Divine Tragicomedy (Sardegna Event)

Divine Tragicomedy
1. Unveiling of the Blazing Seas
「Having gone through a long journey, I thought I could see the dawn.
But then I came to the realization, I had been wondering in a dark forest
A threatening place full of thorns and shrouded in darkness
Even so, my only regret was my own ignorance
Ah, when did I lose sight of the right path?――」
The Lamentful Song of the Blazing Seas

Littorio: This...can't be!
The Taronto port of the Sardegna Empire was dyed in a crimson blaze.
Littorio: How could I have let this happen...I couldn't predict this strategy..!
The relentless firing of the AA guns seem to ineffective against the Royal aircraft.
Littorio: To think they could pull off a night raid with carrier-born aircraft..!
A hellish scene filled with burning ships unfolded before her.

3 Days ago, "Città Eterna" - Sardegna Empire
Vittorio Veneto: Sirens should not appear here, in the Mediterranean. Is that information true?
Carabiniere: Ha! Is true! A large Siren fleet is gathering in the southern waters of the Empire!
Vittorio Veneto: To allow the Sirens to advance this far... just what is the Ironblood fleet thinking...
Vittorio Veneto: (Ensured safety of the Mediterranean was the condition for our entry in the Crimson Axis...)
Vittorio Veneto: (I thought it was suspicious that Siren encroached the Vichiya's territory, but perhaps even Sardegna...)
Littorio: As they say, "Even a pet dog can bite the owners hand". Blindly relying on others is not a wise path to follow.
Vittorio Veneto: Littorio!
Littorio: Needless worry won't solve the problems, would it now, Madam Fleet Commander?
Littorio: See, it's actually rather easy. Take a closer look at this Littorio and the Imperial Navy.
Littorio: Our fleet and equipment are state-of-the-art on the Europa continent
Littorio: And we had the privilege of being born in a sea blessed with a Cultured and Spirited people
Littorio: Veneto, I have just one order for you...
Littorio: Give your utmost to recapture the legendary glory of Sardegna
Littorio: --I sound naive, don't I.
Vittorio Veneto: A,aha....
Littorio: Having said all that, there is no reason for hesitation! Veneto, I - The Littorio - and the Imperial Navy will destroy the all enemies of the Empire regardless of where they intend to strike us from!
Vittorio Veneto: ...but...
Littorio: I see, perhaps you are worried about the Royal Navy's intentions and their recent actions in Vichiya?
Littorio: Then worry not! The Crimson Axis has already decided on how to respond to them.
Littorio: Rather, this Siren threat encroaching our waters is also an opportunity for us.
Littorio: Neither the Iris nor the Ironblood fleets are in the area anymore.
Littorio: Perhaps, the Sirens underestimate us as "Those nobodies that exist over there".
Littorio: If so, we could strike out and defeat those Sirens--
Littorio: Why don't we stage a world class play to show to the whole world the majesty of our Sardegna?

2. Danger
Giulio Cesare: Damn you Sirens, how did you reach this far...!
Conte di Cavour: Why are you so surprised, Siren's have always been elusive. If they were not then Humanity would not be on the brink of defeat like now.
Giulio Cesare: Stop the chatter and focus on destroying the Sirens! Cavour, don't say such negative things all the time!
Conte di Cavour: Did you find my tactical analysis lacking somehow?.. By the way, is that the best you can do?
Carabiniere: Y-you two are such good friends...
Conte di Cavour & Giulio Cesare: What friendship!?/ What friends?!
Carabiniere: Sorry for the intrusion but a new target is approaching!
Giulio Cesare: All ships, open fire! We will annihilate the siren fleet here!

3. Pause

Vittorio Veneto: Cesare, how was the battle with the siren fleet?
Giulio Cesare: They were just a bunch of small fish that don't understand reason. They were no threat to us.
Conte di Cavour: Exactly. They were all destroyed.
Zara: They are just a bunch of guys who can't take a hint. Isn't that right, Pola?
Pola: That's right, Zara. I was able to defeat them without breaking a sweat.
Vittorio Veneto: Ok, everyone is doing beautifully. Caesar, can you take everyone back to La Spezia Port for repairs? You girls take a little vacation there too.
Zara: That's great to hear. Perhaps we should throw a celebration party too?
Zara: ....hm. Wait, what was that...
...
Zara: Fleet Commander, did you ask for Ironblood support?
Conte di Cavour: That's not it. That looks like a Royal Navy reconnaissance aircraft.
Zara: Should we ready the AA?
Pola: Too late for that. They are out of range already.
Zara: Those royals are so annoying. What should we do, Cesare?
Giulio Cesare: It's okay. We will return to La Spezia as per Veneto's instructions!
Littorio: ...
Littorio: (Everything is proceeding as I had planned...fufufu, the fun is about to begin)

