[Displaying Formidable's emotional needs for the Host.]
After hearing the system's cold, emotionless response, Jun Hao noticed a line of text appear above Formidable's head.
[Formidable: Wants to become a true lady!]
The moment he read it, a faint smile appeared on his face.
Honestly, in Jun Hao's eyes, Formidable had always been a real lady. It had nothing to do with flawless etiquette or perfectly elegant behavior.
What truly made her shine was the sincerity and dedication she poured into the things she loved.
Especially in her μ-Rigging form, where her passion for rock music and singing had left a lasting impression on him.
Because of that, Jun Hao felt her emotional need had never really been about becoming a lady. Rather, it was about learning to believe in herself.
And sometimes, confidence was something another person could help nurture.
That person happened to be him.
Once he understood that, Jun Hao felt much more at ease about this so-called "surprise date."
In fact, he had already decided that before the date ended, he would help Formidable truly accept herself.
She didn't need to force some perfect, elegant facade in front of him anymore. Instead, he wanted her to proudly show everyone her own unique charm, a style of ladylikeness that belonged solely to Formidable.
Completely unaware of Jun Hao's thoughts, Formidable happily guided him through several streets with light, energetic steps.
Before long, the streets ahead grew noticeably livelier.
"Hehe, Commander, we've arrived~"
Her voice carried an unmistakable hint of pride.
"This is today's destination: the Royal Navy Commercial Street!"
Jun Hao looked around curiously. The streets were wide and spotless, lined with all kinds of shops on both sides.
Little yellow chickens bustled everywhere, transporting goods and managing stores with tireless energy, creating an atmosphere overflowing with life and prosperity.
Rather than a simple commercial district, the place felt more like a miniature city built inside the port.
Jun Hao casually glanced into one of the nearby shops. Sure enough, the little yellow chickens known as Manjuus were busily working inside, constantly sorting merchandise and handling deliveries.
Seeing the slight amazement on his face, Formidable looked even more pleased with herself.
"Well, Commander?" she asked while gently swaying his arm. "Pretty amazing, right~?"
Jun Hao nodded sincerely.
"It really is. I honestly didn't expect to experience such a lively city atmosphere inside the port."
Hearing his genuine praise, Formidable's smile brightened even more. She leaned close to his ear and whispered mischievously.
"Hehehe... Commander, want to guess who personally paid to build this entire city?"
Jun Hao already had a rough idea, but he deliberately played along and raised an eyebrow.
"Oh? Don't tell me it was you, my lady Formidable?"
"As much as I'd love to take credit for it, sadly, no."
Formidable crossed her arms proudly before revealing the answer.
"This city was actually built by Her Majesty the Queen... specifically for you."
Jun Hao widened his eyes with exaggerated surprise.
"For me? Seriously?"
Formidable nodded, admiration flickering across her expression.
"Mhm! Her Majesty once said she hoped you'd come see it someday. So bringing you here today is also my way of fulfilling Her Majesty's wish."
Even though Jun Hao had already guessed that Elizabeth was the one who built the city for him, his emotions still became complicated after hearing it confirmed.
Just as he had thought when they first met, Her Majesty really was a tsundere.
No... calling her a tsundere almost felt inaccurate at this point.
The "dere" completely overwhelmed the "tsun," to the point that Jun Hao was beginning to wonder whether the latter even existed at all.
Thinking about that, Jun Hao's expression softened noticeably. He slowly raised his hand and gently rested it on top of Formidable's head.
The girl's body trembled the instant Jun Hao's hand rested on her head. Clearly, she hadn't expected him to suddenly pat her like that.
A trace of panic flickered through her eyes, and even her shoulders trembled slightly from the sudden surprise.
"C-Commander...?"
Jun Hao looked at her with a gentle smile.
"I understand now. I'll remember Her Majesty's kindness."
As he spoke, his fingers softly combed through her silky hair.
The tender movement only made Formidable tense up even more, yet she didn't pull away. Despite her flustered state, she quietly allowed Jun Hao to continue the intimate gesture.
"But right now..." Jun Hao's gaze settled firmly on her face. "...this is our date, isn't it?"
The unexpected head pat had already thrown her thoughts into disarray, but Jun Hao's focused gaze and straightforward words shattered whatever defenses she had left.
All the confidence and initiative she had prepared beforehand vanished without a trace.
At that moment, Formidable finally realized she had seriously overestimated herself.
When it came to being alone with the Commander on a date, she wasn't much better than Lion after all.
"C-Commander!" she protested shyly, her face turning bright red. "Do you even realize how dangerous it is to say things like that? If the others hear you, they'll definitely devour you alive!"
Jun Hao chuckled softly.
Seeing the embarrassed look on her face, he gently stroked her cheek with unmistakable affection. The soft, slightly squishy sensation made him instinctively give her cheek a gentle pinch.
"Then you'll protect me, right, Formidable?"
Formidable's heart nearly stopped from that gentle gesture. But instead of shrinking back, she lifted her head proudly and met Jun Hao's eyes directly with unwavering determination.
"Of course!" she declared without hesitation. "No one's going to ruin our date. Not even my sister Illustrious!"
Seeing her serious expression, Jun Hao nodded in satisfaction.
"Good. Since you're this determined, then as your Commander, I should at least show some sincerity too, shouldn't I?"
He withdrew his hand from her cheek before awkwardly copying the escort gesture Belfast often used.
"Now then, my lady Formidable, please lead the way to your favorite dessert shop. Today, this Commander will be treating you."
Watching Jun Hao's slightly clumsy imitation, Formidable couldn't help but burst into laughter.
"Hehe~ Commander, you said that yourself. Don't blame me later if I end up eating too much."
"I already promised you before, didn't I?" Jun Hao replied with a smile. "Besides, you've always loved cake."
'The Commander... he really remembers my tastes...'
Formidable quietly reached out and took Jun Hao's hand again, happiness practically radiating from her expression.
Then, in a voice so soft it was almost inaudible, she murmured to herself, "Mm... just as I thought. Deciding to stop hiding myself in front of the Commander really was the right choice..."
"Hm?" Jun Hao tilted his head slightly. "Did you say something?"
Formidable immediately puffed out her cheeks and shook her head playfully.
"Nothing~ My favorite dessert shop is a little hard to find, so you'd better keep up, Commander."
With that, Formidable happily wrapped herself around Jun Hao's arm once more and led him back into the lively bustle of the commercial street.
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