Crossover Shipgirls: Building a Dimensional Empire from Scratch

The Naval Base Main Building

Two floors below the office, Setsuna curiously followed Richelieu into her quarters.

While shipgirls had their own rigging and ship forms, they also had dormitories within the port. Destroyers and submarines typically shared rooms, while carriers and battleships had private accommodations.

Richelieu's room was styled in a classic French court aesthetic, dominated by a luxurious blend of gold and white tones. It resembled her ship's design and clearly reflected the effort she'd put into making it her sanctuary.

"Where's Taihou?" Richelieu suddenly asked.

"Oh, she's probably over at the aerospace base, supervising the upgrades on her ship form," Setsuna replied, recalling Taihou's constant vigilance over her reconstruction, often overseeing the Bulins' work herself.

"Good. No interruptions," Richelieu murmured, motioning for Setsuna to sit at the table.

She walked over to a cabinet and retrieved two crystal wine glasses.

"What would you like? Bordeaux Cabernet Sauvignon? Sauternes? Burgundy Pinot Noir?"

"I don't know much about wine. Just pick your favorite," Setsuna said with a smile.

"This is… to drink together?" he asked.

"Mm…" Richelieu nodded.

"Something like that."

"I don't have anything particularly special to give you as a return gift. But of the things I value, I suppose my wine collection is among the most significant."

Setsuna chuckled. True to her status as Iris Libre's flagship, her hobbies carried an air of aristocratic elegance.

After a moment's thought, Richelieu chose a bottle with a slightly weathered label. She poured the wine for them both and brought out some dried fruits and snacks to pair with it.

"This is Chardonnay, my favorite. After every victorious sortie, I treat myself to a glass," she explained.

"If you like it, I'll give you a bottle."

Setsuna took a sip. The wine was rich and flavorful, with a faint fruity aftertaste.

"Not bad."

"You're drinking it all wrong," Richelieu chided gently.

"With wine, you must observe, swirl, smell, and then savor it carefully. Commander, drinking like a brute is unacceptable."

She swirled her glass gracefully, tilting her head slightly, her eyes soft and teasing.

"Uh, I'm not cut out for this. I'm not used to fancy drinks," Setsuna admitted, shaking his head.

He couldn't understand the elaborate rituals European aristocrats seemed to enjoy with their wine. As a commander, he rarely drank, needing to keep a clear mind at all times.

"Shall I teach you?" Richelieu asked, her tone regaining its usual poise. She gestured for Setsuna to mimic her.

Holding the glass up to the light, she gently swirled the wine, inhaled its aroma, and took a small sip, her movements elegant and composed.

Setsuna followed her lead.

"Hmm… I don't really notice a difference," he muttered, perplexed, as he studied the glass.

"How is that possible?" Richelieu replied, her voice carrying a playful edge.

Suddenly, the scent of her perfume enveloped him.

Richelieu leaned forward, her arms wrapping lightly around his neck.

"And now?" she whispered.

Setsuna froze as an unfamiliar taste danced on his lips.

The tangy acidity, bitterness, and alcohol of the wine blended seamlessly with the sweet aftertaste of fermented grapes. Mixed in was a faint citrus note from her lipstick.

"!"

His eyes widened as his heart raced, the warmth of her proximity making the room feel impossibly smaller.

Setsuna was momentarily stunned by Richelieu's sudden move. It wasn't until she gracefully sat back in her chair that he snapped out of it.

"You've got some nerve, huh?"

"I am the flagship and Cardinal of Iris Libre. Do you think I'd be afraid?" Richelieu replied, resting her chin on her hands as she gazed at him.

As a French shipgirl, she naturally carried a certain boldness and romantic flair that set her apart.

"Isn't your rigging still being upgraded?" Setsuna asked, reminding her with a slight smile.

"The main construction of the starship refit is complete. While I still can't use my rigging, my body is certainly no weaker than yours."

Richelieu's fingers gently touched Setsuna's forehead, her lips curling into a teasing smile.

"So… what are you waiting for?"

"!"

