It is better to say that it is to delay time; Or maybe it's for the sake of suffering, in short, Vane is so calm that it makes people feel incredibly calm in the embattled situation, and after a while he talks about the past as if it were a gossip. ——

"What are you talking about, why can you be so calm in this situation?!"

In the face of Natalie's accusations, and the choppy waves, seeing the footsteps of death getting closer and closer, Vane answered her as a matter of course-

"Because we can't do anything other than that. Isn't it? So no matter how anxious you are, it won't help. ”

The moment she wanted to refute, Natalie suddenly stopped talking, and the feeling was very uncomfortable as if she was stuck in her throat.

However, in the face of Vane's narrative, although she is prepared to refute it as if it were a mountain of reasons, those are nothing more than clichés throughout.

Because it is, irrefutable fact.

And at this moment, they seem to be resisting in addition to hugging their heads and crying; Or dying is not allowed......

"So, let me tell you, right? That's not bad for a story, isn't it? ”

Indeed, maybe it's a good story indeed—

This is indeed a ridiculous beginning of despair for humanity that is constantly being ravaged by unknown alien species and trying to survive as hard as it can.

"I'm really convinced, so let's go ahead."

Natalie sighed, seemingly completely giving up on persuasion.

Unexpectedly, this move instantly made Hatfield not know what to do-

For example, although he wanted to say: You can't give up so early!

Yet in fact he was afraid, whether it was the impending death; Or the pain that is coming and is deeply felt......

All of this, he was terrified. After all, no one wants to accept death on the premise that they have achieved nothing. But that's the only way to do it, right?

Because, there is no savior in this world.

Moreover, he understands this contradictory feeling of his own better than anyone else; They all know it.

That's why he "takes for granted what he can't do to someone else, and hopes that person can protect him."

No matter how distorted this wish may seem, it is his principle.

However, the paradox is ...... On the one hand, he understands that such an idea is bad, but on the other hand, he will not hesitate to put it into practice.

At this moment, Vane was naturally aware of his thoughts, but she was indifferent.

Maybe none of the three people facing each other at this moment are thinking about "anyone other than themselves", right? Because that's for each other, it's someone else all the time. And not yourself.

- Humans, most of the time...... They are all incredibly selfish creatures.

"Anyway, it was our first contact with them."

In the blink of an eye, Vane slowly opened the conversation again-

Because this is the only way for each of them to temporarily leave behind their fears that seem to have been ingrained for a long time......

You see, even though it's just a shameful escape, it's useful, isn't it?

The time is 2050 in the Western calendar, winter.

It was in this year that after the first contact with the beasts, the humans finally repelled their invasion, although they paid an incalculable number of tens of thousands of casualties.

Although it was only a disastrous victory, those who survived did not hesitate to thank God for his favor and mercy. - Of course it is, right? At this moment, they are like a pack of frightened rabbits.

Even any wind and grass will touch their overly sensitive nerves mercilessly.

At the same time, a plan called "Noah's Ark" was officially approved by the military collegial house, and began to be carried out in secret-

Of course, only a few main battle factions in the Nordic Alliance knew about this plan, including Lemuel and the team directly under him.

And in recognition of their heroic struggle, those politicians with their own ghosts, out of consideration of interests, also naturally gave Lemuel a gift-

"Married? Why...... Is it necessary to do this in order to appease people at times like these? ”

"It's not a marriage, it's an engagement."

He was unknowingly summoned to the House of Representatives, and was unprepared to be informed of the incident.

"Isn't that good? Why are you unhappy? Besides, this is a high-level order. In fact, your personal opinion doesn't matter at all. ”

"That's not the point, is it? I don't know anything about the other party, even if it's a partner, but that's all, isn't it? ”

However, the other party does not seem to care about his thoughts and opinions at all.

Just said lightly: "You have no right to refuse, this is an order!" ”

As soon as he finished speaking, he gently spat out a series of smoke rings that looked like roses.

"Well, then. I accept—"

No matter when and where, there is only one thing for a soldier to do -

That is unconditional obedience.

Even if it is used as a tool from beginning to end, it will be thrown away when it is used up. Although this sounds excessive, the so-called military is such a existence.

In the final analysis, the only place that can maximize their value is the battlefield.

And once they lose this stage, they are in fact no different from scrap metal.

"What the hell is that marriage! And why at this time?! ”

At this moment, in the supply base with only ruins left, Yukizheng is furious about this. This is a far cry from her usual quiet-tongued personality.

In a word, it is to overturn the vinegar jar. And it has been affected to a considerable extent......

"It's useless for you to yell at me, it's the military collegial house that decides this matter, and it's already an established matter."

Gareth, who was unconsciously forced into a corner, was very aggrieved, but even so, he still stated the facts as if nothing had happened.

"I can't accept it anyway!"

At the moment when he tried his best to roar, Maz finally couldn't help but laugh out loud—

"I see, I see...... I see, fortunately, you like Your Highness, right? ”

In the face of his point-to-point question and the tone that seemed to be convinced of this, the person concerned instantly turned red: "What if it is?!" ”

Fortunately, although he is usually serious and silent, he rarely reveals his feelings in front of others.