4. Suspicion
Royal Home Island

Warspite: Looks like the imperial fleet is on the move.
Illustrious: Warspite-sama, has something been bothering you?
Warspite: Illustrious, could you take a look at this recon photo?
Illustrious: Cavour, Cesare, the Zara sisters... are the main forces of	Imperial Navy gathering somewhere?
Warspite: It's the La Spezia port.
Illustrious: It's a port that's deep within imperial territory. Perhaps they are taking a vacation there after destroying the siren fleet.
Illustrious:  Though, why did the sirens go so far into the Mediterranean..?
Warspite: I can think of a few reasons. It may be just a simple random attack by the sirens, or it may be a rehearsal for a  large-scale attack by sirens on the Mediterranean.
Warspite: Even so, I find this action by the Sardenga rather intriguing. To go out with a large fleet and meet the sirens in open battle doesn't seem consistent with their "Fleet-in-being" doctrine.
Illustrious: So you mean, it was a.. show of force?
Warspite: This development is troubling, hmmm....
Illustrious: Why don't we try to diplomatically contact them regarding this first? They might have had some reasons behind mobilizing their forces.
Illustrious: Perhaps they are willing to return to the Azur Lane now and then all will be all.
Warspite: I guess so. I will report this to her Majesty.
Queen Elizabeth: Trying the negotiation route first,hmmm...all right! I will allow this strategy!
Queen Elizabeth: Warspite, I hope you understand the implication of this strategy! You will be representing the "stance" of the Royal family and the "Royal We".
Warspite: Please rest assured!
Warspite: If possible I would like to avoid another situation like that battle with Vichiya we had.
Belfast: 「A good general know how to win the war, a good leader know how to avoid war.」――
Said the head maid who were pouring the Queens tea.
Belfast: I thought that proverb would be helpful to Warspite-sama as the talk of Vichiya came up, we are entrusting the good name of Her Majesty on you.
Warspite: You Majesty..Warspite will set sail now. God bless the Queen!
After giving a bow Warspite left the throne room.
Belfast: 「Take care of Her Majesty」...Certainly.
Please rest assured. This Belfast will protect Her Majesty even at the cost of her own life.

5. Negotiation

Warspite: So this is a territory of Sardegna...
Warspite: Seems like the Siren infestation is not completely eradicated yet..need to keep my guard up
Littorio: So,
The Royal Navy is suggesting that Sardegna should return to the Azur Lane Alliance?
Warspite: That's correct. Now that the sirens are threatening the Mediterranean area we should join forces to combat them.
Littorio: The threat of the Sirens? Then what about the actions of the Royal Navy in recent times, are those not also threatening?
Warspite: As I said before, we of the Royal Navy are concerned with the safety of the trade routes. We have no other intentions.
Littorio: Really. Were it not you royals that pitted the Iris and us into a bitter feud and arms race from the shadows? Were it not you who pushed the Siren forces into the Mediterranean?
Littorio: How can we be sure that this siren intrusion is not something that you "overlooked" in the first place so that you can play your hand now?
Warspite: Littorio, you are smarter than this. They may have been mass-produced units, but I find it very hard to believe that Sardegna would not have detected a Siren fleet of that size sooner
Littorio: The fact that they suddenly appeared here without being detected by coastal defenses..
Littorio: Has a Mirror Sea manifested somewhere in the Mediterranean?
Warspite: Indeed. We hold both of the the entrances to the Mediterranean, they could not have appeared without raising alarm unless via a mirror sea.
Warspite: Based on the direction of the attack and analysis of movement data we have come to the conclusion that they originated from the southeastern region of the Mediterranean.
Littorio: I see, so how do the Royals intend to react to this?
Warspite: ... The Royal Fleet will begin it's search and destroy operations in this area.
Littorio: If so, the Imperial Fleet hopes to join this combat operation
Littorio: As the Mediterranean sea is the ​​lifeblood of the Sardegnian Empire, we will not tolerate any siren pollution in here.
Littorio: If this operation concludes without any incident then we will return to Azur Lane - how about this condition?
Warspite: ....
Littorio: What, after what happened in Vichiya do you really find this surprising. It takes time to regain trust.
Warspite: Certainly... I agree with the stance of Sardegna
Warspite: We will conduct search and destroy operations in the Mediterranean now..
Warspite: However, we do have one condition of our own
Warspite: We prohibit the participation of Sardegna Battleships in this operations. If this rule is violated the Royal Navy will take appropriate measures against you.
Littorio: (Hmph, unilaterally pushing your own "rules"....royals are up to their forceful royal ways still)
Littorio: (Nah, it's not time yet. This Littorio will have have the last laugh, just you watch..!
Vittorio Veneto: Littorio, is everything all right? Do you need any help?
Littorio: Ah, everything is proceeding according to the plan
Littorio: To gain control of the Mediterranean Sea, it is necessary to eliminate the Royal forces. To that end, we first need to capture Malta
Littorio: As long as they hold that island all of our movements are being reported to that Elizabeth.
Littorio: Conversely, if we managed to remove the Royal forces from Malta the Mediterranean might as well be within our control.
Littorio: We will be able to plant some spies among the troops sent to help in Warspite's punitive operation and move in troops without raising suspicion
Littorio: At the same time we will send our main fleets to Taronto under the cover of darkness
Littorio: Before dawn, this two prong attack will capture Malta before they can come up with a response
Littorio: Warspite may have a reputation for being swift, but even she won't be able to react to this.
Vittorio Veneto: That all sounds good but can we really win a war against the Royals..?
Littorio: Vento, how can you hesitate now despite being the Flagship?
Littorio: Have faith in our glorious Navy and this Littorio
Littorio: If you really don't want it, how about you let me be the flagship for this operation instead?
Vittorio Veneto: Haha..there you go again..
Vittorio Veneto: Thanks to you, I made up my mind. Let's do this "act" as you say?
Vittorio Veneto: Ah, I won't give you the flagship position though, you know?
Littorio: Ah that's fine. It's up to you.
Littorio: If Veneto is the flagship conducting the battle I can enter the battlefield with peace of mind. One of us shines in the battlefield and the other in the war room.
Vittorio Veneto: Fufufu
Littorio: Now that we have decided on a strategy, why don't we take a little break?
Littorio: Will you go out with me for a while? -- Oh Beautiful Signorina.
Vittorio Veneto: Hehe, it would be my pleasure.

