“There, it’s perfect now, Master,“ Newcastle said, stepping back to admire her handiwork as she helped the Commander into his outfit.
It was a sleek bck bzer that complemented his pin white t-shirt effortlessly. While a tie would typically complete such an ensemble, he decided against it, considering it was a casual celebration and preferring the freedom of movement for his arms. Paired with tailored bck scks, the outfit struck a perfect bance between style and comfort.
“Hmm... yeah, it’s nice,“ he remarked, examining his reflection in the mirror. Turning to Newcastle, he spread his arms slightly, giving her a full view of his attire. “So, how do I look for today?“
Newcastle’s smile softened, a touch of admiration gleaming in her eyes as she gave an approving nod. “You look absolutely stunning, Master. I dare say you’ll be the talk of the party tonight~“
The Commander chuckled nervously. “Haha... That does seem likely, doesn’t it?“
Newcastle shook her head with a soft smile. “Now then, if you’re ready, Commander, shall we make our way to the celebration?“
He straightened his bzer and nodded. “Of course. Let’s go and enjoy tonight’s festivities.“
Newcastle gave a polite bow as she opened the door to his room. Trailing behind him with grace, the Commander strode confidently down the corridor toward the main banquet hall. His steps were steady, his expression calm yet self-assured.
At the end of the corridor, a grand set of double doors awaited, fnked by two maids who bowed respectfully as he approached. It was Scyl and Gsgow.
“Good evening, Master,“ Scyl greeted, her crimson eyes briefly studying his appearance. A subtle smile graced her lips. “You look exceptionally refined tonight~“
Gsgow’s eyes widened slightly as her gaze flitted nervously to the side, a soft blush dusting her cheeks. Perhaps it was her first time seeing the Commander dressed so elegantly, and the sight seemed to leave her momentarily flustered. Despite her silence, it was clear she found his appearance striking.
Greynar chuckled, a pyful glint in his eyes. “Thanks. I guess a good look pairs well with a good outfit.“ His lighthearted joke drew a chuckle from Scyl as she stepped forward to open the grand doors.
“Here you go, Master. Have a wonderful night~,“ Scyl said with a graceful bow.
Greynar offered a warm smile. “You too, Scyl, Gsgow,“ he replied, gncing at both maids.
Gsgow, flustered yet composed, gave a quick bow. “Have a good night, sir,“ she said softly, her cheeks faintly pink.
As Greynar entered the banquet hall, his eyes scanned the elegantly arranged space. Tables were set in the center, adorned with fine linens and gleaming silverware, while chairs lined the walls, inviting casual conversation. The lively hum of chatter quieted abruptly as the Commander stepped inside, all eyes instinctively drawn to him.
Some gazes met his own, curious and observant, while others lingered on his attire, admiring the striking combination of confidence and style he exuded. A few gnces held an intensity, like hunters sizing up their prey, captivated by his presence.
Breaking the silence, the Queen rose gracefully from her seat, her regal demeanor commanding attention as she approached him.
“Servant!“ she called, her voice clear and authoritative, snapping Greynar's focus to her.
“Oh, Liz—ahem... Elizabeth, what a surprise,“ the Commander chuckled, offering a pyful compliment. “That's a cute look.“
With the grace of a breeze and the shimmer of diamonds, the Queen stood poised in her radiant white attire, a pte of food elegantly held in her hand. She gave a brief, haughty look before speaking.
“Hmph. It's good to see you dressed up for once,“ she commented, her voice tinged with a hint of pride. Leaning in just enough for him to hear, she added in a whisper, “Be proud, Commander.“ Her tone shifted, growing more serious as she continued, “The recovery of the NA trading route was no mere coincidence. It was through your tactical pnning and the information you provided that we managed to get through this.“
The Commander gave a slight nod, a small smile pying on his lips. “Right. So, should I be formal, or...?“
The Queen waved a hand dismissively, her regal demeanor softening slightly. “Just be yourself and enjoy the night’s celebration.“ Picking up a bite from her pte, she sampled it gracefully, her expression brightening. “Mmm~ The Sakura Empire certainly knows how to craft a delicacy.“
As the Queen turned, Elizabeth gracefully ascended the small podium in the center of the hall. With her usual poise, she addressed the room, extending a warm greeting to the Eagle Union and Iris Libre reinforcements who had valiantly participated in the NA Ocean operation. She began the evening with a brief yet heartfelt introduction, emphasizing the purpose of the celebration: to strengthen the bonds between the Azur Lane factions and to express gratitude to the Commander, whose leadership had guided them to victory.
