While Yat Sen applied makeup, she softly explained,
"This is called Plum Blossom Makeup. Right now, I'm painting Long Mountain Brows, inspired by the phrase 'Zhuo Wenjun's beauty, brows like distant mountains.' Ouyang Xiu once wrote: 'Because of sorrowful parting, brows are drawn like endless mountains.' The long strokes of the brows symbolize enduring separation, like mountains and rivers stretching far."
With focused hands, Yat Sen refined Lexington's brows into long, thin arches that stretched into her hairline.
"Done. Now, with a touch of red on your lips," she added, handing over rouge paper. "Next time you see the Commander, you can ask him to draw your brows for you."
Lexington lightly pressed her lips to the rouge paper and stood, her beauty so radiant it was difficult to face directly.
"Though there's so much more I want to say, the Commander is already calling me. Saratoga, take care of yourself."
Feeling her connection to the Commander growing stronger, Saratoga widened her eyes as Lexington vanished into thin air, her presence fading alongside the Commander's energy.
"The Commander left… Big Sister left… and now I'm all alone."
Saratoga hugged her knees, tears welling up.
"You big liar, Commander! You traitor, Big Sister! I'm never forgiving you two!"
Bismarck stepped right over the tearful Saratoga and sat down before Yat Sen.
"I want Plum Blossom Makeup too."
…
California stared wide-eyed as a white silhouette emerged from the golden mist.
What the—A five-star shipgirl? A capital ship, no less?! Why? Why am I just a three-star while she is five-star? I won't accept this!
Huffing to herself, California stomped forward.
Fine! She'll have to call me Big Sister first! I don't care if I was born just a few hours earlier—I'm claiming seniority!
…
No words could describe the sight before Hikaru.
Lady Lexington stood in her wedding dress, far surpassing any beauty Hikaru had imagined. With long, refined brows and a delicate blue plum blossom between them, she combined Eastern and Western elegance into perfection. Even the moon goddess herself would shy away in shame.
But compared to that visual impact, the emotional impact was even greater.
The bond between Commander and shipgirl was always deep, but his connection with the woman before him was beyond words—an overwhelming flood of love, longing, and warmth pressing against his heart.
Lady Lexington stepped forward, her voice gentle but commanding.
"USS Lexington, CV-2. Commander, your long vacation… is officially over!"
As they locked eyes, California suddenly shoved herself between them.
"Wow, you're gorgeous! But more importantly…" she threw an arm around Hikaru's shoulders to boost her confidence, pointing at herself.
"Newbie! Call me Big Sister! I've got your back from now on!"
Lady Lexington turned her gaze to Hikaru—her look was like a betrayed wife seeing her long-lost husband bringing home a mistress who dared to claim dominance.
Even though Hikaru had faced countless challenges, her glare nearly buckled his knees.
Dangerous… she's furious!
But the look vanished in an instant, replaced by deep, mournful eyes.
"Commander… do I really have to call her Big Sister?"
California puffed up.
"What, you looking down on me? You're just a carrier. I could flatten you with one hand—"
Without missing a beat, Hikaru pushed California toward Lexington.
"Her name's Cali. You two talk. I'll wait outside."
…
Hikaru didn't even last a full minute before Lexington emerged, adjusting her hair and opening her arms.
"Commander, it's been so long."
Without hesitation, Hikaru wrapped her in a tight embrace.
"If you disappear again," Lexington whispered softly, tightening her grip, "I swear I'll kill you. I promise."
Startled, Hikaru quickly vowed,
"Lady Lexington… I love you!"
Lexington smiled, hugging him even tighter—as if she could hold him until the end of time itself.
I won't ever let you run away again, Commander.
Behind them, California watched in silent gloom, feeling as if she'd just eaten a mouthful of bitter dog food.
After what seemed like forever, Lexington finally let go.
"Commander energy, replenished!"
Hikaru chuckled and waved for California to bring over the backpack.
California entered reluctantly, still looking defeated.
"Lexington, what did you say to her? She looks like she's lost all her spirit."
"It's Lady Lexington, my dear husband." Lexington poked his chest, correcting him with a playful glint.
"As for how I 'talked' to her… don't you remember? The Lexington-class was originally designed as battlecruisers."
So, it was the same method Hikaru had used—settling things with fists.
Carriers weren't known for close combat prowess, but Lexington was clearly an exception. Besides, with her being level 110, she could crush level 1 California with ease.
California handed over the bag, looking thoroughly defeated. Hikaru took out a black jacket and draped it over Lexington.
No way was he letting anyone else ogle his Lady Lexington.
Lexington snuggled into the jacket, breathing in deeply.
"Mmm… it smells like you, Commander."
Lifting her skirt with one hand and linking fingers with Hikaru, they looked like a couple about to walk down the aisle.
"Then… let's walk toward a wonderful future together, Commander."
Hikaru's heart skipped a beat. He tightened his grip, already feeling like he was the one being charmed.
Behind them, California glared daggers at their backs, shoving more imaginary dog food into her mouth.
"I was here first…"
Meanwhile, in Hikaru's mind, new system notifications appeared.
[Tutorial Completed. Reward: 1000 Diamonds]
(Just like the game, diamonds could be used to buy repair kits, furniture boxes, and more… though the shop module hadn't unlocked yet.)
[Main Quest: Materialize the Naval Base – Phase 1 Progress]
Fuel: 1800 / 10000
Ammo: 1970 / 10000
Steel: 1700 / 10000
Aluminum: 1300 / 10000
He had officially entered the next stage.