⛔️ ⚠️ WARNING !!! ⚠️ ⛔️

This chapter contain spoilers : not only about the "Khorovod of Dawn's Rime" event, but on the Azur Lane's lore as well !

Before reading this chapter, it is strongly advised to be familiar about the Azur Lane lore, as this chapter will contain spoilers from the game, and the next chapters might contain spoilers as well !

If you are already familiar with the Azur Lane lore, then you can proceed directly into the chapter !

But if it is not the case, go learn more about the Azur Lane lore to avoid being spoiled elements you weren't aware about !

Now that the warning has been said, the chapter will start !

If you end up being spoiled about the lore, you only have yourself to blame ! After all, I did warned you, so don't put the blame on me !

And now, let's start with the next chapter !

Siren world :

3rd P.O.V

The Creator was planning his next moves, but he had to change the way his plans go because of Charles getting closer to the truth.

He was going in a secret communication room only known to him. Not even the Arbiter and Enforcer-class Sirens knew about it, and neither does the Advisor-class Sirens.

He entered the room before taking a phone. He was gonna contact a person important in his plans.

??? : Hello ?

Creator : It's me. I wanted to know how is your progress on [REDACTED].

??? : I see. You told us to speed up because of some inconveniences, right ?

Creator : Exactly.

??? : Well, we are standing ready for phase 2.

??? 2 : Oy ! Why are you on the phone ?!

??? : Please, don't interrupt the call, Azazel. Especially since it's the Creator speaking.

Azazel : Oh shit ! Why didn't you told me sooner, Elohim ?!

Creator : Still the same as ever, Azazel, I see.

Elohim : *fake cough* In any case, it's ready for when you agree.

Creator : Well, Phase 2 shall start soon. Stand ready until I give you the word.

Elohim/Azazel : Yes, Sir !

The Creator ended the call and went back to see the situation with Azur Lane.

Basilica of the Mozambican Strait :

A few days after every sector have been taken under Azur Lane control, everyone went back to the Basilica to rest.

But before that, they had to put under watch all sectors to make sure the Sirens don't try to take them back. Once it was done, they all went back to the Basilica.

Thanks to the Sirens, some portal were built to teleport anyone to one of the eight harbors where they put some bases for Operation Siren. Those harbors, of course, are New York City, St. Petersburg, Kiel, Liverpool, Brest, Gibraltar, Taranto and Dakar.

Everyone got back at the Basilica but it was at night, so they would go to sleep first. Charles was going to go sleep on his bedroom. He was alone but knew that he would find his wives in their bedroom.

As he got to his bedroom, he opened the door, expecting his wives to be either sleeping or waiting for him to come so they can sleep together.

Imagine his surprise when he entered his bedroom to see only Empress inside, with no one else, even after looking around.

He was confused as why she is there, only to remember that she confessed her love earlier and think that her being there is normal.

Charles : Good evening, Empress.

Arbiter III : Good evening, my Emperor~.

Charles : Where is everyone ?

Arbiter III : *blushes* Well, about that... Richelieu and Jean Bart told your other wives about our relationship and decided to give me a night with you and you only.

Charles : *blushes* Oh... I see.

Charles was about to change in his pajamas until Empress got closer and kissed Charles on his lips, which he reciprocated. As they stopped their kiss, Charles could see lust in her eyes. He soon knew what was going to happen.

Charles : Wait... you really want to do it...?

She was blushing madly but nodded slightly.

Arbiter III : ...Yes... I want to tie the knot with you...

Charles : ...I take it you already made that choice some time ago...

She was embarrassed but still nodded to that question.

Charles : Well, in that case...

LEMON WARNING !!!

You know the drill, if you don't want to read the lemon, then skip it until the end of the lemon.

As for the others, well, do I even need to say it ?

But in any case, let's get going ! Because we are going to have sex with a Siren !

They started kissing again, trying to fight for dominance while getting rid of each other clothes.

For Empress, it was quick with how few clothes she had on her, unlike Charles who was fully clothed.

But despite a very difficult fight for dominance but Charles managed to win, meaning he could freely explore his new territory. But of course, they had to stop the kiss because the lack of oxygen was being a bitch like always.

Arbiter III : ...Wow... Impressive.

Charles : Well, Merci.

Empress decided to lay down, clearly wanting to get to the act, by skipping the foreplay.

