Chapter 874: Love Is Long Companionship

"Actually, it's the Queen who invited the master to attend a tea party, but I suppose the master would probably refuse?" Belfast said with a smile.

Qin Ge rolled his eyes, "You've already spoken for me, what else do I have to say?"

He sighed, took out his swim trunks and threw them on the bed, then closed the cabinet door and said, "This week has had a lot going on—there's the beach party, and Yujin joined. Moreover, you've probably heard that Hai Lun Na has been frequently in my office lately, which has made Tianying a bit unhappy."

So this afternoon I finally managed to get rid of her, planning to go to the seaside to properly make it up to Tianying. If I now go attend Yinlishabai's tea party, how would Tianying look at me?

Belfast smiled, "I knew you'd say that, but whatever you do, don't furrow your brows, or it won't look good."

Saying that, Belfast stepped forward and suddenly lifted Qin Ge into her arms, "Originally, the master found such things very hard to handle, but now you've changed so much—do you still feel it's not enough?"

Qin Ge stroked Belfast's hair, "Hmm, indeed sometimes I'm stretched thin—like you lot, at least I get to see you every day, chat with you every day and talk to you."

But like Tianying, or even further off—like Shensu, Wichita, Myoko... there really are times when I'm overwhelmed. Every day I need to learn to handle some official duties, which take up most of the time, then there's patrol, and after that I go on a date with the Secretary Ship.

By the time I return, it's already night; maybe I only see a dozen or so shipgirls in a day, at most a few dozen. To be honest, I think the fleet's growing numbers are a good thing, but not necessarily always good.

Belfast shook her head with a smile, "Master, the problem here is that you're too responsible, wanting to split your heart equally among everyone, wanting everyone to be happy, everyone to be pleased."

But there's nothing so simple in the world; nothing can be called perfect, and a person's life always has regrets.

Just like our warships, the capital ships lack the agility of our destroyers and cruisers, but our cruisers don't have the capital ships' formidable firepower. Everything requires trade-offs; we can't make everyone that happy.

Moreover, you've already done well enough—everyone lives happily in the port area each day, everyone has something to do, everyone has a strong sense of belonging; that's already enough.

It's not that everyone must receive your care, your attention, or be alone with you. Don't go down a dead end; sometimes two people being together doesn't have to be love—it can be friendship, or the shared spirit of striving for a common goal."

Qin Ge blinked, "Is that so? Have I really walked into a dead end?"

"Exactly." Belfast said with a smile.

Qin Ge rolled his eyes, "Since you clearly know I've already walked into a dead end, why didn't you tell me sooner? You had to make me suffer like this before speaking."

Belfast laughed, "Because I thought you wanted to create a big harem, so I've always interacted with everyone in an affectionate state."

Qin Ge was speechless, "Spare me, a harem really isn't suited for me... well, although my situation now isn't much different from a harem, I really don't intend to give rings to everyone in the port area, at least not to marry everyone there."

Belfast smiled, "So, seeing you look so troubled, that's why I'm reminding you here."

Sometimes handling relationships well doesn't necessarily require an oath, and sometimes an oath doesn't mean marriage.

We are warships, similar to humans yet also different. We inherently have the nature of warships; as long as we live stably in one place, we are already content.

The port area is our haven, and wherever the master is, that's our port area; sometimes we don't need much communication—just let our eyes see you here, and that's enough.

So these are what the master should understand: sometimes grand and passionate, sweet and sugary, isn't suitable for everyone. Long companionship, warm smiles are what make everyone happy."

"Long companionship, warm smiles?" Qin Ge said dreamily, "I perhaps understand—companionship is the most enduring confession, staying together is the most romantic words; maybe that's what it means?"

"Hehe, it seems the master finally understands." Belfast smiled, then stepped out of Qin Ge's embrace, "In that case, I'll take my leave."

"Huh?"

"I still need to report to the Queen, telling her that the commander has something come up and can't attend her tea party, otherwise it would be rude." Belfast explained, "Besides, aren't you supposed to be accompanying Miss Tianying? At this time, I'd estimate she's already getting a bit anxious waiting."

Qin Ge nodded, "Indeed, then Belfast will apologize to Yinlishabai for me, and we'll attend her tea party again when we have time."

"Yes, master." Belfast performed a maid's salute, then smiled, "Wishing you a pleasant afternoon."

"Thank you."

After Belfast left, Qin Ge casually picked up his swim trunks and left the room. Sure enough, when he went downstairs, Tianying was already waiting there.

"Commander!" Tianying let out a sigh of relief and immediately went up to him.

"Sorry, just now Belfast came over to tell me that Yinlishabai wanted to invite me to her tea party, which delayed me a bit." Qin Ge said.

"Huh? So Commander, are you planning to go to the tea party, or not?" Tianying's heart leapt.

Qin Ge smiled and shook the bag in his hand, "Here, I've brought the swim trunks—where else could I go? I can't possibly go to Yinlishabai's wearing swim trunks, can I?"

Tianying's face turned red, "Indeed, but does refusing Queen Yinlishabai's tea party not matter?"

"Ha, just go next time—it's only a tea party. Besides, I already told Belfast she'd help." Qin Ge smiled to comfort him, "Besides, I feel I must accompany you today, otherwise I'd feel guilty."

"Thanks for your understanding, Commander, though it's really quite difficult." Tianying laughed.

Qin Ge couldn't help but laugh, "Hehe, indeed it's quite difficult. Come on, let's hurry and enjoy the seaside afternoon."

"Hmm, Commander." Tianying nodded.