I really don't have money for the ship girls.

Suddenly, Longfeng uttered a number, which puzzled Yingtian. To ease the tension, he asked, "What, one hundred and sixty?"

"Your heart rate is 160. Commander, it's okay to be nervous, don't push yourself."

"...It's not that I'm trying to be brave. I'm definitely nervous, after all, it's my first time experiencing such a close-quarters gunfight, but I'm not afraid."

Ying Tian gazed at the imposing woman pressed against his back. The dragon-phoenix figure was slender and graceful, her smooth, black hair wafting a pleasant fragrance before his nose. Akagi, who had been so close to him moments before, now stood impenetrably beside him, nine fox tails appearing on her back along with Kaga and Shinano, forming a complete barrier with the other ship girls. Ying Tian didn't know the power of this barrier, but his heartbeat gradually calmed. He didn't need to know; he knew that even if a thermobaric bomb were dropped right now, he would be unharmed… probably. After all, this kind of country didn't even have an air force; having AK-47s and RPGs was already a luxury, let alone thermobaric bombs.

He smiled and said to everyone, "I'm not really scared, because I know you will protect me."

"Wow, Commander, I'm getting goosebumps."

"Bumblebee, don't talk. We need to focus on what's happening outside."

Bumblebee took a breath. "Enterprise, you're so hypocritical! You didn't interrupt the Commander when he was speaking, but you scold me when I speak. But then again, everyone wants to hear the Commander speak, including me..."

Soon, the sporadic gunfire outside the window reached a peak and then gradually subsided until it disappeared and calm returned. However, the ship girls inside the room still dared not relax.

Midway through, Taifeng also violently broke down the door of the solitary confinement room and joined in. At this point, no one thought about punishment anymore.

It wasn't until Louis IX brought back news that the opposition forces infiltrated the city and clashed with government troops, and were now suppressed by UN peacekeeping forces, that the carrier-based aircraft, risking visual detection, conducted ground-based reconnaissance, which confirmed this result.

“That’s what we say, but we can’t let our guard down. It’s hard to say what might happen later.” Belfast said as he laid out a mat on the floor. “Master, you’ll be sleeping on the floor between the two beds tonight. This mat is explosion-proof and heat-insulating. Even tungsten-core armor-piercing bullets can’t penetrate it. We’ll also be by your side, taking turns in four-hour shifts.”

Ying Tian said, "Um, isn't this a bit of an overreaction?"

“Not too much,” Zuikaku said. “Commander, you have to think about us too. If you were really injured, we would never be able to hold our heads up in the naval base for the rest of our lives.”

"...Okay, let's leave it at that. Let's get used to it for a couple of days, or find a safer place and everything will be fine."

In this situation, Yingtian naturally followed the advice, which was both a responsibility to himself and to everyone else. However, after lying down, he felt a little strange.

Besides the guards at the windows and doors, the ship girls on the beds on both sides were half asleep, ready to take turns at any time. Yorktown was standing at her feet, while the other three sides were occupied by the three fox sisters Akagi, Kaga, and Shinano, whose nine fox tails still acted as a barrier, creating an absolutely safe space.

Akagi never expected things to turn out this way. Although they weren't alone together, they were able to sleep close together, feeling the commander's breath and heartbeat. Perhaps it wasn't so bad.

"Is the Commander having trouble sleeping because of the heat?"

"Not at all, I'm not that delicate..."

Of course not. Ying Tian had hardly ever used air conditioning in his life, but this was a different story. To his right was Kaga's arm, to his left was Akagi's soft fox ears, and behind his head was Shinano. Hearing their soft breathing in the slightly dark room, he couldn't help but imagine that it was coming from their pert noses. Ying Tian no longer only had theoretical experience; this scene involuntarily reminded him of that night in England a week ago, when, amidst the sound of the waves, the Prince of Wales resembled a swan struck by an arrow…

Ying Tian quickly closed his eyes, forcing himself to stop having unnecessary thoughts and fall asleep as soon as possible. Fortunately, because he hadn't rested or adjusted to the time difference after getting off the plane today, and with so many things to do in the afternoon, he managed to fall asleep peacefully after struggling with his desires for a while. After all, he was a man who could fall asleep on a bare bed in a dark factory without air conditioning on a hot day. Humph, a mere woman, trying to disturb my sleep?