Charles : No foreplay ?

Arbiter III : No, I'd prefer to skip the foreplay.

Charles : Not wasting time, I see~ Very well. Let's start now.

Arbiter III : *blushing* Please be gentle... It's my first time...

Charles : Alright... Let me know when you're ready.

Charles's holy sword started to slowly enter into Empress's sheath, she moaned slightly at the new feeling of pleasure. His sword got almost to her womb, but a barrier blocked his way.

He looked at Empress, which nodded. He managed to break the barrier, but making Empress groaning slightly in pain in the process.

Charles looked to see she had some tears falling, because of the pain. He also saw a little bit of blood coming from her pussy, meaning her virginity was taken.

Charles : Shhh... Take your time...

Arbiter III : ...Thank you...

Charles decided to do a soft kiss to Empress, to help ease the pain. After a few minutes, they stopped the kiss before Empresses gave him the signal.

Arbiter III : I'm ready... but could you start slowly at first, please ?

Charles : Of course.

Charles started thrusting but at a slow pace, so Empress can get used to the new feelings she was having. She was moaning as the pain finally faded away.

Arbiter III : You can... touch them... if you want...

Charles decided to grope her breasts, gently massaging them, resulting in more moaning from Empress. But not wanting to stay passive, she used her hands to put Charles's head close enough to start making out.

Meanwhile, Charles was starting to thrust harder, making her moan louder. But after a while, Charles finally felt something coming.

Charles : Empress... I'm gonna...

Arbiter III : Inside ! Do it inside ! Give it all to me !

She put her legs around Charles's body to make sure he can't pull out his sword. A few seconds later, he finally came inside Empress, who was in pure bliss, filling her insides with his seed.

END OF THE LEMON !!!

I REPEAT : END OF TGE LEMON !!!

IF I SEE YOU BEING HORNY OUTSIDE OF THAT LEMON, YOU WILL BE SENT TO BRAZIL TO BECOME RICARDO MILOS'S TOY !!! YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED !!!

Both of them could have done more rounds but because they were really active in Operation Siren, they were a bit tired, so they decided to not continue, and instead rest.

Charles noticed that Empress was crying a bit, which worried him.

Charles : Are you okay ? You're crying. I didn't hurt you by accident, right ?

Arbiter III : No... those are tears of joy... I never felt so happy before... Thank you, my emperor. I will always cherish that moment. I love you.

Charles : I love you too. But what-

Arbiter III : Don't worry. The girls told me that you don't want children as long as war is continuing, so they gave me a pill to make sure I won't get pregnant, at least not now.

Charles : Good to know. I need time on my side as well to be ready to take this step.

Arbiter III : But still, I can't wait to finally start a family with you and the rest of your wives.

Charles : Same. Good night, my love.

Arbiter III : Good night, my Emperor.

They shared one last kiss before drifting to sleep.

(Timeskip given to you by Murmansk being cute)

Basilica, the next day :

3rd P.O.V

The sun rose up from the horizons, bringing the light on the Basilica. That same light that interrupted the slumber of both Charles and Empress, who woke up because of it.

Charles : Bonjour, love.

Arbiter III : *giggles* Hello, my Emperor~.

Charles : Well, as much as I would like to stay in the bed to do nothing, I have some important things to do.

Arbiter III : *sighs* Too bad. But oh well, let's take the breakfast.

Charles : Yeah.

Both got out of the bed before putting some clothes on after taking a shower. They both went in the cafeteria to take a breakfast.

Once they got there, they saw that they were the first to get there, without counting Oklahoma and Nevada who already where in the kitchens. It was 7 A.M, a bit later than the time Charles wakes up usually.

Nonetheless, they decided to take their breakfast. As they got to a table, some people showed up. It didn't took long before those people joined Charles and Empress on their table.

Those people were Charles's wives as well as the Advisor-class Sirens and Enforcer III.

Charles : Bonjour, everyone.

The rest : Hello, Charles and Empress.

Enforcer III : So, how was that night ?

Empress was blushing at the question, but even without saying anything, they already caught on.

Purifier : Oh boy, finally ! You got fucked by Charles !

Omitter : Hell yeah ! You got laid !

But both Purifier and Omitter got bonked on the head by Saint Louis and Jeanne d'Arc using their weapons.

