Does Spring Come Even for a Dying Esper

“Aiming for a cooperative guild position? Even a military supplier?”

“Yes. Lieutenant General Bismarck suspects that former Major General Logan’s recent moves might be an attempt to return to the Defense Force. As a cooperative guild, they could assist in Defense Force missions and operations. If they also become a military supplier and establish weapons deals…”

“If things go well and they achieve results, he could secure a position as an honorary advisor to the Defense Force. Then he could involve himself in internal politics again, even if not to the same extent as before.”

“That’s right. While they might be able to block the military supplier position on the grounds of being an unproven new company, it will be difficult to prevent them from being selected as a cooperative guild. Since most Mars Guild members are former Defense Force personnel, they could be deployed for operations immediately without issues…”

“For the Defense Force struggling with manpower shortages, it’s a situation they’d welcome with open arms.”

Iberis nodded as if understanding. While he had been keeping tabs on Livio’s recent activities over the past few years, he hadn’t paid attention in the last few months due to various distractions.

“I didn’t know he was plotting such things behind the scenes.”

Iberis bit his lower lip at this belated revelation. Even seeing Livio’s face in news or newspaper articles once in a while made uncontrollable anger boil up; he wasn’t sure he could restrain himself if he faced him in person.

“So you want to establish a friendly relationship with me because of former Major General Logan? By becoming my lifesaver?”

“The Lieutenant General might think that way… but I don’t. I’m just trying to faithfully carry out my assigned duties.”

Lucas emphasized again that he was different from Winfried. While he was grateful to him and shared the goal of finding his parents’ killer, the politics within the Defense Force were beyond his concern.

“…To be honest, I don’t want to deceive you, Major. I also have personal resentment towards former Major General Logan.”

Lucas, uncharacteristically hesitant, revealed to Iberis that he too had negative feelings towards Livio. He felt he needed to open up this much to gain Iberis’s trust.

“You have resentment?”

“Yes, although I lack concrete evidence and only have suspicions… there’s a high possibility he’s my enemy.”

“Enemy?”

“Like you, Major, I’ve experienced losing someone precious because of former Major General Logan. I can’t say more as it’s a personal matter.”

Iberis looked slightly surprised at this unexpected statement. He quickly recalled Lucas’s background in his mind. He remembered that Lucas’s parents had died in a dungeon break, but it seemed unlikely to be Livio’s doing.

Did he lose a friend or colleague?

Iberis was curious about who Lucas’s precious person might be, but he chose to keep quiet instead of asking. It wouldn’t be right to force the issue when Lucas didn’t want to talk about it. Even revealing his personal grudge must have been a risk for him.

“Anyway, I have no intention of using you for anything. I’m overwhelmed with my own work.”

“I somewhat understand the situation now. But I have no power within the Defense Force… I won’t be of much help to the Lieutenant General.”

“The Lieutenant General doesn’t have much interest in pulling you into the reform faction either. He just wants you to continue to be active as one of the few S-class Espers in the Defense Force.”

“I hope that’s really all there is to it…”

Iberis gave a skeptical response with a bitter smile. He knew Winfried was a good person, but he couldn’t trust him. Especially since he was known for his excellent political skills, to the point of being mentioned as a potential future Commander-in-Chief.

“In my opinion, Major, you should just do as you wish. As long as you don’t join the conservative faction, I don’t think Lieutenant General Bismarck will say anything.”

“That will never happen, even if the world splits in two.”

“Then that’s fine. And your presence in the Defense Force is more significant than you think. After the scandal with former Major General Logan, even the conservative old men who were hostile to you were so shocked by the news of your comatose state that they agreed to dispatch me. They consider you a talent too valuable to lose.”

“…”

“Let’s end this conversation here… and return to the issue of your excessive workload. Since we’ve brought up former Major General Logan, let me ask one thing. From what I’ve gathered, your tendency to try to solve missions alone became more severe after ‘that incident’.”

“That incident… Ah.”

Iberis’s expression hardened as he realized what Lucas was referring to. It must be about the incident where he lost all his colleagues due to Livio’s plot.

