The inn was bursting with life. Students from various academies laughed, toasted, and shared anecdotes, celebrating Ōarai's recent victory. The tables were filled with drinks and dishes, and the atmosphere felt like a true festival.
"I can't believe Carolus Rex made it to the semifinals despite being such a new academy!" one of the St. Gloriana girls exclaimed, raising her cup in admiration.
Mika, always calm, nodded and added:
Mika: "Underestimating someone due to lack of experience can lead to surprises. History is full of examples where novices surpassed veterans."
Darjeeling, with her characteristic elegant demeanor, smiled and shared:
Darjeeling: "As a wise person once said, 'Youth, though inexperienced, can overcome veterans with bravery and determination.' A good example is the Battle of La Victoria in 1814, where a group of Venezuelan students and seminarians, with no military experience, successfully defended their city against a veteran royalist army."
The girls listened attentively, reflecting on how passion and courage could be more important than mere experience. As the conversation continued, glances subtly shifted to the other side of the inn, where the situation had a completely different tone.
Erik was seated in the middle of a rather peculiar group.
To his right, Miho clung to his arm, making no effort to hide her satisfaction at being by his side. Every now and then, she rubbed her cheek against him with a radiant smile, as if she had been waiting her whole life for this moment.
To his left, Maho remained stoic, arms crossed as usual, but making no attempt to distance herself.
Not far away, Nonna and Klara watched the scene with an air of complicity, enjoying the spectacle without intervening too much.
Saori: "Hey, Yukari…" she whispered, leaning toward her friend with a curious look. "What's going on over there?"
Yukari, with her passion for research, already had an answer ready.
Yukari: "Ah, that's easy to explain!" she said excitedly. "Erik is a childhood friend of the Nishizumi sisters. They've known each other for a long time."
The Ōarai girls looked at her in surprise.
Hana: "Really?" she asked, intrigued.
Yukari nodded. "I don't know the exact details, but from how Miho-dono used to talk about him, it seemed like she had great affection for him."
At that moment, Miho clung a little tighter to Erik's arm, rubbing her cheek against his shoulder with an expression that blended joy and tranquility.
Miho: "Mmmm~ this is nice~" she murmured with a smile.
Erik glanced at Maho for a moment. Though her posture was firm, her fingers tapped lightly on the table, a subtle gesture that betrayed a hint of unease. Her eyes remained fixed on her drink, as if avoiding looking directly at Erik. Finally, he broke the silence.
Erik: "Maho..."
Maho: "You did a good job," she responded immediately, though her tone had an unusual stiffness.
Erik smiled.
Erik: "That didn't sound very convincing."
Maho clicked her tongue and finally looked at him. Her eyes reflected a mix of determination and something else… expectation?
Nonna and Klara exchanged a brief glance, as if sharing a thought without needing words. Klara hid a small smile behind her glass of grape juice, while Nonna simply observed with her usual calm.
The scene sparked murmurs among the girls from all academies, who still didn't fully understand the dynamic between them but couldn't help feeling intrigued and happy about what they were witnessing.
Even Erika, despite knowing the situation well, couldn't help but feel confused. Her commander, the always stoic and disciplined Maho Nishizumi, was there, so close to a guy… even allowing a level of closeness she never would have imagined. The sight of Maho feeding Erik with her own chopsticks left her completely bewildered.
Erika: "Is this real?" she murmured to herself, narrowing her eyes as if trying to confirm she wasn't seeing an illusion.
Meanwhile, on the Carolus Rex side, the situation wasn't much different. Freya, arms crossed and brows furrowed, watched with a clear expression of envy. Her gaze alternated between Maho and Miho, then back to Erik, as if trying to process how things had come to this point.
Freya: "I can't believe this…" she growled under her breath.
Astrid: "Calm down, Freya…" she whispered while still holding her by the arm.
But Freya wasn't calming down so easily. She watched as Maho delicately brought a piece of food to Erik's mouth with her chopsticks.
Maho: "Open your mouth, Erik," she said in her usual firm tone, but with a slight softness at the edges of her voice.
