Sincerely, Vanessa [EN]: Chapter 30

Vanessa laughed in disbelief. It was easy to see what Lina was imagining, judging by her intrigued expression.

“It’s not like that. He sent it because my internship was assigned to the Special Forces. He’s just the type to look out for people.”

“What? You’ve been keeping in touch! With Cesare Millo Dotti? Wow, that’s something.”

“It’s just a letter or two, nothing much.”

“Hey! Why would you send letters to just a friend’s younger brother! Does Chevati’s older brother send anything like that to me?”

“Well, maybe it’s because I stayed at the Chevati estate longer.”

Lina pounded her chest in frustration. But Vanessa continued packing her bags with a calm expression.

“Okay, okay. Don’t you know you’re popular in the academy? Do you know how many sixth-year seniors are interested in you?”

“Haha.”

Vanessa was still pondering which gloves to take, her expression indifferent.

Lina shook her head. How could she be so uninterested in romance?

Lina eventually changed the subject.

“Pack carefully. There might be times when you have to sleep outside.”

“Yeah. I’ve packed everything. Don’t worry, Lina. You know I grew up in an orphanage. I can sleep anywhere.”

Vanessa packed a dark-colored handkerchief, prompting Lina to burst into laughter.

“When I first saw you, I rudely asked if you were raised by a godfather or godmother, right? Something about gray pajamas!”

“I guess it’s been a year and a half already. And I got white pajamas.”

“And we became best friends.”

Vanessa smiled at Lina’s confident gaze. She had often received emotional support from Lina, who was always confident and honest.

She also learned a lot from her: how to maintain a straight posture, when not to back down, and how to love herself.

Of course, the teacher also helped, but you learn different things from a friend of a similar age.

“Of course. You’ll still share a dorm with me in the sixth grade, right?”

“Of course!”

Vanessa abandoned her packing and climbed onto Lina’s bed. They fought over who would take up more space on the narrow bed, their laughter and gasping sounds echoing in the room.

Lina laughed excitedly, and Vanessa returned a confident smile.

“Have a good trip, Vanessa.”

“Yeah. You too. Let’s both learn a lot and come back.”

The two looked at the ceiling, at the star-shaped papers they had put up together, sparkling.

⚜ ⚜ ⚜

To the Teacher, who hasn’t replied.

Are you very angry because I didn’t understand your concern? I think you might be.

But you have a bit of a dictatorial side. It would have been better if you had spoken to me first and then contacted the academy.

Maybe if you had, I would have nodded in agreement. I think I strangely have a rebellious streak.

But you chose me! So, there’s nothing you can do. Please overlook it just this once.

I would be a little sad if you were regretting, ‘I should have chosen a gentler kid.’

The writing is very shaky, right? It’s because I’m writing while moving.

I am currently moving to the Tanamir region. I heard that the Tanamir region is a very peaceful place, so I am worried about why the Special Forces are active there. What’s going on?

I packed my things well. The professors and seniors told me what to pack, so I packed everything well.

Chevati’s older brother, Cesare, also sent me shoes – boots with sturdy leather and soles. Chevati’s family seems very meticulous.

My heart is fluttering because I’m going to the Special Forces, which I’ve only heard about. I’m worried that I’ll only be a burden.

But I want to do well to show you.

Evan, Dalloise, and Moshwi are sleeping next to me. I should stop writing and go to sleep too.

The moon is very bright tonight. I hope you can see this moon too, Teacher.

Vanessa Rose, dreaming.

⚜ ⚜ ⚜

The Tanamir region was quite prosperous. Even though there were no large buildings or famous tourist attractions, the fertile plains and the river flowing through them generously provided for the people.

It was generally a safe and good place to live, so the population was high, but recently, the damage caused by the suddenly increased number of monsters was significant.

The students took a portal to move as far west as possible and then took a carriage.

Vanessa looked at the wide-open land through the window. The fields were covered with golden waves of ripe grain.

The carriage continued to run for several more hours before gradually slowing down.

The slowed carriage finally stopped in front of a three-story building.

Looking at the bed drawn on the swaying sign in front of the building, it seemed to be an inn. Judging from the fact that the exterior didn’t look shabby and looked sturdy, it seemed to be quite a luxurious accommodation.

A faculty member from the academy who came to pick up the students entered the inn, exchanged a few words with a plump woman who came out, and then went back inside.

“I will hand you over and leave immediately. If you have anything to return to the academy or need anything, please tell me now.”

Everyone just swallowed hard and remained silent, so the faculty member nodded. It was something he saw every year.

Not long after, the door of the inn opened.

What appeared was a man who was very tall and had broad shoulders, as handsome as a sculpture. The man’s hair was golden, shining even in the dim light.

Vanessa’s eyes widened as she recognized him. Gideon? No way!

She didn’t think it was possible, but Gideon was really in front of her. Even though he was a member of the Special Forces, to meet him out of all the Special Forces members spread throughout Priba…

Vanessa was about to smile brightly with joy.

“I didn’t expect the captain of the Special Forces to come here himself. It is a great honor for the academy and the students.”

The staff member bowed deeply and asked for a handshake. Vanessa stared at the two in a daze. Captain of the Special Forces? Who are they referring to?

But it was Gideon who responded to the greeting. The man took off his gloves and shook hands with the staff member. Then, he turned his gaze to the students, who were frozen stiff.

“I am Gideon Sol, captain of the Special Forces.”

The man said calmly. Vanessa lowered her gaze to hide her wavering eyes. A captain?!

