The Divine Throne of Shipgirls

"So you're the famous Tirpitz? Incredible—truly incredible. I never imagined that our nation could produce a number one like you."

The surrounding Commanders all fell silent.

To be called "Number One" wasn't just empty flattery—it was a title recognized across the continents.

The Medal Committee representative, circled Tirpitz, eyeing her up and down until even she looked ready to punch someone. Only then did she reluctantly let go.

"Sigh... If only we'd had someone like you holding the line earlier, how many brave men and women might have been spared."

It was a sentiment few could disagree with—but when it reached Hikaru's ears, it struck a nerve.

Was there a hidden meaning behind those words?

While Hikaru was still wondering what she might be implying, she went on to greet Lexington, Fletcher, and the others politely.

Then, adjusting her robes with a solemn expression, she addressed the assembled officers in a heavy tone:

"Today, we are gathered not to celebrate victory. No matter how many defensive battles we win, there's nothing to rejoice in—not when our lifeline, the First Island Chain, is still in Abyssal hands."

A dense sea of heads bowed before her, listening in silence.

The Commanders had fought bravely—but not well. If Hikaru hadn't emerged when he did, they might've already been forced into desperate coastal defense.

"I came here today to honor the spirits of those who died in battle—to tell them their sacrifice and suffering were not in vain. And I make this solemn promise: one day, we will push deep into Abyssal territory, capture the Fortress Princess alive, and return every ounce of pain she inflicted on us, tenfold!"

Thunderous applause broke out.

For Commanders and shipgirls who bled on the front lines, material reward wasn't everything—spiritual recognition was equally precious.

The message was clear: the fallen would never be forgotten, and even in light of Hikaru's extraordinary feat, no one would belittle the others or dismiss them as dead weight.

And this reassurance was badly needed. After all, the entire world had seen the battle unfold: despite wave after wave of rotations and surround tactics, the entire Southern Force couldn't take down Abyssal Barbarossa.

Yet Tirpitz and Lexington, just the two of them, had succeeded where hundreds of thousands had failed.

It was only natural that the public would start to question the competence of the other Commanders.

Now that she had set the tone, many of the officers could finally relax.

"Today, we drank in the company of heroes, The dead were heroes, and so are the living. Heroes never die. That's why I'm here for another reason today—to award medals. They may not be worth much, but they are a symbol, a small comfort to honor the sacrifice."

Of course, that was modesty. Many high-ranking medals came with extremely generous benefits—and occasionally, the medals themselves were enchanted or magical relics. However, such awards were extremely rare—sometimes not even one would be handed out per war.

A makeshift podium was quickly assembled on the Silent Horizon. As things were being set up, she turned to Hikaru and asked:

"How about your Tirpitz and Lexington? Would they be willing to accept a Commander's commission?"

Hikaru was genuinely stunned. "But… isn't that usually reserved for wandering shipgirls?"

"There are exceptions," she said, smiling. "And this is one of them. What do you say? The most I can offer is an Honorary Senior Commander title—that's the limit of what Parliament allows me to authorize. Please accept it."

Hikaru thought for a moment, then slowly shook his head. "No, thank you."

A commission was an honor—but also a responsibility.

If Lexington and Tirpitz accepted the Honorary Commander rank, then in future crises, they would be expected to throw themselves into danger, to rescue and reinforce others. If they refused, they'd be scorned, accused of cowardice or betrayal.

It would become a form of moral coercion. There was little to gain—and everything to lose.

Two people cannot save the world alone. Hikaru understood that better than anyone.

He would take all the responsibility, the blame, and the storms of public opinion. His shipgirls deserved only peace.

Seeing his refusal, she looked genuinely disappointed, but there was nothing more she could say to change his mind.

Clearly, she'd intended this as one of her political triumphs.

And it made sense. In the eyes of the public, Tirpitz and Lexington had already become something akin to war gods. If word spread that they'd officially become the Nation's guardians, it would be a massive boon to public morale and market confidence alike.

[End of Chapter]

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