Erik sighed but obeyed without resistance.
Klara: "Hmpf, how obedient…" Klara commented quietly, not hiding her amusement.
Nonna simply sipped her grape juice (or vodka) without saying anything, though the slight curve of her lips hinted at some level of entertainment.
The atmosphere around them became a mix of awkwardness, amusement, and curiosity. Some girls from other academies watched in surprise, others chuckled quietly, and a few simply enjoyed the show.
After a long night of celebration, the inn gradually fell into silence. The girls from each academy returned to their rooms, feeling satisfied yet exhausted. Carolus Rex was no exception; Astrid, Gudrun, and Freya had already gone back to their quarters, though Freya was still grumbling under her breath.
However, Maho did not move.
She remained next to Erik, seated beside him in her usual firm posture, though there was something different about her presence. Their conversation stretched on for a while, exchanging thoughts about the competition, Carolus Rex's future, and each academy's performance. But eventually, they reached a lull.
That was when Nonna and Klara, who had so far been quietly observing, decided to intervene.
Nonna: "Come with us," she said enigmatically, in her usual calm yet firm tone.
Erik raised an eyebrow.
Erik: "Where exactly?"
Nonna simply gave a faint smile and lifted her skirt slightly, hinting at what was coming.
Klara stood up, and in doing so, subtly revealed more of her butt in an intentional manner.
Nonna: "Just follow us."
Before Erik could react, Maho stood up and grabbed his wrist without hesitation. Her face remained serious, but there was something else in her gaze—determination, desire… and a slight blush.
Their final destination was a secluded room, dimly lit by the moonlight filtering through the window. The atmosphere was warm and private, with a sense of anticipation lingering in the air.
The night was a completely new experience for Maho. Under the guidance of Nonna and Klara, she allowed herself to relinquish control for the first time. It was calculated, disciplined… but also a decisive step in her relationship with Erik.
The next morning, when Maho left the room, her expression was different. Her demeanor remained as firm as ever, but her gaze had a new, distinct glow.
Miho couldn't sleep. She tossed and turned in her bed, biting her lip, unable to stop thinking about what had happened between Erik and her sister the night before.
Miho:Why do I feel this way? I already decided that I wanted to be with him, but… what if I'm not enough?
She covered her face with a pillow and let out a small frustrated groan. Then, her gaze hardened slightly.
Miho:No, if I stop now, I'll never truly be by his side. I have to be brave.
She got up, took a deep breath, and with her heart pounding, went looking for Erik. When she found him, he was in the hallway, leaning against a wall, enjoying a rare moment of peace.
Miho softened her tone as she tugged at his sleeve.
Miho: Erik… —she lifted her gaze to him with puppy-dog eyes—. It's my turn.
Erik couldn't resist Miho's request, so he gave in to her demands and let himself be carried away by the moment.
Maho, now with the authority of experience, took on the role of a guide. Unlike the previous night, this time the atmosphere was warmer. Miho still retained her natural sweetness and tenderness, but now there was an air of maturity about her, as if the experience had given her wings toward adulthood.
When the night came to an end, Miho snuggled against Erik with a serene and satisfied smile.
Upon waking up, still with a flushed face, her expression was no longer that of a pampered girl but of a woman in love.
The academies began bidding farewell to one another. The students boarded their respective transports, exchanging parting words with both rivals and allies alike.
The girls from Carolus Rex, though accustomed to maintaining their composure, couldn't help but exchange knowing glances among themselves. What had happened between Erik, Maho, and Miho the previous night had not gone unnoticed.
Freya, arms crossed and her usual frown in place, muttered barely above a whisper:
Freya:This can't be left like this…
Astrid, who had been watching the situation with a faint smile, nodded.
Astrid:I agree.
Meanwhile, at the port, some girls from other academies stopped in front of Erik before boarding their transports.
Kay:I hope to face you again in the future —she said with a big smile, playfully punching Erik's shoulder.
