Chapter 11: Love, Chaos, and Challenges Await!

Hello everyone! I'm finally back! Thanks again for all of the support! I have a lot of notices I wanted to announce, but I've left everyone waiting for far too long, so I'll save it for the end of this chapter. That said, please enjoy and see you at the end!


"If you wanna climb a mountain, you obviously aim for the top, but you gotta enjoy the scenery too." Teppei Kiyoshi, Kuroko No Basket


"Phew…." Shikikan sighed in relief after hearing Shiranui confirm his victory.

Upon hearing multiple voices call out to him, he was tackled to the ground by Javelin, Laffey, Ayanami, and even Z23.

"We did it Commander!" Javelin cheered happily.

"All thanks to everyone's hard work, great work." He smiled as he patted the four destroyers' heads as they were lying on top of his toppled self.

'Herr Kommandant praised me hehe….' Z23 happily hummed in her head before realizing that she let herself get caught up in the moment and was in a rather saucy position. "E-e-entschuldigung herr kommandant!" She stuttered as she quickly got off of him.

"Commander feels so warmmmmm…...Laffey shutting down….zzzzz..…." She said as she snuggled into his chest and began snoring.

"Come on Laffey! Let him get up!" Z23 said as she began tugging the bunny girl.

"Nimi's right, the ship deck would be uncomfortable for Shikikan des." Ayanami agreed as she helped Z23 bring up a reluctant Laffey and Javelin.

"Thanks, you two. But to be honest if I didn't have work to do after this, I wouldn't have minded just taking a nap here. The weather and ocean breeze are pretty soothing today after all." He thought aloud.

"And thank you for your help today, MVP." He said as he looked over to Yuubari. "Your inventions really saved us today." He added as he walked over to head pat the cruiser.

"D-does that mean...!?" She asked, eyes filled with hope and excitement.

"Yep! Like I promised beforehand, I'll see to it that you are comfortably settled into the research lab with space for a personal workshop."

"Arigato Goshujin!" She exclaimed as she jumped up to hug him with hearts practically overflowing out of her head.

"Umm, Onii-chan?" Unicorn asked shyly as she tugged on his sleeve. "What about Unicorn?"

Putting Yuubari down and turning around, he bent a knee to meet the adorable carrier at eye level. "Of course, you did great too Unicorn. We couldn't have won without you." He smiled as he patted her head with his free hand.

"Hehe…" Unicorn hummed happily as she openly enjoyed his touch before he walked over to the bow of his ship to address the rest of the kansen.

"Great work today everyone! I hope you've all learned something from today that you can use to help grow stronger. But for now, seeing how it's almost time for lunch, let's head on back to base. Feel free to come aboard my ship instead of making the long haul back yourselves." He suggested before everyone hopped aboard his ship and began sailing back towards base together.

"Commander, did you thoroughly enjoy the battle?" King George V asked as she, Wales, Illustrious, and Belfast walked up to him as he was seemingly lost in thought on the bow of the ship.

"I did but it does feel a bit strange fighting from the sidelines like I did…" He turned around and smiled as he rubbed his head awkwardly.

"Understandably so, but that's just how the role of commander goes. We can't have you on the frontlines alongside us after all." KGV reasoned.

"Yeah, I'd hate to be a dead weight like that." He chuckled. "But speaking of the role of commander, was I able to meet the Royal Navy's expectations?"

"With flying colors Milord!" Illustrious happily exclaimed as everyone else smiled and nodded in agreement instantaneously.

"It is as Miss Illustrious says, Master. I would be honored to report nothing but good news to Her Majesty later." Belfast added

"But I must say, I did not expect you to be so devious. To think the announcement of your team members served as a ploy to lower our guards. Following up with relentless and swift strikes as you built up your fleet power to finally overwhelming the rest of us at the end…. I must say, I'm quite impressed." Wales smirked.

"Heh, thanks Wales. I figured that the best way to impress and gain everyone's trust was to turn that overwhelming disadvantage around." He replied shyly, earning satisfied smiles from the four beauties surrounding him.

"And a fine job you did at that Commander." She smiled. "But I am curious as to how you came up with those strategies. Perhaps I could pick your brain a bit over some tea later?"

"Hmm? Trying to stake a claim with Herr Kommandant, Wales?" A playful voice asked, revealing herself to be none other than Prinz Eugen as she was walking up to the group and made eye contact with said battleship.

With a calm and playful expression, Wales walked up to the heavy cruiser until she was only a few inches away. "Heh, perhaps, but is that jealousy I'm sensing Eugen?"

"But of course, how could you be so cruel as to try and take away by dear Kommandant away?" She feigned innocence and fake tears.

Shikikan couldn't help but blush after hearing Eugen's bold words, but before he could even think of a way to respond…

"Just kidding Herr Kommandant. Did that make your heart skip a beat?" She smirked, darkening his already pretty red flush.

"Aww Milord, you're blushing so heavily, almost like a little kid. How cute hehe." Illustrious commented as she patted his head playfully as everyone giggled at his flustered expression.

'How'd this even happen? I went from just chatting to being teased…' He thought before he felt someone tug on his arm, pulling him away from the group of five Kansen surrounding him.

"Daijoubu Shikikan, Onee-san will protect you from these bullies. Come follow me and rest your head on my bosom. I'm sure you must be tired from doing such a good job today." Atago happily suggested as she tugged him along.

"Allow me to come with and play a melody for you as congratulations Shikikan." Shoukaku offered before taking his other arm and the both of them tugging Shikikan towards the inside of the ship.

"It would appear that the Sakura Empire has laid their claim first." KGV chuckled as she watched him get dragged away.

"Looks like you missed your chance Wales." Eugen said, as playful as ever.

"Hardly so, we're in view of the base after all, and I'd doubt he's the type of person to pick favorites."

"We'll see about that." Eugen grinned deviously as she had a finger on her lips and walked over to where Shikikan was dragged towards.

"To be honest, I never know what you are thinking Eugen." Wales sighed as she saw her saunter off.

"Perhaps I should go check on Master. Please excuse me ladies." Belfast pardoned herself.

"Allow me to accompany you Belfast, I'm curious to see what's become of Milord." Illustrious giggled as the two made their way towards Shikikan.

"Looks like Commander has his fair share of troubles." Enterprise remarked as she looked on from afar.

"Ahaha….I'm not sure if I should go check on him or not…" Cleveland sweat dropped.

"Well since neither of you are going, I will since this sounds like fun hehe." She grinned before heading off.

"….Fine I'll bite." Enterprise sighed as she succumbed to her sister's whims and her own curiosity.

Ten minutes later and inside the lounge area of the cruiser, Shikikan could be found melting into a large satellite chair as Atago expertly massaged his shoulders and Shoukaku played a soothing melody on her flute.

"How do you like Onee-san's techniques Shikikan? Not that I can't guess from your expression right now of course." Atago knowingly asked as she saw his blissful expression.

"Feels like heavennnnn..." He moaned as he felt himself turning into putty. "But I do feel a bit guilty since you girls did so much more work than me today." He laughed awkwardly.

"What a nice Shikikan, but if you really do feel that way, how about rewarding us with a massage of our own later?" Shoukaku paused her flute playing and suggested.

"Sounds good, just let me know when you're finished Atago and I'll switch over." He replied nonchalantly, surprising the two beauties for a second.

"Ara, Onee-san's looking forward to your message, but for right now just relax your shoulders and let me pamper you." She gently whispered into his ear, almost succeeding in sending him into a peaceful trance….almost.

