Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Prologue:

“How do you always find ways to annoy others?” I asked the white-haired woman sitting across my desk. “It won’t always end in your favor. You know that, right?”

The ship girl I was speaking to is the third ship of the Admiral Hipper Class heavy cruisers of the Iron Blood faction. She is by far one of the bulkiest vanguard ships in the entire base. Unfortunately, this ship girl also has a talent for teasing others where it hurts the most. This time, the most recent victim of her teasing is the Queen of the Royal Navy herself.

Prinz Eugen calmly puffed up a spot on the sofa and sat there with a smug smile as she answered: “Commander~ how can I ever resist teasing those tea swiggers—”

“You called Queen Elizabeth a chopping board in the middle of a fleet exercise!” I interjected.

Eugen unhurriedly laid on the office sofa as if it was her own bed and began fiddling with her hair. “Hey, it’s not my fault being flat is such a tradition for those girls.”

Just because she’s so well-endowed…

“Eugen.” I sighed. “You were lucky Z23 apologized for you… I'm actually surprised Prince of Wales stuck up for you.”

“Wales!” giggled Eugen. “Mein Gott, Commander, you really don’t know anything about Wales, do you?”

What does she mean?

“About Z23, don’t worry I’ll treat her later.” Prinz Eugen sat down unapologetically and flicked her hair backward. “Don’t worry too much about it, Commander. Besides, didn’t my little joke make the exercise a little more… exciting?”

I give up. How does Bismarck keep this woman in line?

“Alright. So, won’t you at least apologize to Queen Elizabeth?”

“Oh? Is the Commander so worried about that child? I never thought you were such a person, Commander!” She laughed dryly.

I need to keep an eye on Eugen until I think of how to deal with her. Moreover, I have to keep Eugen away from the Royal Navy. If I simply remove her from the fleet, they’re bound to go hunting for her. She won’t apologize and they won’t back down. I guess there’s no other choice.

“I see… then it’s settled,” I replied.

Eugen crossed her arms, smirked, and stared at me coldly. “What’s decided?”

“Prinz Eugen, starting tomorrow, you’re my secretary.”

Eugen

“Prinz Eugen, starting tomorrow, you’re my secretary.”

Commander uttered those words with sweat gushing down his cheeks like an oil leak. I wonder what he had on his mind with this decision?

“My, my…” I mumbled to myself as I strolled leisurely in the halls of the Commander’s residence.

The sun was going down, making the sky burn a nice orange tint. Meanwhile, the waves quietly moved back and forth as if teasing the sand with their inconsistent but repeated motion. I see destroyers playing and walking together in bundles of two or three; fresh out of class. The academy was just right beside the Commander’s residence which made this view quite common. The Commander’s residence itself is built on an elevated part of the base and it lied an equal distance from each of the four major faction dorms; the Eagle Union dorm is up north, the Sakura Empire dorm is east, the Royal Navy is west, and our very own Iron Blood residence is down south. Meanwhile, the smaller faction’s dorms are being built a little further away from the Commander’s residence just beyond the major dorms. Being situated this way, the Commander has equal access to everyone and everyone has equal access to the Commander as well.

As I pass by the pearl-white corridor where the Royal Maids take turns tidying, I spotted Suffolk murmuring something to her sister as they tail me mops-in-hand.

“Oh? Doesn’t this bring back memories?” I turned to a surprised Suffolk. “So? Why are you two following me again?”

Norfolk tugged on the maid’s skirt trying to hide from me. It was quite some time before Suffolk gave her answer: “W-We heard about your fight with Her Majesty—”

“Ahh… So, you’ve heard, huh?” I scoffed, turning my back on the two of them as I paced away.

I stretched my arms as I walk unhurriedly out of the building. “Such a huge fuss over such a little joke.”

“You know, you really shouldn’t be causing tension between factions, Frau Eugen.” A blonde destroyer wearing Iron Blood clothing said while sitting on the stone bench under the large acacia tree just outside the building. Turns out, Z23 was apparently waiting for me.

“Nimi.” I approached her. “My, I didn’t think you’d be waiting for me out here. Don’t you have that professor job at the academy?”

Nimi closed her eyes and replied. “I do. But the fleet exercise this morning prevented me from focusing on my lesson plans…”

Now I definitely have to make it up to her.

“Anyway, have you apologized to the Royal Navy?” She asked while crossing her arms. What a cute girl.

“You must be joking, Nimi!” I shrugged my shoulders as I began walking away from the Commander’s residence entrance. “It was a harmless comment, you know?”

Z23 looked at me with puzzled eyes. “Insulting royalty is harmless to you, Frau Eugen?”

I chuckled as I put my arms on her shoulders, motioning her to walk with me. “Anyway, vielen dank. So, how about some sausages to repay the favor?”

Instead of agreeing or disagreeing with my proposal, Z23 asked me to listen to her instead; a suggestion that I accepted.

“Frau Eugen, I hope you understand the gravity of your actions… As one of the senior members of Iron Blood, your words and actions hold similar weight as our leader does.” Z23 fixed her beret which was slightly tilting backward.

“I am your junior but I would advise against intentionally—or unintentionally stirring conflict between factions.” She continued. “The Royal Navy is not a faction that takes these comments lightly. Please refrain from offending them, Frau Eugen.”

She cleared her throat for a second and continued speaking.

“Moreover, please consider that maintaining good inter-faction relations is one of the primary responsibilities the Commander has.” I spotted Nimi fidgeting.

“Oh? It seems our Nimi is quite worried about the Commander, hmm?” I smirked nudging Z23 by my elbows.

“I-It’s not just because of that!”

“Ohh so you do worry about him, huh?”

“Urk… Frau Eugen!” Z23’s face flushed beet-red as she began stomping her feet and slapping my arms in embarrassment. Heh. I still got it.

“Alright, alright! The Commander won’t find out about this crush, Nimi. It’s a secret.” I teased as I patted her head repeatedly.

“You’re one to talk!” she exclaimed. “Don’t think that no one notices how you seem to cause problems just to get called to the Commander’s office more often!”

“Oh? So, was it that obvious~? Don’t be scared though, I’ll always share him with you~” I teased her some more, making Nimi’s face burn redder than ever.

“Do you really like the Commander?” she asked sheepishly.

I paused for a second, turned to her, and replied. “I’m merely… interested in how much he can entertain me… for now.”

She stayed silent as we continued strolling towards the Iron Blood residence. I was the first to break the silence.

“Nimi, I promise to be good to the Commander.”

“You owe this to me, okay, Frau Eugen? The Commander is permitted to marry several ship girls so I don’t mind you being interested in him—”

“Alright, alright Nimi.” I patted her back. “I’m not in the slightest bit romantically interested in the Commander. At least, not yet.” I giggled.

While talking and walking, we finally reached the Iron Blood residence. Our residence stood majestically as the red sky contrasted its black walls beautifully. On display in front of the residence is the logo of the Iron Blood molded, fittingly, out of cold black and blood-red steel. The residence itself has three floors and it is built in the style of the Reichstag back in the homeland.

“By the way, Nimi.” I gently called out to the blonde destroyer who looked at me curiously before walking up the steps of the dorm entrance.

“The Commander assigned me as his new secretary starting tomorrow.”

“WHEN DID THIS HAPPEN?”

Being the first ship that the Commander ever interacted with, Nimi was his first secretary. With her help, the Commander was able to create an admirable work relationship with all the ship girls. The only reason the Commander removed Nimi from her post as the secretary was that she wanted to focus more on teaching as one of the professors in the academy. Wissen ist Macht, or so she says. Even with her no longer being the secretary, however, the Commander still visited Nimi regularly, asking her to teach him about whatever she read that day.

The second secretary the Commander had would be Belfast, the busty light cruiser slash head maid of the Royal Navy. When she was the secretary, the Commander’s residence would be spotless and more organized than a library managed by twenty different librarians all working together to keep it that way. She would also keep the Commander enthusiastic with his work; serving tea—as a typical Royal Navy tea-swigger would, and offering to do some of the work herself. The Commander would, of course, love her tea. That, or he just kept her around because he’s secretly a pervert who ogles breasts. I have seen him ogle me sometimes, too. Anyway, that time, the Commander was forced to remove Belfast from her secretarial duties when Queen Elizabeth complained about her residence losing its head maid.

And now, I am supposed to do something of the same caliber as his secretary, huh? I, Prinz Eugen, who does not know anything about making tea, organizing files, or making good upstanding relationships with anyone outside of Iron Blood save for Wales.

The Commander must be crazy… how interesting.

This is why I asked Nimi to teach me the basics of how to be a good secretary but all she could say was: “Be yourself and just obey the Commander’s orders.” If this is the case, then I have nothing to worry about.

Until an all-too-familiar, red-cloaked golden-haired woman grabbed my left shoulder as I watched the sunset on the Iron Blood residence’s balcony.

“Eugen.” A cold chill crawled up my spine. “What is this I hear about you causing trouble with the Royal Navy during the fleet exercise earlier?”

“Ah… Bismarck. So, it’s you.” I mumbled. “Don’t surprise me like that…”

Bismarck removed her hand from my left shoulder and crossed her arms. “So? What’s your explanation?”

“Hmm. None. I just wanted to have some fun for the fleet exercise… What’s the point in beating small fries that aren’t even fired up?” I replied.

Bismarck stared hard at me before replying. “I see. Don’t cause any more issues.”

Am I really going to get away with this without any punishment? The last time, when I teased Kaga about her relationship with Akagi, she…

“Congratulations on being chosen as the new secretary.” Bismarck interrupted my thoughts. “Nimi set a good precedent for Iron Blood secretaries. I trust your performance will reflect why the Iron Blood is the greatest of all the factions, yes?”

I nodded. Of course, she was going to make it about proving our faction is the best. Not that I am against it but, I do have my personal reasons for accepting the job: it’s interesting to see why the Commander chose me instead of anyone else for the job, after all.

“Eugen. No more playing around, alright?” She patted my back firmly and reassuringly. Ever since our first sortie during Operation Rheinübung, Bismarck had always projected this strong and reliable flagship image. I sometimes think that she takes this too seriously.

Bismarck cast her gaze on the crashing waves. Our residence stood on a cliff overlooking the sea which allowed us to enjoy the sunset during our times off. Despite not having the most direct view of the sunset, it was still quite a sight.

“How are you and Tirpitz doing?” I asked our flagship.

Bismarck took a seat and motioned for me to do the same. I obeyed and laid back on the seat while crossing my legs. “Tirpitz and I have been getting closer to each other thanks to U-556. That little submarine can be pretty useful livening up situations.”

“I see, I see.” I nodded approvingly. “If only you two weren’t on leave today, you might have had fun bombarding Hood and Wales like old times.” I giggled.

“Eugen,” Bismarck replied dismissively. “Don’t cause any more trouble between our factions, understood?”

I stretched my arms and let out a yawn. What a bore. “I just wanted to poke at Hood and Wales—especially Wales, again, you know? Since we arrived on base, our enemies are usually just mass-produced Siren battleships… nothing but small fries.”

Bismarck looked at me confused. “Just what is going on between you and Wales? I’ve been seeing her around your room increasingly these days…”

Well, Bismarck, if you only knew what Wales and I have been up to these past weeks in my room, I doubt you’d let her in our dorm ever again. What with all the ridiculous lingerie we’ve tried that puts Graf’s lingerie to shame…

“Hey, Bismarck. Care to try out some clothes?”

“Do you want to spend the week in Friedrich’s room again?”

Figures. Such a spoilsport.

The sun had gone down. The red-tint sky had changed to a black bluish ether. Bismarck stood up. “Dinner’s about to be served. Get plenty of rest, Eugen. For Iron Blood.”

“For Iron Blood.”

Tomorrow, I become your new secretary. So, Commander, how should I train you, I wonder?

Commander

Today, we have another fleet exercise. This time, it’s the Eagle Union going up against the Royal Navy. After looking at my schedule for a good ten minutes trying to figure out how I’m going to fix the problem between my new secretary and the Royal Navy, I finally got through my daily routine and went for breakfast. The Royal Maids are serving coffee and pancakes today.

I had to assign Eugen as my new secretary for her own protection. Now that I think about it, ever since she got here, wasn’t she always causing trouble? I wonder… could she have a reason for doing this?

“Hmm… so you’re the Commander? How long can you keep me amused? I’m looking forward to it.” Eugen told me with a blank expression on the day we first met. Is this her way of having fun with me?

I quietly finished the coffee served by the Royal Maids and made my way to my office. It was a quiet, foggy day. It was a common occurrence for fog to roll in on a day like this: humid and cold. It’s not very conducive for a fleet exercise but I have no choice: the HQ asks for quarterly reports and we are due to submit ours within the week… and we still have three out of six matchups to go through.

6:00 AM. I finally reached my office. Before letting Eugen go yesterday, I told her to be here by 7 AM. She’s no Belfast so I’m not surprised she isn’t here before me. Although, I’m sure she won’t be late on her first day. After all, she knows the exercise is scheduled to begin at 10 AM.

.

.

6:30 AM. I finished typing in my report for the Iron Blood vs. Royal Navy fleet exercise that took place yesterday. By now, Eugen should be getting ready. Nimi used to arrive by this time though…

.

.

.

6:55 AM. She’ll probably come knocking on the door any second now. Who am I kidding? She’s probably just going to barge in without knocking like usual.

.

.

.

.

.

7:10 AM. Maybe she got held up by Bismarck? Let’s wait some more.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

8:06 AM.

I have made a huge mistake. Why the hell did I ever think she’d take me seriously!?

“Ohh? The Commander’s arrived it seems!” Eugen’s face popped up when I opened the door. She was sitting lackadaisically as she usually does on the bench just outside my office.

“WHA? Why didn’t you just come inside? How long have you been here??” I angrily demanded an explanation from her.

“Hmm?” She looked at me with a bored expression. “We usually greet each other first before asking questions. Guten tag , Commander~ hihi.” She giggled. Is she screwing with me?

“Don’t work so hard Commander.” She got closer to me; her face just a few centimeters away from my own. I can feel her sweet breath tickling my lips before she got even closer. “Or you—will—die.” Prinz Eugen seductively whispered right at my left ear.

“I was here since 6:45 AM Commander. I just wanted to see if you’ll come and check for me~” She said, touching her lips as she pulled back standing in front of me once again. “So, how do you want me to train you today, Commander?”

“We have a lot of work to do, Eugen.”

It’s going to be a long, long day.

Chapter Text

Commander

8:12 AM. “Please hand me the files on Scharnhorst right there on the right shelf.” I told my new secretary as I pointed to a folder.

“Hmm… This one?” Eugen casually took the folder and flipped it about while leaving her sausage in her mouth. Germans sure love their sausages, huh? I’m just happy she didn’t bring beer. “Oh? Aren’t you an organized one, Commander?”

“What do you mean?” I asked as she handed over the files to me. “Also, please refrain from eating in my office. You might spill food on important files…”

“Ahh? Then I shall finish this sausage quickly for you Commander~” I stared in awe as Prinz Eugen began licking the condiments off the sausage. “Oh? I thought you needed the file, Commander? Or are you more interested in me eating this sausage?~”

I felt sweat drop down my chin.

“Just finish your food already…” I tore my eyes away from Eugen and began updating Scharnhorst’s stats. She and her sister performed terrifically yesterday. Perhaps it’s because of the new guns I gave them? Or is it because of their recent limit break?

“Mmm…” Eugen’s noisy slurping caught my attention several times. After she finished licking off the condiments, she downed her half-eaten sausage in one gulp.

“Are you done Commander?”

“Yeah. Here put these back—wait whose file are you handling now?” I looked over the folder to find Eugen reading someone else’s file. “Hey, Eugen?”

“Ohh so it appears this is how you see me, Commander.”

Oh no. The file she’s reading is hers . And I just finished hers last night specifically so she won’t read it…

“Hmm? ‘Plays with targets and misses shots on purpose… can tank hits well but doesn’t hit hard at all’.” Did she skip all the good remarks I wrote and jumped right into the negative ones?

“Hmm the comments here don’t seem too good, Commander.” She remarked silently. Did all the negative comments affect her that much? “Well, I can forgive all of these but one.”

I stared at Eugen quietly waiting for her to continue speaking.

“Don’t call me a lucky ship.” She said dismissively as she closed her files. She closed her eyes and handed them over to me. “I will survive any battle. But don’t call me lucky.”

I’ve never seen Prinz Eugen this serious before. That comment was written on the “advantages” column… why would she be angry because of it?

“I’m sorry, did I offend you, Eugen?” I asked apologetically as I stood up and sat on my table to get a little closer to where she stood. “I understand. I’ll change that right away—”

“Don’t.” Eugen replied coldly. “I apologize, Commander. I may have over spoke. If this is truly your opinion of me, then so be it.”

“I-I see…” This is a new side of her I’ve never seen before. Who knew Prinz Eugen could get offended like this? “By the way, Eugen, I never asked you…”

She focused her bloodshot eyes on me as if she was looking straight through me. “Hmm?”

I plucked up my courage and asked her:

“When we first met, you looked at me the same way you’re looking at me right now.” She continued staring at me blankly. “And then, you said you were wondering how much I can ‘amuse’ you.” I gulped.

“What did you mean by that?” I finished.

Prinz Eugen stood there for a second before flashing her usual smile and touching her lips. “Wouldn’t you like to find out yourself, Commander?”

And she is back to normal.

9:21 AM. We finally finished organizing and updating the files. It would have been faster if Eugen didn’t spend a lot of time laying on the sofa but at least we managed to finish in time before the Fleet Exercise. I took my cap and keys, motioning my secretary to come with me.

“Do I really have to see those Union girls fight the tea-swiggers?” Eugen complained.

I scratched my head. “Yes. Of course, Eugen. You’re my secretary now and you’re supposed to observe the fleet exercises with me.”

I have to get her motivated. This is the perfect chance to fix her relationship with the Royal Navy!

After mulling about it, Eugen ultimately got on her feet and decided to come along. I thought I would have to—

BOING

“W-What are you doing, Eugen?”

“Hmm? Is this the first time a girl ever grabbed your arms, Commander?~” Eugen asked as she took my right arm and pressed her body against it.

She began chuckling after letting go of my arm, “Oh? I never thought you were a virgin, Commander!”

Suddenly, I want to place her in front of Warspite’s cannons.

9:52 AM. Eugen and I stood on the port where the Union and the Royal Navy will have their exercises. Each of the factions reserves the right to assign their own fleet formation and their roster. The idea is that I as the commander could only give out orders, explain the strategy, and choose sorties. During the operation, I cannot always contact them and command the fleet directly. The flagship would have to be capable of that. Moreover, with Mirror Seas becoming more common, it is imperative for everyone to have at least some combat and tactical experience. Hence why each faction rotates their roster depending on the schedule of each member.

The roster for the Eagle Union is as follows: for the vanguard, we have Laffey, Cleveland, and Baltimore; for the backline, we have Enterprise, Essex, and Washington as the flagship.

On the Royal Navy stood Javelin, Edinburgh, and Belfast for the vanguard, while Prince of Wales, Warspite, and King George V took the backline with King George V taking the flagship role.

“Good morning Commander!” Javelin sprinted and hugged me as energetically and just as quickly as she can. “Javelin will do her best for you today! I’ll show you my progress under Miss Nimi’s class!”

“I look forward to it Javelin! It’s been a while since I’ve seen you and the starter squad, huh? I’ll be sure to make time for all of you, I promise.” I said as I smiled giving Javelin a headpat.

“Yay!” Javelin giggled like the little bundle of energy she is.

“Javelin…” Approached a lethargic bunny-hairband-wearing girl with an Oxy-Cola in hand. “Nimi’s assignment… have you finished?”

She fumbled around until she finally reached Javelin. “Oh. Commander, good morning. Laffey…works hard at the academy with Javelin and Nimi…”

I gave Laffey a headpat as well, “Good job Laffey! I hope to see your progress today, alright?”

“Master,” bowed the head maid as she lifted her long, flowing skirt in the most perfect possible pose anyone can think of. “We shall make up for the debacle yesterday. It is a maid’s duty to make sure all imperfections are rectified the soonest.”

Belfast lifted her head with grace. Any man would be aroused with her display! To think she used to be my secretary—

“Ehem. Commander~” Eugen whispered at my ear. “Aren’t you the popular one?”

“Good day, Prinz Eugen of Iron Blood.” Belfast cordially greeted my new secretary. “While I do not think highly of you and neither does any of my comrades, I congratulate you on your new post as the Commander’s new secretary.”

“Don’t commend her, Bel.” A blond, imposing woman from the Royal Navy stepped forward. “She’s a coward who would resort to unfair tactics like distracting our queen to score hits. Why, if she wasn’t the secretary, I’d command all of you to open fire right now!”

King George V seems to have heard… We have problems.

“Oh? It was merely a joke, King George.” Prinz Eugen replied. “Besides, didn’t Hood have fun getting hit by my shells again yesterday, eh Wales?”

Seriously is this woman asking , no, insisting , on a fight??

“George, let it go. Eugen means none of what she says.” The ever-calm Prince of Wales steps in yet again to save Eugen from experiencing what Bismarck experienced before. “Isn’t that right, Eugen?”

“Wales, I commend your level-headedness.” George replied. “But this woman insulted our pride. I won’t have it.”

I looked over Eugen and saw her step forward two steps closer to George. “Alright fine… I apologize, alright?”

She seemed sincere. Here eyes showed no malice and her brows are relaxed. Her posture exuded a penitent look and it really seems that Eugen was sincerely apologizing.

George stared hard at Prinz Eugen readying her guns. “Do you mean it?”

Eugen raised her hands and offered to shake George’s. “I do. Tell your queen I’m sorry.”

With this, George reluctantly reached out and shook Eugen’s hand. Who knew Prinz Eugen would be a capable diplomat?

“Now, now.” A silver-haired woman carrying a bow joined the conversation as the two destroyers, Laffey and Javelin, began playing in the water together. “Let’s not start any fights before our actual fight, right?”

Enterprise tried to pacify the situation. “King George: you’ll be fighting me. Want to waste your ammo early on?” She smiled.

In response, George flashed her smile back at Enterprise. “Enterprise, you are a worthy adversary. Come! Warspite! Wales! To arms! Let us go forth and plant our banners!”

It seems that a conversation with Enterprise was enough to get George’s blood boiling and itching for a fight. Immediately, Warspite and Wales sprang into action, stepping into formation with George. Upon seeing this, Belfast and Javelin sent me their regards through a hand wave and joined their faction leaders.

“Commander? Prinz Eugen? I look forward to a fair fight.” Enterprise fixed her slightly crooked cap. “You’ll watch my performance, won’t you Commander?”

“Of course, Enterprise. Go get them.” I replied. Enterprise had always been consistently carrying the fleet she is sent with. She surely deserves all the battle stars she received in the previous war… Still, I would like to see someone else claim the MVP spot sometimes. It’s not Enterprise’s fault but… it’s hard to train Essex and the other Union girls with her always going at it as she does.

“Brave Eagles, we fight ‘til the end!” She exclaimed as she jumped into the fray and skated her way to the training waters.

I nudged Eugen just after Enterprise and everyone left. “Good job back there.” Eugen glanced at me with a whimsical look. “I never knew you can apologize so sincerely, Eugen.”

Eugen replied: “Oh that? I wasn’t really sincere. Look.” Eugen showed her left hand to me where she had crossed her fingers. “I just promised Nimi I would help you fix the inter-faction relations. I simply kept my promise, Commander~”

Give me my admiration back…

Eugen

The Commander stood on the very edge of the port looking like a man on a mission. He took his megaphone, stood straight, and announced:

“The fleet exercise between the Eagle Union and the Royal Navy shall begin on Eugen’s cannon shot!”

How exciting. Shall I shoot Wales just for fun~?

“Whenever you’re ready, Washington and King George!” He added.

Washington methodically fiddled with her guns, as if checking if they’ll fire or not. She then snickered and looked over the Commander and gave him a thumbs up. “Ok, let’s work out.”

Upon seeing this, George raised her sword. The Commander then tapped my left shoulder, which was my signal to fire the starting shot.

“All ships, open fire!” I exclaimed as I fired my Type 3 Twin 203mm SK C/34 guns at the sky and the fleet exercise roared into action.

Last night…

Adorned with lavish golden chandeliers and a warm, red carpet, the Iron Blood dining hall looked more like a pub. Graf Zeppelin, our all-hating aircraft carrier, made her way to the beer barrel to get her helping of quality weissbier . Meanwhile, Tirpitz was waiting on a wooden table for Bismarck who grabbed their dinner. She’s already gotten a pair of mugs full of beer for the two of them. They were soon joined by U-556 who delighted the two with childish antics. Finally, sitting at the front bar was the flattest elder sister anyone could ever have.

“ Ältere Schwester .” I addressed Admiral Hipper as I sat next to her. She was downing a glass of Kölsch when I approached her. While she had her head held up drinking her beer, I pressed my head on her chest as I hugged her, making her spill her drink on the bar top.

“H-HUH??” She exclaimed as she wiped her mouth clean. “ Dummkopf ! Eugen you idiot the hell are you doing??”

“Aww I’m sorry sis.” I apologized bowing my head. “I couldn’t tell the difference between your chest and the bar top…” I snickered.

“I’ll slap you around!” She threatened as she stood slapping my arms, her blonde hair lashing about. How fun is it to have an elder sister to make fun of? Hihi~

“Hey, sis I just got assigned as the new secretary!” I restrained her flailing about and popped the news to her. “Won’t you congratulate me, ältere Schwester?”

“H-Huh?” Hipper stopped for a moment and composed herself. “Why should I congratulate you? You’re big enough to take care of yourself, aren’t you? Besides, are you even going to wake up on time to not get fired on your first day??”

That last one hurt. Fine. I’ll have to wake up early… and I so wanted to get wasted tonight, too.

Hipper brushed her hair aside and gave me a large helping of Sauerbraten and a bottle of Kölsch to go with it. Even with me teasing Hipper about her underdeveloped chest, she always was a good elder sister. That won’t ever stop me from pressing her about her overwhelming flatness though.

“So? I hope you don’t go sleeping on the job, Eugen!” She said as she downed another glass. “I forgot!”

She put down her glass and finished her own plate. “I heard you insulted the Royal Navy’s Queen today.”

“What of it?”

“Huh? What do you mean ‘what of it’?” She flabbergasted. “And Bismarck’s just letting you off just like that??”

I thought that was weird too. Still, I don’t ever want to relive what happened in Friedrich’s room… or Roon’s room… seriously why are our PR ships just either an overbearing mother figure or a sadist who has the Commander’s boxers in a shrine? Even Bismarck sees their behavior as weird enough to warrant staying in a room with them for a week as punishment—and she’s right. Hopefully, the new PR ships, Mainz and Odin, won’t be anything weird like them when they arrive here.

“I don’t think ältere Schwester is just letting her off that easily.” A cold wave came over us as we heard the serene voice that came from none other than the Tirpitz, the sister of our flagship. Both Hipper and I turned to see both Bismarck class ships standing behind us. Tirpitz was wearing her usual white uniform which contrasted with Bismarck’s black one. Tirpitz’s short silver hair also complemented Bismarck’s flowing golden hair. It was as if the two of them were born to complete each other.

“That’s correct.” Bismarck added. “You’re not only there to be the good secretary.”

Interesting. So, I wonder what these two have in mind?

“Prinz Eugen. As the Commander’s secretary, you will have access to the files of every ship in the port.” Bismarck explained. “Therefore, you will take note of the combat data of ships from the Eagle Union, Sakura Empire, and the Royal Navy. Record every strength that may be problematic and every weakness that we can exploit.”

“Huh? But aren’t we, the Crimson Axis, part of the Combined Anti-Siren Task Force?” Asked Hipper. “Wouldn’t this count as treason?”

Tirpitz took Hipper’s glass and drank the remaining beer. “Of course. But only if she’s discovered.”

Are the higher-ups in the homeland thinking of breaking the Treaty?

Bismarck looked at me with concerned eyes. “Eugen, as your friend, I worry for you: you seem fond of this Commander.”

“Only in as much as he can entertain me.”

“And I thought you said I was the ‘tsundere’, mein kleine Schwester .” Hipper said with a pout on her face.

“Still, as the leader of Iron Blood, I must take precautions.” Bismarck continued. “The Sirens are only a passing threat. We don’t know if our greatest allies today…” Bismarck paused and set her sights on the portrait of the Commander with all the faction leaders which was hanging on the wall of the dining hall.

“…will be our worst enemies tomorrow.”

Present

The oceans roared with the sound of cannons and the air burned with the smell of gunpowder and oil as the fleet exercise between the girls from the Union and the Royal Navy began.

“The Sirens are only a passing threat. We don’t know if our greatest allies today will be our worst enemies tomorrow.” Bismarck’s words rang in my head. Will you become my enemy, Commander?

The Commander silently motioned for me to sit next to him on chairs he prepared for us at the edge of the port. I smiled and obeyed. The fight was interesting enough for me to not tease him right now.

I observed Enterprise eye’s glowing a bright gold shine. Her bow seemed to emit a smokescreen around her as she shouted something I couldn’t make out. She let go of her bowstring and out from the arrow of light, a squadron of Hellcats, Helldivers, and Avenger VT-18 torp bombers came flying out. These planes rained hell on the Royal Navy: inflicting heavy damage on Warspite’s main guns as Warspite’s own salvos narrowly missed Enterprise.

Meanwhile, King George launched a barrage of salvos that inflicted medium damage to the Union vanguard. Washington traded shots with King George, her own barrage inflicting further damage to the already-worn Royal Navy vanguard. It seems Enterprise’s torpedo bombers had already softened up the tea-swiggers but Belfast’s smokescreen and the added cover the fog provided for the Royal Navy allowed them to survive the Grey Ghost’s onslaught.

Belfast’s barrage then started a fire on Cleveland’s secondary guns, which reduced her fire rate. However, Laffey managed to land several hits on Edinburgh which knocked her right out but not before her AP shell damaged the Union destroyer’s propeller which made Laffey spin out of control. Javelin’s bobbing and weaving made it hard for Baltimore to land any hits but she was able to land a big AP shell on Wales instead. This made Wales wince in pain, making her miss her mark. Her salvo missed Enterprise narrowly and hit Essex instead.

At this point, Warspite seems to have signaled the other two Royal Navy battleships to ignore Enterprise who was miraculously activating her skill in sync with their gunfire. They seem to have focused their guns on Essex who had already landed several hits on King George, causing heavy flooding.

Meanwhile, the Union vanguard, save for Baltimore who was valiantly countering, had already been defeated. Upon noticing this, Wales changed her target and began firing on the Union heavy cruiser as payback for the damage she caused earlier. Baltimore, preoccupied with Belfast and Javelin’s combined assault, was not able to evade Wales’ salvo in time. Now, all that’s left for the Royal Navy is to defeat the two CV’s and lone BB standing before them.

Due to the focus fire from Warspite and King George, Essex went down shortly after Wales took Baltimore. All seem to be going up the Royal Navy until Enterprise launched another powered-up sortie of planes while evading all unfriendly fire.

And just like that, Enterprise had turned the tables on the Royal Navy: only Warspite stood after the monster planes had returned to Enterprise’s flight deck. After little time, Washington and Warspite both took the final salvos that knocked both of them out.

Commander

10:23 AM. After the fight, I had Vestal and Akashi bring the girls back with Hermione and Perseus. The four of them together nursed the tired ship girls back to health. With all of them back on their feet, it was time for me to announce the winner.

“Good work, everyone!” I announced enthusiastically. “I am impressed with everyone’s performance today! It is obvious everyone prepared for this event.”

I cleared my throat and began speaking again. “The winner of today’s exercise is the Eagle Union! I hope everyone continues to work harder. Now, it’s time for lunch!”

After handing Washington the gold reward they wanted for lunch since their faction winning the exercise, I bade everyone goodbye for now. Enterprise enthusiastically and happily thanked me for the new planes she used today: The Avenger VT-18, which inflicted the most damage out there. I encouraged the Royal Navy to not take it to heart and perhaps it was just not their day today.

“Ahh… Enterprise’s planes were annoying me all throughout the fight.” Complained Warspite. Indeed, the Avenger planes did cause problems for them the most. “I hope Her Majesty won’t be too disappointed about today…”

“I’m sure she won’t be, Warspite.” I replied. “After all, you all did splendidly! By the way, about Prinz Eugen…”

Warspite looked at me and then at Eugen before returning her gaze back to me. “Leave it to me Commander. For now, surely George must be craving mounds of food. Belfast will have to cook extra… well she would have to regardless of who won; we’re talking about George after all.”

I giggled with Javelin as the Royals departed… except for Wales who approached Eugen a while ago. The two were speaking as if they were best friends as I approached.

“…so anyway, I’ll come over your room tonight, eh Eugen?” Wales said with a smiling face.

Eugen looked my way and let out her naughty smile. “Say, Wales, would you like the Commander to stay with us tonight? In my room… on my bed?”

Wales’ face immediately turned red as she grabbed Eugen, turned their backs on me, and whispered something to her that I couldn’t quite make out.

“Alright already Wales!” Eugen broke the silence and turned to me with her face beet-red. Just what does Wales say to get her this embarrassed? “Just come over tonight… Keep your mouth shut alright?”

“But of course, Eugen.” Prince of Wales courteously replied as she bowed. “Then, I’ll take my leave. Commander.” She saluted me then turned to walk towards the Royal Navy residence.

I stood next to Eugen who was still red in the face with pouting lips. “Soo… what do you plan to cook for lunch?”

“I’m cooking lunch, Commander?” Eugen replied. “Oh? I thought you were cooking for us?”

I forgot who my secretary was for a second.

Chapter Text

Commander

“Thanks for the meal.” I wiped my lips clean using a white handkerchief. “Your pudding can really fill someone up, Bel.”

The Head Maid smiled as she signals Sheffield to clean up.

“Your Majesty,” I addressed Queen Elizabeth. “My secretary and I are grateful for this meal you have provided for us.” I nudged pouting Eugen to say some words of gratitude as well.

“Er…yes.” Eugen muttered. “This—whatever it’s called is delicious.”

“Well, Servant?” Queen Elizabeth stood up pointing at me. She puffed up her chest and proudly raised her head. “How does your new secretary fair? I appreciate her apologizing to George, but I would prefer to hear her heartfelt apology in person!”

…now we’re in for it. I knew this was a bad idea. Still, if Eugen knew how to cook anything at all, I wouldn’t have asked the Royal Navy to have us for lunch!

Eugen looks at the Queen with a vacant expression. “Ohh? Does the cho—”

I covered her mouth immediately, surprising Queen Elizabeth and the rest of the Royals eating at the dining hall.

“Servant! You don’t just touch a lady’s mouth as she speaks!” Queen Elizabeth boomed. “How rude. And to think I almost thought of making you my consort!”

“HUH??” I flabbergasted as I let go of Eugen who ended up laughing at the Queen’s comment.

“I was about to apologize to you, too! Your Majesty!” Eugen goaded the Queen.

“See!” Elizabeth reacted, looking like a child who just received candy. Please don’t let this woman deceive you, Eli… “Servant, you MUST be ashamed of yourself. Hood, I demand that this brute be taught how to handle a lady.”

Why am I suddenly the bad guy? Hood gracefully set her tea aside and gave me a wink before nodding to her Queen.

“Belfast! A cake! The Iron Blood girl, Prinz Eugen has apologized. You should be grateful I’m in such a good mood, Miss Eugen for you are now our friend.” Queen Elizabeth proudly announced. “A cake of friendship is but proper!”

Everyone in the room—including me, couldn’t believe the Queen’s orders. I guess this is a way to put an end to the affair…

Eugen winked at me as if saying “I got us more meals, see?”

Honestly, this girl is just asking me to retire her.

The gigantic doors opened up to an Edinburgh pushing a 5-layer cake. “Your Majesty! Your cake is ready!” She exclaimed excitedly. “I baked this one myself!”

“Er… YOU baked this?” George nearly spilled her champagne the moment she heard. “Bel, are you sure her cake won’t give me constipation this time?”

Eugen began giggling. “Don’t worry George, I’m sure everyone here would love to hear about your constipation hihi~”

“That is correct George!” Elizabeth added. “You don’t just talk about your stomach problems in front of a guest.”

“Er… I apologize, my Queen.” George replied.

Edinburgh began enthusiastically chopping the cake up into equal proportions with Sheffield. I spot Dido peeking in from outside the halls mopping the floor as Sirius taps her to go back to cleaning.

“By the way, Wales,” Illustrious spoke with a soft sweet voice referring to the Prince of Wales who was making hand signals to Eugen. “It seems you and Miss Eugen here have gotten close to each other, yes?”

Wales’ began blushing once again. “I guess you can say that, yes.”

“Oh, joy!” Illustrious happily put her hands together, making her huge… assets look even better. Yes. I am evaluating them objectively. “Would you like to share your adventures with your friend, Wales?”

With this, Eugen’s blank expression turned into a devilish smile.

“Oh? Would you Royals be interested in a full report of what Prince of Wales did in my room?” She asked boldly. Poor Wales.

“E-Eugen!” Wales pounded the table in her panic and utter horror. “D-Don’t you dare!”

“Hmm? Dare what?”

“Come, come, Wales!” Queen Elizabeth said after gulping down a huge bite of cake. Edinburgh had finished distributing the cake to everyone in the room. “Go on, Miss Eugen. Do tell us what our Wales had been up to these days.”

“Absolutely not, Your Majesty!” Wales protested. I feel horrible for bringing Eugen now… and I can just hear her sharing this to her sister, too.

George began engorging huge mounds of the cake as Hood, Warspite, Illustrious, and Howe each took just small helpings. Howe happily brought out her self-baked cookies to go with the cake that Edinburgh had baked.

“Well~” Eugen said in a teasing manner. “Your Majesty, Wales would often come to my room discussing… strategies.”

Queen Elizabeth raised her left brow, making her look like a puzzled child. Everyone stopped what they were doing to listen to Eugen’s story—save for Belfast who got out of the room seemingly to say something to Dido and Sirius. “Strategies? For what?”

Wales stared at Eugen with a face that belongs to a puppy asking her master not to lock her up. She shook her head inconspicuously as if begging Eugen to stop.

“Strategy to conquer unclaimed territories, of course.” Eugen said in a matter-of-factly tone. “She would tell me to always ‘go for the head’, to attack the ‘most vulnerable area’, and to always dress appropriately for the situation.”

Is it just me or did Eugen actually praise Wales? If so, then why does Wales look like she’s ready to cry?

“How commendable!” Announced Queen Elizabeth. “I would love to be taught the same things Wales!”

Wales almost spat her drink as she heard what the Queen said. “Why don’t you come over tonight in my room to teach me these strategies?”

“I’m afraid she’s not available tonight, Your Majesty.” Eugen replied with utmost respect. “We have prior arrangements already, you see…”

I looked over at Queen Elizabeth to see how she reacts. Eugen is unexpectedly good at this. “Very well then, Miss Eugen. Still, Wales,” she turned to Wales. “Please consider teaching your queen these strategies. They will be useful during combat situations, won’t they?”

Everyone in the room nodded in approval except for Wales who is as red as an apple due to embarrassment and Eugen who is red as a tomato because she’s holding back her laughter.

“This is good!” George broke her silence. “Edinburgh, you should make these vanilla cakes more often!”

Edinburgh began tearing up as she exclaimed: “Vanilla?? But I was making chocolate caaaake!!!”

12:02 PM. After dining with the Royals, Prince of Wales escorted us out while berating Prinz Eugen. Meanwhile, I marveled at the beautiful marble floors as spotless and as white as a dove as it reflected the sun. The huge brown, mahogany doors contrasted the floors well with its matte and dark texture. The windows are so huge and glamorous that a person could probably fit right in between the window panes. I see Little Illustrious and Bel-Chan playing with each other out on the gardens. That reminds me, Unicorn should be at the academy right now attending her classes.

“Thank you for the meal, Wales.” I told the blonde Royal. “And I apologize for my secretary’s behavior.”

“No need to apologize, Commander.” Said Wales. “Have a nice day, then I shall take my leave. I shall see you tonight, Eugen”

No matter how I look at her, Wales seems to be more level-headed than Eugen. If so, then why does she lose composure when Eugen talks about what happened in her room? Man, how I would love to be in the room where it happened!

“Commander? Won’t you shower and relax with me for a while?” Eugen nonchalantly said as she stretched her arms out.

“A-Are you serious? Knock it off already, Eugen.” I replied as we strolled towards the port. “The fleet I sent on commissions should be back by now and we’re welcoming them. Come.”

“Commission completed? Let’s see if there is anything interesting to report, then Commander.”

Eugen

After filing in the report for the commission, the Commander left me alone in the office to do his daily rounds visiting the dorms. What a tireless man… I finished reviewing his report for the fleet exercise earlier today as I began flipping through the files of each participant.

Should I carry out Bismarck’s orders? I am to take note of potential threats and find their strengths and weaknesses but…

Not today, I guess. I have intel on Enterprise and Warspite already from the fleet exercise. That should suffice. Yes, I don’t need to bother myself over this for today.

My shift as the secretary ends at 4:00 PM sharp. I decide to end the day early and go home an hour early since there’s nothing left for me to do. Well, nothing that interests me in the slightest bit, at least. I’m sure the Commander will understand.

I walk out of the Commander’s residence and walk towards the academy. There, I spot several destroyers going about their day studying about… whatever destroyers do. An odd aircraft carrier with a big obsession with destroyers approached me.

“Why are you here? You’re being incredibly suspicious, Prinz Eugen.” Ark Royal stared at me from head-to-toe. “You aren’t planning on hurting these destroyers, are you?”

I stared back at Ark Royal with a blank expression, “That’s my line, Ark Royal. Be careful. Enterprise might catch you taking candid shots of the little ones again.”

“E-Enterprise?” She panicked. “Where is she? I was just protecting these little ones!”

Ark Royal hid her camera inside her vest as soon as I finished. “I was just on my way to see Nimi—”

“Nimi?? The Iron Blood destroyer who teaches here?” Ark Royal readied her rifle. “There’s no way I’ll h-hey!”

“Caught you in the act.” The Grey Ghost has captured her prey. “Oh, hey Eugen. Is Ark Royal bothering you?”

“Yes. And I’m sure she took several candid shots of the destroyers.”

“W-What? Eugen!”

“You’re coming with me.” Enterprise began cuffing Ark Royal.

Me coming to the academy is definitely the best decision I made today hihi~

“Frau Eugen!” Nimi approached me as she finished her class. I was laying on a bench just outside her classroom waiting for her to finish. As she emerged from the room, I saw Javelin, Laffey, Ayanami, and Unicorn come out as one group, waving goodbye to Nimi as she waved goodbye back to them.

“What do you teach in class anyway, Nimi?” I asked. Unicorn isn’t a destroyer but she’s attending the academy. This implies that the academy teaches something more than just shooting at things since Unicorn cannot shoot at anything without her planes.

“I teach mathematics, Frau Eugen.” She replied. “I’m also the science teacher of this academy. German science is the best, after all.” She proudly declared. “I sometimes teach art too… but most of the time I spend here in the academy, I use to read books myself!”

“Oh? How interesting.” With my curiosity satiated, I went straight to the point. “Well, I did as you asked.”

Nimi looked at me with a puzzled face as we walked down the halls of the academy. “Exactly what are you talking about, Frau Eugen?”

“I fixed my relations with the Royal Navy.” I giggled. “Queen Elizabeth even ordered her maids to bake a cake for us.”

Nimi looked at me with her eyes open wide. “I don’t believe you, Frau Eugen.”

“Is it that surprising that I can butter up Royalties?” I replied. “I’m still your senior, Nimi. I didn’t get to my position for nothing, you know?”

“Hmm…” She’s just staring at me with an incredulous look on her face. What a cute girl.

“You left the office early today, didn’t you?”

“How did you know?”

Night has fallen. Everyone in the dorm had finished their meals and have retreated into their own rooms. I delivered my report to Bismarck before waiting at the dorm entrance for Wales. True enough, Wales arrived wearing a black cap and trench coat. She’s carrying the black leather bag she usually brings whenever she visits me. I opened the gate for her and we made our way to my room.

“…you never tidy up your room, do you Eugen?” Wales said as she picked up one of my clothes on the floor. “Seriously, would it kill you to tidy up sometimes?”

“Wales, you know I can’t be bothered by such things…” I laid on my bed. “Besides, Hipper always comes in saying ‘Huh? What’s your bra doing on the door handle? Dummkopf keep your things organized!’ Before she ends up cleaning up after me anyway!”

Wales removed her hat and trench coat and hanged them on the coatrack. I actually only got that coatrack upon her insistence. If Wales didn’t come as often as she did, I wouldn’t have any reason to keep one since coats are so tacky anyway.

“Right.” She quietly navigated through my pile of laundry and sat with me on my bed with her bag in-tow. “Look at these clothes I brought.”

I sat down to observe the articles she brought.

She unzipped her bag and brought out six sets of clothes; three sets each for us to try on. The first set is a bikini set, the second one is a set of white clothing you usually see race girls wear, and the last one is… I couldn’t even begin to describe how raunchy those black, laced lingerie look.

Wales often bring me weird clothes. Once, she brought Halloween clothes. I was forced to look like a succubus that night… Still, that was fine since Gneisenau loved the style so much that she took the clothes for herself, with my permission, of course. Since she and I were of similar sizes, the succubus costume fitted her just as well as it fitted me. Another time, Wales brought me her own attire and we swapped uniforms. She liked my own clothes so much she brought one set home without my permission!

However, there is those two times when Wales actually brought me clothes that I kept: a black party dress that allowed me to expose my breast mole, and an exquisite kimono from the Sakura Empire. Why, I loved the kimono so much that I even wore it to New Year’s last year!

“Oh? Interesting set you brought.” I said as I stripped down to my underwear to try the white clothes on first.

“Eugen, I have to ask you though.” I don’t like it when Wales changes her tone like this. “What was it you said earlier? ‘Go for the head’? ‘Attack the vulnerable areas’? ‘Dress appropriately for the occasion’? Honestly, I never know what you’re thinking.”

Wales began groping my chest from behind. “H-Here you are teasing me again, Wales…”

“You teased me first. How about I attack your ‘vulnerable area’ again? You’re lucky you don’t have a ‘head’ for me to punish.” Wales began massaging me there…

“Look… knock it off Wales, not tonight.” I said dismissively as I pulled away.

“Alright… I apologize, Eugen.” She replied. “You seem oddly out of it today. Any problems?”

I glanced at Wales and laid down on my bed again. “Yeah. A stupid friend of mine—whose name will remain a secret, by the way, is having problems. I’d like your input on this.”

Wales sat attentively. “Go on.”

I cleared my throat and continued: “You see, she is being forced by her comrades to do something she doesn’t want. She has nothing else, no one else, but those comrades.”

Wales supported her head with her knuckle, as if posing like the Thinking Man Statue. I continue: “Now she has no issue doing whatever she thinks is best for her comrades… but this time her actions may hurt someone else.”

A deafening silence ensued for several minutes. Wales glanced at me countless times before finally speaking.

“Are her comrades really worth that much to this girl?” She asked.

I nod. I may tease Hipper, cause Bismarck trouble, and cause other sorts of issues but I consider the Iron Blood my comrades. I wouldn’t go as far as to do something stupid as lay my life down for them but I do find protecting and doing what’s best for them… interesting.

Wales then shrugged her shoulders. “Then who cares about who else gets hurt?”

She sat attentively and continued: “I don’t want to suffer the pain of losing my comrades again…”

This is the battleship I fought in Denmark Strait so many years ago. Because of me and my comrades, Wales lost so many friends. Still, here we are in my room teasing each other, trying on clothes more ridiculous than the ones Graf Zeppelin wears, and even doing ridiculously non-kid friendly things together. In a way, I no longer think of Wales as a Royal Navy battleship. I see her as a comrade, a friend. One of the best ones I have. And, she’s right. This is my mission. My secretary’s mission.

“It’s not like you to be quiet though, Eugen.” Wales continued. “Is this girl’s problem related to a man, perhaps?”

“Nah. She’s just really stupid, is all.” I continued stripping and decided to put on the bikini. The one I tried out was mainly black with a few red and yellow stripes near the straps, making it look like the Iron Blood flag in bikini form. “How do I look?”

“Hmm…” Wales inspected the bikini. “It’s a bit short on you… huh?”

It is, actually. Looking in the mirror, the top barely covers my chest and the bottom can barely cover my buttocks. Still, I like how I look in this.

“Is it? I like this one. I get to reveal my figure, too.”

“Perhaps you’d love the Commander to see you like this?”

“Hmm? Why not…” I replied. “Do you think he’ll like—hey! Wales, you always tease me like this when no one’s around!”

She began laughing. “Eugen, it’s obvious you like him! You cause problems to get his attention, do you not?”

Do I? I just think it makes my life here on the base much, much more interesting…

“Why don’t you go for it then, Eugen?” Wales asked. “I can see you smiling sincerely around him!”

This girl… she’s teasing me way too much now.

“And leave you alone, Wales? Who ever would cater to your weird fantasies when I’m gone?~” I chuckled.

“Who ever said I’ll be alone if you marry the Commander?” She winked. “He’s allowed to marry several ship girls, you know? It’ll be fun.”

Seriously, her devil-may-care attitude will get her in trouble someday!

“Hey, you know what the most popular photo pose for beaches is nowadays, Eugen?” Wales smiled.

I raised my eyebrow at her. “What?”

“Relaxing on a float and gently licking one’s lips.” She explained. “Try it out.”

I obeyed Wales’ suggestion. “Er… your smile seems a bit… unnatural there, Eugen. No matter. You’ll get it in no time.”

“Hmm? Why am I the only one trying out outfits?” I pouted. “Also, what’s unnatural with my smile?”

Wales began giggling as she herself began stripping.

Chance.

As Wales undressed herself, I began groping her mounds, focusing on her tender parts. Wales let out a soft, surprised noise that was music to my ears. Still, whenever she is in my room, I become the one being teased…

“I won’t be the only one teased here, Wales.~”

“You know what doing this means, right?” Wales smiled at me naughtily.

It’s going to be a long night.

Commander

12:04 PM. It’s been a month since Eugen became my secretary. She rarely ever comes earlier than seven in the morning but she at least helps me out whenever I need to do some organizing and file updating.

Surprisingly, Eugen seems to be extremely interested about the files from the other factions. She’s been asking to see them whenever we have free time and she even volunteers to handle some of them herself. Well, if her interest in the topic helps her work, then I’m more than happy to give her permission to read these files on her leisure. Since Eugen doesn’t know how to cook, I decided to learn how to cook myself; for the better part of the month, I served Eugen dishes Belfast and Nimi used to serve me when they were my secretaries.

“Oh? So, are we eating Spotted Dick today again, Commander?” Eugen asked while giggling. “Vielen dank. Sometimes I think you just learned this dish to make me eat it.~”

Whoever came up with the idea of naming a pudding “spotted dick” deserves to be left alone stranded deep.

“Hey! It’s not my fault it’s named that way, Eugen! Besides, didn’t you say you liked my cooking?”

“Mm?” Eugen gulped down. “Yes, Commander. Still, isn’t it funny for a woman like me to eat something called ‘spotted dick’? Hihi~”

“W-Why you!” I tripped on Eugen’s long legs. Something soft… and extremely good-smelling was on my face… I wonder what it is…

“Oh? Now then,” Eugen lifted my face off her chest. Have mercy, please. “It’s my turn to have a taste of you, Commander.”

“Commander!” A silver-haired woman came bursting through my office door. It was Enterprise.

I sprung up from the floor, all red in the face. Enterprise’s face also burned red when she saw Eugen holding my face an inch away from her own. Meanwhile, Eugen simply giggled.

“W-What is it, Enterprise?” I fixed my uniform and recomposed myself. Enterprise did the same.

“Commander! Purifier’s been spotted just 2 klicks 32 degrees East of South from the base! Please give us our orders.”

“What!? Send the Sakura Empire fleet to intercept them! Don’t let them get near our base. Contact Bismarck and have her send the U-boats around the perimeter of the island and have the Eagle Union’s planes scout for other threats. Eugen—"

BOOM!!!

Chapter Text

Commander

“Eugen! Enterprise!” My chest is burning. What was that? One moment I was giving out orders to Enterprise and the next, the ceiling was falling on me. Dust particles enveloped my vision, preventing me from seeing anything as a green gas filled the room. My lungs are burning…

I brought out my radio and tried alerting the other dorms. What the hell??

Bzzt…bzzt…

This thing’s broken!

Wait, how is the ceiling not falling on me right now?

“Commander!” I hear Eugen’s voice call out. I can hear her coughing and wheezing. “Get out! Th-This is way… too heavy…”

Eugen was carrying a part of the ceiling that would have crushed me. Someone grabbed my arms, carried my, and jumped out the window with me in tow.

“Hang on! And DON’T breathe in any of that smoke!” After exiting what is left of my office, I opened my eyes to see Enterprise carrying me on her shoulders as Eugen finally tossed the huge piece of concrete that she caught for me. I saw her fall on her knees as she was enveloped by a green gas.

“Enterprise!” I exclaimed as she put my down on my feet. “Please, save Eugen. She’s still in there!”

Swiftly and wordlessly, Enterprise shot an arrow from her bow. From the arrow, emerged one of her planes. Enterprise jumped on it and grabbed Eugen by her clothes while riding it.

“Eugen!” She was unresponsive and unconscious. This amount of damage should not be enough to down any ship girl. They were built to be robust and resistant to even explosives and they can carry objects more than five times their weight! It must be that gas… Just what is that gas that it could down Eugen, the most robust vanguard ship, so quickly? “Eugen! Wake up!”

Good lord, she’s not breathing!

“Commander!” I hear a familiar voice approaching. “What happened to Frau Eugen?”

It was Nimi.

I unbuttoned her shirt and began pumping her chest. “Eugen! Wake the hell up!” I repeated this over and over again as Enterprise and Nimi watched. Remembering my CPR training, I pumped her chest 30 times.

“Goddamn it!” I covered her nose and enveloped her lips with my mouth. I blew air into her pipes twice and repeated the procedure.

“I’ll fire you if you die on me!” It’s my third repetition. As I locked lips with Eugen, suddenly, I felt her tongue move. Her soft hands touched my face as her tongue clashed with my own. After a few seconds, I was the one gasping for air as Eugen flashed her smile for me.

“My, my, Commander.” She smiled. “Were you really that worried about me?~”

“Shut up!” I yelled at her as I wrapped my arms around my annoying secretary. “Don’t you do that again. I’ll kill you myself if you die on me.”

“Enterprise, I want you to give out these orders for me. Pay very close attention, alright? I have orders for you too Nimi so listen up,” I sternly instructed the Union CV and the Iron Blood destroyer.

“Of course. What’s our plan?”

After finishing giving my orders, I sent Enterprise on her way. With her flight capabilities, Enterprise is the only one capable of relaying my orders to every faction right now.

Eugen was a little woozy but she is still capable of walking. Because of this, I ordered her to stay with me and leave the fighting to everyone else.

The plan was simple: The Iron Blood and the Sakura Empire fleets, who are closest to where Purifier was spotted were to intercept. Bismarck is to send the U-boats around the perimeter of the island base to make sure no enemy destroyers or cruisers can get close enough to damage our ports. Meanwhile, the Eagle Union will send their planes on a scout mission out Northwest to find other enemies that might be lying in wait as the Royal Navy circle around the enemy front lines to launch a pincer attack in conjunction with the combined Sakura and Iron Blood fleet.

“Nimi.” I called to the Iron Blood destroyer.

“Yes, Commander?”

“What happened to the academy?”

“Well, I told my class to stay inside as I check the situation.” She explained. “I didn’t think the situation would be this dire.” She glanced at Eugen.

“Frau Eugen,” she said. “Are you alright?”

Eugen simply nodded as she coughed once more.

“Nimi. Take your class and evacuate the academy. No matter what, protect the destroyers. I’m sure Ark Royal must be nearby. Find her and team up with Ayanami, Javelin, Laffey, and Unicorn.” I commanded. “Get out of the island. This entire place is a death trap!”

Nimi sprinted towards the academy and fired an HE shell on the second floor. Upon seeing this, Ayanami and Javelin signaled the destroyers and soon Eugen and I saw the children running towards the port with the starter squad and Ark Royal escorting them.

“Eugen, you’re not fit to fight.” I held her by the shoulders. “I’m taking you to the infirmary. I’ll hear no complaints—"

“Commander!” Eugen shot one of her shells behind herself to propel me and herself several feet away from where we were standing using the recoil… and in the nick of time, too.

BOOM!!!

“There’s that green gas again!” It seems the green gas came from that shell that exploded… but Purifier was supposed to be 2 klicks away from the edge of the port and that is around 1 klick away from here.

If we run for the infirmary, we’ll be moving deeper into the enemy’s range of fire. Damn it! Forget the infirmary.

If we run in the direction Nimi took the destroyers, we’re putting the little ones in danger. This base is not the enemy’s target: I am. Why else would they go as far as resort to long ranged bombardment if the plan was to take the base? Furthermore, all the projectiles have been precisely targeting just me. If that’s the case…

“Eugen. Let’s run for cover!”

We just need to bide for time and survive!

I took Eugen’s arms and aided her in running. “Man, you sure are a heavy cruiser, you know that?”

