Chapter 311: The Plot Begins Again 2
Murrue listened to Natarle's words and replied just as seriously, "Lieutenant Badgiruel, I also want to tell you that I clearly understand the importance of these matters, but…"
Natarle cut off Murrue's attempt at explanation and continued sternly, "All members of the military must accept strict control and become soldiers capable of swiftly carrying out superior orders.
As a commander, you must be able to view various situations with a long-term perspective and make appropriate judgments.
Otherwise, a unit or a fleet cannot achieve victory in battle, let alone survive."
Murrue looked at Natarle helplessly and replied with a sorrowful expression, "I do understand these things, but if I can't do them, then understanding is meaningless.
I also know that I'm not cut out for this—I'm not a qualified captain."
Natarle felt that Murrue had misunderstood her meaning and immediately retorted, "Captain Ramius, that's not what I meant. What I'm saying is—"
Murrue waved her hand to interrupt Natarle and continued, "It's fine. I understand, Natarle.
Even though so many things have happened, I'm truly very grateful for your help along the way.
I believe you'll definitely become an outstanding captain."
After saying that, the utterly exhausted Murrue turned and left, leaving Natarle alone where she stood, completely at a loss.
Natarle could only mutter to herself helplessly, "Sigh… that's why I say this person is really too naïve—so naïve that there's no way to educate her anymore."
A few days later, the senior officials of the Earth Alliance's Alaska base finally met with the people from the Archangel.
After saying a number of high-sounding platitudes, they began reviewing the Archangel's battle records and various reports.
At the same time, Kira, who was in p.l.a.n.t, was already able to get out of bed and walk around freely.
Although Tolle knew Kira's constitution was unusual, he still couldn't help but be amazed.
It had only been a little over twenty days since Kira was injured. With wounds that severe, he had been unable to move at all just over ten days ago—yet now he looked as if nothing had happened.
Standing by an artificial cliff, Kira gazed at the artificial lake, sorrowfully recalling the scene of the bionic Tolle being killed, as well as his life-or-death battle with Athrun. Tears streamed down his face before he realized it.
Before long, Lacus came to find Kira and gently asked him, "Kira, what are you looking at?"
Seeing that Kira remained silent, Lacus continued to comfort him. "Your dreams are always so sad, Kira. I keep seeing you cry."
"Sad?" Kira quietly looked up at the sky, recalling the destruction of Heliopolis, the nonstop battles aboard the Archangel, and his fight with Athrun.
So many people had died before his eyes, and he himself had killed many as well.
"I killed so many people. So many—so many people died right in front of me." As Kira spoke, he began to cry again.
Lacus stepped forward and gently touched Kira's cheek, smiling as she continued to comfort him. "Kira, all of those battles are already over. And you protected many people too, didn't you?"
Just as Kira was gazing at Lacus's angelic smile in a daze, her expression suddenly turned serious, and she said in a low voice, "But…"
That sudden change in expression, along with the single word "but," instantly stunned Kira.
Yet what he never expected was that Lacus's next action was to suddenly revert to her airheaded demeanor and grab his arm.
As she walked, she smiled and said, "For now, let's go eat first. The food is almost cold—I'll heat it up again for you. And you need to rest properly too.
Just relax and stay here. There's no problem at all—this place is still very peaceful."
Step by step, Lacus used a mix of gentle persuasion and deflection to completely settle Kira down, keeping him firmly under her control.
As for Nicol, he spent his days wandering around near Lacus's house, observing whether there were any dangers and whether she needed protection.
That night, when Nicol appeared near Lacus's home as usual, he suddenly discovered Lacus sitting in a large tree near the spot where he often stayed.
She even asked him, "Um, sir, could you help me? I fell asleep in the tree earlier, and now I can't get down. Could you help me down?"
Seeing Lacus in the tree, Nicol was first shocked, thinking he had been completely exposed. But Lacus's words dispelled his doubts.
"Of course, Miss Lacus. I'll help you down right away."
Watching this scene, Tolle covered his face helplessly and sighed. As expected of Lacus—this move was really impressive. Nicol, you've already foolishly exposed yourself.
After being helped down, Lacus tightly grabbed onto Nicol and asked in her airheaded manner, "Thank you! May I ask what your name is, sir?"
After pausing for a few seconds, Nicol reported the alias he had prepared in advance. "Ah, Miss Lacus, my name is Nifimar Alt."
Lacus maintained her airheaded expression and said in sudden realization, "Oh, Mr. Nifimar! Are you my fan? I often see you staying around here.
So I was thinking… do you want an autographed photo of mine? Did you bring one with you?"
Hearing Lacus say this, Nicol nearly broke out in a cold sweat. But he realized that this excuse fit perfectly, so he went along with it. "Yes, yes, Miss Lacus. I'm your fan."
However, seeing that Nicol hadn't taken out any paper or pen, Lacus had no choice but to pull out several photos from her pocket along with a pen. She continued, "Eh? Weren't you here for an autograph? Or did you forget to bring something?
If you forgot, I already prepared it for you.
But Mr. Nifimar, could you write your name for me? I'm afraid of writing it wrong—that would be disrespectful to you."
"Ah, that's right. Thank you, Miss Lacus. I came out in too much of a hurry and forgot to bring your photo." Thoroughly led around by the nose, Nicol took the photo and pen.
When he subconsciously wrote the first four characters of "Nicol A—," he realized his mistake. Just as he was about to cross it out and rewrite it—
The photo and pen were snatched away by Lacus in one swift motion.