Chapter 100: The Cold Graf Zeppelin
"Most of the High Seas Fleet members aren't very interested in mechanical knowledge. Even Brunhilde seems to dislike mechanics," Elbe said.
Rupprecht nodded and continued, following up on Elbe's words,
"Many of them prefer to hand over their riggings to other companions for maintenance. Besides the High Seas Fleet and Brunhilde, there's another Iron Blood ship girl in this port who isn't very skilled with mechanics."
Lin Lan looked at the mischievous dragon girl in front of him, deep in thought.
In the end, he couldn't think of any other Iron Blood ship girl who wasn't skilled in mechanics besides the High Seas Fleet and Brunhilde.
Seeing the confusion on Lin Lan's face, Rupprecht didn't keep him in suspense any longer and said with a grin,
"It's Countess Zeppelin. She's not good at mechanical stuff at all, hehe..."
"I can't pretend I didn't hear that just now, you arrogant dragon."
Just as Lin Lan was surprised to learn that Graf Zeppelin wasn't skilled in mechanics, a cold, mature voice came from outside the courtyard behind them.
Graf Zeppelin, the Iron Blood's first aircraft carrier, with her silver hair flowing and deep red eyes, crossed her arms over her ample chest and walked slowly into the courtyard.
"No way, how did you show up right on cue!"
Rupprecht, like a child caught in a prank, jumped in surprise and quickly darted into Lin Lan's office loft, clearly feeling guilty.
It was evident that Rupprecht seemed to fear facing Graf Zeppelin even more than Bismarck and Friedrich der Grosse.
Lin Lan looked at the imposing lady before him, dressed in a black and red Iron Blood uniform and draped in a white overcoat, feeling the overwhelming aura emanating from her.
"She was just joking around. Don't take it to heart. Did you come here for something today, Graf Zeppelin?"
Lin Lan tried to explain Rupprecht's earlier words before asking curiously.
"Oh? Are you saying I can't come to see you if I don't have a reason?"
Graf Zeppelin's expression remained cold as she walked toward him step by step, carrying a sense of pressure that left Lin Lan momentarily speechless.
This is bad. She's not someone I can handle.
As Lin Lan pondered what to do next, the silver-haired girl with rainbow-colored eyes beside him gritted her teeth, as if making a bold decision.
In the next second, Elbe suddenly stepped in front of Lin Lan, facing the surprised-looking Graf Zeppelin.
Forcing a smile, she stammered, "G-Graf Zeppelin, today I-I'm the Commander's secretary ship. If you have anything you need, you can let me help share the burden."
Lin Lan was surprised as he looked at Elbe.
After all, Graf Zeppelin was the Iron Blood's first aircraft carrier, an undisputed high-ranking member within the Iron Blood faction.
All Iron Blood carriers were, strictly speaking, her juniors.
Lin Lan also knew Elbe's personality. As a light carrier, she was technically an aircraft carrier, but her temperament was still that of a child.
For Elbe to stand up against Graf Zeppelin at this moment, she was likely under enormous pressure.
"Elbe, do you know the consequences of daring to block the path of the World Ender?"
Graf Zeppelin was taller than Elbe. Her expression remained unchanged, as cold as ever.
She scrutinized her junior in front of her and asked in a chilling voice.
"I-I actually don't know."
Elbe, you've already lost in terms of aura.
Hearing Elbe's obviously timid voice, Lin Lan sighed helplessly.
He was about to pull Elbe aside to face Graf Zeppelin himself, but the next words of the silver-haired light carrier made him freeze in place.
"B-But I am the secretary ship. No matter what I face, I must stand in front of the Commander."
Elbe's voice carried a hint of grievance.
Although Lin Lan couldn't see her expression from behind, he could feel a sense of security emanating from the slender figure of the girl standing in front of him.
"Heh, you've grown, Elbe."
Just as Lin Lan was preparing to step in front of Elbe and confront Graf Zeppelin directly, the silver-haired carrier revealed a hint of approval on her otherwise stern face.
To everyone's surprise, Graf Zeppelin extended her hand and gently ruffled Elbe's head.
"Ah, G-Graf Zeppelin..."
The mischievous Elbe clearly hadn't expected her stubbornness to earn Graf Zeppelin's approval and was at a loss for words.
"No matter what we encounter, we Iron Blood ship girls should always stand in front of the Commander. You've done well."
Graf Zeppelin finished speaking and shifted her gaze to Lin Lan, who had just breathed a sigh of relief.
"Commander, have you been leaving the port too frequently recently?"
Lin Lan was startled by her question.
He hadn't expected Graf Zeppelin to come for this reason. Smiling awkwardly, he replied,
"H-Have I?"
"Do you have any idea how many unwelcome guests I had to deal with last night while you and Rupprecht were wandering around?"
Hearing this, Lin Lan's expression turned serious.
So the Battleaxe Military has already started probing his port?
"But some matters require my personal involvement. I can't just stay in the port all the time, can I?"
Lin Lan understood the meaning behind Graf Zeppelin's words.
His recent outings had caused quite a stir, and Graf Zeppelin preferred that he stay within the port, under the protection of the Iron Blood faction.
"Indeed. I was merely making a suggestion and wouldn't forcefully change your will."
Graf Zeppelin's expression was as cold as ever, causing Lin Lan to question if he was truly pledged to her.
But then he saw the ring on Graf Zeppelin's right ring finger, a proof of their vow.
"In the future, I hope you can take a few more companions with you on your outings. That way, we can ensure your safety in case of any unexpected situations."
Graf Zeppelin looked at Lin Lan with a grave expression, then nodded slightly. Before Lin Lan could reply, she turned around.
"I'll prepare a report on last night's battle and deliver it in the afternoon. Please read it carefully."
With those words, Graf Zeppelin finally left the courtyard.
"Phew, Lady Zeppelin finally left. I felt like the air around here dropped by several degrees while she was here," Elbe said as she collapsed onto the ground, drained of all her strength.
"Definitely, nya. Graf Zeppelin is way too dangerous, nya," Akashi said, finally daring to peek out from behind Lin Lan, speaking with a tone of someone who had narrowly escaped disaster.
"In truth, Graf Zeppelin isn't wrong. It seems that my recent outings have indeed caused trouble. In the future, I should bring a few more people along."
Lin Lan pondered Graf Zeppelin's words.
In his last two outings, he had been heavily injured by the Demon King's army and then encountered the Battleaxe Military's forces in Lihu County yesterday.
If it hadn't been for Rupprecht's formidable strength, something terrible might have happened to him.
Lin Lan realized that although Graf Zeppelin appeared cold, she was genuinely concerned for his safety.
"Let's go back to the office. Elbe, you've really grown up~"
Lin Lan imitated Graf Zeppelin's tone, grinning mischievously as he reached out to pat the silver-haired girl's head.
"Ah! Commander, y-you're not allowed to bring up what happened just now!"
Elbe's face turned bright red as she covered it with her hands, letting out a wail.
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