Her speech concluded with a round of enthusiastic appuse, the room resonating with appreciation and camaraderie. With that, the Queen officially decred the celebration party underway.
The banquet exuded a sophisticated atmosphere, and the Commander found himself drawn to the nearby spread of food. Selecting a few dishes, he made his way to a chair and began to enjoy his meal in quiet contemption. As he gnced around the room, his eyes nded on Memphis and Hornet, both looking radiant in their chosen outfits. To his surprise, Helena had also joined the celebration, elegantly dressed in a stunning party gown, her presence adding to the evening’s charm.
Sensing the Commander approaching, Hornet raised a hand and waved enthusiastically. “Yo! Commander, over here!“
Greynar stepped toward them with an easy smile. “Evening, you three,“ he greeted, his eyes briefly settling on Helena. “That dress looks elegant on you.“
“Ah!“ Helena gnced down at herself, a faint blush coloring her cheeks. “T-thank you, Commander. Memphis and Hornet helped me pick it out.“
“Mm-hmm!“ Hornet nodded proudly, her grin wide with satisfaction. “Isn’t she just stunning, Commander?“ she teased with her pyful tone.
Before she could say more, Memphis gave her a light nudge, still chewing a bite of food.
“Yeah, yeah,“ Greynar sighed, shaking his head with a touch of amusement. “Let’s not turn poor Helena into another target of your silly teasing.“ Setting his pte on the chair, he gnced at the trio. “Anyone want a drink? I’ll grab some.“
“I do!“ Memphis chimed in, swallowing the st of her food. “Feeling a bit thirsty over here.“
With a nod, the Commander turned and headed toward the refreshments, leaving the trio to themselves. As soon as he was out of earshot, Memphis smiled softly, a subtle expression that didn’t escape Hornet’s sharp eyes.
“Memphis,“ Hornet teased with a smirk, leaning in slightly, “you’re looking like a maiden in love.“
Memphis’s eyes widened, her cheeks flushing a soft pink as she gnced at her friend. “Do I?“ she stammered, attempting to regain her composure. Then, narrowing her eyes pyfully, she shot back, “Well, what about you? You’re always teasing me when the Commander’s around. Seems like you’re trying to grab his attention too.“
Hornet crossed her arms, a faint blush creeping across her cheeks. “Can’t be helped,“ she admitted with a small shrug, her tone tinged with embarrassment. “The guy’s genuinely charming. He’s kind, caring—a real catch. What girl wouldn’t be drawn to someone like that? Even big sis Enterprise softens whenever she’s around him. And it’s not just that—on the battlefield, he doesn’t hide behind us or seek protection. Instead, he faces danger head-on, challenging death without hesitation.“
“The port attack...“ Memphis gnced at the blonde with twin tails, her expression curious. “How did he react during Sakura Empire's assault?“
Hornet shot her a gnce, her gaze softening as she recounted the events. “Well, during the attack, he wasn’t here. He was off investigating a Siren research base at the time. I remember the look on his face when he was back on the port. It was like he carried a deep sense of regret, or maybe he’d been expecting Akagi to make a move. Either way, it didn’t change his determination. As soon as he returned, he went straight to checking on everyone at the base. He was relieved that there were no casualties, but you could see the pain in his eyes... knowing he wasn’t there to stop it.“
“You rushed off to chase Akagi and Kaga alone, didn’t you?“ Memphis asked, her tone tinged with concern.
“Yeah,“ Hornet nodded, her expression somber. “I tried to stop them, but it didn’t work. I’m not as strong as my sister, and in the end, I was defeated. I still don’t know their exact motive for the attack, but…“ She paused, her eyes narrowing slightly as if recalling the moment. “When I looked into Akagi’s eyes, I saw something beyond anger. There was sorrow—deep, unshakable sorrow.“
“…Do you think something happened in the Sakura Empire?“ Memphis asked, her brow furrowed.
