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Translated By Arcane Translations
Translator: Zaped
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This time, there were no tricks—just conversation, food, and more drinks.
But their eyes never left each other.
Eventually, Leticia got drunk.
“I’m not drunk,” she insisted, though no one asked. That alone was proof she was.
Still, she felt better than ever.
Until now, alcohol had been nothing more than a tool to lift her sinking spirits.
But this was different.
With this man, it felt like she was floating—rising from the ground to the sky.
Alcohol could carry her even higher.
“I’m having such a long conversation with a civilian!”
Leticia’s daily life revolved around soldiers and criminals.
And if a criminal required questioning by someone of her rank, they were at least mid-level offenders.
Those conversations were always exhausting.
Soldiers or serious criminals—no one to laugh with.
The only exception was Virginia, but she was so poker-faced that it hardly counted.
As a result, Leticia often scowled without realizing it.
A pretty face marred by constant frowning is enough to repel anyone.
But here and now, she had a revelation.
“Oh, right. I’m a woman.”
It was a novel and amusing realization.
This rare joy felt like something that might never come again, so she gradually crossed lines she normally wouldn’t.
“Wanna hear a secret?”
“What is it?”
Leticia took a swig of vodka.
She didn’t particularly like its harsh taste, but right now, nothing less intense would suffice.
“I’m actually a hero! The kind that protects the weak and goes bang! Bang! against bad guys. Justice Hero Letty! Ta-da!”
She formed a V with her fingers and placed it over her eye like a favorite idol might.
“A magical girl, perhaps?”
Magical girl?
That caught her off guard, and a hiccup slipped out.
“Well, I suppose I do look young. I have great skin, after all,” she thought, pleased.
“…Do I really look like a girl? Truly?”
Caesar, the man, stared at her intently, his gaze almost fiery.
“Oh, he’s unexpectedly intense. That serious, stern face of his… he’s got that side to him, huh?”
Feeling slightly embarrassed but emboldened, Leticia lifted her chin arrogantly, as if daring him to look all he wanted.
“Ahem. Well, being called a girl is a bit much… hehe. Still, I do transform with a ‘poof!’ so I guess it’s magical!”
“Even changing into a uniform counts as a transformation, right? People curse at me just for wearing it.”
A wave of bitterness washed over her.
“…But, ah, you wouldn’t know. All I get is endless insults. Do you know how ridiculous people can be? You save them, and they just yell at you and storm off…”
She mimed shooing flies away, emphasizing her point.
Still, she felt oddly cheerful.
“Pow! Bang! Well, it’s fine. I guess it’s a hero’s destiny. But even heroes are human, you know? Humans… humans who don’t deserve to be treated like zombies. Don’t you think so?”
“You’re right.”
“Exactly! Cheers!”
Even the vodka tasted sweet now.
Everything felt perfect—almost recklessly so.
But her head was starting to droop.
No, she couldn’t let that happen.
The game was still on.
“Excuse me.”
A new voice. It was a waiter. Leticia waved him off without even looking.
“Not interested!”
“…Your time is almost up. About ten minutes remain.”
“Oh, really? Got it. We’ll wrap up.”
Caesar, still composed, replied politely without breaking eye contact with Leticia.
The waiter glanced at the flushed pair, clearly understanding the situation, and walked away.
This wasn’t his first time seeing a couple holding hands and leaving together.
But Leticia wasn’t like that.
Instead, she grew anxious.
Her instincts as an elite officer screamed warnings.
“What? Wrap up? Get up? But what about me? I still have 11 more bottles to drink!”
As soon as the waiter left, Leticia waved urgently at Caesar.
“Uh, um, excuse me!”
“Yes?”
“Well, uh, my place… isn’t far from here…”
“Wait. Is this okay? Taking someone I just met home?”
Her rational mind hesitated, banging its head against the wall in protest.
“Wait, why am I even worried?” Leticia pondered deeply, quickly finding a reasonable answer.
“Oh, right. I’m in disguise. I can’t bring him home today. So… instead…”
Feeling clever, she proudly extended her hand.
“Delivery, please!”
Caesar blinked rapidly, clearly confused.
“Oh, right. Delivery fees. How much should I tip?” Her spinning head struggled with the math.
“It’s not a big deal. I’ll do it for you.”
“Re-really?”
Her slurred words were beyond her control—a biological inevitability, she decided.
Surely, Caesar would understand.
“…But security is tight where you live. Won’t I be turned away?”
“That’s it? That’s your concern?”
Leticia thumped her chest with her fist. Her layers of clothing muffled the sound.
“Oh, I’ll tell you! Just enter the public code, and no one will say a thing! It’s totally fine. Now, uh… how much should I leave for the drinks?”
“No need.”
“Huh?”
Caesar smiled.
“Think of it as a small favor. You saw, didn’t you? I’ve got plenty of stock. I’m here to establish connections, not make a quick sale. I’d like us to maintain a good relationship moving forward.”
Something about his words seemed strange, as if parts were missing.
Leticia pieced it together with her deduction skills.
“Favor… relationship… moving forward… Oh. He’s interested in me!”
It was clear—the subtle smile, the warm gaze, the enthusiastic responses. But…
“This is too fast, isn’t it? Or maybe… have I underestimated my charm with civilians?”
As indignation gave way to fear, she remembered something from a book:
“The Secrets to Escaping Singlehood.”
If things go too smoothly on the first date, it might backfire.
Over-disclosure could kill curiosity, so it’s better to leave some mystery.
“Ahem. Uh, I understand, but isn’t this… a bit fast?”
“Fast?”
Caesar looked puzzled.
Leticia’s heart sank. “Wait, did I say something wrong?”
“Well, um… I mean… hehe, maybe we could take things slow… get to know each other better… I don’t mean I dislike you… Uh, oh no, why are my words… hehe… so jumbled… Oh, right, eye contact. Keep it!”
She was digging herself deeper.
They were still locked in their staring contest.
Leticia felt like she was sinking into quicksand.
Then a memory resurfaced from “The Secrets to Escaping Singlehood.” She wasn’t sure if it was from the “Don’ts” column or “How to Win Him Over,” but she decided to push forward like the elite officer she was.
“…So, uh… how about… next time we meet, we bake an apple pie together?”
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