6. Battle
The following day - Prior to Sardegna's Operation

Zara: I wonder if all Royal nobility speak in such a peculiar way...
York: Hmm, those who have no understanding of power (†Force†), let us work together defeat the true enemy in this holy war (†operation†)!
Pola: I think I kind of get what she's trying to say but still, what a strange person... do you get her, Zara?
Zara: Yeah, I can manage. Maybe the Royals have some eccentric manners. Let's just act like we totally understand so she won't laugh at us like we're country bumpkins.
Pola: Okay....
Carabiniere: U-uh, according to our intel reports, the next area we should search for lies 100 nautical miles southeast of here...
York: Carabiniere hails from the Dragoon's genealogy (†Roots†), have more faith in your dragon's magic eye (†Dragon Sense)!
Carabiniere: Understood! Leave the enemy search to me!
York: Ooh! I found an ally who can feel the same power (†Force†) as me..!
Pola: Do you think Carabiniere really understands what she is saying?
Zara: ....
Zara: Perhaps, maybe?
Zara: Anyway, we need to get a move on.

7. The Magical Heavy Cruiser

York: Wh..! What's the meaning of this!
Zara: Fufu. You, if I remember correctly you are called York, right.
Zara: Apologies, but we'll have to take you out in the name of the Empire..!
Suddenly, fleet after fleet of mass-produced Sardegnian ships appeared and completely surrounded the Royal fleet.
Pola: Sorry about this. We're just following orders~♪
York: ………
York: So this is why you lead us here! To ambush us!
Zara: Yep. By the way, Your other fleets are also being dealt with right now. Also, we never intended to let you contact each other in the first place.
Zara: Now, be a good girl and give up.
York: Fufufu, this Holy War (†operation†) has finally presented me with a chance to reveal my true form!
York: Gaze upon these armaments (†Secondary Weapons†), granted to me by Her Majesty herself!
Zara: ..what?
York: Listen carefully! The heinousness acts (†Conspiracy†) conducted by you against her Majesty will soon be exposed!
York: "If the Sardegna Empire betray you during this joint operation in their quest to subjugate the Mediterranean..."
York: This Magical Heavy Cruiser "York" were instructed to use her power (†Force†) inform her comrades in the area!
York: "Magical Cannons of Bethlehem", I call upon you! Fireeeeeeeeee!
The shell launched into the night sky and burst, casting a light that spanned tens of miles as if turning night into day.
Zara: What...?! They prepared signal rounds ahead of time?!
York: There we go,
York: Illustrious, Warspite, the operation has begun!
Illustrious: Sneeze--
Warspite: A red flare... I wanted to avoid this situation if possible..
Illustrious: Warspite-sama, we don't have any time to waste here. Please give the orders.
Warspite: Of course, we'll take action as planned. Illustrious, prepare to launch your aircraft.
Zara: Carabiniere, hurry back and tell our main forces that we've been compromised!
Boom~~~~!
York: Fufu, it's my turn to put a halt(†Barricade†) to you plans!
York: Nothing personal, but I can't let you leave!

