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The Kansen could stand down, but the commander couldn’t.
Thankfully, he had far fewer combat reports to review, seeing as the Sirens were kaput, and the girls were allowed to stand down for the time being. Perhaps the biggest thing he had to do was write up and submit his final action report to the Joint Security Committee so they could craft a public response.
But not long after it was received, the commander received a package from Captain Crosswell.
He opened it, and found a printed version of his report with some things written in a very familiar shade of red ink.
“96 A, EXCELLENT WORK, COULD HAVE USED A BIT MORE FINESSE.”
The commander smiled at Crosswell’s joke, and didn’t take it personally. Captain Crosswell was pathologically incapable of giving a perfect grade on anything, and even though he did win the war, he knew there was always room for improvement. He would have to find a place to keep it safe, but a high final grade from Captain Crosswell on a real-world practical exam was worth more than all the medals the sponsor nations were planning on giving him.
He'd asked for the medals to be sent in the mail- Being with his people was more important to him than any ceremony, no matter how lavish.
He also finally sent out the paperwork for Albert Kesler’s promotion. Thanks to his pull as a victorious commander, it went through at an expedited pace, and now he was Kapitänleutnant Albert Kesler- A one-rank promotion to OF-2 that he didn't feel reflected Albert's efforts, but the commander knew he could only expect so many miracles.
He had taken North Carolina’s advice on a couple of things. First, he did, in fact, go to bed right after he made it home, and slept like a log- It felt as though he hadn’t slept for months when he came back after everything that had happened.
The second bit of North Carolina’s advice he had taken was to arrange a beach party. While Queen Elizabeth wanted to have a celebratory ball, the commander explained to her that he was sure that the girls would want the kind of party where they could just cut loose after years of being under the gun. He would hold off on the party until some of the more injured members of the fleet recuperated enough to enjoy the festivities that would be offered.
Dr. Anzeel had been at work on implanting second cubes in those girls who wanted to have their fighting ability restored after taking cube-crippling damage during the battle in the Arctic, and her work had borne some curious fruit. Kersaint had been restored as her T 47 incarnation, and Nelson was drawn down another road altogether, somehow manifesting the equipment of an N3. But others had decided that they’d done their duty for now, and were looking forward to some well-earned peace and quiet.
He couldn’t blame them.
That was the way things were after coming back home- No missions to organize, no patrols to conduct, and no endless reports to read and sign off on… It was almost suspiciously quiet, so he devoted all the time he’d normally spend on that work with his wife and daughter, occasionally intervening in the more common disputes between factions.
It felt like something was missing with the end of the Sirens.
But whatever it was, he didn’t want it to be returned.
He felt a pair of arms wrap around him, and a pair of very substantial breasts rest on his head- He knew they belonged to his wife. King George V giggled. “Something on your mind you want to share? You were just sitting there, commander.”
“Just thinking about how much less there was to do, lately.” He placed his hands on hers. “So, if you want me…”
“Mmm.” She pulled back, and kissed him on the top of his head. “…I think I do.”
“Then, you have me.”
There was a buzzing on his phone. It was from Albert. “I’ll take care of this real quick, he doesn’t like to waste time.
It was a text message.
VonMoltkeExpress: Commander, while it may be unbecoming of my rank to suddenly ask my superior officer a question of this nature, you happen to possess some useful expertise on a matter [I am about to become Engaged] in. Could you help me with my [Proposal]?
The commander sighed a little. He supposed it was the best way for Albert to be discreet. The commander typed out a quick response to him, knowing that Albert could take care of the rest.
Once that was done, he kissed King George V, and they left the office.
--------------
Ships loved the sea.
And so, loving the beach came as naturally to them as anything else.
“Come on, Melissa, why don’t you spoil me~” St. Louis lay down on her front as she got comfortable on her beach dowel. “You know that I’ll repay your efforts later.”
Melissa blushed a bit as she began to lotion up her wonderful girlfriend. She started with the cruiser’s bare shoulders, and slowly began to work her way down as St. Louis slowly closed her eyes. “I feel like this is a present for me as much as you.”
