Richelieu's POV:

???: 3... 2... 1... 1... 2... 3...

???: Ca.. rd... i..na..l...?

???: W....ak....e u..p..!

I slowly opened my eyes. It's... so bright...

Is someone kneeling beside me...? Hold on... Jeanne...?

Richelieu: Wait...  Jeanne? H-Huh? Where am I?

Jeanne d'Arc: We're in the Church. It's alright Cardinal. You're safe now. Don't push yourself too much.

Richelieu: Merci Jeanne... um, what happened?

Jeanne d'Arc: After L'Opinâtre threw a potion at you, you went to sleep.

Jeanne d'Arc: As for me, I was just very weak. I carried you behind these boxes and hid with you until you woke up. Trying to get you behind the boxes was hard, especially while I was weak. Not to mention, L'Opinâtre came back to the church.

Richelieu: L'Opinâtre... I remember... how could she... Did she see you?

Jeanne d'Arc: Luckily no. However, I heard her say that she was going to kill you.

Richelieu: *sigh* Well... at least we are slowly showing the true path to our allies. It's going to take some time but I'm sure we the Iris Libre can reunite the Iris Orthodoxy.

Jeanne d'Arc: Yeah, and I will stick with you and your belief for as long as I am here.

Richelieu: I see. You're willing to fight for the Iris Libre then?

Jeanne smiled.

Jeanne d'Arc: Hehe, yes my Cardinal. Here, let me help you up.

She got my hand and pulled me back up.

Jeanne d'Arc: Let's leave this church before anything else happens.

Richelieu: Oui.

We walked to the doors of the church as we were talking.

Richelieu: I wonder how the Commander is doing...

Jeanne d'Arc: What's wrong?

I opened the church doors and continued to talk with Jeanne.

Richelieu: The Commander decided to go find Béarn after attempting to assassinate me, twice.

Jeanne d'Arc: She did that? Wait... twice!?

Richelieu: *sigh* She did but, I know Minato took care of her. Maybe she is back to normal.

Jeanne d'Arc: I hope so too.

Richelieu: If she comes back to her senses, she will be very vital to our fight against the Vichya Dominion.

Jeanne d'Arc: Well, she is the smartest in the Iris Libre. I know we can win this! We have the Commander and we have you!

Richelieu: Ehe... Merci Jeanne. However, we have to all fight as one. We are all important in this battle.

Jeanne d'Arc: Of course. Now let's go inside.

I nodded.

Minato's POV:

???: He's so adorable when he sleeps~ (I wonder if he's gonna wake up soon...)

???: He's all alone~  (I hope he is okay...)

Ugh...my head... am I still at Naval HQ? Better be... hated that experience at the Ironblood HQ... But... the voices sound familiar...

???: He's waking up~ (Hey! Look Akira-kun! Minato is finally waking up!)

Akira: Finally~ (Took him long.)

I opened my eyes and saw both Nagato and Akira.

Minato: Huh? What are you guys doing here?

Nagato: We came here to protect you from anything that tries to hurt you love~ (You passed out during your battle against Béarn!)

Akira: Don't worry you'll be safe with us forever~ (Speaking of Béarn, she's in Richelieu's dorm. For Taihou, I put her back in her dorm.)

What the... why are they acting weird...

Minato: You guys okay?

Nagato: Of course I am~ (Eh? Akira-kun is Minato okay...?)

Akira: It's alright... you're safe here...  (I dunno. He did fight Béarn, something could've happened. We should investigate.)

Akira: Minato, I'll be leaving for now. I need to see something... (Let's go Nagato. Minato, Vestal can take care of you while we are gone. Besides, Yu is next to you so you're not completely lonely.)

Akira and Nagato left.

What's going on? Why did they act so odd... as if they were yanderes...

Wait a second...

That damn girl! I remember! Opin threw a potion at me! It was the so-called "Yandall"... now every person I see is a yandere. *sigh* I need to tell Richelieu...

It's gonna be sad seeing her as a yandere but I just have to ignore her words and tell her.

I got up from the bed and approached the door. I turned back and saw Yu. Seems like he's having a good sleep. Hopefully Vestal won't mind that I'm leaving.

Alright! Time to go find Richelieu!

I opened the door and slowly closed it. I started running in the hallways to quickly reach Richelieu's dorm room.

I was running until I collided with a girl. We both fell to the floor.

???: Ow...

Minato: Ow. Sorry about that.

I got up from the floor.

Minato: Here, take my hand.

???: Oh, t-thank you!

Weird... she isn't yandere even though I have this "effect" on me.

I looked at her. She has very long blonde hair, green eyes, clothing with the Iris colors, and... big cleavage... She looks like a child yet has those big things... what is this logic...

Minato: Sorry for bumping into you. I wasn't watching where I was going.