“Maybe,“ Hornet replied with a nod, her gaze thoughtful. “Though I doubt I’ll ever know the full story unless I confront them directly.“
“…Whatever’s going on with the Sakura Empire, I just hope it doesn’t shift the world’s focus away from fighting the Sirens,“ Memphis murmured, her voice ced with concern.
Hornet chuckled lightly, trying to lift the mood. “I’m sure everything will work out. Now, enough about the past. What’s on your agenda for today?“
“Me? I…“ Memphis began, but her words trailed off as the Commander returned, interrupting their conversation.
“I’m back!“ he announced, holding two gsses in his hands.
“Ah, Commander… thank you,“ Memphis said with a soft smile, accepting the drink he offered.
“And this one’s for you, Hornet,“ he added, handing her an orange beverage.
“Thanks, Commander~!“ Hornet beamed, her grin lighting up as she took the gss.
“Did I interrupt your conversation?“ the Commander asked, raising a brow as he gnced between the two.
“Not really,“ Hornet replied casually, twirling a strand of her hair with a sly smile. “We were just talking about how Memphis seems completely lovestruck over you.“ She grinned mischievously, clearly enjoying herself.
Memphis’s cheeks turned a deep red as she shot a gre at Hornet. “Yeah, like you’re any better,“ she retorted, crossing her arms.
“Calm down, you two…“ Helena, who had been quietly eating, finally interjected with a wry smile. Turning to the Commander, she asked, “Are you enjoying your night, Commander?“
“Yeah,“ he nodded, a rexed expression on his face. “Had some small talk while grabbing drinks for Memphis and Hornet.“
“That’s great~“ Helena replied with a soft smile, her gentle tone easing the moment.
“It’s a fun night,“ the Commander said, his gaze sweeping over the lively banquet. “I noticed some of the Royal Navy girls dressed to impress, while others stuck to their usual attire. Oh, by the way, what’s Sara up to? I haven’t seen her around.“
“Saratoga…“ Helena murmured, her expression thoughtful. “I think she’s outside somewhere, but I’m not exactly sure where.“
“Hmm…“ He paused, considering for a moment before a thought struck him. “I think I might know where she is. I’ll go check on her. See you girls in a bit.“
“Stay safe, Commander,“ Memphis said with a casual wave, sipping her drink.
“Don’t wander too far,“ Hornet chimed in with a grin. “You need to come back soon.“
“Give Saratoga our regards,“ Helena added softly, her smile warm as she watched him depart.
Stepping outside as the door creaked open, the Commander nodded in thanks to the maid before heading down the corridor. His footsteps echoed softly against the polished floor as he made his way to a spot overlooking the sea.
There, on a bench bathed in the silvery glow of the moonlight, y a lone figure. Dressed in her usual attire, she gazed up at the night sky, her expression carrying the weight of quiet longing. The pale moonlight cascaded over her, accentuating her delicate features and lending her an almost ethereal presence.
“Hey, Sara,“ the Commander called out gently as he approached. She turned her head, offering him a faint smile.
“Hi, Commander,“ she replied, her eyes returning to the stars. “The weather’s lovely tonight, isn’t it?“
He smiled back and took a seat beside her. “It is. But I couldn’t help noticing someone’s missing from the celebration.“
Saratoga chuckled softly. “I’ll join ter, promise. Just wanted a quiet moment first.“ She gnced at him. “What brings you out here, though?“
The Commander leaned back, a teasing smile pying on his lips. “Looking for a certain girl who decided to skip out on the festivities. Thought I’d keep her company.“
Her ughter was light but genuine. “I’ve just been keeping busy—work, a bit of fun here and there. You know how it is.“
He studied her for a moment, noticing the faint shadow behind her cheerful tone. “...Is something bothering you?“
For a moment, Saratoga didn’t answer. She gnced at him briefly before her gaze returned to the stars above. Her voice softened. “I’ve just been thinking... about Lexington.“
“Lex...“ he murmured, his voice soft with concern. “I hope she’s doing well with her recovery...“
“Yeah, but...“ Saratoga’s expression clouded with sadness. “I don’t think she’ll wake up anytime soon, not with... the extent of her injuries.“
“...Sorry,“ the Commander said quietly, his tone heavy with guilt.
“Huh?“ Saratoga turned to him, startled. Her gaze met his, and she saw the shadow of regret etched into his face.
