'Uh... what is this...?'
The morning sunlight was assaulting my eyes. Morning already? Who is it? As I opened my eyes and pushed myself up, the memories of yesterday slowly began to return. If someone had woken me, it had to be the owner of this place.
I had never slept in such a soft bed before, and my drowsy mind struggled to keep up. I propped myself up and squinted, finally catching sight of the person standing over me.
'Eh... what...?'
It was a woman. An unbelievably beautiful woman. For a moment, I thought she was an angel. Her long silver hair, partially braided and wrapped around the crown of her head, gave her a pure, refined aura. Her blue eyes sparkled like gems, and her pristine white maid uniform possessed a holiness that felt divine. And then there was her figure—a body that seemed impossible. That outrageous bust asserted itself proudly, while the choker and chain around her neck added a decadent, forbidden air. She looked as if she had stepped straight out of a painting and into reality.
'Wow... is this beauty the owner of the place...?'
The woman was staring at me. She looked incredibly angry—which made sense. I had been staying here without permission. This massive room was likely the quarters of the master she served, right? Just as I was thinking about how insanely jealous I was of that lucky man and preparing to apologize, I noticed something.
'Huh?'
Tears were streaming down her face. I had once heard that women are at their most beautiful when they cry; looking at her, that phrase felt like an understatement. But why was she crying? Just as I was about to ask, she suddenly—
'Ack!'
—threw herself on top of me. Ah, so this is where I die. I closed my eyes. Mom, Dad, your unfilial son is going first. Little brother, if I die, don't forget to wipe my computer clean. And the money in the bankbook under my bed is for Mom and Dad's trip, so don't touch it. Just as I braced for the end, I felt something warm and soft press tightly against my body.
Confused, I opened my eyes.
'Aaaah... Master, Master, Master...!'
The beautiful woman who had pounced on me was calling me "Master." Her arms were wrapped around me in a vice grip, and the soft, warm sensation pressing against me was almost overwhelming. Is this heaven? I don't remember doing anything good enough to deserve this. What is going on?
Still, I couldn't just leave a young lady sobbing like this. Hmm, maybe hugging her back would be the right thing to do. Rationalizing my own nonsense, I wrapped my arms around the slender, fragile-looking body that was clinging to me.
'Aaaah... Master, my heart... Belfast's heart is being filled once again... This cannot be a dream, can it? I never wish to wake from this. Whether this is real or not, please hold me tightly. Only you, Master, can restore me to a perfect maid again. Please, show me mercy...'
The woman seemed a bit delirious. As I processed her words, I realized she had called herself Belfast. The only two "Belfasts" I knew were the city in Northern Ireland and the character from Azur Lane.
The realization hit me. I looked at her again, and she was the spitting image of the Belfast I knew. It was as if a 2D character had been rendered into 3D. I was dumbfounded. Just a few days ago, I had been laughing while reading web novels about people being transported to other worlds, and now it was happening to me. A dry laugh escaped my lips.
'So this is the world of Azur Lane.'
First, I needed information. To get that, I had to calm Belfast down. It felt like this was going to take a while. Let's start by settling this maid.
====
Side - Belfast
'Um... miss? Have you calmed down now?'
My Master's sweet voice reached my ears. It felt as if all the hardship I had endured until now was being washed away. This cannot be a dream, can it? No, it absolutely cannot. After embracing him, I knew this was reality. At last, my Master had descended like a god. Just looking at him made me smile—a truly happy smile, unlike the hollow ones from before.
'Master, I am your personal maid, Belfast. I would be very happy if you would call me Belfast from now on. I swear once again to devote everything I am to you. If there is anything you desire, please tell me anything at all, fufufu... anything at all...'
Ahhh... my adorable Master, how you stir my heart. At this rate, I cannot call myself "flawless," can I?
'Uh, then Belfast...? Where is this place?'
'This is your room, the Commander’s office.'
'Oh, so I’m the Commander?'
My Master seemed flustered. What happened? Was there some urgent matter? No way...! Is he going to leave again!? Absolutely not, Master. If you are leaving, then I shall go with you...!
'If you have any pressing matters, please tell me, Belfast. I'll do my best to solve them.'
