Elder brother's garrison

"Thank you, Admiral Lu Lin." Rome bowed his head.

"Have some coffee." Xiaobai gently pushed the Roman coffee cup towards him.

Rome nodded, picked up her coffee cup, but still didn't drink it.

"What's wrong? Is there something else?" Xiaobai asked suddenly, noticing Rome's reaction.

"……Um."

"What else?"

"And then there's... a small matter."

"A small matter?" Xiaobai blinked.

“I heard some things about Admiral Lu Lin from Sister Veneto, and I also learned some things about myself.” Roma tapped her coffee cup lightly with her fingers, her gaze fixed on the liquid inside, a hint of sadness in her eyes. “In their words, I am a selfless and outstanding older sister. In order to allow the Empire to come into contact with the world sooner, I sacrificed the opportunity of birth that should have been mine, and pushed the Empire to come to your side.”

“That’s certainly true.” Xiaobai nodded and said seriously, “For the Empire, you are indeed a respectable older sister, that’s undeniable.”

“...But I have no memory of that,” Rome said.

"...After all, you're a ship girl who appeared through normal construction...it's normal to forget your memories of that gray world," Xiaobai echoed. "Actually, for you, it's enough that you just know these things are true."

“But Admiral Lu Lin, I don’t feel it’s real,” Roma said to Xiaobai. “Just like before, when I was treated as a special ship girl by the people in Chapter 8, although the gazes they cast were mostly respect and admiration, I personally didn’t feel that reality… Facing the Empire, although her appearance made me feel very close, her gaze made me feel very panicked… I’m really worried that if I’m not the Roma they revere, but another ship girl who’s impersonating her, what should I do? The goodwill I receive is ultimately not mine.”

“You can rest assured about that. You are exactly the same as the Rome in the Empire’s memory,” Xiaobai said. “Whether it’s appearance, temperament, or speech, you are the same person.”

“Thank you, Admiral Lu Lin… but I still want to see it with my own eyes.” Roma shook his head. “So…”

"so?"

“Admiral Lu Lin, I heard from the Empire that you once obtained this memory of hers and shared it with the Commander and Admiral Luo Lian.” Rome raised his head and looked at Xiao Bai sincerely. “I beg you, could you also give me a copy of this memory? I want to confirm this memory with my own eyes.”

"Eh... so your second thing is that you want to see the Empire's memories?"

"Yes." Rome leaned forward slightly and said earnestly, "May I ask?"

"Hmm... I can do that." Xiaobai thought for a moment, then said to Rome, "However, sharing my memories with you will inevitably cause my Admiral Network to enter your body, right? Is that alright?"

“It’s alright. I obtained the Commander’s permission before coming here,” Roma said as if she had been prepared. “The Commander said that she would not have any objections no matter how you treat me, Admiral Lu Lin. As for myself… this was my unilateral request, so I have no objections either.”

"Well, you came prepared." Xiao Bai chuckled. "Looks like this second matter is your most important reason for seeing me tonight, isn't it?"

"..." Rome lowered its head, without denying it.

"Alright, it seems you're anxious too." Xiaobai stood up, walked to Rome, raised her hand and said, "Since you want to see the Empire's memories so much, then go ahead... But I have to say this first: everyone's constitution is different. Nia and Lianlian already have Admiral Networks, so they can barely accept my mental power. As for the Empire... this memory itself originated from her, so it's naturally easier for her to accept it. But you're different. First of all, you're not my ship girl, secondly, you don't have an Admiral Network, and finally, this memory doesn't originate from your body. Therefore, my mental power is very difficult for you to break down and accept. When this wisp of memory is inputted into your mind, you might wake up at any time."

Rome nodded and closed his eyes.

Seeing Roma's resolute expression, Xiaobai sighed, then gently poked the golden brand on Roma's forehead with his finger.

His spiritual power then dispersed, stripping away the part containing the imperial memories and transmitting it into Rome's body with this finger.

Chapter 2667 Veneto is like the wildflower by the roadside.

Rome had almost no chance to react. The instant Xiaobai's spiritual power entered her body, Rome fainted and fell into Xiaobai's arms.

Little White was prepared and quickly reached out to hug Rome.

Rome's body was delicate and boneless. Although she was unconscious and unconscious, her eyes were lightly closed and she leaned over Xiaobai's arms, which was still very elegant and graceful.

"I wonder when he'll wake up..."