"Looks like I should've made a bet with Wales after all." A playful voice said. Looking up, Shikikan, Atago, and Shoukaku noticed that they had a small audience standing in the doorway.

"Apologies for disrupting your pleasant time Master, but we will be arriving shortly." Belfast informed kindly all while not so secretly enjoying Shikikan's darkening blush.

"Aw, I was looking forward to your massage Shikikan." Shoukaku pouted playfully.

"S-sorry about that Shoukaku, but we can continue in my office after hours if you'd like." He suggested before realizing that what he just said could be taken out of context.

"How scandalous you sound right now Herr Kommandant." Eugen remarked as she thought the same, flustering the poor Shikikan further. "But if you're offering them massages, then it's only fair that I get one too right? Unless you're playing favorites of course…" She smirked.

"My, I wouldn't dare to think Milord would do something so unprofessional!" Illustrious gasped playfully before looking back at him. "What she says couldn't possibly be true, right Milord?" She looked at him with playful puppy eyes.

"Ara ara, are Shoukaku and Onee-san your favorites? Onee-san's so happy to know you love her so much!" Atago giggled as she hugged him tightly from behind.

"I'm surprised and flattered Shikikan, we've only just met, and you've already deemed me as one of your favorites. Please do treat me well and give Zuikaku some special treatment as well." She bowed, her mischievous side showing clear as day.

"Oi Atago! Shoukaku!" Shikikan tried to protest.

"It would really suck for HQ to find out about this don't you think Commander?" Hornet jokingly asked before she smiled smugly at him. "Butttt, I promise not to say anything if I get one too!"

"Allow me to offer my assistance in scheduling everyone's appointments with your ministrations after hours than Master." Belfast offered before turning over to face Enterprise. "Should I schedule a time slot for you as well, Miss Enterprise?"

"N-no tha-".

"Don't be shy Enty-nee! I overheard Vestal saying how your shoulders felt so stiff a few days ago, so here's your chance!" Hornet nudged.

Enterprise couldn't retort as Hornet's words reigned true as she felt the heavy knots in her shoulders. "F-fine…., but only as long as you don't mind Commander." She mumbled as she looked to the side as she couldn't seem to face him.

With multiple expecting eyes staring holes into him from all sides, the Shikikan gave in to their whims, "O-okay fine! Everyone's welcome to come to my office for a massage, but only after hours starting tomorrow!" He sighed in defeat, before a small smile creeped up on his face.

'This should double as a chance to get to know everyone a bit better after all…' He wholesomely reasoned in his mind before Eugen spoke once more.

"Hehe, I'm so glad we could come to an agreement Herr Kommandant, butttt...you still haven't answered who's your favorite so far." Eugen grinned.

"It's obviously Onee-san, right Shikikan?" Atago spoke gently into his ear as she hugged him even tighter.

"I wouldn't be so sure about that Atago, considering how not even five minutes into our meeting yesterday, Shikikan was already complimenting me about how mesmerizing my eyes were and how badly he wanted to listen to me play my flute. Isn't that right Shikikan?" Shoukaku boldly spoke as she fluttered her eyes at him.

"Ara ara, but Shikikan's been melting into his chair from my massage and embrace all this time. Surely he's been too at peace to have even noticed your flute playing Shoukaku." Atago giggled ominously as she stood her ground, causing sparks to fly between the two Sakura Empire beauties as they both stood up and stared intently at each other. Although they were still calmly smiling, their auras said otherwise.

Noticing that tensions were rising as the two continued arguing and everyone's eyes were on them, Shikikan tried to make a break for it as he tiptoed away….well…, at least was about to.

"Where do you think you're going Shikikan?" Atago asked, her keen eyesight much to aware of his subtle movement.

"You're the only one who can settle this, Shikikan, so please, tell us, which of us is your favorite?" Shoukaku requested with amused eyes.

"Has it come across either of your minds that maybe Herr Kommandant's favorite is neither of you?" Eugen questioned, earning the quiet ire of both Sakura girls. "Come Herr Kommandant, let's take a break and go have a drink, or ten." Eugen purred as she pulled his arm to her chest. "After that, you can tell me all about why I'm your favorite." She winked.

Quiet ire turning into seething rage, the two Sakura beauties were about to protest before another voice chimed in.

"Pardon me Miss Prinz Eugen, but as his maid, I cannot standby and allow Master to fall behind in his duties." Belfast spoke as she walked right up to her.

"Ho? I'm pretty sure Herr Kommandant's earned his rest and would much rather spend some time relaxing with me than being worked to death by you, Miss Head Maid." Eugen said as she let go of Shikikan and challenged a steadfast Belfast. While she showed showed zero emotions, a palpable tension could be felt rising in the air as Belfast stood her ground.

"It would seem things are getting a bit….touch and go, so to speak." Illustrious sweat dropped as she stood next to Enterprise and Hornet watching the chaos before them unfold.

"I think Commander might need some saving Enty-nee…" Hornet laughed awkwardly.

"I don't think anything I say will stop them…." Enterprise replied as she saw Shikikan backing away a bit more. 'If only Brooklyn was able to come here with us…' She thought.

"Shikikan!"/ "Herr Kommandant"/ "Master" They all said as they all turned and stared right at him, forcing him to stop dead in his tracks.

'Good luck Commander, I'll be rooting for you from here…' Hornet saluted him as she stood quietly off to the side.

'….Gee thanks Hornet, but I really can't blame you for not wanting to get involved in this...' Shikikan deadpanned as he somehow managed to figure out what Hornet was implying.

"Shikikan, which of us do you prefer?" Atago and Shoukaku asked.

"Herr Kommandant, would you rather relax with me or go straight to work with Miss Head Maid here?" Eugen asked as she and Belfast looked at him with expecting eyes.

'Crap….There's definitely got to be a better way out of this than just making a break for it….'

As if fate heard his plea, a new voice behind him spoke.

"Herr Kommandant, we've arrived at….base?" Z23 had appeared to inform him but stopped as she saw the girls surrounding him and felt the palpable tension in the room.

'Perfect timing!'

"Oh! Thank you Nimi! I was just thinking we shouldn't be too far away. Say, about being my secretary ship, how about we have you start after lunch today? Let's walk back together so I can get you up to date on what needs to be done today." He said as he quickly made his escape from the group with Z23 in tow.

"Tsk, he got away." Shoukaku pouted.

"Gotta say, he's pretty quick witted and light on his feet..." Hornet joked.

"You've only gotten away for now Herr Kommandant hehe." Eugen chuckled.

"Ara, it would seem Shikikan's much more popular than I thought." Atago surmised as she looked around at her 'rivals'.

"Milord does have a lot of promising qualities after all." Illustrious giggled.

"Smart, kind, great cook, down to earth, easy on the eyes..." Hornet said as she counted his good traits on her fingers, "He'd be the perfect husband, don't you think Enty-nee?"

"D-don't throw me into this Hornet…." Enterprise sighed. "But if I had to be honest, yeah, he would." She added, all but with a seemingly unnoticeable blush.

"Hmm? So even the Grey Ghost herself has her eyes on Herr Kommandant?" Eugen grinned.

"A word of warning if I may, Miss Enterprise." Belfast spoke. "This type of battlefield will be quite different from the ones we've faced in the past so do pay heed as none of the ladies here seem to intend to pull any punches."

"N-not you too Belfast….Hornet's already more than I can handle right now…" Enterprise sighed at being caught up in everyone's antics.

"Oh my, Belfast, does that mean you're including yourself into this scuffle?" Illustrious asked.

