Chapter 158: Dating Operation
Misija blinked his small eyes and asked.
"No, it’s not that. Misija, are your eyes just for show? The captain is in a bad mood because Shiao Yi has been working like a machine and at an incredible speed, nonstop!"
"Then why would that make him angry? Wouldn’t he be happy about that?"
"You don’t understand. Well... that’s very typical of you, actually."
Lyon shook his head vigorously and the neatly trimmed light-blue hair on his shoulders swayed softly. Their usual back-and-forth banter was entertaining, but Louis didn’t have the energy to enjoy it right now.
"Come to think of it, Shiao Yi hasn’t been going home either," Louis added in agreement.
Lyon immediately pounced on that point.
"Exactly! Exactly! That’s why the captain is in a foul mood!"
"Why would that matter?"
Ignoring Misija, who still seemed unconvinced, Lyon stood up and made a grand declaration.
"For the peace of our minds, we must act together as one! The mission name is Dating Operation!"
"Dating... Operation?!"
Everyone, Louis included, shouted in unison.
"Whoa!"
When Lyon raised his fist and shouted his suggestion, everyone there felt a rush of excitement and let out a cheer.
However, there was no one among them brave enough to directly propose it to Captain Dominic himself.
In the end, it fell to Louis to represent the group and ask Shiao Yi for help.
Even so, for the rest of them, it was a big step forward.
Everyone worked together, including other squad members, to support the mission.
They held detailed meetings to figure out how to watch over the situation, prepare everything, and make sure the date could succeed.
Finally, the day of the operation arrived.
Louis timed it carefully, choosing a moment when Captain Dominic was away at a meeting.
With encouraging glances from his comrades, he entered the captain’s office.
Shiao Yi proved unexpectedly difficult to handle, not in a bad way, just in a way Louis hadn’t anticipated.
First, Shiao Yi seemed completely unaware of how bad the captain’s mood had been.
Even though the captain was radiating the kind of cold that could freeze anyone nearby, to Shiao Yi he was warm like a gentle spring breeze.
Unfair! So unfair! That’s just too much discrimination! Louis thought, fuming silently.
Still, when Louis explained the situation, Shiao Yi agreed to help.
Shiao Yi is so kind! I could fall for him too!
However, even after agreeing, Shiao Yi clearly wasn’t used to the idea of a "going on date." He looked genuinely confused.
Before Louis could figure out the next steps, Captain Dominic returned.
The messages from their friends posted as lookouts in the hallways and entrances came too late; the captain arrived far faster than expected.
Way too fast! Did he skip the meeting and rush back? Did he actually run? He must hate being away from Shiao Yi that much! Louis thought, panicking.
While Louis was flustered and fumbling, Shiao Yi took the initiative and proposed to go on date to the captain.
At that moment, the captain’s icy aura transformed into a warm spring day.
The snow that had lingered melted away, the soft green shoots emerged and buds swelled ready to bloom.
Shiao Yi! Great job!
Louis couldn’t help but make a quiet fist pump in secret.
And what Shiao Yi suggested for the date was...
"Let’s spar!"
Louis and the other squad members, who were eavesdropping in the hallway, practically collapsed in shock.
Well, if the captain is happy, then... I guess it’s fine! Louis tried to reason with himself.
They quickly running to gather their things, securing a training ground for the sparring session and rushing to prepare everything else, including setting up resting areas and other necessary arrangements.
Since there were no Knight Order-sized armors for someone Shiao Yi’s size, they went to the military warehouse and brought several sets of spare novice equipment for the squad storage.
For regular soldiers, children around thirteen could sometimes join in a probationary capacity, but such young recruits were unheard of for knights.
It would have been a disaster if the date fell through just because proper gear wasn’t available.
Luckily, the captain seemed to immediately recognize that the armor was child-sized and seeing him amused made Louis feel it was all worth it.
Honestly, Louis had no idea how much combat a small delicate-looking person like Shiao Yi could handle.
From his gentle appearance, it seemed impossible that he could fight at all.
And yet, he was facing Captain Dominic without a doubt.
Louis thought it was reckless.
But the captain didn’t refuse or even seem hesitant; if anything, he seemed to be expecting something.
The captain must know something about Shiao Yi that none of them did.
And so, Louis and the rest watched the match with their mouths wide open.
Everyone observing around the small training ground must have felt the same way.
The fight itself was over in a flash. Yet, to move like that against the captain was incredible! Shiao Yi’s speed, his continuous attacks, his fluid movement—it was the motion of a true warrior hardened by real battle.
Louis realized how much they had underestimated Shiao Yi. His abilities weren’t only supernatural; his combat skills were genuine.
As expected of the captain. With exceptional combat skill, a gifted person with supernatural ability, intelligence, and a good personality, it was amazing that the captain had recognized Shiao Yi’s talent early and brought him into the fold.
Satisfied with this realization, Louis ran at full speed, under the captain’s orders, toward the Central Magic Association, where the mages were based.
In the meantime, the assigned staff would guide the captain and the others to the waiting room.
Someone had been assigned to make tea, and others were to prepare snacks—everything carefully organized.
Because the sparring date had been arranged suddenly, the snack team had apparently worked hard to prepare.
Louis had heard that there had even been a minor clash in the kitchen.
But for the sake of the mission and their lives tomorrow, they had likely carried it out with full determination.