Chapter 42 - Chapter 42: Confession(s) (I)

"Commander…" she began softly, her voice quieter than before. "You may accept their feelings because you don't want to hurt them… but I think it's also because you genuinely care for them."

Yuuki remained silent.

"You care for all of us," she continued. "The same way you cared for me… for Laffey… for everyone in this world."

Her fingers tightened slightly against the railing.

"They're sincere. They express their love openly in ways you never expected."

A faint smile appeared on her lips.

"And… I understand why it feels sudden to you. It's only been a little over two weeks since we met."

Yuuki looked toward her quietly.

"To you, their directness probably feels overwhelming," she admitted. "Maybe even strange."

Then Yorktown lowered her gaze.

"But I think…" she whispered, cheeks reddening further, "…I also want to be selfish."

The cold night wind brushed through her silver hair as she slowly turned to face him fully.

"Commander… I want to show you that I matter to you just as much as those girls do."

Yuuki's expression softened immediately.

"I'm not asking for a casual relationship," Yorktown said firmly. "Or meaningless affection."

Her blue eyes trembled slightly, yet remained unwavering.

"If you truly value us… then we will accept you with open hearts."

Yuuki opened his mouth slightly, but Yorktown continued before he could answer.

"I used to think relationships involving many people were wrong… that it was no different from cheating…"

She shook her head slowly afterward.

"But no. Cheating is betrayal. It's having casual sexual relationship with others behind someone's back while pretending otherwise."

Her voice became gentler.

"But if everyone understands each other… if nobody is deceived… if nobody is treated carelessly…"

Yorktown smiled faintly.

"Then it isn't the same thing."

Yuuki stared at her quietly.

"You always keep your distance when things become dangerous emotionally," she continued. "You're careful. Respectful. You never touch anyone inappropriately. You never abuse how much we care about you."

A small laugh escaped her lips.

"Honestly… sometimes you're too careful."

Yuuki looked away awkwardly.

Yorktown stepped closer.

"I know you'll always try to be fair to us," she said softly. "You don't give special treatment carelessly. Only those you truly oath yourself to. Despite having none right now..."

Then her expression became bittersweet.

"But because you're so fair… none of us can keep you only for ourselves anymore."

The truth of those words lingered heavily between them.

"We can't stop other girls from falling in love with you," Yorktown admitted quietly. "And you already know how many of us feel… yet you keep holding yourself back because you're afraid of hurting someone."

Yuuki's silence alone confirmed it.

Then Yorktown smiled gently.

"So if others are willing to openly stake their claim on you…"

Her cheeks turned scarlet.

"…then I want to properly stake mine too."

The words hit him harder than artillery fire.

Yorktown slowly placed a hand against her chest.

"So please…" she whispered. "…allow me to believe in you."

Yuuki blinked softly.

"Believe in me?"

Yorktown nodded.

"Yes."

Her eyes reflected the moonlight beautifully.

"I believe in you, Commander."

Her voice trembled slightly now.

"I believe in myself too… and in the future ahead of us."

She looked upward toward the endless sky surrounding the Daedalus.

"The light beyond the darkness…" she whispered. "I think I finally found it."

Yuuki's breath caught slightly.

"Hana…"

"From the moment you saved me and Laffey…" Yorktown continued softly, "…that was the moment light descended into my world."

A faint tear shimmered in the corner of her eye.

"It wasn't a light meant only for me."

Her smile became painfully beautiful.

"It was a light meant for everyone."

For several seconds, Yuuki could not speak.

Yorktown looked directly into his eyes afterward.

Then finally—

"…Are you really that dense?"

Yuuki froze.

Yorktown laughed softly through her embarrassment before her expression turned completely sincere.

"I love you, Yuuki."

Her voice carried no hesitation anymore.

"From the very day we met."

The world seemed to stop around them.

The engines.

The wind.

The distant fleet lights.

Everything faded.

"So this is my selfish wish…" Yorktown whispered. "Please accept me properly."

She stepped even closer.

"Not as a casual fling."

"Not as a girlfriend."

"Not as an experiment."

"Not as someone you keep at arm's length."

Her cheeks burned crimson, yet she never looked away.

"I want to serve you personally."

Her voice softened into almost a plea.

"Leave your mark on me…"

Then finally—

"As your beloved wife."

Yuuki exhaled helplessly.

"You really weren't going to let me say anything, were you?"

Yorktown smiled beautifully beneath the moonlight.

"No."

Then she gently took his armored hand. The nanomachines dissolved allowing her to directly touch his skin.

"I'm staking my claim on you."

Her thumb brushed softly against his fingers.

"And if one day you choose to love others too…"

She smiled faintly again.

"…then please be fair to all of us."

"Hana… Yorktown…"

Yuuki's voice was quieter now.

Almost fragile.

Yorktown looked up at him gently, her hands still holding onto his.

For a moment, the powerful commander who led fleets, wielded impossible technology, and carried entire worlds on his shoulders no longer looked untouchable.

He simply looked tired.

Lonely.

Yorktown's expression softened immediately.

"I had fallen into darkness for years," she whispered. "A darkness so deep I thought I would never escape it."

Her blue eyes trembled faintly beneath the moonlight.

"But then you came."

The wind swept softly across the balcony as the Daedalus continued its silent flight through the heavens.

"You descended from the skies that day," Yorktown continued quietly. "You reached out your hand and pulled me out of that darkness."

Yuuki's chest tightened.

"That's why this time…" she said, stepping closer again, "…I, Yorktown, will give you my name willingly."

Her voice carried absolute sincerity.

"I will give you Yorktown."

Then more softly—

"I will give you Hana."

The name felt intimate coming from her lips.

"The name that carries liberty, peace, and hope…"

Her hand pressed gently against his chest.

"This will become the beginning of my eternal love for you alone."

Yuuki stared at her in silence.

Then finally—

"Hana…" he whispered weakly. "I might be a broken man… If you truly seen me, my heart...."

His eyes lowered slightly.

"Can someone like me even be loved?"

The vulnerability in those words struck Yorktown harder than anything else that night.

She immediately tightened her hold on his hands.

"You carry burdens far heavier than anyone should," she said softly. "That's exactly why I want to stand beside you."

Her expression became firm despite the tears threatening her eyes.

"As I pledge myself to you… let me share those burdens."

She stepped even closer until there was barely any distance left between them.

"Let me be the one you can confide your pain to."

Her fingers gently squeezed his.

"Let me hear your sadness."

"Let me stay beside you when things become unbearable."

Yuuki's expression trembled slightly.

"You've known me for less than two weeks…"

"Yes," Yorktown answered immediately. "But I know your heart, Yuuki."

That made him blink.

Yorktown smiled faintly.

"The cubes connected us to you. You can read us…"

Her gaze softened lovingly.

"So naturally… we can read you too."

Yuuki opened his mouth weakly.

"I…"

"Oh come on, man! Just say yes already!"

Both of them froze instantly.

"…What?"

A small hovering drone slowly emerged from behind one of the observation pillars.

And from its speakers—

Vergil's voice echoed proudly across the balcony.

Yuuki's eyes widened in horror.

"…You guys."

The drone projection suddenly expanded into multiple holographic windows.

The entire fleet had apparently been watching.

Some crew members looked emotional.

Some were openly cheering.

Several girls were squealing uncontrollably in the Space Fleet.

Others looked devastated.

Even Vergil's wives, Suki and Dasha, were present alongside his fiancée Eva, all watching with amused smiles.

"Brother," Vergil said shamelessly, "you've spent way too long alone."

Yuuki covered his face immediately.

"I'm surrounded by traitors…"

Yorktown, meanwhile, had turned completely red from embarrassment.

And yet…

Despite the humiliation.

Despite the audience.

She still smiled happily.

Because Yuuki hadn't rejected her.

Finally, Yuuki lowered his hand slowly before looking directly at her again.

"Hana… Yorktown…"

His voice steadied.

"Please let me become the light that shines on you too."

Yorktown's breath caught.

"Please let me learn how to love you properly."

There was no hesitation in his eyes anymore.

"I still have to be fair to the others," he admitted honestly. "But privately…"

A faint smile appeared on his face.

"Once we're truly joined in marriage…"

His hand gently brushed against hers.

"…then allow me to spoil you."

Yorktown's face became impossibly red.

"I'll be fair," Yuuki continued softly. "I won't mistreat you."

Then finally—

"Until then… I want you to know that I'm fully aware of your feelings now."

Yorktown's eyes shimmered beautifully.

Then suddenly—

She moved forward and wrapped her arms around him tightly.

Yuuki instinctively held her in return.

And before he could fully process it—

Yorktown rose slightly on her toes and kissed him softly.

Not on the cheek.

Not playfully.

A genuine kiss.

Gentle.

Warm.

Filled with all the emotions she had held back until now.

Even the fleet-wide communication channel went completely silent.

When Yorktown finally pulled back slightly, her cheeks were burning bright red.

Then she laughed softly in embarrassment.

"Pff…"

Her forehead rested lightly against his.

"This is the closest I can give you…"

A shy smile appeared on her lips.

"…until we're married."

=======

"So she finally made the first move."

The sudden voice nearly made Yuuki jump.

He immediately turned around—

And froze.

Standing near the balcony entrance were Enterprise, Belfast, Illustrious, Atago, and Takao.

Behind them were even more shipgirls.

And Nikkes.