Darjeeling:We'll meet again on the battlefield —she added with her usual elegance, sipping tea as if the farewell was merely a formality.
Katyusha, perched on Nonna's shoulders, crossed her arms with a proud expression.
Katyusha:Next time, I won't be so lenient!
Erik simply smiled calmly, responding with natural confidence:
Erik:I look forward to our future battles.
Mika, on the other hand, hugged Erik's arm before placing a gentle kiss on his cheek.
Mika: I hope our paths cross again by the wind of destiny.
And with that, she bid her farewell—for now.
With those parting words, the academies departed one by one, and finally, the Carolus Rex ship set sail for home.
Onboard the Carolus Rex academy ship…
Erik had barely had time to relax when Astrid intercepted him in one of the hallways.
Astrid:Come with me.
Her tone was light, but the way she grabbed his arm left no room for doubt—this wasn't just a casual conversation.
Without asking too many questions, Erik followed her to a more secluded area of the ship. Once there, he found himself face-to-face with Freya, who was waiting with her arms crossed, her expression a mix of pride and slight impatience.
Freya:Alright, we're all here. —She uncrossed her arms and slowly stepped forward.
Erik raised an eyebrow.
Erik:All?
Astrid sighed in amusement.
Astrid:Freya and I have been thinking… Since you already did what you did with Maho, Miho, Nonna, and Klara… —she leaned in slightly, a playful smile on her lips— It wouldn't be fair if you left us out, don't you think?
Freya, unlike Astrid, maintained a more serious expression, but the faint blush on her cheeks betrayed her swallowed pride.
Freya:If we're really going to follow you, we want to be on equal terms. We're not going to be left behind.
Erik looked at both of them, taking a moment to process the situation. He couldn't say he was surprised… but he also hadn't expected them to be this direct.
Finally, he let out a small sigh and smirked.
Erik:I suppose I don't have much of a choice, do I?
Astrid grinned mischievously.
Astrid:None at all.
The atmosphere in the room was heavy—not just from the temperature but from the intensity with which the Carolus Rex girls threw themselves at Erik. This was not a timid, romantic surrender but a claim. After witnessing how Maho, Miho, Nonna, and Klara had solidified their relationship with Erik, they refused to be left behind.
Freya was the first to take the initiative, her toned body pressing against Erik with a mix of strength and long-suppressed desire. Her gaze reflected determination, but also a latent need she had ignored until now.
Astrid, with her usual playful smile, clung to his arm as if she had no intention of letting him escape.
Astrid:Don't worry, Erik… We'll make sure you don't lack anything tonight.
Gudrun, on the other hand, tried to maintain composure, but soon surrendered to the atmosphere, her glasses slipping slightly due to accumulated sweat. Yrsa and Ingrid, though less vocal, showed their intensity in other ways, each pressing their presence onto Erik with a mix of impatience and desire.
What began as a simple "initiation" soon turned into a coordinated assault. Erik could do little more than endure and adapt to the situation. Despite the girls' numerical advantage, his physical stamina proved to be an unexpected challenge for them.
Freya, who had been full of confidence at first, soon found herself panting, clutching onto Erik as if her life depended on it.
Freya:Tsk… How the hell… are you still like this…?
Astrid, who had initially teased him with her playful attitude, ended up staring blankly at the ceiling, mumbling incoherent things.
Gudrun, who had wanted to show control, gave up at some point during the night, seeking refuge in Erik's embrace as she tried to catch her breath.
When exhaustion finally claimed them, they were all sprawled across the room—some clinging to Erik, others simply resting with expressions of absolute satisfaction.
By the time morning came, Freya and the others tried to stand up with dignity, but their legs refused to cooperate at first. Still, none of them regretted what had happened.
Nonna, who had anticipated this outcome, simply gave a small smile as she read the messages the girls had sent her the night before, asking for her approval.
Nonna:I saw this coming…
And so, Erik's relationship with the Carolus Rex girls was fully solidified.
