Chapter 64
Chapter 64
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 64
Chapter Title: Dream of an Autumn Night
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That morning, under fine weather, at our home.
I woke up with a rustle.
"Yawn... Elise?"
"You're awake?"
"You've been up already. Why didn't you wake me?"
When I opened my eyes, Elise was nestled snugly in my arms, gazing up at me with sparkling eyes.
Her clear gaze suggested she'd been awake for quite some time.
Elise whispered from within my embrace.
"But my sleeping husband was just too adorable, hehe."
"You keep calling me cute lately. Say I'm handsome instead."
"Well, that's not bad either, is it?"
As Elise whispered seductively, I pulled her even closer.
Ha! What a thing to say!
"Of course it's good..."
"Hehehehe."
...Truth be told, I was trying to hide my flushed face. It was just too embarrassing.
We held each other like that for a while longer until I finally loosened my arms first.
"Well... shall we get up?"
"Yes. I'll make breakfast for you."
"Oh, I'm looking forward to it. Has your skill improved much?"
"Just trust me. I practiced hard while you were away!"
I chuckled and humored Elise's words.
Elise's cooking... well, it was extraordinarily creative.
Prime examples included strawberry pasta and sausages drizzled with blueberry juice.
Strangely, I don't remember the taste well... Let's just say it was fine. That's easier on the mind.
I sat at the table, waiting tensely for Elise.
'Please, no strawberries, blueberries, or oranges. If there are, at least with salad...'
"Here it is!"
"Ooh!"
Fortunately, the breakfast Elise brought was toast with jam, fried eggs, and butter—a plain, uncreative European morning meal.
I let out a sigh of relief while she poured orange juice.
I'd nearly had to erase another memory.
"This is really well made! Your skills have definitely improved."
"Hehe, it's nothing. I just toasted some bread."
No, Elise... it's much better. You did great, really.
I swallowed my lump of emotion and picked up the utensils.
As we ate and chatted idly, Elise's eyes suddenly lit up as if she'd remembered something.
"...Ah! By now, it should be out!"
"Hm? What?"
I asked, munching on ham.
Elise replied with a flushed smile.
"Our photos! The photographer said they'd be in the newspapers and postcards starting today."
"...Ah, right."
Yeah, that's today.
They said my portrait for propaganda and all those posed photos would go straight to print.
Probably in this morning's papers. Maybe already on postcards and posters too.
...Wait, am I missing something?
"Hold on. If it's the photos from yesterday..."
"Yes! Our couple photos are in there too!"
"...Ah."
What apocalypse is this?
For a moment, it felt like the ceiling was collapsing.
Right, I'd forgotten about the photographer, and those shots of us flirting would be released today too.
Would people recognize me outside?
"Um, Elise. How about we cancel our outing and just stay home?"
"Hehe, no."
"Ugh."
Elise refused with a laugh, but firmly.
Guess that won't work.
Nothing for it but to wear a hat.
* * *
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇
Fortunately, we weren't mobbed by people the moment we stepped out.
"Extra! Extra! Entry into Warsaw! Russians' million-strong army encircled! Enemy crumbles in the Red Fox's trap!!"
"Eastern Front... Poland..."
"Today's morning paper... Kyaa!!"
Still, the conversations of passersby and the newsboys' shouts seemed closely tied to me, piquing my curiosity.
'But surely they cut the really embarrassing photos... They must have... Yeah, definitely.'
Elise was eyeing the newsboy too, clearly curious about the papers.
"Shall we buy a few?"
"Ah, yes. I'm curious."
"Alright."
I approached the boy with my wallet, heavy-hearted.
...Forgetting a very important fact all too quickly.
"One of each type for identi—"
"Whoa!!"
"Huh?"
The boy whipped around, saw my face, and let out a huge yell.
Then I realized my mistake.
"W-Wait. Shh! Quiet! I'll even sign them..."
"It's Rommel!!!"
"What? Rommel?"
"Rommel's here?"
