Yuuki slowly opened his eyes.
The first thing he noticed was warmth.
A lot of warmth.
The second thing he noticed was that he couldn't move.
At all.
He stared at the ceiling for several moments.
Then looked down.
"...Ah."
Eldridge was sleeping peacefully on his chest.
The destroyer had somehow wrapped herself around him like a koala.
One arm.
One leg.
Complete lock.
There would be no escape.
Then he felt something on both sides.
Turning his head slightly—
He found Belfast sleeping against his left side.
One arm wrapped around him.
Her normally perfect maid composure nowhere to be found.
On the opposite side—
Illustrious held his other arm.
A content smile resting on her sleeping face.
The two winners of last night's rock-paper-scissors tournament had clearly made full use of their victory.
Yuuki smiled faintly.
Then carefully surveyed the room.
The common room had long since become a giant sleeping area.
Futons.
Blankets.
Pillows.
Shipgirls and Nikkes scattered everywhere.
The sight was strangely peaceful.
After everything they had endured.
Everything they had lost.
Many of them were finally sleeping properly.
For perhaps the first time in years.
His gaze drifted toward the Sakura group.
Akagi.
Kaguya.
Kaga.
The sight almost made him laugh.
Akagi was clinging tightly to Kaguya.
Despite their constant rivalry.
Meanwhile—
Kaga had wrapped herself around Akagi from behind.
The resulting formation resembled a chain of sleeping foxes.
If either woke up first, the teasing would be merciless.
Nearby—
Enterprise rested beside Yorktown.
The Eagle Union sisters sleeping peacefully together.
No nightmares.
No tension.
Just family.
Then his eyes drifted toward another pair.
Hipper.
Eugen.
The sisters slept side by side.
Eugen's usual teasing smile absent.
Hipper's usual irritation gone.
Just two sisters finally at peace.
Then came the infamous pillow pile.
Nimi lay at the center.
Unfortunately for her—
Javelin.
Laffey.
Unicorn.
And Neon had apparently decided she was a communal pillow.
The poor destroyer was trapped beneath multiple sleeping girls.
Even in sleep—
Her expression somehow conveyed resignation.
Yuuki almost felt sorry for her.
Almost.
Nearby—
Sandy slept among the Bulins.
Nobody knew how that happened.
Not even Jarvis could likely explain it.
Then his eyes moved toward the maids.
Cocoa.
Ade.
Soda.
The three slept close together.
Cocoa's expression was peaceful.
The anxiety.
The fear.
The loneliness.
Gone.
She finally looked like someone who had found home again.
Nearby—
Nayuta slept beside Anis and Rapi.
The clone's expression remained calm.
Serene.
The burden she carried for years finally lifted.
Takao and Atago slept together nearby.
The elder sister resting comfortably while Takao maintained her dignified posture even while unconscious.
Wales slept near Avrora.
The two appearing unusually peaceful.
While Akashi had somehow fallen asleep against Vestal.
The doctor looked resigned even while unconscious.
The entire room felt different.
Safer.
Warmer.
Like a family.
Yuuki quietly looked around.
Then remembered the final moments of the Void World.
Specifically—
Hood.
And the kiss she had stolen seconds before he vanished.
"..."
His face immediately became complicated.
Very complicated.
Then he sighed.
That was going to cause trouble later.
A lot of trouble.
Before he could dwell on it further—
A familiar voice answered his thoughts.
"Good morning, sir."
Jarvis.
The AI's voice echoed softly through the room.
Yuuki carefully checked the time.
4:55 AM.
Still early.
Very early.
Then he remembered something.
The mission.
The destination.
The island.
"Laurelin."
His eyes sharpened.
"Jarvis."
"Yes, sir?"
"Did we arrive yet?"
A brief pause.
Then—
"We arrived approximately one hour and thirty minutes ago."
Yuuki blinked.
"We're already here?"
"Affirmative."
Several holographic displays quietly appeared nearby.
Showing the surrounding region.
The island.
Weather conditions.
Sensor reports.
Threat analysis.
"The fleet remains under stealth."
"All vessels are maintaining standby positions."
"No hostile contacts have detected our presence."
Yuuki slowly nodded.
The operation was proceeding smoothly.
Then Jarvis continued.
"All drones are awaiting your orders."
The room remained quiet.
Only the gentle sounds of sleeping shipgirls and Nikkes could be heard.
For a moment—
Yuuki simply looked around.
At everyone.
At the people depending on him.
The people he intended to protect.
Then his gaze drifted toward Nayuta.
Toward Cocoa.
Toward the sleeping fleet.
Soon—
They would search for Laurelin.
Then Oberis.
Then prepare for the Mother Whale.
Then rescue sixteen more people.
The next few days would be busy.
Very busy.
But for now—
The Daedalus floated silently above the ocean.
Hidden from the world.
Waiting.
And for one brief moment—
Everything was peaceful.
Yuuki had every intention of getting up.
He really did.
Then he looked around.
Warm blankets.
Sleeping shipgirls.
No immediate emergencies.
No Sirens.
No Raptures.
No orbital bombardments.
No Akagi versus Kaguya debates.
And so—
He closed his eyes again.
"Another hour."
The universe apparently agreed.
Because he immediately fell back asleep.
For one glorious hour—
Nothing happened.
No alarms.
No battles.
No crises.
Just peace.
The best kind of peace.
The kind earned after weeks of chaos.
Until—
A familiar voice gently reached his ears.
"Master."
Yuuki groaned.
He knew that voice.
"Master."
Slowly opening one eye—
He found Belfast smiling down at him.
The head maid's expression was perfectly composed.
As always.
"Master, it is morning."
Yuuki blinked.
"...Bel?"
"Yes, Master."
"What time is it?"
"6:30."
Silence.
Then Yuuki slowly sat up.
"Wait."
Belfast remained perfectly calm.
"Yes?"
"You normally wake me at six sharp."
Belfast's smile became slightly more embarrassed.
A rare sight.
Then Yuuki noticed something.
Illustrious was still hugging his arm.
Very suspiciously.
Then he looked back at Belfast.
Then back at Illustrious.
Then back at Belfast.
"...Bel."
"Yes, Master?"
"You gave yourself an extra thirty minutes."
The maid immediately looked away.
Very slightly.
"I wished to remain beside Master a little longer."
Nearby—
Several girls who were already awake immediately reacted.
Yorktown smiled.
Enterprise looked amused.
Eugen covered her mouth.
Hornet would have laughed if she were here.
Then Belfast calmly continued.
"Lady Illustrious agreed."
Immediate betrayal.
Yuuki slowly turned toward the carrier.
"Illy?"
Illustrious remained perfectly still.
Eyes closed.
Breathing evenly.
Pretending to sleep.
A very poor performance.
"...Illy."
The carrier finally opened one eye.
"My?"
"You were awake."
"No."
"You were. I can read you like a book."
"...Perhaps. You liked it."
The smile on her face completely ruined the act.
Then she gently squeezed his arm.
"I wished to sleep a little longer."
A pause.
"And you granted my wish."
Yuuki sighed.
"You're welcome."
The carrier immediately looked pleased.
"Thank you, Milord."
Nearby—
Several shipgirls laughed quietly.
Even Yorktown shook her head.
The Royal Navy truly had no shame sometimes.
Then Yuuki looked down.
Eldridge remained attached to his chest.
Completely unconscious.
"Eldridge."
No response.
"Eldridge."
A tiny voice answered.
"Hug..."
Then immediately—
"Zzzzz..."
Yuuki looked toward Belfast.
Belfast looked toward Yuuki.
Neither had a solution.
Eventually—
Yuuki glanced toward the nearby futon.
"Ade."
The maid immediately sat up.
"Yes, Master?"
"Soda."
Soda also woke.
"Yes?"
"Cocoa."
The newest maid blinked sleepily.
"Master?"
Yuuki smiled.
"Mind helping wake everyone?"
All three immediately nodded.
"Certainly, Master."
The maid trio moved into action.
A surprisingly efficient operation.
Soda used enthusiasm.
Ade used patience.
Cocoa copied Belfast.
