Ardent sighed softly, her eyes darted toward the only man in their base, sitting in gazebo filled with gorgeous women who has great figures. She pouted a bit when he saw him laughing at a joke that Formidable just cracked, his deep tone is so perfect for his masculine laugh. Not overly boisterous, but not too light either, just the perfect baritone. His handsome visage really suits to be a model, yet the man chose to be a soldier instead. He wore eyepatch over his left eye, no one among the ship girls knows why so far, but it just added to his roguish charm. That's right, he's not a handsome man with a prince like aura, he's more like that handsome rebel with a certain roughness to his looks. Yet, he is among the kindest man a girl could come across, except if you make him angry, or if he's your enemy. You're either receive quite a scolding from him or outright murdered judging in how he treated hostile forces…Ardent could faintly heard him talking about something to Illustrious, the women giggled melodically as her cheeks reddened. To all women, it is as clear as day that Illustrious really like this man, it's pretty much an open secret that there are more than a dozen KANSENs pinning him as their affection target.

Frankly speaking, Ardent as well. But, being who she is, there's no way she can openly confess her feelings out loud to him. She doesn't even know when she started seeing him that way, it just suddenly…happened. Maybe it's due to his gallant heroism? He did fight directly with them. Either by going in as an infantry armed with rifles, or piloting a fighter jet to provide air support for the girls fighting in the front? Oh he's done it, something that their previous commanders didn't do for them. It is stupid, yes, but Ardent didn't forget that their commander now is not the ordinary commander that graduated from Naval Academy. Oh no, he did graduate from an academy, but with a curriculum designed to create an ultimate warrior, someone who can lead and kick ass at the same time. Their commander is the byproduct of that program, and boy do those skills coupled with his looks and personality make for a tantalizing hook for women's attention. One thing for sure though, Ardent do like him as an opposite sex.

But why hasn't she made a move at him? Well, for starters, she's quite plain for a girl. She is quite beautiful if she compared herself to other women on this planet, but in a base full of absolute beauty with striking personalities? Yeah, she'll readily admit that she is quite bland. The competition for him is quite fierce, with lots of women hogging his attention daily and it'll be a miracle for him to pay a full attention to her outside special reasoning. She also doesn't have killer body like the women around him has, her breast is medium in size and her butt isn't that accentuated. Physically, she is outmatched. Personality wise? She is a runner up at best. She heard that he slept with St. Louis and Prinz Eugen, both being drop dead beautiful and having the sexiest body a woman could have. Not just that, she heard from the others that he is basically dating Hood, someone blonde and blue eyed like her, only taller, more beautiful and sexier than Ardent. Safe to say, Ardent IS depressed every time she thought about her crush for her commander. She can't confess, because she stands no chance.

"Ardent? Are you here?" The door is knocked by someone Ardent recognized as Glorious.

"Yes, it's open" Ardent said to Glorious.

"…Hm? Staring to the gazebo again? Is he here as well today?" Glorious asked Ardent as she entered Ardent's room.

"Yeah, he's been coming quite often lately" Ardent said to Glorious without taking her gaze off their commander.

"I do wonder whether that's because of his relationship with Lady Hood, or because he's training swordsmanship with Lady Warspite" Glorious said to Ardent as she joined her by the window.

"Maybe both…Hey Glorious, do you think him being in relationship will prevent the others from trying to be with him?" Ardent asked Glorious.

"…What are you saying? Haven't you heard? Hood doesn't forbid us if we want to be with him as well" Glorious said to Ardent while she cocked her eyebrows.

"Eh?! Seriously?!" Ardent asked Glorious as her eyes widened as she stared at her.

"Yes, Hood said that she doesn't mind because there is no way she can hog him for herself…She know that it could cause a massive rift between us, you know best at how many girls trying to gain his attention" Glorious said to Ardent as she stared at William Blaze, their commander, sipping his cup of tea.

"That's quite big hearted of her" Ardent said to Glorious.

"Well, can't blame her. After what we heard, I believe Lady Hood would be in shambles if she hogs him for herself" Glorious said to Ardent.

"Um, y-you were saying…" Ardent said to Glorious as her cheeks reddened.

"W-We all heard about that…You know…his shagging prowess…" Glorious said to Ardent as her cheeks also reddened.

"Hah…Still, someone like him would never have the time for me. I doubt he knows that I exist" Ardent said to Glorious after she sighed.