“Maybe it is.” St. Louis said. “So, I’m going to enjoy this as much as you are, so feel free to have fun and don’t miss a spot.”
Melissa stayed blushing as she kept her bare hands on the woman’s voluptuous body. St. Louis even wiggled her hips a little as she let the shopgirl do as she liked.
So, she took a deep breath, and just put her hands anywhere there was exposed skin. She didn’t care if she looked like a pervert right now. Lucky Lou was back home and was teasing her because she wanted to feel her touch rather than anything battle had to offer. Melissa would make it worth Lou’s while, so she lotioned up every bit of skin that wouldn’t cause a malfunction in the blue-haired woman’s limited wardrobe.
And she might’ve taken a little bit of a risk there anyway.
St. Louis cooed softly as she lay there in her skimpy white swimsuit, encouraging the aggressive attention that Melissa was giving her. “Hehe… I know you wouldn’t turn me down…”
“I can’t.” Melissa said. “…It just feels a bit odd seeing you here like this, just being you as always, when some of the other girls talk about how you went really wild out there.”
St. Louis lifted her head up, and gestured with it. The shop girl looked in the direction that the cruiser had indicated, and she saw all three Helenas- Regular, Meta and the little Lena as well. St. Louis followed up on that. “It was all for them.” She then lay her head back down on the towel. “Mmm… I don’t care what people think of me… That I’m some silly girl who only thinks about enjoying fancy things, or even that I’m only out for my… Pleasure… As long as they can live a happy life, then it’s fine.”
Melissa gave St. Louis a squeeze. “Well, you deserve that, too.”
St. Louis giggled. “Mmm! Maybe I do. But I guess I’d say, one can’t love me without loving my sisters too, in a way.” She opened one eye. “But, when it comes to you and me… No matter what I do out there and what I’ve become, my cute little shopgirl is still more than good enough for me. And I don’t mind everyone else knowing that~”
Melissa blushed heavily, but rather than restrain herself, she only became more bold with her hands. She reached around to lotion up the exposed skin of St. Louis’s breasts with her nimble, eager hands, and then did the same for the inside of her partner’s thighs. This did get some stares, but…
St. Louis only met them with a giggle and a smile.
Her beautiful, loving St. Louis, without a care in the world.
Albert had been exceedingly punctual to the beach party, and he had set everything out, dropping his beach bag next to him on the towel. It had everything he needed for his time at the beach, from the afternoon through the evening. There was no reason for him to cut out early- Everyone had been granted a reprieve from regular duties in recognition of their victory over the Sirens.
All he needed to do was wait for the other girls to show up, and then-
“Alby~”
That didn’t take long.
He was startled a little as Foch suddenly held him from behind, and from the amount of her skin that he felt pressed against his, he was sure he was wearing that tiny, iridescent bikini of hers that was her preferred beachwear, especially when she went to the beach with him. He placed his hands on hers, as he blushed. “Hello.”
She kissed him on the side of his neck. “Haha… I just thought I’d get here first. The commander made you work hard while he was away, so I just thought you’d want something like this.”
“I do.” He said, relaxing in her arms. However, what was most important to him was that all six of them were back and in one piece.
“Mmm…” Went Foch. “…Looks like you got comfy quick this time. Looking forward to a whole party with us?”
“I can’t think of anyone who wouldn’t.” He said.
“I do hope you weren’t planning on keeping Albert to yourself the whole time.” Eugen teased as she joined the pair on the towel. “After all, he’s not the only one I might want to play with.”
Foch blushed a bit herself, and then Albert looked over at Eugen, the other cruiser’s tiny bikini doing its best to hold the girl in. “Hello, Eugen… I assume the others aren’t far behind either?”
“Of course not~” Eugen scooted closer, and leaned against him. “After all, this sort of thing is a two-way street. You’re not the only one who can miss people when they’re far away.”
