Dorm
Aug 15, 1942
5:00 PM
Lucas and JS Maya had just returned to Azur Lane Naval Base after their recent reconnaissance mission to Madagascar, tasked with gathering more intelligence on the well-camouflaged Siren Base.
Enterprise-80 sought confirmation of human life within the base before resorting to missile and bombing strikes. Her true objective was to keep the base and its infrastructure relatively intact to secure any Siren technology, information, and the location of their breeding grounds.
Enterprise-80's top priority was to locate all Siren Minion breeding sites and rescue as many captured humans as possible.
This entire operation had become increasingly complex. Breaking away from typical American wartime doctrine of 'bomb them into oblivion until no infrastructures is left,' the possibility of human life inside the Siren Base heavily influenced their strategy, despite their limited information.
Lucas and JS Maya, accompanied by Shangri-La's Fleet, were sent to confirm the existence of human life. USS Shangri-La had been slightly modified for this mission. Currently, Shangri-La stood on the deck of her Carrier, gazing in awe at her new asset.
Shangri-La had received an MQ-28A Ghost Bat, configured for high-altitude reconnaissance and equipped with sophisticated technology for precise information gathering.
While any of the Essex-class Carriers could have easily performed the reconnaissance, none possessed the capability to handle this advanced craft. Thus, Shangri-La was chosen by Enterprise-80 for this crucial mission.
~Back at the Dorm~
After their exhausting silent reconnaissance, both JS Maya and Lucas entered the Dorm, eager for some rest and relaxation.
In the living room, they were met with a bizarre sight, a Throne placed beside the couch and... a Maid? The Maid's appearance didn't resemble any of the Royal Maids of the Royal Navy, nor any maid they had ever encountered.
The white hair and petite stature screamed familiarity to the two, and they instantly recognized who it was. The Maid turned around to face them, and both Lucas and JS Maya stared in utter shock, momentarily speechless.
"Lafayette???" The two asked in unison, their voices filled with bewildered surprise.
Lafayette shot them a look that clearly conveyed, don't even ask how I got into this mess.
Lucas immediately pulled out his phone and began snapping pictures of Lafayette in a frilly apron and a maid headband with cat ears, collapsing into laughter on the floor like a maniac.
JS Maya, equally amused by Lafayette's unexpected transformation, slowly took out her own phone and discreetly captured a few photos.
Lafayette's internal monologue: Yup, that's me in a Maid outfit. You're probably wondering how I ended up like this? Let's rewind to where the previous chapter concluded.
Several Days Earlier
Aug 9, 1942
Bar
Lafayette and his friends were currently tasked with keeping a watchful eye on Laffey-200, who was still under the influence of her "Season". Coupled with her sudden personality shift, no one could predict her next move with her unpredictable and confusing demeanor.
Unicorn had been gazing at Laffey-200 for quite some time, admiring her unexpected beauty and the striking resemblance she now bore to Illustrious, especially in the elegant white dress that had captured everyone's attention in the bar.
Lafayette glanced around, subtly observing every man in the establishment. The male patrons couldn't seem to tear their eyes away from Laffey-200, while their partners or wives emanated an increasingly ominous aura.
"Man... Arizona was right. Laffey really does draw all the attention," he muttered under his breath.
In a dimly lit corner of the bar, Arizona had retreated to the shadows, keeping a discreet watch over the Young Escorts and their Transformed Bunny. Under the cover of darkness, he could maneuver and avoid detection, maintaining a low profile. He decided to let the Younger Escorts handle the direct attention for now.
Back at the counter, Laffey-200 slowly sipped her glass of wine, her gaze sweeping over every man in the bar who dared to stare. Then, she would offer them a polite smile in return.
The men, however, seemed to understand the unspoken warning, perhaps recalling Admiral Ackbar's famous words: It's a Trap!
Their baser and manhood might have urged them to "fuck around," but their self-preservation instincts and sanity strongly advised against "finding out."
Laffey-200 had already established a formidable reputation in every bar and establishment within the Naval Base: mess with her, and you'd likely wake up in the infirmary, or worse... facing the Pearly Gates.
