Commander's Rounds

Entry 47: The Limits of Hate

The commander exited his office to get lunch- the construction crews were taking a break today, so he had time to use his own office rather than continue to mooch off of Fusou and Yamashiro's goodwill. Still, he did find some unexpected company when he got there to grab something quick. King George was there, cooking something up- she normally did breakfast during the times she stayed over. She wasn't the only person, there, though, as Cygnet was also sitting at the table, watching expectantly.

The destroyer asked. "So... What are you making?"

King George smiled. "Ah, just thought I'd experiment a bit with what I know. and besides, I'm going to have to get used to this kitchen, seeing as I'll be living here eventually. I know it's not fish and chips, but I think it's something you'll like."

Cygnet nodded. "Ah... I do like fish and chips, but... Well, it's not the only delicious thing I like." She turned her eyes. "Oh, it's commander!"

King George smiled at him. "Mm. Looking to grab something yourself?"

The commander stepped in, and hugged King George from behind, so as to not interrupt her cooking. "Believe it or not, I'm actually curious. I don't think I've actually seen you try out new ideas on other people before."

King George V placed one of her hands on his. "Oh, I'm quite confident in my own skills, but it's still helpful to see how people react to new ideas or changes in the formula. I experiment with my food as much as Yuubari experiments with whatever she has in her lab- it's just that my cooking tends to cause people far less distress."

"I see." He looked to Cygnet. "And she's your willing volunteer?"

Cygnet blushed, and smiled a bit. "Ah... Well, King George, well..." She needed a moment, but the commander was willing to give her time. "Ah, when I eat with my sisters, they always talk about how much I put on my plate at least once, but... Well, King George, she never says a thing about it. So... If she asks for something like this, then..."

The commander understood. "Then I guess I can tell you that you've chosen a great dining partner. Also, if dealing with your sisters gets to be a bit too much for you, then you can talk to me about it and I'll set things straight."

Cygnet became nervous. "Hauu... Did I just make trouble for the commander?"

He shook his head. "No, no, this is just part of my job. Besides, I've seen from the reports that you're in good fitness. Really, whatever you're doing seems to work for you."

King George added to it. "Besides, all throughout the year there are plenty of opportunities for chefs to prove their mettle- in winter, there's Christmas and the New year's festivals, in spring there are the spring celebrations- in summer, there are beach parties and barbecues, and in fall, there's the harvest, and the Union's Thanksgiving. And like any performers, chefs can't do without an audience. And I think any of us wouldn't mind having Cygnet as a fan."

Cygnet's blush became deeper. "Ahhh... Commander..."

It was then that his phone rang, and he checked who the caller was- it was Prinz Eugen. "Hold on, I have to take this." The commander took the call. "Hello, what's going on?"

"Hello commander, I'm glad I caught you- when I saw Konigin Jorg enter your headquarters, I had wondered if you might be a certain kind of "busy"- or did I interrupt such a thing~"

The commander sighed. "No, you didn't."

"Oh? Well, that's all right, then. Anyways, we are going to be having a beach party after exercises tomorrow, and I think it would be rather advantageous for the commander to arrive."