Jeanne d'Arc : Silence, sinners.

Saint Louis : Don't bring divine judgement on yourselves.

Richelieu : You should know this, especially after what Satan has been through.

Satan : *in the background* Hey ! Can't you stop bullying me for five minutes, please ? I have feelings too. ;-;

Richelieu : *glares at Satan* Did I asked ?

Satan : No, Ma'am.

Richelieu : Bien.

She turned back to continue eating her breakfast with the rest. A French breakfast of course, as the Iris République were known to not appreciate eating anything salty during breakfast.

L'Opiniâtre : So, what are you going to do now ?

Charles : Well, I want to study in details some documents I found in the Arcana Sanctum to see if I can find some informations about the Creator.

Enforcer III : That was before we fought each other there, right ?

Charles : Yeah. I would like to not be bothered unless for emergencies while I study those files.

Observer Alpha : Understandable.

Observer Zero : I wonder what you will get from these.

Editor : You're gonna tell us later your findings, right ?

Charles : Bien sûr. Would be more beneficial to share those informations with you all.

Jean Bart : Well, I think I'm gonna spar with Massachusetts. She was craving for a rematch with me at full power this time.

Dunkerque : Well, I might train with the sword with Takao, Ember and George.

Émile Bertin : I'm gonna help Forbin, Le Mars, Le Triomphant, Le Malin and Le Terrible with the torpedo training.

Le Mars : Yes ! I'm ready !

Forbin : More training will help making me a fully-pledged Knight.

Le Triomphant : Alright ! And don't slack off, Le Malin !

Le Malin : I won't because I have my reasons to fight now.

Le Terrible : In any case, we should prepare ourselves.

Charles : Well, I don't know how long it will take to study those, so I better start right now. See you later.

They all ended their breakfast before going what they have planned to do.

(Timeskip given to you by Yuubari turning everyone into lolis and shotas with her invention)

Charles's office, Basilica :

Charles P.O.V

After bidding a good day to everyone, I went to my office, so I can start studying in details the files that I have downloaded thanks to TB. Once I got there, I turned on my computer before transferring the files in it.

Now that I have done this, I can finally start my investigation. I hope that I can find some useful advices about how to deal with the Creator, and his ability to nullify all skills.

Let's see what I can find in it, and I don't anything, I can always go back to the Arcana Sanctum in search of more files to look at.

It's time to look at the first file. A first step to take to end this war. I hope it will be worth it.

(Timeskip given to you by Akashi eating gems and drinking the tears of the Azur Lane players)

Charles P.O.V

Well... That wasn't what I expected to learn.

Sadly, those files say nothing about how to beat the Creator or to bypass his skills. So, this was a waste of time, or at least, that was what I thought.

Despite having no information whatsoever about the Creator, those files were a goldmine for informations about one thing :

The origins of the Wisdom Cube.

Not only that, but it also tells about the origins of the Ashes, also known here as the META Ships.

After all, nothing much is known about the Wisdom Cube other than being the reason that warships are having a human form and body. And the fact that it was of Siren origins.

But the Siren origin of the Wisdom Cube was a lie. The Siren didn't even discovered it, but it was humans.

I'm sure this information would be considered as interesting at least, up to mind-blowing. I laid back in my chair to close a little bit my eyes, after spending a lot of time on those files without taking a break.

WARNING : Spoilers about the Azur Lane lore ahead !

Auditorium of an unknown military base :

Charles P.O.V

I opened my eyes only to find myself back at the Arcana Sanctum.

Wait a minute ! How the heck I got there ?! I'm pretty sure I was in my office !

Don't tell me that what happened earlier in the submarine is happening again !

I looked around to see three figures. Once again, their faces are darkened, making it impossible to describe them.

But I noticed that two of the figures were familiar. There was that male commander and that female scientist that I remember from last time.

But the third figure, however, was unknown to me. All I know was that he was a scientist, just like that woman. I noticed he was going to speak.

??? : Uh hey... mister.

Looks like he is trying to get the attention of the commander.

??? : I AM MAD SCIENTIST !!! IT'S SO COOOOL !!! EAGLE UNION !!! CHAOS, AND INVADE !!! SONUVABITCH !!!

...Bruh. What the hell did I just witnessed...?

Author : Wow, never knew you were so cringe.

Narrator : Shut up ! That was my moment of glory to put a reference !