“Say that when we survive this, Commander. Watch out!” She used guns to allow us to narrowly dodge another projectile. This one seems to be a dud since it didn’t explode. That, or it’s a different ammo type.

I hear Eugen coughing up again. “Eugen put your rigging away.” I said.

Eugen looked at me with defiant eyes. “And let you die? Dummkopf, with everyone on the island defending our base, I am the only one capable of protecting you!”

She coughed and wheezed some more.

“I-I’m fine… I’ll survive any battle, verdammt…”

I carried Eugen on my back and took her to the back of what used to be my residence and sat there with her. “Eugen. Stay here, alright? I need to go to the front lines to see how the others are doing.”

Eugen grabbed my shirt as I stood up. “Don’t go.”

“You’re safe here. The projectiles seem to be coming from only one direction.” I explained. “Since this is covered by my residence, you should be safe—”

“I WON’T be the lucky ship who survived alone again!” Eugen boomed as she forced herself to stand up. “I can still fight.” She’s using her rigging to support herself. What a strong woman…

“What’s wrong, body? Is this all you’ve got?” She said. “It’s not enough. I. Want. MORE!” Eugen’s body glowed and suddenly, three rotating shields appeared around her. Slowly, she propped herself up using these floating shields until she was able to stand up properly, willing and powering through the pain.

“Alright then, Eugen.” I gave in to her resolve. “But you’re not winning the MVP spot this time, alright?”

“Tsk. Do you have to rub it in my face?” She replied. I was about to turn when she grabbed my hand. “Commander?”

I turned to face her.

“I love you.”

Suddenly, the sounds of gunfire that filled the air were just white noise to me. I couldn’t tear my eyes away from Eugen. I lost track of my heartbeat as my heart pounded harder and faster than it ever did before. I guess… before we die…

“I—”

“Just kidding.” Eugen giggled as she licked her lips slowly. “Did your heart skip a beat?”

Shall I knock this woman out myself?

Eugen

The Commander took my left hand with his right one. He covered his face with his left hand.

“Eugen cover your nose and mouth!” He commanded. “Do NOT breathe in more of that green gas! On three, we’ll sprint for the Union dorms, you hear?”

“They have a radio there. Mine was broken with that surprise attack on my residence and there’s sufficient cover on the way there.” He explained. “If we can contact anyone, then we can pull out of this alive!”

I covered my mouth with my right hand and nodded.

“One.” The commander held my hand tighter than anyone’s ever held it before…

“Two.” I cough and see blood on my right hand. Quickly, I wiped the blood on my clothes. I can’t die like this. Was zur Hölle!? My head’s throbbing so much I can barely keep my balance… on top of that my chest feels like it’s melting right off! So… dizzy…

“Three!” The two of us began sprinting northward without stopping. I can feel the impact of several shells exploding behind us as the Commander’s residence got reduced into a pile of ashes. My shields were enough to protect us from the flying debris and shrapnel but if they get destroyed before we reach the Union dorms, it’s all over.

I can see the Union flag. We’re so close. I just used a lot of ammo to dodge the enemy bombardment before we got here. If I could more properly, I wouldn’t have had to waste so much ammo… Just then, I sensed something coming…

“Surprise!!” A Siren with a menacingly happy smile landed in front of me and the Commander right in front of the Union dorm gates. “Hahaha!!! Prinz Eugen you don’t look so good!”

I’m not in the mood for jokes. Verdammt, I can’t even think straight with everything wrong with my body right now…

Purifier tilted her head slightly like a child inspecting something she’s seen for the first time. “Man, you look so pathetic! It’s like you’re about to fall over if I so much as breathed on you!”

She began laughing hysterically. “What are you doing here, Purifier?” I asked.

“Look, why don’t you make it easy for the both of us and hand the Key over to me?” Purifier stopped laughing as she turned to the Commander. “Hey, Commander! You want to save her right? All you have to do is hand yourself over and I’ll call it a day!”

The Commander stepped forward. “It’s alright Eugen. You can—”

I shot Purifier without any warning. “Der schwanzlutscher!” I cursed at her.

“Fick dich! I’m NOT letting you take him!”

Purifier, whose face was still smoking due to a direct hit from my shell, laughed maniacally. “Well then, let’s have some fun, bitch! I’ll have fun tossing you around, you good-for-nothing German tank!”

I readied my guns and shields. Can I win in my condition? No. I HAVE to win. “Commander? Don’t you dare leave my side!” I charged at Purifier hoping to make it inside the Union dorm.

Bismarck

What a girl, that Enterprise. Riding planes she deployed? Not a bad idea… I wonder why the Commander just didn’t radio his orders like always, though?

After sending the U-boats on their designated sortie locations, Tirpitz and I joined up with the rest of the combined Iron Blood and Sakura Empire fleet. This formation… it reminds me of our Crimson Axis days. I sincerely hope we never have to go back to that. I observed as Akagi and Kaga began raining down hell on the mass-produced Sirens.

“Ältere Schwester.” Tirpitz called to me. “This… it doesn’t feel right.”

“What doesn’t feel right, mein kleine Schwester?” I replied calmly.

“Don’t you find it odd that Purifier, the most erratic Siren, is not immediately bombarding us with everything she’s got?”

My sister has a point. Purifier always employed blitzkrieg tactics: sending out her forces, including herself, in a fast, coordinated attack in an attempt to completely wipe out her enemies in a single sweep. What’s more intriguing is that her mass-produced ships sure are fighting back but there’s no sign of Purifier anywhere. The ships are also not moving forward; in fact, they seem to be drawing us further away from the base.

“You’re correct, my sister.” I replied. “Something’s up…”

The Sakura Empire’s First and Second Air Division were more than enough to deal with the mass-produced Sirens… what’s going on? They’re putting up such a pathetic resistance that there isn’t even any ship within my firing range… Furthermore, we’re about 2 klicks away from base and we’re only getting further away by the second. If the base is truly the enemy’s objective, why aren’t they trying to push us back? This is NOT how Purifier conducts her operations.

“Bismarck,” Graf Zeppelin’s recon planes had finally returned. “No sign of Purifier anywhere. An endless line of mass-produced battleships and cruisers are replacing the ones the Akagi and Kaga sunk, however.”

Something is definitely up. “Graf, is there anything suspicious around here? Anything at all that points to a Mirror Sea or anything of the sort?”

“Nein.” Graf replied. “The only suspicious thing around here is the enemy behavior.”

“U-556. It’s me.”

“Lord Bismarck!” She replied with her usual contagious bubbly energy. It seems our radios are working properly. It seems that there isn’t even a Mirror Sea around here. “I, U-556, Parzival of the Seas, am in your service.”

“Any sign of Lurker?” I asked. Maybe Purifier wasn’t alone. Lurker may be lulling us into a false sense of security. “Or any Siren subs at all?”

U-556 went silent for a bit. She’s probably checking her radar. “Nothing to report, Lord Bismarck. There’s no sign of—huh?”

I was right. Something’s wrong. “What is it, U-556?”

“I am detecting a huge energy reading from the island!” She exclaimed. “Lord Bismarck! This energy reading is far, far too big to be any mass-produced Siren. It’s gotta be—”

BOOM!!!

Another large explosion from the direction of the Commander’s residence shook the seas. I cut off my comms with U-556 and contacted the Commander.

Bzzt…bzzt…

I turned a full 180 and dashed as fast as I possibly can right for the base.

“Tirpitz! You’re in charge for now. The Commander’s in danger!”

Enterprise

As the Commander ordered, I had everyone send out scout planes to search for enemies hiding from our sight. As we have found out, radars and radio signals do not function well in Mirror Seas. Therefore, visual confirmation will have to be our key to victory. That’s what scout planes are for.

Nothing. My planes didn’t see anything… weird. Does this mean that Purifier is launching a direct frontal assault on the other side of the island? We’re quite a distance from the base already… about 3 klicks away.

“Helena? Do you see anything?” I asked Helena who had been keeping an eye on her SG radar for almost the entire trip already.

“None yet, Miss Enterprise.” She replied. “But I’ll keep looking!”

“Sis!” Hornet shouted in her usual rumbunctious tone. “One of my planes just got shot down!”

“Where?”

“Further up northwest. That’s where I sent them: 8 planes in total but only 7 came back!”

There’s got to be something up there. “Alright, let’s—”

Suddenly, countless Siren planes blotted out the sun as they dropped their bombs on us. “Evasive maneuvers! Sandy, Cleveland, shoot those bastards down!”

When Hornet’s planes found the enemy carrier, they probably decided to chase them down to hide their location. Unlucky for them, Hornet’s planes were faster and my little sister was able to retrieve them first.

I readied my bow to shoot out my own fighters but…

“Miss Enterprise!” Helena exclaimed in a panic as she bobbed and weaved, avoiding the bombs falling from the sky. “There are three large energy signals! One on the island base near our own residence, and two are coming straight for us!”

“W-What?” What’s this? The Sirens are outmaneuvering us everywhere! Have the Combined Iron Blood and Sakura Empire fleet been defeated? What’s going on the base?

“Hello, Azur Lane.” A Siren covered with tentacles floated out the fog. “Oh? It’s just the Eagle Union? Just as I suspected. It seems Purifier’s defeated the rest of the Azur Lane, eh, Strategist?”

“Oh yes.” Strategist snickered as she appeared next to Observer Alpha. “You’re all that’s left of Azur Lane. So, why don’t you all make it easy for yourselves and surrender?”

These planes… they must be Strategist’s. Moreover, that fog must be a Mirror Sea if we couldn’t see them on radar. The fog itself appeared just now without any prior indication. Them must have been creeping up on us quietly, hoping to ambush us but Hornet spotted them before we were in range. The gave up on stealth after this and just launched a full-on assault.

Strange… why couldn’t my own planes detect these ships when I sent them in the very same direction Hornet sent hers?

No matter, I’ll have to reward my little sister for saving our lives today.

Observer Alpha turned to me. “Enterprise, if you come quietly, I’ll call off the attack. What do you say? Save yourself? Or save your little friends?”

“You little—” Washington let loose a barrage without any warning. The rest of our battleships did the same and soon, Observer Alpha and Strategist were bobbing and weaving to dodge the rain of salvos coming at them. Mass-produced Siren ships began appearing one after another out of the fog of the Mirror Sea.

“Little sister.” Yorktown moved in front of me and smiled. “Let me take charge. I’m your older sister, after all.”

Hornet followed suit. “Go on. Save those two on the island.” Hornet winked as she sent out her planes. “Give ‘em hell!”

And just like that, the sea transformed into another hellish landscape, the smell of gunpowder and oil spill filled my nose as Yorktown and Hornet sprang into action with Essex and her sisters backing them up. Baltimore, Portland, and Indy barred the incoming newly-spawned mass-produced Siren ships from getting close. The Cleveland sisters and Sandy were busy shooting down the enemy planes as I turned around and shot my arrow into the sky; I jumped onto my Hellcat and headed straight for our dorm.

“I hope I’m not too late.”

Eugen

Verdammt! How annoying! I keep missing Purifier. If only I wasn’t so dizzy…

“Hahahaha! That’s it? Take this!” An AP shell pierced my outer armor, stabbing my stomach. If only I could move properly… This fight is taking too much toll on my rigging, too.

“What’s wrong, Eugen? Weren’t you going to protect your Commander? Don’t tell me our nerve gas has gotten the better of you already!”

“Nerve gas? What the hell?” The Commander exclaimed. “So… that’s what it is, huh?”

Purifier stopped attacking for a second and covered her mouth with her hands. “Whoops! Welp, I said too much, didn’t I?”

The Commander grabber my right shoulder and looked at me with concerned eyes.

“Eugen, just surrender. Another Commander can take my place. You have valuable information, too. If you fall—”

“Hahaha I’m afraid that’s no longer an option, Commander.” Purifier began bombarding me with area of effect attacks. If I evade, the Commander will get hit!

“Oh? Looks like your wall’s getting chipped ever so slowly, Commander. I’m sorry but I won’t let her go anymore. I’m having too much fun tossing her around!” My shields disappeared as I hid the Commander in my embrace. I took the brunt of the attacks. “Besides, she knows too much already. I actually need to get rid of her now hahahaha!”

I turned around to see Purifier right in front of me grinning. “Boo!”

She planted her knee deep in my gut as I—along with the Commander, was sent crashing into the Union dorm. I used my rigging to reposition the Commander on top of me as we crashed through the Union dorm’s concrete walls.

I can feel my bones giving out… even my rigging’s reaching its limit. “Ahh… how interesting.” I said as I cough up blood trying to buy time. I’m on all fours right now unable to stand up.

“Hmm? Finally coming to your senses, Eugen?” Purifier taunted. “Can you even count how many fingers I’m holding up right now? Helloooo?” Purifier raised her left hand showing me two—no three, verdammt so I can’t even count correctly now…

“So the Sirens had to use their top secret special gas on me before they were able to take me down?~” Right now, I need to stall Purifier. If I can’t win through my body… then perhaps I can take advantage of her stupidity and look for an opening… I gathered what’s left of my strength to stand back up and try to appear confident. “My, I’m flattered. Now I know you really can’t beat me if you had to concoct something like this to even hurt me. Haha… Now you’ve done it.”

“Hey, you bitch.” Purifier walked four steps closer. That’s it… maybe a couple of more steps. “You really think a tramp like you can beat me? If Enterprise can’t kill me, what chance does a good-for-nothing wall like you have?”

“Maybe I can’t beat you normally through my brute strength…” I began coughing up blood again.

“Eugen, enough! Purifier let her go! I’ll come with you.” I stopped the Commander from moving as I mouthed the words:

Ich liebe dich.

Purifier inched closer and closer… and closer. Just a step further…

“I’m listening, tramp.”

“But I have something to protect now! All guns, fire!”

I fired all my remaining shells into one last point-blank all-out attack focused on Purifier’s chest. With this, my guns all cracked in more places than I can count and my rigging finally collapsed… but I hit her right on the chest, black ooze spewing everywhere as Purifier’s surprised face dropped on the floor separated from the rest of her body. The sheer impact from my AP shells must have cracked her neck and decapitated her, too.

I beat her.

“Eugen!” I felt the Commander’s warm embrace in front of me. My eyesight’s getting dimmer. I’m so tired… I can’t even describe what’s happening properly anymore…

“Eugen!”

I coughed up more blood as I hear Bismarck’s voice calling out to me. I finally dropped on my knees. “B-Bismarck… The Commander… is he?”

Bismarck stopped beside me as she knelt and looked at the Commander. “You did very well. He is safe. More importantly, we need to get you help”

I hear the whirring of a plane engine and see a white-haired girl rushing over. “Commander!” I saw for a brief moment Enterprise’s jaw drop in horror. Do I really look that bad right now? “Damn it! I was late…”

I’m so sleepy…

“Stay with me!” The Commander held me in his arms. Ah... what a place to fall asleep in… I’ll have something to brag about to Wales and Hipper when we next meet… Hihi~…

“Wake up! Enterprise, call Vestal and Akashi! Bismarck, help me carry her!”

Wait… did I just see Purifier… blinking? Am I dreaming?

As Enterprise turned her back to ready her plane and Bismarck turned to carry me, I saw one of Purifier’s cannons targeting the Commander as it shone a dim blue light.

A blinding white light engulfed my entire body. I felt the most excruciating pain that I have ever felt my entire life. I couldn’t even hear myself screaming until the light disappeared and I drop back-first on the ground, motionless. At least, the Commander is safe…

I might not be able to tell Wales and Hipper about his embrace after all…

I see Purifier escaping from Bismarck’s barrage as the Commander struggled to carry me onto Enterprise’s plane.

Why is everything so dark?

Chapter Text

Hipper

Why are all of my younger sisters so stubborn?

Nobody told you to go dying on me, Blücher! Nobody told you to jump in front of Purifier’s beam, Eugen! Nobody…

Verdammt. Why don’t you all ever listen to me? You both always kept doing whatever the hell you both want.

Now here I am, standing in front of the infirmary.

Vestal said her mental cube is intact: it’s absolutely fine, in fact. Her rigging, her guns, everything ship-like about her will return to normal.

The problem is Eugen’s human part. Her lungs became ruptured due to inhaling too much of that green gas the Commander’s been asking Akashi, Yuubari, and Nimi to take a look at, her bones were all fractured in more places than Vestal can enumerate, her stomach had severe lacerations and trauma while her exposed skin experienced second-degree burns.

Pacing down these porcelain hallways which are the only ones left untouched by the Siren attack will make me go insane. I decide to open the door to the room that never should have had Eugen as its occupant to find the Commander slumped over her bedside, sleeping.

The room itself is tidy if you ignore the Commander’s documents stacked on the floor near the table. They are stacked neatly under the air-conditioning unit while Eugen’s things are in a bad next to those documents. His clothes are all neatly hangered up on the window bars, acting as secondary curtains. Because of his uniforms hanging there, the room is only slightly lit.

I wonder, if Blücher received the same help Eugen’s getting now, would she have survived?

I took the seat near the window, the one opposite the Commander, and observed Eugen as she peacefully slumbered. She had a respirator covering her nose and mouth. Two tubes are injected into her arms, one presumably for her nourishment and the other delivers my blood directly to her veins.

Please, let my blood save her.

I remained silent to not rouse the Commander’s sleep. He’s been working hard restoring the base while taking care of Eugen. In fact, this man basically made this room his new quarters.

Dummkopf… such a man is waiting for your return, we all are. Just wake up already…

For now, Eugen’s wounds and burns have all nearly healed. Us ship girls do have tougher bodies than normal humans but we’re not in any measure immortal. Eugen here is stretching her body’s capability as is…

“Mein kleine Schwester…” I held her hands as I whispered to her left ear. “I promise to treat you well when you wake up…”

Don’t cry, Hipper.

“You can call me flat whenever and wherever you want… you can even grope me in public if you so wish…” I whispered to her.

“You’ll treat me the best Kölsch?”

“Y-Yes! I’ll treat you only the best Kölsch!”

“Hihi~ You’ll wear the bikini I bought you for summer?”

“I will wear it whenever you want!” Wait…

“H-HUH!?”

Der schwanzlutscher, she’s awake this WHOLE time??

Eugen

I’m cold. I can’t move. The water level’s up to my hull and I am being towed by a ship I don’t know to who-knows-where… wait.

I am being tolled? Water level’s up to my hull? Oh… I forgot. I’m a heavy cruiser. I’m the lucky German heavy cruiser who survived the operation that Bismarck didn’t. The member of the Admiral Hipper class to survive the Second World War. I have been turned over by the Fatherland to the Americans… what are they going to do to me?

A blinding flash of light accompanied by a deafening boom engulfed me. It-It hurts! Why are you doing this to me? What is this??

After the Americans had their fun twice, I was left alone like a ghost ship to be forgotten. I felt my foremast and mast bend. Ah… I’m starting to sink… Please, don’t leave me alone! It’s not my fault I survived… please, Commander!

Is it raining?

“Mein kleine Schwester,” a hand caressed my own as I felt raindrops falling on my left cheek. “I promise to treat you well when you wake up…”

What is this soothing feeling? Am I dead? No, if I was, how could I feel the rain? Her voice… it’s so familiar.

“You can call me flat whenever and wherever you want… you can even grope me in public if you so wish…”

Ah… how could I forget, hihi… This voice belongs to my older sister, Admiral Hipper of the Iron Blood and I am Prinz Eugen of the Iron Blood, the Commander’s secretary. I opened my right eye secretively so that Hipper won’t notice. The Commander’s hunched over my bedside, sleeping. Did he take care of me when I was unconscious? My, how sweet… I’ll be sure to spoil him after this.

Meanwhile, my elder sister is bawling her eyes out. Hihi, let’s mess with my cute older sister first, shall we~?

“You’ll treat me the best Kölsch?”

“Y-Yes! I’ll treat you only the best Kölsch!”

“Hihi~ You’ll wear the bikini I bought you for summer?”

“I will wear it whenever you want!”

Oh? And Wales isn’t here to see this, too!

“H-HUH!?” Hipper exclaimed as I opened my eyes and flashed my smile at her.

“Guten tag, mein altere Schwester,” I greeted her. “I heard everything, my beloved, flat Hipper~”

I feel something rustling as I am suddenly overwhelmed by a familiar, pleasant, and warm feeling. “Don’t you do that, ever again, you hear me??”

The Commander’s buried me deep in his chest as Hipper began making a puking face. “My, did you really worry about me that much?”

“Of course,” The Commander broke his hug and sat on my level. Like a ship spilling oil, the Commander’s eyes leaked tears of joy, presumably. What a cute man. “Do you know how worried Hipper was? How worried Wales was? How worried Bismarck was? How worried I was?”

I giggled as I wiped the Commander’s tears off his face. “I told you, didn’t I? That I’d survive any battle?~”

“You were out for three weeks!” He exclaimed. “Your pulse was weak, and you weren’t breathing… Do you have any idea how worried we all were?”

I see… perhaps this is no laughing matter after all. “Then, I apologize, Commander, for being out of it for so long.”

“You better be sorry…” He sobbed. “I’m calling Vestal. Get some rest. And don’t go acting like a hero like that again, understood?”

“Miss Eugen, inhale,” Enterprise’s personal medic gently requested. I obeyed; if only to stop the Commander’s constant nagging and worrying for me. “Now, exhale.”

After asking me to breathe in and out repeatedly, Vestal asked me to relax and breathe as normally as I can as she placed her stethoscope on my left breast. “Hmm? Maybe the Commander’s interested in seeing this?”

“Shh!” Vestal asked me to stay quiet as the Commander giggled. Just wait, I’ll definitely tease you out of your mind when we get back to your office… wait. His office gone, right? Where is he working now? Better question: where does he sleep now?

“Alright, Miss Eugen,” Vestal announced. “Your heart rate’s gone back to normal. Your breathing is still a bit haggard so I’ll have to take your X-Ray later. Let me see your stomach.”

I raised the blue hospital gown I have been dressed in. My stomach has completely healed, it seems. Vestal nodded when she saw this. She removed my blanket and inspected my knee.

“Don’t fight it and don’t force it either.” She brought a hammer-looking rubber tool out and knocked on my knee once. A kick.

“Good. Your reflexes are ok,” She stood up straight. “Miss Eugen, I have to give it to you straight.”

She turned to the Commander as well, “You listen up too, Commander.”

Vestal pulled up a chair and began explaining:

“What Miss Eugen experienced was nothing any other vanguard ship we currently have on the base could even dream of surviving. If anyone else but her takes the same punishment as she did,” Vestal closed her eyes. “They would be dead before they reached the infirmary, let alone fight like Miss Eugen.”

I listened attentively as Vestal continued.

“I suggest being a lot more careful. We ship girls are built to be much, much more robust than normal humans. However, we are still part human,” Vestal glanced at the Commander and then at Hipper. “Now, Commander, you may be wondering why Admiral Hipper is the only possible blood donor for Prinz Eugen, aren’t you?”

The Commander nodded. “I’m blood type O Negative. My blood is compatible for everyone, isn’t it Vestal?” He asked.

Vestal smiled and nodded. “Yes, Commander. Your blood is indeed compatible for everyone in this room and perhaps even out there.”

The Commander looked at Vestal with a raised brow.

“However, your blood is that of a normal human being. Prinz Eugen here is a ship girl,” She explained. “A ship girl’s blood has about a thousand times more iron content than a regular human. This is because of our history as previous non-living ships. Therefore, if I transferred your blood to Miss Eugen, it is honestly similar to giving her water instead.”

She looked at Admiral Hipper. “Now, Miss Hipper, I must explain why you are the sole viable donor for Miss Eugen and vice versa.”

“Huh?” Hipper crossed her arms. “It’s because we’re sisters, right?”

Vestal nodded. “Yes, but that is just the main gist of it. You see, the immune system of us ship girls are a hundred times more potent than the average human being.”

The Commander took a seat next to my bed as Vestal resumed.

“Normally, if a close relative with a matching blood type is not available, it is possible to get a different blood match. However,” She raised her shoulders. “Since our immune system is much more active, if I transferred the blood of someone whose DNA isn’t close to Miss Eugen’s DNA, her immune system will immediately attack the transferred cells and, well, it would have probably worsened her condition instead of helping her.”

Vestal then took hold of her kit. “So please, Prinz Eugen of Iron Blood, do take care of yourself. Us ship girls may be more hardy than normal humans, but we are much, much pickier, too. Er, medically speaking.”

She turned to the Commander. “Please bring the patient to the X-Ray room at 1100 hours.” She left the room as a familiar blonde Royal made her entrance.

“Wales! It seems Hipper will be wearing her bikini after all!~”

“W-What do you mean you dummkopf!”

The Commander took a glance at his wrist watch and promptly got ready. He says he needed to meet the workers and engineers in thirty minutes and he’ll be back before my checkup schedule. That man honestly needs to ease up a little…

“So, how are you feeling?” Wales sat down next to me as Hipper arranged the Commander’s uniform on the window—wait. So, he’s been sleeping here for the past three weeks, I presume?

“Eugen,” Wales called to me. “Are you listening?”

“Er, yes. I’m sorry. Did the Commander sleep in my room?” I asked Wales.

Wales flashed me her devilish smile. Mein gott.

“More than once. He slept here.” She caressed the bed slowly as she whispered to my ear. “Every. Single. Night.”

“Wales!” Hipper exclaimed as my Royal friend jerked her head backward in surprise. “Don’t give my sister any ideas! The Commander DID sleep next to you but he never slept with you. Got it?”

What a spoilsport, my elder sister.

“Well?” I relaxed on my hospital bed. “What happened while I was out?”

Hipper finished fixing the Commander’s clothes and she sat next to Wales.

“Well, where do we start narrating?” Wales asked.

I closed my eyes, readying myself for one, long chat with two of my closest comrades.

“From the beginning.”

Wales paced from her chair and bent over the water dispenser to grab water for the three of us. “Well, I believe we should begin from when you passed out.”

My sister tidied my bedsheets as I raised my legs for her. Ahh… if being sick like this makes people treat me like a madam, I’d like to experience it for a little while longer. Wales handed me my drink and Hipper hers as she sat next to me again.

“Bismarck chased Purifier out into open waters. There, as per our Queen’s orders, Hood and I aided Bismarck in attacking Purifier. After bringing you to the infirmary, Enterprise caught up and joined our offensive,” Wales explained. “Curiously, though…”

“Curiously?” I inquired.

“Purifier knew exactly how to dodge Bismarck’s barrage and exactly when Hood and I will attack,” Wales supported her face with her palm. “Moreover, Enterprise took considerable damage; not enough to put her in the emergency room, but just enough to ruin her attack patterns. In fact, the Siren seemed to have full knowledge of our combat capabilities…”

How can that be? The Sirens always had an idea of how strong we were, but not to the extent that they can just fight Bismarck, Hood, Wales, AND Enterprise alone and come out damaging the Union’s most powerful CV. And that was when Purifier was heavily damaged, too. No… there’s no way Bismarck would collaborate with the Sirens, would she? Has our intel been leaked?

“Is Enterprise fine?” I gulped.

“Yes, her elevator got blown out during the fight,” Wales crossed her arms. “But she survived. She was back and as good as new just after a day of rest, actually. Truly, what a lucky ship.”

No… did my actions not only put the Commander and myself in jeopardy, but the entire base?

“Huh?” Hipper snapped me out of my daze. “Are you alright, mein kleine Schwester? You’re looking a little pale…”

“I think I need some rest…” I replied. “But please, do continue telling me what happened.”

Wales brows furrowed as if she was trying to read my thoughts as Hipper puffed her chest up.

“You MUST be sick if you said ‘please’ to me!” Hipper happily said. “I wouldn’t mind it if you’re like this every day!”

I glanced at my sister and replied: “Only if you’re wearing the swimsuit, I heard you promise to wear a while ago.”

Vestal will have to inspect the bump on my head on the shape of my elder sister’s fist. She left Wales and I since she’s scheduled for a commission at 0900 hours.

“Eugen?” Wales looked at me with a raised brow. “You wouldn’t have an idea why Purifier seems to know what she knows, would you?”

Uh oh. She’s caught on… What do I do? Do I tell her? How would she react?

Wales stood up and paced towards the window. She closed the blinds and walked towards the door as well. I watch her lock the door as I remained quiet. There’s no way I can tell Wales…

“Eugen?” She laid down next to me on my bed. “I have my ways of making you talk, remember?”

Wales snuggled inside my blanket and… Mein Gott!

“Alright! Alright!” I gasped for air as Wales popped her head out of my blanket. “I’ll talk already! Geez… You didn’t have to do that…”

Wales sat on the sofa and fixed her uniform. Mein Gott… this girl really has no shame, has she?

“Wales… you have to promise me something,” I said sheepishly. It’s not like me to beat around the bush like this but even I have shame for my actions… “Swear you won’t tell the Commander.”

Wales nodded and listened attentively.

“Remember when I asked you something about my friend?” I said. “Well, I shall disclose that person’s identity now…”

“No need. It’s you, right?” She said with a blank expression. Ahh… so she’s caught on far earlier than I realized…

“Ja.” I replied. “Bismarck received orders from the Fatherland asking us to retrieve information on every ship in this base.”

I coughed once to clear my throat, causing Wales to jerk towards me. She probably thought I was coughing as a sign of illness. “I’m fine.”

“Very well,” Wales replied and pacified herself. “You may continue.”

“During the past month as the Commander’s secretary, I took a look at the files of all ships currently residing here on this base.” I explained. “I analyzed each file and identified each girl’s strengths and weaknesses. This includes, of course, the activation timing of each of your skills and your attack patterns.”

Wales remained silent for a minute probably trying to digest everything I said. “I can’t say I approve of your actions, Prinz Eugen of Iron Blood.”

Ahh… it’s exactly as I thought… You were a good friend Wales but, perhaps I was too foolish to think I can make friends outside of Crimson Axis…

“However,” She stood up with her eyes closed. “I AM part of the reason you did this. You asked me what my opinion on this matter is, yes? And I told you to carry out your mission knowing full well of the possible risks.”

Wales paced closer to me and caressed my face as she moved hers closer to mine.

“Therefore, I am an unwitting accomplice to your crime.” We stared at each other’s eyes for a long time. “I see guilt in your eyes. Guilt that you might have doomed us all? Or guilt that you lied to the Commander?”

“Both.” I replied as my face became hot with embarrassment. “If only I could take it back—”

“Then that is punishment enough. I can forgive your crimes, Eugen.” Wales interrupted. “But what I cannot forgive is you lying to me. Am I not your friend?”

I pulled back and replied. “Wales, we’ve done so much and enjoyed each other’s company countless times already. Of course, I consider you my closest friend.”

“Then you must repay this to me in full,” Wales stood back up straight. “When you’ve fully recovered. As I told you, Eugen, I don’t want to lose any more comrades.”

She glanced back at me. “That includes you, my friend. And I cannot rest until I see you smiling sincerely again.”

She turned to get more water as she continued. “This secret is yours to tell the Commander. I promise to not tell a soul about this.”

What a relief… I thought Wales would have been furious at me. So, this is what true friendship is, huh? Interesting…

“Then how do I repay you, Wales?”

She flashed her devilish smile at me again. Already, I don’t like where this is going. “Well, let’s talk about it when your room in the Iron Blood residence is rebuilt.” Wales chuckled. “I can’t conduct night raids with you and the Commander already busy here in his new office.”

“Hmm? So, the Commander made my hospital room… his office?” I clarified. “I will have to spoil him later for taking such good care of me, hehe~”

Wait.

“Did you just say my room is being rebuilt?”

“Yeah,” Wales shrugged. “They were able to salvage most of your clothes.”

Mein gott, please tell me Bismarck didn’t see the clothes—

“I even remember Bismarck going through every single one of them.”

Scheiße…

“She had your stuff moved here temporarily. Oddly enough, it was only your room in the Iron Blood residence that got hit.” She giggled. “Purifier must have really hated your guts, huh?”

Der schwanzlutscher. I’ll tear her head off the next time we meet…

“By the way, your sister was the most worried out of the three of us, you know?” Wales reminded me. “Perhaps it would do you well to reward her, too?”

“Hipper? Oh, don’t you worry, Wales.” I snickered. “Why, my elder sister’s probably listening in on our conversation just outside the door! Isn’t that right, mein Ältere Schwester?”

Wales and I glanced at the door as panicked thuds emanated from it. Hihi my elder sister’s too easy to predict.~

“Er… well, then shall I continue briefing you on the situation?” Wales asked. “A lot of changes happened while you were out, you know?”

I silently nodded as I laid back on the bed peacefully. Ah… it’s as if a tiny part of the burden’s been lifted off my chest.

“Well, shortly after Purifier and the other Sirens retreated, the Commander asked Akashi, Yuubari, and Nimi to take a look at the dud near his office,” Wales explained. “The analysis of the nerve gas the Sirens used is still unfinished but Akashi is making slow progress. Now that you’re awake, Vestal may have more time on her hands to help those three analyze that weapon.”

So, the Commander’s already trying to think of a countermeasure to the Siren’s nerve gas, huh? Remembering that hellish experience I had after inhaling that thing… I prefer not thinking about it.

“We also have new ships coming in.” Wales announced. “In lieu of the disaster that was the previous battle with the Sirens, the Commander spent all the cubes he had stored in the warehouse from all the missions thus far and almost all of the gold our treasury had to build new ships.”

“Oh? From what faction will they come from?” I asked.

“The Commander saw the base’s unfortunate destruction as a sign that we needed more manpower.” Wales explained. “Pretty soon, the Northern Parliament, the Iris Libre, and the Vichya Dominion will be joining us.”

Chapter Text

Commander

8:31 AM. It’s been three weeks since the Siren attack on our base. Walking out the infirmary, it all seems like yesterday when Purifier was running around these parts bombarding everything in sight…

My secretary’s finally awakened. I sincerely hope she won’t go causing trouble in her condition. Before launching her final attack on Purifier, Eugen mouthed something to me…

Ich liebe dich

Did she mean those words? Or was she teasing me again? I’ll have to ask her personally later when we’re alone. I don’t have the time to think about this too much right now since I have to deal with those guys again…

“Man, that bastard’s lucky to be staying in an island alone with these hotties!”

“I would give ANYTHING to be the Commander. How come he gets to stay with Bismarck? Not to mention Prinz Eugen, Illustrious, Hood, Akagi, Kaga, and even Enterprise…”

“Imagine what he gets to do with these girls… lucky bastard.”

“Yeah the gods are so unfair! How come that loser gets to stay in an island full of hot babes who are all so into him??”

I spotted the engineer chatting with his construction workers who were taking their break chatting outside the Iron Blood residence. They were sent two weeks ago by the HQ to help repair and renovate the residences. Since then, they have successfully restored the Eagle Union dorm and started rebuilding mine. Next up on their list would be the Iron Blood residence which took minor damage when Purifier targeted Eugen’s room out of spite. After that, they’ll have to repair the entrance to the Sakura Empire dorm which suffered minor damages from when Bismark missed her shots while chasing Purifier. For now, the Eagle Union’s dorm has been fully restored, mine is still being renovated, and Eugen’s room renovation is undergoing some planning. The plans for the other dorms to be built are running late, too.

“Good day,” I approached the head engineer with a smile. Keep it together, man. They’re only here until the new dorms are built. You can send these guys right on home after they finish their business. “Are we making progress?”

As if they saw a ghost, the engineer, the foreman, and the construction workers all frantically scrambled to get in line and salute. “Sir!” They all declared.

“Hut!” I commanded as I saluted back, signaling them to stand up straight for inspection.

Respect is hard to come upon amongst humans… Very few ship girls would talk back to their Commander let alone talk about him badly behind his back. Not only that, they dare talk about the girls who fight for humanity this way?

“Where’s your safety helmet?” I questioned one of the construction workers. He gulped and looked at the engineer who was sweating bullets.

“Actually, where are the plans for the new dormitories!?” I boomed. “Those plans were due two days ago!”

I paced hurriedly towards the head engineer and stopped dead in front of him. “Well? How can any of you talk about the ‘hotties’ here when you can’t do your job properly!?”

I stood in front of the crew.

“Do you all think this is a joke? Why the hell did any of you join the CASTF* anyway?” I loudly asked. “Did you join to ogle the ship girls fighting for humanity? Did you join because you think this will be a vacation?”

The crew’s shoulders drooped. They should be ashamed of themselves.

“The ship girls here are not the kind of girls you meet on the bar. They fight for all of us, they put their lives in danger on a daily basis just to give humanity a new lease on life! They risk losing their own just so us humans can enjoy the peace we all love.” I pointed my right hand at the direction of the infirmary, “One of them was seriously injured just three weeks ago! She’s currently recovering in the infirmary and I will tell each one of you that she’s ten times the human you all are combined!”

I swiped my right arm in the air and clenched my left fist. “If any of you here has any more complaints—or cannot do their job properly anymore, then get on the earliest boat off the island. I don’t need self-important useless engineers and workers who treat this job like a damn joke!”

A silence ensued.

“Well? No one?” I stood straight as I asked. “Good. I will hear no more of your useless rumor-mongering. Anyone who continues this behavior will be court-martialed under the offense of insubordination and mutiny. The girls here are my eyes and ears so don’t even think of doing anything behind my back. I won’t tolerate it and neither would the HQ.”

I fixed my scuffled uniform. “Are we clear?”

“Yes.”

“ARE WE CLEAR?”

“YES!”

“YES WHAT?” I boomed.

“YES SIR!”

“Then get to work.” I cleared my throat. “The ship girls from the Northern Parliament are arriving in two weeks. Finish Prinz Eugen’s room renovation in two days—”

“B-But sir!” The head engineer stammered.

“Did I stutter?” I asked sternly. “Two days, head engineer. If that room isn’t finished by then, I will have you removed from your post. Unlike those ‘hot babes’ you spoke of, you are, unfortunately, very replaceable.”

The crew looked at me dumbfounded. I have to be strict and stern to maintain discipline and respect. I won’t let these people walk all over me and the girls.

“Well? MOVE, MOVE, MOVE!” I shouted, making the crew scramble towards their shed presumably to devise a plan to finish their renovation of Eugen’s room as soon as possible.

8:37 AM. After speaking to the construction crew, I entered the Iron Blood residence.

“Commander!” A short-haired Iron Blood heavy cruiser with claws of steel waived at me with a smile that sends chills up my spine. “Hey, don’t you recognize me? It’s me! Roon!”

I should start running but… before I can even react, Roon’s already taken my arms with her iron grip and pressed her chest on my back. “When are you sending me on a sortie again?”

Since the base was in no shape to mount a proper defense, I eased up on sorties for now… Recently, Roon’s been asking me to send her on more missions since she’s bored of the peaceful life here on the island but…

“Roon I need your strength to protect everyone here on the island, for now,” I explained to her. “The last Siren attack really did a number on our base… if I send people out on sorties carelessly, we may not have enough manpower to defend.”

Roon looked confused as we paced towards Bismarck’s office. “But, Commander, don’t we simply need to crush the enemy so that they’ll never bother us ever again?”

“Er, you really love crushing people, don’t you Roon?” I scratched my head.

“Of course,” She replied in a matter-of-factly tone. “Especially those who dare lay a hand on my Commander.”

Of all the Iron Blood ships in the base, Roon scares me the most.

“My, my, my children are here flirting with each other in front of me…” A tender, slow voice sent more chills up my spine. I practically stopped walking as I felt her presence looming over me. “Are you afraid, my child?”

Roon hugged me as if trying to shield me. “Friedrich! You won’t have the Commander for today. He’ll be accompanying ME today.”

Friedrich smiled and paced towards us from the sofa in the residence she sat upon. “Then I shall have both of you children as my guests.”

The two of them aimed their guns at each other as the atmosphere began to grow even more restless.

“H-Hey, you two!” I tried breaking up the fight. “We can’t afford to break the Iron Blood dorm as is!”

Roon and Friedrich der Groβe stared at each other for a good ten seconds before both smiled and put their rigging away.

“Very well, my child.” Friedrich paced towards Roon and me as Roon moved over to my right arm. Friedrich took my left arm and soon I was buried between the Mother of the Iron Blood and the most feared heavy cruiser of the Iron Blood.

“What brings you to our dorm anyway, Commander?” What a relief… these two didn’t blast the entire place into smithereens…

“Is there anything you require, my child?”

“Yes, I was looking for Bismarck. Have you seen your flagship?” I asked before noticing Roon’s brows furrow.

“And here I thought the Commander was here to visit me…” Owowowow! She tightened her grip on my right arm!

“Hmm then go look for Bismarck, my child.” Friedrich used her gentle touch to remove Roon’s iron clutch on my arm.

“Th-thank God—I mean thank you, Friedrich.”

“Let go of me!” Roon exclaimed. “I’ll crush you!”

Friedrich chuckled. “I shall have you over in my room, my child. The Commander requires the Iron Blood flagship, Bismarck and my child shall always get what he needs.”

From across the hallway, a familiar commanding voice echoed: “Friedrich! Roon! Stop bothering the Commander.”

Thank the gods you’ve arrived, Bismarck.

After sending Friedrich with Roon on their way, presumably to Friedrich’s room where she’ll…spoil Roon, Bismarck motioned for me to come with her to her office. I followed the Iron Blood flagship.

Bismarck’s office differs vastly from my own. The only light source in her office is the lone chandelier that hangs in the center of the office. A blood-red carpet adorns the floor, contrasted only by the brown, ironwood desk Bismarck uses. On the desk are a radio set and a stack of papers neatly piled under a book that acts as a paperweight. There are no portraits hanging on the office walls aside from two frames. One of them is the certificate that U-556 gave to Bismarck several years ago. It hangs on the wall in a green picture frame, neatly maintained presumably by Bismarck herself. The other one is a more recent one; it is the picture I took of all the Iron Blood ships welcoming the New Year last year in traditional Sakura Empire clothing. It is encased in a wide, red, picture frame.

“Guten morgen. What brings you here, Commander?” Bismarck asked as she took her seat which was situated in front of a wide window that illuminates the room.

“I would like to ask if Graf Zeppelin has returned from the commission that I sent her on two weeks ago?” I took the left seat in front of Bismarck’s office. “I hope she’s brought in enough materials for the upcoming event I planned.”

Bismarck leaned forwards and supported herself on the desk with her arms. “She arrived just earlier today, still Commander, couldn’t you have asked me that over the radio?”

I shrugged my shoulders and replied: “Yes, well, I could have. But I also had to meet the construction crew working on Eugen’s room. Besides, I still have to do my daily dorm rounds. By the way, Eugen’s woken up today!”

Bismarck sighed a breath of relief. “Gott sei dank.” Bismarck stood up. “I will be visiting Eugen today, Commander. Graf is waiting for you in her room. Auf wiedersehen.”

Bismarck walked out of the room in a rush. Eugen is her friend and the only ally she’s ever experienced combat with before they were reconstructed in the present. It was natural that she’d be worried about her safety.

Graf’s room is found on the third floor of the residence right next to Z46’s room. Zeppy shares a room with her so I doubt she’ll be alone at this time of day.

“Come in.” I hear Graf Zeppelin’s voice after I knocked on her door twice. Upon entry, Graf Zeppelin’s room is unexpectedly bright; the curtains are parted, allowing ample light to illuminate the room well as toy planes are scattered all over the red floor. The room itself is mainly red while Graf’s bed and wardrobe are both white. Zeppy rushed over as I entered the room.

“Hey, you!” Zeppy stopped in front of me while holding a toy plane. “How dare you send Graffy on a long commission?? Take this!” Zeppy launched a toy plane at me—wait, that’s not a toy!

After Graf had finally pacified Zeppy and sent her to play outside, I sat on her bed wheezing due to the absurd amount of running I had done dodging Zeppy’s fighters. It’s a very good thing I didn’t equip her with powerful ones… Imagine if I had equipped Zeppy with Dive Bombers… Graf’s room might have needed renovations, too.

“So, Commander,” Graf Zeppelin sat beside me. “Are you here because of the commission you asked me to go on to in secret?”

I nodded. How can I control myself when I’m in a room with Graf Zeppelin alone… Moreover, she’s not wearing anything other than her lingerie.

“Am I making you uncomfortable, Commander?” Graf stood up and opened her wardrobe. She wore her usual attire after seeing my disgraceful expression. “You truly are brave, Commander, to gawk at me like that. I apologize, though. I'm wasn't expecting any guests, after all.”

“Erm, well, yes.” I struggled to find the words to answer Graf. “Did you bring the beer from Munich?”

“Ja.” Graf Zeppelin sat next to me again. “A hundred barrels full of Oktoberfest beer from the Fatherland.”

“Good. Were there any issues along the way?”

“Nein,” Answered Graf. “Commander, how kind of you to do this for Eugen.”

Eugen always loved drinking. It’s one of her hobbies that Bismarck banned her from indulging in as soon as she became my secretary… Bismarck’s probably worried she’ll mess up if she comes to work hammered or if she comes with a gnarly hangover. However, since she saved my life, I thought it was necessary to reward her… So, I thought of asking Nimi if there were any celebrations in the Iron Blood homeland that involved heavy alcohol intake. She recommended the Oktoberfest to me which was, at the time of asking, two and a half weeks away.

It was then that I thought if I can’t bring her to the Iron Blood homeland to allow her to participate in the yearly Oktoberfest, then perhaps I can bring Oktoberfest here for everyone to enjoy.

“Is it? I thought she deserved it.” I replied.

“Don’t spoil Eugen too much, Commander,” Graf warned me. “That girl will definitely abuse your kindness.”

I shook my head in disagreement. “In the month she was my secretary, Eugen has been very useful, Graf. She’s even done a really good job organizing the files.”

Graf stared at me with her ruby eyes and closed her mouth as if she was stopping herself from saying something.

“I see, very well, Commander.” She closed her eyes. “I brought the beer to the warehouse last night without anyone on the island noticing. Here are the keys to the warehouse.”

She returned my keys to me as she laid on her bed. “I, too, appreciate all the effort you muster for everyone. Maybe, I don’t hate everything after all.”

Did Graf Zeppelin just compliment me?

9:32 AM. I finally finished doing my rounds for today. We’re up to our necks in oil since I cannot send out ships on sortie as often as I could before. I approached the shop with cat ears located right next to the Sakura Empire’s residence. I made sure not to bring my gems to not allow myself to be tempted by Capitalism Cat, Akashi.

“Commander! Welcome nya~” The repair ship greeted me as she guided me through her shop. “Would nya care to look around nya?”

I took a look at the merchandise Akashi was selling. I saw swimsuits, kimonos, and even school uniforms: all being sold for a whopping average price of 300 gems. Th-This is vastly overpriced… still it’s a good thing I didn’t bring my gems…

“H-Hey stop tempting me, Akashi,” I stopped looking around to get straight to the point. “I asked you to take a look at that shell, right? Just take me to your workshop… Is Nimi and Yuubari there?”

Akashi tilted her head sideways. “Nyes Commander. Still, you haven’t bought anything from Akashi’s shop in quite a while… nyah…”

I gave Akashi a headpat. I know how hard your job is, Akashi, I really do. Still, I can’t let myself splurge my gems all the time… “I promise to buy something if you can finish the analysis on that shell, ok?”

Akashi’s ears excitedly flopped about as she enthusiastically led me to the area behind her shop which leads to her workshop.

“Master,” Yuubari greeted me as I stepped into the workshop. “Take a look at this.”

Yuubari, dressed in a hazmat suit, placed the dud shell in the center of a glass tank large enough to fit two to three people. Nimi is also dressed in a hazmat suit as she focused on handling the controls.

“Commander, wear this nya.” Akashi handed me a hazmat suit my size. I changed into it as quickly as I could and observed Akashi fastening the shell inside the glass chamber. Akashi’s workshop actually looks very different today. Usually, her workshop would have several clothing articles or a lot of other peculiarities hanging around. Her workshop today is simply a shell of that: no outfits, no gadgets to be found. Only a lone glass chamber in its center connected to Nimi’s computer being powered by a pipe that leads to who-knows-where.

“How’s it going, Nimi?” I asked the Iron Blood destroyer who was busy trying to adjust some sort of meter on her computer.

Nimi turned to me and put her finger in front of her mask. “Be quiet, Commander. I need to focus.”

Yuubari stood beside me and Nimi. “Master. Akashi, Nimi, and I worked together to make this isolation chamber. Here, we shall expose the shell to a certain stimulus.”

“Stimulus? What do you mean?”

Suddenly, I heard the whirring of some unseen contraption and the turning of gears. Akashi turned off the lights in the room and I saw Prinz Eugen standing a few steps from the shell inside the glass chamber.

“E-Eugen! Don’t—”

Yuubari hugged my waist to stop me from rushing over. “Relax, Master.”

What does she mean?

Nimi puffed her chest from within her suit. “Witness the power of German science! Commander, what you’re seeing now is simply a simulation; a hologram. Frau Eugen isn’t really there. Just a projection of her. Also, don’t worry about us. We’ve tweaked the shell slightly so it won’t explode: just gently spew the nerve gas out.”

Science sure is amazing… I couldn’t even tell the difference between this Eugen and my unruly secretary.

“Nimi, start the test nya.” Akashi pointed at the glass chamber with such gusto as she commanded Nimi. Suddenly, the hologram of Prinz Eugen began walking towards the shell. No reaction. The hologram touched the shell and suddenly…

PFFFT!!!

The shell began expelling the green gas we saw before!

“Wh-What is this?” I flabbergasted.

Nimi turned off the projection of our Iron Blood heavy cruiser as Akashi inputted something on a console connected to the glass chamber. Soon, the chamber’s contents, save for the shell, was flushed out of the chamber through a transparent pipe.

“Master,” Yuubari stood in front of me. “Allow me to explain. The projection of Prinz Eugen you saw a while ago has a certain amount of heat.”

I stood attentively. I need to understand this.

“The amount of heat expelled by our hologram is virtually the same as the amount of heat any human produces. From our experiment, we can see that the shell won’t explode if there is no heat being applied in its immediate vicinity.”

Nimi joined in the explanation. “However, if sufficient heat is around, like from a heavy cruiser using her body to block the shell from hitting you, or her guns firing in a direction near the shell…”

“Then the nyerve gas would come rushing out, nya!”

I see… so the first shell exploded when Eugen shielded me, thinking it was a normal shell. The shell exploded upon contact with her body and my room came collapsing on her. She thought she could take it and caught the ceiling for me—only for the gas to cripple her without her knowledge. The second shell exploded because Eugen’s guns expelled enough heat for it to explode where it did. Meanwhile, the third shell was a dud because Eugen’s guns were pointed away from the shell, meaning there couldn’t have been enough heat for the shell to explode.

Akashi came closer and removed her helmet. “Akashi hasn’t finished analyzing the nyerve gas yet nya.”

“Why?” I asked. “You’ve gotten so close, Akashi. You three have practically understood the entire activation mechanism of the Siren’s new weapon!”

Akashi scratched her head.

“You see, Commander, Akashi is nyot a medical expert. I would need Vestal’s input to anyalize the nyerve gas.” She explained.

“Moreover, Commander, the equipment here did nyot come cheap nyah.”

Oh no, here we go.

“Research costs quite a hefty sum of money, nya.” Nimi and Yuubari nodded in agreement.

Kuh… et tu, Nimi?

“How much gems do you need?”

“About 1800 nya!”

God, there goes my salary!

Chapter Text

Eugen

Wales brought out a few magazines. Apparently, Akashi liked how Wales and a few others looked in the white race car attire she brought for us to test a few weeks back that she had them pose for a magazine release.

“My, my, how daring…” I commented. “Is this your sister?”

Wales took a glance at the magazine page and replied. “Indeed. It’s my sister, Duke of York.”

“Ah… I haven’t seen her around quite often. I wonder why?”

Wales laughed out loud. “There’s no way you would. My sister’s quite a night owl, she is.”

I stared at her and smirked. “Oh? Then I assume she’s a lot like you, eh Wales?”

“Like me?” Wales raised her brow. “Whatever do you mean?”

“Oh? Nothing.” I giggled.

Someone is knocking on the door. Wales paced towards the door she’s locked and opened it to find a blonde woman in black attire staring coldly at her. Immediately, the proud Wales shriveled before the presence of our flagship.

“Hmm? Oh, it’s you Bismarck,” I greeted her. “Guten tag. Come in.”

Wales timidly sat on the couch as Bismarck approached me.

“So, the Royal Navy seems interested in the Iron Blood’s affairs?” She asked Wales as she took the seat next to my bed. “I’ve been seeing you come in our dorm at night time, Prince of Wales.”

Wales recomposed herself and responded: “This matter is not one that the Royal Navy sent me on. This matter is one between friends.”

Bismarck smiled at Wales. “I see. My apologies.”

I spot Bismarck’s eyes peering over the magazine I’m holding. I closed it out of instinct.

“Oh? Bismarck, if you want to look at this, just say so,” I teased. “I never knew you were interested in such things.”

“Hardly.” Bismarck crossed her arms with her eyes closed. “I would like to speak to our heavy cruiser in private. If it is alright.”

I glanced at Wales and nodded. With this, she wordlessly left the room, closing the door behind her gently.

“Firstly, I am pleased at your performance. You did well in protecting the Commander,” Bismarck held my hand. “However, I must warn you to never fall in battle like this again.”

She fixed her uniform as she sat straight. “As the Commander’s secretary, it is not only your duty to serve him, it is also your duty to take care of yourself.”

I looked at Bismarck’s eyes. They’re swollen. “Hmm… Bismarck?” I called our flagship’s attention.

“What?” She shot her eyes at me. “Are you unwell anywhere?”

“I’m fine… but your eyes,” I stared at her face. “Have you been… crying? For me?”

Hurriedly, Bismarck turned her face away from mine, all red in embarrassment. “Don’t be ridiculous. Anyway, I have more to say.”

It seems this one is much, much more serious than simply telling me she’s happy I’m alive.

“I want you to stop stealing information from the Commander.”

I shot my no-longer-bored eyes at Bismarck.

“You’re serious?” I mumbled. “Then, have we confirmed that… the Sirens have our intel?”

Bismarck placed her right hand on her chin. “Two weeks ago, the Commander sent Graf Zeppelin on a secret mission.”

I began listening attentively.

“I won’t tell you what that mission was but I will tell you that I did not allow her to leave without another purpose.” She explained. “I told Graf to observe the Fatherland during her stay there. She was to visit the Bundestag* and see if there’s anything amiss.”

“And?” I replied. “Did Graf find anything?”

“That’s the problem, Eugen.” Bismarck replied. “Graf found that there is no record of what happened over last month.”

I frowned and sat up straight. “What do you mean there’s no record of what happened over last month?”

Bismarck brought out a few sheets of paper. “Here is the summary of records Graf made after visiting the archives.” She handed me papers and I began skimming through it.

“There’s a huge gap… in between August 7 and September 6.” I comment.

“Do you remember when Purifier attacked our base?” Bismarck asked.

“September 7.” I replied.

Scheiße.

“This secret is yours to tell the Commander.” Wales’ words rang in my head. How am I supposed to tell him that I almost got everyone killed… and that my faction is single-handedly responsible for all this…

“It’s hard to believe it’s just a coincidence.” Bismarck remarked as she retrieved the papers that I didn’t even know I dropped. “Therefore, I decided.”

“On what?” I probed.

“I shall take Roon and visit the Fatherland myself.” Bismarck replied. “I would leave you in charge of our fleet, but in your condition and as the Commander’s secretary, there’s no way you’ll manage.”

“Graf Zeppelin will also be busy with air recons since Commander put all carriers in the base on rotation for reconnaissance.” Bismarck smiled. “Therefore, I shall place Tirpitz in charge of our faction while I am gone.”

Bismarck turned to me. “Take care of her, Eugen. I ask this not as your flagship, or your superior, but as your friend.”

“Hmm?” I replied. I am to take care of Tirpitz?

“Of course, you won’t take care of her literally. Just watch over her. I asked the same from Graf last night.”

“Who am I to refuse?” I replied. “By the way, why don’t you just take me with you? Like old times?”

Bismarck shook her head. “The Sirens already knows too much about us. However, I wasn’t able to send the Fatherland details on the priority ships. They know nothing about Roon or Friedrich.”

It makes sense. I did find their files last.

“Friedrich is much, much stronger than even me,” Bismarck said. “She’s far too valuable an asset to risk losing on this mission. Roon, however, is powerful but not as valuable as her.”

“Are you sure you’ll be fine?” I asked Bismarck. “Don’t you make this a repeat of Denmark Strait, Bismarck.”

She stood up. “I don’t intend to die. I owe that to our Fatherland and to my sister.”

“I see, then, alles gute, Bismarck of Iron Blood.” I smiled at her. “Viel Glück, mein Freund.”

“Danke.” As Bismarck turned to leave, the door opened to reveal a haggard creature in a white, Naval, uniform.

“Please lay here, Miss Eugen,” Vestal asked me to lay on a bed connected to some sort of white tube. “I need to take a full body CT scan.”

I glanced at the Commander who stared off blankly into the wall as if he was some sort of catatonic. “Maybe you should scan the Commander instead, Vestal.”

Vestal put her hands on her hips and frowned. “I can’t release you without first knowing if you’ve fully recovered, Ent—I mean Miss Eugen.”

“Hmm? Does Vestal miss Enterprise?” I giggled. “Perhaps that Union girl and I have more in common, huh?”

Perhaps Enterprise also gets into trouble from time to time? Maybe she injures herself or just doesn’t take care of herself much for Vestal to say her name by instinct.

Vestal’s eyes furrowed even further as she stared at the Commander who didn’t seem to respond to anything. I waived my hand in front of his face.

