Chapter 720: Invitation to Dance

The awarding ceremony was very simple, but what it represented was not simple.

Just as King George V said to Qin Ge at this moment, 'Originally the material of the Royal Navy Cross was only iron and copper, but because Commander Qin Ge, you represent a different meaning, so Her Majesty the Queen specially had it made of gold and awarded it to you in this occasion.'

After all, the Royal is currently in a reconstruction phase and cannot hold a large ceremony for this awarding, and still hopes Commander Qin Ge can forgive.

Qin Ge smiled and waved his hand, 'It's fine, and I'm not used to such occasions either; this is good enough. I sincerely thank the Royal for valuing me and my fleet, and I hope our future cooperation can be even closer.'

'This is necessary; after this battle, I estimate that all factions wish to establish good relations with each commander's fleet.' King George V said meaningfully.

Qin Ge smiled, 'Isn't that even better? And I also want to build good relations with all factions, for when battle comes again, a single faction's strength is still too weak; only by uniting can we achieve final victory.'

Just like this Siren Tide, relying solely on one faction's strength makes it very hard to resist them, but if we gather together, we can break through their defenses and shatter their attacks.

'Well said, this is also the Royal's intention; after the Arbiter and Embers appeared, a single faction's strength can no longer resist the Sirens' attack, so we must seek change in the breakthrough.' King George V said.

'This is also the meaning of Azure Lane's existence; I believe our alliance will become even tighter in the days to come, jointly safeguarding world peace.' Qin Ge smiled.

'Hmm.'

While the two were speaking, Hao beside them smiled and said, 'Older sister and Commander Qin Ge, now is not the time to discuss these things; as the victory banquet, you are the stars, so don't waste all your time here—everyone is waiting for you.'

Qin Ge looked back and saw that, indeed, although his shipgirls had dispersed in the banquet hall, their gazes kept turning toward this spot.

'Indeed, so today let us set aside our usual burdens and properly enjoy this hard-won banquet.'

King George V gave an apologetic smile, casually picked up a glass placed beside the table, handed one to Qin Ge, and made a toast.

'Hehe, cheers.'

'Cheers.'

After parting with King George V, Qin Ge was immediately surrounded by his own shipgirls, and their intention was very obvious.

In the center of the banquet hall there was a very large dance floor, and Elizabeth had specially prepared the Royal Symphony Orchestra to play nearby for this banquet, so being able to dance here with one's beloved is truly a pleasure.

Looking at the shipgirls gathering around, Qin Ge smiled and said, 'How about I take the initiative this time? After all, at previous banquets you all took the initiative to invite me to dance, but now we are with the Royal, so I ought to behave more like a gentleman, right?'

'Hehe, I suddenly noticed the commander has changed quite a bit, but I am really looking forward to it—I wonder who the commander will invite first?' North Carolina smiled from the side.

The other shipgirls also looked at Qin Ge with great curiosity, all wondering who he would first want to invite.

Only seeing Qin Ge walk up to Banrenma's side, extending his right hand amid Banrenma's slightly blushing and expectant expression, he said, 'Beautiful lady, may I have the honor of dancing with you?'

'Commander, that's fine with me.' Banrenma said.

Qin Ge shook his head, 'Now is not the time for modesty, and you are among the first shipgirls I summoned; your significance to me cannot be matched by anyone else. If I were to put you in the background, I couldn't get past that hurdle in my heart.'

So don't overthink it; let's go up together and dance this piece, which belongs to us.

Upon hearing Qin Ge's words, Banrenma's previously hesitant expression instantly turned resolute. She then placed her hand on Qin Ge's outstretched hand, her face flushed with excited color.

Today Banrenma wore a pure white dress, which complemented Qin Ge's naval uniform nicely.

The two held hands and walked together to the central dance floor of the banquet hall; as soon as they stood ready, they heard the band beside them begin to play.

Qin Ge laughed and said, 'It seems the band here is quite accomplished, truly worthy of being the royal ensemble; then let's begin our dance, Banrenma?'

'Hmm, Commander.' Banrenma replied bashfully, the blush on her face looking especially lovely.

Accompanied by beautiful music, Qin Ge embraced Banrenma, and the two began to dance gracefully on the floor. However, because there were many onlookers around, Banrenma continually seemed somewhat inhibited, her movements a bit stiff.

Although she wanted to complete this dance beautifully with Qin Ge, her body did not quite allow it.

Qin Ge also noticed this problem, so he leaned his face near Banrenma's ear and whispered softly, 'Banrenma, let me quietly tell you something: actually, after coming to this world, the first person I came to like was you.'

I really liked that former joyful and gentle Banrenma; perhaps because there are too many people in the harbor now, you often restrain yourself with the identity of a junior, but right now I want to tell you: it is you who made me fall in love with this world, and it is you who gave me a bond with this world.

Usually don't undersell yourself; although your memory, compared to others' experience, is that of a junior, your time and ability in the fleet are absolutely not junior, but rather a trustworthy companion and partner to everyone, and someone I can trust.

So relax; let us dance this piece together—although it is not our first dance, it is certainly not our last, and our time together is still very long.

Qin Ge softly spoke, and Banrenma's stiff body gradually relaxed; in a daze she recalled how she and Qin Ge had dated at first, wondering when she had buried her fondness for him deep in her heart.

Or could it be that he is not the one she likes most?

Thinking this, Banrenma leaned her body slightly toward Qin Ge and said, 'Commander, I understand; I will strive harder from now on.'

After Banrenma finished speaking, her complexion became even more rosy; this flush was not the earlier embarrassment nor shyness, but a happiness, a deep love visible in her complexion.

Accompanied by lovely music, the two began to dance with abandon, and a few shipgirls who understood the reason exchanged glances, each seeing a hint of expectation in the other's eyes.

Perhaps, just as Qin Ge had said before, he is now beginning to become a commander belonging to them.