"it is but the duty of a maid to do everything she can for her Master. And as such, I will not falter." Belfast replied boldly as she smiled and curtsied.

"Oh my….., and here I was going to request some tea time with Milord, but it seems that might prove rather difficult."

After a few seconds of silent staring at their 'rivals' had come to pass, Belfast decided to be the first to speak.

"Well then, allow me to wish best of luck to all of the ladies here. While all's fair in love and war, let us agree to not trouble Master and impede him of his duties." She requested, earning silent nods from everyone.

'Well….not too much trouble at least…' Was a common thought among some of them as they all decided to head on outside.

[With Shikikan and Z23]

"Phew….You're a lifesaver Nimi…" Shikikan sighed in relief as he made his way out with the perplexed destroyer.

"Bitte Herr Kommandant, but…wait…did you just call me Nimi?"

"? Oh sorry, I guess I just said it in the spur of the moment. Sorry ab-"

"N-no don't be! I was j-just surprised is all. I d-don't mind you calling me that Herr Kommandant." Z23 interjected with a heavy blush.

"Thanks Nimi." He head patted the adorable destroyer, much to her chagrin as she felt him treating her like a child again, but strangely enough, she didn't seem to mind as much now.

"Oh! There you are Commander!" San Diego called out as she and the rest of the Eagle Union girls approached him and Z23.

"Commander, cake please!" Eldridge requested as she hugged him at his hips and stared upwards at him adorably.

Patting her head, he knelt down to meet with her at eye level. "A promise is a promise. What type of cake would you like Eldridge?"

As she was deep in thought with the very important decision to make, her ahoge swayed back and forth. After a few more seconds had passed, her ahoge shook straight up like an exclamation point with tiny little sparks coming out.

"Chocolate cake!" She requested with stars in her eyes.

"Sure thing Eldridge." He chuckled as he saw her practically bouncing with joy.

"Ooh! That sounds great right about now! Commander! Let me have some too please! Pretty please with a cherry on top? On the cake too please hehe!" San Diego begged as she drooled.

"Hmm…well let's have Eldridge decide since it's her cake after all." He suggested before turning back to face Eldridge. "What do you think Eldridge?"

With another super serious and important question brought to her, she had to think critically before making up her mind. "Let's share, but Eldridge wants the biggest slice!"

"Yay! Thank you, Eldridge!" San Diego exclaimed as she bear hugged the destroyer.

"Sister Sara love you a lot!" Saratoga added as she joined in the group hug.

"Do eat in moderation everyone, unless you really want a tummy ache." Vestal warned.

"Okayyyy" The three replied.

"Hey Commander, can I come watch you make it? I've always wanted to see a professional at work hehe." Cleveland grinned.

"Me too please, I think I'd get a lot better at baking if I watched you." Helena requested.

"Sure, but I wouldn't go so far as to call myself a professional ahaha…" He laughed shyly.

"Nah! Those pies and cookies at the party yesterday would've won any baking competition no sweat!" Cleveland reasoned with sincere high praises.

"She's right Herr Kommandant. Have more confidence in yourself!" Z23 added.

Before he could respond, another voice spoke out.

"Apologies for the intrusion of your conversation, Commander, but I couldn't help but overhear the words 'cheesecake' and 'baking competition'." Turning around, the group noticed that it was King George V with Wales in tow.

"Not afraid to lose twice in one day, KGV?" Wales taunted jokingly.

"That's not set in stone dear sister." She calmly replied. "So, what do you say Commander? I'd personally love a chance to redeem myself after my defeat in today's battle."

'Hmm…well I don't remember seeing that much paperwork to be done in my office today….plus I'd get to directly participate this time instead of just hanging on the side…." He reasoned in his mind before making up his mind. "Alright, I accept your challenge KGV."

"I'd figured you say that. You did say you would've liked to participate more directly in the battle earlier after all. But do pay heed though Commander, I'm quite proud of my cooking skills, just as much as I am of my skills on the battlefield." She spoke, brimming with confidence and determination.

"I'm looking forward to it, but since this was originally for Eldridge, she should be a judge." Shikikan reasoned.

"Agreed, but I think having a few more judges would make things more interesting."

"Anyone you have in mind, KGV?" He asked.

"No one in particular, but I'd like to make this as fair as possible without any bias in the judging." She mentioned as she seemed deep in thought.

"Pardon my intrusion, but might I suggest a blind taste in that none of the judges will know who made what?" Wales recommended.

"Sounds fair to me. Could I ask for your help in setting up the judges then Wales?" Asked Shikikan.

"I don't mind, but are you sure? I might try and sway the judging in favor of my elder sister." Wales smirked.

"I'm sure. I'm not sure how to explain this, but I just get the feeling that you're someone I can trust wholeheartedly and rely on, Wales." He spoke sincerely as Wales felt her face warming up.

After quickly regaining her composure, Wales replied. "Heh, you're quite the charmer Commander. But in all serious, thank you for trusting me. I promise to not let you down." She said as she felt herself smiling wider than she ever had in a long time.

'She's really pretty when she smiles…' The Shikikan thought as he saw her smiling brightly, only to be brought out of it as another, less….pure thought popped up in his mind.

"I'm glad to hear that, but…if you really do think KGV needs that much of a handicap, then I won't complain." He smirked.

Albeit a bit surprised at his sudden change of character, Wales quickly followed up. "Hehe, perhaps I'll keep that idea in mind as I go plan out the match." Wales laughed light heartedly as she went off.

"W-wait Wales!" KGV surprisingly stuttered before looking back to face the Shikikan. "While I don't enjoy this mockery of me, I can't help but still feel glad to see Wales smile like that. What is this feeling?" She surprisingly pouted, rather adorably in Shikikan's eyes.

"Ahaha, sorry about that KGV, I couldn't help myself there. But if I had to guess, I think it just means you really do care for your sister. And I'm sure Wales appreciates having a wonderful sister such as yourself."

[Affinity up!]

"Thank you Commander, but don't assume that I'll be holding back, especially not after that mockery you put me through!" KGV declared with a light blush before quickly turning around to catch her sister.

'So she does have a cute side like that too.' Shikikan confirmed in his mind as he happily watched KGV speed walk towards Wales.

"They get along pretty well." Cleveland commented. "Good luck on your match Commander! I'll be rooting for you from the side!"

"Thanks Cleveland. By the way, didn't you say you have sisters too?" He asked.

"Yep! They're all either stationed elsewhere or haven't awakened yet so I'm hoping to see them all soon!" The bubbly tomboy cheered.

'Awakened? Does she mean from the wisdom cubes? Hmm….is there a way for me to specifically awaken someone?' He pondered before getting back to Cleveland. "I'd love to meet them too, so let's hope that time's not too far away."

"Yeah! Say, what about you Helena? It's been awhile since you've seen your sister, Honolulu, or everyone else in the Brooklyn class, right?" Cleveland asked.

"I think it's been about half a year since they were all sent to guard the NY City harbors." Helena said with a finger on her chin.

"Oh, I didn't know you had a sister too Helena. What's she like?" Shikikan asked.

"She's…..very friendly…" Helena mumbled as she blushed and looked away.

Shikikan was about to ask what she meant before he felt someone tap his shoulder.

"Hey Shikikan, we've arrived at base and I think Shoukaku-nee was looking for you back there." Zuikaku announced as she jutted her thumb behind her.

'Ah crap….' He thought as he broke out in a small cold sweat. "Thanks, Zuikaku, but could you let her know that I'll happily speak with her later after lunch?" He laughed awkwardly before quickly making his way towards Eldridge.