“W-Wha? Oh yes, where were we?”

“Commander… I told you to not work so hard, didn’t I?” I chastised him. “That is unless… you want me to tease you to death?”

The Commander let out a forced smile. “Just obey Vestal, Eugen.”

“Seriously… it’s like your mind is elsewhere,” I mumbled. “You didn’t go looking at any girls on your way here, did you?”

“Of course not, Eugen!”

I paid no mind to his response and simply obeyed Vestal. The Commander must be tired from all the work he’s put in these past weeks without me.

I found myself staring at the insides of a white tube.

“Looks fine to me,” Vestal nodded approvingly. “You’re fine, Miss Eugen. You can go back to your secretarial duties.”

“Oh? But didn’t I already say that before?” I giggled as Vestal signed my release papers.

Commander

11:21 AM. “While my residence is still being renovated,” I told Eugen as we strolled towards her infirmary room. “I’ll be staying with you. Your room, unfortunately, went up in smoke when Purifier attacked, Eugen.”

I can’t believe I lost this month’s salary… Oh well, at least I was able to buy those nice outfits for—

“Hmm?” Eugen stared blankly on her bed filled with the attire I bought from Akashi. “Are these my reward, Commander? Hihi~”

“Ah! N-No!” I ran and slammed my body on the clothes. I can’t let Eugen see these; I won’t be able to live through the night!

Eugen prodded her fingers on the bed. Nope. No matter how much you tease me, you won’t get to try these on!

“Commander~” She whispered to my left ear seductively. “Don’t you want to see me in these?”

“Definitely not!” I exclaimed. “You need rest, Eugen!”

“Hihi~ then shall I wear something else?” She grabbed her hospital robe and began slowly stripping it—

“Just kidding~” Hey… why’d she stop? “Aww, were you expecting something, Commander?”

Eugen giggled as she pushed me off the bed playfully. “I believe this is my bed, right, Commander? Unless, perhaps, my presence gave you a fever.”

I retrieved the clothes I bought and shamefully packed them along my stuff. I was so distraught at parting with my salary that I forgot I now share a room with this woman…

I hear a knocking at the door.

“Master, it’s me, Belfast,” I opened the door to find the head maid with a tray of wonderfully cooked lobster. “Good afternoon, Master, Miss Eugen. After hearing from Wales about the secretary’s awakening, Her Majesty graciously asked me to bring you lobsters for lunch. Until you and your secretary leave the infirmary, Commander, I shall henceforth be in charge of serving both of you your meals.”

“This… this is the second-best thing that has happened to me today.” I tearfully expressed my gratitude to the angelic maid of the Royal Navy. “Thank you so much, Belfast!”

Belfast covered her mouth as she giggled full of grace. “Second-best, Master? Then, what might the single best thing to happen to you today be?”

I gulped and glanced at the bored Eugen who was flipping through the pages of some magazine.

“I see. Say no more, Master,” Belfast smiled. “May I come in?”

Several hours passed. Eugen laid sleeping on her bed as I scanned through the report Nimi, Akashi, and Yuubari worked so hard these past few weeks on producing. Belfast is busy cleaning the room, making it look spotless and as organized as she possibly can.

According to Akashi’s analysis, the shell is not only designed to release the nerve gas on impact with a sufficiently hot object; it is also designed for limited flight control.

Inside the shell is a chip that is capable of transmitting and receiving coordinates for over five kilometers it seems… If so, then the Sirens can launch these shells, no, missiles would be the appropriate term, from way further out at sea than I initially thought…

The missile even has air ports and retractable wings that allows it to control its altitude mid-flight. Amazing…

When I think about the technology Sirens have, it scares me. To think that another species has developed intelligence on par—or perhaps even greater than humans, it’s honestly haunting. For so long, we humans have thought ourselves to be the apex of creation: the top of the food chain. But now, the Sirens are challenging our very existence as they vie for dominance.

Actually, why are the Sirens even attacking us humans?

“Master,” Belfast tapped my shoulder lightly. “I’m finished here. Do you require my assistance?”

I shook my head. “Thank you, Bel but… I’m already asking too much from you as is…”

Belfast shook her head in response. “Nonsense. As a maid, it is my duty to see that I satisfy my Master’s needs.”

Well, if she insists…

“Then please help me hide this…” I reached into my left pocket and handed Belfast a box smaller than the size of my palm.

“Why, Master, isn’t this—" I covered Belfast’s mouth to not rouse Eugen’s suspicion.

“Please don’t tell anyone about this yet, Bel,” I requested. “Just hide the box. Eugen will definitely be able to wring this out of me…”

Belfast smiled and bowed graciously. “Very well, Master. I shall guard this box with my life.”

I nodded. “You may go back to the Royal Navy dorms, Bel.”

“At what time do you want your dinner, Master?” Belfast asked before leaving.

“Oh, please serve it at around 7 pm, if you please, Belfast.”

6:42 PM. I was typing something into my laptop when suddenly…

“Commander~?” Eugen’s soft hands covered my eyes. “It’s past your working hours… do try to get some rest.”

I gently moved her hands out of the way and smiled. “I need to get these files updated, Eugen. You rest on your own.”

She stretched her arms and yawned. “Won’t you shower with me first then, Commander?”

“Absolutely not,” I tried hiding my embarrassed face. I can see Eugen’s boob mole as she raised her arms…

Eugen pouted and laid back on her bed.

“By the way… Eugen?” I stopped typing and called out to my secretary as I stared at my screen.

“Hmm?”

“Remember… what you mouthed when Purifier held us at gunpoint?” I asked.

Eugen remained silent.

“You said,” I gulped. “Ich liebe dich.”

No response.

“You weren’t teasing me then, were you?”

Eugen went silent for a good five minutes. I was about to let it go when suddenly…

“Commander? Ich liebe dich.” S-So she really does mean it… right?

“Whether it’s true or false, why don’t you decide that for yourself?” She added.

“Eugen,” disappointed, I tried salvaging the conversation “Can’t you just tell me yourself?”

My secretary who had her back turned against me stood from her bed and approached me.

She went closer…

and closer…

Until I felt something soft and hot touch my forehead.

“Figure it out yourself, my Commander~”

I hear a knock on the door. Dinner's ready.

Chapter Text

Commander

6:00 AM. “So, you’re really leaving Bismarck?” I asked the Iron Blood battleship as she stood at the edge of the port with Roon and U-556. The sun had only risen a few minutes ago, giving the seas a warm, golden hue as seagulls flew overhead. The skies are clear and the ocean is calm: perfect for sailing long distances. Eugen woke up early just for today to see her friend off but I would have thought Tirpitz would be here to see her sister off… I guess not.

“Ja. Orders from the Fatherland, Commander.” Bismarck replied. Roon approached me and gave me a huge hug.

“I will be back, alright, my Commander?” She said. “So for now, don’t look at any other girls, alright?”

I shot my eyes over at Eugen to see her smugly trying to hide her laughter. Does she or does she not mean what she said yesterday??

Upon seeing my gaze cast on her fellow heavy cruiser, Roon glared at Eugen, which made her smug smile disappear. “Don’t you lay a finger on my Commander, or I will crush you!”

Eugen regained her composure and replied: “Hmm? Make sure you get back safe first, Roon. Then we can talk about this, klar?”

Roon begrudgingly pulled away upon Bismarck’s command.

“Not to worry, Commander! I, U-556, Parzival of the Seas, shall ensure both Lord Bismarck and Roon returns safe and sound!” U-556 declared as she ran around Bismarck in glee. I spot a smile on the Iron Blood battleship before she turned around and stepped on the ocean.

“Auf wiedersehen, Commander, Eugen,”

Bismarck’s eyes seemed to light up as she glanced over my shoulder. With a smile, the trio finally left the port. As I turned, I felt a slight chilly breeze hit my face.

“Eugen,” I called out to my secretary. “Did you feel that icy breeze?”

Eugen smiled and replied. “That, my Commander, is a quiet, reserved sister wishing our flagship good luck.”

As I finally understood, Eugen eagerly took my arms. “So, Commander, how do you want to be trained by me today?~”

I giggled as we paced towards the infirmary where Eugen’s room continues to serve as my office while my own residence is still unavailable.

“You don’t have any work today, Eugen,” gently removed her hands. “If you don’t mind, I would like you to go get Graf Zeppelin from the Iron Blood residence today. I’d like to speak to her by, say, 0800 hours?”

Eugen looked at me with confused eyes. “Hmm? What kind of a job is that, Commander?”

Does she find this task mundane?

“Hey, Commander?” She called out to me. “Just don’t work too hard, o-kay?~”

Eugen pressed her lips on my cheek as she ran off in the direction of the Iron Blood residence.

She never gets tired of teasing me, does she?

6:24 AM. I stopped by the Sakura Empire residence in order to seek out a certain fox girl who is fond of devising clever ways of carrying out her missions. Recently, due to her unstable health, I made Amagi go easy on the missions she was taking but… she asked me to play a game of shogi to decide if she would obey me or not.

I would rather not say how many times I asked for a rematch… She still hasn’t lost at all anyway…

I crept along the Japanese bonsai to avoid a certain other fox girl and a certain bird from noticing my presence…

6:31 AM. I finally reached Amagi’s window without any problems. I normally wouldn’t do this but… the last time I visited her a week ago, I almost ended up in the infirmary myself with how much Akagi and Taihou were pulling on each my arms. It was only when Amagi arrived that Akagi finally gave up. Taihou almost kidnapped me until Nagato herself commanded her to lay off… I can’t guarantee that I’ll be so lucky every time.

I knocked on Amagi’s window. No response. Amagi usually responds quickly…

6:40 AM. I decided to sneak into Amagi’s room to see if she was alright. Her room was as tidy as I remembered, only she has a new painting of the seas hanging on her wall. It must be Tosa’s work.

“Amagi? Are you awake?” I looked around the room looking for the fox lady. “Are you here?”

“Oh? Commander?” I heard Amagi’s voice coming from inside her bedroom barred by her bedroom’s shoji*. “My, how unexpected. Please wait for me there. I’m getting dressed.”

I sat on the zaisu** across Amagi as I saw a slight irk on her face. “Is anything wrong, Amagi?”

Amagi knelt on her own zaisu. Oh! I forgot that I’m not supposed to sit like this. I corrected my sitting posture immediately, bringing a smile to the fox lady.

“Thank you for remembering, Commander. I thought you’d forgotten the proper decorum…” Amagi poured green tea on a teacup and offered it to me. I turned the teacup slightly as I drank slowly. “So, what brings you here?”

“Well,” I placed the teacup on the kotatsu***. “I would like to confirm if the fireworks are ready for tonight.”

Amagi giggled. “I see, so Prinz Eugen’s awakened, I take it?”

“Yeah… she’s back with her usual antics as well.” Amagi laughed reservedly with her hands covering her lips.

“Well then, I better make sure the destroyers set the fireworks up where I told them to.” She drank her tea. “Other than that, I think it’s fine.”

I nodded approvingly.

“By the way, Commander,” I took a sip as Amagi began asking me: “Are you going to pop the question tonight?”

Thank the gods I didn’t get any tea on the chuckling Amagi.

“N-No!”

“Haha… you’re as easy to read as ever,” she stood up to clean the mess I made after spitting my tea on the floor. “Still, to go as far as to organize something like this…”

I myself don’t understand it, either. I don’t dislike Eugen—only when she stirs trouble with the other factions. She’s pretty capable but aloof. She’s responsible but carefree. If only I can read her mind as well as Amagi can read mine…

“Amagi!” She began coughing up a storm as I grabbed a glass of water for her. “Are you fine?”

“Daijoubu—I mean, yes,” she instinctively answered. “I apologize for my health, Commander but, I am feeling better. I take it you don’t have time for a game of shogi today… still please consider visiting me and my sisters more often. Akagi misses you a lot, you know?”

She always has her sister’s well-being on her mind, doesn’t she? Moreover, her condition… I don’t think it’s getting better. I asked Vestal to take a look at Amagi’s condition several times but the results are always the same: there’s absolutely nothing wrong with her body and her mental cube. It seems that Amagi’s condition is hidden to even the most advanced medical technologies… Vestal even suggests that it may be an innate condition that comes from her mental cube itself.

“Sure, Amagi. But please take care of yourself…”

Amagi picked up her parasol and strolled out her room. “Care to join me for a walk, Commander?”

I shook my head. A lot of preparations have to be made for tonight. As much as I enjoy our talks about history and war strategies, I don’t have much free time today.

“Then I’ll see you tonight, Commander. Akagi will be here soon so, if you need to leave early, now would be the time.” She giggled. “I’ll tell Kashino to drop by your office by, say, 0800 hours? Since Prinz Eugen isn’t with you, you must have sent her to go get Graffy—I mean Graf by that time, right?”

She really is a better planner than me. “Y-Yes. Thank you for your help, Amagi.”

She turned to leave, strolling gracefully and unhurriedly amidst the falling cherry blossoms found in the inner court of the Sakura Empire residence gardens just outside her room. I forgot how beautiful she looks under those petals in fall. If only your sister was more like you…

Eugen

The Commander’s acting awfully suspicious today. Usually, he’d work me to the bone: asking me to go get his mail, or to pick up the commission rewards, or update the files he reviewed the previous night. Today, he issued no such orders: he only told me to get Graf to come see him by 8 AM today… I wonder, did I tease him too much last night?

I approached the Iron Blood residence for the first time after two weeks. The exterior looked mostly the same ignoring that one hole where my room used to be. About a dozen men supported by scaffolding are raised to the second floor where it is found, presumably working hard to restore it.

Honestly, I would prefer staying a bit longer with my adorable Commander… hehe just joking.

“Eugen.” A chilly voice came from the hall where Bismarck’s office is found. “Do you need anything?”

I turned to see a short and silver-haired version of Bismarck wearing what looks like an elegant, long, white ball gown. “Tirpitz? And you wore that without your sister seeing how gorgeous you are~”

Tirpitz, unmoved by my joke, asked again: “Do you need anything, Eugen?”

She is so like her sister.

“Well, the Commander told me to get Graf to his office by 0800 today.” I replied. “Still, what’s with the outfit?”

Tirpitz turned slightly, as if she wanted me to evaluate how she looked in the gown.

“I simply wanted to try out this gown Bismarck bought me a week ago,” Tirpitz happily replied. Wait… she’s smiling? Maybe our Lone Queen of the North is not so lonely anymore with her sister around. Way to go, Bismarck.

“You look wonderful!” I replied. “Better watch it, though. Those dogs outside want meat and you’re smoking, Tirpitz.”

Those men outside… I don’t like them. They look like they came from the Union, too. Maybe I just have an issue with Union men and their toys but…

Tirpitz stood back up straight and brought out her guns. “They’ll have my guns to talk to if they try anything funny.”

Ah… so like her sister. Always going straight to the punch.

“By the way, Bismarck told me you’re in-charge,” I smiled. “Then, we’ll be in your care, Tirpitz.”

She blushed a little and replied: “I’m no where near as capable as my sister when it comes to leading… I would appreciate your help with that, Eugen. I understand you have a lot of combat experience I lack, too.”

I patted Tirpitz on her back. “Don’t worry. We’ll support you. Then, I’ll be seeing you later. Auf wiedersehen, Tirpitz.”

I decided to pay my elder sister a visit before reaching Graf’s room on the third floor. Hipper’s room is found right next to mine, only further in the hallways. As I walked briskly to her room, I pass by my own and spot those men attaching new lights on the ceiling.

Just make sure those things don’t explode, Union boys, or I’ll blow you up myself.

Without knocking, I stealthily opened the door to Hipper’s room.

I spot my sister handling her electric guitar and going at it with all her soul. How adorable!

I took a seat in front of Hipper who closed her eyes as she made her soulful rock performance. Once she finished, I put my hands together. Honestly, my sister should consider becoming an idol instead. I’ve heard that idols make loads of money… even flat ones.

“H-HUH? How long have you been there? Dummkopf!!!”

I might need to get Vestal to look at my head again.

After getting kicked out of Hipper’s room slightly deaf at her yelling at me and slightly concussed over her fist hitting my head, I finally got to Graf’s room.

“Graffy~” I knocked on her door. “It’s me, Eugen. You don’t hate me so much you won’t open the door, do you?”

After a few seconds, the door creaked open. “What do you want?”

I can recognize Graf’s blood red death glare anywhere—even if she opened her door ever so slightly.

“Guten tag, Graffy~”

“Ugh… I told those three to stop calling me that,” our aircraft carrier mumbled. She’s probably referring to the time she, Illustrious, Amagi, and Yorktown got together on a tea party once. Yorktown called her “Graffy” then… and I have been calling her that ever since hehe~

“Anyway, Graf,” I straightened. “The Commander told me to bring you to his erm… office by 0800 hours today.”

Graf opened the door fully. Ah… there they are. The only pair of chests I am jealous of in the entire base…

“Ehem.” Graf noticed me staring at her oversized assets, giving me the death glare again. “You’re free to stay in my room, if you’d like.”

Wait… what’s this? Graf Zeppelin: the aircraft carrier who hates everything and everyone aside from Zeppy actually invited me in her room? Something is definitely up!

“Hmm? Alright, Graf,” I chuckled. “What’s going on? The Commander’s up to something, I can tell.”

Graf cast her eyes away as she tried avoiding eye contact. Guilty, are we?

“Say, you wouldn’t be doing anything with the Commander, would you?”

“Don’t be ridiculous, Eugen.” Graf stepped out of her room.

“Mommy!” Little Zeppy came rushing out trying to catch up to the already-departing Graf Zeppelin.

After hugging Zeppy, Graf carried her. “Watch Zeppy for me, Eugen.”

“H-HUH? Wait, why do I have to watch a child on my day off??” Wait, I suddenly sound like Hipper now!

Graf gave me another one of her death glares as Zeppy did the same in her arms.

And thus, began my life as a secretary and as Zeppy’s temporary nanny…

After playing with the annoying little carrier, Zeppy finally fell fast asleep on Graf’s bed. I can’t imagine what having a child must be like… I can’t even take care of myself well. How am I supposed to take care of another person?

The sun is going down as well. Zeppy and I had our lunch together a few hours ago and, mein gott, was it a terrible experience. The little carrier would make her little planes fly around, messing with my hair and turning Graf’s room into a mini warzone. I had to catch all the little bombs they kept dropping all over the place if I didn’t want our bigger carrier to drop me off her plane!

“Eugen.” Graf Zeppelin finally entered her room bringing… my black gown? “Get dressed.”

“What are you Wales now, Graf?” I joked. “You’ve earned more of my respect though… how do you deal with this little twerp?”

Graf tossed me my dress, which I caught mid-air. “Do you want to drink or not?”

Did she say… drink?

I hurriedly got dressed and fixed my hair. Graf wouldn’t let me out of her room without first doing so… Just what exactly is going on? Is she simply tricking me into wearing my favorite gown for fun? That’s not like Graf…

Graf exited the bathroom of her room dressed in a black party gown. It had a lot of embellishments that go from her waist to her skirt which extends to about an inch above her feet. The top of her dress has a plunging neckline that emphasized her bountiful mounds. Show-off.

“Let’s go. The Commander’s waiting.”

I walked out of the dorm with Graf Zeppelin, her mounds bouncing about in danger of spilling out of her ball gown.

“You really don’t fear exposing yourself… do you Graf?”

“I didn’t really buy this for myself.” She replied. “Illustrious, Yorktown, and Amagi forced me to buy it. Well, I shouldn’t complain. It’s a bit more comfortable up here than my normal attire anyway.”

I really want to slap her breasts now…

After exiting the dorm, I saw about a dozen rows of roundtables arranged neatly in front of the Iron Blood dorm. Each one of the roundtables had a barrel with a tap on it. C-Could it be?

“Do you like it?” The Commander surprised me as he suddenly popped up right beside me. “As thanks for you hard work and for saving my life…”

“Commander… I—”

I looked up to see colorful fireworks adorning the night sky. Red, gold, silver—all the colors you can imagine, covering the sky like a garden of beautiful flowers! Y-You… you went this far…

“Have as much beer as you want, Eugen,” I could cry as the Commander said: “Servus!”

The Commander took my hand and guided me to a table where Tirpitz, Z23, and Hipper were sitting. Graf Zeppelin followed closely behind as Z46 sat next to Tirpitz.

I was still dumbfounded. For the first time since I came to this base, the Commander… he’s truly exceeded my expectations… I knew he was up to something but nothing like this!

I took my seat next to Nimi and the Commander was about to sit next to me, too when suddenly, a fox lady grabbed the Commander by the arm.

“Commander~” Akagi twisted her tails around the Commander as he was helplessly whisked away to where Kaga, Amagi, and Tosa were sitting.

“Someone looks happy,” Prince of Wales, wearing a red gown, smugly commented as she passed behind me. “Good evening, ladies.”

Everyone from my table nodded to her.

“Get out of here, Wales!” I joked. “Don’t you have more chips to dunk your tea in?”

Wales let out a pretty loud laugh. “Well, I do prefer tea but… a little liquor won’t hurt. Anyway, enjoy your night, ladies.” She said before joining the rest of the tea-swigging club at their own table.

“Frau Eugen,” Nimi addressed me as I began filling my mug full of Oktoberfest beer. “Please take it easy… I know we haven’t really experienced Oktoberfest since we’ve never been out of this island but do remember your condition… h-hey please listen to me!”

I ignored Nimi’s pleas as I downed several mugs of beer in one go. It’s not enough… I want more!

After several mugs… everything started spinning… why do I feel like sobbing? Nimi, Z46 and Hipper finally slammed their cute faces on the table… haha… amateurs… HICC!

“Eugen. That’s quite enough,” Graf tried to stop me from drinking another mug.

Tirpitz stood up and tried turning off the faucet that supplies drinks? Liquor? Eh, whatever, to my mug. Sad for her, I’m just getting warmed up!

She sighed and scratched her head as she left me in the care of Graf Zeppelin. Hihi it’s quite a rare sight seeing a battleship carry two drunk destroyers and a flat cruiser… haha lightweights… hihi… HICC!

After everyone’s gone home, only Zeppelin and I were left drinking.

“You know, Graffy hihi…” I said. “How did you get your boobs that big? You’re always showing off those things… I sometimes wanna touch ‘em…”

Graf grabbed my hand on the way to her right breast. “Do so and you end up in the infirmary again.”

I giggled—HICC! “Graffy… what the hell do I dooo?”

She put her mug down for a second. “Explain.”

I sat up straight and raised my head to the pitch-black, or is it bright? I dunno… HICC… sky. “The Commander he… HICC… he went this far for me… but all I ever did was lie to his face…”

I wanna cry… but I’m so happy…

Graf stayed silent for a second, finished her mug, and grabbed another. “Eugen, do you love the Commander?”

I looked at her in confusion. “Love? HICC—maybe? You don’t lie to the people you love, right?”

Graf stared at me hard. But her gaze… it’s much different from when she glared at me. Her eyes are sorrowful; as if she sympathizes with me.

“I know it’s not easy… what you’re going through,” she answered. “Hold onto him. Don’t lose yourself, Eugen. You’re lucky to have something to not hate.”

Graf looked behind her to see the Commander approaching. She finished her drink and stood up.

“Your mission is over, Eugen,” she said. “Please, don’t make it any harder on yourself… forget it. Let the alcohol drown out your worries… before you lose yourself and the one you love.”

And with that, Graf made her way towards the Commander saying something I can’t make out. She then walked towards the Iron Blood dorm.

Commander

“Please take care of her,” Graf Zeppelin approached me as I made my way towards Eugen. “She’s… going through a lot, Commander. She needs you more than ever.”

I nodded before the aircraft carrier walked away silently.

My secretary’s drunk. I did tell her to have all the beer she wanted but…

“…Huh? Commander?” She said, her words slightly slurred. “Is that you?”

“Yes, Eugen. Did you have fun?” I said with a satisfied smile on my face. She’s cute when she’s like this… not that I would love to see her drunk but… there’s something charming about her smile right now. It’s as if her smile is that of a person without a care in the world; yes, Eugen right now, is the happiest I have ever seen her in all her days in this base. “You seem a little… drunk though.”

Eugen tried standing straight only to fumble and lose her balance. Luckily, I was able to catch her. “Me, drunk? No way… well, if I was, Commander,” she hiccupped, “what are you planning to do to me?”

Oh no… I struggled to carry this heavy cruiser back on her seat that I accidentally…

“Hehe… Commander, that's quite the scandalous expression you've got there... Are you sure you're not drunk, with how red your face is~?”

I’m only blushing because of how close your face is to mine! Not to mention I’ve fallen on my back with you on top of me…

I carried Eugen and let her sit on her chair properly again. “Commander? So, what do you like about me? My personality... or my body? If you lie, I'll make you take a shot~”

H-How can I answer a question like that? “Eugen, you’re drunk. Give me—”

“You want to drink this? Not~ gonna~ share~” she pulled her mug away from my hands. I allowed her to finish one last mug before carrying her on my back.

“Commander~ let's have a drink~ and two more drinks~ ahh... let's keep going~” She whispered to my ear as I carried her back to the Infirmary where we shared a room.

“Eugen, I’ll let you drink some more when you get better… alright?” I told her.

“Pfft... You're just too cute when you act all bashful but still can't resist trying to ogle me, ahaha~!”

I decided to stop talking to Eugen until we reached our room. Once we arrived, I carefully laid her on the bed. I… I can see her breast mole…

"You~ lewd~ beast~ Ahahaha~” Eugen said as she pulled my necktie in, making me fall on the bed on top of her.

T-This is bad!

I tried looking away but…

“Commander…” Eugen’s tone suddenly changed. “Am I a bad secretary?”

I turned to see Eugen’s teary eyes. Why is she crying?

“I… I think I might have done something wrong…” she continued. “Would you hate me then?”

I pat Eugen’s head. “No… no way Eugen. You saved my life.”

“So, did you do all that just to reward me?” She sobbed some more. “I… I don’t need… I don’t deserve any reward, you know?”

This is probably just because she’s drunk but I remembered Graf’s words: “ She’s… going through a lot, Commander. She needs you more than ever. ”

“I… I didn’t just do that to reward you.” I replied while looking into her mesmerizing, amber eyes. “I don’t understand it fully but… I think I—”

Suddenly, I felt electricity surging from my lips throughout my body as a wave of warmth came over me. Eugens arms wrapped around my body as our lips softly touched each other, locking into each other like magnets.

Eugen pulled back gasping for air.

“Commander, Ich liebe dich…” She said, her eyes completely locked onto mine.

I pant for a bit… the heat taking over my senses…

“I love you too, Eugen.”

Chapter Text

Eugen

The moon shines through the windowsill as I open my eyes. My head hurts but… what is this feeling of relief? A white blanket covers my naked body as I observed the Commander’s sleeping face being lit by the moonlight.

I don’t think I’ll ever forget this night.

I only meant to tease him but I must have gotten carried away. I never thought I’d have the guts to actually go through with it… but here I am, wrapped in the arms of the one I chose—no, of the one who chose me.

Looking at him like this… I can remember the first day I met the Commander; the day I was reborn.

Three Years Ago

“Hey,” an unknown voice called out to me in the darkness. “Are you alright? Please tell me you’re alright…”

“Wie heißen sie?” I replied. Wait, I replied…? I can talk now? Wait, I can think? What are these attachments?

I began moving the attachments on the upper part of my body. Are these what those humans called “arms”? And what are… these? Ahh… these must be “legs”. It seems I can understand humans and speak their language very fluently now…

I opened my eyes and the very first thing I saw was an adequately built man wearing what looks like a white Navy uniform. I cannot identify from which nation he is from by the uniform… it seems he is not from the Fatherland, though, that’s for sure.

“I am the Commander of this base,” he cordially approached me and moved his own hands forward. Does he want me to shake that? “I take it you’re Prinz Eugen of Iron Blood? I hope to work well with you.”

I stare at this man for a second and look around the room. I am standing on a platform in the middle of what looks like a shipyard. Beside me is my rigging, although much, much smaller than what they used to be.

So, how will this man play with me, I wonder? Will he be like those Union boys? Or like the Iron Blood compatriots who survived the war with me? Hmm… this will be quite interesting, I believe.

I crossed my arms and sat on my rigging without shaking his hands and stared through him without flinching.

“Hmm... so you're the Commander? How long can you keep me amused? I'm looking forward to it.”

Present day

Soon, I came to learn about his behavior. He’s a workaholic who takes every mission seriously. He took Z23 as his first secretary; that says a lot about his personality. He often sent me on sorties but that didn’t interest me one bit. I have had my share of war in the previous era; destroying lifeless ships bring me no joy or fulfillment whatsoever. Instead, I took huge interest in this man’s actions. I wondered how such a person, one who knows very little German, could speak ordinary English, and has no Japanese speaking skills could be put in charge of a base that caters to shipgirls who speak these languages. He was not the most brilliant tactician, either: he can’t even beat Amagi in a game of shogi.

And so, I began making trouble with other ships, hoping for him to take interest in me as well.

Until about just over a month ago…

“Prinz Eugen, starting tomorrow, you’re my secretary.”

I finally have my answer… as to why this man was chosen to lead us. He hates losing but unlike others, he treats us shipgirls with respect. We, who are the closest thing to what might be synthetic human beings, were treated by this man as if we were equals. He truly cares about us, treating the Royal Navy as if they were real members of the nobility, treating the Sakura Empire girls and bending to their so-called traditions, and giving us, the Iron Blood ships, a chance to experience the biggest festival in the Fatherland. To him, we’re more than just weapons: we are actual human beings with our own wishes and desires, worthy of respect and love…

It’s sad that I had to deceive you… in another world, could I have been anyone other than “Prinz Eugen”, and still met you?

“Eugen…” Was he awake all this time?

“Aren’t you tired?” He mumbled as he buried my face in his naked chest. “Go to sleep now… we have a lot of work tomorrow…”

“I have a much larger stamina than humans, Commander,” I giggled. “Although… my head is aching a bit…”

Wordlessly, he placed his fingers on the sides of my head and oh…

“W-What are you doing?” He’s only touching my head and yet my headache seems to have eased a little…

“Hmm, this?” He continued pressing on my forehead methodically as he moved his palm to the sides of my head. “This is what’s called a ‘massage’.”

Ahh… so he was giving me a massage. How cute...

“Hmm? How doting,” I said, fully immersing myself in the comfort of his hands. I wrapped my arms around his waist as I placed my head on his chest. The Commander continued massaging my head. “Where did you learn to give such a good head massage, Commander?”

“My grandfather used to give my grandmother massages,” he explained. “I often watched him do it until he finally taught me how to give massages.”

Interesting… so humans give massages to their loved ones as acts of endearment?

“I see… I never asked you, Commander,” I said as he looked at my face more intently, focusing on my scalp this time as he moved his fingers through my white hair. “Where exactly in the world do you come from? You don’t look like a Union citizen and you’re definitely not part of the Sakura Empire if you can’t speak their language… you’re not from where the Royals came from either and you don’t seem to hail from the Iron Blood as well…”

He laughed out loud as he replied: “Now, where I come from is not really important, is it?”

“Of course, it’s important!” I flabbergasted. “Hey, don’t get too full of yourself just because you’ve done it with me, alright?”

He began laughing again. Why am I the one getting teased all of the sudden?

“Well, it’s a secret,” he smugly smiled. “Are you… pouting Eugen?”

Wait, am I?

“Hmm? You seem to have learned how to tease me, Commander,” I said. I really would have liked to know where he was born but I don’t think he’ll ever tell. He must have some sort of embarrassing experience in his hometown for him to be so secretive like this.

“Say, Eugen,” he called me. “I have to ask you something too…”

I turned to him as he continued massaging my head.

“When I called you ‘lucky’, why did you get angry at me?” He asked. “I meant that as a compliment so it confuses me why you got so disappointed when I called you that…”

I went silent for a bit before giving my answer:

“Have you heard of ‘Operation Crossroads’, Commander?” I asked him.

He shook his head. Of course, not many people would know about such an operation. This happened during the dark days after the World War, after all. Not many people take interest in what happened to the nations who lost the war, much less what happened to us ships who were no longer needed when the war was over.

“Allow me to tell you a story, then.”

The Commander stopped massaging me as I sat up straight. My head feels a little light but it no longer throbs as much as it did a while ago. As I sit up, the blanket covering my body slipped off my torso, revealing my bare chest to the Commander who blushed as he stared at them intently.

“Commander… we can do that later,” I complained. He seems to be intently staring at one particular area… ah. My mole. I turned my bare back on him and faced the pale white moon.

“I-I’m sorry…” He quickly apologized.

“It’s okay,” I replied. It’s not his fault I’m so mesmerizing hehe~

“Operation Crossroads. The Operation that sunk many ships that the Union deemed unneeded for future use.” I began. “Among these ships are some you already know: Saratoga, Nevada, Nagato, to name a few. Of course, I was one of those ships.”

He continued listening attentively, crossing his arms across his bare chest.

“It sounds intriguing, no?” I giggled. “But for us ships, it was literally hell on earth. Operation Crossroads was an operation designed to test two atomic bombs.”

His eyes widened. “Atomic bombs? Like the ones they dropped on the Sakura Empire mainland?”

I nodded without turning. “Ja. Those bombs that were probably taught to every human child in their history class? They were dropped right next to us.”

“We were enveloped in the same two explosions that killed thousands of people. For some, like Saratoga and Nagato, it was over after just a few hours or maybe a few days.” I closed my eyes. “They sunk shortly after maybe just the first or second bomb. I, the so-called ‘Lucky’ German heavy cruiser, unfortunately survived both tests. I remained there… alone on that cursed beach, slowly sinking, slowly dying for years. Left to rot like a ghost ship to be forgotten.”

I paused for a minute before continuing:

“I survived Operation Rheinübung, where my partner, Bismarck, fell valiantly facing countless Royals as I fled further south the Atlantic.” I gulped. “I survived Cerberus, the Norweigan operations, and the Baltic. All the while my second elder sister, Blücher, sunk on an attempt to invade Norway while my eldest sister, Admiral Hipper, fell to Royal Navy bombers in Kiel while I wasn’t there to protect her.”

The Commander moved closer and hugged me from behind. He raised his left hand and began giving me a head pat.

“There, there,” he said in a gentle, soft voice. “You’ve been through a lot… you saw a lot of death, and you’ve been alone, unable to do anything for yourself or anyone.”

What is this warmth… this is much different from that light…?

“I understand why you acted the way you did now,” he continued. “Desensitized by seeing so much bloodshed… numbed by the years of isolation… and traumatized by being used and thrown away by us humans like some sort of toy…”

…please don’t talk as if you understand… Maybe you do, maybe you don’t. My eyes tear up as the Commander continued hugging me as tight as he can. Don’t pity me…

“But Eugen,” he continued. “I am here now. It’s all over. You won’t be alone anymore. You won’t see your friends and family dying anymore.”

I looked at his face as it reflected the gentle light of the moon.

“We—everyone here on this base, will protect each other. You can protect them now, Eugen and I’ll be there all the way,” he flashed his smile. That damned smile that melted me…

“And, most of all, I love you, Prinz Eugen.”

H-He’s really teasing me too much today…

“Commander,” I turned to him as I was embedded in his arms. “Are you aware that the form you are hugging now, this… body of mine… is just a construct that was brought forth from mental cubes?”

He nodded and watched the moonlight with me.

“Before I was reborn, I was a pile of scrap metal on some beach, just waiting for the end of time… I had no thoughts, no feelings. I had no soul.”

The Commander remained silent as he listened to me.

“I am not really a human being… Are you… okay with someone like that?” I asked. “With someone like me?”

The Commander giggled. “You are a human being, Eugen.”

“No, I’m not,” I replied. “I’m a weapon… simply an embodiment of the ideals of the nation that built me—”

“The fact that you can think, you can feel, and you can love,” he said. “That is proof enough that you are a human.”

He took my hand and raised it with his own, allowing the moonlight to illuminate our intertwined fingers.

“Look, Eugen,” he said. “What’s the difference between your hand and mine? I am holding you now. Do you feel a different warmth from my hand? Does your heart beat differently from mine? Doesn’t the same blood course through our veins?”

I continued listening.

“And look at my face,” he turned my face to his own. I see his face blushing. “Is it built any differently from yours?”

I couldn’t rebut his statements…

“But… I am a ship, Commander.”

“Yes, you are Prinz Eugen of Iron Blood, the lucky ship who survived countless battles, who survived two atomic blasts, and the ship humanity left to rot alone on some beach,” he said. “But, tonight, you are Eugen, my secretary, my companion, and my beloved.”

This man… Hehe… he made me smile for real.

“Commander… so is this what you say to all the ladies?” I smirk.

“N-No!” He stammered. “Hey, Eugen, I’ll have you know that you had my first time—”

“Ohh?” I giggled. “Then could it be that I popped your cherry, Commander~?”

Suddenly, he shriveled into a tiny mess. Did I touch his pride… perhaps?

“Hehe… well you’re my first, too,” I added. “If we’re not counting Wales, of course.”

“W-Wales?” He burned red in embarrassment. “So, you’ve been doing naughty stuff with Wales!”

I pushed the Commander and pinned him on the bed as I loomed on top of him.

“Shall I demonstrate what I learned with Wales, Commander?” I smiled after noticing how the Commander’s body responded… it feels very nice to be wanted.

“Oh? It seems you’re still very energetic and very happy to see me, Commander. Hehe… I let you have your way with me before but… it’s my turn to have a taste of you~”

The night is still young. I think I’ll have my fun with him~

Bismarck

Berlin hasn’t changed much since the last time the Prime Minister called me here. U-556, Roon, and I just arrived here in Reichstag a few minutes ago. I approached the Prime Minister’s office with my two companions. I need answers.

“Herr Premierminister,” I addressed the current ruling Prime Minister of our Fatherland. Roon and U-556 saluted the same way I did. In his office stood two other persons I do not recognize.

“Bismarck,” he addressed me. “So, what brings you back to the Fatherland?”

He saluted back and I approached him alone. Roon and U-556 remained standing in their positions.

“Your Excellency,” I addressed him. “Did you receive the transmissions containing…” I glanced at the two other persons in the room.

“Containing? Speak up, Bismarck, these two can be trusted,” he said.

“The information you asked for,” I continued.

“Ja. Indeed, I have.”

I straightened and continued: “It has come to my knowledge that the Sirens may have intercepted our intel, Your Excellency. There may be a spy among us.”

The Prime Minister began laughing. Mein gott.

“There IS no spy, Bismarck,” he said, his eyes glowing bright yellow. No… it can’t be. The Prime Minister’s hair started growing and turning purple as tentacles flew out from behind the Prime Minister’s chair. The two other persons in the room have visibly changed appearance as well: one of them laughed maniacally while a hammerhead-like structure formed behind her while the other one remained silent while growing a ray-like structure at her back. 

“I have been waiting for you, thank you for being as predictable as ever, my test subject.”

“Observer… Roon! U-556!”

Roon and I began shooting.

Chapter Text

Commander

These past two weeks have been quite a ride. The base has been restored and the new dorms have been completed. I have a schedule to launch the new ships that just finished construction today at the Shipyard.

The ten ships arriving today come from the Northern Parliament, Vichya Dominion, and the Iris Libre. Thanks to the efforts of the construction team the HQ sent, the new dorms have been completed and we are now ready to launch these new ship girls.

Still, the biggest development over the two weeks is that I am now officially dating Prinz Eugen of the Iron Blood faction. After that night, Eugen’s room was finally finished. Upon her insistence, I moved my office into her room until my own residence—which is still under construction, is completed.

6:02 AM. I can smell a sweet aroma coming from outside Eugen’s bedroom. Since I have nothing planned until later at 0900, I decided to stay in bed with, huh? Where’s Eugen?

I forced myself out of her messy bed covered in white sheets soiled by the… activity we had last night. I donned my tank top and shorts, which were both strewn about the floor along with Eugen’s lingerie. According to her, these laced ones are gifts from Prince of Wales. Those two have been up to some pretty adult stuff, huh?

God, my back hurts. Her stamina is something I need to get used to…

I collected the clothes scattered all over the floor and folded them neatly as I put them into the laundry basket. For the sake of my reputation, I cannot let the other ship girls see my temporary office like this.

After fixing the bed and tidying up the chaotic mess that was our bedroom, I stumbled upon an aproned Prinz Eugen carrying an aluminum ladle. Next to her is the head maid who can be seen with a forced smile as she scratches her head.

“Belfast?” Eugen asked. “Are you sure this is how you prepare Grießbrei ? I want to be done before the Commander wakes up.”

Belfast, who seems to be having a hard time putting up with my secretary’s complaints, forced another smile before replying. “Yes, Miss Eugen. I studied Iron Blood cuisine quite extensively, you see. I am not as skilled at cooking the semolina pudding as I am at cooking traditional Royal Navy pudding, but I am confident nonetheless.”

It seems that Eugen wanted to learn how to cook some dishes for me, huh? I continued watching silently from beyond the kitchen until they finally finished. With this, Belfast gracefully bade Eugen goodbye as she turned to leave. I rushed towards the bed and pretended to sleep so as not to disappoint Eugen who has worked hard to cook breakfast for me before I awakened.

With my right eye closed, I turned on my right side as I hugged Eugen’s white pillow and feigned sleep, trying to spy on my lover as she carried the food towards me with a tray. She placed the tray on the side table and moved her lips to my exposed left ear.

“Guten morgen, Commander,” she whispered tenderly. “I know you’re already awake. I heard you scurrying back on the bed a few minutes ago~”

Urk… operation failed.

“Hihi, are you going to continue pretending?” She asked. “Don’t you want to eat the food I worked hard to prepare? You can open your eyes, Commander. I’m not mad~”

I opened my eyes to see Eugen bending over to place herself on my level. She was wearing a white apron and she tied her hair in a neat ponytail, presumably upon Belfast’s insistence. Under her apron she… s-she’s—

“Oh? Did you sleep well, Com-man-der~?” She giggled. “My, my, you seem more interested in eating what’s under my apron rather than what I cooked up, huh?”

She’s not wearing anything under that apron! I clearly saw her wearing her pajamas under that when Belfast was here. Did she remove them when she found out I was awake?

“Hmm? Not interested?” She began untying her apron.

“E-Eugen, let’s have a taste of your Grießbrei!” I stammered. I will not have my energy squeezed out of me so early in the day!

Eugen smiled as she presented the food she prepared to me. The Grießbrei, as I heard Nimi once explain to me, is a pudding made of semolina, the heart of a wheat kernel. It is the part of the wheat that gets sifted out when wheat is milled to make flour, or so I’ve heard. Nimi once made one for me. I wonder why Eugen asked Bel to teach her instead of Nimi?

Eugen’s Grießbrei is colored cream with a red topping in the shape of a heart. The velvety goodness that tops this pudding can only be strawberry jam, something that is very different from Nimi’s topping which is blueberry. I took a huge spoonful of her food and immediately the sweet tanginess of the strawberry jam is evident. Underneath the strong, sharp, acidic flavor of the strawberry jam, a subtle sweetness brought by the milk in the cream mixture used to make the Grießbrei began tickling my tongue. Before I knew it, the pudding had already sucked me in with its perfect mix of tanginess and sweetness—quite similar to Eugen’s own personality, trademarked with a distinct sassiness with a soft sweetness hiding underneath.

Before I knew it, I had already finished Eugen’s pudding.

“My, that was fast,” she giggled. “Well, it seems I owe Belfast. I’ll be sure to pay her back later.”

Wiping my face clean of the pudding using Eugen’s apron, I smiled and thanked her sincerely.

“By the way, Commander,” she said. “Have we received any letter from Bismarck?”

I approached the neat stack of letters on Eugen’s study table to re-check if any such letter had arrived.

“I’m afraid not,” I replied with a tone of concern in my voice. “She’s reporting to your Fatherland about the progress of the Iron Blood fleet, right?”

Eugen’s face turned pale as she nodded.

“Well, the election for the next Bundestag is just thirteen days from now, right?” I reasoned. “Bismarck is not only your flagship: she’s the symbol of your country’s strength. The Prime Minister may have asked her to stay for political reasons.”

With this, Eugen should be relieved. I will send a radio message to HQ regarding this to confirm Bismarck’s status. Still, Bismarck’s strong and she’s with Roon and U-556. If anything went wrong, she and Roon would have been enough to deal with it and escape and if things were too much, U-556 could probably escape and return here to warn me. There’s no need for concern, surely.

8:49 AM. Eugen and I finished checking the commission rewards yesterday. Because there are new ships available, I think we’re ready to send out more missions this time around. We’re still understaffed at the moment since I will have to help the new ships get used to life on the base first, but HQ is already pressuring me to resume missions. I hear a knocking at the door as Eugen enthusiastically stood to open it.

“Good morning, Commander,” the silver-haired carrier from the Eagle Union greeted me. “Ara, good morning, Prinz Eugen.”

Eugen raised her brow. “Hmm? Guten tag, Yorktown.”

Yorktown chuckled for a bit before waving to me. I asked her to come in.

“Is everything ready for the ship launching, Yorktown?” I asked. Yorktown is in charge of orienting the new ships when they are launched.

She nodded enthusiastically. “Yes, Commander. We’re ready to welcome our new comrades.”

With this, I packed up my files as Eugen rearranged the files she was handling a while ago. We’re off to meet our new allies.

9:01 AM. I stood in front of a platform where two glowing mental cubes are floating rhythmically. Since the ships who are reborn here are new to the base, I asked a ship from each faction to come and help me orient our new ally. Yorktown asked one ship from the other actions in order to help her orient them on the other faction dorms. From the Sakura Empire, it appears Yorktown chose Amagi, for the Royal Navy, Illustrious is present, and for the Iron Blood, Admiral Hipper is present.

“Ara? Admiral Hipper?” Yorktown said in a surprised tone. “I asked Graffy to come. Is she busy?”

Admiral Hipper, who was pouting and clearly bored out of her mind, replied: “Zeppy wouldn’t let her mother leave because someone sucked at being a good nanny.”

Erm… why is Hipper looking at Eugen with such murderous intent? I brushed off this little spat and turned to Akashi, who is present to inspect the rigging of the arriving ships as soon as they materialize.

“So, who are we expecting, Akashi?” I asked the Sakura Empire repair ship.

“Commander, the ten ships coming in today are nyas follows,” she flipped through the pages of documents she is holding. “From the Vichya Dominion: Algerie, Dunkerque, and Jean Bart. From Iris Libre, Le Triomphant, Richelieu, and Jeanne d’Arc. And from the Northern Parliament, Avrora, Sovetskaya Rossiya, Chapayev, Petropavlovsk.”

Eugen and Hipper let out a sudden but synchronized gasp.

“Hmm? Is there any problem?” I asked.

Eugen shook her head. “Nein, Commander. I’m quite interested in this set of ships, is all.”

Eugen replied confidently but Hipper began turning red. Do they know someone from the roster of new ships?

Suddenly, the glowing mental cube began spinning around until it took the form of a woman with a white Ushanka. She had white hair styled into twin-tails and a long, flowing gown. I approached this woman who Akashi informed me would be Avrora and offered my hand as I said:

“Good morning, Avrora. I am the Commander of this base. I hope to work with you well.”

Avrora opened her eyes, revealing them to be pale blue in color as she replied: “Здравствуйте! Avrora, reporting in. Along with the light of dawn, I shall bring you victory.”

...I don’t speak Russian.

After shaking Avrora’s hand and guiding her off the platform, Akashi methodically inspected her rigging as the next platform came in. The same thing happened to the singular mental cube but this time, it took the form of a blue-haired woman with hair running to just above her shoulders. She had, quite honestly, the same stature and figure as Eugen—she even has a breast mole, too. Yes. I noticed this immediately. I sincerely hope nobody judges me if they can read my thoughts.

Eugen nudged my hips. “Oh? Is the Commander too busy ogling her chest that he’s suddenly speechless?”

Uh oh.

“No way, Eugen. I was just observing, is all…”

“Sure, Commander,” she replied with a laugh. “Well? Aren’t you going to welcome her~?”

I approached the woman—who Akashi informed me is named “Chapayev”, and raised my hand to shake hers.

“Hey uh… Good morning! I am the Commander of this base—”

“So you're the Commander?” Chapayev rushed off the platform and wrapped me in her arms. Because of the shock, I tripped and landed somewhere billowy pillowy…

Eugen pulled me by my right hand and pouted. Crap, I’ll have to apologize later...

“Hehe, I like what I see…” Chapayev looked at me from head-to-toe, seemingly inspecting every nook and cranny of my body with her eyes.

“Ehem,” Eugen coughed.

“Ah, excuse me. I'm Chapayev, a light cruiser from the Northern Parliament. Let's get along~” Chapayev courteously greeted me and my secretary as she moved next to Avrora to be inspected by Akashi.

“You seem quite happy, eh, Commander~?” Eugen smiled as she hugged my left arm, rubbing her chest on me. “We’ll have a serious ‘talk’ tonight, alright, Commander?”

Aaaaand my plans of resting early tonight are officially over. Still, I’m happy Eugen doesn’t kill me when I pay attention to other girls. If this was Akagi, Taihou, or even Roon, there might as well be a bloodbath daily. Moreover, since it’s Eugen…

“Commander!” Akashi boomed. “The next ship is coming!”

I snapped myself out of my fantasies and witnessed two intertwined cubes orbiting each other. As they collided, they took the form of another ship wearing an ushanka; however, this one looked extremely similar to a certain Eagle Union carrier. I looked over Yorktown to see her jaw drop to the floor.

“Good day! I am the Commander of this base. I hope to work with you well,” I greeted the ship named Sovetskaya Rossiya cordially. “It seems that you are the one in charge of the Northern Parliament, are you not?”

Sovetskaya Rossiya shook my hand enthusiastically—and vigorously. So vigorously, in fact, that I thought my arm would come clean off!

“I am called ‘Sovetskaya Rossiya’, and as the mightiest of all the Northern Parliament's battleships, I am her ultimate weapon. I will press onward to eliminate all obstacles that stand between you and the Revolution.? She proudly declared as she finally let go. Man, these Northern Parliament girls are a handful...

“Comrade Commander,” she addressed me. “I apologize for arriving so late. I shall prove the Northern Parliament’s power through a series of decisive victories!”

Yorktown giggled. “You’re just like my little sister!” She said.

Sovetskaya approached Yorktown. “Comrade, then I shall look forward to meeting your sister!”

Ah… it looks like Yorktown’s added another person to her ever-expanding group of friends.

The next ship materialized as soon as Sovetskaya stepped off the platform. What the… she looks exactly like Hipper! Except…

“H-Huh?” Hipper exclaimed as she burned red in embarrassment. “W-Why does Lützow have Eugen’s figure!?”

Eugen laughed hysterically at her elder sister. “Mein ältere Schwester, it seems you’ll remain the flattest of our class for now!”

I don’t get it. Akashi told me that this ship girl would be Petropavlovsk. Why would these two call her their sister?

Upon seeing my confused face, Eugen approached me with teary eyes from laughing hysterically. “Commander, meet my younger sister, the fifth Admiral Hipper class heavy cruiser, Lützow.”

The heavy cruiser, who just materialized, took my hand and stepped off the platform. “Commander? Petropavlovsk is my name. I was originally named ‘Lützow’, as my sister, Prinz Eugen of Iron Blood says,” she explained. “However, before I was completed, I was renamed. Please think of me as an immigrant.”

Upon seeing herself holding my hand, Petropavlovsk, whose face is exactly Hipper’s but her figure matches Eugen’s, fumbled and tripped over her own long, flowing, white gown. Eugen managed to catch her fall before she hurt herself.

“F-Forgive my indulgence, Comrade Commander!” She exclaimed frantically. “I-I wasn’t able to introduce myself—ah! Mein ältere Schwester, Prinz Eugen! Здравствуйте!”

Eugen helped her flustered younger sister up as I scratched my head. Three Admiral Hipper class ships: one of them seems to be always annoyed, the other one seems to be always in the mood to annoy others, and the last one avoids annoying others… What a trio.

Eugen smiled but scratched her head. “Lützow, I don’t speak Russian like you,” she giggled. “But you seem to remember how to speak our language well, ja?”

Admiral Hipper approached her youngest sister and straightened her back. “Chin up! Don’t pick up Eugen’s bad habits, alright?”

“J-Ja, mein ältere Schwestern,” she replied to both her sisters. Meanwhile, Avrora and Rossiya both approached the Northern Parliament heavy cruiser.

“Comrade Petropavlovsk,” Rossiya called out to her. “Don’t forget that while they are your sisters and our dear comrades, you now belong to the Northern Parliament, yes?”

“Конечно!” She frantically replied. “Please don’t get mad Comrade!”

Avrora smiled. “Now, now, Rossiya. Petropavlovsk is simply happy to meet her sisters after so long. Besides, everyone here is our comrade now. This is OUR base, after all.”

Akashi dropped a few gems as Chapayev turned to give her approval to Avrora’s statement.

“Oh? Little cat, it seems we found some gems!” Chapayev quickly picked up the gems Akashi dropped.

“N-Nyo that’s mine nya!” She exclaimed as she tried snatching the gems off Chapayev’s hands.

“Here! Comrade Commander!” Chapayev ran towards me and handed me the gems, much to Akashi’s dismay. Th-This is worth 500 gems!

I already love the Northern Parliament!

Eugen

My, my, I never knew I’d ever get to meet my little sister. Last I heard of her is that she sank when the Iron Blood attacked the Northern Parliament… I once asked Nimi about her and she told me that she was later raised and repaired. She was renamed again after her repairs were made and she was used as a training platform and barracks for soldiers shortly after the war. She was broken up after but I am happy to know that one of my sisters didn’t suffer the same fate as I did…

The ships from the Northern Parliament have all been constructed. Right up next should be the Vichya Dominion ships. I’m not in the slightest bit interested in them, to be honest. I’m more interested in touring my little sister around the place for a bit… It’s not every day that I get to be the responsible elder sister, after all.

Oh? Do I see Hipper pouting~? Hehe, how tragic that the eldest of us would also be the most wall-like~

Materializing from the platform is a blank-faced, hazel-haired woman. The Commander, after returning the stolen gems to Akashi with a depressed face, slowly walked towards this woman while offering his hands.

“Good day,” he slovenly mumbled. “I am the Commander of this base… I hope we get along well…”

The girl, dubbed by the revitalized Akashi as “Jean Bart”, blankly stared at the Commander before giving her reply: “I'm Jean Bart, the Vichya Dominion's last cutting-edge battleship. Guessing you'll be plotting my course from now on... Hmph, I'll see for myself how good a job you'll do.”

She crossed her arms and sat on her rigging after stepping off the platform. This atmosphere… is this how it was when I greeted the Commander?

“The day when we can all stand together has come at last... It's an honor to be here, Commander. I am Dunkerque - please allow me to become a part of this magnificent fleet.” The next ship finally showed herself. She raised her rapier up high as she saluted the Commander before shaking his hands.

Ah… so she thinks she’s a knight, huh? Now, who does that remind me of? Wales doesn’t really think of herself as a knight. This ash-haired girl seems to act more like George, I think. Now if she can bake like George, then perhaps there may be a good reason for me to interact with her hehe~

The next ship materialized as well, this time, it is a white-haired girl who bore another rapier.

“Bonjour. From today, this heavy cruiser of the Vichya Dominion shall now be serving at this port. It's a pleasure to meet you, hehe. If it's not too much to ask, I hope that we can get along well.”

This heavy cruiser named “Algerie” saluted the Commander the same way Dunkerque did. The difference is that after saluting, she took a slight bow first before shaking the Commander’s hands. Hmm, quite easy to charm, aren’t you, Commander? Hmm, what a fickle man…

Algerie took a glance at Illustrious who was eagerly chatting with Rossiya, Yorktown, and Amagi. “Ah, the Royal Navy are now allies who fight together with us.” She shrugged her shoulders as she approached the Royal Navy carrier. “Furthermore... even yesterday's enemies are today's allies. What an interesting life this has been... Hehehe.”

Illustrious smiled. “Miss Algerie, care for some tea?”

“Oh, I would love some,” she said as she took the teacup graciously from Illustrious’ right hand. “By the way, are there cat cafes around here? I am quite fond of those creatures…”

“Well, we have meowfficers, Miss Algerie,” Amagi replied as she sipped her tea.

“I’ll give you a tour later!” Yorktown added.

Ahh, the Union carrier’s fan club grows. Graffy’s going to have a great time with her new friends hehe~

My little sister took my hand and whispered to my ear: “Mein ältere Schwester?”

How adorable, someone’s calling me their elder sister! “Ja? What is it, Lützow?”

She blushed a little and continued. “Uhm… d-do you think the Commander’s mad at me?”

“Hmm? Mein kleine Schwester,” I whispered back to her. “The Commander will never hate you. Leave it to your elder sister, klar?”

Lützow nodded and wrapped her arms around my waist. After doing so, she did the same for Hipper who is surprisingly not kicking her off the face of the planet. Hmm, maybe Hipper’s happy to have a little sister to dote on. After all, if she dotes on me I know very well I’ll take advantage of it hehe~

After the remaining three ships—all from the Iris Libre, were inspected by Akashi, Richelieu, the leader of the Iris Libre, it seems, looked over Jean Bart like a lost puppy.

“Jean,” she called out to her. Jean Bart simply shot one glance at her before returning her gaze at Algerie and Dunkerque. “Jean Bart.”

