Chapter 13: Homecoming

As the wooden door swung open, Lin Lan's view suddenly widened.

Inside the spacious dining hall, the lights were off, and everything was pitch black.

Bismarck looked puzzled and said, "Why is no one here? Could Eugen be busy with something and not here?"

Lin Lan didn't mind and joked, "Oh, she always likes to play tricks on people. Maybe she's preparing some surprise for us."

Just as Lin Lan and Bismarck entered the room and were about to turn on the lights, the previously dark dining hall suddenly lit up.

A few bangs were heard, and colorful streamers began to fall from the ceiling.

"Commander! Welcome home!"

Lin Lan instinctively raised his hand to shield his eyes from the bright light. Before he could lower his hand, he was already overwhelmed by loud cheers.

Lowering his hand, Lin Lan finally saw everything clearly.

In the once-empty Iron Blood dining hall, there were now fifty or sixty Iron Blood ship girls!

The sounds of Iron Blood-style piano music filled the room. In this European-style decorated dining hall, every ship girl had a look of excitement and happiness on her face.

Lin Lan was completely taken aback by the sight.

He saw both the pure-hearted Iron Blood lolis and other ship girls with joyful smiles.

Dressed in formal attire was Eugen, the "Mischievous Princess"; the petite Iron Blood Princess, Deutschland; and Emden in a white gown…

(Eugen)

(Deutschland)

(Emden)

Every familiar face from the game had become real at this moment, and the impact was overwhelming for Lin Lan.

He stood there, stunned, unable to say a word.

At that moment, a tall woman in a black formal dress with long black hair walked gracefully up to Lin Lan and Bismarck.

Her black hair covered one of her eyes, and the visible dark yellow eye reflected Lin Lan's image, filled with endless tenderness and care.

With a regal demeanor and gentle elegance, her identity was clear—Frederick the Great, another leader of the Iron Blood.

(Friedrich der Große)

"Dear, when we heard you were coming back, everyone couldn't wait to welcome you. Do you like this welcome ceremony organized by Eugen?"

Frederick the Great's voice carried a soothing warmth and affection.

Lin Lan glanced past Frederick the Great to Eugen, who was standing with the proud blonde sister, Hipper.

(Eugen)

(Hipper)

Eugen, with her white hair and a finger to her mouth, flashed a brilliant smile at him.

He should have anticipated this from the prankster Eugen!

Frederick the Great nodded at Bismarck and then slowly walked up to Lin Lan.

Frederick the Great extended her hand and gently stroked Lin Lan's cheek, carefully examining him.

Her dark yellow eyes held a watery softness, like a mother checking for any injuries on her child returning from a journey.

The H-class battleship, Frederick the Great, also known to players as the Dark Madonna or "Mom Ship," was a flagship on par with Bismarck. 

She was not only highly strategic and meticulous but also incredibly powerful.

In the game's storyline, during Bismarck's disappearance, she took on the role of acting leader of the Iron Blood.

What left the deepest impression on Lin Lan was Frederick the Great's unique maternal aura.

She treated the commander with the same tenderness she would show a cherished child.

This aspect of her character had led many players to become deeply attached, and the "Mother Emperor" had effectively turned many into "useless commanders."

Seeing Lin Lan still stunned and unresponsive, Frederick the Great's lips curled into a compassionate smile as she gently embraced him.

Feeling the warm embrace, Lin Lan was dazed and felt helpless.

Frederick, you're too straightforward, with so many people watching!

Frederick the Great gently patted his back as if soothing a child, speaking in a voice full of warmth:

"My child, it's been a long time. You… seem to be in much better spirits now."

"All the Iron Blood children have vowed to be your Iron Blood warriors throughout their lives. Each one of them is your closest family."

In the dining hall, all the Iron Blood ship girls were silent, and besides the melodious piano music, all Lin Lan could hear was Frederick the Great's gentle voice.

Each Iron Blood ship girl had been waiting for Lin Lan's return for so long. Some even thought they were dreaming when Eugen woke them up.

"No one will ever hurt you again, my child. The Iron Blood will sink anyone who dares to harm you into eternal nothingness."

"So, you don't need to be nervous or scared anymore, my child."

"Welcome home."

Home…?

Listening to Frederick the Great's tender words, Lin Lan felt an inexplicable urge to cry.

Memories of past hardships flashed through his mind. At this moment, in Frederick the Great's embrace, he felt a relaxation he hadn't experienced for many years.

When did he forget what it felt like to be home?

It seemed to be after that day.

It was a gloomy evening, and his mother, who was supposed to be at home preparing dinner with a smile, was not there to greet him at the door.

He was taken to the hospital by a neighbor and saw his mother for the last time.

That gentle, kind, and hardworking mother lay on the hospital bed, barely conscious, and with her last strength, managed a soft smile for him.

"Lan Lan, from now on, Mommy won't be able to be with you as you grow up…"

Lin Lan forgot the period of time following that, as he didn't want to and couldn't bear to remember.

Seeing his mother's face covered and taken away, and hearing the helpless cries of children in the hospital corridor, was the deepest shadow buried in his memory.

His father fell into despair, drinking away the days and eventually turning violent when he fell into drug addiction.

Lin Lan's home was gone.

The child who left in the morning never returned home again.

"My dear child, look at all the Iron Blood members. They have waited so long for you. It's up to you to announce your return to them."

As the brief recollection ended, Lin Lan realized that his eyes were already filled with tears.

Frederick the Great released him from the embrace and moved aside, allowing Lin Lan to stand in front of her and Bismarck.

Countless longing, passionate, and caring gazes were fixed on him, and he seriously looked at each Iron Blood ship girl he had once brought into the port.

This powerful Iron Blood fleet he had nurtured bit by bit was now so vividly present before him.

"I'm sorry, everyone. I'm sorry."

Lin Lan forced himself to keep his voice steady and clear his throat, then, with an excited smile, he declared loudly:

"My girls, I'm back."

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