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Gilbert felt the weight of Seraphina’s curious gaze, filled with intrigue.

Her doubts were valid.

By objective standards, Ian was a top-ranking cadet, worthy of being selected for the Student Council.

Personality-wise, many described Ian as cheerful, kind, and deeply considerate.

In other words, his external reputation painted him as a perfect human being, excelling in both skill and character.

To put it simply, Ian was one of the few most qualified individuals for the special forces in the Slaves communication operation.

Moreover, as Seraphina herself mentioned, Ian was on her recruitment list, making his selection for the special forces seem almost inevitable.

However, Gilbert couldn’t shake the thought that Ian’s personality might introduce unforeseen variables.

While Ian usually hid his quirks well, there was no guarantee he would do so in a wartime situation.

After all, “middle school syndrome” wasn’t called that for nothing.

Driven by a desire for recognition or heroism, Ian might suddenly act out.

Of course, such actions could be heroic and admirable.

Considering his potential, they might even yield better results.

But their mission wasn’t a game of heroes—it was a military operation.

Not everything would go according to plan, but it was the commander’s role, not an individual’s, to make those judgments.

That’s why the command and rank structure existed.

Allowing exceptions would undermine military discipline, signaling that the unit was nothing more than a ragtag group.

For these reasons, Gilbert chose Camilla, who was slightly less skilled than Ian, as the final member of the special forces.

Though Camilla was also unpredictable and quirky, she displayed terrifying focus and thoroughness when something piqued her interest.

If the special forces operation was framed as a secret mission, Camilla, intrigued by it, would undoubtedly perform her duties diligently.

All things considered, Camilla was more reliable than Ian, who seemed to be suffering from “middle school syndrome.”

But regardless, Gilbert couldn’t bring himself to explain all this to Seraphina.

Linking Ian’s personality and unpredictability as reasons for not selecting him would come off as nitpicking, given the solid image Ian had cultivated.

Ultimately, Gilbert had to prove that choosing Camilla was better than choosing Ian.

After a moment of hesitation, Gilbert offered the most plausible reason he could muster.

“Cadet Ian undoubtedly possesses exceptional talent. However, Cadet Camilla also has remarkable abilities. Moreover, Camilla has strong bonds with the current special forces members, allowing for more cohesive teamwork. Given that this operation requires a tight command structure between the main and reserve forces, the harmony among special forces members is of utmost importance.”

“One of the reasons I hold Cadet Ian in high regard is his ability to get along with any cadet. Conversely, I slightly undervalue Cadet Camilla because she acts solely based on interest. Yet, Cadet Gilbert, do you have a reason why Camilla should be chosen for the special forces?”

Gilbert straightened his posture at Seraphina’s sharp question.

His slightly scattered thoughts sharpened, mirroring her intensity.

Earlier, Seraphina had referred to Gilbert as “Cadet Gilbert” instead of “Priest.” This was her indirect way of signaling that she would treat him as the commander of this operation, not as a priest.

Thus, Gilbert responded as her subordinate, not as a priest.

“You’re correct. Cadet Camilla’s unique temperament does make some cadets wary. In contrast, Cadet Ian is followed by many and is more highly regarded than Camilla. However, when redefining relationships within the current special forces, Camilla has closer ties with the members than Ian does.”

“Cadet Gilbert, I understand what you’re trying to convey. But in this operation, individual combat prowess is paramount. The special forces are a reserve unit meant to support the main force in encirclement and annihilation. If an individual’s combat ability is lacking, even if they harmonize well with the team, they would still be a lower priority, wouldn’t they?”

Gilbert hesitated, struck by the accuracy of Seraphina’s words.

Her argument was undeniably sound. Gilbert had chosen Camilla to eliminate variables, but from an outsider’s perspective, Ian was the better choice.

Even if Camilla got along well with the selected members, Ian didn’t have poor relationships with them either.

Thus, the harmony Gilbert had emphasized wasn’t a significant issue. In fact, selecting Ian, who was superior in combat, made more sense.

What to do?

As expected, gaining Seraphina’s approval was proving more difficult than he had anticipated.

“Cadet Gilbert, provide me with a valid reason why Cadet Camilla should be chosen over Cadet Ian.”

Gilbert felt immense pressure as Seraphina pressed him without giving him time to think.

His initial reasoning had already been dismantled by Seraphina’s logic. Arguing further about team harmony was futile.

“The reason I chose Cadet Camilla over Ian is not just about harmony but also her family background.”

“Family background… You mean the Tristitia Count Family?”

“Yes. Looking at the current members’ family backgrounds, the Lion Heart Count Family and the Nobilitas Family are already involved. Excluding the Tristitia Count Family could create political issues.”

“Political issues, you say.”

“Your Majesty, we are not fighting a war that determines the fate of the Empire. We are merely exterminating parasites that plague the Empire. If this were a war for the Empire’s fate, selecting Cadet Ian would be appropriate. But this is not such a case.”

Gilbert didn’t know much about politics. He was merely recalling how even minor issues could spark political intrigue and was grasping at straws.

If this didn’t work, he was ready to give up and embrace Ian, who was like a ticking time bomb.

He had hoped to bring Camilla into the special forces to ensure smooth operations and her growth, but there was no need to force it.

Though Camilla was currently seen as a misfit, with proper training, she would soon rise to the ranks of the strongest.

Gilbert simply wanted to accelerate that process.

“I see. That makes sense. Having representatives from all three major families in my special forces would be beneficial in the future. Very well, I grant your request.”

Gilbert nearly sighed in relief at Seraphina’s approval.

The psychological pressure she exerted was beyond imagination. He’d rather fight dozens of colossal mechs.

“Then, Priest, quickly assemble the selected members into the special forces. The operation begins in three days. Do not take too long.”

“Understood. I will take my leave now.”

Gilbert left the office, relieved to have overcome the mountain that was Seraphina.

Seraphina watched the door close behind him and smiled faintly.

“I want him. I want him so badly. Have I ever wanted something this much before?”

Her words, dripping with possessiveness, echoed in the empty room. If Yanic, who had stepped out to prepare for the annihilation operation, had heard her, he would have been shocked by the intensity.

But this was an emotion even Seraphina struggled to control.

Having lived a life of abundance, she was experiencing a sense of lack for the first time.

It was within reach, yet just out of grasp.

As if mocking the thought that she could have it.

Seraphina embraced this unfamiliar emotion with delight. Unaccustomed to lack, she reveled in the yearning it brought and began to move forward slowly.

The thought that she might not obtain it never crossed her mind.

As always, she would get what she wanted.

Seraphina chuckled, recalling Gilbert’s political insight, then noticed Yanic approaching the office.

Her expression returned to its usual calm, as if nothing had happened.

Soon, the door opened, and Yanic entered.

Seraphina greeted him with a benevolent smile.

The intense desire that had filled her expression moments ago was nowhere to be seen.

But that was only natural.

That side of her was an undignified secret, meant for no one else to see.

It was a side only she could know.

***

[The Possessor of Desire’s state has changed.]

[For this scenario, a danger level has been generated.]

[Current Danger Level: Lv. 1]

What the heck is this danger level?!

Gilbert, who was assembling the special forces members, was stunned by the sudden flood of messages.

 

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