"You're obsessed with swordsmanship, Sis, but ever since the Commander vanished you lost all interest in picking up the blade—as if you'd sealed it away. Only a few months ago did you finally take the sword from its long-dusted case, and since then you've trained every single day…"
The younger sister brushed the blade aside and looked straight into her sister's black eyes. "It's because the Commander said his swordsmanship is extraordinary, isn't it?"
The elder slid the sword into its scabbard and turned away. "Nonsense. I simply decided our old lifestyle wasn't healthy."
"Then why did you take up discipline officer duty again? You'd walked away from it ages ago."
"In the past, even the little ships of the district had stopped making trouble. But with the Commander back, Glowworm and the other little girls are causing incidents every day just to get in front of him more. I won't judge their little schemes, but I will not allow a district in chaos!"
"Even if all that's true, how do you explain asking the Soviets for lessons in drinking? You used to keep to the rules, not a drop of alcohol. Suddenly you want to break the code and start drinking?" The younger propped her chin, eyes turning dreamy. "I'm your sister. I can see through anything."
The elder fell silent. Faced with ironclad facts, she had no reply.
"When did you start liking the Commander—and when did you forgive him?"
The elder slowly sat beside her, set the sword aside, wrapped her arms around her knees, and thought for a long while before speaking.
"I hate to admit it, but we shipgirls are that easy to fall for our Commander. Being expedition captain isn't glamorous or fun, but it's a form of trust. Watching the district grow richer bit by bit, seeing new shipgirls built on the resources we brought back, seeing the Commander's smile and hearing his praise… little by little, I fell. If it were him, I could march on expeditions day and night for a hundred years without tiring. But we poured our hearts into building that mighty district, and he just… abandoned it."
"Then it should be even harder to forgive him—ungrateful, forgetting and trampling on your devotion."
"But he's him. Like a son who's run away too long, peeking ragged at the door—what mother could scold him then? Your heart just breaks, and as long as he's back, it's enough."
"'Mother' is a terrible metaphor. Wife, Sis. You're like the Commander's wife."
"He's never put me in his heart, and I don't intend to be anyone's wife," the elder huffed, nudging her sister's waist with an elbow. "And you're no different—look at the way you watch him, hand over your mouth, the 'like' practically spilling from your eyes."
"I… I have a special reason for liking the Commander." The younger blushed and was just about to open up when she gaped—her sister had vanished into thin air.
"Oh come on!" she snapped, snatching up the elder's sword and hacking at the air. "So unfair! I hadn't told my story yet—maybe if I did, the Commander would summon me first!"
"Graceful as a startled swan, supple as a swimming dragon—I am the light cruiser Tenryuu. Commander, you haven't been slacking lately, have you?"
A Tenryuu done up like a black-stockings schoolmistress stepped from a wash of blue light and strode up to Hikaru.
"Tenryuu," Hikaru smiled. "Looks like I finally have a partner to cross swords with."
"Swordsmanship is a mere branch on the tree—but yes, we can converse with blades when time allows." Tenryuu adjusted her glasses, then grew stern. "I'm more concerned with the district's discipline. From what I've heard, Glowworm and her crowd have grown shameless."
"Then the district's discipline is yours—especially lately, someone keeps peeking into my diary. That one's a priority."
Tenryuu gave Hikaru a long look. "When shipgirls err, the fault lies with the Commander. All these ills are born of your lax governance—and you've your own habits to correct. I'll be watching you strictly."
"Fine, fine—have it your way," Hikaru raised both hands. "My provost, come dine with the prime suspect."
"Just as well—I'm peckish." Tenryuu turned and spotted Prince of Wales, then smiled. "I've been meaning to share a few glasses with you, Your Highness. I've developed a new appreciation for red wine."
Already changed into a satin strap-dress, Prince of Wales lifted her shoulders—a motion that, from her, was breathtaking. "Why not indeed?"
[End of Chapter]
[100 Power Stones = Extra Chapter]
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