Richelieu approached the uninterested battleship who was about to walk away. She managed to catch her left hand. “Jean, can we talk?”

“Aren’t we already? Alright, what’s up sister?” Jean Bart coldly replied.

Oh? Now there’s some drama I’d like to sink my teeth into.

Richelieu let go of Jean Bart’s hand. “Jean Bart, we may not understand each other well for now… But I believe through the blessing of God that we will come to understand each other… and I know God will guide you through your journey.”

“God?” The Vichya battleship scoffed. “Idiots just don't ever wisen up, do they... What drives 'em to pray to a made-up being that won't even respond?”

Richelieu was about to shoot back when the Commander got in between the two fired up ships.

“H-Hey let’s not start anything alright?” He nervously said. “Don’t you all want to see the base?”

Richelieu and Jean Bart simultaneously and hesitantly stood down before walking out the shipyard. They followed Yorktown who would show them around the island. With this, Lützow bade me goodbye and followed Hipper who enthusiastically wrapped her left arm around her.

“Nice going, Commander,” I praised him. “That was one hell of a reunion.”

The Commander giggled. “Yes, it is. Man, I really thought I could have those gems…”

I chuckled at his predicament. “You’re really still on that? Akashi earned that money fairly from you, you know?”

“E-Eugen once you get kids and once you find out the value of money, then you’ll understand how valuable money is!”

I hugged him from behind and whispered: “Then what do you say about having a few soon, Commander~?”

I love teasing him.

From afar, Hipper waved and exclaimed as she cuddled Lützow: “Hey! Are you two coming or not!?”

Ahh, what a reunion.

Chapter Text

Commander

“...and over here is the Commander’s residence,” Yorktown concluded the tour of the base. “Or, rather what’s left of it…”

Rossiya approached my residence which is currently under construction.

“Comrade Commander,” she turned to me. “Since this is our base, why not use our dorm as your own?”

That’s actually not a bad idea, all things considering. Since there are only four ships residing in the Northern Parliament dorm, they have a lot of spare rooms.

“If you prefer, Comrade Commander,” Chapayev winked. “You may use my room as your new office so then it’ll be OUR office~”

I would prefer not to unless I want Eugen, who is currently staring at me, to tease me to death…

“Well then, everyone,” Illustrious announced. “On the behalf of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth, I hereby invite all of you to join our tea party. The Queen herself planned the tea party to welcome the new ships.”

“That would be magnificent!” Le Triomphant replied with her chest puffed out. “I would love to have tea with the Royal Navy’s Queen!”

Illustrious put her hands together and smiled radiantly. “Splendid! So, I assume that the Iris Libre will come?”

Richelieu nodded at the excited Le Triomphant as Jeanne d’Arc scratched her head.

“Of course, the Northern Parliament will come,” Avrora informed the Royal Navy carrier. “After all, one needs to understand one’s comrades.”

Jean Bart avoided Richelieu’s eyes as Dunkerque agreed to come. It appears those sisters have unresolved issues I will need to look into in the near future…

“Eugen, stop playing with Lützow too much.”

“I-It’s alright, I did miss both of you…”

“See Hipper?” Eugen giggled. “Our youngest sibling seems interested in spending time with us. Have a heart. Or did that disappear with your chest as well~?”

“I’ll slap you around!”

Alas, the Admiral Hipper class gets along with each other very well.

12:02 PM. The Royal Navy garden, untouched by the Siren attack last month, remains one of the most beautiful sights in the entire base. A wide array of flowers—roses, daffodils, and thistles—colored the entire garden as several statues of past kings and queens lined the courtyard. Grapevines climbed the arcs leading to the outer layer of the garden, which is separated from the inner circle by towering green hedges. A large marble fountain spewing crystal clear water is the centerpiece of the entire garden. Meanwhile, the Royal Maids are scattered trying to serve all the guests enjoying the Royal Navy’s extravagant tea party.

Seated with me are Eugen, Prince of Wales, Le Triomphant, and Queen Elizabeth. Petropavlovsk and Hipper were chatting with Hood while Rossiya and Avrora were socializing with Illustrious, Amagi, and Yorktown. Chapayev was speaking to Belfast last I saw her while Algerie was cuddling a bunch of meowfficers hanging around the garden. Dunkerque is enjoying the cake with George and exchanging confection recipes with Howe. Meanwhile, I couldn’t see Jean Bart anywhere.

“I’m honored to be invited to such a lavish tea party,” Le Triomphant said after taking a sip from her teacup. “Such wonderful aroma…”

“Splendid!” Queen Elizabeth finished her own teacup. “I see you enjoy Darjeeling as much as I do, Le Triomphant!”

Le Triomphant smiled. “But of course, Your Highness,” she placed her teacup down. “My, this reminds me of the tea parties we used to have back in Iris Libre…”

Enthusiastically, Queen Elizabeth shooed both me and Eugen away, presumably to continue her conversation with Le Triomphant.

“Hehe, Commander, do you enjoy tea as well?” Eugen asked.

“I do enjoy tea but,” I shrugged my shoulders. “I wouldn’t go talking about tea to everyone. I enjoy it but I’m not at all as well-informed as any of these Royal Navy ladies…”

Eugen flashed a smile at me. “Well, I don’t necessarily dislike tea. But I do prefer beer.”

I crossed my arms. “Eugen, you’ve had your month’s worth of beer already!”

She giggled as a blonde Royal carrying a daffodil approached us. “Good day, Eugen. Good day, Commander.”

“Wales?” Eugen touched her lips as she pulled the flustered Wales in. “Did you miss me?”

“H-Hey! Not in front of Her Majesty!” Wales protested as she got sucked into Eugen’s embrace. I see. They haven’t really interacted with each other much during my stay at Eugen’s room.

“Eugen!” Wales put my unruly secretary in a stranglehold and whispered something, which made Eugen burn red in embarrassment.

“Alright! You win!” She exclaimed frantically.

“Wales! I need you to tell me the same thing you told Eugen.” I immediately followed up. I just can’t take the curiosity anymore. “What is it that makes my secretary so embarrassed?”

Wales flashed a horribly scary smile at Eugen as she approached me.

“WALES!” Eugen pulled the battleship with all her strength, to no avail as Wales was already close to where I was standing anyway.

“Commander?” She whispered as Eugen continued pulling her away from me with all her might. “Do you want to know where Prinz Eugen’s weakest point is?”

“D-Don’t tell him Wales!” Eugen began choking Wales who was about to tap out.

“Alright! Alright! I give up!” Wales surrendered as Eugen pouted and turned away. Wales turned to me and winked. She pointed her index finger at an area on her uniform’s chest part. Why that is where I can find Eugen’s…!

Ah, I see. So that’s where I need to attack Eugen. I winked at Wales and gave her a thumbs-up without Eugen noticing. Hehe, I won’t be the only one to be teased anymore, Eugen.

“Commander?” A gentle, elegant voice reached my ears from behind me. I turned to see another blonde Royal, this time, she’s wearing an attire that resembles the Royal Navy’s flag.

“It’s such a great afternoon,” Hood trod carefully as she approached me. “Shall we have a chat?”

Hood and I sat around a round table secluded from the rest of the tea party. She brought out her tea set and offered me black tea, which I cordially accepted.

“So, what did you want to say, Hood?” I asked.

Hood unhurriedly sipped from her own teacup and answered. “Well, it has come to my attention, Commander, that the head of the Iron Blood faction has been away for two weeks already.”

I gulped down the tea—

“How rude, Commander,” she said. “A gentleman mustn't boorishly down tea as you did. Do it slower. Please repeat after me.”

Hood slowly and quietly sipped the remaining tea from her cup. I followed suit.

“Well done. Please, remember your decorum, Commander. Otherwise, Her Majesty will have to ask me to give you lessons on gentlemanly behavior once more.”

“But… I’m not really doing anything wrong, am I?”

“Tsk tsk,” Hood shook her head slowly. “Come now, Commander. Elegance is not just for show.”

Hood put her teacup down.

“Well, getting back on topic, Commander,” she said. “Bismarck’s been missing for two weeks. Have we received any mail regarding her status?”

I shook my head.

“Unfortunately, we haven’t received any mail about Bismarck…” I said. “I asked the HQ about her a week ago but even they haven’t the slightest clue what’s going on in the Iron Blood Fatherland.”

Hood touched her chin as if she was deep in thought.

“Didn’t you find it odd, Commander?” She asked. “The last Siren attack showed us Purifier’s immense combat capabilities. The combined might of myself, Bismarck, and even the Union carrier, Enterprise, weren’t sufficient to drive the already-damaged Siren into a corner.”

Amagi brought up the same point while Eugen was unconscious, actually. I forgot to analyze this aspect further because of everything that happened but… maybe there is something more to the Sirens than we first imagined.

“What’s more,” Hood elaborated. “Bismarck seemed a bit too… excited to return to her homeland. She did so as soon as she confirmed Miss Eugen was safe.”

“So, what are you implying, Hood?”

“Commander, please control your anger,” Hood sipped from her teacup again. “I am simply pointing out that maybe there is a connection between Bismarck missing and the Siren’s last attack on our base.”

“Are you implying that the Iron Blood may be betraying us?” I raised my voice slightly.

“No, Commander,” Hood replied calmly. “However, it may be prudent to investigate Bismarck’s disappearance as soon as possible. I suggest this, Commander, not only for our base’s sake, but also for Bismarck’s sake.”

I drank my tea slowly to calm my nerves.

“...I still have unfinished business with her, you see,” Hood melancholically stared at the smoking tea in her cup. “Whenever I see Wales and Eugen getting along so well, I stop and think: if Bismarck and I had been born at a different time or at a different place, could we have become friends as well?”

I listened to Hood some more as I stared at her face.

“Please, do not misunderstand,” she quickly recovered. “I do not wish to pick up Wales’ terrible habits—those are habits that hinder her progress, after all. Still, it must be nice to be able to turn one’s hated enemy into a trusted friend.”

My radio began ringing.

“Enterprise? What is it?” I picked up my radio.

“Commander, good news!” She replied enthusiastically. “My fighters made contact with Bismarck and Roon four klicks north of the island. They’re safe and sound and they’re coming home!”

“What is it, Commander?” Hood asked me politely. “Is anything wrong?”

“Alright, escort them home, Enterprise,” I replied to Enterprise. “I’ll meet you at the Eagle Union docks. Over.”

I put down my radio and smiled. “See, Hood? Bismarck is back.”

Eugen

“If there is anything you need, mein kleine Schwester, just say the word, alright?” I smiled at my little sister who was busy stuffing her face with Hipper. Apparently, it was their first time tasting Belfast’s famous spotted dick. They were so enamored by the taste that they couldn’t even respond to me… Hehe, it’s nice. To think I’d be lucky enough to see them like this… maybe, I am a lucky ship after all.

“Eugen!” The Commander approached me with Hood in tow.

“Hmm? Commander, would Lady Hood like a sparring match?” I giggled. “I wouldn’t mind landing shots on her again~”

“Ehem. Good day, Miss Eugen,” the pompous tea-swigger greeted me with a smile.

“E-Eugen, don’t start anything… what if George hears you?” The Commander said as he stepped in between me and Hood. “I received a message from Enterprise: Bismarck is back.”

“Let’s go meet her, Commander!” I said enthusiastically. I have much to talk about with Bismarck. I wonder how her investigation went…

Bismarck stepped on the port for the first time in two weeks. She was quickly followed by Roon and U-556 who both started to stretch as soon as they reached land. It must be tiring running all the way from the Fatherland to our base.

“Guten tag, Commander,” Bismarck greeted the Commander. “Eugen, Hood.”

I waved right back at Bismarck as Hood made an elaborate bow. “Good day, Lady Bismarck. How was your trip?”

“Fine.” She replied. “Hmm, what are you doing here, Hood?”

Hood smiled and handed Bismarck a blue box packed with a silver ribbon. “I-I would like to make amends, Lady Bismarck.”

Interesting… Hood, the pompous, elegant Royal Navy battlecruiser, is actually making peace with our flagship? I wonder what brought this interesting affair on~?

Bismarck stared at the box before hesitantly taking it. “Thank you.”

Hold on. Did Bismarck just say “thank you”?

I looked over Roon and U-556. Odd… Roon is not swooning over the Commander like usual and U-556 seems to be behaving herself. What happened?

“I hope we can get along well, Lady Bismarck. Care for some tea?” Hood offered.

“Yes,” there it is again! “I’d be honored to.”

Bismarck hates Hood’s tea! The last time Hood tried, she even went to the restroom to secretly spit the concoction. This is the reason why she has never joined any tea party since then!

“Commander?” I whispered to him. “These three girls seem tired. I’ll bring them home for now, would that be fine?”

The Commander looked at me for a second and shot his eyes back at Roon and U-556. It seems he, too, have sensed some oddity. “Sure, Eugen. Even Roon seems out of it… Hood and I will return to the party. I’ll be back home by 1600, alright?”

I simply nodded as the Commander and Hood took their leave. I escorted the three ships back to the Iron Blood dorm.

“We’re here,” I said as I stretched my arms out. “You know your way back to your rooms, right, Bismarck?”

A sweat. Bismarck never gets nervous this easily.

“Hmm? Is there a problem?” I probed as I walked closer to Roon and U-556. I alertly readied myself for a fight if there is a need to get my hands dirty.

“I don’t understand what you’re talking about, Eugen,” the “Bismarck” answered. “You will go back to your room. Roon, U-556, and I require some rest.”

I stared at the three “Iron Blood” ships. “Alright. I guess I’ll retire early… Please meet me in my room: it’s on the fifth floor.”

“I will. Get out of my face.”

I pointed my guns at the fake Bismarck.

“Who the hell are you?” I angrily asked. “The Iron Blood dorm HAS no fifth floor. We only have three floors, dummkopf.”

A silence. “Roon” and “U-556” brought out their own guns. I knew it. U-556 doesn’t have guns that big! Verdammt… it seems I’m outnumbered but I can’t back down.

“Hahaha… Prinz Eugen of Iron Blood,” the “Bismarck” laughed. “We don’t need to fight.”

She turned to reveal her purple hair and glowing, golden eyes.

“Observer—”

“Uh uh uh~” She interrupted me. How dare she!?

“What have you done to Bismarck!?”

“Who, me?” She replied. “Nothing. She’s safe and sound sleeping in the Reichstag. Deep, deep, deep, in the Reichstag’s hidden catacombs where even she cannot escape. Oh, and don’t worry about Roon and the little twerp. They’re safe with her. Safe and unconscious with her.”

The Sirens can shapeshift!? Verdammt… It seems Tester Beta and Lurker’s with her. I can’t win like this…!

“Why so jumpy, Eugen?” Observer transformed back into Bismarck. “I know what you did hehe~”

“What do you mean?”

“Oh… you know,” she touched my main gun and pushed it away as she crept closer to me, whispering with Bismarck’s lips into my ear. “I know you stole from the Commander.”

“S-So what?” My hands are shaking. I can feel my pulse rising. “Der schwanzlutscher! Y-You wouldn’t dare!”

“Oh… but I will, Eugen,” she reached into her cloak and brought out a book. She flipped its pages casually and began reading: “Enterprise. Uses Hellcats, Helldivers, and Avenger VT-18 torpedo bombers. Attack pattern: launches an airstrike every 12 seconds. If she glows red, it means she activated her skill which inflicts double the damage on her targets. Dodges every attack for a short amount of time. Weakness: bombard her with fast shells while she is reloading.”

N-No...

The Siren flipped to another page. “Warspite. The Royal Navy’s marksman. Always targets the enemy farthest from her. Her judgment is trusted by her allies, so Royal Navy ships are more likely to target whoever she shoots. Weakness: airstrikes and heavy AP shells.”

My legs felt like jelly as I finally dropped on my knees.

“Hehe… let’s read one more, shall we?” Observer taunted me some more as she flipped to another page. “Nagato. Has a powerful, wide-area barrage. Her presence is enough to inspire confidence and power to her allies. Number one priority target if she’s with any Sakura Empire ship. Hehe here’s one more! Oh! This one’s pretty good. Belfast—”

“Enough.”

“Hmm? I can’t hear you~” She taunted. “Purifier told me how defiant you were while facing her. Where did all that spunk go? Hehe, why is the proud Prinz Eugen kneeling in front of me?”

“What do you want?”

Observer kneeled and whispered to my right ear: “I want more information. If you talk, the Commander finds out. If you refuse, the Commander finds out. Or better yet!”

She chuckled.

“If you talk, the Commander… dies.”

Chapter Text

Prince of Wales

The tea party is finally over—cut short by an unfortunate rainstorm. The Commander must have arrived at the Iron Blood dorm by now. He and Eugen are sharing rooms now… although I am glad that my friend has finally found happiness, I do find myself quite lonely knowing I can’t conduct night raids with her anymore…

The rain pitter patters on my window as I observe the dark gray skies. The Maids out the garden are trying their best to bring in the cutlery and the fine China we used during the party a while ago. The daffodils sway as the winds bellow, challenging their stability... It was like this on that day, too…

Three Years Ago

“I-It’s alright, Wales!” Hood smiled as she compressed the fresh wound on her right chest. “We finished the mission anyway… I’m sure Her Majesty will be most pleased with… your…”

“Hood!” I exclaimed as the glory of our Navy toppled over. Damn it! How can I let this happen again?

“Wales!” George approached me as I blankly stared through a glass which separates me to the room where Hood laid unconscious. The Union repair ship, Vestal, is doing her best to extract the shrapnel on her chest… If only I’ve been—

SLAP

“Even now, you refuse to change!” I felt a stinging sensation on my left cheek. “You airhead! What will it take for you to change your moronic habits? Because of you, Hood’s life is hanging in balance again !”

I looked back at the lead ship of my class. “S-Sister… I didn’t mean to…”

“To what?” She boomed. “To ignore orders? To go out gallivanting—chasing non-priority targets!?”

All I did was go after that Siren… I didn’t know Hood would get this hurt…

“Well?” She crossed her arms. “What do you have to say for yourself?”

Nothing. I promised myself to never let an ally of mine fall in my presence again… and I failed. I raised my downtrodden face to see the Queen worriedly looking through the operation window as Monarch sat behind her silently. Illustrious closed her eyes and put her hands together in prayer, as did Unicorn. George consoled our Queen who was at the brink of tears as I ran as far as I can from that place.

“Wales—” I passed the Commander who tried to catch me. I’m sorry, Commander. I failed your expectations, too.

I’m not worthy of the King George V class. I’m not a worthy member of the Royal Navy.

I ran as far as my legs could take me. If I could just disappear… if only I was as good as George, or as Howe, or as York, or as Monarch, then maybe… maybe—

“Oh?” A voice emanated from the far left. “My, my, what is a Royal Navy ship doing getting herself wet in the rain?”

I raised my head. I made it all the way to the Iron Blood residence, it seems. And standing under the gates’ roof is none other than Prinz Eugen of Iron Blood.

“None of your business, Eugen.”

“Hmm?” She caressed her chin nonchalantly as she looked at me from head-to-toe. “You look horrible, Wales. Well, you Royals always did have terrible fashion senses.”

I began walking away. I can’t deal with this… woman right now.

“Hey!” I turned to see an umbrella flying straight at my face.

“A-Are you trying to kill me??” I shouted as I caught the pointed part of the umbrella before it collided with my nose. “I’m not in the mood, Eugen!”

She chuckled. “Wales? Care for some beer?”

I stared at the Iron Blood heavy cruiser under the pouring rain.

“Y-Yes…”

Eugen escorted me inside the Iron Blood dorm. Red in embarrassment, I tried to not make eye contact with any of the Iron Blood ships who were staring at both me and Eugen. My soaking wet uniform is making such a mess…

An imposing blonde woman wearing a red and black uniform stood in front of me and Eugen.

“Eugen, what’s the meaning of this?” Bismarck, the Iron Blood flagship, menacingly asked the heavy cruiser. “Why is this… person, in our dorm?”

Eugen merely smiled and replied: “Come now, Bismarck. She’s my guest. Look at her: she’s soaking wet! With the pouring rain outside, there’s no way she can get back to her dorm safely.”

The Iron Blood battleship squinted as she stared at me, as if inspecting my very soul.

“She will not loiter. She will not touch anything without your supervision, and she will not interfere with any of our business. Moreover, I expect her to leave by tomorrow.” She said in a commanding voice. “Klar, Eugen?”

The heavy cruiser nodded and Bismarck turned to take her leave.

“Prince of Wales, if you want dinner, wait in Eugen’s room.”

I can see Eugen breathing a breath of relief. So, even Prinz Eugen fears someone, huh? She quickly turned to me and dragged me to her room on the second floor of the dorm.

“So, what seems to be the issue?” Eugen asked as she took a swig of the beer she held in her hands. I stood in her room, quiet and reserved.

“Ahh… first,” Eugen approached me. “Let’s get you out of those things!”

“W-What are you doing!?”

“Hehe~” she giggled as I kneeled and curled like a fetus to hide my bare chest from Eugen’s sight. What a girl…

“Hmm? Well, looks like I have a bigger bust, huh? Hehe~” Th-This idiot! Is this really the time to be comparing bust size??

“Well first, take a shower,” she nonchalantly went back on her bed and took another swig as she twirled my uniform top like a flag. “Don’t worry, we’re both girls here. No one will ever know that Prince of Wales doesn’t wear anything under her—”

“Alright, I get it! I’m taking my shower!”

“So, what seems to be the issue?” Eugen asked again. I wrapped myself tightly with her blanket, trying to get myself warm. That downpour really did do a number on me…

Eugen raised her beer bottle. “Want some?”

Hesitantly, I took the beer and began drinking slowly—

“W-What the hell is this!?” I exclaimed as I spit the horrendous concoction. “It tastes horrible!”

What a bitter and sour flavor! The sharp taste ran right through my throat, as if something was clawing at my windpipe. People can drink something like this??

Eugen laughed out loud. “Is it your first time tasting ale? Aww, what a baby~”

“A-Are you making fun of me, Prinz Eugen?”

“Ja. I am, Prince of Wales,” she took the bottle from my hand and began chugging it like it was nothing. “Ahh~ now, that’s what a girl needs to let loose!”

Eugen brought out another bottle.

“Give me that!” I declared as I snatched the beverage out her hands. I can see her smiling as I downed a shot of the bottle, enduring the sharp bitterness of ale that went with it. Ugh… I’m starting to feel dizzy…

“So, are we ready to talk?” Eugen took the bottle from me again as she re-asked her question: “what seems to be the issue?”

I went silent for a minute before answering.

“H-Hood and I, and a few Royal Navy vanguards, we were sent on a mission by the Commander…” I mumbled.

“Ja. I’ve heard.”

“I… I made a mistake,” I said penitently.

“As you do. You always make mistakes.”

“Hood got hurt because of it…”

“ Very hurt. On the brink of death, according to Nimi.”

That’s it.

“ARE YOU LISTENING OR NOT!?”

Eugen laughed at my sudden outburst out loud.

“Alright, alright, Wales!” She calmed herself down. “I already know what happened. Everyone knows. It’s the talk of the base right now!”

I don’t know if Eugen brought me here to shame me some more or not…

“I’m not interested in that, though,” she continued. “What I am interested in is why were you out running in the rain as if the weight of the world was on your shoulders?”

She offered me another swig. I accepted and drank as she spoke:

“Rivals as we are, I am interested in what’s going on in that thick skull of yours,” she flashed a forced smile. “I get amusement, and you get someone to talk to. How about it? Are you ready to share?”

I wiped my lips as soon as I finished drinking from the bottle. “I understand… fine.”

And so, I began narrating what happened in the infirmary to Eugen, who listened with an uninterested face. It mattered not to me though… what’s important is that I got it out of my chest.

“Hmm…” Eugen twirled her hair. “Why do you try so hard, though?”

“Weren’t you listening?” I replied. “I am a King George V class battleship. I ought to perform better—”

“Oh?” Eugen interrupted. “But where’s the fun in that? Hehe wouldn’t you be happier just being Prince of Wales?”

“You don’t understand! I’m a failure: one that’s looked down upon by my own sisters!” I stood up while holding the blanket together, dizzy and hot.

“Failure?” She laughed. “You brought Hood home safely, right? Well, she took some damage but you can’t really blame anyone for how bad the Royal Navy engineering is, can you?”

She paused and sat properly as she looked upon me. “Is it your fault that Hood decided to take the bullet for you? Sure, you ignored orders, but nobody told Lady Hood to be all heroic, right?”

She… she has a point.

“Still, you’re to blame for why you two got in such a stupid predicament, dummkopf,” she shrugged her shoulders. “If you weren’t too fixated on proving yourself to your stupid sisters, if you were satisfied with just being yourself, then you wouldn’t have chased that one Siren. You wouldn’t have ignored the Commander’s orders and Hood wouldn’t have had to take that AP shell for you, and everything would have been fine, right?”

Despite her appearance, Prinz Eugen is unexpectedly astute… Perhaps I judged her poorly…

Eugen and I continued our night drinking, laughing, and talking about random stuff. I… I never had an experience with my sisters like this. We were always too prim, too proper. We were of the Royal Navy: we had to display proper decorum at all times. Ah… how refreshing.

“So, I heard the Commander chased after you hehe~” The red Eugen nudged my shoulder. “I bet you were very happy he tried to chase you down ehhh?”

I finished my bottle. “Pahhh~! Of course hehee~”

“Jealous?” I teased Eugen by rubbing her back.

“Ho hooo~” she smiled devilishly. “So is that how you wanna play, Wales?”

She pulled her blanket off me!

“Why are you hiding under that blanket then huuh~? Hehe you’re quite blessed, aren’t you, Wales? My sister would kill to get her to half the size of these things~”

“E-Eugen…!”

She planted herself right in between…!

“Hehe what’s the problem?” She asked as she bobbed her head upwards. “It’s just the two of us, anyways!”

“Y-You’re drunk!”

“So are you!”

Ah… screw it! I pushed Eugen and pinned her down.

“W-Wales? Get a hold of yourself…” She stammered as her cheeks burned red.

“You started it!” I replied. “Here’s your mistake: you didn’t go for my weak spots. Always go for the weak spots. Oh, and let’s get rid of this!”

“W-Wales!”

“Dress appropriately, Eugen!”

What a wild night… probably one I will remember for the rest of my life…

Present

Reminiscing about those events, that one encounter with my friend truly changed my life. I stopped chasing after the MVP title and I began becoming more reliable in the eyes of my faction. I’m still nowhere near as powerful as Howe or Monarch, but at long last, I finally got the respect I so wanted from George. She was right: I was too fixated on proving myself that I forgot who I am.

From that day onwards, Prinz Eugen of Iron Blood ceased to be my enemy. She became my friend, perhaps the closest one I have. I began coming over to her room regularly to chat with her or try on some new clothes with her. What used to be a one-time thing became a monthly thing. Soon, I found myself visiting her twice a month. And then once a week. And then, I became such a regular face there that Bismarck no longer even tries to bar me from entering the dorm. I had forgotten about the faction division; Eugen’s no longer just a Iron Blood heavy cruiser who happened to get close to me. She’s now my ally, my comrade. A friend I will gladly lay down my life for.

The rain isn’t stopping. I see a figure pacing aimlessly like a zombie in the rain outside the Royal Navy dorm’s walls. Wait. What is Eugen doing over there in the rain??

I dashed to grab my umbrella to greet my friend.

Eugen

“If you talk, the Commander… dies.”

Observer stood and loomed over me. What do I do? I-I don’t want to deceive him ever again… but if I don’t obey, the Commander finds out about me stealing information from him, worse, they might actually kill him.

“Ältere Schwester,” an icy voice called out from within the hallway that leads to Bismarck’s office. “The Commander just radioed me. It seems you are back. Wait. What happened to Eugen!?”

Tirpitz rushed over as “Bismarck” bent over to help me up.

“Tirpitz,” the fake Bismarck addressed her. “I think Eugen’s job as the secretary is taking a toll on her body… perhaps she needs some rest.”

Observer, still transformed as Bismarck, turned to me as I supported my weight on Tirpitz. “Right, Eugen?”

“J-Ja…” I replied hesitantly. They have me by the neck. I have no win condition right now… I plucked up my courage and stood straight, feigning courage. “I’ll be in my room if anyone needs me…” I quietly paced upwards, feeling Observer’s creepy eyes following me up the stairs.

Commander… What do I do? I don’t want to lose you… I don’t want to be left alone again.

I laid on my bed as I pondered my plan of action. Verdammt nothing is coming to mind!

“Eugen?” The door swung open as I saw the Commander standing worriedly. He rushed to my side and held my hands. “I heard you collapsed a while ago! Are you alright?”

“Ja… I’m fine,” I replied sheepishly with a smile.

“Are you sure? Let me take you to Vestal—”

“I said I’m fine.”

I stood up and turned to leave. “I’m sorry for raising my voice… I need some air, Commander. Don’t wait for me tonight either and rest… You must be tired.”

The Commander grabbed my right hand as I paced away.

“H-Hey, are you mad because Wales told me about your…”

“Nein,” I replied. “I just need some air, Commander. Please…”

Hesitantly, he let go of my hand.

It’s raining and I forgot my umbrella. No matter, I just need to think… I paced around aimlessly, thinking about different scenarios. 

What if I attack Observer behind everyone’s back? No… if I do that, even the Iron Blood will chase me down and I will be declared a traitor. 

What if I steal her evidence and report to the Commander? No… if I do that, Observer will kill the Commander on the spot.

What if I kidnap the Commander and just run away? Forget all this and live a peaceful life far from war, far from the Sirens, far from everything else. But… I have a little sister now. Hipper would hate me if I left her alone… and Wales would miss me, too. The Commander would forever despise me if I did this as well.

So… is there no way out? Is this a checkmate? Ah… there’s nowhere I can go. I cannot say no to this…

Suddenly, the rain stopped pouring as an umbrella loomed over my head.

“My, my, what is an Iron Blood ship doing getting herself wet in the rain like this?”

It’s Wales.

I curled up covered by a thick, wool blanket in front of Wales’ fireplace. Her room must be twice the size of my own. It is adorned with nothing more than a portrait of herself with the Royal Navy ships and a single red carpet, all neatly maintained. The Royal Maids must have a hand in cleaning her room to this pristine condition. Her bed is also twice the size of my own as it is easily capable of containing four or more people with enough elbow room to possibly stretch their arms out. She had a window about half her height that overlooks the outskirts of the Royal Navy dorms. Ah… so this must be how she saw me from outside. Still, I wandered all the way here without realizing it. Wales and I must be two of a feather.

“Tea?” Wales offered as I sat on the carpet in front of her fireplace. Wrapping myself tightly in her blanket, I quietly took the tea and sipped.

“So, what seems to be the issue?” Wales asked politely as she sat on the rug herself. She sipped from her teacup quietly and waited for my answer.

“Eugen, are we not friends?” She asked. “You can tell me anything. I haven’t spoken a word about your secret, have I?”

I took a glance at Wales and cast my eyes on the fire again.

“You wouldn’t believe me if I told you.”

Wales stood, closed the curtains, and locked the door to her room. She then returned in front of me, sitting comfortably on the carpet as the golden embers roared beside us.

“Try me.”

Wales caressed her chin and gave my problem a thought.

“So, what you’re saying is,” she scratched her head. “Observer, Tester, and Lurker are acting as impostors among us. They’re asking—no, demanding—for your silence and for more information. If you don’t, they will either expose you or kill the Commander?”

I nodded.

“Eugen, they will not kill the Commander.” Wales said with a hint of confidence in her voice.

“What do you mean?” I asked. “What do you mean they won’t kill him?”

Wales took a sip from her teacup. “If they wanted to kill him, they’d have done it the moment he stepped into their firing range.”

Oh… I hadn’t thought of that. Wales is unexpectedly astute.

“The only real threat they have is exposing you,” she explained. “Now, given the circumstances, the Commander is more likely to believe you over some fake ‘Bismarck’ or ‘Roon’. He’s more likely to believe you over anyone, in fact.”

“But still, wouldn’t the idea of me stealing information like that ruin his trust?” I asked.

“Yes, it would,” Wales calmly replied. “Which is why you should have told him about it before you got into this mess… but I digress.”

“You’re right, Wales…” I quietly replied. “If I had only built up the courage to tell him earlier, they wouldn’t have a knife at my throat right now…”

Wales patted my shoulders. “The Commander will believe you. However, I believe the Sirens will not tell the Commander, either.”

What? What does she mean?

“Allow me to explain.” She cleared her throat. “The Sirens must know your relationship with him, yes? If so, then they know that chances are, the Commander will side with you and they will get kicked out.”

Makes sense.

“However, if they expose this information to someone else, say, our Queen, or the Eagle Union perhaps, then…”

I gasped.

“It’ll spell the end of our treaty.”

“Bingo.”  Wales finished her tea. “Not even the Commander can stop that.”

Oh no… my foolish actions… How could I let this happen?

“Only you can stop it, Eugen,” she added.

“What do you mean?” I probed even though I think I already know what she means…

“If the Iron Blood comes out and claims responsibility for stealing information and conspiring with the Sirens, then it is all over for the treaty between the Crimson Axis and Azur Lane.” She cleared her throat. “It would instantly dissolve all opposition against the Sirens. It’s an instant checkmate.”

I continued listening attentively.

“However, if someone were to take responsibility—sole responsibility—for the entire farce and take the blame, then only that person gets the consequences and the treaty survives.”

I gulped.

“Prinz Eugen, my friend, do you love the Commander?”

I stared at the fire and replied: “Ja. I know what I must do.”

Wales moved closer and wrapped me in her arms as I finally burst into tears.

“My friend, I will be with you all the way.” Wales assured me as I bawled my eyes out. “Even if God chases us to the ends of the Earth, I will not let another comrade of mine fall… we shall prove your innocence. This plot is entirely the Siren’s and they will pay. But for now, we shall face the consequences of our actions. I am your accomplice and thus, I will face this with you.”

Commander

6:21 PM. “Eugen? Why did you want to call everyone here?” I asked my secretary as she stood silently with Prince of Wales in front of the Academy. Everyone is here: Eagle Union, Royal Navy, Iron Blood, Sakura Empire, and even the minor factions, Northern Parliament, Vichya Dominion, and Iris Libre. Eugen used my radio a while ago when she returned shortly after the rain passed. It seems she told everyone to meet here...

“Listen, fools.” Eugen announced. W-What are you doing, idiot!

“E-Eugen!” I tried stopping her but she pushed me away!

“Commander, you’ve been had,” she flashed a devilish smile. “You’ve all been had!”

Eugen produced a stack of paper from her rigging and tossed it to the crowd who all gasped in surprise. I took one copy and… what the hell!?

“Hehehe… Ever wondered how the Sirens knew how to fight us so well last time?” She said. T-This can’t be… “Ja, it was I, Prinz Eugen of Iron Blood, who used my position as the Commander’s secretary, to leak vital secrets to the Sirens!”

“T-This isn’t true, right?” I can’t believe it. “Tell me it’s just you teasing me like always, Eugen…”

She stared back at me with her amber eyes blankly. “You, Commander, were the best piece in this game I could ever have played. You played into my hands oh so perfectly. Hehe, my flagship, Bismarck over there…” she pointed to the surprised Bismarck, “had no idea I was using her own radio under her nose to send these over to the Sirens!”

I fell to my knees… “Tell me it isn’t true…”

“But it is, Commander,” Prince of Wales, who had crossed her arms, calmly declared. “Eugen did steal from you, and you were the fool who fell right into her lap.”

“Wales!” George exclaimed. “You knew!?”

“That I did, dear Sister,” Wales taunted the already fuming King George. “I got tired of playing as the good ‘Prince’ so I figured if it would be better to just get rid of our pathetic lineage altogether.”

“It’s over!” Enterprise, who was glowing red, shot an arrow right at Eugen and Wales, who both expertly dodged and laughed at the carrier.

“I know all of your weaknesses, Enterprise!” Eugen taunted. “You can’t win.”

She turned to me.

“It was fun while it lasted, Commander.”

Is that…

“This is goodbye.”

Eugen began firing at me, forcing Enterprise and George to block for me. Meanwhile, Wales bombarded the walls of the Academy with her own salvos, causing debris to scatter. Everyone crouched to protect themselves as Eugen and Wales dashed out of the Academy. When the dust has settled, Eugen and Wales are gone.

That can’t be… if that was true… then what was that tear I saw in Eugen’s eyes?

“Knights of the Royal Navy!” George declared after confirming my safety. “Sad as it is, Prinz Eugen and Prince of Wales are now our enemies!”

She unsheathed her blade and raised it to the sky.

“Let us pursue the traitors! Let those traitors know how foolish they were to disrupt the harmony in our base and betray us!” She turned to the shocked Queen Elizabeth. “My Queen, your orders?”

Queen Elizabeth shook herself out of it, stood straight, and commanded: “My loyal knights, I order you to capture Prinz Eugen and Prince of Wales ALIVE if possible!”

Bismarck stood next to Queen Elizabeth and announced: “Betraying the Commander is akin to betraying our Fatherland. The Iron Blood shall also participate. Eugen will pay dearly for her betrayal!”

Enterprise helped me up.

“Commander? Are you alright?”

“Y-Yes…” I just managed to re-organize myself just now. “Bring me Eugen and Wales alive, Enterprise. We need to interrogate them… tell the factions to organize only a few people—perhaps three to four capable ones—for the chase… given that the Sirens do have our intel, we cannot afford to be understaffed… I-I need some rest.”

After giving my orders, I paced out of the Academy in a daze. I am still not convinced… could you really do this, Eugen? How could you...

How could you do this to me, Eugen?

Chapter Text

Eugen

Wales and I ran as fast as we could to the docks.

“Don’t stop! Keep running!” Wales told me as we ran as fast as we could. On the docks are a stack of oil canisters that will be vital for our journey. We have to find the real Bismarck: that is the only way to save both the Commander and the treaty.

The shadow of a fighter plane loomed over us as it descended, its engines roaring wildly. A pair of Me-155A planes passed us as three figures jumped off. So much for getting a quick getaway… we’re right at the docks, too…!

“Eugen.”

Graf stepped out of the dust and blocked our path. “What do you think you’re doing?”

“Don’t get in our way, Graf!” I exclaimed. “Step aside or we’ll make you—”

Hipper and Lützow stepped out from behind Graf Zeppelin.

“Dummkopf!” Hipper exclaimed. “Are you trying to get yourself killed!? What the hell do you think you’re doing NOW, Eugen?”

“Ältere Schwester…” My younger sister mumbled as both she and my elder sister hesitantly pointed their guns at me.

“We both know you’re lying, dummkopf!” Hipper declared. “Shut up and come quietly so we can fix this stupid mess you made!”

“...If you want to help, mein ältere Schwester,” I said. “Then protect the Commander for me… I can no longer do so myself. Keep him far, far away from Bismarck, Roon, and U-556.”

“Protect him!?” Hipper hysterically boomed. “You just shot him! If Enterprise and that George didn’t cover him, you would have killed him yourself! What do you mean: keep him away from Bismarck? Are you daft? Shut up and just come quietly!”

“There they are!” I heard Observer impersonating Bismarck. Quickly, I dashed at Hipper and put her in a stranglehold as Wales did the same with Graf Zeppelin.

“Ältere Schwester…!” Lützow pointed her guns at me as she shook from head-to-toe. “P-Please let them go…”

I made my shark riggings move and put Hipper’s head in between their jaws.

“Don’t move!” I declared. Wales saw my move and pulled her sword, threatening Graf’s neck with it. “We WILL use lethal force!”

“Y-You’ve gone insane!” Hipper exclaimed as she struggled to break free. Graf calmly and silently stood by. She even put her rigging away.

“Bismarck,” Hood approached the fake flagship and patted her shoulders. “The Commander wanted them alive. I assume he doesn’t want any casualties either.”

“We can’t let them get away!” Observer exclaimed. “Now’s our chance. Let’s just blow—”

“Lady Bismarck!” Hood raised her voice. It’s my first time seeing Hood like this… “Even I have temper limits. You WILL stand down.”

With this, Observer put Bismarck’s rigging away. She probably doesn’t want to blow her cover so early.

Hood turned to Wales. “Wales, I am disappointed in you. Taking hostages now? You are a disgrace to the Royal Navy! The same goes for you, Prinz Eugen. You two can no longer call yourself ships of your respective factions.”

Hood slowly walked towards us. I shot a salvo that barely grazed her face. Unfazed, Hood continued walking as Lützow finally lost her balance out of fear and pressure.

“That was a warning shot, Hood,” I declared. “The next one will definitely hit!”

“Then shoot,” she calmly said as she continued approaching. Verdammt, your elegance always annoyed me at the worst possible moments!

Wales began digging her blade into Graf’s jugular.

“No!” Hood brought out her rigging and aimed at Wales.

“Hmph, as predictable as ever,” Wales mocked Hood who seems to have lost her cool at the sight of Graf’s bleeding neck. “If you don’t want this woman’s blood on your hands, tell everyone to stand down. We will take the oil we need and leave the base. If you do not obey me, Hood of the Royal Navy, then I cannot guarantee the life of Graf Zeppelin and Admiral Hipper.”

“Wales… you bastard!” George finally caught up but it appears that even she is stopped by this stunt Wales pulled. “Coward! Face me in open combat!”

Wales let out a confident laughter. “Face you, George? Even I am not foolish enough to face an enemy I know I cannot hope to defeat. I am from the Royal Navy. I know how you operate.”

Wales and I started backing up.

“You talk about ‘chivalry’ and ‘fairness’ but the Royal Navy has no qualms in surrounding and ganging up on an already-damaged ship! And when we win, we call it ‘justice’!” I can see George gritting her teeth. Wait a minute…

“Warspite!” I shouted. “Wherever you are, I know you’re trying to snipe us! Come out now or I’ll use my sister as a meat shield!”

This is how the Royal Navy operates. They will often talk about fair fights but they are always finding ways to outwit or overwhelm their enemies. This is not a rescue attempt. We’re being hunted.

“Show yourself! If you don’t show yourself in five seconds, the heavy cruiser gets it.” I took the piece of wood beside me and had my sharks chomp on them. I immediately repositioned Hipper so that her head is in between my rigging’s jaws again.

“W-Wait, Eugen, you aren’t serious?”

“Oh, I’m dead serious, mein Ältere Schwester,” I said. “If you don’t want to see this heavy cruiser scrapped in front of everyone, show yourself in…”

I began counting.

“Five!” No movement.

“Four!” I can see Hood and George gritting their teeth.

“Three!” Wales grabbed five oil canisters and handed them to me. I placed them in my rigging as I continued counting. It tightened my jaw’s grip on Hipper’s head which made her bleed a little. Hipper began screaming in sheer agony. I’m sorry for this...

“Two!” Still no movement.

“N-No don’t do it Ältere Schwester!” I ignored my little sister begging for me to spare Hipper. Verdammt, show yourself Warspite!

“One! It’s feeding time—!”

“WAIT!” A panting and sweating Warspite jumped off a nearby building as she put away her rigging. “Don’t do it!”

Thank God…

“You have your oil and you’re right on the edge of the port. Let the hostages go!” Hood commanded.

Wales looked at me before speaking. “One more thing. We want to get about ten klicks away before we let these hostages go.”

“You coward!” George grunted. “Y-You’d go this far…!”

“All is fair in love and war, eh, George?” Wales added. “Ten klicks. Or these two die.”

Begrudgingly, George looked away with a disgusted face. Wales and I stepped off the port and began moving away.

“Wales, Eugen!” Hood shouted. “How can we be sure you won’t just kill these two the moment you get away?”

“We still have some honor left, Hood.” Wales assured. “These two will go free once we go free. Fair trade, yes?”

Hood is unconvinced.

“I will escort you to your departure point then,” she declared. “I will not attack and I will not interfere with your plans. I just want to ensure their safety.”

Verdammt… as persistent as ever. Why can’t you just take a damn hint, Hood!?

“Fine,” I replied. “Any wrong move, and my sharks will have something to eat. Klar?”

Wales and I skated on the ocean surface while carrying our hostages.

“Dummkopf! There’s no way you’d be let off without any punishment for this! Unhand me you idiot, do you hear me?” Hipper is as loud as always... 

“There’s only the five of us here,” Graf calmly said. “So, can you speak freely now, Eugen?”

I see… so Graf already knew something’s up. That’s why she’s so calm.

I stopped moving and hovered on the ocean surface. Wales and Hood did the same.

“Is there anything you’d like to say, Eugen?” Hood asked. “Wales, you too. I find it difficult to believe you would act this foolhardy. Explain.”

So, Hood also feels that something’s fishy. How interesting...

We’re about eight klicks out now… it should be safe. I glanced at Wales who was already looking at me and nodded. Simultaneously, we let go of each of our hostages.

“You better have a damn good explanation!” Hipper declared as she gasped for air after being strangled by my rigging for so long. She wiped her head clean of blood and stood straight.

“You won’t believe me…” I said. “But I think it’s important to say this. What I said at the Academy was only partially true.”

Hood attentively listened as Graf Zeppelin used her cape to stop the blood slowly flowing out her neck.

“About two months ago, the Iron Blood dorm received a secret mission from the Fatherland,” I explained. “What orders did we receive? Gather intel on every ship on the island and deliver the information we gathered back to the Fatherland. It just so happened that I was chosen to be the Commander’s new secretary that day and I was in the perfect position to conduct such a mission.”

I sighed.

“So I did. Bismarck transmitted my reports to the Fatherland daily under everyone’s noses. A month into this endeavor was when Purifier attacked and almost succeeded in capturing the Commander.” I explained.

“I see… but what does that have to do with anything?” Hood asked. “And, is everyone from the Iron Blood informed of this secret mission?”

“Not everyone,” I replied. “Only us higher officers knew: this included myself, Graf, Hipper, Tirpitz, and Bismarck. Everyone else had no idea.”

Hood nodded. “Then why claim responsibility? Also, how did the Sirens get hold of our intel if you sent it to the Iron Blood homeland?”

“Let us answer your second question first,” Wales responded. “Eugen doesn’t know how but we are sure that the Sirens have gotten their hands on that valuable information.”

“How are you sure?” Hood probed.

“That’s because the ‘Bismarck’ over there, in the base? Is not the real one.” I explained, making Hood and Graf gasp in sync.

“H-Huh?” Hipper scowled. “Dummkopf, what are you even saying? How can Bismarck not be Bismarck?”

“The ‘Roon’ and ‘U-556’ there? Also fake,” I continued. “They threatened to expose the secret… Wales and I knew that if word ever goes out that the Iron Blood had participated in such a conspiracy, the treaty is over. And that is the answer to your first question.”

Hood caressed her chin and nodded. “So instead of letting your faction look like the villains, you two took the blame, instead.”

“Exactly.” Wales replied.

“So? Where is our flagship?” Graf asked. “I assume she isn’t dead?”

I nodded. “Nein. Bismarck is being held in Reichstag, according to Observer. By the way, Observer is posing as Bismarck, Lurker is posing as U-556, and Tester is posing as Roon.”

“Noted.” Graf conjured up her flight deck and sent out one plane. The plane grew in size as Graf reached into the cockpit.

“Here. When the Commander sent me on my commission, I packed these.”

“T-These are…!”

“Oil canisters?” Hood raised her brow. “So, you’ve been smuggling oil all this time, Graf Zeppelin?”

Graf crossed her arms. “Sometimes, it’s better to be prepared. I also packed food in case I need to sustain myself. You need these more than I do.”

Wales and I both took Graf’s presents and giggled. “Danke, Graf! For believing…”

Hipper turned around and revealed something…

“Hipper? This is yours, isn’t it?” Hipper brought out about fifty rounds of ammo. We were using the same guns so I can use these… “Are you sure? You might run out if the Commander sends you on—”

“Dummkopf!” She interrupted me. “Just take it. It’s the only thing I can do as your elder sister.”

I smiled and accepted. “Vielen dank…”

“Come home alive, Eugen,” Hipper said as she put her rigging away. “I never thought I would say this but…”

“But?”

“Ich liebe dich, mein kleine Schwester,” Hipper whispered.

“Hmm~? I didn’t hear you clearly hehe”

“Don’t push your luck!” Hipper exclaimed.

“Hehe… ich liebe dich, mein Ältere Schwester.”

Wales simply smiled at the flustered Hipper.

“Wales, take care of yourself,” Hood told my friend. “Eugen, make sure both of you come back. I don’t have any gift on me as of the moment but… perhaps I can slow down the Navy’s pursuit.”

Wales grinned. “That’s more than enough, Hood. Thank you…”

Graf fixed her hair and her uniform. “Just get back safely and bring Bismarck and the others home. I don’t want to let Tirpitz experience losing her sister again.”

“Hood, Graf,” I called out to them. “Take care of the Commander… even if he hates me, please don’t let him—”

“Ahh, Lady Eugen,” Hood interrupted me. “We shall keep an eye on the Commander. Do not fret. No harm shall befall him.” Hood and Graf glanced at each other.

“We will inform Illustrious about this,” Graf said. “Perhaps she can use her skill on the Commander to protect him without his knowledge. This will remain a secret until you return. So please, do return.”

Wales and I turned to leave. Hood grabbed my rigging before we could go.

“Shoot me, Lady Eugen,” she said calmly.

“...you really like eating my shells, don’t you?”

“N-No, it’s not like that!” She stammered. I must have hit the bullseye… could it be that Lady Hood is one of those people? Hehe… well, probably not.

“To make your story more convincing, would it not be better for you to inflict some minor damage on me?”

Wales nodded. “Hood makes a good point. Both Hipper and Graf sustained some form of damage. Hipper even ‘lost’ ammunition. It would be odd if Hood came back unscathed.”

I aimed my gun right at Hood’s rigging. “I hope you don’t regret this…” I fired one shell that grazed her left shoulder. Hood groaned and clasped her open wound as she smiled.

“We shall meet again, Prinz Eugen of Iron Blood, and Prince of Wales of the Royal Navy. Until then, stay safe.”

With this, Wales and I finally departed.

Commander

7:32 PM. I stood alone in our room, or what used to be our room. Eugen and Wales escaped after taking Hipper and Graf hostage… it’s crazy but I still doubt what she claims she did.

“There must be a clue here somewhere…” I mumbled to myself. “There must be something, something…!”

I began scouring Eugen’s belongings to find something—anything—that could allude to her innocence. I re-inspected her reports as I sifted through her clothes. Repeatedly, I looked under her messy bed to find some sort of evidence that might help me prove her innocence.

Nothing.

Damn it… was it all a lie?

Ich liebe dich

You said you loved me… was it all a game to you? It wasn’t for me.

I heard someone knocking at the door.

“Eugen!” I exclaimed excitedly.

“Commander,” a white-haired woman replied. “It’s me, Graf. Eugen’s gone.”

I can feel myself shrinking in front of the aircraft carrier… what’s wrong with me? She tried to kill me before, why do I still try to hold onto her? Stop being an idiot!

“Come here,” Graf Zeppelin took my arms and pulled me close. Soon, I was buried in her arms, my face fully submerged in her warmth. “Don’t hate Eugen, Commander. You can cry if you wish. You mustn't let this depress you.”

I pushed Graf away to her visible surprise.

“I will not cry!” I exclaimed with tears in my eyes. “I refuse to believe she can do this… I’ll find her and make her confess otherwise!”

Graf Zeppelin, the aircraft carrier who never smiles, said with a subtle curve on her lips: “Thank you, Commander, for believing in her. Now, we have important matters to discuss.”

“And what might that be, Graf?” A commanding voice boomed from behind the aircraft carrier. I can see Graf’s smile slowly turned into a scowl, she refused to face Bismarck who was waiting in front of the doorway behind her.

“I need to speak to the Commander,” Bismarck said. “Out of the way.”

“Nein,” Graf replied. Wait… why is she defying a direct order from Bismarck herself? What is going on with the Iron Blood!?

“Wir sind noch nicht fertig,” Graf said with an annoyed face.

“W-What did you say?” Bismarck flabbergasted.

Graf turned to Bismarck, who is probably shocked to have one of her subordinates talk back to her.

“I said: ‘I’m not done talking yet.’ Odd, did you forget your German on your way home,” Graf menacingly pushed her face to Bismarck’s, which made the battleship step a few steps back, “Bismarck?”

Bismarck gritted her teeth and turned to leave with a frown on her face.

Graf Zeppelin locked the door behind her.

“Commander, listen to me very well. I don’t know if it is safe to discuss these matters here so come with me.”

“What do you mean?” Graf Zeppelin pulled me to the corner of Eugen’s room far from the door and windows. She then closed the curtains and sat beside me.

“Commander, we need to discuss—”

Graf’s radio suddenly began acting up. She picked it up and out came the voice of none other than Zeppy.

“Mommy! Mommy!”

“What is it, Zeppy?” She asked.

“Roon and Bismarck are coming! They just passed me and are heading your way now!”

Zeppy sounded like she’s trying to whisper while shouting her words... Why are the two Graf Zeppelins hostile to both Bismarck and Roon?

“I see, good work, Zeppy. Get back in your room. I’ll handle this.”

Graf Zeppelin turned off her radio and grabbed my hand. “I’ll get a little rough. Hang on.”

“W-Wait!” I exclaimed as the Iron Blood’s aircraft carrier jumped out the window! “Are you out of your mind!?”

Graf Zeppelin conjured up her fighter which caught us mid-air. When I next opened my eyes, we were already flying away from the Iron Blood residence.

“W-Where are you taking me? What’s going on Graf!? Someone just fucking tell me something God damn it!”

“Calm yourself, Commander,” she replied. “We’re going to the Royal Navy residence. It’s much, much safer to talk there.”

Graf Zeppelin, while piloting the plane, turned on her radio and spoke to it: “Make preparations. We’re coming to meet you.”

7:38 PM. Graf Zeppelin made a smooth landing in front of the Royal Navy residence where a blonde lady wearing a blue dress was waiting for us. She had a few bandages on her left shoulder which still looked fresh as she waved to me.

“Good evening, Commander,” Hood took off her hat and elegantly greeted me. “I understand the visible confusion on your face. In a moment, Graf and I shall explain everything. I ask only one thing of you, Commander.”

I fixed my uniform and straightened myself. “And what is that?”

“Your trust,” Hood replied. “Trust us, Commander.”

Easy for you to say…

7:54 PM. The Royal Maids finished moving my belongings from Eugen’s room. Queen Elizabeth made no fuss about me coming unannounced to her residence as she immediately ordered her Maids to cater to all my needs during my stay there.

The room I am in currently is at least quadruple the size of Eugen’s room. It has its own fireplace while its walls are lined with pictures of the Royal Navy. New cabinets were brought in as Belfast attached new maroon curtains to the window, which are all as large as a human being. A windowed door that leads to an outside balcony stood a few feet away from the king-sized bed covered with pearl white sheets and pillows.

“Is this to your satisfaction, Commoner?” She asked me.

“Y-Yes, Your Majesty,” I hesitantly replied. Why did I have to move here?

“Hood advised me to make this room your temporary office,” she explained. “And I say, what a bloody good idea! Now, I understand that you are in shock.”

She flipped her hair as she wandered the room. “Not only are you not accustomed to such a wonderful room, but… more importantly, that woman betrayed you.”

Don’t rub it in Liz… I know you’re trying to help but…

“Now, now, your silence tells me you’re overwhelmed, Commoner,” she said. “But fear not, my loyal Knights shall protect you. I have assigned Sirius and Dido as your personal maids during your stay here. They will not get in your way and they will not bother you but do feel free to use them as you see fit.”

Sirius and Dido both bowed and saluted. Dido almost tripped in excitement as Sirius caught her… only for Sirius to trip over herself, making Hood let out a silent giggle. Uninterested, Graf Zeppelin continued staring out the window that stood as tall as her.

“If you require anything more, do not hesitate informing either me, Hood, or Belfast, alright?” Queen Elizabeth decreed as I nodded.

“Thank you, Your Majesty,” I replied.

“Hmph, your gratitude is noted,” she said proudly as exited the room.

“Master,” Sirius and Dido said simultaneously. Dido blushed and allowed Sirius to speak first.

“Honorable Master,” she said with her head bowing to me. “Please tell Sirius if you need anything. I shall do my best to cater to Master’s desires… no matter how embarrassing or carnal they may be…”

“S-Sirius!” Dido chastised her sister. “D-Dido apologizes for Sirius’s presumption, Master!”

“I-It’s alright…” I replied. “I know you two are trying your best but… relax, alright? I’m not going anywhere.”

Dido held my hands with sparkling eyes. “T-Truly, Master? You won’t leave Dido’s side?”

E-Er… not exactly what I meant but…

“Ehem,” Hood calmly interrupted. “Dido? Sirius? Miss Graf Zeppelin and I would like to speak with the Commander in private for a bit.”

“O-Oh we understand…” Dido and Sirius exited the room. I sat on the bed as Hood and Graf each sat on one chair.

“So, why did you two bring me here?”

“You must understand that what we are about to tell you must remain within the four walls of this room,” Hood said ever so eloquently. “Your safety and the continued existence of this base depends on this, understand, Commander?”

I nodded.

“First, let us get one thing clear, Commander,” Graf Zeppelin said. “Prinz Eugen did, in fact, steal information from you. It was an order from the Fatherland that Bismarck had Eugen carry out.”

“I-I see… I knew she couldn’t have conspired with the Sirens…” I said, finally getting in a deep breath after that event. “But, why did Eugen claim to be the main perpetrator without Bismarck’s knowledge? And who else knows about this?”

