Following a successful defense, Long Bai warns that the war is not over. Long Chen addresses the council, detailing the enemy's preparations for a full offensive, spurred by Asya's death. Despite the grim news, the officers vow to fight. Later, Mia finds Su Ming and insists they get drinks, where she expresses frustration with the ongoing war and the enemy's tactics, particularly Fanluo's deception involving Commander Misar.
"Wow, this wine is fantastic!"
Su Ming was also slightly taken aback. He wondered why Principal Mirrog had come here.
Upon seeing that it was Mirrog, Mia’s face immediately darkened, and she said impatiently.
"What are you doing here? I didn't invite you."
"You didn't invite me, but Su Ming did, didn't he?"
Mirrog asked Su Ming with a grin.
"Oh, that's right, right! I invited Mr. Mirrog. I truly appreciate what you did for me last time."
Su Ming immediately understood the situation and quickly expressed his gratitude to Mirrog.
"No need for thanks! Wow, this really is excellent wine!"
Mirrog then picked up the most expensive bottle of red wine available, uncorked it, and took a large drink directly from the bottle.
Witnessing Mirrog's apparent enjoyment, Mia couldn't help but feel irked. She picked up two bottles of wine, stood up, and declared with a cold snort.
"I'm going to drink at another table!"
"Ms. Mia, let's discuss this."
Su Ming quickly called out to Mia.
Unfortunately, she paid him no mind and walked away to a distant booth.
Seeing Mia depart, Mirrog also let out a helpless sigh.
"Sigh~".
"Mr. Mirrog, what exactly is going on between you and Ms. Mia? Why is your relationship so strained?"
Su Ming inquired, feeling quite perplexed.
While he was aware their relationship wasn't ideal before, he hadn't anticipated it being this severe.
Upon hearing Su Ming's question, Mirrog displayed a contrite expression and admitted with a sigh.
"Our relationship is so strained, not because of Mia directly, but because I owe her a debt."
"Could you possibly elaborate?"
"It's not that I can't tell you. This situation actually has its roots in the time when the Heavenly Revelation Divine Country and the Dark Star Empire separated."
"Ah? This is connected to them?"
Su Ming asked, surprised.
"Yes, back then, when the Federation fractured into three entities, the Imperial Court Academy also split. The Dragon String Council President decided to form an Expedition Army to reclaim the territories of the Dark Star Empire and the Heavenly Revelation Divine Country! I was among those who supported this expedition and even established an academy unit led by Mia’s parents! At that time, Mia’s parents were vehemently opposed, arguing that the Imperial Court Academy should remain a place of learning and not involve itself in such conflicts. However, I was insistent, and tragically, Mia’s parents perished during that expedition. This event deeply affected her, so it's quite understandable that she harbors resentment towards me."
Mirrog recounted with deep emotion.
"This situation isn't entirely your fault. You couldn't have foreseen this outcome. But why were you so determined to join that expedition back then? It couldn't have been solely due to the academy's schism, could it?"
Su Ming asked, seeking clarification.
He perceived Principal Mirrog as someone who wasn't narrow-minded.
"Why would I embark on an expedition for such trivial reasons? The true motivation behind my support for the expedition was my desire to prevent humanity from remaining fractured. I yearned for humanity to become a unified whole, enabling us to better combat the Alien Race and ensure our survival! Imagine, if the Dark Star and Heavenly Revelation had not separated, then whether it was the Neutral Country or Saint Joex and the Shabask Kingdom, they would all still be part of the Federation. How much more advanced would the Federation have become over the years? We wouldn't have endured wars amongst ourselves, and countless soldiers wouldn't have lost their lives! Do you think we would still live in fear of the Chilami Clan and the Mechanical Clan?"
Principal Mirrog posed the question to Su Ming.
"That makes a lot of sense. If things had truly unfolded that way, today, we would be the ones launching expeditions against them, not the other way around."
After listening to Mirrog, Su Ming contemplated his words, finding them logical. If the Federation had remained intact, its military strength would undoubtedly be immense.
"You are correct, but the world is full of 'what ifs.'"
Principal Mirrog sighed, stating.
"Mr. Mirrog, please don't be too disheartened. How about I try to persuade her on your behalf later?"
Su Ming offered to Mirrog.
"Ahem, Fleck was right; you truly are remarkable. Could you do me a favor?"
Mirrog coughed a few times, appearing weary, and asked.
"Certainly."
Su Ming replied respectfully.
"I'm growing old, and there are many things I can no longer manage effectively. Please take this key and deliver it to Mia for me."
Mirrog produced a mecha key and handed it to Su Ming.
"Understood."
Su Ming accepted the key and nodded.
Mirrog patted Su Ming on the shoulder, then rose, gathered three bottles of wine, and departed with a heavy heart.
Su Ming watched Mirrog's solitary figure, his gaze shifting between the key in his hand and his friend. He then got up and walked towards Mia.
At that moment, Mia was seated alone in a booth, quietly consuming her drink.
Su Ming sat down beside her and presented the key to Mia.
"Ms. Mia, Mr. Mirrog asked me to give this to you."
Mia eyed the obsidian key but made no move to accept it. Instead, she quietly refilled her wine goblet and downed its contents in a single gulp.
A sigh escaped Su Ming as he spoke.
"Ms. Mia, Master Mirrog truly regrets his past actions now. He never anticipated events would unfold this way, and he certainly had his justifications back then."
Upon hearing Su Ming’s words, Mia placed her glass down. After a brief silence of a few seconds, she finally responded.
"I understand. When I was younger, I couldn't comprehend it, and I harbored genuine resentment towards him. But as I matured, how could I possibly not grasp his circumstances?"
"Ah? Then, why do you still harbor such anger towards him?"
Su Ming appeared taken aback by Mia’s unexpected reply.
"It’s still because he vies with me for the drinks! He always snatches the most expensive vintages first, which I find incredibly unfair. Furthermore, whenever there's a particularly fine wine at home, he consumes it all himself."
Mia feigned a display of irritation as she voiced her complaint.
