was the capital, Cap?" Marian asked, easing herself onto the couch, the cushions sighing beneath her weight.
"Same as always," Yurei answered, her tone casual.
"You didn't happen to meet any of your—"
"I did. I met Sera," Yurei cut her off effortlessly, her words like a blade slicing through the curiosity.
"Guessing she's still that insufferable bitch," Marian muttered.
"Marian!!" Bailey shouted.
"Even if she's a sorry excuse for a walking piece of trash, we still have to show respect to our Imperial Princesses," she added sternly.
But you just insulted her… Marian thought bitterly.
"Other than that, the capital was nice," Yurei continued.
"Ah! Elira — I visited your sister. She's still in stable condition."
Elira, whose face was usually stoic, shifted slightly. A small smile appeared on her face.
"That's great news," Elira said quietly.
"The doctors are still not sure when she will wake up," Yurei added, glancing at Hiro from the corner of her eye.
"At least she's okay."
Then Yurei turned her attention fully to Hiro.
"Hiro, I've informed your school about your transfer here, but I couldn't get in touch with your aunt."
"She's usually very busy, but I already told her… and yeah, she wasn't happy," Hiro said, remembering the earful he got from her.
I hope she calms down… he thought. He didn't want to anger the person who had practically raised him.
"So what are we doing right now?" Bailey asked.
"Just relaxing. It was a long trip," Yurei said, sinking deeper into the couch.
"Let me join you, Cap!" Marian exclaimed, the rest of the group quickly following suit. Hiro, however, once again found himself on the floor, the cold wooden surface pressing against his legs, a humbling reminder of his place in this group.
After a few hours of quiet relaxation, punctuated by soft laughter and casual chatter, the girls rose to head to their rooms.
"Good night, everyone," Marian said as she walked steadily toward her room.
"See you in the morning, idiot," Daisy said to Hiro as she headed to hers.
Gosh… I have to go back to that shitty room again.
And here I was thinking this was the start of my harem life or something.
"Hiro, come with me to my room," Yurei suddenly said while walking toward her bedroom.
Hiro blinked.
Maybe it is.