"Actually, I'm a little surprised, and a little relieved."
After settling into the two front-row seats, Himeko suddenly spoke slowly.
Their position offered a clear view of every detail of the stage directly in front of them, yet wasn't too close to ruin the viewing experience. Like two figures hiding in the shadows, they had some time to talk before the performance began.
"When I first met you, you were like a moving statue, showing no emotion, like a ghost. When you joined my squad later, I became even more certain. You couldn't hold anything but missions and orders, an empty shell that looked human but was far from it."
Helmet, coldness, mission—these labels attached to Lin had become the way others identified him to this day.
"But you seem different recently. You've started interacting with people, you want a partner, you came to a concert... Today, you finally made me feel that you are a person, and a young person in your twenties."
"I've seen many people destroy themselves on the path to fighting the Honkai, whether fueled by hatred or dedication to humanity... They seem to forget they are human, treating themselves as tools against the Honkai."
How many years had passed?
The young girl who was once full of hatred and confusion had also become a Captain to others. The path she walked showed her countless former versions of herself.
Correct? Wrong? Who was she to judge casually?
But after meeting Hua and Lin, she finally found comfort within her heart.
Hua, who should have been consumed by hatred and self-destruction, was searching for a future beyond hatred. Lin, who should have sacrificed everything for humanity, was trying to change himself.
The future of humanity was still unclear, but for the first time, Himeko felt she could retire.
"...Captain, did something happen to you recently?"
Lin used the title "Captain" again.
"...Nothing. Maybe I'm just getting old."
Himeko sighed helplessly.
Counting the soldiers of her generation, it seemed only Ato remained. The rest had either died or retired due to injury. She genuinely felt that she was "old."
Not old in terms of age, but her heart had gradually withered after experiencing things that could prematurely age one's psyche.
"...If I may be frank, Captain, you could easily try a dating service."
"Pffft."
Lin next sentence made Himeko spray the mouthful of saliva she was holding.
"You brat... What are you suddenly saying?" Himeko wiped her mouth and viciously rubbed Lin temple with her fist.
"Based on my experience since getting married..."
"Wait, what did you say? You got married?"
Himeko, who had left earlier, didn't know about the girl afterward, and later, she was busy with various missions, completely unaware of the girl's existence.
This news was as shocking as Lin recommending her to a dating service.
"Yes."
"To whom? To Sakura?"
"...Why do you insist it must be Sakura?"
"Why? How should I know why?" Himeko mouth twitched. "You two have such a great chemistry, and that incident happened... You're asking me why? If it wasn't her, then who?"
"MSA-970."
"...I wasn't asking for her code name."
"I don't know her name."
"…"
This left Himeko at a loss for words. She was sure her expression must have been incredibly funny.
"Alright... well, continue what you were saying."
"Yes, from my experience, I believe Captain, your mindset can be adjusted through long-term companionship with someone you find suitable. Whether it's mutual support or one relying on the other, it can change one's disposition."
Lin was actually referring to the experiences of both him and Ato. Ato's marriage was a typical example of mutual support, with the couple progressing together, while Lin was more like raising a child. Regardless, their mindsets were changed by marriage.
This change was subtle and couldn't be explained in words, which was why Ato said Lin would understand once he got married. Lin was indeed experiencing it now.
"Furthermore, Captain, you are of marriageable age, and your conditions in every aspect are excellent. If you change your drinking habit and... some personality traits, I think many people would be willing to marry you."
"I'm being criticized by this brat…" Himeko patted her forehead, a bitter smile on her attractive face. "It seems I really need to change..."
Unnoticed, everyone had taken their seats. Under the solemn stage setting, even the noise subsided significantly. Everyone was anticipating the start of the performance.
"Do you really think I can still find someone to marry?"
"Captain, according to statistics, 73% of people globally form their first impression based on appearance. You have a significant advantage in appearance."
"Are you basically saying I'm useless except for being pretty... And how do you know that statistic?"
This time, it was Lin turn to be silent for a moment before saying quietly—
"Prometheus collected that data to justify the necessity of her body replacement."
"...That sounds like a lot of work."
Thinking of Prometheus, who was no easy character, Himeko patted Lin shoulder, smiling with schadenfreude.
However, Himeko felt much better, as if a cloud of gloom had been dispelled, letting in a ray of light that wasn't overly bright, but enough to see by.
Perhaps he was a bit awkward, but she could see Lin was trying his best to cheer her up. He probably guessed that Himeko was feeling down because of Ato's death and the heavy casualties in the Cocoon Squad, but he hadn't deliberately brought it up.
As the curtains closed and the overhead lights dimmed, the sound in the venue lowered. They realized the performance was about to begin, waiting only for the spotlights to turn on when the curtains reopened.
"You're right. I should keep moving forward too; I shouldn't stagnate."
Her red hair, flowing like fire, had been burning since she first joined the Fire Moth.
"As for what comes next—marriage, or something else—it doesn't matter. I'll keep going, and I'll find it eventually. Seeing you youngsters grow up is already satisfying enough for me."
"Oh, right, Lin. When we go back..."
What was she going to say when they went back?
The curtain in front of them opened. Lin didn't hear the rest of Himeko sentence.
He watched the center of the stage along with the other audience members. The spotlights on both sides were cast on the figure there.
Long red hair appeared in the light, like a flame being ignited in the darkness.
Lin sat in his seat. He looked woodenly beside him.
When they went back, what then?
The person on stage smiled, pointing her finger at the audience.
Her red hair trailed behind her, like dancing fire.
Then, she gently blew a breath.
"Puff—"
"Boom————"
Orange-red engulfed Lin vision, engulfing the woman standing on the stage.
"Himeko" smiled, staring into the sea of fire before her.