8.
Before the start of the Royal Navies operation

Warspite: Illustrious! Are you coming as well?
Illustrious: Good day to you, Warspite-sama. Yes, as per Her Majesty's orders, I will be accompanying you on this voyage.
Warspite: Umu. Well, as I told you before, we are preparing a joint Royal Navy-Sardegna search party to find where the Sirens are coming from...
Illustrious: Do you think there is some ulterior motive to why they were so eager to join us?
Warspite: Indeed. Something seemed suspicious about the plan they proposed.
Warspite: They said "We want to carry out this search operation at nighttime because the Sirens are more active then"
Warspite: But, it just so happens that our patrol units at Malta don't operate at night. Perhaps that's the real aim behind their proposal...
Illustrious: Actually, I made some preparations for such a scenario already.
Warspite: Eh!? You prepared for it already, we don't actually know for sure...
Illustrious: Well, I had hunch. I already consulted with Her Majesty about this. Call it a woman's intuition if you want.
Warspite: That's some perceptive intuition...
Illustrious: Sometimes intuition is more useful than anything else, you know? Fufufu
Warspite: Sometimes you are just...
Illustrious: I have prepared countermeasures and a follow-up plan in case the Sardegnians would do anything that's not in our best interest. Oh, one more thing...
Warspite: Those are...flares?
Illustrious: Correct. But we need someone who can use them to signal us if something happens...
Illustrious: ...
At that time, York happened to be passing by.
Illustrious: York, could you do me a favor?
York: Hmmm? Whaaaaaaaat!?

9. Preparations
Royal Fleet, just before beginning of the Siren hunt

York: So... the green one means "Siren base found and destroyed", blue means "requesting support", and red means "Sardegnians have betrayed us"?
Illustrious: Yes. Could you kindly load your guns already.
York: Of course! Now I need to come up with a name for this move... hmm... I'll have to do it later, for we're short on time.
Illustrious: Indeed, the Sardegnian fleet will be grouping up with us any minute now. God save the Queen.
York: God save the Queen!
Warspite:...
Warspite: Say, York actually does fire the red flare to signal she's been attacked... what would you do, Illustrious?
Illustrious: I can only hope that it doesn't come to that...
Illustrious: If it comes to that then as per permission of her majesty, we have to do "That".

10. Start of the Play
Boom~~

Littorio: Cavour!!
Conte di Cavour: Wa wa wa!?
Littorio: Royals...you got us good...!
Taranto harbor had become a sea of flames under the moonlight.
Littorio: No way, did they plan to take advantage of the fact that our forces are split and launch a surprise attack..
In addition to the surprise attack, Sardegnian's anti-aircraft fire has been unable to cope with the air attacks due to poor visibility at night.
Littorio: How were they able to mobilize their air wings at night...!!
Everyone in the harbor were gasping for air amidst all the fire and smoke.
Vittorio Veneto: This plan completely fell apart...
Littorio: How did they know we were moving our main forces here under the cover of the night...
Littorio: And how are they operating their air wings at night?! I've never heard of such a thing before.
Vittorio Veneto: Littorio, order everyone to retreat. The operation has failed.
Littorio: No, Veneto, it's not over yet. If we can take out the enemy carrier, then we can seize Malta before dawn comes. Without this port the Royals won't be able to mess with us anymore.
Littorio: Attention to all ships! We are evacuating the harbor! Find and destroy the enemy Aircraft carrier as soon as you can!

11.

Illustrious: I've been waiting for you. I am Illustrious, an Illustrious-class armored aircraft carrier of the Royal Navy.
Littorio: Tell me this: how did the Royal Navy deduce that we would transfer our battleships over to Taranto harbor?
Illustrious: It was quite easy, really... If we were in your position, we would have done the same thing.
Littorio: Well said. Are you the the one who launched the attack on the harbor?
Illustrious: Correct. Those wonderful Swordfish squadrons were all launched by me.
Littorio: What a magnificent woman. If you were Sardegnian, I would have loved to invite you to a dance.
Littorio: But after what you've done to our navy, I'm afraid I have to destroy you!
Littorio: I am Littorio, Veneto-class battleship of the Sardegna Empire! Entering combat!

12. The hour has passed

Illustrious: (My hangar has taken damage... Her firepower might even be greater than Her Majesty's...)
Littorio: (Taking one of my salvos head on and not becoming a wreck instantly... so this is the famed armored carrier...)
Littorio: Illustrious, it would be wise to surrender. You've stood against us, but your fate need not be sinking here---
Littorio: More Swordfish...! But it'll take more than that---
Littorio: Behold, the Pugliese system! Your little planes cannot sink me!
Illustrious: How could it be..I have stuck her with so many torpedoes already...
Littorio: Nngh...! A battleship salvo?!
Warspite: Illustrious, get back! Sardegnian battleships are coming!
Littorio: Gah... I won't let you get away!
Boooooom!
Littorio: Aaagh! Did they just..take out my steering gear!
The Pugliese system absorbed some of the torpedo impact, but the repeated impacts had already caused flooding into below deck compartments, slowing Littorio's movement.
Littorio: ....
Although Warspites salvo didn't hit her, Littorio realized she could not continue the fight for much longer.
Littorio: Illustrious, you are really are the glorious radiance of the royal fleet, aren't you?
Littorio: Hah... to think a ship even more glorious than me could exist in this world!
Littorio: Beautiful signora, I promise you we shall meet again. Hahahaha!
The damaged Littorio turned her back to the Royal Navy's fleet and withdrew from the battlefield.
Illustrious: So that's the Sardegnia Empire's battleship, Littorio..
Warspite: It's not every day I see you having trouble with an opponent. Are you all right, Illustrious?
Illustrious: Yes, somehow. But I feel like this isn't the last time that we'll meet...

