'...' The Commander silently opened his eyes. '...Huh?'

  He was back, floating in the darkness as before. Surrounded by endless bck, he could neither move nor speak, and the oppressive stillness felt suffocating.

  'This is... Urgh...'

  A sharp, stabbing pain fred in his head, identical to the agony he had felt when entering the Singurity—sudden, uncontrolble, and overwhelming. It was as if his brain were being pierced and flooded with fragments of unknown memories.

  The pain was excruciating. Before, he had never had the chance to think about it, but now he could calmly deduce that it was connected to S.A.V.I.O.R. The Singurity, too, had been something unknown to him. The st time he experienced a simir situation was in the Bermuda Sea, when Enterprise META and Takao META opened the Singurity.

  There was definitely a connection between him, the Ashes, and the Singurity—everything was intertwined.

  'Nggh... ARRGGHH!!' he screamed internally. The pain was unbearable, a sensation so intense he felt as if he might die. S.A.V.I.O.R. had undoubtedly tampered with his mind.

  Clutching his head, the Commander began to see beyond his own memories—visions unknown to him. Within them, he felt a familiar sensation, a familiar emotion, and, most importantly, he glimpsed the day his life had changed forever.

  Until a sudden jolt struck him, and he lost consciousness.

  'Arc...her...' he muttered faintly.

  Waking up, the Commander clutched his head. His face was pale white, as if he’d seen a ghost. Sunlight cascaded through the curtains, bathing the room in a warm glow. Greynar realized how exhausted he must have been—the sun already stood high in the sky. He took a moment to recover before shifting on the bed, then sat up and stretched, shaking off the st traces of drowsiness. He tried to recall back the weird feeling before, but he didn't remember anything at all.

  Since he was staying at the Royal Navy's quarters, he decided to call for a maid to assist him in preparing for the day. Summoning Newcastle, she entered the room with a polite bow and greeted him warmly. After a brief exchange of pleasantries, she presented him with an outfit.

  The clothing was a fine bance between formal and casual, exuding a touch of elegance. It was a mix of regal design adorned with subtle navy emblems, showcasing the Royal Navy's craftsmanship. Though they didn’t have an extensive variety of uniforms, their garments were made from the finest fabrics, tailored with meticulous precision.

  “That looks good on you, Master,“ Newcastle complimented, her eyes subtly scanning his figure from head to toe.

  “Thanks. I like this outfit you picked,“ he replied with a small smile. “Did you choose it based on what I usually prefer?“

  “Precisely,“ Newcastle nodded. “I consulted Miss Memphis to get an idea of your preferences beyond the naval uniform.“

  “Oh, and I'll be needing a coat since it's already winter,“ he remarked, gncing out the window. “It must be freezing out there.“

  “I'll prepare one for you right away,“ Newcastle responded with a polite bow. “So, what are your pns for today, Master?“

  “Today...“ He paused, tapping his chin thoughtfully. “Nothing, really,“ he admitted. “To be honest, this feels like a holiday, so I’ll just see what catches my interest.“

  Newcastle smiled warmly at his response. “Understood. If you need anything, don’t hesitate to call for me or any of the maids,“ she said, bowing once more. “Have a wonderful day, Master.“ With that, she turned and quietly closed the door behind her.

  Moments ter, Newcastle returned with his winter coat, neatly folded and ready. Her diligent attention to detail was evident as she handed it to him with a graceful bow.

  “Your coat, Master. Please stay warm,“ she said before excusing herself to attend to other tasks.

  The Commander put on the coat, its fine fabric offering both warmth and a comforting embrace against the chill. Stepping outside the Royal Navy's dormitory, he was met by the crisp winter air that carried a refreshing bite. The scenery of the Royal Isnd unfolded before him—a picturesque blend of lush greenery and snow-dusted charm. The cold atmosphere, paired with the serene beauty of the ndscape, brought him a profound sense of relief and tranquility.

  Since he had the opportunity to explore, he walked along the hallway, taking the time to familiarize himself with the yout of the area and mentally mapping out the paths. Eventually, he came to a fork where a signpost pointed in two directions. One of the signs caught his attention, it read "Cathedral."