"Are you sure about that? He remembers everyone's names you know? I think he knows about you" Glorious said to Ardent while she smiled.

"R-Really? I find that hard to believe" Ardent said to Glorious while she frowned a bit.

"Why don't you talk to him then?" Glorious asked Ardent.

"He's a busy man! I shouldn't bother him!" Ardent said to Glorious.

"Blimey Ardent, this is why nothing changes! The other girls didn't mind that he's busy or not! If they want to talk to him, they talk to him. You should do the same" Glorious said to Ardent while she frowned.

"B-But, how am I going to do that without reason? I can't just say hi and then be done with it, that's too crude!" Ardent said to Glorious while she frowned.

"…Ah, right! You can try to bring him lunch! You're quite a good cook yourself, aren't you?" Glorious said to Ardent while she grinned.

"L-Lunch? W-Well, I'll admit that sounds great…But I don't know his favorite food or anything" Ardent said to Glorious.

"That's where collecting intel comes in! You should ask the other girls about it, I'm sure they know something!" Glorious said to Ardent while she smiled.

.

"That would be meat" Hood said to Ardent.

"Meat" Enterprise said to Ardent.

"Master certainly like meat-based meal" Belfast said to Ardent.

"Hmm, I think he eat meat heartily" Shoukaku said to Ardent.

"Ah, definitely meat" Amagi said to Ardent.

"Oh, that's easy, it's meat" Kongou said to Ardent.

"My pussy, he likes to lick it thoroughly~. Ufufufu! Just kidding~, it's meat" Eugen said to a blushing Ardent.

"He likes my cooking best! I'm sure of it!" Akagi said to Ardent.

"Be honest with her, nee-sama" Kaga chided Akagi with half closed eyes.

"Tch, spoilsport, I want to tease her a bit…But well, I do see his eye twinkle when he saw meat" Akagi said to Kaga then to Ardent.

"You can't go wrong with meat when it comes to his meal…Hah, I do wish he eat more vegetables as well, it's not really healthy to eat too much meat" Vestal said to Ardent.

"Meat and bier! That'll get him going!" Scharnhorst said to Ardent while she grinned.

"Provide him steak and he'll thank you, I'm sure of it" Gneisenau said to Ardent.

"Meat dishes will do; he'll gobble it up" St. Louis said to Ardent while she smiled.

…Ardent stood in front of the grocery section within Akashi's store, shopping basket in hand and determined face. Everyone she talked to answered the same, meat, no way they would lie about that unless there's a massive conspiracy going on with them. Ardent walked toward the freezer and inspected the products Akashi put on sales, chicken, beef, pork, lamb, goat and fish, she got them all…Ardent racked her brain for an idea on what to make for him, she could go for the standard stir fry for everything and then neatly arranged it in a lunch box. But that sounded so boring, just like Royal Cuisine! Ardent lightly gasped and chuckled slightly, she's sure the entire Royal Navy would aim their guns to her head with that statement alone…Ardent decided that she can think about what to make later, for now she better buy the ingredients she will use. She quickly tossed the products into her basket, paid for it and swiftly returned to the Royal Navy dormitory then to her room.

"Right then, let's get to work!" Ardent exclaimed to herself as she put on her apron.

After thinking for a bit, Ardent decided to make something easy to swallow yet fulfilling and nutritious. Why? Because lately, William spent himself training his skill with a sword. He is often left exhausted by the end of his session, Warspite did trained him to the limits. So Ardent sure he would appreciate something he could eat without expending too much energy chewing, and the answer to that concept? Is stew. Yup, Ardent decided to make a hamburger stew. Fulfilling, tasty and very easy to swallow despite its thickness. The young woman quickly set everything up, the cooking utensils and ingredients spread neatly on her kitchen counters. Ardent started by tenderizing the grounded meat with her hands, her strength as a KANSEN allowed her to easily tenderized the meat inside the metal bowl. After the meat is tenderized, she placed them inside a cooking pot filled with some water and turned on the stove before she used the kitchen turner to break down the meat. She kept doing it until the meat broken down and she drained the water, Ardent then added seasoning, tomatoes, potatoes and other vegetable chops before she added some water then stirred the pot's content once again.

"Hmm, it smells good. But how's the taste?" Ardent wondered as she turned off the stove.

