NIKKE, When the Milky Way Blossoms

Having said that, seeing Helen's gloomy face, the first mate suddenly felt a little uneasy. So she grabbed the sailor's small hand and hurried forward, anxiously seeking Lapi's protection.

"You two..."

The captain, who was already so angry that his liver hurt, had just turned his head and was about to say something when he was ruthlessly interrupted by Mihara.

"Alright, all three of you, say less and hurry up and take inventory of the military equipment. Let's make sure nothing goes wrong."

Snap, snap, snap—

As soon as Mrs. Phoenix finished speaking, everyone except Lapi who knew how the lieutenant got his injuries turned around, ignored the noblewoman standing there, and silently left the corridor.

Helen: "..."

Watching her teammates disappear one by one around the corner of the stairs, the feeling of being abandoned by the main group overwhelmed Helen's mind.

Unfortunately, even so, she still couldn't figure out what she had done wrong...

Fortunately, the kind-hearted Lhabi stayed behind and gave her the answer she longed for most.

“I know you’re concerned about Master and Anker’s safety on the ground. But… Helen, you shouldn’t express your concern for your comrades in this way.”

The girl said helplessly, then sighed.

"Actually, everyone is very dissatisfied with you, Helen."

The commander was seriously injured because you were the only ones acting together.

Although I knew it was an order from the commander, and that splitting up wasn't wrong given the circumstances, but...

NIMPH's protection principle conflicts with the commander's command principle. You shouldn't let the commander deal with Niki alone. You can request to go upstairs first, or you can request to stay by the commander's side.

But you did none of that; you simply chose to accept the order.

I……

"With everyone hostile towards you, I can't help you in the short term, Helen."

After listening to Labi's analysis, the noblewoman, who had never thought of so many details, opened her mouth, wanting to defend herself, but she felt as if she had a fishbone stuck in her throat and could not speak.

Finally, as Lhapi turned to leave, preparing to take stock of the military equipment...

The girl who was once as proud as a swan finally had tears welling up in her eyes, and two tears that rolled down her cheeks silently spoke of her heart that had never harbored any evil thoughts.

……

"Hmm? Helen?"

At the conference room door, someone who had just opened it and was still holding a tablet computer asked instinctively when he saw the noblewoman standing there like a wooden stake with her back to him:

"Weren't we supposed to be taking inventory of military equipment? Why are you doing it so quickly..."

Before the lieutenant could finish speaking, the noblewoman, who was already sobbing uncontrollably, turned her head and looked at him with a pitiful, tearful expression.

The breathtakingly beautiful scene startled the man so much that his mouth gaped open, and he completely forgot what he was about to say.

This……

this…………

How can someone cry so beautifully?

Chapter 229 Shaffey's Miserable Overtime Work

The phrase "pear blossoms in the rain" perfectly describes Helen's appearance at that moment.

Even Lieutenant Phoenix, who was used to seeing beautiful women and had an extraordinary composure, couldn't help but be stunned when he saw the girl's appearance.

"...Second Lieutenant."

On the other side, noticing someone's fixed gaze, Helen quickly wiped the tears from her face with her sleeve, stubbornly stopping the tears that were about to flow further, and sobbed:

"I, I'll go... take inventory of the supplies..."

After stammering through her words, the girl was about to turn and flee the scene when she heard Phoenix's command from behind her.

"Come back and explain things clearly."

The lieutenant's expression was unusually serious, and his tone left no room for argument.

Since Helen's NIMPH hadn't malfunctioned, she had no choice but to obediently recount the events that had just occurred to her, as instructed by the commander.

"Um……"

After listening to his subordinate's concise report, the boss stroked his stubble and frowned in thought.

Since Lapi didn't get involved in the internal conflicts of the Aegis Force from beginning to end, it means that Lapi really didn't want to interfere in the argument between Helen and the other two.

Mihara, on the other hand, did not initially reprimand his wife, but instead chose to intervene just as Helen was about to retort.

This constitutes biased treatment, a highly taboo act in team management. Unless…

She wanted to target and isolate Helen.

Tsk, it seems that although Mrs. Phoenix says she doesn't care about the burn accident, she has already blacklisted Helen in her heart.

After analyzing the whole story, Phoenix was somewhat perplexed when he came to a conclusion.

This isn't something that can be resolved simply by him saying something like, "Don't bully Helen anymore." The captain of the Praise must regain the trust of Mihara, Anis, Marian, and others before he can have a chance to reintegrate into the squadron.

"Hmm... Helen, would you mind being isolated?"

After pondering for a few minutes, Phoenix, having no better ideas, could only tentatively offer some words of comfort:

"Actually, I think your behavior of following my orders and staying downstairs that day was quite good."

I gave the order, so I should bear the consequences. I personally believe you are not responsible for my injuries.

To be honest, sometimes I really need subordinates like you who completely follow orders when carrying out tasks.

In some ways, your execution ability is higher than anyone else in the squadron.

"Eh?"

The answer given by the person was clearly not within Helen's expectations.

It should be noted that the girl had gradually accepted the point of view put forward by Lapi and slowly attributed the reason for the lieutenant's injury to herself.

But then, the lieutenant gave her a completely opposite answer.

Commander... not only does he think he's not wrong, but he actually wants me to continue doing this?

"Does the lieutenant mean... he wants me to continue doing this?" Helen asked uncertainly. "Is it really okay?"

Upon hearing this question, Phoenix shook his head without hesitation and said:

"No, the point isn't me, but whether you're willing to do it."

After all, you've seen the results of doing this. If you're still willing to unconditionally obey my orders, and something happens again in the future, Mihara and the others will definitely ostracize you.

As the commander, the most I can do is ensure that you are not bullied by other members in your daily life.

I can't force someone to socialize with me.

"..."

Phoenix's words were quite clear, but for Helen, there was still one point that was not clear enough.

Do you need me?

The noblewoman gripped the hilt of her sword and asked uneasily:

"Do you... need a soldier who will follow orders without question, even at the risk of your life?"

“Of course I need it.” The lieutenant readily acknowledged his need and patiently added:

"Don't rush to give me an answer. Your emotions are unstable right now. Go and check your equipment first. It's not too late to answer after you've thought things through in a few days."

Hearing the lieutenant's words, Helen nodded obediently, her eyes gradually returning from the previous confusion and hesitation to the initial determination.

"Yes, Lieutenant."

……

……

The intelligence department of the central government, command and logistics intelligence office.

"Reporting to the Minister, the Ground Intelligence Special Squadron boarded elevator GQWRA-77063 in the outer perimeter area at 7:23:56 PM."

It is expected to land at 7:31 PM.

"What about Sheffield? Let her take charge of the squadron's rear intelligence work."

Deputy Minister Ampa, who hurriedly returned to the central control room, never expected that no sooner had he been about to leave work than Phoenix would choose to go to the ground that very night to carry out a mission in the far north.

Similarly, if he, as the deputy minister, couldn't think of it, then other intelligence agents certainly wouldn't be able to either...

"Reporting to the Minister, Sheffield left work half an hour ago. Based on the current location, Sheffield should be taking the elevated train."

The professional response from the night shift staff came through the earpiece.