“I should’ve said this before.“ His voice wavered slightly as he continued. “I’m sorry. I couldn’t stop what happened to Lexington.“ Greynar’s fingers curled into a tight fist on his p, frustration flickering in his eyes. “Maybe... maybe things would’ve turned out differently if I’d been there.“
The petite girl gently took his hand in hers, her touch warm and reassuring. “No, don’t bme yourself, Commander... None of us could’ve stopped what happened there.“
“But—“ he began, only to be interrupted.
“I know what you’re going to say,“ Saratoga said softly, her voice steady yet filled with emotion. “Even as a Commander, there are things beyond your control. This is war, and war comes with losses... with casualties. It’s cruel, but it’s not your fault. What happened... it was Lexington’s choice. She made that decision.“
Greynar lowered his head, the weight of regret and pain from those days washing over him again. Silence hung in the air as he quietly wrestled with the emotions he had buried. “Yeah... I think you’re right,“ he finally murmured.
Saratoga’s expression softened further as she leaned gently against his hand. “I know it’s hard. Maybe things could have been different if a miracle had happened,“ she said, her voice barely above a whisper. She paused, letting the thought settle before continuing, “But maybe... maybe this is just how it’s meant to be—a lesson for us, to keep moving forward, no matter how heavy the burden.“
He gnced at her, his eyes steady with resolve. “Then we’ll do just that. After the NA Ocean operation, there will be more challenges ahead. I’ll need your help, Sara, and I hope you’ll stand with me in the future.“
The petite girl with pink hair nodded firmly, her usual spark returning to her expression. “Mmm! You can count on me. After all, you’re the Commander—there’s no way I’d let you handle it alone.“
He chuckled, the weight on his chest lifting ever so slightly. “Thanks, Sara. It means a lot.“ His smile was warm, relieved to see the fire back in her eyes.
“Right,“ he said with a small ugh, taking her hand as he stood. “Let’s head back before the others start wondering where we are.“
Saratoga’s eyes sparkled as she followed his lead. “Yeah, I’d hate for Lizzy to come storming in, treating me like some lost kid,“ she quipped with a grin, her lively tone back in full force.
Walking alongside her, Saratoga seemed small in comparison, her lively giggles filling the air as she swung her arm in excitement. The sadness that had once clouded her expression was now repced by her usual energetic spirit. They chatted casually about their pns after their time with the Royal Navy. Saratoga expressed a curiosity to visit NY City, sparked by her experiences during the Battle of AF. Greynar, with a smile, agreed to let her go, as long as she didn’t let herself be weighed down by the memory of Lexington’s injury. All they could do was hope that she would recover.
“Commander!“ Memphis called out as they entered the banquet hall. Saratoga gave him a quick wave before heading off toward Elizabeth, likely to discuss their pns.
The Commander returned Memphis’s call with a wave of his own, his eyes scanning the room. The crowd had grown considerably, and the lively energy was unmistakable. Among the familiar faces, Illustrious waved at him warmly, fnked by her three sisters. Victorious was cheerfully munching on food, Formidable sipped tea with her usual elegance, and beside them sat Indomitable. Her long, flowing hair framed a white gown-like dress, her striking horns adding to her unique presence. She seemed to be ying instead of sitting on the chair.
“It’s definitely more lively now,“ the Commander remarked with a small chuckle. “I wish it could stay like this forever, but duty always calls.“
Memphis rolled her eyes pyfully. “You’re still the Commander—don’t forget that. Besides, the whole port would probably fall into chaos without you to keep things in order.“
“True, I wouldn’t let that happen, honestly. Besides, I have my cute secretary to help me out,“ he said with a teasing grin.
“C-cute…“ Memphis stammered, her cheeks instantly flushing a deep shade of red.
“Am I wrong?“ He leaned in closer, his voice dropping to a pyful whisper. “After all, you did share bed with me, didn’t you?“
“T-t-that’s not…“ Memphis’s words caught in her throat as she tried to defend herself, her flustered expression betraying her embarrassment.
“Well, maybe if you’d just be direct and tell me your feelings.“ he teased, crossing his arms with a pyful smirk.
