When the system notification echoed in his mind, Jun Hao's thoughts immediately sped up.
Without wasting a second, he opened the system panel and began checking the emotional needs of the girls present.
In his view, this wasn't just about improving the Port Harmony Level. It was also the fastest way to grasp the current situation.
If any of the requests were simple enough, he could even take care of them on the spot.
Take New Jersey, for example—her situation was clear at a glance.
[New Jersey: The strongest and biggest Black Dragon wants to "play"!]
Jun Hao glanced at her again, watching her lively and restless expression, and quickly formed a rough idea.
"Play" was vague, but considering her personality, it most likely meant going somewhere exciting with him—something free and unrestrained, like a proper date.
There was nothing wrong with that, but this wasn't the right moment, so he shifted his attention away and looked at Elizabeth beside him.
The moment he saw her need, a flicker of surprise crossed his eyes.
[Elizabeth: Afternoon tea time with her servant.]
He had originally thought her greatest wish at this moment would be for him to completely solve the issue of Royal Navy cuisine.
Yet what she truly wanted was something so simple… and so personal.
In that case, he would accept it first.
[Ding! Host's intent detected. Would you like to accept Queen Elizabeth's core emotional need in advance?]
'Yes,' Jun Hao replied in his mind.
[Ding! Host has successfully accepted Queen Elizabeth's emotional need.]
[System Suggestion: Prioritizing Lion's emotional need will be more beneficial for maintaining the Port's harmonious atmosphere.]
Jun Hao gave a faint nod. Priorities mattered.
'Accept Lion's as well.'
[Ding! Host has successfully accepted Lion's emotional need mission: Wants to go on a date with a powerful and beautiful existence.]
Even after accepting two missions in a row, Jun Hao remained calm. For now, his priority was to finish this meal peacefully and raise the fragile Harmony Level a little further.
That had been the purpose of gathering everyone here in the first place.
With that in mind, he checked the current value once more.
[Harmony Level: 31/100.]
It seemed his presence alone had already made an impact. At the very least, things had stabilized into a barely safe range.
Letting out a quiet breath, Jun Hao refocused on the table. His brief moment of distraction hadn't drawn attention. After all, everyone else was too busy watching Belfast.
"Then, Master, esteemed guests."
Belfast's smile remained flawless as she gently pushed the dining cart forward.
"Please allow us to present today's main course. Stargazy Pie, an improved version personally guided by the Master."
New Jersey instinctively tightened her grip on the tablecloth, her eyes locked onto the approaching trays.
Amagi, Akagi, and Bismarck were no different, their gazes fixed and barely blinking.
Even Elizabeth, the "host," couldn't remain calm anymore.
She glanced at Jun Hao and had to admit that this was the first time she had truly prayed that his guidance would be as effective as he claimed.
It wasn't that she doubted his taste. She simply didn't want to experience that crushing gap between expectation and reality.
Belfast stopped beside Jun Hao and personally served him the first portion.
"Then, Master, please enjoy."
With a graceful motion, she lifted the silver cloche. In an instant, a warm aroma spread through the air.
There was no unpleasant fishy scent. Instead, the rich fragrance of baked pastry filled the room, buttery and inviting.
The fish had also been replaced with a fresh, unfamiliar sea variety, its delicate flavor blending perfectly with the crust's sweetness.
Even its appearance had changed completely, no longer bearing that unsettling, "unable to rest in peace" look.
"..."
For a moment, the entire table fell into silence.
"This... this is Stargazy Pie?" New Jersey muttered, disbelief evident in her voice.
How could something once considered a biological weapon look this tempting?
Her reaction clearly pleased Belfast. With a subtle gesture, she signaled Scylla, Dido, and the others to lift the remaining cloches for the guests.
Soon, identical servings of the beautifully crafted Stargazy Pie were placed in front of everyone.
The girls' expressions slowly changed. The initial tension and reluctance faded, replaced by surprise, then curiosity.
"Hmph, hmph."
Elizabeth cleared her throat, unable to hide the pride on her face.
"Well? This is the true strength of Royal Navy cuisine! Servant, you've done quite well this time!"
Still, no one answered her. Appearance alone meant nothing—no matter how refined it looked, the real verdict would come only after tasting it.
What if it was all just decoration?
Jun Hao didn't say anything. As the Commander, he needed to lead by example. Calmly, he picked up his knife and fork and, under everyone's watchful gaze, cut a small piece of the pie with practiced ease.
The moment the crust broke, a crisp "crunch" sounded. The texture alone spoke volumes.
He lifted the piece, the flaky pastry and tender fish layered together, and placed it into his mouth. After a brief pause, he swallowed, a faint smile forming as he set his utensils down.
"Honey… how is it?" New Jersey asked first, but she wasn't alone.
Amagi, Akagi, and Bismarck were all watching him closely, waiting for his judgment.
Jun Hao let out a soft chuckle and answered, "It seems when it comes to controlling the heat, Belfa, you still have the better touch."
"It is my honor to receive Master's praise."
Belfast's smile brightened, clearly pleased.
"You all still have room to improve—Scylla, Dido, Sirius."
"Yes! Master!" The three maids bowed in unison, responding without hesitation.
With Jun Hao's approval, the tension at the table finally dissolved. One by one, the girls began tasting the "improved" Stargazy Pie.
The moment Amagi and the others took their first bite, their rigid expressions softened almost instantly. The taste was far beyond what they had expected.
New Jersey, in particular, reacted the most.
"Honey! This is amazing! It's actually delicious!" She exclaimed, already cutting another large piece and eating it eagerly. "This isn't some 'biological weapon' at all, it's top-tier cuisine!"
"Indeed... though it would be even better if the Commander were to feed me," Akagi said lightly, not truly expecting a response.
But Jun Hao didn't hesitate. With a small smile, he cut another piece from his plate and held it out toward her.
"Alright, I'll grant your wish. Come, Akagi, say 'aah.'"
"Commander! Aah—"
Akagi leaned forward without the slightest restraint, her face brimming with delight.
Amagi watched from the side, her usually calm expression softening as a faint trace of longing surfaced in her eyes.
"My Lord, I would like to be fed as well…" she said softly, her voice carrying a hint of quiet anticipation.
Noticing this, New Jersey immediately spoke up, unwilling to fall behind.
"Hey, that's not fair. Miss Amagi, Miss Akagi, you're getting ahead of us. Honey, I want some too!"
Even Bismarck, after a brief hesitation, quietly gathered her courage.
"Um... Commander, if possible... I would also like to be fed..."
-+ + +-
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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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