"S-sure?" Zuikaku sweat dropped. "Do either of you know if something happened between them?" She casually asked Cleveland and Helena.

"Ahaha….well..long story short…" Cleveland started as she explained all she knew.

[With Shikikan]

"Hey Eldridge." He said as he knelt down to pat said destroyer on the head. "I'm heading over to the canteen to bake you that cake now, but could I ask for a favor?" He asked as he told her of how KGV challenged him to a competition.

Eldridge's ahoge was now sparkling with excitement as it swayed back and forth after hearing that she gets to eat more cake.

"Oh! I heard a lot from Illustrious about how KGV was well known in the Royal Navy for her cooking skills! Lucky for you to get to taste a cake from her too Eldridge!" Saratoga cheered. "Hey Commander, won't you let your cute little Sara be a judge too?" She looked at him with puppy eyes, her true intentions not so well hidden.

"Sorry, but Wales is in charge of choosing the judges so you're going to have to ask her." He barely finished his sentence before Saratoga and San Diego dashed off to find Wales.

"Well at least they're still full of energy for commissions later…" He remarked before turning back to Eldridge. "Anyway, go ahead and enjoy a nice lunch, and in a few hours, I'll have a chocolate cake fresh out of the oven for you." He said as he coddled the adorably ecstatic destroyer before quickly heading off to the canteen, lest he gets seen by Atago, Shoukaku, Eugen, or Belfast.

"Where's Herr Kommandant running off to in such a hurry?" Spee questioned as she saw him jumping off the cruiser and running off.

"Just what did you and everyone else do to him inside the ship Eugen…?" Gneisenau sighed as she pinched the bridge of her nose.

"Nothing really." Eugen chuckled.

"Tsk…how dare that servant just run off. Perhaps I should retrain him later ahaha!" Deutschland began to laugh haughtily.

"Deutschland, please don't bother Herr Kommandant…" Spee deadpanned.

"Wha!? You're choosing that untermensch over your dear schwester!? Did that greedy green haired cat hypnotize you when she was messing with your rigging!?"

"No, I would've noticed if something was off when I was with Akashi…" Spee sighed.

"Hahaha! Looks like you're about to lose your precious Spee to Herr Kommandant." Scharnhorst laughed.

"As if I'd let that happen! I'm going to go teach that slave a lesson!" She said as she started to stomp off before being grabbed by Spee's giant mechanical arm.

"Please don't. I don't favor either of you more than the other, but I'd still prefer to not have to see you bully him." Spee sighed.

"F-fine…just put me down Spee…" She requested as she was about five feet off the ground.

"Sometimes I wonder who the big sisters really are in Ironblood." Gneisenau sighed as she looked at the three Ironblood 'big' sisters. Scharnhorst didn't seem to hear as she was too busy laughing at Deutschland, who also didn't hear as she was still trying to convince Spee to let her down.

"Hah? Why are you looking at me when you say that?" Hipper demanded.

"Isn't it obvious Hipper?" Eugen started before wrapping her arms around Hipper's chest. "You still feel like a washboard here ufufu."

"HAH!? Get off me Eugen!" Hipper yelled as she pried herself lose. Now enraged, she pointed at Eugen's rather generous bust. "As if I'd even want such useless mounds of fat weighing me down!"

"Ho? But how will you be able to win Herr Kommandant's heart if yours is so flat and empty ufufu?"

"HAHH!? What does that dummkopf have to do with anything!?" The flustered mess that was Hipper yelled before going off on a tangent with her mischievous 'little' sister.

After the ship docked back at home base, everyone decided to head on back to the canteen for lunch. Since none of them were currently scheduled for any missions, they took their time to relax and enjoy lunch.

A little over an hour later, two distinct scents of melted chocolate wafted through the canteen air.

"W-wow! Something smells awesome!" Hornet exclaimed as she wiped the drool away from her lips.

"I wonder which one's Commander's. What do you think Helena?" Cleveland asked excitedly.

"I can't tell, but they both smell amazing!"

"Hmm? Do you two know something?" Enterprise asked, her curiosity peaked.

Before either could explain, the sound of someone tapping a glass reverberated throughout the canteen.

"May I have everyone's attention please." Wales requested as she gathered everyone's attention to herself as she stood in front of the kitchen doors. "On the behest of many unnamed enthusiastic individuals, I would like to request everyone's cooperation in a blind taste test battle between King George V and the Commander. And if it wasn't already obvious, the theme is chocolate cake."

"That explains a lot…" Enterprise commented as she pieced the puzzle pieces together.

"Let's hurry and get to tasting! The smell of chocolate in here has been testing my very limits!" Javelin blurted out, earning laughs and giggles from everyone in every faction.

"Just to confirm, we are to judge between both dishes and deem which one is to our liking more?" Takao asked.

"Yes, once everyone's tasted both, the Manjuus will hand out a sheet of paper with pictures of both cakes on it. Please choose whichever one you preferred more."

"It won't be anything weird right Wales? Royal Navy isn't particularly well known for its cuisine." Eugen bluntly joked.

"Hogwash. That is just an unfortunate stereotype." A voice revealing herself through the double doors to the kitchen appeared to be none other than King George V herself. "As you will soon find out, Royal Navy cuisine is nothing to scoff at."

"If you say…but alright, I'm game."

"Then without further ado, let the taste test commence!" Wales decreed as multiple Manjuu fluttered out through the double doors with concealed plates. After said plates were brought out and placed in front of all of the kansen, almost as if a single unit, they all lifted the plates at once to reveal the marvel that was underneath.

"WOW!" Was a common phrase among everyone as they stared at the decadent slice of chocolate before them. Each slice revealed two distinct layers of pecan encrusted chocolate cake and was topped with a meticulously crafted white chocolate ribbon that was molded into the shape of a small white crown.

Anticipating nothing short of pure delight, everyone eagerly took their first bites, and within seconds…

"SO GOOD!" San Diego exclaimed as she felt herself ascending to heaven.

"What are these nuts!? They go really well with this chocolate cake and this beer!" A dumbfounded Hyuuga asked as she was quick to take a second bite after chugging her glass of beer.

"The white crown is very cute! It's almost a shame to eat it...almost" Illustrious giggled as she bit into said crown.

With nothing but positive comments, the ship girls happily and easily finished off their slices.

"I don't know who made that, but I do know that this is going to be hard to beat!" Hornet sighed in bliss.

"Agreed but let us see for ourselves! Manjuus if you would be so kind." Wales spoke once more before the Manjuus happily repeated the procedure once more.

Once revealed, a short, yet wide round chocolate cake of sorts with multiple raspberries scattered around it was revealed. And on top, a generous scoop of old-fashioned vanilla ice cream and a single mint leaf can be seen.

"While the other cake gave off a rather sophisticated, elegant aura, this one gives off a rather 'down to earth' sense so to speak." Z46 observed before taking her spoon to dig into the chocolate cake, only for her and everyone else to go wide-eyed at what was hidden inside the cake.

"Oh!" Ayanami blurted out as she saw a pool of pure melted hot chocolate fudge flow out of her cake.

Now further enthralled by the cake, everyone eagerly took their first bites and immediately following so…

"S-shoukaku-nee! Is it really okay to feel such bliss?" Zuikaku asked as she felt herself melting, much like the overflowing hot fudge, into pure ecstasy.

"I understand what you mean Zuikaku. Enjoying a warm spoonful of this rich chocolate cake and following up with a taste of the cold creaminess of the vanilla ice cream and the pleasant tartness of the raspberries is truly sinful hehe." Shoukaku said as she had a hand to her cheek in sheer delight.