“Well,” Hood answered. “Eugen and Wales claimed to be traitors because the ‘Bismarck’, ‘Roon’, and ‘U-556’ are actually ‘Observer’, ‘Tester’, and ‘Lurker’ in disguise.”

What the hell? Sirens can shapeshift?

“Unbelievable as it is,” Graf closed her eyes. “It’s the truth. You saw it yourself before, Commander. We have a Bismarck that doesn’t speak German, a Roon that doesn’t swoon over your sweat, and a hypoactive U-556.”

So, that is why Graf did that… to see if Bismarck really was a fake. Or rather, to show me that Bismarck is fake.

“I get it now,” I declared. “So, what happened was Bismarck—the real one—received orders from the Iron Blood homeland to gather intel. When I assigned Eugen as my secretary, she was given a secret mission. That is why she stole all those intel… So, perhaps, my secretary was threatened by those three and she decided to resort to this to not risk starting an in-fighting amongst the major factions.”

“Exactly,” Hood nodded. “The Commander does catch on quite fast.”

“Still, it is unclear to me why she didn’t just tell me.” I asked. “I would have believed her and Wales if they just came out with it…”

“She was scared,” Graf replied. “The three Sirens threatened to kill you if she spoke out of turn. She was also afraid of losing your trust.”

I nodded. It all makes sense…

“So, what do we do?” I asked.

Hood closed her eyes and spoke. “You are safe within these walls, Commander. Eugen and Wales already took the full wrath of our base. We need to maintain good inter-faction relations, lest we let their sacrifices be in vain.”

“I already know that, Hood,” I said. “What I meant was what should we do to help Eugen and Wales?”

“Nothing,” Graf replied. “If you give out a command to aid the two of them, I doubt the faction leaders will obey. They may call for your removal at best or the three Sirens may decide to start faction in-fighting at worst.”

“Do not ignore those three completely as well, Commander,” Hood said. “If you do, they might sense that we already know something and they might just try and kill you.”

So… I have to not let Eugen and Wales’ sacrifices be in vain…

“Who else knows?” I asked.

“Hipper is the only other person who knows, Commander.” Graf replied.

“Well then,” I took a firm stand. “Hood of the Royal Navy, and Graf Zeppelin of Iron Blood, I have orders for you.”

Chapter Text

Commander

11:49 PM. The wind blew calmly as I supported my weight on the balcony fence. The roses danced along with the daffodils, which seem to be hiding under the shadows of the clouds passing by. Not a sound can be heard as the lights in each of the rooms in the Royal Navy residence faded one-by-one. On a night like this, who could ever think that such a huge event happened on the very same day?

“What’s the difference between your hand and mine? I am holding you now. Do you feel a different warmth from my hand? Does your heart beat differently from mine? Doesn’t the same blood course through our veins?”

I told her that two weeks ago… it feels like forever since then. I wonder what Eugen’s doing right now? Has she eaten yet? Is she sleeping somewhere? Or is she still running away, trying to reach her homeland as I stand here, doing nothing?

“I… I think I might have done something wrong… Would you hate me then?”

With teary eyes, you were already screaming for my help back then… I didn’t even notice how hurt you were. I didn’t even ask you why you felt that way. I was too happy to be loved by you that I didn’t even take into account how much pain you were going through.

You told me that you loved me and I said I love you too. Now, above all times, Eugen, you proved to me that you weren’t lying. I will not waste your sacrifice. As the Commander of this base and as your man, I will make sure you return safely.

I heard a quiet knock on my door. “Master?” Sirius said. “Her Excellency, King George V, would like to speak to you.”

“Let her in,” I replied.

George entered the room and looked around. “Not too shabby, eh, Commander? Is the accommodation here been to your liking?”

I smiled as I offered George a seat, which she accepted immediately. “Thank you for the accommodation, George.”

She grinned and brought out a piece of cupcake. “Want some?”

“I’m full,” I replied as I took my seat. “So, what did you want to see me for tonight?”

George set aside her cupcake and said: “First, are you well, Commander?” She asked. “I realize you must have had a shock. It’s not easy, what you’re going through.”

“I’m fine, George,” I replied. “And you? Your sister—”

“She’s not my sister.”

George clenched her fist and scowled as she barked those words with a pained face. “No sister of mine could ever do what that, that, traitor has done.”

I see… George’s taking this pretty hard, too.

“George, if ever Wales tries to make amends with you,” I said calmly. “Try to patch things up with her, alright?”

George raised her eyebrow. “Never, Commander. I can never forgive traitors like Wales or Eugen.”

“Can you shoot at your own sister?” I asked her. George went silent for a minute. “Don’t do something you will regret later, George.”

If I tell her the whole truth, I don’t think George will listen; I have no proof aside from the testimony from Eugen and Wales…

“While we are on the topic, Commander,” George said. “The Knights and I scoured the area around the base and found nothing. Because of that head start those two had, it might be hard to find them. Hood gave us directions but it seems we have been outmaneuvered.”

I see, so Hood misdirected the Royal Navy, huh? The other factions must be conducting their own search. I’ll find out tomorrow when I receive the reports. Well, I can guess where this is going…

“Therefore, I would like to ask if you have any idea where Eugen could go.” George finished.

“I have no idea,” I replied. “If I did, I would have sent all of you to where I think she would have gone. I have a question for you, George.”

She crossed her arms and stared at me.

“Do you have any idea where Wales, your sister, would have gone?”

George shook her head.

“I see… George, don’t you think your class is a little… hostile to each other?” I asked.

“Whatever do you mean, Commander?” She asked. “I don’t follow.”

“Well, Duke of York is rarely ever seen with any of you. Howe is not particularly close with anyone but you. Wales is considered the black sheep of your family and she is often ostracised for it. Monarch, while technically not your sister, is at odds with Wales and does not even try to hide her disdain for not being a King George V class battleship.” I said.

“I assure you, while we have our differences, we do everything for Her Majesty’s sake—”

“I know,” I replied. “Still, how can you—or anyone, for that matter—not have any idea where Wales, your sister could possibly think of going?”

George went silent.

“Maybe you should stop trying to do what you think is best for your Queen,” I suggested. “And start doing what you think is best for you and your sisters.”

George stood up and turned to leave. “I appreciate your advice, Commander, but Wales is not your sister and she’s no longer mine either. What happens between us is not your concern.”

George closed her eyes. “Given the circumstances,” she said. “We shall resume our search tomorrow. It is clear to me that you are in no condition to lead this operation because of your personal bias towards your lover. I shall take my leave, Commander. Good evening.”

“I want them alive, George. And so does Her Majesty,” I need to placate her as much as I can. If I don’t she or Wales may end up doing something they will both regret for the rest of their lives! “Please do not forget our orders.”

“I cannot guarantee their safety if they shoot,” she said. “We won’t hold back if they use lethal force. I hope you and my Queen understand this.”

There is no moon tonight. Just as you have disappeared, it seems my night will be cold and without light tonight, Eugen. Please stay safe...

Eugen

Wales and I set up camp for the night at a dark, abandoned beach in the Marshall Islands. The waves moved back and forth on the beach, caressing a wreckage far too familiar to me not far from our current location.

“Eugen,” Wales called out to me. “What are you staring at?”

“Oh… nothing,” I replied.

“You must be tired,” she said as she signaled me to come sit by the fire she started. “Come sit with me around the fire.”

The fire flickered and roared in the breeze as its embers danced in front of my eyes. Wales removed her coat and used it as a blanket as we laid on the cold, coarse sand, staring at the stars twinkling from among high.

“Do you think we did the right thing?” I asked Wales who rubbed her hands in an effort to warm herself even more.

“What do you mean?” She replied. “We did the only thing that gives us the chance to fix everything.”

I rolled to my right side and faced Wales.

“Don’t you regret being disowned by your own sister?”

Wales sat down and went silent. Of course she does. Why did I even ask?

“Eugen, I came with you because I believe in you,” she spoke. “Do you remember the day we first became friends?”

I didn’t reply. I let Wales speak her mind.

“I was a mess on that day. George hated me, Hood almost died, and I wanted to disappear.” She said. “On that day, I genuinely wished that I didn’t become a King George V battleship. I imagined what it would have been if I wasn’t constantly compared with my sisters or if Monarch took my place.”

She gulped. “To this day, I sometimes wonder if I can ever escape my misfortune. Am I doomed to forever stand in the shadows of my overperforming sisters?”

“But you were already getting the respect and acceptance you wanted,” I replied. “You didn’t have to be my accomplice… I could have handled this myself, you know?”

“Yes, this is true,” Wales agreed after laying back on the sand. “You definitely handled yourself well back there. Yes, you definitely could have prevented Hood from approaching you. You definitely could have stopped George from outright stabbing you. Yes, Eugen.”

I raised my brow and giggled. “What’s this? Do I detect sarcasm, Wales?”

“Maybe,” Wales turned to me. “What are you going to do about it?”

I merely laughed. I don’t actually have the energy or the willpower to do anything funny with anyone. Wales noticed my change in demeanor and stared at the sky with me.

“Do you think he’s asleep?” I asked.

“Who?”

“Has he eaten yet? Does he miss me?”

“Eugen,” Wales replied. “The Commander will be fine. Hood, Graf Zeppelin, and your sister will take care of him.”

“I cooked for him today, you know?” I said. “It was the first time I cooked for anyone. I really did want to stay like that…”

A star darted across the black ether as Wales tapped my shoulder.

“Did you know, Eugen?” She excitedly said. “They say when you wish upon a star, your wish will come true.”

“Huh?” I replied. “Are you a kid, Wales~? There’s no way that’s true.”

Wales turned her head and looked at me. “Wouldn’t you like to try? It’s only human to wish for something, right? To want something is natural for humans...”

“The fact that you can think, you can feel, and you can love, that is proof enough that you are a human.”

Your words still ring in my head, Commander. Is this how it is? To be human? To yearn for something?

“Do you know where we are, Wales?” I asked Wales who closed her eyes, presumably wishing for something.

After she was done wishing, she opened her crimson eyes. “No, where are we?”

“This was what used to be my final resting place,” I smiled.

“H-How morbid!” Wales reacted with a disgusted face. “You brought me to a graveyard?”

“Hehe… well, not exactly. No one really died here. Well, not that I know of,” I explained. “We are in Bikini Atoll, where KMS Prinz Eugen was beached after Tests Able and Baker.”

Wales looked out into the sea and stared at the wreck near our camp. “Then that is…”

“Yes, Wales,” I replied. “That was me… in a previous life.”

Wales nodded. “How long were you beached here?”

I stared at my old wreck and started computing in my head but…

“I don’t really know…”

“What do you mean you don’t know?” Wales probed.

“It’s exactly as I say,” I said in a matter-of-factly manner. “I don’t know. At some point, I just stopped counting how long I was sitting here alone.”

Wales sighed. “I see… do you regret ever coming to life?”

“Honestly? At first, nothing really interested me,” I said. “I caused problems, meddled in other people’s business, and took the role of Bismarck’s retainer simply because I wanted something to keep me interested.”

Wales nodded. “So, in simpler terms, you wanted to find your purpose in life, no?”

I turned and stared at my friend who had already closed her eyes. “Ja. I guess you could say that.” I laid back down and raised my hand to the sky the same way the Commander raised them to the moon on our first night together…

“I didn’t have a reason to exist,” I said. “I don’t really have parents. My sisters? They’re KMS Prinz Eugen’s sisters. Me, as a human, don’t have actual biological sisters.”

“I understand,” Wales said. “All of us shipgirls simply popped out of Wisdom Cubes, complete with bodies, souls, and personalities. Who decided for us to be born this way? What becomes of us after our war with the Sirens?”

Wales gulped. “If we were born this way, so are our emotions manufactured? Were we programmed to be this way? Are we even real humans?”

I sighed and shrugged my shoulders. “Enterprise used to mope about this very topic, how funny.”

A long silence ensued.

“Well, have you found your answer?” Wales asked. “Have you found a reason to live?”

“I don’t know,” I replied. “But, I at least found a reason to stay alive.”

“And what might that be?” She asked, her eyes focused completely on my visage.

“Well,” I mumbled. “Manufactured or not, I do believe that what we are right now, our bodies, our minds, our emotions, and our souls, they are all real.”

Wales continued listening.

“Even if we were born into this world as we are right now, the bonds we formed are real, or I’d like to think they’re real.”

“Hmm,” Wales concurred. “You’re starting to sound like your lover boy.”

“I-Is it really the right time to tease me about him?” I pouted.

“But you must admit, Eugen,” Wales supported her head with her left arm. “He surely said something to make you say these things, am I wrong?”

“Well,” I mumbled. “Y-You’re not wrong…”

“So?” Wales probed. “How far have you two gone~?”

“Sh-Shut up Wales!” I giggled as I chuckled. “By the way, I don’t intend to share him with anyone, you know, at least not yet.”

“How greedy!” Wales suddenly began pulling on my top. “It seems you are in need of some punishment!”

“W-Wales!” I squealed as I began tugging on her top as well. “Even when everyone’s at our throats, you still tease me like this!”

Wales giggled and laid on the sand. “Haha… well, you’re right we should reserve our energy.”

I stood up and paced a few steps away. “You go on and sleep, Wales. I’ll take the first watch.”

“And let you have all the fun?” Wales teased. “You already got the Commander’s first, let me have the first watch!”

“Hehe~” I smiled. “You need your beauty sleep, Your Highness, or you might not be able to steal him from me~”

“Y-You little—” Wales pounced at me. “Shut up and go to sleep, Eugen!”

“A-Alright already~!”

Ahh… I truly am lucky to have such a friend.

Chapter Text

Chapter 15: Two-Front War

???

“It’s me.” I spoke into my electronic speaker. “How is the retrieval of the Key going?”

Observer didn’t reply for a while.

“Realize the importance of retrieving the Key, Observer,” I said. “Analyzing the Key is integral to our future plans. So, did anything go wrong?”

“Unfortunately, the plan needs to be altered,” Observer replied. “The Key is out of our reach, for now. That damned secretary and that useless battleship…”

“Hehe, so they acted outside our prediction, too?” Amusing. To think that other ships aside from Test Subject A, B, and E could develop this way. “Is there any way you can at least secure Test Subject A?”

“I’ll see what we can do,” Observer replied. “How is Purifier doing?”

“Well,” I glanced at the injured Purifier. “Not as good as I would like. That secretary did quite a number on her. Fighting Test Subject B after that may have been too much for her. Still, she has survived far worse. She’ll recover.”

“I see.. Expect the secretary and the battleship to reach your position tomorrow. At the rate they’re going, I predict they’ll arrive at around 1900 hours.”

“Hmm? Are the Royal Navy not doing anything?” I probed.

“They’re searching for those two,” Observer said. “But something seems to be stopping them.”

“Could this be the work of the Key again?” I asked. “Interesting… perhaps we should study his secretary, don’t you think?”

Observer replied in a quirky voice: “Oh? So you’d like to make that heavy cruiser another test subject?”

“Yes,” I replied. “The other Prinz Eugens we have seen in other timelines weren’t capable of doing what she did. It may be worth looking into what the Key did to her.”

“True, true,” Observer concurred. “Well, how’s the reconditioning going?”

“Hehe…”

“Arbiter?” She called out to me. “Is the reconditioning working?”

“You doubt our technology?” I asked. “Fret not, Observer. Anyway, let’s dub this heavy cruiser as ‘Test Subject P’, shall we? I look forward to meeting her. Hopefully, she’ll give me just as much entertainment as Test Subject B over here.”

“Subject B nearly escaped when we fought her…” Observer remarked. “Even with our intel, those three nearly overwhelmed us. That PR girl worked too well with her as did that little twerp…”

“Speaking of that little sub, we still haven’t found her. Such a sneaky little girl.”

I had Strategist spread her drones and planes in search of that little submarine but she manages to escape every time Strategist finds her. There is no issue in this, however. A little girl like that poses no threat to us. Especially now that Test Subject B is nearly converted.

“Anything to report?” I asked.

“A destroyer girl from the Iron Blood seems to be studying our neurotoxins,” Observer explained. “Should I get rid of her and the other pests trying to uncover our technology secrets?”

“No, even if they do understand how the neurotoxins work, we still have a whole bag of tricks ready for them,” I replied. “Let them have their little science experiment. It won’t be much fun analyzing dead hamsters, after all.”

“I understand… hehe our neurotoxins are being improved anyway as we speak,” Observer giggled. “German science truly is the best.”

Yes, the humans under my control here in the Iron Blood Fatherland truly are useful. It is no wonder humans were able to survive for as long as they do, ingenious creatures. Still, how ironic that we, the Sirens you thought were much inferior to you are now tearing your little factions into shreds. First, the Iron Blood. Then, perhaps the Sakura Empire would make for a good second target? Or perhaps the Royal Navy? We’ll see.

“Well, Subject P is on her way to you,” Observer said. “What are my orders?”

“Leave Test Subject P to me. I’m sure she’ll be very pleased to meet the new and improved Bismarck, hehe… Here is your edict: capture Test Subject A, as soon as possible but only after gathering enough intelligence on the new ships there. If you can, capture the Key as well.”

“I have a plan for that,” Observer said as she cut her communications.

Commander

7:00 AM. “Be careful on your mission,” I reminded the Union fleet on the port; it will be the first mission this base will undertake in weeks.

“Remember, your safety is just as important as completing your mission. You are to escort the Union ambassador crossing the Atlantic towards the British Isles.” I explained. “The ambassador is to be treated with utmost respect, understand?”

“Of course, Commander,” Baltimore replied. “I’ll make sure this mission goes over well.”

Before leaving, Enterprise approached me. “Are you feeling well, Commander? I would have preferred to go out with the search party instead but…”

I patted the Union carrier on her back. “The HQ requested for you specifically, Enterprise. My hands are tied, unfortunately…”

“Well, then I’ll finish this mission quickly,” Enterprise joined her comrades and turned before leaving. “I know things are hard on you, Commander, but we’ll find Eugen soon. Until then, stay safe.”

7:30 AM. “Hipper,” I addressed the Iron Blood heavy cruiser. “We have a lot of work to do.”

The orders I had for Hood and Graf Zeppelin last night are simple: Hood is to spend her time trying to divert the Royal Navy from finding Wales and Eugen and Graf is to keep an eye on ‘Bismarck’ and her friends. I also instructed Graf to deliver this message to ‘Bismarck’ and Hipper: my new secretary will be Iron Blood’s Admiral Hipper.

My decision caused an uproar within our base, actually. Out of the six shipgirls I sent on their mission, only Enterprise and Baltimore bothered speaking with me. Obviously, the Royal Navy is not too pleased with my decision either. Queen Elizabeth outright refused to see me today. George scoffed at the idea once she heard. In the entire Royal Navy dorm, only Sirius, Dido, Belfast, and Hood even speaks with me. I haven’t visited the Sakura Empire dorm yet to find out their reaction.

“Hey, dummkopf,” the Iron Blood heavy cruiser approached me as I inspected the commission rewards yesterday. “I need to ask you something.”

“What is it Hipper?”

“Dummkopf!” She boomed. “I can’t just blurt it out! I need to ask you something…”

I followed Hipper to the edge of the port.

“Well?” I asked.

Hipper fidgeted her fingers before speaking. “I was wondering why you made me secretary. This will obviously cause inter-faction fighting, right? Won’t this make Obser—er, Bismarck ’s job easier?”

I smiled and sat on the port’s edge, seeing the waves peacefully crash against the rocks below.

“I assume Bismarck’s already asked you to do it again, right?” I asked.

“H-Huh?” Hipper flabbergasted. “H-How did you know!?”

“Hehe… well, did you accept the job?” I asked.

“Isn’t it obvious, dummkopf?” She replied. “There’s no way I could have refused! If I did, it would have made them suspicious of me!”

“Good.” I couldn’t stop myself from letting out a smug grin. They’re doing exactly as I imagined.

“H-Huh? Have you lost your mind?” Hipper started pulling her own hair. “What do you mean ‘good’? You want me to steal information from you? You and Eugen should stay together since you two are both crazy!”

I turned to the confused Admiral Hipper. “Hipper you’re going to give Bismarck exactly what she wants: only the information you’ll be feeding them will be the exact ones I will give you, understood?”

I remember one game Amagi and I played… I was about to deliver a checkmate to her King once, however, Amagi fooled me into blundering my win, squeezing out a stalemate, by acting as if I was the one falling into her trap. Playing confidently, Amagi was able to escape checkmate and force a draw. She told me:

“Information is a tactician's most valuable asset. Knowing more than your enemy is already half the battle.”

If I control what my enemy knows, victory is already half-assured. This is a battle I cannot win by force, and if I ever hope to even out the playing field, I must accurately predict my enemy’s movements.

“I understand, it seems you do have a brain in that skull of yours.” Hipper crossed her arms and pouted. “So? What do you want me to do?”

I smiled. “Let’s start by organizing some files for our ‘friends’, Hipper.”

12:13 PM. After leaving Hipper with Dido and Sirius to continue with organizing the documents, I made my way to the Sakura Empire residence. I approached the entrance and made my way in when suddenly, a fluffy tail began enveloping my body…

“Commander~” Akagi’s tails engulfed me even further! “Such a naughty Commander… you were already betrayed by the Iron Blood and yet…”

Oh no… have I upset Akagi with my decision?

“Hehe… If Commander was cut up into little pieces,” Akagi revealed a wakizashi she had hidden in her tails and began swiping the air with it. “He would never be able to leave Akagi’s side or break her heart ever again... Ahahaha!”

God please help me…!

“Sister?” A serene voice came out from behind Akagi as another fox lady approached, this one had white tails and a serene expression on her face. That serene expression on Kaga’s face quickly turned into a frown. “Oh? Well, what have we here?”

Kaga approached me and stood right next to Akagi. She made no effort to stop her sister from her dangerous movements though…

“K-Kaga please?” I begged her to stop Akagi.

“Hmph,” Kaga scoffed and turned away. “You didn’t learn anything, it seems. It seems like you're not the hero I was looking for…”

Is this it for me?

“That’s quite enough, you two,” a voice that sounded like it came from inside one of the rooms resounded. The sound of a shoji opening soon followed. “Let the Commander go.”

“B-But sister?” Akagi and Kaga simultaneously protested to Amagi, who was approaching the three of us.

BONK

“Thank you for saving my life… Amagi,” I hugged Amagi’s waist as both Akagi and Kaga left with huge, swollen bruises on their forehead. I have never been happier to see this fox lady in all my life…

“Hmm,” Amagi stared at me silently. “You know, Commander, swineherds like you are quite hard to find these days.”

It seems even she is disappointed in me…

“Why have you come today?” She asked.

I straightened myself and cleared my throat. “I wish to discuss something with you.”

Uninterested, Amagi turned to leave. “Please discuss it with those Iron Blood girls you so favor…”

I chased Amagi and grabbed her left hand, which made her gasp in surprise.

“Amagi, I have good reasons for this…” I said with a serious face. “If you have time, then how about a game of shogi? What do you say?”

Amagi turned. “Hmm… I guess I do have time. However, I believe you’ve lost to me in shogi enough times.”

Y-You didn’t have to rub it in…

“Perhaps it would be more fair for us to play Western Chess instead,” Amagi smiled. “I would like to see if the rumors are true, Commander. Have you really lost your mind completely? Or perhaps, you’re planning something we don’t quite understand yet?” Amagi caressed her chin. “You best play well: this chess match will decide if the Sakura Empire will listen to you or not.”

I let go of Amagi and stood straight. “What do you mean?”

Amagi smiled. “Haven’t you heard? The Royal Navy and the Sakura Empire are thinking of replacing you. Now, as Lady Nagato’s advisor, I could put in a good word for you if you prove your worth… however, should you disappoint me further…”

So, this is my last shot, huh? It’s sink or swim then!

“I accept these terms, Amagi,” I approached her room. “Then, shall we?”

“I’m afraid this match will not be a private one, Commander,” Amagi said. “You see, I understand that you have lost favor from not only our faction; you also lost the confidence of every other faction in this base.”

She’s right again.

“Therefore, would it not be better for you to prove your worth in front of everyone?” Amagi said. “What do you say? How about setting the stage at the Royal Navy gardens? Invite everyone who wants to come watch. Prove yourself to us again, Commander.”

I see… even now, Amagi’s showing me who’s the better planner between the two of us. If I win a match against Amagi, renowned for having the best strategic mind in the base, then I may regain the confidence of the other factions.

“I accept,” I said. “I’ll meet you there, then.”

“Don’t disappoint me, Commander,” Amagi said. “Our game starts at 1400 hours. I expect only the best.”

12:21 PM. “H-HUH!?” Hipper almost spat the juice Sirius made for her. “You’re doing WHAT!? You ARE insane! No one’s beaten Amagi at shogi or chess. And you invited everyone ?!”

Hipper has a point.

“Hipper, listen,” I said. “If I don’t take this chance, then the Sirens will have a base full of demoralized ships who aren’t willing to listen to orders.”

“Dummkopf! If you lose,” Hipper raised her hands as if in disbelief, “then you confirm to everyone that you have lost your touch! You just put yourself in a position to be replaced immediately—”

“M-Master?” Dido’s voice resounded from outside my office. “L-Lady Graf Zeppelin is here with a guest. Shall I let them in?”

“Please do, thank you Dido,” I replied.

“A-Ah! Y-Yes, Master,” Dido nervously replied as she opened the door, revealing Graf Zeppelin accompanied by none other than Tirpitz.

“Guten tag, Commander,” Tirpitz and Graf saluted as they entered the room. Tirpitz immediately sat in front of me.

“No time to lose, Commander,” she brought out a chessboard. “If you’re playing Amagi, then you should be able to beat me first.”

I see, so Tirpitz came to give me a little bit of coaching. I have heard that Tirpitz is the best chess player amongst the Iron Blood but… I never actually had a game with her before.
“Let’s set the clock to thirty minutes, Commander.”

Graf Zeppelin sat down across Hipper and observed my game with Tirpitz. She made a quiet sign with her fingers to signal the already tense Admiral Hipper to pipe down. I’m playing as White while Tirpitz took control of the opposing Black pieces.

“Hmm…” Tirpitz scratched her head. I’m in a completely winning position. I have three connected pawns remaining: at a7, b6, and c6. Her Dark Bishop is stuck pinned at b8, protecting her King at a8 from my Queen at g8. Her Knight is practically useless sitting at the edge of the board while her Queen is sitting on d3.

“Check.” ...Qh5. I see, so she’s delaying the inevitable, huh?

Then my next move should be to protect my King… Qg5 then!

Tirpitz silently took my Queen without any hesitation. ...Qxg5.

That may seem like a mistake on my part but… I’m still winning. If Tirpitz makes a mistake after this, it’s checkmate in two moves! Ka6.

“Hmm, you played excellently, Commander.” Tirpitz said. “I resign. You win.”

“H-Huh!?” Admiral Hipper, who has been trying to stay silent the entire time, reacted. “What do you mean you resign, aren’t you ahead by an entire Queen and Knight, Tirpitz?”

I smiled. “Notice that Tirpitz no longer has any safe checks on me, Hipper.”

Hipper looked at the board again and dropped her jaw.

“If Tirpitz does not sacrifice either her Queen or Bishop, b7 is checkmate,” I explained. “And if she does, I can simply promote one of my pawns into a Queen. In which case, I will be the one with a full Queen advantage.”

After scratching her head, Admiral Hipper finally had a Eureka moment.

“Y-You really are good at this game!”

Graf Zeppelin smiled. “Well, it seems we have nothing to worry about after all—”

“Not good enough, though,” Tirpitz sighed. “I made it all the way to the endgame.”

“H-Hey I beat you!” I said defensively.

“So did Amagi,” she replied with her eyes closed. “In less than twenty moves.”

I gulped. It took me thirty-two moves to get Tirpitz to resign…

“However, if you use your time wisely, you might be able to win,” Tirpitz commented. “Don’t let Amagi confuse you and you’ll do fine.”

“I-I see..” I replied. “Thank you for the match, Tirpitz. You played very well, too.

Tirpitz smiled. “It’s the least I can do for your continued belief in our faction, Commander.”

1:53 PM. After having a hearty meal of roast beef prepared by Belfast, I sat in front of the Royal Navy’s garden fountain. There, my opponent was already waiting for me at a glass table. A porcelain chess set was brought out by the Maids along with a wooden chess clock as I sat in front of Amagi. The chessboard we are using is different from Tirpitz’s board: it is a porcelain chessboard colored black and brown.

The Royal Navy garden is full of curious ships however, the faction division is really visible now. The Iron Blood ships stood near the hedge near me. None of them interacted with any of the other factions. Meanwhile, the Vichya and Iris Libre stood on the opposite sides of the garden as the Northern Parliament sat in with the Eagle Union ships. The Sakura Empire, along with the Royal Navy, or what is left of it after George took the search party looking for Eugen and Wales, are watching over the entire scene from atop a balcony.

“C’mon, Commander, Miss Amagi!” A destroyer holding a camera approached the table. “Shake hands! This is an event for the book and I wanna capture it!”

“Gridley er, is this necessary?” Amagi asked.

“No harm in taking a photo, right?” I stood and offered my hand to Amagi, which she accepted.

FLASH!

“Thank you, thank you!” Gridley paced a few spaces backwards.

“Your Majesty,” Warspite called the attention of Queen Elizabeth who was drinking her tea with Nagato. “The contestants seem ready to begin their match.”

Queen Elizabeth turned to Nagato. “Perhaps you would like the honor of starting the match, Lady Nagato. After all, Amagi is from your faction.”

“This is your residence, Queen Elizabeth,” Nagato replied. “However, if you insist…”

Nagato stood from her chair and paced towards the edge of the balcony. She raised her hand and announced: “We are gathered here today to witness a battle of intelligence between the Commander of this base and Amagi of the Sakura Empire. This is the first such event in our base and so, the Queen of the Royal Navy and I, Nagato of the Sakura Empire, expect only the best from the two competitors. To decide which piece the competitors will control, they shall flip a coin…”

I brought out a coin. “If heads, I’m White. If tails, then you play White. Do you agree, Amagi?”

Amagi nodded. I flipped the coin.

Tails. Amagi plays White so we switched places.

“If the competitors are ready, please shake hands once more.” Nagato announced.

Amagi and I shook each other’s hands again.

“Then, let the match…” Nagato materialized her rigging and shot a blank shell after bringing her hand down. “Begin!”

It’s move twenty-five… Amagi has placed her Queen on h6… since my Knight is at e8, my King is safe… for now.

“Commander, you aren’t thinking ‘my King is safe, for now’, are you?” H-How did she know??

I maintained my poker face and replied: “Don’t get too cocky, Amagi. The game is far from done…”

“Hmm, pretty evenly matched, aren’t we?” Amagi taunted. “Better hurry, Commander. My Queen hungers for your King.”

Kuh… she’s right. Moreover, I only have three minutes left on the clock… My best hope would be that one passed pawn… if I can only promote it…! 26. ...b2.

Amagi’s eyes widened as soon as she saw the move. However, she calmly moved her rook. 27. Rf4.

That’s a brilliant move… Amagi really is going for my throat.

However, I can still win! I moved my b2 pawn and promoted it to a Queen. 27. ...b1=Q+

“Check!” I declared.

Amagi smiled and moved her Knight to block my Queen. 28. Nf1.

“Looks like our game ends here, my Commander,” Amagi giggled. “There is no escaping checkmate on h7. My rook will soon make its way to h4.”

“Not exactly,” I smiled. “It seems this time, you were the one who were a step behind, Amagi.”

Amagi’s brows furrowed.

I placed my Queen right beside her Knight. 28. ...Qe1.

Amagi stood in disbelief. “W-What?”

“Now, there is no rook to h4,” I confidently said. “Try it. There is no checkmate for you now, Amagi.”

Amagi began sweating; it was the first time I ever outsmarted her like this.

“I see…” Amagi smiled and sat back down. She offered me her hand. “It looks like you’ve surpassed me, Commander.”

I shook her hand as Amagi said with a very wide smile on her face: “I concede. You win, Commander.”

I followed Amagi to her room after our match. For the first time today, I saw Queen Elizabeth grace me with her smile again. Nagato remained stone-faced but, who can blame her? It’s just a chess game. But since Amagi told me she will uphold her end of the bargain and try to convince Nagato to believe in me again, I’m not too worried.

“So, what is it that you wanted to talk about again, Commander?” Amagi asked as she poured tea for me. I knelt on the zaisu and accepted the tea.

“It’s about Eugen and Wales…” I explained. “You see, the reason I took in Hipper as my new secretary was because something is… odd with Bismarck.”

Amagi smiled. “That’s not really Bismarck, is she, Commander?”

“H-How did you know!?” I exclaimed in shock.

Amagi sipped her tea. “I heard Bismarck's declaration after Eugen and Wales confessed. She wanted to get rid of Eugen, her most trusted retainer as soon as possible. Not only that, Bismarck, the unyielding battleship, the Pride of the Iron Blood, was easily threatened by the elegant Hood into submission.”

Amagi gulped.

“The way Graffy acted… she immediately took your secretary’s sisters and chased Miss Eugen even without Bismarck’s command,” She continued. “It was odd. This is the first thing that tipped me off. So, I observed the little hostage situation. From the entire thing, it seems Prinz Eugen and Prince of Wales were hiding something. Graf Zeppelin’s entire calm demeanor told me that there is no way those two were actually responsible for what they claim. If so, there must be an issue within the Iron Blood chain of command.”

She stared at the window. “I wasn’t sure at first... but when Graffy told me how the Bismarck couldn’t understand German, my doubts were cleared. Plus, Eugen and Wales were desperate, implying that at least one of them was threatened beforehand by something. Since Bismarck was acting odd, I concluded that this Bismarck will do something those two didn’t want to happen.”

A-Amazing… so Amagi already knew…

“Is my assessment accurate, Commander?”

“Y-You really are the better mind here, Amagi,” I said. “That’s basically the gist of it… However I must divulge something. The Bismarck we saw? That’s actually Observer Alpha in disguise.”

Amagi’s eyes widened. “I see… this does require some attention. Please, explain the situation to me more clearly, Commander. I need the details.”

“Nobody must find out, Amagi,” I said. “If Bismarck senses anything wrong, then they may act rashly.”

“I understand, Commander,” she replied. “Now, how should we fight this two-front war?”

Eugen

Wales and I just landed in Hamburg. We tried our best from avoiding the countless planes that flew around the Iron Blood waters. Thankfully, we found an ally along the way who helped us avoid those pests…

“U-556, can you tell us what happened to our flagship?”

U-556 rose out of the water. We ran straight in between the cargo containers to avoid being seen.

“Lord Bismarck,” U-556 muttered with tears in her eyes. “L-Lord Bismarck, along with Frau Roon, was defeated by an unknown Siren alone in open combat!”

Wales and I dropped our jaws. How can Bismarck be beaten by a single Siren and with Roon’s help no less!

“Do you know where in the Reichstag they are being held?” I asked the crying U-556 as I hugged her. Wales kept a lookout as we tried to calm the little submarine down.

U-556 sniffed and replied: “J-Ja… I can take both of you there… but we can’t win against that Siren just us three… Both Lord Bismarck and Frau Roon are much stronger than all three of us combined…”

She’s right… Still, we can’t just turn around and give up! And it seems U-556 didn’t intend to give up either. After all, she spent the better part of the month causing minor annoyances to the Siren operations here.

“We don’t need to beat her,” I said. “We’re here to rescue Bismarck, not beat up some Siren. If we can rescue Bismarck and Roon, then perhaps… us five will be enough to overpower that Siren.”

“Das ist nicht nötig, Eugen.”

I turned to see Bismarck lifting the unconscious Wales off the ground by her head with one hand.

Chapter Text

Eugen

U-556 jumped in pure joy and excitement upon seeing Bismarck.

“L-Lord Bismarck!” She exclaimed. “I was trying to get Frau Eugen and Prince of Wales to help rescuing you and—”

Bismarck tossed the unconscious Wales to a wooden crate.

“W-Wales!” I yelled as I ran towards her but…

SMACK!

Bismarck used her sword hilt to ward me off!

“Lord Bismarck, what are you doing? We need to hurry. We need to escape before that Siren—”

“That won’t be necessary, U-556,” Bismarck interrupted. What is wrong with her?

“H-Huh?” U-556’s expression turned sour.

“Alright, stop pretending to be Bismarck, Observer!” I exclaimed. “Give it up! U-556 and I have got you outnumbered.”

Standing firm, Bismarck simply fired an AP shell that U-556 and I narrowly evaded.

“Ich bin, wer ich bin,” Bismarck declared. “Begleiten Sie mich.”

This can’t be! If she’s speaking German, then… don’t tell me this is actually the real one! We came all this way to save her and she’s fighting us?

“What do you mean ‘join me’?” I asked our flagship as I raised my shields. 

Suddenly, a Siren that I have never seen before materialized behind Bismarck. Her ghost-white skin shone brightly even in the night as her striking purple eyes made me freeze where I stood. She was just an inch shorter than Bismarck but she’s as every bit as menacing as her. Her gaze rested purely on me… what’s this? I-I can feel every hair on my body standing on end! W-What pressure… She floated behind Bismarck and caressed her hair as if she was her pet.

“Hello, Test Subject P,” the unknown Siren spoke. “Hehe, so I see you’ve acquainted with our newest ally, yes?”

“What have you done to her?” I gritted my teeth, trying to maintain my cool.

“Well, I just awakened Bismarck to the truth,” she said. “ Warheit , that’s what you Germans call it, right?”

“Der schwanzlutscher!” I yelled. “Give us Bismarck back! Bismarck, don’t you realize how big a problem we’re having right now at the base?”

“I know everything,” she said coldly. “However, I have come to realize that this war we’re fighting?” She closed her eyes. “The war against the Sirens… it’s pointless. War will never change as long as long as humans are around to have wars.”

“L-Lord Bismarck!” U-556 knelt. “Please reconsider! W-We’re humans too, aren’t we?”

Bismarck smiled. “U-556, my loyal friend, and Prinz Eugen, my retainer, won’t you help an old comrade set things right?” Bismarck held her right hand forward, as if she’s waiting for me to shake her hand.

“Why should we fight for humans who will never tire of war? Should we not just eradicate them all, get rid of all the vermin?”

“I can’t believe this…” I mumbled. “And what about serving the Fatherland?”

“The Fatherland is gone, Eugen,” she replied with her eyes closed. “Gone. The Sirens have full control of everything that goes on politically in our Fatherland.”

That can’t be… there must be something we can do.

“So you’re joining the very group that destroyed it!?” I angrily replied. “You’re no longer the once proud symbol of our country’s strength!”

“Don’t you get it?” Bismarck asked. “The way to restore our glory is with the Sirens, not against them.”

I fired a HE shell at Bismarck which she sliced in clean half.

“Hehe… interesting,” the unknown Siren giggled. “So, you have chosen to fight, Test Subject P? Then allow me to—”

Bismarck stood in front of the Siren and blocked her path. “Arbiter, this is my fight. Eugen and U-556 are MY allies. I will convince them one way or another. If they shall not turn, then they shall die.”

Bismarck glared at the Siren with an equally menacing aura.

“Very well, I shall leave them to you, Bismarck. You are more than enough to deal with riff-raffs like these. Do as you please BUT bring me Eugen alive.”

Bismarck nodded as the Siren she called ‘Arbiter’ dissolved mid-air. Bismarck stood confidently and planted her sword on the ground without even trying.

“I do not wish to fight you, Eugen,” she said calmly as U-556 began panicking.

“The feeling’s mutual,” I replied. “However, if you continue to act like this, I have no choice!”

A long silence ensued as I felt sweat dripping down my cheek.

Bismarck sighed and pulled her sword right out the ground effortlessly. “Well, if you wish to fight… then I shall show you that the truth is only within my range!”

Bismarck launched her full-scale barrage! I need to snap her out of it!

“L-Lord Bismarck, Frau Eugen…!” U-556 scurried between the two of us trying to stop us from fighting. “There’s no need to fight! The Sirens are our enemies, not each other!”

Bismarck ignored U-556’s pleas as she continued bombarding me with her barrage. It’s a very good thing I read her files… I know exactly how to—

BOOM!

A nearby oil tanker blew up, tossing me to a nearby cargo crate! V-Verdammt, if I didn’t have my shields up, I would have taken huge damage!

“So you thought you knew how to overcome me, Eugen?” Bismarck asked as she moved closer calmly. “If you thought I was as predictable as that Union carrier, then you’re sadly mistaken. I also know how you think, my friend.”

Scheiße… now what? I don’t even have a tactical advantage… if Wales wasn’t unconscious, then perhaps there’s a chance...

“U-556!” I called out to the little submarine who had curled up into a ball out of confusion. “U-556! I need your help. We need to snap Bismarck out of it!”

She didn’t respond. Bismarck began firing at me again!

“I thought you made a vow to your ‘Lord Bismarck’!?” I yelled as Bismarck’s AP shell narrowly missed me. “Are you going to fail her again ? You couldn’t help her when those Royals were ganging up on her, do you intend to fail your Lord Bismarck once again!?”

“If you wish to aid me, U-556,” Bismarck turned to the teary submarine. “Then join me. I value people with loyalty the most.”

“Shut up!” I exclaimed as I finally found an opening to fire back. Bismarck, who was distracted when she turned to U-556, didn’t dodge in time. Direct hit!

“Hmph, schwache,” Bismarck simply shrugged my HE shell off! “You never were made for offense. The only thing remotely good about you was your stubbornness to die, Eugen. However, I’ll fix that soon, too.”

Sh-She’s strong… I desperately need U-556’s help.

“I understand, Lord Bismarck,” U-556 stood up and made her rigging appear. “I promised you and myself that I, U-556, Parzival of the Seas, will no longer fail in aiding you…”

U-556 aimed her torpedo tubes and fired… at Bismarck!

“And so, it is my duty to bring you back to your senses!”

Bismarck took the hit and is visibly surprised. Her brows furrowed as she declared: “I see, so even you won’t listen to reason? Then both of you shall fall today!”

Bismarck drew her sword and charged at us… here she comes!

“Sterben!” Bismarck exclaimed as she swung her sword down on my shields, making a thunderous sound as they cracked into a million pieces.

“Hehe… you’re strong, Bismarck!” I tried keeping my cool in front of her. I’m done if she so much as hits me with that sword of hers! This is the same Bismarck who sunk Hood and fought almost the entire Royal Navy. I can’t let my guard down for even a second!

“Frau Eugen!” U-556 finally gave her signal! I put Bismarck in a stranglehold which took my entire strength just to keep her from swinging her blade at me! Gott, she’s way stronger than my sister! I quickly dashed to the waters to maximize U-556’s fighting potential. She’s going to be useful since he can attack Bismarck underwater.

“Hmph, do you think you’re strong enough to bind me, Eugen?” After reaching the water, Bismarck’s eyes glowed a bright golden hue. W-What’s this? How’s she so—ah!

Bismarck broke free of my stranglehold and sent me flying a good ten meters without trying! Mein Gott, is this her true potential?

“Hmm, the improvements seem to be working very well…” Bismarck commented. “The Sirens… they actually managed to bring out my true powers…”

“W-What do you mean?” I asked Bismarck who looks even more menacing with glowing golden eyes.

“Would you like to know why the Royal Navy had to gang up on me, Eugen?” She asked as she hovered over the waters calmly. I hovered a few steps backward on the water. U-556’s torpedoes came flying out of the water, hitting Bismarck directly. There must have been ten or twelve torpedoes there… even Bismarck couldn’t possibly… wait. She’s unharmed!?

“I shall show you… why they call me ‘Terror of the Seas’!”

Wha-!? When did she get in front of me!? Gah!

I landed face-first on the waves after Bismarck punched me with what felt like a punch launched straight out of a cannon. I wiped my face as I struggled to find my footing. S-She made me bleed with just a punch…!

“What did they do to you, Bismarck?” I asked her as she slowly approached, her eyes shining like the golden sunrise in the midst of darkness.

“They awakened me to the truth, Eugen,” she said. “They’ll do the same for you.”

I calmed myself and observed our flagship who confidently marched towards me. She’s lost her cap in the explosion, it seems. On her golden hair is a single silver ring with a small, green, triangular gem in the middle. I don’t ever recall Bismarck having such a thing… then that must be…!

“U-556!” I called out to the little submarine waiting under the waves as I dashed at Bismarck. “Shoot that ring! We need to get it off her head!”

Wordlessly, Bismarck shot a salvo at me. Missed me, wait—i-is that a black hole? It’s sucking me in!

Upon seeing me trapped, Bismarck began bombarding me with her barrage! Verdammt… hold out, my armor!

“Frau Eugen!” U-556 surfaced and began shooting at Bismarck, who lost her concentration. The black hole dissipated before I got sucked in… vielen dank Gott…

Bismarck shot her barrage in U-556’s direction! N-No… she got hit!

“L-Lord Bismarck…” U-556 said weakly as our flagship held her by the throat. “Please… this isn’t you…”

“Nein, U-556,” she closed her eyes. “This is the first time in a very long time that I have been true to myself. Through the Sirens, I will restore the glory of Iron Blood, the glory long forgotten by the humans living in our Fatherland who have grown weak and complacent due to peace. You and Eugen are sacrifices I am willing to make for that great purpose.”

“Don’t!” I exclaimed as I rushed at Bismarck—gah! Sh-She’s caught me, too!?

“You got careless, Eugen,” she said calmly as she pointed her guns at both me and U-556. “If you only calmed yourself and saw things more clearly, you wouldn’t be plagued with sentimentality and indecision.”

Bismarck turned her golden eyes to me. “The Commander has made you weak. Like the humans, you have forgotten the true meaning of strength. You’ve become nothing more than a quivering girl marred due to love.”

Bismarck’s guns have finished aiming. Verdammt… is this it for us? C-Commander…

“Bravo, Bismarck!” Arbiter applauded Bismarck after reappearing next to her. “Hehe… did you really have to play with them like that? Finish them! Leave Eugen alive, though.”

Bismarck turned to Arbiter. “You wanted them, I captured them for you. There’s no need to kill them. Lock them up if you want.”

“Hmm… we only really need Prinz Eugen,” Arbiter said. “We’ve no use for trash like Prince of Wales and U-556—”

“You WILL keep them alive, Siren,” Bismarck snarled. “You brought out my full power; do not make me use it against you.”

Arbiter’s smile faded. “Very well, Bismarck, but do not forget your place. We have granted you power beyond any ship in this timeline and we can take it away from you. If you want your Fatherland restored, you best cooperate.”

Bismarck nodded. “I haven’t forgotten, Arbiter.”

Arbiter grinned once more. “If we have an understanding, I have a task for you. A little bird told me that an Eagle is travelling the Atlantic. What do you say about going eagle hunting?”

Bismarck thought for a bit. “Very well.”

“Oh, and make sure to knock these two out.”

Bismarck lifted me and U-556 in the air with one arm each. She pulled her arms apart and moved them closer as if she was about to clap with them.

Scheiße.

Commander

“Now, how should we fight this two-front war?” Amagi leaned forward as she asked.

“My plan is to let Observer and her friends think everything is going according to their plan,” I explained. “The reason I made Hipper my secretary is that she will be feeding them false information.”

“Hmm, so you intend to control your enemy’s intelligence?” Amagi smiled. “That’s quite a ruse, Commander. What else do you have in mind?”

“Well,” I mumbled. “I had Hood slow down the Royal Navy. While there are other factions out looking for Eugen and Wales, the Royal Navy is by far the most staunch pursuant.”

“So the plan is to aid those two indirectly by slowing down the most active pursuants…” Amagi sighed. “Quite a passive plan, isn’t it Commander?”

“I have no choice,” I said. “If I do anything more, then it might cause even more faction tension. Once that happens, it’s only a matter of time before the Sirens strike our base again.”

“This is true, Commander,” Amagi caressed her chin. 

“However, please consider this: the Sirens are keeping you on your toes precisely because the other factions are confused.” Amagi explained. “They have no idea that the Bismarck leading Iron Blood right now is not the real one. They don’t know that Prinz Eugen is on the frontlines trying to find the real one and rectify the mistake she and her faction made. How are you going to fix the diplomatic relations between the factions if you, yourself, keeps this big event a secret from everyone?”

Amagi makes a good point.

“You don’t need to show your enemy your entire hand, Commander,” she said. “You are uniquely-situated, by the virtue of your position, to make private visits to every ship during your rounds. Why not explain everything to those in power? You don’t need to let everyone know: just a few ships in power, such as, say, Lady Nagato, Queen Elizabeth, Sovetskaya Rossiya, Richelieu, and perhaps Dunkerque.”

“I understand… The Eagle Union will be harder to deal with though,” I groaned. “They move democratically. They have no defined leader.”

Amagi smiled. “But they do listen to big names, yes? I’ll speak to Yorktown, Commander. As the big sister of the Union, she is the perfect way to get the Union back on your side.”

“Sounds like a good plan,” I said. “But how do we deal with the Sirens?”

“Let them think they’re winning,” Amagi took a sip from her teacup. “Once we have every faction back on our side again, they pose no threat to you anymore, Commander.”

I scratched my head. “I think it’s too early to do this, Amagi”

“Why do you think so, Commander?” She asked.

“For one, we only have circumstantial evidence,” I explained. “Not everyone will believe that Observer is posing as Bismarck.”

Amagi’s tail straightened, showing that she’s become a little more alert and attentive.

“We shouldn’t rush it. I still need to win their trust again,” I continued. “If I come out with this, the other ships may not be as perceptive to the idea as you.”

Amagi thought for a minute and then nodded. “I see. Your judgement is correct, Commander. Haha… you’ve already earned my acknowledgement… Now, let me see you move forward. Have a little bit more confidence in yourself.”

I finished my tea and thanked Amagi for her advice and for her help before returning to the Royal Navy dorm. Upon reaching the dorm, I was delighted to see Hood waiting for me.

“Good afternoon, Commander,” Hood smiled warmly. “I have news.”

“Good afternoon Hood,” I replied. “Let’s talk about it in my office.”

5:01 PM. Hood sat in front of me, sipping the tea I had Sirius and Dido make for the two of us. Since it’s already past 1600 hours, Hipper must have already gone home as her shift is already over.

“Hmm,” Hood’s brows furrowed. “I think I will need to have a word with Belfast… the tea those two prepared were a bit too sweet.”

“I think it’s fine…” I replied. “Can you really tell the slight difference?”

Hood put the teacup down. “But of course, Commander. A lady must be aware of the correct way of brewing tea, after all.”

“So, what was it that you wanted to tell me?” I asked Hood.

“Which news would you like to hear?” She asked. “Good news or bad news?”

“Er… bad news first,” I replied as I braced myself for some really bad news.

“George is getting quite impatient,” she replied. “I’m doing all I can to mislead the Knights but George is no fool.”

I caressed my chin.

“Sooner or later, she’s going to catch on, Commander,” she continued. “What shall I do?”

Maybe Amagi was right… maybe I should let the Queen in on this... “I will speak with the Queen, Hood. Perhaps she might be able to help us.”

Hood nodded, satisfied with my answer. If George will listen to anyone, it’s going to be the Queen herself.

“So, what’s the good news?”

“Well, Her Majesty was quite impressed with the match you played with Lady Amagi—a match I would have loved to witness, by the way,” she pouted.

“I-I apologize… It was a whirlwind idea, Hood, please understand,” of course Hood wants to watch a chess match…

Hood flashed her smile again and continued. “Anyway, Her Majesty is now willing to speak to you, Commander. She has also decreed for everyone in the Royal Navy to revert to how they treated you before you assigned Admiral Hipper as your secretary.”

Thank the gods…

“What’s more, Her Majesty has also decided to back out of her decision to withdraw her support from you. You are no longer in danger of being replaced, Commander.”

I need to be thankful to Queen Elizabeth…

“Thank you, Hood,” I replied. “Please continue your mission but always remember that your safety matters just as much as your orders. Don’t risk your life over my command, alright?”

Hood gracefully caressed a lock of her hair and tucked it behind her ear. “Of course, Commander. I wouldn’t want to worry you again, yes?”

I nodded and asked Hood for another cup of tea.

Enterprise

Escorting this man across the sea… I guess it’s part of our job. We are supposed to keep humanity safe so this does count as doing just that. However, why ask for me specifically, I wonder? Baltimore and Saratoga should be more than enough to escort just one person across the sea… why the entourage?

It’s already nighttime. The fog has rolled in so I had Helena use her SG radar to detect any ship that isn’t in our formation.

“Miss Enterprise,” the ambassador asked as he walked up to me on my flight deck. “This ice cream is quite delicious!”

I smiled and replied: “Glad I could be of service, sir. So, what does the Union have to talk about with the Royal Navy? Is anything so wrong that they have to send a new ambassador over with maximum security?”

“Well,” the ambassador moved closer to me and whispered. “The Union’s heard of a conspiracy in the Iron Blood homeland.”

My eyes widened. We kept a hush on the Prinz Eugen situation on the island! How did the Union find out?

“Enterprise,” he continued. “Our spies have been sending odd reports… something about the German Prime Minister disappearing and then reappearing a few days later. What’s worse, when he reappeared, all records of his disappearance: both on the newspapers, on the Web, and even in the archives? All wiped clean!”

W-What? But Bismarck never mentioned anything like that to the Commander! Is this why she went on that two week long trip to her homeland?

“You must understand that the elections are coming up…” He said. “This odd behavior must be taken seriously. If we don’t, we might have another Dictator rising from under our noses!”

“But Iron Blood business is purely their business!” I couldn’t stop myself from voicing out my concern. “Why is the Union sticking its nose into other faction’s affairs?”

“The Royal Navy knows, too,” he said. “Besides, if we are to fight for what’s right and fight for freedom, shouldn’t we maintain the balance in other nations, too?”

“That’s something a dictator would say! If we fight for freedom, then why are we interfering in the freedom of another nation!?” I bellowed, making the ambassador shrink in fear.

“I-I’m sorry…” I quickly apologized.

“It’s alright, Enterprise,” he said as he stood up straight again. “This is you. You are the symbol of our country’s great ideals of truth, justice, and freedom. It sucks that we have to interfere in dirty politics… believe me, I hate it, too.”

He cleared his throat. “But you have to understand… it’s the only way to maintain peace in a world where Sirens prey on our smallest weaknesses.”

Spoken like a true politician… I heard this ambassador was once a Senator of one of the Union’s states. What a smooth-talker.

“Miss Enterprise!” Helena approached me and my ship. She jumped and landed on my deck. “Please take a look at this… it’s huge!”

“What the? This must be the biggest ship I’ve ever seen out here on the Atlantic!” Helena showed me an extremely large silhouette on her SG Radar about two nautical miles away from our position. It’s moving incredibly fast for its size!

“Mr. Ambassador, sir,” I said. “Please, get on Helena’s deck and hide. We may be in for a wild night.”

From the mist, a ship is taking form… it greeted us with a barrage of salvos. I turned my ship into my rigging and landed on the sea below, hovering as I evaded the salvo headed straight for me. I had Helena and Saratoga take a different route to avoid this ship as Baltimore, Cleveland, Essex, and I faced our enemy from the mists. The sea lit up as the ship in the shadow suddenly vanished! And… in her place stood a woman with shining gold eyes and golden hair.

“Bismarck?”

She began firing on us again!

Chapter Text

Commander

10:22 AM. It has been three days since I had that match with Amagi. Things are proceeding very well, in my opinion. Hipper and Graf had nothing suspicious to report while Hood is finding progress in convincing George to lay off the search. The ship girls seem to be warming up to me again. Commissions and short missions are also going very well. Just the other day, the Northern Parliament had quite a success patrolling the Marshall Islands…

It’s concerning though. Nothing’s happening; it’s like the eye of a hurricane.

The temperature seems to be getting colder these days… as autumn draws to a close, winter draws near. I wonder what Sandy Claus and Santa-Prise have planned for this Christmas?

Hipper stretched her arms and rested her head on the table after updating the treasury. With an annoyed face, she refused the tea Sirius was offering her as she brought out her beer. Haha… those two are really alike.

I miss Eugen already.

“M-Master?” Dido called from outside the door.

“What is it?” I asked. “You may come in, Dido.”

Dido swung the door open, holding an envelope in her hands. She approached me with a face red like an apple. “I-It’s for you, Master.”

I smiled at Dido and gave her a head pat after receiving the envelope.

“Where’s this from, I wonder?” I inspected the white envelope and saw the Royal Navy seal. It must be from the British Isles, I guess. The envelope made a loud, ripping sound that awakened the sleeping Hipper as I extracted the letter from it.

It said:

“ Dear Commander,

How are you? I hope this message finds you and the base in good health.

We succeeded in delivering the Ambassador to the British Isles. However, two nights ago, I detected an extremely large battleship in the mists heading straight for us. Because of this, Miss Enterprise told Miss Saratoga and I to take the Ambassador on a different route while they faced the battleship head-on. We arrived at Hastings without any issue but I have not been able to contact Miss Enterprise, or any of the other ships with her, since that night.

Another thing I would like to report is that the Ambassador was sent here to speak with the Queen of England herself. As you know, the leader of the Royal Navy, Queen Elizabeth, was given the right to command the Royal Navy by the Queen of England so, whatever they’re talking about might cause a big change in the Royal Navy’s actions from here on in. I tried listening in on their conversation but the guards threw me and Miss Sara out of the throne room before I could understand anything substantial… all I can say is that they were talking about something going on in the Iron Blood homeland.

