77: Chapter 77 Invitation

"So what's this?" Li Ming took the ornate envelope handed to him by Verres. "Weren't you supposed to tell me the test results?"

"Well, yes, and this *is* the result," Verres said, clasping her hands together and resting her elbows on the table. "This is the comprehensive conclusion we've reached."

"Uh..." Li Ming looked at the envelope in his hand, somewhat confused about what they were thinking.

A6 remained fixed to her equipment, but her attention was on the game console in her hands. She'd been propped up with some cushions, allowing her to sit on the gear. She slept fairly soundly every day, at least getting better quality sleep than Li Ming.

He opened the envelope.

Edenia Knight Federation Maritime Academy, Oronia Campus Admission Invitation.

"Are you sure?" Li Ming looked up, unable to comprehend her reasoning for a moment.

"I am absolutely certain, Commander Li Ming," Verres said with a firm expression. "You need this."

Looking at the invitation in his hand, Li Ming fell into deep thought.

"I need to discuss this with Fujian," Li Ming said.

"Naturally," Verres nodded. "Truth is currently discussing this matter with Miss Fujian as well."

"Well... okay?" Li Ming tilted his head. If that was the case, Fujian should probably come find him on her own soon.

"No rush, Commander Li Ming," Verres said, narrowing her eyes slightly. "Term doesn't start until September. You don't need to give me an answer immediately."

"Alright then..." Li Ming calculated the time. It was mid-June now, so there was indeed still time to think.

And the final decision wouldn't take too long either. But honestly, Li Ming really wasn't comfortable leaving on his own. What happened next could head in completely unpredictable directions.

However, perhaps just as Idnas had assessed, his command skills were indeed too lacking.

"Then I won't disturb you any further. Have a pleasant day~" Verres turned and left, leaving Li Ming alone, momentarily stunned.

"Weird woman."

Li Ming muttered a complaint, then looked towards A6.

She had put down her game console and was looking at him.

"A6, do you think I should go?"

"Response: Unquantifiable threat level of action," A6 replied. "Estimated risk threshold exceeds safety limits. If the superior officer insists on proceeding, please allow me to provide constant oversight."

Li Ming smiled. A6 instinctively reached to steady her hair clip, but Li Ming's hand moved towards her cheek instead, giving it a gentle pinch.

"Response: Behavior cannot be accurately analyzed," A6 lowered her hand, looking at Li Ming.

Li Ming smiled again and obediently withdrew his hand.

Right on cue, his phone began to vibrate.

Li Ming picked up his phone and answered Fujian's call.

"Hello, Hu Jian?... Yes, that's right. I'll be there in a bit. Where are you now?... Okay, I already know. Verres gave me an invitation... It's fine, what could possibly happen to me? Wait for me in your office. I'm coming right away."

After hanging up, Li Ming turned to look at A6. "I have something to take care of, A6."

"Response: You should proceed with the tasks you need to complete."

"Alright then. I'll be back to keep you company later. When Ayanami returns from patrol, you two can play for a while."

"Affirmative."

Li Ming stood up, put on his jacket, and left the room.

A6 watched the door close, remained silent for a moment, then tossed her game console onto the bed. She disconnected from her equipment and jumped down from it.

She walked to the window and looked outside. The sunlight was still bright. Two battlecruisers lay quietly docked at the pier.

She opened the window. A wave of heat washed over her face.

So hot. She wrinkled her nose, then closed the window again.

Inside the room, comfortable.

Air conditioning. Fan.

... Ice cream.

Thinking of this, she turned her gaze towards the kitchen.

The rooms in the core area all had their own facilities, to avoid having to power up a bunch of things in public areas when no one was there.

She walked to the refrigerator, reached out to open it, but hesitated for a long moment before her hand touched the door.

In the end, she opened the refrigerator door and took out an ice cream bar. Since it wasn't a commercial product, it didn't have any wrapper.

She gently closed the door, then reattached herself to her equipment and sat down to savor it.

Pleasure value, increased.

But when did a 'pleasure value' stat appear? Only heaven knew.

——————

"Verres, are you sure this is enough?" Truth and Verres had returned to their room. Truth sounded uncertain as she asked.

"Trust me, things are actually much simpler than you think," Verres smiled. "I had you prepare that detailed, evidence-backed inspection report on Li Ming precisely to convince Miss Fujian. Even though I didn't go myself, you must have succeeded, right?"

Truth couldn't deny it. The wavering on Miss Fujian's face, the hint of chagrin—she had seen it clearly. Even though Miss Fujian had disguised it well, it couldn't hide the change in her attitude.

"So then, what's the cost?" Truth pressed. "Have you prepared what you're willing to pay to earn their complete trust? This is a major matter for Ship Girls."

"Of course. I'm fully prepared, even though this preparation was part of the deal I intended to propose from the start," Verres replied with confidence.

"Oh?" Truth closed her eyes and didn't ask further.

After a while, the landline phone on the desk rang.

Verres winked at Truth, then answered the call.

"Hello?"

"Hello? Is this Verres?"

"Yes, that's right, it's me," Verres replied. Even though the voice on the other end was a bit muffled, she recognized who it was. "So, Commander Li Ming?"

"I personally don't have any issues..." Li Ming thought for a moment. "But I have some conditions."

"Please, go ahead."

"I told you not to use honorifics..." Li Ming sighed in resignation. "First, I need a dedicated, long-distance communication channel. And you must guarantee that no one will be eavesdropping."

"No problem, Commander Li Ming. We can understand that. If you're not comfortable, you can personally oversee the construction of the long-distance communication station."

"Secondly, we need the Ship Girl General Bureau to establish a branch office here, to coordinate future commercial and exchange matters, and to coordinate defense with my forces."

"That's acceptable, Commander Li Ming. We can agree to that."

"Finally, I wish to bring A6 and one Ship Girl with me. Also, my personal identity information must be concealed. On the surface, I must be completely disconnected from my faction. Especially, the Federation's higher-ups must not know."

"Of course, no problem, Commander Li Ming. I'll make the arrangements for you."

"Alright then... I don't know what you discussed with Fujian, but I hope we can cooperate smoothly from now on."

"Of course, cooperation it is! Then I'll relay the message to the higher-ups. Your requirements will be processed very soon!"

"Good. I won't disturb you any further then. Goodbye." Li Ming hung up the phone.

"See? What did I tell you?" Verres put down the receiver.

"This already exceeds your authority, Verres," Truth said, narrowing her eyes. "Have you contacted the Director?"

"Of course I contacted her. It even cost me a precious Communication Crystal—so expensive!" Verres laughed. "But it was all worth it. Trust me, this is absolutely a win-win."

"Let's hope so..." Truth closed her eyes once more.

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