Practically everyone except the Bulins, Eldridge, San Diego, Unicorn, Laffey, Nimi and Akashi—who had apparently exhausted herself into unconsciousness earlier.

Yuuki stared at the gathered audience in disbelief.

"…Everyone?"

Yorktown, meanwhile, looked only mildly embarrassed.

Enterprise crossed her arms calmly.

"We agreed to wait until Yorktown made the first move before the rest of us stepped in."

Yuuki's jaw nearly dropped.

"Eh?!"

He looked between all of them in horror.

"You ALL planned this?!"

Yorktown coughed softly into her hand before nodding.

"It was an agreement we made."

Yuuki looked betrayed on a spiritual level.

Atago smiled mischievously while Takao quietly looked away in secondhand embarrassment.

"Master," Belfast spoke gently, "most of us are already aware of our feelings toward you. We even give you a lot of hints."

Illustrious nodded softly afterward.

"Some girls only recently began developing theirs," she admitted. "And some still need time to understand what they truly feel."

Enterprise stepped forward next.

"But none of us intended to monopolize you."

Yuuki blinked.

"…What?"

Enterprise's sharp blue eyes met his directly.

"Because we understand your heart."

That sentence alone silenced him.

Yorktown smiled faintly beside him.

"The cubes connect us emotionally to you, Commander," she explained softly. "We can feel parts of your intentions, your sincerity… your nature."

Belfast nodded.

"You are excessively fair," she said elegantly. "Almost frustratingly so."

"And loyal," Illustrious added warmly.

Atago laughed softly.

"Honestly, Commander, you're the type who would reject someone the instant they tried forcing you to choose unfairly."

Takao gave a small nod.

"You dislike possessiveness."

Yuuki awkwardly scratched his cheek because they were painfully correct.

Then suddenly—

"Kiiiii…"

Everyone slowly turned.

At the far end of the hallway stood Akagi.

Apparently awake now.

And emotionally devastated.

"So Akagi cannot have Shikikan-sama entirely to herself…?"

Enterprise answered immediately.

"Nope."

Yorktown folded her arms gently.

"If you try monopolizing him, Akagi… Commander will instinctively reject you."

Akagi visibly staggered backward as if struck by artillery fire.

"That is… incredibly troublesome…"

Yuuki sighed helplessly.

"Sigh…"

Honestly, he should have expected this outcome eventually.

He was surrounded by emotionally perceptive women capable of literally sensing portions of his heart through Wisdom Cubes's advanced neural links.

Trying to play dense around them was probably impossible from the beginning.

"Don't tell me this moment connected into the void world as well? My Lady and Amagi are going to kill me."

Neon suddenly raised her hand excitedly from the back.

"So does this mean Commander officially unlocked the harem romance route?!"

"Please do not phrase it like a video game," Rapi answered immediately.

Anis smirked lazily nearby.

"Too late. The fleet already witnessed the first kiss broadcast live."

Yuuki's soul almost left his body.

"VERGIL!"

Far away somewhere within the fleet communication network—

Vergil laughed hysterically.

Meanwhile Yorktown quietly slipped her hand into Yuuki's.

And despite all the embarrassment…

She looked genuinely happy.

Enterprise eventually stepped closer as well, her expression gentler than usual.

"You asked if someone like you could be loved," she said quietly.

Yuuki stiffened slightly.

Enterprise shook her head faintly.

"That was never the correct question."

Then Belfast smiled softly.

"The real problem, Commander…"

Atago leaned forward playfully.

"…is whether you're prepared for how many of us already do."

"Then…"

A soft, elegant voice entered the conversation.

"…you ladies would not mind if I also staked my claim on Master?"

Yuuki immediately turned.

"Bel?"

Belfast stood gracefully beneath the corridor lights, her silver hair shimmering softly while her composed smile carried an unusual warmth tonight.

For once, the perfect maid looked slightly vulnerable.

"Now this is a little troubling," Belfast admitted delicately as she placed one hand over her chest. "I was originally content simply serving you, Master… while occasionally enjoying the troubled expressions you make."

Atago giggled immediately.

"Fufufu… that does sound like Bel."

"But," Belfast continued calmly, "after witnessing such an important bond being formed…"

Her eyes softened.

"I find myself wanting to serve you even more."

Yuuki blinked quietly.

"And perhaps…" Belfast added gently, "…receive a little more of your attention as well."

The honesty in her voice stunned him.

Then, with perfect elegance—

Belfast lowered herself into a graceful curtsy.

"So please…"

Her blue eyes met his directly.

"You have accepted me as your personal maid. Then, please.... accept this maid as one of your beloved wives."

Yuuki's brain nearly stopped functioning again.

Yorktown smiled warmly beside him.

"Bel and I already discussed this long ago," she said softly. "We don't feel jealousy toward one another."

Belfast nodded.

"As long as you remain fair to us, Master… then we shall also remain fair to you."

Enterprise quietly muttered nearby:

"You really are collecting vows tonight."

"I DIDN'T PLAN THIS," Yuuki immediately defended himself.

Takao looked away to hide her amusement.

Then another gentle laugh followed.

"My, my…"

Illustrious stepped forward gracefully, her hands folded lightly before her chest while moonlight reflected beautifully in her eyes.

"No matter what you ask of me, Commander…" she said softly, "I believe I would accept it wholeheartedly."

Yuuki immediately sensed danger.

"So, Commander…"

Illustrious smiled lovingly.

"Please tell me honestly how you feel about me."

The atmosphere instantly became dangerous again.

Before Yuuki could even process an answer—

Belfast calmly adjusted her gloves beside him.

"Lady Illustrious."

"Yes?"

"Please save the first half of that sentence for after marriage."

Illustrious blinked once.

Then immediately flushed bright red.

"A-Ah…"

Atago burst into laughter while even Enterprise sighed into her hand.

"Illy…"

Illustrious covered her cheeks in embarrassment.

"I merely wished to be sincere…"

Yuuki looked like he wanted the Daedalus to fire its F-SPAR directly at him to escape the situation.

Meanwhile Yorktown quietly tightened her hold on his arm possessively—but not aggressively.

Just enough to say she was happy.

Illustrious eventually recovered enough to smile softly again.

"Even if light should be shared equally among everyone…" she whispered while looking toward Yorktown kindly, "…it is only natural for some people to receive a little more of it. Then, please allow me to join you and be one of your beloved wives as well."

Yorktown's cheeks turned red immediately.

And for the first time since everyone arrived—

Yuuki finally realized something terrifying.

This was not temporary affection.

Not infatuation.

Not playful teasing.

Every girl standing here was completely serious.

And somehow…

That sincerity made him cherish them even more.

The atmosphere on the balcony had completely changed.

What began as a quiet midnight conversation had somehow become a gathering of hearts long restrained finally speaking honestly beneath the stars.

And Yuuki stood at the center of it all, looking increasingly overwhelmed.

Then Enterprise stepped forward.

The others instinctively gave her space.

Unlike Atago's bold warmth or Belfast's elegant devotion, Enterprise carried herself with calm steadiness—the composure of someone who had witnessed countless wars, countless victories… and countless farewells.

Moonlight reflected softly across her silver hair as she stopped directly before him.

"Commander," she began quietly, "we may not have known each other for very long…"

Her eyes met his fully.

"But through the cubes… I've read your heart as though we've known one another for years."

Yuuki's expression softened.

Enterprise placed a hand lightly over her chest.

"I carry the hopes and wills of countless battlefields," she continued softly. "The memories of comrades lost. The weight of endless goodbyes."

For a brief moment, Yuuki could see it in her eyes.

Loneliness.

Duty.

Endurance.

The burdens carried by the legendary Grey Ghost herself.

Then Enterprise stepped closer.

"So tell me honestly, Commander…"

Her voice became gentler.

"Are you prepared to shoulder all of that alongside me?"

Yuuki opened his mouth slightly—

But Enterprise smiled faintly before continuing.

"If you are…"

Her gaze softened beautifully.

"…then let us walk together until the end of our lives."

Silence filled the balcony afterward.

Even Atago stopped joking for once.

Yuuki stared at Enterprise quietly, feeling the immense sincerity behind her words.

This was not impulsive affection.

This was someone offering him her entire life.

Then suddenly—

"It's no good anymore!"

Atago dramatically clasped her hands together.

"I can't control myself either!"

The serious atmosphere shattered instantly.

Atago rushed forward with sparkling eyes before wrapping herself around Yuuki's arm.

"Commander~ won't you become mine already?" she purred happily. "You don't need to worry about anything. Just listen to Onee-san, and I'll satisfy all your needs~"

THWACK.

Takao karate-chopped her sister immediately.

"Atago," she said flatly, "confess properly."

"Itaiiii~!"

Atago rubbed her head dramatically before suddenly laughing softly. Then, she enters his embrace.

"Oh my… you caught me, Commander."

She leaned closer playfully.

"Or perhaps…"

A dangerous smile formed on her lips.

"…I finally caught you?"

Yuuki's survival instincts activated immediately.

Atago giggled happily at his expression.

"Hehe~ Now that you're aware of my feelings…"

Her tone softened unexpectedly afterward.

"…I'm never letting you go."

Yuuki could actually feel how genuine those words were beneath all her teasing.

Meanwhile Takao looked like she wanted to sink into the floor from secondhand embarrassment.

Yet after several seconds, she still stepped forward anyway.

Her cheeks were visibly red.

"…Commander."

Yuuki immediately looked at her gently.

Takao took a slow breath before speaking.

