The Train to Torment
My one desire in Ruina is to wring agony from the commander's face. To achieve that, I could gladly use even my own death as a tool. But let's think about it. Grief from death requires the deceased to have been that precious to them. You wouldn't bawl your eyes out over a coworker you've barely glimpsed a few times.
In other words, to torment the commander, I needed to get close to him. No... beyond mere closeness—if he developed real affection, that would be even better. So I secretly devised a plan, making sure he wouldn't catch on. On the way to Ruina, let's push the relationship forward somehow.
But.... but this bastard...!
"...Ruina is one of the eight frontier cities, the northernmost one at that. The air is dry, the winds are fierce, and citizen satisfaction is at rock bottom. It's a small town without even a proper airport or department store."
"I see."
"But despite these harsh conditions, its importance is surprisingly high. It protects the upstream routes to Central and serves as a breakwater against invading forces from the mountains, buying us time. In that sense, your shoulders carry a heavy burden, Commander."
"Indeed.... it does seem that way."
The commander nodded at my words, his face a blank mask betraying no emotion. It was the kind of reaction that left me, the one who'd started the conversation, feeling awkwardly out of place.
This jerk... does he hate talking to me?
That's right. I'd struck up conversation after conversation during our hours together on this trip. And this damn guy kept up the same attitude the whole time. I'd saved his life, even let him touch my body! Did he somehow sense my ulterior motives? No, impossible. My acting was flawless.
No matter how I thought about it, his social skills were the problem. You start talking for once. I've been carrying the conversation this whole time.
I shot him a smile laced with that sentiment and gazed at him pointedly. He averted his eyes slightly, then abruptly spoke up.
"As expected... you seem very knowledgeable, Leira."
"Ahaha... really? I just figured I should know the basics about the city I'll be living in."
In truth, I'd only said what the original Leira would have. But hey, perfect timing. Time to close the distance a bit.
Flashing a bright smile, I leaned in with as cheerful a vibe as possible.
"Oh, and since we'll be tied together for the long haul from now on, feel free to call me Leira casually, Commander."
"...I'll think about it slowly."
"Eh? Ah. Sure.... Call me whenever you're comfortable...."
Ugh, embarrassing.... It felt like that classmate I thought was my friend hitting me with, Were we friends? I hadn't expected rejection, and my face burned hot.
To humiliate me like this. I absolutely won't forgive you.
I'll pay you back in full someday. I piled up resentment in my heart. But even as I did, a nagging doubt lingered in my mind. My acting was perfect. So why was he guarding himself against me like this? Had he been burned by some black-hearted woman before...? Damn, his instincts are too sharp. Not falling for it twice, huh?
Sensing the crisis, I frantically plotted my next move in my head.
"...."
"...."
Maybe because I'd gone quiet, silence settled between me and the commander. Facing each other across the seats left nowhere to look. Maintaining a composed expression, I pondered quietly.
This is tough.... How the hell do you seduce someone?
Truth be told, my communication skills were lacking. In my past life, I'd constantly suppressed my desires, making it hard to befriend anyone anywhere. I was rotten to the core, after all. And now that I'd become a beauty, did that magically fix things? No way. I was desperately mimicking the original Leira, but I couldn't hide my fundamental flaws.
If I'd known, I should've practiced more in everyday life. As I berated myself with regret, a memory flashed: the commander reacting strongly during the contract.
But he did react a bit then...? It's the body, huh? Do I have to seduce him with my body?
Hmm, but seducing purely with the body didn't appeal much. True pain comes from uprooting deep bonds. If things skewed too physical, I'd never get the expression I craved. Still, if nothing else worked, I'd have no choice.
Haah, making that pained face is harder than I thought. Did becoming a beauty make me arrogant? Drained, I moped, idly pawing at the floor—
Then, suddenly, the commander across from me spoke up hesitantly.
"Um...."
"Yes, what is it?"
"Is it okay to call you Leira?"
"...Pardon?"
"Well, I'm not great with words myself. But after I turned you down, you seemed a bit down. Was I mistaken?"
What? This guy. Why the sudden friendliness? Caught off guard, I quickly analyzed his intent. I'd thought he hated being approached since he pushed so hard, but maybe he just lacked experience talking altogether.
In short... he's a socially awkward nerd?