13. Battle Begins

At the exit of that dark forest, three beasts blocked my path.

Leopard
—— Pale skin,  Eyes wide and teeth baring.

Lion
—— Head held high, aloof and arrogant.

She-wolf
—— Thin to the bones, driven mad by hunger.

They surround me, filled with greedy desires.
Ah, step by step, they have driven me back into the forest.
There which not even the sun's light pierces.

Royal Home Islands

Illustrious: Victorious, Formidable, you're late.
Victorious: Sorry~ I got caught up thinking about my commission*, hahaha..
Formidable: Was Victorious-nee-san thinking about commissioning, or what happens after commission————*
(the Chinese word for commissioning is 服役 (service) - pretty sure this is supposed to be a double entendre)
Victorious: Ahhh! Formidable!!
Illustrious: Okay, settle down. Come, try the black tea I've personally brewed. It's been such a long time since we three sisters have got together.
Illustrious: Right, Victorious, how goes your commissioning tests?
Victorious: Um.. We had a little accident, so the date of commission will pushed back a few months..
Illustrious: Even Formidable, who was supposed to be your little sister was commissioned earlier.. Looks like you'll have to make up for it by working extra hard.
Victorious: Oh, Victorious will do her best for her sisters and the Queen!
Illustrious: Hehehe. Now the reason for this gathering: I have an important announcement to make.
Formidable: Is nee-san getting married!?
Illustrious: *cough*—— Of course not!!
Illustrious' face reddens, almost spitting out her tea.
Formidable: ....
Illustrious: Formidable, please don't make such jokes~ *cough, cough*
Illustrious: Anyway, back on topic, would you ladies...
Illustrious: like to join me for a holiday at the Mediterranean sea?

14. Decision

The Eternal City

Vittorio Veneto: ...
Vittorio Veneto: ....
Vittorio Veneto: Um, can you stop doing that?
After watching Littorio pacing restlessly back and forth in the palace, Veneto couldn't help but interject.
Littorio: Hmmmm...
Littorio: Now is indeed the time to make a decision.
Vittorio Veneto: Indeed... rumors suggest the Royals have strengthened their naval presence in the Mediterranean sea.
Littorio: So... would a bikini or a one-piece swimsuit be more fitting?
Vittorio Veneto: I heard bikini's were more popular these days...
Vittorio Veneto: ...Huh??
Littorio: There's rumors of a royal cruise. The three Illustrious sisters will visiting the Mediterranean sea, so this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!
Vittorio Veneto: Wait... were we worrying about the same topic?
Littorio: Yup, weren't we discussing "Strategic plans for handling the Illustrious-Class Carriers"?
Vittorio Veneto: Well yes, but I didn't think you meant it that way..
Vittorio Veneto: (Ever since that battle at Taranto, Littorio have been acting strangely.)
Vittorio Veneto: (She must've went through a lot of psychological trauma... poor thing.)

Littorio: Veneto, to be honest, I've received a secret telegram from Illustrious.
Littorio: 「"The Gem of Calabria" has captivated the Queen, so she's willing to put aside our differences and work together.」
Littorio: 「P.S I bought both my sisters.」

Vittorio Veneto: What's the meaning of this?

Littorio: Ever since Taranto, I've realized that being a battleship has its limits.
Littorio: If you don't understand your enemy, there's no way you can win.
Littorio: Unreasonably well armored carriers capable of night operations..
Littorio: These are technologies beyond our current capability. If we take this opportunity to do our homework..
Littorio: Realizing Romulus' glory will be just a matter of time!

Vittorio Veneto: ... It makes some sense if you put it like that.
Vittorio Veneto: Sigh, the Senate still haven't seemed to have reached a general consensus on Ironlblood and Royal Navy relations.
Vittorio Veneto: We can only continue to bide our time.

