Zzzz...

Zzzzzz...

Hold on... this is a dream, isn't it?

What the? Why is there just a random door in the middle of nowhere?

...

Guess I'll go take a look.

I approached the door and slowly opened it.

I saw...

Richelieu: *hic* M-Minato... are you ready to... do it... some.. b-baby-making?

Is she seriously asking me this!?

Minato: ...

hehe...

I entered the door but, I know what was going to happen...

SIREN Kevin: WATCHA WATCHING BOI- Huh? What are you doing?

Minato: You see my dear mysterious figure. I already know your motives. 3... 2... 1...

SIREN Kevin: The hell are you on about?

Akira: YOU NEVER IT COMING!!!

Akira: HOW ABOUT YOU GET CAUGHT IN 4K!?!?!? BECAUSE YOU'LL BE DEFEATED BY ERZA! LOL!

Akira: But whatever! We Caught you! In 20k, hdr, 1200fps, super stalinium, ios 69, blu-ray, ultraviolet radiation, 1080p, playstation 6!!!

*FLASH*

SIREN Kevin: Augh! What the-!?

Yu: READY BOYS!?

Yu, Akira, and I just did the best prank ever.

Heh, maybe we took care of Kevin before Erza.

Your welcome world. Now we can all sleep peacefully...

Zzz...

zzz...

zzz...

Minato: *yawn* That was a good sleep.

I looked to my left and noticed I was being hugged by Richelieu. She's hugging me as if I was her personal body pillow.

Jeez... it feels like we're a married couple. However, I don't mind if she is hugging me because it seems that she is sleeping peacefully.

After Richelieu and I finished making out, I decided to sleep with her last night. No, we did not have a "night battle". I'm sure Richelieu would be embarrassed to death of the thought of us having sex.

Wait a second... is she sleeping naked!?

I lifted the covers and... phew... she slept with her pajamas, puffy white shorts and a pink shirt.

I gotta say, she looks cute in anything she wears.

I placed my hand on her head.

I swear to you Richelieu... I'll protect you and make sure we win this war.

*knock* *knock*

I heard a knock on Richelieu's door. I was thinking of waking her up but, she's sleeping so peacefully. Suppose I'll open it instead. Don't want to disturb her sleep.

I got up from bed and opened the door. I noticed two girls at the door, Belfast and Sirius. Both are holding trays of food.

Sirius: Good morning, Master.

Belfast: Ara~ Sleeping with Cardinal Richelieu? Did you two do anything... 'special' last night?~

Minato: What the—of course not!

Belfast: Hehe~ I'm only joking. Is there a little one planned though?

Minato: Belfast. It's 5 in the morning. Don't ask me that!

Belfast: Did you know us maids get up earlier than you?

Minato: Tch.

Sirius entered the conversation.

Sirius: A child between the Cardinal and Master? Would the child be considered a "Humsen"?

Minato: What's that?

Sirius: I just combined Human and Kansen.

Belfast: Heh, nice name Sirius. I'm sure Master loves that idea.

Minato: We just became a couple! So can I just be with Richelieu in peace?!

Sirius: Well... everyone on the port already knows your relationship with you and Richelieu...

Minato: Oh, I forgot about that... but, Kansen can't have children anyway. So whatever...

That's what I've heard at least...

Belfast: You don't know until you try~

Belfast... ugh. But a child with Richelieu? I love her but that's something future her and I have to agree on.

Not to mention, I'm inevitably gonna see her in a swimsuit... hope my lower area can stay calm or Richelieu would think I'm just a pervert...

Belfast: Master? You've been spacing out a bit, are you thinking about it? If you do have a child, I can take care of it. Since their mommy and daddy are gonna be busy with work.~

Minato: *sigh* Let's change the subject, what's with the food?

Sirius: *Ahem* We went to your dorm to serve you but seems you weren't there.

Belfast: So we assumed you were in the Cardinal's room. Which you are~

Minato: I see... well you two can enter.

I moved away from the door entrance and allowed Sirius and Belfast to enter. They placed trays of food on one of Richelieu's tables.

Minato: That food looks very expensive...

Sirius: It's for you and Cardinal Richelieu.

Minato: Does Richelieu typically ask for wine in the morning?

Belfast: Nope, this is a first. Just don't tell her it's not French wine~

Minato: Um, why?