“How did you…”

“How could I not know? It was a scandal that turned the Defense Force upside down.”

“I suppose…”

“After analyzing mission reports from the past few years, I found that your combat style changed drastically right after that incident. You always had a tendency to sacrifice yourself, but it became much more extreme.”

Lucas got up from his seat and returned with pre-prepared analysis materials on combat style and mission contribution. He had compiled these based on videos and reports received from the Intelligence Department before coming here. He had also added his observations from today’s battle while Iberis was asleep.

“I believe you’re suffering from PTSD, Major.”

Lucas handed the materials he had prepared to Iberis and pulled up a chair next to the bed. Then he looked at him with a more serious expression than usual.

“PTSD?”

Iberis, who had been calmly reading through the analysis materials given by Lucas, paused.

“Are you saying I have Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder?”

“Yes. In other words, trauma. It’s also the most common illness among modern people, regardless of whether they’re ability users or ordinary people.”

With a squeak, Lucas pulled his chair closer to Iberis and met his gaze. Then, in a tone that confirmed his thoughts, he asked:

“Major, haven’t you changed to sacrifice yourself more because you don’t want to lose any more comrades?”

“…I suppose that’s your diagnosis?”

Iberis, who had been silent for a moment, retorted in a low voice.

“For now, yes. You can consider it an initial diagnosis. Not only your physical condition but also your mental state is unstable due to symptoms of depression, lethargy, and post-traumatic stress disorder. This aspect also requires treatment.”

“What if I refuse?”

“Shall I recite the Military Medical Officer Act again that I mentioned this morning?”

“You never give up, do you?”

Iberis grumbled as if thoroughly annoyed and continued reading the analysis materials. Although he had vaguely sensed it himself, seeing it confirmed in numbers made his condition hit home.

“Then, can we start full-fledged treatment from tomorrow?”

“…”

Lucas swallowed a sigh as he saw Iberis not readily agreeing to his question. He knew it was difficult for someone to regain the will to live overnight, but he couldn’t help feeling frustrated. He tried to persuade Iberis in the gentlest voice possible.

“I don’t want to force unwanted treatment on you, but I still hope you’ll make an effort, Major.”

“…Why?”

“Even if you don’t have a strong will to live… don’t you want to be a little less in pain while you’re alive? Honestly, you felt good when I guided you, didn’t you?”

Iberis’s small lips closed tightly like a clam at these undeniable words. Lucas, uncharacteristically using a coaxing tone, continued to persuade Iberis, who still showed strong resistance to treatment.

“How about aiming for comfort in daily life rather than a complete cure? If you’re still reluctant, think about those who worry about you and wish for your recovery.”

“What do you mean…”

“I’m talking about Lieutenant Cali.”

When Lucas mentioned Brenda, Iberis’s gray eyes trembled slightly. Lucas, not missing this reaction, continued:

“The families of the colleagues who died in that incident would also be sad if they knew you were ill. I found out that you’ve been consistently supporting them.”

“How did you… No, that’s a foolish question.”

Iberis was surprised that Lucas even brought up the families of his deceased colleagues, but quickly regained composure. A few years ago, he had established a foundation to support them and still maintained contact with some, so it wasn’t something he could hide in the first place.

“Are you saying I should live for them?”

“No, it’s not right for you to live for them, regardless of any guilt you feel towards the bereaved families. I just wanted to let you know that you’re also very important to someone. You keep talking as if you’re nothing.”

Important person. At those words, Iberis’s delicate eyelids trembled. He bit his lip as if unsure what expression to make.

“And I also hope for you to become healthier than you are now, Major.”

“…Why?”

“Because I know the pain of losing someone precious. Isn’t it unfair that the perpetrator lives well while the victim suffers terribly?”

“Unfair, huh…”

Iberis trailed off, lowering his eyes in thought. After a long while, his lips finally parted. Although he still couldn’t fully trust Lucas, it seemed that his desire to treat him was genuine.

“Alright.”