‘Vanessa, that’s the famous captain I told you about. From Danan, you know? The one they mistook for a god descending,’ Evan whispered next to her.

‘The captain of the Special Forces and the Duke of Valder!’

‘Wouldn’t you be mistaken with that level of appearance…?!’ Moshwi muttered. But Vanessa was speechless. So much sudden information rushed in that her mouth felt dry.

Who is he? The Duke of Valder?

It was a name that even Vanessa, who had no interest in noble families, knew.

The only family in Priba with the title of Duke. A castle that even the royal family cannot ignore.

The man was lightly dressed, perhaps because it was dawn, and Vanessa’s rigid gaze met his.

But Gideon indifferently turned his gaze away. Vanessa thought it was natural, but somehow it felt like her insides were being scratched. That chilly feeling.

“Hello!” Evan and Dalloise greeted loudly, and Moshwi and Vanessa bowed their heads.

*Yes, if I say I know him, I might be misunderstood as having come to the Special Forces internship through illegal means. It was better for Gideon to pretend not to know her.*

*Yes, that was better. In the first place, there was no need to say that they knew each other. He came to do work.*

Still, her eyes drooped with a strange feeling of disappointment. Perhaps because she thought they were somewhat close.

Vanessa stared only at the hard toe of her shoe.

Gideon seemed to be talking to the academy staff member for a while. Dalloise admired and whispered as a strand of hair slightly fell over his forehead.

‘Vanessa, that person is really like a painting!’

Vanessa forced a smile.

‘I know.’

“Thank you for your help.”

“I will ensure that the students return to the academy without any problems.”

The faculty member gave the four students a generous smile and returned to the carriage. When Gideon gestured, the students followed him in a row.

The first floor of the inn was a restaurant, and inside, four people dressed in Special Forces uniforms were sitting haphazardly.

One was half-lying on a chair, and one was burying his head on the table. Two people were sitting upright and looking at the students.

Evan’s eyes sparkled as he saw the people wearing Special Forces uniforms.

One of the Special Forces members, who looked gentle, opened his mouth.

“Are these the students?”

“That’s right.”

“We can assign them one by one. How will you assign them?”

“First, what are all four of their names?”

When Gideon’s gaze fell on the students, they all stiffened and opened their mouths.

“Hello! I am Evan Rias.”

“I am Dalloise Staner.”

“I am Moshwi Jin.”

“I am Vanessa Rose.”

When the students’ introductions were over, a black-eyed woman with her long hair neatly tied up spoke. The woman had a refreshing demeanor and large eyes, making her look cheerful.

“Surnames don’t mean much to the Special Forces, so I won’t bother introducing them. I’m Anna, currently a captain. The gray-haired one over there is Lieutenant Grain. The person holding the book is Major Andalus, and the short-haired boy who looks a bit young is Lieutenant Hisop.”

The woman, who introduced herself as Captain Anna, paused and smiled for a moment, then politely pointed to Gideon.

“And as you know, the dazzlingly shining person here is our captain, Gideon Sol.”

Gideon frowned at the introduction, but Anna didn’t care and smirked.

“He’s our Special Forces’ greatest pride. The fact that the captain is a famous handsome man on the continent… He receives a warm welcome wherever he goes.”

“Captain.”

At the chilly voice, Anna hummed and pretended not to hear, whistling.

Gideon assigned one student per Special Forces member with an indifferent expression.

“Major Andalus and Evan, Captain Anna and Dalloise, Lieutenant Grain and Moshwi, Lieutenant Hisop and Vanessa. Do it right. I won’t let you off if the students get hurt.”

“Oh dear, the good times are all gone. Looks like I’ll be wiping the noses of little kids.”

A slightly thin man, Grain, grumbled but held out his hand to Moshwi for a handshake.

Andalus bowed his head with a faint smile. He somehow felt faithful and serene. It was hard to believe that he killed monsters with that face.

Anna hugged Dalloise and shook her wildly – an ax? That’s really funny! – Hisop shyly handed Vanessa a candy.

“It’s my favorite flavor.”

“Thank you.”

When Vanessa smiled, Hisop coughed, his cheeks flushed. Gideon, who glanced at the scene, said in a low voice.

“Prepare to move.”

The four Special Forces members packed their bags haphazardly and left the inn. They stood in front of the horses prepared in front of the inn.

Gideon opened his mouth.

“We are currently suppressing monsters scattered in the western Tanamir region and investigating strange phenomena. You don’t have to worry because we won’t be riding horses for too long today. Have you ever run on mountain roads?”

“I don’t think the speed will be fast.”

Evan said cautiously, worried about Vanessa.

He knew best that Vanessa hadn’t been riding horses for very long. After all, wasn’t it him who first started riding horses with her in the second semester of the fourth grade?

“Who is the least experienced?”

“It’s me.”

When Vanessa carefully stepped forward, Gideon nodded.

“I’ll run at the very back. Everyone, get on your horses.”

Vanessa turned pale at the words, but Hisop quickly whispered in her ear.

“Originally, if the person running behind is skilled, the person in front can run a little faster. If the horse gets excited and seems dangerous, they can also hold it. Even if his expression is cold, he’s being considerate in his own way.”

“If I’m too, too slow… But, please, feel free to speak comfortably…”

“I always talk like this? You’ll get used to it.”

Hisop smiled and tried to help Vanessa get on the horse, but Gideon, who strode over, held out his hand to Vanessa. Hisop stepped back in a daze.

But Vanessa was startled by the approaching large body and quickly shook her hand away instead.

Gideon looked down at her silently, and Vanessa blushed and quickly grabbed his hand. The large hand was very warm.