I am still a little disappointed in your decision to continue trusting the Iron Blood but, right now, I think we need additional help to conduct a search and rescue operation. When you receive this letter, a day may have already passed so Miss Sara and I will have been on the road looking for our comrades for maybe a day already.

Please send help.

Respectfully yours,

Helena.”

My hands shook after reading Helena’s troubling letter. Enterprise, Baltimore, Cleveland, and Essex are all missing!

“What’s going on?” Hipper asked as she snatched the letter off my hand. She read the letter silently, her eyes widening the longer she held the letter. “W-What are you going to do, Commander?”

“Hipper call Yorktown, Shangri-La, and Montpelier. Call George as well.”

Hipper didn’t argue and began radioing the ships I called for.

“Yorktown, Shangri-La, Montpelier,” I cleared my throat. “Please, brace yourselves. I have bad news.”

Yorktown’s usual smiling face turned sour. “Commander? What is it?”

I stood up and closed my eyes. How could this happen?

“Enterprise and Essex… along with Baltimore and Cleveland…” I mumbled weakly trying to find the courage to speak up. “Helena told me that they are all MIA.”

“Big Sis Cleveland’s… missing?” Montpelier stood like a statue as she stared out the window. Yorktown collapsed on her knees trying to stop herself from crying as Shangri-La maintained her composure.

“Where were they last seen?” Shangri-La asked. “I would like to lead a search team there, Commander. Essex is strong, she's not going to be beaten that easily.”

“I know that,” I said as I sat back down. “However, for reasons I cannot divulge, we cannot send all of you…”

“What could possibly be more important than this!?” Montpelier exploded as she stormed out.

“Mont!” Shangri-La yelled after the angry Cleveland class cruiser. “I-I’ll go get her, Commander.”

Shangri-La ran after Montpelier who walked out of the room. I can’t send all the Cleveland sisters to go looking for Cleveland and I can’t send the Essex class to go looking for Essex either. These ships are the backbone of the Eagle Union fleet. If all of them go, who will stay behind to carry out missions assigned to them?

“Commander, what are you planning?” Yorktown stood as she sniffed. I cannot send Hornet out either. My plan is to let Yorktown join the rescue operation to be led by King George V. Hopefully, this will suffice. “...will my little sister be alright?”

This is the first time in a very long time that Yorktown had to worry about her sister like this. Enterprise always seemed so strong that Yorktown never had to worry about her. Imagine if I told Hornet...

“Yorktown…” I mumbled. “I plan to forget about searching for Eugen. We’ll divert all our resources to finding the missing Union—”

“Stop worrying about that woman!” Yorktown boomed. She took the chair and tossed it aside, prompting Hipper to try and restrain the agitated Union carrier.

“Even now, you’re prioritizing HER over my sister! What will it take, Commander? For you to forget about that traitor? If it wasn’t for her, the Sirens wouldn’t know how to beat my sister. If it wasn’t for her, she would be here with us!”

I approached Yorktown and hugged her, much to Hipper’s surprise. There was nothing to say. It’s my fault all of this happened…

The door swung open.

“Commander? Oh,” George stared at me wrapping the crying Yorktown in a warm embrace. “I-I think I interrupted something…”

“N-No, George!”

I chased after George all the way to the Royal Navy kitchen.

11:01 AM. George sat next to Yorktown in front of me. Hipper stared hard at me.

“So, about what I witnessed earlier, care to explain, Commander?” George looked at me with judging eyes.

“Der Schürzenjäger,” Hipper crossed her arms behind me as she mumbled that. I’ll have to ask Eugen what that means when she gets back.

“I was only trying to comfort Yorktown…” I told George who remained unconvinced.

Hipper turned her back. “Dummkopf.”

“A-Anyway,” I tried changing the topic as even Yorktown looks uncomfortable in this situation. “I called you here since I understand you still haven’t disassembled your search party, right, George?”

George nodded. “We will find Wales and Eugen to make them pay, Commander.”

“Put that on hold. We have far more urgent matters,” I said. “Enterprise, Essex, Cleveland, and Baltimore have all gone missing somewhere in the Atlantic.”

George sat attentively. “What? Do you mean to tell me that the Union’s strongest carrier has fallen?”

“Please don’t say that,” Yorktown’s brows furrowed. “She’s not dead, King George. I just know it. I cannot believe my little sister will be defeated so easily.”

George, who only now realized her blunder, nervously scratched her cheek. “Er, of course, Yorktown. I understand this is an urgent matter.”

“So, will you help us save lives?” I asked.

“Very well,” George stood back up and turned to leave. “I believe there is no time to spare. Around these times, the waters of the Atlantic turn frigid-cold. Even ship girls aren’t capable of surviving extended amounts of time in such conditions.”

“I’m coming with you!” Yorktown turned to leave but gave me a glance first. “If it’s alright, Commander.”

I nodded and gave the go-signal to Yorktown.

Eugen

Mein gott… what a headache… I’ll be sure to punish Bismarck when I next see her… W-Wait…

I opened my eyes to see my arms raised and bound to a metallic wall. My legs are also bound to the same wall. Ahh… so I’ve been captured. I struggled and tried to break free to no avail. Wait… I can’t bring out my rigging either!

I looked around. Wales and U-556 are bound in the same way I am in glass cells adjacent to mine. Wales is already awake while U-556 is still unconscious.

“You were out for three days,” Wales mouthed these words to me while trying to break free. “The guard is coming.”

“Ohh the little sleeping beauty’s awake,” a Siren whose smile I hate the most entered my cell. “How’s your head, Eugen?”

“Purifier,” I grumbled. “How’s your chest? Maybe you’re still leaking black blood, huh~?”

Purifier’s smile turned upside down. “Don’t you joke about that, cunt. I can end your life right now. It’ll be too easy.”

“So, why don’t you?” I asked.

Wales began shaking her head wildly as if telling me: “Don’t tick her off!”

Purifier, like the crazy girl she is, began laughing. “Well, I would, but Arbiter and Observer told me to just keep watch. Right now, it’s all I can do~”

Hmm, I wonder… Why isn’t she out doing her thing? Why would those Sirens place Purifier on guard duty? And what are they planning to do to me?

“Ohhh! By the way!” She began giggling. “You know what? You have a new friend coming in!”

“Huh?” I replied. “What do you mean ‘new friend’?”

“Hihi Bismarck just trounced your Commander’s Union fleet, they say,” she said. “That snobbish Gray Ghost finally bit the dust!”

W-What? Bismarck killed Enterprise?

“Oooor she would have had Arbiter not stepped in to collect the unconscious tramp,” I sighed a breath of relief. If Bismarck killed the Union’s poster girl, it would wreck faction relations with the Union! “Scared you, didn’t I? Oooh! Here she comes!”

The Siren they call ‘Arbiter’ suddenly materialized outside the glass chamber. She’s carrying Enterprise who was unconscious, her hair cut to her neck, and her clothes all tattered. She has a dry wound on her cheek and she’s missing her bow.

“Arbiter!” I yelled from inside the cell. “You have me! You have Bismarck, and you have Wales! Let Enterprise go!”

“Hmm? So you found out who I am, did you?” Arbiter smiled. “Well, it doesn’t matter. We’ll be friends soon enough anyway.”

Arbiter turned to Purifier. “This one’s not breaking anytime soon… She’s resisted our device very well, as expected of the famed Gray Ghost. Put her up in the next cell, Purifier.”

Without questioning or talking back, Purifier rushed to obey Arbiter as she bound Enterprise to the cell next to U-556 in a similar fashion I am bound.

“Alright, Arbiter,” I said. “What do you say we talk about this? I’m bound. I can’t fight back anyway.”

“Don’t worry about it, Test Subject P,” she smiled menacingly. Mein gott, this woman creeps me out… “We’ll be acquainted with each other very , very soon. You’ll have your turn right after I’m done with Test Subject A.”

“Test Subject A?” I probed. “You mean Enterprise?”

“Whoopsie~” she chuckled. “You’re a clever one, aren’t you? Purifier,” she called out to the other Siren in the room. “Don’t let your guard down on this one. She has quite a smart mouth on her.”

And with that, Arbiter vanished. How does she do that? Sirens can teleport, too? If so, then why doesn’t she just teleport to the middle of the base and destroy it? It seems like an easy task for her anyway.

“Hey, Purifier,” I called the only remaining Siren. “What’s for lunch? I haven’t eaten anything… I want to be full at least when I see Ar—”

A sharp pain darted through my stomach…

“A knuckle sandwich should be enough, right?” Tsk… arschloch…

“We need to get out of here,” I mouthed to Wales. “But before we do, we need to find out what happened to Bismarck and what they want to do to us.”

Wales stared at the floor as if deep in thought. “We can’t beat them head-on… We can’t even move…”

She mouthed these words to me but not before Purifier saw this. She approached Wales and slapped her across the face. Grr… der schwanzlutscher!

We won’t get anything out of Purifier… and the longer we stay here, the more dangerous it will be for us. I;ve decided. Screw the intel: we need to get out alive!

As Purifier left Wales’ room, I called out to her: “My, my, they really did give you the worst job, huh~?”

Purifier’s brows furrowed. “What’d you say?”

“I mean, look at you. They used to send you on the front lines,” if I know something about Purifier, it’s that she’s a terrible impulsive decision-maker. Let’s see if I can goad her to her little impulses again. “Hehe, but since you got screwed when you fought a weakened version of me, they must have had doubts about your abilities, huh~?”

“You better shut the hell up, tramp!” Purifier angrily replied. “I can do the most horrible shit to you and no one’s going to stop me!”

“Really?” I chuckled. I better not mess this up… “If that’s true, then why can I still flap my mouth? Hehe, you must be real scared of Arbiter, aren’t you?”

“I’m not scared of anyone!” She shouted as she pounded my stomach hard. Guh… this little…! Keep calm, Eugen. You’re almost there.

“Hehe… do you want to prove it?” I goaded her. “Remove these cuffs and we’ll see if you’re really all you crack up to be, schwächling.”

“I don’t need to prove anything to you, bitch!” She turned to leave.

“Ahh, only strong when you have the advantage, I see. I understand. If you can’t beat me when I was weak, of course you’ll chicken out when I’m not weak. I totally get it…”

I whispered her name to hear ear: “Pu-ri-fi-er~”

“THAT DOES IT!” She uncuffed my right arm!

“Dummkopf!” As soon as the cuffs opened, I swung my fist as fast and as hard as I could at Purifier’s nose, knocking her out. I reached out to her hand and grabbed her keys and freed myself.

“Ugh… your punches hurt, arschloch… Little children must be punished,” I mumbled as I tied Purifier up in my cell. I freed Wales from her cell.

“Looks like your years of experience pissing everyone off paid off, Eugen,” Wales said with a smile. “We’re lucky Purifier’s our warden. Any other Siren wouldn’t have been goaded into this.”

I smiled. “Well, they don’t call me a lucky ship for nothing, eh?”

“Wake up! U-556, wake up!” I shook U-556 to wake her up while Wales was trying to open Enterprise’s chamber.

“Lord Bismarck!” U-556 jerked up. She must have been having a nightmare... “W-What happened, Frau Eugen?”

“We’re escaping. Bismarck’s gone insane… but I think I know how to get her back on our side,” I said to the U-556 who was rubbing her head. Oh… I see. Bismarck butted our heads together, it seems.

“What do you have in mind, Frau Eugen?” She asked. “We can’t beat her… she played with us last time… she wasn’t even fighting us seriously…”

“We’ll discuss later… for now we need to get out of here,” I said. “Wales, is Enterprise free?”

Wales tried all the keys. “N-No… there is no keyhole for this chamber! There’s a keypad here… this must be the locking mechanism.”

Suddenly, Purifier began laughing from within her glass chamber. So, she’s awake.

“HAHAHA only Arbiter knows the passcode there! You’ll never get it open!” She goaded. “Now, just get back in here and stay like good little prisoners, will you?”

I began punching the glass. Verdammt, this is solid!

“Hehehe, good luck bitches!” Purifier giggled.

“Hey,” I called out to her. “I’m thinking… we couldn’t bring out our rigging in there… could we possibly do it out here?”

Purifier turned silent.

“Ahh, I see,” I brought out my rigging. It worked! I aimed my secondary guns at the glass and fired away, blasting the chamber into shards. Wales rushed in and uncuffed the unconscious Enterprise.

“Let’s get out of here!” Wales, U-556, and I ran straight for the exit.

“Wait! Where are you going! I won’t forget this! Come back hereeee!!!” Purifier begrudgingly shouted after us.

Ahh… I am a lucky ship, after all.

Chapter Text

Eugen

Enterprise is unexpectedly heavy… Wales and I switched carrying the Union carrier as U-556 ran in front of us. Bismarck once told me about a maze under the Reichstag but I never knew it would be this big!

“It’s the prisoners!” I turned to see a man a little shorter than the Commander hysterically screaming behind me. From his uniform, I can tell that he’s one of the soldiers stationed in the Reichstag.

“Shh!” Wales quickly ran and covered the man’s mouth. “We’re trying to escape. Since you know us, you must know about the Sirens, right?”

The man nodded as he sweat bullets. “D-Don’t kill me! I have a family!”

“My, you’re an Iron Blood soldier!” I sighed. “Can you show us the way out?”

Reluctantly, the soldier agreed.

“You’re sure this is a good idea?” Wales asked me as I handed her the unconscious Enterprise again.

“Nein,” I said. “Still, getting somewhere is better than nowhere, right?”

“Frau Eugen,” U-556 hysterically said. “I’m detecting huge energy readings from beyond that—”

Suddenly, a beam of light pierced the wall at my left. Had U-556 not warned me, Wales and I would have definitely gotten hit. The Iron Blood soldier, on the other hand, is not as lucky. Wales grave me Enterprise and rushed to the injured soldier who just lost his right leg trying to evade.

“Shit! Eugen, he’s in bad shape!” Wales exclaimed.

“Ahh, the star crossed lover and the disgraced Prince,” a Siren with white hair and black sweater stepped out of the rubble. “Quite a sight, no? Alas, I have not made an appearance yet in this corner of the multiverse so I understand if you don’t recognize me.”

“Who are you!?” Wales flabbergasted.

The Siren brought out a piece of paper and began reading from it: “Let’s see… let’s see, what does it say, oh! ‘My name shall be carved into your souls as you spend the rest of eternity trembling at the bottom of the abyss!’ Wow, it’s so lame, it’s cool!”

Ugh… what a weirdo. Wales and I began walking away from the creepy Siren when she shot another beam of light in front of us!

“Hey! How rude, I haven’t finished yet!” She screamed. Now I know why she’s not on the front lines. “Ohhh! You WILL play along!”

“W-Wait, Frau Omitter!” The soldier crawled towards Omitter and begged for his life. “Please, I have done as you commanded. Please heal me!”

Omitter laughed maniacally. “I’m afraid I’m not capable of healing. I am the great destroyer of worlds, the harbinger of destruction, Omitter! Therefore, little ant, despair at this foolishness of yours!”

A blinding flash of light erased the Iron Blood soldier! H-How cruel…

“Eugen, we’re in no shape to fight…” Wales said as she fired at Omitter. She’s still carrying an unconscious Enterprise. I used my rigging to break the windows.

“Let’s go!” I exclaimed as Wales and U-556 jumped through the window with me. It appears that the Iron Blood soldier at least brought us to the ground floor…

“Wait! Grrr I WILL have my performance!” Omitter tailed us as we ran out of the Reichstag. “Have a taste of hell!”

Another beam of light! Wales and I barely evaded. “Guh… we can’t just keep running, Wales.”

“What do you have planned?” Wales asked as she put Enterprise down. U-556 tended to the wounded Union carrier as the two of us ran in a different direction to misdirect Omitter. “We can’t keep fighting, Eugen. We need to finish this fast if we’re going to fight.”

“I know,” Omitter began charging her beam cannon again. She followed us… danke gott. “There’s a delay between her attacks. Fauer!”

I yelled as I fired at Omitter. What? My shells disappeared mid-air? Does she have a force field?

“Hahahahaha there’s no escaping the end, my little puppets!” She laughed. “My turn! O darkness that covers the night, let my holy light pierce these heathens! Take this!”

Does she really have to chant like that? No matter, she missed anyway. Still this is an issue… we can’t use our rigging to fight her…

“Wales, do you still have your sword?” I asked. “T-They didn’t take it away, did they?”

Wales inspected her belt to see her sabre still tucked in its scabbard. “Let’s thank the gods that Purifier’s such a terrible prison guard…” Wales pulled her sword and charged at the enemy. “En garde!”

Omitter jumped back a few feet and began bombarding Wales, who used her blade to deflect the shots.

“Get back!” I fired a volley of AP shells this time in hopes that they’ll pierce her force field. No such luck.

“I am the alias of destruction incarnate. In accordance with the principles of all creation, let the hammer of eternity descend unto me!” Omitter began chanting again after deflecting my shots. Seeing this opportunity, Wales charged at Omitter who closed her eyes.

“You’re finished!” Wales successfully stabbed the Siren’s cannon, making it flare up and emit red sparks.

“W-What? You little… why can’t you just play along for five seconds!?” Omitter backed away at the sight of her precious guns flaring up. “I’ll be back… don’t you forget it!”

Omitter raised her finger and vanished beneath a white light. What a dork.

“Taxi!” The four of us got into a taxi en route to Hamburg.

“Frau Eugen?” U-556 squeezed her stomach. “I-I haven’t eaten in days… Do you have any food on you?”

I looked over the taxi driver. I can’t just take the food out of my rigging now…

“Er… I do have some but we’ll eat when we’re at sea, alright?” I told the hungry U-556. She has been away from the base for more than a month now… it’s actually quite a wonder she’s survived for so long. Bismarck is fortunate to have such a friend.

“So, is it your first time visiting the Fatherland?” The taxi driver asked with a smile. “You should have come two weeks earlier. You could have caught the Oktoberfest in Munich.”

Ahh… yes, that was two weeks ago. I would have loved to come but I got a better version in the base hehe…

I smiled at the elderly taxi driver. “If we were to come back, which places do you recommend visiting?”

Wales turned and listened in on the conversation.

“Ah! Well, fraulein, there are many places to visit here!” He said in a giddy tone. “Where you’re going, Hamburg Port? It’s the largest port in the entire Fatherland. In Berlin you should see the Berlin Wall, the Brandenburg Gate, and Berlin’s Island Museum. You can also visit Cologne where you’ll find Kölner Dom, the Cologne Cathedral. Oh! And in Bavaria, you can find the Neuschwanstein, which is a real life fairytale castle!”

So many sights to see… If only I could have visited the Fatherland at a better time and at better circumstances. Perhaps, the Commander would love to visit these places with me when this is all over.

“You look German, young woman,” the driver smiled warmly. “How have you never seen these places before? I thought you were taking that blonde one on a tour, honestly.”

I remained silent.

“There are so many beautiful sights here in the Fatherland,” he said proudly. How I wish I can say the same thing.

“So, where are you from, exactly?” He asked. “This old man is from Kiel.”

I smiled and replied. “I… I’m not exactly from anywhere around here.”

“Nonsense,” he replied. “You’re surely from somewhere around the world. That is, unless you’re ghosts haha… Is your friend there alright?”

He was referring to Enterprise who was still unconscious.

“Ja, she probably had too much  Kölsch,” the driver gave out a hearty laughter.

“I have a son, you know,” the old driver smiled. “He doesn’t come home much and I miss him but you all remind me of the girls he’s looking after.”

Hmm? This old man’s son takes care of women like us?

“Ahh… it’s been three years since I saw that boy. Ha!” He began tearing up. “He spent almost all his formative years in the Eagle Union that he can’t even speak or understand straight German. I doubt he even knows half the words a normal person from this country should know. Haha… his mother was American, you see. When we divorced, my son was only three. She took the boy away but allowed him to visit me during the summers after we patched our issues when he got older.”

“I see… so what does he do now?”

“Ah… You wouldn’t believe it,” he said with pride. “But my boy’s the Commander of the Anti-Siren Task Force!”

H-He’s the Commander’s DAD!? Wales almost launched herself off the window in shock as U-556’s jaw dropped.

I quickly fixed my hair and sat straight. “E-Entschuldigung... I didn’t know I was speaking to someone so important…”

The Commander’s dad smiled. “Hoho… it’s fine, fraulein. After all, I know you are also quite important, aren’t you?”

He smiled and winked at me. “Prinz Eugen of the Iron Blood and Prince of Wales from the Royal Navy. Ah… you must be U-556, the trusty ally of our beloved Lord Bismarck!”

“H-How did you know?” Wales asked.

“Well, I haven’t seen your Commander for a very long time… but he writes to me quite regularly,” he chuckled. “He’s written quite a lot about a particular Iron Blood cruiser who always had a knack for getting into trouble… it seems this girl saved his life.”

He wrote to his dad about me? I couldn’t even hide my giddy smile as Wales nudged me with her shoulders as she winked.

“So, how are things progressing between you and my boy?” He asked.

“Are you alright with me, sir?” I asked. “As you know… I’m not normal. We’re not normal. Just a while ago, a human used us to try and save himself from a Siren. Aren’t you scared?”

He let out another hearty laugh. “Now, why would I be scared of such sweet girls?”

He opened his glove compartment and tossed a piece of chocolate to U-556, who immediately began engorging the food she had been given. “You’re not like the Sirens. You fight to protect us! Now, why would I be scared of someone like that?”

“I-I see…”

“Moreover, you saved my son’s life. That in itself is proof you’re not just weapons of war like some of our politicians think.” He took another piece of chocolate. “More?”

Wales nodded as he tossed her this piece. “You speak very fluent English, sir.” Wales commented.

“Of course! Otherwise, my ex-wife would never have married me, hehe,” he chuckled. “Also, in all my years, I had never seen a more graceful person than you, Prince of Wales. Oh, to think I would drive for someone as important as a member of the Royal Navy Royal family… haha growing old does have its benefits, after all.”

Wales also couldn’t stop smiling at the genuine kindness the Commander’s father is showing us. So… this is where he gets it, huh?

“Now, Prinz Eugen, would you be so kind as to show me your right hand?”

Huh? Why would he ask that? Reluctantly, I moved forward and reached my hand out to the driver’s seat. He glanced at my fingers and let out a scoff.

“Is there anything wrong?” I asked.

“Nein!” He bellowed. “Pah, I told him to grab the chance when he sees it… Tsk, he’s as shy as I was when—oh!”

He suddenly stopped himself from speaking. “When?”

“Hehe, for reasons I can’t say, I must leave it at that, Frau Eugen,” he smiled. “I need to have words with that boy, though.”

Maybe this trip to the Fatherland wasn’t so bad after all…

“We’re here,” the Commander’s dad said as he opened the door for us. It’s already night time when we got to Hamburg but… it’s so unusually cold. “Now, I would tell you to bundle up and be careful but you are all more than capable of taking care of yourselves.”

He turned to Enterprise. “Quite a sleeper, huh?”

I giggled and replied as I saluted: “Ja, quite a sleeper. Vielen dank, der Vater meines Kommandanten.”

“Oh no,” he immediately asked me to stop saluting. “Just call me Vater, Frau Eugen. You don’t need to salute me, either. I’m just a taxi driver who happened to drive for our world’s future. Tell my son to always be careful and to not follow in his old man’s footsteps, klar?”

I nodded. I at least have something good to tell the Commander when I get back… if I get back. “Gute nacht, Vater. Auf wiedersehen…”

With that, the Commander’s father drove off with a smile on his face. He didn’t even ask for a fare… still I left something good for him there hehe… I wonder how much Wales’ ring cost?

I walked up to Wales who was tapping her uniform in panic. “E-Eugen? Did you see my ring?”

“What ring?”

“Y-You know? My gold ring! Ohh… George is going to bloody murder me for losing it…”

“Ha...hahaha…” 

I probably shouldn’t tell her I nabbed it when she wasn’t looking to butter up the Commander’s dad…

After Wales had given up searching for her ring which she totally lost foolishly because she’s a klutz, we departed Hamburg with U-556 in the lead to go back home. As soon as we were around two nautical miles away from the port, Wales grew her rigging into her ship and we began resting on its deck.

The mist is rolling in. It’s quiet here in the Atlantic… a bit too quiet.

“U-556?” I used Wales’ radio to contact the little submarine whose radar range is far larger than ours. “Do you see anything? Over.”

The little submarine, who was 500 meters ahead of us, took a second before replying. “Frau Eugen, please prepare yourselves. Lord Bismarck is just straight ahead about a klick away from me. She’s just standing there in the middle of the fog…”

Scheiße… I really thought we could slip away unnoticed. I guess Omitter and Purifier tattletailed, huh?

I called Wales in and spoke: “I understand… so here’s how we’ll deal with Bismarck.”

“Eugen,” Bismarck’s eyes pierced through the darkness as she stared at me like a cat prowling about in the night. “Did you enjoy your visit to the Fatherland?”

I jumped off Wales’ ship. Wales can’t really participate actively in the battle this time since there’s a certain unconscious Union carrier who won’t be able to swim if Wales used her rigging.

“I would have preferred my stay there if I wasn’t tied up…” I replied.

“Hmph. You were lucky to escape with your lives,” Bismarck crossed her arms. “So? Have you thought about my offer?”

“I have, actually,” I replied. “Unfortunately, my answer is the same: Nein.”

“Very well,” Bismarck drew her sword. “Then brace yourselves!”

Bismarck swung her sword in the air, sending a shockwave at me which my shields were able to block. Meanwhile, Wales had her ship turn so that her guns were all facing Bismarck.

“So, you’re not going to fight with Eugen, Wales?” Bismarck yelled. “Foolish choice! Fauer!”

Bismarck shot her black hole which sucked me and Wales towards its event horizon.

“U-556!” I exclaimed and not a second later, U-556’s torpedo popped up from under Bismarck’s legs. She used her blade to bisect the torpedo; since she lost focus on her black hole, it dissipated and fizzled into nothingness.

Suddenly, Bismarck was right in front of me!

“Scheiße!” I exclaimed as I blocked Bismarck’s sword with one of my shields. She cut through my shield like it was made out of plastic as I jumped backward. V-Verdammt, if I didn’t block in time, Bismarck would have lopped my head clean off!

Wales began firing cover fire for me to repel Bismarck who swung her sword wildly to deflect the shots. How is she deflecting all of them? I took this chance to fire my own torpedoes and my main gun at her. I’m almost out of ammo… it seems I wasted a lot of ammo in the last fight. Danke gott for Hipper’s ammo…

“If this is all you can do, you’re all going to die!” Bismarck sheathed her sword and slammed the ocean with her bare hands, making a giant wave that tossed me on Wales’ flooded ship!

“Since when can Bismarck create tidal waves?” Wales shouted as she tried maintaining control of her ship. Reeling from the pain of falling tens of feet from the air, I replied: “She couldn’t. She just got way stronger than before!”

Bismarck jumped from where she stood and landed on Wales’ deck. Wales pulled her own sword and dashed at Bismarck.

“En garde!” Wales swung her sword expertly but… Bismarck was just too fast. She bobbed and weaved around Wales’ strokes and bopped her on the head with her sword hilt.

“D-Damn it…” Wales got knocked a few steps backward. Bismarck’s not even bothered. She’s just playing with us.

“Is this the best you have to offer?” Bismarck sighed.

“Not quite,” I rushed at Bismarck who didn’t dodge. I rammed right into her and put her in a stranglehold. I tossed the both of us into the sea.

“This again? You already know I can get out of this very easily, Eugen,” she said as she floated back up.

“Yes, you can, but that’s enough time,” Wales bombarded the both of us with everything she has as U-556 launched all of her torps at us.

“W-Why you…!” Bismarck swung her sword wildly, ignoring me for the moment to repel the barrage coming at her.

“Now!” I knocked her cap off and headbutted the triangular gem sitting on the silver ring wrapped around Bismarck’s head, shattering it into a thousand pieces. Bismarck yelled in pain and fainted as the barrage Wales and U-556 sent out landed on the both of us.

G-Guh… we beat her… Wales rushed towards me and the unconscious Bismarck with a smile on her face. Haha... 

“Hey, Wales, we beat her!” She smiled. “Are you well?”

“I-I’ll be fine…” I giggled weakly as I laid on her arms. “Wales, come on. How can I die in such strong arms like yours~?”

Wales suddenly dropped me into the sea.

“N-Nein, I was joking!”

Commander

9:13 PM. I paced nervously on the port. George radioed me and asked me to wait at the port tonight… Did they find anyone?

“Hey, dummkopf,” Hipper grabbed my shoulder, “you’ll tire yourself out the way you’re pacing. Sit down and wait patiently.”

Ah… I sometimes forget Hipper is an older sister… She can be quite reliable when she wants to be. I obeyed Hipper and waited patiently on the port edge to see George, Hood, the Knights, and Yorktown approaching.

Yorktown walked very weakly on the port. I approached her and asked: “S-So how did it go?”

Without a word, Yorktown collapsed on the ground!

“Hipper! Call Vestal!”

Hipper radioed the Infirmary as George and Hood approached me.

“Commander,” George said. “Good news first. We found Baltimore, Cleveland and Essex. They’re on Helena’s ship on the way here as we speak.”

Hood saluted and continued. “They’re all very fatigued but they didn’t sustain major injuries… well, at least not to their bodies. Their riggings are a mess but it’s not something Akashi cannot fix.”

“Report to me as soon as we get Yorktown to the infirmary. This takes precedent!”

10:01 PM. “Commander?” Vestal approached me as I waited patiently outside the emergency room. “Yorky will be fine… she’s just under so much stress. Well, even I am finding this so hard… I never lost Enterprise for this long…”

I patted Vestal’s head. “Thank you for your work, Vestal. I appreciate it… when will Yorktown be back on her feet?”

“Give her a night’s rest,” Vestal said. “Yorktown’s strong, Commander, she’ll be fine. Meanwhile, I’ll go take a look at Balti, Cleveland, and Essex.”

Vestal re-entered the ER. I can tell she’s also taking this quite hard…

“Shall we resume our report, Commander?” Hood asked.

I nodded.

“Well, you already know the good news… the bad news is this, Commander,” Hood said.

“The Union girls are all saying they were attacked by none other than the leader of Iron Blood herself, Bismarck.”

Chapter Text

Commander

“How are you feeling?” I approached Cleveland in her room after her sisters exited. She closed her eyes and turned her back to me. “Cleveland?”

She didn’t respond so I took the seat beside her bed opposite the window. “Hey, can we talk?”

Cleveland didn’t respond for a minute but she laid on her right side and faced me.

“What do you want, Commander?” She asked.

I must look like a real jerk to these girls…

“S-So, how are you feeling?” I asked.

“How do you think I’m feeling?” She replied. “I almost got sunk… I thought I’d never see my sisters again. I’m the only one they’ve got left, you know?”

This is true… every last one of her sisters look up to her.

“I apologize for being such a lousy Commander,” I bowed. “I have good reasons for what I’m doing…”

Cleveland raised her left brow. “Which are?”

Amagi’s words reverberated in my head: 

“How are you going to fix the diplomatic relations between the factions if you, yourself, keeps this big event a secret from everyone?”

I plucked up my courage and sighed. “Please keep an open mind, Cleveland. I need to tell you something…”

“If it’s about love, Commander, I’m not the best girl for that,” she said. “Go find Bremerton for a session, or something.”

“No,” I replied. “This is important. It’s why I am doing things the way I am doing them right now.”

Cleveland stared at me with a curious face. “Go on.”

She scratched her head after I finished explaining. “So… let me get this straight. Bismarck’s Observer, Roon’s Tester, and U-556’s Lurker?”

She let out a gigantic laugh.

“I know you feel bad about me almost dying but you don’t have to joke like this, Commander!” She said with a smile. “If you’re really sorry ‘bout it, just apologize. I’ll forgive you anyway if you’re sincere, y’know?”

I giggled. “But I wasn’t joking…”

“Commander, you better not tell lies like this to anyone else, alright?” Cleveland patted me on the back. “I know you’re stressed out but, c’mon, no one’s crazy enough to believe this.”

So not everyone will be willing to believe me…

“By the way, have you heard about who attacked us, Commander?” She asked. “Bismarck did it. Now, I know you need to maintain Iron Blood relations, so I won’t make a huge fuss about this. I’m alive anyway. Pretty sure Balti and Essex won’t be problems, either.”

Cleveland scratched her head. “The person you really have to talk to is… Yorktown.”

“I know…” I laid on the back of the chair. “She must be taking this very hard…”

“She did…” Cleveland said in a somber tone. “It’s the first time Enterprise ever got into something like this… as an older sister, I understand where Yorktown is coming from.”

Cleveland fistbumped my chest. “Cheer up, Commander. She’ll be awake tomorrow according to Vestal. Nobody ever felt bad after a good night’s sleep!”

I hope my talk with Yorktown tomorrow goes as well as my talk with Cleveland…

10:51 PM. After speaking with Baltimore and Essex, who both agreed to keep quiet about the entire affair after I explained everything, I made my way back to the Royal Navy dorm and requested a private audience with Queen Elizabeth. Both Baltimore and Essex refused to believe so I need to make sure the Royal Navy will trust me. I can’t let things spiral out of control right under my nose!

“Master,” Belfast approached me from outside the throne room. “Her Majesty agreed to meet you but she refused to get out of bed. Therefore, I shall escort you to her chambers. Please follow me.”

“By the way, Master,” Belfast added as we walked towards the Queen’s chambers. “It has come to my attention that you have been missing your dinners quite often.”

Oh… have I? I didn’t actually notice…

“This is unacceptable, Master,” Belfast flatly said. “Does Sirius and Dido not satisfy you enough as your personal maids?”

“No, it’s not that,” I replied.

“My Master who is so absorbed with his work to the point of forgetting to eat,” Belfast said. “After speaking with Her Majesty, allow me to join you in your personal chambers. I shall feed you whatever you would like.”

Me? Alone in my room with Belfast? At night?

“I-I respectfully decline,” I replied. There’s no way I can endure being in the same room with the Head Maid alone at night… especially with me missing Eugen like this.

Belfast stopped walking and turned. “Is something the matter, Master?”

“No, Bel,” I replied. “I-I’m just tired. I don’t think being in a room with a beautiful maid like you is the solution…”

Bel chuckled. “Thank you for the compliment, my Master, but don’t fret. I will only be there for a short while to deliver the food I will cook for you. I will not invade your privacy.”

Oh… why did my mind go to that immediately? Eugen must have influenced me in some way…

“Your Majesty,” Bel knocked on the wooden door that leads to the Queen’s chambers. “The Commander is here to see you. Shall I let him in?”

I heard several things cling-clang in Liz’s room before she announced: “V-Very well! Let the Commoner in.”

As the door swung open, I was greeted by a Queen Elizabeth in a set of blue and pink pajamas and a Warspite in her own matching set of pink and blue pajamas desperately trying to clean up the pillows on the floor. Both Liz and Warspite were panting and sweating heavily.

“Well? What do you think you’re gawking at, Commoner!?” Liz boomed with a pillow on her hand. Tons of feathers covered the floor as Belfast aided Warspite in cleaning up. Ah… so the Queen and Warspite were having a pillow fight when I came… I see.

I walked into the chamber as Bel shut the door behind me. She stood in front of the door to make sure nobody could eavesdrop.

“So, Commander, what did you want to talk about with Her Majesty?” Warspite asked as she sat on her station in the Queen’s chamber. Her station is filled with paperwork that was supposed to be Liz’s to fill out. Warspite took her glasses and donned them as she continued. “The Queen is very busy, Commander. Please make it quick.”

I stood straight as I approached Queen Elizabeth who was already rolling on her double King size bed. Her blanket was royal blue and her pillows are all colored purple, the color of royalty. Meanwhile, the texture… this must be silk! H-How much money does the Queen of the British Isles give the Royal Navy annually that she could just splurge like this without giving it a thought?

“Commoner!” Queen Elizabeth gasped at the sight of me touching her blanket. “W-Who gave you permission to handle the Queen’s bed like this!?”

“M-My apologies, Your Majesty!” I immediately let go of the softest and warmest blanket I ever had the pleasure of touching and flabbergasted. “I-I was just amazed by your taste!”

The blushing Queen Elizabeth couldn’t stop smiling as Warspite sighed loudly. Belfast let out a soft giggle at the sight of her Queen acting like a little girl.

“V-Very well, Commoner. If you wish, you may sit next to me on the bed,” she said as she laid back down. “Well? You Queen orders you to sit on my bed!”

I obeyed in panic.

“Your Majesty,” I said as I recomposed myself. “I have urgent matters to speak to you about.”

“Hmm?” Liz laid on her belly and supported her head with her hand as she looked at me.

“I’m sure you have doubts about my decisions regarding the Iron Blood…” I said, making Warspite drop the documents she was handling and focus on me like a sniper eyeing her hunt. “I came to discuss my reasons.”

“Commander, such a heavy topic may cause discomfort to the Queen,” Warspite said. “Would it not be better to delay this matter and allow Her Majesty a well-deserved good night’s rest?”

“No, Warspite,” Liz told her right-hand woman. “I am quite intrigued. Why DO you favor them so, Commoner? The reason must be dire if you dared enter my chambers at such an hour. Do continue.”

Warspite pursed her lips and listened attentively as Queen Elizabeth sat on her bed while laying on the stack of pillows she set on her back.

“Well, firstly, I would like to clarify: I do not favor any one faction,” I explained. “I look at all of you equally. Of course, I hold you in a high regard, Your Majesty, but the point stands that all factions are equal in my eyes.”

“Then why the sudden lack of action against the Iron Blood?” Warspite butted in.

“Well, it’s because they aren’t really to blame,” I explained. “Eugen’s confession is not completely true. Yes, she stole vital information from me but she and Bismarck were following orders from their homeland. It’s the same as how you all obey orders from Britain.”

Queen Elizabeth scratched her head. “Still, you are making the case that your judgement to continue trusting the Iron Blood makes no sense. If what you say is true, then it is their very country that is causing all this chaos and discord. There is all the more reason to dissolve the Treaty, if what you say is true.”

“This is correct, Your Majesty,” I said. “But there is one crucial fact that you all do not know yet.”

I cleared my throat and plucked up my courage. I need to convince Liz and Warspite that what I am about to say is true. “The Bismarck in our base is actually the Siren, Observer. Roon and U-556 are also fakes: they’re actually Tester and Lurker, respectively.”

“WHAT!?” Queen Elizabeth tossed her pillow at me in surprise. I managed to dodge in time as Belfast caught the pillow. “You’re serious? Are you sure you’re still right in the head, Commoner!?”

I nodded. “I’m dead serious, Queen Elizabeth.”

“Bel!” Liz called out to the Head Maid. “Call Sirius and Dido! What have those two been feeding the Commander for him to go mad so quickly… and to think I almost made him my Consort too…”

“I-I’m not insane!” I flabbergasted.

“Commander,” Warspite said. “Please watch your tone. I will not tolerate anyone raising their voice to Her Majesty. Not even you.”

“Observe the behavior of those three!” I said with conviction. “A Bismarck who cannot speak German? A low-energy U-556? A Roon who literally ignores me?”

I gritted my teeth. “Moreover, Warspite!” I called the Queen’s right-hand woman. “You saw for yourself how Bismarck wanted so desperately to get rid of Eugen who was her closest retainer! In what world does THAT make sense?”

“Commander!” Warspite commanded. “You WILL not raise your voice in the Queen’s presence. I will agree that such behavior is unprecedented but it is not completely unreasonable. Prinz Eugen was Bismarck’s most trusted retainer. Therefore, she must have been shocked to be betrayed like that. So please, leave your nonsense out of—”

“Warspite,” Queen Elizabeth interrupted the fired up Warspite calmly. “I believe the Commoner and I believe he came to the correct conclusion.”

“Y-Your Majesty?” Warspite flabbergasted. Yes! I convinced Liz!

“Nagato has discussed this with me previously, as well,” she said. “On the day of the Commoner’s chess match with Amagi, we had quite a chat on the balcony. This is the real reason I allowed our residence to be the site of the event: so I can convene with Nagato unsuspectingly. It seems, even the Sakura Navy’s leader has noticed the shift in Bismarck’s behavior.”

So, during my match, talks were already underway. Queen Elizabeth simply used that event as a way to have a meeting with Nagato without rousing much suspicion. I have much to learn about politics, it seems.

“Although I couldn’t come up with any reason for the sudden change,” she continued. “I do believe that what the Commoner here says makes perfect sense, if one keeps an open mind.”

“Your Majesty,” Warspite said sheepishly. “Do you really believe that the Sirens have infiltrated an impregnable base such as ours? Is it possible for them to be here and not make a move?”

Queen Elizabeth nodded. “Yes, Warspite. I very much believe so. What’s stopping the Sirens from developing some technology beyond our comprehension? Moreover, our base is not as impregnable as one may think: Purifier’s already proven it is very possible to penetrate our defenses, if done right.”

With this, Warspite ran out of questions.

“I will believe your story for now, Commoner,” Queen Elizabeth decreed. “What do you think, Warspite?”

Warspite rubbed her chin for a minute before answering. “I trust in your judgement, Your Majesty. Ahh… how I despise the hard knocks of war…”

“Then it is settled,” Liz stood on her bed proudly. “Commoner, the Royal Navy shall support your actions through this crisis. Let it be known that on this hour, I, Queen Elizabeth, so decrees.”

I’m so happy I listened to Amagi’s advice.

“Still, what do you want us to do then, Commander?” Warspite asked. “Are we to chase those Sirens out our base? The Knights have more than enough firepower to do so.”

I shook my head. “No, Warspite. I told you this to earn your trust. I don’t believe we can win this war by simply fighting it out ‘til the Sirens surrender. I chose Admiral Hipper as my secretary for one reason: to feed the Sirens false information.”

Warspite nodded as Queen Elizabeth laid back on her bed.

“Your Majesty, Hood already knows of this,” I said. “Please, temper George’s wrath. I commanded Hood to slow down George’s hunt for Eugen and Wales who are, at this moment, probably searching for the real Bismarck, Roon, and U-556.”

Queen Elizabeth nodded. “Very well, Commoner. I shall command George to exercise maximum tolerance in dealing with Wales and Eugen. No harm is to befall them lest my wrath be incurred to any Knight who disobeys.”

I nodded and bowed to the Queen. “Thank you for your kindness and understanding, Your Majesty. Truly, you are a wise Queen.”

Liz puffed her chest out. “You flatter me so, Commoner. Now! Off to bed you go. One cannot possibly govern this base without ample rest!”

7:14 AM. I asked Hipper to stay outside Yorktown’s room in the infirmary. I knocked on the door but there was no response. With this, I decided to enter the room.

“GET OUT!” Yorktown yelled at Graf Zeppelin who apparently visited her before me. “I don’t want to hear any of your lies, Graffy. So help me, if our friendship meant anything to you, you will tell your leader to give me my sister back!”

“Yorktown! Graf!” I rushed beside Graf Zeppelin who was standing next to Yorktown’s bed. “W-What’s going on here?”

“Commander!” Yorktown yelled. I never saw her lose her cool like this before… “Get this… this… woman out of my room! The Sirens have infiltrated their faction? Don’t worry about Enterprise? How DARE she spew nonsense like that!”

“You may not like it,” Graf said with eyes of concern for Yorktown. “But… what I say is true.” Graf moved in to try and give Yorktown a hug but Yorktown pushed her away.

“I don’t need your hug. I don’t need your friendship!” Yorktown screamed hysterically. “I WANT my sister! I NEED Enterprise!”

Yorktown’s eyes welled up with tears as she finally broke down, crying. “I wasn’t there to protect her… and your stupid flagship is the culprit! Commander, give me my sister back! Give me my little sister back!”

Yorktown fell on the floor as she tossed and turned about in her bed as she weeped harder than I saw anyone weep in their life ever. I wrapped her in my arms but she pushed me back.

“I’M FINE!” Yorktown yelled. “I’m going to find my sister… and don’t ANY of you stop me!”

“Yorktown!” She grabbed her coat and dashed out of the room. I tried chasing after her but Graf held my right arm.

“Let me go, Graf! She’s gonna get herself into—”

“Into what, Commander?” Graf interrupted. “Let her grieve. I know Enterprise is alive. Deep down, Yorktown knows this. However, I understand where she’s coming from. Don’t worry about the faction relations. Yorktown will probably go out into the Atlantic again.”

“Aren’t you worried about your friend!?” I asked Graf angrily. “Also, what the hell did you say to her to get her this hysterical?”

“The truth, Commander,” Graf replied flatly. “She has a right to know. You may punish me later but as Yorktown’s friend, I can no longer watch her suffer like this.”

“You just gave her an emotional breakdown!”

“And I will support her through it.” Graf let go of me and began walking out. “I will join my friend in searching for her sister. I apologize for the inconvenience, Commander, but I will not let Yorktown go off alone.”

I calmed myself and replied: “Then… bring her home safe, Graf. Please.”

The Iron Blood carrier turned and sprinted presumably after Yorktown.

What a mess…

Roon

“Don’t… look down on me!” I fired my torpedoes at the pompous Head Maid as Eugen circled around her. Direct hit! Z23 followed up and finally knocked that show-off out of the fight.

“My, my, you always did look like a chopping board, Your Highness~” Eugen teased the Queen of the Royal Navy as she bombarded Hood and Wales.

“W-What did you just call me!?” Time to move in for the kill…

“Chop-ping board~” Eugen whispered to Queen Elizabeth who suddenly began jumping up and down and wailing like a child.

“W-Wales! H-Hood! Sink this brute waaaaaaah!!!” Queen Elizabeth commanded the other two backline ships. I sneak in close to the three of them as the child-queen sits helplessly crying on the ocean. The other two were too focused eating shells from Eugen.

“So, want to play?” I asked the little girl playing queen. As soon as she saw me, she began scurrying away like a rodent.

I began giggling uncontrollably. “...You saw me, and now you're trying to flee...? Do you really think you can flee from ME?!”

I chased after the cowardly child and landed my shots on her! YES! Surely, I did the most damage, right? This will definitely grab his attention, right?

“I sincerely apologize for my superior’s actions,” Nimi kowtowed to the little girl acting like a queen. Pah… why apologize to someone as immature as that? Besides, I think Eugen did well. All is fair in love and war, after all. Eugen uninterestedly began walking off. Where’s the Commander?

“Well done on your fleet exercise, Iron Blood,” ah… he’s here, he’s here! Did you see my performance? I stood next to Scharnhorst and happily swayed my arms expectantly. “I hope the Royal Navy will do better next time… and I apologize for what happened, too… I, er, I’ll do something about it…”

He paced about and flipped through his notes.

“The MVP is… Roon!” I knew it!

“Herr Kommandant,” I approached him. “Hehe… I get more fulfillment from being with you than from killing enemies on the battlefield... Is this the power of love? But then…”

“I’m proud of your progress, Roon,” he complimented me! “I will have your reward sent to your room. I hope you continue performing well. For now, I need to deal with… a troublemaker.”

“Oh? I understand, Commander,” I said. The fact that he noticed my effort is enough… plus I got to crush a little child. Ahh… what bliss.

The Commander smiled as he turned away from me. Hurriedly, he grabbed Eugen by the arm and dragged her away.

No matter, I’ll get you someday, Commander.

Ah!!! M-My head… it hurts!

The scenery changed… what’s going on? Where am I? These pearl white marble tiles… ja… I recognize this. I’m in the Commander’s residence hallway. Ah! I remember. I was going to thank the Commander for that lovely Kӧlsch he sent to my room as reward for my performance yesterday.

I unhurriedly walked down the hallway to see Eugen standing right next to the Commander. What is she doing? I-Is she? Her face is way too close to him! I clenched my fist as I watched the Commander’s face burn red. He invited her in and closed the door.

I want to break her… but she’s the Commander’s secretary. Perhaps, I shouldn’t act too rashly… He needs her, after all. At least I still have that Kӧlsch...

The scenery changed again… I’m at the port this time. What was I doing here again? Oh! Ja. We just won the fleet exercise against the Sakura Empire. Surely, I must have gotten that MVP spot again! Bismarck, Friedrich, and Tirpitz didn’t participate in this one, after all.

“Eugen, stop teasing Hipper!” The Commander grabbed his notes from Eugen who poked fun at her snobby sister again. “Congratulations for winning the fleet exercise, Iron Blood. I hope the Sakura Empire does better next time. The MVP is… Roon!”

Ja! I did it again!

“Eugen, I just told you to stop!” What? Why isn’t the Commander greeting me?

“Guten tag, Herr Kommandant,” I approached him.

“Oh, hi Roon!” What’s with the casual tone? You’re usually happier when you see me… “Congratulations on earning the MVP spot again! I’ll make sure to send more—h-hey, Eugen! Give me that!”

The Commander chased after Eugen who ran off with his records.

Die Hure. I’m starting to hate that bitch.

Arghhh!!! My head… i-it burns!

The scenery changed again… this time, it appears I’m in the Iron Blood residence. It’s been a while since I last saw the Commander… he hasn’t sent me on any missions for some time now. I understand, though. He’s probably busy managing the island and taking care of his secretary… although I think that should have been Hipper or Vestal’s job.

Wait… is that? It’s him! I ran to greet the Commander who seems to be fuming over something… Well, let’s fix that.

“Commander!” He looked at me from head-to-toe and smiled. What’s with the lackluster response? “Hey, don’t you recognize me? It’s me, Roon!”

I grabbed the Commander’s arms gently and hugged him. “When are you sending me on a sortie again?”

The Commander smiled and turned to me as we walked a few steps. “Roon I need your strength to protect everyone here on the island, for now. The last Siren attack really did a number on our base… if I send people out on sorties carelessly, we may not have enough manpower to defend.”

That’s… the coward’s way of dealing with a problem like this. I sighed and replied: “But, Commander, don’t we simply need to crush the enemy so that they’ll never bother us ever again?”

The Commander scratched his head and replied: “Er, you really love crushing people, don’t you Roon?”

“Of course,” I said nonchalantly. I mean, what’s not to like? I get recognized for it. “Especially those who dare lay a hand on my Commander.”

Suddenly, a voice resonated in the room, making my hair stand on end. “My, my, my children are here flirting with each other in front of me…” The Commander suddenly stopped walking. Hmm… Friedrich is scaring him again, huh?

“Are you afraid, my child?”

I stepped in between her and the Commander and buried him in my arms. “Friedrich! You won’t have the Commander for today. He’ll be accompanying ME today.”

“Then I shall have both of you children as my guests.”

T-This…! How dare you? I aimed my guns at Friedrich as she did the same. You’re NOT taking him away from me after I didn’t see him for so long!

“H-Hey, you two!” The Commander tried breaking up the fight. “We can’t afford to break the Iron Blood dorm as is!”

After thinking about it… if I do blast this place, it’ll only cause more stress for Herr Kommandant. I put away my rigging with this in mind as Friedrich followed suit. I moved over to the Commander’s right arm as Friedrich took his left. I guess I’ll have to share…

“Very well, my child.”

“What brings you to our dorm anyway, Commander?” I asked him as we continued walking.

“Is there anything you require, my child?” Friedrich added.

“Yes, I was looking for Bismarck. Have you seen your flagship?” The Commander asked.

So… you didn’t come to see me? You wound me, Commander… I tightened my hold on his arms.

“And here I thought the Commander was here to visit me…”

Friedrich reached over and grabbed my arm, pulling me away from the Commander. Der Teufel!

“Hmm then go look for Bismarck, my child.”

I struggled to break free of Friedrich. Was zur hölle!? I didn’t know she’s THIS strong!

“Th-thank God—I mean thank you, Friedrich.” The Commander sighed.

“Let go of me!” I exclaimed. “I’ll crush you!”

“I shall have you over in my room, my child. The Commander requires the Iron Blood flagship, Bismarck and my child shall always get what he needs.”

I struggled to break free but… Friedrich dragged me away anyway.

Commander… why didn’t you want to see me?

AHHH!!! My head… no… Commander!

The scenery changed again… How many times will this happen? I am standing at the port with Bismarck standing beside me. The little submarine, U-556 insisted on coming with her Lord Bismarck, so I guess she’s coming, too.

“So, you’re really leaving Bismarck?” The Commander asked our flagship.

“Ja. Orders from the Fatherland, Commander.” Bismarck replied as I gave the Commander a hug.

“I will be back, alright, my Commander?” I said as I enveloped him in my warmth. “So for now, don’t look at any other girls, alright?”

Wait… why is the Commander paying attention to Eugen instead of me? I glared at the little… heavy cruiser as I continued hugging my Commander.

“Don’t you lay a finger on my Commander, or I will crush you!” I threatened her, wiping her smug smile off her ugly face. She quickly recovered and rebutted:

“Hmm? Make sure you get back safe first, Roon. Then we can talk about this, klar?” You little—!”

“Roon, time to go,” Bismarck said. Hesitantly, I pulled away from the Commander and joined our flagship on the shore.

Shortly after, we departed.

That was the last time I saw the Commander.

“Wakey, wakey,” an annoying voice echoed from within the darkness. “Hehe… is this one broken too, Arbiter?”

“No,” another voice spoke. “She’s listening. Remove the headwear.”

The thing that’s been wrapping my head for who-knows-how-long finally came off. I opened my eyes to see myself tied down to the ground; my arms cuffed to the steel floor with solid iron gauntlets as my neck is being tethered with a collar with six iron bars around it that connects it to the walls and the floor. My feet are chained together as I am forced to kneel in front of these bastards.

“What do you want?” I asked defiantly. “I won’t break as easily as you broke Bismarck. That Union carrier’s weak. She won’t even survive what you put us Iron Blood ships through.”

The Siren that Purifier called “Arbiter” approached me from beyond my cell, joining Purifier who was standing in front of me carrying an odd helmet.

“I know you won’t break easily,” she smiled menacingly. “Just as expected, PR ships are much, much harder to deal with, eh?”

“That’s the result of superior German engineering!” I jeered. “Since you won’t get anything out of me, why waste your time, dummkopf?”

“Hehe… you’re a strange one, Roon,” she chuckled. “Even when you are beaten, you refuse to stop fighting. Why, we even had to put aaaall these restraints on you and you still almost broke out. Your strength far exceeds that of Bismarck’s.”

“Heh, don’t compare me to that fallen flagship,” I scoffed. “Unlike her, I don’t have any loyalty to humanity or the Fatherland. So, threaten me all you want! I won’t budge.”

“True,” she quickly replied. “But I know you do hold something, or rather, someone dear.”

I glared at the Siren. “Don’t you dare touch the Commander, arschloch.”

“Oh?” She replied. “Who ever said I’ll do anything to your Commander?”

I smiled. “He won’t be beaten by the likes of you!”

“Well, we won’t know until we try, right~?” I jerked my body towards her, making the restraints they have on me shake and creak.

“I’ll CRUSH YOU!”

“Oh, what devotion…” She grinned. “But does your Commander share your devotion?”

“SHUT UP!”

“Do you know what happened to Bismarck, Enterprise, and U-556?” Arbiter circled around me and whispered.

“The Commander… he sent Eugen and Wales to save them,” she said. “But look at you! They’ve gone on their merry way… without you.”

“W-What are you saying?”

“Your Commander?” She giggled. “He’s forgotten about you. You’re nothing to him!”

“FRESSE DU SCHWEINEHUND!!!” I exclaimed.

“Hahahaha! Oh, how I pity you,” she said. “Look at you, fighting for him until the bitter end, enduring all the neurotoxins we’ve been feeding you repeatedly, and healing you back up with our antidote to make you suffer more. Look at you enduring all those sad, sad memories... and what do you get? You get replaced by an inferior heavy cruiser!”

“W-What do you mean?” I shrinked in front of Arbiter.

“Oh?” She raised her brow. “You don’t know?”

“SPIT IT OUT!”

“The Commander loves Eugen more than he loves you.”

“T-That’s not true!” I struggled to break free again. “LIAR!”

“You think I’m lying?” Arbiter snickered. “Then why are you still here while Bismarck and Enterprise got rescued?”

I went silent. That… that can’t be… you recognize me… you see my value… why, Commander?

“Hahahaha, yes, Roon!” Arbiter laughed hysterically. “He’s forgotten about you!”

I…

“What’s this?” Purifier laughed. “Tears? Roon is crying? Hahahaha!”

“SHUT IT! Guh!” Th-The restraints… they’re so tight…!

“Hehe… oops. You almost got out that time… good thing our restraints will automatically adjust themselves to you…” Arbiter teased. “Well, I’ll let you have some more of that hell, alright?”

Purifier put the helmet on my head as I struggled. I can see Arbiter and Purifier stepping out of the glass chamber as green gas filled the room.

Why am I fighting for you if you already gave up on me…?

Eugen… Commander… YOU WILL PAY!

Chapter Text

Graf Zeppelin

“Yorktown,” I called the Union carrier as I skid across the seas next to her. “Don’t overexert yourself. We can always turn back… I’m sure George and the other Knights won’t stop searching for your sister…”

Yorktown’s grimace didn’t budge one bit… it’s quite uncomfortable for me seeing her like this…

“Yorktown, perhaps you need some rest?” I tapped her right shoulder to slow her down. She’ll wear herself out like this...

“Nobody asked you to come along!” Yorktown shouted as she slapped my hand off her shoulder. “If you really, really wanted to help, go home! Squeeze some answers out of Bismarck!”

Yorktown wiped the droplet of tear falling from her eyes. “I’ll do this myself. If the Commander won’t help me, then I’ll do it by myself!”

