Girls und panzer: Carolus rex the emperor of steel

After receiving my mother's news about the friendly matches, I wasted no time contacting the commanders of the nearby academies. Pravda, Jatkosota, and St. Gloriana… names that, in my previous world, were just fictional characters, but now they were figures I had to negotiate with and eventually face on the battlefield.

I sent a message to the commanders, making a group chat with them and some of their closest subordinates.

Erik: Good day. I'm writing to request a meeting so we can coordinate the friendly matches and perhaps get to know each other better.

Katyusha: Heh, so you want to meet the great Katyusha? I suppose we can grant you that favor. Nonna, take care of the details.

Nonna: Yes, Katyusha-sama!!

Mika: Message received… sounds interesting. Fate crosses paths in unexpected ways. Where and when?

Darjeeling: How very gentlemanly of you, Mr. Lindsworm. It is always a pleasure to share a cup of tea with new friends. I assume etiquette dictates that the host chooses the location?

Erik: Of course. How about coming to our academy ship? It would be a central meeting point, closer for everyone.

Mika: A neutral ground… the current of fate carries us to unknown waters. It's decided.

Katyusha: Perfect! The great Katyusha accepts your invitation. I hope you have something worthy to welcome us… and hot chocolate for me!

Darjeeling: A fair decision. I expect your hospitality to be as refined as your proposal.

Each of them had their own charm… Mika, with her enigmatic air; Darjeeling, with that elegance straight out of another century; and Katyusha… well, she was like a spoiled child, but something about her was… cute.

I had liked them ever since I watched the series, but talking to them—and soon seeing them in person—was something that excited me.

I set the date and time for our meeting. Time passed, and they arrived by different means of transportation—after all, moving the academy ships themselves would be an enormous expense. This way seemed far more practical.

The first to arrive was Darjeeling, carrying herself with refined grace and a serene smile that seemed to conceal all the secrets of the British Empire. Her golden hair swayed in the sea breeze, perfectly styled as if the wind dared not disturb it. Beside her, Assam walked with silent elegance, while Rosehip… well, Rosehip seemed more interested in exploring the place at full speed than in attending the meeting.

Darjeeling had a classic beauty, the kind you only see in old movies… but I couldn't help but notice Assam's understated presence, with her delicate lips and calm eyes that seemed to observe everything. On the other hand, Rosehip… it's not that I dislike hyperactive girls, but her energy could exhaust anyone.

Next came Katyusha and her escort. It was incredible how someone so small could radiate such a commanding presence… though, of course, with Nonna by her side like a silent shadow, anyone would feel secure. Klara followed closely, with an unreadable expression that looked almost porcelain-like… but what really caught my attention were her curves, subtly hidden beneath her uniform.

My eyes drifted—almost instinctively—toward Nonna. Her loose dark hair and those cold, wintery Russian eyes…

Damn it, I had to stop staring. But there was something about her that I simply couldn't ignore.

Mika was the last to arrive, carrying her kantele on her back and wearing that lazy smile, as if this whole meeting were just a cosmic coincidence. Behind her, Aki and Mikko followed with relaxed strides, though their gazes flickered around, as if evaluating whether they should touch something or simply sit and chill.

Mika had the kind of beauty that only became apparent after watching her for a long time—wild, natural, as if she were outside this world. Her crescent-moon gaze seemed to read my thoughts… and that smirk suggested she probably knew them already.

I hated to admit it, but… they were all attractive in their own way.

I couldn't believe I was seeing, with my own eyes, the commanders from the anime I loved so much in my previous world. Seeing them on a screen as mere drawings was one thing, but witnessing them as real people was something fascinating.

I guided them to my mansion and let them in.

Erik: Alright, let's move to the meeting room. There's tea and cookies for everyone, and I didn't forget the hot chocolate Katyusha requested.

The petite commander lifted her head proudly, as if the hot chocolate were a worthy offering to her greatness.

Katyusha: Hmph! That was the least you could do, Lindsworm. I expected nothing less from you.

Despite her haughty tone, her eyes sparkled with satisfaction. She crossed her arms, though it was obvious she was eager to grab her cup as soon as possible.

Nonna remained silent, but a faint, nearly imperceptible smile crossed her lips at Katyusha's reaction. She simply nodded, maintaining her elegant and distant presence.

Darjeeling gave a soft smile, her eyes half-closed, as if she had anticipated this all along.

