It was only natural for shipgirls to cling to their Commander.
But there were too many shipgirls in the naval district.
If everyone clung to the Commander all the time, how would he ever have any personal space? If one person monopolized too much of his time, even if the others didn't voice it aloud, they'd still grow resentful inside.
Right now, only a few people in the base hadn't noticed yet—but once the number increased, even just twenty or thirty shipgirls would be enough to make California the target of everyone's complaints.
Clinging to the admiral was fine—but only in moderation.
Lexington was doing this for California's own good. After all, she was one of the US-class sisters.
With that in mind, Lexington parted her red lips and smiled. "Cali, you know what I'm about to say, don't you?"
California pouted and averted her eyes. "Nope."
Lies.
Fletcher had already warned her. Of course she knew what Lexington was going to do.
Lay down the rules.
What a joke. Sure, she respected Lexington, but that didn't mean she had to let someone else tell her how to live. Just because she was a shipgirl didn't mean she had to keep her head down and act meek.
Who said being the newcomer meant you had to accept your fate? It's not like she'd done anything wrong. She, California, walked tall and stood proud—she feared nothing!
But Lexington had clearly anticipated California's rebellious attitude. She gave a faint smile, and then every word she said landed like a nail hammered straight into California's heart.
"Fletcher told me that one day, while the commander was asleep, you secretly kissed him on the mouth. Cali, how did that kiss taste?"
Crack!
It was like a bolt of lightning split California's heart in two.
Fletcher—she sold me out?!
Panic. She'd kissed someone else's man, and now the main wife had come knocking—what now?
Before California could think of a way out, Lexington delivered another blow.
"I also remember you secretly read the Commander's journal. I told all of you afterward: no more snooping. But Cali… seven times. You sneaked a look seven more times. You even drew a pig's head next to my name, didn't you?"
Thunderbolt!
Lexington! Who would've thought that beneath that calm, elegant surface—always spouting noble ideals—you were also a secret diary thief? You peeked at the Commander's journal too!
I was too naïve!
California's legs gave out. She couldn't stand anymore. With a thud, she dropped to her knees.
"Big sis Lexington, let me explain!"
—
Hikaru was wandering around the naval district.
He was the only idle one left. Fletcher had gone off to clean the rooms, and even Ella—the instructor who wasn't built for combat—had been assigned to inspect resources by Lexington.
Only Hikaru remained. Lexington had just one instruction for him: "As long as the Commander is happy and safe, that's enough."
He felt like a pampered pig. Damn it, he had the heart to contribute to the base too, you know!
Kicking away a pebble in frustration, Hikaru caught sight of a figure—and his eyes lit up.
He hunched down and began sneaking forward.
Look—there's Tirpitz in that pavilion. Her strength is unrivaled across the land, but with the right method, she can still be captured.
Step one: timing. Right now, Tirpitz is drawing doujinshi. When doing this, she automatically activates her "big sister radar," but her defenses against other companions drop to zero.
Still, approach quietly. Sneak up from behind… then grab her in one swift motion.
A single Tirpitz can replenish 80% of the Commander's romantic energy. Just cup her cheeks and you can kiss her. Be sure to take the initiative—Tirpitz is shy at heart.
—
From afar, Bismarck watched her sister.
She saw Tirpitz pulled into the Commander's embrace. She struggled for a bit, then quickly softened, letting him kiss her on the lips.
Bismarck felt… strange.
Tirpitz was her little sister. As the elder sibling, she'd always seen her as someone to be protected—a child who'd never grow up.
And now, watching her sister and the Commander… going at it like that… it suddenly hit her:
Ah. Tirpitz has grown up.
Then came the sting.
Strangely enough, why did her heart ache a little?
Tirpitz was already a married woman. Being loved by the commander was perfectly normal. In fact, if she wasn't receiving that love, then it would be a problem.
As her older sister, shouldn't she be filled with happiness and joy?
Bismarck touched her lips, which were pursed with a sour frown, and her chest that throbbed with each beat. She wondered—what is my sister feeling right now?
Oh right. Almost forgot—she came here to report something to the admiral.
[End of Chapter]
[100 Power Stones = Extra Chapter]
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