"Hmm…"
Lin Lan slowly opened his eyes to see a high brown ceiling and a golden Iron Blood-style chandelier.
He vaguely remembered the previous night's banquet, where he talked a lot with his ship girls and was forced to drink quite a bit of Iron Blood black beer.
Of course, the destroyer and submarine chibis had bubbly orange juice.
The Iron Blood sausages and pork knuckle dishes were just as famous, and Lin Lan ate until he was almost bursting.
The bed he was lying on was the largest piece of furniture in his spacious room.
Apart from the large bed, the room was furnished with exquisite furniture and everyday items, indicating the thoughtful arrangement by whoever set up the room.
A mild headache and dryness reminded Lin Lan that he might have drunk a bit too much the night before.
Rubbing his eyes and sitting up, he noticed his clothes had been changed to a clean white tank top and pajamas.
Just as he was about to get out of bed, he saw a little girl sleeping at the edge of his bed.
With short brown hair and an Iron Cross hairpin, and a deep blue beret tied with a bow, she wore the signature off-shoulder Iron Blood uniform.
Lin Lan's gaze softened. This little girl held a special place in his heart.
After a moment's thought, he mischievously got out of bed, threw on his commander's jacket from the bedside cabinet, and slowly approached the sleeping loli.
Like the Big Bad Wolf sneaking up on Little Red Riding Hood.
Just as the Big Bad Wolf was about to make its move, Little Red… no, Little Blue Hat seemed to sense something and sleepily lifted her head.
"Good morning, my Nimitz teacher!"
"Eek?!"
Lin Lan reached out and lifted the slender girl from behind, pulling her into his arms.
Yes, she was one of the initial ships players start with, known alongside Javelin, Laffey, and Ayanami as part of the "Four Goddesses"—Z23, the little teacher.
(Z23)
Z23, making cute noises, seemed dazed and did not immediately realize she was being carried.
When she finally understood Lin Lan's surprise attack, she quickly became both embarrassed and angry, shouting:
"Commander! You're being too much—quick, let me down!"
Laughing, Lin Lan released his grip, and the little girl fell onto the soft bed.
She quickly adjusted her blue beret before sitting on the bed, pouting and looking at Lin Lan with her blue-purple eyes still glistening with tears.
"Commander, how come after all these years, you're still so irresponsible?"
Seeing the cute little girl in front of him, Lin Lan stifled a laugh, crouched down to her level, and gently smoothed out Z23's slightly messy brown hair.
"If I were too serious, I wouldn't be your commander."
Z23 didn't refuse Lin Lan's help with her hair; she just pouted and glared at him.
"Alright, alright, Nimi, don't be mad. I'm sorry, okay?"
Lin Lan gently patted the little girl's hat and leaned in to give her a kiss on the forehead.
Z23's eyes widened in surprise, and she stared blankly at her forehead, as if short-circuited.
After a few seconds, the grumpy little teacher finally sighed in resignation and accepted the reality.
"Ugh, Commander, you really don't show any remorse…"
Z23 was serious and diligent, the most hardworking and earnest of the Iron Blood destroyers, and even capable of teaching other destroyers with ease.
She was also the ship girl who had spent the most time with Lin Lan in the entire port area.
Not just the Iron Blood ship girls, but among all factions, she was the one who had been with Lin Lan the longest.
When Lin Lan first started playing, Z23 was his very first ship, truly a pioneer in the port.
Even though other members of the Four Royal Families joined the port early on, Z23 was undoubtedly the most helpful shipgirl to Lin Lan—his first secretary ship.
Z23 was nicknamed "Nimi-sensei" by players because her Japanese pronunciation of "2" and "3" together sounds like "Nimi."
The official manga translation team used this name, so players got used to it.
While Lin Lan was washing up, he saw Z23 making Iron Blood mint tea for him and asked:
"Nimi, when did you arrive? You didn't spend the whole night here, did you?"
Placing the teapot on the table and watching the mint leaves float in the cup, Z23 answered while blowing on the hot tea:
"Isn't it my duty to take care of the Commander? As today's secretary, I also need to prevent anyone from taking advantage of you while you're drunk."
Hearing this, Lin Lan, who was rinsing his mouth after brushing his teeth, nearly choked.
Thinking it over, it was indeed possible!
Not to mention Roon, who is a black-hearted yandere, other Iron Blood ship girls aren't exactly harmless either, each having their own quirks.
He remembered that many ship girls had looked at him with extreme longing when he was being toasted last night.
Without Nimi, his first secretary ship, guarding him, he might have been thoroughly taken advantage of last night.
After finishing his wash, Lin Lan enjoyed the mint tea that Z23 had brewed herself.
The warm, light yellow tea immediately filled his mouth with a refreshing minty flavor, clearing away the aftereffects of his hangover.
After finishing the tea, Lin Lan set the cup down and stopped Z23 from refilling it.
