Pax Propter Vim [Azur Lane Fanfic]

Chapter 19

Bangkok, Kingdom Of Thailand/Siam.

Desember 21, 1941.

The air in Bangkok was thick with the scent of blooming jasmine, mingling with the earthy aroma of rain-dampened streets. In the heart of the city, where old Siamese architecture stood in contrast to the modern colonial influences, a small tea house hosted three of Japan’s most esteemed Kan-Sen: Gūji Nagato, the spiritual leader of the Imperial Japanese Shipgirl Corps, and her two loyal guardians, Takao and Atago.

Inside, the atmosphere was hushed and refined. A paper lantern cast a soft glow over the lacquered wooden table where they sat, their steaming cups of tea releasing delicate wisps of fragrance into the air. Outside, a contingent of Imperial Japanese Army and Navy soldiers stood at alert, their disciplined formations a stark contrast to the relaxed elegance inside.

Nagato, her petite frame clad in a priestess’ robe modified to accommodate her fox-like ears and bushy tail, delicately lifted her porcelain cup, her amber eyes glinting in the candlelight. Her expression, as always, was poised—an aristocrat of the old world, her words laced with the poetic cadence of an ancient dramatist.

"This tea from Siam doth possess a most divine subtlety, a flavor unspoiled by crude hands." She murmured, her tone carrying the weight of a bygone era.

Across from her, Atago, ever the playful contrast to her more serious companions, giggled lightly as she swirled the contents of her own cup. Her black canine ears twitched with amusement, and her tail wagged lazily.

"This Ceylon tea is wonderful too, Gūji~" She chimed, her voice sweet as honey. "Though I must say, it’s even better when enjoyed with good company." She shot Takao a teasing glance, but the stoic heavy cruiser remained unimpressed.

Takao sat beside Atago, her arms folded as she observed her tea with little enthusiasm. Unlike the others, she was not particularly fond of tea—nor of idle conversation. Her dog-like ears twitched as she suppressed a sigh. "Tea is tea." she said plainly, lifting her cup only out of courtesy.

Their moment of tranquility was broken by a sharp knock at the sliding door. Instantly, the lighthearted air dissipated. Takao’s instincts kicked in, and she was on her feet in an instant, her sharp gaze locking onto the doorway.

She slid the door open to reveal a soldier clad in the uniform of the Imperial Japanese Army. His expression was tense, his posture stiff with urgency.

"What is it?" Takao’s voice was curt, her piercing amber eyes demanding an answer.

The soldier hesitated for only a second before speaking. "An urgent report from the front lines, Ma’am. Admiral Yamaguchi himself ordered this to be delivered directly to the Gūji."

Takao narrowed her eyes. "I’ll take it."

She accepted the brown folder and shut the door behind her, her grip tightening instinctively as she turned back toward the table. She approached Nagato, knelt down respectfully, and placed the report before her.

Nagato arched a delicate brow, curiosity flickering across her face. With a graceful motion, she unfolded the document and began to read. The tea house fell into an eerie silence, broken only by the soft rustle of paper.

As her eyes scanned the words, her expression shifted subtly—from curiosity to tension, from tension to barely restrained fury. The report detailed the disastrous turn of events in Malaya. The Japanese invasion force, poised to strike, had been blindsided by an unexpected Azur Lane counterattack. The fleet stationed in Cam Ranh Bay that send to help, had been obliterated. Worse still, Kaga—one of the most revered and senior Kan-Sen in their ranks—had been grievously wounded in the battle. Or perhaps even dying.