Darjeeling: How chivalrous, Mr. Lindsworm… though English tea alone is more than enough to warm our hearts.

Assam gave a small bow of gratitude but said nothing. She was the type to observe before speaking.

Rosehip: Oh! I hope there are ginger cookies! I love them!

She didn't wait for me to finish guiding them and rushed ahead like a whirlwind straight toward the table.

Mika paused for a moment, as if processing my words at her own pace. Then, she smirked lazily, her usual carefree expression intact.

Mika: How considerate… but is there honey for the tea?

Erik: Of course, we have honey, sugar, or anything else you'd like to add to your tea or chocolate.

Aki and Mikko exchanged glances, grinning mischievously, as if they expected nothing less from a guy surrounded by so many attractive women.

Aki: Hey, you really go out of your way to please the ladies, Commander.

Mikko: I hope you didn't forget to have something for us, too.

After that introduction, I got straight to the point.

Erik: Well, as mentioned in our group chat, we're here to arrange a friendly tank match. So, what do you think about forming teams?

Darjeeling: A reasonable proposal. Dividing into teams will allow our schools to share knowledge in a more… intimate manner.

Her elegant smile made the word intimate carry a subtle double meaning… though, in the end, I wasn't sure if that was intentional.

Katyusha: Obviously, Pravda should be with Carolus Rex! That way, we can prove our superiority… though, I suppose we could also help you improve a little.

She spoke with her usual arrogant tone, but the slight mischievous smile on her lips gave her away.

Mika: Hmm… so Jatkosota with St. Gloriana? Sounds like an interesting combination… though I hope they don't expect us to follow all their rules to the letter.

Her relaxed tone and the way she strummed her kantele (which she had magically pulled out from who knows where) made it hard to tell if she was serious or just teasing.

Darjeeling: Oh, I wouldn't worry about that… after all, discipline and improvisation can complement each other perfectly… as long as there's a good cup of tea to accompany it.

This was going better than I expected… though the idea of having Pravda by my side could be dangerous for my concentration. Especially since our doctrines were so different—while they focused on overwhelming numbers and never retreating, my doctrine emphasized ambushes, long-range fire, and camouflage.

Then again, I already had an idea of how to make this partnership with Pravda work.

Katyusha: It's decided! Carolus Rex with Pravda, and St. Gloriana with Jatkosota. We're going to crush them!

Mika: Take it easy, little commander… we haven't even started yet.

Darjeeling: Then, if we're all in agreement, we can proceed… after tea, of course.

The atmosphere relaxed now that the teams were set, while I tried my best to ignore the occasional glances some of the girls were throwing my way.

Erik: So, it's decided then—Pravda and Carolus Rex against Jatkosota and St. Gloriana.

Even though my doctrine focuses on ambushes, camouflage, and long-range shots, I can take advantage of the fact that Pravda's tanks are quite tough. Besides, they have around three heavy tanks, such as the IS-2 and KV-2, and from what I understand, they also have some KV-1s. These could serve as a vanguard and a solid wall, while the rest, like the T-34, T-70, BT-5, and ISU-152, would be the rear guard. However, the problem would be the Soviet doctrine of "not one step back," so we would have to get ahead and hide, taking advantage of the fact that our tanks are fast.The issue is that Jatkosota has a doctrine similar to ours—using light tanks, especially the BT-42 as bait to set up an ambush.

The British doctrine is all about patience and entrenchment, which would counter ours, so I'd have to think about how to adapt to this situation.

Darjeeling: I see you're taking this meeting very seriously, even though it's unofficial. —she sips her tea—

My thoughts are interrupted by Darjeeling's comment, and I turn to look at her.

Erik: Sorry, I got distracted.

I clear my throat slightly and proceed to conclude the formal meeting and transition into a more relaxed gathering.

Erik: Well, since we've already decided on the battle format, how about we take some time to relax and get to know each other better?

Darjeeling: A suitable proposal… After all, a relaxed mind is key to a successful strategy.

Mika: Hmm... that sounds like a calm stream before the storm... I like it.

Katyusha: Heh! Relaxing is also part of the art of war, right? But only if there's more hot chocolate.

Erik: Of course, I'll have more prepared for you... and for anyone else who wants a refill.

Nonna: Thank you… that would be nice.

That simple word from Nonna made me glance at her sideways. Her soft, refined voice carried a low tone that naturally drew attention. Her serene demeanor contrasted with Katyusha's dominant aura, yet her presence was... magnetic.