"Knowing your heart, no matter how badly I'm injured…"

Her hand rested lightly against the hilt of her sword.

"You are always the one who comes from the skies to save me."

Yuuki's eyes widened slightly at the vulnerability in her voice.

Takao lowered her gaze briefly.

"So I swear…" she whispered, "…I will always return to your side."

Then finally, she looked directly at him again.

"So Commander…"

Her blush deepened intensely.

"…could you remain by my side as well?"

The sincerity in her eyes nearly broke him emotionally.

But Takao wasn't finished.

She slowly unsheathed her blade slightly, enough for moonlight to reflect across its polished steel.

"When you grant my wish to duel you, defeated me…"

A faint smile appeared on her lips.

"…and acknowledged me afterward…"

Her voice softened deeply.

"That was the greatest honor I could have received."

Then she bowed her head respectfully toward him.

"This blade you gave me…"

She gently held the weapon close.

"…shall now serve only you."

Takao's cheeks became impossibly red afterward.

"So please…"

Her voice almost disappeared into the wind.

"…continue treating me kindly."

At this point Yuuki genuinely looked moments away from emotional collapse.

Around him stood women who had entrusted him with their loyalty, their hearts, their hopes, and their futures.

And somehow—

Every single confession felt painfully sincere.

Enterprise stepped forward once more after the emotions on the balcony finally settled slightly.

This time, however, her expression carried calm seriousness rather than romance.

"However, Yuuki…"

The use of his actual name immediately drew his attention.

"This was only our way of making you fully aware of our feelings."

The others quietly nodded in agreement.

Belfast folded her hands elegantly before continuing.

"We are still your shipgirls."

"And your GDI staff members," Illustrious added gently.

Takao nodded.

"Our loyalty and duties remain unchanged."

Atago smiled softly afterward.

"But now… you finally understand what we truly feel for you."

Yuuki listened silently.

"I guess those kisses and closeness really means something. I just didn't assume it that way out of respect. Now, I can safely assumed your affections." He smiled to himself.

Then Enterprise's gaze sharpened slightly.

"More importantly," she continued, "we do not wish to stand beside you while incomplete."

Yorktown's fingers tightened softly around Yuuki's hand.

"We wish to stand beside you at our strongest."

Those words caused the atmosphere to shift again.

Not toward romance.

But toward resolve.

"Once you upgrade us," Enterprise continued calmly, "once we reach our highest possible selves…"

Her eyes reflected the distant stars.

"…then we wish to remain with you proudly in the forms you helped build."

Yuuki's expression softened deeply.

Belfast smiled faintly.

"The cubes connect us emotionally to you, Master. That connection only deepens as our feelings grow stronger."

Illustrious placed a hand gently over her chest.

"We can feel your emotions… your burdens… your wishes."

"And your love," Yorktown whispered softly, "becomes the very thing that gives us the desire to grow stronger."

For several seconds, Yuuki simply stared at all of them.

Then slowly…

He smiled.

A genuine one.

Not awkward.

Not embarrassed.

Just warm.

"Then…"

The wind swept through the balcony as Yuuki finally stepped forward properly, looking at every single one of them.

"I won't waste everyone's confessions."

The girls visibly stilled.

Yuuki's black eyes carried absolute sincerity.

"When the time comes…"

His voice grew firmer.

"…allow me to give all of you the strength and power to conquer your enemies."

The Daedalus engines hummed softly beneath them.

"I won't abuse your feelings."

Yuuki looked directly at each girl one by one.

"I won't take advantage of anyone."

"I won't give unfair special treatment."

Akagi actually looked mildly disappointed at that last part.

Instead, Yuuki continued calmly:

"I'll use everything I have to help you girls become the strongest versions of yourselves."

The air itself felt heavier from the conviction behind his words.

"So that one day…"

He looked toward Yorktown first.

Then Enterprise.

Belfast.

Illustrious.

Takao.

Atago.

And everyone else standing there.

"Right now, it is quite lonely at the top, so I will wait for you girls up there. Be your strongest so I can proudly accept all of you as my beloveds at your absolute strongest."

Silence followed.

Then suddenly—

Neon's emotional restraint broke instantly.

"THAT WAS SO COOL!"

Anis immediately grabbed her before she could tackle Yuuki dramatically.

Even Enterprise closed her eyes briefly with a faint smile.

Yorktown looked ready to cry from happiness.

Belfast's elegant composure nearly cracked.

Illustrious quietly covered her flushed cheeks.

Takao lowered her face entirely in embarrassment.

Atago looked moments away from openly declaring victory over life itself.

======================

And somewhere within the fleet network—

Vergil slammed a fist onto a table triumphantly.

"THAT'S MY BROTHER!"

Eva sighed fondly nearby while Suki and Dasha laughed helplessly.

Meanwhile, standing beneath the stars aboard the silent flying fortress crossing the heavens—

Yuuki unknowingly gave every girl there something far more precious than simple affection.

A future worth fighting for.

===========================

The atmosphere aboard the observation balcony gradually settled after Yuuki's declaration, though the warmth lingering in the air only deepened. What had begun as a quiet conversation between two people beneath the moonlight had somehow turned into a night where countless feelings, long hidden behind loyalty and professionalism, were finally laid bare. Yet instead of tension or rivalry, there was understanding among them. The shipgirls standing there were not competing for ownership over Yuuki. They understood the kind of man he was far too well for that.

Belfast was the first to turn toward the others who had remained silent throughout most of the exchange. Her calm blue eyes swept over Akagi, Kaga, Wales, Vestal, and Avrora before shifting toward the Nikkes standing nearby. Ade, Soda, Rapi, Anis, and Neon all remained quiet, each carrying their own thoughts after witnessing the confessions unfold one after another beneath the stars.

Belfast stepped forward gently, her expression calm and graceful now that her own feelings had finally been spoken aloud.

"My ladies," she began softly, "if any of you wish to confess your feelings to Yuuki someday, then please do so only when your hearts are absolutely certain."

The others listened carefully as she continued.

"This night was not meant to pressure anyone into speaking. Love should never become obligation, nor should feelings be forced simply because others confessed first. If your hearts are uncertain, or if you still lack the courage or proper words, then please wait until the time truly feels right."

Belfast nodded elegantly beside her. "There is no shame in taking your time. What matters to Master is sincerity."

Illustrious smiled gently as she folded her hands before her chest. "Commander treasures genuine emotions above all else. That is precisely why so many of us fell in love with him."

Enterprise crossed her arms quietly while leaning against the railing. "And because we understand the kind of man he is, none of us intend to monopolize him. Trying to force Commander into choosing unfairly would only hurt him and us."

Takao gave a small nod of agreement while Yorktown continued.

"Once feelings become genuine, jealousy and envy should no longer exist between us. We understand Yuuki's heart well enough to know he would never treat any of us carelessly. That fairness is something we intend to return to him as well."

Akagi crossed her arms dramatically with a visible pout forming on her face. "Even if Akagi wishes to monopolize Shikikan-sama entirely…"

"No," Enterprise answered immediately without hesitation.

Akagi lowered her head in defeat with an exaggerated sigh. "Cruel…"

The balcony filled with soft laughter afterward, easing the emotional intensity slightly.

Anis eventually broke the calmer atmosphere with her usual blunt honesty as she leaned lazily against the wall nearby.

"Honestly, Commander's basically the only decent guy left in the world anyway."

Several eyes turned toward her immediately.

Anis shrugged without embarrassment. "What? Most men left in the Ark and Aqua are either arrogant, selfish, or womanizing assholes."

Neon immediately pointed at her with widened eyes. "So you admit you like him too?!"

"I do," Anis admitted surprisingly easily, though her tone became quieter afterward. "But I'm not ready to confess yet."

For once, there was no teasing in her voice.

"I don't want to mistake admiration for love. He saved us, helped us, protected us… anyone would grow attached after that. But if I ever confess to him, I want it to be because I genuinely love him for who he is. Not because I owe him something."

Yuuki looked slightly stunned by the sincerity behind her words while Yorktown smiled softly in approval.

"That alone already shows your feelings are genuine," she replied warmly.

Nearby, Rapi remained silent, though her thoughts were far more complicated than she wished to admit. She trusted Yuuki deeply and respected him more than anyone she had ever met. Around him, she felt safe in ways she had long forgotten were possible. Yet the overwhelming certainty the shipgirls possessed still felt beyond her reach. They spoke about Yuuki as though they could see directly into his soul, and in a way, they truly could.

Unlike the shipgirls, the Nikkes were not connected to him through Wisdom Cubes.

They could not instinctively feel his emotions.

Could not naturally sense the loneliness hidden behind his calm smiles.

Could not understand his heart the same way Yorktown and the others did.

And perhaps because of that, Rapi found herself quietly curious about him more and more with each passing day.

Neon, meanwhile, looked emotionally overwhelmed for entirely different reasons. At the moment, what she felt was closer to admiration than true love, though the seeds were clearly there already. Yuuki was dependable, kind, powerful beyond reason, and somehow capable of remaining humble despite commanding fleets large enough to conquer nations. Seeing him beneath the moonlight earlier had not helped her mental state either.

Still, Neon understood herself well enough to know that her feelings had not fully matured yet.

But they were growing.

As for Ade and Soda, the two quietly exchanged glances after hearing Yorktown's words. Ever since learning Cocoa was alive, Yuuki had become even more important to them emotionally. Gratitude alone no longer explained the warmth they felt whenever he was nearby. Yet they also understood something important tonight.

