Opening: The Lonely Captain
One day... Yuuki caught sight of a sighing Jun in front of the Royal Palace's main gate.
Yuuki, who shared a close relationship with her, tried calling to her out of concern.
Jun
Sigh, why did things turn out like this... What am I to do...?
Yuuki
1. "Hello, Miss Jun."
Jun
... Hm? Ah, hello.
Jun
Young man, I've told you many times that you shouldn't approach the Royal Palace. This is a place where people of high status reside, so security is always strict.
Jun
If you carelessly wander about nearby, you'll be seen as a suspicious figure, arrested, and locked up in prison.
Jun
Ignorance is not a crime, but sadly, the policy of the Royal Palace is to punish when in doubt.
Jun
I know that you're a good child, so I won't apply such a zero-tolerance policy with you here. But I won't hesitate if I must, as the security of the Royal Palace is my responsibility.
Jun
Sigh...
Yuuki
1. "... What's the matter?"
Jun
Ah, sorry. Sighing while conversing with people is certainly bad manners on my part.
Jun
... So you're worried about me, then, young man. You truly are a kind child.
Jun
Well, the truth is, lately... As the captain of Nightmare, I have not been getting along very well with my colleagues.
Jun
As you can tell, I am rather a brusque person, so I've never felt particularly capable of making friends with other people.
Jun
But recently, there have been people around with whom it seemed like I could make pleasant conversation on occasion. Such as the lieutenant captain Chris, or the new recruit Tomo, or the trainee Matsuri...
Jun
We would do things like eat dinner together on the way back from work, or going shopping together on our days off. It made me happy, being able to get along well with friends like that for the first time.
Jun
I've been wearing armor like this ever since I was young, so I imagine I have quite a frightening image... Even though I don't mean anything bad by it, and I always try to be as mild-mannered as I can.
Jun
In any case. I consider everyone in Nightmare to be my companions, brought together by a stroke of luck. They're all my irreplaceable friends, whom I can talk to freely and normally.
Jun
But despite all that... Lately, it's seemed like everyone has been avoiding me, for whatever reason.
Jun
The rank-and-file soldiers have always followed me at a distance, but lately, even Tomo and Matsuri have been distant...
Jun
When I greet them, they seem shocked, hurriedly mumbling something like, "Good morning to you too," before heading off like they're fleeing. To my eyes, it's as though they're scared animals, running off like that.
Jun
The reason why... I just don't understand it. Have I done something? Nothing comes to mind, but I just don't have the opportunity to ask about it.
Jun
Everyone grows scared and distant at the sight of me... I just don't know why. Whenever those feelings of unease and sadness rise up, I can't help but sigh.
Jun
Do you have any idea why everyone is shying away from me? Any idea of what might be going wrong, or why everyone seems scared of me?
Yuuki
1. "At least, I'm not scared of you, Miss Jun."
2. "Could it be that the armor and helmet are scary after all?"
Option 1.
Jun
T-Thank you... To be honest, it's a relief to be able to interact with you normally.
Option 2.
Jun
Hmm, you might be right... Maybe a cuter suit of armor would be better.
Jun
But I'm the gatekeeper in charge of the Royal Palace's security, so a more intimidating appearance would be better for that.
Jun
Tomo and the others should also be used to it by now... So I don't think their fear should be because of my armor.
End of branches.
Jun
... Ha ha. Talking to you has set me a little more at ease, young man.
Jun
I may not know why everyone has started being so distant from me. But if I take my time in asking them about the situation, and making up for whatever I may have done, then I think I should be able to repair my relations with them.
Jun
It's lonely being on your own, after all.
Jun
Young man... If you could, I'd like you to drop by every so often to chat.
Jun
Simply getting the chance to air out my grievances and troubles greatly sets my heart at ease. I apologize if it's troublesome for you, but I'd like to ask this of you.
The sound of fighting.
Jun
... Mm? What's this -- there's some kind of racket coming from inside the palace.
Royal Knight
Eeeep! H-Help me! Don't kill meee!
Jun
Wha? W-What's happening? Report on the situation!
Royal Knight
Aah, eh...? Eeep, don't come near me!
Jun
H-Hey, don't attack wildly! What's the meaning of this, turning your blade on an ally? What on earth is happening -- do you not recognize me?
Royal Knight
A-Armor! So many suits of armor! I thought they were my allies, but they're all monsters...!?
Jun
Armor...? What's happening with the armor -- calm yourself! Explain from the start!
Royal Knight
Waaaah! Help meee!
The knight runs away.
Jun
... Ah, he ran away. I still don't understand the situation, but what a shameful display. Seeing a knight tasked with protecting the Royal Palace fleeing from his post so.
Jun
... Young man. The details are unclear, but it seems like some kind of unusual incident is occurring. Preserving the peace and tranquility of the Royal Palace is my duty, so I cannot let this stand.
Jun
I'm going to check on the panic inside the palace. Things may be dangerous, so you should return home right away, young man.
Jun
Then, I'll see you later. ... And thank you for listening to me.