Albert put an arm around Eugen and pulled her as close as he could. “I know… I have received pictures before. You all have a way of letting me know you’re thinking of me.”
Peter Strasser arrived as well, and sat down in front of him. “Now, that’s true. Even far away, we can still find some time to let you know, hm? It’s not as though we’re in battle every moment we leave sight of the base.”
“I know this is correct.” He said. “But I don’t mind being worried while you’re away if I am improved while you are here.”
Izumo was sitting down right before he knew it. “It’s not as though he’s helpless. Apparently, the commander had him take over the basic duties of his office while we were away fighting. I don’t think I would stick around if the only thing that had advanced was his romantic life. It’s not as though merit is confined to only those who carry weapons.”
Eugen teased, at any rate. “Haha, and our Izumo is more than willing to show her skill at partying as well as battle. Proving herself on the dancing stage and the drinking table as well as on the battlefield, we can always expect excellence~”
“Hmph!” Went Izumo. “You can tease me all you like, but the pursuit of excellence does not begin at the handle and end at the point of a sword.”
“This is how our Izumo is, and we wouldn’t have it any other way~” Vittorio Veneto arrived, and placed a cooler down on the towel. “Sorry I got here a little late, but I had to settle a couple of arrangements with Littorio. I bought drinks of all kinds, and Kii has gone off to get us all some food. I think she’ll be back soon enough.” She eyed Albert’s large beach bag. “Oh, you seem to have come prepared too. What else did you bring?”
He tried to appear nonchalant about it, even though his heart was pounding as he explained things. “Nothing we need right away… Just something I plan to break out later in the evening. No sneak peeks.”
Vittorio Veneto sat on the other side of him from Eugen. “Is that so… I think I can be patient for that.”
“Awww… So much for a hint.” Foch said as she continued to hold him. “Aha… there it goes. Alby’s being professional and calm on the outside, but being around girls he likes gets his heart going like a train~”
“I…” He paused. “…I know I just got promoted for meritorious service. But all of us being together again at once is something I hoped for most.”
Kii soon arrived, carrying a tray for everyone, wearing her famously flattering swimsuit and a huge smile. “Heya! Looks like you’re all comfy.” She set the tray down. “I didn’t know what everyone wanted, so I just grabbed a bunch of stuff from Nevada and Royal Fortune’s barbecue station. Also some drinks, too.” She set it down. “And once we’re done here, we figure out what else to play around with. Let’s face it, there’s a lot to do- Even something that could fit Izumo.”
Izumo crossed her arms. “Of course I am aware of the small swordswoman tournament that Takao wanted to put together… I’ve already entered.”
Vittorio Veneto began pulling soda bottles out of the cooler. “And beach volleyball, of course.”
As the six of them talked about what was to be done, they didn’t neglect to be in close company.
He recalled that the last time he was put in this situation- that is, where the girls all had their things they wanted to do at the beach, he panicked about it, no knowing what to choose and who to go with because he didn’t know how girls he liked would react to him choosing to go off with someone else.
But now there was an understanding- The girls got along well enough with each other, and they were not so petty about what he might choose to do with someone else in this same circle. Their lives didn’t revolve entirely around him, and he was better off for it.
So, even though Foch was right, he still felt relaxed, somehow. He was in the same situation, but with that extra bit of awareness that told him that things would be all right.
Comfortable here, in his nest of lovers.
Commander Cochrane and King George arrived, and they even brought Matilda with them, with the necessary precautions. Vestal assured her that Matilda was an intriguingly tough baby, but he still made sure that he was doing everything a proper father should do when taking a child to the beach. He set up a big beach umbrella while King George set out the beach towels, and then he set Matilda’s baby-carrier underneath. He dropped his clothes down to his swim trunks, and watched as King George stripped down to her new red bikini- She had to get a new one ever since the baby.
He soon sat down in the shade, and King George sat with him, getting comfortable. “Looks like everyone has found it in themselves to have fun.”