Ardent grabbed a bowl and poured some stew for herself, then she scooped a spoonful before she put the stew inside her mouth. Ardent could immediately tasted the delicious meat and vegetable combination, but somehow there's something missing. She did use salt and pepper, so what else she's missing? That's when she noticed something, it doesn't really have the spiciness. It's salty with a hint of sweet, Ardent thought that William would like it slightly hot. She rummaged through her drawer for a bit before she found a bottle of hot sauce, she sprinkled some on her stew inside the bowl, stirred it and then have another taste. Ardent widened her eyes, this is perfect! The spiciness kept it from getting stale! It makes her want to eat more! For William who's just done with his training, the spiciness might bother him a bit but, in the end, he'll be enticed to finish the meal she makes for him! Ingenious, Ardent said to herself within her mind!

"This should definitely fill him up nicely!" Ardent said out loud while she smiled.

…The next morning, Ardent cooked the stew once again and then packaged it neatly in a lunch box. She walked out of the dorm and head to the backyard of Royal Navy dorms, and sure enough, William is there in the middle of a spar with Warspite. When she arrived though, Ardent's face turned red from what she's seeing. William is dueling with Warspite while he's topless, and his body is gleaming when it's hit by morning sunlight due to his sweat. The man clashed blades with his tutor who's significantly shorter than him, but by no mean less powerful nor skilled. Warspite forced William back and he dashed to the side to avoid a timely stab from Warspite, the petite woman grinned as she swung her wooden sword towards his left side which is deflected by William by redirecting the blade with his own at specific angle. The man spun before performing a diagonal left downward slash toward Warspite, however she easily sidestepped before hitting William's exposed blind spot with the hilt of her blade, causing him to grunted in pain and momentarily lost his focus.

"Keep up commander! The enemy won't give you time to recover!" Warspite said to William as she swung her blade toward his neck.

"Right!" William said to Warspite as he blocked her sword then counter attacking.

"Good one! Let's see how long you'll last this time!" Warspite said to William while she smiled.

William regained his bearing and kept up with Warspite's swordplay, both keeping at each other toes as they swung their swords. Ardent then turned her head towards the gazebo, she spotted Queen Elizabeth, King George V, Belfast and Newcastle. Ardent felt her legs shaking a bit, she's suddenly felt nervous imagining herself handing the meal to William in front of everyone. She stared at William for a bit longer, still dueling his tutor and she decided that she need to stave off the embarrassment. She's only going to give a meal to him, it's not like she's confessing anything. Besides, Ardent is kind of find with her feelings not being known by him, it's enough to admire him from afar. Suddenly, someone stood in front of her and Ardent immediately recognized the person to be Belfast. The head maid noticed Ardent coming here by her lonesome, moreover she brought a lunch box with her, a sizeable one at that. She immediately deduced that Ardent wants to give William something, but she's seemingly gotten cold feet so Belfast approached her before she could head back.

"Madam Ardent, have you come to hand Master William a meal?" Belfast asked Ardent.

"Huh? A-Ah yes!" Ardent answered nervously…technically she's at higher position than Belfast, but boy does she command her attention with her presence alone.

"I figured you might do something like this when you ask for his favorite food, Madam Ardent. Would you allow me to check the lunch box's content?" Belfast said to Ardent before she requested her.

"Eh? Check it out? What for? I'm making him an ordinary meal" Ardent said to Belfast as she tilted her head slightly.

"Rest assured; I just want to ensure the quality of the food that master will eat later. I will be blunt; I have no idea of your culinary prowess so I would like to find out myself before allowing master to eat your cooking" Belfast said to Ardent with serious face.

"Um…Okay" Ardent is a bit hesitant, but she gave in.

Ardent handed Belfast the lunchbox, the head maid opened the cover and saw the hamburger stew Ardent freshly cooked. Belfast took a subtle sniff on the dish, it smells fine, but how about the taste? Ardent offered her the spoon and Belfast took a small scoop before putting it in her mouth. Belfast judged the taste based on her experienced palate, and she found the hamburger stew worthy of a passing mark. It's spicy, salty and a bit sweet which should perk up appetite. Belfast hummed approvingly as she nodded her head, she put the cover back on and cleaned the spoon with her handkerchief. Then she handed everything back to Ardent, she passed her inspection.

"It tasted good, Madam Ardent. You should give it to master" Belfast said to Ardent while she smiled.