Whether her inherent violence had decreased due to her personality shift from the Bunny Mating Season, or if it had inexplicably multiplied, remained a terrifying unknown. Their guesses were as good as anyone else's.
"Wow... you look beautiful in that white dress, Laffey," Javelin said, her eyes sparkling with admiration as she complimented Laffey-200's elegant appearance.
"No need for such flattery..." Laffey-200 replied with an alluring, mature voice.
She then turned her attention to the two who were also observing her. Lafayette and Laffey-459. Laffey-200 offered them a small, gentle smile as well.
Sweat beaded on Lafayette's forehead as his eyes met hers. To his surprise, Laffey-459 at his side showed no signs of vigilance, seemingly feeling no threat to him.
"Do you want some help with her?" Laffey-200 asked, noticing Lafayette's subtle struggle with the ever-clingy Laffey-459.
Lafayette knew that Laffey-200 could see right through him, and denial would be futile. "Ye-Yes," he said hesitantly.
Laffey-200 smiled at his admission. She placed her wine glass down and gently lifted her into her arms like a baby. Laffey-459 did not resist being pulled away from Lafayette.
Lafayette breathed a sigh of relief as Laffey-459 released her grip without causing a scene in the bar. "Thank God," he muttered under his breath.
Laffey-200 cradled the younger Laffey in her lap and softly patted her head. She hummed a gentle lullaby, slowly and tenderly stroking the pinkish-white hair of Laffey-459.
Laffey-459 gradually drifted off to sleep, snuggling her face into Laffey-200's bosom like a child, sleeping peacefully like a little angel.
Lafayette and his friends watched the scene with inspiring awe, as if they were witnessing a tender moment between a Mother and Daughter. To those who knew their usual dynamic, it was more akin to a reversed Grandmother and Granddaughter relationship.
Laffey-200 had seamlessly transitioned from an 'America Fuck Yeah' persona to a gentle 'Ara~Ara' demeanor as the effects of the Bunny Mating Season intensified, hitting harder than any puberty.
Both Albacore and Hamman's jaws dropped at the motherly sight. The two couldn't believe that the usually violent bunny could be this caring and maternal.
"I thought Houshou-san was the only one who could do something like this... desu..." Ayanami muttered to herself, her voice filled with quiet wonder.
Unicorn felt a pang of jealousy towards Laffey-459, as Laffey-200's humming lullaby and gentle touch reminded her of Illustrious.
Javelin noticed the wistful expression on Unicorn's face and asked, "Are you alright, Unicorn?"
Unicorn, a bit hesitant and shy to voice her feelings, hugged her plush unicorn tightly and looked down. "Big Sister Illustrious used to do that to me, back when I was little," she said, a hint of longing in her voice.
Laffey-200 noticed Unicorn's sad expression and motioned for her to come closer. Unicorn slowly approached, confusion evident on her face, unsure why she was being summoned.
To her surprise, Laffey-200 gently placed her left hand atop Unicorn's head, patting her softly. Unicorn's lips curved upward in delight as she received the unexpected affection.
Laffey-200 spoke with a motherly tone, "I know you wanted it too." Unicorn nodded, a wide smile spreading across her face.
"Here you go," the Bartender said, placing a glass of juice on the counter table.
Laffey-200 had ordered these for her supposed escorts, the ones assigned to keep an eye on her if things got out of hand.
Hamman eyed the glass suspiciously before turning to the Bartender and rudely asking, "Is this alcohol?"
The Bartender responded to the grumpy cat-girl in front of him, "No. It's juice..."
"But I saw Hornet drink one of these and get drunk back then," Hamman persisted.
The Bartender explained, "About that, Young Miss. We mix alcohol and juice to suit the tastes of our customers."
Lafayette interjected to clear up the misunderstanding. "Beverages like that are popular amongst women back home."
"Yes, your friend here is right. That kind of beverage is popular amongst women," the Bartender confirmed, exchanging a fist bump with Lafayette.