Yuuki did not desire shallow affection.

He did not want temporary comfort born from desperation or dependency.

If they wished to stand beside him sincerely someday, then their feelings needed to blossom fully first. Otherwise, Yuuki would only keep them at arm's length out of respect for them.

And strangely enough, realizing that only made them want to understand him more.

The Nikkes slowly began comprehending what made the shipgirls' love for Yuuki so deep and unwavering. Through their Wisdom Cubes, the shipgirls could already see the heart Yuuki hid from the world—a lonely, burdened man who continued carrying everyone else's pain while quietly believing himself undeserving of love.

And perhaps someday…

The Nikkes wished to understand that heart as well.

=============

A soft laugh escaped Yorktown as she leaned lightly against the railing, her blue eyes carrying unusual sincerity beneath their usual teasing warmth.

"Pfff… we may already be emotionally committed to you, Yuuki," she said gently, "but if you suddenly visited our rooms looking for casual flings…"

Her smile sharpened playfully.

"…I would personally throw you back into the hallway."

"Well, that's fair. Even I would throw myself out of my room should that happened." Yuuki sighs.

Several girls immediately nodded in agreement.

"Even I would ask the same of you, Master," Belfast added calmly. "Affection without sincerity would only cheapen the bond we wish to build with you."

Enterprise folded her arms quietly while glancing toward Yuuki.

"And the fact that you already understand that distinction," she said softly, "is exactly why we value you so highly."

Yuuki looked slightly stunned hearing everyone speak so openly about it.

Yorktown smiled faintly before continuing where the others left off.

"However, once we eventually stand beside you after proper vows… once we truly join you in holy matrimony in the strongest versions of ourselves…"

A soft blush appeared on several girls' faces afterward.

"…then our responsibilities as your wives would naturally begin."

Illustrious lowered her gaze shyly while Atago giggled beside Takao, who looked moments away from overheating entirely.

Yet despite the embarrassment filling the balcony, the atmosphere remained heartfelt rather than lustful. To them, the idea of becoming Yuuki's wives was not about fleeting passion or temporary affection.

It was commitment.

Devotion.

A lifelong promise.

"As long as you remain fair, kind, and just," Yorktown continued softly, "then jealousy and envy hold no place between us."

Enterprise nodded once in agreement.

"Because we are connected to your heart through our cubes."

The moonlight reflected quietly in her eyes.

"We can feel your emotions. Your burdens. Your love."

"And your desires," Atago added with a playful smile before immediately receiving another warning look from Takao.

Still, she wasn't wrong.

The connection between Yuuki and the shipgirls was deeper than ordinary emotion. Through their Wisdom Cubes, they could feel the sincerity within him directly. They knew when he was troubled, lonely, burdened, or quietly blaming himself for things no one else noticed.

And tonight…

They could feel something changing inside him.

Right now," Belfast said softly, her expression gentler than ever before, "we can already feel your feelings toward us beginning to deepen."

Yuuki looked away awkwardly after hearing that.

Which only made several girls smile more warmly.

Because despite all his strength, his fleets, his impossible technology, and the terrifying burdens resting upon his shoulders…

At his core, Yuuki was still simply a man learning how to let himself be loved.

After the confessions settled and the emotions between them finally became mutual and understood, the atmosphere aboard the balcony changed in a subtle but important way.

The girls no longer felt the need to constantly fight for Yuuki's attention.

There was no longer pressure to hint at their feelings in hopes he might someday notice them. No more uncertainty over whether their affection would be misunderstood or quietly ignored out of his fear of hurting someone.

Now he knew.

And because he knew…

Their affection could finally become honest.

Natural.

Genuine.

Yorktown leaned softly against Yuuki's shoulder without hesitation now, while Belfast stood closer than usual with a calm smile no longer hidden behind pure professionalism. Even Enterprise looked visibly more relaxed around him, no longer maintaining quite as much emotional distance as before.

The others were no different.

Atago openly held onto his arm.

Illustrious smiled at him with unmistakable tenderness.

Takao still blushed heavily whenever he looked at her, though now she no longer tried denying her feelings.

The awkward barrier between them had quietly disappeared.

And strangely enough, Yuuki himself looked calmer because of it too.

"Ehee…" Illustrious laughed softly after a while, her cheeks faintly pink. "Then perhaps… please allow us to sleep beside you occasionally?"

Several girls immediately nodded in agreement.

Atago raised her hand enthusiastically. "Sleepovers with Commander sound wonderful~"

Yorktown tried to remain composed but clearly agreed as well.

Yuuki stared at all six of them for several seconds before sighing helplessly.

"You can do that during group sleepovers," he answered honestly. "Or when everyone's together."

Then his eyes narrowed slightly.

"But preferably…"

He pointed at them one by one.

"…no sneaking into my room in the middle of the night or I have my drones put you gently outside my door."

Instantly—

Every single girl there suddenly looked away.

"…"

"…"

"…"

The silence itself became the answer.

Yuuki deadpanned immediately.

"You already thought about doing it."

Atago whistled innocently while looking at the ceiling.

Illustrious covered her mouth elegantly. "Ara… whatever do you mean, Commander?"

Belfast adjusted her gloves with flawless composure despite the faint redness in her ears.

"I would never engage in such shameless behavior, Master."

Enterprise outright turned away to hide her expression.

Takao looked moments away from combusting from embarrassment.

Meanwhile Yorktown failed completely at hiding her guilty blush.

Yuuki stared at all of them in disbelief.

"…You six are terrible actors. Don't think I don't know what you six did at Magellan."

That finally broke the tension completely as laughter spread across the balcony once more.

"Ara~ He found out." Atago rubs behind her head.

And for the first time since meeting him—

The girls could openly express their affection not as a desperate attempt to be noticed…

But simply because the man they loved already understood their hearts.

=======================

Yuuki's expression softened slightly after the laughter faded, though a trace of uncertainty still lingered within his eyes.

"If any of you ever develop mixed feelings someday… I…"

Before he could finish, Yorktown gently pressed a finger against his lips.

The motion immediately silenced him.

"No," she said softly.

Her voice carried calm certainty rather than blind devotion.

"There is no other man worthy of receiving our affection."

The others quietly nodded in agreement.

Enterprise's gaze remained steady while Belfast's expression softened almost painfully with sincerity.

Yorktown lowered her hand slowly afterward, though she remained close enough for Yuuki to feel her warmth.

"If our feelings ever changed," she continued quietly, "or if we willingly gave our hearts and bodies elsewhere after pledging ourselves to you…"

Her eyes lowered briefly.

"…then that would mean we betrayed you."

Yuuki immediately frowned.

"Hana, that's—"

She shook her head gently.

"We understand if you would hate us for that," she whispered honestly. "Because a promise like this is not something we speak lightly."

The atmosphere became quieter afterward.

Not oppressive.

Just sincere.

Takao placed a hand lightly over her chest.

"We have already chosen you emotionally, Commander."

Illustrious smiled faintly.

"And unlike ordinary relationships… our cubes connect us directly to you."

Atago leaned comfortably against Yuuki's arm once more, though this time the playful teasing in her expression gradually faded into something far more serious.

"So if our feelings ever became compromised…"

Her dark eyes narrowed slightly as she studied him.

"…you would know almost immediately anyway, wouldn't you?"

Yuuki looked away awkwardly for a moment before exhaling softly.

"…Kind of."

The answer immediately caused the atmosphere around the balcony to shift again.

The girls fell quiet.

Because that confirmation changed the meaning of their connection entirely.

Yuuki rubbed the back of his neck while trying to explain.

"It's difficult to describe exactly," he admitted. "But the more genuine your feelings become… the clearer the connection gets."

His black eyes lowered briefly.

"I can already vaguely feel emotions flowing through your Wisdom Cubes now."

Yorktown softly tightened her hold around his arm while Belfast quietly listened.

Yuuki continued carefully.

"If something emotionally drastic happened… if your feelings became unstable or broken…"

He hesitated slightly.

"…I think I'd feel it immediately."

Silence followed.

Then Atago's expression became unexpectedly calm.

"Then betrayal is impossible."

Everyone looked toward her.

The usually teasing heavy cruiser now carried a seriousness rarely seen from her.

"Because this connection does not only flow toward you," Atago explained quietly. "It eventually flows through all of us as well."

Her hand rested lightly over her chest.

"If someone betrayed you…"

Her eyes darkened slightly.

"…we would all feel your anguish."

"The sadness."

"The pain."

Yuuki visibly stiffened at that realization.

Atago's voice softened afterward, though her conviction remained unwavering.

"And naturally…"

"…those loyal to you would come to resent the betrayer."

The wind swept silently across the balcony.

"That is why our loyalty and affection belong only to you."

No one disagreed.

Not because of blind obsession.

But because the connection itself made emotional sincerity impossible to fake for long.

Belfast smiled gently afterward, restoring warmth to the atmosphere once more.

"However," she added elegantly, "that same connection also protects us."

Yuuki blinked.

Belfast stepped closer while adjusting her gloves calmly.

"Because genuine bonds leave very little room for misunderstanding or deception."

Her expression softened beautifully.

"We can feel your sincerity toward us, Master."

Yorktown nodded quietly.

"And you can feel ours."

Enterprise crossed her arms while looking out toward the endless clouds below.

"In a strange way," she admitted, "it may actually create healthier relationships than ordinary people possess."

Illustrious smiled softly.