"Um, thanks…But, will he eat this?" Ardent asked Belfast while she frowned.

"I assure you, he will. Master hasn't eaten anything, I'm sure he is quite famished right now" Belfast said to Ardent.

"You haven't prepared him anything?" Ardent asked Belfast as her eyes widened.

"I do have porridge and bread prepared, but yours should perked him up" Belfast said to Ardent while she smiled.

"Alright…He's working hard" Ardent said to Belfast as she watched William avoiding several swipes from Warspite.

"Yes, he is determined to be better after his defeat on Furushima. It has been said, that a man's quality could be seen in how he takes his losses…Will he gives up? Or be better from it? Oh, let's wait by the gazebo, Madam Ardent" Belfast said to Ardent.

Ardent nodded her head and followed Belfast to the gazebo, she greeted Queen Elizabeth and King George V before she sat with them. Belfast poured her a cup of tea, and Ardent sipped on it as she watched the training session. They witnessed how William get bodied to the ground before being stabbed by the wooden sword, causing him to grunt and rubbed the spot on where he got hit on his chest. Warspite grinned widely before she offered her hand and William took it before she pulled him to stand up. Ardent's cheeks flushed red, William's naked upper body is practically glistening from sweat drenching every inch of it…and she like it. Both Warspite and William agreed to take a break, they walked toward the gazebo and lightly chatted with George and Elizabeth. William however, noticed Ardent sitting with them and looking quite awkward with cheeks slightly red.

"Hm? Ardent, fancy seeing you here" William said to Ardent while he smiled slightly.

"Eh?! You know my name!?" Ardent asked William before she clamped her mouth shut.

"Of course, I know everyone's names. You ladies are under my command so its natural" William said to Ardent.

"R-R-Right…" Ardent want to grab a shotgun and blow her head off from pure embarrassment.

"Master, I believe you are quite hungry" Belfast said to William.

"I feel like I could eat a ton right now" William said to Belfast.

"Then you should enjoy what Madam Ardent made for you" Belfast said to William.

"Oh? Ardent, you made me something?" William asked Ardent.

"Um, yeah. I made you a hamburger stew, commander. P-Please eat it!" Ardent said to William as she offered the lunchbox she carried.

"Hamburger stew? Oh boy, I'll gladly eat it" William said to Ardent as he grabbed the lunchbox and opened its cover.

William burned up quite the calorie from this morning exercise, he really wants to eat something. He kind of expect Belfast to prepare a meal for him, but Ardent's cooking is a nice surprise. William received a spoon from Ardent, she looked at him expectantly, the man smiled a bit before he scooped the stew and put it in his mouth. He widened his eye, it's quite good! Didn't know Ardent could cook quite well. If he has to be honest, her skills might be below Hiei, Vestal or George, but her stew tasted superb to his tongue. William hummed in approval as he devoured the stew quickly, enjoying the ingredients combination with certain spiciness to it. He is hungry and that is the reason why he gulped down the stew and leaving practically nothing inside the box, he only has one complaint and that is the fact that he wants more.

"That was delicious stew, you're a good cook" William said to Ardent.

"Really? Did you enjoy it, commander?" Ardent asked William as her face brightened and her cheeks reddened.

"Yup, the only complaint I have is that the portion is a bit small for me" William said to Ardent while he smiled.

"O-Oh! I'll definitely make more for you next time! I'm glad that you found it tasty!" Ardent said to William while she smiled.

"That I do…What's the occasion?" William asked Ardent while he smiled a bit.

"U-Um, i-its because lately I see you working so hard commander, I want to cheer for you" Ardent said to William as she played with the hem of her skirt.

"Hoho, quite an attentive woman you are" Elizabeth commented while she smiled slightly.

"And even goes so far to make him a meal, she's a wife material, don't you think so Belfast?" George playfully asked Belfast.

"Yes, or she will make a good maid" Belfast said to George.

"It's always a maid business with you" George said to Belfast while she smiled wryly.

"Well, I do agree that she's quite attentive. Thank you for doing this, Ardent. I feel like I can continue on for much longer today" William said to Ardent while he smiled.

"You're welcome! I'm glad that it motivates you!" Ardent said to William while she smiled widely.

"Hmm…I'm still quite hungry, got anything for me, Belfast?" William asked Belfast.

"Are you sure about eating more before returning to your training? You'll throw it up if you're too full" Warspite said to William.