Author : You interrupted the plot for this ?!

Narrator : Yus.

Author : It doesn't matter. Let's rewrite this.

Take 2

But the third figure, however, was unknown to me. All I know was that he was a scientist, just like that woman. I noticed he was going to speak.

??? 1 : If we adopt this plan, there may be a chance of success. However, we must ensure that the jamming device remains operational as long as possible. In the meantime, we'll have to hold the line while evacuations are carried out. In other words...

??? 2 : We already know this, Dr. Aoste. We've taken it upon ourselves to build upon this framework.

Aoste : ... I understand. But even if that is the case, everyone has already sustained heavy losses. The actual feasibility of the timeframe you provided must be carefully evaluated... If the "Light of Dawn" is ever extinguished, then Laplace's Demon will cease to be. If we have not reached the evacuation threshold at that time, our future operational plans will be impacted.

Laplace's Demon ? I think I heard Friedrich mention that name once.

??? 3 : Worry not. I will also help buy time for you.

Aoste : ... Dr. Anzeel ?

Wait ! That woman scientist is Anzeel ?! I saw her name once in one of the files. If I remember correctly, she was behind the creation of the first KAN-SEN.

Anzeel : I've already issued too many communications through the process of commanding the operation, and they've likely already identified me for destruction.

Destruction ? Of what exactly ?

Anzeel : As long as I can continue to draw their attention, I should be able to alleviate the pressure in other places, giving you more time to implement the plan.

Aoste : But what will happen to you then ?

Anzeel : After such a fiasco, someone always has to bear the responsibility. Only now, there aren't many people left who can shoulder that burden.

Aoste : I see... You can bring your KAN-SEN along as well. However, I would like Code G to accompany my Anthiocus if possible.

That's right. Code G was the name of the first KAN-SEN. But I am more curious about whoever is this Anthiocus. I know that this name was mentioned several times by the Ashes, but still don't know much about it.

Anzeel : Very well. You can have Enterprise, and whoever else manages to survive. However, take them as far away from NY City as you can. Never let them return here.

Aoste : ... Without you here, I'm not sure I'll be able to control them...

Anzeel : What happened to the ever-so-wise and stoic Magister ? You have no choice but to give those children both a purpose and the responsibility that comes with it, right ?

I feel like this is going to be something to remember later on.

Anzeel : ...Even after you "betrayed" us, I still believe we see things eye-to-eye. And I think what you're doing is just. I completely understand you, and I trust that in their hearts, they understand you as well...

Oh God, this is getting more complicated to follow. I'm starting to get lost in their explanations.

Anzeel : I'm sure they'll need some time to accept it, but they will come to understand you one day... Yes, I'm sure of it...

That was the last words I heard before I blinked.

Back to Charles's office :

I opened my eyes to see that I'm back inside my office, thinking about what just happened. Unlike last time it happened, I got some informations about those Anzeel and Aoste. But they are still some questions left unanswered.

Who or what is Anthiocus ?

What are they trying to do ?

What's the goal of those two scientists ?

And why that Anzeel is wearing mismatched sandals ?

Because this is an heresy according to the experts in fashion. Although I'm no fan of fashion, I have basic standards. And she can't even respect them. Disgusting.

Meanwhile with Arbiter III :

3rd P.O.V

Empress was also busy on her side but for another reason. And it was linked about what happened with Charles being removed from existence for a very short lapse of time.

With the help of Observer Zero, she tries to search about the reasons of this strange and frightening predicament.

And she was right to be worried about that because of the messages appearing on a screen.

[18:44:37 : Entity MNF Charles de Gaulle removed from this Simulation.]

[18:44:38 : Entity MNF Charles de Gaulle added in this Simulation.]

Arbiter III : Oh no... It happened again.

Observer Zero : This is getting serious if it happened again. Editor, any news on your side ?

Editor : I found nothing controlling his actions. Since he is a Siren, he should be free from the chains of fate. But nothing that could explain his predicament.

Observer Zero : If it happens again, I think it would be better to ask Charles himself to see if he knows something about that.

Arbiter III : Alright. If it happens again, I'll go tell him myself about this situation.

They continued investigating about Charles's predicament.

Back to Charles :

3rd P.O.V

Anyway, I decided to put those questions on hold as I looked at the clock showing it was already 18:45 (6:45 P.M). That means we are gonna eat soon, since the cafeteria opens at 7:00 PM.