Littorio: I know what you're worrying about. After Taranto, Ironblood attitudes towards us have became more severe.
Littorio: The Siren forces in the Mediterranean sea have also been growing. They wish to monitor our every move.
Littorio: Looks like the Royals weren't lying before. The sirens have indeed created a stronghold within the Mediterranean sea.
Vittorio Veneto: It did seem like Illustrious was holding back at Taranto.
Vittorio Veneto: Attacks on Cavour, Caesar and other battleships have avoided critical compartments.
Vittorio Veneto: I feel like this was supposed to be a message.
Vittorio Veneto: Why don't we take this opportunity and test them?
Vittorio Veneto: We'll see who's the Wolf, who's the Lion.
Littorio: That was my plan.
Littorio: Now, flagship-sama..
Vittorio Veneto: Hm?
Littorio: Time to pick out your swimsuit!
Vittorio Veneto: Ahhh————！

15. Meeting

Formidable: Such a lively welcome from Sardegnian ships.
Carabiniere: Veneto-sama has ordered us to show the royal ladies "a different kind of Mediterranean hospitality".
Formidable: The "Gem Of Calabria" really lives up to the name, to have put up such a show..
Formidable: Sigh, I really don't want dirty my favorite clothes——
Carabiniere: Then, Respected lady, please forgive my offence!

16. Formidable

Formidable: ...Watching you weave in and out is annoying.

Formidable remarked, as she watches Carabiniere combine shelling with high-speed evasive maneuvers.
Carabiniere: Hmhm, Carabiniere's name was derived from the centuries old high-speed units of the Sardegnian empire!
Carabiniere: Using high-speed movement to confuse our opponents, then waiting for the opportune time to land a fatal blow is our specialty in combat.
Carabiniere: Even a colossus of steel like you won't be..
Formidable: Huh?!
Formidable frowns, exuding an unfamiliar aura.

Formidable: What did you..
Formidable: Who are you calling a stupidly heavy and rigid monster!!?
Formidable's normally steady expression disappears, replaced with an angry pout and appears to be tearing up.
Carabiniere: Ah, I-I didn't...
Formidable: ——【Please stay still】!!!

Formidable waves her right hand, and the surrounding waters were shrouded in a strange aura.
Carabiniere: T-this is?
The boilers of Carabiniere and the surrounding destroyers suddenly failed at the same time.
Carabiniere: Damn, I can't maintain my speed!
Formidable: My sisters have forbidden me to use this technique in combat... but...
Formidable: It's your fault for calling me a ugly, fat, lazy dinosaur!!
Carabiniere: I never said that!!
Formidable: You can be a victory mark for Formidable!! Albacore, launch!!
Carabiniere: Wah! are all Royal girls like this..? (tears) ————
Warspite: ....
The sluggish flagship Warspite finally chanced upon this scene, and couldn't help but break into a cold sweat.

Warspite: F-Formidable, you might've gone too far..
Formidable: Haha, greetings, Flagship-sama~ This Illustrious class carrier bids you a good morning.
Formidable grasps hem of her dress, and offers a precise English greeting. A sunny smile beams on her face.
Formidable: I have dealt with the Sardegnian empire's vanguards.
Formidable: Don't worry, as per nee-san's instructions, I have avoided damaging their critical components.
Warspite: I-it's nothing, you did well... let us continue towards our target —— the "Gem of Calabria".

17. Full speed

I have returned to the dark, depressing forest.
Moist mud entombs both my feet.
As I continually sink -
A weak, thin figure shines a light upon me.
The figure stood still for a long time, not uttering a word.
Virgil.
Ah, so you're the inspiration for the touching poetry.
Virgil.
An eternal guide for nations.

Boom~~~~~~~!
Zara: Pola!!
Pola: I'm fine, she barely scratched my armor.
Pola: The Zara class cruisers possess the finest armor in the world, so we won't be easily defeated!
Zara: Tenacemente! As expected of my reliable little sister~
Formidable: Sardinia empire's warships.. as nee-chan says, they're tough as nails.. I don't like it..
Warspite: Formidable, leave it to me. Remember the orders we have.
Formidable: Yup.. 「"Capture Calabria's gem before midnight 12:00"」
Warspite: Don't delay. Set off with Orion immediately. You're both faster than me. Don't be late.
Formidable: Understood~ Then Formidable is setting off! Good luck, and God Bless the Queen!
Zara: Trying to escape? Open fire——
Warspite heroically rushes ahead and endures a round of shelling for Formidable.
Warspite: Your opponent is me, so don't dream about laying a finger on Formidable!
Zara: Is the hero coming to save the damsel in distress?~ Not bad, you do have the aura of a warrior.
Warspite: No.. It's just.. I'll get in trouble too if Formidable gets mad.

Zara: Huh??

「Flagship-sama, My sisters are in your hands. This is her first time sortieing, so if anything happens, please bear responsibility~」
「Yours truly, Illustrious」

Warspite couldn't help but shudder as she recalls the telegram.
Warspite: It's nothing. Come, let us settle this fairly with guns! Belli dura despicio!

18. Limit

Zara: Ugh. She's just an old hag, so why is she still so difficult to deal with?