Since I'm dating Richelieu, I don't want to lie to her.
Just wanna be honest.

Sirius: It's because she would probably prefer French wine over English wine.

Belfast: And besides, we are trying to expand our influence at the port.

Minato: Well... alright then.

Sirius: Thank you, Master!

Belfast: Don't forget to visit us at the Royal Navy Teahouse~

Minato: Wait. It's finished already? That was like 3 days.

Belfast: The Royal Navy does not disappoint! See you there Master.

Sirius: I'll be looking forward to seeing you there too Master.

They both left with Sirius closing the door.

But still... those questions about having a child... marriage... ugh, my head hurts from all this. I'll decide on this eventually. I have a war to end! I promised Richelieu that I will reunite the Iris Orthodoxy, no time to think about that.

I approached the trays of food and opened the lid.

*sniff* wow... if these pancakes smell great I wonder what they'll serve me at the Teahouse.

As I got ready to eat I felt a kiss on my cheek.

I turned to my right and noticed Richelieu.

Richelieu: Bonjour mon amour~

Minato: Richelieu?

Richelieu: Erm... was that weird of me...?

Minato: No no! It's just... surprising coming from you.

Richelieu: I see.

Minato: You know, you don't have to try too hard. I love you the way you are.

Richelieu: Hehe, alright darling~

Richelieu hugged me.

Minato: Don't forget we gotta find Champagne and visit the Royal Navy Teahouse.

Richelieu: Champagne... she randomly walked away... it's odd.

Minato: Yeah it is. I tasked Takao to search for her, Jintsuu is also helping her.

Richelieu: Any progress?

Minato: Well, they started when the fight between Yu and Forbin finished.

Richelieu: I wonder where Forbin went off to?

Minato: Who knows. Just hope those four don't team up...

Richelieu: It would be a problem if that did happen.

Minato: Anyways, once we find Champagne, that will be all Iris Libre ships. Vichya Dominion is our next big target right?

Richelieu: Well...

Minato: Something the matter?

Richelieu: There's two Iris Libre ships that haven't been mentioned.

Minato: And they are?

Richelieu: Le Terrible and Maillé Brézé. I haven't encountered either of them ever since I arrived at the base.

Minato: Well, let's just hope they're both sane.

Richelieu: Je l'espère aussi...

I should start learning French now that I'm dating Richelieu.

Minato: Let's eat, shall we?

Richelieu: Oh! Of course, hm? Is that the wine I asked Belfast for?

Minato: Yep. She told me it's English wine, not French.

Richelieu: Well, there's a first for everything!

Minato: Here, I'll open it up for you.

Richelieu: Merci, darling~

I opened it up for Richelieu and handed it to her.

She got a glass cup, poured the wine and took a sip.

Richelieu: It tastes quite nice~

I can't believe there's actually two more shipgirls? If they appear to be yanderes it'll be 6 of them against us. *sigh* I hope it doesn't end that way. Hopefully, Takao and Jintsuu can find Champagne after Richelieu and I inspect the Royal Tea House and Ironblood Café.

Richelieu: Darling? Is something the matter?

Minato: Just thinking...

Richelieu: I'm guessing you're worried if they turn out as yanderes?

Sheesh,
She can read me like an open book...

Minato: Yeah.

Richelieu held my hand.

Richelieu: Don't worry Minato, together we'll show them the true path.

Minato: Thanks, let's finish eating and get ready to do paperwork from HQ.

Richelieu: Alright.

The two of us started eating.

Akira's POV:

It's only 8 am? That training session felt like a long time... hopefully I won't be sore tomorrow.

After I finished helping light cruiser and destroyer shipgirls I went out for some fresh air. It was pretty foggy. Maybe we could do some drills in the fog.

I looked over to the right and noticed a red dot in the distance. It was pretty foggy so I called Yu to check it out and make sure I'm not just seeing things.

I texted him and waited.

5 minutes later

*cracks open soda*

*sip*

So... Minato and Richelieu?

Still odd to think Richelieu and Minato are actually dating. Weird that he used to have a slight crush on Enterprise and he now likes Richelieu. I wonder what Enterprise is doing. Or even how she'll react to all this.

But still, it will be interesting to see how their relationship will develop.

I noticed Yu walking up to me.

Yu: Jeez Akira... why did you call me so early... I was having such a good nap.

Akira: It's important. Take a look over there.