“Then why don’t we ask Hornet to come along?” I suggested. “Surely, she’ll be a big help—”

“And drag another of my little sisters into this mess?” She boomed. “I’ve already lost one sister, I will NOT lose another!”

Yorktown dashed ahead, leaving me behind.

I really hope you’re alright, Enterprise. I finally found people I don’t hate… don’t make me hate myself more.

I dashed after Yorktown who was about to meet up with the Knights of the Royal Navy.

Eugen

It’s daytime but it’s still so freezing here… is this how frigid the Atlantic Ocean becomes during Winter? How can U-556 survive such cold temperatures underwater?

“What time is it, Wales?” I asked Wales who was laying with her top unbuttoned on her own deck. She got swamped in the previous battle so I can’t blame her if she wants to take her clothes off to dry them. However, due to the cold temperature, Wales simply unbuttoned her top, afraid she’ll catch a cold if she removes it completely.

“It’s ten, Eugen,” Wales replied as she brought out her pocket watch. “I bet you couldn’t tell because of how gray the skies are, huh?”

I nodded. “It’s weird. We got Bismarck… and we rescued Enterprise but… I can’t help but feel uneasy.”

Wales sat down. “Uneasy?”

“I can’t help but feel guilty we didn’t even try to save Roon…” I replied. Roon and I never actually got close to each other since she was too focused on getting the MVP spot every time we sortied. She never spoke to me and I never really spoke to her. All I know is, she gives me the creeps.

“We had no choice, Eugen,” Wales walked up to me and patted my shoulders. “We’ll take what small victory we have. This should be enough to prove our point… we can always come back for Roon, right?”

“I suppose,” I replied hesitantly. “I just hope she can hold on for long enough.”

“She’ll survive,” she replied. “Let’s just believe she will.”

I raised my brow at Wales. “You sound a little like Illustrious.”

“Well,” Wales blushed. “Illustrious always seem to know what to say when things are grim. Not to say things are grim for us, of course. We have the best chance at redeeming ourselves now more than ever.”

“You’re right…” I replied. “Ja. What’s the worst that could happen?”

“Ugh…”

Wales and I simultaneously turned to see Bismarck awakening. We wrapped the Iron Blood flagship to one of the fences on Wales’ deck with steel chains to make sure she can’t escape if she does not return to normal. Well, let’s just hope she’s not strong enough to rip right through those chains…

“Bismarck?” I approached the Iron Blood flagship cautiously. “Do you know who I am?”

Bismarck faced me and replied: “Ja… Eugen? And Wales?”

So, she recognizes us. “Do you remember what happened?”

Bismarck cast her eyes on the floor. “Ja… every second of it.”

“And?” Wales asked. “Do you still desire the destruction of mankind?”

Bismarck sat on the deck and raised her eyes to the sky. “I… I honestly do not know.”

“What do you mean ‘you don’t know’?” I asked. “Do you realize what you did when you were under the Sirens’ control?”

Bismarck chuckled. “Sirens’ control? Haha… I wasn’t under anyone’s control.”

“Huh? So, you were acting out of free will?” I asked Bismarck.

“In a way, I was…” Bismarck said in an apologetic tone.

“Could you at least tell us what this is?” Wales brought out the headpiece Bismarck was wearing. Its jewel is now shattered but it is mostly intact.

Bismarck flinched the moment she saw the headpiece.

“G-Get that thing away from me…” She stammered as her eyes widened. She’s afraid of this?

“What did they do to you?” I asked. Bismarck, still frozen in fear, didn’t respond. I took the headpiece and hid it. “Bismarck, please, we might understand what the Sirens are after once you tell us your story…”

Bismarck gulped.

“V-Very well,” she mumbled. It’s the first time I ever saw Bismarck this terrified of something… “That thing ? I-It’s a smaller version of what the Sirens used on me…”

“Used on you?” Wales probed. “Please elaborate.”

Bismarck raised her head and breathed heavily. “It’s a torture device that amplifies a person’s negative emotions: fear, anger, despair… it removes a person’s inhibitions and brings the absolute worst version of themselves out.”

“Then it’s a mind control device?” I asked as I caressed my chin.

“Nein,” Bismarck replied.

“It didn’t really control me… I was fully aware of everything I was doing. I did hate humans for starting that pointless war many, many years ago that tore me away from Tirpitz… I did hate them for allowing the Sirens to become this big a threat. I did hate them for being weak enough that the Sirens managed to infiltrate their ranks.”

I went silent as Bismarck continued.

“I-I did all those things willingly,” she said with a tinge of regret on her face. “I genuinely thought I was doing what was right for the world and Fatherland.”

“I see,” Wales commented. “That machine… it doesn’t directly control the person wearing it. It only gives subtle suggestions…”

“What do you mean?” Bismarck asked. “What do you mean ‘subtle suggestions’?”

“Well,” Wales continued. “You went back to normal as soon as this thing got damaged. It makes you think it isn’t controlling you but it blinds you with your very own emotions…”

I nodded. “Then, what would happen, I wonder…”

“Eugen! Are you crazy!?” Wales exclaimed as I put the ring on my head. Nothing. I feel nothing.

“It’s broken,” I said. “Of course, it’s not going to work.”

Wales snatched the trinket off my head and put her hands on her hips. “I’ll toss you overboard the next time you scare me like that! Bloody Christ…”

Hehe… it’s fun to mess with Wales sometimes…

“Even if it wasn’t broken, I doubt that it would affect you two,” Bismarck said coldly.

“Oh?” I replied. “And why is that~?”

“You haven’t been reconditioned,” Bismarck replied. “The Sirens… before they give you that… thing, they will put you through torture, first.”

“Go on,” Wales said as she sat in front of Bismarck.

“They make you wear a helmet version of that thing. That helmet will make you relive your most horrible memories and amplify the negative emotions you felt then,” she explained. “What’s worse, that helmet feeds you with the same neurotoxins they exposed Eugen to directly .”

“Directly?” I shuddered. “You mean, the helmet blows that horrible gas straight into your face?”

“Ja,” Bismarck replied. “They do it to you over, and over, and over again. A combination of physical, mental, and emotional torture—all to break your spirit.”

Mein gott... 

“Then how are you alive?” Wales asked. “You mean to tell us the Sirens exposed you to such horrible torture for days, no, weeks, and you somehow survived?”

Bismarck sighed. “Arbiter comes in and heals you just before you die… and then, the cycle continues.”

Wales’ eyes widened and her jaw dropped. What atrocities!

I took out the key to Bismarck’s restraints and untied her. Wales made no argument over this.

“W-What are you doing?” Bismarck flabbergasted. “I didn’t lose the strength the Sirens gave me, you know… I decided to not escape and just accept the punishment…”

“You’re not at fault, Lady Bismarck,” Wales said. “The Sirens manipulated you. They used you against your will. I believe you don’t deserve any more torture.”

“The fact that you’re not just attacking us immediately is proof that you haven’t completely lost your mind to the Sirens, right~?” I said as I offered my hand to the sitting Bismarck.

“Vielen dank, Eugen, Wales,” Bismarck stood up as she took my outstretched hand.

“Hehe… I’m glad you took my hand, Bismarck,” I smiled. “You don’t know how hard it was to refuse yours when you asked me to join you.”

“I-I see…” Bismarck looked around. “E-Enterprise…”

“She’ll be fine,” I said. “I think… we’re not exactly medical professionals here…”

Bismarck rushed to Enterprise’s side. She knelt and caressed the Union carrier’s sweating face.

“Er, we could give you two privacy, if you want…” Haha… Wales really can’t control her kink, huh?

Bismarck jerked her body upwards and jumped off the bridge!

“Hey!” I yelled after her. I-Is she under the Siren’s control after all!?

Bismarck’s ship rose with her on-board. “Get on! Enterprise is in TERRIBLE shape! If she doesn’t receive medical attention by tonight, she’ll die!”

Scheiße… and here I thought we can finally take it easy…

“Well? Your flagship commands you, Eugen,” aaaand she’s back to normal… “Move!”

Bismarck is way faster than Wales! I can practically feel a strong gust of wind blowing my hair as she set the course for the base.

“Y-You’re really rushing, aren’t you, Lady Bismarck?” Wales blushed as she saw how much faster Bismarck was going. Aww… poor Wales.

“We have to! If we’ll save Enterprise, we need to move!” Bismarck replied. U-556 jumped in joy and circled the battleship.

“Lord Bismarck! I, Parzival of the Seas, greet you and welcome your return!” She said with a giddy smile.

“You’ve done well, little friend,” Bismarck pet U-556 as she smiled warmly on the little submarine. “Vielen dank… your efforts and faith in me is a huge thing…”

Upon being praised like that, U-556 made a somersault. Okay, kid, nobody likes a show-off…

“At this rate… we’ll reach the base by—look out!”

A dive bomber just dropped a big one on us!

“Put that fire out!” Bismarck exclaimed as Wales and I hurriedly grabbed the fire extinguisher. Danke gott that nothing worse happened… what was that?

“U-556!” Bismarck commanded. “Go up ahead and search for enemy carriers. Eugen, be the vanguard. Wales, suppressive fire.”

It’s like old times… Bismarck is back in command.

“I cannot participate in this battle directly; I need to maintain our course. If we stop for even a minute, Enterprise might not make it. Time is of the essence, move! For Iron—”

Bismarck stopped rallying us after she realized that Wales isn’t from the Iron Blood. You really love the Fatherland, don’t you Bismarck?

“I understand, Lady Bismarck,” Wales smiled as she jumped off the deck.

“Just like Operation Rheinübung,” I smiled at my oldest friend. “Eh, Bismarck?”

She flashed a subtle smile at me. “Nein. This time, we’ll both survive! Gehen, Eugen!”

And I dashed off her deck and got in front of Wales.

“Fauer!” Bismarck exclaimed as she fired her anti-air guns. “I’m not seeing enough suppressive fire, Eugen, Wales! Shoot those bogeys down!”

Gott… she’s really pushing us here… we’re having a hard time keeping up with her pace as is…

“U-556,” she radioed the submarine who already went ahead of us. “What do you see?”

I couldn’t hear what U-556 was saying but it’s obvious from Bismarck’s face: it isn’t good.

“Stop firing!” Bismarck yelled. “Eugen, Wales! DON’T shoot back! We’ll just have to keep dodging!”

“Was zur hölle!?” I protested. “We’re getting creamed here, Bismarck! What do you mean just keep dodging!?”

“Exactly!” Wales supported me. “We can’t evade forever !”

“Just do it!” Bismarck exclaimed as she used her blade to chop the falling bombs mid-air. Tsk… just because you got an upgrade from the Sirens…

“Why exactly are we just playing passive here?” Wales asked as she bobbed and weaved around the falling bombs. “Eugen! Watch out!”

Wales tossed her sabre at me! I jumped backward only to see her sword piercing two torpedoes coming right for me.

“Danke, Wales!” I said. “Watch it!” I raised my shields and used them to block cannon fire from two fighters.

“Wait…” I said. “Seafang… that one’s a Barracuda… and that’s a Helldiver…”

“What is it, Eugen?” Wales asked me as she hid behind my shield.

“As far as I know, if the Commander hasn’t changed the loadout of the carriers, only Yorktown has this kind of equipment!”

“S-So the Union carrier’s attacking us?” Wales asked. “Why the hell—oh, crap! She must have heard…”

“Ja…” Bismarck said melancholically. “Yorktown must have heard that it was I who attacked Enterprise…”

“Can we at least contact her?” I asked Bismarck.

“I already tried…” Bismarck replied. “She won’t answer.”

I gritted my teeth. “Then let’s show her our intentions for Enterprise are for the best!”

There she is! I can see Yorktown continuously retrieving and sending her planes on sorties as Graf Zeppelin tries to restrain her.

“Graf! Yorktown!” I shouted as I moved closer. Bismarck and Wales were following not far away from where I was as U-556 shadowed me from under the waves.

“Eugen!” Graf yelled. “G-Get away! Yorktown is out for blood!”

“We have—ah!” Gunfire! Where did that come from!?

“Frau Eugen,” U-556 contacted me. “King George is fast approaching from the east!”

W-What!? Verdammt, is George still after us!?

“Prinz Eugen!” Hood rushed to my side. “Lady Eugen, get back! George is coming!”

“I-I know but we can’t change course!” I pushed Hood away and jumped backward to dodge Yorktown’s bomb. “Help us, Hood! Get Yorktown to calm down. Enterprise’s life is on the line here!”

“W-What me!?” Hood lost her composure for a second. “What do you expect me to do!?”

“I don’t know, throw tea at her, or something, anything !” Mein gott, when you need your elegance, you lose it? You really do annoy the hell out of me!

Hood approached Yorktown and began speaking to her. It’s ineffective. Yorktown’s still bombarding me!

Wales and Bismarck appeared from behind the mists as George made her entrance as well. W-Why are we so unlucky today!?

“By the order of the Queen, I hereby put you three, Bismarck, Wales, and Eugen, under arrest!” George announced. “Do not resist and we shall not attack. I have orders from Her Majesty to bring all of you in alive.”

“George—” Hood tried speaking but she was cut off by George’s cannon.

“Hood, I shall consider this treason if you continue,” she said. “I tolerated you misdirecting us but I will tolerate it no longer. Step aside or be arrested as an accessory to the crime!”

“A-Accessory?” Hood gasped. “Just listen, George! Do not delay these three any longer. If you do, Enterprise will—”

“ENTERPRISE!” Yorktown broke free of Graf’s hold and began launching an enormous amount of planes! “GIVE ME MY SISTER BACK, BISMAARCK!!!”

S-She’s indiscriminately attacking all of us!

“Yorktown!” George boomed as she cut three planes in clean half with one stroke. “Get a hold of yourself! We’re not enemies!”

Verdammt, here we go! I’ll just say it!

“We have Enterprise, Yorktown!” I exclaimed as loud as I could, making George stop in her tracks as Hood and Graf turned their attention to me.

“Y-You have my sister?” Yorktown’s planes suddenly dropped like flies. “W-Where is she? Please, I beg you, spare her, Eugen… I’ll do anything…”

“H-Hey, we’re not holding her hostage,” I said. “She’s on Bismarck’s deck… go see for yourself.”

Without hesitating, Yorktown rushed and jumped onto Bismarck’s deck. As soon as she saw Enterprise, she collapsed on her knees and hugged her unconscious sister.

“Enterprise! Enterprise! I’m here… won’t you please wake up?” She cried as she hugged the unconscious carrier even tighter. “Please… wake up. Big sister’s here… See? Big Sister Yorktown is here…”

No response.

Bismarck walked towards Yorktown.

“Y-You… you did this to her!” Yorktown growled at Bismarck. “What the fuck do you want NOW!?”

“...we need to get her to base as soon as possible,” Bismarck said with a look of regret on her face. “I shall accept any punishment the Union has for me. I take full responsibility for my actions.”

Bismarck faced George who stood at the foot of Bismarck’s bow. “Those two, Wales and Eugen? They are innocent, George. I was manipulated by the Sirens to do their bidding… let them go. I will bear full responsibility after we escort Enterprise to the Infirmary.”

George gritted her teeth. “I don’t know how you got here so quickly, Bismarck, but I WILL hold you to your word. As former adversaries who shared the glory of combat, I hope you will keep your word.”

Bismarck closed her eyes. “Every bit of it. Now, let’s take Enterprise home.”

Yorktown continued to cuddle Enterprise as Hood and George sandwiched Bismarck. Bismarck was still faster but they moved at a sufficient enough speed to at least not lose sight.

“Are you sure about this, Bismarck?” I asked. “You took responsibility… won’t this break the Treaty?”

“Nein,” Bismarck replied. “I alone will bear the consequences. As I recall, Arbiter said something about Observer impersonating me, ja? Then, my return will completely expose her.”

“Ja… I suppose you’re right,” I replied. I expected this… this is what Wales and I hoped for. Still, having Bismarck take full responsibility leaves a bad taste in my mouth when we were manipulated into it…

Hood approached Bismarck.

“Good day, Lady Bismarck,” Hood said as she gracefully continued approaching our flagship.

“Hood,” Bismarck replied. “Well met. I thank you for your assistance.”

“No, no, Lady Bismarck,” she replied. “I… I would like to propose something…”

Bismarck raised her brow. “And what is that?”

“Lady Bismarck, I hope to spend time with you… sometime in the near future.”

Chapter Text

Commander

3:42 PM. “Master,” Dido approached me as I looked outside the window. “I-I have news for you…”

I turned to the nervous Royal Maid. “Thank you, Dido, what is it?”

“M-Master,” Dido was at the brink of tears. “Please tell Dido that you won’t leave her behind if I tell you…”

I scratched and tilted my head as I nodded. “Dido, I will never forget anyone, alright? Please have a little more confidence in me and yourself…”

Dido had an expression of bliss as she replied: “M-Master, I’m terribly sorry for acting this way… I was just afraid that you might abandon me once you find out…”

Oh no… does the Royal Navy do shady stuff like the Iron Blood, too? Sirius stepped in after aiding Hipper in organizing the commission report. Petropavlovsk sat in front of her eldest sister as she downed a bottle of vodka. Hipper giggled as she herself brought out a bottle of beer.

“Honorable Master,” Sirius said as Dido stuttered. “The Knights are coming home, Honorable Master, and with them is Bismarck, Prinz Eugen, Prince of Wales, and the missing Enterprise. They’ll be back shortly before supper, it seems.”

Hipper spat her beer as Petropavlovsk dropped her vodka bottle.

“They’re coming!” Hipper exclaimed as she dragged her little sister out of the room without waiting for me. Hipper popped her face back in after she exited the room. “Hey, Dummkopf! You better move it!”

Petropavlovsk smiled with embarrassment as she hurried along with her elder sister. Dido and Sirius simultaneously sighed as they cleaned up after the mess the two Admiral Hipper class cruisers made in their wake.

“Th-Thank you for your work, Dido and Sirius…” I patted both of them on their forehead, making them turn red as apple as I left the Royal Navy residence. “Any news on Roon?”

“I’m afraid Lady George said nothing about Roon, Master…” Dido replied. It seems Eugen didn’t manage to rescue Roon… I’ll set up a rescue operation as soon as possible for her. We can’t let her be like that.

Is this good news or bad news? How will the Sirens react to this? Wait… if they get wind of this, they might try to escape! I radioed Queen Elizabeth and Amagi and gave them these orders, er, suggestions, in the case of Liz: “Close all ports! Nobody leaves until I say so!”

7:38 PM. George and Hood stepped on the harbor with the other Knights. Yorktown soon followed as she carried her unconscious sister. Vestal eagerly greeted Yorktown as they, along with Graf Zeppelin, immediately took Enterprise to the infirmary.

The Sakura Empire deployed their submarines on a patrol around the perimeter of the island base to make sure nobody leaves unannounced. Meanwhile, Queen Elizabeth had the Royal Maids do rounds in each port to sniff out any intruders trying to get in or suspicious individuals trying to get out.

“Commander, we’ve found the traitors,” George said as she patted me on the shoulders. “I trust you will give them a fair punishment. They have admitted to their crimes, after all.”

I glanced at George and shot my gaze back to the edge of the harbor as four familiar ships finally landed. Eugen, Wales, Bismarck, and U-556 all approached me in a single file. They’re really back…

“Guten nacht, Commander~” Eugen greeted me as she stopped in front of me. Hood stood next to Bismarck as Wales and George stared at each other without saying a word.

“H-Hey,” I muttered. Goddamn it! Get your act together! “H-How are you, Eugen?”

Eugen’s smile turned sour. “Hmm… Commander, you haven’t been looking at other girls while I was away, were you? Why such a lukewarm reception…”

I laughed and scratched the back of my head as Petropavlovsk charged and hugged her second older sister. “Mein Ältere Schweister!” She exclaimed with tears in her eyes. “I-I thought you would never come back! You really didn’t do what you said you did, right? Please tell me it’s just a misunderstanding!”

Eugen smiled and hugged her little sister as Hipper crossed her arms while approaching the two of them.

“Took you long enough,” Hipper said with a pout. “Still… I’m glad you’re back.”

“Hmm~?” Eugen replied while cupping her ears. “I can’t hear you, mein ӓltere schweister~”

“S-Shut up, dummkopf!” Hipper boomed as she pouted. “Don’t you worry me like that again.”

Eugen giggled and replied: “Ja… Vielen dank, mein ӓltere schweister. Your ammo helped me out when I ran out~”

Hipper raised her brow. “Huh!? Who gave you ammo, dummkopf! Stop spouting nonsense already!” She turned her back on Eugen and pretended to walk away angrily but I caught a glimpse of her smiling.

“Hehe… did you miss me, Commander?” Eugen asked me as Petropavlovsk finally let go of her.

“Of course I did!” I replied. “You don’t know how much I—”

“Alright. That is quite enough,” George interrupted as she cuffed Eugen, Wales, and Bismarck. “It appears the Commander is still emotionally compromised. Therefore, by the Queen’s Orders, I, King George V, hereby places Prinz Eugen and Prince of Wales under arrest by the charge of treason of the highest order! Bismarck is also placed under arrest by the charge of—”

“George!” I boomed. “Are you going to place these ships without my authorization? On what grounds are you placing them under arrest?”

George turned and looked at me with eyes of disgust. “Commander, be especially careful of what you say. Her Majesty might support you for now but should you step out of line and show special treatment towards the Iron Blood again, not even Her Majesty can guarantee your place in this base.”

“Please, King George!” U-556 implored the blonde battleship. “Lord Bismarck is innocent. So is Frau Eugen and Prince of Wales!”

George ignored the little submarine as Bismarck assured her that everything will be fine.

“I am still your Commander, King George V of the Royal Navy!” I placed my foot down as I refused to be pushed around by the Royal Navy battleship. “I will place these three under my custody until a fair trial is given to them. For now, you WILL obey your commanding officer.”

George gritted her teeth and reluctantly unbound the three. “As you command… Commander.”

George turned away with disgust. I winked at Eugen and chased after her.

“Let’s have a talk, George.” I commanded. George pretended not to hear as she continued walking away. Hood blocked her path and shook her head.

“Hood!” The Royal Navy battleship exclaimed. “Out of the way. It is quite clear that the Commander favors one faction over the other. The Queen shall have a full report of this matter.”

“King George V,” Hood calmly replied. “I implore you to listen to the Commander with an open mind.”

“Et tu, Hood?” George facepalmed herself in disappointment. “Very well. I shall listen to the Commander’s story. If his story, however, fails to explain this behavior, then I shall deliver a full report to the homeland myself .”

Hood’s eyes widened. “Lady George! How dare you bypass Her Majesty’s authority!”

“I shall do whatever it takes to protect Her Majesty!” George argued. “Even if it means going against her will. Besides, the Commander’s custody is literally just one room in our own residence.”

“Which Her Majesty herself decided to give me full control of, George.” I replied.

“Commander,” Bismarck stepped in. “I shall bear full responsibility. No matter what happens, I promise you that I will take—”

“No, Bismarck!” I interrupted. “There is no need for anyone to be punished! Come, George. To the Iron Blood residence!”

George raised her brow. “Are you mad? Why the bloody hell will I come with you!?”

“I vouch for the Commander, Lady George,” Hood said. “Come, let us see the truth of the matter unfold there!”

7:58 PM. I asked Hipper and Petropavlovsk to go and ask the faction leaders to convene at the Royal Navy residence for a meeting at around 2200 hours. After which, the rest of us marched towards the Iron Blood residence. Hopefully, we can expose the Sirens and put an end to this affair today!

“Mein Ältere Schweister?” Tirpitz greeted us at the entrance of the Iron Blood residence, probably in shock since her elder sister was handcuffed. “W-What’s the meaning of this, Commander!?”

“Guten nacht, mein klein schweister,” Bismarck said with a soft smile on her face. It’s been a while since Bismarck saw her sister so she probably missed her so much. “How was it? To be a temporary flagship?”

Tirpitz raised her brow. “What do you mean? I was only a flagship for two weeks. More importantly, what is happening? Why are you cuffed? What is Eugen and Wales doing here after betraying our faction?”

“I’ll explain later,” I told the confused Tirpitz.

“Nein, I want an explanation now,” she said with a frown on her face. She aimed her guns at George who responded by pointing her own guns at Tirpitz.

“Are you challenging me, Lone Queen of the North?” George mocked Tirpitz by using her moniker as the Iron Blood battleship’s icy presence began growing even colder.

“Tirpitz,” Eugen broke the menacing silence. “Where did Bismarck say she was going today?”

“I don’t need to answer you, Eugen,” Tirpitz dismissed her question. “You stole vital information and relayed them to the Sirens. That went far, far beyond your orders!”

“Tirpitz,” Bismarck said. “Please, do tell us where I said I’d be going.”

Tirpitz crossed her arms. “You said you’d be going with Roon and U-556 to the port. Weren’t you going to be sent on a commission?”

Oh no.

“Commission!?” I exclaimed. “What commission?”

“I didn’t know about any commission…” Bismarck said.

“Then… who told me about that?” Tirpitz’s face showed a horrified expression.

“I did.”

We turned to see Observer, Tester, and Lurker standing behind us!

Eugen

“Commander!” I jumped and rammed the Commander, knocking him out of Observer Alpha’s tentacle range. Her tentacle narrowly missed us as George sliced two of them, making the Siren shriek in agony.

“Y-You little…!” Observer groaned as Tester and Lurker began opening fire on us. Bismarck snapped her handcuffs without exerting any effort and deflected their shots away. George is visibly shocked at this as U-556 and I ushered the Commander inside the residence. They must be aiming to capture him!

“Eugen, here,” the Commander handed me five foldable transparent masks. The Commander unfolded one and wore it on his face. Actually, it looks more like a glass helmet than a mask, now that I can see it fully worn. “I had Akashi, Yuubari, and Nimi develop these. Tell everyone to wear this while fighting the Sirens!”

“What’s this, Commander?” I asked as I received the five transparent masks. “Are these countermeasures to their neurotoxins?”

“Yes!” The Commander smiled. “These cost me a fortune so you all better beat the hell out of those bastards! What’s more, I can communicate with each one of you using these for up to 500 meters away. We have just six of them right now… Still, it’s way better than fighting them without protection!”

I nodded and told U-556 to protect the Commander for me before rushing out of the residence. The Commander suddenly grabbed my right hand.

“Eugen, ich liebe dich…” He said. Aww… how sweet.

“Ich liebe dich, Commander~”

“I would have preferred to stick around some more to leech off more information from your imbecile of a Commander…” Observer chuckled. “But it seems the jig is up… So, how did you enjoy your experience in Reichstag, Bismarck?”

“Thanks to you, I’m stronger than ever,” Bismarck declared as she easily kicked Tester about ten feet away. Tester managed to block in time but… that looked like it hurt! “Danke. I can now fight you all myself!”

Observer laughed. “Are you sure you can, Bismarck?” She aimed one of her guns at her as I tossed one of the masks at our flagship.

“Catch!” I yelled. Bismarck quickly reacted and equipped the mask.

BOOM!

“Hehe… strong as you are, you are just a product of our technology!” Observer chuckled. “You are still no match for—”

Suddenly, from within the green cloud of gas, a salvo hit Observer’s rigging right on her main guns.

“You were saying?”

Tester and Lurker immediately came to Observer’s defense.

“What happened to her…?” George asked me as I finished handing Wales and Hood their own masks. “This isn’t the Bismarck I fought all those years ago.”

“The Sirens put Bismarck through thorough torture while giving her strength enhancements…” Wales replied. “We’ll explain it later, dear Sister.”

“Wales…” George gave her sister a softer look. “Does this mean… Oh, gods, can you ever forgive your foolish elder sister, Wales?”

Wales smiled. “Let’s get to work, dear Sister!”

George uncuffed me and Wales and drew her sword after wearing her mask. Wales would have done the same but she lost her sword earlier today in that skirmish; instead, she put on her own mask.

“For the Queen!” Both Wales and George yelled in vigor as they aided Bismarck in fighting the three Sirens who were already struggling to keep up with our flagship.

“Hmm… everyone’s so fired up~” I giggled as I put on my mask. “Aren’t you, Lady Hood?”

Hood gave me a smile. “I have a chance to begin anew with Lady Bismarck… as do you, Lady Eugen, with the Commander.”

“Maybe… I’m still not set on him, you see~” I teased Hood.

“I can hear you!” The Commander’s voice resounded from within the mask! Oops hehe… I forgot he can communicate with us with these…

“Orders for all of you: capture the three Sirens alive,” the Commander confidently commanded. “We can extract information from them. Remember: your safety is priority, though. Now, give them hell!”

Ah… now there’s the man I missed.

Hood covered her lips as she stopped herself from laughing out loud.

“Hmm~?” I smirked. “Come on, you want to laugh right now, don’t you? Why not drop that facade of elegance for now and just let loose?”

Hood raised her brow. “Absolutely not. For you see…” She raised her right arm and aimed her guns at the distracted Lurker. “Elegance is not just for show!”

Her barrage landed multiple direct hits on Lurker!

I scoffed at this as Hood winked at me. “Let’s see how long you can keep up that elegance of yours…” I joined the assault on the three Sirens.

“Yield!” George declared as Observer, Tester, and Lurker all sat on the ground battered and heavily damaged. There wasn’t much to say or see… the fight was so one-sided that you can even say that we bullied these three to submission. “Submit to the might of our fleet.”

Observer grit her teeth and readied one of her cannons hidden under her tentacles. Upon seeing this, I blew off that tentacle with my HE round, making Observer shriek in pain again.

“Y-You…” Observer snarled at me. “You’ll all pay for this!”

George pushed her sword just an inch away from Observer’s jugular. “You and what army will do such a thing? You honestly think victory, in your situation, is still possible?”

“Oh, King George V.”  

Th-That voice!

“You have no idea what is possible!”

A blinding flash of blue light illuminated the night as a figure appeared in front of Observer, making George, Hood, Wals, and even Bismarck, take a few steps backward and cover their eyes. It’s her !

“Greetings, Azur Lane and Crimson Axis,” Arbiter said as the light surrounding her faded. “I hope you appreciate the new and improved toy you stole from me…”

She menacingly turned to me and Wales. “Eugen and Wales.”

“Who are you!?” Hood flabbergasted. So… even the elegant Hood loses her composure before Arbiter…

“It matters not!” George declared. “En garde!” She sliced… the air?

“Haha…” Arbiter chuckled. “Little King, you think your blade can touch me, Empress of the Sirens?”

George tried to chop her again but she caught her blade with her bare hands without even trying!

“Do you really want to play with me, Little King?” She replied. Hood and Wales are both frozen in fear… Verdammt, she really had to show up now of all times! She slammed her fist on George’s face, making her fall unconscious.

“Arbiter!” Bismarck came hurtling at her with her own sword. Arbiter’s face turned into a grimace as she generated a shield to block Bismarck’s blade. “Time to pay you back for the torture you put me through tenfold!”

Bismarck swung her sword at Arbiter, who blocked twice respectively. Her shield… it’s cracking!

“Thanks to you, I’m now your match!” Bismarck declared as she shot a salvo at Arbiter. The salvo turned into a black hole which threatened to suck the Siren in.

Why is Arbiter smiling?

“Guh!” Bismarck’s the one getting sucked by her own black hole!? W-What happened? I’ve been observing their fight without blinking… Now, Arbiter is the one standing where Bismarck stood. How did they switch places?

“Fauer!” I fired a barrage of AP shells at Arbiter… I’m almost out of ammo!

Arbiter blocked with her shields. “Tsk… looks like you’re all just going to gang up on me eventually, huh?”

“There’s no escape, Arbiter!” Bismarck boomed. “This is where you’ll sink!”

“Don’t engage.” The Commander’s voice echoed in my mask. Bismarck, Hood, and Wales’ expressions all changed as well which tells me that he also contacted them. “We don’t have enough intel on this Siren called ‘Arbiter’. Just observe her and gather combat data. There’s always another chance.”

“Ahh…” She smiled. “The Key must have told you all to stop attacking…”

Arbiter sat on her rigging and giggled. 

“Commander,” she addressed him. She probably knows that he is watching elsewhere. “I don’t know where you are… but let me tell you I know how you humans think. This isn’t the first world we conquered and it definitely won’t be the last, after all.”

What does she mean that we’re not the first? Did the Sirens conquer some other worlds before?

“You humans are all alike. Let me tell you that we, the Sirens, have sung the song of humanity’s destruction for over a thousand multiverses already!”

Now what is she on about? Multiverse?

“Eugen, don’t react.” The Commander said before I could make my quip. Mein gott… he already knows how I think, huh? “Let her have her speech. It might give us an insight on who the Sirens are and what they really want.”

“Hmm?” Arbiter crossed her arms. “No response? No witty comebacks? No quips?”

The Siren caressed her chin. “Very well, your Commander is a clever one… does he perchance think I was going to reveal more? Haha… how interesting.”

Arbiter hovered towards her Siren friends who were still lying beaten on the ground.

“Come, Observer, Tester, and Lurker,” she said as another blue light enveloped the four of them. “For now, farewell, Test Subject P. Take care of the Key for us. We’ll be back to collect him very soon.”

They’re gone.

“And that’s what happened,” the Commander finished narrating what happened a few hours ago to the faction leaders at the Royal Navy dining hall. I sat next to him as his reinstated secretary as Hipper and Lützow sat on the sidelines, conversing with Hood and Wales.

Representing their respective factions were Queen Elizabeth and Warspite from the Royal Navy, Nagato and Amagi from the Sakura Empire, Saratoga and Hornet from the Eagle Union, Bismarck and Graf Zeppelin from our faction, Sovetskaya Rossiya and Avrora from the Northern Parliament, Le Triomphant and Richelieu from the Iris Libre, and Dunkerque and Jean Bart from the Vichya Dominion. The confusion and panic that the Commander’s report caused the meeting of the faction leaders to devolve into a chaotic mess of squabbling and murmuring.

Queen Elizabeth, who was sitting at the head of the long table, whispered to Warspite who was standing at her right side.

“Dear Comrade,” Sovetskaya Rossiya was the first to break the cycle of murmuring amongst the faction leaders. “Do you mean to say that the Sirens have not only discovered a way to impersonate any of our comrades, but they have also discovered a way to appear and reappear on our island base at will ?”

“Yes, Rossiya,” the Commander replied. “This is a dire situation… we are potentially always exposed to danger because of this development.”

“I concur, Commander,” Le Triomphant replied. “They can always surprise us now. ‘Danger’ is quite a very light way to put it, don’t you all agree?”

“Yes,” Richelieu replied. “Still… as long as we do not stray from the path of righteousness, I’ve no doubt that we shall prevail.”

“Here you go again with your undying traditional way of thinking!” Jean Bart boomed. “We’re in a real life or death situation, y’know? What? Are you suggesting for all of us to pray to some deity that we’re not going to get bombarded later when we sleep!?”

“Jean!” Dunkerque tapped the Vichya battleship as she stood up and bowed. “Apologies for my friend’s outburst… Still I agree that perhaps we need more… concrete solutions.”

Nagato sipped her tea and spoke: “The Sakura Empire will participate in any operation that will be decided upon. We are no strangers to surprise attacks, after all.”

Saratoga stood up and replied: “Yes! We all know, Lady Nagato. After all, wasn’t it the Sakura Empire that surprised Pearl Harbor!?”

“Miss Sara!” Hornet asked Saratoga to calm down. Normally, Enterprise and Yorktown, the more level-headed and calm senior Union carriers, would represent the Union. However, since both are unavailable… Saratoga and Hornet took their place instead.

“Are you alright, Commander?” I asked the obviously-stressed Commander who was already pulling his hair trying to come up with solutions.

“Yeah… It’s just that our situation is really, really bad, Eugen,” he replied.

“Lady Bismarck,” Queen Elizabeth addressed our flagship who was simply observing the chaos. “Didn’t you and the Commander say that you were held captive by the Empress of the Sirens?”

“Ja.” Bismarck replied. Graf Zeppelin simply stared at the Queen of the Royal Navy. Usually, I would be the one next to Bismarck, giving her advice and delivering witty remarks to support her statements. But since I am now the Commander’s secretary again, Graf took my place as Bismarck’s temporary second. However, it’s obvious with Graf’s ‘I don’t care’ face that she’d rather be someplace else.

“Just ‘ja’?” Queen Elizabeth growled. “Go on! Describe the place! Give us something to work with, for goodness’ sake!”

“I’m afraid I cannot do that.” Bismarck flatly declined. Of course she can’t… If she described Reichstag, she’d be revealing national secrets to all factions here. “Fatherland will not benefit from all of you knowing such sensitive information.”

“W-What!?” The Queen flabbergasted. “I supported that rescue operation for you, you know! Show some gratitude you vulgar—”

“Alright!” The Commander stood up and slammed his hands on the table. “That’s quite enough out of all of you!”

The room fell silent.

“We’re here to discuss and solve our problem, not fight amongst ourselves!” He declared. “We are only as powerful as our combined strengths and as helpless as we are disjointed. So, stop your incessant squabbling and start acting like leaders!”

The Commander stood straight and observed the shocked expression on each of the faction leaders’ faces.

He suddenly grabbed my arm and asked me to stand up as he called Wales to stand next to me… what has he got planned?

“Look at these two!” He announced. Alright… a little embarrassing there, Commander. I can feel Wales’ face flaring up as I blushed. “Prinz Eugen of the Iron Blood and Prince of Wales of the Royal Navy. They were enemies, no, rivals! Yet look at them. They conquered the odds, fought tooth and nail, and came back from the Iron Blood homeland having rescued Bismarck and U-556.”

I-I’m feeling a little shameful right now with all these eyes on me… I know I like teasing others and making fun of them but it honestly feels so awkward to be made an example of like this…

“They did these feats by themselves, working together.” He said. “Now, imagine if all of us combine our powers like they did. What miracles can we pull off working together instead of against each other?”

A deafening silence ensued. I really hope whatever you’re doing actually works, Commander. Mein gott…

“L-Lady Nagato…” Saratoga was the first to break the silence. “I apologize for my comment… i-it was uncalled for…”

Nagato and Amagi nodded to each other. “No offense taken, Miss Saratoga. It’s my fault for saying something so insensitive at a time like this…”

“N-No!” Saratoga replied. “Also, please call me ‘Sara’. No more honorifics needed, ‘kay?”

“V-Very well… Sara,” Nagato replied. “Then I supposed you may just refer to me as ‘Nagato’.”

“...Sister,” Jean Bart called out to Richelieu. “I may not always agree with you but… we’re still sisters. I apologize for that earlier outburst.”

“I’m sorry too…” Richelieu said. “You’re right, Jean. We do need concrete solutions… but we should not let fear overtake us.”

“I agree… so,” Jean Bart scratched her cheek. “How ‘bout we spend some time together… like old times?”

Richelieu couldn’t stop herself from smiling as she nodded with excitement.

“Y-Your Highness…” Wait.. BISMARCK called Queen Elizabeth ‘Your Highness’!? The skies must be falling upon us! “If you wish, I will discuss some information regarding Reichstag… provided that you will give your word that this information will never be used against the Fatherland…”

“O-Of course! Lady Bismarck…” Queen Elizabath stammered as she smiled. “I-I… erm, I apologize for calling you—almost calling you—a vulgar…”

It seems the Queen is finding it difficult to apologize… Wales giggled quietly as I shrugged my shoulders.

“Nein.” Bismarck said. “There is no need to apologize, Your Highness. It is as the Commander says: we shall find our strength together. Individually, we pose no threat to the Sirens but together… perhaps we can finally strike a decisive blow to the Siren forces.”

“That’s it!” Saratoga exclaimed so loud that even the Commander covered his ears. “Whoops! Sorry… But, that’s it, Bismarck!”

“What’s it?” Bismarck raised her brow in confusion. Graf Zeppelin looks a little more interested at last as the Commander allowed the faction leaders to brainstorm.

Saratoga cleared her throat. “Why are we waiting for the Sirens to attack us, panicking as if we can’t fight back? Why don’t we bring the fight to them?”

“Excellent suggestion, dear Comrade!” Avrora applauded the carrier’s suggestion as Rossiya nodded satisfied. “If we all attack, then even that dreadful Empress won’t stand a chance!”

“True,” Amagi replied. “However, if we all attack, then we run the risk of leaving the base unprotected.”

“Amagi is right,” Nagato said. “While we are unstoppable as a united force, we cannot simply leave the base and allow a teleporting enemy to do what they please with it. I propose creating a fast taskforce that will strike the Sirens when they least expect it.”

“Hmm…” Queen Elizabeth mumbled. “What do you think, Warspite? Would the Knights suffice as a part of this taskforce?”

Warspite stood straight. “Your Majesty, our Knights are second to none! I guarantee their cooperation will be most useful for this operation.”

Queen Elizabeth nodded. “Then our Knights shall participate in this operation. Furthermore, I hereby decree that once this operation begins, the Royal Maids shall patrol the island base.”

Upon hearing this initial proposal, the chaotic squabbling amongst authorities transformed into a civilized meeting where each faction was able to bring their strengths to the table. The Commander happily entertained suggestions he thought would help and vetoed ideas he thought were ineffective. Wales looked and winked at me as she returned to the sidelines with my sisters, pushing me to the Commander’s side. I took my seat next to him as I further understood why he was chosen as the Commander of the base.

Each faction has their own tradition, beliefs, and ideologies. Of course, we are all competent in our own right but our ideologies can sometimes get in each other's way. The Commander was chosen to lead because he respects our ideologies and he knows what to do to get us to unite under the same banner. Just like his father, the Commander respects us ship girls and treats us like actual human beings. This is how he turns our differences into something much more than a sum of our parts.

“Alright!” The Commander stood and raised a piece of paper where he summarized the plan. “Here’s the plan: the Royal Knights, the Northern Parliament, and the Vichya Dominion ships will join the Iron Blood fleet to be decided by Bismarck as the main attack force on the Reichstag. A few U-boats and Sakura Empire subs will also participate to give us underwater support while the Union and Sakura Empire carriers will standby behind the main attack force to provide air support. They will be escorted by each of their respective teams of destroyers and cruisers.”

The Commander cleared his throat.

“Since we have established that the Sirens may be interested in capturing the Fleet Commander, myself, I will join the attack force while the Royal Maids and the remaining submarines patrol the waters of our island base. A few destroyers and cruisers from every faction will be assigned to different points in the island and they will have constant radio communications with the Island Command Center we shall establish. This command center will be in the Academy and it will be headed by Queen Elizabeth here who will be aided by Amagi. They shall coordinate the tactical operations here on the base while I am away. Any questions?”

A moment of silence.

“If there are none, then please return to your dorms. We shall begin our operation two days from now to give each faction a chance to prepare.” He fixed his uniform and bowed. “Please, lend me your strength!”

“That was… very impressive,” I told the Commander as we walked out of the Royal Navy dining hall. “You always seem to know what to say when things are tough…”

“Did Prinz Eugen just praise me?” He winked. This man… haha well, he deserves some praise today. Maybe I’ll spoil him later~

I grabbed his right arm and tried escorting him out of the Royal Navy residence. I have a lot to tell him in our room.

“Uh… where are we going, Eugen?” He asked with a confused face.

“Hmm?” I smirked. “Commander, you haven’t moved out of my room yet, have you?”

“Er…” That face… that face is the face of a guilty man.

“So, what did my Commander do while I was away, I wonder~?” I giggled. I do want to find out. It’s not like I’m going to eat him alive or something hehe… well, it depends on how severe his crime is.

“Mein kleine schwester,” Hipper came up to me with Lützow in tow. Bismarck and Graf passed me and waved the four of us goodbye. “You will not believe what this man did while you were away!”

The Commander hurriedly covered Hipper’s mouth and sent her away… strange. Why so defensive, my Commander~?

“Sooo is there anything you’d like to tell me?” I asked him.

“Er… well, yeah,” he laughed as he scratched the back of his head. “I need to ask you about a German word Hipper called me…”

I raised my brow. “Hmm? Go on.”

“What does the word ‘schürzenjäger’ mean?”

Chapter Text

Commander

11:48 PM. “E-Eugen!” I raced after the Iron Blood cruiser as she hurriedly paced towards the Infirmary. “We can talk about this!”

Damn… Hipper got me this time…

“Master!” Belfast hurriedly ran towards me as I exited the Royal Navy dorm. Eugen stopped and pouted as she saw me converse with the Head Maid. “You left this behind.”

Wait…

“Bel, this is…” The box I entrusted to her before!

Belfast winked and bowed gracefully. “I believe you require this… trinket now, Master. The Royal Navy sends its regards and support for the two of you.”

“Th-Thank you, Bel,” I said with a smile. “You’re right… I was meaning to ask you where this was. By the way, I would like to spend the night at the Iron Blood residence...”

“I understand, Master. Her Majesty expected as much so there’s nothing to worry about,” she replied. So, even Liz knows, huh?

Belfast tilted her head elegantly and closed her eyes. “As a maid, it is my duty to provide my Master everything he requires. Now, off you go. Please do not keep Lady Eugen waiting any longer.”

I chased after Eugen who had begun to angrily walk away.

“Hmm?” Eugen turned as I finally caught up to her. “Commander, wouldn’t you want to see your other woman? Look, I’m even bringing you to her~”

“I-I have no other woman!” I replied. “I just hugged Yorktown—”

“Ahh, so you hugged that carrier?” Shit! Don’t make things worse…

“She was so distraught about her sister…” I explained. “It was purely platonic, I swear!”

Eugen stopped in front of the Infirmary. I-Is she really that mad?

“Hmm… well, Commander,” she turned and gave me a peck on the cheek. “I understand your interest in other girls. However, I would love to keep you for myself for a while…”

“I-I’m not a womanizer, you know!” I replied.

“Hmm? I’ve caught you stealing glances at Belfast’s breasts, you know~?” She giggled as I gulped. So she’s noticed... “You’ve also ogled Graf and don’t you think I don’t notice how you look at Amagi hehe~”

“Y-You don’t seem mad about it…” I replied. Also, I do not ogle other lady’s… erm, assets. I merely evaluate them. Yes. Evaluate them.

“Oh, you will be punished later but,” she turned her back. “Really, I already expected this beforehand. After all, you are allowed to have multiple relationships with us. Let’s not kid ourselves here.”

I hugged Eugen from behind, making her gasp a little in surprise. “Look, I’m not a schürzenjäger, alright? Sure, I’m allowed to marry multiple ship girls but… right now there’s only one for me.”

“Hmm?” She said as she turned with an unconvinced face. “Is this what you say to all the ladies, schürzenjäger~?”

“I-I’m not a womanizer!” I boomed.

“Hihi… I was thinking of giving you a nickname, Commander,” she giggled. “Something like, say, ‘Bärchen’, or maybe ‘Häschen’. However, it seems ‘schürzenjäger’ is a more fitting pet name, don’t you agree? Hehe~”

“I don’t want to be called that!”

I knocked on the door to the room Vestal said Enterprise was confined in. Hopefully, her condition is not much worse than that of Eugen’s condition. Eugen laid her back to the wall as we waited for either Yorktown or Hornet to answer the door.

“Come in!” A blonde Union carrier wearing a cowboy hat opened the door as she ushered us in. Yorktown is already sleeping on the chair next to Enterprise’s bed as Graf Zeppelin sat on a sofa while reading a magazine.

“How’s Enterprise, Hornet?” I asked the youngest of the three sisters. “Is she going to be alright?”

Enterprise didn’t look quite as battered as Eugen did when she was the one confined. A mask connected by a pipe to an oxygen tank covered Enterprise’s mouth and nose while a vastly more slender tube pierced her vein on her left arm. This tube is transparent and filled with dextrose mixed in with water.

“She’s not doing very well, Commander…” Hornet said. “Vestal says it might be days before she wakes up. Luckily for us, Enterprise’s wounds were almost healed when she got here…”

This is actually concerning though. Why would her wounds heal if she, along with other Union girls, were attacked and subsequently defeated by Bismarck?

“Thankfully enough, her vitals are stable but she’s in a state of coma,” Hornet added. “By the way, Commander, Vestal said you had Akashi and her work on some sort of medicine for that green gas the Sirens used?”

I nodded. “Why would Vestal tell you that?” I asked.

“Well,” Hornet sat next to Graf Zeppelin. “She said Big Sis’s  lung x-ray was similar to Eugen’s when she was confined.”

Graf put her magazine down for a moment. “Vestal suspects that the Sirens may have subjected Enterprise to torture using their neurotoxins.”

“Bismarck told us about this, Commander,” Eugen jumped into the conversation as she stood next to me. “She said that the Sirens would ‘recondition’ their prisoners by exposing them to neurotoxins repeatedly while making them relive their most horrible experiences.”

“They did that to Bismarck?” I asked as Eugen nodded.

“Ja. They probably did the same to Enterprise… maybe they’re doing it to Roon, too,” she replied.

“S-Son of a!” Hornet grit her teeth as she punched the wall to her right. “The Sirens… they’re fighting dirty now. I’ll show them what happens if they mess with my Big Sister like that!”

“Calm yourself, Hornet,” I said as I patted her shoulders gently. “Enterprise will get better… Vestal and Akashi will do their best, okay?”

Hornet closed her eyes and clenched her fists as a stream of tears began pouring from her eyes. “Why didn’t anyone tell me something like this happened to my sister?”

I glanced at Eugen who gave me a nod. That’s my permission, I guess… I hugged Hornet and patted her back. “There, there… You are all strong. Enterprise is strong. She’ll get through this… Yorktown just didn’t want to risk losing you, too.”

“You’re right, Commander,” Hornet sniffed as I let her go. She flashed her smug smile. “No need to be all mopey about it. We’ll tough it out like always!”

I smiled and glanced at Eugen who was smiling as well.

“Has Yorktown eaten yet?” I asked Graf.

“Not a bite. She refuses to eat and insists on taking care of Enterprise, Commander,” Graf said. “Honestly, at this point, I worry that Yorktown herself might get sick…”

“Please take care of her, Graf,” I said. “Yorktown just wants to help her sister… I’m sure you understand.”

Graf nodded. “On one condition, Commander.”

“What is it?” I asked.

“Please send Zeppy here. I doubt that child’s eaten anything,” she said. “It’s been an entire day since she saw me. She might go on a tantrum.”

“Of course,” I replied. “You’ve come a long way, Graf… I recall you saying that you hate everything a few years back.”

Graf’s crimson eyes widened as she blushed. “I don’t know what you’re talking about. I still hate everything.”

“Hmm?” Eugen giggled. “Zeppy loves you too, Graffy~”

Graf seemed to curse Eugen beneath her breath as Eugen continued poking fun at her. I radioed Bismarck who seemed to have been surprised by my call to tell her to bring Zeppy over the Infirmary as I walked towards Enterprise and patted the sleeping Yorktown on her back.

“Big sister’s here…” She murmured as she continued sleeping. “Please get well… Enterprise…”

Eugen held my hands as we strolled through the base. The moonlight reflected brightly off her white hair as the breeze softly and gently blew her hair. She deftly combed her hair behind her ears as the moon shone off her pearl white skin. She turned to me as her marvelous amber eyes burned brightly in contrast with the night.

“Hmm?” Eugen smiled as I. “Commander, are you alright? You’re burning up~”

“I-I’m alright…” I said. “You made me this way, Eugen…”

“Huh?” She replied. “Whatever do you mean? I’m not even teasing you right now…”

“Well, nobody asked you to be so gorgeous,” Damn it that sounds too corny… wait… she’s laughing?

“Haha… vielen dank,” she said as she looked at me with heartful eyes. “Shall we continue our walk, Commander?”

“Y-Yes,” I stuttered as I saw Eugen’s hair flow elegantly in the soft cold breeze.

Eugen and I strolled quietly as we held each other’s hands.

“So, I never asked you…” I broke the silence as we passed the Academy. “How was your first trip to the Fatherland?”

Eugen smiled. “Oh, I have much to tell you, Commander.”

“We have time,” I replied with enthusiasm. I am quite curious what she saw there.

“Well, for one, I finally know your hometown, Commander~” She said smugly.

“Huh?” I replied. “W-What do you mean?”

“It’s in Kiel, isn’t it?”

W-What?! How does she know?

Eugen laughed as she saw my flustered face. “Why so surprised, Commander? Hehe… now that I’m looking at you, you resemble your dad quite a bit!”

She met Papa!

“Haha~ why so surprised, Commander?” She chucked. “By the way uhm, could you tell your father to not spend the ring I left for him? Erm… a certain Royal is probably not going to like it when she finds out I pickpocketed her.”

“Tell me everything!” I yelled as I dragged Eugen to a secluded corner of the port.

Prince of Wales

George asked me to visit the kitchen after the meeting… I wonder what she’s planning?

After inspecting my room and making sure none of my belongings got thrown out, I unhurriedly strolled towards the kitchen, being greeted by several Royal Maids who were cleaning the purple carpet in the main hallway.

“Prince of Wales,” I heard the voice of the Head Maid call to me from the side of the hallway. “I, Belfast, is pleased to welcome you back.”

Belfast raised her skirt a little and bowed with utmost grace. I bowed my head a little since I could never emulate the same amount of grace she has… “Thank you, Belfast. Have you seen George?”

The Head Maid stood straight. “Why, yes, I have, Prince of Wales. She’s waiting for you in the kitchen. She has actually forbidden any of the Maids to help her.”

Help? Ahh… George must be cooking something up in the kitchen.

“By the way, Her Majesty would like to speak to you, milady,” Belfast added. “She would like to see you in her chambers. When you are done with your business with Lady George, I shall be waiting for you at the Queen’s Chambers.”

I nodded and bade Belfast farewell and continued walking down the hallway. On the way there, a rose landed in front of my feet.

“Ahh, thou hast been found at long last, my sweet sister,” oh… so the Duke is awake… “And where, pray tell, art thou headed, sweet Prince?”

“Er, good to see you too, York,” I greeted my sister who was drinking red wine off her personalized glass. “It’s been a while…”

“That it has, my Wales,” she smiled and paced towards me, her cape flowing marvelously behind her as she flipped her pink hair. “Thou hast made our search for thee most stupendously interesting… I am thus impressed, my sister.”

I simply nodded since I can barely tell what she’s saying half the time.

“Hmm… but keep watch of thyself, sister,” she said. “Karma shall find thee one day… if thou proceeds ever so carelessly.”

“Of course, dear sister,” I replied. “I shall be sure to take better care of myself…”

York smiled and offered some wine for me, which she never has done for me ever before. I promptly refused, thanking her as she walked towards the exit of our residence. She’s probably going to go on her nightly stroll around the residence. As for me, I finally made my way to the kitchen.

“Howe, how are your cookies going?” I heard George boom from inside the kitchen.

“Ahh…” I peeked to see Howe smelling something on a silver platter. “They’re ready, George. You’re really giving this a lot of effort, huh?”

I observed George and Howe for a while first before making my appearance. After all, it’s not everyday that my sisters cook for me~

“Of course,” George replied. “I made a mistake… I readily jumped to conclusions without first asking for Wales’ side. I’m your eldest sister yet I readily jump the gun and assume the worst out of all of you… most of all, Wales.”

So, this is an apology… Well, have I got something to tell Eugen this time…

I decided to finally enter the kitchen to see what George has been cooking up.

“Yes, sister?” I said. “You wanted to see me?”

I gave Howe a nod as she smiled back. George looked at me. “Wales, come. Howe baked you cookies. I baked you this cake myself. Care to try?”

“Uhm… what is this for?” I asked.

George scratched her head and replied in an annoyed tone: “Would you just get over here?” She sighed. “You made such a wonderful achievement: one worthy of even an award from Her Majesty. Therefore, as a sign of my admiration and er, as an apology, we went through the trouble of baking food for you… So, could you stop being difficult?”

George is blushing! Haha… after all this time, finally… my sister recognizes me!

“George, look! Wales is blushing and grinning like a child!” Howe pointed out my momentary smile. I didn’t even notice that… haha… is this how it feels? To finally be proud of something? I puffed out my chest and made my way towards George and Howe who both welcomed me with open arms.

“Welcome home, sister,” George said as she patted my back. She baked me vanilla cake… this might be the happiest day of my life.

After eating George’s cake and Howe’s cookies, the two of them bade me good night and promptly retired to their own rooms. Meanwhile, I made my way towards the Queen’s Chambers. Wouldn’t you know it, Belfast was really waiting for me outside…

“There you are, Prince of Wales,” she greeted me with a bow. “Come, Her Majesty awaits.”

The doors to Her Majesty’s chambers swung open. I was greeted with the sight of Her Majesty handing some papers to Warspite as the Queen’s retainer laboriously explained the contents of each paper to her.

“Your Majesty,” I humbly addressed the Queen. “You summoned me… how can I be of service?”

“Ah!” Her Majesty sprung from her bed, making some sheets of paper scatter on the floor. Belfast immediately picked them up and handed them to Warspite who proceeded to fix her glasses. “Wales! I am most proud of your recent achievement. You have shown the rest of the factions that the Royal Navy is capable of such smart and clever play!”

I bowed solemnly. “You humble me, Your Majesty… I do not deserve such praise.”

“Oh, do not be so formal with me, Wales,” she said. “Go on. Raise your head! You have done such a wonderful thing. Be proud of it!”

“Er, yes…” I raised my head and stood straight.

“Now that that’s out of the way,” Her Majesty snapped her fingers, making Warspite grab a stack of papers from under her table. “I shall delegate an extremely important task to you, Wales.”