Inside the room, Taihou stared between the two beds, wishing she could grow a fox tail too. She was so angry that she almost gritted her teeth. Then Richelieu patted her on the shoulder, and she quickly covered her mouth to stop making a sound and disturbing the commander's sleep.

Taifeng would rather be locked up than experience this ultimate humiliation... No, no, if I'm not there, something even worse might happen. I have to keep an eye on them, I have to supervise them!

Seeing Taihou's expression and actions, Louis IX thought that this should be the real punishment—to kill someone by destroying their spirit.

Outside the room, Joan of Arc gazed enviously in the direction of the room, but the graceful and holy maiden remained steadfast at her post, waiting for her shift to end.

"Wait, we don't need to go up here. We didn't order any service."

The black waiter, who was being stopped, said in broken French, "This is a complimentary late-night snack from the hotel, as a gesture of sympathy for the fierce fight that just happened."

"We don't need it."

Joan of Arc possessed an invisible aura. Despite being a rather frail young girl, she exuded a power that seemed to bring disaster if one went against her will. Moreover, the waiter knew that this young girl carried a gun.

"Okay, anyway, I delivered it."

The waiter turned and walked down the stairs hesitantly, not seeing what was happening in the corridor. After reaching the first floor, he went into the stairwell, took out his phone, and said in the local language, "They were very vigilant; we couldn't find anything out."

On the other end of the phone came a high-pitched voice, also speaking the local language: "Then wait a few days, things will eventually relax, just like before."

Chapter Sixteen: Boring Life in Africa

Over the next few days, Richelieu and Yorktown went out for a bit, and also consulted hotels and embassies. Some of the houses they could rent were not as good as this hotel, at least the hotel had a diesel generator, while other houses could barely even provide basic electricity.

Moreover, the fierce battle that had taken place in the city had left the company members with lingering fears. Theoretically, this hotel in the suburbs would be safer. In addition, they had prepared a lot of ready-made and semi-finished food, as well as outdoor cooking utensils, so they did not need to go out to purchase them for the time being.

So most of the time everyone spends in the room, chatting and playing cards, so it's not too boring for now.

The same applies inside the naval base. They say that after the main force goes to war, the frequency of attacks will be increased. In reality, it's just that the schedule has changed from one day on and fourteen days off to one day on and ten days off. Moreover, the tense atmosphere turned into a sense of absurdity and bewilderment for most people after they learned that the commander had found Taihou in no time.

This matter is being discussed in almost every group.

[Hong Kong Arts Exchange Group]

Chapaev: "I'm worried that the commander might lose faith in the naval base. These two incidents happened in such a short time, and this time it was a huge undertaking, but it was resolved like a joke. In the end, we'll be stuck in a dangerous place for several months. It makes the naval base seem very unreliable."

San Francisco: "Be careful not to talk about state affairs."

Shropshire: "I hereby declare that I have no connection with this group and I need to cut ties quickly. I don't want to be dragged into reciting Das Kapital by the Northern Alliance ship girls."

Chapaev: "I am the Northern Alliance ship girl."

Shropshire: "That's all right now."

Gallisoni: "It's not like it's a large port area group, why are you making such a fuss?"

Shropshire: "Just trying to be witty. The atmosphere's been a bit somber lately, and it's hot. Let's lighten things up a bit."

Chapaev: "I'm worried that the commander might lose faith in us. These recent events make us seem so useless."

Kumano: "It has nothing to do with us. Even if we lose confidence, it's for Bismarck and the others."

York: "Don't worry, everything will be fine as long as the Princess of Wales intervenes."

Kumano: "Speaking of the Princess of Wales, how far have things progressed between her and the Commander? They should have kissed by now, Ron even kissed her on the cheek."

