Chapter 70

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70. A Wonderful Promise

1400, one hour after the party, in the medical room

A gentle breeze fluttered the white curtains by the window, dancing in the light, creating a layered and intricate decoration in the room.

Nature, it seems, is the most wonderful planner, using the rather glaring afternoon sun to still cast a warm and gentle light in the quiet medical room, without the sharp intensity of the sun at its peak.

Of course, this might also have something to do with the girl lying on the bed.

Still wearing her elaborate and beautiful twelve-layered kimono, No. 111 was covered with a rare white quilt from the base, staring blankly at the freshly painted ceiling, pondering her future.

She detested this small town... No, that's not what she meant. It was more accurate to say that No. 111, who was not naturally inclined to such exuberance, disliked this forced behavior. She did not hate being the flagship; on the contrary, she wanted to prove her capabilities through some opportunity.

Her competitive spirit was strong. She needed a series of tasks and victories to prove herself, just like the initial test.

But she detested the tasks that were forced upon her.

So she lay on the bed, turning her head to look at the scenery outside, saying nothing.

"Hey, how are you feeling?"

The white wooden door suddenly opened, and the face of her admiral, looking increasingly gaunt, peeked in, giving No. 111 an apologetic smile.

"I'm really sorry. I didn't know they had been holding back for so long, with so much energy. I thought they would get bored after a while. I really didn't expect them to go so far. I'm really, really sorry, so please forgive me this time."

"…Hmph."

No. 111 huffed, curling up in the quilt and turning her head away, not looking at the admiral's bitter smile.

Of course, she knew the man's mindset. In fact, even after just a few hours of knowing him, with the intuition of a ship girl and her own feelings, she could see it.

Before doing anything, the man would first consider the thoughts of others. So, when faced with the joyful actions of more ship girls, he could also set aside his principles. But when the jokes went too far, he could only apologize like this.

And this time, it was really over the top. Six hours, a full six hours of the ceremony, tied to a cross. The people below were sprinkling holy water and performing rituals, and her sister even performed a full set of shrine maiden dances in front of everyone. Is this what a sister should do? Or rather, are you even human?

Finally, at the end, the two Soviet-class ship girls performed a unique Slavic saber dance, which sparked a series of talent shows by other ship girls before they were finally released.

Can such a thing be resolved with just an apology? Absolutely not, right? It can't be easily forgiven, right?!

But in the end, No. 111 felt inexplicably angry.

It wasn't the admiral's fault, yet he came over. Especially when she realized she was actually happy to see him, which made her even angrier.

"It should be compensation, right? Anyway, No. 111, you can make a request."

Seeming really afraid of the ship girl's anger, the admiral looked at No. 111, who had turned her face away, and said with a hint of panic.

"Really, as long as it's something I can do, No. 111, you can ask. I'll do it as long as it's within my means. At least don't hold a grudge. It's really difficult for me if you do. Don't sulk anymore."

"…Can I resign from those positions?"

"Ah, well… ahaha…"

"You're still lying to me, Admiral."

Rolling her eyes at the admiral's bitter smile behind her, No. 111 continued to wrap herself in the quilt, looking at the blue sky outside, trying not to look at the man's face.

Trying to ignore the admiral's incessant chatter, No. 111 lay on the bed, quietly watching the scenery outside the window change. The slightly subtle emotions in her heart fermented over time, turning into a bitter taste.

After a while, No. 111 said softly.

"Admiral."

"Hmm?"

"Do you really want to repay me?"

"Of course. How could I let my lovely ship girl suffer without doing anything?"

The gaunt man proudly patted his chest, making a grand promise. Despite his frail appearance, the man in the naval uniform with the admiral's cap looked the part.

Only at such moments, seeing his frail but confident expression, did No. 111 strongly realize, 'Ah, he is my admiral.' The dry feeling spreading in her heart made a sudden idea pop into No. 111's mind.

"…Hey."

She said it as if to encourage herself.

No. 111 sat up from the bed, extended her hands, and gently hugged the admiral.

It didn't feel strange like it did with Enterprise. Rather, it felt reassuring, like hugging a human-shaped calming device.

Burying her head deep in the man's chest, she rubbed her head against him before he could react, subtly sniffing the slightly dry, peculiar scent, and No. 111 felt her whole body relax, subconsciously snuggling into his embrace.

"…"

Looking at No. 111 in his arms, the admiral was slightly taken aback. Then he showed a knowing expression, gently patting the tired girl's slender back.

"You've worked hard, little one. You've really worked hard today."

"No. 111 really tried hard today, right?"

"Yes, you really did."

"I'll work hard as the flagship, and I'll work hard on other things too. I'll do everything and anything. I'll ask about things I don't know and check things I do know. I won't let anyone down. So—"

She rubbed her head against the admiral's chest a couple of times, then lifted her head, slowly embracing him. Greedily absorbing the reassuring atmosphere, she sighed softly.

"—When I feel wronged, I can come to the admiral to complain, right?"

"Yes, yes. You've worked hard."

It's just like a daughter coming to her father to vent when she feels wronged.

Only, the previous ones already have a history, so the good girl now has to bear the burden.

Gently patting the girl's back, listening to the faint sobs, the admiral sighed inwardly. He could only continue to comfort No. 111, waiting for her emotions to stabilize.

But, to say the least, there might be more people to comfort next.

Looking at the sinister face reflected on the windowsill, the admiral could only give a helpless smile to the blonde reflection on the glass.

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