The results were surprisingly effective.
Soon—
The room slowly began coming alive.
One shipgirl after another woke up.
Stretching.
Yawning.
Complaining.
Negotiating for five more minutes.
The usual morning routine.
Then—
Kaguya's amused voice echoed through the room.
"My, my."
Everyone immediately looked over.
Akagi froze.
Because she had just realized something.
Or rather—
Someone.
The fox carrier had apparently spent the entire night using Kaguya as a pillow.
Kaguya looked entirely pleased about it.
Akagi immediately pointed.
"T-That is not what happened."
Kaguya smiled.
"Indeed?"
"I thought you were Kaga."
Nearby—
Kaga blinked.
"...I was behind you."
Akagi froze.
The realization slowly hit.
Then her face became red.
Very red.
Kaguya gently patted her head.
"Tis nothing to be ashamed of."
To everyone's surprise—
Akagi didn't immediately argue.
Didn't growl.
Didn't deny it again.
Instead—
She simply accepted the headpat.
Looking slightly embarrassed.
Which somehow shocked everyone more.
Eugen immediately whispered.
"She's been tamed."
"I have not!"
"You accepted the headpat."
"I was surprised!"
"You accepted it."
Akagi pointed dramatically.
"Eugen!"
The heavy cruiser only laughed harder.
Meanwhile—
Kaguya continued petting the fox.
Entirely unbothered.
Like a mother handling a particularly stubborn child.
And somehow—
Akagi allowed it.
Causing even Yuuki to stare.
"...Kaguya."
"Hm?"
"How?"
The Arcane shipgirl smiled mysteriously.
Then resumed patting Akagi's head.
"Trade secret."
And judging from the utterly confused expressions around the room—
Nobody had any idea how she managed it.
Yuuki looked toward Akagi.
Then toward Kaguya.
Then back toward Akagi.
The fox carrier had her arms folded.
Cheeks puffed.
Ears drooped slightly.
Clearly defeated.
"Wait."
Yuuki pointed.
"Is this why you were so determined to win the shogi match yesterday?"
Kaguya smiled behind her sleeve.
"Ara."
Then casually revealed the truth.
"Indeed."
Akagi immediately looked away.
The reaction alone confirmed everything.
Then Kaguya continued.
"We made a wager."
Yuuki already knew this would be good.
"What kind of wager?"
The Arcane shipgirl looked entirely pleased with herself.
"If she lost."
Akagi immediately groaned.
"Kaguya."
Kaguya ignored her.
"She would have to accept my headpats without complaint."
The room exploded.
Even Yorktown laughed.
Enterprise looked amused.
Eugen nearly fell over.
Meanwhile—
Akagi's face became bright red.
"Muuuu..."
Kaguya immediately patted her head again.
The fox ears twitched.
Everyone watched carefully.
Akagi froze.
Then accepted it.
Again.
The room erupted into laughter.
"She's really been tamed."
"I HAVE NOT."
"You absolutely have."
"Kaga!"
Kaga immediately looked away.
"I said nothing."
Traitor.
Yuuki eventually clapped his hands.
"Alright."
The fleet slowly focused again.
The teasing continued.
But the mission remained.
"Let's get ready."
The atmosphere shifted slightly.
More serious.
More professional.
Because today wasn't a rest day.
Today they had arrived.
The first objective awaited.
Yuuki opened a holographic display.
Several drone icons appeared.
"I'll deploy scout drones first."
The display expanded.
Showing the island below.
Dense forests.
Ancient ruins.
Mountain ranges.
Unknown structures.
"If Laurelin is here..."
He pointed toward several locations.
"We find her before sunset."
Then suddenly—
A familiar weight landed on his shoulder.
Everyone turned.
Esche.
The little fairy settled comfortably atop his shoulder.
Her silver hair fluttered gently.
The fairy immediately closed her eyes.
As if sensing something.
Then—
A smile appeared.
"I can feel her."
Yuuki smiled.
"Laurelin?"
Esche nodded.
"She's nearby."
Excitement spread immediately.
The fairy's wings shimmered.
Then she looked toward him.
"O Great Hero—"
Yuuki immediately interrupted.
"Please."
Esche blinked.
"Hm?"
"Just call me Yuuki."
The fairy tilted her head.
"But thou art—"
"Yuuki."
Esche considered it.
Then nodded.
"As you wish."
A small smile appeared.
"Milord."
Yuuki sighed.
"...Close enough."
The fairy looked very proud of herself.
Soon everyone began leaving.
The morning routine commenced.
Showers.
Uniforms.
Equipment checks.
Breakfast.
Mission preparation.
One by one they departed.
Until eventually—
The room became quiet.
Yuuki looked up.
Only one person remained.
Yorktown.
Standing near the doorway.
Waiting.
He smiled.
"Oh?"
The carrier smiled back.
"You're still here."
"I wanted to do something."
Yuuki tilted his head.
"Like?"
Without hesitation—
Yorktown stepped forward.
Then wrapped her arms around him.
A simple embrace.
Warm.
Comfortable.
Familiar.
"A morning hug."
Yuuki blinked.
Then slowly smiled.
His arms wrapped around her in return.
Holding her gently.
For a few moments—
Neither spoke.
Simply enjoying the quiet.
Then Yuuki laughed softly.
"Maybe I really do like hugs."
Yorktown's smile softened.
The warmth in her eyes becoming obvious.
"You can ask me anytime."
The answer came naturally.
Without hesitation.
Without embarrassment.
Yuuki tightened the embrace slightly.
"Thank you, Hana."
The pet name immediately made Yorktown happy.
Like always.
Though she hid it well.
Then he added—
"The others might get jealous."
Yorktown laughed quietly.
A rare sound.
Gentle.
Warm.
Then she answered.
"I am taking my chances."
A few moments later—
Yorktown finally stepped out of the room.
Then immediately stopped.
Because everyone was there.
Waiting.
Every single one of them.
Akagi.
Kaguya.
Kaga.
Enterprise.
Belfast
Illustrious
Avrora.
Wales.
Rapi.
Anis.
Neon.
And many more.
The corridor had somehow become crowded.
Yorktown immediately understood.
They knew.
The puffed cheeks confirmed it.
Akagi looked betrayed.
Kaga looked mildly betrayed.
Kaguya looked amused.
The Nikkes weren't even pretending anymore.
Then Enterprise spoke first.
"Hana."
Yorktown smiled.
"Yes?"
The carrier folded her arms.
"You're quite sly."
Yorktown remained perfectly calm.
"I am merely taking my chances."
The answer immediately caused more pouting.
Then—
Anis grinned.
A dangerous grin.
"Oh?"
The Nikke pointed dramatically.
"So hugs are no longer off limits, Mom?"
The corridor became silent.
Yorktown blinked.
Enterprise sighed.
Rapi nodded seriously.
"As expected."
Anis immediately continued.
"Great."
Then cracking her knuckles—
"We'll be collecting our hugs too."
Neon raised her hand.
"Me too."
Ade nodded.
Soda nodded.
Cocoa nodded.
Even Nayuta slowly raised a hand.
"This humble one would also appreciate such warmth."
Yorktown suddenly realized what she had unleashed.
Then the room behind her opened.
Yuuki stepped out.
Looked at the crowd.
Looked at the grinning Nikkes.
Looked at the increasingly interested shipgirls.
Then immediately understood.
"...What happened?"
Anis pointed.
"Hug privileges have been normalized."
Yuuki stared.
Yorktown looked away.
Enterprise laughed.
And somewhere nearby—
Jarvis quietly began calculating the probability that Commander Yuuki would survive the next ten minutes.
The results were not encouraging.
=========
Breakfast had been chaotic.
Not because of enemies.
Not because of emergencies.
But because somehow an innocent morning hug had evolved into a fleet-wide discussion regarding "hug privileges."
Yuuki was still recovering.
Unfortunately—
The day continued.
The command room of the Daedalus gradually filled with shipgirls and Nikkes.
Large holographic displays illuminated the room.
Scout drone feeds streamed across multiple screens.
Topographical maps of the island rotated slowly.
