Chapter 30: The Z-Drive’s Little Scheme

After briefly reviewing the current equipment at the Iron Blood fortress, Lin Lan decided not to stay any longer.

After all, there were people responsible for managing the equipment, and if Lin Lan needed anything, he could simply ask Bismarck or the Empress.

However, while flipping through the equipment files, he noticed a problem.

Most of the equipment was basically for his Iron Blood shipgirls, and there wasn't much extra.

There were plenty of blueprints and equipment boxes, but Lin Lan wasn't planning to open them all right now.

First, he had already equipped each shipgirl perfectly, using setups from a strategy video by a top player. The equipment was nearly flawless.

Second, he knew those equipment boxes had been tampered with by the shady merchants Akashi and Shiranui from Sakura Empire, who painted purple boxes gold and gold boxes with colorful designs. They had scammed him out of a lot of money.

He made a mental note to settle accounts with those two for the money and resources they swindled.

"Commander, your office is ready. It's on the fifth floor."

On the way back to the floating stairs, Bismarck informed Lin Lan.

"I won't be staying here for long. I'm about to head to my new post. It seems a waste to set up an office just for me."

Lin Lan was considering his plans for the new port area and felt that setting up an office just for him wasn't necessary.

"That won't do. You're our commander. If there's no office for you in our fortress, other factions will mock us."

Sharn's comment made Lin Lan reconsider. He shrugged and said, "Alright, I'll use the office for a couple of days."

As they reached the entrance to the lower level, it was sunset. The surrounding blue sea floor was bathed in an orange glow from the setting sun.

"It's so beautiful…"

Lin Lan was seeing the sunset from underwater for the first time. The numerous fish reflecting the sunset made the scene look like a movie special effect.

This was a view he had never imagined before.

"When we return to the port area, we should build an underwater warehouse there too."

Seeing Lin Lan's awe at the beautiful scenery, Bismarck suggested after a moment of thought.

"It would be a waste to use such a view as a warehouse. It would be better as a cafeteria or entertainment venue."

Lin Lan smiled, noting that the Iron Blood shipgirls were more practical, but that was one of their strengths.

"I suggest making it a library. Reading underwater would be a unique experience."

Gneisenau proposed, and Lin Lan nodded. An underwater library was indeed a great idea.

After saying goodbye to Lin Lan on the third floor, the Sharn sisters left the elevator.

Lin Lan initially intended to return to his room to rest but remembered Z23. He decided to head to the fifth floor with Bismarck and the Empress first.

When they arrived at the central palace, it was spotless, thanks to the Z-Drive's little girls. The art pieces were so well taken care of they almost reflected light.

The maid girls were finishing up their work, and when they saw Lin Lan and the others, they gathered around to greet them.

"You all did a great job cleaning. Thank you for your hard work."

The Empress smiled warmly, like a kindly parent.

"You worked really fast. It's spotless after just one afternoon."

Lin Lan added.

However, upon hearing this, the Z-Drive girls suddenly stared at him with intense, expectant eyes.

Even Z2 and Z46, who usually seemed calm and composed, were no exception.

Lin Lan had a feeling something was up as he was stared at so intently by the cute little girls.

"Commander, do you think we did a good job?"

It seemed like Z23 had been chosen as a representative and stepped forward, her face slightly flushed as she asked.

She seemed to have mustered a lot of courage, her usually serious blue-purple eyes not daring to meet Lin Lan's gaze.

Lin Lan was taken aback. Each Z-Drive maid still had water stains on their uniforms, clearly showing how hard they had worked.

"Of course, you did an excellent job."

"So, Commander, um, um, can we get a reward…"

Nimi, with her head down and face growing redder, spoke more quietly.

Bismarck and the Empress were puzzled, but Lin Lan quickly understood what was happening.

So, it turned out these Z-Drive girls were jealous because they saw him with the U-boats on the transport ship yesterday!

And they knew to nudge the "honest" Z23 into speaking up. Their consciences were seriously questionable.

They could have just asked him directly, but why involve Z23 like this?

"Cough, um, Bismarck, Empress, you two go ahead with your work. I'll stay here for a while and chat with them."

Lin Lan coughed and told Bismarck and the Empress.

Bismarck nodded as usual, without objection.

Before leaving, the Empress patted Lin Lan on the shoulder with a smile and whispered:

"Be sure to exercise restraint."

Lin Lan was speechless. What restraint? He wasn't the Royal Ark.

After the two Iron Blood flagships left, Lin Lan crouched down, smiled at Z23, and said:

"Nimi, let me guess. Was it Z1 and Z2 who came up with this idea?"

Seeing the cute Z23 shiver slightly at the mention of these names and shake her head repeatedly, Lin Lan knew he was right.

Nimi, you really are terrible at lying.

"You've got quite a lot of nerve."

Lin Lan put on a stern expression and stood up.

"Commander, if you're going to punish anyone, it should be me!"

The silver-haired Z1 hurriedly opened her arms to protect Z2, who was behind her.

"Commander, it was my idea. Please don't blame Z1."

Though Z2's expression was neutral, her actions of trying to push Z1 away revealed her true feelings.

"So, you two are the main culprits?"

Standing in front of them, Lin Lan watched the two little ones huddled together like frightened quails. He couldn't help but chuckle inside.

Z1, who seemed fearless, was actually so scared of him?

"Commander, don't blame Z1 and the others. They were just looking out for us."

Z25 and Z28 joined in to protect their older sisters, even the little bird on Z28's head looked at Lin Lan with defiance.

"Commander, don't bully them! Even though I don't understand what's going on, if there's a problem, come at me!"

The confused Z16, though not fully grasping the situation, loyally joined the group.

Z46, after watching Lin Lan for a few seconds, silently joined the huddled team.

The two quails had turned into a whole nest of them.

"Commander, I'm also responsible. If there's a punishment, it should be for me too."

Finally, Nimi joined the nest of quails.

Seeing the teary-eyed maid girls huddled together, Lin Lan suddenly felt like he was the bad guy.