Memphis’s face turned an even deeper shade of red as she swallowed nervously. She turned to him, her gaze darting away as she looked down. “Then… meet me after the party,“ she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. “Maybe… you’ll get your answer.“
“I'll be waiting, then,“ he said with a warm smile, resting his hand gently on her shoulder for a moment before stepping away to mingle with the others.
Memphis watched him walk away, her cheeks still faintly flushed. She murmured softly to herself, “Yeah... I’ll do it, Commander.“ A gentle smile curved her lips as she quietly gathered her resolve. Then, her expression shifted to a pyful smirk as her gaze swept over the bustling crowd. “Maybe I can come up with something to surprise you...“ she mused, a spark of determination glinting in her eyes.
As the celebration reached its peak, the atmosphere was filled with satisfaction. The Queen took the stage for her closing speech, expressing her gratitude to everyone who had come to celebrate their victory in the NA Ocean operation. She also praised the knights who had bravely fought against the Arbiters, holding their ground and never wavering in the face of such powerful forces. The Queen extended her thanks to all those who had participated, including the Ashes, who had helped despite not being present.
Then, the Commander stepped onto the stage, his expression earnest as he addressed the crowd. He began by expressing his heartfelt gratitude to everyone, especially those who had accompanied him inside the Singurity. Acknowledging the harrowing nature of their mission, he commended their courage in facing life-or-death stakes.
He then extended an apology to anyone who might have disagreed with his decision to temporarily ally with the Ashes, despite standing orders to fire on sight. To his surprise, no one in the hall voiced any objection. It was clear to all present that the Commander, having endured numerous battles, deeply understood the importance of making decisions that would lead to the most optimal outcomes.
Finally, in his closing statement, the Commander expressed his hope for a bright future for Azur Lane, emphasizing that their unity was crucial for humanity’s survival in the face of the Sirens or any other threats. His words resonated deeply with everyone, prompting an eruption of appuse that filled the hall.
Later, as the guests retired to their respective lounges, the Commander remained behind in the hall with Elizabeth. The sound of gsses clinking echoed softly as they shared a quiet toast. Around them, several maids had begun tidying up, their expressions reflecting their satisfaction with the evening’s success.
“I’ll say it once again—thank you for allowing us the opportunity to host this kind of banquet for you, Commander,“ the Queen spoke.
Greynar blinked in mild surprise at the shift in her demeanor. The usual lively personality she dispyed had given way to a poised elegance, marked by a satisfied smirk that lingered on her lips.
The Commander replied with a slight smile. “No, I should be the one thanking you. You went out of your way after the operation to organize this and accommodate everyone here at the Royal Isnd.“
Elizabeth nodded, a satisfied glint in her eyes. “You’re right, though this was also for strengthening connections for the future. With the NA Ocean secured, it will soon open up for trading. We’ll definitely seize that opportunity to exchange materials with the Eagle Union.“ She took a delicate sip from her gss, her tone brimming with confidence.
“Yeah, as Commander, I’ll make sure to oversee everything reted to the trading,“ he nodded. “Though I’ll also have my Secretary on standby in case anything comes up.“
“Good,“ Elizabeth replied. “With that settled, I’ll be taking my rest now. Since you’ll be leaving in a few days, let me offer one st piece of advice.“ Her tone softened as she rexed. “If you ever feel lost about what to do, rely on your subordinates. Don’t overcomplicate things by trying to handle everything alone. I trust you understand what I mean?“
“Yeah, I’m aware,“ the Commander nodded. “That issue with headquarters could’ve escated if not for your intervention. Thank you, Elizabeth.“ He bowed his head respectfully.
The Queen smirked, her eyes glinting with satisfaction. “Good. As always, I can count on my loyal servant to follow my example. Remember, opportunities don’t come from walking alone—trust in those around you.“ She turned to her head maid. “Bel, we’re retiring for the night. Good night, my dear servant,“ Elizabeth added with a soft smile before retreating alongside Belfast.
Feeling exhausted from the night’s events, the Commander returned to his quarters with a weary sigh. Elizabeth’s advice, while undeniably sound, wasn’t so simple to follow. His circumstances didn’t truly allow him to rely on his subordinates entirely—he had to see them as cards to py, tools in the extreme game he was pying. As the saying goes, ignorance is bliss, and for him, that sentiment rang painfully true. Knowing what the future might hold weighed heavily on him, leaving an uneasy feeling that refused to fade.