Xiaobai sighed, hugged Rome in her arms, and looked around the room.

Rome's physique is different from Nia's and Luo Lian's. It will probably take a while for her to digest Xiao Bai's memories.

I can't hold her the whole time...

Thinking of this, Xiaobai first looked down to check on Roma's condition. After confirming that she really wouldn't wake up anytime soon, he bent down, hooked Roma's knees behind her, and picked her up in a princess carry.

Xiaobai put Rome on his bed.

The room Nia prepared for herself had a super king-size bed that could sleep at least three people, so there was more than enough room for Rome.

"Why don't you rest here for a while?"

Xiao Bai looked at Roma lying on her bed, put her hands on her hips and nodded.

"Hmm... but it seems like the clothes are a bit messy."

Xiao Bai looked around at the clothes worn by the Romans and muttered a few words to himself.

Although Roman clothes are gorgeous, they are also quite layered, with at least seven or eight layers inside and out. The robes for the lower body alone are very thick. When Xiaobai picked them up, the clothes were somewhat disheveled due to some physical contact.

Xiao Bai walked to the foot of the bed, gently untied the red Roman shoes from her feet, and neatly placed them under the bed.

She wore no socks inside her Roman sandals, revealing a pair of slender, beautiful feet that were fair and delicate, with ten toes of just the right length, crystal clear.

Xiao Bai then helped Roma straighten the hem of his robe.

"Huh? So this robe is split in the middle? Hmm... It looks like it's intentionally designed to let others see her thighs..." Xiaobai sighed as she adjusted the hem of the Roman skirt. "But it's true... It would be such a waste to keep such beautiful long legs hidden under a skirt."

After tidying up Roma's skirt, Xiaobai then tidied up Roma's top.

"Wow... Rome's waist is so slim... I didn't notice it until it was covered by that gold and red robe..."

"Her breasts are so full...and they have a faint rose scent when you get close."

"This size... well... it's probably not very big among Nia's ship girls... but it's not small in my naval base either." Xiaobai straightened Roma's clothes, then picked up a strand of Roma's black curly hair and rubbed it. "Her hair feels so nice... it looks so thick."

"Huh...over there, I can't reach it..."

Standing by the bed, Xiaobai suddenly noticed that on the side of Roma closest to the bed, several strands of hair were tangled together.

Given the smoothness of Roman's hair, this simple knot will naturally unravel with just a pinch and a gentle shake.

Xiaobai reached out towards the tangled hair, but found that she couldn't reach it from that position. So she thought for a while, then took off her shoes and quickly climbed onto the bed. She carefully squatted between Roma's legs and bent down to touch the tangled hair.

The moment Xiaobai touched the knotted hair of Rome.

It was as if it were a long-planned prank.

A series of light footsteps suddenly sounded outside Xiaobai's room.

Xiao Bai's door was opened in response.

"My lord~ I've arrived. I was delayed on the way today, have you been waiting too long?" Wearing only a thin nightgown, Akagi Fukami hugged a pillow and entered with a smile, opening Shiro's door. "My lord, tonight I'll help again..."

The moment Akagi saw the situation in Shiro's room, her smile vanished as if it had been paused.

Little White in the room.

I'm currently in bed with Rome.

Rome lay quietly on the bed with her eyes closed, while Xiaobai sat on Rome's waist, sticking her butt out and pressing against the bed, while pinching a strand of Rome's black hair with her other hand.

"Huh? Akagi Akagi??" Xiaobai quickly let go of Roma's hair and stared at Akagi Akagi in shock.

"Oh dear, I've really encountered someone unexpected..." Akagi Fukami came back to her senses, covered her mouth, and looked at Shiro with a smile, her red eyes full of teasing. "I didn't expect that Master's speed in taking action... would be even faster than I imagined."

"Wait, no, things aren't like that..."

"My lord, I understand. I am very sensible. I will not speak carelessly, hehe..." Akagi Fukami covered her mouth, hugged her pillow, and turned around.

"No, don't go! Akagi Fukumi, Rome, she just came to talk to me!"

"Talking heart-to-heart and then into bed is also a kind of charm of the Lord."

"No, no, no, no—"

"My lord, trust that I will keep my mouth shut." Akagi turned back, smiling sweetly at Shiro, and gently closed one eye. "I won't tell Admiral Nia about what just happened, so please enjoy yourself. Since you have company tonight, I'll take my leave now~"

Then, before Xiaobai could say anything to stop her, Shenhai Chicheng had already left amidst a series of giggles.

