Chapter 188

So even though the ending still retains the part about Nana being a 'traitorous agent' in Columbia, the top brass may know about the 'Ghost' persona, but it can't be removed.

The endings for most factions can be found in this chapter. If there's anything you don't understand, leave a comment in the chat, and I'll explain it in the next chapter.

6th Patriot's Gun: 204 Christmas Eve

Christmas and Christmas Eve... the prevalence of consumerism has made these two holidays well-known even within the Reunion Movement, but if someone were to ask about the origins and stories of these two holidays, very few people could actually give a coherent account.

But ultimately, everyone just wanted to use the holiday as an excuse to get together with family and friends, so even though their own cultural background was incompatible with this religious holiday, all the lounges on Rhodes Island erected fresh and vibrant Christmas trees before departure.

"Speaking of which, Big Bob and the others helped get these trees before they left... saying they were Christmas presents or something."

Looking at the fir tree that had apparently been specially felled, Nana's lips curled into a slight smile. Nana couldn't bring herself to say something like, "Actually, stores sell plastic fake trees now..."

This is, after all, a kind gesture from the patients who have left the ship, and we should not let it go to waste.

Furthermore, Nana is currently FrostNova to her left, Nagisa to her right (who may have been influenced by Mika's words), and Su Sulo is leading the way in front of her... Don't ask, the only thing Nana doesn't know is why someone is leading the way on her own Landship, and there's even a Blaze behind her with a bewildering smile that sends chills down Nana spine.

Although everyone was maintaining a certain social distance, Nana felt incredibly uncomfortable. To ease the awkward atmosphere, Nana had mostly remained silent, finally spoke up:

"I should thank Big Bob and the others if I have the chance. Speaking of which, all the people with mild symptoms left with him during this Reunion Movement?"

"Quite a few people disembarked, but not many left with Big Bob. Aside from those who remained on board for treatment, more than half of our compatriots went back to Ursus with Talulah and Alina..."

"From Columbia to Ursus? Did they say how to get there?"

"I heard from Little Tal that he used his connection with the Duke to travel by airship? The system used by the Ursus elites should be fairly reliable, although I prefer walking on foot..."

"Is your Phosphorus Dam Five IV Pomegranate Eight Wife Flag Group a trip? It's clearly an armed march..."

"I think it could be a trip~"

Seeing Nana chatting happily with the White Rabbit dressed in sorcerer's armor, Nagisa bowed slightly and tilted his head to look at Nana:

"This..."

"FrostNova," the White Rabbit introduced herself.

"Miss FrostNova... are you the member of Reunion Movement I just mentioned?"

"Hmm, can Columbia hear our messages too?"

Nodding in confirmation, after Mika's safe return, Nagisa seemed to have reverted to being the elegant, composed, and calm college secretary beloved by countless students.

Of course, it would be even better if she didn't look like she was actually listening to Mika's nonsense... Nana couldn't help but think this as their conversation seemed to be getting normal again.

Regaining her upright posture, Nagisa crossed her arms in front of her lower abdomen and gracefully accompanied him as she spoke:

"It started about a month or a month and a half ago. The whole of Columbia was broadcasting on television and radio about the Reunion Movement's resistance... Because of this, several members of parliament even put forward the slogan of reducing insurance benefits for those the Infected, and the call for it was very strong."

"Voice?"

Seeing the White Rabbit's bewildered expression, Nana, realizing she was from Ursus and might not fully understand democracy, explained it to her, then sighed and said:

"... So, it's because those politicians' advisors realized the government's current friendly attitude towards the Infected, and so, through this propaganda, they're also taking the Infected's votes into account when preparing for next year's election... But I think they're all from industrial or mining areas, which are where the Infected in Columbia congregate... As for the frontier areas, they have no right to participate in parliamentary elections..."

"The first two areas are already preferential zones for the Infected, with substantial insurance benefits... the reductions can't be much more significant, so those politicians are simply being generous at other people's expense."

Seeing that Nana had so many complaints about her government after just one trip, a stark contrast to when she was about to return to Columbia... but a government that even openly declared its intention to treat the Infected kindly was something FrostNova had never heard of before:

"I think it's great... Although, as Nana said, they all have their own problems, Columbia is much better than Ursus ... Of course, people always look on the bright side. Even if the 'insurance' is already low in some positions that require the Infected, if it's even lower, even lower still, for those of us who need medication to stay alive, every penny saved is something to be happy about."