A nerve twitches on Warspite's forehead.
Pola: How are your shots so accurate in the pitch-black night..?
Zara: She's cheating! The Royal Navy's warship is cheating in a duel!!
Warspite: The battle has already been decided, would the two ladies please stop obstructing our path?
Warspite: Miss Zara, Miss Pola, in my many years of battle earned experience, a ship's capabilities aren't all that decides a battle.
Warspite: One must possess a righteous heart, a brave spirit and years of experience.
Warspite: As an elder, I must tell you...
Warspite: ....
Warspite: Huh? Where did they go!?
When Warspite finally lifted her head, she notices the Zara class cruisers have left her firing range.
Zara: We're not listening to your long-winded stories! (blows a raspberry)
Zara makes a face at Warspite, who stood rooted in place.
Warspite: Ah... W-wait!!
Zara: Fiume, Gorizia, Attention! An aircraft carrier and a fleet of light cruisers have breached our defensive lines, and are heading towards the "Gem of Calabria"!
Zara: We are moving to intercept at full speed!
Pola: Understood.. sending transmission, dididi——*
(i think this is supposed to be Morse code)

Warspite: Huhu.. the kids these days are so fast.. phew... I can't keep up anymore.
Warspite slowly drags her heavy body through the dark of night.
Warspite: If I could get a comprehensive modernization once this battle is over, that'd be dandy. Hehehe.

19. Lamentation's End
"To descend or to ascend
Such worry is purity, the hesitation is innocence, the choice is pure white and sacred
There are those who are chased by The Beast and sink into the forest
There are those who drive away The Beast and continue the ascension to the peak
You have the eternal tranquility of river Cocytus with you
You have the eternal glory of the Empire with you
May you choose a heart filled with the desire for wonders, and let the path to the heavens be clear
May you choose a heart that's clean, and let the ornate golden world of people be left behind
The one who chooses to grasp the extended hand is, you
Now, can you tell me how this story ends?"

Vittorio Veneto: So, they never came in the end?
Littorio: Correct. We informed the Iron Blood as soon as we engaged the Royal Navy, and yet they didn't show up.
Littorio: Their reasoning seem to be something about night battle having too many unknown variables, but that sounded like excuses to me.
Vittorio Veneto: Hmm...
Vittorio Veneto: Looks like we were never more than cannon fodder to the Big Four, just like Vichya.
Vittorio Veneto: I was full of hope when we were brought into the Crimson Axis...
Vittorio Veneto: But it looks like we were abandoned for the sake of their "Reenactment".
Littorio: It's almost time for this play to end, Veneto.
Vittorio Veneto: Indeed. This "Performance" of that "Reenactment" is about to come to an end. The only thing left for us... is to decide whether it ends as a comedy or as a tragedy...


20. The Gem of Calabria

Formidable: The Gem of Calabria... is that the beautiful sea itself?
The sea, illuminated by the glow of the pale moonlight, glimmered like a blue gemstone.
The ruins of ancient civilizations swayed like mirages along the shore, a place that had led to many civilizations... the girls stood there among a breathtaking scenery.
Littorio: That's correct. This beautiful blue sea is Sardegna's national treasure and what we strive to protect.
Littorio: This place is like a mother that nurtured countless peoples, birthed many civilizations and legends over thousands of years.
Littorio: Indeed, this is a treasure that is as radiant as you and me, beautiful signora.
Vittorio Veneto: (Uhh... that last line was superfluous...)
Formidable: Would you two mind telling me why you came here?
Vittorio Veneto: We've come to make a wager. Between the Iron Blood's machinations and the Royal Navy's strength.
Vittorio Veneto: Though we are a part of the Crimson Axis alliance, we wish to ascertain what we really mean to them.
Vittorio Veneto: Will this battle become one of their "Reenactments", or will it become the first page of a new future?
Vittorio Veneto: ... Well, to be honest, we are still interested in spreading the glory of Sardegna.
Vittorio Veneto: But now that all the actors are assembled, the objectives of this play shall be revealed.
Vittorio Veneto: Everything was for the sake of preserving the sanctity of this blue gem.
Formidable: If that is truly your wish, why don't you try to negotiate with Her Majesty?
Vittorio Veneto: The Iron Blood have become more powerful than us... No, stronger than you can possibly imagine.
Vittorio Veneto: This is the true reason behind our wager. Can we really trust that the power of the Royals will be able to stand up to them?
Warspite: So we have finally come to a "Mutual" understanding of each others "Positions", huh..
Star-crossed ships bound by fate to battle... The lamentations of a sea ablaze... The girls dancing like puppets across countless "Reenactments..." Even so...
Warspite: So that's why you wanted to conduct that attack on Malta and attacked us earlier...
Warspite: Let me ask you then. Should we stop you here and prove that we are capable of protecting the Mediterranean, would you rejoin the Azur Lane?
Vittorio Veneto: Yes. As flagship of the Imperial Fleet, you have my word.
Warspite: Very well. Barham, Valiant, let us fight for the glory of Her Majesty!
Warspite: Formidable, I'll leave air support in your hands!
Formidable: Of course. You can count on me.
Littorio: Will Illustrious be not coming?
Formidable: Onee-san is going get rid of those siren pests. She will take care of Trent and the others.
Littorio: Alas, what a pity. I really wanted to know if Illustrious in a swimsuit could surpass my own brilliance in my swimsuit.
Vittorio Veneto: Ahem!
Vittorio Veneto: Zara, Pola, and all members of the Sardegna Fleet. Fight with all your might and uphold the glory of Sardegna!
Vittorio Veneto: Lunga vita all'Impero!