"A perfect balance between hot chocolate cake and cold vanilla ice cream if I do say so myself." Belfast smiled. "What say you Sheffield?"

"I believe I know which one Master made, but I'll just keep it to myself." Sheffield replied monotonously, albeit with a near invisible blush creeping up on her poker face.

"I can't decide! Both were so good, and I kept wanting more of both!" Z23 said as she and her starter squad friends were visibly struggling to vote.

"Don't feel like you have to guess which one was Milord's, Yamashiro. Just pick whichever one you enjoyed more." Fusou encouraged her sister.

"Hai Fusou-neesama! But this is still really hard…" Yamashiro continued struggling.

"I'm sure neither KGV or Shikikan will feel satisfied with any biased or pity votes, so make sure you vote honestly!" Vestal reminded.

"Who are you voting for Enty-nee? I honestly can't decide." Hornet laughed shyly.

"I'm as lost as you are Hornet." Enterprise replied as she kept tasting both cakes.

After careful consideration and all the votes were put in, the Manjuus took the liberty to tally up the votes and write down the scores on a sheet of paper before folding and handing it to Wales.

"Alright now for the moment we've all been waiting for." Wales started as she unfolded the piece of paper. "And the winner is… with a vote count of 19 to 17…..the 2nd dish: the chocolate lava cake!"

"Wow…I honestly wasn't expecting to win after getting a chance to try your cake KGV." Shikikan said as he and said battleship stepped out from the kitchen with each other's cakes in their hands.

"You think so? Utilizing cold rich vanilla ice cream with a pool of melted hot chocolate fudge you had hidden inside the chocolate cake itself was quite ingenious. As much as I'd hate to admit, I'd happily concede this match until the next one for another slice…haha." KGV lightly blushed as she happily took another bite with hearts fluttering out of her head.

"Same goes for me KGV, if it's not too much to ask, I'd love to learn how you made those pretty white chocolate ribbons!" Shikikan smiled as he appreciated the fine handiwork before him.

"Funny you should ask Commander, I was just about to ask how you made your lava cakes."

"Oh, so basically you want to…" He started as the two happily ate each other's cakes over some tea and shared their culinary secrets at a nearby empty table for just the two of them, much to the surprise and dismay of the others.

"Heh, well played dear sister." Wales smiled.

"Ho? I wasn't expecting her to be the crafty type. Not bad ufufu." Eugen smirked as she too watched from afar.

"Oh, Commander looks like he's on a date." Laffey mumbled before popping open a bottle of oxy-cola and downing it.

"D-don't be ridiculous! T-they're simply…um…. having a friendly chat is all!" Z23 retorted with a heavy blush.

"Y-yeah! That's it! I-it's too soon for a d-date!" Javelin added, also quite flustered.

"It is?" Ayanami asked with honest surprise.

"Ara, even the little ones now are showing their true colors." Atago giggled.

"Mo, you already have me and here you are flirting away with someone else." Shoukaku pouted. "Shall we call for a truce for the time being, Atago?"

"Ara ara, Onee-san was thinking the same thing ufufu." The two giggled, albeit a bit menacingly.

"Don't cause a ruckus and disturb Shikikan, you two." Takao warned.

"Araaa, you're free to stake your claim too you knowwww, Takao-channn ufufu."

"G-get off me Atago! How shameless!" Takao blushed as Atago clung onto her.

"I didn't hear you deny your interest ufufu."

"ATAGO!" Takao yelled, now blushing twice as hard.

"It would seem Master is much more lecherous than he lets on." Sheffield dead panned.

"A bit harsh Sheffy…" Edinburgh sweat-dropped.

"Twas but a joke, Edinburgh." She replied with a perfected poker face.

"I'm sure Her Majesty will be pleased hehe. Wouldn't you agree, Belfast?" Illustrious asked.

"Yes, Miss Illustrious. Perhaps her Majesty's plan for Master will work after all." Belfast giggled, as neither worried about being overheard.

[Over by the Ironblood]

"Hah? Plan?" Hipper scoffed. "What's she on about? Are the Royals trying to puppeteer that dummkopf or something?"

"Hahaha! As if I'd give away my new slave to that dwarf queen!" Deutschland cackled.

"In any case, Hipper's assumption is a bit worrisome so let's keep an eye out for now." Gneisenau requested.

"I think Eugen's got different plans…" Scharnhorst spoke.

"Huh? Wait, where'd she go?" Hipper asked as she looked around.

"If you are looking for Fraulein Eugen, she's currently walking towards Herr Kommandant." Z46 pointed to said cruiser on her way to Shikikan's table, before being stopped by a knowing Wales.

"Heh, seems like things are about to get even more interesting. Good luck Herr Kommandant." Scharnhorst grinned.

[A few minutes ago with Shikikan and KGV]

"And that's pretty much how I learned how to cook."

"Surely you jest." KGV laughed. "To think that by just reading recipe books and watching cooking videos and shows, you were able to achieve this caliber of culinary mastery is quite unprecedented!"

"It's true! Lying in bed all day and doing nothing but sleep was nice at first, but then it got to the point where I had to beg the doctor and nurse for books and videos when there was nothing on TV. Dying of boredom didn't seem too promising to me after all."

Upon hearing this, KGV's expression turned a bit serious for a bit. "Commander, I hope I'm not overstepping my bounds, but just how are you able to move on so well?"

Taking a second to pause and think, he spoke. "…Sometimes it's best to just let the past remain in the past and to just focus on the here and now. And right now, there's nothing I wouldn't do to make sure no one else has to go through what I did." He spoke with a melancholic smile before brightening right back up. "I don't know if I'll ever be 100% better, but what I do know for sure is that even though I've only spent a short amount of time here, I can confidently say that there's no place I'd rather be than with everyone here." He confessed albeit with a slight blush.

{Affinity up!]

Not only was KGV at a loss of words, but she and many other Kansen eavesdropping in felt their hearts simply melt at his kind sincere words.

Finally regaining her ability to speak, KGV smiled. "You truly are an interesting person Commander. Hearing your honest feelings and seeing you happily enjoying my food pleases me." She blushed.

"Heh, I enjoy chatting and eating with you as well KGV." Shikikan blushed as well after hearing himself say it out loud.

"Apologies for interrupting your date Master, King George V, but today's duties have yet to be completed and lunch has well ended." Sheffield announced with a firm, yet slightly noticeable apologetic tone.

Looking at his watch, Shikikan noticed that he had unintentionally spent an extra half hour into his lunch break. "Darn, I really lost track of time. Thank you and sorry for forcing your hand like this Sheffy." He bowed his head apologetically.

"Think nothing of it Master. My duties include making sure you don't slack off after all." Sheffield deadpanned albeit with a ghost of a blush after hearing him call her by her nickname.

"Sorry for having to end our conversation so abruptly KGV, but duty calls."

"It's quite alright Commander. I look forward to doing all of this again." She nodded before seeing him and Sheffield hurry off to the office.

"Tsk…I didn't expect you to stop me Wales." Eugen pouted as she saw Shikikan walk out of the canteen.

"But of course, I couldn't have you ruin their moment." Wales laughed before grinning mischievously at her elder sister. "So KGV, did you have fun on your rendezvous with Commander?"

"Yes, although I would've preferred that it hadn't ended so briefly." KGV smiled with her eyes closed as she elegantly sipped on her tea.

