A short while later, at a plain service window.
"Marine Headquarters Colonel River, reporting as ordered by headquarters."
He smiled as he spoke to the female navy clerk behind the window, who wore large-framed glasses and had her hair in a ponytail.
She glanced at River through the window, then spotted Gion standing beside him and immediately grew excited.
"Vice Admiral Momousagi!"
"I've always admired you more than anyone else. I never thought I'd meet you here!"
The clerk spoke excitedly.
"Do your work first!"
Momousagi smiled and pointed at River.
"Right! Right, I-I'm just so excited!"
The clerk hurriedly replied.
Meeting her idol had clearly boosted her efficiency, and she quickly completed the paperwork.
"Colonel River, your onboarding paperwork is complete!"
The clerk spoke with a sweet smile on her face.
"Thank you!"
River nodded.
"You're welcome!"
The two turned and left, walking slowly as they continued their conversation.
"Twenty years ago, you saved me several times. We were the best of partners."
"I was always there as you rose through the Navy."
Momousagi's gentle words reached River's ears, leaving him feeling helpless.
"We've known each other since you first joined the Navy and entered the Elite Training Camp, all the way until you became an Admiral."
"I've always followed in your footsteps, chasing after you. Now I'm a Vice Admiral too, and I'm not far from becoming an Admiral."
"I'll always follow you, River!"
"Whatever choice you make, I'll support you."
"I only hope..."
She paused, her steps slowing slightly as she fixed her eyes on River.
"That this time, you won't leave without a word again!"
Their eyes met, and under her insistent gaze, River gradually found himself unable to hold his ground.
A beautiful woman's affection was the hardest debt to bear! He didn't even know