Le Téméraire: Hehe~ It's fine. Oh, I'm Le Téméraire by the way! I'm a destroyer from the Iris Libre!

Minato: Le Téméraire?

Le Téméraire: Hey! You said it correctly! Heh, you know French?

Minato: No, not that much... I barely know greetings... I just attempted to pronounce it. Seems like I was spot on though.

Le Téméraire: Thats nice! I'm guessing you're the Commander? Right?

Minato: Yeah that's me... is there something you need?

Le Téméraire: Mhm! Do you know where L'Opinâtre is?

Wait... did... she just say L'Opinâtre? Maybe Téméraire is searching for L'Opinâtre because she is in a similar situation as I am. Now that I'm thinking about it... it seems likely since she hasn't acted odd and doesn't seem like she is worried at me.

Le Téméraire: Um... Commander? Are you okay? You've been spacing out. W-Wait... have you been staring at my c-chest!?

Minato: What? No, I've just been staring at my feet. I do know who L'Opinâtre is though.

Le Téméraire: Really!? That's amazing!

Minato: How about we both look together to find her?

Le Téméraire: Great idea! We'll make sure to find her!

Minato: Yeah... but first, I want to pay a visit to my secretary.

Le Téméraire: Of course! Who is it by the way?

Minato: Richelieu.

Le Téméraire: Cardinal Richelieu is your secretary!? That's surprising. Is she doing good?

Minato: Yep, she's doing an amazing job doing it.

Le Téméraire: Hehe, that's our leader for ya!

*Grumble*

Aaaannddd that's my stomach growling...

Le Téméraire: Eh? Are you hungry Commander?

Come to think of it, I haven't had anything at all since I woke up.

Minato: Well... I guess I am pretty hungry.

Téméraire got some weird colorful things from her bag.

Le Téméraire: Here you go! These are macarons!

Minato: Macarons?

Le Téméraire: Yep! It's basically a sandwich cookie!

Minato: ...so an Oreo?

Le Téméraire: I suppose. But here, taste one!

Minato: Alright...

I got a blue macaron out of the bag and ate one. Hm, not bad. Tastes pretty sweet. Tastes a little bitter... maybe that's how it is...?

Le Téméraire: Ehehe~ Make sure to eat the whole thing~

Minato: Did you make them?

Le Téméraire: Mhm! Dunkerque taught me! She's like the best at making desserts!

Akira has some competition it seems... hmm... I have an idea.

Minato: Say, why don't you help me to make a treat?

Le Téméraire: You want me to help you make macarons?

Minato: No, something else.

Le Téméraire: Well, alright! I'll help you Commander! Dunkerque taught me many sweet recipes!

Téméraire started to hug me.

Le Téméraire: However, what about L'Opinâtre and Richelieu?

Minato: Well... I suppose they can wait.

I want to make cookies for Richelieu. She deserves it after dealing with so much stuff going on.

Le Téméraire: Alright, I understand~

Minato: Alright, come on. To the kitchen.

Richelieu's POV:

Béarn... I hope she wakes up soon... I'm guessing Minato was able to bring Béarn back to her senses. However, if Minato brought her, he would be in my room.

Jeanne left a minute ago saying she will go find Minato.

Minato... I wonder what goes on that head of yours... and if I wasn't so shy... I'd tell you how I feel... however... a secretary can't have a relationship with a Commander. It's not right but... I feel something for him...

I suppose I'll just wait- hold on. I can do some work in the meantime.  I'll text Takao to bring me Minato's paperwork. Hopefully, I'll be done by the time Béarn wakes up.

I got my phone and opened Juustagram.

"Welcome back CardinalRichelieu"

Alright! Time to message Takao.

I opened my dms with Takao and told her to bring me Minato's work.

Hmm... I'll go make myself something to eat while I wait.

Yu's POV:

Zzzzz.... zzzz...

Zzzzz...

???:  Yu! Wake up!

Yu: Huh?! Saint Louis!?

Yu: DON'T HURT ME PLEASE! Oh, it's you, Vestal...

Vestal looked at me very confused.

Vestal: Are you okay? Anyways, how's your chest?

My chest was burning but now... I feel much better. I guess I underestimated her.

Yu: Much better than before. Was it your doing, to make me feel better?

Vestal: Of course! I am the best nurse after all!

Yu: Yeah, I guess you are. You have my thanks that's for sure... is there any way I can repay you?

Vestal: Ehe~ No need. It's just my job.

Yu: Really?

Vestal: It's fine.

Yu: Well... if you say so.

Vestal: Anyways! I have exciting news for you!

Yu: Um, sure. What is it?

Vestal: Since you are fully recovered... you are free to leave!

Yu: For real!? That's great!

I got up from my bed and hugged Vestal.

Vestal: Hehe, it's alright. Make sure to visit me some time, okay?

I stopped hugging and looked at her.