"So, what exactly did Belfast mean when she said something about Queeny's plan for Herr Kommandant?" Eugen questioned.

"Who knows?" Wales smiled and shrugged. "Her Majesty was quite steadfast about establishing a Royal Navy presence here after hearing about him."

"Ho? How interesting. Well then, I'll be taking my leave then since I have a few 'errands' to run." She spoke with an air of mischief as she left the canteen.

"She's definitely up to something..." Wales thought aloud as KGV nodded in agreement.

A few hours after the Sun had long since disappeared into the night, the Shikikan could be found still hard at work in his office.

"And that should do it." Shikikan spoke aloud as he signed off the last of the seemingly never-ending pile of paperwork. 'I definitely could've gotten done earlier if I could've just done this digitally, but sadly this computer here is sorely out of date. I wonder if Akashi or Yuubari could help me upgrade …' He pondered before he noticed a cup of tea placed before him.

"That should be the last of the papers. Good work today Herr Kommandant!" Z23 smiled as she held the serving board in front of her with both arms rather adorably.

"Thank you the help Nimi." He said as he gratefully took the tea. "Mm, this tea's delicious!"

"Whew…" She sighed in relief. "I'm not as confident in my tea brewing skills as I am with my coffee brewing, but I'd thought it be healthier for you since the coffee might keep you up at night even if I used a decaffeinated one."

"I'm really happy to hear you put that much thought in for me. Thank you, really." He flashed her a kind smile as he looked into her pale purplish-blue eyes before closing his own and further enjoying the tea.

[Affinity up!]

"I-it was nothing Herr Kommandant…." She blushed. "You've taken really good care of everyone here, so I just wanted to do the same for you…" She mumbled as she brought up the serving board to hide her embarrassed expression.

Before he could ask what she said, the door to the office swung open.

"I'm back Herr Kommandant hehe!" A very noticeably drunk Eugen announced as she stumbled up to his couch and plopped herself down.

"Pardon the intrusion Milord, but the fleet assigned from the transport commission has returned." Illustrious informed as she too stepped in.

"Ah, welcome back you two. Were there any troubles?" He asked as he got up to pour glasses of water for everyone.

"None in terms of enemies, but there was a sense of wariness between everyone throughout the escort." She spoke as she gladly took the glass. "Thank you."

"Please don't tell me that Prinz Eugen riled someone up somehow." Z23 sighed as she looked over at the drunken cruiser.

"How rude, I did a pretty good job restraining myself today." Eugen muttered before pulling out a flask and helping herself.

"I take it you meant in terms of a 'former enemies turned allies working together for a greater cause' kind of thing?"

"Right on the dot Milord." She said with a sad smile.

"As much as I'd hate to admit it, this was to be expected. From what I've heard, Azur Lane and Crimson Axis had been fighting the Sirens independently from each other up until now. In order to win this war, it's going to take a combined effort from everyone." Shikikan reasoned.

"I wholeheartedly agree with you." Illustrious's brilliant smile returned once more. "I'm sure everyone here would agree with me in that Milord will be the one to unify us."

"I share the same thoughts with Fraulein Illustrious Herr Kommandant. I'm looking forward to seeing your hard work pay off!" Z23 added.

"Way to pile on the pressure for him Nimi" Eugen teased.

"T-that wasn't my intention!" Z23 stuttered.

"No worries Nimi, I understood what you meant. Thank you." Shikikan smiled as he patted her head.

"Urgh….you're treating me like a kid again Herr Kommandant!" While Z23 was pouting, she didn't put in any effort to stop him from continuing, earning a light giggle from Illustrious and a satisfied, knowing smile from Eugen.

"By the way Milord, will you be up for long? I'd love to chat with you some more, perhaps maybe over some fine wine?" Invited Illustrious.

"I'd love to. A glass of wine after hours of paperwork sounds great."

"Splendid! Miss Z23 and Miss Eugen, you two are also welcome to join us as well if you'd like." Illustrious offered.

"Danke, but I'm feeling a bit tired." Z23 politely declined before turning to face Shikikan. "Would it be alright if I left for the night Herr Kommandant?"

"No need to ask me, Nimi. You've helped me out so much today and I can't thank you enough. Have a nice long rest and I'll see you in the morning."

"Vielan danke und gute nacht Herr Kommandant! Fraulein Illustrious. " She smiled cheek to cheek hearing his praises before unknowingly skipping off.

"And what about you Miss E-oh she fell asleep." Illustrious paused upon seeing Eugen quietly snoozing."

"I guess I'll carry her back to her room." Shikikan said before walking over to Eugen.

"I shall leave her in your capable hands then Milord. I'll come back here with everything after I've freshen up." Illustrious smiled happily before leaving for the Royal Navy dorms.

"You're not really asleep are you Eugen?" He questioned aloud as he knelt down and shook her shoulder a bit.

"Would you prefer if I was, you naughty kommandant?" Eugen smirked mischievously as she stopped feigning her stupor and casually took another swig from her flask. "I have to ask though, how'd you know?"

"I didn't, it was just a shot in the dark." He smiled.

"Hmm, perhaps I should've just kept pretending then." She said with half lidded eyes.

"..Maybe you are drunk after all. Here, have some water." He chuckled as he offered her the glass of water he poured for her earlier.

"Danke" She thanked him as she quickly polished off the glass. "You know, back during the war, Nimi rarely ever smiled, well, not like I'm one to talk though." She said before happily drinking more from her flask. "It wasn't until she made friends with those three and meeting you that she started smiling so happily. And for that, vielen dank Herr Kommandant, really." She smiled as she sincerely spoke her mind.

"Just how much have you drunken before getting her Eugen? Here, drink some more water and sober up so you don't regret it come morning." He joked as he poured her more water.

"Hmpf, and here I thought I'd be serious and thank you honestly." Eugen pouted cutely as she accepted the glass and took a small sip.

"Heh, you sounded a bit like Hipper for a second there." He egged on, earning a surprised blush from the cruiser.

"I can't believe you'd treat a drunken lady so cruelly, Herr Kommandant."

"Sorry about that Eugen, I just thought I'd push my luck and tease you a bit." He chuckled before offering her a hand up. "But since you've finally admitted you're more than a bit tipsy, I'll help you back to your room."

Hearing this, Eugen's smug smile returned once more. "Nein, as punishment for bullying me, you have to finish this flask." She said before tackling and pinning him to the ground with the flask shoved right into his face.

"U-um Eugen, this is a bit….." He was at a loss for words. "A-anyway, I'll accept the punishment so let me get up and get a glass for it."

"No way, where's the fun in that. Unless…., are you perhaps….scared of a little 'indirect kiss'?" She grinned widely.

"T-that's beside the point! It would just be really bad if someone sees us looking like this!" He retorted, feeling himself quickly heating up.

"I don't think I believe you." Eugen sung as she leaned in closer as she popped open the flask. "Come on Herr Kommandant, be a man and the drinking buddy I know and just drink this."

'She's so drunk! As much as I'd love a drink, I don't want her or anyone else thinking poorly of me for taking advantage of her drunken state and stealing a kiss from her, whether it be 'indirect' or not!'

"Herr Kommandant, your face says it all. I'm really not as drunk as you think I am, and I promise that I won't tell anyone about this." She spoke with a surprisingly serious expression. "Unless…you really don't want to share a kiss with me…" She assumed with a somber smile.

"….Thank you for the drink, Eugen." Shikikan said as he swiped the flask from her hand and downed about seven shots worth of hard whiskey in one big gulp."

{Affinity up!]