"Whoa, I didn't know you were friends with the Bartender?" Javelin asked in surprise.
Lafayette scratched the back of his head, searching for an explanation. "Well..."
"You see, when Miss Laffey got drunk here and couldn't walk home, he was the one who was always called to fetch her. So, many of the employees here know him and have become friends with him," the Bartender elaborated.
"I-I see," Javelin said, slightly surprised by Lafayette's unexpected connection.
"He also stops by in his free time to work as a part-time chef at this establishment," the Bartender added casually.
Jaws dropped, and a chorus of imaginary crow screeches filled the silence as they all absorbed this extraordinary piece of information. Lafayette felt a blush creep up his neck. He might be an American Frigate, but his Italian and French FREMM Frigate heritage clearly manifested when it came to the kitchen.
Guess we all know his station if he ever gets married in the future.
~Outside the Bar~
Two Maids, their expressions determined, approached the entrance of the Bar, their mission clear. They scanned the interior, searching for the individual they had been ordered to locate.
The description was straightforward: find a Bunny girl with Bunny Ear Antenna and two holstered pistols strapped to both thighs.
The problem? No one inside the establishment remotely matched that description. A twin-tailed bunny girl with two pistol holsters at her hips? (Good luck with that.)
Suffolk frantically peered around the dimly lit interior, her anxiety growing as she failed to spot anyone fitting the mission parameters.
"Have you seen her?" Kent asked, her voice laced with a hint of impatience.
"No-no. I haven't found her," Suffolk stammered, her hope dwindling.
"Queen's Order. We need to find her," Kent reiterated, emphasizing the urgency.
"How are we going to find her? We don't even know if she's even here," Suffolk said, her voice tinged with despair.
"What are the two of you doing?"
The two Maids turned towards the source of the voice, another Maid with a stoic demeanor and a nonchalant air about her.
"Sheffield, sorry... we can't find them," Kent said, rubbing the back of her head sheepishly.
Sheffield sighed, clearly unimpressed by their failure. "Perhaps a third party could be of assistance," she said, then strolled towards a dimly lit corner table where a lone figure was seated.
The two bewildered Maids exchanged glances before following Sheffield.
Arizona, attempting to blend into the background, was doing a less-than-stellar job, his attire hinting at future designs that caught the occasional curious gaze. Sheffield approached him with her usual impassive expression.
"You seem lost?" he began, his voice casual.
"I require assistance in locating this target," she stated, placing a photograph of Laffey-200 on the table.
"Too bad, she's not here... partially," Arizona replied after a quick glance at the photo.
"Tell me where she is," Sheffield reaffirmed, her tone unwavering.
"Why does the Royal Navy want her?" Arizona countered, matching her directness.
"Her Majesty has requested her presence," Sheffield stated simply.
Arizona leaned back in his chair. "Oh... is she taking an interest in Bunnies now?"
"Her existence has stirred some... inquiries within the Royal Navy. The words and rumors surrounding her this morning have reached those who demand immediate explanations for the confusion," Sheffield explained.
Arizona sighed internally, his mind immediately jumping to the "Seasonal state." 'That must be it. Some of the Royal Navy Staff, seeing her in that regal form, might have mistaken her for one of the Ladies of the House. That has to be the reason for the sudden interest.'
He sighed again, then pointed towards the bar counter. "If you're looking for her... there. You'll find her."
The two Maids turned and began to make their way towards the bar counter. But before they could take more than a step, Arizona spoke again. "A word of advice: be prepared for what you may see."
"Noted," Sheffield replied, then turned to continue towards the bar.
Arizona on his table mumbles. "To all the people you could see, you see me first."
At the counter table
"Where is she?" Sheffield asked, her gaze sweeping over the occupants.
"Who?" Lafayette replied, his brow furrowed in confusion.
Sheffield then held up the colored photograph of Laffey-200 again.
"You could have just asked for the name," Lafayette said flatly. He then gestured towards his side, indicating the person they were searching for, albeit with significant discrepancies in appearance. "There she is."