The fleet remained cloaked offshore.
Waiting.
Watching.
Preparing.
One by one everyone took their places.
And for the first time since joining the Daedalus—
Several of the rescued shipgirls wore something familiar.
Their old uniforms.
The same ones they had worn ten years ago.
The sight carried a surprising amount of nostalgia.
Especially for the shipgirls themselves.
Javelin looked delighted.
Hipper tried to pretend she wasn't happy.
Eugen looked entirely too pleased.
Kaguya simply looked elegant as always.
Yuuki glanced toward Eugen.
Then paused.
The Iron Blood cruiser had her familiar uniform again.
The same confident smile.
The same teasing eyes.
The same impossible presence.
He smiled.
"You look beautiful, Eugen."
Silence.
Immediate silence.
Every woman in the room turned toward him.
Because everyone knew exactly what was about to happen.
Eugen smiled.
Slowly.
Dangerously.
"Oh?"
The cruiser approached.
One step.
Then another.
"Teddy Bear."
The nickname alone made Hipper puff her cheeks.
Then Eugen gently wrapped an arm around his.
"Do you truly wish your fiancée to attack you so early in the morning?"
Yuuki immediately knew he had made a mistake.
A familiar mistake.
Eugen leaned closer.
Smiling.
"Saying things like that only makes me fall for you more."
Several girls immediately reacted.
Akagi's ears twitched.
Kaguya closed her fan.
Javelin puffed her cheeks.
Even Rapi looked mildly annoyed.
Meanwhile—
Eugen looked entirely pleased with herself.
Yuuki immediately turned.
"Hipper."
The heavy cruiser looked up.
"A little help?"
Hipper immediately crossed her arms.
"No."
"What?"
"You created this problem."
The answer came instantly.
Then she pointed.
"Deal with it."
Nearby—
Eugen laughed.
The sound alone told everyone she was winning.
Again.
Then Javelin suddenly raised a hand.
"Commander."
Yuuki looked toward her.
The destroyer puffed her cheeks.
"I am your fiancée too."
The room immediately became more dangerous.
Eugen grinned.
Akagi nodded.
Neon raised a hand.
Anis looked interested.
"Ah, beloved. Forget you have me and Wales?" Avrora teased.
This was escalating rapidly.
Then—
A fan flicked open.
Kaguya.
The Arcane shipgirl smiled sweetly.
Far too sweetly.
Then gently flicked Yuuki's forehead.
Flick.
"Ouch."
The fox woman looked amused.
"Thou forgets something."
Yuuki rubbed his forehead.
"What?"
Kaguya smiled.
Then pointed toward herself.
"Thou hast a wife."
The room exploded.
Enterprise immediately looked away.
Yorktown sighed.
Belfast hid a smile.
Akagi pointed dramatically.
"Shikikan-sama! You have Akagi!"
The fox carrier looked vindicated.
Meanwhile—
Yuuki looked toward the heavens.
Seeking assistance.
Finding none.
Because even Jarvis had decided not to intervene.
Eventually—
The situation became so dire that Yorktown finally stepped in.
"Hana, save me."
Yorktown sighed.
"You did this yourself."
Then despite saying that—
She grabbed one arm.
At the same time—
Belfast took the other.
"Lady Eugen."
The maid smiled politely.
The smile held absolutely no room for negotiation.
"We require Master for today's briefing."
Eugen immediately hugged his arm tighter.
"My."
"How unfortunate."
Belfast's smile remained.
"Indeed."
The battle between Royal Navy elegance and Iron Blood shamelessness lasted several seconds.
Then Yorktown finally pulled Yuuki free.
Much to Eugen's disappointment.
"Teddy Bear."
The cruiser pouted.
Actually pouted.
"I was not finished."
Yuuki immediately pointed.
"That's exactly why they rescued me."
The command room erupted into laughter.
Even Hipper smiled.
Very slightly.
Then looked away before anyone noticed.
Unfortunately—
Eugen noticed.
"See?"
The cruiser grinned.
"Even Hipper is happy."
"I am not."
"You smiled."
"I did not."
"You absolutely did."
"Hush."
The sisters immediately began arguing.
Again.
With the crisis finally contained—
Yorktown stepped toward the holographic map.
The room gradually settled.
Mission mode returned.
The island rotated above the command table.
Scout drones continued transmitting data.
Esche floated nearby.
Watching.
Waiting.
Because somewhere on that island—
Laurelin waited.
And after that—
Only two days remained until the Mother Whale.
The laughter slowly faded.
The operation was about to begin.
=========
High above the world, hidden among endless clouds, floated a group of beautiful islands known as the Celestial Isles. Ancient shrines, pagodas, and villages stood upon the high lands, connected by stone paths and bridges that disappeared into the mist.
The islands were home to the Tsukimimi, a peaceful people with rabbit ears who wore elegant ancient Japanese-style clothing. They spent their days tending gardens, praying at shrines, and living in harmony with the spirits of the sky.
=========
The bridge grew quiet as everyone stared at the holographic image of the floating kingdom.
Golden clouds drifted beneath entire mountains.
Ancient pagodas rested upon cliffs suspended in the sky.
Waterfalls poured into the endless sea of mist below.
Cherry blossoms swayed in celestial winds.
For a moment—
Even veterans of countless battles simply admired the view.
"Beautiful..."
Atago spoke softly.
Her usual teasing smile faded.
Replaced by genuine admiration.
Nearby—
Neon pointed excitedly.
"Laffey!"
Everyone turned.
Laffey blinked sleepily.
"...Hm?"
"It's like you."
Neon pointed toward one of the rabbit-eared villagers.
"Bunny ears."
Laffey slowly looked at the image.
Then looked at Neon.
Then looked back.
"...Laffey approves."
Unicorn giggled.
Meanwhile—
Kaga's eyes narrowed slightly.
"These people..."
The carrier studied the architecture.
The clothing.
The shrines.
The spiritual symbolism.
Then quietly spoke.
"They resemble the Sakura Empire."
Several shipgirls nodded.
The influence was obvious.
The curved roofs.
The shrine complexes.
The warrior traditions.
Everything felt familiar.
Then another voice answered.
"Because they are descendants of it."
Everyone turned.
Kaguya.
The Arcane shipgirl had been staring at the projection quietly.
Unlike everyone else—
She recognized it immediately.
Yuuki noticed.
"You know this place?"
Kaguya nodded.
"Aye."
The fox woman folded her fan.
A faint smile appearing.
"This is the Autumn Celestial Isles."
The bridge immediately became silent.
Yuuki raised an eyebrow.
"You've been here?"
Kaguya laughed.
"'Tis difficult to forget."
Then casually added—
"I once saved it from a Siren invasion."
Silence.
Yuuki waited.
Kaguya waited.
The others waited.
Eventually—
Enterprise spoke.
"How many people helped?"
Kaguya tilted her head.
"Helped?"
The Eagle Union carrier immediately became suspicious.
Then Kaguya smiled.
"Oh."
"This wife acted alone."
The room froze.
Akagi blinked.
Kaga blinked.
Rapi blinked.
Even Eugen stopped smiling.
Then—
"You what?"
Yuuki asked.
Kaguya looked confused.
"What?"
"You fought an entire Siren invasion alone?"
The Arcane shipgirl thought for a moment.
Then nodded.
"Aye."
"As I said."
The room became silent again.
Then Kaguya looked toward Yuuki.
A proud smile appearing.
"That is how strong thy wife is, dearest husband."
Yuuki immediately covered his face.
"Of course."
The fox woman looked pleased.
Meanwhile—
Akagi puffed her cheeks.
Again.
"Stop calling yourself wife."
"I am his beloved wife."
"You are self-proclaimed wife."
"I have our certificate." Kaguya shamelessly pulls out the fake marriage certificate she made two weeks ago. "Oh, I forgot to put dearest's name."
"YOU MADE THE CERTIFICATE."
Kaguya looked toward Yuuki as she finished writing his name at the same time holding Akagi back with her tails.
"See? All I need is your stamp."
Then pointed.
"Even Akagi acknowledges the certificate exists."