Klara, with her porcelain doll-like expression, approached the gramophone in the room and began flipping through the records.

Klara: Perhaps some music to set the mood?

Darjeeling: A fine choice… though a waltz or something classical would be more appropriate.

Mika: That wouldn't be bad… but if there's some folk music, we could turn this gathering into a true Nordic evening.

Rosehip: Oh, oh! What if we play something? A gathering without games is like a tank without fuel.

Aki: I agree… though if it's about games, maybe the commander should suggest something.

All eyes turned to me, some more intrigued than others. Rosehip's suggestion had sparked something in the atmosphere… something unexpected, but perhaps the perfect opportunity to break the ice.

Erik: Hmm… if we're talking about games, we could do something that doesn't require too much effort… How about a question game? Something simple, just to get to know each other better.

Assam: Interesting… as long as it's nothing too indiscreet.

Rosehip: Oh, oh! Truth or dare?

Darjeeling: Absolutely not.

Erik: No, nothing that daring. Just simple questions—each person answers something about themselves… and whoever doesn't want to answer can take a drink as a penalty.

Mika: A round of confessions under the sea breeze… fate is truly guiding us.

The proposal was met with soft laughter and knowing smiles. I served more tea and hot chocolate as everyone settled in the room. The warm glow of the lamps and the soft background music created a cozy, almost familiar atmosphere.

The game started with trivial questions—favorite colors, favorite foods, movies they liked—but slowly, the questions became more personal.

Rosehip: Next question! Who here has had a first love?

The atmosphere tensed slightly, though a few shy smiles appeared.

Katyusha: Pff! That's for kids. The great Katyusha doesn't have time for such nonsense.

Nonna: ...

Klara: ...

My gaze drifted toward Nonna out of pure curiosity… but she remained unfazed, her eyes fixed on her cup.

Mika: First love… something fleeting, like snow falling on a frozen lake… though some leave scars.

Darjeeling: How poetic, Mika… though sometimes, late loves are the sweetest.

Nonna: …

It was barely a whisper, but her eyes met mine for an instant before returning to her cup.

Nonna: ...I agree.

I wasn't sure if it was my imagination, but her voice sounded almost… nostalgic.

Katyusha: Bah! If Nonna says so, it must be true.

My heart beat a little faster for no apparent reason. I looked away before anyone could notice.

Aki: Alright, next question… What kind of person do you like?

That sparked some excitement.

Rosehip: Someone energetic, of course! Someone who can keep up with me!

Assam: Someone calm… who doesn't talk too much.

Darjeeling: Chivalry is always a virtue.

Mika: Mmm… someone with a free spirit… but grounded.

Katyusha: Someone strong and worthy of the great Katyusha, obviously!

Nonna: ...

Nonna remained silent for a few seconds, but upon noticing the gazes on her, she spoke softly.

Nonna: Someone… attentive. Who knows how to listen.

My eyes met hers for a brief moment… and though her face remained expressionless, something in her eyes seemed to say much more than her words let on.

Klara: A noble figure… like an ancient statue.

Mikko: What about you, Commander?

The question caught me off guard. The room fell silent, with all eyes on me.

Erik: Well… I suppose someone with determination… but who also knows when to relax.

Mika: A diplomatic answer… but words hide what the heart truly desires.

Darjeeling: How perceptive, Mika…

Nonna glanced at me sideways, her expression hard to read. Katyusha seemed too busy enjoying her chocolate to pay attention.

The game continued with lighter questions, soft laughter, and occasional remarks. Little by little, the barriers began to fall.

The evening stretched on until night settled over the academy-ship, and the clock signaled it was time to retire.

Erik: Well… I think that's enough for today. There are rooms prepared for everyone, so you're welcome to stay overnight if you wish.

Darjeeling: How kind… it would be rude to refuse such hospitality.

Mika: Hmm… a night under another roof… perhaps the dreams here will be different.

Katyusha: Hmph! We'll accept, but only because Pravda deserves the best.

Nonna: Thank you… that would be… nice.

Her eyes met mine one last time before she looked away.

The gathering had been more productive than I expected. Not only had ties between academies been strengthened, but I had also managed to get closer to some of them… especially Nonna.

Although perhaps what unsettled me the most was that strange sensation… as if some gazes lingered on me with a mix of curiosity… and something else.

But for now, the best thing was to rest, as soon, our friendly tank battle would take place.