Chapter 719: Royal Navy Cross Medal

Even though part of the Fleet returned to Guandao for garrison, the number of people left in the Royal was still relatively large, especially when attending the victory banquet in the evening.

Nearly a hundred brightly dressed shipgirls appeared before Qin Ge, and only then did Qin Ge realize the power he now possessed.

This Royal banquet was hosted by the Royal leader, Queen Elizabeth, and the venue was the palace where she usually resides.

Such a high-level banquet hosted by the Queen is usually intended to receive faction leaders or envoys, and using it to receive Qin Ge also sufficiently demonstrates the Royal's respect for him.

Arriving at the banquet venue in a special car prepared by the Royal, as soon as Qin Ge got out, he saw the maid corps members preparing inside and outside the venue.

That somewhat familiar figure, along with a somewhat different appearance, reminded him of the scene when he hosted a banquet in his own Gangqu.

However, looking around, Qin Ge noticed that among the maids there were some shipgirls he did not yet possess, and an idea spontaneously arose in his mind.

As he was thinking, the people in formal attire gathered around him. Enterprise, seeing Qin Ge's contemplative expression, smiled and asked, "Commander, what's wrong?"

Qin Ge came back to his senses, shook his head, and smiled at everyone, saying, "I just felt that resources were tight before, and I often didn't dare to boldly summon shipgirls."

Now, after this battle, we also have the corresponding confidence; when we return to Gangqu, it will also be time to consider expanding our forces again.

"Hehe, that's indeed a very good idea." Enterprise nodded and smiled, "Our Gangqu's strength is now sufficient to face the waters near Guandao, with no security concerns left, so we can indeed summon the shipgirls we do not yet possess."

"It's obvious the commander said that because he saw shipgirls in the maid corps that he doesn't have yet. Heh, men." Ou Gen Qin Wang teased, standing beside Bisimai.

Qin Ge involuntarily coughed, "Anyway, the result is the same, so we can temporarily ignore the reasons."

Hearing Qin Ge's explanation, the shipgirls surrounding him let out a ripple of light laughter.

At that moment, several scarlet figures appeared at the banquet hall entrance—none other than the Royal King George V, leading Hao and others, walking toward Qin Ge and the others.

"Greetings, Commander Qin Ge, it is an honor that you could attend the victory banquet hosted by Her Majesty the Queen." King George V walked up to Qin Ge, extended his right hand, smiled, and said to Qin Ge.

Without hesitation, Qin Ge immediately made the appropriate response.

He took the hand extended by King George V and smiled, "Being able to participate in the Royal's such high-standard victory banquet is our honor, and we are also very grateful for your welcome and hospitality."

"It's fine; this is what the Royal should do, especially for you. This time the Royal was able to turn danger into safety and reduce unnecessary losses entirely because of Commander Qin Ge's timely support."

"Therefore, rather than saying this is a victory banquet held by the Royal, it would be more accurate to say it is a victory banquet specially held by the Royal for you." Although King George V's words had a polite element, his tone lacked any sense of formality and was very sincere.

"You flatter me; this time, too, it was because everyone jointly resisted the enemy, and only through united effort could we achieve this result—I merely exerted the strength I ought to."

Qin Ge did not arrogantly claim the credit for himself; this answer caused King George V to regard him even more highly.

"Sister, it's not good to keep guests standing outside the banquet hall all the time; tonight is still long, so why not first go into the banquet hall to see Her Majesty the Queen, and then you can continue chatting?"

Hao beside him smiled at that moment, reminding King George V of the mission he was currently carrying out.

"Ha, thanks for the reminder, Hao. Commander Qin Ge and everyone else, please follow me into the banquet hall; Her Majesty the Queen has been waiting for you for a long time." King George V said, then turned and made a gesturing invitation, leading Qin Ge and the others toward the banquet hall.

After entering the banquet hall, the spacious venue and the splendid golden decorations truly gave Qin Ge a slight shock.

However, Qin Ge soon shifted his gaze to the girl seated on the primary throne.

She wore a crown on her head, a pure white ceremonial robe on her body, and held a scepter in her hand; although she looked like a girl, she possessed the aura of a superior.

As King George V led Qin Ge closer, the girl seated on the throne rose and took two steps forward.

"Your Majesty the Queen, Commander Qin Ge has arrived." King George V said to the girl.

"You've worked hard, George." Elizabeth smiled and nodded at King George V, then turned her attention to Qin Ge, who stood at the forefront.

Clad in a white naval uniform, like most commanders, his skin had turned a somewhat bronzed hue from prolonged sun exposure, making his whole stance as straight and firm as a bronze statue.

"I, in the name of the Royal, welcome Commander Qin Ge as a guest in the Royal, hoping he will have a pleasant stay during these few days in the Royal."

Facing Elizabeth's words, Qin Ge smiled and nodded, "I have seen Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth; even back in Donghuang, Hao often spoke of you, and today meeting you truly lives up to the reputation—thank you very much for your invitation and blessings."

Elizabeth lightly smiled, looking at the somewhat familiar faces around Qin Ge, and said, "Enterprise, Bisimai, Weineituo, Lisailiu, Zhang Men... indeed, just as previously understood, it appears that this battle's victory was not solely due to the help of those remnants."

The fact that Commander Qin Ge could gather so many faction leaders under his command and unite them makes me suddenly curious—just how great will your future achievements be?

"I don't know." Qin Ge shook his head, looking at the surrounding shipgirls, and said, "However, I will lead them forward, protecting everything they have together, and safeguarding this world."

"You have indeed upheld your belief; besides celebrating the Royal and the world's victory in this Siren Tide, as the Royal's leader I also wish to take this opportunity to give you a gift." Elizabeth said.

"A gift?" Qin Ge wondered, puzzled.

Elizabeth extended her hand, and a box engraved with the Royal's emblem appeared in her palm. As she opened the box, its contents were revealed—a gleaming gold badge, beneath the Royal's insignia lay a cross marking.

"This is the Royal Navy's highest-ranking cross medal; its meaning is to bestow, in the name of the Royal, upon the commander who shows the greatest bravery and fearlessness when facing the enemy."

In the history of the Royal Navy, the commanders who have received this honor can be counted on one's fingers, but today I bestow it upon you, for only it is worthy of your courage and fearlessness.

Upon hearing Elizabeth's words, Qin Ge's expression involuntarily turned solemn; he then adjusted his attire, and his already tall and straight posture became even more upright.

"Thank you very much."