Ch41: Morrow

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I am sitting down, being served some tea and dessert by the Rossiya and the other girls, when a troubled soldier comes rushing up to my table. He stops a few feet away and performs the customary salute before awaiting my acknowledgement to proceed. Once I grant it to him, he delivers his message.

Soldier: Ma'am, we've just received reports that the Royal Navy is attacking Northern Francia. 

Me: Is it a naval invasion?

Soldier: No ma-

Me: Is it an invasion at all?

Soldier: No ma'am, i-

Me: Then why are you bothering me during my break?

Soldier: Er...ma'am?

Me: The attack is merely them bombing the area, right?

Soldier: Well...in a matter of speaking-

Me: They were doing that before we began our campaign, right?

His eyes widen as he realises what I'm implying and seeing that he understands, I refrain from explaining myself further. Still, this might very well play out to our advantage. All it requires is the right touch and we might very well secure those areas permanently. For now, it is of little concern.

Me: Is there anything else?

Soldier: No ma'am.

Me: You're dismissed.

As he leaves, the others all turn to face me and from the look on their faces, I can tell what they're about to ask.

Rossiya: Aren't you going to defend-

Bismark: Surely you aren't going to-

Koln: This is going to cost-

They continue talking over each other for quite some time until my laughter finally breaks the chaos.

Me: I expect this from Rossiya as she's only just joined us but to think even our girls would question my decision not to care about an air raid on Northern Francia.

Bismark: But we are obligated-

Me: We are obligated to secure Berlin and crush the Northern Parliament. Anything outside of that is me doing what I feel like doing and as for Northern Francia, the Royal Navy was bombing it before I arrived and have been bombing it ever since. If you couldn't stop them from doing so back then what gives you the idea that you'd suddenly be able to do so now? Going there would be a waste of resources. 

She goes silent at that.

Me: Furthermore, Azur Lane's propaganda campaigns have always stated that their enemy is Iron Blood and not the people of Iris Libre and Vichya Dominion. Now that we have virtually no forces stationed there and yet they are still bombing it, however, who do you think those people will believe? Do you think they'll still support Azur Lane whilst it kills their populace?

Bismark: So you'd use the people as political-

Me: I'm using no one. I'm merely making the most of an unavoidable situation. You should try it sometime. It makes life a lot easier. However, if it bothers you that much I am willing to dispatch a force to the area. You'd be leading it, of course. 

Bismark: Really?

Me: Contrary to your beliefs, I am not evil. If you really want to go and think you can make a difference there then I'm willing to send you but on the condition that you refrain from doing anything rash. Each and every one of you is worth more to me than all the cities of Northern Francia combined. Keep that in mind when you make any decisions to engage the enemy and you'll have my blessing.

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