The aroma of stewed meat filled the mess hall at the Navy's G16 16th Branch.
Ace was already seated at a long table, with three heaping plates in front of him.
Fried fish fillets, stewed Sea King meat, cream soup, fresh white bread, and a large glass of chilled juice.
He dug in with both hands, his cheeks bulging as though he had stuffed two fists inside them. Before he could wipe away the meat juices spilling from his mouth, he had already crammed in another bite.
"Mmm-delicious!!"
His eyes shone like two stars.
Nojiko sat beside him, with only a small portion of fish and vegetable salad before her. She ate in small bites, occasionally glancing around the mess hall-the neatly arranged tables, the gleaming utensils, the Navy disciplinary regulations hanging on the wall, and the soldiers patrolling outside the windows.
"Nojiko."
Boer's voice came from behind her.
She turned and saw the silver-haired man standing at the mess hall entrance, his hands in his pockets. Afternoon sunlight slanted through the window behind him, gilding his short white hair with a soft golden edge.
"Nami used to work in the branch's Chart Room."
His tone was casual, as though he were mentioning something insignificant.
"Have them take you to look around after you eat."
Nojiko froze for a moment.
The Chart Room... a place where Nami had spent time.
She nodded, the corners of her mouth lifting slightly.
"Okay."
Boer turned to Ace.
The boy had already cleared half his third plate and was stuffing bread dipped in the remaining meat juices into his mouth.
"Once you've eaten, you're free to do what you like."
Ace raised his head, his mouth so full that he could only express his question with his eyes.
"The Navy has plenty of training