Today, Scylla woke up feeling off.
She kept having those strange dreams.
Everything had seemed normal that day…
…Except for her.
The sensations hit her like a tidal wave, an overwhelming surge that appeared in her mind with no warning. Her movements faltered slightly—but, thankfully, she didn't spill the tea in her hand.
By the time she fully registered what had happened, her teacup sat safely on the table, though the tea itself had vanished.
It was truly a bizarre day.
All day, Scylla found herself distracted by the odd feelings, barely managing to complete her tasks.
"Scylla, is something troubling you today?" Belfast asked, her expression full of concern. "If you feel fatigued, it's perfectly acceptable to request rest."
"Apologies, Head Maid…" Scylla hesitated, unsure if she should voice her concerns.
Belfast didn't rush her nor walk away. With gentle authority, she provided care for every maid under her guidance.
"I… I want to speak with the Commander alone. About… this matter…" Scylla's voice faltered, her usual poise absent. "I believe only the Commander can answer me."
"Very well. I'll notify him immediately."
The fact that Scylla used "Commander" instead of "Master" signified the gravity of the issue—it was serious enough to count as an official shipgirl matter.
Belfast trusted the maids under her command; none would use this excuse to sneak away frivolously.
"Master, Scylla seeks your assistance."
When Belfast sent Levi the message, he was staring at his system panel.
Today's Task: Help Scylla resolve her confusion.Task Reward: Skill: EavesdropTask Conditions: Listen to and solve Scylla's sudden doubts to complete the mission.
Eavesdrop…
Probably a skill allowing him to perceive someone's mental state or inner thoughts.
Since he hadn't claimed the reward yet, Levi wasn't entirely sure if the skill would function as expected.
It seemed yesterday's Time Stop experiment had left Scylla feeling unsettled.
Levi replied to Belfast, instructing Scylla to come to his office.
"I've informed Master. He said you should come to his office," Belfast relayed to Scylla. "Since you only wish to discuss this with him, pour out your thoughts—Master will resolve your concerns."
"Yes," Scylla replied.
When Levi saw her, her exhausted appearance startled him.
Yesterday, he had waited by the wall to observe her reaction after leaving. She hadn't seemed so drained then—at most, her cheeks were flushed. Now, she looked completely worn out.
"What's the matter?"
Scylla sat across from him, hesitating. "Commander, I…"
"Could you come a bit closer?"
Levi rose and guided her to the sofa, positioning them side by side. He naturally held Scylla's small hand, feeling the softness through her white silk gloves. "Better?"
"Thank you, my Master…" Being held by the hand lifted her spirits noticeably, and Levi couldn't help but admire the effect.
The mental cube adaptation truly worked wonders—just holding hands had a visible impact on a shipgirl's state of mind.
Slowly, Scylla poured out her troubles.
Levi finally understood her issue.
It was, in a sense, predictable.
All the sensations from Time Stop had accumulated and, once normal time resumed, erupted in full force—a common trope in Time Stop-themed scenarios.
The discrepancy lay in Scylla's body and memory being out of sync.
Her body had stored sensations that her memory hadn't yet registered, causing the mismatch.
The solution was simple.
All that was needed was for Scylla to form corresponding memories.
"Is that all that's needed?"
Levi nodded. "Yes. That's all."
Then… Scylla's expression hardened with determination. "Then allow me to serve you here, Master."
Levi stared at the maid who had immediately accepted the situation.
Shipgirls… always claiming a problem, yet secretly aiming for this.
"Master?"
"Nothing. Let's begin."
"How would you like to handle this… treatment and correction?" Scylla leaned forward, pressing a kiss to Levi's lips. "Or perhaps…"
"Use your favorite method," Levi replied. "Perhaps that's the only way to overwrite the old memories completely and replace them with new ones."
"My favorite method…"
Scylla tilted her head slightly. "Anything is acceptable?"
Levi felt a bad premonition. "Of course, within the bounds I can accept."
"Could it be… a little more intense?"
Levi looked into Scylla's rose-red eyes—the mischievous spark in her demeanor had returned.
"…Tell me what method you have in mind first."
Scylla shifted slightly, sitting atop the table in front of him, raising one leg in her high-heeled silk. "Master, may I look down on you?"
"This… is exactly how I dreamed it would be."
Levi exhaled a quiet relief.
That's it? I thought it'd be something more…
He gently removed her black heels, running his fingers over her dry, milky-soft skin.
Scylla watched his movements, her heart racing as he removed her shoes and intertwined his fingers with hers. "Master… do you consent?"
Levi nodded.
"Then… forgive my impudence, but please look at me," Scylla said, her cheeks flushing with a mix of excitement and nervousness. "Please… do not look away…"
Levi relaxed back on the sofa, gazing up at her face while his eyes inevitably followed the gentle movement of her legs.
"Master…"
Scylla noticed his gaze.
She smiled, raising her leg slowly, inching upward. "May I… be a little more audacious?"
"Of course."
Levi lifted her willingly. "Be as bold as you like, for instance…"
He lightly indulged in tasting that milky-smooth skin.
Absolutely delicious.