Temporary Infirmary — Night of Day 1
Adelheid was lying down while medics checked her bandage for the third time.
The combat had partially re-opened the wound—not seriously, but enough to require new stitches.
Kaito sat beside her bed, watching the process with a guilty expression.
"I shouldn't have let you fight."
Adelheid looked at him.
"You couldn't have stopped me."
"I could have tried harder."
"And I would have fought anyway."
The medic finished securing the new bandage.
"Commander, you need absolute rest. No more physical combat for at least two weeks."
Adelheid nodded.
"Understood."
The medic left, leaving them alone.
Kaito gently took Adelheid's hand.
"Was it worth it? All that pain, just to..."
"Lose," Adelheid completed. "Yes. It was worth it."
She sat up slightly, grimacing.
"Because I proved something. To myself, to the people, to you."
Her eyes met Kaito's.
"That I won't give up. That I'll fight to the end for what I want."
