There were many soldiers on board the Mist, but many of them were skeptical of Theon.
Although there are differences in degree between the moderates who support the judgment of the superiors and the radicals who oppose the judgments of the superiors and express strong caution, there is not much difference in their distrust of Theon.
In such an environment, if someone is friendly to Theon, they will of course receive stern looks from those around them.
In fact, many such things have happened to Anna.
Anna's attitude toward Theon remains the same as before.
From before, the two of them were not as close as students and instructors, but more like friends with a wide age gap, and now they get along as a matter of course.
From that look, it seems like quite a few crew members consider Anna to be an ally of Theon's, rather than a human military force.
"...Well, this kind of place. It doesn't matter if I am a target... Let alone the instructors who will be implicated due to force majeure, I don't want to implicate Ji and everyone in the Thirteenth Skills Class."
"...Don't you like everyone very much?"
"Don't say such embarrassing things, you..."
Even though he said that, he didn't deny it, so that's probably what happened.
Because of this, Natsumi feels that the current situation is not good.
"Besides evading, is there any other way? For example, explain the situation to the people in the 13th Skill Class."
The Thirteenth Skill Class - especially Ji, was hurt by being shunned by Xion.
If they could be told that there was at least a reason to avoid such a thing, perhaps this sad division could be bridged.
But Theon silently shook his head at the suggestion.
"The fact of the contact may be leaked from somewhere. I hope people around me can think that 'the Thirteenth Skill Class has been deceived by that alien and now has nothing to do with him'."
If the people around him can have the understanding that Xion said, the possibility of disputes caused by Xion in the Thirteenth Skills Class will be almost zero.
On the contrary, you may gain sympathy from those around you.
This is probably why Theon kept avoiding them.
"...But will Ji and the people in the Thirteenth Skills Class be happy?"
At this point, Xion's intention was already understood.
He tried his best to prevent the Thirteenth Skills Class from unnecessary danger.
But that was just Theon's idea after all.
Are the people of the Thirteenth Skills Class, known as the "Lost Skills Class", really just people who are protected like that?
"You shouldn't be happy, right?"
Theon was a little embarrassed, but he answered happily.
"If I tell the whole story...at that time, I had a premonition that the work tools thrown by someone would fly towards me."
It is indeed dangerous when metal work tools fly over, but the Thirteenth Skills Class is indeed this rough.
"Then he went on to say: 'I'm going to get back at you, don't take it to heart.'"
Natsumi couldn't imagine who said this, but she still felt that it fit the style of the Thirteenth Skill Class.
"...Because of this, I can't get him involved. I can't let him cause a scene for me and other soldiers."
There was no joking, his voice was serious. This was a rare response for Theon, and it made people nervous.
"In the final analysis, it is my willfulness... No matter what anyone says, I will stick to this willfulness."
There is no use in persuading secretly.
At this point, Natsumi has nothing to say.
(Ah, so to speak...Xion trusts the people in the Thirteenth Skill Class)
Regarding Natsumi and the others' suspicion that Xion was an enemy of mankind, he only said "There is no way", but he did not seem to have thought that the members of the Thirteenth Skill Class would view Xion that way.
The members of Skill Class Thirteen probably don’t think Xion is an enemy either.
Otherwise, he wouldn't be heartbroken that he was shunned, nor would he be trying to catch Theon and talk to him.
The members of the Thirteenth Skill Class, headed by Xion and Ji, were the ones who spent the most time together during the three years on the seventh artificial island.
Could it be that the trust and bond accumulated during this period made them do this? In this case,
"I envy you a little. What qualifications do you have to say such things..."
For Natsumi, who had rightfully doubted him from the beginning, this wish was too much.
Because of this, they miss each other and cannot be happy, but unfortunately, Natsumi cannot give an answer now.
"Speaking of which, you guys talk so much..."
The story was really going to end from now on, and Theon stood up from the bench.
In fact, it has been a long time, and if it is not over, it will affect Natsumi's work.
"Ah, that's right. I told you just now, don't get close to me."
"Well?!"
Xion's sudden words surprised Natsumi, but Xion looked at her blankly, as if asking her why she was surprised.
"You know the situation of that instructor, right? Then you should know that it is dangerous to approach me, right?"
"This...is indeed the case."
Considering his own personal safety, it was really not good to approach Theon.
In addition, Xion doesn't seem to want to get involved in Natsumi's affairs.
(You mean someone like my brother is just right...)
If he was as hostile to Theon as Halma was, he wouldn't be looked down upon by other soldiers.
At this point I finally understood the meaning of Xion's statement.
However, this and whether Natsumi is willing or not are completely different things.
"But! It doesn't matter if you talk in a place like this or where there are no other people, right?!"
"No, secret trysts are the worst. It seems like there was an accident this time, and it must never happen again in the future."
She didn't hesitate to cut off Natsumi's lingering words, "Although it's troublesome, but why don't you strengthen the exorcism technique..." Xion was talking to himself as he waited.
If he can't convince Theon here, he might never be able to speak again.
But how to convince this Theon?
As for Natsumi, she simply didn't want to be unable to talk to Xion, but based on this alone, she would not be tied up.
It was obvious that everyone in the 13th Skills Class was unhappy, but they still kept their distance.
Probably because they ignore the other person's feelings and thoughts in order to eliminate the possibility of danger.
"(I think it doesn't matter even if I am hated...)"
In this case, it was necessary to come up with concrete ways to eliminate what Theon was worried about—the possibility of danger spreading to Natsumi.
"(What I absolutely need is that no one else knows that I have a great relationship with Theon)"
If there was any room for anyone to know that there was a relationship between Theon and Natsumi, Theon would never accept it.
On the other hand, if you can assert that no one knows, then you don’t need to worry about other details.
So, what are some ways to build relationships with others without them ever knowing?
At least not directly. That's what Xion just said.
If this is the case, communication without direct contact can be considered. However, except for communication within the ship, private mobile terminals, etc. are also likely to be monitored.
At least electronic means of communication are out of the question.
"You mean, if there is a way to contact you, others must not peek or eavesdrop, or even know the contact."
I'm afraid this is the only correct answer, but Natsumi herself doesn't think such a convenient thing really exists.
"(However, that is no longer something in comics or movies...)"
Such a convenient thing cannot happen in reality. It is possible only in the creative work.
Just when I was helpless, I suddenly felt someone looking at me.
Then, Re, Hu, and Mi looked up at me in surprise. She seemed worried about the grumbling Natsumi.
"I know you have feelings, but I still find it weird...just like a monster in a picture book..."
That's right, Xion's three-body familiar is really the existence of Natsumi's common sense.
This is what only appears in picture books and comics——
"…………Ahhh!"
Natsumi suddenly shouted, and Sansei was startled, and her round body trembled. Xion also shook his shoulders loudly suddenly, but Natsumi had no time to care about this.
Maybe he has found a very convenient way to keep in touch with Xion.
"Theon!"
"W-why did you come suddenly?"
"Is there a magic that can make people who are far apart have a conversation?"
"At this level, there are several..."
"Is there anything I can use too?"