"…You have a point" William said to Warspite with half closed eyes.

"Please do your best, commander!" Ardent said to William while she smiled.

"For sure! Come on old lady, let's get your bones worked up" William said to Ardent then to Warspite as he passed her.

"I see someone wanting to be beaten to a pulp today…" Warspite commented with tick mark on her forehead.

"Now, isn't that wonderful. Lord William is trying to cheat a little, but that will just backfire on him" George said out loud while she smiled.

"Backfire?" Ardent asked George.

"He's trying to rile up Warspite so she would lose focus, but Warspite doesn't lose her composure that easily" George said to Ardent while she smiled.

"Um, will he be alright?" Ardent said to George as she stared at Warspite hacking at William.

"Ufufufu, she will at least let him off with functional enough body to work later" George said to Ardent after she giggled.

.

"Uuuuu…"

A few days later, Ardent laid down on the infirmary bed after getting blasted by a Siren mass produced battleship just off Azure Archipelago. It was a simple interception mission; however, she and her fellow destroyers was caught off guard from the battleship's long-range gunnery. It was quite fortunate that Glorious was nearby that her planes took care of the battleship quickly, but she's a bit too late as the direct hit managed to put Ardent out of commission. She received several burn marks to her body and face which are currently covered with Regel and bandaged, the poor girl had to writhe from the constant uncomfortable and painful sensation throughout her body. Vestal said that it's nothing fatal, nothing important within her body is seriously injured. But she received several second degree burns all around and she had to stay in the infirmary for at least a week for Regel therapy, she is not looking forward to that in the slightest.

"She's this way commander" Vestal said to William.

"Anything fatal?" William asked Vestal.

"Well, she would have a hard time going to the toilet and she is going to be bedridden for a few days" Vestal said to William.

"Does she require intensive care?" William asked Vestal.

"No, Regel therapy would be sufficient. However, she's going to be stuck here for at least a week. I'll personally see that she's taken care of, commander" Vestal said to William.

"Alright then, thanks Vestal…" William said to Vestal.

"…Ardent? Hey, can you hear me?" Vestal asked Ardent while she stood beside her bed.

"Uuuu…it hurts…" Ardent muttered as she opened her eyes.

"Someone is here for you. Why don't you talk to him for a bit? I'll get you some painkillers" Vestal said to Ardent while she smiled before she walked away.

"Hey Ardent" William said to Ardent.

Ardent widened her eyes and immediately hid herself beneath the blanket, she DO NOT want William to see her face that's full of gauzes and bandaged. William is a bit surprised from how she acted, but he smiled as he pulled up a stool and sat on it as he watched the bundle beneath the blanket squirming. William honestly didn't know what's to be embarrassed about, but it must be about women don't wanting to be seen with damaged face or something. What's there to be embarrassed about though? Surviving with a scar is better than dying…wait wait, William smile turned into slight frown as he remembered that he's dealing with a maiden here. While they are excellent warriors, none of the girls are soldiers so their mindset is closer to a civilian than a trained military personnel. It's no wonder that they valued their appearance greatly, an injury to the face is a matter to be depressed about for them. The same thing happened to Kawakaze a few weeks ago, but she doesn't really mind meeting him despite her bandaged face…the man ruffled his hair in confusion, he should just encourage Ardent right now.

"Ardent" William called her name.

"…Y-Yes?" Ardent responded in meek tone.

"It's alright, you don't have to be ashamed about anything" William said to Ardent.

"…But I must've looked ugly" Ardent said to William.

"Only for a week at most, Regel would make your face as good as before. Don't worry about it" William said to Ardent while he smiled.

"Still, you must not want to see me right now" Ardent said to William.

"In fact, I want to see your face. Don't make me order you to do it" William said to Ardent.

William could hear a brief whimper before the bundle shifted and Ardent's head slowly peeking out of her blanket, the girl shyly came out of her cover and stared at William's body since she can't bear to look at him in the face. What kind of girl wanting her ugly face being seen by her crush?! But Ardent don't want to get on William's bad side, she doesn't know how forceful he is if he wants something so she doesn't want to risk it. William hummed a bit as he inspected Ardent's face, there's a gauze sticking on her right cheek, her forehead is completely bandaged and she's wearing a medical eyepatch on her left eye. The man smiled gently as he briefly patted Ardent in the head, causing the girl stared at him with light blush on her cheeks.

