In fact, based on what Jun Hao had told Belfast, it would have been difficult to stop them if they had said they wanted to come in and see him.
The Commander had even suggested informing the 'higher-ups' of the other factions of his current condition beforehand.
However, they had outsmarted themselves by claiming they wanted to borrow the area for an exercise.
Surely that gave the Royal Navy the perfect excuse to act strictly according to the rules?
Thinking about it, Lion almost couldn't hold back her laughter.
New Jersey, however, ignored her completely. Seeing the other side's unyielding stance, she slowly dropped the cheerful smile she had been wearing.
"Miss Lion, you're right. Respect is necessary. It's what keeps the entire port in harmony," she said in a steady voice. "This was also my Honey's original intention when he risked his life to lead us in building this port. None of us should go against that."
Then, her tone shifted.
"However... if someone is deliberately hiding something important, wouldn't that make them the first to disrespect the other sisters here?"
Amagi silently praised New Jersey's counter. Sometimes, the best response was to return the issue exactly as it was given, instead of passively defending against it.
Now, she felt completely at ease. New Jersey had exceeded all her expectations.
As long as she and Bismarck kept Lion and Elizabeth occupied, the "combination skill" she had practiced with Akagi yesterday could be executed perfectly.
Amagi lightly tapped the handle of her oil-paper umbrella, signaling Akagi.
Akagi immediately understood. Holding back her excitement, she quietly retreated and soon vanished from sight.
Just as Amagi had predicted, Elizabeth and Belfast were fully focused on New Jersey's words. They didn't notice Akagi's departure at all.
"Trying to change the subject won't work on me," Elizabeth snapped.
Her face flushed bright red, like a cat whose tail had just been stepped on.
"Stick to the facts. You want to use the waters around the Royal Dormitory for an exercise. Then explain the scale, how many participants, and whether you're using live rounds or blanks..."
Standing beside New Jersey, Bismarck remained expressionless, her voice as cold as ice.
"Queen Elizabeth, Miss New Jersey, is not changing the subject. If anything, this matter could affect the unity of the entire port. Surely, the Commander would not wish to see that happen."
As she spoke, her sharp gaze swept past Lion and Elizabeth, locking onto something behind them.
The meaning was unmistakable. Belfast stepped forward, elegantly cutting off her line of sight before bowing.
"Pardon me, Miss Bismarck. The concern you and Miss New Jersey raised isn't without merit. However, there's an order to things. You were the ones who first proposed conducting an exercise near us, and Master has already made it clear he doesn't want his personal matters to disrupt the port's operations," she said calmly.
"Therefore, to respect the Master's wishes, you both need to go through official channels."
Belfast's words carried such righteousness and confidence, all while mirroring the very points Bismarck and New Jersey had raised.
"As you both said, we must preserve the port's harmony as Master's wives, mustn't we?"
Belfast's response was perfect, and even Lion couldn't resist giving a thumbs up.
'As expected of the legendary most perfect Head Maid, she really is something else!' Lion thought with admiration.
Now, even if she stood in New Jersey and Bismarck's shoes, she wouldn't dare challenge the "moral authority" embedded in those words.
When Belfast brought up the status of being a wife, New Jersey and Bismarck's faces flushed red, their composure faltering as a trace of awkwardness crept in.
"At... at the end of the day, isn't your Royal Navy just trying to monopolize him?" New Jersey retorted.
Belfast, Elizabeth, and Lion shared knowing looks. Paper can't wrap fire forever, after all. As expected, they'd pieced things together from just a few hints.
After receiving Elizabeth's subtle nod, Belfast's smile turned secretive as she acknowledged them.
"It seems you two have figured something out. In that case, let's step inside and discuss this properly."
She extended her hand in a graceful, inviting gesture.
<<>>
Meanwhile, Jun Hao had just finished washing up in a rush.
With the harmony index stuck at 11, this was no joke. If he didn't show up soon, the consequences would be unpredictable.
Just as he was about to sprint toward the Royal Dormitory's gate, two figures stepped in front of him.
"My honourable Master."
Sirius bowed respectfully, her posture flawless, yet she remained firmly in place.
"Her Majesty is occupied with important matters. Please proceed to the dining room for your meal first."
Dido, standing beside her, looked far less composed. Her fingers clenched tightly around her apron, her gaze fixed downward, too afraid to meet his eyes.
"M-Master..."
Her voice was faint, like the buzz of a mosquito, trembling with a hint of tears.
"Please go eat... and please don't abandon me. I must ensure your safety, Master."
"Sigh, how could I ever abandon you, Dido? You're adorable, after all," Jun Hao said, gently patting her head.
Dido immediately smiled through her tears.
"W-What are you saying, Master? I... I'm just an ordinary maid. As for being cute... hehe... oh no, I can't stop smiling~"
Seeing his approach working, Jun Hao quickly turned to Sirius.
"Sirius, your composure today is flawless. Keep this up, and surpassing Belfast won't be impossible!"
"T-That's impossible... surpassing the Head Maid is too much... hehe, my honourable Master praised me..."
While both of them were distracted, Jun Hao seized the chance to slip away. But just as he got past them, more Royal Maids appeared ahead.
At the front stood Scylla.
"Master, please follow us to the dining room. We've refined the stargazy pie based on your feedback You must try it"
Before he could react, a strong force pulled him along. By the time he realized what was happening, he was already seated in the Royal Navy Dining Room.
And before him was the improved stargazy pie.
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