I pointed in the direction I wanted Yu to look.

Yu: Let me see... what the? Is that a red flare?

Akira: Sort of. I saw it when I finished training with the shipgirls. Hasn't moved at all...

Yu: Shall we investigate? I awakened to my Persona so we can take it on.

Akira: It won't hurt too. Could be a SIREN.

Yu: Alright.

Yu's stomach then made a noise.

Yu: However, I'm pretty hungry...

Akira: Umm... Why don't we go eat at that Royal Navy thing?

Yu: Yeah, sure. Hold on, won't Warspite be there?

Akira: Nah, she's probably busy helping the queen or something. Let's go.

Yu: Alright.

We left the docks and searched for the Royal Navy Tea House. We found it next to another café. That café has a color scheme of black, white, and red. The color seems very familiar...

Yu and I entered the Tea House.

???: Welcome to the Royal Navy Tea House! W-Wait... Akira!?

No way... trying not to laugh... *chuckle*

Warspite: D-Don't laugh!

Akira: *ahem* Sorry, didn't expect someone like you to be here, corgi.

Warspite: Augh...

Warspite looks pretty cute and funny in that maid outfit.

Akira: Cute outfit.

Warspite: Augh... J-Just follow me to your table...

We followed her to a table for two.

Akira: Heh, thanks corgi!

Warspite: I-Idiot...

It's pretty lively inside here. Many shipgirls chatting, eating and shipgirls in maid outfits.

Warspite led us to our table and we got ready to order.

Yu: Can I have... a burger?

Warspite: This is Royal Navy not Eagle Union... also it's the morning!

2 hours later

Minato's POV:

After 2 hours of paperwork, because my secretaries and I slacked off and missed a lot, Richelieu and I quickly finished them.

Minato: *sigh*

Richelieu: Heh, we're finally done.

Richelieu wiped sweat from her forehead.

I looked down and noticed Richelieu's chest was sweaty... I shouldn't be looking there even if she's my girlfriend...

Must be because summer is coming, or my office is just hot...

Minato: Nice job. Thanks to you we're finally finished.

Richelieu: Yep! Just in the nick of time! I'll be taking a shower now. To get ready for our visit. Remember?

Minato: Oh right, Royal Navy and Ironblood.

Richelieu: I'll see you in a bit darling.

Richelieu left my office.

I guess I should shower too. However...

What do I put on?

30 minutes later

After hearing Richelieu finished showering I went to shower. After that I came out the shower and looked through my closet.

What do I wear? I'm not the most fashionable person.

... I suppose I'll go with this...

I got my clothes and changed into them. After getting fully dressed I went over to Richelieu's dorm.

*knock* *knock*

Minato: You almost done Richelieu?

Richelieu: Just a sec!

She's still changing? She doesn't have to go all out for rating two places.

I waited outside of Richelieu's dorm.

A few minutes later

I opened up Juustagram to kill time and saw one of Akira's latest posts from an hour ago. Wait... he was at the Royal Navy Teahouse?

The picture was a selfie of him, Yu and... Warspite in a maid outfit???

I scrolled down to the comments.

"Here at the brand new Royal Navy Teahouse! Found the best Corgi in the world, Warspite!"
-LookinCoolJoker

"Tea wasn't so bad."
-Narukami

"Hehe, embarrassed Warspite looks cute!"
-Hermione

"Glad you enjoyed the Royal Navy experience Yu, hope the Commander will enjoy it too."
-Belfast_inService

"You see that Bismarck!? Ours is better!"
-QueenEliz

"I'm sure the Commander will enjoy both places."
-Bismarck

"Oh shut it!"
-QueenEliz

"How do I block someone?"
-Warspite

"Are you seriously trying to block me!?"
-LookinCoolJoker

Maybe the experience won't be so bad.

I then heard Richelieu's door open.

Richelieu: Ready darling?

Woah, she looks amazing. ...I look dumb next to her.

Richelieu: What's wrong love? Is my outfit not to your liking...?

Minato: No no! It's just that you look waaaay better than me.

Richelieu's mind:

Aw, he doesn't look bad. I think he looks cute!

Minato: Anyways, let's not waste time and hurry over.

Richelieu: Oui!

Richelieu and I left my office and headed outside.

As we made it outside, Richelieu asked me a question.

Richelieu: Darling?

Minato: Yeah?