Sheffield turned, her eyes widening in utter surprise, her expression conveying a shock that words couldn't adequately describe.
Both Suffolk and Kent stared at the colored photograph of Laffey-200 and then glanced at the woman in the pristine white dress before them, the differences stark and undeniable.
"Ummm????"
"Yes... that's her," Lafayette confirmed with a nod.
Laffey-200 then spoke, her voice carrying a regal tone, "Oh... Why does Her Majesty require my presence? Is she perhaps requesting someone to attend her Tea Party? I do so enjoy attending Tea Parties, especially those at the Harbor," she added, a subtle implication directed towards the three Royal Maids.
Her personality might have shifted, but she was still fundamentally American. You could take Americans out of America, but you couldn't take America out of the Americans.
The two Maids slightly tilted their heads in confusion, failing to grasp the underlying meaning of her statement. Sheffield, however, felt a prickle of unease at her words.
"I'll be there in a moment," Laffey-200 said, gracefully finishing her beverage.
...
Royal Navy Dorm
Queen Elizabeth paced back and forth in her office, pondering the recent rumors and commotion that had reached her. The sternness didn't end there, as everyone under her command was asking about a new Shipgirl.
"Your Majesty, you've been walking around back and forth. Is there any problem?" Warspite asked, as she watched her go in circles.
"Yes, Warspite. I am in distress about this news of a bunny girl in regal dress that rivals that of our Ladies of the House, and some lower ranks are spreading rumors about this new Shipgirl we have in development who has bunny girl features. Now the damn Officers, thinking it was a real thing, called me about it to verify such nuisance."
She paused and sighed. "Then there's a call from Miss Enterprise that the one making the fuss was their Resident Drunk Bunny."
She faced Warspite, then dramatically waved her hands in the air. "Now I am more stressed that she was under the season, and all of the damn male Officers knew not to mess with her."
"So, you called her presence to clear some things up?" Warspite asked.
"Exactly... I want to see it with my own eyes before I can make a conclusion as to how I will proceed," she stated firmly.
Warspite mused aloud, "Though... the rumors were comparing her to Illustrious, with the white dress and elegance, and then there's the figure –"
Queen Elizabeth cut her off abruptly. "No, I won't hear it. Just thinking about it is making my head spin."
Warspite understood that particular source of stress all too well, knowing her Queen's deep-seated aversion to the... assets that some other Shipgirls possessed in abundance – a "Department" where both she and Queen Elizabeth felt conspicuously lacking.
"I understand your unease, Your Majesty," she said with a knowing undertone.
Queen Elizabeth then slumped onto the nearby couch, her gaze fixed on the seating telephone on the adjacent table, waiting for the anticipated contact.
The phone suddenly rang, vibrating on its base. She snatched it up and held it to her ear and mouth. A cold, stern voice echoed from the other end.
"Your Majesty, Mistress Laffey has been located and we are en route as you commanded," Sheffield reported in her usual emotionless tone.
A hint of glee flickered across Queen Elizabeth's face as she replied, "Good... Lead them to the Royal Garden. I shall greet them there in person."
"As you wish, Your Majesty." The line went dead as Sheffield gently placed the receiver back on its cradle.
Queen Elizabeth swiftly rose from her seat, smoothing down her skirt. Warspite followed suit, standing up from her own chair.
"Come, Warspite. We shall greet our guest at the Royal Garden," she said, a smug grin spreading across her face.
At the Car
After the call, Sheffield replaced the telephone in the car with a distinct clang. The vintage phone was one of Her Majesty's vehicle's more peculiar accessories.
Arizona eyed the antique device with amusement, like that of acoustic James Bond Gadget. "A telephone in the car?"
"I thought you were accustomed to such things, just like your radios," Sheffield replied coolly.
"Sorry... modern technology sometimes makes me forget the simple beginnings before it all became what we have in the future," he said in a low voice.
"Understandable," she said, her tone devoid of emotion.