The dawn light filtered through the curtains, casting a golden glow over the messy room. Erik slowly opened his eyes, feeling the weight of several bodies entangled with his own. A tired sigh escaped his lips as his mind tried to process the craziness of the previous night.
Freya lay on his chest, her relaxed expression contrasting sharply with the intensity she had shown hours before. Astrid was at his side, clinging to his arm as if afraid he might disappear. Gudrun rested a bit further away, her beret askew and her glasses barely hanging from her face. Yrsa and Ingrid were curled up nearby, as if they had collapsed right where exhaustion took them.
Erik stared at the ceiling for a few seconds, trying to process everything that had happened. With an ironic laugh, he muttered to himself:
Erik: "From being a lonely NEET to having a harem… who would have thought?"
The previous night had not only been a demonstration of affection but also a declaration of loyalty. All the girls of Carolus Rex had decided to follow him—not just as their commander, but as something more. And now, with their relationship solidified, something had changed in the atmosphere of the academy-ship.
When he finally managed to slip out of bed without waking anyone, he dressed carefully and left the room. The morning breeze cleared his mind a little as he walked through the ship's corridors, still feeling his body hadn't fully recovered from the exertion of the previous night.
Upon reaching the training area, he was surprised to see activity already underway. Despite everything that had happened, the girls of Carolus Rex were fully committed to their duty. Their coordination and precision were remarkable.
The tank exercises were fluid, as if they had reached a higher level of synergy. The maneuvers were executed with a synchronicity that had seemed impossible just a few days ago. Every movement, every command, every shot—everything flowed with impeccable naturalness.
Watching the scene before him, Erik thought to himself,
"I guess it's a Swedish habit… after all, they do classify sex as a sport. I suppose that helps them relax."
Training at Carolus Rex had changed drastically in just a few days. The maneuvers were more coordinated, crew communication had sharpened, and team morale was at an all-time high.
"Before, there was a slight disconnect between the girls, as if each one worked in her own style… but now they're in complete harmony," Erik thought as he observed the exercises.
Although some joked about the "reward," the true reason behind their progress was much deeper. The bond of trust with Erik—and among themselves—had transformed the team's mindset.
Confidence in leadership was reflected on the battlefield. They no longer fought with just discipline but with an almost instinctive trust in every movement.
The supervisors sent to evaluate the academy's performance watched in complete astonishment. Some reviewed their notes in disbelief, trying to find a logical explanation for such a drastic improvement in such a short time.
One of them, a gray-haired man with a stern expression, crossed his arms and muttered,—"This is ridiculous… how is it possible that they lost the tournament if they have this level of discipline?"
Another supervisor, a woman with glasses and a formal suit, adjusted her frames in disbelief.—"Their performance is impeccable… something changed in them recently."
It was then that the voice of a mature woman resonated behind them.
Mónica: "My son has been working on strengthening his relationships with his subordinates."
The supervisors turned in unison.
Mónica, Erik's mother, observed them with a slight smile, but her eyes analyzed everything with calculated precision.
Mónica: "The relationships in a tank crew don't rely solely on strategy," she continued, "but also on trust and the bond between its members. It seems my son understood that principle better than anyone."
One of the supervisors recognized her immediately.—"Aren't you Mónica Lindsworm? Formerly known as the 'Iron Lady of Light Tanks'?"
Mónica simply smiled but did not deny the title.
Erik, listening from a distance, felt a chill run down his spine. He knew his mother hadn't traveled all the way there just to see the team's progress.
"What are you planning now…?" he thought, unable to shake a sense of unease.
The supervisors exchanged glances, unable to argue against the evidence before them. The Carolus Rex academy, under Erik's leadership, had not only improved—it had transformed into a true elite unit.
Author's note: I apologize if I don't release chapters as often from now on, but I'll be busy drawing the novel's characters, such as Freya, Astrid, Gudrun, Ingrid, Yrsa, Mónica, and Erik (for now), as well as some others who might be mentioned in the future as extra characters. and If you'd like me to write the +18 scenes, let me know on my Discord LeoCreepy or my Twitter: @LeoCreepy_Bael.