  The bel struck him as odd; the idea of a church situated within the Royal Navy's territory seemed strangely out of pce. What he was familiar with was the Iris Orthodoxy’s cathedral, a structure deeply rooted in their teachings and traditions. Curiosity piqued, he decided to take the path leading to the Cathedral, intrigued to see what might lie inside and how it compared to what he already knew.

  As he approached and opened the door, the interior revealed itself to be softly lit and remarkably spacious. Rows of neatly arranged seats stretched toward the altar at the front. The design resembled that of a typical Orthodoxy church, with minimalistic decorations enhancing the serene atmosphere. However, one detail caught his attention—a statue of Elizabeth prominently pced at the front.

  “…Is this a pce meant to worship Elizabeth or something?“ he murmured to himself, puzzled by the sight.

  Looking around, he walked between the rows of long church benches and approached the altar. Sure enough, it was a statue of Queen Elizabeth, seated regally. He wondered why it was there but decided not to dwell on it. Having satisfied his curiosity, the Commander turned to leave.

  As he was about to leave, the door swung open, revealing a blonde nun in attire that was far too revealing for traditional clerical wear. Her outfit barely contained her ample figure, with two small horns adorning her head, positioned prominently in front. She wore elegant bck gloves and white leggings that accentuated her curves, while her flowing garments cascaded gracefully to the floor. Her crimson eyes locked onto his, their intense gaze seeming to pierce straight into his thoughts.

  “Oh my~,“ the blonde-haired woman cooed. “Where’s my apology? Welcome, Commander~.“ Impcable greeted him with a pyful smile.

  “You are... Impcable?“ he asked, a hint of surprise in his tone.

  “Yes, it’s me, Commander,“ she replied with a graceful bow. “Were you perhaps curious about this pce?“

  Reading her expression, the Commander offered an apology. “I’m sorry if I was impolite by entering the church uninvited. I was simply taken aback to see one here. Sister...?“

  Impcable gave him a coy smile. “No need for apologies, Commander. As the Commander of Azur Lane, you’re free to come and go here as you please—perhaps to pray or even confess your sins~“ she teased, her voice dripping with pyful charm.

  The Commander chuckled at her pyful wit. “Maybe if I have something to confess.“

  “Indeed~ Even if it’s a minor confession, I’ll gdly listen to it.“ Impcable winked, moving closer and trailing her hand lightly across his chest.

  He gently caught her hand and smiled. “I’ll keep that in mind, sister. Besides, don’t you think you have prayers to attend to?“

  “Oh, that's right. Well then, I’ll see you soon, Commander~“ Impcable said with a flirtatious smile before turning and walking away, leaving him to his thoughts.

  Stepping outside of the church and closing the door, he made his way toward the flower garden. He spotted Unicorn pyfully chasing Yuni, while Illustrious sat calmly, sipping tea in a nearby gazebo, accompanied by Formidable and Victorious. As soon as Illustrious noticed him, she waved for him to join them.

  “Welcome, Commander~“ the silver-haired woman greeted with a warm smile.

  Approaching them, he nodded politely. “Hello, I hope I didn’t disturb you three.“

  Formidable smiled in return. “Not at all, we’re just rexing and exchanging stories.“

  “That’s right!“ Victorious added proudly. “I was telling them about my operation in the Arctic.“

  “Yeah, yeah, we've heard your story plenty of times during tea time,“ Formidable grumbled. “Even Indomitable got tired of your rambling and decided to go take a nap in her bed.“

  “Aww, really? It was a good story, though...“ Victorious pouted, her lip jutting out.

  “Now, now...“ Illustrious chuckled softly. “How about we let the Commander share a tale from his own deeds in the Arctic? I'm sure you two would love to hear about how the Northern Parliament faced off against the Sirens.“

  Formidable raised an eyebrow, her curiosity piqued. “Yeah, that sounds interesting...“

  Victorious’s eyes gleamed with curiosity. “Do tell us, Commander. How did you fare on Northern Parliament's turf?“

  “Well...“ he paused, thinking for a moment on how best to deliver his story. “Alright, I'll tell you how it all started when I received an invitation from Avrora...“

  The Commander began recounting his tale, starting from the beginning. He spoke of his encounter with Omitter, the challenges he faced upon arriving at the Northern Parliament, and how Command had assigned him to stay there for a while. He described the tense atmosphere, the political intricacies, and the responsibility that came with it. He then detailed the operation to cim the Winter's Crown alongside the fleets.