Akagi nearly exploded. Kaguya is the symbol of Japanese beauty but also epitome of shamelessness.
Eventually—
Yuuki steered the conversation back on track.
"So what happened afterward?"
Kaguya immediately relaxed.
Then looked toward the floating kingdom.
The playful expression fading slightly.
"After the battle..."
A small smile appeared.
"This wife remained for a time."
The holographic image rotated.
Showing villages among the clouds.
"They were kind people."
"The Tsukimimi."
The fox woman's voice softened.
"Peaceful."
"Hardworking."
"Far too trusting."
Several shipgirls smiled.
That sounded familiar.
Then Kaguya continued.
"I assisted in rebuilding."
"I restored several shrines."
Then she shrugged.
"And afterward I left."
Yuuki blinked.
"You just left?"
Kaguya nodded.
"Aye."
The answer came naturally.
"I appointed a successor 10 years ago."
"Established defenses."
"Ensured stability."
Then smiling.
"And moved on."
The room stared.
Enterprise sighed.
"That's it?"
"What else was I supposed to do?"
"Stay?"
Kaguya looked genuinely confused.
The carrier laughed.
Fair enough.
Then Kaguya glanced toward the distant floating mountains.
A hint of nostalgia appearing.
"I have not visited since."
"Why?"
Yuuki asked.
The fox woman pointed toward the horizon.
"Flying takes a very long time. Plus, I lived peacefully under Telperion's protection. "
Silence.
Then Eugen laughed.
The entire room stared at her.
"What?"
The Iron Blood cruiser grinned.
"The legendary Arcane ship."
"The destroyer of Sirens."
"The conqueror of floating kingdoms."
She paused dramatically.
Then pointed.
"Too lazy to visit."
The bridge immediately erupted into laughter.
Even Kaguya looked offended.
"This wife is not lazy."
Akagi immediately nodded.
"She is."
"I am not."
"She absolutely is."
Yuuki sighed.
The strongest shipgirl he knew.
A being capable of destroying fleets.
A magical vessel who could fly.
And apparently—
Someone who couldn't be bothered to travel because it took too long.
Somehow—
That sounded exactly like Kaguya.
Then Esche suddenly fluttered upward.
The little fairy's eyes glowing.
"I can feel it."
The holographic image of the Autumn Isles slowly rotated above the command table.
Golden clouds.
Floating mountains.
Ancient shrines.
A peaceful kingdom completely unaware that an interdimensional fleet was currently hidden offshore.
Yuuki crossed his arms.
"Well."
Everyone looked toward him.
"We can't exactly reveal the entire fleet."
Immediate agreement followed.
Yorktown nodded.
"That would certainly cause panic."
Rapi glanced toward the tactical display.
"A flying fortress suddenly appearing above a peaceful settlement isn't exactly subtle."
"Especially this one."
Eugen added.
"The Daedalus isn't exactly small."
Jarvis helpfully projected a scale comparison.
The floating kingdom.
The Daedalus.
The room immediately understood the problem.
The flagship would dominate the horizon.
The locals would probably think the apocalypse had arrived.
Yuuki pointed at the display.
"Exactly."
Then another map appeared.
Recent drone reconnaissance.
"No Siren activity."
"No Rapture activity."
"No hostile signals."
The bridge relaxed slightly.
Then Yuuki continued.
"Whatever happened here two days ago appears to be over."
Kaguya nodded.
"The local guardians likely handled the aftermath."
Then she folded her fan.
"Or the threat retreated."
Either way—
The island appeared peaceful.
Which gave Yuuki an idea.
A dangerous one.
The kind that always worried Belfast.
"Why don't we all disembark? Maybe stay at the inn of this village? We have two days before Mother Whale passes by."
Silence.
Everyone blinked.
Then Anis immediately grinned.
"...Vacation?"
Yuuki pointed at her.
"Exactly."
Neon raised both hands.
"Vacation!"
Soda looked excited.
Ade smiled.
Even Cocoa looked interested.
Meanwhile—
Yorktown already knew where this was heading.
"Oh dear."
Yuuki grinned.
"We blend in."
The carrier sighed.
Of course.
Then the Commander continued.
"We'll use the Orca EX."
A schematic appeared.
One of the smaller transport craft.
Far less intimidating than arriving with an entire fleet.
"We land quietly."
"We explore."
"We locate Laurelin."
Then he looked toward everyone.
"And while we're at it..."
A smile appeared.
"Enjoy yourselves."
The room immediately brightened.
Even Rapi looked slightly interested.
Slightly.
Then Kaguya suddenly raised a hand.
"There is one issue."
Yuuki blinked.
"What?"
The Arcane shipgirl pointed toward the projection.
The Tsukimimi.
Their robes.
Their kimonos.
Their traditional attire.
Then she pointed toward Neon.
Who was still wearing tactical equipment.
"...Ah."
The room immediately understood.
Neon looked down.
Then toward the display.
Then back.
"Oh."
Akagi immediately smiled.
A dangerous smile.
One that usually preceded trouble.
"Leave that to us."
Yuuki immediately became suspicious.
Then Takao stepped forward.
"We can assist."
Kaga nodded.
"A proper disguise would be beneficial."
Atago smiled.
"And fun."
That last part worried everyone.
Then Kaguya casually walked toward one of the fabrication consoles.
The others followed.
The clothing generator.
One of the Daedalus' clothing fabrication systems.
Normally used for uniforms.
Formal wear.
Ceremonial attire.
Today—
It became a fashion battlefield.
Several minutes later.
The Sakura shipgirls had completely taken over the system.
Akagi stood at the controls.
Kaga reviewed patterns.
Takao checked measurements.
Atago added accessories.
And Kaguya...
Kaguya somehow became creative director.
The most dangerous position possible.
"This one."
"Too plain."
"This one."
"Too flashy."
"This one."
"Too much."
The printer continued producing outfits.
One after another.
Beautiful kimonos emerged from the fabrication system.
Elegant.
Traditional.
Customized for each individual.
Soon—
The bridge transformed into a changing room.
Atago happily held up several designs.
"Oh my."
The cruiser smiled.
"Yorktown-san would look beautiful in this."
Yorktown immediately became concerned.
Meanwhile—
Akagi had already cornered Belfast.
The maid remained perfectly calm.
Even while being measured.
"Master would appreciate this color."
Belfast smiled politely.
"I shall defer to your expertise."
Akagi looked victorious.
What followed was perhaps more dangerous than any battle Yuuki had fought recently.
Not Sirens.
Not Raptures.
Not the Mother Whale.
But five Sakura women being given complete authority over everyone else's wardrobe.
The dressing rooms quickly descended into organized chaos.
Yuuki wisely vanished before becoming involved.
The shipgirls and Nikkes were not so fortunate.
Ade stood quietly while Belfast and Atago adjusted the sleeves of a deep navy kimono embroidered with silver plum blossoms.
The mature maid carried herself with such grace that she looked as though she had been born wearing traditional clothing.
Even Atago nodded approvingly.
"It suits you."
Ade smiled softly.
"Thank you."
Nearby, Soda twirled happily.
Her kimono was much brighter.
Soft cream fabric decorated with pink sakura petals danced around her as she spun.
The younger maid practically sparkled.
"Ade! Look!"
Ade smiled helplessly.
"You look beautiful."
Soda immediately beamed.
Cocoa received a smaller kimono of pale brown and white decorated with tiny rabbits and tea leaves.
The moment she saw herself in the mirror she froze.
Then her eyes widened.
"I look like a real maid from a historical drama."
Atago immediately hugged her.
"Adorable."
Cocoa squeaked.
The Bulins proved impossible.
The moment they were dressed they began comparing outfits.
"Bulin!"
"Bulin!"
Tiny colorful kimonos covered in stars and flowers somehow made them even more energetic.
Nobody knew how that was possible.
Vestal chose elegance.
A pristine white kimono trimmed with soft gold patterns.
The healer looked dignified and gentle.
Like a shrine priestess.
Exactly the kind of person villagers would immediately trust.
Akashi, meanwhile, refused all suggestions.
