Plain Girl Hero of Darkness
After Award Submission ...

[One month after the prisoner exchange.]

After handing over the garrison duties of Kaspar castle to Major General Elman and his 8,000 troops, the combined unit returned to Gallia Fortress. Kiel's fortress showed no signs of movement, so they formed a new line of defense centered around Kaspar castle. At the same time, Lambert and Neinhart returned directly from Fort Gallia back to the capital.

They left Fort Gallia a while ago, so there was a lot of work to be done, and Otto was so busy that awareness of his time became blurred. Ashton who officially began his career as a strategist helped Otto. He will handle military matters as Otto's assistant.

On the other hand, Olivia and Claudia—

(Suf. I wonder what kind of face Second Lieutenant will make when he hears this news.)

Claudia tried to relax her face as much as possible, cleared her throat, and knocked on the door.

“Claudia, right? Please come in."

Claudia didn't mention her name, but Olivia knew it was her. Claudia wondered if her knock was unique in some way, and opened the door. In the room, Olivia lay on her stomach in her bed and read the book as usual. He looked towards Claudia and made a cruel observation:

"What's the problem? Your face looks funny. ”

She might have relaxed her face without even noticing it, and Claudia quickly refuted:

"That-That's not funny! Forget it, there's good news! Don't be surprised when you hear it. "

"Well, it's just a hunch, but I don't think I'd be surprised at all."

Olivia said seriously.

“Fufu, wait until you hear this. The higher-ups have decided to reward you with the 'Medal of the Golden Lion'! Are you surprised!!"

“... Hmm ~”

Olivia responded disinterestedly, and continued to read her book. The place was silent, unless the sound of the pages of his book was reversed.

(Ehh !? That's all!?)

The unexpected reaction made Claudia stand stiffly in place. Just like Olivia said. The same thing happened in the past.

(At that time, I thought I was dumped with a troublesome package, but ..)

Claudia smiled wryly, and approached Olivia lying face down on the bed:

"Lieutenant Two! Do you really understand? This is the Gold Lion Medal. The Gold Lion Medal! Only three people in history have received this award. It's a great honor!”

The first was Chief Minister Leonheart Varquez, who eradicated corruption in the Kingdom in the 7th century from the Lunar Calendar, and saved the failed state with reforms.

The second was Major General Tristan Wrenchings. In the 8th century Lunar Calendar, Lord Dioter assembled an army in an attempt to seize the Kingdom, and the event was dubbed by historians as 《Dioter》 Uprising. Major General Tristan quelled the rebellion with 2,000 men within two days, earning this medal.

The third is Field Marshal Cornelius Wym Curling, who gained a lot of war merit during the second half of the war era in the 9th century, the famous 《Ever Victorious General》.

Each one of them is a great hero. In addition, Olivia is the first woman to gain this honor, and with this, a new hero will appear in the Kingdom.

But Olivia's reaction was—

“..... Claudia, you are very fond of honor, yes. Like I said, I prefer books and good food. "

Olivia tapped on her book as she said that. Claudia was stunned by this, and glanced at the cover of the book. It was a book she really liked when she was young, 《Comet, a fairy who loved to play pranks》.

"Lieutenant Two, do you like Comet, the prankster."

"Yes. Comet was afraid of humans, but still insisted on pranking them, it was very interesting. Claudia, have you read the story as well? ”

In response to Olivia's curious gaze, Claudia puffed out her chest proudly, and replied in a tone that indicated that the answer was obvious:

"I don't mean to be cocky, but I have the whole Comet book series ... And it's a little embarrassing, but when I was younger, I believed that Comets really existed, and even tried to catch them."

Claudia thought back to her childhood, and scratched her face a little bashfully. Olivia leaps out of her bed, and grabs Claudia's shoulder. His eyes sparkled like a predator had found its prey.

Claudia was surprised by his aggressive attitude and asked in surprise:

"Me too! I did the same thing! I also tried to catch Comet!”

Olivia said while taking a breath. Olivia is very happy that she found a friend, and Claudia is relieved after realizing it. She has no friends who share this interest, so Claudia advises:

"What a coincidence. If you like it so much, why don't I give it my all to you? The whole series is still in my house. "

“Ehh !? Really true?"

Olivia smiled like a flower in full bloom, and anyone who saw this would probably instantly fall in love with her. The heir to a great noble would probably give him several hundred books without hesitation.

Although her shoulder hurt from Olivia's grip, Claudia inevitably had to think about those meaningless things.

"Of course it's okay. But there are twenty unique books in this series. Alright... Can you manage it? ”

Claudia asked as she stared at the pile of books in the room. Olivia patted her chest confidently and said:

“That's no problem. I'll be fine. I'll let Ashton clear things up for me. "

He has no intention of getting it done himself. Claudia has little sympathy for Ashton who has been set up as a miscellaneous chore boy.

(People who perform cymacem tasks.)

"I'll send a letter back home and ask them to send you the books."

"Yes thank you very much! Claudia and Ashton are both good human beings! ”

“Hahs. Thank you for your compliment."

She is confused by Olivia's usual choice of words, but Claudia still sincerely thanks Olivia.

(I told him about the Gold Lion Medal. Next, I have to ask if she needs this.)

Claudia looked at the white crate under her armpits and asked Olivia, "By the way, do you have any formal attire, Second Lieutenant?"

"formal clothing? No, I don't have any. "

Olivia asked in surprise. Claudia smiled, glad she brought her clothes.

“That would be a problem. You must wear formal attire for the award ceremony. "

“Can't I just wear my uniform?”

Olivia poked at the uniform she was wearing. His uniform would be fine in most places, but the awards ceremony was an exception.

“Unfortunately, no.”

“Ehh ~ Then, can I not attend the awards ceremony?”

Claudia grabs Olivia's hand as she flips through the pages of her book. Olivia opened her eyes in surprise.

“C-Claudia !?”

“How can the star of the show not be present… !? Geez, I was expecting this to happen, so I brought my formal attire. Fortunately, you're about the size of me, so you might be able to wear my clothes. "

“Ehh ~ That would be too much trouble for you, Claudia ~ So don't mind me ~.”

Olivia shifted her gaze and said monotonously. Claudia tightens her grip on Olivia's hand, before Olivia can escape.

“If you really feel that way, pour more emotion into your tone of speech. Okay, try it first. Don't hesitate to let me know if anything goes wrong. I'll customize it for you.”

...****************...

...To Be Continue's...