"And the thought that the Reunion Movement, which was originally created to save lives, could have such an effect in a foreign land makes one feel... ah, how delightful... that feeling."

Faced with FrostNova's natural, generous, and even slightly shy smile, Nagisa, who had been somewhat awkward, paused for a moment before smiling again... It was the kind of smile a nun would use to guide the confused masses and encourage people to do good:

"Forced to do it to survive... But Miss FrostNova, you have indeed accomplished something remarkable. As far as I know, Columbia has been repeatedly relaxing its policies towards the Infected in recent years... Aside from Nana's miracle in saving an entire district of Ticarondo during the Catastrophes, another powerful driving force is the Reunion Movement."

"Us? No way... We were just... struggling to attack one mine after another that didn't treat us like human beings... and all we did was get a hot meal."

"But you have shown the entire land the power of the Infected... Even if there may have been various compromises, from now on, more and more countries will build specialized hospitals for Oripathy like Rhodes Island, the children of the Infected can go to school instead of just wandering in the wilderness, some people will propose to increase the welfare of the Infected, and the wages of workers in the Originium Dust environmental factories will also increase... This is not because those people have a change of heart, but because you came!"

"And besides, you're going to keep fighting, aren't you?!"

Seeing Nagisa's supportive expression, FrostNova first looked away shyly, her eyes slightly reddening, and rubbed her face. Then she smiled and looked at Nagisa:

"Thank you. If I told Father and Talulah these words, they would be very happy... Although I still want to say that we are not acting for some noble purpose..."

"So, what is Miss FrostNova's current condition...?"

Seeing Nagisa looking at her, Nana blinked and took FrostNova's hand again. After a moment of feeling their fingers intertwined, Nana frowned slightly:

"The inflammatory response increased during the intensive treatment period. The blocking medication is indeed effective, but FrostNova's blood fusion rate is still very high... Fortunately, we are currently at Rhodes Island headquarters, where we have the best doctors and equipment... Su Sulo, how much Originium can be removed from FrostNova's internal Originium after the minimally invasive surgery?"

Hearing her name mentioned behind her, the Little Fox walking in front happily flicked her tail and turned around. Although she still maintained that doctor's characteristic nonchalance, judging from the twitching of her ears and the movement of her tail, Su Sulo was indeed very happy.

So, is everyone really happy during holidays?

"That depends on how many incisions you can make. Although I don't think making a lot of incisions on a person can be considered 'minimally invasive' anymore... After all, FrostNova is your patient, so whether the final treatment goes through me or is transferred to Chief Kal'tsit's office is up to you... By the way, we've arrived. Nana, how long are you going to keep wearing that suit? Go change into your uniform!"

Watching the pink-haired Little Fox snatch Nana away from Nagisa and FrostNova in the blink of an eye, and having witnessed everything from behind with a maternal smile, Blaze clapped her hands:

"Well, welcome to the Human Resources Special Operations Team's lounge... I'll be in charge of greeting you all. What would you two like to drink? The snacks provided for Nana are alright, as Little Cat always sneaks some over with her friends... but the tea and coffee rations have already filled the cabinets, and since everyone's always out on field missions, let's use some up~"

Watching the Little Fox push the cat into the lounge cubicle, FrostNova and Nagisa could only politely be led to the sofa by Blaze. Hearing Blaze's tone, Nagisa was somewhat speechless:

"... It sounds like Rhodes Island is operating on a rationing system..."

"Huh? You Laterano... I mean, your school, don't you distribute tea and supplies according to the office layout?"

After choosing between several options, Nagisa ordered a cup of black tea and shrugged.

"No way! Shouldn't you choose your own tea? There are different kinds for different purposes: for entertaining guests, for personal use, for tea parties..."

"... It sounds like you're more skilled, Ms. Nagisa... Here, Ms. FrostNova, here's a half-cup of hot milk tea with ice. Shake it and let it cool down before drinking, be careful not to burn yourself."

FrostNova felt a little embarrassed after receiving Huang's warm hospitality.