She picked her own.
A vibrant red kimono decorated with golden coins and lucky cats.
Naturally.
"Akashi likes this one, nya!"
Nobody was surprised.
Not even a little.
Sandy somehow transformed from energetic idol into a cheerful festival girl.
Bright yellow flowers decorated her kimono.
The moment she saw herself in the mirror she struck a pose.
"I'm adorable!"
Nobody disagreed.
Prince of Wales selected a dark emerald kimono accented with royal gold embroidery.
Elegant.
Refined.
Noble.
She looked every bit the aristocrat she was.
Avrora stood beside her in soft lavender.
The gentle colors complimented her silver hair perfectly.
Combined with her calm demeanor, she looked almost ethereal.
Like a spirit wandering among the clouds.
Yorktown's kimono drew immediate attention.
Soft blue fabric embroidered with white clouds and cranes flowed around her gracefully.
The moment she stepped out, the room grew quiet.
Motherly.
Beautiful.
Comforting.
The image suited her perfectly.
Even Enterprise paused.
Then quietly smiled.
"Hana..."
Yorktown laughed softly.
"Don't start."
Enterprise's own kimono was darker.
Black and silver.
Elegant but practical.
It resembled a warrior's attire more than a noblewoman's.
Yet somehow it suited her perfectly.
Strong.
Reliable.
Protective.
The Eagle Union sisters looked magnificent standing together.
Belfast required almost no effort.
A black-and-white kimono reminiscent of a refined noble maid seemed tailor-made for her.
She looked as though she belonged in the floating kingdom.
The same could be said for Illustrious.
The carrier's pale ivory kimono decorated with golden lilies seemed almost divine.
Even Yuuki stared a little longer than intended when she emerged.
Illustrious noticed.
And smiled.
Which only made things worse.
Rapi's choice was simple.
Red and black.
Clean.
Practical.
Elegant without unnecessary decorations.
The former leader of Counters carried herself like a disciplined warrior.
Anis immediately ruined the atmosphere.
Her kimono was orange and gold.
Bright.
Energetic.
Exactly like her.
The first thing she did was complain.
"How am I supposed to fight in this?"
Neon looked equally offended.
Blue flowers decorated her outfit.
"It doesn't even have tactical pockets."
"No."
Kaga answered.
"It does not."
Neon looked devastated.
Nayuta stood quietly before a mirror.
A silver-white kimono decorated with moonlit clouds draped around her frame.
The design felt almost sacred.
Like something a shrine maiden would wear.
For a moment she simply stared.
Then smiled softly.
"This humble one quite likes it."
The others agreed.
Eugen immediately weaponized fashion.
Her dark crimson kimono somehow emphasized her beauty even more than her uniform.
The Iron Blood cruiser immediately wrapped herself around Yuuki's arm the moment she saw him.
"Teddy Bear."
"No."
"You haven't even heard what I was going to say."
"Fine, you look really pretty."
That alone made Eugen really happy.
"Aww.. you really love your fiancée."
Hipper sighed.
"I told you to deal with it."
Hipper herself wore a deep navy kimono with white floral patterns.
Simple.
Elegant.
Surprisingly mature.
The moment Yuuki complimented her she nearly combusted.
"I-I know that already!"
Eugen laughed.
Which only made it worse.
Javelin's kimono matched her personality perfectly.
Bright blue ribbons.
White flowers.
Enough energy to power an entire fleet.
Nimi looked more composed.
Her dark green kimono made her appear older and more mature.
Which immediately vanished when Javelin attached herself to her arm.
Laffey's kimono featured tiny rabbit patterns.
The destroyer stared at them sleepily.
"...Laffey likes this."
Then promptly attempted to nap again.
Unicorn's pale pink kimono looked almost princess-like.
Combined with her gentle smile and long hair, she looked exactly like a noble daughter from a fairy tale.
Finally came the Sakura women.
None of them required assistance.
They chose their own attire.
Atago selected a luxurious white-and-red kimono adorned with sakura blossoms.
Graceful.
Beautiful.
Dangerously attractive.
Takao chose darker colors.
Black and silver.
Simple.
Disciplined.
A warrior's attire.
Akagi's kimono burned crimson and gold like living fire.
Fox tails swayed proudly behind her.
Kaga's contrasted perfectly.
White.
Blue.
Elegant as falling snow.
And Kaguya—
Kaguya looked every bit the mythical figure she claimed to be.
A royal purple kimono decorated with silver moons and celestial clouds flowed around her.
Combined with her fox ears and confident smile, she resembled a heavenly spirit descended from the moon itself.
The moment she appeared, even the others paused.
Then she looked toward Yuuki.
Smiled.
And spun once.
"How doth thy wife appear?"
Yuuki sighed.
"Beautiful..."
"Ufuu, thy wife caught thy attention!
The room immediately burst into laughter.
Even Akagi couldn't argue.
Because for once—
Kaguya genuinely looked like a legendary princess from the heavens.
The perfect guide for a journey into the Autumn Isles.
Meanwhile—
Kaguya had become occupied.
Very occupied.
Because she had discovered a new target.
Yuuki.
The fox woman held up an ornate male kimono.
Black and silver.
Decorated with celestial patterns.
Yuuki immediately stepped backward.
"No."
"Yes."
The battle lasted approximately three seconds.
Then Yorktown and Belfast betrayed him.
Again.
"You'll look handsome, Commander."
Yorktown smiled.
Belfast nodded.
"I agree."
Yuuki stared.
"There are too many of you."
The women immediately considered that a victory.
Eventually—
The preparations finished.
The command room filled with shipgirls and Nikkes dressed in beautiful traditional attire.
For a moment—
The military atmosphere vanished.
No war.
No missions.
No strategy.
Just a group of friends preparing to visit a peaceful kingdom in the clouds.
A rare opportunity.
A rare moment of peace.
Then Esche fluttered into the air.
Smiling brightly.
"Laurelin is waiting."
Yuuki adjusted the sleeves of his new outfit.
Still slightly annoyed.
Then looked toward the assembled fleet.
"Alright everyone."
The Orca EX waited in the hangar.
The floating kingdom awaited beyond the clouds.
And for once—
This mission felt less like an operation.
And more like the beginning of an adventure.
=========
From above, the Autumn Isles looked like a heavenly paradise.
Floating mountains drifted through seas of golden clouds.
Ancient shrines crowned distant peaks.
Bridges vanished into the mist.
The entire kingdom seemed untouched by time itself.
But appearances were deceiving.
The moment the Orca EX descended through the cloud layer and landed in a secluded meadow, everyone immediately realized the reality was very different.
The rear ramp lowered.
Fresh air rushed inside.
Cool.
Clean.
Crisp.
Nothing like the recycled atmosphere of the Ark.
Nothing like the filtered environments aboard ships.
Real air.
Natural air.
The kind only found in untouched places.
For a moment nobody moved.
Then Anis stepped outside first.
The Nikke took a deep breath.
Then another.
Then another.
"...Wow."
The others followed.
Neon immediately stretched.
"This feels amazing."
Even Rapi paused.
The breeze gently moved her hair.
For once she simply enjoyed the moment.
Nearby, Yorktown closed her eyes briefly.
The scent of trees.
The scent of flowers.
The scent of distant rain.
The island felt alive.
The Autumn Isles were not truly named after the season.
At least not entirely.
The weather itself remained mild.
Comfortable.
Almost eternal.
Instead—
The name came from the trees.
Everywhere they looked, forests of orange, red, and gold covered the mountainsides.
Leaves drifted gently through the air.
Entire valleys glowed with warm colors.
Even the sunlight seemed softer.
As though autumn itself had chosen to settle here forever.
The result was breathtaking.
A landscape painted entirely in gold and amber.
Atago immediately smiled.
"It is beautiful."
Takao nodded quietly.
Even Kaga seemed impressed.
The scenery reminded them of old Sakura legends.
The kind spoken of only in stories.
The meadow where they landed sat high upon one of the floating mountains.
A deliberate choice.
Yuuki had no intention of frightening the villagers.