I decided to go back to my room to take a quick shower before descending to the cafeteria to eat with the others.

(Timeskip given to you by the Essex cult overthrowing the Sandy cult)

Cafeteria of the Basilica :

3rd P.O.V

Charles got to the cafeteria still closed since it was 6:55 PM. His quick shower of 10min was refreshing for him. Now, he's waiting not only for the cafeteria to open, but also for the rest to come, so he share the knowledge he has acquired.

Five minutes has passed since Charles arrived, and right on time, the doors opened, revealing Nevada and Oklahoma, but also Belfast and Dunkerque who often help them in the kitchen.

Nevada : Always on time, young man. You must be hungry right ?

Charles : Yeah, but I'd rather wait for the others to get there since they will be wanting to hear about my discoveries.

Dunkerque : By the way, did you found what you were searching for, mon chéri ?

Charles : To make it short, no, but I found something else quite interesting that I will share later.

Oklahoma : You might have to wait until 7:30 PM as it is when everyone usually come to eat dinner.

Charles : Maybe we can have an aperitif while waiting for the others ?

Dunkerque : I wouldn't mind that.

Belfast : Let me get them in that case.

Charles : Merci, Belfast. Maybe you could do the honor of joining us for the aperitif as well ?

Belfast : I will gladly accept.

Belfast came back with a small and simple aperitif but delicious nonetheless. They were chatting about various topics to pass the time.

Thirty minutes later, everyone arrived inside the cafeteria ready to eat. Charles sat at a table, where the faction leaders are joining him to eat. They were eating fish'n'chips.

Richelieu : So, did you find something useful in those files that could help to defeat the Creator ?

Charles : Sadly, no, but I found something else that could be very interesting.

Bismarck : What could be that interesting that could be shared then ?

Charles : Well, I found some informations about the origins of the Wisdom Cube.

As Charles pronounced those words, all the noises made by the various discussions stopped abruptly, making the room entirely silent. Charles was curious about why the noises stopped and looked around to see everyone staring at him.

Queen Elizabeth : The origin...

Observer Alpha : ... Of the Wisdom Cube ?

Charles : Yes.

That information was especially interesting to the scientist trio, composed of Akashi, Yuubari and U-73.

U-73 : Really ? Wow, this is revolutionary.

Akashi : Can you tell us, nya~?

Charles : Of course, those informations will be yours Akashi, for the honest and small price of 9,000 gems.

Akashi : NYAAAA ?! THIS IS TOO MUCH !!!

Charles : Oh ? Too bad then. You won't have it then.

Akashi : Okay ! I'm paying ! But don't leave those informations classified !

Akashi went to Charles and gave him the 9,000 gems. Everyone stated the jaws open at how Charles casually scammed Akashi, famous for being a scammer.

God : Did he just... scammed Akashi...?

Satan : You're a motherfucking madlad.

Charles : The future is now, old man.

He took a smug expression while putting MLG glasses, showing his victory over the scam master. But stopped afterwards, as he needs to bring the knowledge to the others.

Warning : More Azur Lane lore spoilers ahead !

Charles : Anyway, the first thing to know about the Wisdom Cube is that it's NOT of Siren origins.

Everyone : WHAAAAAAT ?!

Akagi : But the Sirens left them behind ?!

Kaga : How can you say that the Wisdom Cubes aren't made by the Sirens ?!

Charles : Well, truth be told, the Wisdom Cube actually comes from the outer space.

Foch : From beyond our atmosphere ?

Charles : Yes. Note that this happened in another Simulation, to be more accurate, Simulation #1, but at a moment, a few meteorites have crashed on Earth, more precisely in Siberia.

Yuubari : I suppose that those meteorites have been investigated.

Charles : Oui. But what the humans found inside them changed their world forever in a brand new way.

Tester Beta : Could you develop further in this ?

Charles : So, they found a new ore that they never saw before and decided to make researches on it. But what they discovered was mind-blowing. That ore could be used to produce a huge amount of energy and decided to use it as a new source of energy.

Bismarck : And how powerful was it ?

Charles : Powerful enough to replace the nuclear energy with it.

Foch : What makes it better than nuclear energy then ?

Charles : That ore has the same property has uranium, without the inconveniences and its dangers such as radioactivity.