Alex nodded, and tickled Matilda a little, causing her to giggle. “Their war is over. What they didn’t wasn’t pointless, and that’s more than enough reason to celebrate anything. It wasn’t just some victory in this place or another, it was proof that all these years spent fighting weren’t wasted.” He looked into her red eyes. “And that might be the most important thing about finally overthrowing the Sirens.”
“Mmm.” She went. “Speaking of, what are we going to do with the Arbiters?”
“Purity says she’s going to find some way to properly socialize them, while also with Dr. Anzeel to help everyone get used to the fact that they’re going to be hanging around for a while. Also, that they may behave strangely even compared to other Kansen.” He said. “I don’t know what her exact plans are for them, but I think she sincerely wants them to be able to get along in something that looks like a normal life.”
King George scooted over. “It’s admirable that she wants a fresh start for them, but it may be a long road, considering how mechanical their existence has been up to this point.”
“I don’t believe it’s impossible.” He replied, and placed a hand on King George’s bare thigh. “It’s not like they’re not intelligent enough to learn, and they do listen to Purity, so we should let it happen. I don’t know what traits they’ll pick up exactly, but…”
She placed one of her hands on his. “I know… But even if the Arbiters wish to learn, the other girls will have to be accommodating, won’t they?”
“Yeah.” He said, and squeezed her. “…But seeing that “What do we do with captured enemies” is the last thing we need to think about concerning the Sirens, I think we’re in a pretty good place.”
She giggled softly as she was squeezed. “Ah, no doubt. And seeing as it’s a wonderful day, I’d say that we, personally, are in a good place.” She moved over to lean against him. She was tall enough that it was theoretically awkward, but he didn’t mind- He just put an arm around her bare waist.
He paused, and just looked over at the girls having fun in any which way they liked. In the waves or not, playing or just laying in the sun, with no more battles with the Sirens hanging over them. It was the most genuine expression of joy, here and there, everyone seizing this perfect, elevated moment.
Zara and Pola playing beach volleyball against Yorktown and Hornet.
Nevada grilling up anything that could be called meat with Royal Fortune lending a hand.
Concord scooping up as much ice cream as Alsace could ever care to have.
Monarch sunning herself with the rest of her half-sisters.
So much of his people having fun and enjoying the fruits of their victory. So much that he couldn’t even take it all in.
And it was a good thing he was paying as much attention as he was, because he had to knock a beach ball away. It was scooped up by Richelieu, who went on her way.
He must have been silent for some time, because eventually, King George V gave him a small nudge. “Enjoying the scenery?”
He blushed a little bit. “…Would be kinda strange if I wasn’t.” He replied. “…Even Dido and Sirius have found it in them to take the day off. I think everyone understands the significance- It’s why they find it so easy to just relax and do what they want.”
It was just then that Swiftsure walked over, impressively filling out her laced-up bikini, and leaned over to put a couple of cold drinks in front of the commander and King George. “…I’m not taking orders, you just looked like you could use a couple.”
“You’re probably right.” He said. “…So, how’re you feeling about all of this?”
“I mean, it’s a nice party and it’s not like I’m not having fun.” She said. “But I’m also going to have to decide what comes next.”
King George V smiled. “Indeed you will. But now no one will make that choice for you, will they? Our enemies were the ones deciding that you should spend your life up to now either fighting or preparing to fight. It may look like you have an impossible number of choices, and that may be almost scary, but no one will be making them for you but you.”
“Hm…” Swiftsure said. “I want to take my time to learn more, first, and I don’t… I don’t think I’d mind staying on, for a little longer.”
Alex nodded. “Well, we always need good ships. Now that the Sirens are finished, all kinds of ships besides essential freight are going to go back on the ocean, and someone’s going to need to keep an eye on that.”
Swiftsure bowed a little. “Thank you, commander… And whether I decide to stay or go, it has been good serving with you.”
King George V giggled. “Something you noticed yet?”
“What something?” He said.
