Sirin's heartbeat quickened. She hesitated for a moment, then gently inched closer, resting her head on Cecilia's shoulder.
Cecilia seemed to sense Sirin's movement and gently wrapped her arms around her. Surrounded by this warmth, Sirin soon drifted into a sweet dream.
----------------------------------
The next morning, sunlight streamed into the room through the gap in the curtains. Sirin groggily opened her eyes and looked to her side, only to find no one there.
Sirin had intended to get up quietly so as not to wake anyone, but just as she lifted the blanket, the door to the room was gently pushed open.
"Awake already, Sirin? Did you sleep well last night?"
Along with that gentle inquiry, Cecilia's beautiful figure appeared at the doorway.
Sirin's body suddenly tensed, and she turned her head a little awkwardly, mumbling, "It was... alright, I guess."
Although her tone sounded a bit cold and tsundere, in truth, her heart felt as sweet as honey.
Cecilia smiled slightly, seemingly unconcerned by Sirin's attitude, and said softly, "Don't forget to come out and have breakfast after you freshen up."
"I know."
Sirin responded, then quickly got out of bed and rushed into the bathroom.
Standing in front of the bathroom mirror, Sirin saw her reflection. Her originally fair face was now tinged with a faint blush.
Then, as if suddenly snapping back to reality, Sirin lightly patted her cheeks, trying to shake herself out of the sweet atmosphere.
She turned on the faucet, scooped up a handful of cold water, and splashed it on her face without hesitation. The icy water stimulated her skin, gradually fading the blush from her cheeks.
"Sirin, how could you let yourself be so easily swayed by that Cecilia woman? Bring out the dignity of the Queen of Herrschers!"
While wiping the water from her face with a towel, Sirin muttered to herself. Yet the corners of her mouth lifted unconsciously, betraying her true feelings.
When Sirin finished freshening up and stepped out of the room, a tempting aroma hit her.
She looked closely and saw toast and jam laid out on the dining table. She glanced at Kiana☆ and Kiana sitting at the table, when did they arrive?, and they were nearly done eating.
After that, Cecilia served her a bowl of steaming hot porridge and placed it in front of her.
Sirin looked at the porridge, then at Cecilia. Though her face still bore a tsundere expression, she obediently picked up the spoon and began eating slowly.
At that moment, Kiana☆ put down her bowl and teased with a smile, "Yo, Sirin, since when did you become so obedient?"
Sirin rolled her eyes at her and retorted, "None of your business! I'm just hungry, that's all, not for any other reason!"
However, Kiana☆ still smiled, watching the stubborn Sirin with interest. Her brow raised slightly and a teasing smirk tugged at the corner of her lips, as if she didn't buy Sirin's excuse one bit.
Just then, Sirin suddenly seemed to remember something important and asked, "Where's Brother? Where did he go?"
That question instantly wiped the smile off Kiana☆'s face.
Sirin followed up immediately, "With the Herrscher of Sentience?"
Kiana☆ glanced furtively at Cecilia's back, making sure she hadn't noticed anything, and then snapped angrily, "You talk too much! Just eat your porridge!"
Seeing this, Sirin gave a smug little smirk and said softly, "Hmph, I was right."
After breakfast, the three of them, Kiana, Kiana☆, and Sirin, accompanied Cecilia on a walk outside.
The sun was bright, and a light breeze was blowing. They strolled along the campus path, enjoying the scenery.
At first, Sirin deliberately kept some distance from the others, seemingly following casually behind, but her gaze remained fixed on Cecilia's back.
As time passed, she slowly and unconsciously moved closer to Cecilia.
Cecilia seemed to sense Sirin approaching. She smiled gently, reached out her hand, and softly took hold of Sirin's.
Sirin clearly hadn't expected this. She froze for a moment, but quickly regained her composure.
Instead of pulling away, she held Cecilia's hand tightly, as if afraid that loosening her grip would cause her to lose this rare warmth.
Cecilia felt Sirin's response, and her smile grew even brighter.
Her gaze slowly swept over the lively and adorable Valkyrie cadets around them, a hint of gentle satisfaction flickering in her eyes.
"Theresa really did it," Cecilia said softly, as if recalling something.
"By the way, Kiana, don't you have class today? Is it really okay for you to walk with me?"
Cecilia suddenly turned to look at Kiana beside her, a trace of doubt in her eyes.
Kiana quickly waved her hands and explained, "Today's the coronation ceremony for Aunt becoming the Overseer of Schicksal. It's being broadcast live globally so everyone can witness this historic moment. So, the school declared a day off."
Cecilia nodded, then asked, "When does the coronation ceremony begin?"
"At noon. The official coronation is being held at Schicksal HQ."
Kiana☆ replied, then paused briefly, seemingly remembering something, and sighed emotionally, "Come to think of it, this is already the second coronation ceremony I've attended for Aunt!"
As the words left her mouth, Kiana☆ couldn't help but let out a soft sigh, a hint of regret showing in her eyes. She thought to herself, 'But in my world, during Aunt's coronation, she didn't have even a trace of a smile. Hopefully this time will be different…'
Cecilia pondered for a moment, her eyes sweeping across the group. Then, her eyes lit up and she said, "Since we still have some time, let's go shopping and pick out a few pretty outfits. I'd like to see what's changed over the years."
Just like that, the group arrived at a bustling large shopping mall. The colorful lights and dazzling array of merchandise overwhelmed the senses.
As soon as they entered, a wave of fashion and prosperity swept over them. The place bustled with crowds, laughter echoed in every corner, and conversations all revolved around the Schicksal coronation ceremony.
Cecilia led everyone directly to the clothing section, where a wide variety of stylish outfits were on display.
Kiana's eyes sparkled as she darted between racks, exclaiming excitedly, "Wow, so many beautiful clothes, I don't even know which one to pick!"
Sirin still acted as if she wasn't interested, but her eyes kept being drawn to the luxurious dresses.
She walked up to a red dress, gently touching the lace on the hem. A look of affection appeared in her eyes.
"This is from the dream…" Sirin muttered softly, her voice barely audible.
At that moment, Cecilia walked over as well. Her eyes landed on the dress Sirin was holding, and they lit up.
"Just like the one in the dream~ Sirin," Cecilia said with delight in her voice.
However, upon hearing Cecilia's praise, Sirin blushed but still muttered stubbornly, "Hmph, it's just an average dress. If you like it, go ahead and buy it."
Kiana☆, on the other hand, appeared more composed. She quietly and carefully browsed the racks.
Suddenly, her eyes lit up as she picked up a black high-slit evening gown and said, "This one would definitely suit Mom."
Upon hearing Kiana☆'s words, Cecilia turned around, walked over to her, took the gown, and examined it closely.
"It's beautiful. Thank you, Kiana☆. I really like this one. Haven't you picked one for yourself yet?"
Kiana☆ smiled and shook her head, gently stroking her rounded belly. She said softly, "I'll pass. With my belly this big, I won't look good in anything."
There was a hint of helplessness in her tone, but even more love for the baby inside her.
Cecilia nodded, deeply understanding, and said, "True, with a belly like that, it's hard to wear any nice clothes. How far along are you?"
Then Cecilia's gaze landed on Kiana☆'s belly, full of curiosity.
Kiana☆ touched her belly and replied with a smile, "Five months, give or take."