York: "Not only that, it's already been done."

Kumano: "?"

Magdeburg: "?"

Chapaev: "?"

Atlanta: "@York, how did you know?"

York: "I guessed."

Chapaev: "..."

Kumano: "Just a guess... Is there any reason?"

York: "Just think about it, how could someone as capable as the Princess of Wales fail to defeat the Commander twice?"

Kumano: "Tch, I don't think so."

Kumano: "@Magnetoburg, Magdeburg-chan who acts on behalf of heaven, what do you think?"

Kumano: "@Magnetoburg, come out here! I saw you pop up earlier."

Magdeburg: "Can you please understand the feelings of someone who is trying to turn over a new leaf? I am currently making amends for the trouble I have caused the naval base and the commander. I am going to sortie tomorrow, and I will be carrying out my assigned mission the day after tomorrow, so please stop trying to entice me with these boring topics. Thank you."

Chapaev: "@Magnetoburg, don't worry, after Prinz Eugen left the group, there were no other Ironblood members left in the group."

Magdeburg: "You should have said so earlier..."

Magdeburg retracted a message.

San Francisco: "Oh, so you've revealed your true thoughts?"

Magdeburg: "No, to be honest, I feel really guilty. I've caused everyone a lot of trouble, especially now that I'm on edge all day long. I don't know how the commander plans to punish me. I'm so anxious every day."

Kumano: "Why don't you just send a private message to the Commander?"

Magdeburg: "I wouldn't dare."

Magdeburg: "The commander might have forgotten about it. Isn't it like I'm reminding him?"

San Francisco: "Then why don't you find someone to subtly inquire? Carlyon is in the group. I remember that everyone who went on this mission brought equipment to contact the port area."

Magdeburg: "I'm still a little hesitant."

Kariyong: Image

In fact, Kalion had been lurking and watching everyone chat. Seeing that these people were still discussing the Commander, and that she was right next to the Commander, she felt an unspeakable sense of superiority.

So Carly Yong took a picture of Ying Tian playing cards with Princeton and the others, and even made sure to include her thighs, which were covered in black stockings, in the photo, and posted it in the group chat.

San Francisco: "I knew you were diving. I asked Bumblebee before, and she said she didn't have anything to do."

Chapaev: "I'm relieved to see the commander like this. Also, take a few more pictures."

Kalyon then shouted in the direction of Yingtian, "Commander, look here!"

Ying Tian had just been dealt a bad hand, so he looked up and asked, "What is it?"

"It's okay, just smile. Yes, smile charmingly, OK!"

Kaliyong snapped several photos and posted them in the group chat. Yingtian also glanced at Saratoga's cards and thought, "Not bad, even worse than mine. I guess I won't have to eat Stargazing canned food this time."

Chapaev: "The commander looks quite relaxed."

Kalyon: "Since we can't go out and have nothing to do, by the way, @Magnetoburg, do you want me to ask the Commander for you?"

Magdeburg: "Expression (pitiful)."

Magdeburg: "Let me ask."

Magdeburg: "Wait, I don't think I heard that Taihou was punished. Is it because the Commander isn't angry?"

Kariyong: "It turns out that Taihou was put in solitary confinement, but was later released."

Magdeburg: "I knew it! The commander is magnanimous, elegant, has the world in his heart, and loves the people like his own children. How could he really start a big war? His anger is just to make us realize our mistakes, not simply to punish us."

Kariyo: "I haven't finished yet. To ensure the Commander's safety, he sleeps with Akagi, Kaga, and Shinano, while Taihou can only watch from the sidelines."

Magdeburg: "..."

Mercury Memorial: "Damn, what kind of wife-for-wife crime is this?"

Chapaev: "I tried to put myself in that situation... but no, I can't put myself in it at all. Taiho is so pitiful."

Magdeburg: "Farewell, I'm going to make preparations for the attack. I'll atone for my sins with my own hands."

Kaliyong looked at her phone, her eyes crinkling with a smile. Here, where she could stay home as much as possible, she could only find some amusement in the chat groups.

