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

Jintsu quickly grabbed Kawauchi's hand and said, "Sister, please stop talking."

Not far away, the ship girls of Donghuang were happily celebrating Zhenhai. Zhaohe, after hearing what Chuannei said, put his hands on his hips and said, "What do you know? Commander, this is called recommending people without regard to enemies or relatives. I don't know how much higher your level is."

"It's not like you're the advisor, why are you so smug?"

Zhao retorted, "Neither Shentong nor Tiancheng said anything, so what do you have to say? Are you a strategist too?"

The two wanted to argue further, but Ying Tian was already announcing the next appointment in the group chat.

Ying Tian: "The second appointment is that the interdimensional travel device is the core of the Second Naval Base project and the place where the problems occurred twice. Therefore, I will appoint someone to be fully responsible for it, not only to plan the development progress of the interdimensional travel device, but also to take responsibility for it. Since Peter Strasser is the head of the research group, for the sake of management, this matter will be handled by the Ironblood flagship Bismarck."

Ying Tian: "@Bismarck, is there a problem?"

After waiting for a while, no one replied in the group.

Ying Tian: "Is Bismarck not here? Could someone please tell her?"

Inside the mess hall, Mainz waved his hand in front of Bismarck's eyes and said, "Bismarck, the Commander is looking for you in the group chat. What's wrong?"

Lost in thought, Bismarck snapped out of her reverie. Seeing many people staring at her, she opened her phone and asked, "Have new punishment measures been announced?"

"No, the commander has a mission for you."

Bismarck paused for a moment when she saw the appointment in the group chat, and typed, "Commander, are you sure it's me?"

Ying Tian: "What's the problem? I chose you because I believe you can handle this job. It's a job with little reward, and you'll even be punished for making mistakes. You can refuse if you don't want to."

Bismarck: "No."

Even so, the Commander still believes in me...

Bismarck bit her lip, and suddenly felt that nothing else mattered. She had to do this one thing well, and yes, there was also the shredded pork with garlic sauce that would satisfy the Commander.

Bismarck: "I would be happy to, and I will certainly not let the Commander down."

Ying Tian: "Alright, then let me announce the last appointment. The Prince of Wales will be in charge of the overall command of the Second Garrison Project, responsible for coordinating the implementation of the two worlds and the General Command Project."

Prince of Wales: "Yes."

This appointment was not unexpected, as it was common knowledge that the Prince of Wales enjoyed the commander's deep trust. However, the fact that he was not appointed as the secretary ship was something many people did not expect.

Then Ying Tian sent another message in the group.

Ying Tian: "In addition, we need a secretary ship to be in charge of the daily operation of the naval base. She needs to coordinate the work in the port area, allocate all the resources in the port area, and be directly responsible to me. Given that this work is very important, I will not designate her directly. Anyone who is interested can sign up directly, and finally we will select a secretary ship that everyone agrees on."

Ying Tian: "Alright, that's all I wanted to announce today. I've lifted the ban."

As expected, the announcement from the secretary ship caused a huge uproar. In the instant the chat was muted, a lot of messages were quickly flooded into the group, and some people even directly asked Yingtian about it.

Chapter Thirty-Two: Openly Repairing the Plank Road

"Commander, can everyone sign up?"

"The secretary ship is responsible for the daily operations of the naval base, so can our people sign up?"

How are the selections conducted, and what are the selection methods?

Ying Tian was surrounded by a large group of people asking him questions non-stop, and his brain was about to explode from the noise. The group chat was getting 99+ questions per minute, with new questions flooding the screen the moment someone asked a question.

He had no choice but to turn off the mute function again and send messages in the group.

Ying Tian: "First, I will set up a registration mini-program in the group. People who want to register can simply fill in their name and information on the mini-program."

Ying Tian: "Secondly, the selection method will be announced after the registration is over. Don't worry, since we are selecting a secretary ship, it will not be done hastily. We will definitely select someone that everyone trusts. Of course, it doesn't matter if a few people don't trust us. The secretary ship will be directly responsible to me. When I am not at the naval base, the existence of the secretary ship is equivalent to that of the commander, allowing me to act as I see fit."

Ying Tian: "Finally, everyone can sign up, but those who sign up should be mindful of their abilities. The secretary ship needs to be very capable. If I get eliminated in the first round, it won't be me who loses face."

Ying Tian: "With great power comes great responsibility. The secretary ship is meant to serve everyone, not to be a joke. I hope everyone understands this before signing up. Alright, I'm lifting the ban."

There was really no need to lift the ban, because everyone in the cafeteria had already started discussing it.

"Wow, impressive! A secretary ship, acting as the emperor's representative, acting with authority, and wherever it goes, it's as if the emperor himself is there." The vanguard shook his head, then the blonde beauty realized that she seemed to have revealed a bit of chuunibyou (a Japanese term for someone with delusions of grandeur), so she quickly coughed and said, "Ahem... It is truly a noble and honorable thing to be able to shoulder such a heavy responsibility for everyone, I am tempted."