The battleship smiled. “…Well, every one of the girls who has said something like that has always called it serving with you rather than under you. They don’t think of you as someone apart from them, above or below. Perhaps that’s your legacy as an officer. Not the worst one to have, hmm?”
“Not at all.” He said, and began to lay down in the shade.
“But there is something you’re forgetting about.” She added.
That made him sit back up right away. “And that is?”
She held out a bottle of sunscreen. “This should also help you get into the spirit of today.”
Alex never needed an excuse, but the beach party provided him with one.
He was absolutely going to take advantage of this lull. After all, he wasn’t interested in giving orders and no one was probably all that interested in taking them, after everything that they had done.
He put his hands on King George’s back as she lay on her front. “Get comfy, because I think I’m going to take my time…”
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“Now then, who’s up for a game?” St. Louis said as she spun a volleyball on her finger. “Now, don’t be shy.”
Vittorio Veneto perked up at the idea, and walked over. “I am.”
“Oooh, the eternal flagship~” St. Louis said. “Of course, I can’t leave my girl to just watch… Melissa, would you come over here?”
Melissa had been in the middle of giving fashion advice to Kashino, and then walked over. “Yeah?”
“You’re going to be a volleyball partner this time. Just a little fun game~”.
Melissa blinked and walked over. It was sudden, but being close to Lou was always fun.
Peter Strasser, who had been Vittorio Veneto’s play partner for the last few matches, had something to say. “If you’re taking her, then it might be a bit unfair for me to jump in.” She kissed Albert on the cheek. “So, you go. I want to see you in motion.”
“Fair is fair.” He got up, and walked to the other side of the net.
Melissa blinked. “Wait, you think putting me opposite a navy man is fair?”
St. Louis giggled. “Normally it wouldn’t be, but since Albert is so enthralled by the ladies he’s in love with, I’m sure that it evens things out.”
The (senior) Lieutenant blushed a bit, and then nodded. “Do not worry, this was not an area of expertise that I chose to devote myself to.”
“Ah…” Somehow Melissa felt a bit less than comforted.
But she was determined not to let her girl down.
And then St. Louis started the match.
There wasn’t the kind of furious intensity that Melissa expected from… Anyone. St. Louis was someone who took it easy when she was off the clock, but she mainly knew of Vittorio Veneto as some kind of leader… But right now she was playing like St. Louis.
And then there was Albert, who usually had intense focus, but seemed to have something more on his mind.
Melissa would like to attribute it to the fact that one of his lovers was jiggling around in a skimpy bikini next to him, but… It wasn’t like he was ogling her or anything.
She shook her head. If there wasn’t a game on, she knew she would be staring respectfully at St. Louis. She’d probably find out later or not.
Because of all these effects, she never really felt like a ball and chain or a letdown on what was happening. No one felt the need to go all-out for just a fun little pickup game, and points were scored back and forth. No one was trying to overdo it or dominate anyone on the other side.
Everyone just wanted to…
Chill.
So much so that Melissa didn’t even keep track of who had won.
After the game was over, Vittorio Veneto talked to Albert for a moment, and then she walked over to Melissa. “You put up a decent enough game.”
“Yeah, well, I think this was something we were all just doing for fun… I don’t think St. Louis was being intense about it or anything, she just wanted to fool around.”
“Mmm, no doubt. I’m not the best at the game myself, but I still enjoy playing it.” She paused, and looked at Melissa. “So, I heard that you kept Albert company during his time in the office. I’d like to thank you for that- He can worry when we’re not around, even if he doesn’t show it.”
“Huh? You’re welcome.” She put her hands behind her back. “I mean, it’s not like the two of us are strangers, though. We would even have a break together in town, when I had a minute, and here was there on business.”
“Indeed.” Vittorio Veneto said. “…Still, there was a moment where you seemed distracted.”
“Hm? Maybe.” She scratched the back of her head. “I don’t know… Maybe it’s because there’s someone like Shinano around, but it feels weirdly nostalgic, like I’ve been to the beach with Lou and… The commander? Even though I know that never happened.”