"Wow, all it takes is a little fake tears to get you up and running." Eugen said as she began to laugh her heart out, a sincerely happy expression plastered on her face.

"W-wait, you were faking?" He asked, unable to tell as he felt his throat burn from the hard liquor.

"Who knows." She replied as she finally calmed down. "But anyway, it's getting late and you have an appointment with Illustrious, so hurry up and carry me back to my dorm." She demanded as she climbed onto his back.

Defeated, the Shikikan gave in, got up, and piggy backed her out the door and to the Iron Blood dorm.

"Aren't you glad you get to have the miracle of the Ironblood Navy hug you right now? I'm sure you're enjoying this as much as I'm enjoying your embarrassed face right now." Eugen teased as she snuggled her face into the back of his head.

"Oi Eugen! Don't move around too much!" He protested as he carefully made his way.

From there, the two enjoyed a comfortable silence as he continued carrying her under the clear starry night sky along the shoreline. Once he was within fifty feet of the Ironblood dorm's entrance, he felt Eugen pinching his cheeks and hopping off.

"I can make it back from here. It be bad if someone saw us and a scandalous rumor stirs up right? Not that I would mind though." She joked as she walked around to stand before him. "Thanks for a fun day today Herr Kommandant."

"I'm glad you enjoyed it as much as I did, Eugen. No more liquor for the rest of the night and straight to bed okay?"

"Fineeee." She said before turning around and making her way back…or at least she started to before turning right back around to face him again.

"Almost forgot, as thanks for the smooth ride all the way here…" She spoke before leaning in and pecking him on the cheek.

"O-oi! E-Eugen!" He blushed wildly.

"Ich liebe dich Herr Kommandant. Is this the truth or am I just drunk? I'll leave it to you to figure it out. Gute nacht." She giggled as she happily made her way into the dorm.

'She's quite the handful.' He chuckled to himself. "I should hurry and get back to my office before Illustrious arrives."

A few minutes into his walk, he started to feel a bit dazed. 'Maybe drinking all of that whiskey at once wasn't the brightest idea…' He thought as he slowed down and took a couple of deep breaths.

"Commander? Is that you?" A voice asked from a bench near the shoreline.

"Hmm? Oh, hi Helena, enjoying the night air?" He said as he got closer all while trying his best to not slur or stammer.

"Yes, would you like to join me?" She offered as she moved over to one side of the bench.

'Illustrious did say she was going to shower, so I should have some time. Plus it would be a good idea to sit down and try to sober up a bit.' He reasoned in his mind before he happily sat down next to her.

Upon a closer look, he noticed that she had on a large sky blue t-shirt with the emblem of the Eagle Union covering the entire front half, long navy-blue sweatpants, and cute baby blue bunny slippers.

"You look really cute in casual-wear Helena." His inebriated self-blurted out before his conscience could react. 'What am I saying? I mean she does look adorable, but still….too bold!' He screamed internally.

"T-thank you, Commander..." She blushed heavily as she shyly looked away.

A few seconds of awkward silence passed by as the two gazed out at the night sea and sky.

"So….what brought you outside tonight?" He asked, trying to break the silence.

"Umm…well…" She started before taking a deep breath. "Actually Commander, could you hear me out?" She requested as she stared intently into his eyes.

"Of course, Helena. What's on your mind?"

"…I had decided to go straight to bed after my patrol mission, but I just woke up thanks to a nightmare." She started.

"Do you want to talk about it?" He asked, starting to feel a bit concerned for the bluenette.

Nodding her head, a bit reluctantly, she continued. "…I saw everyone sinking. Smoke, fire, and screams everywhere I looked. I….I then saw…" She paused as she closed her eyes to hold back her tears before continuing.

"…Myself covered in flames as I slowly sunk to the bottom of an endless abyss, with nothing but darkness surrounding me further and further as I saw the Sun get dimmer and dimmer." Helena was now about to completely break down as she thought she saw not only her past but everyone's future as well.

But before the first tear could drop, she felt a warm sensation around her. Quickly opening her teary eyes, she saw that the Shikikan had closed the distance between them and had her in his warm embrace. Unable to hold back anymore, she returned the hug as she sobbed heavily into his chest.

Shikikan said nothing as he held her tight in his arms, refusing to let go in fear of letting her continue feeling the lonely darkness he knew all too well. Seconds turned into minutes as the two held each other under the starry, moonlit night sky. With all of her welled-up emotions released, Helena managed to speak once more.

"Thank you, Commander. I feel so much better now." She smiled happily, although a bit reluctant to leave his warm embrace.

"I'm glad I was able to help." He smiled back. "But seriously though Helena, I want you to know that I really do care for everyone here and that I will do everything I can and beyond to keep everyone safe and happy. I promise you that I'll never turn you away if you ever need help, so please, promise me that you won't bottle yourself up ever again and that you will come to me. I'll happily welcome you with open arms." Shikikan implored as he stared intently into her eyes.

[Affinity up!]

"Yes!" She exclaimed as her face hurt from how widely she was smiling now. The sad tears now replaced by relieved joyful ones, the Shikikan was graced with Helena's beautiful smile as her tear-stricken visage glowed under the serenity of the moonlight.

The awkward silence turned into a pleasant quiet atmosphere, the two decided to enjoy the beautiful night for a little longer.

No longer than five minutes later, Helena felt herself yawning.

"Think you can have yourself a good night's sleep and some sweet dreams now?" He smiled as he got up off the bench, only to quickly regret getting up so fast as the alcohol began messing with his senses.

"Yes, but I don't think any dream will be sweeter than right now." She mumbled, too embarrassed to say the second half any louder, let alone look at him in the eyes and say it.

"Hmm? Did you say something?" Shikikan asked as he was too busy trying not to embarrass himself.

"N-nothing!" Helena stuttered. "I'll be heading to bed now Commander. Thank you again and have a good night." She bid farewell before turning on her heels. As she walked off, she quickly turned her head back to face him. "Oh, and please be careful of drinking anymore tonight Shikikan." She giggled as she saw a rising blush on his face before turning back around and heading off to her room.

"Man, I thought I was doing a decent job too." He thought aloud.

"You underestimate a woman's intuition, Milord."

"Ah!" Shikikan jumped a bit as hearing a voice from behind so suddenly scared him.

"Sorry for scaring you Milord." Illustrious giggled as she had stepped forward out under the street lamp. She was wearing a pure white, long sleeved nightgown that greatly accentuated her generous curves and had a straw basket to her side that had two bottles of red wine and two very ornate glasses resting inside.

"No worries, but I didn't make you wait, did I?"

"Not at all Milord, I was on my way to your office from the Royal Navy dorms when I saw you talking with someone on the bench here." She informed before a knowing smile creeped up on her face. "I'm glad to hear that Milord cares for us very much." She giggled.

Now a blushing mess from being overheard, the Shikikan couldn't help but shyly look away.

"No need to feel embarrassed, Milord." She encouraged before walking up closer until she was standing right before him. "Not that I already didn't think Milord was a kind person but seeing and hearing you act so kindly warms my heart. Although, I am admittedly, a bit jealous." She smiled playfully before wrapping her free arm around his right arm. "Would you like some assistance walking back to your office?"

The Shikikan let out an awkward chuckle as he accepted her 'help' back.

Upon arrival, the two sat down on the couch and Illustrious poured two full glasses of wine. "Cheers, Milord."

"Thank you Illustrious. Cheers" He replied as they clanged glasses.

"Mm, this is delicious!" He cheered.