"…We're matching, huh?" William said to Ardent as he tapped his left eye while he smiled.

"Um, y-yeah, we are" Ardent said to William shyly.

"Listen Ardent, there's nothing to be ashamed about returning alive despite being wounded. That's why those who did get purple heart medals" William said to Ardent.

"Really? Did you ever receive them?" Ardent asked William.

"Yeah, five of them. I've been shot, stabbed, bludgeoned and slashed" William said to Ardent.

"But, the last time I see you naked, you didn't seem to have those wounds" Ardent said to William while she frowned.

"Oh, they're there, you just have to look closely. A friend of mine is really good at stitching wounds, she's the reason why my body could seemingly remain pristine despite my job" William said to Ardent while he smiled.

"How lucky, mine are burn wounds…" Ardent said to William while she frowned.

"And with Regel, you'll look fine later. Your beauty will definitely return" William said to Ardent while he smiled.

"Really? Am I beautiful to you, commander?" Ardent asked William.

"Yup, you are…I'll be honest, all KANSENs definitely look beautiful in my eye" William said to Ardent.

"I appreciate that honesty…Commander, did you come after hearing that I got injured?" Ardent asked William while she smiled.

"Exactly, when Glorious reported that, I made sure I finished my work and visit you…You did well, Ardent" William said to Ardent.

"I didn't do much commander, even end up getting injured" Ardent said to William while she smiled bitterly.

"You think anyone would just face off Siren battlegroup?" William asked Ardent.

"Um, yeah? We are KANSENs, it's kind of our purpose" Ardent said to William.

"…Okay, let me rephrase that. You alongside Acasta, Greenville and Javelin distracted the battleship while Glorious bombed it. Putting your life on the line by being a decoy? That is worthy of praise, no matter how insignificant it seems in the grand scheme of things" William said to Ardent while he smiled.

"Fufufu…Did you say that to everyone, commander?" Ardent giggled a bit before she asked him.

"Only to those who deserves it, I don't mince words when it comes to this" William said to Ardent.

"…And for the beautiful part?" Ardent asked William.

"…Well, is it wrong if that's the bloody truth?" William asked Ardent while he smiled wryly.

"…Playboy" Ardent said to William while she pouted.

"Gh, women…" William said to Ardent with half closed eye.

"Ahahahahaha, I'm just teasing you, commander" Ardent said to William after she laughed.

"…You know, you looked way more charming like this Ardent. A few days ago, you seemed so awkward" William said to Ardent while he smiled.

"E-E-Eh? Is that so? Well, I…is that how you see it?" Ardent asked William.

"Yup, the relaxed one like I'm seeing now is definitely the one I like the most…Alright, I shouldn't be here too long, you need to rest" William said to Ardent as he stood up.

"Thanks for visiting me commander, it makes me happy that you cared for me" Ardent said to William while she smiled.

"Don't mention it" William said to Ardent while he smiled before he walked away.

Ardent watched William walking away until he disappeared from her view after he turned into the infirmary's corridor, the girl sighed before she laid herself back down on the bed…Ardent doesn't care whether William visited her out of obligation or worrying her personally, she's just happy that he visited to check up on her condition. Vestal reappeared before her to give some painkillers, after taking them, Ardent fell asleep peacefully without suffering from her pains and discomfort…It took her a full week before she is discharged from the infirmary, and she can return to duty once again. Ardent made another lunchbox for William, but this time she has to deliver it to the office. The girl knocked on the door to William's office, once she heard him saying that the door is unlocked, she entered through the door and walked towards him. The man is seated behind the office desk with his personal secretary and girlfriend by his side, Ardent couldn't help herself but to feel nervous. Because she's a girl, who's about to give a man a lunchbox made with love, in front of his girlfriend. Normally, it is considered a declaration of war, but she heard Hood doesn't really mind…she dearly hoped that Glorious wasn't bullshiting her.

"Ah Ardent, good afternoon" William said to Ardent while he smiled before he returned to reading the document on his desk.

"Good afternoon, commander" Ardent said to William while she smiled.

"How can I help you?" William asked Ardent as he read his document.

"Um, I made you something. You know, as thanks for visiting and encouraging me when I was injured" Ardent said to William while her cheeks reddened slightly.

"My, what a big thank you" Hood commented at the lunch box Ardent is carrying.