“Hm? That is strange.” She said. “…You can’t be thinking of some other commander, somehow. Commander Cochrane has always been the only one we had.”
“I know…” She said. “But I was thinking about this just kind of… Alternate commander? Co-commander? I don’t even know how to describe her. I mean, black braid, glasses… Looks a bit cold at first but is actually kind… Someone that might be nice to have around.”
Vittorio Veneto giggled. “Oh, my dreaming of another woman. While I don’t disagree that it would be nice, since she was a literal dream woman… was she beautiful, too?”
“Yeah, beautiful enough to fit in here, that’s for sure.” And then she immediately blushed after saying that. “Er, um… I mean…”
Vittorio Veneto giggled. “I understand. You deal in fashion and aesthetics, so you think about that sort of thing even when you’re appreciating the other characteristics of a person.”
“…Yeah.” She said. “…Anyway, I’m not the only one who was distracted. You did see your guy out there, right?”
“Hm? I suppose so.” Vittorio Veneto said. “But however he presents himself, he does appreciate ladies.”
“Huh… I thought it might be something else, but… Ah, forget it.” Melissa shrugged, and saw St. Louis wave to her and blow a kiss. “Ahh… Looks like I’d better handle my own business. See you!”
“Goodbye~” And she waved to Melissa as she left.
--------------
Albert had managed his time well enough, he thought, and got to do or at least be a part of everything with the ladies close to him in his life. Swimming with Foch and Eugen, watching Izumo and Kii do their utmost at swordwomanship, beach volleyball involving Veneto and Strasser.
As the evening wore on, Albert quietly invited each of his girls to meet him at a beach pavilion out of sight from everyone else. He brought his beach bag with him, and set it down on a picnic table. “I have something important to tell you. While it was interrupted by the battle with the Sirens, now may be an even better time to speak of it, seeing as that matter is settled.” He took a hinged, felt-lined box out in front of him. “I can’t bear waiting any longer.”
Foch leaned over. “Alby… What is that?”
“You’ll see. You’ll see it very soon.” He fumbled it open, showing a rare display of nerves- The only time he had been more nervous was when he had a panic attack on the beach. He took a deep breath to steady himself. “I wanted to do something to show you how important all of you are to me, even if this was something that was already known.” Albert steadied himself. “So, please, bear with me for a moment.”
He had taken the commander’s advice, find someplace comfortable but out of the way, where he would be fine with being honest. Didn’t mean that his nerves weren’t acting up, though.
The six of them waited silently.
And then he took out the first ring, taking it to Peter Strasser. “Peter Strasser. You are someone who has always possessed a remarkable knowledge of the value of time… So, from now on, I would like your time and my time to be our time. Will you accept this?”
Strasser blinked in surprise, but held out her hand for him. “All the time I’ve spent with you has not been a waste. What do you think my answer would be?”
He slipped the ring on her finger, then returned to the box to pick up another one and take it to Prinz Eugen. “You have often kept your feelings quiet in words but loud in actions, and I would like to continue to experience your honest self. Do you accept this?”
The cruiser blinked, and held out her hand, with her playful smile. “I was waiting for you to decide that, I think. Don’t wait any longer~” And so, he put the ring on her finger as well.
He took a deep breath, and plucked another ring from the box, carrying it to Foch, who was blushing madly before he even said anything. “Foch, you decided to dare me to live, and I took it, and you seem always so full of joy and energy that I can’t get enough of you, so I would have you with me. Do you accept this?”
Foch nodded quickly. “Aha… You caught me by surprise, so I’m a little nervous… But I don’t think there’s really anything to worry about. Sure, I’d love to~” And then he put a ring on her finger as well.
He passed by the box on the way to Kii, picking up her ring before walking over to her. “Kii. You decided to take a chance on me because you saw something in me that I didn’t necessarily see myself. And I want everyone to know that I don’t think that there’s a single fox in the Sakura Island who is your equal. Will you accept this?”