Royal Navy Dorm Entrance
A car adorned with gold ornaments pulled up in front of the dorm's entrance. The marble pillars of the building were a magnificent sight for any casual observer, but the guests arriving today were far from mere tourists.
Laffey-200, accompanied by her escorts, Lafayette and his friends, disembarked from the Royal Navy's luxurious vehicle.
Arizona and Sheffield emerged from the trailing car. Arizona subtly adjusted his bonnet cap and raised his jacket collar, attempting to conceal his face. Some Officers he had worked with during his previous undercover operations might recognize him as Cmdr. Anders in his former disguise.
"No one here will recognize you. Those who might have are either in detention or have been transferred elsewhere," Sheffield reassured him.
"I'm thinking about the Staff, not the Officers," he muttered.
Arizona's gaze then shifted to Laffey-200 as she gracefully exited the opulent car. Many of the Staff and Royal Navy Commanders present were left speechless and dumbfounded, completely unaware that a new
Royal Navy Shipgirl bearing such a striking resemblance to their Lady of the House was joining their ranks.
"My... I didn't realize I would attract this much attention," Laffey-200 remarked, her voice carrying a similar elegant cadence to Illustrious, albeit with a distinctly American edition.
Lafayette still struggled to reconcile himself with Laffey-200's new persona, her current demeanor mirroring that of a High-Class Lady within the Royal Navy.
"Follow us this way, Mistress Laffey," Suffolk said, gesturing towards the entrance of the Dorm.
"Alright... lead the way..." Laffey-200 replied, following the maid's guidance.
Lafayette, carrying the still-sleeping Laffey-459 on his back, leaned towards Javelin. "Hey, Javelin. Do you have any idea why Her Majesty herself ordered Laffey's presence?"
Javelin pondered for a moment. "I don't know... maybe it has something to do with her change in personality." She then shrugged, equally clueless.
'I don't think it's just about her change in personality. I don't like this; I have a bad feeling that Her Majesty is planning something ominous.' Lafayette thought, a knot of unease tightening in his stomach.
Laffey-200 and her escort reached the entrance door of the Dorm. An Officer emerging from the main entrance was taken aback by the sight of an unfamiliar Shipgirl bearing such a striking resemblance to their esteemed Lady of the House.
Laffey-200 approached the stunned Officer, gently closing his gaping mouth with a delicate finger, and said, "You should close your mouth. It's rather inappropriate for a young lad like yourself."
She then left the bewildered Officer, whose face was now flushed crimson, standing in stunned silence. Many of his fellow Officers in the vicinity were equally shocked to witness their subordinate receiving such an... unexpected interaction.
"Bloody Hell..." one of them exclaimed under his breath.
"Is she really going in with them?" Lafayette muttered, his apprehension growing.
"Seems like it," Arizona murmured in response. "She really does seem to enjoy this form of... subtle torment of innocent young men."
"She really looks... becoming, like a true lady," Sheffield commented, her usual stoic expression unchanged.
Both Arizona and Lafayette turned their gazes towards her, their heads swiveling like aiming turrets.
They shared the same unspoken thought regarding their "lady": she was more likely to be a harbinger of chaos than a paragon of elegance.
Suffolk then returned, informing them of their imminent audience with Her Majesty. "Her Majesty, the Queen, will be waiting in the Royal Garden. Please follow me." She gestured towards a hallway that led towards the Royal Garden.
...
Royal Garden
Queen Elizabeth, Warspite, and Illustrious were seated beneath a marble gazebo in the heart of the Royal Garden, seeking shelter from the midday sun.
"May I inquire as to the reason for my presence, Your Majesty?" Illustrious asked, delicately sipping her tea.
"Have you heard the circulating rumors?" Queen Elizabeth replied, gently stirring her own tea.
"Oh, they have reached my ears. I am also quite curious as to what she might look like. I have heard snippets that she bears a resemblance to me... – oh."
Queen Elizabeth jolted in surprise, nearly spitting out her tea. "I believe we should refrain from such... vulgar comparisons."
"Oh!" Illustrious covered her mouth, her eyes wide. "My sincerest apologies, Your Majesty."