Richelieu: Is it possible for the two of us to walk arm in arm? Since we are... a couple...? I-I'm just trying to tighten our bond!

Minato: Heh, of course. Besides, everyone knows we're dating.

Richelieu: Yeah, I suppose you're right~

Gotta say, feels heartwarming to see Richelieu happy despite the ongoing problems in her nation.

We walked arm in arm to the Royal Navy Teahouse.

While walking, a couple of shipgirls noticed us.

Richelieu: Everyone's so nice~

Minato: Yea-

I heard a noise from the distance and saw some leaves fall.

Richelieu: Is something the matter darling?

Minato: I thought I saw something.

Richelieu: Well think of it later, the Teahouse is up ahead.

Champagne's mind:
That was close. I want the Commander but the Cardinal is showing too much affection towards him... I want him for myself... it makes me feel complete... I must hide from those Sakura girls...

We walked to the entrance and I opened the door for her.

We stepped into the Royal Navy's teahouse. Upon opening the door, I'm immediately greeted by the sound of violin music.

Richelieu: Woah, there's so many adorable cats in here! That one looks cute!

Minato: Wait Richelieu!

Aannnndd she's gone to the cats.

Minato: Oh... hi there Icarus.

I noticed Icarus at the counter ready to serve us.

Icarus: Welcome Commander! Wait! I'm suppose to conduct myself like a maid...!

Icarus stops herself, slightly lifts her skirt by the side rims, and bows courteously to me. So this is how maids apologize?

Jeanne d'Arc: Oh, hey Commander.

I looked over to my right and saw Jeanne d'Arc eating with Saint Louis.

Saint Louis: Bonjour Commander.

Minato: Hi you two. Do any of you know why Richelieu suddenly approached the cats?

Jeanne d'Arc: Ah well... the Cardinal is known to have a soft side for cats.

Minato: I see.

Icarus: *ahem* Here, follow me to your table! Um, miss Cardinal, can you follow us?

Minato: She'll catch up. She's just looking at the cats.

Icarus: Very well.

Jeanne d'Arc: See ya later Commander.

Minato: You too.

Icarus lead the way to our table that was near the windows. I gotta say, not bad so far.

I sat down and Icarus gave me the menu. She placed another for Richelieu.

Icarus: Here is our menu. I recommend trying our famous royal milk tea~

Minato: Alright, I suppose I'll order that then.

Icarus writes my order.

I then hear Richelieu's footsteps approaching.

Richelieu: Minato! Minato!

Minato: Yeah?

Richelieu: Can we keep him?

Richelieu walked up to me with a cat in her arms. Did she really put a collar on the cat too?

Wait a second... it reads...

"A special gift for the Commander and the Cardinal" - Queen Elizabeth

What the...?

Is she trying to win Richelieu's vote with a cat?

I faced Richelieu and... Gosh, she looks cute when she smiles... I can't say no to that adorable face of hers...

Richelieu: Pleaseeee~

Minato: Uh, yeah sure.

Richelieu: Merci!~

She sat down and gave me a kiss on the cheek.

Icarus: *whispers* W-Wow... the Commander found a girl he really loves...

Richelieu: Is something the matter Icarus?

Icarus: N-No no! Nothing at all! What would you have?

Richelieu: Hm... I'll have the royal milk tea. Looks tasty.

Icarus: Alright, two royal milk teas. And to eat?

Minato: I guess I'll have the "Full English Breakfast".

Ate a good breakfast, did 2 hours of paperwork and it's still the morning so I guess I'll order it.

Icarus: Alright! And you miss Cardinal?

Richelieu: I'll have the... toad in the hole!

Icarus's mind:
I know Miss Richelieu is French but I hope she knows that there aren't any actual toads in the food... Heard the French sure like to eat the legs of a frog...

Icarus: A-Anything else?

Minato: Nope.

Richelieu: Non!

Icarus: Alright, I'll be back with your order soon!

Icarus left.

Richelieu: Boop!

Richelieu poked the cat's nose.

Richelieu: Hehe~ He's a playful one!

Minato: Do you have a name for him?

Richelieu: Yes! However... it's hard to decided between all these names. Racan, Gazette, Rubis, Pyrame, Thysbe, Serpolet, Felimare , Soumise, Lucifer, Ludovic, Ludoviska, Mimi-Paillon, Mounard...

