Chapter 726: Seniors and Companions

I thought you would change into something else, but I didn't expect you to still be wearing your original clothes. Qin Ge took Banrenma's hand and said with a smile.

I've been thinking a lot just now, but I always feel that the commander wears casual clothes, and if I wore other clothes it would seem mismatched, so I'd rather keep this outfit. Commander, don't you like it? Banrenma asked.

Qin Ge shook his head. "How could that be? No matter what you wear, you look good; how could I not like it?"

Hearing Qin Ge's words, Banrenma's face involuntarily turned red. "Thank you."

"What are you thanking me for? It's just the way it is." Qin Ge said with a smile, then said to Banrenma, "Banrenma, do you know where the scenery near Wudu is better?"

Banrenma shook his head. "Not sure. Although I have memories of being in the Royal, this Wudu is not very similar to the Royal I was previously in."

"But if I remember correctly, if we walk along the Taiwushihe riverbank from here to the river mouth, the scenery will be better."

Qin Ge nodded. "Then let's head that way; it's a good chance to chat properly along the road."

"Mm."

Walking along the Taiwushihe riverbank, however the direction is different from before when Belfast walked there, because the place Banrenma took Qin Ge to is the city's outskirts, not the center.

As they walked, the surrounding buildings became fewer, replaced by a wide road and dense woods beside it.

"It feels like a long time since I've seen such a beautiful scene; lately my memories are always of turbulent seas and the lingering smell of gunpowder, really making one relax involuntarily." Qin Ge looked at the scenery before him and involuntarily let out a long sigh, exclaiming.

Banrenma looked at Qin Ge with eyes full of pity; as a member of the Fleet, she naturally knew Qin Ge's efforts during this period.

"Commander, you've worked hard; thanks to you this time we were able to achieve such a glorious victory, and thus we can now come here to enjoy the scenery."

Qin Ge smiled and shook his head. "Don't credit all the merit to me; without your brave fighting, we could not have won at all."

"But now is not the time to talk about these things; now is our date. I feel it's been a long time since we've been alone like this, and I'm really a bit embarrassed, Banrenma."

"No, the commander is busy every day; being able to see you by my side already makes me very happy." Banrenma said with a smile.

"You, you always have this kind of personality." Qin Ge said helplessly.

In the Gangqu, Banrenma has a kind-hearted personality; for some people, she is even easier to get along with than the Royal Maid Corps, especially some destroyers.

Because Banrenma entered service relatively late, by the time she did, World War II had already ended. Therefore, for shipgirls who participated in WWII or even WWI, Banrenma is considered a junior.

Moreover, she herself greatly admires those seniors with war experience; even when facing some destroyers in the Gangqu, she maintains this attitude.

Back when Qin Ge was still at the Commander Academy, the first time Banrenma and Si Peng Si spoke together, looking at a carrier that obviously looked much larger than herself and calling her senior, the tearful Si Peng Si burst into tears on the spot; in the end, I still accepted Banrenma's title under Qin Ge's consolation.

But after that it spiraled out of control; besides the Fletcher-class destroyers, Si Peng Si in the Gangqu had the best relationship with Banrenma.

Not only Si Peng Si, but also Ruyue and Muyue of the Sakura Empire, etc.

"I think this is good; the Gangqu belongs to everyone, being able to make the seniors feel happy and joyful is what a junior should do, and the commander is the same." Banrenma smiled.

"Well, as long as you're happy." Qin Ge chuckled, "But I think perhaps besides treating them as seniors, it's more important to be comrades fighting side by side."

"I understand." Banrenma smiled and looked toward the river surface, "The seniors are just ordinary people like me; for example, Senior Si Peng Si cries a lot, Senior Muyue likes eating sugar, Senior Laffey likes sleeping and drinking alcohol, everyone has various flaws."

"But such genuine people are equally worthy of my respect; of course, not as a junior, but as a companion—this is also what I've learned from being beside the commander."

"Because of me?" Qin Ge wondered.

Banrenma turned around, hands behind her back, and said to Qin Ge, "Exactly, the commander usually gets along happily with everyone; I learned this way of interacting from the commander, and gradually came to understand everyone's personalities."

"So this genuine feeling makes me happy; this place is where the seniors who participated in the great war gather. I cannot say that fighting together with everyone is my honor, because as I understand it, everyone longs for peace."

"But being able to meet the commander, join this fleet, and meet so many seniors is truly wonderful."

Looking at Banrenma's sincere face before him, Qin Ge felt somewhat moved. What a fine girl; I truly was blessed without realizing it before.

He then smiled and said, "Being able to summon you, to live and grow together with you, is also truly wonderful for me."

Looking at Banrenma's face gradually turning crimson, Qin Ge continued, "Remember when I first summoned you, I caused quite a few jokes; Nengdai at the time even wanted to draw his sword and slash me."

In the blink of an eye, today my command has gathered so many shipgirls and achieved such great results. From a novice commander, I have also become capable of standing on my own.

"Much of this is thanks to you; especially now, I want to share this glory with you and also envision the future together."

Saying this, Qin Ge reached into his pocket, took out that exquisitely packaged box, and immediately, under Banrenma's astonished gaze, opened the box, revealing the shining Oath Ring inside.

"I once thought of many ways to respond to your feelings, but after thinking it over, it seems only this method can better express my will." Qin Ge smiled at Banrenma, making a proposal pose.

"So, starting today, let us move forward together in a more intimate capacity, shoulder to shoulder. No matter how many storms lie ahead, no matter whether the path is filled with thorns, being with you already makes me completely content."

"Will you become my marriage ship, Banrenma?"

Looking at Qin Ge kneeling on one knee before him and the radiant Oath Ring in his hand, Banrenma could only feel her tears uncontrollably falling.

She had never imagined this day would come so suddenly, to the point that the words she spoke now carry a slight tremor.

"I am willing."