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Upon entering, Theresa and Siegfred found themselves in a world bathed in gold.
In truth, the boundary was dark, resembling an infinite expanse of pitch-black space. However, amidst this darkness, countless sturdy golden chains, each thick enough for a person to fit through, filled every corner. They densely intertwined and interlocked, forming intricate patterns governed by some discernible logic.
Clang! Cling! Clank!
The massive golden chains slowly moved, colliding and scraping against each other, producing crisp, melodious metallic sounds.
Within the depths of these overlapping chains, at the center of this vast space, sat a veiled maiden on a pure-white bed with her legs tucked beneath her. Her eyes were closed, and her flowing snow-white hair draped across the bedding, shimmering faintly.
"Kiana!" × 2
Instantly recognizing that familiar, delicate face, Theresa and Siegfried rushed forward simultaneously, attempting to breach the chains and reach the seemingly imprisoned girl.
"Bam!"
As they neared the outermost layer, an immense force repelled them, forcefully sending both flying back.
Theresa and Siegfried tumbled through the air before landing on the invisible floor of the void. As they regained their footing, they exchanged worried glances, reflecting each other's anxiety.
"Kiana! It's Auntie, do you remember me? Do you recognize me? I...I...I've come for you!"
"And me too, Dad is here..."
They tried calling out to Kiana amidst the chains, but the only response was the clinking sound of metal links shifting.
The girl at the center remained motionless, even as her white dress, resembling a wedding gown, fluttered without any breeze. Her eyes stayed firmly shut.
"Is this Otto's doing? Should we try dismantling these chains first?"
"Stay calm! This doesn't seem like something Grandpa would do. We don't know what's going on yet; we mustn't harm Kiana!"
"You're...you're right! Damn it, what should we do now? Kiana is right there!"
"Let's start by asking around. Maybe Grandpa knows something..." Theresa paused and pointed toward the distance. "Wait, isn't someone else here?"
In the void, they spotted a table with chairs set up, where a smiling girl sat waving at them.
Theresa exchanged glances with Siegfried, then swiftly ran in that direction together.
As they approached, they got a clearer look at the girl: long golden hair, emerald eyes, dressed in vibrant red attire, leisurely enjoying tea and cake.
"Welcome, welcome! You must be Big Sister Kiana's family, aren't you?" The girl spoke with a gentle, melodious voice, exuding pure joyfulness.
"Yes, I am...her father, Siegfried."
"I'm Kiana's aunt, my name is Theresa. May I ask who you are?"
Both replied in turn.
Upon hearing this, Vera's smile grew even brighter. "Vera Crowe, but you can just call me Vera. As for me, hmm, I'm the Young Lady's friend... playmate... someone who grew up with her... it wouldn't be wrong to say 'little sister,' either! Nice to meet you both!"
Vera stood up and warmly shook hands with each of them.
During their brief interactions, Theresa and Siegfried gazed at the girl, their expressions softening.
Kiana's friend, Kiana's little sister—both found comfort and profound gratitude in these identities, thankful that she could accompany Kiana so she wouldn't feel alone.
After a short introduction, Theresa turned serious and asked, "So, Vera, do you know what happened to Kiana? What's going on with her?"
"Starting off with such heavy questions, huh?" Vera sat back down, picked up her teacup, and shook her head helplessly.
Seeing the anxious looks on their faces, Vera smiled reassuringly:
"In short, her power is simply too immense. To prevent unintentionally harming the world around her, the Young Lady has had to increasingly focus on containing her energy, severely limiting even her ability to communicate. Don't bother trying to remove these chains; they're unbreakable. For now, we can only wait for the Young Lady to awaken herself before any meaningful dialogue becomes possible."
"Is there no other way?"
"No, there isn't. This is the Young Lady's own choice. As her family, I hope you will respect her decision and not force anything upon her."
"Why would we... ever force her?" Siegfried asked, somewhat dejected.
With a distant look, Theresa turned her head, gazing through layers of chains at the girl within, her eyes filled with boundless tenderness.
Siegfried frowned anxiously, but then felt Theresa tug gently at the white cloth draped over him.
"Theresa..."
"She's waited for us more than ten years. Now, it's our turn to wait for her."
These words instantly dissolved all of Siegfried's impatience. Scratching his head, he let out a hearty chuckle—the first since awakening—saying:
"You're right. Kiana is here with us, and I'll wait for her no matter how long it takes."
Vera clapped her hands, gesturing for them to sit down as she produced a teapot.
"What would you like to drink?"
"Anything's fine."
"You can make requests too! This place is magical; just imagine anything, and poof—it appears!"
"In that case, bitter melon juice and plain water will do. And no alcohol—listen up, there's absolutely no way I'm letting you talk to Kiana reeking of booze, you idiot!" Theresa shot Siegfried a sharp glare.
This time, unlike their usual bickering, Siegfried nodded in agreement without retorting.
Indeed, finally seeing Kiana again, they couldn't afford to tarnish their image under any circumstances.
Siegfried glanced at the white cloth draped over him, stroked his chin thoughtfully, and pondered:
"Might this look a bit too unkempt?"
"New clothes and a changing room, please help yourselves!" Vera snapped her fingers, instantly materializing a small chamber.
Hesitating briefly, Siegfried picked up the new attire and stepped inside. When he emerged, he was wearing a white trench coat similar to Zeke's customary outfit.
Vera observed him, blinking curiously.
"Well, as expected, it looks better on Big Bro Zeke. On you, it seems kind of silly."
"Hey!"
"Hahaha! Don't be mad, I'm just joking... Ah, perfect timing—it's almost then. The Young Lady hasn't been awake for long, so go ahead and speak directly to her; she can hear you now."
Vera picked up the golden pocket watch from the table, glanced at it, and looked toward the space entwined with chains. As predicted, their movement and clinking sounds had silently ceased.
Siegfried and Theresa were taken aback, turning together towards Kiana, their hearts pounding with emotions yet unsure where to begin.
"Kiana... Have you been doing well these past years?"
"We're sorry we didn't come looking for you sooner."
"We've missed you terribly, always thinking about you. It's wonderful that you're alive and have made friends."
"Kiana, your birthday is coming up soon! Auntie has prepared many gifts, including those from all the previous years—we'll make it up to you! I don't know what you like now, but whatever it is, just tell me, and Auntie will find it for you, promise!"
"Kiana, Daddy I—I don't have Judgment of Shamash anymore, but I can still make toast, and my skills have improved! When we get back home, Daddy... Ah, never mind! If it comes to that, Daddy will swallow his pride and beg young Master Zeke for lots of delicious treats just for you... I'm sorry; I've been such an useless father! Daddy misses you so much, more than you know!"
Their disjointed words, filled with tenderness and remorse, gradually turned choked up.
Was this reunion as well? Though separated by a trivial distance, it was the closest they had ever been in over ten years—almost within reach. This very scene had played out countless times in Theresa and Siegfried's dreams.
The girl concealed behind chains remained silent, without any response.
As she stayed quiet, the two continued speaking haltingly, expressing their deeply buried longing and guilt through clumsy words, seemingly without end.
On the sidelines, Vera fiddled with her intricate pocket watch, letting out a silent sigh.
Young Lady, would you be happy hearing them speak like this?
Vera wondered, though she hoped the answer was yes. The Young Lady felt so alone—even with Vera by her side—often consumed by secrets and sorrow that isolated her from others.
It was a place Vera could not reach. If their family's presence could alleviate some of her burden, Vera would be overjoyed.