This was my chance. Immersed in Leira's role, I beamed sweetly and leaned forward, closing the gap.
"...Commander. Once more."
"Pardon?"
"Call me Leira one more time."
"Uh.... Leira."
"One more time."
"Leira.... Um, how long do we have to do this?"
"Hehe.... Just one more."
Finally, I saw potential. Yeah, he likes this innocent vibe. I'll overhaul my acting style just for you.
I'll make you fall head over heels.
And then drown you in the worst despair. Gazing at the commander, I felt genuine delight. For the happiest of ruins, Commander. This feeling is real.
Several hours later, as evening fell with the sun set, we finally arrived in Ruina.
We'd left early that morning after saying our goodbyes. Who knew it'd take a full day? The mid-journey accident was the main culprit, of course.
Both the commander and I traveled light. Personal belongings would come later with supplies.
We exited the station with brisk steps.
"So this is Ruina...."
"It's awfully quiet."
The city was silent. People on the streets were few enough to count on one hand. Most visible shops were dark. It was barely 8 p.m., yet the vibe felt like 2 a.m.
I explained to the puzzled commander.
"Probably because this is the eastern district."
"Eastern district...?"
"Ruina's east side has the station and various shops. But with more outsiders here, most close up when foot traffic dies at night."
"You know that too?"
"I researched ahead."
Not that it was hard. City reports were submitted regularly, and HQ let you view them freely.
To the commander still glancing around, I said,
"Let's head to the central district first. The branch should be there... and they'll know we've arrived."
"The branch.... Yes. I'd appreciate your guidance."
"Hehe. No need to thank me. It's my job."
I pulled out my terminal from my pocket. First time here, after all—a map was essential.
We headed straight for the Valhalla Ruina Branch. The building glowed brightly, visible from afar. Stepping inside brought a grand welcome.
"Hohoho.... The new commander has finally arrived, sawayo!"
"Welcome to Ruina...."
"Oh my, this is unexpectedly fine man-meat...."
"Ehehe...."
Waiting for us was a quartet of Valkyries. A roll-bun-haired girl lording over from her chair with haughty airs. A timid bob-cut tall beauty massaging her shoulders. A mature, busty braided beauty exuding adult charm. And a lazy-looking girl mumbling from her embrace.
The commander looked flustered by the sudden fanfare, but I'd known they'd be here.
This part matches the original.
They were Rabbit Hole Squad, the only squad left in Ruina at prologue time. Talents surpassing even Leira's, but stifled under an incompetent commander—that was their concept. They grew to A-rank in real combat, I recalled. For now, even leader Ubina was just C-rank. Weak compared to me, but...
"You're Rabbit Hole Squad, right? I'm Leira, B-rank Valkyrie dispatched from HQ. This is Yujin, your new commander for Ruina."
"Yujin here. Nice to meet you."
"Yu, Yujin.... What a splendid name.... Like a prince, sawayo...."
"Finally, a real commander in Ruina.... No more proxy duties...."
"So handsome. Tall, broad shoulders.... Hehe...."
"Hing."
The Rabbit Hole Valkyries' reactions were pretty positive. They'd lost their commander and been awaiting a replacement, after all. Yujin's first impression seemed solid.
The problem? They wouldn't shut up with useless chatter. One comment sparked endless replies from all four. This could loop forever.
I turned to the roll-bun head with a gentle request.
"Um, Rabbit Hole Squad leader? Could we get introductions now? The commander seems troubled."
"Commander Yujin. Any favorite foods, sawayo? I could show you around Ruina too...."
"Well, um.... I don't really have specific tastes...."
"Sigh.... Commander. Rabbit Hole leader."
Listen when people talk. And don't eye my stuff. Maintaining my smile, I called their names.
The room fell instantly silent, tension thick in the air. Especially the roll-bun girl—her face paled rapidly.
"Gasp...! Y-Yes! I-I'm Ubina... Rabbit Hole Squad leader...."
"D-Dalia...!"
"Promina."
"Unghe."
"This is Anje."
"Mm. Thanks, everyone. For introducing yourselves."
Good. Now we can talk. I clapped lightly and looked around.
Let's get along from now on. Smiling at Ubina, she looked a bit scared.
Ah... this might become a habit.