Her words sounded like an invitation—or perhaps a command.

Without hesitation, Setsuna scooped her up and carried her into the inner room.

The door clicked shut behind them, and Setsuna found himself marveling at Richelieu up close.

She was the first shipgirl he had ever contacted, and the one who welcomed him to the port. Their first meeting, over a cross-world holographic call, had startled her at the time. Now, she seemed far more composed.

Richelieu reclined lazily on the bed, her golden locks cascading over the pillow in soft waves. Her delicate skin, flushed faintly from the wine, glowed under the dim light.

Her expression carried a mix of nervousness and anticipation as she gazed at him.

"I'm not your first, am I? What a pity…" Richelieu murmured, pulling Setsuna closer.

"But you are my first battleship," he replied, beginning to undo the intricate fastenings of her evening gown. It was clear she had taken great care in her preparation; this wasn't an outfit she wore often.

"Do you always count things like this?!" Richelieu retorted, half-annoyed and half-amused.

"Taihou was my first carrier. You're my first battleship. Next, maybe there'll be a first cruiser, a first destroyer, or a first submarine?"

"While I don't mind sharing you with my fleet sisters… isn't your classification system a bit strange?!"

"Well, destroyers and submarines are out of the question. Too small. Not happening," Setsuna corrected her with a chuckle.

Those little ones were only suited for cuddles and head pats. Anything more was strictly for their elder sisters. At the very least, cruisers qualified.

"Oh, really?…"

Richelieu smiled softly, choosing not to say more.

Though she maintained the air of someone in control, Setsuna could tell she wasn't much different from Taihou in moments like this.

"Relax. Don't be so tense."

Seeing the proud Cardinal, once so devoted to serving her God, now beneath him, stirred something in Setsuna.

He recalled their first banquet together—how Richelieu had effortlessly thrown him off balance with just a few playful remarks, leaving him restless that night.

She had seemed like an unbeatable opponent in the game of hearts. Could such a shipgirl—a cunning, high-level "big sister"—really exist?

Now, though, it was clear: she wasn't invincible. For someone like her, a direct approach was the key.

"Mm…"

Richelieu shuddered, overwhelmed by a sensation she'd never experienced. The warmth and firmness radiating through her was unlike anything she'd encountered, even in her countless battles across Azur Lane's seas.

For a fleeting moment, her devout worship of her God and her scripture recitals felt insignificant.

Her world had narrowed to just one person.

Her voice, soft and melodic, seemed almost celestial to Setsuna. Tenderly brushing her golden hair aside, he pressed on, leading them both toward the crescendo of their union.

"From now on, you'll stay by my side," she whispered, her voice tinged with a rare vulnerability.

No one had ever seen the flagship like this—pouting, shy, and affectionate.

"I'll follow you to the ends of the earth," Setsuna promised.

...

The next morning.

As sunlight streamed into the room, Setsuna slowly opened his eyes.

Beside him, Richelieu rested quietly, her golden locks splayed across the pillow. She looked more like a serene, ordinary girl than the grandiose Cardinal of Iris Libre.

Setsuna reached out, brushing aside a stray strand of her hair, marveling at her tranquil beauty.

"Ah—!"

Suddenly, Richelieu bolted upright, clutching the blanket around herself.

"We're going to be late! The other shipgirls are waking up. If they find out you stayed here—"

"What's the big deal?" Setsuna tapped her lightly on the forehead.

"You're going to be my oath-bound ship someday. Is there anything shameful about this?"

"Oh… right."

Richelieu's initial panic subsided, replaced by realization.

Far from being something to hide, this was more like a declaration of her claim.

Composing herself, she quickly dressed, and the two got ready to leave the room.

Just as they were about to step out, a loud knock resounded at the door.

Bang! Bang! Bang!

"Who is it?" Richelieu called out.

"It's me, Taihou," came the unmistakable voice from outside, dragging out her words.

"I heard the Commander accidentally wandered into your room last night…"

Her tone was laced with mischief.

"So, was it an accident? Or was it on purpose?!"

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