Noin never expected to encounter someone from her own world even in this alternate dimension. How could she not know Lady Une, whom Reid mentioned? That woman was quite famous.
With an exceptionally complex expression, Noin replied:
"Of course I know her. Before I was summoned here, she had already become the deputy commander of Earth Alliance's Military Special Department OZ (Organization of the Zodiac) back in our world. She's the type who wouldn't hesitate to use any inhumane means for victory."
Clearly, Noin had some reservations about this new companion.
Reid understood Noin's feelings well. His memories of Gundam Wing had faded, retaining only major events. But he remembered that Lady Une and Noin had been adversaries for a long time.
Just as Reid was contemplating how to handle the relationship between Noin and Lady Une moving forward, Noin took the initiative to speak:
"Reid, although Lady Une and I were enemies in our original world, her political acumen and leadership skills are top-tier. You don't need to consider my feelings regarding her arrival."
Seeing Noin's serious expression, Reid recognized her as someone who prioritized the greater good. But agreeing too readily would make him seem tactless, so he pretended to ponder before saying:
"Regardless, let's meet her first before deciding anything. Returning her isn't an option now. If she proves truly dangerous, I'll arrange to assign her elsewhere. After all, danger isn't necessarily a flaw—properly utilized, it becomes a sharp blade."
Noin's expression visibly softened at Reid's words. Angie, who'd been watching the exchange with amusement, couldn't resist teasing:
"Oh? Reid, do you think I'm dangerous too?"
Reid answered instantly, deliberately feigning fear:
"Absolutely dangerous, Angie. I'd believe you if you told me you could kill a tiger with one punch. You're the strongest woman in the galaxy."
Though Angie knew Reid was joking, it still annoyed her. She clenched her fist threateningly:
"Oh? You think I'm violent? Wait—are you implying I'm worse than a tigress?!"
With that, Angie actually swung a playful punch at him.
This was just friendly banter—evidence of their deepening bond—so Noin simply watched with amusement as the two chased each other around Angie's office.
Their playfighting didn't last long before a knock came at the door. The native clerk assigned to the government building entered to announce that the system had delivered their new arrival aboard the latest cargo ship.
The system had established Lady Une's background as the former head instructor for female recruits at Reid's training base. She'd been forced to retire after violently assaulting a superior officer who harassed her. Having been friends with Reid during their training days, she'd now come to seek his support.
Since she'd arrived, Reid needed to greet her personally. Considering Noin's feelings, Angie—who was closer to Noin—chose not to accompany him. Thus Reid went alone to welcome their new companion.
At the port reception area, Reid met the newcomer. With only the two of them present, Reid dispensed with formalities. Upon entering, he naturally extended his hand and introduced himself:
"Lady Une, my name is Reid Isaac. Welcome to the Star Palace Colony Satellite. I look forward to working with you."
Lady Une sized up Reid for a moment before giving a slight nod and extending her hand politely.
"Hello, Mr. Reid. You can just call me Lady. I was sent by the gods to assist you, so feel free to address me directly."
Reid shook his head, gestured for her to sit after releasing her hand, and said,
"No need to be too formal. Although you've been assigned to work under me, you can treat this as your second life here. You can call me Reid, or Captain Reid—I've established a mercenary group here. But it's still in its early stages, with only four capable members including you, so there aren't many rules for now. I may rely on your management skills in the future."
"By the way, may I ask under what circumstances you were brought here? Of course, you don't have to answer if it's uncomfortable."
Lady had no reservations about Reid's question and answered frankly,
"There's nothing I can't say. I was shot in the back while on a spy mission. I should have died, but an unknown god awakened my soul and said they could revive me, though I'd be sent to another world to assist a chosen person."
"Given the choice to live, of course I chose life. So here I am. And for some reason, I don't feel the usual wariness around strangers when I see you—probably another effect of that god's power."
Reid nodded. It seemed the loyalty effect was working, so he stopped probing further and stood up.
"I don't know what that god has in mind, but they do assign me tasks. This world is in the midst of a great war, so it might be harsher than your original one."
"Oh, there's another person here from your homeland. Let me introduce you. Also, I'm not the head of state in this country—that's another person assisting me, a princess. You two can have a good chat as well."
Lady naturally had no objections to meeting two new colleagues, and in this unfamiliar environment, even if she had reservations, she'd observe for a while first—the same went for Reid.
After all, Angie and Noin had observed Reid for at least two months (not counting the three months he was unconscious) before they finally warmed up to him enough to joke and play around.
Based on Angie and Noin's reactions, Reid had figured out the loyalty threshold for summoned individuals: 70 points. Once past that line, it meant they at least considered him a close friend. They could take slightly edgy jokes and would actively seek him out for meals.
Currently, Angie and Noin's loyalty stood at 77 and 73, respectively. Angie seemed like the type whose affection skyrocketed once she acknowledged someone—even though Noin had reached 70 first, Angie overtook her in just a few days. Notably, during the 60s phase, Noin's affection had consistently led Angie's.
The meeting place for Lady and her colleague was, naturally, Angie's office. She seemed genuinely surprised to find that her so-called "homeland companion" was Lucrezia Noin. Clearly, Noin wasn't just some minor figure in Lady's mind.
Moreover, their meeting wasn't tense in the slightest—they even chatted amicably. As they reminisced about the past, tears seemed to glisten in both their eyes.
Lettie could still claim she was acting, since Noin had joined the team earlier. As the newcomer, she naturally couldn't start picking fights right away. Besides, for a woman with espionage skills, shedding a few tears was nothing.
But from what Reid knew about Noin, her attitude genuinely reflected a desire to mend their relationship. It seemed that for her, their past hostility was something from "a previous life." Stranded together in another world, it was only natural for fellow countrywomen to stick together.
Seeing that the two weren't at each other's throats, Reid and Angie secretly breathed sighs of relief. When Reid entered the office earlier, he'd given Angie a meaningful look and hand signal that meant "If they fight, we'll each pull one apart." Angie had acknowledged the message.
Now it appeared Reid had worried for nothing.
(End of chapter)