"...It's okay, please."
The soldiers who were reading out the contents of the contract were not surprised by Sheehan's sudden statement. So did the other soldiers, who to some extent anticipated what Theon would say.
After all, it just happened yesterday, so it's natural to take it for granted.
"As you know, I was attacked by the human army yesterday."
They loaded "Morning" with explosives and were blown up during the battle.
Theon was not harmed at all, and the damage was only the arm parts and flight unit of the "Alt". The important thing was not whether there was any damage, but the fact that someone attacked Theon.
In the agreement between the human army and Theon, Theon wishes the human army "Theon's own personal safety" as the most important thing.
Something happened yesterday that threatens that.
"Although it is a temporary contract, the human army has violated the agreement. Regarding this matter, what do you think at the top?"
His vision sharpened because of Theon's question.
But Theon didn't care and didn't take his eyes away from Christopher in front of him.
"I'm sorry to you. It was our fault that we failed to command the soldiers at the grassroots level. We must make sure that nothing like this happens again in the future."
It was not Christopher who answered, but another soldier.
However, this sentence is like a postscript to an apology and is not very credible. Especially silencing someone of Theon's character isn't enough.
"Even if it is completely implemented, can it really be stopped?"
"……What's the meaning?"
"Because the other party is a living person. Even if the superiors give more instructions, there may not be people who dare to attack me even if they know this, right?"
The soldier who remained silent to Xion's words. This is a given.
It is impossible to refute Theon's statement with "absolutely not." Even Theon couldn't refute what the other party said.
For such a statement, all we can say is "it will be handled appropriately."
"...So, I hope you can do something more effective to prevent something like this from happening again."
"Do you have any plans?"
The middle-aged man sitting next to Christopher shouted.
The black hair is combed into a slicked back, and the cold eyes and face give people a cold and reserved feeling.
His name is Dean Drake, and he is a very young person in the upper class of society.
Because of his high abilities, he is considered to be one of the most powerful figures second only to the Supreme Commander.
At the same time, he is also the leader of the advancement faction in the war with the "other world", and is the opponent that Xion should be most wary of.
"To be honest, no matter how much my superiors give me instructions, it's hard to suppress their wariness and hostility towards me... Although it's not directly related to me, there are also people who have lost their loved ones because of the 'other world' and that kind of luck."
Although it would be wrong to blame this problem on Theon, in fact, from the perspective of someone who has had someone close to him taken away, it is not an easy problem to solve.
Xion did not deny this, and it was understandable.
"Rather, if you follow the instructions too hard, you may become dissatisfied with your superiors."
"Oh, I heard that you are a technical professional. Can you be so attentive?"
"I feel honored to receive your compliment. After all, it would be inconvenient for me."
If dissatisfaction with the upper echelons rises within the human military, then Theon, who is backed by the upper echelons, will also be affected.
Having said that, I still want to stay out of trouble.
"So, first of all, please give me the authority to prepare an 'assault'."
"...I see. In this case, situations like this can be easily avoided, right?"
If Theon himself had the authority to prepare and inspect the "Alert", at least it would be easier to deal with when the machine is attacked by the passive hands and feet mode.
Although there was no specific explanation to the human army, a strong magic defense wall for a direct attack on Theon himself was prepared from the beginning.
As long as you pay attention to manipulating the body in the future, there shouldn't be any problems.
Since there is no way to limit people's actions, it is more constructive to allow them to take immediate action when they do.
Theon's intention seemed to be conveyed to Dean, Christopher and others, showing expressions of acceptance.
Coupled with this level of application, the risk to the human military is almost non-existent.
"I understand what you are thinking. I have no objection. Does anyone have any objection?"
Dean's question was not refuted, and Theon's request for "Arut" was readily accepted.
"So, we have reached a consensus on our future cooperative relationship, okay?"
"No, there is one more thing I want to discuss with you."
Faced with Dean's confirmation, Xion said decisively no.
The soldiers probably thought that giving Xion the maintenance authority of "Shallow Sea" was settled even yesterday. Regarding the existence of the second topic, Dean's eyes became clear and sharp.
"...Yesterday's incident was indeed our fault, but we cannot agree to many demands because of this."
"Yeah, but there are things I can't give in to."
The conference room was filled with tension, and Christopher coughed lightly.
"Let's get your opinion first. What's your opinion?"
Christopher urged gently, ignoring the atmosphere up to this point.
Confronting him, Theon first simply conveyed the outline of the consultation.
"Please ensure the personal safety of everyone around me before giving unnecessary instructions."
When most people in the conference room couldn't understand Xion's words, Xion continued.
"I have always been a human being, living as an ordinary person on the surface, and have maintained deep friendships with others until now. However, after my true identity was exposed, even those friends suffered unwarranted malice."
"Like Anna Rastell?"
"If you knew, you would have told me sooner."
Anna's name immediately appeared here, and the human army had closely guarded her.
In this case, Theon must convince his superiors here.
"A friend who is clearly worthy of love is being maliciously attacked. This is an issue that cannot be ignored. Therefore, please make it clear that there is no need to intervene."
"You know what's going on with Anna Rastell, but what kind of person are you looking for?"
"All the technicians in the Thirteenth Technical Class."
Theon's answer made Dean shut up and fall into thought.
Christopher also stared at Theon, with a thoughtful look on his face.
"Theon Istar, I know you think about your friends, but wouldn't it be dangerous to agree to your request?"
"What does it mean?"
"If you know they are important to you, the risk of being used as a hostage increases... it exposes your vulnerability."
It’s important and I want to protect it, but I don’t want to lose it.
It may also become that person's weakness.
As Dean pointed out.
Theon also understands this.
"Even if you don't know, you will find it as long as you see his behavior every day. In fact, this malice has been directed at the chief of staff."
"As long as we make it clear, we won't be fooled anymore."
"I won't get away with it. Besides, this is not a weakness..."
Looking at Dean, Theon smiled.
The next moment, red flames ignited at Xion's feet.
Facing the sudden flames and the people who were frightened by the heat, Theon told them with a smile.
"I have no reason to hurt others, and in the contract with the superiors, I also agreed not to attack others... But if I attack important people, that is another matter."
The flames burning under his feet became more intense, turning into a snake-like posture and swaying around Xion.
Theon's hand gently touched the snake's chin.
"The contract will be broken when their personal safety is threatened. In that case, I will have a reason to kill..."
Theon looked directly at Dean, his black pupils reflecting the flickering flames, sparkling.
There was a clear will to fight in his eyes, just like the eyes of a wild beast.
"This is not a weakness, but a reverse scale... If you do it to me, I will only pay compensation, but if you do it to them, I cannot guarantee their lives. Please tell me carefully."
"...Is this a threat?"
"Negotiate, because this is telling you the bottom line that you must not cross."