I raised my brow. “What might that be, Your Majesty?”

The Queen smiled. “You see, I made a pact with the Commoner: that I would support his actions from here on in. I intend to keep that promise, but the Homeland is pressuring our faction to move.”

“Er, ‘to move’, Your Majesty?” I responded with a puzzled look. “I’m afraid I fail to understand…”

“Ah, but of course,” she replied. “Warspite, explain everything to our dear Wales.”

Warspite nodded and stepped forward as she picked one page from the stack of paper she was holding. She placed the rest back on the Queen’s bed and spoke.

“I shall read the letter from the Queen of England.” She said.

The Queen of England? As in, the Queen of the British Isles herself? The Queen who gave a mandate to our very own Queen Elizabeth to head our Royal Navy? That Queen of England?

“Please, listen carefully,” Warspite said as she fixed her reading glasses. She said:

“My dear Elizabeth,

It is in my most sincere hope that this letter finds you and the rest of the Royal Navy in good health and in a prosperous enough position to carry out what we believe is the best for our beloved United Kingdom.

Recently, the Eagle Union sent an ambassador to me. Why, you may ask? Quite honestly, I asked that myself. To my horror, he brought me such terrible news: a conspiracy within the Iron Blood.

It is with great concern and fear that I write this letter to you, my dear fellow Queen who loves this blessed land, as I am moved to action by this dire development. I instruct you to exercise the authority I gave you: to act autonomously, as you see fit, to swiftly put an end to another bloody war before it begins. Use the Royal Navy and strike down the Iron Blood! Strike down the knaves who threaten the very peace and order our forefathers forged for us.

My beloved Elizabeth, the fate of our Great Britain weighs heavily on your shoulders. While it pains me to order you ladies into a fight that may very well force you to fight against your friends, or disobey the orders of the Fleet Commander of the Anti-Siren Task Force, I trust that you understand the duties of a queen.

I shall wait for your response, Elizabeth. Until then, stay safe.

Yours truly,

Queen Elizabeth III

PS. I have approved your budget proposal for next year. God bless Great Britain. All hail Britannia!

So… the Queen of England knows about the problem within the Iron Blood… Eugen, whatever shall we do now, my friend?

“Wales,” Her Majesty snapped me out of my daze. “As the Royal who rescued Bismarck and has seen the happenings in Berlin firsthand, only you can stop this order from getting carried out.”

“I beg your pardon, Your Majesty, me?” I asked. “I… I’m not as graceful as Hood… I’m not as well-spoken as York, and I am not as strong as George…”

“But you are Wales,” Her Majesty replied. “You helped Lady Eugen retrieve Bismarck and U-556. You made your way through the Iron Blood territory, no, Siren territory, and got out alive.”

Can I really do this?

“Prince of Wales, this is something only you can do,” she decreed. “Therefore, I want a full report of the entire event. Write everything you can remember: everything you heard AND saw. Convince Her Majesty, the Queen of England, that the Iron Blood is not at fault.”

“I… I shall try, Your Majesty,” I replied sheepishly.

“No!” She exclaimed. “You WILL accomplish this, understood?”

“Y-Yes, Your Majesty!” I saluted as I firmly resolved to take on this huge task. Warspite ushered me to her desk as I began writing my report.

It’s tiring… but I’m happy to finally be of use to Her Majesty.

Bismarck

Was zur hölle!? Who placed this here?

I was surprised to see a blue box on my desk… when I opened it, it contained a porcelain tea set! Whoever thought it was a good idea to prank me like this will definitely spend some time with Friedrich.

I brought out my radio and called Hipper who had her sister, Lützow,  staying over her room for tonight.

“Hipper. The Commander wants Zeppy over at the Infirmary with Graf.”

“Huh?” She replied. “I’m no longer his Secretary! What is my lousy little sister—”

“Hipper,” I firmly interrupted. “You have your orders. You will obey.”

“Er… j-ja…” She mumbled as she cut communications. Now… to get rid of this… tacky thing.

I carried the blue box with me as I stepped out of the residence… ugh I really need to get…

“Lady Bismarck?” A familiar voice called out from outside the residence gates. “It’s me, Hood!”

U-Urk… I think I know where this tea set came from now… verdammt. Now I can’t throw it away…

I walked towards her and spoke from within the gates. “Guten nacht, Lady Hood… if you’re looking for Wales, she’s not here and neither is Eugen…”

“No no, Lady Bismarck,” she replied while shaking her head. Is it just me, or is she a little less… uptight right now? “I came specifically to look for you.”

I raised my brow as I held the Royal Navy’s gift tea set in my hands. “Why? Can’t it wait until morning?”

“Erm, could I come in?” She asked.

I sighed and opened the gates for her as she happily strolled in.

“Did you like my gift?” She asked with a smile.

“J-Ja… I was about to look for you, actually,” Verdammt… now I can’t just give this back to her either while she’s looking at me with such expectant eyes… ugh… “V-Vielen dank, Hood.”

Hood smiled and continued walking with me as I guided her to my room. Tirpitz saw the both of us and giggled before making a full about-face, returning to her own room.

What am I doing?

Commander

“Mein gott, Commander,” Eugen said as she sat at the edge of the harbor. “I never knew you could run so fast hehe…”

I sat next to her and laid down. “Well, who wouldn’t be surprised? My lover just met my Papa without my knowledge, after all…”

Eugen nodded as she observed the waves softly crashing on the rocks beneath her feet. Her white hair became even more vibrant in the darkness as each of her hair strands danced along with the sea breeze.

“He’s so nice, you know?”

“Yeah… I know,” I replied.

“How did your parents meet, anyway?” She asked with genuinely curious eyes. I sat down and fixed my hair.

“Papa was a taxi driver,” I replied. “And Mama was an aspiring translator who visited the Fatherland to learn its culture… when they met at the airport, my dad immediately asked for my mom’s phone number.”

“Hmm…” Eugen nodded. “Did your mom give it to him?”

“Oh, yes, she did.” I replied. “They met several times during her stay there that they eventually fell in love.”

“Ahh… I see,” she smiled. “So? What happened next?”

“They got happily married,” I replied. “They had me soon after.”

“Then why did they separate?” She followed up.

“Well, you see, my mom still hadn’t given up her dream of being a translator,” I replied. “It just so happens that the Iron Blood embassy in the Union wanted to hire her.”

Eugen hugged her legs and quietly listened.

“Papa didn’t want Mama to go,” I continued. “But… my Mama wanted nothing more than to finally fulfill her dream. So, they filed a divorce. I was just three when this happened.”

“They separated so easily…” Eugen muttered. “How did your mother get custody?”

“Well, she earns more money as a translator,” I said in a matter-of-factly tone. “Not only that, her family is also much more affluent than my Papa’s. The Court decided to give Mama my full custody based purely on the fact that she has a much better chance of raising me well.”

Eugen nodded. “Did they stay friends?”

I shook my head. “No… Well, I was three then so it didn’t matter much to me. I eventually forgot about Papa… It wasn’t until when I turned fifteen did Mama tell me about Papa. They don’t speak to each other anymore but they’re on alright terms.”

“I see…” She nodded again. “Are you closer to your Mama or your Papa?”

I shrugged my shoulders. “Seeing as Mama died in a Siren attack several years ago… Papa is the only family I’ve got left. This is why I write to him a lot. To answer your question, though, I was equally close to both when Mama was alive.”

Eugen’s eyes widened. “Your Mama died in a Siren attack?”

I nodded. “That’s why I became the Commander. I wanted revenge for my mother… But that changed when I met all of you girls.”

Eugen looked appalled. “So, you don’t desire revenge anymore?”

I nodded. “I desire a world where all of you could live out your lives in peace… where you won’t be seen and used as merely weapons…”

Eugen smiled and laid her head on my shoulders.

“I want to live in that world…” She said. “Hey, Commander, what will you do when the war is over?”

I looked at her and tossed my sight back into the deepness of the ocean.

“I don’t know…” I replied. “But whatever that is, I want to be with you.”

I felt Eugen’s cheek curve as she smiled. “Then, what do you say about visiting the Fatherland? See the Berlin Wall, Brandenburg Gate, and Berlin’s Island Museum? Then we could visit the Cologne Cathedral or we could play kings and queens at the Neuschwanstein…”

“Yeah…” I replied. “I think I’d like that…”

“Then we can go visit Munich on Oktoberfest,” she continued “or we could drink Kӧlsch every night until we drop…”

“Erm… maybe not ‘til we drop but, I’ll gladly celebrate Oktoberfest with you,” I replied as I wrapped her around my arms. Eugen stood up and tidied her skirt.

“Then, it’s a promise?” She smiled.

“It’s a promise…” I replied as I knelt on my right knee.

“Huh?” Eugen raised her brow. “What on Earth are you doing now, Commander?”

I reached into my pocket and picked out a navy blue box smaller than the size of my palm. I can see Eugen’s face swell up in anticipation as her cheeks turned bright red. I flipped open the box, revealing a pair of rings about the size of our ring fingers. The diamonds on each of the rings reflected the moonlight brilliantly as they shone a rainbow of colors that illuminated a small area around my palm.

“Will you let me keep my promise to you forever, Eugen?” I asked as my reds flushed red.

“Will you marry me?”

Chapter Text

Chapter 23: Union of Souls

Eugen

“Will you marry me?” The Commander said as he brought out a pair of rings that sparkled majestically under the moonlight. I couldn’t even stop myself from vibrating in excitement… Unconsciously, I began softly laughing to myself. W-Wow… it’s all happening so fast...

“Eugen?” He asked with confused yet expectant eyes. “Why are you laughing?”

I calmed myself down and replied with the biggest smile I ever had on my face: “... Why did I laugh? Because it's funny to see you look so confused, Commander... This smile is truly from the bottom of my heart!”

“S-So,” he stuttered as I moved my right hand towards him. “D-Do you mean?”

I nodded and shook my head so quickly and excitedly that my hair got messy. “Ja, Commander… I’d be happy to marry you!”

The Commander suddenly sprung from his kneeling position! He must have jumped at least three feet into the air!

“YES! THANK YOU!!!”

Hihi… such a cute man.

“Ehem, Commander?” I said still red and sweaty from the sudden adrenaline. “Aren’t you forgetting something?”

I showed him my ringless hand as he wiped his sweat off. He removed the smaller ring from the case and slipped it on my ring finger.

“Here,” I reached out and removed the other ring from the box as I grabbed his right arm. “Never take this off, alright?”

I slipped the bigger ring on his right ring finger and hugged him.

“Vielen dank…” I whispered to his left ear as I wrapped him in my arms. I felt his cheek curl up, which tells me that he is smiling.

“No, Eugen,” he replied. “I should be saying that… Vielen dank, mein kostbarer Schatz…”

I… Wait… I like that.

“W-Wow… haha that’s some fluent German, Commander,” I said as I parted from his hug. “I wasn’t joking about what I said, Commander. I was thinking about what I’d be calling you…”

The Commander wiped his sweat as he tried to hide his smile. “Y-Yeah? So, did you think of anything?”

“N-Nein…” I replied. “But I do like what you called me…”

The Commander caressed his chin. “What do you mean?”

I fidgetted and giggled. “Well, I’m not saying it~”

“Er,” he muttered. “Mein kostbarer Schatz?”

I nodded excitedly. “Ja. But, ‘Schatz’ would do fine.”

The Commander smiled. “Then, maybe you can call me… hmm…” He paced around for a bit before snapping his fingers. “Liebling!”

I laughed at his suggestion. “Liebling? Commander, you really can’t think of anything other than the German word for ‘darling’?”

“Y-You’re one to talk!” He retorted. “You didn’t even come up with your pet name for me… also, why did you want me to call you my ‘treasure’?”

I moved closer to him and pecked his cheek, making him blush again. “Hehe… because I am your treasure, right? Liebling~?”

Both of us chuckled at the same time as he moved closer… He wrapped his arms around me and locked lips with me. I closed my eyes and enjoyed our little heaven… even if it’s temporary.

As the Commander and I clashed lips with each other, our warmth taking over our senses, I suddenly felt something soft and cold on my cheeks. The Commander stopped moving his tongue and lips as both of us gasped for air. We raised our eyes to the sky to find a rain of cold, white, cotton falling from the sky.

“Schatz, look!” The Commander grinned like a child. “It’s the first snowfall of the year!”

I smiled and observed a little snowflake fall in front of me. It landed somewhere I couldn’t see.

“Haha!” The Commander laughed loudly as he pecked my nose. “Wow… and I thought my proposal was going to be boring…”

“Nein, Liebling,” I replied. “Your proposal was unforgettable… snow or not. Be happy I’m nice today, Liebling~”

“I won’t be nice to you tonight, though!” I gasped in surprise as he swept me off my feet and ran towards the Iron Blood residence!

“C-Commander!” I exclaimed as he carried me as fast as he could. Hehe… he must want to have another taste of me… well, joke’s on him. It’s my turn to have a taste of him.~

Bismarck

I can’t believe I’m doing this…

“Lady Bismarck?” Hood asked as she sipped a small amount of tea from her teacup. I didn’t know she even had tea leaves with her… I should have done a full body check to make sure she wasn’t going to be able to make tea… “Is your tea not to your liking?”

Green tea this time, huh? I see… she must have changed the type of tea because I didn’t like the Black tea she prepared during my first and only tea party at the Royal Navy residence… I sighed and forcefully drank this… concoction, bracing myself for the hot bitterness that follows the vegetable flavor… huh? T-This tea… it’s slightly sweet?

Hood smiled and quietly finished her own teacup as I finished mine.

“I see you prefer Green Tea, Lady Bismarck,” Hood commented. “Good choice. It might taste like vegetables at first but when brewed correctly, it should taste quite sweet. Well, a little.”

I nodded. “You’re right… Hood, why are you here?” I asked the Royal Navy battlecruiser straight.

Hood put her teacup down on my desk. “I was hoping to spend some time with you, Lady Bismarck… Perhaps we could forge a friendship as well?”

Ahh… so you’re being influenced by Wales and Eugen’s friendship. For once, Eugen made a positive effect on the other factions but… if it means drinking tea all the time, then I might throw in the towel before the end of the month…

I stood and approached my cabinet.

“Lady Bismarck?” Hood asked as she put the tea set away. “What are you doing?”

“Well,” I replied. “You gave me a gift. It might be rude to not do the same.”

I brought out my two personal mugs: one of them given to me by Tirpitz, and the other I bought myself. I placed them neatly on my desk and brought out from my cabinet the bottle of Altbier I planned to enjoy alone on New Year.

“ Prost! ” I exclaimed as I clinked the bottom of the mug Tirpitz gave me with the mug I let Hood use. Hood smiled awkwardly and raised the mug, staring at the Altbier inside with a slight hint of disdain on her face.

“Hood,” I called the battlecruiser. “When I am in the Royal Navy, I do as you Royals do. So, while you are in the Iron Blood, do as we do!”

I downed the entire mug in one gulp.

“Y-Yes, of course,” Hood shyly replied as she took little sips off the mug.

“Hmm… what’s with that unsatisfied face?” I asked Hood who turned red after sipping just a small amount of Altbier.

“E-Er… it’s not what I expected,” she replied. “I always thought the liquor you preferred would be much… stronger?”

I giggled a little. “Well, when I’m alone, this is the kind of beer I like. And now, you know.”

Hood smiled and drank more. “It’s not too bad… It's like English Bitter.”

“Ja,” I replied. “I always thought you Royals never drank anything other than tea… so you have alcohol there, too?”

Hood laughed while covering her lips with her hands. “Of course we do! Why, Duke of York always drinks red wine!”

I nodded. “Und du?”

“Pardon?”

Ah… I forgot she can’t understand me.

“And you?” I corrected myself.

“Ah!” She replied. “I really prefer tea… I don’t like losing myself under the influence of liquor…”

Just what I thought. I drank some more and poured another for myself. We won’t be getting anywhere if Hood refuses to cooperate.

“...But if there’s no choice, I guess champagne does not taste so bad…” She continued.

“Hmm,” I replied. “Champagne, eh? I thought as much.”

“And what about you, Lady Bismarck?” She asked. “Do you fancy champagne?”

I shook my head. “It’s a bit too tame for me. Beer is the best drink, in my opinion.”

Hood nodded and finished the mug.

“You can keep that, if you want.” I said. “Tirpitz, er, my sister, gave me a mug already. Keep it.”

Hood’s face lit up in excitement. “R-Really?”

“Ja,” I replied as I downed another mug. “You gave me a tea set so I guess it is only fair for me to give something to you, too.”

Hood smiled and pushed the mug towards me. “Lady Bismarck, please give me another!”

I nodded and filled her mug with what is left of my Altbier. I stood and grabbed another bottle from the cabinet. When I looked back, I saw Hood slumped on the table. I inspected her mug to see it half empty as she slept with a smile on her face.

“Ah… groꞵ,” I muttered to myself as I shook the sleeping Royal Navy battlecruiser. “Hood, wake up. You can’t sleep here.”

No response. She must have gotten hammered from drinking… hmm… just three mugs of Altbier. I see her alcohol tolerance is sorely lacking.

I carried her off the table and laid her on my bed. Hood murmured something I couldn’t quite catch as I covered her with my blanket.

I stepped out of my room and made my way towards the balcony only to see the Commander carrying Eugen in his arms at the stairs. Ah… I think I know what’s going to happen tonight.

As I observed the snow falling from the sky, I sat on a lone chair at the balcony. We might have been able to prevent the Treaty from falling apart now but… as long as things at the Fatherland remain as chaotic as it is now, it is only a matter of time before the other factions find out… if they don’t already know. Queen Elizabeth’s behavior a while ago seemed desperate… so if I’m right, the Royal Navy might already know and they might already be planning something. I would have liked to learn something from Hood but her alcohol tolerance is too low. Moreover, I don’t really feel good about getting information like that… what got all of us into this mess anyway is me obeying orders about stealing intel.

Is humanity really worth all the effort we’re putting in? They can’t defend themselves yet they see themselves above us. That’s all we are to them: weapons and lives dispensable; replaceable. They can even fight amongst each other and toss each other’s lives into the sea without as much a thought. They can point a gun at each other and shoot while cursing their enemy under their breath. They claim to hold the truth when the truth is that they themselves break their own code of conduct. Why, all the atrocities they committed in the previous war… the atom bombs, the lives lost in regular campaigns, the wives whose husbands will never return, the children whose psyches were permanently scarred… all those atrocities in the name of “peace”, “freedom”, and “justice”, they are just proof that humans are capable of being scarier than even the Sirens.

Even those “noble” Royal Navy ships are nothing but tools at their real queen’s disposal. They might have fancy titles like “queen”, “prince”, or “king”, but in the end, they’re all at the beck and call of their masters.

The same is true for us. I am the flagship of a fleet that cannot refuse an order from the incompetent Germans who let themselves get destroyed from within by the very same enemies we fight on almost a daily basis.

The only person who has ever treated us equally is the Commander. Even our superiors at the Iron Blood didn’t really care what would happen to us if we were discovered stealing information… they just wanted to one up their competitors.

However… I would like to believe that there are more humans out there like the Commander. Perhaps, someone out there could change this… I’d like to believe in the Commander, no, in humanity. That perhaps, even though my country is in turmoil right now without the citizenry even knowing, there is a way to restore balance and peace. Perhaps, there is a way for our souls to be united under the same objective… for the faction division to completely disappear… for people to not be bound by the rules of external and internal politics.

I sighed and returned to my room only to see Hood still sleeping. I appreciate her effort to make amends with me but… my faction and my people come first. After all of this, then perhaps I’ll make a serious effort in forging a friendship with this woman.

Looks like I’ll be sleeping over at Tirpitz’s room tonight.

Eugen

The Commander carried me to my room. He let me stand on my own as soon as the door shut close as he swooped in for the most intense kiss I ever received from him. I felt his warm hands caressing my body as we moved closer and closer to my bed… he slowly removed my top as he kissed my neck passionately.

“L-Liebling~” I said as we gasped for air. “You’re sure in a rush tonight… hehe... was me agreeing to your proposal enough to fire you up?”

“N-No…” He muttered with a blush on his cheeks. “I simply missed you and…”

“And?”

“I love you… Schatz…”

I smiled and pushed him on the bed and slowly took off his top. “Ich liebe dich, Commander.”

I got on top of him and grinned. “Oh...  I forgot… you need some punishment, you schürzenjäger~!”

The Commander’s worried face shot upwards as I began doing what I know he liked best on the bed…

Hehe… you’re so cute but I apologize... I’ll be having my way with you tonight, Commander~

“Haha… tonight was fun, right, Liebling?” I murmured to the Commander’s right ear as I laid on his bare chest.

“Y-Yeah…” He said in a weak voice. “I really need to train myself…”

“Train?” I asked. “You did wonderfully… hehe no need to be ashamed. Have you heard of the saying: ‘ Alles hat ein Ende nur eine Wurst hat zwei ’?”

“Er, I’ve heard about it from Papa… h-hey!” He exclaimed in an insulted tone. “I-I finished more than once, you know!”

I laughed out loud. “I know~!” Mein gott, he thought I was insulting his capabilities… hehe, how cute. “That’s not the end I mean… don’t take it too literally, Liebling. I meant everything comes to an end… hehe, even our fun.”

He flushed bright pink as he scratched his cheek in shame of not understanding the simple expression I used. “O-Of course I knew that!”

“Suuuure~” I replied. “...I just hope you’ll honor your promise, Commander.”

He wrapped me in his arms and pecked my forehead. “I will, Eugen. By the way, when do you want to marry?”

“Oh?” I raised my brow. “Don’t you have the marriage planned already, Liebling?”

“N-Not exactly…” He replied. “With everything that’s going on, I didn’t have enough time to think about it…”

“I understand. Well, at least I get to decide, right?” I smiled. “Then, what do you say we set the date at… say… New Year’s Eve?”

He glanced at me with curious eyes. “Why set it at that date?”

“Hehe… I want us to greet the New Year as a married couple,” I replied. “Besides, it gives us enough time to actually take care of everything going on with the Fatherland.”

“You’re right,” he replied. He placed his thumbs on my temples and began systematically rotating them… mein gott I missed this… “You like this, Schatz?”

I nodded as I closed my eyes. I was planning on sleeping when suddenly, I felt something coming at my throat. I jumped off the bed and rushed to my bathroom…

Ugh… I-I feel dizzy… Why am I throwing up? I didn’t even drink any beer tonight...

The Commander wrapped a towel around his waist and caressed my back. “Are you alright, Eugen?”

I wiped my mouth clean with my arm and observed my vomit spiral down the drain as I turned on the sink in my bathroom.

“I’m alright,” I replied. “Still… what was that? That’s so random…”

“Maybe something you ate?” The Commander asked. “Or maybe… hehe…”

“Or?”

“Let’s visit Vestal tomorrow,” he said with an oddly happy expression on his face, like he’s won the lottery. “For now, please get plenty of rest, Schatz.”

The Commander carried me and laid me carefully on the bed.

“If there’s anything you’d like to eat,” he said. “Don’t hesitate, alright? I’ll go get it for you.”

Alright, what is this man on about this time? Still… it feels nice to be spoiled like this once in a while…

I jumped off the bed to throw up again… mist! Mein gott, why do I feel like shit tonight?

Chapter Text

Commander

8:01 AM. “C-Commander,” Vestal approached me with a ghastly face. “I think we need to talk…”

I pecked Eugen’s forehead and followed Vestal to her room. Meanwhile, Eugen was happily rubbing her still-flat belly as she came up with some names on her own.

“What’s up?” I asked.

“I have some good news and some bad news…”

I raised my brow. “I guess it was too much for me to expect nothing to go wrong, huh? Then,” I scratched my forehead. “What’s the good news first?”

Vestal sighed. “I think you already know the good news, Commander. Eugen is pregnant... You wouldn’t have come here if you didn’t think she was…”

That is true. In fact, earlier today, she wanted to drink tea. Tea! Hood was happy to oblige but Bismarck and I couldn’t believe she actually loved Hood’s Black Tea! She loved it so much she even asked the battlecruiser to give her a supply of tea leaves!

I mean, I like tea but… the way Eugen drank it a while ago would make you think she was a Royal Navy ship…

“So,” I said with a nervous tone. “What’s the bad news?”

“Hopefully, this is just my paranoia,” Vestal murmured in a grim tone. “But remember when I told you that us shipgirls have about a hundred times more iron than a normal human being?”

I nodded and continued listening.

“Well, this is the first time a baby of a normal human being and a shipgirl would ever be born,” she said. “So… we don’t actually know if the baby will be a normal human or not… if the baby inherits her mother’s capabilities as an enhanced human, then everything is fine… but if the baby inherits a normal human’s body…”

I gulped.

“Then the baby is at a huge risk of iron poisoning,” she closed her eyes. “I’m sorry, Commander… It’s the first time we’ve ever seen anything like this… We need to monitor Eugen’s condition, too. If the baby is in danger, the mother is equally in danger regardless if she’s a shipgirl or not.”

I just had an idea!

“What if we get Akashi and Yuubari in on this?” I said. “You know, their little experiment gave us Little Bel, Little Illustrious, Little Renown, Hiei-chan, Akagi-chan, and Zeppy… maybe they can help us when it comes to children?”

Vestal scratched her head. “It’s possible… although I do hope it won’t involve firing that Siren laser at Miss Eugen…”

I gulped. “On second thought, perhaps that isn’t a good idea…”

“No, no, Commander!” Vestal said. “As a doctor, I also would love to learn more about children made out of the love between a human and a shipgirl!”

“Then,” I caressed my chin. “You’ll work together with Yuubari and Akashi on this?”

Vestal excitedly nodded her head.

“How’s Enterprise, anyway?” I asked Vestal. “Have you and Nimi developed the cure to their neurotoxin?”

Vestal nodded. “Enterprise’s vitals seem to be stabilizing… Thanks to Z23, Akashi, and Yuubari, we were able to develop a serum to help the body flush out the remaining neurotoxins in Enterprise’s body… I expect her to wake up by the end of the week, maybe.”

“Thank gods…” I said. “So, I doubt Yorktown and Hornet will be able to make it on our sortie later tonight, huh?”

Vestal shook her head. “After finding out that Enterprise will recover, Yorktown immediately apologized to Graf Zeppelin… she even insisted on coming together with her and Hornet when they sortie.”

I nodded. “I see… but I would prefer to have them stay here instead.”

“Why is that, Commander?”

“Well, we’re already taking the kidou butai ,” I said. “The Essex-class are all coming, as well. The Illustrious-class will also participate. I feel that we need more air power here at the base. Just a feeling.”

Vestal nodded.

“Then, back on topic,” I reigned our conversation back. “What should I tell Eugen?”

“Tell her to be careful… I understand she’s coming with you as she will personally escort you, Commander, but please keep her combat involvement to the minimum. Her pregnancy is an especially sensitive one since we are not sure how her body will react to the baby and vice versa.”

“I see…” I said somberly. “I’ll do just that… but, I do have a question,” My curiosity was really piqued this time... “Erm, if shipgirls can get pregnant, then do they also get periods?”

This is a very valid question that I must ask for science… Vestal pouted and frowned. Uh oh.

Eugen

I’m… I’m a mother? A few weeks ago, I couldn’t even cook for anyone and now I’m supposed to be responsible for another person’s life… it’s all happening so fast.

I wonder what I’ll name you? Actually, are you a boy or a girl? I really don’t know… hehe but no matter what you turn out to be, I’m sure your Papa will take good care of you. I don’t know if I can be a good Mama but I guess I’ll give it a try.

The Commander left with Vestal around five minutes ago… mein gott, what’s taking them so long…

“Eugen? Are you well?” A familiar voice came from the end of the hallway as I exited the consultation room. It’s Wales.

“Ja,” I said. “More than well, Wales!”

Wales approached me and began jokingly nudging me with her elbows. “So, tell me all the details about last night… hehe your stupidly happy expression tells me you had lots of fun with your man last night, eh?”

“J-Ja,” I said as I proudly flashed her my ring. “More than fun.” I said while winking.

“You little minx!” Wales grabbed me and put me in a headlock! “You sealed the deal way too quickly, you!”

“Hehe… sorry Wales,” I laughed as I broke out of her headlock. “Looks like you’ll have to find someone else to deal with your kinkiness!”

“Ha!” She scoffed. “As if you can keep me away! Hehe… but seriously, congratulations!”

I smiled and sat on the bench. “I’ve more news for you…”

Wales’ eyes furrowed as she sat to my right. “What?”

“Well,” I giggled. “What do you say about becoming my kid’s godmother?”

“ME!?” Wales flabbergasted. “Wait. YOU? A MOM!?”

“What?” I tilted my head. “Is it that bad of an idea?”

“God!” She yelled in an exasperated tone. “I pray this woman’s kid will grow up to not take after her mom!”

“W-Why you!” I gave Wales a noogie. What a punk! “You’re one to talk! Why, you’re the one who taught me how to use a—”

“E-Eugen!” The Commander worriedly rushed to me and hugged me. “D-Don’t move so much!”

“H-Huh!?” I exclaimed. “What’s the problem? Also, what took you so long? I’m hungry!”

He held me by the shoulders after he released me from his hug. “...You’re hungry already? You ate like four sausages in quick succession with tea before we came here…”

I wasn’t joking… I really am hungry… for now, I want some pancakes.

“Pancakes, Liebling,” I said. “I want pancakes~”

The Commander scratched his head as Wales giggled.

“By the way, Wales,” I called out to the giggling Royal battleship. “What brings you here? Are you here for a checkup or something?”

Wales straightened herself and spoke. “Good day, Commander.”

He nodded at Wales with a puzzled face. Why the formality?

“I came to ask permission to visit our homeland, the British Isles,” Wales said with a resolute face. My, that petite Queen must be off sending her on one of their crazy assignments, huh?

The Commander scowled a little but lightened his expression quickly.

“Ok, tell me the truth Wales: why are you going to visit your homeland?” He asked with his arms crossed. “The last time I allowed a ship to visit their homeland, shit hit the fan. How do I know this trip won’t cause us any problems later? Not that I don’t trust you but… I don’t want to be made a fool of twice.”

Understandable. Hipper told me how hard the Commander had to work to get back the trust of the other shipgirls here when Wales and I pulled that stunt. Of course he’d be on guard when something similar happens.

“Of course, Commander,” Wales produced a sheet of paper and handed it to the Commander. “The Queen of England wants to make the first move against the Iron Blood. However, our very own Queen Elizabeth does not wish to break her pact with you.”

The Commander took the paper from Wales’ hand and began scanning it as he listened to her with an incredulous look. He looks like a detective trying to analyze his informant’s testimony. Or so what I watched in a few movies they brought here for our entertainment a few months back.

“Therefore,” Wales continued. “She commanded me to relay the real events before the Royal Court of Her Majesty the Queen of England.”

The Commander folded the piece of paper and gave it back to Wales who received it wordlessly. My, my, Wales is suddenly the most dependable battleship in the Royal Navy, eh? Hehe… it looks like she finally got the recognition she desired.

“Alright, Wales,” he replied. “Still, I have one condition: I want you to come with us on the sortie. When we reach the English Channel, only then will I allow you to break formation.”

“Hmm?” I jumped into the conversation. “This seems dire, Commander. Why not allow Wales leave as soon as possible?”

“Eugen’s right, Commander,” she added. “I can’t delay this mission. We may risk another war if the Queen decides to move without our Navy.”

The Commander shook his head. “The Queen of England will not make a move. Unless there is probable cause, the other factions are not permitted to engage each other in a direct confrontation.”

The Commander smiled.

“Do you know why the Queen of England gave Queen Elizabeth full authority over all of you in the Royal Navy?” He asked. Wales simply shook her head. Interesting… even I do not know why the Queen of all tea swiggers would allow a ship control of her entire navy. I caressed my chin and listened carefully to the Commander’s explanation:

“It’s simple: if Queen Elizabeth has full control of the Royal Navy, any decision she makes is hers and hers alone. What’s more, the Royal Navy now has a face in the form of Queen Elizabeth. This means that whatever the Royal Navy achieves, the Queen of England can simply claim the credit saying she put a competent leader in charge. If Queen Elizabeth fails or screws up, the Queen of England can simply let her take the fall by saying: ‘I gave her full authority so her decision is not mine. She made the move herself.’”

So… even in politics, the Royal Navy uses sly tactics.

“The Iron Blood is no different, Eugen,” he continued.

“What do you mean?” I asked.

“Bismarck is the symbol of strength in the Iron Blood,” he explained. “Therefore, she is responsible for everything that happens to your faction.”

“I’ll take full responsibility.”

Bismarck said that once when George was arresting us… It appears that she knows this full well, too. Does it go that way for the Sakura Empire, then? What about the Eagle Union which has no explicit leader?

Wales nodded. “Understood, Commander. I shall explain everything to Her Majesty.”

“Wales, we all know you’re excited about this,” I teased. “No need to act so formal. It doesn’t suit you~”

“W-Why you!” Wales tried to put her arms around me but ended up locking the Commander instead! What’s wrong with this man!?

“Commander!” I exclaimed as Wales let him go. The Commander dropped like a swatted fly on the floor. Why’d you get in the way, dummkopf! Of course you can’t take Wales’ strength!

After a moment’s rest, the Commander awakened on the bench. Vestal scolded him very sternly before leaving.

“Liebling,” I addressed him. “What’s going on? Why did you get in Wales’ way?”

“Schatz, I just don’t want you to get hurt…” He mumbled.

I raised my brow and crossed my arms. “Nein… there’s something else.”

Did Vestal tell him something that made him act like this?

“N-No!” He replied defensively. “Look, let’s go get your pancakes. I’ll have Bel make some for you…”

Oh? Now you’re talking! “Let’s go! Our baby’s hungry, Liebling!”

Ahh… the thought of having pancakes with Black Tea… heaven!

“Here’s your pancakes, Miss Eugen,” Belfast brought me a stack of twelve pancakes topped by honey and strawberries. Meanwhile, Hood sat next to me as she presented her Black Tea. Wales observed the three of us as she thought about what to say to her Queen. The three of us are seated in a room annexed to the kitchen where the Royal Maids usually eat their meals. My Commander left me here to go meet Akashi. He said he’s going to ask about the mass production of the masks we used when we drove the Sirens out of our base.

“Please enjoy… ara? You’re done already?” Belfast giggled as I finished the tower of pancakes before me.

“Keep it coming!” I exclaimed in pure ecstasy. “Mein gott… how does your pancakes taste so divine, Belfast? You’ve got to teach me how to make these!”

Belfast smiled and turned to make more pancakes. Liebling did tell her to make me everything I want and it looks like the Head Maid is very happy to oblige.

“Prinz Eugen,” Hood called my attention as I began sipping tea enthusiastically from her teacup. “I appreciate your enthusiasm but… you’ve finished three teapots worth of tea already…”

What does she mean? This is too good to stop! “Hood, I’ve just discovered the beauty of tea… please don’t deprive me of it, okay~?”

“Still, this isn’t good for you…” She mumbled. Tsk, her elegance really annoys me sometimes… alright, most times. “Perhaps you’d like some water instead for now?”

“Hood if you give me water, I swear…” I pouted and asked for more tea. Reluctantly, Hood poured me some more from her teacup with a look of regret on her face.

“Why the sudden change of heart?” Belfast asked as she peeked out of the kitchen. “You always seemed to be quite unimpressed with our tea, Miss Eugen.”

Wales began chuckling to herself.

“Lady Wales,” Hood said. “Is this another one of the pranks you two love pulling?”

“W-What?” Wales flabbergasted. “I don’t pull pranks! Eugen does. Also, no. This isn’t a prank.”

“H-Hey!” I said. “I don’t pull pranks either. I tease people… I don’t make practical jokes. There’s a difference.”

Hood simply sipped tea snobbishly. After drinking, she shook her head in disbelief… ugh this woman…

“Eugen’s pregnant, Hood!” Wales suddenly blurted out the news out loud! “That’s why she’s craving things she normally wouldn’t have!”

“That’s stupendous news!” Belfast exclaimed from within the kitchen. “Very well, Miss Eugen. You shall have all the pancakes you and your baby desires… within safe amounts, of course.”

“Th-Then help me stop her from drinking too much tea, Belfast!” Hood said in a panic as Wales laughed. There’s no way you’ll be able to stop me!

Commander

10:41 AM. Akashi rolled out a cart full of the masks I told her to mass produce.

“Here’s the masks, nya!” She proudly presented the masks to me. “Akashi thanks you for your patronage, nya! Hehe the HQ gave Akashi quite a sum for this.”

“...Did you even pay Vestal, Yuubari, Shiranui, and Nimi for helping you?” I asked the Capitalist Cat.

“Of course, nya!” Akashi puffed her chest out. “Each of them got a fair percentage of the total profits, nya! Nimi got 4000 Gems, Yuubari and Vestal each got 5000, and Shiranui, being my partner, got 7500 nya!”

“Er… how much do you have?”

“Since I am the entrepreneur here, I got 15000~!” Kuh… and she’s proud of it, too! It’s sad that these girls got more money overnight than what I made in over five months… I really should ask the HQ for a raise…

“Congratulations… I guess?” I mumbled weakly. “I have something else for you Akashi…”

The Capitalist Cat’s eyes looked like dollar signs when she pounced me. “Nyice!!! What is it Commander!?”

“Er… I’m not paying you though…”

Suddenly, Akashi is several feet away from me!

“Come again to Akashi’s shop later when you want to make a purchase nyaa~”

“Akashi!”

I chased the greedy cat and asked her to listen to my proposal first.

“So, the promise ring you bought from me worked then, nya~?” She asked. “You should be giving me more patronage then, nya!”

“I-I will, I will!” I said nervously. “But… don’t you have anything to say about Eugen’s condition?”

“Oh?” Akashi thought for a bit. “Unfortunyately Commander, Yuubari and I only knows little about how Mental Cubes work nya… not enough to give proper medical advice about babies nya…”

“I see… then please work on this with Vestal again,” I told Akashi. “I can’t promise I can pay you anything right now… but I hope you’ll help me out.”

Akashi scratched her head. “Well, that’s fine Commander, nya. You can always pay us in installment!”

Reluctantly, I decided to sell my soul to Akashi. I have to for the sake of my fiancee and future baby…

11:42 AM. I passed my residence which is almost completed. This is where I told Amagi to wait for me in advance since I have something to speak to her about.

“Ah… Commander,” I saw the fox lady sitting under the large acacia tree just outside my residence. “Come sit with me.”

I sat next to her and stared at the snow falling from the sky. “Beautiful, right?”

Amagi nodded but her face showed a disappointed expression.

“Why do you seem sad, Amagi?” I asked.

“Well, this will only make it harder for the planes to fight… moreover, it’s cold,” she explained. “Be careful, Commander. Many generals tried fighting in the cold and failed. I hope you won’t suffer the same fate.”

I nodded. The weather is not favorable for attacking but… we can’t waste time. I can only pray that we won’t encounter any blizzards on the way…”

“Tsk, tsk,” Amagi wagged her finger at me. “Commander, the blizzard doesn’t have to be your enemy.”

“Huh?” I wondered. “What do you mean?”

“You have ships used to the harsh conditions of winter, Commander,” she said. “Why not let them take the lead this time?”

“They’re a little inexperienced though…” I commented.

“Yes,” Amagi coughed a little which worried me. I rubbed her back to her surprise. “C-Commander… don’t go touching other girls like that anymore… Prinz Eugen is your fiancee already, isn’t she?”

“S-Sorry… but are you alright?” I asked.

Amagi flashed her smile. “I’m fine, Commander. Now, what was it you wanted to speak to me about? Surely, it’s not just about today’s wonderful weather…”

“Yes, I’d like to discuss the Sirens,” I said. “We confirmed that the Siren Arbiter can teleport to our base unimpeded… so why doesn’t she just come and destroy us in one fell swoop?”

Amagi caressed her chin and muttered. “I can think of no good reason, Commander… except maybe she really can’t?”

“But we just saw that she could!” I retorted.

“Perhaps, we only think she could,” Amagi reasoned. “Because, as we already established, if she could do it, then why wouldn’t she have just done it?”

“I see… suppose that you’re right,” I said. “Then what reason could there be for her to not just use her abilities?”

Amagi shrugged her shoulders. “I don’t know. There’s too much we still don’t know about the Sirens, honestly. It would be nice if Arbiter just came out and explained everything but… it appears she’s smarter than the others.”

“I sincerely hope our lack of information won’t do us in,” I said somberly.

“We have enough information,” Amagi said as she patted my back. “Have a little more confidence in yourself… after all, you’ve already gained my recognition, Commander.”

Amagi began coughing wildly as I supported her with my arms. Th-That’s…!

“Amagi!” I called her attention as I made her sit down. “Y-You’re coughing blood! Let me take you to the infirmary—”

“That’s not necessary, Commander,” she said as she stopped me from taking my radio out. “All our efforts should go to the preparation of the operation tonight… haha… my less-than-ideal health is of no concern compared to that.”

I tried calling Vestal regardless but Amagi wrestled the radio out of my hand.

“It’s just the changing weather, Commander,” she assured me. “I still need to serve as Queen Elizabeth’s advisor while you’re gone… so please, Commander. I promise to visit the Infirmary myself after this.”

Reluctantly, I gave in to her request.

“Now then, shall we discuss how you will approach the enemy territory, Commander?”

2:15 PM. I entered the complex of the Northern Parliament. Its orange walls looked heavily fortified with several towers overlooking its edges. On the towers are security cameras that the members most likely rotate shifts overlooking. Contrasting the fiery appearance of the walls is its interior which is pearl-white. A large building with a golden dome on top loomed over me as a Northern Parliament ship with an ushanka approached.

“Welcome, dear Comrade!” Sovetskaya Rossiya greeted me with open arms. “Come, our residence is your residence.”

Rossiya led me to a room with a round table where Chapayev and Avrora were waiting.

“Welcome, dear Comrade,” Avrora greeted me. “Fancy some vodka?”

“You should visit us more, Comrade Commander~” Chapayev said as she winked. Her expression reminds me of what Eugen looks like whenever she’s happy.

“Comrades, the Commander would like to discuss our strategic role for the coming operation,” Rossiya announced as she took a seat around the table, inviting me to sit opposite her. I obeyed and laid a map of the areas we will pass through on the table.

“As you know,” I began. “We are going to conduct an assault on the Iron Blood Fatherland. Initially, I had the Northern Parliament stationed here…” I pointed at a point on the map. “However, I believe this strategy no longer suffices.”

“Hmm, and why is that, Comrade?” Avrora inquired.

“I believe we will need the Northern Parliament’s expertise in fighting under frigid conditions,” I declared directly. “We just had the first snowfall yesterday: this changes everything. We are not sure how harsh the Winter will be in the Atlantic and we aren’t sure about the enemy’s capabilities under such conditions either.”

“Hmm,” Chapayev crossed her arms and caressed her chin. “So, you plan to use our superior skills in the blanket of snow, is that it, Comrade Commander?”

“Precisely,” I confirmed. “Moreover, according to your report during your last patrol, your rigging is capable of functioning exceptionally well even inside Mirror Seas.”

Rossiya’s eyes narrowed as she leaned forward to listen more attentively.

“Therefore, I propose a change in the formation. Instead of working together as one squad, I will assign each one of you as escorts for each other squads.”

I cleared my throat and pointed at the point where the combined forces of the kido butai and the Essex-class are assigned. “If it is alright, Rossiya will escort the carriers. The reason for your reassignment here is that you also have superior firepower that can help defend them if ever an enemy decides to circle around our formation.”

Rossiya nodded and allowed me to speak.

“Meanwhile, Chapayev and Avrora will accompany the larger company composed of the Royal Knights, the Iron Blood, and the Vichya and Iris Libre ships.” I explained.

Chapayev pointed at my designated station. “What about your company, Commander?”

“Petropavlovsk will join my escort,” I replied. “If the situation dictates, each of you will be permitted to override the authority of the flagships and give direct orders. This rule is applicable only for this mission should we be separated by Mirror Seas or should a sudden blizzard cause confusion.”

“I see… your trust will not be misplaced, dear Comrade,” Avrora replied.

“Well then, any questions?” I asked.

All of the Northern Parliament ships then shook their heads.

“Very well,” I folded the map I brought and gestured towards the door. “I’ll meet you all on the port at our designated time. Please, don’t be late.”

3:16 PM. I approached the Royal Navy residence after confirming that the other factions understood all my orders. As I approached the kitchen where I left Eugen, I was greeted by the sight of Prince of Wales trying to wrestle a teacup out of my fiancee’s right hand…

“W-What’s going on!?” I exclaimed.

“Commander!” Hood flashed me her puppy eyes as snatched the pancake away from Eugen. “Your fiancee is eating and drinking too much!”

“H-Huh!?” Eugen reacted by kicking Wales away. She then immediately tried to take another sip from her teacup, only for Belfast to snatch it away from her at the very last second. “Hey! Give that back!”

“Er, how much has she drunk?” I asked Hood who ran to the kitchen to hide the remaining pancakes.

Hood’s voice echoed from the kitchen: “Six pots and two dozen pancakes!”

W-What!? I don’t have to be a doctor to know that is way too much!

“Eugen!” I yelled. “Y-You have to stop eating like this!”

After pacifying Eugen, I decided to alter the formation to include Belfast since it is fairly obvious that my fiancee will pull my hair out if she doesn’t get the food she loves… Belfast giggled while covering her mouth as she watched me and Eugen alter the plans before leaving to tell her Queen and the other Royal Maids of the abrupt changes in the formation.

“Liebling,” Eugen hugged me from behind and pecked my cheek shortly after Belfast exited my temporary office. “Vielen dank… for keeping up with my cravings…”

I smiled when suddenly... 

“But now… hehe~” Uh oh…

“I crave you, Liebling~!” Eugen suddenly got on me, straddling me on my chair!

“Master, I forgot—” Belfast dropped her jaw after seeing Eugen sitting on my chair… and sitting on me.

“Please, enjoy yourselves…” Belfast shut the door silently.

“W-Wait, Bel!”

11:53 PM. Eugen and I stepped on the edge of the port where the different companies are waiting. Belfast stood next to Eugen while Petropavlovsk, Nimi, Laffey, Ayanami, and Javelin sat on a nearby bench. The Head Maid made sure to pack a lot of tea leaves and pancakes for the road for Eugen who still craves the said food. I really hope our preparation is enough though…

Eugen handed me the megaphone as I spoke:

“Today, we are going to retake the Iron Blood homeland from the Sirens. We are doing this not only to restore balance in the world that the Sirens disturbed, but we are also doing this to rescue one of our friends: Roon.”

Yes… this is how our base should be. We aren’t supposed to be a base made up of several divided and competing factions: we are a set of comrades, a family, if you will; one that has several different strengths and weaknesses. Through our unique diversity, we will find the unstoppable force we shall use to crush the Sirens plaguing the world!

“Now, if everyone has their masks, put them on.” I commanded as I put on my own mask. Everyone followed suit.

“Set your watches in sync with mine. It’s 11:59 PM. We’ll begin our operation in… three… two… one!”

00:00 AM. “Operation… Start!”

Arbiter

“I see… then, they’re coming, huh?”

“Yes,” The former Union carrier from another world replied. “ Looks like you failed converting the other me over there.”

“Haha… surely you jest,” I replied telepathically. “Don’t tell me you forgot what happens next?”

“I haven’t. Still, are you sure you won’t regret giving her powers almost equal to mine?” This carrier’s getting too full of herself recently. “Moreover, don’t you want me and Ember to help retrieve the Key?”

“No,” I replied. “You just continue your work there. I’ll handle this. Hehe… you seem to be having trouble finding the Key over there as well, anyway.”

“Don’t get friendly with me,” My my, what a glare. That thing is constant with all the Enterprises, it seems. Well, they all fall one way or another. This one just managed to survive the entire process to still be useful, is all. Hehe… the Enterprise of this world will make a fine addition to our ranks as well… if only that Test Subject P and her friends didn’t get in the way… Oh well. We still have several chances.

“Ash? Stop blowing up our bases,” I threatened the cocky carrier. “I do not appreciate travelling between dimensions to fix our facilities… If I didn’t have to dimension-hop as much, we would have captured the Key here already!”

“It’s not my fault your people keep doing unnecessary experiments,” God this woman… Why can’t she just obey orders like the others? Does everyone from the Union act bratty like Ash? Ember is far more likeable as an associate than she is! “I’ll stop interfering once your people get their act together. I got to go. Ember’s calling. Ash. Over and out.”

T-This woman! Ugh! Even Bismarck mouthed off a lot after the reconditioning! Neither of these two made good puppets…

“Arbiter?” Observer Alpha approached me. “Hmm… Ash is acting up again?”

I glared at my subordinate who immediately froze up. “Is she ready?”

Observer smiled and turned. “Preparations are complete, Arbiter. Meet our newest ally… hehe she’s passed all the tests and she’s even exceeded Bismarck’s record.”

A heavy cruiser with blonde hair and golden eyes stepped into the room. She smiled and spoke in an oddly calm manner:

“Where is my Herr Kommandant? Hehe… Roon needs to discipline him… him, that whore, and his child.”

Chapter Text

Commander

“Petropavlovsk,” I contacted the heavy cruiser who was leading us through the snow. “Come back. We’re about to pass through Route C.”

“J-Ja, Commander,” Eugen’s little sister responded as she reduced her distance from her sister’s ship. She’s 500 meters… 400… 300… 150… 50 meters…

“Commander,” the little heavy cruiser exclaimed as she jumped onto Eugen’s deck. She quickly ran into the bridge and saluted. “Petropavlovsk, reporting: no Siren ships or aircrafts within 500 meters. Nothing else to report!”

I saluted back and told Petropavlovsk to have her well-deserved rest. She sat next to Eugen who was silently concentrating on controlling her ship.

“Nimi,” I called the Iron Blood destroyer who was sitting with Ayanami, Laffey, and Javelin.

“Ja, Commander?” She asked as she stood next to me. I peeked into my binoculars and handed it to Nimi.

“Do you see anything?” I asked. Even with Petropavlovsk’s superior eyes and experience in the snow, one cannot be too sure.

“Nein, Commander,” she politely replied as she handed me my binoculars back. “Shall we proceed to the next part of the operation?”

“Hold on,” I approached the marked map in Eugen’s bridge and counter checked our current coordinates with the ones I marked on the map. I see… We couldn’t see the land masses through this thick fog and snow but it appears that we’re about to pass through the Denmark Strait.

“Alright… so far, so good,” I mumbled to myself and turned to Nimi. I cleared my throat and gave my command. “Nimi, Ayanami, Laffey, and Javelin.”

One by one, the other three destroyers stood with Nimi who was already readying herself.

“Let’s execute Plan E. We’ll proceed straight here,” I pointed at the entrance of the Strait with my fingers and made a motion with my hand as if I’m guiding their attention through the map. “Use Cross Formation. I want Ayanami on the bow, Nimi on the starboard side, Laffey on the port side, and Javelin on the stern.”

“Understood. It will be alright, Commander... Believe in me… Yes,” Ayanami blankly said as she marched out the bridge.

“Laffey… Will do her best…” Laffey suddenly became more alert as she said: “Deactivating self-imposed limiter…”

After the Union destroyer exited, Javelin flourished her staff and jollily hopped to me. “I’ll protect our rear very well, Commander!”

“Are you sure, Javelin? It might be too much for you…” I raised my brow and teased Javelin.

“H-Hey! Look, I can handle you just fine!” Javelin blushed and rushed out of the room. Haha… Nimi was the last one of the destroyers left in the room.

“Aren’t you going out, Nimi?” I asked.

“Hmm… I will, Commander. I was just memorizing the map, is all,” she really is the most studious of the starter squad. She’s also extremely dependable… It’s no wonder Nimi got accepted as an Academy teacher.

“Aren’t you preparing a bit, too much?” I asked.

“Battles are like exams, Commander,” she explained. “Wissen ist macht. Remember?”

Ah… yes, even Amagi believes in that. Actually, Amagi was always impressed with Nimi’s love for knowledge, going as far as to praise the destroyer and tell her once that she might make a good tactician if she studied battle tactics as well. Nimi, however, truly just loves knowledge for knowledge’s sake. Unlike me and Amagi, she doesn’t see information as something you manipulate to your advantage. She learns because she wants to learn.

“I’m done,” she announced. “Let’s go! It’s time to reap the rewards of our hard work!”

“Hmm?” Eugen shifted her eyes towards Nimi. “Well, aren’t you excited, Nimi? Hehe…”

“F-Frau Eugen!” Nimi blushed and pouted as she hastily walked out the bridge. “I-I have work to do…”

I sighed and smiled as I sat next to Eugen. Petropavlovsk was already fast asleep, probably tired because she’s been sailing for eight hours straight.

“Liebling? Whoops! I mean, Commander,” Eugen corrected herself. “I forgot I shouldn’t call you pet names on missions… anyway, your plan baffles me.”

I raised my brow. “What do you mean?”

“I understand you cooked this plan with that Sakura Empire tactician,” she referred to Amagi. “However… isn’t this a little too risky?”

Eugen stood up and pointed at the map.

“Our squadron consists of just me and my little sister as heavy cruisers, one Royal Maid as a light cruiser, and four destroyers…” She said. “Not only that, we’re travelling through the Denmark Strait instead of straight through the Atlantic, which is the fastest path towards the Fatherland.”

I stood next to Eugen and allowed her to speak first.

“The nearest company is the one made up of the Sakura Empire’s kidou butai and the Essex-classes… over here,” she pointed at the company following us on the map. “They’re not too far away… but won’t they come too late if the Sirens decide to attack us? Why didn’t you just make us go with the main strike squadron passing through the Atlantic?”

“Well, you’re right,” I said. “However, there are a few reasons why I didn’t make us go through a single path.”

I pointed at the strait. “First, we are sure that I am one of the primary Siren objectives. The Sirens know that we know this, right?”

Eugen nodded.

“Therefore, it is more likely for the Sirens to think that I am with the larger group,” I said. “They will send most of their interception force here… right through the Atlantic where the main strike squadron is passing. They will not expect us to circle around and outflank them. That’s why I had the carrier squad shadow us. Now, why did I make the carrier squad shadow us instead of the main strike force?”

Eugen caressed her cheek and chin.

“If the Sirens specifically knew we were passing through the Strait for whatever reason, then our plan of action is not to engage. We will fall back and draw the Sirens in for the planes to ambush them as we withdraw. Then, we are to take out any stragglers with Rossiya’s superior firepower and the destroyers we have with us.”

Eugen raised her brow. “And what if the airstrikes aren’t enough to get rid of most of them?”

“Then, we hold them here.” I pointed at the mouth of the Denmark Strait. “We take a stand here and wait for the main strike force to turn around and wipe out the Sirens from behind.”

“Hmm…” Eugen snapped her fingers. “Quite an elaborate plan… but, wouldn’t the Sirens be able to deploy their Mirror Seas and ruin it all?”

I smiled.

“No. They can’t.”

“What makes you so sure?” Eugen asked.

“Well, for one, we already know that the Northern Parliament ship riggings work exceptionally well even inside a Mirror Sea,” I explained. “Moreover, look at this geography, Eugen.”

I referred to the geography of the Denmark Strait.

“It’s too narrow for the Sirens to feasibly use their Mirror Sea here…” I said confidently. Eugen’s eyes lit up as if she understood everything.

“Ohh? I see… so, you intended to pass through here simply because the Mirror Seas require quite a large space to properly function?” She giggled. “My, my, Commander, you are quite the schemer, aren’t you~?”

“Well, you and Bismarck already showed us how painfully annoying passing through here is,” I chuckled. “The Royal Navy itself had a very hard time dealing with the two of you here haha…”

“I see… then hopefully, we come out of this in one piece,” Eugen began walking out of the bridge, presumably to watch the waves on her deck.

“We’ll make it,” I said. “You are a lucky ship—oops!” I forgot she didn’t want to be called that!

Eugen turned to me… I’m a dead man.

“Hehe… You’re right, Commander,” s-she’s not mad? “I am a lucky ship… Why do you look so confused? Don’t you know I’ve changed a long time ago because of you~?”

My heart skipped a beat... t-this woman… I was wrong. I am the lucky person here.

Eugen

Belfast’s pancakes hit the spot… Danke gott I’m not having those terrible dizzy spells now. The two large landmasses, Iceland and Greenland, peeked out of the mists as I carefully navigated my ship through them.

“Mein ältere Schwester,” Lützow approached me and stood next to me. “I-I heard you and the Commander are h-having…”

I smiled and turned to my cute little sister as she mumbled her words.

“H-Having a baby?” She finished her statement. “A-Am I going to be an aunt?”

I giggled and replied. “Ja, mein kleine Schwester. You’re going to be an aunt!”

Lützow began bouncing around and giggling. “I’m so happy for you, sister!”

She hugged me and giggled like a child. Haha… Hipper didn’t react this way. She mostly thought I’d make a terrible mother… I think I have a favorite sister now haha… just kidding~

“What will you name him? Or her?” She asked.

I honestly don’t know yet. Liebling and I haven’t talked about it much because of this entire ordeal... I scratched my head and shrugged my shoulders.

“Lady Eugen,” Belfast approached from behind and stood to my left. “I prepared a full meal for you in the canteen. Moreover, I believe it’s not good for you to stay out in the snow for so long.”

What a killjoy…

“Belfast, I can handle myself… alright?” I replied. “Also, full meal? What did you cook?”