Commander's Rounds Volume 1

Entry 58: Fool's night out

King George V went to Eugen's bar, but this time it had nothing to do with the fact that they had all kinds of interesting drinks that she was interested in sampling. This time she went there because Eugen had extended an invitation to her to talk about some event that she was planning in the following week, and Prinz explained to her that it would be better if she was taking part as well, just to make sure things weren't awkward for the commander.

However, what was unusual was that North Carolina was also there, and she gave the Royal battleship a smile as well. Prinz Eugen had said in the letter that she had been planning this along with North Carolina, and she had no idea what this actually meant. However, she got a very big clue very fast.

King George sat down at the bar, and Prinz Eugen immediately poured her a drink. "This one's on me- don't worry, I'm not trying to make you more agreeable through liquor, just consider it a thank you for coming to hear us out."

King George smiled. "Well, if it's an entertaining event that involves Alex, you can be sure I'll be at least somewhat interested in being involved. But I do wonder why you were so discreet. Is this some matter of surprise?"

She chuckled. "Perhaps. But a fair bit of this was North Carolina's idea, so we're going to have to wait for her to come back- she said something special was delivered, and she went to pick it up- I think it's for you. In fact..." She bent over to lean on the bar. "...I'm positive."

"Hello, everyone!" North Carolina came into the bar, holding a white box. "Ah, good, King George is here, too- it means I won't have to wait to show it to you."

King George's eyes dropped to the box that North Carolina brought with her. "Pardon?"

North Carolina handed the box to King George- it felt like there was some kind of clothes inside, but she couldn't be sure what, at least not yet. "Here, have a look- just a little something to wear for the night out and surprise the commander with."

King George opened the box to have a quick look, and Prinz Eugen and North Carolina watched intently.

And then King George slowly and quietly closed the box. "North Carolina."

"Yes?"

King George needed some time to find the words for it. "...Are you sure this is entirely proper?"

Prinz Eugen nudged King George's drink towards her. "I don't see how it's improper. It's just for a night of fun, and it's not as though we're asking you to wear one of your sister's swimsuits."

North Carolina put her own hands on top of the box. "Besides, anyone with eyes would agree that you've got the legs for it."

"I do wonder what her majesty might think."

Prinz giggled. "Oh, don't you worry- her majesty would never "lower herself" to come to a place like here. And besides, a night like this is permission for girls like us to go a bit wild. No one would think less of you for taking part in something like this."

North Carolina agreed. "And if they did, well, their opinion wasn't one worth thinking about anyway. Besides, there are going to be a bunch of other girls also dressed in more or less the same way, so it's not like you'll be alone in the crowd."

King George took another look. "It's true that it's rather modest compared to what Wales might care to wear."

Prinz Eugen put on her enigmatic smile. "Besides, aren't you at least a little bit curious to see what the commander's expression will be when you come out in something like that?"

The Union instigator giggled. "I'll even help you learn the moves that go with clothes like that."

King George thought about it, and then took one gulp from her drink. "...I have one question. Would it be possible to wear my cape with this?"