Chapter 860: Return to Harbor

After several days of sailing, Qin Ge and the others' command ship finally approached Guandao. Moreover, upon just entering the maritime defense line, it was already detected by their own shipgirls.

Soon, this news quickly spread throughout Gangqu, and nearly everyone came to the pier, waiting for the return of Qin Ge's fleet. Moreover, destroyers and light cruisers leapt directly from the water, increased speed, and sailed toward the direction from which Qin Ge's fleet was approaching.

Escorting the commander's command ship to let it safely reach Gangqu—this might be a good excuse.

No matter what, when he saw from the command ship that the command ship was advancing amidst a crowd of shipgirls, Qin Ge still felt warm inside. For him, although he had been alone drifting in this world, now having so many people who care about him, his happiness and satisfaction are incomparable.

Soon, the command ship docked at the pier of the inner harbor area, and as Qin Ge stepped down from it, he received an enthusiastic welcome. This enthusiasm was literal—whether it was his own marriage ship or the shipgirls he had long associated with, the way they welcomed him was a warm embrace.

As a result, the return to Gangqu was delayed by about an hour, but judging from everyone's delighted expressions, that hour was well worth it.

On the way back to the dormitory, Qin Ge continued to be surrounded by shipgirls, only gradually dispersing as they neared the dormitory; after all, having sailed for so long, his own commander also needed rest.

Upon arriving at the dormitory, Belfast and He Min, along with a few others, were waiting for Qin Ge's return. The room had been tidied up to look brand new, and the air conditioning, ice water, and so on were all ready.

"Master, welcome back."

Qin Ge smiled and nodded, saying, "I was wondering why I didn't see you at the harbor just now; it turns out you were tidying my room here."

"Yes, Master." He Min said gently, "Many people have already come to welcome the master, and the master also needs to rest upon returning, so it's better for us to have tidied the room for the master."

Sitting on the sofa, Qin Ge stretched and said, "This place is still the most comfortable."

Kalubudisi laughed as she walked over, placed her hands on Qin Ge's shoulders from behind, and began to massage gently, saying, "Master, you must be tired from this journey; let me give you a massage to relieve the fatigue."

Feeling Kalubudisi's gentle yet strong massage, Qin Ge couldn't help but smile and say, "Actually, I haven't been that tired on this trip; Belfast has been by my side, so I didn't have to do anything. Moreover, I'm quite used to sailing, but compared to that, I still prefer standing on solid ground."

"Being able to personally serve the master and receive his affirmation is an honor for me as a maid." Belfast said humbly; her bearing before these maids was exemplary, a model of strength. There was none of the frivolous air she showed when in private with Qin Ge.

Qin Ge exchanged a knowing glance with Belfast, then said to the maids nearby, "Have anything happened recently in Gangqu?"

"Anything? Xiefeierde is quite well-informed about these matters; let her brief the master." He Min laughed.

Qin Ge looked at Xiefeierde, who remained calm, and said to him, "Reporting to Master, during the many days you were away, Gangqu has indeed seen some developments."

First, regarding Gangqu's scientific research, the modification project led by White Eagle Hai Lun Na has begun; all shipgirls eligible for modification have largely undergone it, though some remain temporarily unable due to certain reasons.

The materials brought back from Donghuang have been handed over to Hai Lun Na, who is smoothly researching the modification of several shipgirls requiring special materials, and so far has encountered no particular difficulties.

Furthermore, the first batch of steel from Donghuang and Sakura Empire arrived at Gangqu a few days ago; all of it has now been stored, and you should be able to see the exact figures when you review the documents tomorrow.

Also, the factions along the Atlantic Ocean have gradually made contact with Enterprise of Gangqu through special means, and are preparing to establish communication and cooperation bases.

Moreover, I have no information about the experimental site; Emperor Frederick has sealed it off extremely tightly, I cannot even infiltrate it, and it seems there is also a mirror sea there.

The rest are just trivial matters, not worth much attention.

Listening to Xiefeierde's report, Qin Ge nodded and said, "Hmm, these situations are as I expected; the smooth progress of Hai Lun Na's research indicates that our Gangqu will soon gain three new Sea Legend Rank shipgirls."

Moreover, the arrival of steel from Sakura Empire and Donghuang also means our Gangqu can obtain another batch of converted ships, allowing our fleet's strength to increase more quickly. As for the experimental site, there indeed is a mirror sea there; the related situation, in fact, Bisimai had mentioned to me, though she also concealed some details.

I understand her approach; sometimes I am relatively soft-hearted, and I need her and Emperor Frederick's far-sighted vision and strategy. Therefore I allow them to conceal certain things from me, provided it does not pose a threat to our fleet.

"Iron Blood... how to put it? They indeed like researching more powerful things; as our own people it's reassuring, but if they were enemies we'd have to stay constantly vigilant." He Min said with a laugh.

Qin Ge nodded, saying, "Exactly that. Among the major factions, if one were to say who most resembles a soldier and most thoroughly embodies military principles, it would be them. Compared to them, the other factions, while also military systems, are lacking in the execution of obedience and discipline."

"Hehe, Master, our Royal faction is still alright, right?" Kalubudisi laughed.

Qin Ge smirked, saying, "At the very least, I haven't seen any other army with a maid corps establishment like this."

"Hehe..."

Several maids laughed together; indeed, such an establishment is unique to the Royal faction.

"Well, actually this is quite good; each faction has its own characteristics, and this keeps Gangqu vibrant. If everyone were like Iron Blood, adhering to discipline and being belligerent, Gangqu would not be so peaceful." Qin Ge said with a smile.

"Indeed, Master, are you not going out anymore?" He Min asked.

"Hmm." Qin Ge relaxed even more, laying his whole body against the sofa's backrest, half-closing his eyes, and said, "After this, it's just a matter of waiting for the Sirens to play their cards..."