The sudden appearance of an enormous military transport above a peaceful shrine settlement would not end well.
So instead—
They landed far away from the population centers.
Far away from the temples.
Far away from the villages.
Only the sound of wind accompanied them.
Esche fluttered happily around the field.
"She's close."
The fairy's excitement was becoming increasingly obvious.
Looking down the mountain revealed another surprise.
The Autumn Isles possessed no modern transportation.
No roads.
No aircraft.
No vehicles.
Instead—
Ancient wooden structures stretched between islands.
Massive timber towers stood atop cliffs.
Countless cables extended from them.
Connecting one floating mountain to another.
The system resembled enormous cable cars.
Wooden platforms suspended by thick ropes swayed gently above the clouds.
Some carried cargo.
Others carried travelers.
The entire network appeared ancient.
Yet remarkably well maintained.
Yuuki stared for several moments.
Then pointed.
"Those are impressive."
Kaguya nodded.
"Aye."
"The Tsukimimi have used them for generations."
The fox woman smiled faintly.
"Building roads between floating mountains is somewhat difficult."
A fair point.
Neon leaned over the edge.
Immediately regretted it.
Because beneath the platforms lay nothing but clouds.
And a very long fall.
"...Nope."
She stepped back.
"I hate that."
Anis nodded.
"Agreed."
The two Nikkes immediately avoided looking downward again.
Yuuki observed the transportation system more closely.
Then quickly realized something.
The cable network wasn't designed for convenience.
It was designed for survival.
Most of the platforms were large.
Wide.
Heavy-duty.
Built for carrying timber.
Stone.
Food.
Construction materials.
Not tourists.
Not adventurers.
Practicality over comfort.
The Tsukimimi clearly used the system to support multiple islands rather than merely travel between them.
Which explained why everything looked sturdy enough to survive storms.
Kaguya folded her fan.
Then pointed toward a distant mountain peak.
Hidden among forests of orange leaves.
A village sat there.
Ancient pagodas.
Temple gates.
Shrines.
Small homes.
And countless rabbit-eared figures moving through the streets.
"There."
Everyone followed her gaze.
The Tsukimimi settlement.
Their destination.
Their first stop within the Autumn Isles.
Then Kaguya smiled.
"A fortunate thing we landed here."
Yuuki looked at her.
"Why?"
The fox woman pointed down toward the lower cliffs.
Everyone followed her finger.
Then collectively froze.
Because what they saw was not a path.
It was a nightmare.
An endless staircase carved into the mountainside.
Switchbacks.
Wooden bridges.
Steep climbs.
More stairs.
Then even more stairs.
Stretching all the way from the lower islands.
Vanishing into the clouds below.
Silence followed.
Then—
"Oh."
Neon understood immediately.
Kaguya nodded.
"Aye."
The fox woman looked entirely amused.
"Had we begun at the bottom..."
She gestured toward the impossible climb.
"...we would still be walking by sunset."
The entire group immediately became grateful for the Orca EX.
Even Takao looked relieved.
Meanwhile—
Yuuki stared at the mountain.
Then at the village.
Then at the staircase.
Then back at the village.
"...Best decision I've made all week."
No one disagreed.
Not a single person.
"Thank God I didn't have to climb that."
Neon looked down toward the seemingly endless stairway disappearing into the clouds below.
Just looking at it made her legs hurt.
"I would've retired."
"You don't even climb normally."
Anis immediately pointed out.
"Exactly."
Neon nodded seriously.
"Which is why it would've been tragic."
Nearby, Nimi sighed.
A long suffering sigh.
The kind she had perfected after spending years around certain destroyers.
Because while Neon was complaining—
She was carrying Laffey.
Again.
The destroyer had somehow fallen asleep in the middle of an autumn meadow.
No warning.
No explanation.
Just—
Sleep.
Now Laffey rested comfortably against Nimi's back.
Completely content.
"...Laffey likes this island."
The sleepy destroyer mumbled.
Then immediately returned to sleep.
Nimi looked toward the heavens.
Seeking patience.
Finding none.
The Orca EX remained behind as they continued on foot.
Once the group safely reached the island, the transport lifted back into the sky.
Its cloaking systems activated moments later.
Within seconds it vanished entirely.
Returning to the hidden fleet.
Awaiting orders.
Awaiting emergencies.
Hopefully not needed.
The journey itself proved surprisingly pleasant.
The air remained cool and refreshing.
Orange leaves drifted across stone pathways.
Ancient shrines occasionally appeared among the trees.
Small streams flowed alongside the roads.
The entire island felt peaceful.
A place untouched by war.
Untouched by Sirens.
Untouched by Raptures.
For many of the girls—
It was their first experience walking through such a tranquil land.
Even Rapi seemed more relaxed.
Even Enterprise looked comfortable.
Even Hipper had stopped complaining.
Which might have been the greatest miracle so far.
Eventually—
The trees parted.
And the village appeared.
Nestled among orange forests and temple grounds.
Wooden homes lined stone streets.
Paper lanterns hung beneath curved rooftops.
Shrines and pagodas overlooked the settlement from higher terraces.
Children ran through the streets laughing.
Market stalls filled the central square.
The sight looked straight out of an ancient painting.
The group paused.
Taking it all in.
Then Kaguya quietly spoke.
"We are here."
The fox woman adjusted her kimono.
Then a faint shimmer passed over her body.
Her fox ears shrunk.
Her tails disappeared but she kept one.
Moments later she appeared completely almost human.
At least outwardly.
Yuuki raised an eyebrow.
"Hiding your identity?"
Kaguya nodded.
"Aye."
The answer came immediately.
"The last time I visited."
A small smile appeared.
"I may have floated through the skies."
Several girls immediately became suspicious.
Then Kaguya continued.
"And defeated an invading Siren fleet."
Everyone nodded.
That sounded like her.
Then—
"The villagers may remember."
The understatement nearly caused Atago to laugh.
The rest of the group had prepared as well.
Small illusion projectors hidden within their clothing activated.
Subtle holographic effects appeared.
Animal ears.
Tails.
Minor features.
Nothing extravagant.
Just enough to blend in.
Because among the Tsukimimi, animal traits were common.
And outsiders without them would stand out immediately. Except for Atago, Takao, Akashi, Akagi, Kaga and Kaguya since they naturally have their natural ears and tails.
Yuuki glanced around.
The results were surprisingly convincing.
Some perhaps too convincing.
Anis immediately became the center of attention.
Because she had somehow ended up with wolf ears and a fluffy tail.
The illusion moved naturally.
Which only made it funnier.
Anis herself kept trying to look at it.
Without success.
"This is ridiculous."
The tail swished behind her.
Everyone stared.
"It suits you."
Rapi commented.
Anis pointed dramatically.
"Traitor."
Neon had the opposite reaction.
The moment she received fox ears and a tail she became delighted.
Absolutely delighted.
"Look!"
The tail swayed enthusiastically.
"LOOK."
Everyone looked.
Because she wouldn't stop asking.
Then she spun around.
"The tail moves!"
"We know."
"It follows my emotions!"
"We know."
"This is amazing."
Nobody could argue.
Ade's reaction was considerably different.
The mature maid quietly touched the illusionary bunny ears atop her head.
Then immediately blushed.
Because they looked surprisingly real.
"Ade."
Soda smiled brightly.
"They're cute."
Ade's blush deepened.
"Please don't say that."
Naturally—
Soda immediately said it again.
Soda herself looked entirely at home.
Her own bunny ears bounced slightly whenever she moved.
Combined with her kimono and cheerful smile—
She looked like she belonged in the village.
The younger maid was having the time of her life.
Cocoa kept checking her reflection in every window she passed.
The bunny ears fascinated her.
"Master."
Yuuki immediately became suspicious.
"Yes?"
"Can we keep these?"
"No."
"Aww."
Yorktown and Enterprise carried elegant fox-like traits.
Belfast appeared surprisingly natural with silver rabbit ears.
Illustrious somehow became even more beautiful.
Eugen intentionally chose fox ears.
Specifically because she knew it would annoy Akagi.
It worked.
Hipper chose wolf ears.