Jean Bart : No wonder they used that instead.

Charles : And that energy was molded into a cube that we know as the Wisdom Cube, although it wasn't known under that name but another one.

Arbiter XIV : Which one ?

Charles : The Energy Cube, or E-Cube for short.

Everyone was listening with attention, knowing that it's not everyday you can learn about the origins of a Cube who gave ships a human form.

Nagato : Then, when did it became the Wisdom Cube ?

Charles : It was when they decided to use the Energy Cube for military purposes. The researchers wanted to change the type of energy used for ships. And then, there was Dr. Anzeel.

The Ashes stiffened at the mention of her name, especially Ash, something Charles noticed but kept for himself.

King George V : Who is that Dr. Anzeel ?

Charles : She was a scientist behind a project called KAN-SEN. It was apparently to create the very first ship with a human body. And that project ended with success, creating the very first Shipgirl in existence.

Enterprise : Do you have any information about who is that KAN-SEN ?

Charles : Actually... I will let you guess, because the first KAN-SEN is among us.

Everyone except Charles and the Ashes : WHAAAAAAAT ?!

Charles : And no, it isn't me, Clémenceau or Foch.

Essex : Could you at least give us a hint about who it is ?

Charles : She is known under another name, but if I tell you it, she will be instantly recognized by the Sirens.

Enforcer XIV : Are you telling us that...

Arbiter IX : ... that the first KAN-SEN is Code G ?!

Charles : I knew you would find out.

Enterprise : So, my alter self was actually the very first Shipgirl that ever came to existence ?!

Hornet : I can't believe this !

Yorktown : That's quite the surprise.

Ash : ...It's true. I am the first KAN-SEN.

Friedrich der Grosse : Then, what about the other Ashes ?

Cinder : We also come from the same world as her.

Charles : But then, the people of that world found about it and decided to do the same. That eventually lead to what is known as the Cold War.

Queen Elizabeth : Cold War ?

Clémenceau : Now, that's a name I haven't heard in a while.

Foch : Yeah, but is it different than the one we knew ?

Charles : Well, at first it was, until a mysterious enemy appeared out of nowhere.

Hiryuu META : The Sirens, right ?

Charles : Actually, the files said nothing about them. Their identity is completely unknown. I couldn't find anything about that mysterious enemy in those files because of the lack of description.

Omitter : What is that Cold War, by the way ?

Clémenceau : It was a 44 years-long war, but not as deadly as the World Wars.

Foch : It was more a war of ideologies between the two superpowers of that time.

Littorio : Who were they ?

Charles : It was the USA against the USSR, the equivalent of the Eagle Union and of the Northern Parliament respectively.

Observer Alpha : What was the situation at that time ?

Clémenceau : Well, most of the countries that participated in war were in ruins. The USA decided to help a lot of countries to raise their economy, so they won't end up under the USSR control.

Foch : That includes France, Italy, Japan and half of Germany.

Bismarck : Why only half of Germany ?

Charles : Well, the country ended up split in two, just like France did. And both parts were under the control of different countries.

Clémenceau : The western Germany was under the control of UK, USA and France, although temporary until their economy became stable thanks to the ressources given to them.

Foch : The eastern part was under the control of USSR.

Clémenceau : To make it short, their main way to lead the war was with technology upgrades, although some wars happened around the world.

Cleveland : Like which ones ?

Foch : The most known war was the Vietnamese War, which was an utter failure for the USA.

Sovetskaya Rossiya : Who won that Cold War ?

Charles : It was the USA.

Kirov : Why did our equivalent lost ?

Foch : Well, the USA have made a lot of researches in the space deapartment, especially after successfully sent a man on the Moon.

Akashi : NYA ?! IT WAS POSSIBLE ?!

Clémenceau : And USSR couldn't keep the pace with the USA in that regard. But that wasn't the only sign of USSR losing.

Foch : Indeed. There was the fall of Berlin's Wall, a historic event known throughout the world, which also symbolized the reunification of Germany.

Sovetsky Soyuz : I hope our future won't come to that. Fighting between us is worthless.

London : Well, that was really interesting to learn about all of this.

Ember : Yeah, knowing the future of another world is helpful to avoid some mistakes.

Charles : And that concludes what I found about those files.