Queen Elizabeth waved her hand dismissively. "It's quite alright."
Just then, Suffolk's voice echoed softly, tinged with respect. "Your Majesty, your guest has arrived," she announced with a slight bow.
Queen Elizabeth placed her teacup down and turned her gaze towards the arriving party. Warspite and Illustrious followed suit.
Their eyes scanned the brick stone walkway, flanked by meticulously arranged ornate flowers and trimmed bushes. They focused on the footsteps approaching their gazebo.
"Ah, finally you've... a... rrive...???" Queen Elizabeth's voice trailed off, her eyes fixed on the figure in the pristine white dress with unmistakable bunny ears.
"Oh my, how delightful. She is simply perfect in that form," Illustrious murmured, a glint of fascination in her eyes.
"My~ thank you," Laffey-200 greeted them with a graceful nod.
Arizona casually scanned the garden, his gaze lingering on the flora. "It seems some details have changed here."
"Some flowers have bloomed particularly well this month and season," Sheffield responded matter-of-factly, as if answering a critical inquiry.
"What's with the dynamic between the two of you?" Lafayette whispered to Arizona, suspicion in his tone.
"Nothing particular," Arizona replied, seemingly unconcerned by Lafayette's scrutiny.
"Right...."
Beneath the Gazebo, Queen Elizabeth was a whirlwind of internal questions as she stared at her guest. Confusion and utter bewilderment were etched across her face as she beheld the well-dressed woman before her.
"Umm... who—"
"I do believe you requested my presence, Your Majesty," Laffey-200 interjected with refined manners.
"Wait, What?!" both Queen Elizabeth and Warspite exclaimed in unison, their surprise evident.
Laffey-200 gracefully took a seat opposite the Queen. Queen Elizabeth and Warspite were now even more perplexed by the woman before them. The way she carried herself exuded royalty and elegance with every movement.
Arizona stepped forward to clarify the obvious confusion. "The person in your presence, Your Majesty, is none other than Laffey herself."
"Bu-But, How???" Queen Elizabeth stammered, her confusion deepening.
"As you herd previously, she is currently under the effects of the 'Season', and her personality has... completely changed. But she is still the same Laffey, with slight... alterations here and there."
Warspite pondered, tapping into the vast archives within her memory. "This is her first experience with 'Season', so... the effects will likely be more pronounced."
'Damn, her stored knowledge is comparable to that of an ancient scholar.' Lafayette thought, impressed despite himself.
"Yes, you are right, Warspite. I suppose there is a first time for everything," Queen Elizabeth conceded, still slightly dazed.
*Scuff * "May I inquire as to why Her Majesty desired my presence?" Laffey-200 asked with a ladylike grace that further surprised the two Royal Navy leaders.
Queen Elizabeth cleared her throat, preparing to address the unexpected guest. "Yes... I did indeed order your presence because I wish to clarify certain matters and address the rumors circulating within the Royal Navy Dorm and the entire Azur Lane Base."
"I suppose words do reach even those in higher places," Laffey-200 commented, a hint of amusement in her voice.
"Yes, indeed... and that stirs problems. I want no scandals or further damage to my command," Queen Elizabeth said, a slight tremor in her voice as she recalled the 'simple raid' on the cottage the previous week.
If that incident made headlines, her reputation would be tarnished. A horde of caffeine-fueled, MRE-munching, birdseed-feed Manjuu Marines storming a cottage where Royal Navy Moles were gathered? Quite the scandal.
"I did hear about that previous fiasco. Quite a force you command as a monarch. Rather... fitting," Laffey-200 said with a playful smirk.
Lafayette and Arizona shifted uncomfortably, the tension in the air thickening like a brewing storm, centered around the small, crowned figure of the Queen.
"Oh... dear," Illustrious murmured, covering her mouth delicately.
Laffey-200's personality might have been altered by her "seasonal state," but one trait remained stubbornly intact: the American penchant for teasing the Brits in the most... American way.