The formidable one had already finished dinner. The elegant and graceful royal lady said thoughtfully, "Since the commander is not at the naval base now, the secretary ship is the most powerful vessel in the port area. Doesn't that mean it can do whatever it wants?"

Last time, her older sister Illustrious didn't take her to see the Commander. Although Formidable didn't say anything, she was still a little unhappy. To vent her emotions, she secretly went to a small bar and danced with Washington and Maryland from the Eagle Union while complaining. If she could become the secretary ship, wouldn't she be able to do whatever she wanted and meet the Commander whenever she wanted? Even Illustrious can't control herself.

"Bah!"

With a loud slam on the table, a black-haired ship girl suddenly stood up.

"I've made up my mind, I want to run for secretary ship!"

"Royal Ark, mind your manners, why are you so agitated?"

“Hahaha…” Royal Ark quickly sat down and explained to Hood, “I can’t contain my excitement at the thought of having such an opportunity to contribute to everyone.”

"Are you really trying to make a contribution, or are you thinking about something else?"

"Hey, Glory, don't slander someone's innocence out of thin air. How can you doubt a soldier's sincere heart like this?"

This is a lie.

Contributing to others is certainly an honor, but Royal Ark is already thinking about other things. Once she becomes the secretary ship, she can do whatever she wants in the naval base, with a Javelin in her left hand, a Vampire in her right, a Tashkent on her back, and malice on her chest. Ah, so many lovely destroyers and submarines to dote on at will, it's simply paradise.

"The position of secretary is very important, and the competition will definitely be fierce."

Hood gracefully put down her teacup and looked at her friend beside her, saying, "Wales, the Commander has already assigned you an equally important position, which probably means that you should avoid competing for the secretary ship position."

“I understand. In fact, I don’t want to be the secretary ship either.” The Prince of Wales waved her hand magnanimously. She had already obtained something far more important than the secretary ship, and her position as the head of the Second Naval Base Project was no less important than that of the secretary ship.

"It is precisely at times like these that we must unite as one." Hood looked at the ship girls sitting beside her, all of whom were the backbone of the Royal Navy: Wales, Duke of York, Illustrious, Elizabeth... Elizabeth aside, Hood raised her head and said, "As everyone knows, I am the pride of the Royal Navy."

"So?" The Duke of York raised an eyebrow.

"Therefore I hope you will fully support my election, so as not to let down the pride of the Royal Navy."

"I think we shouldn't put all our eggs in one basket."

The Duke of York was indeed a formidable opponent.

"I'd like to give it a try too."

How come even you, Glorious...

Hood gently rubbed his forehead. It seemed that he would have to rely on the proud and hard power of the Royal Navy.

The style is quite different on the Iron Blood Ship Girls side.

Bismarck, while leading everyone out, said, "I've been given other missions, so I won't participate... Tirpitz, would you like to participate?"

The woman with short, silver-white hair turned her head slightly, and just like the indifferent expression on her face, the words that came from her thin lips seemed to carry an icy indifference: "Bismarck, do you want me to participate?"

After a moment's hesitation, Bismarck said, "If you're willing, I hope you'll try to win it over."

"Oh... I'll consider it."

“Alright.” Bismarck forced himself to turn his head and said, “In that case, I hope everyone will give their full support to the candidates, especially Frederick.”

Frederick the Great crossed his arms and said, "Bismarck, do you think I have the best chance?"

"Yes."

"I was originally thinking of giving this opportunity to other children... Well, it might not be bad to give it a serious try."

Littorio told Veneto that the position was obvious and belonged to him.

Marco Polo remained silent, pondering how to seize this golden opportunity.

Mikasa pulled Amagi back to the dormitory, feeling it necessary to have a good talk with this Sakura Empire strategist.

"Yixian, this is a great opportunity!" Binjiang patted Yixian on the shoulder excitedly.

"The competition will definitely be fierce."

"So what if it's intense? We still have Zhenhai, who can provide us with inside information from over there."

"Hmm... I will try my best."

Yi Xian gently rested her chin on her hand, her cascading black hair sliding down her cheongsam. She lacked confidence, which wasn't due to her personality; reason also told her that the probability of becoming the secretary ship was very low. However, if she could perform well in the competition, at least she could get the commander's attention...

Soviet Rossiya and Soviet Belaros are drinking alcohol, which is a stimulant.

Jeanbart made no comment; the messages in the group were all relayed by Dunkirk.

Amidst this lively discussion, few noticed that Ying Tian had posted another message.

Ying Tian: "@Bismarck, have the research team prepare to send @Prince of Wales over now. I need to speak with her."

Upon seeing the message, the Prince of Wales replied "yes" and stood up to go to the research building.

Hood asked warily, "Why did the commander suddenly send you over there?"

"I don't know, he didn't say. Maybe they were discussing the selection of a secretary ship."

The Prince of Wales said this, but she had a feeling that it probably wasn't true.