  However, he intentionally left out the specifics about the Arcana Sanctum, carefully omitting certain details. He had his reasons, after all.

  “...After that, Saratoga, along with the Royal Navy, picked me up while I was on patrol, and that's the gist of it,“ he concluded succinctly.

  “...Wow, I didn't realize you've been through so much,“ Illustrious murmured, resting her hand thoughtfully against her chin.

  “You've certainly got plenty of tales to share, Commander!“ Victorious beamed. “From the sound of it, you met the girls from the Northern Parliament. So, how were they?“ she asked, her curiosity earning her a light nudge from Formidable for being so direct.

  The Commander chuckled warmly. “They were great—lots of unique personalities. It was a fun experience overall.“

  “I see... I see...“ Victorious nodded enthusiastically. “I'd love to meet them one day! Since we occasionally handle trading business with them, I'd really like to visit the Arctic again.“

  “Sounds more like you just want to have fun there, sis,“ Formidable sighed. “Knowing you, you're bound to stir up some kind of trouble if you're not careful.“

  Victorious shot a mock gre at Formidable. “I won’t, really,“ she replied with a wide, pyful grin.

  “Now, now... Victorious, Formidable,“ Illustrious interjected with a gentle cp of her hands, her soothing voice aiming to calm the atmosphere. “The Commander surely doesn’t want us to bicker, so let’s be nice to each other, alright?“

  Formidable shot a daggered gre at Victorious before rolling her crimson eyes. “Fiiine~,“ she drawled, picking up a headset and slipping it on, the faint sound of rock music leaking out as she leaned back.

  Victorious shrugged and took a sip of her now-cold tea. “Hmm... I guess it’s still tasty,“ she mused with a slight smile.

  Illustrious turned her attention back to the Commander, her kind demeanor shining through. “Since you’re here, Commander, why not take a stroll through our garden? I’m sure something will catch your eye among the flowers and greenery.“

  He nodded with a smile. “I’d love to. Maybe you could lead the way? I’d hate to get lost in this endless sea of beauty.“

  Illustrious giggled softly. “Of course, Commander. Follow me, and I’ll show you the most charming spots.“

  Led by Illustrious, the two began their leisurely stroll starting from the garden’s main entrance. The birds sang melodiously, their sweet chirping complementing the serene atmosphere. As they walked, the Commander noticed the vibrant array of flowers in full bloom, an impressive sight even though it wasn’t spring. The sun remained hidden behind a thick yer of clouds, adding to the tranquil, almost dreamy quality of the stroll.

  Illustrious guided him toward the outer edge of the garden, where the yout resembled a byrinth. “Be careful here,“ she said gently, pausing to gnce back at him. “Some of the flowers that have lived out their season may have fallen and withered on the path.“

  The Commander nodded, stepping cautiously as they navigated the intricate pathways. The gentle rustle of leaves and the faint chirping of birds added to the byrinth's charm, making it feel like a tranquil world apart from the bustling activity of the Royal Isnd.

  Illustrious guided him to an exquisite section of the garden, where rare and delicate flowers bloomed in serene beauty. As they approached, they passed through a carefully manicured arch of bushes that acted as a natural gateway, framing the secluded area like a living work of art.

  Entering the serene alcove, the Commander admired the vibrant blooms and their subtle, fragrant perfume. Illustrious gracefully took a seat on a nearby bench, her serene demeanor matching the tranquil surroundings.

  One flower caught his eye—a striking yellow bloom that stood out amidst the others. He felt naturally drawn to it, its vibrant hue sparking a sense of nostalgia. It reminded him of someone who wasn’t here, and he couldn’t help but notice that it seemed unique, the only yellow flower among its kind.