A sudden knock at his door pulled the Commander from his thoughts. He straightened, recalling his earlier promise with Memphis. Despite his lingering fatigue, he managed to compose himself, knowing who would be waiting outside.
“Commander…“ Memphis’s voice called softly through the door. “Can I come in?“
As he opened the door, Greynar was met with Memphis, dressed in a bck nightgown that made him pause, his breath caught in surprise. He couldn’t help but feel speechless at the sight of her.
“This is…“ he began, but his words faltered.
Memphis hesitated, her cheeks flushing deeper as she avoided his gaze. “I'll expin inside the room,“ she murmured.
“Alright…“ Greynar nodded reluctantly, stepping aside to let them in. Memphis moved past him and approached the window. Gently, she drew back the curtain, letting the moonlight spill into the room, casting a soft, ethereal glow. The stars above shimmered brightly, enhancing the serene atmosphere, and the room suddenly felt more intimate, as if the world outside had faded away.
“It's beautiful, even from here,“ Memphis murmured, her emerald eyes reflecting the night sky as she gazed out.
With the lights dimmed, the only illumination came from the soft glow outside. Memphis turned to face him, her eyes meeting his, and in that moment, she looked even more enchanting under the moon’s tender light. Her long pink hair shimmered softly, a delicate halo of light that framed her face.
She flushed, clearly aware of his gaze. “Stop staring at me...“ she said softly, embarrassed.
Greynar chuckled, his smile warm. “Can't help it,“ he teased. “Seems like you’ve got your answer.“
“Mmm... Hornet and Helena helped me with it...“ Memphis said, her eyes meeting his as she walked closer.
“Final answer then?“ the Commander asked, his tone soft but expectant.
“Yeah,“ Memphis murmured, her voice quiet but sure.
The Commander smiled gently. “Then tell me, what's your current feeling?“
Memphis's heart raced, and with a deep breath, she spoke the words that had been on her mind. “I love you, Commander.“
As she leaned in, her words lingered in the air, and the space between them closed as they shared a tender kiss. Time seemed to slow, and the world outside fell silent, leaving only the sound of their breaths echoing in the room. Their two pairs of lips intertwined, and when they finally broke apart, the air felt charged with unspoken emotions.
“Thank you for the answer~“ Greynar grinned, his voice low and full of warmth.
Memphis’s cheeks flushed, and she looked away slightly, her heart still racing. “Yeah... maybe it started as admiration, but I've come to realize... I like you so much.“ Her voice was soft but sincere, her words coming from a pce deep inside her.
“Me too,“ he replied with a genuine smile. “I've come to like you, ever since you became my secretary. I was always struck by how lucky I am to have you by my side.“ His voice softened. “And I love your soft yet strict personality.“
“Haha, I apologize if I’ve made any mistakes along the way,“ Memphis said, a small, nervous ugh escaping her lips.
“Apology accepted,“ the Commander chuckled, his tone lighthearted.
Then, her cheeks reddened further as her gaze flickered toward the bed. “Please… be gentle with me...“ she murmured shyly.
“It depends,“ Greynar smirked pyfully, teasing his secretary as he kissed the palm of her hand.
Realizing the predicament she might have gotten herself into, Memphis gulped, her voice turning into a wry ugh. “Ahaha… I guess I’ll just have to be ready then,“ she murmured, a mix of anticipation and nervousness in her tone.
“Yeah...“ The Commander leaned in close, his breath warm against her ear as he whispered, “Wearing that dress was a dangerous choice. You're making it impossible for me to hold back.“
“T-that's...“ Memphis swallowed hard, her cheeks flushed with a mix of nervousness and anticipation. She hesitated for a moment before resigning herself, moving onto the bed and lying down. Her emerald eyes met his, a mixture of vulnerability and trust in her gaze as she quietly waited for his next move.
Memphis then spread her legs and murmured. “Do it, Commander. I want you...“
On the night of the celebration, the two became one, their movements synchronized like a harmonious dance. Soft murmurs and hushed whispers filled the air, intimate and tender, as they explored each other with a mix of passion and care. The sealed room held their secrets, shielding their shared vulnerability from the outside world. In that private space, the Commander and his secretary surrendered to the moment, their connection deepening as they embraced each other fully, sharing an intimacy that spoke louder than words.
