Lucy Mariposa's footsteps echoed down the long stone corridor, each step brisk and urgent. Her cloak billowed behind her with every stride, her eyes fixed straight ahead, unwavering. This was not a routine visit.
The Imperial Armed Forces Headquarters loomed within the last defensive bastion of the capital—an immense fortress that shielded the Imperial Palace and the noble quarters. Black stone walls, ancient and thick, bore golden reliefs of the empire's crest. Power pulsed through every hall, discipline etched into its very foundations.
Lucy stopped in front of a carved wooden door. A polished nameplate gleamed under the corridor light:
[Third Division Commander of the Imperial Armed Forces] RUNSEL CALIBER
She knocked twice. A deep voice responded from within. "Enter."
She pushed open the door and stepped in with a firm gait. Behind a large oak desk cluttered with scrolls and strategic maps sat a middle-aged man clad in the crisp white uniform of a high-ranking officer. His silver-streaked hair and the lines on his face told stories of many battles, yet his sharp eyes showed no signs of dulling.
"You summoned me, Commander?" Lucy stood at attention.
Runsel Caliber gave a small nod. "Yes, Vice Commander Mariposa. Thank you for coming promptly."
"Is there an urgent matter I need to handle?"
"No new orders," Runsel replied, leaning back in his chair. "I called you here because I'd like to talk about your sister—Shina Mariposa."
Lucy's brow twitched. Her voice held a hint of tension. "My sister? Did she make a mistake on her mission?"
Runsel raised a calming hand. "She's done nothing wrong. Her actions are not in question. However, lately I've received several letters of complaint from various companies. They claim her operations have disrupted their affairs—caused losses, even."
Lucy inhaled slowly. She knew her sister's nature well—unyielding, uncompromising in her pursuit of justice. And she also knew that Runsel was no ordinary commander.
"I don't know the full details of Shina's recent operations," Lucy said carefully. "But I trust her. Whatever she did, she must have had good reason. She's a soldier of justice."
Runsel gave a faint smile. "I know. I've known Shina since before you even knew she was accepted into the Red Star Corps. I was one of the instructors at the military academy when she graduated—nearly top of her class."
Lucy blinked, mildly surprised.
"She's brilliant," he continued. "But like all exceptional people, she has her weaknesses. She makes decisions too quickly. She's bold—too bold, sometimes. That gives her power, but it also puts her at risk. She may end up isolated… or used."
Silence stretched between them. Then, Runsel added with a softer tone, "I'm not asking you to restrain her. I'm asking you to keep an eye on her, from time to time. If she starts walking too close to the line, she'll need someone who understands her."
Lucy looked up, her voice firm yet gentle. "I understand, Commander. I'll be more mindful of her movements. But if anyone dares disturb her peace… I'll be the first to confront them."
Runsel chuckled faintly. "A devoted sister."
Lucy turned to the tall window beside them. Outside, the fortress walls stood firm against the wind, banners of the empire fluttering above. In her mind, she saw Shina's face—strong, determined, and yet hiding wounds the world never saw.
"She's endured enough," Lucy whispered. "I'll protect that rare smile of hers, no matter what."
Runsel didn't respond right away. Instead, he allowed a moment of stillness to pass, as if honoring Lucy's quiet vow. Beyond the stone and steel, the world turned toward chaos. But within these walls, a bond between sisters stood, unshaken.
{Chapter 18 end}