Chapter 1.2. Long-Awaited Homecoming

“Ah, the aroma of coffee sipped in the clean office of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, rather than in the dim trenches of the battlefield… It brings tears to my eyes.”
The coffee, made from ordinary beans purchased at the Joint Chiefs of Staff’s commissary, isn’t anything special. However, using mineral water, boiling water, and drinking coffee in a clean office with meticulously cleaned ceramic cups and saucers makes it taste exceptional.
On the battlefield, I used to drink coffee poured into a portable cup just to disguise the truly unpleasant and foul-smelling water filtered locally, barely meeting hygiene standards.
Now, there’s no need to march through the jungle to deceive the enemy, no need to suffer from severe insect bites, and no need to dig a hole with a portable shovel to bury a colleague who shared combat rations last night.
“I’m truly humbled by your praise.”
“Really, thank you, Hayami-san.”
I never thought the day would come when I could work while sitting at a desk in the mainland headquarters. Due to the nature of my soul gear, I never thought I could distance myself from the battlefield. But thanks to Hayami-san’s cooperation, remote work has become possible.
“Uh, Major General Kamiya… As I’ve mentioned multiple times, it’s fine to drop the honorifics when addressing someone of much lower rank.”
“It’s fine when it’s just the two of us.”
“Sigh…”
In response to Hayami-san’s bewildered expression, I responded with cheerful words.
“In the battlefield, ranks don’t serve as a reliable indicator of trust. It’s all about whether you can entrust your life to this person. Today was the first actual combat with Hayami-san, but I believe she’s a reliable buddy. Looking forward to working together.”
“Yes, um, Major General Kamiya… As I’ve said before, addressing someone of much lower rank without honorifics…”
“It’s fine when it’s just the two of us.”
“Haa…”
To the perplexed-looking Hayami-san, I replied in high spirits.
“I’m still a 15-year-old kid, so I might be a bit difficult to handle, but let’s work together.”
“No, in that regard, I… I mean, excuse me! As the hero of our nation, Major General Kamiya, I deeply respect you.”
Huh? What did Hayami-san try to say at the beginning?
“For the next few days, we’ll have operations similar to today. Let’s rest early today.”
“Yes. I’ll guide you to the accommodation room then.”
“Really. Despite finally coming back to Japan after several years, I ended up sleeping in military facilities.”
While I complained with my mouth, in reality, I was excited about the prospect of sleeping in a clean bed after a long time.