"Ahaha, yes, I baked some bread for commander. But you can also eat some, Lady Hood" Ardent said to Hood while she smiled.

"A delightful offer, I admit that I'm quite famished. Shall we take a break, dear?" Hood said to Ardent before she asked William.

"Sure" William said to Hood as he put the document down.

Ugh, Ardent internally winced when she heard Hood affectionately talked to him. But Ardent lightly shook her head as she brought the lunchbox to the coffee table, she just has to consider herself lucky that Hood doesn't monopolize William and act hostile to any women approaching him. Both William and Hood joined Ardent as they sat on the sofa, then Ardent opened the lunch box while she smiled confidently at her hard work. Bread aroma emanated from within the lunchbox, William inhaled deeply and he smiled approvingly. The man looked into the lunchbox and saw several breads neatly assembled so it would fit in the container, they have different shapes and by the looks of it, different fillings as well.

"Go ahead, pick whatever you like" Ardent said to hood and William.

"I'll be taking this one then" William said out loud as he grabbed a bread.

"This one shall do" Hood said out loud as she grabbed a bread.

"…Well, how is it?" Ardent asked William and Hood who's munching on their bread.

"…Dear word! This is quite exquisite, Miss Ardent. A soft bread with great aroma and chocolate filling, I can finish quite a number of this" Hood said to Ardent while she smiled.

"Mine's soft as well, but with minced sausage and cheese inside it. It tasted a bit different; did you do something to the sausage, Ardent?" William asked Ardent.

"Oh, I roasted them instead of frying them. That's why it tasted a bit different and drier than usual" Ardent said to William while she smiled.

"Ah right! That's the word, it's delicious. Give me ten of these and I'll be set to work until evening!" William said to Ardent while he grinned.

"Fufufu, please commander, go ahead and eat all of them. It will make me happy to see my cooking being thoroughly enjoyed!" Ardent said to William while she smiled widely.

The three of them enjoy leisurely talk with Ardent's bread and Hood's tea, they ate all the bread then continued talking for a while until William claimed that he has to use the toilet because his stomach is acting up a bit after being filled. Ardent is left alone with Hood, the elegant woman sipped on her tea in silence as Ardent stared at her. Yup, both might look the same when it comes to their hair and eye colors, but Hood really did outclassed her in everything. She isn't sure on what advantage she has over her, if there's any in the first place. William must've loved her so much, because Hood looked even more beautiful and radiant in the past few weeks. He must've kissed her often that her lips looked succulent, her breast seems a bit bigger than before and…Ardent face reddened when she imagined what William and Hood do during the night, she imagined the woman before her being pinned to the mattress, naked, with her legs wide open, William on top of her, powerfully moving his hips as his-.

"You've been staring for quite a bit, Ms. Ardent. Is something the matter?" Hood asked Ardent as she placed her cup on the small plate on top of the coffee table.

"O-Oh! Pardon me, my mind was somewhere else" Ardent said to Hood while she smiled wryly.

"…You're really coming on strong to our commander lately, Ms. Ardent" Hood said to Ardent while she smiled.

"Eh? W-Well, I just want to cheer on him. And this one is for thanking him for visiting me when I was injured" Ardent said to Hood while she smiled wryly.

"And are those things motivated purely by gratitude? I don't think so, Ms. Ardent. Let's just drop at all the pretense and be straightforward with all of this, we are both women who has feelings for him after all" Yikes, Hood immediately move to assert dominance.

"…Nothing gets past you, Lady Hood" Ardent said to Hood while she smiled bitterly.

"Because I know the symptoms…So tell me, how do you want to proceed with him?" Hood asked Ardent.

"Um, proceed? You mean, what I want to do with him?" Ardent asked Hood.

"Of course. Do you intend to confess? Ask him on a date? Or will you take the straight approach by laying with him in the bed?" Hood asked Ardent.

"Huh?! N-No! Nothing of sorts!" Ardent denied as her cheeks reddened.

"Hmm…So nothing? You'll just sit on your feelings?" Hood asked Ardent.

"Yeah…I don't think, I cut out to stand beside him…" Ardent said to Hood while she smiled bitterly.

"…I see. I am not going to force you to do anything, Ms. Ardent. If this is your choice then so be it…Do note however, that if you choose nothing? You'll end up with nothing in the end. Everyone else has made their choice, whether its purely physical relations or with emotions involved. I admit, I'm quite surprised to know you will do nothing" Hood said to Ardent while she smiled a bit.