After leaving, Akagi from the Deep Sea even closed the door for Shiro.

Soon, only the sound of quiet breathing remained in Xiaobai's room.

Xiaobai knelt on the bed, reaching out to look in the direction of the departing Akagi. His mouth was open for a long time before he helplessly lowered it.

"Ugh……"

All sorts of emotions ultimately boil down to just one word.

I have a feeling... I was really misunderstood by Akagi Fukami...

Why did she have to come at this strange time of year?

Xiao Bai looked down helplessly at Roma, who was lying quietly on his bed, as dignified and elegant as Sleeping Beauty in a fairy tale, and couldn't help but sigh again.

This is truly... worrisome.

……

The night was incredibly long.

The next morning arrived quickly.

Without Missouri, without Changchun, and even without the deep sea and Akagi, the nights were basically no sleep for Xiaobai. So, Xiaobai, who was suffering from insomnia again, simply sat next to Rome all night with his arms wrapped around his legs.

As the sun gradually shone on the earth and the sunlight outside the door became brighter, the sounds of the ship girls moving around gradually emerged.

A short while later, there was a knock on the door.

"Admiral Lu Lin, are you awake? Um, I need to open the door..."

After three knocks, a clear, ringing voice came from outside the door.

Then the door was gently pulled open.

Veneto cautiously poked his head in.

"Admiral Lu Lin, excuse me... Have you seen Rome? We woke up today and found she wasn't in her room... Oh dear! She's really here!" Veneto was halfway through her sentence when she saw Little White sitting by the bed and Rome lying peacefully on the bed. She exclaimed in surprise and quickly opened the door and ran in. "Admiral Lu Lin! You look so tired! Rome didn't do anything to you, did she?"

"Haha...no, it's nothing..." Xiaobai smiled at Veneto as he walked in.

Veneto was followed by Littorio and the Empire. As soon as the three sisters entered the Xiaobai family, they acted as if they were at home, showing no signs of awkwardness, and went straight to Xiaobai's bed.

“I knew Rome would come looking for Admiral Lu Lin.” Littorio looked at Rome on the bed, then smiled at Xiaobai. “Admiral Lu Lin, Rome hasn’t caused you any trouble, has she? If she has, I’ll teach her a lesson for you.”

"No, we had a great chat last night..." Xiaobai said a few polite words.

"Huh... Roma seems to still be sleeping? Is she such a sleepy person? Why is she sleeping here with Admiral Lu Lin?" Veneto covered her mouth. "I'm so envious... so greedy."

"Rome came to me yesterday and asked me for a copy of the Empire's memories," Xiaobai said.

"Huh? The memories of the Empire? Does that mean the Empire's past life?"

"Yes."

"It takes that long to digest?"

"After all, people's physical constitutions are different."

“I see…” Veneto bent down curiously, looking at Rome on the bed.

Just then, as if sensing Veneto's approach, Roma's eyebrows twitched and his eyes moved slightly.

"Hey? Look, Rome is waking up!"

Rome, lying on the bed, slowly opened her eyes.

“…Sister Veneto?” Roma saw Veneto for the first time and spoke instinctively.

"Good morning, Rome," Veneto smiled. "Did you sleep well at Admiral Lu Lin's house?"

"...Did I...spend the night at Admiral Lu Lin's place?" Roma asked absentmindedly, her gaze shifting until she saw Xiaobai sitting beside her. "...Ah."

The moment Rome saw Little White, he snapped back to reality.

Rome quickly stood up and stared at Little White with wide eyes.

"Admiral Lu Lin, I..."

"Shh." Little White held up one finger to Rome, then pointed behind Rome.

Rome followed the direction Little White was pointing.

The Empire was standing behind him, watching him quietly.

Rome looked at the Empire, her gaze shifting through a series of transitions—from bewilderment and confusion to clarity and understanding—before finally settling back to normal. Rome turned to look at Little White, and seeing Little White's smiling face seemed to encourage her. She turned back to look at the Empire, then took a deep breath.

"The Empire," Rome declared.

"Hmm." The empire drew near.

"...Although I used a bit of cheating on Admiral Lu Lin's side," Rome said slowly, extending his hand towards the Empire, "I did see that memory with my own eyes...In that gray world, it seems we had already met. Although it wasn't a memory I recalled, now I think I have some confidence to face your gaze."