Oh my god!! They were still at it.
"You know you can just confess to each other you know? From the looks of it, you guys seem to have a crush on each other."
Kaelis had been watching them slip into their own little space for a few minutes now and I didn't seem like they were gonna stop anytime soon.
Hearing what Kaelis said, the two's faces began glowing light pink. Though Kurusu tried to play it off cool.
"W-w-what could you possibly mean by that, sir Kaelis!?" Ayame spoke up first.
"Cough! I–I'm not sure I understand your implication!"
"Heh~" Seeing them like this reminded him how his sons and daughters used to behave when used to being reduced to blushing messes when being called out in front of their crushes.
They make for quite the amusing sight.
"Nothing really." He waved them off. "Just pointing out the obvious. I mean, you guys like each other, don't you?"
"Wha—ah, I um…" Kurusu didn't know how to respond properly.
On one hand, if he said "yes", he would have to face a world of embarrassment. But if he was to deny he had feelings for her, he would be lying—not only to her, but to himself.
He clenched his fist. "She… she and I have different social standing. Even if I were to have feelings for lady Ayame, it would not amount to anything…"
Yet how could someone like him—someone of his standing dare to desire someone like her? His duty was to protect her as her bodyguard, not court her.
Hearing him say such things made Ayame froze up a bit before looking down.
For Kaelis, he could only look at Kurusu with pity. He had seen a number of situations like this, especially back in his home world.
Where a knight and the third princess of the Adalaina kingdom was in love with each other but the knight could only watch as the girl he loved and grew up with was given to another kingdom's prince.
It was quite tragic… I wonder what happened to him afterwards. He wondered before he remembered.
"You still have a chance, you know."
"What do you mean I still have a chance?" Kurusu answered confusedly.
Kaelis then explained, "I mean, her father died and her home is gone, so she's basically of regular status now."
He let that sink in a bit before adding, "So you protecting her now is of your own volition. Once you reach somewhere safe, you guys can settle down in a small house, have a bunch of kids and live a happy life…"
"…" x2
Both of them stared blankly, slowly processing the explanation they were given when the realization set in that Kaelis was right.
The Aragane station was destroyed and only a small fraction of the populace remained.
They were gonna get swallowed into the other station's population and no longer be Yamogawa's people.
And as Ayame's family had no more power and likely no more influence, they might not even spare Ayame any consideration and she would be demoted to regular civilian.
Well… maybe a well respected civilian.
Even if they went back and managed to rebuild Aragane station, they would not have an army to even hold any power and would definitely be destroyed again or taken over.
…
Now that they had a clear picture of their position, they sneaked a glance at each other but quickly averted their gaze due to the eyes meeting.
The implication was clear as day. They now have nothing really preventing them from being in a relationship.
Seeing that he had paved the way for these youngins, he planned to leave the rest up to them and quickly changed topics.
"By the way, where is ikoma and mumei?"
They quickly came back to their senses as Ayame answered, "They're on the fifth car."
"Why—something special back there?"
"Well you see… the people don't like being in the same car as them."
"Ah. Because they are kabaneri? I get it." He Knossos in understanding then added, "I'll go check it out."
"I'll lead you." She offered, Kaelis thanking her.
They then took their time traveling towards the second car.
It has to be noted that the Koutetsujou had a total of seven separate components otherwise known as "cars".
Each car served a purpose, every part essential to survival.
At the front, the locomotive drove the entire iron beast, its engine constantly roaring as it pulled the weight of everyone's hopes behind it.
Right after came the command car, where Ayame and the others planned routes, watched the tracks ahead, and gave orders.
Behind that were the passenger cars, filled with the weary—soldiers, civilians, and survivors who had nowhere else to go.
Their bunks were cramped, but they were safe, and that was enough.
Further back stood the workshop car, cluttered with tools and spare parts where Ikoma more often resided.
Next to it, the cargo cars carried their food, water, weapons, and coal—everything that kept the train moving.
And at the very end was the last car—quiet, reinforced, and often off-limits.
Sometimes it held supplies too dangerous to leave elsewhere, other times wounded survivors.
Few people lingered there without reason.
…
They pushed the door to the third car, entering the passenger area.
Kaelis stepped into the passenger car for the first time and paused.
He gotta say,It wasn't what he'd expected—cramped, sure, but quieter than he thought.
Bunks ran along both sides, most already taken. People were tucked in, some staring out into the distance, others whispering to each other.
Crates and barrels filled the corners, serving as seats or makeshift tables.
The air smelled like oil, metal, and worn cloth—nothing fancy, but not unpleasant.
A few soldiers sat cleaning their weapons, moving quietly so as not to wake anyone.
Kids huddled close to their parents, clearly malnourished. Their cheeks sunken in and the skeleton started to show.
Kaelis took it all in with a slow nod. It wasn't much, but at least they're not in any danger. For now anyway.
They travelled through the third car and entered the fourth car.
The scene was no different from the third.
The only difference is that there is a girl with a basket handing out rations to the people.
"Lady Ayame!" The girl called out. She came up to them and gave Kurusu a small bow before throwing a curious glance at Kaelis.
"How's everything going, kajika?"
"The rations are decreasing rapidly, it's going to be finished soon. Currently, everyone can only have one." She showed the amount she had left in the basket.
There was enough for everyone in the car to have one but the size of them looked like they could be finished in three bites.
And they don't even look like edible food.
"What is this?" Kaelis pointed at the food in the basket.
Kajika looked at him with her brown eyes. "These are dried provisions mixed with rice and pickled vegetables." She explained then inquired about his name. "What's your name, sir?"
"Kaelis valeblade. Call me Kaelis."
"Ok, Kaelis," she pointed at the rations then continued, "Do you want one?" She asked gently.
He smiled at her. "Thanks for the offer but it's best if you give it to these people."
"Are you sure?"
"Am sure." He then continued towards the fifth car.
Kajika watched them walk towards the car where ikoma and mumei are and thought 'What are they gonna do?'
Chapter 13 end