"Ah, you're really funny."
"That's just how I talk."
Andersen looked on, dumbfounded.
If anyone else talked like that, the girls would've been long gone, probably pissed off. But somehow, those girls showed no signs of dissatisfaction: they were actually pushing even closer!
Andersen glanced around him and found his own surroundings completely empty.
He couldn't help but feel a little lonely.
At the same time, on the other side of the hall—
The Navy's Nikkes kept glancing toward Mo Chen, who was surrounded by beautiful women, and whispered among themselves.
"So that's the Commander? Doesn't seem like much."
"Don't say that. Today's charity donations are all riding on him."
"What, is he rich or something?"
"Not really."
"Then why are we kissing up to him?"
"Because a lot of rich ladies like him."
"…"
"But he really is handsome, way better looking than he is in the news."
Just then, a clear, elegant voice rang out behind them.
"Mind your own business. Whispering behind others' backs like that is extremely rude."
The Nikkes turned around and saw a strikingly beautiful woman in a Navy uniform had quietly appeared behind them.
She wore an immaculate naval uniform, white fabric trimmed with gold buttons and decorations that exuded elegance and authority. A gold belt and epaulettes shimmered under the lights, contrasting with her smooth, flowing blue hair.
Her face was delicate, porcelain-like, with soft features and sapphire-blue eyes that gleamed with intelligence and depth. Her long lashes quivered slightly, and her skin was fair as ivory with a rosy glow like flower petals.
She had an enviable figure: the uniform barely contained her ample curves, while her waist was slim and soft like a willow branch bearing heavy fruit. It made one think of a ripe, juicy peach, almost irresistible to the bite.
The twin tufts on her naval hat stood up slightly like cat ears, adding a touch of charm and playfulness. Golden accents completed her uniform, making her look like a fairytale princess come to life.
She was the captain of the Aegis Squad, and also the commanding officer of the amphibious all-purpose battleship Admire.
"Captain, you're here."
"We were just looking at the Commander."
"Wanna take a peek too?"
"Seeing him in the flesh is a rare treat."
The Nikkes chattered excitedly, laughing and trying to pull Helm into the conversation.
Helm's lovely brows furrowed slightly. She pointed at them, her tone displeased.
"Have you finished your assigned duties, or are you just standing around gossiping? If you've already secured all the donations, show me the numbers."
The girls immediately fell silent, quickly scattering to return to their work. It was obvious they were a bit afraid of their captain.
After they left, Helm let out a long sigh. Her flawless face showed a hint of fatigue, and there was visible worry between her brows.
The Navy's situation was becoming more and more difficult.
Support for them was dwindling, while voices calling for disbandment grew louder. At this rate, they might not even have the funds to maintain the Admire.
She had meticulously planned this banquet, hoping it would help cover some of the Navy's deficits—but deep down, she wasn't optimistic.
After all, the terrorist riot in the Ark had only just ended. To maintain stability and rebuild, the Ark would undoubtedly spend heavily, and the Navy would be lucky not to have its funding cut—let alone expect new sponsorships.
Even Helm herself had little confidence in that.
Right now, she was already worrying over the maintenance costs of the Admire. Why would she care about some Commander?
While Helm was fretting, Mo Chen had already spotted her in the corner early on.
That was the captain of the Admire.
Even more beautiful than in the game, especially in that naval uniform.
Mo Chen took a glass of red wine from a maid's tray, took a light sip, and swirled it gently while pondering how to approach this lady captain.
As long as he had the Admire, going out to sea would be no problem.
"The Navy's situation isn't looking good."
Andersen noticed where Mo Chen's gaze had landed and spoke in a low tone. "It's said that many of the Ark's top brass are pushing to cut the Navy's budget. Judging from how things are going, those rumors aren't baseless."
Mo Chen continued chatting with the Nikkes.
Andersen's gaze passed through the bustling banquet, the trays of fine food and the flowing drinks, and landed on the fat-bellied, loud-laughing nobles in the distance—those behind-the-scenes power holders of the Ark.
"Whether they'll change their minds depends on tonight. If we can secure enough resources to keep the Ark running, the Navy will have proven its worth."
There was something Andersen didn't say out loud: the Ark's upper echelons were greedy, self-serving men. Without personal gain, they wouldn't agree to anything easily.
Mo Chen kept laughing and talking with the Nikkes.
But then, his ear caught a discordant sound from a corner of the banquet hall. Though the voices were lowered, Mo Chen's sharp hearing picked up every word with clarity.
"Haha, can't believe that idiot Vesti actually showed up. I thought she'd just stay home and cry."
"She's seriously messed up—tricking someone like that? Don't they know it's illegal to bully someone mentally challenged?"
"Who knew Vesti would be that gullible? I just said there'd be a lot of people at the banquet, that it'd be easy to make friends, and that the Commander might come—and she followed along like a happy little puppy."
"Speaking of which, she even said she knows the Commander. Tch, she probably said it to save face. Just talking big. Later, when the Commander comes out, make her talk to him. Let's see how she embarrasses herself."
"Haha, man, you're so mean. That's brutal."
"Come on, we're bored anyway. What's wrong with a little fun?"
"Hahahahaha—!"
It was three men and two women, all human. Judging by their clothing, they were clearly not ordinary citizens. But their behavior was so vile that even Mo Chen frowned—this was far beyond a simple prank.
He quickly spotted Vesti in the corner of the banquet hall, clearly flustered and at a loss. She sat on the innermost part of the couch, her fingers tightly interlaced, knuckles turning pale. Her small face was filled with embarrassment and unease.
Among the group, a flamboyantly dressed girl lowered her voice and giggled, "Watch closely—I'm gonna mess with her."
"Haha, you're evil. Don't make her cry."
"Isn't her nickname 'Crybaby'? I'm just helping her relive some childhood memories. What's wrong with that?"
"Well, when you put it like that—hehehe. Let's enjoy the show."
The flashy girl walked toward Vesti, who was sitting in the corner, while the others all flashed malicious smiles.