Watching Akagi place the last bite of cake into her mouth, a blissful expression melting across her face, Amagi's smile softened with both affection and relief.
Even so, her mind refused to relax. As the strategist of the Sakura Empire, she had to weigh the current situation and every possible move that might follow.
The intelligence Akagi had delivered arranged itself like puzzle pieces in her mind, quickly forming a vivid picture.
'My Lord will rest at the Royal Dormitory tonight. That is almost guaranteed. Belfast's group will surely have Elizabeth reinforce the security. The Royal Navy will be extremely cautious tonight.'
Forcing their way in would only make the Sakura Empire appear petty. More importantly, it would go directly against the Commander's wish of "not wanting the news to spread too quickly."
At such a delicate moment, right after the Commander's return, leaving behind the impression that they understood how to respect his orders was far more valuable than giving in to a fleeting surge of jealousy.
Of course, choosing not to interfere did not mean doing nothing.
Within Amagi's mind, a subtle plan had already begun to take form. The faint curve at the corner of her lips was proof enough.
"Akagi," she called gently.
"Yes! Sister Amagi!"
Having just tasted such an extraordinary dessert, Akagi was brimming with energy and straightened at once.
"What are your orders?"
Amagi did not answer right away. Instead, she lifted a hand and beckoned gracefully, signaling Akagi to come closer.
Akagi understood immediately and leaned in, bringing her ear near. As Amagi spoke quietly, Akagi's expression kept changing with every sentence she heard.
By the time Amagi finished and stepped back, Akagi could only stare at her with bright, admiring eyes.
"I see... this way, we follow the Commander's orders while subtly drawing his heart to our side!" Akagi clenched her fists, eyes sparkling. "Sister Amagi, you're incredible! This strategy is perfect! When it comes to cunning, no one in the entire Port comes close to you!"
Facing her sister's shameless flattery, Amagi simply smiled and gave Akagi's forehead a gentle tap with her finger.
"Enough, enough. Praise means nothing if you can't stand on your own soon. Don't get complacent with your studies just because I'm back."
"Yes, Sister Amagi!" Akagi answered earnestly.
"Remember, everything must be done naturally so no one notices our true intentions, especially the girls of the Royal Navy."
"Understood! I'll start right away!"
Akagi nodded firmly before turning around. In the next moment, she became a red blur, dashing toward the Sakura Dormitory.
The earlier gloom had vanished completely, replaced by burning determination.
Watching her sister disappear into the distance, the smile on Amagi's face deepened.
'Miss Belfast, enjoy your victory tonight. But once tomorrow's sun rises, who knows where My Lord's affections will truly lie?'
<<>>
At dusk, inside the command room.
Jun Hao finally signed and stamped the last document before letting out a long breath of relief.
It seemed that under "Minimalist Colors," quite a few inconveniences had piled up, leaving many documents waiting to be processed.
Still, he'd managed to clear it all.
He stood up and stretched his body, and every bone let out a satisfying crack.
To be honest, these so-called daily tasks were far easier than dealing with those dreadful proposals for bosses and clients before he transmigrated.
Perhaps it was because here, every decision and every signature he made was met with absolute trust and flawless execution from these lovely girls.
That feeling of being completely trusted was truly wonderful.
"Master, you've worked hard."
A voice as gentle as flowing water whispered near Jun Hao's ear.
He glanced over and found Belfast beside him, holding a cup of black tea. He hadn't even noticed her arrival.
She set the tea down carefully on the table before moving behind Jun Hao. Her delicate, jade-smooth hands settled on his shoulders, applying pressure with expert precision.
The perfect amount of strength melted away the tension and weariness from hours of sitting.
"Hiss... that feels good."
Jun Hao settled back into his chair with a satisfied sigh and lifted the teacup, blowing across the surface.
The temperature was ideal, neither scalding nor lukewarm. A small sip revealed a smooth, velvety texture with a subtle, pleasant sweetness.
"It's delicious."
Jun Hao never hesitated to offer genuine compliments.
"It is my honor that you enjoy it."
There was a hint of happiness in Belfast's voice, and her hands moved even more carefully. The room felt warm and peaceful for a moment.
"Gurgle—!"
Then a loud stomach growl broke the silence. It came from Jun Hao himself. Only then did he remember that since arriving at the Port after transmigrating, he hadn't eaten much at all.
Before, he hadn't noticed because he was so absorbed in work, but now that he'd relaxed, hunger crashed over him like a wave. His face warmed with slight embarrassment.
"Um... Belfa."
"Hmm? Master, what are your orders?" Belfast stopped her movements, leaned down slightly, and spoke softly near Jun Hao's ear.
"I... I'm hungry. How about we go back to the Royal Dormitory and have a meal first?"
After thinking it over, it seemed reasonable. Since Belfast had already said she would take him to the Royal Dormitory to rest tonight, having dinner there as well made perfect sense.
However, when she heard this, Belfast's eyes widened in shock.
"Ma... Master? Are you saying... You want to dine in the Royal dining room?" Her reaction was far beyond what Jun Hao had expected.
Seeing her expression, as if she had just heard something unbelievable, Jun Hao grew curious.
"Yes. Why? Is it inconvenient for the Royal dining room?"
"No!"
Belfast practically shouted her denial, then caught herself and straightened her posture, though the thrill in her voice remained unmistakable.
"It's convenient. Of course, it's convenient. Very convenient."
She stepped forward, folded her hands in front of her, and gave Jun Hao a deep bow.
"It's just... I never expected that you, Master, would choose our cafeteria. This... this is truly... so overwhelming."
For Belfast, and even for the entire Royal Navy, this moment went far beyond simple excitement.
It was a tremendous honor. After his "Remaster," theirs was the first cafeteria the Commander had selected to dine in among all the factions.
Once this news spread, it would be enough for the Shipgirls of the Royal Navy to hold their heads high in front of the other factions for months.
Watching Belfast's thrilled expression, Jun Hao smiled warmly.
"Alright, then it's settled."
He stood up and lightly patted Belfast's shoulder.
"Lead the way, my Head Maid. Show me what Royal cooking is all about."
"Yes! Master!"
Belfast looked up immediately, a brighter smile than ever spreading across her face.
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Novels Available:
-> Zenless Zone Zero: The Almighty Incubus of Sixth Street. (Translation)
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