Akashi : No wonder it was worth 9.000 gems, this is a breakthrough in our researches about the Wisdom Cubes origins, nya~!

Algérie : History is truly something incredible. No wonder you like this, darling~.

Charles : I must admit History is something I appreciate a lot.

Vauquelin : Can we eat now ?! I'm hungry !

Charles : Of course. Bon appétit, tout le monde.

Everyone else : Bon appétit.

(Timeskip given to you by Essex drowning Enterprise in lemon juice)

Basilica, the next day :

3rd P.O.V

Today was a day like any other, everyone was busy either by training or simply profit of their free time.

However, that wasn't the case for Charles as he was called by the other faction leaders for a meeting. Richelieu and Jean Bart were also with him. But unlike Charles, both knew what was going on.

Charles : Umm... is something bad going to happen ?

Richelieu : Don't worry, mon chéri. This isn't something dire.

Jean Bart : But it's something concerning you, hence why your presence is necessary.

Charles : I see... Or not. You're not making any sense.

Richelieu : Everything will be explained in the meeting room.

Jean Bart : Just chill out. Everything will be okay, and you have us after all.

Charles : Well, I have no choice but to trust you on that one then.

The three Iris figures finally got to the door of the meeting room. Charles decided to knock on the door.

Queen Elizabeth : Cone in !

Charles entered the room, followed behind by Richelieu and Jean Bart who closed the doors behind them.

Nagato : Cone sit down us with us. We will start right away with the meeting.

Charles noticed that the faction leaders weren't the only one present in the room. There were also several other Shipgirls as well.

Those Shipgirls were Yorktown, Belfast, Tirpitz, Amagi, Littorio and Sovetskaya Rossiya.

Yat Sen was also present as she was chosen to represent the Dragon Empery. But more surpringly, Empress and Ember.

Empress here was normal for Charles as she was chosen to represent the Siren Fleet that joined Azur Lane, but Ember was completely unexpected from his point of view.

Charles : So, do you mind explaining the reason of my presence here ?

Enterprise : Well, we won't beat around the bush. We know about you and the Sardegnia Empire forging bonds between the two factions by taking Littorio's hand in marriage.

Charles : So, what about it ?

Bismarck : Truth be told, we were thinking about something similar, but we couldn't go far because of everything that happened.

Charles : Wait, how long have you planned for this ?

Richelieu : Well, I heard they started it until you called for help to face Omitter and the Arctic Siren Fleet.

Charles : That long ?!

Queen Elizabeth : Indeed, although it was for important reasons, it was still irritating that we couldn't get to the end of this until now.

Charles : So, you're telling me you want to do the same thing than the Sardegnia Empire by making me marry a girl from each faction ?

Littorio : Pretty much.

Jean Bart : They talked to us about it, and after a long talk, we decided to allow it.

Charles : ...I see... But know that it will work only if the feelings for both me and the girls in question are reciprocated.

Belfast : About that, we have observed the reactions of the girls around you, and found out some girls have romantic feelings for you.

Sovetsky Soyuz : Funny enough, the girls that developed feelings for you are one girl from each faction.

Arbiter III : Fate works in strange ways, especially in our Simulation.

Charles : So, you want me to marry a girl from each faction apart from the Sardegnia Empire to solidify our bonds and keep peace between us ?

Everyone in the room nodded.

Charles : So, who are the girls you want me to marry ? And do they really have feelings for me ?

Richelieu : They do, without exception.

Queen Elizabeth : Well, from the Royal Navy, the one who will have the honor to marry you is Belfast.

Enterprise : It seems my sister Yorktown got feelings for you the same way Hornet has feelings for Foch. Take care of her.

Bismarck : Well, Tirpitz finally found the joy of human interaction thanks to you. I know I can trust you, so I'll give you my blessing to marry my sister.

Nagato : I knew it would be coming, but since you resurrected Amagi that day, she took great interest in you to the point she fell in love with you, so I support her choice.

Yat Sen : Your inspiration to protect peace and the others, no matter who they are, touched me enough to make me want to pursue that dream at your side, as your wife.

Sovetsky Soyuz : Comrade, your feats are nothing short of impressive. Reuniting everyone, Sirens included, under the same banner was enough to claim Rossiya's heart. Please, continue to give her joy once she will be at your side.