In comparison, Yingtian was in a much worse situation. He couldn't understand the TV, the Wi-Fi was so bad that he couldn't use his phone, so he could only chat in his room. Even when he went to the toilet, someone followed him... But it wasn't all bad. After a few days, they saw each other all the time and got to know each other.

Chapter Seventeen: With Interesting Ship Girls

"Commander, you've been inside for twenty minutes."

A pleasant sound came from outside the door, and Ying Tian, ​​who was squatting on the toilet, felt that the road that was about to be clear suddenly became a bit blocked again.

"...I haven't been exercising much these past few days, it's nothing serious, I'll be fine in a bit."

"Ah."

The woman stopped talking, but it was clear she was still standing guard at the door.

I had met this famous ship girl, Yingtian, before, but it was hard to describe her temperament after meeting her. She was old-fashioned, yet she would sit on the sofa with her long legs crossed, having a drink with Essex, and then be lectured by her sister, Yorktown, to drink less. She was easygoing, yet she would remind Yingtian that she was taking too long to use the restroom after only twenty minutes. All I can say is that Enterprise fits St. Louis's description perfectly: upright and sincere. So, you can say whatever you want to her.

Ying Tian was indeed destined to be a hard worker. He used to do part-time jobs and odd jobs, stay up late doing homework, and eat carbohydrates that didn't provide much nutrition, yet he was still in great shape. Now, he just eats and sleeps, and has countless ship girls to keep him company and have fun while he passes the time. He doesn't even have to pour his own water. As soon as he had the idea, Belfast handed him the water. After living such a pampered life, he started to feel a little uncomfortable.

After using the restroom, Ying Tian took a stroll in the corridor. Long Feng and Rui He were facing each other in a spacious area at the top of the stairs, holding broom handles, seemingly practicing kendo.

Kaga and Hiryu stood to one side, the two ship girls with beautiful silver hair standing together. Hiryu was muscular and Kaga was tall, making them a beautiful sight.

It's true that having a hobby is great; it can help you pass the time. Ying Tian wondered if he should take this opportunity to cultivate a lifelong hobby.

Ying Tian watched the sword duel for a while, chatted with Kaga for a bit, and then walked towards the window at the end of the corridor. Through the open door of the room, he saw that Taihou, who had struggled all night, was fast asleep. He thought that this was actually for the best. If things could stay this peaceful, so be it.

As Ying Tian passed by a room, he was suddenly pulled into the room by a pair of outstretched hands.

"Jiajia, you..."

"Shh!" The cute pink-haired girl put her index finger to her lips and whispered, "Sister is sleeping, so please keep your voice down."

Following Saratoga's gaze, Ying Tian saw her sister Lexington lying on the bed, her long, taut legs firmly clamping the thin blanket, her long pink hair scattered like clouds on the white sheets. She was fast asleep, breathing between her nostrils and cherry lips. It seemed that even a ship girl needs to replenish her energy after a night of duty.

"Then why did you pull me in here?" Ying Tian asked in a low voice.

Saratoga didn't explain at first, but instead pulled him to the bed opposite Lexington and whispered, "Commander, you've seen quite a few sister ships, haven't you?"

"Yes, there are quite a few."

"Let me think... Yorktown and the others, the Essex Five, Shoukaku and Zuikaku, Chitose and Chiyoda, Dido and Sirius... Commander, have you noticed anything in common among them?"

If someone else had asked, Ying Tian wouldn't have been able to think of any common ground, but Saratoga asked, so Ying Tian immediately realized that these ship girls were all very large, and compared to ordinary people, especially compared to the little girl in front of him, they were absolutely unattainable.

But one shouldn't hit someone in the face, so Ying Tian pretended to be clueless and asked, "What do we have in common?"

“How silly. Never mind, let Miss Sara tell you.” Saratoga said in a mature manner, “Even sisters can have quite different personalities and appearances. For example, Shoukaku and Zuikaku have completely different personalities and hobbies. However, because they are sister ships, their figures are almost the same.”