스프링필드 - 등불 아래의 여왕
Before the Griffin anniversary.
...At the command room.
(Knocking sound)
Someone is at the door of the command room.
I turn around to see Springfield smiling at me from the doorway with a stack of documents in her arms.
Commander
Good morning, Springfield. Is something the matter?
Springfield walks in and puts the stack of documents onto the table.
Springfield
Commander, I drafted up a mission plan for the thing I mentioned to you before.
Springfield
Ah, thank you.
Commander
(Flipping through the documents)
Hm...okay, I approve. I'll leave everything to you.
The mission plan is very detailed and the responsibilities of all those involved are clearly laid out.
I can see that Springfield spent a lot of effort on this plan.
As I'm flipping through page by page, I can't help but think back to when Springfield initially brought this up with me.
...A day after Griffin announced the company anniversary banquet.
Command room.
Commander
Eh? Set up another party?
Springfield
Well, because of the nature of the official banquet...
The Griffin T-Dolls with more of a "childlike" disposition wouldn't be invited.
Commander
Indeed, as many people from the outside will be joining us.
How should I say this... It's for the sake of the company's image. This approach is probably the safest way.
Springfield
Right. I wouldn't want to see the children arguing and throwing tantrums on one side and have important people looking on with distaste on the other side.
Commander
...Sigh... That scenario is way too realistic. I can imagine exactly who those would be.
But we rarely get a chance to have such a lively event, they must be very disappointed to not be able to participate.
Springfield
That's right, Commander. That's why I discussed about it with everyone in the evening.
They all hope to celebrate with the Commander on this memorable day.
Commander
I want to celebrate with everyone as well. After all, we rarely get a chance to.
Springfield
Hehe... I'm very happy to hear that from you, Commander.
I actually bumped into Miss Kalina earlier~
She said we can go ahead with the party as long as you agree to it~
Commander
Haha, just as you would expect from Springfield. You're very thoughtful.
Springfield
Thank you very much for the compliment, Commander. So do you approve...?
Commander
How about this. Write up a mission plan for me first to look over.
Springfield
Yes, Commander. I'll prepare one immediately.
...On the day of the anniversary.
My face has become a little stiff from smiling and toasting all the guests one by one.
Just as I was looking to find a hidden corner to hide and relax, a finger suddenly pokes my face from behind me. I turn my head around instinctively yet I don't see anyone.
I turn around the other way and I find Springfield laughing like a highschool girl.
Springfield
Hehe, gotcha, Commander~
Commander
Where did you learn that from...
Springfield pulls me aside to a corner. She stretches a bit and looks more animated now, unlike the other T-Dolls at the banquet.
Only now do I get the chance to take a good look at her attire, and she looks elegant and gentle as always.
Commander
Springfield, you are very beautiful today.
Springfield
R-really...? Do I look that different today?
....Where are you looking at, Commander?
Commander
I didn't think that there would be a moment where even someone like you would be looking so fatigued.
Springfield
Eh? You can...tell?
(Whisper) You're the only one that can...
Commander
You haven't gotten a chance to rest this evening yet?
Springfield
I can't relax on such an official occasion.
Although I am a bit tired.
Commander
Why don't you head back and get some rest?
Springfield
Thank you, Commander, but I think I'll stay until the end.
If I leave before the banquet is over, the other T-Dolls that are here might get concerned.
Commander
Ah, sorry, I didn't consider that. Springfield, you really are a gentle Doll.
Springfield
No no, you don't need to apologize, Commander. It's not your fault.
I actually feel quite refreshed being able to just chat with you.
Commander
Me too. I feel a lot more relaxed being able to talk with you like this.
Springfield
Hehe... Being able to stay by your side like this is enough for us T-Dolls, Commander.
Commander
Eh? Why are you bringing this up out of the blue~?
Springfield
It's-it's not out of the blue at all...
We've always wanted to tell you, but we never had the right opportunity.
Everyone else and I have been very happy this past year, and I hope the upcoming year will be the same as well. Let's continue to do our best, Commander.
Springfield smiles brightly. It feels as if my fatigue this entire evening has been blown away in this instance.
I find myself unsure of what to say and stare blankly at Springfield.
Springfield
(Red face)
...Commander?
Commander
Ah? Ah, yes, uh...
Springfield
Well, Commander, I have to get back to entertaining the guests.
Commander
Alright, careful not to wear yourself out.
Springfield
I'll be careful.
Also, you must not forget about the party later tonight!
Commander
Yes, I'll be there for sure. I promised everyone.
Springfield
I'll see you later then, Commander.
Springfield smiles at me and gives me a small bow and returns to the banquet.
Even within the group of T-Dolls wearing elegant dresses, her beauty is distinguishing in a gentle and delicate way.
The words that I couldn't say to her earlier, I think I'll find an opportunity to tell her at the party later tonight. That's what I've decided as I look up at the clock on the wall.
Everyone has worked hard, and I'm also very happy to have spent the past year with all the Dolls here.
Commander
I'll be counting on you for the upcoming year as well, Springfield.