England, Staffordshire.
The city had long been renowned for its central Roam Park—once wryly dubbed the place where one could count Britain's entire population by the queues alone.
Now, a private jet from continental Europe descended gracefully upon its grounds.
"Zip up, Cecilia. There's no heating down there."
"Okay, Onii-sama."
Otto led Cecilia off the plane and into the Atlas. A few subtle gestures woven from mimetic Taixuan feathers dispelled the questioning gazes of the police.
Cecilia seemed faintly nervous, clinging tightly to Otto's arm as though fearing he might vanish into the crowd.
"We'll visit the local Schicksal branch first," Otto murmured to soothe her. "They'll arrange lodging and the like."
"Then?" Cecilia asked, ever cooperative. "To investigate the matter Dur…andal mentioned?"
Pronouncing "Durandal" still stumbled on her tongue; she frowned unconsciously, as though some inner whisper insisted the girl's name ought to be something else.
"Investigate the person Durandal mentioned?" Otto shrugged, guiding her toward a modest shop. "We can set that aside for now. You are the priority."
His tone was perfectly calm—as though stating an irrefutable truth—yet each word struck the tenderest corner of Cecilia's heart, sending gentle ripples across its surface.
"Then where are we going, Onii-sama?" Cecilia's voice softened; she leaned closer still.
"The amusement park."
Otto purchased a map in the shop and answered with casual ease.
"The amusement park?"
Cecilia's wide eyes brimmed with innocent bewilderment.
"Yes. Part of the plan," the man replied with utmost seriousness. "Many of your memories are tied to places like this. The rides might awaken fragments of the past."
???
"Okay."
…
Ever since the Roam mascot exploded in popularity, countless related industries had blossomed.
Staffordshire's park—once famed for Alton Towers' haunted castle—had, after various corporate maneuvers, donned a full Roam retheme.
"It truly differs from the facilities in that world…"
Otto mused, escorting Cecilia through the gates.
Roam Park sprawled vast—every modern thrill ride imaginable, augmented by inevitable extras like the sprawling Roam merchandise emporium.
"Pick whatever you desire," Otto said, catching Cecilia's longing gaze. He pressed a black card into her hand. "But not too much—we're here to play all day."
???
Cecilia failed to see the connection and regarded him with puzzled innocence.
"Anything excessive can be delivered straight to the branch hotel," Otto explained, patting her head gently. "Carrying too much would only hinder us."
He paused, then added.
"Or purchase everything in one go—this card knows no limit. Though I recall you once saying the joy lies in choosing each piece yourself."
Cecilia nodded obediently. Her large eyes blinked; suddenly she returned the black card.
"We'll shop on the way out. First—let's carry out the plan."
"Mm, indeed—the plan… to enjoy ourselves," Otto smiled, accepting her shift in heart. "So, where shall we begin? My suggestion: wander until something catches your eye."
"Play whatever looks fun…"
Cecilia gazed at the dazzling array, yearning to speak yet hesitating.
"Want to try everything? Uncertain where to start?" Otto read her perfectly, his smile deepening.
The woman stuck out her tongue in silent admission.
"Then we shall do everything. We want it all," the man murmured gently. "We have all the time in the world. And no one clever enough to interrupt us."
Cecilia missed the final remark, yet grasped his intent. With joyful nod, she clasped Otto's hand and tugged him toward the nearest attraction.
…
Otto trailed unhurriedly behind Cecilia.
The woman flitted from ride to ride—rising and plunging like an angel descended into the mortal realm. The subtle barrier in her eyes—the quiet distance from the world upon awakening from long slumber—gradually dissolved.
Each "Onii-sama" grew more affectionate, the ending drawn out as though she wished the word to linger eternally upon her lips.
As though no Honkai existed, no enemies—just an ordinary brother and sister reveling in an amusement park.
"Nn… this haunted castle is quite fun, but Onii-sama—can we try something more thrilling?"
Cecilia bounced from Alton Towers, still buzzing with excitement as she posed the question, faintly reluctant to depart.
A passing staff member nearly stumbled.
"Of course," Otto replied, helping her shrug off the down jacket. "There should be plenty deeper within the park. What would you like to experience?"
Alton Towers' horror attractions had once been the park's crown jewel, yet the Roam retheme had relegated the truly intense rides to the farthest corners.
Otto spoke while retrieving their small bag and hotel key from the temporary counter. He guided them through the throng to an open vista overlooking the rest of the park.
Cecilia pondered earnestly, eyes sparkling with lively curiosity—like a child discovering wonders anew, eager yet faintly timid.
"Are there many more like that? Not just the spooky psychological kind—I mean… something far scarier!!!"
She gestured a height, deemed it insufficient, and rose onto her tiptoes—one hand braced on Otto's shoulder for balance, the other stretching to the utmost limit she could reach.
Otto nearly laughed aloud. He cleared his throat, composed himself, and answered.
"Mm. Roller coasters, rapids rides, drop towers…"
"So many?!" Cecilia marveled, hands on hips in delight. "I want them all!"
For reasons unknown, within the amusement park she felt an inexplicable joy. As though here she could cast aside every burden, forget all weariness—free, unrestrained.
Like in the past… What was the past like?
"Very well, very well," Otto murmured gently. "Anything you desire. Oh—first, let's get gloves."
He pressed her fingertips lightly.
"Your hands are like ice."
"Yay!"
Her smile overflowed from her eyes, unhidden joy shining radiant. Otto smiled in return, indulgence softening his gaze.
The instant Cecilia turned away, Otto glanced casually somewhere. Streetlamp light reflected in his pupils like fleeting emerald flashes.
Careless—or a warning.