"Munch, munch!"
The atmosphere during dinner was harmonious, except for one discordant element: Senti, noisily gnawing on a meaty bone, stared unblinkingly at Zeke with red, tear-stained eyes, filled with intense resentment.
"Clink—" Zeke leisurely sipped his wine, shifting his gaze towards Fu Hua and the Book of Fuxi.
Both promptly lowered their heads to continue eating, avoiding eye contact with Zeke.
If it were merely Senti's unreasonable tantrum, Fu Hua and the Book of Fuxi could have easily calmed her down—one playing tough while the other being conciliatory. However, this time, Senti's grudge held merit; she truly felt wronged. After several unsuccessful attempts at persuasion, they found themselves unable to assertively suppress her emotions. They believed that only the source of the issue, Zeke himself, could resolve it—the key to untangling lies with the knot-tie.
"Sigh..."
Zeke let out a breath.
The last time he faced such trouble due to a strong-willed kid was... well, just the previous incident. Come to think of it, throughout his journey, a significant portion of his energy had indeed been spent disciplining various mischievous youngsters—though one somehow ended up sharing his bed for reasons unknown.
Zeke glanced sidelong at Kiana, who was focused on her meal.
"(?o ?o?) Hmm... Fiendgod?"
"Nothing. Just make sure to eat your vegetables."
"Oh!"
After briefly admonishing Kiana, Zeke noticed with satisfaction as she obediently piled a generous helping of veggies onto her plate. Gathering his thoughts, he continued:
"In one week, there will be the official inauguration ceremony for the Starchaser Base. This event holds great significance for global surveillance and support operations, as well as the comprehensive upgrade of our sky-based weapons. I'll be attending the ceremony. From there, you can witness unparalleled views of our planet, the sun, the moon, and the entire starry sky."
"..."
The clattering sounds of dishes abruptly ceased. Many girls, including Senti who was gnawing on bones, inadvertently pricked up their ears to listen.
"Additionally, due to the unique environment of space operations, the meals provided are specially designed dishes with distinct flavors, serving methods, and dining atmospheres... They're reportedly exquisite, impossible to find anywhere else."
(...)
The group listened attentively as before, but among them, food enthusiasts like Kiana—and Senti, who shared a childlike enthusiasm for treats—had their eyes sparkling with anticipation.
"Are you coming?"
Zeke calmly looked at Senti, his true intentions now revealed beneath the facade.
Taken aback, Senti slowly finished chewing and swallowed her bite. Then, she bit her thumb, deeply torn between options.
(｡oˇ?ˇo｡)...
Despite her simplistic and childish mindset, Senti understood that Zeke was offering compensation. The allure of the Starchaser Ring and the promise of unique space cuisine were tempting, yet simply accepting seemed unsatisfactory—could my dignity as the Red Kite Immortal be so easily dismissed with just one trip?
"Kevin recently acquired several Pseudo-Herrscher Cores and has gone into seclusion with Siegfried; they might achieve some breakthroughs soon. Afterward, I'll have him spar with you for a week," Zeke said mildly, lifting his wine glass for another sip.
Senti's expression flickered rapidly before she slammed her hand on the table and pointed at Zeke.
(Δ?)╭?
With a fierce demeanor and oil still lingering at the corner of her mouth, Senti declared loudly:
"I want a whole month!"
"Agreed."
"You said it! No backing out now!"
"Agreed."
Zeke calmly nodded.
Instantly, Senti's aggressive stance dissipated. She scratched her head, chuckled sheepishly, then grabbed her chopsticks to continue devouring food with gusto—taking brief moments to place some dishes onto the small plates of the Book of Fuxi and Fu Hua.
"Little Fuxi, Old Antique, these fried meatballs and napa cabbage are absolutely delicious—try them quickly!"
"Well, well, growing up already? That deserves praise."
"Thank you, Senti. Take your time eating; soup is dripping down your chin. Here, let me wipe it for you."
Both parents wore expressions of contentment and satisfaction as Fu Hua gently dabbed Senti's mouth with a towel, radiating nurturing warmth—perhaps learned from Zeke. In any case, she had increasingly embraced the role and demeanor of a parent recently.
At this moment, following their usual routine, Kiana and Sin simultaneously tugged at Zeke's sleeves from their seats on either side of him, both pairs of sparkling eyes eagerly looking up at him.
Kiana likely had playing and eating as her primary motivations.
As for Sin, it was evident without thinking—she simply wanted to stay close to Zeke.
"Kiana needs to be present, grasping spatial coordinates firsthand since future military transportations and special resource transfers will rely on the Herrscher of the Void's abilities. As for Sin... there's no harm in familiarizing yourself with these matters; I'll bring you along too. Mei, join us as well—it'll serve as a test of your secretarial skills. Who else would like to come?"
Zeke calmly asked, unsurprisingly receiving expectant gazes from nearly all the girls.
"Fu Hua and Little Fuxi should accompany them, helping to keep an eye on Senti."
The two mentioned smiled gently, while Senti furrowed her brows intensely—who needed constant supervision? Were they treating her like a child?
However, considering the recent agreement and Fu Hua's presence aligning with Senti's expectations, she ultimately just pouted without voicing any objections.
"Rozaliya and Liliya, prepare some entertainment programs. After the ceremony, most construction personnel from the Starchaser Base will return here, leaving only a small maintenance crew behind. Their wisdom and labor have forged this miraculous ring, so they deserve recognition for their efforts."
"Yes ma'am!" × 2
The sisters high-fived each other, enthusiastically responding. Rozaliya's excitement was evident, and even Liliya, typically more reserved, couldn't help but smile slightly, showcasing their anticipation.
