Masaki stood there dumbfounded, watching as Hikaru brought three girls over and sat behind Yamato. His whole worldview felt like it had just been upended.
He, Masaki—his entry into the command hall had been earned only through two decades of excellent care and training of Wilhelmina. A max-level shipgirl, even if just a destroyer, was no ordinary cabbage—each one was designated a part of the strategic forces by the state. That's why Masaki could stand among the ranks in this place, rubbing shoulders with Commanders who had been in service for thirty, sixty, even eighty years—most of them white-haired. It was an honor and a thrill so intense he barely dared breathe.
He had only put on a show of seniority just now to impress the rookie Hikaru. In truth, when he was murmuring about Fleet Admiral Gorou earlier, he clearly felt Indiana's chilly glance—he'd almost frozen solid on the spot.
And now what? The Fleet Admiral had personally invited Hikaru—a middle captain—to attend the meeting? Hikaru had only been a commander for what, a few months? No—he'd only been at the academy for a few months!
Could it be that Hikaru was some ancient big shot who'd reversed his aging? Who was he kidding—even ghosts wouldn't buy that.
Masaki fumed internally but had no one to appeal to. He slunk off toward one of the pillars in defeat, sighing in his heart, Heavens, how are you so unfair…
Hikaru took his seat behind Yamato with an air of calm, which immediately drew another round of astonished gazes.
The military was all about rank. Yamato sitting at the head of the long table was expected—her strength and status warranted it. But a middle captain sitting this far forward? What did that mean?
Hikaru pretended not to notice, instead turning to Lexington and chatting about the destroyer Inazuma who had brought him in earlier.
"Isn't Inazuma supposed to be an elementary schooler? How come she looks so grown up?"
"Probably because she doesn't feel like she can be a little girl anymore," Lexington replied.
Hikaru narrowed his eyes. "Madam, are you making a lewd joke?"
Lexington blushed and lightly punched him. "You scoundrel. I'm being serious here!"
Tirpitz muttered "Troublesome…" before curling up in Hikaru's arms, burrowing her face into his stomach and preparing for a nap.
Fletcher quickly pulled a light sweater from her backpack and draped it over Tirpitz. She was the little maid who looked after everyone. And she had already set a long-term goal—before the likes of the renowned maids Warspite and Repulse arrived, she was going to seize the opportunity to become the commander's chief maid.
Fletcher was feeling the pressure now. Vampire had shown up wearing a distinctive maid outfit and had even received elite training from Repulse. That made her a serious threat.
Hikaru resisted the urge to rub Fletcher's ears. "Fletcher… could you grow up too someday? Become a big girl?"
Lexington tapped her lips. "It's difficult. Unless something drastic happens that makes her grow up overnight."
"Like what?"
Tirpitz hummed in a half-sleeping voice. "If the Commander devours Fletcher, she'll grow up overnight."
Hikaru's brow twitched. He really wanted to smack Tirpitz's butt, but considering this was the command center, he held back. Everyone understood shipgirls needed rest, but flirting in here was out of line.
So he settled for a verbal warning. "Keep talking nonsense and I won't let you sleep in my arms."
"Nooo," Tirpitz whined, nuzzling into him again, almost provoking a reaction. "I'll behave."
Lexington said thoughtfully, "If—just if—the whole base fell and only Fletcher remained, she might grow up instantly just to protect the Commander."
Fletcher blushed scarlet.
Hikaru stroked Tirpitz's long hair. "Let's not, then. That kind of growing up isn't worth it."
While they were chatting happily, Yamato was clearly not amused. She turned her head, scowling. "Did you come here just to gossip?"
"Then give me something to do."
Yamato hesitated. "Your two wives are critical combat assets, so they shouldn't be moved lightly. But what about Fletcher? Could she help with the night anti-submarine patrols?"
Nighttime was prime for sneak attacks—enemy subs and destroyers wouldn't pass up that opportunity.
"No," Lexington immediately shot down the suggestion. "Fletcher doesn't fight. Her only job is to stay by the Commander's side and protect him."
Yamato clicked her tongue. She clearly wanted to lash out at Hikaru, but held herself back. Instead, she threw him a thick stack of documents.
"Read these. You'd better understand the full strategic picture."
[End of Chapter]
[50 Power Stones = Extra Chapter]
[Check out my Patreon to read 20+ chapters ahead]
[[email protected]/BellAshelia]
[Thanks for your support!]