"It feels like I've had this same feeling for the past few months, but isn't this Rhodes Island? Do you guys prepare ice here in winter, Blaze...?"

"Well, I'm not taking credit. This was prepared by PRTS. It synchronized the material configurations between our Exploration Vehicle and the Rhodes Island lounge. And you used to come to our lounge quite often when we were in the Exploration Vehicle, so you were remembered."

"... Even though I've experienced it before, it's still amazing... science."

As she spoke, she took small sips of her favorite sweet drink, FrostNova blissful expression even drawing the focused gazes of Kira and Nagisa... After realizing what was happening, FrostNova blushed slightly and put down her teacup.

"Speaking of which, isn't Nana a bit too slow...? Let's go check on her."

Although the White Rabbit looked a little flustered as she got up from her seat, Kira and Nagisa exchanged a smile... As fellow teammates and supporters of Nana, they truly understood the pleasure of watching outsiders show their discomfort.

In the warm lounge cubicle decorated in a yellow-orange color scheme, outside the small tent where the children were playing, Nana had changed into Medic's outfit. Two bright silver custom pistols, their magazines and bullets removed, were neatly placed to the side. The sudden entry of the three seemed to startle Medic.

The cat with heterochromatic eyes suddenly trembled with its right hand, but immediately lowered it again after seeing that it was Huang and the others.

But Su Sulo, who had been holding Nana's left hand, wasn't about to let it go. The pink-haired Little Fox silently reached out and pulled Nana's arm, and under her silent gaze, Nana had no choice but to put the last Compact 1911 in her right hand off the safety and place it on the table.

"Sorry, I have one more..."

"Seriously, I told you two, you can't relax like this... Aren't you going to unload this?"

"The Silver Dancer can be displayed as art in the lounge or exhibition hall, but this one is something 'I' (Medic) will carry with me everywhere. Don't worry, I've turned off the insurance."1

As they spoke, Nana and the Little Fox looked towards the entrance together.

"Why is everyone here? Is there something you need?"

"No, it's just that I noticed you haven't left the house... Dr. Su Sulo, what happened to Nana?"

Despite FrostNova's overly familiar demeanor, Su Sulo's expression remained unchanged: Eight

"It's nothing, she's just too tired. She did a little hand acupressure massage and her eyelids started drooping. This is no 'slight fatigue'."

"Also, Miss FrostNova, just like we call you FrostNova, when she's wearing her Rhodes Island uniform, please address her properly as 'Medic.' Her real name is a clue that can trace back to the past... and the reason we have codenames is because we don't want to be caught by those things on Rhodes Island."

"Is... is that so?"

Seeing that FrostNova didn't mention Christmas Eve again, Su Sulo took Nana's hand once more, watching the black cat close her eyes and breathe steadily again, then whispered a little to shoo her away:)

"Alright, Nana is very tired. All of you should leave so as not to disturb her rest."

As a doctor at Rhodes Island, Su Sulo exerts immense influence over both his patient FrostNova and Nagisa, a new non- Medical Department member recently assigned to the ship. This is clearly a consequence of the unique position of Rhodes Island's Medical Department.

But before Su Sulo could finish speaking, Huang suddenly grabbed the Little Fox's shoulder.

As a senior operator who had lived and worked together for several years, Huang's seemingly all-knowing squinty eyes immediately made Su Sulo's tail bristle:

"W-what's wrong?"

"Since Nana needs to rest, then you shouldn't be in the way... Who can fall asleep with their hand being held and their flesh pressed down? Stop making excuses to grope me."

Witnessing the short doctor being suddenly scooped up and carried under the arms of the large action team, FrostNova, though already turning away, still felt a pang of reluctance.

"Um... is it not appropriate to leave Nai... Medic here? If you're going to sleep, shouldn't you go to the bedroom?"

"It's probably best not to move her. When Medic was little, she would wake up if anyone was within ten meters of her... Now she's actually sleeping right next to us... It's clear that everyone is quite close to Medic."

"... Huang, put me down... I was clearly helping Medic relieve fatigue, don't you even know what physical therapy is?!"

With a single hand, he stopped the little one's struggles in his arms. Huang, along with FrostNova who kept turning back every few steps, and Nagisa who always wore a smile but didn't put down her teacup before leaving, walked towards the door.