  Turning to Illustrious, he asked, “Illustrious, were these flowers carefully pnted by someone?“

  Illustrious gnced at him and nodded with a gentle smile. “Yes~ Initially, it was just a small project started by Her Majesty. But a certain member of the Royal Navy took a particur interest in gardening, and Her Majesty allowed her to expand it. The maids often help maintain the garden as well.“

  “I see…“ He gazed around at the colorful blooms, their beauty even more striking against the winter chill. “Is it always like this, even in the winter?“

  “Of course. Even during winter, she tends to them with great care. Though she isn’t here right now, some of the maids have taken a liking to looking after the garden,“ Illustrious expined warmly.

  “...That reminds me of...“ His words trailed off as the memory tugged at him.

  Illustrious nodded knowingly. “Yes, if you’ve already guessed, it’s Aurora who tends to these flowers.“ She smiled fondly, her expression filled with admiration.

  “Her, huh.“ He chuckled softly. “I hope she gets back soon. It’s been a while since I st saw her.“

  “Oh, you will, don’t worry,“ Illustrious reassured him with a gentle smile. “The situation in the Dragon Empery hasn’t been ideal since the NA Ocean operation. A storm has been surrounding the region, and as the sole Royal Navy delegate there, her work takes time. We don't know when the storm will subside, Commander.“

  “Hopefully…“ He nodded thoughtfully, his gaze shifting to a particur white flower. Without a second thought, he plucked it and turned to Illustrious. “Illustrious, come here for a moment,“ he said, gesturing for her to approach.

  “Yes? What is it?“ she asked curiously, stepping closer.

  He reached out and gently tucked the white flower into her hair, stepping back to admire his handiwork. “There. It suits you perfectly,“ he said with a warm smile.

  Illustrious blinked in surprise, her cheeks flushing a rosy red as she shyly giggled. “Thank you, Commander~“ she said softly, her voice carrying a touch of delight.

  “Do you know what this flower means?“ he asked, his tone light, as he was confident in his knowledge of flowers, something he had learned from Aurora during their time together.

  “Hm? What is it?“ Illustrious tilted her head curiously, intrigued by his sudden question.

  “It’s called Rhododendron, or specifically Rhododendron campanutum,“ he expined. “Being white, it represents purity and innocence. But it also has a double meaning—elegance and grace. It suits someone like you perfectly.“ He smiled, remembering Aurora’s lessons. “Aurora taught me about it as a fun little bit of knowledge.“

  Illustrious blinked in surprise, then smiled softly, her cheeks tinged with a faint blush. “Mmm... Thank you then,“ she said, her voice warm with appreciation. “I like it.“

  “It’s one of the bits of knowledge I’ve picked up,“ he said, his gaze drifting over the garden. “I came to appreciate flowers after I took Aurora as my personal shipgirl.“ He smiled softly, lost in thought. “I wish this garden were a pce I could visit more often.“

  “So do I...“ Illustrious said, her eyes taking in the peaceful surroundings. “I love the scenery and the quiet here. It’s a good pce to rest or just spend time when you need a break.“ She sighed contentedly. “Indomitable usually visits this pce when no one is looking.“

  “Indomitable... your sister, right?“ he asked, curious.

  “Yes,“ Illustrious nodded. “She’s always liked the scenery of flowers—or maybe it’s the vibe of the pce. It helps her rex and even get some sleep.“

  “Ahaha...“ The Commander chuckled lightly. “She must be a handful, huh?“

  “Yes~“ Illustrious grinned. “But I can proudly say she’s very lovable.“

  The Commander raised an eyebrow, gncing at her. “Don't tell me you're pushing her onto me.“

  Illustrious chuckled softly. “Not that I would dare to say so~“

  The Commander shrugged, letting the thought go. “Let's head out then. I hope we aren't being searched for.“

  Illustrious smiled mischievously, slowly looping her arm through his, pulling him a little closer. “As a thank you for the flower, let’s stay like this during our walk outside~“ she winked with a pyful flirtation.

  The Commander couldn't help but give a wry smile, feeling how close she was and how her soft chest was pressed lightly against his arm, like a pillow. They strolled through the garden together, sharing a quiet, intimate moment. Illustrious enjoyed the closeness, savoring the time they spent together. When they stepped outside the garden, their paths eventually parted as the Commander gnced at the sky, realizing it was almost time to eat.

