Chapter 32: Morning Hours

In his dreams, Lin Lan was suddenly awakened by the melodious sound of a piano.

It felt as if a top-notch musician was playing their most cherished piece for a loved one.

Who could play such beautiful piano music?

Lin Lan slowly opened his eyes.

He found himself lying on a luxurious black bed.

Beside the bed, Empress Frederick, dressed in a sheer black robe, was sitting at a classical piano, playing the enchanting melody from Lin Lan's dreams.

Soon, the piece ended.

Lin Lan sat up in bed, watching as Frederick gracefully closed the piano lid, still mesmerized by the beautiful melody.

"You're awake, my child."

Seeing that Lin Lan was awake, Empress Frederick returned to the edge of the bed, smiling as she handed him a neatly folded white uniform.

"How did I end up here… Frederick, is this your room?"

Lin Lan took the clothes Frederick offered and put them on, glancing around the room. It was decorated in black and red with extreme luxury.

"Hehe, yes, this is my room. Last night, you cuddled with me like a child and slept very peacefully."

Empress Frederick leaned her elegant body closer to Lin Lan, tracing gentle circles on his chest with her fingers.

???

Lin Lan was stunned. Did he really spend the night hugging Frederick?

Frederick's robe didn't hide her smooth skin, which was exposed in many places.

The sight made Lin Lan's face feel hot, and his breathing became somewhat rapid.

"Child, if you want to be pampered like last night, that's okay. Frederick can fulfill all your wishes..."

The adoring and indulgent look in Frederick's eyes made Lin Lan swallow nervously.

Which man could refuse such a request?

Lin Lan knew he certainly couldn't refuse. He really couldn't.

…

About an hour later, there was a knock on the door.

Having finished bathing and dressed, Lin Lan opened the door to find Bismarck standing there with a plate of bread and milk.

"Good morning, Commander."

Bismarck was still wearing the same black Iron Blood uniform as yesterday, as if she always wore this outfit.

She seemed puzzled by Lin Lan opening the door, but when she glanced inside the room, a hint of blush appeared on her normally stern face.

"Come, have breakfast in my room and let Frederick rest for a while."

Lin Lan awkwardly smiled and nodded, following Bismarck, who soon regained her composure, out of Frederick's room.

In the corridor, Lin Lan realized that Frederick's and Bismarck's rooms were on the fifth floor of the fortress, not far from their office area.

Bismarck's room was directly across from Frederick's, just a few steps away.

Once inside Bismarck's room, Lin Lan found it to be very simple.

Aside from the usual furniture found in a single room, there were no other luxuries or artworks.

If it weren't for the several black-and-red Iron Blood flags on the walls, Lin Lan might have thought it was a high-end studio apartment.

Placing the still-warm breakfast on the coffee table, Lin Lan sat next to Bismarck on a brown leather sofa.

Having not eaten dinner the previous night and after the intense activity, Lin Lan quickly finished the bread and milk.

"Ah, I'm finally full, thank you, Bismarck… Oh, have you all had breakfast? I forgot about that."

Feeling comfortable with his stomach full, Lin Lan remembered that Bismarck had been silently watching him without eating.

"Bismarck and Frederick have already eaten. She asked me to bring you breakfast."

Bismarck seemed distracted by the scene she had just seen. When Lin Lan asked her, she hesitated to meet his gaze and awkwardly explained.

"Your room is much simpler compared to Frederick's. It fits your style."

Lin Lan, knowing that Bismarck and Frederick had already eaten, began to examine Bismarck's room.

"My habits are different from hers. I prefer a comfortable living space without making the room too extravagant."

Bismarck moved to the window and drew the curtains.

The morning sunlight streamed in, casting a glow on her.

Bathing in the sunlight, the elegant, golden-haired Iron Blood leader looked like a Valkyrie descending from the heavens.

The cool sea breeze filled the room and brushed against Lin Lan's face, making him momentarily mesmerized by the beauty before him.

"Commander, is something wrong? Is the wind too cold?"

Seeing Bismarck's concerned expression, Lin Lan chuckled and said:

"Bismarck, have you heard of the Valkyries from Norse mythology? I think you look just like an Iron Blood Valkyrie right now—both powerful and beautiful."

Bismarck, who had been wearing a serious expression, was taken aback by Lin Lan's words.

Turning her face slightly, she avoided looking at him and, with a tone very different from her usual confident voice, shyly said:

"Commander, please don't tease me."

Who would have thought that the meticulous Iron Blood leader would show such an expression?

"I'm speaking the truth… Alright, alright, I won't tease you anymore."

Lin Lan, smiling at Bismarck's adorable reaction, realized that if he continued, she might get so embarrassed she wouldn't be able to speak.

He cleaned up the food scraps and picked up the plate, but Bismarck stopped him.

"Commander, let me handle it. Eugen is already waiting for you in your office today as your secretary ship. Don't keep her waiting."

Lin Lan couldn't help but notice that when Bismarck mentioned Eugen, there seemed to be a hint of reluctance in her gaze.

Although Lin Lan had never been in a relationship before, that didn't stop him from playing dating simulation games on his phone.

He quickly thought about what to do in this situation and had a plan in mind.

After handing the plate to Bismarck, Lin Lan extended his right hand and gently touched Bismarck's white cheek, as if he were petting a small animal.

"Ah! Commander…"

Feeling the warmth of Lin Lan's hand on her cheek, Bismarck let out a surprised and cute sound that she hadn't expected. She didn't reject Lin Lan's bold move.

A faint blush appeared on her face, and she was too flustered to speak.

Seeing the shy Iron Blood leader in front of him, Lin Lan noticed that instead of pulling away, she actually leaned her cheek slightly toward his hand, making it easier for him to touch her.

Lin Lan, who had been nervous about making this move, began to relax and enjoy the smooth sensation of his hand.

It seemed that those dating simulation games really were effective.

Even if the scenarios were a bit unrealistic, the techniques definitely worked.