However, only the topic of "love" can't be dealt with.,It's very clumsy in this regard from beginning to end.。 Once you are not careful, it will evolve into a situation where you can't stop the car.

However, she has an incredibly calm attitude in this regard-

In short......

She hated people who were secretive about the issue.

"Oh, look, Gareth, what am I talking about? In that case, would you like to invite you tonight? ”

In the blink of an eye, Xing tilted his head slightly, and asked in a slightly dull tone-

"What are you talking about?"

However, in response to her reaction, both Gareth and Maz laughed.

As a result, I was going to not pay them for the luck of messing around, so I made a decision that seemed to be incredible and natural even for myself, and then quickly grabbed the door!

"Borrow the car!"

As soon as she finished speaking, she stopped a camouflage jeep head-on, and then without saying a word, she dragged down the driver who was completely confused about it, and then stepped on the accelerator in the blink of an eye!

"What the hell? This guy moves so fast? Anyway, where is she going in such a hurry? ”

The two companions, who witnessed all this, were dumbfounded......

"Do you need to say it? Of course, I want to make sure, but I think even if I did, it would be in vain! ”

Mads laughed thiefly; While whistling as a matter of course.

"You're really funny, are you happy to play tricks on your colleagues?"

"That's right, especially her angry reaction. It's just amazing! Isn't it? ”

However, when he came back to his senses again, Gareth had long since disappeared without a trace—

"I'm too lazy to pay attention to you." He was disgusted by Mazna's unique preferences.

"Who is the other party?"

And at this moment, in Radam's office, a blank Lemuel asked about the origin of the other party.

To this he simply handed Lemuel a non-exhaustive, resume-like document......

"Ensign Lila Letilia?"

He still has an impression of the name.

I should say that I only saw it not long ago.

"I'll arrange for the two of you to meet first after the follow-up countermeasures meeting later."

However, in this regard, while considering the appropriate words, Lemuel blurted out-

"No, Captain. I don't think there's any need for that because we've already seen ......."

"Does she know anything about this more than that?"

"It's up to you to convey this. Listen, there's no doubt that this is a good thing for the unity of the coalition forces. So, don't get me in trouble. Do you understand? ”

Radam seems to have been saying this all along. But now, with his own position, there is no other way but to agree.

"Okay, I understand. Captain ......"

"And one more thing—"

However, just as Radam was ready to move on to the second order on this basis—

The door of the office was slammed open without hesitation, and then the breathless Yuki appeared there as a matter of course!

Then she was sweating profusely and blurted out without thinking: "Your Highness! So, can this matter be put on hold? At least, at least don't be so hasty! ”

As soon as the words fell, Radham almost squirted out all the coffee he had just sipped-

"What's the situation?!"

However, before he could figure out the situation, Lemuel came to the cloister by surprise.

And pressed her against the wall as a matter of course: "What did you say? ”

In fact, Lemuel heard it perfectly, but he couldn't digest it for a while......

"Hold? Why...... Luck? ”

"Because, because ......! I don't want ......!! ”

However, he knows that he is lucky to like someone.

It's just that he never included himself in the scope of "someone".

"So that means...... Think twice and don't grieve yourself with boring orders. In that case, someone will definitely be sad! ”

“...... Like me or something, I'd be very sad if you got married for such a reason! ”

"Luckily, do you understand what you're talking about?"

Lemuel was surprised by her nonchalant words, even with a tone of course, but he did not intend to be perfunctory.

"Yes, I'm clear. So can I hear your answer? ”

"Now? If it were now, I'd be afraid I'd have no choice but to reject you.

As you know, this is the decision of the high-level collegial chamber. I don't have the right to refuse, you understand, right? So, sorry. ”

At this moment, although he took this for granted, even so, Lemuel's attitude was quite sincere.

And I feel deeply remorseful for failing to live up to my luck.

"I can't thank you enough for that kind of kindness...... Thank you.

There was no doubt that these words were from the bottom of his heart, but he could think of no other way to lessen his guilt a little than to say so.

However, contrary to what he thought, although the rejection was expected, Yuki did not show the slightest loss and sadness, and she had an incredible smile on her face at this moment.

Maybe this is the smile that "only Lemuel is showing"?

"Sure enough, no? Even if I like you...... Isn't it possible? ”

"Huh? You...... What does this mean—"

Then she stood on tiptoe slightly, smiling mischievously...... Quickly and naturally kissed him, who was instantly surprised......

The touch of the lips - salty, like the residual taste of coffee. Only then did he notice that it was like a teardrop in a lustful gaze.

But it was only for a moment, and when Lemuel came back to his senses, he still saw her face as if there was no emotion......

Perhaps, it should be said that he simply did not have time to refuse.

——On her tiptoes slightly, her facial features that seem to be childish, but look extremely delicate are within reach.

However, it was so close, but he knew better than anyone that he did not have the right to open his arms to the girl in front of him as a matter of course.

“......”

It's just that what Lemuel didn't expect was that she, who usually doesn't seem to even say much, would make such a bold move at this moment. Until the marshmallow-like residual warmth and touch completely disappeared, he was naturally frozen in place.