21. Secret Tea Party
The Royal Home Islands

Illustrious: So you ended up fighting after all... who won?
Formidable: Of course we won. I am good at night battles just like Illustrious-nee-san, after all.
Formidable sipped on her tea gracefully as she gave her report to her sisters.
Formidable: While Sardegna's ships are equipped with heavy armor, they don't have fire control radars.
Formidable: With the combined attacks from my aircraft and Warspite-sama's shelling we made quick work of them.
Illustrious: There there, excellent work~
Finally, the 3 of them could enjoy a moment of peace together.
Victorious: I wanted to beat them up too, in an elegant way fitting of a beautiful goddess of victory like me! How unfair~
Illustrious: Ah, I should have introduced Unicorn-chan to you two by now.
Illustrious: Formidable, be nice to her, okay?
Victorious: Speaking of which, Formidable doesn't let me make costumes for her, how cruel~
Formidable: Oh, yes, I nearly forgot. That Littorio asked me to pass along a message to Illustrious-nee-san.
Illustrious: Ara, what kind of message?
Formidable: Um, if I'm remembering this correctly..."When the situation in Sardegna settles down a bit, Let's meet again".
Illustrious: I can never figure out what those Sardegna girls are up to, I guess they have their reasons...
Victorious: Hmmm? What do you mean?
Queen Elizabeth: Hey, that's my line! What's the meaning of this, having a secret tea party behind my back?!
Her (small) Majesty was strolling through the garden with her followers when she came across them.
Belfast: Illustrious-sama, Victorious-sama, Formidable-sama, good day to you.
Illustrious, Victorious, Formidable: Your Majesty, good morning to you. Thanks for the greeting, Belfast.
Illustrious: We are greatly sorry for not inviting you, Your Majesty. Would you like to have some of these Sardegnian sweets? Belfast, how about you have a seat too?
Illustrious: If it's okay by you, let us have a little chat about our journeys~


22. At the end of the road

Scharnhorst: Haha, after all that boasting I thought those Sardegnian warships would put up a better fight!
Scharnhorst: After advocating a policy of "fleet-in-being" for so long they tried to become the strongest fleet in the Mediterranean, and ended being playthings of the Royal navy.
Scharnhorst: Turns out it was a mistake to entrust the Mediterranean to them.
Gneisenau: With their night carrier operations and improved shelling accuracy from their radars, the Royal Navy's victory was virtually guaranteed.
Gneisenau: The observation data has already been forwarded to the research and development department. This should speed up the the development of new weapons.
Scharnhorst: Hah...after putting up that arrogant attitude for so long that's what they amounted to.
Gneisenau: It seems Bismarck is almost ready.
Gneisenau: When she returns once more, our victory will be assured.
Scharnhorst: Those who betray the Ironblood will be judged by our iron and pay with their blood.
Scharnhorst: Gneisenau, can I trust you to monitor the Sardegna Empire?
Gneisenau: Roger. Nee-san, you keep a good watch on the North Sea too.
Scharnhorst: If you find anything strange report it immediately. I feel as if something will happen soon, we can't become too careless.
Gneisenau: Of course. This was my original posting anyway.

23. The Ending

Observer: The ending of the story....it was neither a tragedy or a comedy.
Observer: The master poet wandered endlessly, the hym of the Holy Virgin's sprite echoed forever.
Observer: ...Oh?
Tester: You still reading those books from the old world?
Observer: I just routed some of my surplus computing resources to this subtask. This is nothing unusual, though.
Tester: The legendary poem of the Sardegna, isn't it..
Tester: It's the story about the 3 beasts, the sorrows of the blazing seas and the path to heaven, huh...
Tester: Only humans could think up such a combination of subjects, don't they.
Observer: Sardegna has made their choice. They have decided to forge their own destiny.
Observer: To overcome the hardships before them, to grasp that first page of the future by their own hands.
Observer: Rather than destroying their enemies, they have attempted to circumvent the system.
Observer: That was an wonderful play you put for me, Venoto and the others from Sardegna.
Observer: If that's the path of evolution you decided to go down, then I will continue my observation as always.
Observer: Even if that path leads to a pre-calculated future....