Chapter 743: Iron Blood Naval Merit Medal

The evening banquet invitation arrived on time. When Qin Ge and the fleet girls entered the banquet hall at the headquarters, they saw the Iron Blood faction's senior leadership, led by Bisimai, already waiting.

After a brief greeting, Bisimai signaled to Prince Ou Gen Qin Wang beside him, whereupon Prince Ou Gen Qin Wang took out an exquisite tray from the Jia Zhuang Kong Jian, with a gold‑shining Iron Blood‑style medal placed at its center.

Bisimai received the tray with both hands from Prince Ou Gen Qin Wang, then faced Qin Ge and spoke in a solemn tone.

"Qin Ge Commander, this medal is the Iron Blood Naval Merit Medal, awarded in the name of Iron Blood to commanders who have displayed outstanding command ability in battle and achieved remarkable feats."

"Although you are not an Iron Blood commander, if it weren't for you leading your fleet to turn the tide and support each faction during this Siren Tide, the consequences of this Siren Tide would be unimaginable."

"Therefore, to express the Iron Blood faction's gratitude and admiration, we have specially crafted this unique Iron Blood Naval Merit Medal for you, hoping it will rest on your chest as your honor."

"Facing Bisimai's solemn ceremony, Qin Ge responded in kind: 'Protecting the safety of the seas and humanity is the basic duty of a commander, as it was during the previous Siren Tide.'"

"Receiving this Naval Merit Medal conferred in the name of the Iron Blood faction affirms my fulfillment of this duty, is my honor, and also serves as motivation for me to continue striving in future battles."

Bisimai nodded, placed the Naval Merit Medal from the tray onto Qin Ge's chest, where it shone alongside the Royal Cross Medal and the Northern Union Victory Medal.

Of course, besides these medals, Qin Ge also earned several medals from Donghuang earlier, but now they are merely background, for the three faction medals outshine them completely.

After the awarding ceremony, the solemn atmosphere gradually livened up. Qin Ge looked at the three medals on his chest and smiled at Bisimai, saying, "So this is what you few factions plotted together, right? Whenever we attend a banquet in a faction, you pull this stunt."

Bisimai chuckled, "More or less. After all, aside from this, we factions really have nothing else to offer you as honor. The key is that your performance in this Siren Tide can no longer be described as merely turning the tide; you have, in fact, saved the world."

"Azure Lane likewise has no corresponding honor for you, so we can only establish a special medal using the highest honors of the major factions; I hope you don't mind."

Qin Ge shook his head. "How could I mind? As a soldier, medals affirm one's strength and experience—who wouldn't want more? I'm no exception."

"That's good." Bisimai smiled. "Tonight's banquet is specially arranged for you, so the rest of the time is yours—after all, you're the stars."

"So you're leaving?" Qin Ge asked.

"Of course not. I'm very interested in the Iron Blood ships of your fleet, so I plan to interact with them." Bisimai said with a smile.

"All right." Qin Ge nodded. He had no doubts about Bisimai's words regarding the Iron Blood faction; it's natural for members of the same faction to feel a special curiosity toward their own shipgirls, especially when those shipgirls are stronger overall.

Compared to the Iron Blood faction, Qin Ge's fleet includes Peter Strasse and Prince Heinrich—shipgirls the Iron Blood lacks—as well as Emperor Frederick, a planner‑type decisive‑battle ship, which certainly piques Iron Blood's curiosity.

Thus Qin Ge bid farewell to Bisimai and went to Cleveland's side, seeing the once carefree Cleveland suddenly become fidgety, a blush rising on her face, which made Qin Ge laugh.

"Ha, it's finally your turn, but how did you become like this? Where did that formerly carefree, confident Cleveland go?"

Hearing Qin Ge, Cleveland bashfully said, "I'm a girl too, and I've never danced before, so this is my first time—of course I feel shy."

"Huh? Didn't I see you dancing with Hai Lun Na before? And your several sisters—how can you now say you've never danced?" Qin Ge asked, puzzled.

"Geez, Commander! Previously we danced from a male perspective; as a girl, accepting a dance is still my first time, so of course I feel shy." Cleveland hurriedly said.

"Heh, then will you dance as a girl?" Qin Ge asked with a laugh.

"Of course… I can manage a bit, but I still need you to lead." Cleveland whispered.

"Then, Miss Cleveland, are you ready to dance with me?" Qin Ge bowed elegantly and extended his hand.

"Of course."

Blushing, Cleveland lightly placed her hand in Qin Ge's big hand, letting him hold it firmly, then they walked slowly toward the dance floor in the banquet hall.

Watching her big sister being led onto the dance floor by Qin Ge, the nearby Cleveland‑class little sisters couldn't help but tear up.

"Big sister looks so cool!"

"Idiot, big sister was clearly invited by the commander as a girl, so she should be called pretty."

"But I still feel big sister is cool; though standing beside the commander makes her seem a bit cute, she's still cool."

Such a scene made Saint Louis beside her chuckle: "Heh, suddenly I feel Cleveland isn't having an easy day either—she ought to be seen as a lively, helpful girl, but her carefree nature has turned her into this; it's a trade‑off."

Beside Saint Louis, Hai Lun Na said, "I actually think Cleveland is formidable and gives a sense of security. Besides, she often helps me; if possible, I hope you, Commander, can give her a ring."

"Hehe, silly girl, your own ring isn't settled yet, and you're already worrying about others?" Saint Louis laughed. "Besides, you have what it takes—I can tell the commander really likes you; your ring won't get away."

Hearing Saint Louis say that, Hai Lun Na's cheeks flushed crimson: "Louis sis, you're bullying me again……"

"Silly girl, this isn't bullying; your sister is actually envious of you." Saint Louis gazed at the bashful Hai Lun Na and said meaningfully.

"Eh, Louis sis?" Hai Lun Na looked puzzled, but got no answer.