"Elysia, you'll stay behind."
"Huh? Why? I protest! As a fairy maiden, it is my duty to let her beauty bloom amidst the stars—no human can refuse such an obligation!"
"That's enough cheekiness for now. Your duty is to keep an eye on Dr. Mobius. We'll discuss your request another time."
"I... okay..." Elysia pouted, her delicate, shimmering lips reflecting an endearing allure under the light, looking quite pitiful yet unable to counter Zeke's decision.
"Durandal and Rita, join them as well. Understanding certain military matters firsthand at the site would be beneficial."
"Yes, Durandal acknowledges the order!"
"Of course, Sir Zeke~"
The two captivating young ladies responded obediently.
Now, only the Herrschers remained unassigned.
"For those still unmentioned, if you've completed your current tasks, I can take you along as well; otherwise, it's not possible. We depart at noon three days from now. Any questions?"
Everyone shook their heads, and soon, the pleasant dinner atmosphere resumed.
After dinner, deep into the night, Zeke didn't retire to his chambers but instead set out refreshments and beverages in the audience hall, seemingly awaiting someone.
Time slowly passed until, at one point, footsteps echoed through the hall.
"Tap! Tap! Tap!"
With each distinct footfall, Bronya approached, clad in her punk-inspired navy blue jacket and shirt, gum popping between her teeth as she led a petite nun dressed in black, hands casually tucked into her pockets.
Having delivered their guest, Bronya unceremoniously ascended the throne and settled onto Zeke's lap.
"Pop!"
Bronya burst a bubblegum bubble before shifting around on Zeke's lap to find the most comfortable position. She then closed her eyes, relishing the warmth and scent of him.
Zeke gently stroked Bronya's smooth neck and chin like petting a cat, tenderly caressing the girl cradled in his arms. At the same time, he nonchalantly addressed Theresa standing across from them: "Please take a seat."
Theresa's eyebrows twitched—Well, well! Flirting with Bronya right under my nose, Kiana's aunt? Just who is this scumbag, so brazen and shameless?
However, Kiana had her own ideas about their relationship; there was no room for outsiders to interfere. Understanding this, Theresa could only sigh and shake her head before reluctantly taking a seat.
"Bitter melon juice, made from Otto's secret recipe—care to try some?"
"Thank you... Mm, it's delicious."
The familiar bitter yet refreshing taste spread across Theresa's tongue, easing her expression with a faint smile.
Zeke watched her closely before speaking up: "I'll be taking Kiana with me, Siegfried won't pass Kevin's training anytime soon, and Himeko is assuming duties as city manager... All those who needed to be diverted have been led away. Has your answer changed?"
"The Artificial Honkai Beast or the dangerous Herrscher of Binding? With my unique physiology, allowing me to wield Judah, isn't there still no one more suitable? Didn't you and Grandpa approach me precisely because you understood this risk?"
"The danger is hard to control; mishandle it, and you will die."
"You've told me that already. At worst, sacrificing my life for a Herrscher of Binding Core seems worth it. It's better than burdening Kiana and the others later, right? Don't worry, I'm fully prepared."
Theresa spoke calmly, showing no signs of fear or hesitation.
The heroes of this world possessed immense self-sacrificing spirit—as if for them, death was merely a leisurely outing so long as it served something they deemed worthy.
Zeke lowered his gaze and gently patted Bronya's head. After a prolonged silence, he said,
"Otto will perform the surgery himself, while Bronya will prepare and oversee all military operations on-site... No matter what happens, come back alive."
"I'll do my best. If...if anything goes wrong, please take care of Kiana for me too. And keep an eye on Grandpa; who knows if he has more hidden schemes up his sleeve? Also...the other Kiana, help save her, and tell her I'm sorry."
"The first two requests, I can fulfill without issue. As for the last one... Although she seems constrained by various considerations and isn't ready to disclose yet, given the circumstances, I have some good news to share with you."
"Huh?"
Theresa blinked adorably before breaking into a delighted expression and even standing up abruptly—could it be good news about the other Kiana?
"The story begins with Siegfried breaking into Schicksal Headquarters with the original Kiana, attempting to rescue the current one..."
Following that, Zeke delivered a clear and concise explanation, revealing Durandal's backstory.
Over an hour later, Theresa emerged from the audience hall, dazed.
"Was that just...a dream?"
She gazed at the moon outside the corridor window, took a deep breath, and smiled through choked sobs, whispering to herself:
"Cecilia, did you hear that? She's alive—healthy, beautiful, and powerful. She has become an exceptional Valkyrie, far surpassing us both! Cecilia, I didn't...I didn't break my promise! W-weep..."
The tiny nun knelt by the window, seemingly drained of all strength, her hands barely supporting her against the wall as crystalline tears fell drop by drop onto the floor. Her heart felt torn between grief and ecstatic joy.
"Yes... She's alive... But it's not yet time to meet her! I must succeed; I have to survive. There are still so many things I want to tell her! I need to watch her live each day with increasing grace and happiness! I must stay alive!"
With a swipe of her hand, Theresa brushed away her tears and stood once more. Gazing at the moon above—the beautiful satellite symbolizing that child's name—she departed with an unwavering determination.
"Cecilia, please bless me."
Her final whisper dissolved into the moonlight. The nun wasn't praying to some abstract deity but rather towards an even more ethereal spirit of her friend. Yet this was right, for merely uttering that gentle, tender name seemed to imbue Theresa with boundless strength. Eventually, her figure vanished from sight as well.