“Wow, you really saved me, Toshi-nii.”

“Honestly… When I heard there was trouble in the central plaza and came here, of course, it was you.”

While glancing at the festival committee members organizing the overly crowded people, I received a scolding from Toshi-nii.

“So, causing trouble at the school festival can summon Toshi-nii? That’s a blind spot.”

“If you fool around, I’ll use my instructor’s authority to expel you from the premises.”

“I’m technically ranked higher than the principal of this preparatory school, you know?”

The principal is a brigadier general. Same as Principal Takami.

“I apologize for causing a commotion, Colonel Kobako.”

Mina politely bows and apologizes to Toshi-nii for the disturbance.

“No, it’s a lapse in the security and organization by the festival committee. You all, after the festival, march around the campus perimeter fully armed three times.”

“””Yes… Understood, fully armed march around the campus perimeter three times after the festival.”””

The already tired festival committee members repeat Toshi-nii’s order in a weary voice and return to their posts.

“Toshi-nii, that’s power harassment~”

“It’s education. I’ll be running alongside you as your instructor, so truthfully, I’d rather turn a blind eye. It’s a hassle.”

That’s a bit too candid for an instructor, Toshi-nii. Good thing no students are around.

“However, despite winning the beauty contest, I didn’t expect such a large crowd. Maybe because the judges were unanimous in their decision.”

“Mina won overwhelmingly.”

“I think it’s thanks to this costume.”

Mina humbly smiles.

“Sorry for interrupting your date. The festival committee seemed to have asked quite forcefully.”

“Not at all, Colonel Kobako. Thanks to them, I got this lovely kimono. Please don’t worry about it.”

What’s this… Mina is very courteous. Is it the kimono’s influence?

“Thank you. However, perhaps because such a beautiful person appeared last, the other contestants seemed disheartened.”

“Huh? Toshi-nii, were you watching the beauty contest stage?”

“I watched the live stream in the instructors’ room. There’s a fixed wide-angle camera on the stage.”

“Wow, school festivals are high-tech these days. I want to do this at our academy’s festival too.”

Later, I’ll ask Toshi-nii to introduce me to the technical team of the preparatory school’s festival committee. But I’m terrible with computers, so maybe I should let Kotomi handle it. Wait, why am I increasing Kotomi’s workload!? Okay. For our academy’s festival, I’ll put pressure on the Joint Staff Office to reduce my military duties.

“Are you plotting something, Yuusuke?”

“Nothing at all, Toshi-nii.”

Toshi-nii, as always, has read my mind due to our long acquaintance.

“You two are really close.”

“Toshi-nii, it seems people think we’re in that kind of relationship. What should we do?”

“He’s just clinging to me unilaterally.”

When I try to act like a woman strategically closing in on a man, Toshi-nii cuts me down brusquely.

“Colonel Kobako, you were with Yuusuke on the battlefield when he was little, right?”

“Yes. Let’s discuss that in the instructors’ room. People are starting to gather again.”

“Yes. Thank you for your consideration.”

Saying this, Toshi-nii glances at the crowd. Many people are pointing cameras and smartphones at Mina. The festival committee is holding them back for now, but if the crowd grows, it could get out of control. To calm the crowd, it might be best to disperse now. However, Toshi-nii is acting very gentlemanly today, probably because Mina is a beautiful girl. Despite some annoyances, we follow Toshi-nii into the school building.

◇◇◇◆◇◇◇

“Coffee okay?”

“Yes, thank you.”

“Thank you very much.”

We receive coffee cups from Toshi-nii in the instructors’ room lounge.

“So, about Yuusuke and Colonel Kobako…”

“Hey, Mina. You’re unusually polite today. You’re calling me Yuusuke instead of Yuu-kun.”

I interrupt Mina’s conversation. The atmosphere has been uncomfortable and stiff.

“Not at all… really.”

No, you sound awkward trying to speak formally.

“Toshi-nii, despite her being demure now, she usually calls my female instructor an old hag.”

“Why would you say that, Yuu-kun!”

Seeing Mina stiff, I feel uncomfortable. Mina, puffing her cheeks, hits me while Toshi-nii smiles wryly.

“Now that your act is exposed, give it up, Mina.”

“I wanted to make a good impression on Yuu-kun’s surrogate parent…”

Oh, she was trying to act like a respectful bride in front of the in-laws.

“Haha. Indeed, if I get married, I’d have Toshi-nii sit in the family seat instead of my parents. And of course, give the groom’s speech.”

“If I’m married by then.”

“Oh, then it’s impossible.”

“Hey, Yuusuke. Nowadays, even that kind of remark is considered sexual harassment, so be careful as a leader.”

Toshi-nii warns sternly while sipping his coffee. It’s okay. I choose who to harass.

“Okay, okay. In that case, Dr. Kirigaya is fine. She also complained about having a hard time finding a partner.”

“Don’t talk about marriage like you’re choosing a lunch spot. Besides, Kirigaya messaged me excitedly that she’s close to getting a younger boyfriend in Okinawa.”

Toshi-nii’s words make Mina and I exchange looks. Then we both sigh deeply.

A younger boyfriend must be Lieutenant Natori. She seriously disliked Dr. Kirigaya.

“Poor Dr. Kirigaya… Finally crossing from the digital world to the realm of delusions…”

“No, she already can’t distinguish between reality and fantasy, thinking Lieutenant Natori is her boyfriend.”

Mina and I analyze Dr. Kirigaya’s odd behavior of bragging about her imaginary boyfriend to her peers.

“You two met with Kirigaya in Okinawa recently, right? Now I understand her situation a bit.”

Seeing us, Toshi-nii sighs, feeling sorry for his colleague in Okinawa.

“By the way, Toshi-nii. About Kotomi from our web call the other day… Oh, never mind.”

I retract my words hastily. I wanted to ask about the state secret of why Kotomi was chosen as a special force, but Mina is here. Yeah. Dr. Kirigaya must have told him. They’re close colleagues, after all.

“The main event, pole toppling, is about to start. We should watch it live.”

“Pole toppling at military schools is famous. Yes, let’s go.”

Invited by Toshi-nii, I stop my muddled thoughts and prepare to leave the lounge. I find it unusual that Toshi-nii himself is inviting us.