Queen Elizabeth's brows twitched, her regal ego slightly bruised by the pointed remark. 'Her personality may have changed, but that knack for delivering insults with a deceptively sweet tone remains the same.'
Warspite placed a steadying hand on the Queen's arm, subtly restraining her rising ire. "Your Majesty, do not allow such words to get the better of you."
"You are right. I should not let myself be swayed by such... trivialities," Queen Elizabeth said, her visible anger subsiding slightly.
"Did you summon me merely to discuss my... gradual change and partake in tea, or...?" Laffey-200's voice suddenly dropped to a serious undertone, surprising everyone present.
Both Queen Elizabeth and Warspite recognized that shift. They had heard that same serious tone from Belfast in her rare moments of anger, but this... this carried a weight several times more formidable than anything Belfast or any of the other Ladies of the House could muster.
"You are planning something... sinister... aren't you, Your Majesty?" Laffey-200 then fixed her gaze on the Queen and Warspite, her red eyes seeming to pierce right through them.
Queen Elizabeth visibly quivered, struggling to speak as the oppressive tension in the air made it difficult to breathe. "We-well.... Umm... I summoned you because.... Because..."
She paused, gasping for air. "Because I, the Queen, order you to cease posing as one of the Higher-Status Ladies of the Royal Navy House," she finally managed, regaining some of her composure and striving not to cower before the unexpected intensity of her opponent.
"I see... you wish me to stop dressing as such," Laffey-200 said with an alluring tilt of her head.
"Yes---"
"Would you mind if I... undressed here?"
"No!" Queen Elizabeth's voice boomed, her face flushing crimson. "How utterly vulgar of you!"
'That's literally her.' Arizona and Lafayette thought in perfect unison.
"Your Majesty," Illustrious interjected cautiously. "I believe we cannot entirely suppress certain traits influenced by her seasonal hormones. I understand this period is only temporary."
Queen Elizabeth conceded with a sigh. "I suppose we cannot entirely prevent you from that."
Then, a mischievous idea sparked in her mind. "Say... what if we settle this with a game of chess? The loser must abide by the winner's demands."
"Hmm... quite intriguing," Laffey-200 replied, a playful glint in her red eyes.
Lafayette and Arizona exchanged worried glances, wanting to protest as they foresaw this escalating to an even worse scenario. But Laffey-200 raised an index finger, silencing them. "Come now... it would be rather... fun to play games with Her Majesty."
A confident grin widened on Queen Elizabeth's face. "Very well then... if I win, you will cease dressing as one of our Lady of the House and refrain from using such... provocative language."
Laffey-200 raised her own index finger, gesturing towards the Queen. "And if you lose?"
"You shall claim whatever price you desire."
"Really??? Any price I desire?" As she spoke those words, her red eyes flickered upwards, focusing on something just above the Queen's head.
Queen Elizabeth followed her gaze, seeing only the lower inches of her own crown, obscured by her hair as she looked up.
"Oh boy... this is bad," Arizona muttered under his breath.
"She's gonna lose it," Lafayette added, his apprehension growing.
Queen Elizabeth's crown and title were now at stake in this seemingly innocent game of chess. If she won, she could stop the circulating rumors and further hearsay. But if she lost... she could kiss her crown and title goodbye.
She began to sweat profusely, her heart pounding in her chest as she imagined the humiliating consequences of losing her status to a... commoner.
She clutched at her shirt, her breathing becoming erratic. Warspite placed a comforting hand on her shoulder, recognizing the precarious situation the Queen had unwittingly placed herself in.
"Your Majesty," Warspite spoke, her voice filled with wisdom. "You cannot wager your title and crown in this game."
"I know... but..." Queen Elizabeth interjected, her voice trembling.
"You simply cannot wager your crown, Your Majesty," Illustrious added, her concern evident.
Her crown and status hinged entirely on her decision. If she won, the unusual rumors on Laffey-200 and Royal Navy could be stop.
If she lost, her status and crown would vanish.
"I accept the deal," she declared, a forced confidence in her voice, certain of her victory. Never in her life had she lost a game of Chess.