"There is comfort in knowing the heart of the one you love is genuine."

Takao quietly lowered her gaze.

"And reassurance in knowing our feelings reach you properly."

Yuuki slowly looked around at all of them afterward.

Then finally sighed helplessly.

"…You girls really trust me that much, huh?"

Yorktown immediately answered.

"With our lives."

Belfast smiled softly.

"With our hearts."

Enterprise's gaze remained calm and unwavering.

"And eventually…"

Atago grinned warmly.

"…probably with our rings too."

That immediately destroyed the serious atmosphere again as several girls blushed heavily while Yuuki covered his face in defeat.

"…I'm never surviving this fleet."

Yuuki rubbed the back of his neck helplessly before continuing.

"The moment all of you confessed…"

His eyes shifted toward them one by one.

"…it felt like I could suddenly sense your Wisdom Cubes reacting."

The girls blinked softly.

Yuuki searched for the right words.

"It's hard to explain. It's like… warmth."

He placed a hand lightly against his chest.

"I could feel happiness coming from all of you."

Yorktown's cheeks turned slightly pink again.

Belfast lowered her gaze elegantly while smiling faintly.

Enterprise quietly watched him with softened eyes.

Yuuki exhaled slowly.

"I think… the moment I acknowledged your feelings properly…"

His voice grew quieter.

"…the connection deepened."

The wind brushed gently through the balcony once more as he continued speaking honestly.

"Now I can vaguely feel your emotions. Your affection. Your sincerity."

Then he laughed helplessly under his breath.

"You girls seriously shoved an overwhelming amount of emotions into me despite not even forming proper bonds yet."

Atago giggled proudly.

"Fufufu~ what can we say? Commander is very lovable."

Takao immediately looked embarrassed by that statement while Illustrious softly agreed under her breath.

Yorktown, however, simply smiled warmly at Yuuki.

Because for the first time—

He was no longer running from their feelings.

And through the growing connection between their hearts and Wisdom Cubes…

The girls could already feel something blooming quietly within him as well.

"Do remember one thing, Yuuki," Enterprise spoke calmly after the atmosphere settled once more. "We shipgirls can be possessive."

The statement immediately caused several of the others to nod without hesitation.

"Not unreasonably so," Belfast clarified gently, "but our feelings for you are genuine and deep. We can accept those who sincerely love you as we do…"

Her blue eyes softened slightly.

"…however, casual flings are something we cannot accept."

Illustrious nodded quietly beside her. "If someone only wishes to play with your affections or tempt you into shallow relationships, then naturally we would object."

Atago wrapped both arms around one of Yuuki's again with a smile that somehow looked sweet and dangerous simultaneously.

"We are willing to share your love fairly," she said softly. "But we will not tolerate someone treating your heart carelessly."

Takao sighed quietly in embarrassment at how openly everyone was speaking now, though she still nodded in agreement.

Yuuki raised both hands helplessly.

"I know, I know."

Then his expression softened.

"My feelings toward all of you are genuine too."

That answer alone made several girls visibly relax.

Yuuki looked toward them quietly afterward, almost disbelieving the situation himself.

"You girls really became important to me frighteningly fast," he admitted honestly. "I've been in this world for less than a month…"

He laughed weakly under his breath.

"…and somehow I already ended up carrying an absurd amount of responsibilities."

Yorktown immediately smiled warmly at him.

"Pff… if you had not descended from the skies that day…"

Her voice softened deeply.

"…then Laffey and I would have died together."

Yuuki's eyes trembled slightly at the reminder.

Belfast and Illustrious exchanged glances before Belfast continued quietly.

"If you had not found us…"

Her elegant composure weakened faintly.

"…we likely would have remained prisoners."

Illustrious lowered her gaze.

"Experimented upon," she whispered softly. "And perhaps eventually killed."

Enterprise crossed her arms while Vestal nodded beside her.

"Purifier would have captured all of us eventually," Enterprise said bluntly. "The situation was already collapsing."

Vestal looked toward Yuuki gently afterward.

"You didn't merely rescue us, Commander."

Her voice carried immense gratitude.

"You changed our fates entirely."

Atago leaned her cheek lightly against Yuuki's shoulder.

"Takao and I would still be wandering aimlessly somewhere," she admitted softly.

Takao nodded quietly.

"Without purpose. Without direction."

Wales exhaled quietly nearby.

"We would still be trapped surviving instead of truly living."

Then came Akagi.

The fox carrier crossed her arms dramatically before speaking with unusual honesty.

"If Shikikan-sama never appeared…"

For once, there was no teasing in her voice.

"…Akagi would have descended fully into madness alongside Kaga."

Kaga silently closed her eyes without denying it.

That alone spoke volumes.

Finally, Avrora looked toward Yuuki gently while the Nikkes behind her lowered their gazes slightly.

"We would have remained slaves," Avrora said softly.

The word lingered heavily in the air.

Ade and Soda quietly nodded.

Rapi's expression darkened slightly at the memories.

Neon looked unusually serious for once.

Yuuki slowly looked around at all of them afterward.

Only then did he truly realize something.

To him, he had simply acted naturally.

He saved them because it was the right thing to do.

Protected them because he could.

Reached out his hand because leaving them behind felt unforgivable.

But to the girls standing before him—

He had become the turning point that changed their entire lives.

The person who pulled them from despair, captivity, loneliness, or death itself.

And perhaps that was why their feelings had become so deep in such a short time.

Not because he demanded love from them.

But because he gave them something they thought they had already lost forever.

Hope.

=================

The atmosphere aboard the balcony eventually softened into something peaceful after the emotional weight of everyone's words settled fully between them. The cold night wind no longer felt lonely, and even the endless sky surrounding the Daedalus seemed quieter somehow as the massive flying fortress continued gliding silently through the heavens beneath stealth systems.

Yorktown was the first to move again.

Without hesitation or embarrassment this time, she stepped closer to Yuuki and gently held the front of his coat before rising slightly on her toes. Her lips met his softly beneath the moonlight, the kiss carrying none of the uncertainty from earlier anymore. It was calm, sincere, and filled with quiet affection born from finally being understood.

When she slowly pulled away, the faint blush on her cheeks remained, though now she looked genuinely relieved rather than nervous.

Belfast followed next.

The elegant maid smiled gently before placing a delicate hand against Yuuki's chest, her blue eyes softening with affection she no longer needed to hide behind professionalism. Her kiss was graceful and warm, lingering only briefly before she stepped back with her usual composure somehow mostly intact.

"Good night, Master," she whispered softly afterward, though the redness in her ears betrayed her calm expression entirely.

Enterprise approached afterward, her expression calmer than the others but no less sincere. For someone who carried the weight of countless battlefields and memories, the small softness in her eyes as she looked at Yuuki felt far more intimate than words.

"You truly are dangerous to our hearts, Commander," she murmured quietly before leaning forward and kissing him gently as well.

Yuuki's brain had almost completely stopped functioning by now.

Atago, naturally, ignored whatever remaining resistance he had left.

"Fufufu~ Commander belongs to us more and more now," she teased happily before wrapping her arms around his neck and kissing him affectionately enough to make Takao immediately pull her back afterward.

"Atago," Takao sighed heavily while blushing. "Have some dignity."

"Ehh~ but he's cute."

Takao looked ready to apologize to the heavens before eventually gathering her own courage. Her face had turned completely red by the time she stepped in front of Yuuki, yet despite her embarrassment, her eyes remained unwavering.

The kiss she gave him was brief and careful, almost reverent in its sincerity.

When she stepped back, she immediately lowered her face to hide how flustered she had become.

"P-Please forget that happened for the next five minutes," she muttered weakly.

Unfortunately for her, Atago was already laughing uncontrollably nearby.

Illustrious was the last among the six to approach him.

Unlike the others, she hesitated for several seconds, her fingers lightly clasped together while her cheeks burned crimson beneath the moonlight. Yet eventually, she smiled softly and stepped forward with gentle grace.

"Commander," she whispered warmly, "please continue allowing us to stay by your side."

Then she kissed him gently as well.

It was sweet.

Tender.

Almost innocent in the sincerity behind it.

And by the time Illustrious finally stepped back, Yuuki looked emotionally and mentally overwhelmed beyond recovery.

Nearby, the Nikkes watched the scene quietly.

There was no jealousy in their eyes.

No bitterness.

Only thoughtfulness.

Ade and Soda exchanged soft glances while Neon looked oddly fascinated by the emotional depth the shipgirls shared with Yuuki. Even Anis, despite her usual teasing nature, remained quieter than usual as she observed the unshakable sincerity between them.

Rapi stood silently with arms folded, her crimson eyes lingering on Yuuki thoughtfully.

The shipgirls loved him deeply because they understood him deeply.

Their Wisdom Cubes connected them emotionally in ways the Nikkes still could not fully comprehend. They could feel Yuuki's sincerity, loneliness, affection, burdens, and devotion directly through those connections.

The Nikkes could not.

Not yet.

And because of that, none of them felt ready to confess anything prematurely.

It would feel dishonest.

Illogical even.

After all, they had only truly known Yuuki for a day or two.

Yes, they admired him.

Trusted him.

Felt safe around him.

But genuine love was not something they wished to throw around carelessly—especially not toward a man who valued emotions so sincerely.

The shipgirls had already understood that part of him.

And now the Nikkes were beginning to understand it too.

Someday, perhaps, if they could find a way to truly connect their cubes to him the same way the Wisdom Cubes did…

Then maybe they would understand Yuuki as deeply as the shipgirls already did.