Yu: Heh, we've only known each other for about a day and yet, it feels like we've known each other for a couple of years... well thank you anyways.

She smiled back. Now, I can leave and get stronger! I'll catch up to Minato and Akira after being out of combat for a while. I'll awaken to my persona!

Richelieu's POV:

As I was looking at Minato's paperwork, Elizabeth suddenly entered the room.

Richelieu: Hm?

Queen Elizabeth: Greetings, Cardinal Richelieu of the Iris Libre.

Queen Elizabeth: Since the Commander isn't in his office, I decided to check if you were available. I want you to read this business proposal and green light it at once!

Eh...?

I usually don't get involved with decision making for these types of things, but... I don't know where Minato is. I guess it wouldn't hurt to accept Elizabeth's request.

Richelieu: Well, I suppose I can see what it is.

Queen Elizabeth: Thank you Frenchie!

Elizabeth slammed a lot of paperwork on my desk.

Richelieu: Project Return to Glory?

Queen Elizabeth: Indeed! This is the project outline for a teahouse with a maid theme, named... "The Royal Tea"!

I wonder if Minato would accept this... he doesn't like tea or maids that much...

However, Minato does like my tea instead...

Richelieu: Um... what's the reason behind this?

Queen Elizabeth: I've been informed from certain individuals have been questioning my status in the port lately. Ever since newer ships came it was like I was forgotten! That is why I laid out this plan from the ground up!

Richelieu: This benefits you because...?

Queen Elizabeth: To reassert the Royal Navy's position and my status as a leader! Besides! What if another big event happens when the Commander had to save the universe!

She is kinda right at the end but... she's basically just doing this to promote the Royal Navy's culture... I'm pretty sure Minato hasn't forgetten about the Royal Navy.

??? Well well, two can play at that game.

Queen Elizabeth: Eugen!? When did you get here? You're here to spy on me aren't you!?

It's her... the girl from Iron blood HQ, I heard she is one of Nanaki's secretaries.

Prinz Eugen: I was here before you, you didn't even notice me. So excited about your proposal.

Well, that's an obvious lie.

Queen Elizabeth: Just explain why you are here anyways!

Prinz Eugen: I see the location you chose for the project has a vacant part of land next to it... you've chosen a spot for the Iron Blood to set up its own shop.

Prinz Eugen: We already have permission from Nanaki to be here and set up a shop. What do you say? It will be a great competition in a race to provide the customers with the best service.

Queen Elizabeth: Hm... very well! I approve, what do you think Cardinal?

They both looked at me for my opinion.

Richelieu: Um... well... I...

I guess it'll be for fun and better service for customers... however...

Richelieu: I'll... come to an agreement with the Commander.

Prinz Eugen: Alright, tell the Commander to rate both shops after a week and pick a winner.

Queen Elizabeth: Can't have a competition without victors or losers! Although, our victory is as good as guaranteed already.

Prinz Eugen: You should get to planning now, right Queen?

Queen Elizabeth: Hmph! I'm eager to see you try and fail to manage a shop, Eugen!

Prinz Eugen: I never suggested I'd be personally managing the place, did I? With you as the head of the Royal Navy, assuming the managing position, it only makes sense for Bismarck to be our leader on our end.

Bismarck? *sigh* I wonder if my sister interacts with her. Ironblood did said they would stay out of Vichya Dominion affairs.

Queen Elizabeth: Bismarck, you say...? Do give her a message. Tell her to be ready to kneel and officially acknowledge my superiority!

Prinz Eugen: Haha, I'd better get going. Looking forward to hear the Commander's unbiased opinion on our respective shops.

Queen Elizabeth: Farewell Frenchie!

Prinz Eugen: Farewell Iris girl!

Richelieu: Yeah... au revoir...

They both left. I notice Béarn waking up. I guess they didn't notice her. *sigh* But still... I have to tell Minato about what just happened. I hope this small event won't distract us from reuniting the Iris Orthodoxy... but maybe some fun is needed before the inevitable.

A few minutes later

Akira's POV:

I knocked and went inside Richelieu's dorm room and saw Béarn talking with Richelieu.

They talked about what she was going through and how she was forgiven by Richelieu.

Béarn told us about some girl named L'Opinâtre.

Akira: Do you know someone related to L'Opinâtre?

Richelieu: That would be Le Téméraire. She's the sister of L'Opinâtre.

Béarn: Well, now that I'm back to my senses. I will help you guys from now on.

Richelieu: Nice! You will truly be a major factor to us Béarn!

Béarn: It's... nothing...

She blushed and looked away.

Akira: Also, about Minato. He's acting a bit strange.

Béarn: *sigh* the affects from Yandall got to him, didn't it?

Akira/Richelieu/Nagato: Yandall?

Béarn: It was a potion created by L'Opinâtre to make the Commander see anyone as a yandere.

Akira: So that's why he acted odd when he woke up...