I tried to cover the boy's mouth, but it was too late.
My mobility's deteriorated this much? Have I (mentally) gotten old?
Gentlemen and ladies passing by buzzed in surprise at the boy's shout.
"Ahem. One of each paper, please."
"Whoa... H-Here, take them. No charge..."
"It's really Rommel! Rommel's here!"
The crowd was already gathering, but before it swelled further, I snatched the papers and hurried to Elise.
Then, out of habit, I took her hand. That was the mistake.
"Kyaaa! It's that woman from the papers! They really are married!"
With a young lady's cry, excited people surged forward.
"Mr. Rommel!! Is it true you wiped out the Russians like the papers say?! Will Russia surrender?!"
"I'm a fan!! Heard so much from my brother at the front!!"
"Th-This isn't the time! Autographs! Please sign!"
"Mine first!!"
"Ow, get in line with paper!! Or I'll call the police!!"
In desperation, I shouted loudly.
No escape route visible amid the instant influx anyway. Things could turn chaotic if left like this.
True to their disciplined German nature, they swiftly produced paper from somewhere and reformed lines.
"Sigh... Sorry, Elise. I planned a full day of dating since tomorrow's the trip..."
"Hehe, no. Actually... I hoped you'd get this reaction."
"Signing all day...?"
"Well, you could put it that way."
As I plopped on a bench and asked, Elise grinned mischievously.
I shook my head, but at least she didn't seem upset. Good.
"Why's the line so long here?"
"Oh, Rommel's doing a signing session here!"
"Rommel? Rommel?!"
Police and mounted officers, drawn by reports of a crowd—thinking it a protest—were stunned by the citizens' words.
They glanced at their superiors, then dismounted and slyly joined the line.
I stared dumbfounded at the sight, then yelled in alarm as it grew longer.
"Exactly 100 people!! I'll sign for 100 only, no more joining!! I have a schedule too!!"
"Aah..."
"Make it a bit longer!"
"Exactly 100! I said it clearly!"
Only then did the police—clearly not making the cut at over 100—cough awkwardly and approach.
They knew they'd messed up.
"You've had a hard time, Major Rommel."
"Why not just stay in line? Might've made the 100... Ow, that stings, Elise."
As I scolded them irritably, Elise pinched my arm lightly.
They'd have gotten an earful if not for her. Lucky bastards.
"Hahaha... We made a mistake. But we'll handle crowd control for you."
"...Thanks."
My lips twitched down but I forced them up, thinking of Elise.
That's your job anyway. Date ruined, already annoyed...
Wait, public order... Aha!
While signing, I had a good idea and told the police.
"Then, later, I'm planning a stroll with this lovely lady."
"Hehehe."
"Trouble if crowds form again. Can you manage security?"
"Aha."
Whether he caught my hint for a private date, the policeman nodded.
"Of course, for public order. Trust us."
"Whoa, really? Thanks!"
"Appreciated."
"Just... could we get signatures too...?"
Yeah, with Elise this happy, I should reciprocate.
I nodded with a smirk, and the police beamed.
"Thank you... Oh, and some maniac candidly photographed you, Major. We'll report up and catch the perp."
I froze at his words.
"Ph-Photos?"
"Didn't know? Most women's morning papers are plastered with... your affectionate couple shots. Like the one your wife's holding."
"Hehehe, want to see?"
As Elise smiled with her eyes, dread filled me.
I looked down at her paper... Our passionate kiss dominated the front page.
Dazed by the photo, I groaned skyward involuntarily.
Elise proudly flashed the explicit image at the policeman.
"So romantic, right, officer?"
"Uh, y-yes... it is."
"...Ughhh."
Even after signing and ending the date under police escort.
That photo haunted my mind.
Imagine your black history etched in history books—who wouldn't groan?
And so... the dreamlike respite ended.
Artillery rumbles grew louder again.
"Had a good night? We'll take you to the station."
"Mm."
I nodded coldly to Schneider.
Time to head to the Western Front.