Laffey-200 stared at the Queen, meeting her gaze with a mischievous smile. Queen Elizabeth took her seat and reached for a chess piece.
As soon as she moved her first pawn, unknowingly initiating her greatest defeat, she remained blissfully unaware that her opponent was utilizing assisted A.I.
"I have a bad feeling about this," Lafayette muttered to himself.
*Aegis Combat System Activated.... Aiming A.I. assisted Activate....*
The advanced A.I. onboard Laffey-200 seamlessly activated, instantly calculating every possible move and outcome of the entire chess game. One thing led to another; the outcome was already predetermined the moment you challenged an A.I. to a game of Chess.
"She's cooked." Lafeyette uttered the word.
Arizona with a simple, "Yes."
.
.
.
~Back at the present day~
"Queen Elizabeth LOST the game!!??" Both Lucas and JS Maya exclaimed in utter disbelief at the news of the Queen's defeat.
"That's exactly how it played out. Laffey used her onboard A.I. to secure the win," Lafayette confirmed, a hint of lingering bewilderment in his voice.
"Well... it ain't cheating if you're not trying. And not getting caught is, well, not getting caught," Lucas quipped with a shrug.
"I feel genuinely sorry for the Queen," JS Maya said, a note of pity in her tone.
"So, where is she now?" Lucas asked, his curiosity piqued.
"She's in her room, currently sleeping alongside Laffey (459)," Lafayette replied.
"Okay..." Lucas stroked his chin, his gaze fixed on Lafayette. "By the way... why are you wearing an apron and a maid headband with cat ears?"
Lafayette pointedly ignored the question, maintaining a steadfast silence. Lucas glanced sideways, subtly gesturing for JS Maya to inquire instead.
JS Maya shook her head knowingly. "No. Let him be... There are some things that are best left unsaid," she said with a touch of wisdom.
Lucas sighed. "Alright." He then shifted the conversation. "So, where are the others?"
"Miss Enterprise and Miss Bunker Hill are still at the Main Building in their office, finalizing preparations."
"I see...." Lucas murmured, nodding in understanding.
"William is aboard his ship, conducting experiments. Belfast is on her ship, overseeing maintenance
checks."
"Arizona and Essex?" Lucas inquired.
"Arizona is out on sortie, dispatched with the forward Carrier Force."
"I see," Lucas muttered again.
Lafayette continued, "Essex is currently at the Boot Camp, putting some unfortunate Shipgirls through the mud, as usual."
"That's all?" Lucas reconfirmed.
"Yes. That's all," Lafayette affirmed.
"Now that that's out of the way..." Lucas's voice shifted, a playful glint in his eyes as he suppressed a chuckle. "How did you end up in that... dress? I mean, we didn't even recognize you at first."
Lafayette smacked him playfully with a duster brush. "Don't even start about it! Arizona bailed on me, went completely Adios out of the server!"
Arizona, sensing the impending sartorial danger, had conveniently joined the sortie, leaving Lafayette to bear the brunt of Laffey-200's... influence.
JS Maya meticulously examined the fabric of Lafayette's attire. "That must be tailored. The fabric looks identical to the Royal Maids' uniforms."
Lucas erupted in hysterical laughter. "Imagine going into the upcoming operation with a new 'skin' like that, just like in a video game! You'll definitely catch some attention."
"That's enough, Lucas. You're making him even more uncomfortable," JS Maya chided gently.
Lucas finally ceased his teasing and headed towards his quarters, but not without one last mischievous grin.
JS Maya then turned to Lafayette. "Does Belfast know about this?"
"She... kinda knows. And she also mentioned that she'd appreciate some... company," Lafayette replied hesitantly.
"With that outfit?" JS Maya's tone was sharp, a hint of amusement mixed with concern.
"Well, not exactly with it. She just... let it slide," Lafayette mumbled.
JS Maya sighed. "This is going to be a lengthy discussion tomorrow," she predicted as the night deepened, marking the end of another eventful day at the Dorm.