Arbiter III : I owe you a lot for everything you have done to me and the other Sirens, and then, my love for you became stronger each day. And now, I want to take the next step of our relation to assure prosperity between our races. Our wedding will be the first step towards this

Ember : I thought that fighting was the only thing important. I must thank you for proving me otherwise. Thank you for making me feel love, I would like to always be at your side, with my katana that shall only serve you.

Charles : *blushes* Well, what about you girls ? At least, for those who haven't answered yet.

Belfast : To make it simple, you always made sure everyone was alright, showing your selflessness. So, being your wife is an honor I do not deserve. I'll promise to be a good wife.

Yorktown : Well, thanks to your help, I finally got to fight with my sisters again. You bring the light I was searching for. You freed me from the darkness, and so, I fell in love with you.

Tirpitz : ...It always have been awkward to talk with others, even my with my own sister. But thanks to you and the others, I can feel the joy of humanity. I want that joy to be eternal, and that joy, I found it with you.

Amagi : I was already glad that you brought me back to life, so it was evident that you got my interest. But what I love about you is the fact you managed to bring us all together despite the grudges that some people have. You do not let the past control you, but instead forge the future we are wishing for. And I would like nothing more than to be a part of this future, at your side.

Sovetskaya Rossiya : Comrade Charles, you managed to do what our faction wanted to see : creating an iron curtain. You brought equality between all of us, regardless of our origins. This is what I admire about you : your ability to unite everyone despite the odds. I hope you are ready to face the night of my charm offensive !

Charles : *blushes more* I see. If that is your true feelings, then I will accept your choice. But what about the wedding then ?

Queen Elizabeth : Do not worry, we have already started the preparations. And since everyone is participating in some way to prepare the ceremony, we might do it tomorrow.

Jean Bart : We are truly effective when we all work together.

Charles : Damn ! Gotta prepare ourselves now !

Arbiter III : Right. Especially if the wedding will be held tomorrow.

Everyone left quickly the room to prepare themselves for the new wedding that's going to happen.

(Timeskip given to you by God judging some of the readers for being too horny)

Altar of the Basilica, the next day :

Once again, Charles was back at the altar, in his groom outfit, for his fifth and final wedding. God and Satan still had the same role, being the priest and the music guy respectively.

As for the maids of honor, each bride had the faction leader except Yat Sen who chose Ning Hai, Empress choosing Harvest (Enforcer III)  and Ember choosing Ash.

After a few minutes, the doors opened, revealing the brides that entered the room, having their own wedding dress.

(A/N : Of course, none of those images belong to me. So, credit to their original artist.

Since Ember is basically another version of Takao, I decided it was more simple to give her Takao's dress.

As for Arbiter III : The Empress, I only found the image above because she has very few fanarts, so I have to do with this instead for now.)

Everything went smoothly and the ceremony ended with the oath rings given to Charles's new wives.

The party after that was lively, mostly thanks to Seattle and San Diego who designed it. Everyone were having fun.

Charles saw Clémenceau and King George V being lovey-dovey, so he approached them before whispering in Clémenceau's ear.

Charles : *whispering* When will I become your best man for once ?

Clémenceau blushes from embarrassment while Charles smirked. King George V looked amused at his reaction.

Charles : In any case, George, you have my blessing if you know what I mean.

King George V : That's good to know. Makes me wonder who will do the first move.

Charles : I'm curious as well.

Charles stopped the discussion, seeing his new wives waiting for him to join them in his bedroom.

Charles : Until then, good night.

That was his last words before he went to his bedroom for some private bonding time.

(A/N) : And that's it for chapter 40. I hope you have enjoyed it. Feel free to leave your feedback and opinion in the comments.

First, I wanna thank you for 50K reads on this book. I never knew it would get to such threshold, especially for someone as lowly as me. I appreciate your support.

And secondly, the next chapter will have a collab with another Azur Lane author on Wattpad. I won't tell you who it is as it is a surprise. But some people might already know who I'm talking about, because some people actually suggested something like that.

In any case, I hope you are ready for Ashen Simulacrum rerun and for Ark Royal META. Good luck for you.

Thanks for reading this chapter. And see you in the next one.

TheBreizhOne out !

________________________________

New characters that have appeared in this chapter :

Anzeel (left) and Aoste (right) :

U-73 :

London :

Of course, none of those images belong to me. So, credit to their original artist.