Is she naming 1 cat or 13 cats...

Richelieu: Oh, was that a lot?

Minato: Yeah...

Richelieu: Sorry, what about you love?

Minato: Me? Well...

There's Koromaru but he's a dog... hm... cat... neko... this is unoriginal but whatever...

Minato: How about... Nico?

Richelieu: That's a cute name! Let's call you Nico!

Nico purred, guess he likes the name.

Richelieu: Here, why don't you hold him~

Richelieu handed me Nico.

Nico rubbed his head on my chest.

Richelieu: Aww, he already adores you!

Minato: Yeah, seems like it.

...

Richelieu: I don't want this to sound weird but... having Nico feels like we have a child.

Now that I think of it... it does... and those words Belfast said...

*Flashback*

Belfast: Ara~ Sleeping with Cardinal Richelieu? Did you two do anything... 'special' last night?~

Minato: What the—of course not!

Belfast: Hehe~ I'm only joking. Is there a little one planned though?

*End of Flashback*

...

Richelieu: Something the matter dear?

Minato: It's nothing important.

Richelieu: Are you... thinking about the future of us having a child together...?

Minato: *sigh* Well, I guess it has been on my mind for quite some time today...

Richelieu: Why's that?

I briefly explained what Belfast told me earlier this morning.

Richelieu: Well... I...

Richelieu's face slowly turns red.

Richelieu: I... wouldn't mind having a child together... b-but only after we united the Orthodoxy!!

Minato: I get that, but it's pretty embarrassing to think about. Don't ya think?

Richelieu rubbed Nico's chin.

Richelieu: Yes... yes it is.

Meanwhile, next door, at the Ironblood Café

Jean Bart: Well... what are they saying?

Algérie: I don't know! They have a cat though.

Jean Bart: Jeez... what's with my sister and cats...

Algérie: They're just sitting there...

Jean Bart: Guess we'll have to wait a bit before they finish and enter the Ironblood Café.

Algérie: Awww... can we just order already!?

Jean Bart: I didn't say you couldn't.

Algérie: Seriously!? This whole time I could've been eating!?

Jean Bart: Yeah... I just said I was gonna wait a bit before eating.

Algérie: Hmph.

...

...

Algérie: ...Jean?

Jean Bart: Yeah?

Algérie: How would you feel if the Commander had a child with your sister?

Jean Bart: Tch, a-as if I care about that shit!

Takao's POV:

Jintsuu and I are quickly running towards the mysterious shipgirl known as "Champagne". She was finished from construction but just left.

Jintsuu: I think she took a left!

Takao: Alright then!

I took out my blade in case of something.

We caught up to Champange who was cornered.

Jintsuu: Alright Champagne. Just slowly walk towards us and we'll take you back.

Champagne: ...I see... will you take me back to my Commander?

Takao: Something like that. However, do you feel strongly affected to the Commander?

Champagne: Yes... he is my light... I want to listen to his voice... look into his eyes... warmth and affection... I want to repay him with my eternal affection...

Jintsuu: ...

Takao: ...

Jintsuu: Yeah she's really into him.

Takao: Welp.

I got out my tranquilizer and aimed it at Champagne.

Champagne: A tranquilizer? Shouldn't you two fear that?

Jintsuu: What do you mean?

Champagne: ...Sometimes it's not good leaving blind spots... You know?

Takao: I'll keep it pointed at her. Jintsuu... can you look behind us?

Jintsuu: A-Alright...

Jintsuu looked behind.

I then noticed her fall to the floor.

Crap... she was right...

Champagne: I'll let you turn around, Miss Takao...

I turned around and noticed 5 other shipgirls.

I dropped my tranquilizer and got my blade ready.

???: Well, if it isn't Takao. The Commander's secretary.

Takao: Wait a sec... I know you!

Takao: You're Forbin, Surcouf, Émile and two other shipgirls I don't know.

Takao: What do all of you want?

Forbin: Take you so out so precious commander will search for you and we'll take him for ourselves~

This reminds me a lot of the past... wait... TAKE OUT!?

Takao: You're all sick...

Forbin: Too bad~

Champagne: Goodbye, Takao...

Takao: AUUAAGHHHHH!!!

Minato's POV:

Minato: ...

Richelieu: Something the matter?

Minato: Nothing, just thought of something.

What was that? It was like I heard a scream inside of me...