Chapter 31 - 30

Royal Navy, Eagle Union, Ironbloods and Sakura Empire. Our IJN has made contact with these four groups over the past few months. The Naval District with the most encounters was Maizuru Naval District, having met and fought, or nearly fought, each group at least once. The last encounter was when a Ironbloods fleet entered Maizuru Naval District to obtain some supplies. The exchange ended without any casualties and the fleet simply departed once they took what they need. That was two weeks ago. Now, what on earth happened within these two weeks?

Standing in front of me was a young man, probably around the same age as me, along with four shipgirls. I recognized Akagi, Belfast and Enterprise. Since when did the Sakura Empire started working with the western sh.i.p.s? This was totally different from what they said that time. Moreover, the last one looks like a Ro-class Battleship, with that white hair, except of a part which is red, and the tail. Her face resembles Hamakaze though.

"Thank you for granting me audience with you, Admiral of Maizuru Naval Base. I'm one of the Commanders of the newly formed Azur Lane Alliance. This is a rather lively Naval District compared to the others I visited. Compared to Yokosuka, this place is small and comfy. Just how I like it." (Commander)

Azur Lane Alliance? Does that mean all four groups have merged into one?

"Thank you for the compliment. As you mentioned, I am the Admiral in charge of Maizuru Naval District. Sorry, but may I request your Shipgirl to stop staring down at my girls. I know they are small and cute but I believe they are already traumatised enough by Enterprise."

<Enterprise?> (Commander)

<Sorry Commander. I couldn't help it.> (Enterprise)

This guy seems to be multilingual too. Earlier I heard him speaking German to the fourth unknown shipgirl. Akagi was trying to flirt with him just now and got told off a little.

As for me asking him to stop Enterprise from staring too much, Zuihou was hiding behind me while clutching Ryuujou's arm. Just how scared is she? I'm surprised how Ryuujou can stay calm in front of her historical enemy. On second thought, she isn't calm. Her legs are trembling. Maybe I should let Ryuujou leave first.

"Zuihou, you can come out now. She isn't staring at you anymore."

"Really?" (Zuihou)

Zuihou peeked out from behind. Her mental state really has gotten worst from that operation.

"Ryuujou, you may leave first."

"Ya serious?" (Ryuujou)

I nodded.

"Then, Imma take my leave. Sorry Zuihou!" (Ryuujou)

"Ah! So mean!"

Ryuujou briskly walked out of the office, leaving her friend with me and their enemy.

<They don't have to be that scared...> (Enterprise)

<You can't blame them.> (Commander)

Zuihou was still peeking out from behind my back. Oh well, at long as she show her face.

"Now then, let's get down to business. What's your purpose for wanting to meet me?"

"I understand that your fleet has engaged members of our alliance in the past. I hope you understand that was back when they were fighting amongst one another and wish to inform you that such things would not happen again." (Commander)

"So, is this just an apology for their past actions? Or do you want to sign a Non-aggression Pact?"

"... Are you an mind-reader? How do you know?" (Commander)

Eh? I was right? I just wanted to try saying that for once.

"Just a guess. You could have just sent a telegram if you wanted to apologize. You wouldn't take the trouble to come down here yourself."

"That's true." (Commander)

Safe.

"What I came here to do is to offer a Non-aggression pact between IJN and Azur Lane. Out of all the other IJN Naval Districts, yours have engaged with our members the most. Take two weeks ago for example, when the Ironbloods landed in this Naval District. Your girls were weary of them and both sides nearly start a fight. Richtig, Graf Zeppelin?" (Commander)

The white-haired girl simply bowed deeply.

"Sorry, she is just a little embarrassed. Now then, about the Non-aggression pact, that's what it says on the cover. However, there is a small important point I need to mention." (Commander)

"What is it?"

"This isn't just a pact but rather, somewhat like an alliance." (Commander)

An alliance with an alliance? What is he talking about?

"IJN is fighting against something called the Abyssals. While the main enemies of Azur Lane are called Sirens. I am suggesting that we help each other in times of need. Like that time with the whale." (Commander)

He is talking about the time with the two water demons and the Pacific Princess. That was t days ago. That would mean this Azur lane Alliance should be established at least one week ago. And one of his fleets were there observing. Geez, he could have helped a little.

"I didn't order them to help your girls because I have no idea what was that thing. Like you, I couldn't risk the lives of my girls." (Commander)

"Oh. Aren't you a mind-reader yourself?"

"I can tell that much." (Commander)

"On a serious note, does Yokosuka know about this? I can't do anything on my own unless HQ gives permission."

"Not to worry. I got the agreement of all the other Naval Districts. Maizuru is the last one." (Commander)

"So you will help us?" (Zuihou)

Zuihou spoke up from behind.

"There won't be anymore fighting among both of us? I won't get kidnapped again?" (Zuihou)

<Ugh...> (Enterprise)

Enterprise looks embarrassed by what she said. I'm surprised that Zuihou would say that. I thought she would just remain silent throughout. Moreover, even though nothing was done to her back then, she is traumatised by that event. She must have really disliked American Carriers.

"Don't worry, little girl. Such a thing won't happen anymore." (Commander)

"Admiral?" (Zuihou)

Zuihou looked at me with eyes full of longing.

"You don't have to look at me like that. I already planned to sign the alliance."

"Terrific! Please read and sign these doc.u.ments once you're ready." (Commander)

Both of us signed the contract which declares that no fighting between both parties and the support of one another. Of course, not before I finished reading and understanding all the clauses and rules. It's stupid not to do so.

"With this, I hereby announce the alliance between IJN and Azur Lane has officially been established. I look forward to working with all of you." (Commander)

He extended his right hand towards me, which I grasped and shook.

"Likewise. I look forward to be working with you."

The girls would be happy with this as well, since they are the ones who fear that they may get attacked again. At the very least, this alliance can put their worries at ease.