melan

What is it that I wanted?

Merry, I... am I cut out to be an operator?

What the hell are you talking about?!

Huh? M-M-Merry, w-wait, calm down!

Wait, the table— Merry, stop pounding the table!

What's important right now... isn't the freaking table!

What do you mean 'cut out?' Melantha, why are you down on yourself? You're obviously the best, the cream of the crop!

Please don't say that, you know I'm not like that...

Hmph! I hereby declare that you don't understand yourself at all, and that I know you better than you do! You're not allowed to say that you're not awesome!

If you still don't know why you're so awesome, lemme lay it out for you!

First, you're always there training with me and helping me test new defensive tactics! You're super nice!

Second, you're always helping me put together my equipment, and even though you've never mentioned it, don't think I haven't noticed! You're super thoughtful!

Third, you always bring us delicious snacks to eat! You know exactly what flavors we like! You're super sweet!

Fourth, you helped me tie the Instructor's hair into little pigtails when she wasn't looking! You're super fun to be around!

W-Wait, I never did that last thing!

Heh, see, nothing slips past you at all! Even Steward didn't catch that one last time.

So, even if that last one was made up, the reality is that you're super awesome, and that is an undeniable fact!

Any other objections?

Are we done now? See, not a single one of us thinks that you aren't cut out to be the captain!

But ultimately, it's your call. Melantha, what do you want to do?

What I want to do...

Can I really do this?

Do I have the ability... to live up to everyone's expectations?

I... I might have areas where I'm not good enough, and there might be a lot of things I still have to learn...

But putting them aside, I... What do I want to do?

What is it that I want?

I want to be able to protect people. Not just be sheltered by my parents, struggling to communicate with my own family...

I'll give it my all! I'll do everything I can to become a worthy captain, and continue to grow alongside all of you.

Merry, are you... okay with that?

Of course!

Isn't that what we've always been doing all this time?

Yes... Thank you, Merry.

Mmhmm!

Ehehe, I'm so glad you're finally smiling!

Okay... Looks like there shouldn't be any issues, right?

They found the frozen food in the freezer and are heating it up now. What should I do with these sweets, Steward? Should I still hand them over?

Why are we still hiding over here anyway?

I don't think we're needed here. Hold up a sec, Adnachiel, Ansel. Don't head over there yet, let them be alone a bit longer.

I don't think I've ever seen Miss Melantha smile so happily before.

But...

Steward's right. It'd be way too awkward if we just dropped in now.

But, knowing the way Cardigan does things...

Woah! What's going on? Why's this thing not moving?

Is this... the heating button? The connection seems a little loose, so maybe we should turn it this way...

Don't worry, I got this. I know just the thing, since basically all machines work like this!

Heheh, watch and learn!

...She's definitely going to break the food heater.

Please say something sooner next time!!

Wait, Cardigan, stop! Don't touch that switch! And stop banging on that knob! Melantha, hurry up and stop her!!

Ahaha, it's too late. That thing's done for.

*Sigh*... There's no stopping them from making a ruckus. Just don't get hurt over there, okay?

What's wrong, headache?

...Just a little.

Because your team ran up another bill for destroying a kitchen appliance? Or because of your new shy team captain?

All of the above. Melantha still lacks confidence in herself.

Oh? Well, I don't think that's necessarily a bad thing either.

Compared to all those morons who have nothing but confidence without any of the skills to back it up, it's reassuring to be around some more cautious and reserved people, wouldn't you agree?

Plus, you heard what she said.

She's been paying close attention to every single member of her team. Is that not what a captain should do?

It'd be great... if she recognized that.

Trust me, I'm never wrong about this stuff. Those kids are gonna be just fine~

Ah, I just remembered! She uses a sword, right? How about, you give her to me for some training?