Chapter 17: 15.1

Bonus Short Stories 

In Lagoon City, Before the Dispatch of Troops 

With the Kingdom of Friedonia about to dispatch their fleet to the Nine-Headed Dragon Archipelago Union, Juna departed to Lagoon City, ruled by her grandmother and Commander-in-Chief of the fleet, Excel, to assist her and represent King Souma. It was the first major fleet mobilization in a decade, and Excel had a mountain of related paperwork to handle. 

“Ugh, this is such a drag... I got all excited when I heard it was going to be an operation unlike any before it, but I’m sick of all this red tape.” 

As Excel grumbled at her desk, Juna, who was standing next to her said, “Stow the complaints and stamp those forms, Grandmother.” 

With that, she dramatically dropped a fresh bundle of papers in front of Excel, who picked up the top page and held it up to inspect it. 

“Sealed orders for each captain... Do I really need to sign off on all of this? Isn’t stamping them enough? If we both work on this paperwork, then...” 

“That’s obviously not allowed. These are important documents which carry a heavy penalty for unsealing them before the designated time.” 

For this operation, captains had public orders that they were to give their crew until just before arriving, and then real orders which would be unsealed upon reaching the site. Right now, only the higher-ups knew the true outline of the mission. 

“The real reason for this dispatch can’t get out.” Juna laid her hand on top of the documents. “Not to the Nine-Headed Dragon Archipelago Union, and not to our own troops, either. That’s why we’re having you sign these here, where you’re the only one present.” 

“...I know,” Excel grumbled before signing the paper she was holding, then stamped it. Juna took the completed document and carefully sealed it. They kept doing this over and over for the next hour or so. Eventually, with the last orders signed, Excel let out a big yawn. 

“...Whew, that’s all of them.” 

“Good work.” 

“You, too. Let’s take a little break.” 

Excel and Juna sat down on the office couch for tea. After relaxing with a cup of sweet black tea with milk, Excel broached the issue. 

“So, have you told His Majesty yet?” 

“Hm? About what?” 

“The baby in your belly. What else?” 

“Bwuh!” Juna spewed her tea. “G-Grandmother?! How did you know?! I only found out myself the other day.” 

“Hee hee, you shouldn’t underestimate the Commander-in-Chief of the National Defense Force’s ability to gather intelligence,” Excel said with a smile. “You told your parents as soon as you found out, didn’t you? By then, I already knew.” 

“Wow, you’re fast...” 

 

“I expected to get a message of my own, but... nothing. You haven’t shown any indication of bringing up the subject since you came here to help me, either. Am I being snubbed? I’m sad my own granddaughter would keep this a secret from me.” Excel rubbed her eyes with her sleeve in an exaggerated display of grief. Blatant crocodile tears. 

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Juna pressed on her temples, shook her head, then sighed. “I didn’t tell you because I knew you’d play around like this.” 

“Oh, play around? I’m genuinely concerned for you,” Excel replied, turning her frown into a smile. 

“I can’t trust you when you say that with a grin.” 

Excel chuckled as Juna’s shoulders slumped. 

“So? Have you informed His Majesty? He must have been delighted.” 

Souma was more emotionally attached to his family than most people. If he heard that a new member was on the way, he was sure to be absolutely giddy. Excel assumed that to be the case, but Juna turned and averted her eyes. Excel was nonplussed. 

“Huh? Don’t tell me you haven’t told him?” 

“...Yeah.” 

“Why not? His Majesty will be thrilled.” 

“I know... But now isn’t the time,” Juna said, her face darkening a little. “The mission to the Nine-Headed Dragon Archipelago Union is drawing closer. This is going to be his first battle at sea. I expect he’ll be relying on me having trained in the Navy and being your granddaughter. He should ask me to join him. I know the sea better than any of his other queens. I’m confident of that.” 

“Yes... I’m sure you do.” 

Liscia was trained in the Army, Aisha had only just recently left the God-Protected Forest, and Naden was strong individually, but lacked a military background. There was no question that Juna was the one Souma would turn to for help in naval combat. 

“If he knew that I’m with child, he could never ask me to come to the battlefield with him. Fortunately, I’ve been told my condition is stable. If I have the opportunity to help him, I don’t want to let it slip away.” 

“I understand how you feel, but...” Excel looked at her granddaughter’s face which was filled with determination. “...You’re not going to listen. Maybe you get that from me.” 

“Grandmother.” 

“I know. I’ll keep quiet about it for now.” Excel shifted in her seat, putting a gentle arm around Juna’s shoulders. “But you mustn’t strain yourself. His Majesty would be devastated if anything were to happen.” 

“...Of course.” 

“Don’t worry. I’ll always protect my grandchildren and great-grandchildren.” Excel gave Juna a soft smile, placing a hand on her belly. “So, when the child is born, let me hold it.” 

“Huh? Erm...” 

“Wait, why do you seem so troubled by that?” 

“Oh, no... Um...” 

I hope the baby doesn’t take after her too much... Juna thought. When she imagined how her father, Excel’s son, must have felt the same way when she was born, Juna couldn’t help but smile wryly.

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