Chapter 27: Tea Time

Watching the row of cute chibis greeting him so seriously, Lin Lan couldn't help but be charmed, even though he wasn't into chibis.

He suddenly understood why Royal Ark was so obsessed with them.

Cute is justice!

"Good afternoon, cuties."

Lin Lan smiled and waved with his right hand, his left hand still held by the Empress.

Seeing the serious Iron Blood chibis dressed in cute maid outfits, Lin Lan suddenly realized something.

This wasn't a game anymore where you had to spend money to buy new outfits.

So, his ship girls could wear whatever styles he wanted them to, right?

Finally, he didn't have to worry about being ripped off by the game officials. Awesome!

"Thank you for your hard work."

Bismarck nodded to Z23, and Nimi-sensei responded modestly:

"You're welcome, Bismarck-sama."

Lin Lan looked around. The luxurious Iron Blood central palace didn't seem dusty; it didn't look like it needed a big cleanup.

"My child, some valuable artworks require regular polishing and maintenance. Such minor tasks are rotated among the destroyer girls."

It seemed Emperor Frederick knew what Lin Lan was thinking and explained with a smile.

Lin Lan understood. Given the Iron Blood's meticulous nature, such cleaning would likely be a routine task on the schedule.

As Lin Lan was about to say goodbye to the chibis, he noticed Z23's gaze flickered away when he looked at her.

There was something off.

But since Bismarck and Frederick were around, directly asking Nimi-sensei would put a lot of pressure on her.

So, he decided to find Z23 later to see what could trouble the all-powerful Nimi-sensei.

"Commander, do you want to help us clean?"

The white-haired loli Z28 asked with hopeful eyes.

As she asked, a small white bird on her shoulder fluttered its wings, flew to Lin Lan's head, settled in his hair, and chirped a couple of times.

Z28, who loved animals, was a very gentle girl, with a personality as innocent as the little creatures she adored, even drawing cute expressions on torpedoes.

Seeing her eager face, Lin Lan couldn't bring himself to refuse.

"Commander, you've just come out and probably haven't had lunch yet. Z28, don't trouble the commander."

Nimi-sensei spoke up to help Lin Lan out.

Z28 looked quite disappointed.

Lin Lan gently took the little bird from his head and handed it back to Z28, smiling as he said:

"Z28, I really can't today, but I promise I'll come play with you when I have time."

The white bird flew back to Z28's hand, and the little loli's face lit up with a happy smile.

"Commander, you're the best."

Seeing Z28's innocent smile, Lin Lan felt his heart was healed.

After waving goodbye to the chibis, the group took the floating elevator to the second-floor restaurant.

As soon as Lin Lan entered the restaurant, he noticed Roon, smiling at the front desk, and two familiar faces drinking in the corner.

"Sis, I'm so frustrated. Why did I fall for Ulrich's trick and rush out without thinking?"

Scharnhorst sat at a round table, looking gloomy, downing a mug of beer in one go.

"Who told you to bet with me yesterday that you could win without me?"

Her sister, Gneisenau, adjusted her glasses and comforted her helplessly.

Although historically called the "ugly sisters" by enemies, the Scharnhorst sisters were anything but ugly.

Whether it was the impulsive and reckless Scharnhorst or the more rational and intellectual Gneisenau, both were tall and strikingly beautiful.

At the moment, they wore their usual dark purple Iron Blood uniforms, with slight variations in style.

Scharnhorst's outfit was the Southern Hemisphere style, with long stockings, while Gneisenau's was a cropped top style with black thigh-high stockings.

"I didn't know there would be such a reward for today's drill. I thought it would be the same as usual."

Scharnhorst, clearly a bit drunk, was lamenting her early defeat in the morning drill.

As Lin Lan and his companions approached from behind, Scharnhorst didn't notice them, just continuing to pour beer.

"During the oath, we clearly promised the commander to take care of ourselves and not be reckless. Yet, as soon as he returns, I make such a fool of myself... Sis, why are you making that face?"

Halfway through her dazed rant, Scharnhorst noticed Gneisenau giving her meaningful glances and turned around in confusion.

Seeing Lin Lan smiling at her, Scharnhorst even rubbed her eyes, thinking she must be seeing things.

"Commander?! When did you get here?!"

In that moment, Scharnhorst sobered up significantly, quickly standing up and pointing at Lin Lan.

Roon, who was at the front desk, covered his mouth, trying to hide his uncontrollable laughter.

"I arrived just when you were criticizing yourself."

Seeing Lin Lan's playful grin, Scharnhorst was so embarrassed that she immediately squatted down, letting out a desperate wail.

Hearing her private thoughts laid bare, even straightforward Scharnhorst felt completely exposed.

"Commander, Bismarck-sama, Frederick-sama, good afternoon. My sister is like this; please don't mind her."

Gneisenau, pushing her glasses up, greeted Lin Lan and the others with resignation.

Seeing Bismarck about to say something to comfort Scharnhorst, Lin Lan stopped her.

"Alright, I know your personality well enough. Just having this thought is enough. Get up now."

Lin Lan patted Scharnhorst's back and then casually joined the table with the Scharnhorst sisters. Frederick and Bismarck also took their seats.

After hearing Lin Lan's words, Scharnhorst obediently sat back down, though she was red-faced and kept her head down, not saying a word.

The contrast in her demeanor made Lin Lan want to laugh.

"Commander, what would you and the two ladies like to order?"

Roon, having composed himself, approached with a menu.

Lin Lan took the menu, puzzled, and read through each page. It had detailed pictures and descriptions of various Iron Blood dishes.

He didn't remember seeing a menu here yesterday. Could it be that Roon made it this morning? How thoughtful.

Fortunately, there were no prices listed, so he didn't have to worry about the cost.

On the Empress's suggestion, Lin Lan ordered some exquisite pastries he'd only seen in Western restaurants, which looked very expensive.

Specifically, various styles of Iron Blood cream cakes and cookies.

It wasn't long before Roon brought the freshly baked pastries to the table.

The pastries had an enticing aroma and were made with such craftsmanship that they resembled hand-crafted art, leaving Lin Lan amazed.

"Commander, these cakes are made in the pastry room next door. There's plenty for everyone."

After clearing away the empty bottles from the table, Gneisenau ordered a coffee and, seeing Lin Lan's interest in the pastries, added:

"The pastry room reminds me of your old Rhine Café. Bismarck was the store manager there."

Lin Lan cut a piece of black cream cake and tasted it, the sweet flavor spreading in his mouth.

He recalled the event storyline and couldn't help but smile.

Hearing this, Bismarck's previously stern face flushed slightly.

At that time, she had indeed taken on the role of store manager. After all, Eugen's suggestion was good, and they couldn't let Royal Afternoon Tea dominate the port area alone.

And since the competition began, the Iron Blood style was an all-out effort.

"By the way, didn't you develop a lot of carbonated drinks at your café? I'd like a carbonated coffee."

Remembering the new drinks from the Rhine Café, Lin Lan realized he could now freely taste them.

He had been very interested in that carbonated coffee.

Upon hearing Lin Lan's request, Roon happily went to prepare it in the kitchen, even kindly asking how much sugar he wanted.

Soon, a cup of black coffee, fizzing like soda, was served to Lin Lan.