  Since he wanted to leave, he bid farewell to Illustrious, cherishing the pleasant time they had spent together. It was an experience he wouldn’t forget, leaving him with a sense of comfort and ease in her presence. As he turned to go, Illustrious stepped closer, surprising him with a soft peck on his cheek. He smiled, slightly caught off guard, finding it perfectly in line with her mischievous nature.

  Taking a walk afterward, he decided to head to the cafeteria—or the dining hall, as it was referred to within the Royal Navy. The space was fairly rge but not overwhelmingly so, its cozy atmosphere enhanced by the sight of Manjuus bustling about, tending to various tasks. Their tiny forms added a lively charm to the otherwise serene environment.

  Not far from where he stood, he spotted Memphis and Helena eating together, accompanied by Hornet and Essex. Deciding to join them, he picked up a tray of food and approached their table.

  “Hello,“ he greeted with a casual smile.

  The girls turned toward him, offering warm welcomes.

  “Hi, Commander!“ Memphis waved cheerfully.

  “Ah, Commander!“ Hornet grinned, her energy contagious. “Good morn—uh, afternoon!“

  “Hello,“ Helena greeted softly, a gentle smile on her face.

  “Hey there, Commander,“ Essex said coolly, pausing to sip her drink.

  Taking a seat beside Essex, he gnced at the group. “How’s your first day on Royal Isnd, Helena?“ he asked wth a curious tilt.

  Caught off guard by the sudden question, Helena looked up. “It’s been pretty nice,“ she replied with a small smile. “The maids have been very helpful, though it’s a bit overwhelming when you’re not used to it.“

  “For me,“ Essex chimed in with a confident smirk, “I’d say it’s been great. Though I didn’t need any help from the maids—I'm perfectly capable of handling my own chores.“

  “Oh, sure...“ Hornet squinted, giving Essex a teasing gnce. “Funny, though—st time I heard, someone forgot to bring her towel from the undry from st night and had to call me or Shangri-La to fetch it since she was completely soaked wet and already showered.“

  “H-hey!“ Essex's face turned crimson. “T-that was just one mistake! I was in a hurry, okay? You can't hold that against me!“

  Hornet smirked, clearly enjoying Essex’s flustered reaction. Memphis, who had just caught wind of the story, burst into ughter, finding it a rare treat to hear about Essex’s occasional clumsiness. Even Helena joined in, her soft chuckles blending with the livelier ughter at the table.

  The Commander, holding back his own amusement, continued munching on his meal as the girls began exchanging stories from their lives. Hornet started, recounting how she had been doing since the attack on the port by the Sakura Empire. While she admitted to still holding a slight grudge against Akagi, she made it clear that those feelings had rgely faded over time.

  Memphis chimed in, sharing how her life at the port had taken a drastic turn when Greynar assigned her to secretary work. She admitted it felt like a calling, and to her surprise, she found herself genuinely enjoying the role. However, she couldn’t resist grumbling about how the Commander tended to pile on the workload, jokingly accusing him of "abusing his secretary."

  Greynar ughed it off with an apologetic shrug, which only made Memphis shift from a pyful grin to an exasperated, yet still amused, expression. Despite her compints, she admitted she was thankful that he had assigned Helena to assist her. Together, they worked efficiently, managing to tackle the piles of work without feeling overwhelmed.

  Their lively and humorous conversation stretched on, passing the time until preparations for the upcoming party were well underway. Eventually, the Commander bid farewell to the girls and decided to head elsewhere, seeking a more secluded spot far from prying eyes or curious ears.

  On a cliff overlooking the Royal Isnd, he leaned against a tree, arms crossed, his gaze fixed on the horizon. Breaking the silence, he called out firmly, “You can stop hiding now.“

  From seemingly nowhere, a figure materialized in front of him with a mischievous grin. “Oh, you found me! Long time no see, Commander!“ The unmistakable voice and presence belonged to none other than Purifier, the elite Siren of the test site.