Only because Eugen wouldn't stop teasing her otherwise.
Nayuta took on cat ears and tail. She really liked it when they twitched.
Avrora and Wales each take on wolf ears like Atago and Takao.
Javelin loved hers.
Nimi tolerated hers.
Barely.
Unicorn looked like a fairy tale princess.
And Laffey—
Still asleep.
Still being carried.
Still somehow possessing rabbit ears.
Eventually the group reached the village gate.
Large wooden torii arches stood above the entrance.
Stone lanterns lined the path.
Several guards watched newcomers arrive.
Rabbit ears twitching gently in the breeze.
For a brief moment—
Nobody paid them any special attention.
Travelers.
Pilgrims.
Merchants.
Visitors.
They blended in perfectly.
Exactly as planned.
Yuuki smiled.
"So far so good."
Then one of the guards approached.
The rabbit-eared man studied the group.
His eyes moving across their clothing.
Their ears.
Their tails.
Then toward Yuuki.
The only obvious human among them.
The guard blinked.
Then blinked again.
Clearly confused.
Because while the women blended in perfectly—
Yuuki stood out immediately.
The entire group slowly turned toward him.
Silence followed.
Then Anis pointed.
"...We forgot about him."
Yuuki stared.
Everyone stared.
Even Kaguya covered her face with her fan.
Because somehow—
They had remembered to disguise everyone except the Commander.
The silence lingered for several seconds.
The guards stared.
The group stared.
Yuuki stared back.
Then realization slowly dawned.
"...Right."
Everyone had disguises.
Everyone except him.
Anis immediately pointed.
"Good job, Commander."
"Not helping."
"Nope."
Neon looked delighted.
"This is embarrassing."
"Very."
Even Rapi looked mildly amused.
Which somehow made it worse.
Meanwhile the guards continued staring.
Waiting.
Confused.
Then Yuuki sighed.
"Fine."
He reached up and ruffled his own hair.
A faint shimmer passed through the illusion projector hidden beneath his collar.
Moments later—
Two soft cat ears appeared atop his head.
A matching tail emerged behind him.
The effect was surprisingly convincing.
Silence followed.
Complete silence.
Then—
Collective squeal.
The women exploded.
"OH MY GOD."
Neon nearly collapsed.
Anis immediately covered her mouth.
Soda looked ready to faint.
Even Ade froze.
The mature maid's face instantly turned red.
"Master..."
Yuuki immediately became suspicious.
"What?"
Nobody answered.
Because they were all staring.
At the cat ears.
The ears twitched.
That somehow made everything worse.
Cocoa pointed.
"Master."
"No."
"You didn't even hear my question."
"No."
"The ears moved."
"Please keep moving them. They're so cute."
"No."
The maids looked devastated.
Nearby—
Yorktown quietly covered her smile.
Enterprise failed entirely.
The carrier actually laughed.
A genuine laugh.
Which happened rarely enough to stun everyone nearby.
"Hana."
Yorktown smiled.
"Yes?"
"You too?"
"They're cute."
Betrayal.
Complete betrayal.
Eugen immediately walked around him.
Inspecting.
Studying.
Evaluating.
Then nodded.
"Teddy Bear."
"No."
"The cat theme works."
"Eugen."
The Iron Blood cruiser looked entirely pleased.
"You should keep it."
"No."
"Forever."
"No."
The answer came instantly.
Kaguya hid her smile behind her fan.
Akagi's tails swayed.
Atago looked dangerously entertained.
Even Takao's lips twitched.
Which counted as open laughter by Takao standards.
The situation had become hopeless.
Then came the final blow.
Laffey woke up.
Just enough to see Yuuki.
The destroyer blinked once.
Then twice.
Then pointed.
"...Cat."
Everyone waited.
Laffey nodded.
"...Cute."
Then immediately fell asleep again.
The verdict had been delivered.
There was no appeal.
Meanwhile—
The village guards looked between the group.
Then toward Yuuki.
Then toward the cat ears.
Then nodded.
Apparently satisfied.
One of them smiled politely.
"Welcome to the Autumn Isles."
The gate opened.
No further questions asked.
No suspicion.
No complications.
The disguise had worked.
Though perhaps too well.
As the group walked through the village gates, Yuuki could still feel eyes on him.
Mostly from the women behind him.
The cat ears twitched once.
Another collective squeal immediately followed.
Yuuki sighed.
He had faced Sirens.
Raptures.
The Mother Whale.
Ancient magical trees.
And somehow—
Cat ears had become his greatest challenge of the week.
At first glance, the Autumn Isles appeared beautiful.
Peaceful.
Prosperous.
Almost heavenly.
But the deeper they walked into the village, the more cracks began to appear.
Yuuki noticed them first.
Then Yorktown.
Then Belfast.
Then everyone else.
The houses.
Some were well maintained.
Others were not.
Several roofs showed signs of age.
Wooden walls had visible repairs.
Certain homes looked one storm away from collapse.
Not what one would expect from a prosperous floating kingdom.
Then there were the fields.
That bothered him more.
Farmland should have been thriving.
The floating islands possessed fertile soil.
Fresh water.
Abundant sunlight.
Yet the fields looked unhealthy.
Sparse.
Patchy.
The crops seemed stunted.
As if the land itself was struggling.
Yuuki slowed his pace.
The others quietly followed.
Listening.
Observing.
Learning.
Then voices drifted over from a nearby field.
A young rabbit-eared girl held up a carrot.
Or rather—
Something attempting to be a carrot.
It was thin.
Crooked.
Undersized.
The kind of harvest a farmer would never celebrate.
The girl sighed.
"Again..."
Nearby another rabbit-eared villager shook her head.
"Kyon, how are the carrots on your side?"
The first girl looked miserable.
"No good."
Then she glanced toward a basket.
Barely half-full.
"We can't sell any of these."
Another young woman sighed heavily.
"We don't have enough money for water crystals or earth crystals."
Yuuki exchanged a glance with Yorktown.
Water crystals?
Earth crystals?
The terms immediately stood out.
Then another rabbit girl approached.
"What about you, Momo?"
The woman named Momo looked equally exhausted.
"It's bad here too."
She kicked at the dirt.
"The soil is terrible."
Then sadly—
"We can barely grow anything."
The group quietly approached.
Not wanting to interrupt.
Then Kyon finally noticed them.
Her ears immediately stood upright.
"Eep!"
The rabbit girl nearly dropped her basket.
The others turned as well.
Several immediately looked nervous.
Then Kyon bowed repeatedly.
"You're here to collect the harvest?"
Everyone blinked.
"What?"
The girl looked increasingly distressed.
"It's not ready yet!"
She pointed toward the pathetic field.
"Please give us a few more months!"
Yuuki immediately raised both hands.
"No."
"No."
"We aren't here for that."
The villagers froze.
Then blinked.
Then blinked again.
"You're not?"
"We're travelers."
The relief was immediate.
Almost painful to watch.
Several villagers visibly relaxed.
Then Kyon lowered her head.
"I'm sorry."
Her ears drooped.
"We didn't mean to offend you."
The young woman looked around at the village.
Then quietly spoke.
"You arrived at a bad time."
Yuuki glanced toward the fields.
"Harvest season?"
The rabbit girl nodded.
"Aye."
Then her expression became troubled.
"We have until today."
"Today?"
The villagers nodded.
Then Momo quietly explained.
"We have to pay our tribute."
That word immediately drew attention.
Tribute.
Yorktown frowned.
"Tribute?"
Kyon nodded.
"To Lady Kaguya."
Silence.
Complete silence.
Because standing several meters away—
Kaguya nearly stopped walking.
The fox woman's expression didn't change.
But her eyes did.
They narrowed slightly.
Dangerously.
Then Kyon continued.
"If we don't provide enough harvest..."
The rabbit girl's voice became smaller.
"We'll be banished."
The silence deepened.
Akagi slowly turned toward Kaguya.
The fox carrier's tails were no longer swaying.
A very bad sign.
Then Kaguya quietly spoke in Japanese.
Only loud enough for Akagi to hear.
"I never asked for tribute."