"I don't care~ Since she's asleep, it's fair that we all leave on our own... Nana herself hasn't decided who she'll be with tonight, so whether we put together a plan or negotiate... what's the point if she doesn't agree? Everyone knows what kind of person Nana is... or do you want her to continue being so clueless?"

"Maybe I'm just a bit oblivious, so I can say it directly... I like Nana, the kind of liking where I want to live with her forever. I don't think you, Su Sulo, are completely indifferent... But if FrostNova hadn't pulled this stunt today, would you have thought of taking the initiative? FrostNova has already been very proactive, and Nagisa... well, she and Nana are indeed childhood friends, Kal'tsit certified it... and then there's Mika and that Seia, we still don't know what their feelings are for Nana."

"I can only say that Su Sulo, your idea is good, but there's nothing we can do since the person involved has collapsed... I can't spend Christmas Eve with Nana, so at least I'll keep an eye on you two."

"Come on, I'll take you to find the Little Cat!"

Seeing Huang speaking so casually, seemingly without any discrepancy between truth and falsehood, FrostNova was shocked to meet Su Sulo's gaze in Huang's arms. The Little Fox immediately looked away, and FrostNova took a deep breath, her expression instantly becoming serious.

"...Dr. Su Sulo, you..."

"I'm just undergoing physical therapy; there's nothing complicated about it that you're thinking."

"I don't believe you... Write a written agreement!"

Watching the three of them quietly leave, glancing at him every now and then... Nagisa sighed helplessly, silently apologizing to Mika, and then immediately followed.

"Although everyone seems to have their own plans, I... we really are Medic's childhood friends..."

The gates closed, and all was silent.

Nana slightly opened her eyes, then shifted to a more comfortable position and continued sitting or lying on the bench, placing the pistol in a comfortable spot within easy reach.

Nana closed her eyes again, a slight smile appearing on her face... In mid-air, Cole and Kate exchanged a glance and shrugged at each other.

With Kate also being sent to the Little Cat, only Cole remained, sitting down next to Nana... taking her hand and then leaning against her.

Night falls, Christmas Eve has arrived.

PS: Waaaaaaah!

In the dead of winter, here's a swimsuit for the Little Fox. ↑

PSS: A slight twist... As everyone knows, I'm not good at writing about romance... As you all know, because FrostNova is so straightforward, Su Sulo has become a little competitive, but compared to Hoshiguma, who's so carefree, it's nothing...

But so what if it's a straight shot!? Can you argue with a dead man!? (Abruptly)

6th Patriot's Gun: 205 Merry Christmas

December 25, 1094, Christmas.

As she climbed up from the lounge bench with cushions, Nana wasn't surprised to find herself surrounded by various cushions.

After all, besides Huang and a few others saying strange things to him yesterday, quite a few other people had come to see him... such as Eileen, such as Aili and Xiya, who everyone now simply calls Little Peach and Little Green, and Kal'tsit...

It seems that it all started when Eileen took a cushion from the lounge and placed it next to herself. Apparently, everyone was afraid of falling off the bench and waking up, Christmas Eve, a strange phenomenon of people stuffing cushions into each other's hands appeared.

When Yato and Durin, who had only worked together once, found her, the assassin seemed to be sleeping not on a stool, but in a cozy little nest made of soft cushions.

Yato stopped Durin from lying down next to the assassin; thank goodness Rhodes Island still had some common sense.

But the Little Cat was unaffected by this common sense. When Nana woke up, the Little Cat was pressing down on Nana's belly, straddling Nana, and burying its head in Nana's chest...

Despite the assassin's incredible strength, a guy whose height is limited to around 1.6 meters by his racial attributes is clearly no match for the overnight weight gain of a twelve-year-old who has started puberty.

"Oh my god, Medic's awake?"

Seeing Huang greet her as if nothing had changed from yesterday, Nana rubbed her chest, feeling a little breathless.

"Yes, she's awake."

Nana couldn't understand it. Even though the big cat Huang had helped lure Nagisa and FrostNova away, and even took Su Sulo, who would usually help maintain the environment, along with them, why didn't Huang help keep an eye on the Little Cat?

Or is this punishment for pretending to be asleep out of helplessness?

Good morning, Huang.