"You are not mad about it? We are talking about your lover, Lady Hood" Ardent asked Hood while she frowned.

"…Well, I'm not exactly thrilled about it, but I do understand the situation and willing to compromise for the greater good of all. I know that he loves me and will return my affection, I suppose that's good enough…we don't exactly have the right to choose our circumstances" Hood said to Ardent while she frowned slightly.

"…If you could do it? Will you keep him to yourself?" Ardent asked Hood.

"Naturally. I am not outright possessive, but I do want to have him to myself if possible. That is why I really valued our alone time together" Hood said to Ardent.

"Oh…I interrupted you, didn't I?" Ardent asked Hood while she winced.

"To be honest, yes. However, you don't know about that so I let this slide without any hassle. You also brought us some delicious bread, I have to thank you for that since I am quite famished myself" Hood said to Ardent while she smiled.

"You're welcome…" Ardent said to Hood.

"…Are you afraid of me, Ms. Ardent?" Hood asked Ardent as if she's a predator who smelled weakness in the air.

"Huh? Oh, I'll admit that you seem a bit scary, Lady Hood. But I know you're a good person" Ardent said to Hood while she frowned.

"Fufufufu, do not worry. I'm not as scary as you think, I just can be quite strict" Hood said to Ardent while she smiled after she giggled.

"R-Right…Um, commander is taking a while, isn't he?" Ardent said to Hood as she stared at the double door.

"He does need some time in the loo, that's why I said that he need to eat more fiber" Hood said to Ardent while she smiled.

"I should get going, I still have something I need to do in the dorms" Ardent said to Hood as she packed the lunchbox then stood up.

"Ah, you didn't say that due to my words, right?" Hood asked Ardent.

"N-No, I do have to tidy up my room. Acasta is planning to come over tonight, I'll want it to be clean" Ardent said to Hood while she smiled.

"Then you shouldn't dawdle, Ms. Ardent…Thank you for the bread, it was delicious" Hood said to Ardent while she smiled.

"You're welcome, milady" Ardent said to Hood before she walked away.

"Oh, Ms. Ardent" Hood called for Ardent.

"Yes?" Ardent turned around in response.

"…Think on my words regarding your feelings for him" Hood said to Ardent while she smiled.

"I'll be sure to…Good afternoon, Lady Hood" Ardent said to Hood before she walked out of the office.

Ardent walked away from the commander's office while hugging the empty lunchbox, the girl frowned slightly as she thought on Hood's words. If she chooses to do nothing, she'll end up with nothing huh? She's insinuating that William won't go actively seek her affection or love, it must be her who need to pursue him if she wants her feelings returned. Its just the circumstances between all of them, they have to share and William most likely will respond to them. But if she doesn't initiate it, then there's no way he'll know about her feelings…Maybe things would've been easier if she and she alone is the one who he could pay attention to around here, but Ardent know that is not possible. No competition would guarantee her win, but that's a wrong mindset in the first place. This is not about winning, this is about being honest and forthcoming to her feelings if she want them returned. It is easier said than done…However, Ardent is confident that she do have some time to gather her courage. Once she is brave enough to take the plunge, she'll tell William how she feels about him…Her goal is to let him know of it, whether something will spurt out of that? Well, Ardent leave that to the future her.

This chapter is brought to you based on ZX4KTX idea!

Well, Ardent strike me as that girl next door type that's quite plain and a bit lacking in self confidence department, but that is something that can definitely be fixed with enough love and care! We all know how anime treat girls like her, that won't happen here! Not in my stories dammit! Girl next door deserve a win, childhood friend deserves a win, blue haired waifu deserve a win! Equality for all anime waifus! No more bashing for them in the stories! Vote for Dasmara in 2023 from National Truth Recognition party or shortened as errrr…Well, anyway, I have to admit, Ardent doesn't really cross my radar until ZX4KTX gave me the idea to work with, so I did some digging and well, gotta say, she might be nothing special in game, but she is definitely someone's waifu. And to be honest, her skins are quite cute, except for the rabbit costume which is downright tantalizing. So here she is, appearing in this story at last after being in the background all this time! Maybe she will get more appearance later down the line. Thank you for the follow, favorite and review dear readers! Stay tuned for more!

See you next time!

- Dasmara