"Ahem! Lemuel—"

Immediately after, when he came back to his senses, the person in front of him had changed to the figure of Radam in an instant.

"As for the second thing I just said, after the countermeasures meeting in a moment's time, there will be a joint dinner between the Nordic Union and the Middle East front, and you will be placed on the list of guests to attend."

"That means, I have to be there, right? Is this also an order? ”

Of course, Radam did not deny this.

In other words, even if Lemuel himself did not want to, he had to attend as usual.

"If it's an order, I'll be there."

With that, he walked to the conference room without hesitation.

In the blink of an eye, I heard Radam add unhurriedly behind him: "The attendees are in squads, so you understand, right?" ”

"Ah, of course!"

Immediately after, he pushed open the door of the conference room, and here, he also met the people he would naturally meet. "It's so slow!"

When confronted, Lela's face was so gloomy that it made people feel frightened.

"You're half an hour late, Lemuel."

However, what makes people feel even more creepy is that she still has a smile on her face.

"I was stopped by Captain Radam, what can I do?"

"Really?"

As if persuaded by this seemingly seamless reason, Leela did not delve into it

。 Halfway through, there was hope that a new weapon could be developed to end the protracted struggle.

And in this regard, Lemuel retorted without thinking -

"Even if we have that kind of weapon at this stage, it is impossible to put an end to this struggle in the blink of an eye."

"And we're making too many sacrifices right now. There is simply no time to spare manpower for research and development of new weapons. ”

However, the other party ignored this at all, and said straight without hesitation-

"Isn't weapon development and modification your specialty? In that case, it's your job to overcome all difficulties, right?! ”

-- The arrogant faces of politicians who obviously enjoy the fine clothes and food as if they were taken for granted, but they are not grateful for it at all, no matter how many times they look at it, they feel disgusted.

Your abundant life; Even every piece of clothing we wore was bought with all our best efforts and countless sacrifices, don't these people even understand such a simple truth?

- In an instant, at the end of the round table, as if she were at the window, Lila stood up as a matter of course...... By the way, her expression was rather annoyed.

Facing the middle-aged man with a round body-

"In that case, please also put yourself in our shoes and think about it, the so-called war does not depend on the victory or defeat of the ordinary, don't you even understand this?"

"And how many comrades our coalition has lost to this day; Have you ever thought about how many people who have lost their families are facing the dilemma of being displaced and helpless? ”

"After all, the so-called politicians are really disgusting, and they can make enough money just by talking about it."

"And we are going to die one after another because of your selfish personal desires?"

"It's our job to overcome all odds? No kidding! No kidding!! ”

"The reason why we have fought tirelessly to this day is not for you. Don't get me wrong, we don't think you have any need or value for protection! ”

Then, when she finished speaking, the hall was as silent as if she had witnessed death......

"Ensign, you're talking too much." At this point, Lemuel finally couldn't stand it anymore, so he had to pull her to sit down again.

Moreover, what he didn't understand was why Retilia, who was obviously not in the same camp, would not hesitate to speak for him.

"But even then, don't you think those people are too much?"

"There's only one way to end the war, but those guys are just using us as consumables......"

And when the meeting ended without a problem, the two walked together naturally.

"Oh? Be all ears. Leela sighed as if to his bad intentions and said—

"War can only end when the sacrifice is greater than the gain. Vice versa...... And now, the advantage is completely one-sided! ”

"Your words are very reasonable, although I think so too."

- As soon as the words fell, I saw Lila's expression of disbelief.

"And you still have a research and development task?"

And Lemuel's answer to this was completely expected -

"Because, somebody has to do it, doesn't it? And this time the weapons research and development mission is cooperative. So it's a matter of course. ”

"Besides, didn't you also recommend yourself?"

At this point, he is still quite grateful to Lela.

So without thinking, I expressed my gratitude and gratitude.

"That being said, you can't leave the task to you alone, can you? Anyway, are you going to attend that dinner or something? ”

"Are you also invited?"

She nodded.

"That's right, let's go over later."

Of course, she did not refuse this offer.

"Okay, let's go together."

And about that matter, I didn't find a chance to speak up from beginning to end.

Of course, his hesitation was completely exposed—it was impossible to hide it from him when he was so close!

"If that's what you want to say, I know. But that's not your fault after all, don't worry about it. Or do you already have someone you like? ”

"No, not really."

Even though this answer made his guilt more difficult to extricate from, he didn't want the person in front of him to misunderstand him......

And in the midst of Vane's disconnected narrative, the enemy seems to be rapidly approaching!

Natalie was anxious about this, because she didn't know how long the barrier, which seemed to be full of cracks, would last under the constant onslaught of time and again—

This moment will be tied to how long they will live.

And what's even more helpless is that-

Now there is less and less oxygen to stay and stay in this cabin, and it seems to be passing at a speed that is visible to the naked eye......

"I've just sent out the rescue signal, but it's hard to say whether we'll be able to hold out until the moment the rescue force arrives."

As soon as the words fell, the scenery in the field of vision of the three of them suddenly turned like a whirlwind in the blink of an eye! ——

In an instant, the barrier was completely and completely torn apart!