Richelieu: Is there a way to get him back to normal?

Béarn: There is a way. However, L'Opinâtre has to make a potion for him to return to normal. We have to find where she is first.

Richelieu: I see...

Nagato: Hey Akira.

Nagato tugged on my shirt.

Akira: Yes Nagato?

Nagato: Would she appear if we spar?

Béarn: That could be a possibility. L'Opinâtre knows that Akira or Richelieu are threats for her to get the Commander.

Akira: Alright, then let's go do it! It'll be practice for a future fight too.

Nagato: Alright, I'll call Warspite!

I head patted Nagato as she left.

Richelieu: Heh, you two seem close.

Akira: Haha, she's a real nice girl. We were enemies in the past but now we are best friends.

Béarn: That's surprising. Was it not awkward when you two weren't enemies anymore?

Akira: Not at all.

Richelieu: Seems like you two are nice best friends.

Akira: Yep!

Richelieu's Mind:

Best friend, huh. I wonder... if I'll end up as Minato's best friend. I recall Béarn saying that Enterprise was friendzoned by Minato. Hm... will it happen to me? Well... even if it does, I'm glad the lord was able to help me team up with such a wonderful Commander.

Minato's POV:

Minato: Alright... can you get a bowl for me?

Le Téméraire: Oui!

Le Téméraire searched for a bowl in the cabinets.

Minato: Alright... now we need... butter, sugar, eggs, vanilla, baking powder, kosher salt, flour, and cocoa powder.

Le Téméraire: Understood mon Commander!

I looked over the directions to understand them.

Le Téméraire: They're all here now!

I looked away from the book and looked at Téméraire. Woah, she actually managed to get them all.

Minato: Nice job, let's get started now.

I pulled up my sleeves. I looked at the recipe book and started to go step by step.

I felt a tug on my apron.

Le Téméraire: Commander, someone is approaching!

I turned to my left and noticed Jeanne d'Arc walking towards us.

Jeanne d'Arc: My~ What are you doing my love~ (Hey Commander, what are you up to?)

Bruh... I forgot I still have this effect on me...

Minato: Um, hi Jeanne...

Le Téméraire: Salut Jeanne...?

Jeanne d'Arc: Don't be worried~ (What's with the worried attitude?)

I guess I'll have to deal with Jeanne d'Arc as a yandere again... but maybe she can help me.

Minato: Hey Jeanne, how would you like to help me make some sweets?

Jeanne d'Arc: Of course I'll help you love~ (Eh? Yeah sure I suppose.)

Minato: Alright, just wash your hands and wear an apron.

Well I guess with Jeanne we can quickly make the sweets.

Minato: Psst... *whispers* Téméraire, just ignore what Jeanne says. Follow my lead!

She nodded.

Akira's POV:

Richelieu, Warspite, Nagato, Béarn, and I headed to the training grounds. Seems like nobody is here. Hopefully L'Opinâtre appears soon.

Warspite: Hmph, you're lucky I wasn't busy helping her majesty...

Akira: You know you wanted to see me.

When I met Warspite, I only wanted to be better than her on the exercise fleet, but now. She's quite the shipgirl to be around with.

Warspite: N-No I didn't!

Akira: Ahaha, there, there.

I patted her head.

Warspite: Grr... d-don't... pat my head!! I'm not your personal corgi!

Richelieu: Um, Akira? Warspite seems like she's going to bite you.

Warspite: Hmph, I won't do it for his pleasure.

Akira: Anyways, ready to train?

Richelieu and Nagato nodded, Warspite looked away.

Akira: Alright! Nagato vs Warspite and Richelieu vs me. Who ever wins the battle will face off in the winner's final and whoever losses will face off in loser's final!

Akira: You can't use your guns by the way. It's good to learn different combat than shipguns incase your riggings are heavily damaged.

They all nodded.

Akira: Here we have a training equipment. Swords, lances, and even axes because why not. You win when you knock out the weapon of your opponent.

Warspite: You ready, Nagato?

Nagato: Yep! I'll show you how good of a teacher Akira is!

Warspite: I bet he's not... wait a second... is that my sword!?

Akira: Heh, you noticed.

Warspite: HOW DID YOU EVEN GET IT!? IT WAS IN MY DORM SAFE AND SOUND!

Akira: Belfast got it for me.

Warspite: Grrr... how about I take my sword and strike you with full force to show you the British might!!!

Akira: Sure, you can do that once you beat Nagato. If you can. Hehe.

Warspite: You're so annoying...

Akira: And you're cute when you're mad.

Warspite: S-Shut up! I'll fight you eventually!

Akira: Very well.

Nagato: Ready Warspite?

Warspite: I've been ready! Let's go!

I know that Warspite is a great warrior, it's just funny to pick on her.

Both Nagato and Warspite picked up swords and started to clash.