Kii’s ears stood on end, her thick black tails swishing. “Haha… We already know how important we are to each other… But I won’t say no to a ring. And in return, I’ll keep all of us safe, like I always have.” And the ring with on her outstretched hand.
Albert took another ring in hand, and walked over to Izumo. “Izumo. When I first saw you I was fascinated by your incredible skill and your drive to improve at both the arts of battle and beauty. I have always strived to improve my own skills, and would like to travel that road together. Do you accept this?”
“Hm.” Izumo held out her hand. “I, today, will acknowledge your hard work… For that I will walk with you, in life and death.”
One more ring. Just one more ring and it would be over. Please say yes. He took it over to Vittorio Veneto, and stood in front of you. “I know that we had awkward beginnings at the beach. But that fact that you accepted my weaknesses as well as everything else makes me wish to have you always in my life, and I will let you have the fun you desire. Do you accept this?”
“Ah…” She held out her hand so he could put the ring on it, and then smiled. “…I once thought I would find it difficult to accept such a proposal- that I would need time to weigh the decision based on what it meant for my future. But now that it’s in front of me, I find it easy to say yes to you.”
Albert closed the box on the table, and then put his hands on the tabletop, taking deep breaths after it was done. He had remained outwardly composed, but on the inside it felt like his heart had been racing fast enough and long enough to win Le Mans. “…The only think I find regrettable about this is how long it took for me to come to this decision despite my strong feelings being obvious to myself. I may have used up all the words to express how I feel about all of you, so this was what came next.” Hs heart finally began to slow, but only a little. “I can only thank all of you for saying yes…”
Peter Strasser was the first to walk over, and she put a pair of fingers under Albert’s chin, tipping his head up to kiss him. “Mmm… There’s not much more to add after saying yes to something like this.” She looked over to see Fu Shun’s fireworks. “Mmm… Looks like the party is winding down, but there’s still some evening left.”
Foch giggled. “Thinking of having a little private celebration after? I mean, I’m game.”
Eugen held Albert from behind. “Haha, his heart is beating so fast… But it’s fine for him to not have nerves of steel all the time. He wouldn’t be nervous if his feelings weren’t so strong.” She closed her eyes, and snuggled against him. “Maybe we would have to worry if he could take or leave a yes or no~”
Kii chuckled. “It’s settled then- The party might be over, but the fun hasn’t stopped!”
Albert blushed deeply. Not because of the prospects of private time with the girls, but because they accepted this from him. These girls were impossibly important to him, sticking by him through his ups and downs… And he was finally able to let them know that, and they were willing to ride things out with him the whole rest of the way.
He held Eugen’s hand. He wished he had more for all of them.
-------------
The next morning, it was back to work for the commander, but he didn’t feel as though he was in as much of a rush. There had, after all, been enough time to gather everyone for a beach party, and with their military operational status still up in the air, there were only routine things to do- the doing of which he’d gotten down to a science.
However, he did get some unexpected help in the form of Dupleix. “Good morning, but I don’t think I asked for you to take up secretary duties today.”
“I don’t have too much else to do right now.” She said. “Also, things went well for Albert last night, so he’ll be taking time off. Things got a bit passionate between him and his girls, so he wants to spend time with them without distraction.”
“Normally, I would prefer him to notify me personally, but I think it’s only fair- I had him take over parts of my job while he was away, so if anyone has earned it, it's him.” His phone started buzzing furiously with notifications, nearly vibrating off his desk. “…Is that something I should be concerned about?”
Dupleix looked up from her papers. “Hm? I don’t think “concern” is the right word, but I think it’s something you’re going to need to be aware of.”
“All right.” He picked up his phone, and opened up the Juustagram.
The feed had exploded.
It took him a while to scroll to the top and find out what the announcement was.
“Oh.” He scrolled through the piles of well-wishers. “…I feel like I should congratulate him personally.”
“That is up to you, commander.” She said.
He shook his head. Even with the war over, there would always be something here to surprise him.