And only then—

Would they allow themselves to confess properly.

With it everyone left him by himself except Akagi, Kaga, Wales and Avrora.

Wales was the first one to see him.

After the others gradually calmed down from the emotional whirlwind of confessions and affection, Wales quietly stepped forward from the side of the balcony. Unlike Atago's boldness or Yorktown's direct sincerity, there was hesitation in her movements, though not from uncertainty. Rather, it felt as though she was carefully organizing emotions she herself had only recently begun understanding.

"Lord Commander…" Wales spoke softly, her elegant posture remaining composed despite the faint blush lingering on her cheeks. "Forgive me if I am not as forward as the others."

Yuuki immediately shook his head gently. "You don't need to force yourself, Wales."

She smiled faintly at that before placing a hand lightly over her chest.

"Your heart connected to mine," she continued quietly. "And through that connection… I felt what those six felt."

Her eyes lowered briefly.

"It would be a lie if I claimed I did not begin sharing those feelings myself."

The wind brushed softly through her silver hair as she slowly looked back toward him.

"The connection makes it feel as though I have known you for a very long time despite us meeting only recently."

"Wales…"

She stepped closer afterward, her expression becoming gentler.

"However," she continued carefully, "I do not wish to confess simply because you saved my life."

There was firmness in her voice now.

"I want my feelings to remain genuine. Fighting fair and square has always been my principle, and I wish for my heart to follow the same rule."

Yuuki listened silently as Wales gave a small, almost embarrassed smile.

"So…"

Her blue eyes met his directly.

"Would you stay with me a little longer tonight? There is something important I wish to tell you, Commander."

The others quietly gave them space as Wales continued speaking.

"I had a dream recently," she admitted softly. "A dream of that laboratory…"

Her fingers trembled faintly.

"Suspended endlessly in cold darkness. Never awakening. Never escaping."

Yuuki's expression immediately softened.

"I still remember that feeling of hopelessness even now," she whispered. "But then… you appeared."

Her voice became warmer afterward.

"You pulled me out of that slumber and gave me another chance at life."

For several moments, only the distant hum of the Daedalus engines could be heard around them.

"And when I finally opened my eyes…" Wales continued quietly, "…the first thing I saw was you beside me. A wonderful dream in a dream."

A small smile appeared on her lips.

"That was the moment I realized perhaps life was not so terrible after all even after waking up."

Yuuki exhaled softly while scratching his cheek awkwardly.

"It still feels impossible for someone as prideful as you to develop feelings this quickly."

Wales laughed quietly under her breath.

"It is impossible," she admitted honestly. "But blame the Wisdom Cubes for that."

Her expression softened deeply.

"They do not force feelings upon us. They simply allow warmth to reach places that had long gone cold."

Then she gently touched her chest.

"You became that warmth."

Yuuki fell silent again.

"Take your time understanding my heart, Lord Commander," Wales whispered. "You are connected to it now. The more time passes… the more naturally you will understand it."

Then, before Yuuki could properly answer, Wales leaned forward and pressed a soft kiss against his cheek.

"Good night…"

Her cheeks turned slightly red afterward as she elegantly excused herself from the balcony, though the faint smile she wore remained genuine and peaceful.

She had already made her choice.

Now she simply wished for those feelings to deepen naturally over time.

Not long after Akagi and Kaga finally departed, another quiet presence approached the observation balcony.

This time, it was Vestal.

Unlike the others, she did not arrive with bold affection or overwhelming emotion. Her footsteps were calm and gentle, carrying the familiar warmth of someone who had spent most of her life caring for others before herself.

The moment Yuuki saw her, he smiled softly.

"Vestal."

The repair ship smiled back, though there was visible emotion lingering behind her eyes tonight.

"Commander…" she began quietly while stepping beside him near the railing. "You gave me a second chance to become a doctor again."

Yuuki's expression softened immediately.

Vestal lowered her gaze briefly.

"When we first met…" she admitted softly, "…I was beginning to lose faith in myself."

The cold night wind brushed gently through her silver hair as the Daedalus continued soaring silently through the heavens around them.

"A doctor who cannot save people eventually begins questioning their own worth," she continued quietly. "And after everything that happened… I started believing I had failed everyone."

Yuuki remained silent as she spoke.

"But then you arrived," Vestal whispered. "And suddenly… I found myself needed again."

A warm smile slowly appeared on her lips afterward.

"You trusted my skills. Relied on me. Gave me patients to save. Gave me people worth protecting again."

Her eyes lifted toward him gently.

"So I would be lying if I said I did not understand why the others fell for you."

Yuuki awkwardly scratched his cheek.

"That still sounds surreal hearing it out loud…"

Vestal laughed softly under her breath before folding her hands together behind her back.

"Hm… as the guardian angel of this fleet, I must care for everyone equally."

Her voice regained some playful warmth now.

"So unfortunately, I cannot devote myself solely to taking care of you, Commander."

Yuuki nodded seriously.

"That sounds healthy."

"However…"

Vestal stepped slightly closer afterward, her cheeks turning faintly pink.

"If Belfast wishes to become your personal maid…"

A small smile appeared on her face.

"Then allow me to offer myself as your personal doctor out of my affection for you."

Yuuki immediately looked away in embarrassment.

Vestal giggled softly at his reaction.

"Hahaha… now you'll never be able to reject my nursing anymore, Commander~"

"That sounds slightly threatening."

"It is," she answered immediately with perfect calmness.

Yuuki laughed helplessly while Vestal smiled more warmly afterward.

"What are you getting embarrassed for?" she teased gently. "It's perfectly alright to leave things to me occasionally, you know."

Yuuki sighed softly while looking out across the clouds below.

"I can take care of myself, Vestal…"

Then his voice became quieter.

"…but I guess I wouldn't mind being looked after sometimes."

That answer alone visibly melted something inside her.

Because Vestal understood immediately how difficult those words were for him to say.

Yuuki was the kind of man who constantly carried everyone else's burdens while refusing help for his own. Even now, despite commanding fleets and protecting countless people, he still struggled to believe he deserved care in return.

So hearing him admit—even slightly—that he wanted someone to look after him…

Made Vestal's heart ache with affection.

Her smile softened beautifully afterward.

"Then please allow me to continue doing exactly that."

Without hesitation, Vestal gently leaned against his shoulder, her voice becoming almost tender.

"You don't always need to stand alone as everyone else's protector, Commander."

Her hand lightly touched his arm.

"Even guardians need someone watching over them too."

For several quiet moments, neither of them spoke again.

The Daedalus continued crossing silently through the endless night sky while the fleet moved beneath layers of stealth systems toward tomorrow's rescue mission.

And standing there beside Vestal beneath the stars, Yuuki slowly began realizing something terrifying.

Every single one of these girls loved him in their own unique way.

And somehow…

Yuuki slowly exhaled while looking out across the endless sea of clouds beneath the Daedalus. Vestal's warmth still lingered beside him, gentle and calming in a way he had not realized he needed until now.

Then he turned slightly toward her, a faint smile appearing on his face.

"Then study the medical systems of the GDI properly," he said softly. "Learn everything you can. Stand among the strongest."

Vestal blinked softly at him.

Yuuki's eyes carried quiet sincerity.

"Because someday…"

A small grin tugged at the corner of his lips.

"…I want the strongest doctor possible within my personal fleet of wives."

Vestal's face instantly turned bright red.

"C-Commander…"

Then she laughed helplessly under her breath.

"…You really are a charmer when you want to be."

Yuuki shrugged shamelessly.

"I learned from the best."

"Who taught you?"

"Honestly? I have no idea anymore."

That answer made Vestal giggle softly before her expression became warmer afterward.

"Then please continue treating me kindly from now on," she whispered.

Yuuki smiled gently.

"A patient should always listen to his doctor."

"That sounds suspiciously obedient coming from you."

"I'm evolving."

Vestal laughed again, though this time her eyes softened deeply with affection.

Then, gathering her courage, she slowly stepped closer before pressing a gentle kiss against Yuuki's lips.

Unlike the others, Vestal's kiss carried warmth rather than intensity. It felt comforting. Reassuring. The kind of affection that promised care rather than passion.

When she finally pulled away, her entire face had turned crimson.

"G-Good night, Commander…"

Before Yuuki could properly respond, Vestal immediately turned and hurried away down the corridor, clearly trying to escape before embarrassment consumed her completely.

Yet despite her flustered retreat…

The smile on her face remained peaceful.

Because now she finally understood him better.

And more importantly—

He understood her too.

Yuuki watched her disappear quietly before leaning back against the railing once more, his mind already overwhelmed beyond recovery from everything that had happened tonight.

Then—

Another familiar presence approached from behind.

Yuuki blinked.

"…Avrora?"

The Northern Parliament shipgirl stood calmly beneath the moonlight, her silver blue eyes carrying an unusual softness tonight.

"Beloved…" she spoke quietly.

The word alone nearly caused Yuuki's heart to stop again.

Avrora smiled faintly at his reaction.

"In truth… I should feel the same as the Nikkes," she admitted. "Knowing you for merely a day should not be enough time to develop genuine affection."

Then her gaze softened deeply.

"But Wales is correct about one thing."

Her hand rested lightly over her chest.

"Your heart is connected to all of us now."

Yuuki quietly listened as Avrora stepped closer.

"It feels as though I can read you completely," she whispered. "Your sadness. Your anguish. Your loneliness."