Nimi had stayed up all night, so making tea for him would be too much.
Pulling back the curtains, Lin Lan saw that the sky outside was already dimly lit, indicating it was around seven in the morning.
"By the way, didn't Bismarck mention yesterday that I have a lot of work to do?"
Lin Lan looked at the numerous production-type transport ships docked in the port and asked.
"Commander, although your feigned diligence is reassuring, you should rest for now. Lady Bismarck has instructed us that you don't need to do any work at the moment."
Z23 said, taking out a copper pocket watch from her pocket, checking the time, and then said to Lin Lan, "Commander, let's go have breakfast."
It was best to listen to the considerate top student. Although Lin Lan had just woken up and didn't feel very hungry, he remembered that Iron Blood breakfasts were famously hearty and decided to try it.
The two pushed open the door and left the room, only to find that the dormitory corridor was completely empty.
Seeing Lin Lan's surprised expression, Z23 explained:
"At this time, the other companions have probably already started their training and studies."
Lin Lan understood; Iron Blood ship girls were known for their rigor and discipline.
Even the playful Iron Blood destroyers and submarine cuties followed a regular routine.
Some Iron Blood ship girls were time management masters, using every minute efficiently.
As for lazy Iron Blood ship girls, Lin Lan thought for a while and remembered there was indeed one.
The battlecruiser Lützow of the Iron Blood High Seas Fleet was quite lazy in his impression.
Thinking of this, Lin Lan sighed. It seemed he didn't have to worry about becoming lazy here in Iron Blood.
If he were in the Royal Navy, he might have become lazy under the perfect Royal maid squad's care.
The two arrived at the dormitory elevator and went up to the second floor of the fortress.
As soon as they exited the elevator, Lin Lan saw many girls on this floor. Several destroyer chibis were chatting away and didn't notice him and Z23's arrival.
The first person to spot them and come to greet them was the last person Lin Lan expected.
With light pink short hair and two red streaks, she had a perfect, full figure and a very cute doll-like face.
The moment Lin Lan saw her, he took a step back, not for any other reason but because she was the ship girl who gave him the most psychological trauma in Iron Blood.
The yandere heavy cruiser, Roon.
When it comes to the ship girl Lin Lan least wants to face in the Iron Blood faction, it's definitely Roon.
As the first research ship heavy cruiser of the Iron Blood faction, Roon is a ship girl with a dual personality.
(Roon)
When dealing with her comrades, she is undoubtedly a gentle big sister, but when facing enemies, she becomes extremely ruthless and turns into a war maniac.
If it were just that, Lin Lan wouldn't have such a hesitation when dealing with Roon.
The real reason he avoids Roon is because she has a deeply hidden personality—she's a yandere.
Yes, this seemingly harmless brown-haired heavy cruiser hides a deeply obsessive love for the commander, which only fully reveals itself during the oath ceremony.
Unfortunately for Lin Lan, he wasn't aware of this at the time, and by the time he realized it, it was already too late, right after the ring exchange and oath with Roon.
"Hmm, Commander, are you serious about stepping back..."
Roon was currently wearing a white chef's apron, clearly having just come out from the kitchen.
Seeing Lin Lan's subtle movement, her previously smiling face instantly turned to one of great grievance.
Damn, that pitiful expression is too much!
Lin Lan swallowed hard, but his rationality told him not to be fooled by Roon.
He thought of an anime he had seen before, where the yandere character wielded a hatchet, and forced himself to stay calm.
Roon, Taihou, and Akagi—these three heavyweights are the most famous yandere ship girls in the game.
There was even a rumor on the forum that if the commander fell into their hands, they would be split into three pieces—literally.
Lin Lan had previously dismissed this as a joke, but it didn't mean he could keep ignoring it now.
Watching Roon approach step by step, and noticing the little destroyer chibis also paying attention to him, Lin Lan knew he couldn't avoid this predicament today.
Rather than everyone being awkward, he decided to face it head-on.
"I just had too much beer last night and didn't sober up properly."
Lin Lan came up with a casual excuse and boldly approached, mustering his courage to gently pat Roon on the head.
"Good morning, Roon."
Roon's previous look of grievance vanished, replaced by a happy and gentle smile.
Just as Lin Lan was about to retract his hand, Roon suddenly grabbed his hand with both of hers.
"Commander, let's go to the kitchen. Tell me what you want to eat, and Roon will make sure to fulfill all your wishes!"
When Roon said "all," Lin Lan clearly felt the weight of those words, causing his heart to sink.
If he were really dragged into the kitchen, with Roon's personality, Lin Lan could easily guess what would happen next.
Roon, wanting to drag him straight into kitchen play on their first meeting!
"Good morning, Roon-neesan, um…"
Z23 saw Lin Lan being forcibly grabbed by Roon and was about to say something, but Roon's cold gaze made her freeze, unable to finish her sentence.
