Amagi shook her head, flicking away the bits of grass tangled in her hair.
In this disheveled, dazed state, she looked nothing like the Sakura Empire's ever-composed strategist—the woman known for her calm control and sharp wisdom.
Seeing Amagi regain consciousness, Jun Hao quickly rushed to her side. His voice carried undisguised worry as he spoke.
"Amagi, are you alright?"
She slowly lifted her gaze, her eyes still unfocused, as though she hadn't fully awakened from the impact… or from the dream just moments ago.
Staring at the face so close to hers, she froze, unable to tell whether she was still dreaming or had returned to reality.
"My Lord… is it really you?"
Jun Hao gave a firm nod, his answer carrying unwavering certainty.
"Yes, Amagi. I am your Lord, the real one."
Those words snapped something back into place within her gaze. Seeing the light return to her eyes, Jun Hao glanced toward Akagi, who stood nearby with equal concern written across her face.
"Akagi, do you have another handkerchief?"
"I do, Commander," Akagi replied at once.
She drew out a neatly folded handkerchief from her sleeve and presented it with both hands. The familiar spider lily pattern stood out against the fabric.
"Here," Jun Hao said as he accepted it, faintly noticing the lingering warmth and Akagi's subtle scent.
Turning back to Amagi, he gently cupped her chin, lifting her face slightly.
With careful, deliberate movements, he began wiping away the dirt and blood from her face, bit by bit, his touch exceedingly gentle.
There was no hesitation in his actions, no trace of discomfort at her current state.
At that moment, the scene before Amagi blurred with the dream she had just experienced.
'So... it wasn't entirely a dream. My Lord truly would treat me this gently.'
No, it would be more accurate to say that this tenderness far exceeded her imagination.
Flying aircraft carriers, infiltration plans, calculations of victory and loss... all of it faded into insignificance beneath his touch.
Her failure had indeed come from her own lapse in judgment. And yet, for this single moment, it felt worth it.
"There, all done," Jun Hao said, lowering his hand as he finished.
Her face was now clean, save for the faint redness at the tip of her nose, which only made her look more fragile and endearing.
He extended his hand toward her and said, "Can you stand?"
Amagi looked at his open palm, broad and steady. After a brief hesitation, she placed her hand in his.
With a firm yet careful pull, he helped her to her feet. Once she regained her balance, she quietly let go of his hand.
Taking a slow breath, she steadied herself. When she raised her head again, the "Sakura Empire Strategist" had returned.
She was fully aware that, in the chaos moments ago, Queen Elizabeth, Belfast, and Lion had rushed to assist her without hesitation.
Out of both apology and gratitude, Amagi bowed deeply.
"I sincerely apologize, Miss Elizabeth, Miss Belfast, and Miss Lion. Our recklessness has caused trouble for everyone."
Elizabeth crossed her arms. Her expression appeared somewhat dismissive on the surface, but the slight furrow of her brows revealed her underlying concern.
"Fine, fine—as long as you understand you've caused me trouble," she replied in her usual tsundere tone. "Still, as long as no major incident happens within my territory, I'll allow it."
Hearing this, Belfast stepped forward and gently took Amagi's hand.
"There is no need for that, Miss Amagi. The most important thing is that you were not seriously injured. No one wishes to see a comrade harmed within the port. This matter stems from the Royal Maid's lack of foresight, and the Royal Maid Corps should bear full responsibility."
Jun Hao, the so-called "root of all evil," looked at the girls gathered before him with a complicated expression.
The key figures of the Royal Navy, Eagle Union, Iron Blood, and Sakura Empire had all come here because of him.
Even though their actions had pushed the port's Harmony Level to a dangerous point, their intentions had always been the same.
They all longed for him, their Commander. Once he understood that, the path to resolving their conflict and restoring harmony became clear.
Letting out a quiet sigh, Jun Hao stepped forward.
"If someone must take responsibility for this… then it should be me."
The moment he said that, every gaze fell on him.
"My Lord..."
"Honey?"
"Commander?"
They all began to speak, but Jun Hao raised his hand, stopping them. His voice carried a hint of guilt as he continued.
"I believed that meeting each of you slowly and quietly in my current state would prevent unnecessary chaos, but it seems I was wrong."
He gave a faint, self-mocking smile.
"If I had been more open from the start and informed the entire port about my situation, today's events might have been avoided. That is my failure as a Commander."
Before anyone else could respond, New Jersey stepped forward.
"That's not it, Honey. This happened because Miss Bismarck and I couldn't hold back. We decided to take the initiative and negotiate with Miss Elizabeth and the others."
She held his gaze firmly, her tone steady.
"We always knew someone as gentle as you would never ignore us. If we had just waited, you would have come to us. This was our choice… and our mistake."
Bismarck nodded in agreement.
"Commander, please do not take on blame that is not yours. What happened today is something we should all share, each of us bearing our own responsibility," she said calmly.
"I agree! Commander, don't be like this… it makes my heart ache," Akagi added, grasping his hand tightly.
She looked up at him with a soft, pitiful expression, her ears drooping slightly.
Jun Hao smiled and gently patted her head.
"Alright. If that's how you all feel, then we won't dwell on it any further. But the matter concerning me still needs to be addressed. Since everyone is here, let's sit down and talk properly."
As he finished speaking, he gave Belfast a subtle glance.
Understanding immediately, she stepped forward.
"Since Master wishes to resolve our differences, I suggest this: the Royal dining room will prepare lunch for everyone, and we can discuss everything in detail during the meal."
"The Royal dining room… ahaha…"
New Jersey let out an awkward laugh, clearly unsure how to react.
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Novels Available:
-> Zenless Zone Zero: The Almighty Incubus of Sixth Street. (Translation)
-> Azur Lane: Don't Fight! You're All My Wives! (Translation)
-> Zenless Zone Zero: Death in White. (Original - P@treon Only Until It Reaches 30 Chapters)
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