Unable to refuse Baltimore, Lu Chen decided to play tennis for a while. Although he had only just met the two girls, the temporary tattoo incident had significantly strengthened his bond with them.
However, after about ten minutes, Lu Chen handed the racket back to Bremerton. His skill level was far too different from Baltimore's—an insurmountable gap, even though the girl was already trying her best to accommodate Lu Chen's feelings.
Sitting on the side of the tennis court, watching the girl sweat it out on the field, Lu Chen felt much more relaxed. This was much more enjoyable than playing himself.
The two Ship Girls on the court were no ordinary people. Baltimore was always able to perform at her best, while Bremerton was one of the base's premier confidantes, with a broad mind that embraced everything. They went back and forth, but eventually, Bremerton started to fall behind.
Her voluptuous figure might have given her an advantage in other areas compared to Baltimore, but it was undoubtedly a hindrance in sports. It made maintaining balance difficult, obstructed her view, and required more effort for every movement. She had no chance of winning from the start.
Seeing that defeat was inevitable, she took a moment to glance at Lu Chen. Confirming that the Commander was watching them intently, Bremerton's little scheme started to churn.
Her attention gradually shifted from the court to Lu Chen. Her every striking motion, which was initially efficient and accurate, began to highlight her physical features, suddenly increasing the amplitude of her movements, and the risk of exposure rose accordingly.
This was exactly what Bremerton wanted.
After the game ended, Baltimore stood still, pondering for a moment. She crossed the center line and walked over to Bremerton. "Let's stop here for today. I don't know what happened, but your skill level has seriously dropped."
"Doesn't Big Sister really know?" Bremerton giggled and leaned closer to her. "Since I can't win against Big Sister in tennis, I have to win in other areas!"
"What?"
Bremerton nudged Baltimore's waist with her elbow and giggled quietly. "I properly showed off my figure to the Commander. Look, he doesn't even dare to look over here now! The shy Commander is so cute."
Baltimore was stunned for a moment, then looked up at Lu Chen. Sure enough, his eyes were drifting. She shook her head and laughed, "Boring."
"Big Sister, you should try it too," Bremerton lightly poked Baltimore's sports bra. "This bra has way too much binding effect. You're actually much bigger than you look! By the way, where did you find a sports bra with a binding effect? Doesn't it feel restrictive?"
Baltimore slapped her hand away. "No, this level of exercise isn't enough for me to use my full strength."
"Ehh, Big Sister, that's harsh." Bremerton feigned hurt. She knew this was Baltimore retaliating for her earlier lack of focus during the game. "But I only did that after realizing I had absolutely no chance of winning."
Baltimore gathered their rackets and smiled dismissively. "It was just a joke. It's not like I don't know the Commander's status in our hearts. But don't do it again. At least don't hide it from me."
"Absolutely, absolutely!" Bremerton said joyfully. She waved at Lu Chen. "Lu Chen, we're done playing. Any commentary for us?"
Lu Chen slowly walked over. He realized that the girl named Bremerton was also acting strangely. She had been playing well, but suddenly her style changed, and she started enthusiastically "giving him benefits" like a main character in a fanservice anime. Lu Chen didn't believe she hadn't done it on purpose.
"Baltimore is truly strong, but you weren't bad either. Well, I've confirmed once again that my own talent for this is mediocre," Lu Chen said.
"Not everyone has talent, but with training, it's still a good way to exercise," Baltimore looked at Lu Chen, paused, and continued, "But it looks like you aren't suited for this sport."
As the Commander of several hundred Ship Girls, Lu Chen had limited time to dedicate to each one. It would be better to find a sport that was easier for the Commander to pick up and that allowed for more intimacy.
Even the heroic Baltimore had a hidden girlish side deep in her heart, yearning for love, a side that no one but Lu Chen had the right to appreciate.
"Let's not talk about that for now." Bremerton thought of Lu Chen's other identity and happily approached him, asking, "Your Lordship, the Sports Committee Member, are you satisfied with our P.E. activities? The scoring is up to you."
If not for Bremerton, Lu Chen genuinely wouldn't have realized his secondary task. He pulled out the attendance sheet from his pocket and said after a moment of silence, "Ah, this. I filled this whole thing up before I even got here."
As a competent student cadre, he would never actively seek trouble unless the teacher strictly required it. Live and let live—everyone getting along peacefully was the best possible outcome.
"Oh? So you neglected your duty as Sports Committee Member?" Bremerton grinned widely. "It looks like I'm not the only one who has something on you. That's a relief."
Lu Chen said somewhat awkwardly, "I was planning to find a place to slack off, but then I saw you two playing tennis, and I was drawn in without realizing it. When I looked back, it was almost time for school to end."
"Hmph, hmph, I forgive you since you told the truth," Bremerton said. It seems our sisters' charm is quite considerable. This further convinced her that her decision just now was absolutely correct. She, Bremerton, had left a deep impression on the Commander's mind.
"Lu Chen, I like your style," Baltimore laughed heartily, putting her arm around Lu Chen's shoulder and asking, "Are you interested in joining our club?"
The girl's body was damp with sweat, but there was no strange odor; instead, there was a refreshing scent, giving Lu Chen an urge to bury himself in her. Fortunately, he resisted. "What club? The Tennis Club?"
"It's a general sports club," Baltimore explained. "Everyone's activities aren't confined to one sport. For example, Bremerton wanted to practice tennis today, so I came to help her. The club's main activity time is after school since we don't have P.E. class every day."
Bremerton added, "Big Sister is an all-around helper who just happens to be passing by. If you ask her for help with anything, she'll lend a hand and score an Ace."
"I'm afraid I can't do after school. I have quite a bit going on during that time slot," Lu Chen shook his head and refused.
"That's too bad," Bremerton looked disappointed for a moment, then cheered up, grabbing Lu Chen's hand and using a long, clear-manicured finger to trace patterns on his palm. "Big Sister's social media nickname is Justice_B, and mine is Bremerton. You're welcome to chat with us anytime."