Chapter Thirty-Three: A Secret Maneuver

The commander has never actively designated a ship girl before, but it makes perfect sense if that person is the Prince of Wales.

Now almost everyone in the naval base knows that the commander's trust in the Prince of Wales is extraordinary, so many people think that the Prince of Wales will become the secretary ship. After all, the commander's trust already means that he can win the trust of the vast majority of people.

Moreover, despite the envy, no one resents this trust. On the contrary, it shows that the commander values ​​relationships. As long as relationships are valued, other things will be easier to handle.

According to a ship girl who wishes to remain anonymous, I have everything Prince of Wales has: a wasp waist, big breasts, beautiful legs, good looks, ability, and my feelings for the commander are no less than hers. I can wear black stockings or white stockings, and I can even pull off maid outfits, police uniforms, and flight attendant uniforms... In short, I, Atago, am no less than Prince of Wales.

Many people didn't say anything on the surface, but in their hearts they quite agreed with Atago's words. If they hadn't had too high a level of affection for the Commander back then, which didn't conform to the principles set at the beginning, they would definitely have done better than the Prince of Wales now.

The vast majority of ship girls are very confident, which is understandable. They are beautiful, powerful, and fight against destroyers of civilization as noble warriors. Of course they would be confident.

Bismarck watched as the Prince of Wales entered the time machine. She thought for a moment and said, "Give my regards to the Commander. It's a pity I didn't have time to prepare a plate of shredded pork with garlic sauce, otherwise you could have given it to the Commander for his tasting."

The Prince of Wales smiled and said, "Alright, actually, shredded pork with garlic sauce is just a euphemism. What matters is the attitude. Once the commander receives it, he will naturally trust those who are willing to take responsibility."

"I see."

Bismarck pursed her lips, thinking that this was precisely why she needed to hone her culinary skills even more, and she must not let down the commander's trust.

It's a pity that the Prince of Wales couldn't hear Bismarck's thoughts, otherwise she would have said directly, "That's not what I meant. I meant that the thought is what counts. It's okay if you don't cook the shredded pork with garlic sauce. After all, I tried it once before..." How should I put it? I'm a ship girl with strong vitality, while the commander is just an ordinary person.

However, even if the Prince of Wales could hear, she could no longer speak, because with a flash of white light, her body disappeared into the machine.

During the brief time travel, the Prince of Wales couldn't help but ponder why Ying Tian had summoned her, discuss the appointment of the secretary ship, how to resolve the issue of the main carrier force being stranded in the Commander's World, or perhaps...

As she pondered, the Prince of Wales' thoughts drifted back to that night by the sea. Under the commander's control, she was no longer a princess, but merely an ordinary woman who had been satisfied, lingering in blissful intimacy.

Thinking of this, the Prince of Wales seemed to have guessed something. He had been delayed because of Taihou's matter. Given the Commander's personality, he would probably do something now.

In the blink of an eye, the Prince of Wales felt grounded again. The room was deliberately dark, with a few candles casting an uncertain glow. She looked up and saw the face of the man she had longed for day and night, his expression tender in the candlelight. A smile bloomed on her face.

"You called me here just to show me candles?"

“Of course not.” Ying Tian stepped forward and said, “I sent you to see me.”

The Prince of Wales smiled and said, "Okay, I see now. What's next?"

"after……"

Ying Tian had been agonizing in his room about what posture he should adopt—whether to kneel on one knee or quickly find a bouquet of flowers. But after meeting the Prince of Wales, he immediately understood that posture was completely unimportant.

He gently took the Prince of Wales' left hand and placed the ring, still warm from his touch, on her slender finger: "Alright, now you're completely bound to me, my Wales."

The Prince of Wales gazed at the gleaming ring on his finger and said softly, "Even without this ring, I would have been bound to you long ago."

"So now, there's only one last step left."

Ying Tian took out his phone, opened the port chat software in front of Wales, and sent his last message of the day in the large group.

Yingtian: "@All members, there is one more thing to announce. The Prince of Wales has accepted my marriage proposal, so she is now my marriage ship."

Denver: "If you ask me, the most suitable one to be the secretary ship is still the big sister Cleveland. She's someone even the commander has to call 'Dad.' Who would dare to disagree?"

Scharnhorst: "I'm not convinced. The commander has called so many people random things, like 'Mom' and 'Madam.' He's called so many people 'wife,' but in the end, he only had two married ships."

After the usual two messages, the group fell into a deathly silence.

Atago: "???"

Chapaev: "Is this a real commander's account?"

Hao: "Congratulations, Sister Wales! Hooray!"

Columbia: "Although I expected this, the commander is so cunning, sending out this kind of message now."

Messages flashed rapidly in the group chat, but all of this was no longer relevant to Ying Tian and the Prince of Wales. After sending the message, Ying Tian tossed his phone onto the sofa.

Finding love you've been longing for is happiness; having your beloved announce your love to everyone is the icing on the cake.