"Then, let me formally introduce myself again. I'm Hakuto Kitaumi from the 7th Division of the JSDF. I look forward to working with you."
"Nice to meet you."
She greeted us so properly, back straight and all, that I couldn't help but straighten up myself and return the greeting.
She looked a bit surprised for a second, then smiled warmly.
"You know that Hisui-san over there? His semen test result went above A-level, so now there's political talk of creating a new S-rank for national prestige. From B-rank and up, it's considered a national strategic resource. Once it hits A, the military—well, the JSDF—starts assigning escorts."
We moved into a back room to avoid anyone else overhearing. The people who had followed us took positions outside as guards. Once we were alone, the serious part began.
The lighthearted tone from before was completely gone. She was sharp and serious now.
Apparently, the semen sample taken earlier had tested really well… But was that really worth all this fuss?
"Here's your official appointment letter."
She pulled out a document in a clear file folder.
It felt overly formal.
"So, basically, since both Hakuto and—though not here at the moment—Ojiro have strong ties to this place and can easily fit in, they were selected. Officially, it's framed as disciplinary action for unauthorized engagement with foreign military aircraft. In truth, it's a reassignment. From JSDF members to security personnel. Nominally, we're now under Hachikuma's command as bodyguards."
"All of them too, maybe?"
Hachikuma asked in a trembling voice, staring off into the distance.
"All of them. Having two leaders just causes confusion. In a pinch, they'll fall under your command, so take care of them."
"Ugh…"
Hachikuma's face visibly tensed.
"Isn't Hakuto one rank above you…?"
"We respect our seniors, don't we? Plus, I'm the legal wife, right?"
"Well… that's true…"
Hachikuma blushed, her expression complicated.
"In terms of security priorities, Hisui-san is the top priority. The wives are second. So the madams should avoid being in the front."
"Isn't that a bit excessive?"
I muttered involuntarily.
"Unfortunately, they're dead serious about this."
She pulled out a second document.
"See for yourself."
There were a bunch of official-looking names signed.
"The Prime Minister?"
"Directly from Prime Minister Isagi."
"That women sure climbed the ladder, huh."
Yata-chan muttered with a nostalgic tone. Apparently, they knew each other. Who is she, really?
"She was kind of disappointed, though—said we could've used other subsidies to classify you under some protected zone or highly guarded district, for safety and benefits."
"No thanks. Too noisy."
"Thought you'd say that. Which brings us to this arrangement."
Yata-chan shut it down without hesitation. Hakuto didn't seem bothered in the slightest. They seemed to be in sync.
"So, for their residence, I've secured a few vacant houses nearby. What about the guards inside the building?"
"If they're just gonna stand around like useless logs, they're just in the way, no?"
"Thought you'd say that, so we've got a rotation system. Some will watch from outside discreetly, others will act as inn staff while guarding from the inside, and the rest will be off-duty. For now, we've hired them all, so thanks in advance."
A bunch of resumes were laid out.
"What about their backgrounds?"
Yata-chan glanced over the papers and prompted her.
"They're my wives and subordinates. They're capable, fit, and as long as I'm around, they won't betray us."
She said it with a touch of pride.
"What about Ojiro? Haven't seen her yet."
"She was caught at the base, so I've got her working on building the outer defenses. I'll bring her later."
She added with a wry smile.
"That girl more popular than I am."
"Well, good for her."
They both chuckled awkwardly.
"And then…"
Suddenly, Hakuto came up to me and lifted me into her arms.
"Security check. Gonna test your abilities—try to catch me."
Without warning, I was thrown over her shoulder, face down.
"Eh?"
I let out a dumbfounded sound.
"Don't hurt them, alright?"
"Of course."
Hakuto responded seriously to Yata-chan's warning. It seemed safe, so I decided not to resist.
That seemed to be the signal, and Hakuto dashed off. As the scenery blurred past, I could see Yata-chan sighing in mild exasperation, Misago blinking in confusion, and Hachikuma looking seriously panicked.
Author's note :
Regarding payment: it's officially classified as JSDF work, so the inn won't bear any expenses. They're public servants and paid accordingly, so don't worry.
Besides, side jobs are prohibited anyway.
They do get perks like staff meals, hot springs, and mixed bathing with Hisui, though—that's probably the real main story