For a brief moment, Yuuki's expression visibly shook.

Avrora continued gently.

"I can see fragments of your history through our connection. I can feel how desperately you continue carrying burdens alone."

Her eyes lowered slightly afterward.

"When darkness tried to consume me… you heard my pleas."

The cold wind swept quietly across the balcony.

"And you kept me alive."

Yuuki slowly clenched his hands.

"Coldness was always familiar to me," Avrora admitted softly. "Loneliness as well."

Then finally—

"But when I heard your voice…"

A faint warmth entered her expression.

"…I felt warmth I had never experienced before."

Her lips curved into the smallest smile.

"It was almost addictive. As though I wished to remain within that warmth forever."

Yuuki stared at her silently.

Then Avrora spoke softly in Russian.

"Я люблю тебя, Commander."

Yuuki's eyes widened slightly.

Since he understood her language, he knew exactly what she had said.

I love you.

Avrora smiled faintly at his reaction.

"Take your time understanding me," she whispered. "My heart… and my soul."

Then she gently kissed his cheek as well.

"Thank you," she said softly afterward, "for pulling me out of the darkness."

And beneath the endless night sky surrounding the Daedalus, Yuuki quietly realized that every single one of these girls carried wounds deeper than he initially understood.

Yet somehow…

They were all beginning to heal together.

Avrora slowly stepped away afterward, her cheeks still lightly flushed from finally voicing feelings she had never intended to speak so soon. Yet despite her embarrassment, there was peace within her expression now. She no longer needed to hide behind coldness or distance. Her feelings had reached him clearly, and more importantly, Yuuki had not rejected them.

For Avrora, that alone meant more than words could describe.

Under ordinary circumstances, she would never have allowed herself to grow attached so quickly. The old commander—the one from before Yuuki's arrival—would never have reached this deeply into her heart. Avrora was cautious by nature. Reserved. A woman shaped by isolation, survival, and endless winters both literal and emotional. Trust was never something she gave freely.

But Yuuki was different.

The connection formed through the Wisdom Cubes allowed her to feel the sincerity hidden beneath his burdens. She could sense his loneliness, his restraint, his quiet desire to protect everyone even while doubting his own worth. The more she understood him, the more natural her feelings became.

She had already offered him her love tonight.

Now…

She wished to watch those feelings slowly blossom with time.

Avrora had only taken a few steps away when Yuuki suddenly called out to her.

"Avrora!"

She stopped immediately before turning back toward him in surprise.

Yuuki looked slightly awkward, as though unsure how to properly phrase what he wanted to say. Yet despite that uncertainty, his black eyes remained sincere.

"One day…" he began softly, "let's go visit your hometown together."

Avrora blinked.

"I want to see the place where my beloved came from."

The world around her seemed to stop.

Then Yuuki smiled faintly.

"And when the time comes…"

His voice grew gentler.

"…let's get married there."

For several seconds, Avrora could not move.

The cold and composed Northern Parliament cruiser who had survived despair, captivity, and endless loneliness suddenly looked completely vulnerable beneath the moonlight.

Her lips trembled.

Then tears began falling silently from her eyes.

"Yuuki…"

The next moment, she rushed back toward him and wrapped both arms tightly around his body, holding him as though afraid he might disappear if she loosened her grip even slightly.

Yuuki instinctively embraced her in return.

Avrora buried her face against his chest while quietly crying, her shoulders trembling softly beneath his arms.

For someone who had spent so long surviving in emotional coldness…

Those simple words meant everything.

Not because he promised her affection.

But because he promised her a future.

A home.

A life beyond survival.

And for the first time in years, Avrora allowed herself to truly believe that perhaps one day…

She would no longer have to face the cold alone.

Avrora eventually left the balcony with a soft smile lingering on her face, her emotions calmer now that her feelings had finally reached him properly. The moment she disappeared into the corridor, however, Yuuki suddenly felt a chill run down his spine.

A dangerous one.

"Shikikan-sama~~~"

Yuuki froze instantly.

"…What?"

Two familiar figures stepped out from the shadows of the corridor.

Akagi smiled beautifully beneath the dim lights while Kaga stood beside her with her usual composed expression, though the faint redness in her cheeks betrayed her own emotions tonight.

"Akagi wishes to apologize," Akagi said sweetly while slowly approaching him.

Yuuki immediately narrowed his eyes suspiciously.

"…What now?"

Akagi placed a hand lightly against her cheek dramatically.

"Akagi may have made Shikikan-sama uncomfortable before with her excessive closeness."

"Ah…"

Before Yuuki could answer—

"Like shameless bootlicking?" Kaga added mercilessly.

"Tsk…"

Akagi clicked her tongue irritably toward her sister.

Yuuki nearly laughed despite himself.

Then Akagi's expression softened slightly afterward, losing some of its teasing edge.

"All joking aside…" she whispered quietly, "…Akagi knows she can be overwhelming."

That immediately caught Yuuki's attention.

"After losing Amagi-nee-sama…" Akagi continued softly, "…Akagi fell into darkness."

The usual playful obsession in her eyes weakened briefly, revealing something far more fragile beneath.

"And then you appeared."

Yuuki listened silently.

"At first," Akagi admitted honestly, "Akagi believed that if she simply showered you with enough love… then eventually you would look only at her. Since your scent attracted her...."

Her gaze lowered slightly.

"But…"

A faint bitter smile appeared on her lips.

"…Akagi also believed you were secretly annoyed by her."

Yuuki blinked.

Then immediately shook his head.

"No, I'm not."

Akagi looked genuinely surprised.

"Sure," Yuuki continued helplessly, "you're intense. Very intense."

Kaga nodded immediately. "That is an understatement."

"But not enough for me to push you away," Yuuki finished honestly. "If I truly disliked being around you, I would've avoided you completely."

Akagi froze.

"But I didn't," Yuuki added quietly.

That answer alone visibly shook her emotionally.

Then he suddenly frowned slightly.

"Wait… earlier you mentioned something about I had some kind of scent? Amagi mentioned the same thing when I met her."

Akagi's ears twitched instantly.

Kaga sighed softly afterward.

"Shikikan-sama truly does not understand."

Yuuki blinked.

"We Sakura perceive scent far more strongly than humans do," Kaga explained calmly. "Not merely physical scent… but emotional scent as well."

Akagi smiled softly.

"The scent of a genuinely kind man…"

Her red eyes narrowed affectionately.

"…is something incredibly rare."

Yuuki looked increasingly confused.

Kaga crossed her arms quietly.

"You possess warmth. Calmness. Honesty. The scent of someone with a pure heart."

Then suddenly several things clicked together in Yuuki's mind.

"…That explains Atago and Takao."

"Precisely," Kaga answered immediately.

Akagi stepped closer until barely any distance remained between them.

"You possess everything a perfect man should have to us, Shikikan-sama," she whispered. "Warmth… kindness… light…"

Then—

Darkness.

Yuuki blinked in confusion as his vision suddenly vanished entirely beneath something incredibly soft and fluffy.

"…What."

A mass of enormous fox tails wrapped around him completely before he could react.

Warm.

Soft.

Dangerously comfortable.

Akagi's voice echoed happily from somewhere within the fluff prison.

"Don't even think about escaping, Shikikan-sama~"

Yuuki sighed immediately.

"…Akagi."

Trapped completely within the mountain of tails, Yuuki could barely see anything aside from strands of crimson fur while Akagi held him tightly in place.

"No matter what anyone says…" Akagi whispered lovingly near his ear, "…nobody loves you more than Akagi does."

Kaga sighed nearby but did not deny it.

For several moments, only the warmth of Akagi's tails surrounded him while the distant engines of the Daedalus hummed softly around them.

Then Akagi spoke again, though this time her voice became quieter.

"When you defeated us…"

Yuuki stilled slightly.

"…you gave Kaga and me purpose again."

The playful obsession faded entirely from her tone now.

"You freed us from drowning in grief over Amagi-nee-sama."

Kaga quietly stepped closer afterward.

"You protected her."

"You healed us," Akagi whispered softly. "Even after everything we did to you."

Yuuki slowly relaxed inside the fluffy prison.

Then Akagi gently rested her forehead against his shoulder.

"So please…"

Her voice trembled faintly.

"…continue looking after me and Kaga."

Kaga closed her eyes quietly afterward.

"We pray the god continue watching over you, Shikikan-sama…"

Then more softly—

"…the one we were fated to meet."

Akagi tightened the tails around him slightly.

"With this…" she whispered affectionately, "…nothing shall separate us anymore."

Yuuki immediately reached upward afterward and grabbed one of Akagi's fox ears.

Instantly—

"IYAAAAAA~~~!"

Akagi nearly collapsed against him while trembling violently.

Kaga immediately stared at Yuuki.

"…I always wondered how you were able to rub our ears like that and made us like it."

Yuuki looked innocent.

"Amagi mentioned it once that I can rub Sakura ears perfectly because I know their sweet spots. Rub it perfectly and any Sakura shipgirls would melt."

"That's reassuring." Kaga eyes him.

Akagi's face had turned completely red while her tails fluffed up even further.

"Ufuuu…"

She looked moments away from emotional death.

Eventually, after recovering slightly, Akagi rested against him again while smiling warmly.

"Akagi will continue showering you with love…"

Her eyes softened completely.

"…until the day you finally look at Akagi properly and accept her as your wife too."

Yuuki's expression became gentler afterward.

