Chapter 2.2. Sweet Treats!

“Oh, looks like the report for the last mission is here.”
On the terminal at the office desk, there was a message confirming the successful completion of today’s final operation.
The delivery of reports has become faster gradually.
“Well then, standby mode is over. Good job.”
“I just ate snacks in the afternoon. Oh, and we’re out of chocolate. I need to go buy some at the store.”
I checked the snacks’ inventory while peering into the office desk’s drawer. I developed a fondness for chocolate since it doesn’t melt, especially during battles.
“I’ll go buy them for you.”
“Sure, I’ve got time anyway. Oh, but the other day, when I went to the store in combat gear, someone higher up told me not to roam the building in combat gear for no reason.”
“I-Is that so? Does that mean Major Kamiya will change into his uniform?”
“Yeah, that’s right. This is the Joint Staff Headquarters, so they want us to dress properly. Changing is a hassle, so maybe Hayami-san, you can go buy instead…”
“Oh… I’m feeling a bit dizzy…”
“Are you okay, Hayami-san? Lie down and rest for a bit.”
“No, I’ll be fine after a short rest. Seeing something good might help me recover.”
“Okay, then I’ll change and be back.”
“Yes, I’ll be waiting.”
Unable to take Hayami-san, who wasn’t feeling well, to the store, I resigned myself and changed from my combat gear to the uniform in the dressing room provided in the office.
“Phew… uniforms are still uncomfortable.”
Having finished changing, I complained as I came out of the dressing room.
“Oh, it looks great.”
Hayami-sas is watching me from head to toe with a blissful expression as if savoring my uniformed appearance.
“Really? I’m not used to uniforms, so it feels weird.”
“Oh, your tie is crooked. Allow me.”
Saying so, Hayami-san adjusted the position of the tie knot.
“Haha. It looks like a newlywed couple.”
“Ggh… Please don’t throw in bombshell comments out of nowhere.”
Hayami-san, putting her hand on her chest and looking uncomfortable, still seemed not in the best condition.
“I got this uniform newly made. The one I had was issued when I got conscripted, so it was way too small.”
I was constantly flying from battlefield to battlefield, always in combat gear, so I never used the uniform anyway.
“When Major Kamiya got conscripted, maybe…”
“Yeah, around 10 years old. I tried wearing it once for fun, but the military outfit looked so mismatched on a kid that everyone around burst into laughter.”
“Photos from that time…”
For some reason, Hayami-san swallowed nervously.
“If you search the albums I brought back, you might find them.”
“Please show me someday. I probably can’t handle it in my current state. So maybe another day.”
I didn’t quite understand why Hayami-san was excited, but talking about war comrades while looking through an album didn’t sound like a bad idea.
“But it’s incredible that you can still wear the uniform.”
Observing my full appearance in the office’s corner mirror, I commented.
“It suits you very well.”
“But, a kid in military uniform… especially, a flashy uniform for a Major General feels a bit unbalanced.”
When you become an important figure, the uniform is designed to be flashy for easy visibility even from a distance.
A white high-collared uniform with a blue mantle representing the rank of a major general; it had a strong cosplay feeling.
“Um… Major Kamiya. It’s quite impudent of me as a subordinate, but…”
“Hmm? What is it? Need me to buy medicine with you at the store?”
“No, that’s okay. Um, is it possible for you to wear the service cap?”
“The service cap? There’s no need to wear it since it’s not a ceremony.”
“If I could see you wearing the service cap, I think it would lift my spirits.”
“Well, fine then.”
Saying that, I returned to the changing room, put on the service cap, and fastened the saber used in ceremonies to my waist.
“There, please.”
“Oh… uh…”
When I appeared in front of Hayami-san mumbled in a whisper and froze.
She said it would make her feel better, but it seemed like various things were worsening.
Placing Hayami on the sofa, I left the office.
“Oh, darn it. I forgot I’m still wearing the service cap and the saber. But the store is about to close soon, and going back to the office is a hassle, so I’ll stay like this.”
While riding the elevator to go to the store, I noticed in the elevator’s mirror that I had gone out fully equipped.
Later, at that moment, I had no idea that this incident would be the catalyst for a significant change in my life.