"I'm glad you think so too, I've been saving this bottle for a special occasion, but what better occasion would there be than to thank for everything you've done these past two days?" Her smile practically radiating light and warm as she easily polished off her glass and poured herself more.

"It was no big deal, I just wanted to make sure everyone felt welcome." He laughed shyly as he also finished his glass, to which Illustrious happily filled right back up.

"Perhaps, but it meant a lot for me Milord. It was as though I received your recognition. I felt so relieved." She smiled as she spoke earnestly, flustering the Shikikan as the beauty stared intently at him.

"W-wait, did it seem like I was putting you off?" He panicked, to which Illustrious began to giggle uncontrollably.

"Quite the opposite, Milord." She managed to say after calming down, a melancholic smile replacing her radiant one. "I meant it in that you treated us kindly, almost as if we were just like humans, and not just as tools of war."

"But you are just like humans?" He immediately replied with a quizzical look.

"Eh?" She said as she felt time stop as she looked him in the eyes and heard him continue to speak.

"Sure, everyone here is immensely powerful, but besides that….." He paused to look right back at her and smile. "Everyone here smiles, laughs, cries, walks, talks, eats, sleeps, drinks, dream, and have their own unique personalities, just like every other person in the world does. There's no way something as simple as a tool of war could ever possess any of these things."

{Affinity up!}

As soon as he finished speaking, he saw a flash of white before he felt himself wrapped in Illustrious's warm embrace.

'S-she feels so soft and smells so nice…No! Get your mind out of the gutter!' His conscience battled as he was at a loss of words for the wonderful 'sensations' pressed against him.

"Milord…" Illustrious said as she released him to look intimately close into his eyes. "To hear such kind words without any sense of hesitation or deceit….is something I've always secretly desired to hear." She admitted with teary eyes as she took his hands and pressed it against her flushed cheeks. "Thank you, thank you!"

At first surprised to see the emotions pour out of Illustrious like this, he quickly recovered. "I promise that I'll never see any of you as anything as ignorant or repulsive as tools of war." He smiled as he wiped her tears away. "After all, everyone's smiles here are way too pretty and precious to lose." He chuckled lightheartedly as he downed the rest of his glass.

"You truly are wonderful Milord. I'm so happy to have met you!" She smiled as she wrapped her arms around his neck and brought him in for another hug, although a bit differently this time…

'H—h-h-her chest!' He screamed internally as he was pressed deeply against her wonderfully soft and generous pillows.

"Is this to your liking Milord?" She playfully asked before she began to stroke his surprisingly soft black hair.

"I'd be lying if I said I didn't want to stay forever." He blurted out before he realized, no thanks to all of the alcohol in his system.

"My….if Milord were to ask, I would happily oblige." She giggled with half lidded eyes as she started to tighten her embrace…before a knock at the door was heard.

"Master? It's well past midnight. It's not h-oh my." Belfast said as she had opened the door right after, revealing the Shikikan and Illustrious in a very intimate position. "I was wondering where you were heading off towards in such a hurry, Miss Illustrious. Nevertheless, pardon my rude intrusion." Belfast bowed, amused at Shikikan's dismay at being seen, guilty for interrupting, and was that a small bit of jealously she also felt? Only she would know.

"Oh my, it seems I've been caught." Illustrious casually replied, although still keeping Shikikan in her embrace.

"Um…Illustrious…as much as I'd hate to ask…could you let me go? Being seen like this is…well…..extremely embarrassing." He begged.

"But I thought Milord said he never wanted to leave?" She teased with pretend hurt feelings.

"I should apologize for having not known this desire of yours. I have failed as your maid." Belfast bowed, doing a very good job holding herself back from laughing.

"C-can I surrender?" He conceded, earning giggles from the two beauties.

"Apologies once more Milord." Illustrious giggled as she released him, although a bit reluctantly, and playfully patted him on the head. "I shall be heading back to my room for the night. Thank you for the wonderful time Milord." She bowed before finishing the remainder of her glass and putting everything away into her basket.

"Master, it would seem you've had quite a bit to drink. Allow me to guide you to your bedroom." Belfast offered.

"Thank you, but I don't think I'm that gone yet." He said as he got up off the couch, all while the room swayed a bit.

"I insist, Master." Belfast said as she firmly wrapped an arm around his waist and moved his arm around her shoulder.

Looking down, he gulped at the generous view Belfast gave him.

"I'd advise you let Belfast help you. Stairs are tricky, even when only a bit tipsy." Illustrious chimed in as she had finished cleaning up. "I shall be heading back to my room for the night Milord. Thank you again for such a wonderful time." She smiled and bowed before stepping out.

"Alright Master, shall we?" Belfast suggested as she helped him up the stairs. "Also, while I appreciate the sentiment, being stared at is still a bit…" She smiled smugly, as perceptive as ever.

"S-sorry Belfast." He apologized before looking away, his face feeling as if it were burning.

"It's quite alright Master, I shall think of it as an inebriated compliment." She smiled, openly enjoying his flustered self. "Earlier, I saw Eugen drinking out of a whiskey bottle and was seemingly walking towards here. Did you perhaps start drinking then?" Belfast guessed spot on.

"Y-your intuition is quite frightening Belfast."

"But of course, a maid must strive to understand her Master in order to better serve him." She smiled as she opened the door to his room.

"Thank you." He said as he staggered forth.

"Think nothing of it." She said before stepping in as well, a smile growing on her face. "Are you planning to shower before you turn in for the night?"

"Yeah, its been a long day and a shower sounds great right about now."

"I see…would you like me to wash your back then, Master?" Her eyes twinkled mirthfully.

His flustered expression was now back with vengeance. "I-I appreciate the offer, but I don't think that would be a good idea …"

"Are you perhaps worried about being seen by others?" Belfast teased. "I can assure you that no one will enter your room this late at night….without 'good' reason of course."

"T-that's not what I was getting at…" He tried to explain, but his mind continued to fail him, earning a stifled giggle from the Head Maid.

"My apologies Master. I couldn't resist my desire to see your troubled expression." She bowed before taking her leave. "Please do call upon me if you ever change your mind. I would never deny a request from Master after all. Good night." She smiled smugly as she closed the door behind her.

'…..I should be a lot more careful when I drink…' He made a mental note in his head before heading off for the shower, brushing his teeth, and instantly passing out on his nice warm bed after a long day of working, strategizing, competing, baking, consoling, and heavy drinking.


And part 1 ends on as the night settles in! Thank you everyone for your continued patience and support! I had an awful writer's block, so I had to take some time to figure things out. Thankfully, I was able to plan everything out and here we are! I do feel a bit bad making everyone wait over a month, so I've already finished about 50% of the next chapter and will have it ready in the next two weeks-ish.

And just a few things I wanted to confirm:

-There will definitely be more Shipfus incoming in the near future [Will confirm no collab ships though, sorry!]. Stay tuned!

- Can you guess who's going to appear? Feel free to leave your guesses/wishes in the comments!

-I've decided to edit how the Royal Navy/Eagle Union waifus will refer to him, so the referrals will be as such for most of the shipfus.

Eagle Union: Commander

Royal Navy: Commander/Milord

Iron Blood: Herr Kommandant

Sakura Empire: Shikikan(-sama)/Milord

All other factions: still figuring out if I want to use native languages or just opt for Shikikan for simplicity's sake.

And that's it for me in this update! Remember to fav/follow if you like the story and haven't already!

Stay tuned for next time on Azur Lane fanfic: An Unsung Legend Chapter 12: "Scorching Hot Arrivals and Ice Cold Feelings!"