Akagi nodded.
The Arcane shipgirl's gaze remained fixed on the villagers.
"I have not received a single carrot."
A pause.
Then more quietly—
"Not one."
Akagi nearly laughed despite the situation.
Because somehow that sounded exactly like something Kaguya would focus on.
Then Kaguya continued.
"I haven't visited this place in ten years."
The realization settled heavily.
Ten years.
No contact.
No communication.
No oversight.
No supervision.
And now villagers were paying tribute in her name.
The fox woman's eyes slowly drifted toward the distant pagoda overlooking the settlement.
The largest building in the village.
The chief's residence.
A place she vaguely remembered appointing as the administrative center years ago.
Then Akagi quietly asked—
"Thinking what I'm thinking?"
Kaguya's smile returned.
Unfortunately.
It was the smile she wore before battles.
Before Sirens exploded.
Before fleets vanished.
A smile both Akagi and Kaga recognized immediately.
"Indeed."
The Arcane shipgirl folded her fan.
"Someone has been using my name."
The air around her seemed to cool slightly.
Then she smiled sweetly.
Very sweetly.
Far too sweetly.
"Oh dear. Is someone picking a fight with me?"
Akagi almost pitied whoever the village chief was.
Almost.
Meanwhile, Yuuki knelt beside Kyon.
Still focused on the villagers.
"Tell me something."
The rabbit girl looked up.
"Yes?"
"How much tribute are you supposed to pay?"
The answer came immediately.
And judging from the expressions of the villagers—
Whatever number they gave was not going to make anyone in Yuuki's group happy.
The answer left the group silent.
"Three thousand credits."
Kyon lowered her head.
Momo looked equally ashamed.
"That is the minimum."
"The chief says every household must contribute."
Yuuki looked around.
The worn homes.
The unhealthy fields.
The exhausted villagers.
Then back toward the tiny basket of malformed carrots.
Three thousand credits.
For people who could barely grow food.
The demand was absurd.
Nearby, Neon looked genuinely upset.
"Commander?"
Yuuki looked toward her.
The usually energetic Nikke pointed around the village.
"Can't your super-duper technology help this place?"
The question was surprisingly sincere.
No jokes.
No exaggeration.
Just concern.
Neon looked around at the rabbit-eared villagers.
"This place is beautiful."
Then more quietly—
"They don't deserve this."
Yorktown nodded.
The carrier's gaze lingered on the struggling fields.
"She's right."
Then looking toward Yuuki.
"Maybe we can help them."
The villagers immediately looked nervous.
As though they had asked for too much already.
Then Kaguya spoke.
The fox woman had remained unusually quiet.
For perhaps the first time since arriving.
"Dearest."
Yuuki glanced toward her.
Kaguya's smile was gone.
Completely gone.
"This place belongs unto me."
The words carried a surprising weight.
Not arrogance.
Responsibility.
Then her eyes drifted across the village.
"I entrusted it unto others."
A pause.
"And whilst I wandered the heavens, they suffered."
The fox woman closed her fan.
"I knew none of this."
Her voice grew quieter.
Almost regretful.
"Canst thou aid them?"
Yuuki folded his arms.
Thinking.
Evaluating.
Planning.
Then his gaze moved toward the surrounding landscape.
The mountains.
The floating islands.
The strategic elevation.
The natural defenses.
The transportation routes.
The weather patterns.
A thousand possibilities appeared in his mind.
"Hmm."
The others immediately recognized that sound.
It meant he was planning.
Which usually meant trouble for somebody.
Eventually he nodded.
"This location is excellent."
The group looked confused.
Yuuki pointed toward the surrounding mountains.
"Extremely high elevation."
Then toward the neighboring floating islands.
"Natural defenses."
Then toward the skies.
"Excellent aerial coverage."
The commander's eyes narrowed slightly.
"We could establish a forward observation post here."
Enterprise nodded.
Seeing it now.
Yorktown too.
Even Belfast quietly approved.
"A Chrono Jump beacon would be useful."
Yuuki continued.
"That would allow instant deployment."
Then after another moment—
"But."
The word stopped everyone.
"This place isn't large enough for a major base."
The villagers immediately relaxed.
Because the idea of a giant military installation appearing beside their homes sounded terrifying.
Yuuki smiled.
"Fortunately."
"We don't need one."
Then he turned toward Kaguya.
"Kaguya."
"Yes, dearest?"
The fox woman immediately answered.
Yuuki raised an eyebrow.
"You didn't appoint the current chief, right?"
The answer came instantly.
"Nay."
The fox woman's eyes narrowed.
"The last caretaker I appointed was an elderly woman."
Her expression softened slightly.
"A good woman."
Then sadness appeared.
"If memory serves..."
"She hath likely passed on."
Silence followed.
Then Kaguya looked toward the largest building in the village.
The chief's residence.
Her smile slowly returned.
The dangerous one.
"Oh dear."
Akagi immediately recognized it.
Kaga did too.
The smile Kaguya wore before things exploded.
Metaphorically.
Usually.
"I entrusted them with stewardship."
Kaguya quietly continued.
"And they transformed it into oppression."
The fan in her hand snapped shut.
A sharp sound.
"How disappointing."
The temperature around the group seemed to drop slightly.
Not literally.
Just enough to make everyone nervous.
Even Momo and Kyon took a step back.
Then they froze.
Because a realization had finally struck.
Their eyes slowly widened.
"K-Kaguya..."
The rabbit girls looked between her and Yuuki.
Then back again.
"That name..."
Their ears immediately stood upright.
"It can't be."
Yuuki immediately stepped forward.
"Shh."
The two villagers froze.
Then he smiled.
"Let's keep that between us for now."
The girls nodded frantically.
Neither wanted trouble.
Especially not if this woman truly was that Kaguya.
Nearby, Nayuta quietly observed the villagers.
The silver-haired Nikke's expression unusually troubled.
Then she softly spoke.
"These gentle folk have suffered much."
Her old-fashioned speech drew the villagers' attention.
"'Tis a sorrowful sight."
The rabbit girls lowered their heads.
Embarrassed.
Ashamed.
As though their poverty was somehow their fault.
Nayuta immediately shook her head.
"Nay."
The villagers blinked.
"'Tis not thy shame to bear."
Her voice softened.
"Those who exploit the weak should bear such burdens."
Even Kyon looked slightly comforted.
Yuuki finally clapped his hands.
"Alright."
Mission mode returned.
Immediately.
The group focused.
"We split up."
Everyone straightened.
Yuuki pointed toward himself.
"Me."
Then toward Kaguya.
"Her."
Then Akagi.
Kaga.
Belfast.
Yorktown.
Enterprise.
Illustrious.
"We'll pay a visit to the village chief."
The chosen group immediately understood.
This was no longer a casual conversation.
This was an investigation.
Possibly a confrontation.
Meanwhile Yuuki turned toward the others.
"Everyone else."
He produced a small credit chip.
Then another.
Then another.
The amount immediately made Momo's eyes widen.
And Kyon's.
And several nearby villagers.
Because it was more money than most of them likely saw in months.
"Find us an inn."
Neon immediately saluted.
"Yes, Commander."
"Nothing fancy."
"Aw."
"No."
Anis laughed.
Then Kaguya looked toward the chief's residence once more.
The large building overlooked the village from above.
Like a lord observing subjects.
The sight seemed to irritate her greatly.
The fox woman slowly smiled.
Not the playful smile.
Not the teasing smile.
The smile of a ruler discovering corruption in her own lands.
"Dearest."
Yuuki glanced toward her.
Kaguya elegantly opened her fan.
"'Twould appear we have a most interesting conversation awaiting us."
Behind her—
Akagi smiled.
Kaga adjusted her sleeves.
Enterprise folded her arms.
Belfast's eyes narrowed slightly.
Yorktown looked disappointed.
Which was somehow scarier than anger.
And Illustrious maintained her gentle smile.
The one that often appeared before someone was politely destroyed.
Far above the struggling village—
The chief remained unaware.
Completely unaware.
That the woman whose name he had been abusing for years had just walked through his front gate.