Seeing his initial ship girl scared by Roon, Lin Lan cleared his throat in dissatisfaction.
Even if it was necessary to be forceful, Roon's little move made Lin Lan feel uncomfortable.
He needed to find a way to handle Roon, or she might really get out of hand in the future.
At a critical moment, Lin Lan suddenly had an idea.
He looked seriously into Roon's tea-colored eyes and spoke with emphasis:
"Roon, do you know…"
Roon's cold gaze softened as she turned her attention back to Lin Lan.
"Commander, what's wrong?"
Seeing that Roon was still willing to listen, Lin Lan let out a slight sigh of relief.
He took a step forward, leaned in close to Roon's ear, and whispered in a voice only they could hear:
"I really, really like you, but if my ship girls end up hurting each other, then the commander you love might disappear again."
"!"
Roon's smile instantly froze with Lin Lan's sudden remark.
Lin Lan stepped back to a normal distance and gently put his other hand on Roon's shoulder.
"So, I'd like some of the cereal you make, and don't forget to spread some jam on it."
"Oh, and prepare Z23's portion too. I'm sure she'll be very happy to eat the delicious breakfast you make."
Roon stared blankly for a few seconds. After feeling the other gazes on her, she suddenly took a deep breath and then showed a radiant smile.
"Commander, you're really too cunning, and you've grown so much."
"This makes me even more excited!"
With that, she took Lin Lan's hand with one of hers and led him towards the restaurant.
Seeing Z23 still standing there in a daze, Lin Lan hurriedly called out:
"Nimi, what are you standing there for? Come have breakfast with us!"
"Oh, oh, Commander, wait for me."
Z23 quickly followed, and Lin Lan didn't notice her face also showed a happy and relieved smile.
It seems the commander has grown a little bit.
"Good morning, Commander!" "Guten Morgen (Good morning) Commander~"
Several little Z destroyers greeted Lin Lan happily upon seeing him, and Lin Lan naturally smiled and waved back.
There will be plenty of time to interact with these lively Iron Blood chibis in the future.
After entering the restaurant, Roon personally helped Lin Lan find a seat and then hummed a tune as she went into the kitchen to prepare breakfast.
Watching Roon's back, Lin Lan silently prayed that his earlier words would keep Roon in check.
A pang of guilt arose; he truly didn't want to threaten others. But with Roon… he was genuinely at a loss.
He had never been in a relationship, and while he could handle someone like Bismarck with his understanding of ship girls, Roon's yandere nature was truly his Achilles' heel.
If he hadn't said what he did, the situation might have spiraled out of control. It was crucial that the hostility between his ship girls didn't escalate.
"Commander, thank you, but Sister Roon really doesn't mean any harm. It's just her personality..."
After Z23 sat down and noticed that Roon had temporarily left, she quickly spoke up to defend her.
"I know, I'm not mad at her. You're all my favorite girls," Lin Lan said with a smile as he poured warm water from the teapot on the table into cups for Z23 and himself.
Despite his concerns, Lin Lan knew that Roon would never hurt him easily.
Generally speaking, a yandere's obsession is rooted in an extreme love for someone. So, even if they might harm the world, they wouldn't hurt the one they love.
Or at least, that's usually the case.
"Good morning, Commander!"
Just as the two were waiting for breakfast, Lin Lan suddenly heard a playful voice behind him, and something soft pressed down on his head, startling him.
When he turned his head, he saw the culprit of last night's surprise: the heavy cruiser Prinz Eugen, along with her two sisters—Hipper and Blücher.
Prinz Eugen was pressed close against Lin Lan's back, and what had been weighing down on his head was her warm chest.
"You, you idiot, Eugen! What are you doing to the Commander in front of everyone? That's so improper!" said Blücher, the second sister, waving her hands angrily.
"Yeah, yeah! How could you steal away my most, most, most beloved Commander like that? So unfair!"
Prinz Eugen, completely unapologetic, stepped back half a step with a sly, harmless smile on her face. "Well then, dear sisters, be my guest~"
"Huh?"
Lin Lan heard Admiral Hipper's signature exclamation, a telltale sign of her tsundere nature.
"The Commander isn't your property, Eugen! Commander, I suggest you give her a harsh punishment..."
But before Hipper could finish, someone else had already made a move.
"Yay~ Commander, Commander! You're finally back! Did you miss me? Did you? My love for you has grown even more, hehe!"
The second ship of the Hipper-class heavy cruisers, Blücher, an innocent and lively girl, threw herself at Lin Lan, hugging him tightly and rubbing against him affectionately.
Seeing this, Hipper's face turned bright red with anger.
Being hugged from behind by Blücher, enveloped in her warm embrace and the sweet scent of milk, Lin Lan sighed helplessly.
It seemed that tsundere characters were going out of style for a reason.
If any of you noticed an error, please point it out in comments!
I'll fix it as soon as I can.
Don't forget to check out my other translations!
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