"Akagi," he said quietly, "I stabbed you."

Her answer came immediately.

"That stab freed Akagi from the prison of grief."

Silence followed.

Then Yuuki smiled faintly.

"Then I'll wait for that day too."

Akagi blinked softly.

"Become your strongest self," he continued calmly. "Reach your peak."

His black eyes met hers directly.

"So one day…"

"…I can finally see the real Akagi standing before me."

For perhaps the first time that night—

Akagi looked completely vulnerable.

Beside them, Kaga quietly lowered her gaze before speaking softly herself.

"I cannot fully comprehend these emotions yet…"

Her cheeks became faintly pink.

"Every time I see your face, my thoughts simply disappear."

Yuuki laughed softly.

"That sounds dangerous."

"It is," Kaga admitted honestly. "Especially toward the man who defeated me."

Yuuki immediately shook his head.

"I didn't truly defeat you."

Kaga blinked.

"You weren't even fighting at full strength," Yuuki continued. "Not the real you."

Then a grin slowly appeared on his face.

"So one day…"

He pointed at her confidently.

"After you've reached your highest upgraded form… The highest level I can offer you....."

"…I'll duel you properly for your hand in marriage."

For a second—

Kaga completely froze.

Then a beautiful smile slowly formed on her lips.

One filled with pride.

Determination.

And affection.

"…Then I shall await that day gladly, Yuuki-san."

Akagi immediately gasped dramatically the moment Yuuki mentioned dueling Kaga for her hand in marriage.

"Shikikan-sama is proposing to Kaga right in front of Akagi~~~"

Her tails swayed wildly while she narrowed her eyes teasingly at him.

"Shikikan-sama truly has courage."

Yuuki simply laughed softly before suddenly pulling Akagi closer by the waist, catching her completely off guard.

"W-Wha—"

Then he looked directly into her eyes.

"Then what about you?"

Akagi froze.

Yuuki smiled faintly.

"Will you let me marry you too once you become stronger?"

For perhaps the first time all night—

Akagi answered instantly without a single trace of teasing.

"Yes!"

Kaga sighed heavily beside them.

"…That was far too easy."

Akagi ignored her entirely while clinging happily onto Yuuki.

Yuuki chuckled quietly afterward before looking at both sisters seriously.

"Like I told the others…"

His gaze softened.

"Wait for the day you all reach your highest level."

The moonlight reflected gently within his eyes as he continued.

"When that day comes…"

A small grin appeared on his face.

"…expect a ring on your finger."

Akagi visibly melted on the spot.

"Shikikan-sama, you charmer…"

Yuuki shrugged shamelessly.

"I aim to please."

Kaga actually laughed softly under her breath at that while Akagi buried her burning face against Yuuki's chest for several seconds before finally recovering.

Then both sisters stepped closer together.

At the same time—

Akagi kissed one of his cheeks.

Kaga kissed the other.

The synchronized affection left Yuuki completely surrounded by warmth.

Kaga slowly stepped back afterward, her expression calmer now but filled with unmistakable determination.

"I shall await the day you duel me for my hand in marriage," she declared proudly. "Once I gather enough strength… once I achieve my highest upgrades…"

A faint competitive smile formed on her lips.

"…I will face you properly, Shikikan-sama."

Her eyes gleamed with fierce conviction.

"For the greatest duel of my life."

Beside her, Akagi's tails swayed excitedly.

"Akagi shall do the same!"

Then she pointed dramatically toward him.

"The First Carrier Division will challenge Shikikan-sama together! Prepare yourself to be overwhelmed by Akagi's love!"

Yuuki grinned immediately afterward, his own competitive spirit igniting.

"Then come at me properly."

His black eyes shone brightly beneath the moonlight.

"I'll be waiting for both of you at the top."

The two fox carriers smiled beautifully at those words.

Not because he accepted them easily.

But because he acknowledged their desire to become stronger before standing beside him proudly.

That mattered deeply to them.

Then finally, Akagi and Kaga turned and began walking back toward the residential corridors together, their tails swaying softly behind them as the massive Daedalus continued gliding silently through the night sky.

Yuuki remained alone on the balcony afterward.

For several seconds, he simply stared quietly at the stars above.

Then slowly—

A helpless grin spread across his face.

"…I'm really getting attached, huh…"

His voice sounded almost disbelieving.

He lifted a hand to his face briefly before laughing weakly under his breath.

"I got confessed to…"

"…and proposed to…"

The sheer absurdity of it finally crashed into him emotionally all at once.

Yet despite the overwhelming chaos…

His heart felt warm.

Too warm.

And before he even realized it, tears quietly slipped down his cheeks beneath the moonlight.

Not tears of sadness.

But the tears of someone who had spent too long believing he would always remain alone.

Yuuki looked upward toward the endless sky while wiping his eyes helplessly.

"…How the hell am I supposed to handle all of them at the same time?"

=================

Meanwhile, deep within the residential quarters of the Daedalus, the atmosphere inside the Nikkes' shared room was far quieter than the emotional chaos unfolding elsewhere aboard the carrier.

The lights were dimmed low while the distant hum of the massive engines vibrated gently through the walls. Outside, the airborne fleet continued its silent journey through the night sky beneath full stealth systems, steadily approaching the rescue mission awaiting them by dawn.

Yet none of the Nikkes were asleep.

Rapi sat quietly near the edge of the room, her crimson eyes lowered in thought while the others remained scattered around the quarters. Anis leaned against the wall with folded arms while Neon rested upside down across one of the oversized beds for no reason whatsoever. Ade and Soda sat together nearby, equally troubled by the thoughts lingering in everyone's minds tonight.

Eventually, Rapi finally broke the silence.

"…Do you think Commander possesses that blood?"

The room immediately became still.

Anis slowly raised her head.

"…The Vapaus blood?"

Rapi nodded once.

The atmosphere shifted instantly afterward.

Because among Nikkes, Vapaus was not merely myth or rumor.

It was salvation.

Or destruction.

"The last confirmed carrier was Commander Anderson," Rapi spoke quietly. "And he died five years ago during the combined Rapture and Siren invasion."

A heavy silence followed those words.

Without Vapaus, Nikkes remained trapped within systems they could never fully escape. Bound by control protocols. Dependent on command structures. Existing somewhere between weapon and person.

Not fully human.

Yet never fully free either.

"If Commander truly possesses it…" Ade whispered softly, "…then maybe he could connect to Nikkes around the world."

Soda slowly tightened her hands together.

"He could bring us under proper protection," she continued quietly. "Save us the same way he saved the shipgirls."

Neon finally sat upright now, unusually serious for once.

"But how are we supposed to know for sure?"

Rapi's expression hardened slightly.

"There's only one way."

Anis immediately stared at her.

"…You're not seriously suggesting that."

Rapi remained silent.

Anis clicked her tongue sharply afterward.

"That's insane. If you're wrong, it could kill you."

But Rapi simply lowered her gaze calmly.

"A single drop would be enough."

The others froze.

Even Ade looked unsettled now.

"You're willing to risk yourself for that?" Soda whispered softly.

Rapi nodded.

"Even if I have to ask him directly," she answered quietly. "Even if it costs me my personal wishes…"

Her eyes slowly lifted afterward.

"…I need to know whether he truly is the man destined to lead us."

The room fell silent again.

Because deep down…

All of them already felt something strange around Yuuki.

Something impossible to fully explain logically.

They followed his commands naturally.

Not because of force.

Not because of fear.

Not because of system-imposed authority.

But because they genuinely wanted to.

And that alone terrified them slightly.

Soda quietly looked toward the others afterward.

"We obey him without resistance," she whispered softly. "Without errors. Without instability."

Her voice trembled faintly.

"Isn't that already unnatural?"

Anis frowned deeply.

"Only Vapaus carriers can command Nikkes that smoothly without triggering abnormalities…"

Neon slowly looked toward the door.

"…Then if Commander really is one…"

Her voice became quieter.

"…could we finally become human again?"

Rapi shook her head gently.

"No."

The others looked at her.

"Not human."

Her crimson eyes narrowed slightly.

"…Something beyond human."

The room became completely silent afterward.

"Nikkes with freedom," Rapi whispered softly. "Nikkes bound not by control systems… but by genuine will."

Then finally—

"Bound to him alone."

Those words lingered heavily in the air.

Because despite how frightening that possibility sounded…

None of them truly hated the idea.

After all, Yuuki had never once treated them like tools.

Not even for a second.

He treated them as people.

Protected them.

Listened to them.

Respected them.

And perhaps because of that…

The possibility of entrusting themselves to him no longer felt terrifying.

Rapi slowly stood afterward.

The movement immediately drew everyone's attention.

"Rapi…"

"I need to know," she answered quietly.

There was no hesitation in her voice anymore.

Anis sighed heavily while rubbing the back of her neck.

"…Then there's no way we're letting you go alone."

Ade nodded immediately afterward.

"If something happens, we'll stop you."

Soda stood as well.

"And if Commander really possesses Vapaus…"

Her expression softened slightly.

"…then perhaps tonight changes everything for us too."

Neon immediately hopped off the bed dramatically.

"Investigation mission!"

Anis pointed at her instantly.

"This is not a game."

"It can still be a cool mission though."

Rapi exhaled softly before turning toward the door.

Then, together—

The five Nikkes quietly left their room and began walking through the silent corridors of the Daedalus once more.

Not toward battle.

Not toward war.

But toward the man who may hold the answer to the unease growing within all their hearts.