Yes, all I need to do is solve my Master’s problems. Then he surely won’t leave this place, will he? Of course, if I can help ensure he *cannot* leave, I think some "night duty" would be quite lovely as well. I am looking forward to what comes next.
'Uh... then, since we're talking about it, could you show me around? I need to see this place for myself.'
While I was daydreaming, my Master's request reached me. Of course, Master. Wherever you go, it is my duty to accompany you.
And I must protect my Master from the schemes of those rotten Sakura Empire shipgirls trying to bind him. No, that is not enough. I must protect him from the advances of every single shipgirl. My proud Master belongs to me.
'If that is what Master desires.'
If yesterday was hell, then today is the beginning of heaven. Fufufu... with my lovely Master standing before me, I can no longer hold back. But atmosphere matters; first, Master must meet *her*. But after that, it will be my turn. I will never yield to anyone. I’ll eliminate every single woman trying to monopolize my Master.
'Now then, Master, let us go. We shall announce your return.'
All of this is for Master...
===
With Belfast following behind me, I started walking. But it was quiet. Too quiet. A heavy silence hung in the air, and it felt as if the building were empty. When I asked why, Belfast’s answer cut straight to the heart.
'Because Master had not returned, the shipgirls closed their hearts and retreated to their rooms, refusing to come out.'
Ahhh, I'm so sorry, everyone. I was in the military, so I ended up accidentally neglecting you all.
For a moment, I almost dropped to my knees in apology, but I decided to save that dramatic gesture for when I officially announced my return. For now, I apologized to Belfast.
'I’m sorry, Belfast. Something came up, and I couldn’t come back. I’ll explain everything in detail once I gather everyone together. For now, please accept my apology.'
As I bowed my head, tears began to fall from Belfast’s eyes again. I really am a terrible bastard, huh? Hahaha. I hurriedly searched my pockets and found a handkerchief.
'There, there, don’t cry. Use this to wipe your tears. A beautiful woman shouldn’t be crying, right?'
When did I become such a smooth talker? I was practically buttering her up, and I didn't even realize it. The words just flowed. She took the handkerchief and wiped her eyes. She was so beautiful, like a living painting. When I tried to take the handkerchief back, Belfast firmly refused.
'Master, this handkerchief has been soiled. I shall wash it and return it to you pristine.'
Well, if she insisted on washing it, what could I do? I started walking again. The sounds coming from behind me must have been my imagination. Yes. Definitely.
'Fufufu... fufufufu... Master’s handkerchief... fuhhh, I’m looking forward to tonight.'
Belfast, trembling with excitement, face flushed red, breathing heavily with hearts in her eyes and a strangely seductive air about her, was something I definitely did not see. Yes, that's right.
Before long, we arrived at a certain room. Whose room was this?
'This room belongs to Enterprise, Master’s first oath partner.'
I was screwed.
I opened the door and looked inside, but all I found there was despair.
======
Creeeeak
The door opened. Who was it? Which bitch was it? Which filthy woman was interrupting the time between the Commander and me? I had to eliminate the intruder who had dared enter this sacred space...
Ah! I see, the Commander! Since I’m the Commander’s wife, I should be welcoming guests, shouldn’t I?
Fufufu, the Commander really is kind. Welcoming a guest whose identity he doesn’t even know.
But I fell for that kindness, and I loved it. And I am the one who made a lifelong oath with you.
Still, I think this was a rather long business trip, Commander. To disappear without even telling your wife...
But it’s fine. You have returned to me. I am happy.
And... I think I’d like to have a baby soon, Commander... Tonight... um... how about it?
Oh, is that so! Fufufu, that’s more like my Commander. Then I’ll be waiting in the battle lingerie you like best, so you should come prepared too. Look forward to tonight, Commander...
First, I should welcome the guest. Now then, you, have a seat. This person is my Commander, my husband. I am the Commander’s wife, Enterprise. I look forward to getting along with you.
What tea would you like? I’ve always practiced for the Commander, who likes tea. Wh-what! If you say it like that, of course I’ll be happy...
Fufufu... as expected, we really are soulmates, aren’t we...
=====
I will never forget the sight of Enterprise—the one I had supposedly sworn an oath to—with dead eyes, playing house with a teddy bear in front of me.
Is this hell!?
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