As Renzo followed Potts out of the crowded pier, a familiar figure stopped him.
It wasn't an aide sent by Sengoku to rush him to the celebration, but Zephyr himself, standing under the shade of a tree with his cane.
Ain was by his side, wearing a loose hospital gown. Though her face was still pale, there was more color than when she was in the medical ward.
In her hand, she held a small paper box, clutching the string between her fingers. When her eyes met Renzo's, her usual composure seemed replaced with a faint nervousness.
"Commodore Renzo, may I have a few minutes of your time?"
Zephyr's voice was softer than it had been at the docks, no longer the stern tone of a drill instructor, but something heavier, tempered by time and loss.
He gestured toward a nearby rest area, a quiet corner surrounded by low shrubs where sunlight filtered through the leaves, painting dappled shadows on the ground. The area was secluded, the breeze gentler here, almost as if even the wind knew to slow down.
Renzo frowned, his steps halting as he began to calculate silently: 'A few minutes? That might be too long. What if the canteen's roast meat gets cold?'
But when he looked at Zephyr's empty right sleeve and Ain's expression, as if she feared disturbing him, he sighed inwardly and followed them over. He didn't say "troublesome," but his reluctant posture made his feelings clear enough.
"Thank you… for what you did to Weevil."
Zephyr was the first to speak, his gaze steady, his tone stripped of unnecessary politeness.
"Those kids… can finally rest now."
His words were quiet but carried weight, like a stone finally lifted from his chest. The sharpness in his eyes softened with something complex, a mix of recognition and bittersweet acceptance.
He might not approve of Renzo's laziness, but he couldn't deny that this "troublesome ability" had given his fallen students the justice they deserved.
Renzo leaned against a tree trunk, half-closing his eyes, idly picking at the bark with his fingers. "Oh. He was too noisy."
The implication was clear: taking care of Weevil wasn't about revenge, it was about removing an annoyance.
Zephyr blinked, then chuckled softly, not mockery, but resignation and relief.
Of course. He should have expected that this man, who found even celebrations troublesome, would never justify his actions with words like "justice" or "duty."
At that moment, Ain stepped forward and offered the small paper box she was holding. Her voice was soft as a feather.
"This is… a mango mousse I made myself. I know you like desserts. Thank you… for helping us."
Inside the box was a neatly layered mousse, topped with golden cubes of mango, radiating a light fruit fragrance. Every detail, even the smooth sugar glaze, showed the care she'd put into it.
Renzo's eyes lit up instantly. The irritation from being delayed seemed to melt away under the sweet aroma of mango.
He reached out, not to take the box, but to poke the mousse with his finger. The soft, springy texture made him squint in satisfaction. "Mm."
That single syllable served as both acknowledgment and acceptance of her gratitude.
Ain, seeing his almost childlike reaction, finally relaxed. A faint smile curved her lips, she'd worried he might find the gift bothersome, but he'd "tested" it more eagerly than she imagined.
"Would you… like to try it now?" she asked timidly, afraid to push too far.
"No need." Renzo pointed at Potts. "He'll hold it."
Potts hurried forward and carefully took the box, cradling it like treasure. He knew all too well how serious his superior was about sweets, this mousse probably wouldn't survive the walk back to the cafeteria.
Zephyr watched the simple exchange, then looked back at Renzo, whose half-lidded eyes looked ready to close at any moment. He sighed, straightened his back, and said solemnly,
"If you ever need anything from me, anything at all, you have only to ask."
It was the most sincere promise he could offer. With his rank as admiral, Zephyr's support could shield Renzo from many "troubles."
But Renzo acted as if he hadn't heard him. He yawned, wiping away a tear from the corner of his eye. "I'm going to the cafeteria."
With that, he turned and walked off, a little faster than before, clearly, roast meat and mango mousse were far more tempting than any promise of protection.
Zephyr and Ain stood watching his retreating back, without a trace of resentment.
"Sensei… it seemed like he didn't care about your offer at all," Ain said quietly.
Zephyr shook his head, a faint, rare smile touching his lips. "He doesn't need it. For him, a peaceful life is worth more than any promise."
He looked toward the corner where Renzo had disappeared, then down at his empty sleeve.
"And that's… enough."
The wind rustled through the shrubs, carrying a hint of flowers, brushing softly against the leaves. The rest area returned to silence, with only the warmth of the paper box lingering in Ain's hands.
It had been a quiet thank-you, no grand speeches, no tears, like a pebble dropped into still water, leaving only faint ripples. Yet in their hearts, it left a lasting mark: comfort for Zephyr, solace for Ain.
And for Renzo, it was simply a good dessert that made the trouble worthwhile.
By then, Renzo had already made Potts open the box, scooping mousse out with his fingers as he walked.
The sweet mango flavor melted on his tongue, and he hummed contentedly, having already forgotten both Zephyr's promise and Ain's gratitude.
Troubles should be ignored; good food should be enjoyed.
That was his way of life.
.....
If you enjoy the story, my p@treon is 30 chapters ahead.
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