The girl clung to Hikaru's leg like a little puppy while crying and begging. Hikaru wasn't used to this kind of situation, and seeing Missouri's pitiful, teary-eyed expression, he almost gave in.
But Lexington's icy glare snapped him back to his senses.
"No," Hikaru firmly lifted Missouri up—she was surprisingly heavy, honestly. "This isn't about targeting you. It's a necessary test. As secretary ship, you need to uphold honor and self-sacrifice."
Missouri mumbled something resentfully under her breath. Hikaru didn't catch it clearly, but he did hear the words "married ship" and "lead by example."
He could already guess what she was complaining about. He pretended not to hear and patted her on the shoulder. "Get ready. I'm going to switch you out."
Missouri's eyes shifted. In a small voice, she asked, "But Commander, I'm still your secretary ship, right? Just switch me out temporarily and then put me right back!"
That was fine by him. Hikaru nodded in agreement.
Tears welling in her eyes, Missouri gripped Hikaru's hand as if walking to her execution. "Then… please go ahead."
Hikaru gave a wry smile. She was making him feel like some kind of executioner.
Before he could say anything, Missouri's eyes darted again and she added, "I'm scared. What if your experiment fails and I… die?"
She wasn't entirely wrong—Hikaru did hesitate.
His theory was still just that—a theory. What if replacing Missouri as secretary ship didn't send her back to the original naval base, but made her disappear completely? That would be a disaster.
The possibility was small, but not zero. There was definitely some risk involved.
Seeing that he seemed shaken, Missouri gave a sweet smile and clung to Hikaru's arm. "Then I want compensation… something that would make it worth it even if I die."
"Don't say such unlucky things," Hikaru scolded, frowning. "What kind of compensation do you want?"
I want a ring! I want to become a married ship!
That was what she almost blurted out. But behind Hikaru stood Lexington, silently watching with her haunting gaze. Missouri really didn't dare say it aloud.
First, she didn't want Lexington holding a grudge. Second, as a girl who'd never even had a proper relationship, asking for a wedding ring so bluntly… Missouri didn't have the nerve.
"I want a kiss," she mumbled instead, eyes lowered to her toes. "Commander, kiss me."
Hikaru hesitated slightly. "That…"
"Say yes, please, Commander~ Say yes~" Missouri whined as she clung tighter to his arm, shaking it insistently, her body pressing closer.
She was clearly shy, but when she decided to go all in, she really went for it.
Hikaru felt a headache coming on. He instinctively turned toward Lexington for help.
"It's your decision," Lexington said with a gentle smile like an angel. "I don't think a kiss is that big a deal."
Since even his wife had said that, Hikaru no longer hesitated. He wrapped his arm around Missouri's slender waist and leaned in.
Despite how bold she'd acted before, when the moment came, Missouri curled up like a frightened quail and tightly shut her eyes.
But her puckered pink lips betrayed her heart.
For a brief instant, Hikaru really did feel like he wanted to press his lips to hers and taste the sweetness.
But the urge passed in a flash. Instead, he kissed her gently on the forehead—just a light touch before pulling away.
Missouri opened her eyes, cheeks flushed a deep red, and covered her forehead with her hand. She peeked at Hikaru with a silly smile but didn't complain about him not kissing her on the lips.
She really was too shy for that.
Fletcher couldn't help but snark, "Missouri probably won't wash her face for a month now. Is it really worth getting that happy?"
Missouri just huffed and didn't argue.
She clenched her fists, full of determination. "Even if I die now, it was worth it!"
"It's not that dangerous," Hikaru said, shaking his head. "Anyway, who should I switch in as secretary ship?"
The moment he asked the question, he regretted it.
Still lost in Missouri's bashfulness, he had let his guard down—and now he knew a storm was coming.
Sure enough, Lexington stepped forward confidently, smiling with narrowed eyes. "Obviously, it should be Saratoga. Not because she's my sister, of course. It's just… you have no idea how pitiful dear Sara can be…"
[End of Chapter]
[100 Power Stones = Extra Chapter]
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